Italian Nase

Diagnosed from other species of Chondrostoma and Protochondrostoma genei in Apennine Peninsula by having the following characters: side lacking broad dark midlateral stripe; body deep, depth 25-34% SL; straight mouth, lower lip with thick cornified sheath; scales on lateral line 54-62; anal fin with 11-13½ branched rays; and 24-29 gill rakers (Ref. 59043).

Large groups undertakes spawning migrations to smaller tributaries in April-May. Deposit eggs in gravel and in current near shore (Ref. 59043).

Feeds on plants and invertebrates (Ref. 26100).

Gregarious. Inhabits lakes and lower reaches of main rivers with moderate current, in deep water, over gravel bottom (Ref. 59043). A long-lived species reported to occur in the middle reach of rivers. Feeds on invertebrates and plants. Spawns in April and May. Threatened due to the introduction of other species (Ref. 26100). Declined in large lowland rivers due to habitat alterations (Ref. 59043).

fisheries: minor commercial