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Apri l'appDescrizione
Rutilus rubilio, commonly known as the Rovella, is a small to medium-sized freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It is characterized by its slender, somewhat compressed body, typically silvery coloration, and often reddish fins, particularly during the breeding season. This species is endemic to the Italian Peninsula and parts of the Balkan region, inhabiting clear, flowing waters. It plays an ecological role as both a consumer of small invertebrates and algae, and as a prey item for larger piscivorous fish and birds. Its conservation status is a concern in some areas due to habitat degradation and the introduction of non-native species.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- Dorsal side typically dark greenish-brown to olive, fading to silvery flanks and a whitish belly. Fins are often reddish, especially the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins, with the caudal fin sometimes having a reddish tinge. During breeding, males can exhibit more intense red coloration and nuptial tubercles on the head.
- Tipo di squame
- cycloid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Slender, fusiform body, Relatively small, terminal mouth, Large scales, Often reddish fins, particularly in breeding males, Lateral line complete, with 39-43 scales
- Pinna dorsale
- Single dorsal fin, typically with 3 unbranched and 8-9 branched rays. Originates slightly behind the pelvic fin origin.
- Pinna caudale
- Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.
- Pinna pettorale
- Paired pectoral fins, typically with 15-17 rays, often reddish.
- Pinne distintive
- Anal fin with 3 unbranched and 8-10 branched rays. Pelvic fins with 1 unbranched and 8 branched rays, often reddish.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Body Shape and Size
Look for a slender, somewhat compressed body, typically reaching up to 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in length, though larger specimens up to 30 cm (12 inches) have been recorded.
Coloration
Observe the silvery flanks and whitish belly, contrasting with a darker back. The presence of reddish fins, especially the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins, is a key indicator, particularly in mature individuals.
Mouth Position
Note the relatively small, terminal mouth, which is characteristic of the species.
Lateral Line
Count the scales along the complete lateral line, which typically ranges from 39 to 43 scales.
Fin Ray Counts
For precise identification, count the fin rays: Dorsal fin (3 unbranched, 8-9 branched), Anal fin (3 unbranched, 8-10 branched), Pectoral fin (15-17 rays), Pelvic fin (1 unbranched, 8 branched).
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- freshwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, often near the bottom or in mid-water.
- Ambiente
- Prefers clear, well-oxygenated rivers, streams, and sometimes lakes with moderate to strong currents. Often found over gravelly or stony substrates, with aquatic vegetation providing cover. Tolerates a range of water conditions but thrives in clean, unpolluted environments.
- Areale geografico
- Endemic to the Italian Peninsula (including Sicily and Sardinia) and parts of the western Balkan region, specifically Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. Its distribution is fragmented due to habitat loss and introductions of non-native species.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: intermediate
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: omnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 150 liters (40 gallons) for a small group
- Temperatura: 10-22°C (50-72°F)
- Livello di pH: 6.5-7.8
- Durezza: 5-20 dGH
- Compatibilità: Compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized temperate freshwater fish. Avoid housing with aggressive or very large species.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires well-oxygenated water with good filtration and a moderate current. A planted tank with some open swimming areas and hiding spots is ideal. Substrate should be fine gravel or sand. Sensitive to poor water quality.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: vulnerable
- Stagionalità: Spawns typically from April to June, depending on water temperature. Active year-round, though less so in colder months.
- Prezzo di mercato: Low
- Importanza commerciale: low
- Sapore: Mild, somewhat earthy
- Consistenza: Soft, flaky, with numerous small bones
- Metodi di cottura: Frying, Grilling, Stewing
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, typical of freshwater fish.
Fatti chiave
Endemic to Italy and Balkansinteresting
The Rovella is primarily found in the Italian Peninsula and parts of the western Balkan region, making it a significant component of the regional freshwater ichthyofauna.
Breeding Colorsbehavior
During the breeding season, male Rovella develop striking reddish fins and nuptial tubercles on their heads, making them particularly vibrant.
Habitat Specialistbehavior
This species prefers clear, flowing waters with good oxygenation and gravelly substrates, indicating its sensitivity to habitat degradation and pollution.
Conservation Concernamazing
Rutilus rubilio is listed as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN, primarily due to habitat loss, water pollution, and competition/hybridization with introduced species like the Common Roach (Rutilus rutilus).
Dietary Flexibilitybehavior
As an omnivore, the Rovella feeds on a variety of small invertebrates, insect larvae, and plant matter, demonstrating adaptability in its feeding habits.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: Rovella are harmless to handle. Care should be taken to minimize stress to the fish if caught, and wet hands should be used to protect their slime coat. No sharp spines or venomous glands are present.
Specie simili
Common Roach
Rutilus rutilus
Rutilus rutilus generally has a deeper body, a more anterior dorsal fin origin (often directly above or slightly anterior to the pelvic fin origin), and typically has fewer scales along the lateral line (39-45, but often overlapping with R. rubilio). The eye of R. rutilus is often more distinctly red, whereas R. rubilio's eye is typically yellowish or silvery. R. rutilus also has a wider geographic distribution.
Italian Chub
Squalius squalus
The Italian Chub has a larger, more robust head and mouth, and generally larger scales. Its body is typically more cylindrical, and its fins are usually greyish or brownish, lacking the distinct reddish hue often seen in R. rubilio. The dorsal fin of S. squalus is also more anteriorly placed.
Souffia
Telestes souffia
Telestes souffia is generally smaller and more slender than R. rubilio. It often has a more pronounced dark lateral stripe and a smaller mouth. The fins are typically less intensely colored than those of R. rubilio.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Cypriniformes
- Famiglia
- Cyprinidae
- Genere
- Rutilus
- Specie
- Rutilus rubilio
Esplora Rovella
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