Glyptothorax sardashtensis

Common name. Sardasht torrent catfish.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ○ head and body pale-brown without brown or black spots / ○ head and flank without roundish or elongate warts, without tubercles / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus slightly elevated, 0.8–1.2 times longer than wide, usually extending from isthmus to base of third or fifth branched pectoral ray / ○ striae restricted to elevated apparatus / ○ anteromedial striae few and short / ○ medial pit without striae, broad, its anterior end roundish / ○ caudal-peduncle 1.6–2.3 times in its length / ○ caudal lobes pointed / ○ caudal deeply forked / ○ head depth 37–52 % HL / ○ maximum head width 72–88 % HL / ○ maxillary barbel 53–95 % HL / ○ upper head, back and flank without brown or black spots or blotches / ○ inner mandibular barbel 22–31 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 33–53 % HL, not reaching pectoral origin / ○ 9–11 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ all fins with a distinct, distal yellow tip. Size up to 67 mm SL, likely to grow larger.

Distribution. Lesser Zab (Iran) and Batman drainages (Türkiye). Potentially more widespread.

Habitat. Fast-flowing water in mountain streams, rapids, and riffles on rocky or gravelly bottoms.

Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.

Conservation status. LC.

Further reading. Jokar et al. 2023 (description).