Paracobitis malapterura (Valenciennes, 1846)

Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Ghanavi, Hamid Reza & Doadrio, Ignacio, 2020, Fig. 4 in Fig. 4 in Fig. 3 in Fig. 21. Sesarmops mora n in Paralbunea dayriti, Zoological Studies 59 (21), pp. 1-303 : 183-184

Paracobitis malapterura (Valenciennes, 1846) –

Endemic ( Fig. 342)

Cobitis malapterura Valenciennes [A.] in Cuvier & Valenciennes 1846: 88; Type locality: “Sent from Syria ” [ Iran]. Syntypes: MNHN 0000–3962 (1), B–3070 [ex MNHN 0000–3962] (1).

Paracobitis iranica Nalbant [T. T.] & Bianco [P. G.] 1998: 114; Type locality: River Qom near the town of Qom, Iran. Holotype: IZA 7831. Paratypes: ISBB uncat. (4), IZA 7832 (5).

Common name: Pr: Loch-e tajdar-e Namak, Sagmahi-e tajdar-e Namak, En: Namak Lake crested loach.

Diagnosis: The flank behind the dorsal fin origin or slightly anterior the dorsal fin base is covered by scales, while anterior flank is naked, moderately to slightly emirginate caudal fin and a roundish posterior nasal opening.

Meristic characters: D: 6–8, A: 5, P: 10–12, V: 5–7, LL: complete, SC: scattered on the posterior body, DP: well-developed and fits in a lower jaw groove, PA: present, SOG: present.

Distribution: Namak and Kavir basins ( Fig. 343). Found in Karaj, Namrud Ghara chay, Jajurud and Qumrud Rivers.

Taxonomy: Bănărescu and Nalbant (1995) placed in Paracobitis . According to Freyhof et al. (2014) Karaj River, close to Tehran, Iran, is the true type locality. Paracobitis iranica Nalbant and Bianco (1998) is a synonym.

C o n s e r v a t i o n: I U C N: N o t E v a l u a t e d, P C: Least Concern. Populations of this species occur in high number and they are widespread all around its distribution range.