Squalius ghigii

The Ghizani ( Squalius ghigii, Syn Ladigesocypris ghigii, gr Γκιζάνι ) is a small carp fish and the only course on the Greek island of Rhodes occurring freshwater fish species.

Features

Female Ghizani reach lengths of up to 9 inches, males are more than 6.5 inches long. Her dark brown and silvery back is separated by a broad dark streak from the white belly. The lateral line is incomplete and passes through only a portion of the 27-33 scale rows. The mouth is terminal. The dorsal fin has three hard - and seven to nine branched soft rays. The anal fin three hard - and eight to nine soft rays.

Occurrence

The species is endemic to Rhodes and colonized nearly all fresh waters of the island. They preferred sources and slow-flowing areas near the shore, where they can hide among the rocks, roots and aquatic plants.

Way of life

Ghizani feed on insect larvae and algae. They breed from February to June continued, depending on the material found in the waters populated conditions. The yellowish, 1.3 millimeters by measuring eggs are deposited on algae and the larvae hatch after four days. Sexual maturity is reached at one year and the maximum age is three years. During the dry season in summer regularly dies a majority of adults and juveniles, so that the population fluctuates greatly.

Threat and protection

The species is threatened by the destruction of their habitats and the water removal from the waters it inhabits. However, local protection measures have led to a stabilization of the stocks. In the IUCN Red List it is listed as threatened ( vulnerable ). There is an EU LIFE program for the protection of Article