Gibraltar spined loach
📖 Overview
Gibraltar spined loach (Cobitis mellaria) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cobitidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 4.5 cm. With a trophic level of 3.1, 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: low peduncle depth (CPL/BLD > 3.5; APL/BLD 1.2-1.7); lamina circularis at the base of the second pectoral fin ray and with convex outer edge. Well-developed lateral ethmoid (suborbital spine) with short laterocaudal process; narrow skull with elongated frontoparietal fontanel; less variable pigmentation pattern; well-developed pigmentation in the four Gambetta’s zones and no ventral pigmentation in adults; Gambetta’s fourth row has 1015 blotches, Median = 11; caudal fin base with two spots; lamina circularis at the base of the second pectoral ray present in males; and large upper caudal spot present .: elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Gibraltar spined loach is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Temperate
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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