Balcan spined loach
📖 Overview
During daylight, adults are found burrowing into sand, sometimes in gravel on hill streams with clear water . Also found in moderate current with few plants at water depths up to 1.5 m. Have also been observed in large rivers . Spawning occurs in spring. . Population is locally threatened by habitat alterations .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Body depth 12-18% SL. Presence of a midlateral row of 10-17 (rarely 8-9) dark blotches along flank. Ventral adipose crest on caudal peduncle absent or less developed than dorsal one. Absence of row of small spots directly below midlateral blotches (if present, then most prominent between pelvic and anal bases). Dorsal origin above pelvic origin. Interspaces between midlateral blotches without dark pigmentation. Body above midlateral blotches brown with whitish to yellowish marbling or vermiculations. 10-17, rarely 8-9 dorsal blotches.: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Balcan spined loach is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; demersal. Temperate
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobitis aurata balcanica | Karaman | 1922 | Synonym |
| Cobitis aurata bosniaca | Karaman | 1963 | Synonym |
| Cobitis aurata radnensis | Bănărescu, Müller & Nalbant | 1960 | Synonym |
| Cobitis balcanica | Karaman | 1922 | Homotypic |
| Cobitis montana | Vladykov | 1925 | Synonym |
| Sabanejewia aurata balcanica | Karaman | 1922 | Synonym |
| Sabanejewia aurata doiranica | Economidis & Nalbant | 1996 | Heterotypic |
| Sabanejewia aurata kubanica | Vasil'eva & Vasil'ev | 1988 | Synonym |
| Sabanejewia aurata thrakica | Economidis & Nalbant | 1996 | Heterotypic |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Balcan spined loach.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 5 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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