Cobitis afifeae, Freyhof, Baycelebi & Geiger, 2018

Cobitis afifeae View in CoL View Figure

Common name. Menderes spined loach.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in eastern Aegean basin by ○ pigmentation below Z4 usually present along complete flank / ○ colour pattern on flank often dissociated, but following Gambetta zones in all populations except in few individuals / ○ external part of suborbital spine bifurcate / ○ back spot at upper caudal base present, often very small / ○ caudal–peduncle depth 1.9–1.1 times in caudal–peduncle length / ○ two laminae circularis in male. Size up to 90 mm SL.

Distribution View Figure . Türkiye: Büyük Menderes and Küçük Menderes drainages, including Lake Işıklı basin and Karadirek, which flows underground to Lake Işıklı.

Habitat. Streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters.

Biology. No data.

Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Küçük Menderes.

Remarks. Often occurs in sympatry with C. fahireae .

Further reading. Freyhof et al. 2018c (description).