Recent molecular studies have highlighted the taxonomical complexity of the Eurasian minnows Phoxinus spp, pointing out their multiple endemic species to their respective catchments, and also the multiple translocations between drainages. Here, we report the first record of the Italian minnow Phoxinus lumaireul in France: a male specimen was caught in the Lake Geneva at Publier (Haute-Savoie department) the 31st May 2010 during an elecrofishing survey monitored by the ONEMA. The identification was done from a picture, according to morphological observations and the nuptial colouration pattern, in comparison with P. lumaireul from the Po catchment. We then attest the presence of a third minnow species in the Lake Geneva basin, in addition to P. csikii and P. septimaniae. The nuptial colouration pattern of P. lumaireul is diagnosable by very little developed nuptial tubercles on the head, pectoral fins yellowish hyaline, a green bluish stripe on Z3 until the caudal peduncle origin and black beyond, Z4 green yellowish and a belly shiny red from the throat to the caudal fin base for males, and pectoral, pelvic and anal fin bases pinkish, yellow spot on the operculum, Z4 slightly golden and Z5 white for female. Our morphological identification corroborates a molecular study from the Swiss part of the Lake Geneva basin. Phoxinus lumaireul is then the seventh and the first non-native minnow species occurring in France. Its introduction through human translocations seems to be ancient. We also discussed about ecological impacts for French and Swiss managers.
Denys et al. (Wed,) studied this question.