Cottus koshewnikowi Gratzianov, 1907

Family:  Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:  10 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Upper Volga, Ural and Dniepr drainages and northern and eastern Gulf of Bothnia in Finland and northern Sweden. Southern Baltic tributaries west to Estonia (Ref. 55856). Cottus populations from Dniepr, Ural and Pechora drainages are tentatively identified as Cottus koshewnikowi (Ref. 59043).
Diagnosis:  Anal soft rays: 11-14. Can be distinguished from other species of Cottus in Europe by the combination of the following characters: lateral line incomplete; reaching to anal-fin base, usually with 17-25 pores; at vertical of 10th ray of second dorsal fin, lateral line clearly above horizontal midline, distance from dorsal midline to lateral line 1.5-2.1 times in distance from ventral midline to lateral line; no distinct transverse bands on pelvic fin; prickling on body variable, in juveniles usually extending to caudal peduncle (Ref. 55856).
Biology:  Inhabits medium-sized rivers to small streams, and lake shores (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 March 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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