Come identificare Vairone

Per identificare Vairone (Telestes souffia), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Dorsal side is typically dark olive-green to brownish, fading to silvery-white on the belly. A distinct dark lateral stripe often runs from the operculum to the caudal peduncle, sometimes bordered above by a golden or yellowish stripe. Fins are generally translucent or slightly yellowish, sometimes with reddish tints, especially during breeding season.

Tipo di squame

cycloid

Posizione della bocca

subterminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Elongated, slender body, Small, subterminal mouth, Relatively large scales (49-60 scales along the lateral line), Lateral line complete and slightly decurved, Often a dark lateral stripe

Pinna dorsale

Single dorsal fin, typically with 3 unbranched and 7-8 branched rays. Origin usually slightly behind the pelvic fin origin.

Pinna caudale

Forked caudal fin with two equally sized lobes.

Pinna pettorale

Paired pectoral fins, relatively small.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are also paired, abdominal in position. Anal fin typically with 3 unbranched and 7-8 branched rays.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Body Shape and Size

   Look for an elongated, slender body, typically reaching 15-25 cm in length, though some individuals can exceed 30 cm. The maximum recorded length is around 35 cm.

2. 2

   Mouth Position

   Observe the small, subterminal mouth, meaning it is located slightly below the tip of the snout, adapted for bottom feeding or picking items from the substrate.

3. 3

   Lateral Line Scales

   Count the scales along the lateral line; Telestes souffia typically has 49-60 scales, which is a key distinguishing feature from some similar cyprinids.

4. 4

   Coloration and Lateral Stripe

   Note the dark dorsal coloration, silvery belly, and the often prominent dark lateral stripe. The presence or absence and intensity of a golden stripe above the dark lateral line can also be indicative, though variable.

5. 5

   Fin Ray Counts

   For precise identification, especially from similar species, fin ray counts are crucial: Dorsal fin (D) III/7-8; Anal fin (A) III/7-8.

Esplora Vairone