Turcinoemacheilus hafezi

Common name. Persian dwarf loach.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ○ body depth 13–15 % SL / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base / ○ anus situated behind middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ mottled colour pattern or a prominent irregular-shaped dark-brown midlateral stripe disconnected from dark-brown blotches on back. Size up to 67 mm SL.

Distribution . Iran: Behesht Abad in Karun drainage.

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

Biology. No data.

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

Further reading. Golzarianpour et al. 2013 (description); Esmaeili et al. 2014c (revision); Jouladeh-Roudbar et al. 2023c (phylogeny).