Rifian barbel
📖 Overview
This species is ubiquitous and inhabits streams and rivers with substrata ranging from sandy to stony, being absent only in small streams near the sources of rivers and in shallow waters; it is also present in reservoirs . The spawning period is variable, but usually takes place in April and May; the species migrates upstream to spawn in cold and oxygenated waters where the females excavate a nest in the gravel . It is a common species; however, its distribution area has been extensively transformed due to construction of dams, which also hamper upstream migration during the spawning period .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 41 - 42. Diagnosis: Luciobarbus rifensis differs from other species of Luciobarbus by the following combination of characters: 42-46 scales on the lateral line, 8.5-9.5 scales above lateral line, and 3.5-5.5 scales below lateral line; insertions of dorsal fin and ventral fin were situated similarly on the body or the insertion of the dorsal fin is lightly anterior to the ventral fin origin; last single fin ray is ossified and denticulated along its length; the denticulations at mid-height of the ray are shorter than the ray width; in adult specimens, the lower lip is well developed with retracted medial lobe revealing the dentary; the ethmoid bone is wider than long; vertebrae 41-42; and 10-15 gill rakers . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Rifian barbel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Rifian barbel is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Rifian barbel is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Subtropical north Morocco, from Loukos River basin on the western Atlantic slope to the Laou River basin on the eastern Mediterranean slope (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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