Croatian Riffle Dace

Diagnosed from its congeners by having the following characters: conspicuous black midlateral stripe in preserved individuals; 67-79 (usually 68-75) scales along lateral line; anal fin with 8½ branched rays; 6-7 gill rakers; and caudal peduncle depth 2.1-2.7 times in its length (Ref. 59043).

Found in water courses at high altitudes and on the lowland rivers, with little current (Ref. 26100). Also occurs in clear streams and springs. Enters subterranean waters during winter or droughts. Omnivorous. Threatened due to water abstraction, pollution and introduction of Salmo trutta. Considered on the very edge of extinction, with a single small population known (Ref. 59043).

fisheries: of no interest

Telestes polylepis is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Cyprinidae. It is a freshwater fish. It is found only in a 100-metre stretch of a Croatian stream. Its natural habitat is rivers. It is threatened by new species of Pike being introduced to its stream as well as habitat loss. People think they may be extinct within the next few years as there are less than 80 left.