Oxynoemacheilus insignis (Heckel, 1843)
Syrian loach
photo by Hamidan, N.A.

Family:  Nemacheilidae (Brook loaches)
Max. size:  12 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater, non-migratory
Distribution:  Asia: in the Damascus river and in the Jordan Dead Sea basin. All records from outside this area are misidentifications (Ref. 13609). New record from Turkey (Ref. 58342).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occurs in very different biotopes, such as streams with fast or slow-moving currents, with stony or muddy beds, as well as with vegetation.
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 10 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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