Brook Barbel

Diagnosed from its congeners in Apennine Peninsula by having the following characters: 36-47 + 2-3 scales on lateral line; 22-24 scale rows around caudal peduncle; back, sides and fins speckled with large, irregular black spots and blotches; peritoneum black; last simple dorsal ray flexible, not serrated posteriorly; lower lip produced posteriorly into a median lobe (Ref. 59043). Fins are thick and fleshy; caudal fin lobes are rounded (Ref. 31730).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 78

Tends to inhabit strong currents around or under stones (Ref. 31730). Occurs in streams with swift water in hilly, sub-alpine areas. Preys on benthic invertebrates. Spawns in areas with fast-flowing water on gravel bottom. Still commonly found in suitable habitats, but number of spawning grounds has decline sharply (Ref. 59043).