Almada spined loach

📖 Overview

Almada spined loach (Cobitis almadae) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cobitidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 6.8 cm. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: scales elongated with reduced focus and well-developed lamina circularis; large and low peduncle depth (CPL/BLD > 3.4; APL/BLD > 1.8); a long knife-shaped lamina circularis (Canestrini scale) at the base of the second pectoral fin ray and with a narrow handle in males; lateral ethmoid (suborbital spine) well developed with long narrow mediocaudal, laterocaudal and mediorostral processes; narrow skull with elongated and narrow frontoparietal fontanel; numerous spots on the body in females; well-developed pigmentation in the four Gambetta’s zones; 12-21 (Median = 17.5) small blotches, with third Gambetta’s zone wide and sprinkled with numerous black spots in females, Gambetta’s second and fourth zone spots fused to form two black stripes in males; poorly developed ventral pigmentation in adult individuals, frequently interrupted in the middle of the body; lamina circularis at the base of the second pectoral ray in males; and presence of a large upper caudal spot .: elongated; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Almada spined loach is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Temperate

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute