Freshwater fishes (Petromyzonti, Elasmobranchii, and Actinopteri) of Bosnia and Herzegovina: an updated inventory on the biodiversity and distribution

Here, we provide an updated inventory of the current state of knowledge on fishes, including lampreys, from the freshwaters of BiH by hydrographic basin, with recent distributional data and updated taxonomic status reviewed and compared with previous lists. The checklist was compiled based on the existing scientific and grey literature, technical reports, scientific congresses, academic dissertations, and unpublished/personal observations.

In total, 123 species including diadromous and euryhaline fishes have been documented in BiH freshwaters to date. Of these, 110 are primarily freshwater. In comparison to the last published monography (Sofradžija 2009), we present a 9% increase in species number (11 species), resulting mainly from taxonomic re-evaluations of existing taxa on the basis of new information and the adoption of a new changes in the taxonomic status of several species.

Among the valid primarily freshwater species, 87 are native and 23 are non-native. A total of 38 endemic species have restricted distribution, and are threatened by numerous anthropogenic pressures. Four species are considered endemic only to BiH: Cobitis herzegoviniensis Buj & Šanda, 2014; Phoxinellus pseudalepidotus Bogutskaya & Zupančič, 2003; Telestes dabar Bogutskaya, Zupančič, Bogut & Naseka, 2012; and T. metohiensis (Steindachner, 1901).

In total, 75 genera and 34 families are represented: Leuciscidae is represented by 37 species, the Salmonidae by 13, followed by the Cyprinidae, Cobitidae and Percidae, each with eight species. The native species richness follows a pattern similar to that observed in other southern European countries. A national list of endangered species has not yet been proposed to BiH and management strategies for their protection or conservation are also not implemented.

Hopefully, this updated checklist will serve as a basis for future research aimed at understanding the origin and status of conservation of the BiH fishes diversity, and supporting effective management and conservation programmes.