Molecular evidence suggests that this species is very closely-related to the congener Alburnus arborella, and additional systematic research is recommended (Geiger et al. 2014).

The Southern Italian Bleak is suspected to have undergone a population size reduction of at least 50% within the past decade, based on field observations, declining habitat quality and the effects of introduced taxa. Therefore, this species is assessed as Endangered under Criterion A (A2ace).

This species is endemic to southern Italy, where its range extends from the Trigno to the Sinni river systems on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, and from the Volturno River to the Alento River on the Tyrrhenian slope.

Introduced subpopulations are established in the Mingardo, Bussento, Noce, Lao, Savuto and Neto river systems.

This species' population size is unknown, but is understood to exceed the minimum threshold for Red List criteria (< 10,000 mature individuals). The number of extant subpopulations is unclear.

It has been undergoing a continuing decline in abundance since the late 1990s, and may already have been functionally extirpated from the Volturno River plus a number of locations elsewhere, e.g., the Monticchio lakes close to Melfi (A. Carosi and M. Lorenzoni, pers. comm.). The population declines are suspected to have exceeded 50% in the past 10 years.

This species inhabits both larger river channels and smaller tributaries with moderate to low flow and coarse substrata. It has also been observed in a number of artificial accumulation lakes created by dams.

Its life history and ecology have not been well-studied, but the annual reproductive period is believed to extend from May to June.

This species is primarily threatened by introgressive hybridisation with the congeneric, non-native Italian Bleak (Alburnus arborella), which has been introduced from northern Italy, and to a lesser (arguably negligible) extent the naturally sympatric Italian Chub (Squalius squalus). Preliminary molecular and morphological analyses have demonstrated that all known Southern Italian Bleak subpopulations may be introgressed with at least one of these species to some extent. Some reports suggest it has also been negatively impacted by resource competition with the introduced Apennine Roach (Sarmarutilus rubilio) at some locations. Several other non-native fish species have also been introduced to rivers within the species' range, including invasive predatory taxa such as Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), the establishment of which is favoured by river impoundment.

In addition, the construction of dams and other barriers has resulted in the fragmentation of subpopulations and disrupted natural flow and sediment regimes, while the lower reaches of larger rivers have been canalised for flood control and land drainage, with a subsequent loss of natural channel morphology.

Diffuse and point source pollution due to the discharge of domestic waste and runoff of from agricultural land is also widespread.

Extended periods of drought due to increasingly rapid climate change in the Italian Peninsula is reducing the extent of habitat during low-discharge periods, when some rivers within its range now become partially dewatered.

This species is not used or traded.

This species is listed (originally as Alburnus albidus (Alburnus vulturius)) in Appendix III of the Bern Convention and Annex II of the European Union Habitats Directive.

It occurs within the boundaries of several protected areas, albeit these offer no security from invasive fish species (see 'Threats'), and no specific management plan is in place.

The Trigno and Agri rivers have been identified as potential conservation priority sites based on the relatively high genetic integrity of the resident subpopulations.

A comprehensive assessment of the species' taxonomic status is recommended prior to the design and implementation of any management actions (see 'Taxonomic Notes').