Hybridization between Alburnus albidus (C.) and Leuciscus cephalus cabeda R. in Italy

Thirty-six specimens of hybrid between the cyprinid species Alburnus albidus and Leuciscus cephalus cabeda were recognized from samples collected from five rivers in southern Italy. In the Alento river hybridization was marked and in a single sample of 66 specimens, 23 were found to be hybrids. The identification of hybrids is easy due to the combination of intermediate characters such as body pigmentation, gill rakers, branched rays of anal and pelvic fins, and some proportional measurements. The growth rate of hybrids is intermediate between the parental forms. Males are more numerous than females.