Differences in clutch size, egg size and larval pigmentation between Cobitis taenia and C-bilineata (Cobitidae)

A comparison of spawning features, eggs and larvae between spined leach Fro m northern Italy and northern Germany revealed differences in egg size, clu tch size and number of portions per female. Larvae differed in the presence of a ventral pigment row in C. taenia which was absent in C, bilineata. Tw o pigmentation intensity morphs occurred in C. bililneata larvae while in C . taenia larvae only one morph was observed. These differences (and the obs ervations of others) suggest that the two taxa are different species.