Prespa Chub

Etymology The name of genus Squalius comes from the Latin word squaleo, squalidus which means coarse skin. Latin name prespensis is applied to the area of Prespa Lakes that the Prespa chub inhabits.   Description This is an endemic species of ray-finned fishes which belongs to the Cyprinidae family. It is distinguished from its congeners in the Balkan Peninsula by the following characteristics: head length 1.2-1.3 times body depth, 27-31% SL; mouth terminal; eye diameter 17-20% HL;  scales on lateral line 41-44 + 2; body depth 21-24% SL; dorsal fin with 8½ branched rays; anal fin with 8-9½ branched rays; distal margin of anal fin convex; distance between tips of first and last branched anal rays (with fin stretched out) 1.2-1.3 times caudal peduncle depth; and greyish to blackish fins. It grows to maximum of 800 mm in length.   Distribution Europe:  Prespa Lakes basin. Lacustrine, along shores and in streams.   Biology Sexual maturity is reached in males in the second year (usually in the third year), while for females it is a year later. The fecundity of females is high and they produce between 100 000 and 200 000 small eggs. The development of the embryo in the egg takes about a week.  Prespa chub is well adapted to variations in water temperature so it can be seen in cold tributary waters and in the Lakes. It feeds on almost any food (plant and animal): insects and their larvae, worms, crustaceans, molluscs, fish eggs, other fish, frogs and others. Older individuals are more predatory. It spawns during the period of April-June on stony substrates.   Fishing significance Low. Interesting for recreational fishing.   Threats This species is not thought to be at significant risk from the introduction of invasive species.   Conservation actions Although the range of this species is relatively restricted, it is abundant, and the population has increased over the past ten years.