Italian Riffle Dace

Diagnosed from its congeners by having the following characters: conspicuous black midlateral stripe and conspicuous black line along lateral line in preserved individuals; in life, broad gold-orange stripe; lateral line yellow, bordered on echo side by a narrow black line; 43-49 + 2-3 scales along lateral line; 3½ scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin; anal fin with 8½ branched rays; tip of snout rounded, snout projecting beyond tip of upper lip; and eye diameter 3.3-3.6 times in HL (Ref. 59043).

Occurs in main rivers and small streams (Ref. 45688). Prefers to inhabit streams of piedmont and hilly areas, with moderately cold water, but may be found in most habitats. Feeds predominantly on aquatic invertebrates, also on epilithic algae. Spawns in areas with swift, shallow waters (Ref. 59043).

Telestes muticellus is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Cyprinidae. Commonly known as vairone, it is found in France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Its natural habitats are rivers and intermittent rivers. It is not considered threatened by the IUCN.