Prespa Minnow

Etymology The name of the genus Pelasgus comes from the Greek word Pelasgia which is a historical toponim for Ancient Greece. The Latin name prespensis is applied to the area of Prespa Lakes that the minnow inhabits.   Description This is an endemic species of ray-finned fishes which belongs to the Cyprinidae family. It is relatively a small-sized fish, with a small mouth placed at an angle of almost 45 degrees. It is distinguished from other species of Pelasgus by the following characteristics: scales very small, not overlapping, deeply embedded in skin, 58-73 + 2 scales in mid-lateral row, 0-7 lateral line pores along lateral line. It grows up to a maximum of 55 mm.   Distribution Europe: Prespa Lakes basin. Found in still waters of lakes and lake shores, with abundant aquatic vegetation and tributaries.   Biology The minnow spawns in the Lakes in MayJune usually at water temperatures of 16-18 ⁰C. In males, anterior pectoral rays are stiff and thickened.   Fishing significance No significance   Threats Population declined in recent years, apparently threatened by introduced species (Pseudorasbora parva, Rhodeus amarus).   Conservation actions Selective fishing of alien species.