Cobitis amphilekta

Common name. Azerbaijani spined loach.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Caspian basin by: ● subdorsal scales with a large focal zone, about ½ of maximum scale diameter / ○ Z4 consisting of distinct, large dark-brown blotches, usually horizontally elongated on anterior part of flank, roundish or vertically elongated on caudal–peduncle / ○ spot in upper part of caudal base very small and faith. Size up to 65 mm SL.

Distribution . Kyzylagach Bay, south of Kura estuary, lower Kumbashi, about 150 m from Azerbaijan’s coast, desalinated Caspian Sea area off Durnev Islands and Prorva in Kazakhstan. Expected to occur elsewhere in lower parts of rivers, coastal lagoons, and freshened parts of sea.

Habitat. Coastal lagoons, lower parts of rivers, and freshwater parts of sea with gravel, sand, or mud bottoms.

Biology. No data.

Conservation status. Extinct; not recorded since 1937. Intensive fieldwork in southern Azerbaijan revealed only C. saniae, even in stream sections very close to the sea.

Further reading. Vasil’eva & Vasil’ev 2012 (description).