Turcinoemacheilus ansari

Common name. Beshar dwarf loach.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: body depth 10–13 % SL / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base / ○ anus situated behind middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ mottled colour pattern or a prominent irregular-shaped dark-brown stripe along lateral midline disconnected from dark-brown blotches on back. Size up to 50 mm SL.

Distribution . Iran: Merian, Beshar, and Khersan in upper Karun drainage.

Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Inhabits interspaces in gravel.

Biology. No data.

Conservation status. EN; restricted to a small area where it is in decline.

Remarks. Syntopic with T. saadii in Beshar.

Further reading. Jouladeh-Roudbar et al. 2023c (description).