Distribution of loach fishes (Cobitidae, Nemacheilidae) in Albania, with genetic analysis of populations of Cobitis ohridana

Abstract

The spined loach Cobitis ohridana was found to be a common species in Albania. Cobitis meridionalis occurs in Lake Prespa, while a spined loach with mtdna of Cobitis sensu stricto origin is present at least in the Ohrid-Drin- Shkodra system.

Stone loach Oxynoemacheilus pindus was caught in rivers of southern Albania and Barbatula sturanyi in the River Black Drin.

Keywords

• Cobitis ohridana
• Cobitis meridionalis
• Oxynoemacheilus pindus
• Barbatula sturanyi
• phylogenetic relationships