Caratterizzazione meristica e genetica di Ciprinidi atipici presenti nel bacino spezzino del Magra-Vara

"Meristic and genetic characterization in atypical Cyprinids from the Magra-Vara basin (Province of La Spezia, Italy)" - A mitochondrial gene and eight meristic features were investigated in five taxa of Cyprinids belonging to Leuciscinae subfamily. Research was carried out on: 1) atypical specimens collected from Magra-Vara basin; 2) specimens of Leuciscus cephalus, Leuciscus souffia and Rutilus rubilio collected from Magra-Vara basin; 3) specimens of the controversial taxon Leuciscus lucumonis collected from River Nestore, Province of Perugia, Italy. Results show that meristic features of the atypical cyprinid specimens are statistically similar to those found in “lucumonis” specimens. Genetic analysis seems to support morphological investigations but additional molecular data will be necessary to define levels of population variability and appropriate identification of the “lucumonis” taxon.