Greek barbel
Luciobarbus graecus
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.
3
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Order
Cypriniformes
Family
Cyprinidae
Genus
Luciobarbus
Greek barbel belongs to the family Cyprinidae, order Cypriniformes, within the unknown class.
Species Profile
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
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.
Agricultural pollution and nutrient runoff
Dam construction and river regulation
Water abstraction for irrigation and urban use
River channelization and flow modification
Urban development and habitat fragmentation
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (EN).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | ENEndangered | ENEndangered | Same |
| EU | ENEndangered | ENEndangered | Same |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Greek barbel (Luciobarbus graecus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/greek-barbel