Cottus rondeleti Freyhof, Kottelat & Nolte, 2005
Chabot de l'Hérault

Family:  Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:  8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Three disjunct populations in Hérault drainage, France.
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 10-11. Differs from all other species of Cottus in France by having only 10-11 1/2 anal-fin rays. Other characters useful in the identification: posterior tip of second dorsal fin reaching rudimentary caudal-fin rays; no transverse bands on pelvic fin; lateral line complete, with 30-33+1 pores; 13 pectoral-fin rays; no prickling on body; length of caudal peduncle 58-71% HL; depth of caudal peduncle 26-32% HL; predorsal length 34-37 % SL; distance from tip of snout to origin of second dorsal fin 54-57% SL; preanal length 54-58% SL; first and second dorsal fins slightly to moderately joined; snout pale; first dorsal fin with very dark base (Ref. 55856).
Biology:  Inhabits small stream with clear, swift water and stone bottom (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 (B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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