Pseudophoxinus elizavetae

Common name. Sultan minnow.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ○ 60–68+3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete with 33–60 perforated scales / ○ no keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus / ○ pelvic origin clearly behind vertical of dorsal origin / ○ flank plain brown, grey or golden without prominent stripe / ○ upper lip projecting beyond tip of lower lip / ○ pelvic-axillary lobe absent / ○ eye diameter 13–20 % HL. Size up to 100 mm SL.

Distribution. Türkiye: Sultan marshes.

Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams with clear water and dense vegetation. Also, in muddy irrigation channels.

Biology. No data.

Conservation status. CR; Sultan marshes is threatened by desiccation. Zamantı Tunnel has been transferring water from Seyhan to the Sultan marshes since 2011. Since then, Capoeta damascina, Garra turcica, Squalius cappadocicus, and Oxynoemacheilus seyhanensis have invaded Sultan marshes. The impact of this invasion on native species is unknown.

Further reading. Bogutskaya et al. 2007 (description).