Cobitis zanandreai Cavicchioli, 1965
photo by Bianco, P.G.

Family:  Cobitidae (Spined loaches)
Max. size:  6 cm SL (male/unsexed); 7.5 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Volturno drainage near Caserta and Fondi lagoon in southern Italy.
Diagnosis:  Pigmentation (Gambetta's longitudinal zone of pigmentation): zone Z4 not reaching caudal base, replaced by irregular spots, indistinguishable from those of zones Z2 and Z3 immediately in front of caudal. Small black spot on upper caudal base often barely visible. Depth of caudal peduncle about 1.3 times in its length.
Biology:  A lacustrine species which occurs in stream with sand bottom, drainage channels and irrigation ponds (Ref. 59043). Oviparous, possibly with distinct pairing during breeding similar to congeners (Ref. 205). Population is threatened due to very restricted area of occurrence, habitat alteration and land-use changes (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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