Yliki Roach

Leucos ylikiensis is distinguished by the following characters: moderate size, not exceeding 12-13 cm SL; lack of a mid-lateral band; peritoneal membrane blackened by dense melanophores; lateral line usually with 42-43 pored scales. It differs from Leucos aula by its lack of lateral band and by having black peritoneal membrane (vs. silvery). It can be diagnosed from all others congeners by having usually 18-20 total gill rakers (vs. 8-16). It is most closely related to L. panosi from western Greece due to geographical position and based on molecular analyses. Four specimens from Lake Volvi with 17-18 total gill rakers and 41-42 scales on lateral line are identified as L. ylikiensis introduced in this lake (Ref. 96829).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analsoft rays: 11

Inhabits lakes (Ref. 59043). Prefers still water. May reach up to 20 cm TL according to local fishermen. The maximum length observed in all materials examined collected on April, was for a female of about 15 cm TL, aged 3+, with eggs of about 1.0-1.2 mm of diameter, all of equal size (a sign of a probable single spawning reproductive habit). Spawning season probably takes place from March to May (Ref. 96829).

Leucos ylikiensis is a species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. It is found only in Greece, in the Kifissos drainage and Lake Yliki. The other known population, in Lake Paralimni, was extirpated when the lake was drained. L. ylikiensis was described as a distinct species in 1991. It is threatened by habitat loss.