Cobitis vardarensis, the Vardar spined loach, is a species of ray-finned fish in the true loach family Cobitidae.[2]

Cobitis vardarensis
On a postage stamp of North Macedonia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cobitidae
Genus: Cobitis
Species:
C. vardarensis
Binomial name
Cobitis vardarensis

Environment edit

Cobitis vardarensis is recorded to be found in a freshwater environment within a demersal depth range. This species lives in brackish waters. It is also native to a subtropical climate.[2]

Size edit

Cobitis vardarensis can reach the maximum length of about 11 centimeters or about 4.33 inches as an unsexed male.[2]

Distribution edit

Cobitis vardarensis is recorded to be found in Europe, the Aegean Sea basin, Pinios to Gallikos drainages, Greece, and North Macedonia, and named for the Vardar river.[2]

Biology edit

Its status is insufficiently known. Cobitis vardarens is found in still waters of lakes, oxbows, and backwaters on mud to silt bottoms that are rarely in moving or flowing water. This species is also known to occur in marshlands, lowland rivers with little current, springs and associated wetlands. During its period of breeding, this species is recorded to have distinct pairing.[2][3]

Population edit

The population of this species is known to be very abundant. This species is recorded to be of least concern for becoming an endangered species.[1]

Threats edit

Cobitis vardarensis is threatened by water abstraction and pollution.[2]

Classification edit

The taxonomic classification of Cobitis vardarensis is as follows:

  • Kingdom : Animalia
  • Phylum : Chordata
  • Subphylum : Vertebrata
  • Superclass : Gnathostomata
  • Class : Actinopterygii
  • Order : Cypriniformes
  • Family : Cobitidae
  • Genus : Cobitis
  • Species : Cobitis vardarensis[4]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Freyhof, J.; Kottelat, M. (2008). "Cobitis vardarensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008: e.T5040A11110314. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T5040A11110314.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Cobitis vardarensis Karaman, 1928". Fish Base. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  3. ^ "Cobitis vardarensis". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  4. ^ "Cobitis vardarensis". The Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 16 October 2013.