Oxynoemacheilus germencicus

Common name. Carian loach.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Aegean basin by: ○ caudal emarginate / ○ flank with scales / ○ caudal–peduncle depth 1.5–2.2 times in its length / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ scales on belly restricted between pelvic bases, rarely exceeding anteriorly / ○ inner axial stripe absent / ○ tip of anal reaching to or slightly beyond ventral adipose crest, if present / ○ belly with few, small, embedded scales / ○ tip of pectoral usually not reaching to or reaching pelvic origin in male / ○ body depth decreasing between dorsal and caudal base / ○ flank with bars and/or blotches, rarely plain or mottled. Size up to 83 mm SL.

Distribution . Türkiye: Büyük Menderes and Gediz drainages.

Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing to stagnant waters of springs, streams, and rivers with muddy or gravelly bottoms.

Biology. No data.

Conservation status. LC.

Remarks. Oxynoemacheilus cinicus and O. mesudae, both from Büyük Menderes, are synonyms.

Further reading. Erk’akan et al. 2007 (description of O. germencicus and O. cinicus); Erk’akan 2012 (description of O. mesudae); Yoğurtçuoğlu et al. 2022 (revision, distribution).