Trichonis Rudd

Scardinius acarnanicus may de told apart from other Balkan rudd species by the dark midlateral stripe seen in juveniles with a standard length of less than 7 cm (2.8 in) and in having between 37 and 42 scales along its lateral line. Other distinguishing features include: the anal fin typically has 10+1⁄2 branched fin rays; there are between 13 and 16 pectoral fin rays; 12 to 17 gill rakers; the dorsal profile of the head is clearly concave, with an upward pointing snout with its tip higher than the centre of the eye; the eye is close to or touches with dorsal profile of the head in lateral view; the articulation of lower jaw is in front of the eye; and the length of the head is equivalent to 24-30% of the standard length. The Trichonis rudd has a maximum total length of 38 cm (15 in), a maximum weight of 620 g (22 oz) and a has a reported lifespan of up to 11 years.

Scardinius acarnanicus is found only in the western part of the mainland of Greece where it is native only to the lower part of the Achelous ricer system, including lakes Trichonida, Lysimachia, Ozeros and Amvrakia. It has been introduced to Lake Ziros in Epirus. This species is found in slow flowing rivers, drainage channels and the pelagic zone of lakes.

Scardinius acarnanicus belongs to the genus Scardinius and this name is thought to be a latinisation of scardafa, a vernacular name in Italy, Rome in particular, for the Tiber rudd (Scardinius scardafa). The Specific name, arcarnanicus, means "belonging to Acarnania", the region of western-central Greece covering the drainage system of the Acheloos drainage basin.