Barbus xanthos

Common name. Menderes barbel.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ 53−60 total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray weakly ossified / ○ 7–10 gill rakers / ○ 41−43 total vertebrae / ○ head length 22−27 % SL / ○ lower lip with a median lobe / ○ numerous irregular dark-brown blotches on back, flanks, and head / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray 33–50 % ossified / ○ posterior margin of dorsal straight or slightly concave / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 190 mm SL.

Distribution . Türkiye: Büyük Menderes south to Eşen (Aegean basin).

Habitat. A wide range of stream and river habitats, usually in fast to moderately fast-flowing waters. In reservoirs, where inflowing streams provide spawning habitat. Spawns in fast-flowing waters in riffles on gravel substrate.

Biology. No data. Expected to be similar to B.pergamonensis .

Conservation status. LC.

Further reading. Güçlü et al. 2013 (morphology, distribution); Güçlü et al. 2020 (description).