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).