Maghreb barbel

📖 Overview

This species can inhabit rivers of varying typology within its distribution range; upstream it is substituted for the trout, and in the lower courses of rivers and calm currents it is locally highly abundant; the species is also present in reservoirs . From April to May the species migrates upstream to headwaters for spawning . Its spawning migration has been affected by dams, which present physical barriers to upstream migration; the presences of exotic species in reservoirs, as well as poor water quality in the lower courses, due to fertilizers and pesticides, have probably been primary causes of the decline in its population .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 41 - 43. Diagnosis: Luciobarbus maghrebensis differs from other species of Luciobarbus by the following combination of characters: 41-47 scales on the lateral line; 7.5-8.5 scales above lateral line and 4.5-6.5 scales below lateral line; insertion of the ventral fin is posterior to dorsal fin origin; the last single fin ray is strongly ossified and densely denticulated along its length; long postorbital length, the pre-orbital length - postorbital length ratio ranges from 0.69-0.84; in adult specimens, the lower lip is thick with a retracted medial lobe revealing the dentary; the ethmoid bone is narrower than its length; 41-43 vertebrae; and 13-15 gill rakers . : fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Maghreb barbel is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Maghreb barbel is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Maghreb barbel is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Subtropical central Morocco (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute