Azerbaijani Spined Loach

biology_ecology

Habitat. Coastal lagoons, lower parts of rivers, and freshwater parts of sea with gravel, sand, or mud bottoms. Biology. No data.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

conservation

Conservation status. Extinct; not recorded since 1937. Intensive fieldwork in southern Azerbaijan revealed only C. saniae, even in stream sections very close to the sea.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

diagnosis

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Caspian basin by: ● subdorsal scales with a large focal zone, about ½ of maximum scale diameter / ○ Z 4 consisting of distinct, large dark-brown blotches, usually horizontally elongated on anterior part of flank, roundish or vertically elongated on caudal – peduncle / ○ spot in upper part of caudal base very small and faith. Size up to 65 mm SL.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

distribution

Distribution. Kyzylagach Bay, south of Kura estuary, lower Kumbashi, about 150 m from Azerbaijan’s coast, desalinated Caspian Sea area off Durnev Islands and Prorva in Kazakhstan. Expected to occur elsewhere in lower parts of rivers, coastal lagoons, and freshened parts of sea.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia