Velestino Spined Loach

Pigmentation (Gambetta's longitudinal zone of pigmentation): zone Z4 forming a continuous black or grey stripe; flank pigmented below zone Z4. One lamina circularis.

During courtship, 'the male follows the female and, after both enter dense vegetation (e.g. filamentous algae), the male forms a complete ring around the female's body behind the dorsal as the female releases the eggs' (Ref. 59043). Also Ref. 9953.

A short-lived species. Adults inhabit lowland water courses with little current and springs with associated wetlands (Ref. 26100), with silt bottom and underwater vegetation (Ref. 59043). Oviparous, possibly with distinct pairing during breeding similar to congeners (Ref. 205). Is threatened due to water abstraction and habitat destruction (Ref. 26100).

fisheries: of no interest

Cobitis stephanidisi is a species of ray-finned fish in the family Cobitidae. It is found only in Greece. Its natural habitat is freshwater springs. It is threatened by habitat loss.