Kaukasianturpa

Diagnosed from its congeners in Black Sea basin by having the following characters: anal fin with 9½ branched rays; 36-41 + 3 scales on lateral line; interorbital distance 32-35% HL; postorbital distance 45-47% HL; eye diameter 22-26% HL, 1.3-1.5 times in snout length; body depth 21-27% SL; a row of black pigment along free margin of each flank scale, forming a regular reticulate pattern; anal and pelvic fins orange to red (Ref. 59043).

Spawns in shallow riffles, with strong current and stone or pebble bottom, at 10-20 cm water depth. Females deposit eggs in 2-3 portions throughout the spawning period. Eggs are 1.9 in diameter, orange, adhere to pebbles and hatch in 3 days. Larvae do not possess adhesive glands, are negatively phototactic and hide under stones. They drift to shallow areas after active feeding activity commences (Ref. 59043).

Inhabits piedmont and mountain streams with Mediterranean water regime, strong to moderate current, rock or gravel bottom. Abundant along shores and may be restricted to very small pools during summer. Feeds predominantly on terrestrial insects, benthic invertebrates and algae. Breeds in shallow riffle habitats, with strong current and stone or pebble bottom, at 10-20 cm water depth. Moves downstream in winter to deeper pools and to uppermost stretches of streams in summer (Ref. 59043).