Author: Karaman, 1928
FBname: Vardar spined loach
Comments: Found in still waters of lakes, oxbows and backwaters on mud to silt bottom, rarely in flowing water (Ref. 59043).  Also occur in marshlands, lowland rivers with little current, springs and associated wetlands (Ref. 26100).  A short-lived species. Oviparous, with distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).  Can be diagnosed from <i>Cobitis elongatoides</i> and <i>Cobitis pontica</i> only by chromosome characters. They cannot be distinguished in the field, except by origin (Ref. 59043).   Is threatened due to water abstraction and pollution (Ref. 26100).  Current assessment of threat reduced to least concern (Ref. 59043).