Cobitis linea

Persian name Loch mahi-e-jouybari khardar-e-jonubi (Southern spineal loach)

English name Cobitis linea

Key features Males with two canestrini’s scales(laminae circulares osseae) at dorsal bases of first and second pectoral-fin rays, latero-caudal branch of the suborbital spine, is reduced or absent and it has 14 branched caudal fin rays (Coad 2014).

Conservation status The distribution of this species includes a very narrow geographic area in Kor basin, and its frequency is low in this habitat and is generally considered as a rare species; therefore, it needs extra protection. Among the factors that threaten this species are: pollution and destruction of habitat, drought, invasive alien species, including Gambusia holbrooki, in a way that one of the most important habitats of this species in Fars province is currently destroyed (Esmaeili et al., 2008). Implementation of a conservation and management plan is essential to prevent the over-reduction of its current population. It is recommended to study the biology and ecology of this species. This has not yet been assessed by the IUCN (IUCN, 2015).

Habitat and distribution It has been reported only from the upstream of the Kul River near Darab (Hormoz basin) and Kor basin. (Banarescu & Nalbant, 1967; Bianco & Nalbant, 1980). But an extensive survey found no specimens there, as many water bodies had dried out (Teimori, 2006; Esmaeili et al., 2008).