Albania postage stamps year 1964 River fishes set MNH
Albania has a rich freshwater ecosystem with numerous rivers and lakes that support a variety of fish species. Some of the most common river fish in Albania include:
Native Fish Species in Albanian Rivers:
- European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) – Found in many rivers, especially those connected to the Adriatic Sea.
- Trout species:
- Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario) – Inhabits cold, fast-flowing rivers in mountainous regions.
- Ohrid Trout (Salmo letnica) – Native to Lake Ohrid but also found in connecting rivers.
- Danube Roach (Rutilus pigus) – Common in river basins.
- Common Barbel (Barbus barbus) – Prefers fast-flowing waters with rocky or gravelly bottoms.
- Albanian Barbel (Barbus albanicus) – Endemic to Albania’s rivers.
- Chub (Squalius cephalus) – Found in slow-moving rivers and streams.
- Mediterranean Killifish (Aphanius fasciatus) – A small fish found in brackish waters near river mouths.
- Vimba Bream (Vimba vimba) – A migratory fish in the Drin and other river systems.
- European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) – Found in both rivers and lakes.
Invasive or Non-Native Species:
- Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) – Widely spread in Albanian rivers and lakes.
- Prussian Carp (Carassius gibelio) – Competes with native fish.
- Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis) – A large predator introduced in some river systems.
- Zander (Sander lucioperca) – An introduced predator in larger river basins.
Major Rivers with Rich Fish Populations:
- Drin River – The longest river in Albania, home to many freshwater species.
- Shkumbin River – Supports various endemic and migratory fish.
- Vjosa River – One of Europe’s last free-flowing rivers, rich in biodiversity.
- Semani River – Important for both freshwater and migratory species.
Many of these species are important for local fisheries and recreational fishing. Some are also under conservation efforts due to habitat loss and pollution.
