Oxynoemacheilus merga (Krynicki, 1840)
Krynicki's loach
photo by Naseka, A.M.

Family:  Nemacheilidae (Brook loaches)
Max. size:  10 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Eurasia: western Caspian basin in Kuma, Terek, Sulak, Shura-ozen and Samur drainages.
Diagnosis:  Can be diagnosed from its congeners in Europe by the possession of the following unique characters: caudal emarginate; no processus dentiformis; and dorsal fin with 7½ branched rays. Can be further distinguished by its caudal peduncle depth 2.1-2.4 times in its length, 2.0-2.5 times in body depth (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Occurs in the upper montane reaches of rivers. Scarce but possibly overlooked (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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