Balcan spined loach
(Sabanejewia balcanica)
General data
Distribution
Europe: Black Sea basin, in Danube drainage; Aegean Sea basin, in Maritza and from Galikos to Pinios drainages.
Max length: 9 cm
Short description
Body depth 12-18% SL. Presence of a midlateral row of 10-17 (rarely 8-9) dark blotches along flank. Ventral adipose crest on caudal peduncle absent or less developed than dorsal one. Absence of row of small spots directly below midlateral blotches (if present, then most prominent between pelvic and anal bases). Dorsal origin above pelvic origin. Interspaces between midlateral blotches without dark pigmentation. Body above midlateral blotches brown with whitish to yellowish marbling or vermiculations. 10-17, rarely 8-9 dorsal blotches.
Biology
During daylight, adults are found burrowing into sand, sometimes in gravel on hill streams with clear water. Also found in moderate current with few plants at water depths up to 1.5 m. Have also been observed in large rivers. Spawning occurs in spring.
