Triplophysa brahui (Zugmayer, 1912)

[N]— Baluchistan loach

Taxonomy. Original description: Nemachilus brahui Zugmayer, 1912: 598 [Kelat, Baluchistan, Pakistan; syntypes: ZSM [old collection] (24), destroyed in WWII].— Afghanistan synonyms: Noemacheilus brahui Zugmayer, 1912 .—Revisions: Kottelat (2012: 124).—Illustration: None.

Status in Afghanistan. First record from Afghanistan by Bănărescu & Nalbant (1966); confirmed by Coad (1981: 12; 2014: 266; 2015: 229).—Afghanistan materials: None.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan: Kabul.—General distribution: Afghanistan and Pakistan.— Habitat: It inhabits seasonal streams and is mostly restricted to small temporary pools that are regularly influenced by sandstorms. The altitude of these habitats ranges from 500 to 2,500 m alt. It is a carnivorous bottom feeder. Freshwater.

Economic importance. No commercial importance.

Conservation. Conservation status in Afghanistan: Unknown.—IUCN: EN (Dahanukar & Raghavan 2022).— Threats: HAB, CON, CLI, ABS, EUT—High sensitivity to human activities.—Keystone species.—Decline status: Decreasing.—High priority for conservation action.