Status, distribution and morphometric/meristic characteristics of Cobitis elongata Heckel et Kner 1858 from Slovenia.

Cobitis elongata Heckel et Kner inhabits the rivers Sava, Kolpa, Krka, Gracnica and Hudinja (the Danube river basin). The species is common in its distribution area. In the Red List of endangered Pisces and Cyclostomata in Slovenia, it is classified as endangered. Status and distribution data of the species from previous reports and recent research were summarized. A total of 31 specimens from the river Kolpa were morphologically studied. Sixteen morphometric and four meristic characteristics were analysed using standard numerical taxonomic techniques. 99.8% of the total variation of standard length was explained by preanal distance, dorsal and ventral fin lengths as well as minimum body height.