Vardar spined loach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vardar spined loach |
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| On a postage stamp of North Macedonia | |
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| Scientific classification |
The Vardar spined loach (scientific name: Cobitis vardarensis) is a type of ray-finned fish. It belongs to a family of fish called Cobitidae, which are often known as 'true loaches'. This fish was first described by S. L. Karaman in 1928.
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Where It Lives
The Vardar spined loach lives in freshwater environments. This means it can be found in rivers, lakes, and streams. It usually stays near the bottom (this is called 'demersal'). Sometimes, it can even live in brackish water, which is a mix of fresh and salty water. This fish prefers warm, subtropical climates.
How Big It Gets
The Vardar spined loach can grow to be about 11 centimeters (about 4.33 inches) long. This is roughly the length of a typical ballpoint pen.
Where You Can Find It
This fish is found in parts of Europe. It lives in the Aegean Sea basin, which includes rivers and streams that flow into the Aegean Sea. You can find it in drainages from the Pinios River to the Gallikos River in Greece. It also lives in North Macedonia. The fish is named after the Vardar River, a major river in North Macedonia and Greece.
Its Life and Habits
Scientists do not know everything about the Vardar spined loach yet. It usually lives in calm waters like lakes, old river bends (called oxbows), and quiet areas behind main currents (backwaters). It prefers muddy or silty bottoms. You will rarely find it in fast-moving water. This fish also lives in marshlands, slow-moving lowland rivers, springs, and the wet areas around them. When these fish reproduce, a male and female form a distinct pair.
Population Status
The Vardar spined loach is known to have a very large population. Because there are so many of them, this species is currently considered to be of "least concern." This means it is not in danger of becoming endangered right now.
What Threatens It
Even though there are many Vardar spined loaches, they face some dangers. They are threatened by water being taken out of their habitats (water abstraction). They are also harmed by water pollution, which can make their homes unsafe.
Classification
Here is how the Vardar spined loach is classified by scientists:
- Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
- Phylum: Chordata (Animals with a backbone)
- Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fish)
- Order: Cypriniformes (A large group of freshwater fish)
- Family: Cobitidae (True loaches)
- Genus: Cobitis
- Species: Cobitis vardarensis
