Cobitis feroniae
Cobitis feroniae Novaga, Bellucci, Geiger & Freyhof, 2024
Pontine spined loach

Family:  Cobitidae (Spined loaches)
Max. size:  7.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Italy.
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished by the following characters: with many, small, black dots below mid-lateral row of blotches (Z4) at least in individuals larger than 5.0 cm SL (these dots are found along a wide band between the pectoral-fin base and the caudal peduncle, and even on the belly in some individuals, while being restricted to a field above and in front of the anal-fin base in other individuals: some individuals smaller than 5.0 cm SL, the black dots are absent; usually with a single, black spot at the upper caudal peduncle; blotches in Z4, below dorsal-fin base, are usually round or square-shaped; with black nares; black spots on caudal peduncle are small and often hardly visible (Ref. 132444).
Biology:  Found in spring-fed rivers and channels with slow flowing water and soft substrates. Also found in small agricultural ditches connected to the main channels that are only seasonally flooded (Ref. 132444).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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