Turcinoemacheilus christofferi

Common name. Sezar dwarf loach.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ● lateral line complete, reaching to anterior part of caudal / ○ caudal–peduncle depth 1.6–1.8 times in its length / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ anus situated behind middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base. Size up to 54 mm SL.

Distribution . Iran: Gholiyan, a headwater tributary of Bakhtiyari in 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. CR; restricted to one site where it is in decline. Potentially at the edge of extinction.

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