Iberian spined loach
Cobltls paludica
It has a maximum length of 12 cm, the females being larger than the males. The body is elongated, and the mouth is bordered by three pairs of barbels. It has four rows of longitudinal dark spots along the body.
It is an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula, where it is found mainly in the central and southern basins of the peninsula. In Catalonia it is rare, being present in the area of the Ebro delta and in the Matarranya basin, but the populations are very sparse. It is introduced into the Besòs and Ter basins.
It inhabits the middle and lower parts of rivers, in shallow and slow flow areas. It lives close to the substrate, hidden among the vegetation or buried in soft substrates. The main food is invertebrates, but it can also ingest organic algae and detritus.
It is in regression due to various impacts such as the introduction of exotic species and alterations of river habitat..
Distribution
Ebre spined loach
Cobitis calderoni
Small fish less than 10 cm in length. The body is very elongated and thin. Three pairs of short barbels around the mouth. Along the body it has four longitudinal rows of dark spots.
It is an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula that is distributed in the basins of the Ebro, Duero and Tajo. In Catalonia it appears very sporadically in the lower section of the river Segre near the confluence with the river Cinca, where it is relatively common.
It is a benthic species that prefers shallow, slow-flowing areas. It feeds on invertebrates.
It is a strongly declining species, as it is sensitive to various types of impacts.
Distribution
Italian river wolf
Cobitis bilineata
It is a species of small size, does not exceed 12 cm in length. He has an elongated body and small eyes. The mouth has three pairs of barbels. The coloration of the body presents some rows of dark spots
It is a species native to basins in the northern Adriatic, from Italy to Croatia. In Catalonia it is introduced at the headwaters of the river Terri, in the surroundings of the lake of Banyoles.
It is a benthic species that feeds on invertebrates and algae.
Distribution
