Turcinoemacheilus moghbeli

Common name. Kermanshah dwarf loach.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ● caudal–peduncle length 14–20 % SL / ○ 5–6 mandibular pores in mandibular canal / ○ body depth 1.2–1.8 times in head length / ○ caudal– peduncle depth 1.5–2.3 times in its length / ○ prepelvic distance 50–55 % SL / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base / ○ anus situated at middle or in front of middle between pelvic and anal origins. Size up to 54 mm SL.

Distribution . Iran: Sirvan, Zemkan, Leyleh, Alvand, and Goleyn in Tigris drainage.

Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Inhabits interspaces in gravel.

Biology. No data.

Conservation status. VU; restricted to a small area where it is in decline.

Further reading. Jouladeh-Roudbar et al. 2023c (description).