Turcinoemacheilus inexpectatus, a new nemacheilid loach from the Tigris drainage (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae).

Abstract

Turcinoemacheilus inexpectatus, new species, is described from the Greater Zab, Lesser Zab, and Sirvan drainages, all tributaries of the middle Tigris. It belongs to the T. kosswigi species group. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by an indistinct or prominent midlateral stripe broader than the eye diameter often overlaid by a row of dark-brown blotches, greater pre-pelvic distance, deeper caudal peduncle, and wider interorbital distance.