First record of the Canestrini’s goby Ninnigobius canestrinii (Ninni, 1883); a rare and endangered fish species from Slovenian waters

Abstract

      The Canestrini’s goby is a small goby endemic to the Adriatic basin, inhabiting brackish and fresh waters. The species is threatened by habitat destruction and pollution. For this reason, the goby is protected in part of its range, while its conservation status in other areas is not yet established. The detailed biogeography of the species should be known so that appropriate conservation measures can be taken. Despite extensive sampling of fish fauna in coastal wetlands, this species has not yet been detected in Slovenia. In this study, the first record of Ninnigobius canestrinii (Ninni, 1883) in Slovenian waters is reported along with a comprehensive review of documented records of the species.