Salmo peristericus explained

Salmo peristericus, or the Prespa trout[1] is a variety of trout, a freshwater fish in the family Salmonidae. It is endemic to the Lake Prespa watershed at the border area of Greece and North Macedonia.[1]

Four populations are known: one in the Agios Germanos stream in northwestern Greece, and the others in the Brajcinska and Kranska rivers and the Leva Reka stream of North Macedonia.[1]

The Prespa trout is morphologically difficult to separate from other trouts of the region.[1] Genetic data show it is close to and derived from the Adriatic lineage of brown trout, and do not support a distinct species status.[2] Nevertheless, its protection as an Evolutionary Significant Unit is justified regardless of the taxonomic status.[1] [2]

Notes and References

  1. Koutseri I et al. (2010) Species Action Plan for the Endemic Prespa Trout, Salmo peristericus: A Conservation Tool www.balwois.com
  2. Snoj A et al (2009) Genetic architecture of trout from Albania as revealed by mtDNA control region variation Genetics Selection Evolution, 41:22