Barbus niluferensis

Common name. Susurluk barbel.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ 62−72 total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray moderately ossified / ○ 6–8 gill rakers / ○ head length 23−26 % SL / ○ lower lip with a median lobe / ○ numerous irregular dark-brown blotches on back, flanks and head / ○ 43−44 total vertebrae / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 160 mm SL.

Distribution . Türkiye: Susurluk drainage.

Habitat. Headwater streams with fast to moderate flow, cobble, and gravel bottom.

Biology. Matures at about 2−4 years, males one year earlier than females. Usually a fractional spawner, some females appear to spawn only once a year. Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and algae.

Conservation status. LC.

Remarks. Barbus niluferensis occurs locally sympatric with B. tauricus . It usually inhabits small headwater streams, whereas B. tauricus is found in larger, slow-flowing rivers. Further reading. Turan et al. 2009b (description).