Anatolichthys iconii

biology_ecology

Habitat. Lakeshores, springs, and streams, usually with dense vegetation. Biology. Live up to 4 years; feeds mainly on aquatic insect larvae, amphipods and diatoms. Population size in Eğirdir fluctuates in parallel with Atherina population.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

conservation

Conservation status. VU; had declined sharply in Lake Eğirdir before about 2006 but has increased since then, presumably following the disappearance of predation by Sander lucioperca due to overfishing. It is now declining again as the lake level is falling.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

diagnosis

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ● male with black dorsal, with a wide, hyaline or white, proximal band / ○ male with black dorsal base / ○ last lateral bar in male regularly shaped, not fused with penultimate bar / ○ female with bold back spots or / and blotches on flank / ○ male with yellow or white anal with a narrow black margin / ○ male with 1 – 4 bold black vertical bars on caudal / ○ body completely covered with overlapping scales. Size up to about 50 mm SL.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

distribution

Distribution. Lake Eğirdir and Kovada basins. Also in two springs in upper Köprüçay and Aksu.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia