|
Sabanejewia maeotica Vasil'eva & Vasil'ev, 2023 Azov golden loach |
| Family: | Cobitidae (Spined loaches) | |||
| Max. size: | 9.2 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | demersal; freshwater | |||
| Distribution: | Europe: Russia. | |||
| Diagnosis: | 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. | |||
| Biology: | ||||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 02 May 2023 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||