Danube Bleak

Diagnosed from other species of the Alburnus mento species group by having 15-17½ branched anal-fin rays and 21-25 gill rakers; and the ventral keel exposed for 8-12 scales in front of the anus; up to almost 90% of the distance between the anus and the pelvic-fin base (Ref. 75106). Differs also from its congeners in Black Sea basin by the following characters: origin of anal fin about 1½ -2½ scales behind last dorsal ray; lateral line with 52-65 + 4 scales; anal fin with 15-17½ branched rays; 21-25 gill rakers; ventral keel exposed for 8-12 scales in front of anus (up to almost 90% of distance between anus and pelvic fin base); caudal peduncle depth 1.8-2.4 times in its length; and nuptial males with numerous small tubercles (Ref. 59043).

Deposits sticky eggs which adhere on pebbles or stones (Ref. 59043).

Inhabit lakes. Feed on zooplankton. Undertake migration for short distances to lower reaches of tributary streams. Spawn in streams with strong current on gravel bottom, rarely along lake shores. Adults move back to lakes soon after spawning to forage. Larvae migrate downriver soon after hatching (Ref. 59043).

Alburnus mento is a species of freshwater fish, a bleak in the family Leuciscidae. Its distribution is in subalpine lakes in Germany and Austria.

Previously, the concept of A. mento was broader, and its distribution was thought to be broader. It was known as the Danube bleak.