Knipowitschia croatica Mrakovcic, Kerovec, Misetic & Schneider, 1996
Neretva dwarf goby

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobionellinae
Max. size:  4.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Bosnia-Herzegovina: lower Neretva drainage. Croatia: upper Matica drainage, Neretva springs and Lake Bacina (Ref.13696, Ref.59043).
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: body of breeding males with 15-18 dark irregular bars; absence of cephalic lateral line canals; body scales only under pectoral; D1 6; D2 7.5 branched rays; A 9.5 branched rays (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Occurs in clear karstic springs, lakes, slow-flowing streams and small rivers. Longevity is less than 2 years. Spawns after first winter with males defending the eggs in cavities under stones, plant material or shells. Juveniles are free swimming while adults are benthic. During summer droughts, this species may survive in underground waters (Ref.59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (B2ab(iii); D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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