Bulgarian spined loach
(Sabanejewia bulgarica)

Distribution
Europe: Danube drainage: lower and middle Danube upriver to Bratislava, entering only the lowermost parts of the tributaries. Also in the Tisza system in Hungary and Slovakia.

Max length : 12 cm TL

Short description
Presence of a midlateral row of 4-9 (rarely up to 10) dark blotches along flank. Ventral adipose crest on caudal peduncle absent or less developed than dorsal one. Absence of small spots row directly below midlateral blotches. Dorsal origin above pelvic origin. Interspaces between midlateral blotches without dark pigmentation. Body above midlateral blotches with a few dark spots or unpigmented altogether. 5-8 (rarely up to 10) dorsal blotches. Body depth 16.5-20.0% SL.

Biology
Found in large lowland rivers, usually in deep water. Spawning takes place in Danube River and in mouths of some tributaries.