Italian spined loach
(Cobitis bilineata)

Classification

Species: Cobitis bilineata

General data

Scientific names: Italian spined loach
Habitat: Freshwater
Climates: Subtropical, Temperate
Native: Europe

Distribution
Europe: Northern Adriatic basin, from Po to Soca drainages (Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland), Durance system (Rhône drainage, France) and Zrmanja drainage (Croatia). Introduced to most of Italy (including Sardinia), Lake Bañolas (northeastern) Spain) and upper Rhine drainage (Switzerland)

Short description
Two black spots at caudal base. Pigmentation: presence of a narrow line of minute spots, usually ending below or in front of dorsal origin on zone Z3 in males. In mature males, zones Z2 and Z4 often continuous dark stripes.