EN

Greek barbel

Luciobarbus graecus

UnknownENEUENEU

Overview

Luciobarbus graecus is a ray-finned fish species in the family Cyprinidae. It is here placed in Luciobarbus following the IUCN, but that genus is very closely related to the other typical barbels and perhaps better considered a mere subgenus of Barbus. Found in and adjacent to Greece, its closest living relative seems to be L. lydianus, which is found in the northwest of Asia Minor.

The Greek barbel faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction, water abstraction, and pollution in its limited freshwater range. Agricultural runoff, urban development, and river channelization have further compromised water quality and natural flow regimes essential for this endemic species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Cyprinidae

Iberian-RoachVU

Iberian-Roach

Squalius alburnoides

Unknown
French naseVU

French nase

Parachondrostoma toxostoma

Unknown
VU

Menderes barbel

Luciobarbus kottelati

Unknown
Ohrid spirlinVU

Ohrid spirlin

Alburnoides ohridanus

Unknown

Threatened in Bulgaria

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Anthophore estivaleCR

Anthophore estivale

Anthophora aestivalis

Unknown
CR

Isophya gulae

Unknown
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Greek barbel classified as Endangered?
Greek barbel is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Greek barbel faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from dam construction, water abstraction, and pollution in its limited freshwater range. Agricultural runoff, urban development, and river channelization have further compromised water quality and natural flow regimes essential for this endemic species' survival.
Where does Greek barbel live?
Greek barbel occurs in Bulgaria, Greece, and Türkiye. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Greek barbel?
The main threats to Greek barbel are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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