Romanichthys valsanicola

Taxobox
name = "Romanichthys valsanicola"
status = CR
status_system = iucn2.3

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image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Perciformes
familia = Percidae
genus = "Romanichthys"
species = "R. valsanicola"
binomial = "Romanichthys valsanicola"
binomial_authority = Dumitrescu, Bănărescu & Stoica, 1957

"Romanichthys valsanicola" is the scientific name of the fish known as the sculpin-perch, asprete, or Romanian darter, the only member of the "Romanichthys" genus of the fish family Percidae.

It was scientifically discovered and described in 1957 by the Romanian scientists M. Dumitrescu, P. Bănărescu and N. Stoica. Local names include: "asprete", "poprete", "sforete". Endemic to a very restricted area in southern Romania, it was found in the upper reach of the Argeş river and in two of its tributaries: Râul Doamnei and Vâlsan. Due to hydrotechnical constructions and deterioration of its habitat, it survived only in the tributary Vâlsan. This species is an endangered freshwater fish and is found on the red list of IUCN. Its area of distribution has drastically diminished and is now considered the European fish genus with the most restricted area. A Romanian NGO is working to preserve this species with the financial support of the Regional Environmental Center.

Biology

It is a small, grey-brownish fish, 10-12 cm long, covered with small, rough scales. The time of reproduction is in May and June. It lays eggs on rocks. It feeds on insect aquatic larvae, mainly Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera.

References

* Listed as Critically Endangered (CR A1ace+2ce, B1+2abcde v2.3)
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