Western Crested Loach

Differs from other epigean species of Paracobitis in the Middle East by a combination of non-unique characters: flank behind dorsal-fin base is covered by scales, while anterior flank is scaleless (vs. scales completely absent in P. vignai or the body completely covered by scales in P. longicauda and P. rhadinaea) . Can be further diagnosed from other congeners by having caudal fin moderately to slightly emarginate (vs. deeply emarginate or forked in P. vignai and a roundish posterior nare opening (vs. slit-shaped in P. longicauda, P. rhadinaea and P. vignai) (Ref. 97574).

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 5

Paracobitis iranica, the Western crested loach is a species of stone loach endemic to Euphrates and Tigris river systems. This species reaches a length of 12.6 cm (5.0 in).