236 THE FJtESH-WATKK FISHES OF EUROPE. 



Alburnus alburnelhis (MARTENS). 



7 x 



D. 1011, A. 1619, V. 9. Scales: lateral line 44 18, transverse 



4. 



This species differs from Allurnus lucidiis in having fewer scales, fewer 

 rays in the anal fin, and fewer vertebra? ; and as it is characteristic of Southern 

 Europe, we may, with Heckel and Kner, regard it as a southern representa- 

 tive of that species (Fig. 133). 



The head is proportionately longer and larger than in Alburnus lacidtts, 

 and is one-fifth of the length of the fish. The eye is separated from the 

 end of the snout, and from the opposite eye, by its own diameter. The 



Fig. 133. ALBUllN'US ALHURXELLVS (MARTENS). 



position of the dorsal fin, which begins half-way down the length, is a striking 

 difference. The ventral fins commence well in front of the middle of the body. 

 The longest rays of the dorsal and pectoral fins are equal, as well as the 

 longest rays of the ventral and anal. 



It is a rather smaller fish than A. lucidiis, the largest specimens measuring 

 but little more than four inches. It is found in shoals in lakes and rivers, 

 spawns in June and July, and furnishes food for Pike, Perch, and Burbot. 

 The colour, scales, and lateral line are similar to those of its northern repre- 

 sentative. 



The most northern point at which it is found is Botzen, in the Southern 

 Tyrol, but it is well known from the lakes of Northern Italy Garda, Mag- 

 giore, &c. and from many Italian rivers. 



Alburnus fracckia, of Heckel and Kner (Fig. 134), is regarded by Dr. 

 Giinther as a variety of this species, a view in which he follows Canestrini, 

 though the latter is disposed to regard the fish as a hybrid between the type just 

 described and Leuciscns cnila. It is regarded by Heckel and Kner as a southern 

 representative of Ahramix bipunctatus, differing only in the profile of the snout 



