Rutilus virgo (Heckel, 1852)
photo by Harka, A.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  40 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Danube drainage upriver of Iron Gate; most abundant in Save drainage.
Diagnosis:  Distinguished from its congeners in Danube drainage by having the following unique characters: peritoneum black; anal fin usually with 11-12½ branched rays; and breeding males with two horizontal rows of large tubercles on side of head above eye, usually more or less fused into a continuous ridge (tubercles white in ethanol); and tubercles on body massive, occupying most of scale area. Can be further separated from other species of the genus in Danube drainage by the combination of the following characters: 44-46 scales along lateral line; mouth inferior; snout blunt; body laterally compressed, maximum body width about 50% of body depth; body greenish to bluish brown; iris silvery (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Inhabits medium sized to large rivers. Spawns in fast-flowing water of riffles over gravel or submerged plants. Attains a maximum size of about 40 cm SL (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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