Capoeta banarescui

Common name. Colchic scraper.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Black Sea basin by: ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ 64–77 total lateral-line scales / ○ 12–14 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 8–9 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ 12–18 gill rakers / ○ 12–20 serrae on last unbranched dorsal ray / ○ eye diameter smaller than cheek length / ○ edge of lower jaw cornified / ○ lips narrow, not fleshy or pleated / ○ shape of lower jaw monomorphic, wide and straight in all individuals / ○ snout short and blunt. Size up to 350 mm SL.

Distribution. Türkiye and Georgia: Yeşilırmak drainage east to Inguri.

Habitat. A wide range of moderately to rapidly flowing streams and rivers with sand, gravel, and rock substrate. Spawns on coarse sand or gravel in flowing water.

Biology. Lives up to 12 years. Matures at 2 (male) or 3 (female) years. Spawns May−July. Feeds on detritus, algae, and invertebrates.

Conservation status. LC.

Further reading. Yıldırım & Aras 2000 (biology); Turan et al. 2006a (description); Bektaş et al. 2017 (phylogeny).