Romanogobio macropterus (Kamensky, 1901)

Romanogobio macropterus View in CoL View Figure

Common name. Caucasian stone gudgeon.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from R. persus by: ● 41–45,usually 42–43 total lateral-line scales / ● 38–42, usually 40–41 total vertebrae / ● supraorbital and infraorbital canals usually connected. Size up to 110 mm SL.

Distribution View Figure . Kura and Aras drainages.

Habitat. Fast-flowing stretches of rivers and streams with gravel and rocky substrate.

Biology. Lives up to 3 years and usually matures at 2 years. Spawns late April–June at water temperatures between 12−18°C. Fractional spawner, female usually spawn three times in a season. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates.

Conservation status. VU; has declined sharply due to hydropower development and pollution.

Further reading. Naseka et al. 1999 (morphology, biology); Kaya et al. 2020a (distribution).