Turcinoemacheilus christofferi, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Vatandoust, Doadrio & Ghanavi, 2023

Freyhof, JÖrg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash & Kaya, Cüneyt, 2025, Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia, De Gruyter : 578-579

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.

Biology. Mature at 1 year and lives up to 4 (males) and 5 (females) years. Feeds on invertebrates.

Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.

Remarks. This species was described based on individuals with a dark-brown blotch on side of anal base. New data show that this condition is not present in all individuals and that morphological characters may need to be revised. It is well distinguished from other species by molecular characters.

Further reading. Esmaeili et al. 2014c (description); Borhani et al. 2017 (biology); Ebrahimi et al. 2017 (biology); Jouladeh-Roudbar et al. 2023c (phylogeny).

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).

Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae ; Kaynarca in upper Euphrates drainage, Türkiye; 45 mm SL.