Samaruc
Valencia hispanica
Fish of about 8 cm of maximum size. The mouth has a slightly higher orientation. The dorsal and anal fins are at the same height, near the tail. The body has a yellowish coloration- orange, just like the fins.
The samaruc is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, occupying the coastal wetlands between the Ebro delta and northern Alicante. It prefers waters without current and with abundant aquatic vegetation. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates.
It is a highly endangered species, heavily affected by pollution, habitat destruction and the introduction of exotic species. In Catalonia, captive breeding is being carried out in the Ebro Delta to improve the chances of survival of the species..
Distribution
Iberian toothcarp
Apricaphanius iberus
The Iberian toothcarp is a small fish, does not reach 5 cm in length. They can live up to two years. They have a large head and an upward-facing mouth. Sexual dimorphism is very pronounced. Males have alternating dark and light transverse stripes, while the females are more silvery in color with small black dots distributed throughout the body.
It is an endemic species of the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula. In Catalonia it is found in some coastal areas from the Aiguamolls de l’Alt Empordà to the Ebro delta. It inhabits shallow wetlands, coastal lagoons and ditches in coastal areas. It can withstand high temperatures and salinities. It feeds mainly on small crustaceans and insect larvae.
It is listed as endangered and is therefore strictly protected. It is sensitive to various types of impacts such as pollution and, above all, the introduction of exotic species such as mosquitofish or mummichog.
Distribution
