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The Alborella (Alburnus alburnus alborella) is a subspecies of the Common Bleak, a small, slender, and silvery freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It is characterized by its streamlined body, adapted for life in flowing waters, and its distinctive silvery scales. This subspecies is particularly prevalent in the lakes and rivers of the Balkan Peninsula and Italy, often forming large schools near the surface.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- Dorsal side is typically dark greenish-blue to olive, fading to bright silvery flanks and a white belly. Fins are translucent, sometimes with a yellowish tint at the base.
- Tipo di squame
- cycloid
- Posizione della bocca
- superior
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Laterally compressed body, Large, easily detachable scales, Short dorsal fin, Deeply forked caudal fin, Upward-pointing mouth
- Pinna dorsale
- Short, with 2-3 unbranched and 7-9 branched rays, positioned slightly behind the pelvic fins.
- Pinna caudale
- Deeply forked, with pointed lobes.
- Pinna pettorale
- Relatively long, reaching or nearly reaching the base of the pelvic fins.
- Pinne distintive
- Pelvic fins are short, located ventrally.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Body Shape and Coloration
Look for a slender, elongated body with a distinct silvery sheen on the flanks and a darker back. The scales are large and reflective.
Mouth Position
The mouth is distinctly upturned (superior), indicating its surface-feeding habits.
Fin Configuration
Note the deeply forked caudal fin and the relatively short dorsal fin positioned behind the pelvic fins.
Lateral Line
The lateral line is complete and slightly decurved anteriorly, with 45-52 scales.
Size
Adults typically reach 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) in length, rarely exceeding 20 cm (8 inches).
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- freshwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, often near the surface.
- Ambiente
- Prefers clear, well-oxygenated lakes, slow-flowing rivers, and canals. Often found in open water or near submerged vegetation, avoiding heavily vegetated or stagnant areas.
- Areale geografico
- Native to the Balkan Peninsula, Italy, and parts of Central and Eastern Europe. Specifically, Alburnus alburnus alborella is found in the Adriatic basin, including lakes in Italy (e.g., Lake Garda, Lake Como) and the western Balkans.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: intermediate
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: omnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 200 liters (50 gallons) for a small school
- Temperatura: 10-22°C (50-72°F)
- Livello di pH: 6.5-7.5
- Durezza: 5-15 dGH
- Compatibilità: Compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized coldwater fish. Best kept in a species-specific tank or with other cyprinids that tolerate similar water conditions.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires well-oxygenated water with good filtration and moderate to strong current. Benefits from a planted tank with open swimming areas. Schooling fish, so should be kept in groups of 6 or more.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Active year-round, with increased feeding activity in warmer months. Spawning typically occurs from April to June.
- Prezzo di mercato: Low
- Importanza commerciale: low
- Sapore: Mild, slightly earthy
- Consistenza: Delicate, flaky with small bones
- Metodi di cottura: Frying (whole), Pickling, Marinating
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though typically consumed in small quantities.
Fatti chiave
Mirror Scalesinteresting
The scales of Alborella were historically used to produce 'essence d'orient', a pearlescent pigment used in the manufacture of artificial pearls.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Alborella are highly social fish, forming large, dense schools, especially near the surface, as a defense mechanism against predators.
Surface Feederbehavior
Their upturned mouth is perfectly adapted for feeding on insects that fall onto the water surface or small planktonic organisms in the water column.
Indicator Speciesinteresting
Due to their sensitivity to water quality, Alborella can serve as an indicator species for the health of their aquatic ecosystems.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: Alborella are small, delicate fish. Handle with care to avoid damaging their scales or fins. No specific handling precautions are required beyond general fish handling practices.
Specie simili
Common Bleak
Alburnus alburnus
Alburnus alburnus alborella is a subspecies of Alburnus alburnus. While morphologically very similar, genetic analysis and geographic distribution are the primary differentiators. A. a. alborella is generally restricted to the Adriatic basin, while the nominate subspecies has a wider European distribution. Subtle differences in scale counts or body proportions might exist but are often not reliable for field identification without expert knowledge.
Danube Bleak
Chalcalburnus chalcoides
The Danube Bleak (also known as Shemaya) has a more robust body, a longer anal fin (typically with more than 15 branched rays compared to Alborella's 10-14), and often a more yellowish or golden tint to its scales, especially on the flanks. Its mouth is also more terminal than superior.
Sardinian Bleak
Alburnus albidus
Alburnus albidus is endemic to Italy and has a more compressed body and a slightly different head shape. It also tends to have a more pronounced silvery stripe along its flanks.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Cypriniformes
- Famiglia
- Cyprinidae
- Genere
- Alburnus
- Specie
- Alburnus alburnus
Esplora Alborella
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