Threatened fishes of the world: Gobio benacensis (Pollini, 1816)

Common name: Gobione (Italian). Italian gudgeon (English). Conservation status: This taxon, rehabilitated by Bianco and Taraborelli (1984), and Pizzul et al. (1993), has been confirmed and raised to specific rank (Bianco and Ketmaier 2005). Its inclusion in the genus Romanogobio (Kottelat and Freyhof 2007), is not supported by genetic evidence (Bianco and Ketmaier 2005). The species was quite common in river drainages of the Padano-Venetian district (Delmastro 1982), but has since disappeared from many localities and been replaced by the introduced Danubian species Gobio gobio. This species is currently listed as endangered by the IUCN (Crivelli 2006). Identification: This species can be identified from other Gobio species by possessing 2–3 scales between the anus and anal fin origins, as compared to 4–8 in other European species. Distribution: Endemic in rivers of northern Italy and Slovenia. In the past, the species was subjected to transfers in central Italy (Bianco 1995; Bianco and Ketmaier 2005). Abundance: Very rare due to its replacement by G. gobio where these two species overlap. Habitat and ecology: Warmwater adapted and preferential riverine species which forms small communities especially in the hill stretches of rivers. Moderately structured populations are at least still present in the River Tagliamento, in north-eastern Italy. A small introduced population lives in the River Ombrone in central Italy (Bianco and Ketmaier 2005). Reproduction: Reproduction takes place from April until June. Threats: The major threat is the extensive introduction of G. gobio for angling purposes, which is invasive and tends to replace and eliminate the native species in sympatric conditions. Conservation action: A survey of all existing reproductive populations and their protection in local sanctuaries. Eradication, when possible, of the Danubian species, followed by the re-introduction of G. benacensis. Conservation recommendation: Avoid stocking other fishes, especially cyprinids of exotic origins, were populations of G. benacensis still survive. Environ Biol Fish (2009) 84:39–40 DOI 10.1007/s10641-008-9383-1