Vol. 76 (4) 2024 ARTICLES A Survey of the Kremenski Lakes (Pirin National Park) Suggests that the Vairone Telestes souffia Risso, 1826 (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae) Is Not a Native Species of the Fauna of Bulgaria

A recent survey of the Kremenski Lakes in Pirin National Park challenges the long-standing assumption that Telestes souffia, a small cyprinid fish, is native to Bulgaria. The study, conducted in August 2021, found no evidence of a breeding population of this species in either the Lower or Middle Kremensko Lakes, contradicting earlier reports based on two specimens collected in 1988. Researchers attribute the 1988 record to an unregulated fish introduction rather than natural occurrence. This finding suggests that Telestes souffia should be removed from Bulgaria's list of species requiring conservation measures. The study employed a comprehensive survey approach, likely including field sampling and taxonomic analysis, to reassess the presence of this species in the region.

Apostolou, A., & Kazakov, S. (2024). Vol. 76 (4) 2024 ARTICLES A Survey of the Kremenski Lakes (Pirin National Park) Suggests that the Vairone Telestes souffia Risso, 1826 (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae) Is Not a Native Species of the Fauna of Bulgaria. Acta Zoologica Bulgarica, 76(4), 579. https://doi.org/10.71424/azb76.4.002619