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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Temperate

Azov golden loach

Sabanejewia maeotica ev, 2023
Max Length
9.2 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.2
Depth
-
Climate
Temperate
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
24.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Azov golden loach (Sabanejewia maeotica), first described by ev, 2023 is a small fish in the family Cobitidae (order Cypriniformes). Adults typically reach 9.20 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Temperate waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Cobitidae kept in the hobby.

Scientific Name
Sabanejewia maeotica
Authority
ev, 2023
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Temperate
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
9.2 cm
Trophic Level
3.2
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
24.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Along the flank of the species there is a midlateral row of relatively large dark blotches 9-16 (most often 13-14), without a black line. The interspaces in the middle of midlateral blotches has strong pigmentation; some individuals have even dark lateral coloration. The dorsal fin origin is typically positioned in front of the pelvic fin origin. The body is relatively low, with a body depth noticeably less than the length of the caudal peduncle, usually not exceeding 17% SL and fitting more than six times into the standard length (6.2-8.2). The dorsal adipose crest on the caudal peduncle is very weakly developed, and the ventral crest is barely visible. Two black spots at the base of the caudal fin usually merge into a single marking.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Azov golden loach is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; demersal. Temperate

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater ⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.2±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00501 × L3.08 (TL)
Max TL
9.2cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2023

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
24.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.2
Predator
Climate Zone
Temperate
Described By
ev, 2023

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