Cobitis splendens Erk'akan, Atalay-Ekmekçi & Nalbant, 1998
Splendid spined loach
photo by Güçlü, S.S.

Family:  Cobitidae (Spined loaches)
Max. size:  10.5 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 6.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; depth range 0 - 200 m
Distribution:  Asia: Turkey.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7; Anal spines: 2-3; Anal soft rays: 5-5. With all four of Gambetta's pigmentary zones, third zone is reduced. Jet black spot of the upper part of caudal base large. Head relatively short, eyes placed in middle. Mouth arched with three pairs of short barbels. Mental lobes large, not pointed. Unusual color pattern.
Biology:  Found in streams. Oviparous, possibly with distinct pairing during breeding similar to congeners (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 13 February 2013 (B1ab(iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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