Paracobitis longicauda (Kessler, 1872)

[N]—Eastern crested loach

Taxonomy. Original description: Cobitis longicauda Kessler, 1872: 65 [21], pl. 11, figs. 30–31 [Ak-Darya River, Uzbekistan; holotype: ZISP 2628].— Afghanistan synonyms: Cobitis longicauda Kessler, 1872; Nemacheilus longicaudus (Kessler, 1872); Noemacheilus longicauda (Kessler, 1872); Nemachilus longicauda (Kessler, 1872) .—Revisions: Berg (1949: 884) as Nemachilus malapterurus longicauda, Bănărescu & Nalbant (1995: 443), Freyhof et al. (2014: 16).—Illustrations: Berg (1949: 884–885, figs. 632–635) as Nemachilus malapterurus longicauda, Freyhof et al. (2014: 15, fig. 4).

Status in Afghanistan. First record from Afghanistan by Berg (1949: 886) as Nemachilus malapterurus longicauda; confirmed by Moravec and Amin (1978); Coad (1981: 14; 2014: 254; 2015: 229).—Afghanistan materials: ZISP.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan:Tedzhen and Murgab River drainages.—General distribution: Middle East and Northern-central Asia: Uzbekistan, Hari River drainage (Iran) and adjacent areas.—Habitat: This species occurs in streams with moderately to fast flowing freshwater in both mountainous and lowlands. Freshwater.

Economic importance. No commercial importance.

Conservation. Conservation status in Afghanistan: Unknown.—IUCN: NE (2023).—Threats: Unknown.— Moderate sensitivity to human activities.—Keystone species.—Decline status: Unknown.—Moderate priority for conservation action.