taxonID	type	description	language	source
C85F87D2FF98FFD228ABFF54FE57F9D8.taxon	vernacular_names	Lampreys	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF98FFD228ABFF54FE57F9D8.taxon	discussion	Lampreys are not fishes. They are a distinct lineage of vertebrates traditionally associated with fishes. Lampreys evolved in the marine environment and originated in the Ordovician period, at least 450 million years ago. This makes them survivors of five of the Earth’s great extinction events. Lampreys are often thought to be related to hagfish (Myxiniformes), which are a sister group to lampreys. Ammocoetes, the filter-feeding worm-like larval stage of modern lampreys, have long influenced hypotheses of vertebrate ancestry. The life history of modern lampreys, from a superficially amphioxus-like ammocoete to a specialised predatory adult, was thought to exemplify the origin of vertebrates. However, recent analyses of immature specimens of Palaeozoic stem lampreys show that they lack an ammocoete larval stage. Ammocoetes are specialisations of the life history of modern lampreys rather than relics of vertebrate ancestry. Since modern hagfish also lack a larval stage, the last common ancestor of hagfish and lampreys was probably a macrophagous predator without a filter-feeding larval stage. The earliest known record of the ontogenic transition from ammocoete to adult is Mesomyzon from Early Cretaceous lake beds in China. All modern lamprey lineages have evolved in freshwater within the last 200 million years. The derived state of an ammocoete and the prolonged filter-feeding larval phase undoubtedly delayed the need for the endocrine function of a thyroid gland in iodine-poor freshwater environments. This is one of the mechanisms that allowed lampreys to evolve in freshwater. Lampreys are jawless and eel-like animals with seven roundish gill openings behind the eye but lacking paired fins. They have a very distinctive oral disc armed with rows of horny teeth, which they use to attach themselves to surfaces and prey. The dentition of the oral disc is an important character in identifying genera (Figure 26 – 27). All lampreys are found in cooler waters above 20 ° northern and southern latitudes. Petromyzontidae are found in the north, while a few species of other families are found in the southern hemisphere. Lampreys spawn in spring and die shortly after spawning. They spend several years in a larval stage (ammocoete). The duration of the ammocoete stage is still controversial, but we know that lamprey species in West Asia undergo metamorphosis between late summer and early winter. Juveniles are always shorter than adult ammocoetes (larvae shrink during metamorphosis). Migrating Petromyzon marinus are attracted by steroidal pheromones released by stream-dwelling larvae, which indicate habitat suitability. These compounds are detected at extremely low concentrations and are released in large quantities. Laboratory experiments show that each Petromyzon larva activates at least 400 l of water per hour. Spawning lampreys cease their normal daylight avoidance and spawn on sunny days. The male arrives first at the spawning site and releases a bile acid that acts as a sex pheromone, inducing the ovulated female to search for him. Spawning generally occurs in fast-flowing water, often at the head of riffles in streams. During spawning, the male attaches to the female’s neck and wraps his body around her. The female then deposits the eggs in the gravel with her belly. Of the four species from West Asia, two are anadromous: Caspiomyzon wagneri and Petromyzon marinus. Caspiomyzon is a predatory species, and Petromyzon is parasitic. The two species of Lampetra in West Asia are sedentary; they do not feed after metamorphosis. Instead, they spawn in the spring after metamorphosis. Other species of Lampetra are found in Europe.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9EFFD528ABFB43FEEFF921.taxon	discussion	The genus Caspiomyzon comprises three species: one migratory and feeding as adults, and the other two are resident brook lampreys, not feeding as adults. While C. wagneri is widespread, especially in the southern Caspian basin, both Caspiomyzon brook lampreys (C. hellenicus, C. graecus) are locally endemic to the Mediterranean basin (Greece and Albania). Both have been described in the European genus Eudontomyzon, and their placement in Caspiomyzon raises some interesting biogeographic questions, as Caspiomyzon does not occur in the Black Sea basin. A migratory lamprey historically known from the Black Sea basin was initially placed in the genus Eudontomyzon, but when rediscovered, it was identified as a species of Lampetra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9EFFD428ABF930FA12FED9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caspian lamprey.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9EFFD428ABF930FA12FED9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of lampreys in West Asia by: ● many small teeth in regular backwards-curved radiating rows / ○ all teeth low, blunt, button-shaped / ○ supraoral lamina short, with one, rarely two closely connected teeth / ● supraoral lamina tooth blunt / ● infraoral lamina with 4 – 6 large teeth / ○ oral disc width less than body width / ○ ammocoetes with 53 – 68 trunk myomeres. Size up to 575 mm TL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9EFFD428ABF930FA12FED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian Sea and most (even relatively small) tributaries. In West Asia, Kura drainage, up to Astara, lower Aras (Azerbaijan), and coastal Caspian rivers east to Gorgan. In Iran, now restricted to a few rivers, between Sefid to Gorgan. Also found in European Caspian basin. Migrated to uppermost tributaries of Volga (1500 km), but spawn along all rivers where suitable substrate exists.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9EFFD428ABF930FA12FED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Adults live in sea caught down to depths of 600 – 700 m. Spawns in sections of rivers and streams with strong currents. Ammocoetes live in detritus-rich sand or clay sediments, selecting and changing habitats according to sediment size as they grow. Biology. Anadromous; upstream migration of adults in autumn and spring. In Kura and Iran, autumn run begins in late October and peaks in December and January; spring run begins in mid-March to late May, with peak spawning migration in April (at 16 ° C) (Iran). In shorter rivers, most individuals migrate in spring. Migration occurs at dusk and night, peaking about 2 hours after sunset and during daylight hours when water temperature rises to 13 – 14 ° C. Migrate 2 – 16 km per night. Spawn in pairs in March – June (rarely in July) when temperature reaches 13 – 23 ° C. Eggs laid in crescent-shaped nests made of gravel and small stones. Ammocoetes hatch in 8 – 10 days. Ammocoete stage lasts 2 – 4 years. Feeds on detritus and microorganisms. Metamorphosis begins in mid – July and lasts until October. After metamorphosis, juveniles migrate to sea until December of same year. Adults stay at sea for at least 17 months. In lower Volga, occurrence of small (about 190 – 310 mm TL) and large (370 – 550 mm TL) mature adults suggests that adults may feed one or two summers before spawning. Feeding behaviour unknown. Due to their fat content and abundance, dried C. wagneri were formerly used as candles in Russia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9EFFD428ABF930FA12FED9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; historically found in all Caspian rivers. Limited by dams to lower part of rivers. Discharged when caught in Iran due to religious reasons. Rare, with only a few remaining spawning sites in rivers draining from eastern Caucasus, where it might have stabilised at a low level. In Volga, a sharp decline was observed during the 20 th century. Potentially still abundant in Ural, but more information is needed at present. The status of landlocked populations in reservoirs in lower Volga must be confirmed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9FFFD72B1BFE6EFDC4F82D.taxon	discussion	There are 13 species in the genus, 4 of which are predatory and 9 nonpredatory brook lampreys. Most are known from Europe and the Asian part of the Black Sea basin. Several North American species are still placed in Lampetra, as a global phylogeny of lampreys shows that the genus Lampetra is not restricted to the Western Palaearctic. The evolution of brook lampreys has been much discussed in Lampetra. Brook lampreys are superficially similar to migratory lampreys of the same genus but do not smoltify and migrate downstream after metamorphosis. Instead, they remain in the streams and spawn in the approaching spring without feeding. As brook lampreys do not feed after metamorphosis, they do not grow (but shrink). Both predatory and brook lampreys may spawn simultaneously at the same sites, but they are reproductively isolated due to their size-related mating behaviour. However, it has always been believed that brook lampreys evolve from migratory lampreys, and ecological factors during their larval phase have been discussed to trigger whether or not they become migratory. Several studies have attempted to determine whether their nucleotides support the independent occurrence of predatory and nonpredatory lampreys and their recognition as separate species. The question is whether the two constitute different life-history strategies of a single but phenotypically highly bipolar species. Analyses of mitochondrial markers from a geographically broad set of Central and Southwest European Lampetra populations definitively demonstrated nonmonophyly in the widespread Central European nonpredatory species L. planeri compared to the predatory L. fluviatilis. However, it remains to be seen if this is due to ongoing gene flow or incomplete lineage sorting. A comprehensive genome-wide comparison of a predatory / nonpredatory species pair from the same location (L. fluviatilis / L. planeri) revealed strong genetic differentiation despite shared mitochondrial haplotypes in these two populations. This genome-wide strong differentiation is likely the rule, not an exception. After decades of research, we still need to learn how brook lampreys evolved from predatory lampreys. This is an area that will undoubtedly attract further research in the future. Lampetra lanceolata; İyidere, Türkiye; 129 mm TL. All non-feeding species of Lampetra have likely evolved from L. fluviatilis and its ancestors. Furthermore, all brook lampreys have been isolated from this predatory lamprey at different times. Finally, an additional migratory species was widespread in the northern Black Sea basin, where L. fluviatilis is not found. This species was previously referred to as Eudontomyzon sp. “ Migratory ” until, after more than 100 years without records, such an animal was found in the Sea of Azov. This individual was identified as a migratory species of Lampetra. Due to the political unrest in Eastern Ukraine, no new data could be collected on this very rare lamprey, and thus, no molecular data are available for this species. This migratory Lampetra species from the Sea of Azov is likely related to L. lanceolata and L. ninae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9CFFD72B39FBF9FBBBF82D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Anatolian brook lamprey.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9CFFD72B39FBF9FBBBF82D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from L. ninae by: ● posterial teeth absent or only two unicuspid teeth present. Size up to 140 mm TL in adults, 173 mm TL in ammocoetes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9CFFD72B39FBF9FBBBF82D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: İyidere and Yanbolu drainages, coastal streams flowing into Black Sea between Rize and Trabzon, also in upper Melen, and streams flowing into Lake Sapanca.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9CFFD72B39FBF9FBBBF82D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lower parts of rivers with slow currents and bottoms rich in organic material. Ammocoetes live in detritus-rich sand or clay sediments. Spawns on gravel substrate. Biology. Nonpredatory, freshwater resident. Larvae begin metamorphosis after third summer and reach a total length of 130 mm at end of summer. Likely to spawn in April and May at water temperatures between 13 and 15 ° C.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9CFFD72B39FBF9FBBBF82D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; distributed up to 15 km inland from mouth of İyidere, where it has declined sharply and is now very rare. There are now six hydroelectric dams in the İyidere, which caused massive habitat change due to pulsed flooding. Status and distribution in other streams are unknown. Very rare in Sapanca Lake basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9DFFD92885FCFDFEC2FD5C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caucasian brook lamprey.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9DFFD92885FCFDFEC2FD5C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from L. lanceolata by: ● posterial teeth usually present in interrupted or complete rows, 4 – 23 unicuspid and bicuspid teeth. Size up to 166 mm TL in adults, slightly longer in ammocoetes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9DFFD92885FCFDFEC2FD5C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caucasian Black Sea basin of Russia and Georgia: Shakhe, Mzymta, and Chakhtsutsyr drainages south to Bzyb’ and Mokva in Abkhazia (Georgia) south to the border between Georgia and Türkiye.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9DFFD92885FCFDFEC2FD5C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Foothills zones in clear, well-oxygenated brooks. Ammocoetes live in detritus-rich sands or clay sediments. Biology. Nonpredatory, freshwater resident. Metamorphose in autumn. Spawning biology unknown but suspected to be identical to L. lanceolata, which overwinters and spawns in spring.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9DFFD92885FCFDFEC2FD5C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; still common and widespread within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF9DFFD92885FCFDFEC2FD5C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Described as a species of the Arctic genus Lethenteron. Molecular studies indicate that it is very closely related to L. lanceolata. Both may be conspecific, and further research is needed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF92FFD928ABFCE3FE72FBFC.taxon	discussion	The monotypic genus occurs in North America, North Africa, Europe, and occasionally in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is one of the largest lampreys in the world and the most well-known and best studied, especially due to its invasion and tremendous effects in the North American Great Lakes. There is no record of larvae or an established population of Petromyzon in West Asia. Therefore, the solitary individuals found are likely stayers from the western Mediterranean population. On the other hand, larvae are difficult to find, and more research is needed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF92FFD928ABFB4DFA82FAE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of family in West Asia by: ● adults grey to yellow with dark-brown blotches, no blotches in juveniles / ○ supraoral lamina short, with two adjacent teeth / ● infraoral lamina with 7 – 8 large, sharp teeth / ○ oral disc wider than body width / ○ many small teeth on oral disc, in regular backward-curved radiating rows / ○ all teeth sharp / ● 66 – 75 trunk myomeres / ○ ammocoetes with black pigment on caudal. Size up to 1200 mm TL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF92FFD928ABFB4DFA82FAE9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Occurs very irregularly in Mediterranean rivers in Türkiye. Widespread on both sides of North Atlantic, north to Iceland, and along Norwegian coast to Barents Sea (Ura, Kola Peninsula). North Sea, Baltic, and western and central Mediterranean basins very rare in eastern Mediterranean and Baltic basins. Several land-locked populations in North America.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF92FFD928ABFB4DFA82FAE9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Adults at sea offshore. Spawns in strong-current habitats of rivers and streams. Ammocoetes in detritus-rich sand or clay sediments. Biology. Anadromous, parasitic. Adults migrate to rivers in autumn and winter. Spawns in pairs, April – July, mostly in May and early June, when temperatures reach at least 15 ° C. Spawning individuals stop their normal daylight avoidance response and breed on sunny days. Male dig a shallow nest in areas with strong currents. Ammocoete stage lasts 5 ½ – 7 ½ years. Feeds on diatoms and detritus, metamorphoses at 130 – 150 mm TL in late summer, and migrates to sea. Adults parasitise various fish species at sea, even whales and other cetaceans. It usually does not kill its hosts but feeds on small amounts of blood and body fluid from a single host for several days. Adults feed for about 3 years before migrating to spawning grounds.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF92FFD928ABFB4DFA82FAE9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; rare but widespread. Populations in Europe, which had declined due to pollution, have recovered since the 1980 s but appear to be declining again in recent years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF92FFD928ABFB4DFA82FAE9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In 1921, 90 years after opening of the Welland Canal, the Lake Ontario population entered other Great Lakes of North America. Combined with other factors, this caused a sharp decline in many native species and the extinction of three endemic coregonids.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF93FFD82885FF26FB45FE41.taxon	vernacular_names	Requiem sharks	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF93FFD82885FF26FB45FE41.taxon	discussion	The family of about 12 genera and 58 species of large sharks is found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. It is distinguished from all other families of sharks by having an anal fin, five gill-slits, a streamlined body, several rows of triangular teeth in the jaws, two dorsals without an anterior spine, and a short head, not laterally widened to a “ hammer ” shape. The largest species of the family is the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier, reaching up to 7 m. However, most requiem sharks reach 3 m or less. One species, the bull shark, regularly enters freshwater habitats and penetrates up to 4000 km inland in the Amazon. It is known to breed in freshwaters and occurs in some lakes in Central America and New Guinea, where it is the victim of massive overfishing. All requiem sharks reproduce viviparously, with internal fertilization. Unlike many other sharks, they do not feed their young with unfertilised eggs in the uterus, and they are not cannibalistic. Several marine shark species have been reported from the Shatt al Arab in Iraq. To identify them, identification resources about marine sharks must be consulted.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF93FFDB2B1BFE16FC2EFE6F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bull shark.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF93FFDB2B1BFE16FC2EFE6F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Only shark in freshwaters in West Asia. Size up to 3400 mm TL, usually up to 2000 mm TL have been estimated in Iraqi freshwaters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF93FFDB2B1BFE16FC2EFE6F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. In West Asia, in Persian Gulf basin, where it enters Euphrates-Tigris drainage. In Iran, migrates into Karun and Khowr-e Bahmanshir. In Iraq, once regularly upriver to Baghdad, but currently only up to Basra due to dams. Worldwide in warm temperate to tropical seas. Absent from Mediterranean and very rarely reported from Atlantic coast of Western Sahara. Reported to enter freshwater almost throughout its range, including Amazon, Gambia, Ganges, Mississippi, San Juan (and Lake Nicaragua), Zambezi, and many rivers in southern Africa, New Guinea, and Australia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF93FFDB2B1BFE16FC2EFE6F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Continental shelf waters to a depth of about 150 m, but usually less than 30 m. Frequently found in estuarine and freshwater areas of lower and middle reaches of rivers. Brackish and freshwater habitats are major nursery areas. Biology. Euryhaline, moves freely between marine and freshwater. Tolerates hypersaline conditions up to 53 ‰. Life span is about 14 years. Matures at about 6 years to a length of 1600 – 2250 mm TL for females and 1800 – 2300 mm TL for males. Gestation period is 10 – 11 months and up to 13 embryos are reported. Usually, gives birth in estuaries. Juveniles are between 560 and 810 mm TL. Can swim up to 180 km in 24 hours. One of the most dangerous sharks. Freshwater attacks are rare but responsible for most shark attacks in shallow estuarine and coastal waters worldwide. Carnivorous, feeding near bottom on vertebrates such as fish, elasmobranchs, sea turtles, sea snakes, and large invertebrates such as crabs, sea urchins, and cephalopods. Juveniles usually take fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF93FFDB2B1BFE16FC2EFE6F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; still found in Iraqi and Iranian freshwaters. Worldwide heavily depleted with declining populations. Commonly caught in commercial and recreational fisheries. Usually not a target species but caught as by-catch or as part of a multispecies fishery. Has been commercially exploited for its skin, liver oil, and meat, with fins currently being the main product.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF91FFDC2885FF54FE2EFA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Sturgeons	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF91FFDC2885FF54FE2EFA51.taxon	discussion	Sturgeons are a small family restricted to the northern hemisphere, in Europe, northern Asia, and North America. Traditionally, all sturgeon species found in Western Asia and Europe were placed in two genera: Acipenser (nine species) and Huso (one species). Other genera in the family Acipenseridae include Scaphirhynchus, with three species in North America, and Pseudoscaphirhynchus, with 1 - 3 species in the Aral basin in Central Asia. The phylogeny of sturgeons has been well understood for many years, and it has long been evident that the genus Acipenser is paraphyletic. This has not been reflected into a generic classification, as species such as Sterletus stellatus have been found to occupy different positions in different analyses. Therefore, sturgeon phylogeny was considered preliminary. This was also intended to avoid renaming these highly threatened species, as it was feared that name changes would hinder sturgeon protection. Sturgeon phylogeny has recently been reanalysed and, for the first time, translated into a new generic structure. Pseudoscaphirhynchus and Scaphirhynchus remain valid genera, but Acipenser now comprises only A. sturio, A. desotoi and A. oxyrinchus. All other West Asian and European Acipenser species have been placed in the genus Huso, ignoring that Huso is a junior synonym of Sterletus. The type species of Sterletus is the American lake sturgeon (S. fulvescens). Consequently, all sturgeon species in the Pacific basin in Asia and America, including Huso dauricus, have been placed in the genus Sinosturio. Users of species names now have three options: 1) treat the knowledge of sturgeon phylogeny still as too incomplete to risk causing confusion by changing the names, 2) place all sturgeons in the family Acipenseridae in the genus Acipenser (requiring few name changes), or 3) accept the proposed generic concept, as we do in this book. Sturgeons are a very isolated group of fishes resembling sharks with a heterocercal caudal, a largely cartilaginous skeleton, and an intestine with a spiral valve. The earliest fossil sturgeon is Protopsephurus from the Barremian (126.5 – 121.4 million years ago) in the Cretaceous of China. Sturgeons are large fish with five rows of hard bony plates, no scales, four barbels, a projecting snout, and an inferior mouth forming a protrusible tube. Bony plates or scutes are more prominent in small individuals, often partly hidden under the skin in adults. Most sturgeons are anadromous, foraging in marine waters or freshened parts of seas and undertaking long spawning migrations to large rivers. Upstream migration generally starts in late summer and is less marked when temperatures fall below a threshold. Many individuals overwinter in freshwater. The main peak of upstream migration usually occurs in early spring. The individuals returning to rivers in late summer often move and spawn further upstream than those migrating in spring. All species spawn in freshwaters in spring and summer. Spawning generally takes place in fast-flowing water, on gravel bottom. Females return to foraging areas immediately after spawning, while males often remain at the spawning grounds for many weeks, waiting for other females. Females of most species do not spawn every year. Eggs and larvae are very sensitive to low oxygen concentrations. The juveniles of anadromous species usually migrate to the sea during their first summer. All sturgeons can complete their life cycles in pure freshwater, and non-anadromous, riverine individuals or populations existed in S. nudiventris and S. gueldenstaedtii. Among all Western Palaearctic fishes, sturgeons are the family most strongly impacted by human activities such as damming and overfishing. All anadromous sturgeons are now very rare in the Black Sea basin, following the impoundment of almost all spawning rivers. It is also evident that nearly all individuals found today descend from stocked juveniles produced in sturgeon farms. The last Black Sea tributaries that still support natural migrating populations are the Danube and the Rioni (Georgia). The Rioni is the key river in the Black Sea basin, home to the last populations of S. nudiventris (if still extant) and S. persicus. Despite their critical status these species are still overfished in the Rioni. The Caspian sturgeon populations are under immense pressure due to overfishing and the loss of spawning sites. It is clear that, except for S. stellatus, all anadromous sturgeons discussed in this book now completely depend on stocking. Overfishing at sea for meat and in rivers for caviar has resulted in their extinction. Indeed, sturgeons are a conservation success story, as most species would be completely extinct today without farming and stocking. Populations depend on stocking of juveniles from fish farms. This makes identification even more problematic as most sturgeon farms produce different hybrids. The most frequent hybrid is a cross between S. huso and S. ruthenus (called “ bester ”). Furthermore, non-native species such as S. baerii and different American species are widely produced and stocked. Fish farms in the Black and Caspian Seas used wild-caught genitors. As these are increasingly difficult to find, farms gradually shift to in-farm spawners. It is common for S. persicus outside their main distribution range to be confused with S. gueldenstaedtii by sturgeon farmers, who often mix them with this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF91FFDC2885FF54FE2EFA51.taxon	discussion	Scute terminology in Acipenseridae. A series of scutes or bony plates partially cover the body of a sturgeon. The scutes are more prominent in juveniles and become embedded and reduced as they grow. Scutes are most deeply embedded and reduced in adult S. huso. Scutes are arranged in five longitudinal rows, one row along the dorsal midline between the head and the dorsal origin (dorsal scutes), one midlateral row from the head to the caudal (lateral scutes), and one row between the pectoral base and the anal origin (ventral scutes). Rhombic or star-shaped bony denticles may be present at least between the dorsal and lateral scute rows; some denticles are enlarged to form plates, especially in the posterior part of the body. These denticles are very prominent in juveniles of S. stellatus, S. gueldenstaedtii, and S. persicus but become relatively smaller and often deeply embedded in adults. In other species, denticles are often absent or very small. In Acipenser sturio, the denticles are more prominent, large, and clearly visible in adults. All scutes and denticles may be lacking in some individuals of all species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF94FFDF28ABFCCEFC03FA17.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Atlantic sturgeon	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF94FFDF28ABFCCEFC03FA17.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Sterletus in West Asia by: ○ many rhombic or elongated denticles between dorsal and lateral scutes / ○ a series of plates along posterior part of anal base / ○ 2 – 4 plates along lower edge of caudal peduncle / ○ first dorsal scute fused with head / ○ 24 – 40 lateral scutes / ○ base of barbels midway between mouth and tip of snout or closer to mouth / ○ barbels not fimbriate / ○ 15 – 29 gill rakers / ○ lower lip interrupted in middle / ○ diploid. Largest documented size 6000 mm TL and 1000 kg, but today rarely exceeds 2000 mm TL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF94FFDF28ABFCCEFC03FA17.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Only spawning river in West Asia was Rioni (Georgia). Found along all coasts of Mediterranean and Black Sea. Also, North and White Seas, and European coasts of Atlantic. Occasionally recorded from Iceland. Anadromous, in most large rivers, but not recorded from Danube upstream of delta. Currently confined to Garonne (France).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF94FFDF28ABFCCEFC03FA17.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, coastal and estuarine areas on soft ground. In freshwaters, estuaries, and large rivers. Biology. Anadromous. Males first spawn at 9 – 13 years, females at 11 – 18 years. Females spawn every other year and males every year in March – August when temperatures rise above 20 ° C, later in northern populations and in populations spawning further upstream. Spawning migrations peak in spring, with a secondary weak peak in late summer and autumn. Individuals migrating in late summer overwinter in rivers and spawn in spring. Spawns in strong-current habitats, in large and deep rivers, on stone to gravel bottoms. Spent individuals return directly to sea. Some juveniles migrate to sea during first summer, but most leave freshwater habitats after 2 – 4 years and remain at sea until maturity. At sea, feeds on a variety of molluscs, worms, crustaceans, and small fish. Atlantic populations feed benthically, while Black Sea populations feed in pelagic zone, mainly on anchovies.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF94FFDF28ABFCCEFC03FA17.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; survival appears to depend only on stocking. Decline began in 19 th century or possibly earlier due to massive overfishing, damming, river regulation and pollution. Last natural spawning in 1994. Last remaining population (in France) still declining. Population in Rioni (Georgia) disappeared in late 20 th century. Bycatch and accidental kills are still a major problem in France. Reintroduction programmes are underway in France and Germany.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF95FFDE2885FD8FFAEEFBED.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Siberian sturgeon	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF95FFDE2885FD8FFAEEFBED.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acipenser and Sterletus in West Asia by: ● 20 – 49 fan-shaped gill rakers terminated by several tubercles / ○ lower lip interrupted in middle / ○ 10 – 20 dorsal scutes / ○ 32 – 62 lateral scutes / ○ 7 – 16 ventral scutes / ○ barbels not fimbriate / ○ tetraploid. Size usually up to 2000 mm TL and 210 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF95FFDE2885FD8FFAEEFBED.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Siberia (from Ob to Kolyma drainages, Lake Baikal). Aquaculture has resulted in deliberate and accidental releases, especially in Caucasus. No known established populations in West Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF95FFDE2885FD8FFAEEFBED.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Deep parts of large rivers with moderate to rapid currents. Spawns in main channel over stone-gravel or gravel-sand bottom in strong current. Biology. Non-anadromous. Males first spawn at 11 – 24 years, females at 20 – 28 years (9 – 10 and 11 – 12 years, respectively, in Lena). Females spawn every 3 – 5 years and males every 2 – 3 years in May – June at 9 – 18 ° C. In Siberian part of range, there are both sedentary and migratory parts of populations. Migratory individuals feed in estuaries and migrate upstream to spawn. Before construction of dams on Ob, they migrated about 3000 km upstream. Spawning migration begins in autumn. Sedentary individuals inhabit middle and upper reaches of rivers and do not undertake long migrations. Feeds on a variety of benthic organisms, including crustaceans and chironomid larvae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF95FFDE2885FD8FFAEEFBED.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native and not established; released for commercial fisheries or escaped from fish farms. CR in native range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF95FFA12885F9A3FAABFDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Russian sturgeon	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF95FFA12885F9A3FAABFDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acipenser and Sterletus in West Asia by: ○ head triangular, if seen from below / ○ base of barbels closer to tip of snout than to mouth / ○ barbels not fimbriate / ○ lower lip interrupted in middle / ○ 15 – 31 gill rakers / ○ 8 – 19 dorsal scutes / ○ 24 – 50 lateral scutes / ○ 6 – 13 ventral scutes / ○ snout short (22 – 36 % HL) and blunt / ○ head length 17 – 19 % TL / ○ many star-shaped bony denticles of various sizes between dorsal and lateral scutes / ○ dorsum golden brown, belly yellowish white / ○ dorsal profiles of head and body forming an obtuse angle / ○ no plates along posterior part of anal base / ○ 0 – 1 plate along lower edge of caudal peduncle / ○ tetraploid. Size up to 2360 mm TL and 115 kg. Evidence does not support records of size up to 4000 mm TL. Subfossil specimens about 3000 mm TL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF95FFA12885F9A3FAABFDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian, Black, and Azov Sea basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF95FFA12885F9A3FAABFDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, shallow coastal and estuarine areas. In freshwaters, deep parts of large rivers with moderate to fast currents. Spawns in strong currents (1.0 – 1.5 m / s) in large and deep rivers on stony or gravelly bottoms. Biology. Anadromous and freshwater populations. A complex pattern of spawning migrations includes spring and autumn runs. Individuals migrating in spring enter freshwater just before spawning, tend to spawn in lower reaches of rivers (320 – 650 km in unregulated Ural). Individuals migrating in autumn overwinter in rivers and spawn further upstream in spring (900 – 1200 km in Ural). Males first spawn at 8 – 13 years, females at 10 – 16 years. Females spawn every 4 – 6 years and males every 2 – 3 years in April – June when temperatures rise above 10 ° C. Larvae drift on currents; juveniles then move to shallower habitats before migrating to sea during their first summer. Remain at sea until maturity. Feeds on a wide variety of benthic molluscs, crustaceans and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF95FFA12885F9A3FAABFDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; survival appears to depend only on stocking. Very rare in Black Sea basin. Almost all spawning grounds lost due to dam construction. Heavily overfished. Caspian populations are under massive pressure from overfishing and loss of spawning habitat. Almost all migrating spawners are poached below Volgograd dam.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEAFFA028ABF9E6FAC3FE41.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Beluga	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEAFFA028ABF9E6FAC3FE41.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acipenser and Sterletus in West Asia by: ● gill membranes joined and free from isthmus / ● mouth very large, crescent-shaped / ● barbels laterally flattened / ○ 9 – 17 dorsal scutes / ○ 37 – 53 lateral scutes / ○ 7 – 14 ventral scutes / ○ 17 – 36 gill rakers. Largest documented size 8000 mm TL and 3200 kg, but generally below 5000 mm TL and 1000 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEAFFA028ABF9E6FAC3FE41.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian, Black, Marmara, Azov, and Adriatic Sea basins. Extirpated and actually reintroduced in Adriatic basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEAFFA028ABF9E6FAC3FE41.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, pelagic, following food organisms. Migrates further upstream to spawn than any other sturgeon (in Danube to Germany). Spawns in strong-current habitats in main channel of large and deep rivers on rocky or gravelly bottoms. Juveniles spend first summer in shallow river habitats. Biology. Anadromous. Males first spawn at 10 – 16 years, females at 14 – 20 years. Spawns every 3 – 4 years in April – June. A complicated pattern of spawning migrations includes a peak in late winter and spring and a peak in late summer and autumn. In spring, individuals migrate from sea prior to spawning. Individuals migrating in autumn remain in river until following spring. Yolk sac larvae pelagic for 7 – 8 days, drifting with current. Juveniles migrate to sea during their first summer and remain there until maturity. At sea, feeds on a wide variety of fish; seals and birds have also been reported as prey.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEAFFA028ABF9E6FAC3FE41.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; survival appears to depend only on stocking. Extirpated from Adriatic (1970 s) and Sea of Azov. Last populations in Black Sea basin migrate to Danube and Rioni (Georgia). All other populations almost extirpated due to overfishing and damming of spawning rivers. Occasional individuals are still recorded from Azov and Black Seas. No natural spawning in Iranian or Turkish waters. Most females recorded are in their first year of maturity.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE8FFA328ABFF5EFAC1FCE1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ship sturgeon	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE8FFA328ABFF5EFAC1FCE1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acipenser and Sterletus in West Asia by: ● lower lip continuous, not interrupted in middle / ● first dorsal scute larger than following ones, fused with head, forming an obtuse angle with head profile / ○ barbels fimbriate / ○ 24 – 45 gill rakers / ○ 11 – 17 dorsal scutes / ○ 49 – 74 lateral scutes / ○ diploid. Size up to 2200 mm TL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE8FFA328ABFF5EFAC1FCE1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black, Azov, Caspian, and Aral Sea basins. Danube up to Bratislava, Volga up to Kazan, Ural up to Chkalov, unknown or very rare in others. Introduced in Lake Balkhash (Kazakhstan) from Syr-Darya (Aral basin) in 1960 s.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE8FFA328ABFF5EFAC1FCE1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, near coasts and estuaries. In freshwater, deep sections of large rivers. Juveniles in shallow river habitats. Spawns in strong-current habitats in mainstem of large and deep rivers on stony or gravelly bottoms. Biology. Anadromous, with some non-migratory freshwater populations. Males first spawn at 6 – 15 years, females at 12 – 22 years. Recorded life span of 36 years, but probably much longer. Spring and autumn migrations occur in most drainages. Individuals migrating in autumn remain in river until following spring to spawn. Females spawn every 2 – 3 years and males every 1 – 2 years in March – May and at temperatures above 10 ° C. Most juveniles migrate to sea in their first summer and remain there until maturity. Recorded migrating 1500 km upstream in Amu Darya. Some individuals stay in freshwater for longer periods. Feeds on a wide variety of benthic fish, molluscs and crustaceans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE8FFA328ABFF5EFAC1FCE1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; survival appears to depend on stocking. Extirpated from Aral and Black Sea basins. Only occasional records from Danube, Rioni, and lower Volga. Only a very small population may remain in Ural (Russia, Kazakhstan). No natural spawning in Iran. Established in Lake Balkhash, where it forms a small population, but details are not known. Caspian S. stellatus introduced in Aral basin were infected by parasitic monogenean flatworm Nitzschia sturionis, which caused collapse of Aral population of S. nudiventris.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA22885FF5EFAC8FB94.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian sturgeon	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA22885FF5EFAC8FB94.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acipenser and Sterletus in West Asia by: ○ head squarish, if seen from below / ○ dorsum greyish-blue to black, belly white / ○ base of barbels closer to tip of snout than to mouth / ○ barbels not fimbriate / ○ lower lip interrupted in middle / ○ snout elongate, massive and curved downward / ○ dorsal profiles of head and body continuous / ○ no plate along posterior part of anal base / ○ no plate along posterior part of anal base / ○ 0 – 1 plate along lower edge of caudal peduncle / ○ 15 – 31 gill rakers / ○ 7 – 19 dorsal scutes / ○ 23 – 41 lateral scutes / ○ 7 – 13 ventral scutes. Size up to 2280 mm TL and 70 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA22885FF5EFAC8FB94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin, most abundant in southern part. Also, in south-eastern Black Sea basin along Georgian and Anatolian coasts where it enters Rioni and previously lower Danube.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA22885FF5EFAC8FB94.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, coastal and estuarine zones. Spawns in strong-current habitats in main channel of large and deep rivers on stony or gravel bottoms. Juveniles spend their first summer in riverine habitats. Biology. Anadromous. Males first spawn at 8 – 15 years, females at 12 – 18 years. Does not spawn every year. Spawns June – August when temperature rises above 16 ° C. In southern Caspian basin, spawns April – September, but reproduction is interrupted from June to August when temperatures rise above 25 ° C. Most individuals migrate upstream in April – May, but some may enter rivers at other times of the year. In southern Caspian basin, there is a second run in September – October. Juveniles migrate to sea during their first summer and remain there until maturity. At sea, it feeds on a wide variety of benthic molluscs, crustaceans, and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA22885FF5EFAC8FB94.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; survival appears to depend only on stocking. Presence generally ignored; individuals often confused with S. gueldenstaedtii. Last spawning population migrates to Rioni in Georgia. Probably no natural reproduction anymore in Caspian basin. Has been massively stocked from artificial propagation in Iran. Recently, Iranian stocking programmes for this species have been discontinued.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA22885FF5EFAC8FB94.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Acipenser colchicus has been proposed as a valid species for the Black Sea population. Molecular or other data have not supported this hypothesis, and we treat S. colchicus as a synonym of S. persicus. Similar datasets also do not support S. persicus as distinct from S. gueldenstaedtii, while these two species are always recognised as morphologically distinct, especially in the Caspian basin. Further research is needed to resolve this taxonomic issue.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA52884F9E6FB90FED9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Stellate sturgeon	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA52884F9E6FB90FED9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acipenser and Sterletus in West Asia by: ● snout very long (59 – 65 % HL), narrow, dorsoventrally compressed / ○ star-shaped bony denticles between rows of scutes / ○ no plate along posterior part of anal base / ○ 0 – 1 plate along lower edge of caudal peduncle / ○ 9 – 16 dorsal scutes / ○ 26 – 43 lateral scutes / ○ 9 – 14 ventral scutes / ○ base of barbels closer to mouth than to tip of snout / ○ lower lip interrupted in middle / ○ 24 – 29 gill rakers / ○ diploid. Size up to 2180 mm TL and 54 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA52884F9E6FB90FED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian, Black, Azov, and Aegean basins, ascending rivers to spawn. Introduced in Aral basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA52884F9E6FB90FED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, in coastal and estuarine areas. Feed on bottom, usually on clayey sand, and intensively in middle and upper water layers. Spawns in strong currents in main channel of large and deep rivers, on stone or gravel bottoms. Also, spawns on flooded riverbanks; if gravel bottom is unavailable spawns on sand or sandy clay. Juveniles occupy shallow river habitats during first summer. Biology. Anadromous. Males first spawn at 6 – 12 years, females at 8 – 14 years. Females spawn every 3 – 4 years and males every 2 – 3 years in April – September. Spawns only under relatively constant hydrological conditions. Fluctuating hydrological conditions result in high egg mortality. Upstream migration with two peaks in spring and autumn. Migrates at higher temperatures and therefore later than other sturgeons. Males spend no more than 6 weeks at spawning sites, and females only 10 – 12 days. Spent individuals return directly to sea. Yolk sac larvae pelagic for 2 – 3 days, drifting with current. Juveniles migrate to sea during their first summer and remain there until maturity. At sea, feeds on a wide variety of crustaceans, molluscs and benthic and pelagic fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE9FFA52884F9E6FB90FED9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; survival appears to depend on stocking. Extirpated from Aegean Sea. In Black Sea basin, last natural populations still migrate to Danube and Rioni (Georgia), where it is heavily overfished. Very few spawners remain in rest of Black Sea basin. Large numbers were stocked from Caspian to Azov basins in 1961 – 1986. Caspian populations under massive pressure from overfishing and loss of spawning grounds. Stocks are rapidly declining. Almost all migrating spawners poached below Volgograd dam.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEFFFA42885FF54FE46F8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Freshwater eels	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEFFFA42885FF54FE46F8F1.taxon	description	Anguilla belongs to Elopomorpha, a basal phylogenetic group that contains various types of fishes. These range from tarpons, ladyfishes, and bonefishes to the large diversity of true eels (Anguilliformes). All members of this group have leptocephalus larvae, unique to the Elopomorpha. Anguilla is unmistakably distinct from any other eel-like fishes in freshwaters of West Asia, characterised by the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins being long and confluent and the absence of dorsal spines and pelvic fins. The family is small, with about 15 – 20 species in a single genus (Anguilla). All species are catadromous (freshwater residents migrating to spawn at sea). Anguilla is known from all oceanic basins except the Pacific slope of the Americas. All species spawn in warm subtropical areas of deep seas. However, surprisingly little is known about their marine habitat. The European eel Anguilla anguilla and the Japanese eel A. japonica are the best-studied species. The reproduction of A. anguilla has long been a mystery, given that sexually mature eels have not yet been found. Early ichthyologists were wrong to think that small gobies gave birth to young eels because they mistook parasitic nematodes for eel larvae. Another belief, which lasted until the late 19 th century, was that eelpout Zoarces viviparus gave birth to small eels. In 1856, Leptocephalus brevirostris was first described from the Mediterranean. It was only in 1896 that it was recognised as the larvae of Anguilla. Eel larvae are called leptocephalus (plural leptocephali). It was then hypothesised that the spawning sites were in the Mediterranean, but eel larvae smaller than 30 mm TL have never been observed there. In 1904, the first leptocephali were recorded outside the Mediterranean (Faroe Islands). Since then, leptocephali smaller than 7 mm TL and yolk-sack larvae have been observed in the Sargasso Sea. In East Asia and Europe, eels are of major commercial importance, and many threats have caused drastic declines in their population.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFECFFA628ABFB91FAE9FDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. European eel	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFECFFA628ABFB91FAE9FDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other freshwater fishes in Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Sea basins by: ● body very elongate, slender, and cylindrical / ● dorsal, caudal, and anal long and confluent / ● flank plain olive yellowish to dark-brown or black, silvery grey from jaw to anus / ○ dorsal origin clearly in front of anus / ○ pelvic absent. Size usually about 400 – 600 mm TL, rarely larger, although individuals up to 2000 TL are reported.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFECFFA628ABFB91FAE9FDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. All rivers flowing to Mediterranean, Black, North, and Baltic Seas and Atlantic as far south as Canary Islands. Stocked in many inland waters and occasionally caught on Caspian coast and in rivers of Iran. Occasional individuals reach Volga drainage through canals. Very rarely in White and Barents Seas, recorded as far east as Pechora. Small numbers enter Black Sea, migrating east to Kuban drainage. Parts of population remain at sea (north-west Atlantic and Mediterranean).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFECFFA628ABFB91FAE9FDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. All types of benthic habitats, from small streams to banks of large rivers and lakes. Part of population remain at sea. Occurs naturally only in waters connected to sea, stocked elsewhere. Hypothesised to spawn only in Sargasso Sea, in western subtropical Atlantic (about 26 ° N 60 ° W). Spawning area is about 2000 km wide. Biology. Catadromous. Spawning peaks in early March and continues until July. No concrete data on spawning sites, but presumably at depths of 100 – 200 m and at about 20 ° C. Adults die after spawning. Mechanisms by which Leptocephali reach European coasts are not well understood. Evidence shows that larvae swim actively and that drifting plays a minor role. A statistical re-analysis of data does not support the well-known classical scheme of larval migration in Gulf Stream. Leptocephali reach continental slope at about 70 mm and metamorphose into glass eels (almost adult appearance but transparent body), which enter estuaries. Glass eels are observed on Portuguese coast in autumn, in North Sea in winter, and in Baltic Sea in spring. Pigmentation increases during upstream migration, and juveniles are called elvers. Feeding phase lasts 5 – 8 years for males and up to 12 years or more for females. Males are rarely recorded more than 200 km upstream. Downstream migration begins in late summer or autumn, and adults arrive at spawning sites after spring. In male, eye diameter increases significantly before migration. Migrates in open water layers of ocean, at about 300 – 700 m depth. Feeds on a wide variety of benthic organisms. Heavily infected by nematode Anguillicoloides crassus, which feeds on blood in swim bladder, this parasite was introduced from Japan with experimental stocks of Japanese eel A. japonica.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFECFFA628ABFB91FAE9FDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; has strongly declined. Upstream and downstream migration barriers, including mortality from hydroelectric turbines, are a major threat. Furthermore, accumulation of lipophilic chemical contaminants stored by fish and released as fat stores are broken down during migration. These have toxic effects on migrating adults. Anguillicoloides crassus is thought to affect ability of European eel to reach their spawning grounds. European eel is still heavily fished. Exports outside Europe are banned, all trade within Europe (for consumption, culture, and stocking) is regulated, and quotas are in place. However, poaching and illegal trade are believed to occur throughout European eel fishery and are a major wildlife crime.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEDFFA92884F98EFAADFD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mottled Eel	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEDFFA92884F98EFAADFD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from A. bicolor by: ● dorsal origin at about midway between pectoral base and anus, clearly in front of anus / ● mottled colour pattern in individuals longer than 300 mm in TL. Size usually about 800 mm, rarely up to 2000 mm total length.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEDFFA92884F98EFAADFD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. In Arabian Peninsula in Wadi Haj and Wadi Masila in Yemen. Also, in rivers on east coast of Africa, from Pongola in South Africa to Genale in south-west Ethiopia. In Asia and Indian Ocean from Pakistan east to Aceh in Indonesia and peninsular Malaysia. Known to occur on oceanic islands, including Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, and others. Unknown if there is one or more spawning grounds in Indian Ocean.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEDFFA92884F98EFAADFD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mostly found in lowland and coastal areas, but many individuals migrate far upstream. Most abundant inland eel in India. Juveniles found in habitats with coarse gravel and rocks, often in fast-flowing waters. Biology. Catadromous. Adults reach maturity at 5.5 – 10.5 years and die after spawning. A seaward spawning migration in April and September (Malaysia) suggests a very long spawning season of at least 6 months. Very few leptocephali of this species have been found. Juveniles feed on insects and other aquatic invertebrates, while adults feed on fish and crabs. Considered to be an “ unspoiled rare ornamental species of Himalayan drainage, ” often kept in temple ponds for religious purposes in India.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEDFFA92884F98EFAADFD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NT; although there is little information on population trends, it is believed that range and abundance are declining worldwide due to dam construction. It is also used as a food source, but despite its wide distribution, there is very little species-specific information on its use and trade, as it is usually lumped together with other eels in catch statistics. Overfishing is a major concern. In some parts of India, it contains levels of contaminants that prove toxic to humans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFEDFFA92884F98EFAADFD79.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often, two subspecies are distinguished: Anguilla b. bengalensis in Indian Ocean and Anguilla b. labiata in Eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Both subspecies are treated here as conspecific, but further research is needed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE3FFA82885FF5EFB09FC76.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Shortfin Eel	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE3FFA82885FF5EFB09FC76.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from A. bengalensis by: ● dorsal origin slightly in front of anus / ● plain olive yellowish to dark-brown or black, silvery grey from jaw to anus. Size usually about 500 – 600 mm, rarely up to 1200 mm TL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE3FFA82885FF5EFB09FC76.taxon	distribution	Distribution. In Arabian Peninsula, recorded from Yemen along Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden but may occur elsewhere in coastal waters. Widespread in Indian Ocean from east coast of Africa to north-west Australia and Greater Sundaland.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE3FFA82885FF5EFB09FC76.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mostly found in lowland and coastal areas, inhabiting estuaries, brackish waters, freshwater lakes, streams, ponds, and small rivers. In Malaysia, 75 % of adults have been found in freshwater, 20 % in coastal seawater, and 5 % in brackish water. Spawns in deep tropical and subtropical oceans. Biology. Catadromous. Arabian eels not yet been extensively studied. Live up to 20 years, adults die after spawning. Very little known about marine phase. Leptocephali have never been found, and more information on spawning areas or early life history is needed. Believed to spawn during a broad, prolonged season (data from Sumatra). Migrates downstream in central Vietnam during storm season, October – December. Feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE3FFA82885FF5EFB09FC76.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NT; due to decline in availability of both A. japonica and A. anguilla (species traditionally used for aquaculture and consumption), A. bicolor is next preferred species for plain eels, driving up demand for this species in East Asia. Although there are very little data available to estimate population changes, it is clear that number of glass eels exported worldwide is increasing rapidly to meet demand. Anguilla bicolor can be purchased online from many suppliers. If catches continue to increase at current rates, exploitation is likely to pose a significant threat to populations worldwide, and shortfin eel may soon be listed as an endangered species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE3FFA82885FF5EFB09FC76.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data suggest that the Indo-West Pacific A. bicolor pacifica (from southern China, the Philippines, and the Indonesian islands of Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea) may represent its own conservation unit or an independent species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE0FFAB28ABFF54FC40FA82.taxon	vernacular_names	Herrings	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE0FFAB28ABFF54FC40FA82.taxon	description	A large group of pelagic fishes living in all seas except the Antarctic. Clupeiformes is one of the most important fish orders in all open-ocean ecosystems. It plays an important role in fisheries. Most species are marine, but many enter estuaries to forage or spawn. Some are anadromous or permanent freshwater inhabitants. Clupeiformes are unmistakably distinct from other freshwater fish in the area, identified by the presence of a ventral keel with scute-like scales forming a toothed edge when viewed in profile, a large fleshy eyelid, no lateral line, and no adipose fin. The order has recently been reviewed, and a new family structure was proposed, which is followed here. Shads of the genus Alosa are now placed in their own family, Alosidae. Clupeonella is placed in Ehiravidae, Nematalosa and Tenualosa are in Dorosomatidae. The earliest fossil clupeiform is the pan-clupeoid Cynoclupea from the Barremian-Aptian (129.4 – 113.0 million years ago) in the Cretaceous of Brazil.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE1FFAA2885FF54FBA1F8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	True shads	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE1FFAA2885FF54FBA1F8F1.taxon	description	Four genera are placed in this family: Alosa, Brevoortia, Sardina, and Sardinops. Only Alosa enters freshwaters in West Asia. Sardina pilchardus is a common species in the Mediterranean and Black Seas and is occasionally found in estuaries. It is not known to enter freshwater habitats regularly and is therefore excluded from the coverage of this book. Alosa are anadromous or form landlocked populations in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, Caspian, and the Black Sea basins. Six species occur in North America. In the Caspian basin, three species, A. braschnikowii, A. saposchnikowii, and A. sphaerocephala, are fully marine and do not enter freshwater habitats. Caspian A. caspia and Black Sea A. maeotica regularly occur in coastal regions of Limans and river estuaries but only regionally and rarely enter freshwater regions to spawn. Only Caspian A. kessleri and A. volgensis, as well as Black Sea A. immaculata, are anadromous and migrate longer distances upriver. Black Sea A. tanaica and widespread A. agone regularly enter lower regions of rivers and freshened coastal lakes. Alosa volgensis from the northern Caspian basin may have occurred in the waters of the southern Caspian Sea. Still, this species was never identified from the region and went extinct in the 20 th century. Shads are very sensitive to environmental impacts such as impoundment, water pollution, and overfishing. Most anadromous species have sharply declined during the 20 th century. Species undertaking long upriver migrations, such as A. immaculata and A. kessleri, are very vulnerable as most of their original spawning sites are no longer accessible, their spawning migrations being interrupted by dams and other alterations in river morphology. The status of species or populations spawning in the sea and lower stretches of rivers is better, as they can often find spawning habitats below dams. The systematics of shads need critical review, and molecular data suggest that all Ponto-Caspian species are very closely related or frequently have been the victims of introgressive hybridisation. The Ponto-Caspian shads may form a recently evolved “ species flock, ” as it is known from cichlids in East Africa. Several subspecies and “ forms ” have been described from the Black and Caspian Seas, and their status needs to be revised based on the basis of adequate fresh material and molecular characters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE6FFAD28ABFD01FAAEFA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Twaite shad.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE6FFAD28ABFD01FAAEFA51.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alosa entering freshwater in Black Sea and Mediterranean basins by: ○ 28 – 50 gill rakers, rarely up to 60 / ○ length of gill rakers equal to length of branchial filaments in individuals longer than 220 mm SL / ○ no teeth on palatine / ○ dorsal profile curved / ○ usually a series of 4 – 8 black blotches behind gill opening (sometimes a single blotch). Size up to 500 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE6FFAD28ABFD01FAAEFA51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Mediterranean basin and rarely in northern Black Sea, occasionally east to Crimea. Southern Baltic east to Nemunas in Lithuania, North Sea north to Bergen, Atlantic coasts from Scotland and Ireland to Morocco. Before dams migrated from Drin to Lake Ohrid.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE6FFAD28ABFD01FAAEFA51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, pelagic. Juveniles stay close to shore and estuaries. Migrates from sea to rivers, spawning in main rivers often only a few kilometers above brackish water limit but used to ascend Rhône for 600 km and Nemunas for 400 km before construction of dams. In West Asia only known from lowermost rivers. Spawns in large rivers. Also reported in small rivers above gravel beds. Biology. Anadromous. Males migrate upstream at 2 – 3 years, females at 3 – 4 years. Many individuals spawn for 3 – 4 seasons. Adults congregate near estuaries in April and enter rivers when temperatures reach 10 – 12 ° C, mainly in May – June. Spawning begins when temperatures reach about 15 ° C or higher in May – June. Spawns in large, very noisy schools near surface after midnight. Eggs sink to bottom or are pelagic. Spent fish migrate back to sea. Most juveniles migrate to estuary during their first summer and move to sea at end of second year, where most remain until maturity. Individual fish are thought to return to their natal spawning grounds. Northern distribution appears to be limited by water temperature. At sea, feeds mainly on crustaceans and small fish. Adults do not feed in freshwater. Juveniles feed on planktonic crustaceans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE6FFAD28ABFD01FAAEFA51.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; very locally distributed, a victim of pollution and damming of major rivers. Most populations declined in early 20 th century but appeared to have stabilised at low levels since then.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE6FFAD28ABFD01FAAEFA51.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Up to seven subspecies of A. fallax have been recognised, several of which were treated as species until recently. Molecular studies using a variety of markers have identified two major groups of populations. One is widespread in northern Europe, the Atlantic, and the westernmost Mediterranean basin (A. fallax), and a second is found in the Ebro (Spain) across the northern Mediterranean basin to the east (A. agone). This is the one that is also found in West Asia. The molecular differences are very small, comparable to intraspecific differences in many other species. In addition, morphological differences are vague and focus on average gill raker numbers, which overlap widely between different “ species ”. We treat all populations of former A. fallax as A. agone, which has priority over A. fallax, which becomes a junior synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE7FFAC2885FB80FA83FADB.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caspian shad.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE7FFAC2885FB80FA83FADB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alosa in Caspian basin by: ● head length 25 – 28 % SL / ○ eye diameter 19 – 24 % HL / ○ pectoral length 16 – 18 % SL / ○ teeth on palatine and vomer poorly developed / ○ 70 – 180 gill rakers, long, and close together, 1.5 – 2 times longer than branchial filaments in individuals longer than 150 mm SL. Size up to 280 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE7FFAC2885FB80FA83FADB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian Sea, from where adults occasionally ascend the lowermost part of rivers and migrate a short distance upstream to spawn.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE7FFAC2885FB80FA83FADB.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, pelagic, in coastal waters with steady currents, avoiding areas of stable salinity. Migrates from sea to mouths of large rivers, spawns in fresh or slightly brackish water in shallow areas washed by large river currents. Biology. Anadromous. Males migrate upstream at 2 – 3 years, females at 4 – 5 years. Many individuals spawn in 2 – 4 seasons. Two migration peaks, one in late April (mostly males) and one in early May (mostly females), enter rivers when temperature rises above 10 ° C. Spawns when temperature reaches 15 ° C or more, in May – June. Spawns usually in upper 3 m. Eggs semipelagic and demersal. Spent fish return to sea. Juveniles migrate to sea during their first summer and remain at sea until maturity. At sea feeds mainly on zooplankton such as copepods and mysids.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE7FFAC2885FB80FA83FADB.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; widespread.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE4FFAF28ABFD6AFBBEFB85.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Large Black Sea shad.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE4FFAF28ABFD6AFBBEFB85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alosa entering freshwater in Black Sea basin by: ● 36 – 69 gill rakers, longer than branchial filaments / ○ teeth on palatine and vomer well developed. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE4FFAF28ABFD6AFBBEFB85.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black and Azov Seas, from where adults ascend rivers and migrate far upstream to spawn. Presence in Marmara basin questionable. Present in Rioni, but distribution in northern Anatolia poorly known. Used to ascend Danube for about 1600 km to Mohacs (Hungary), Don for 900 km to Oust-Medveditskaya, Dniepr to Kyiv, Dniester to Yampol, and South Bug to Voznessensks. Reported to spawn in Kuban below Krasnodar dam since 1983. A landlocked population occurs in Don.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE4FFAF28ABFD6AFBBEFB85.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, pelagic, in deep water. Migrates to middle reaches of large rivers, spawning where current is strongest, near surface, usually at 2 – 3 m depth in main channel. Biology. Anadromous, migrating upstream to spawn at three years, rarely earlier. Few individuals spawn two seasons. Appears along coast in March – April, enters rivers when temperatures reach about 6 – 9 ° C between late March and late April. Migration usually peaks in May. Spawning begins when temperatures rise above 15 ° C in April – August. Spawns usually in afternoon (1 – 8 pm), eggs pelagic. Spent individuals return to sea to feed. Juveniles inhabit floodplain and shallow riverine habitats, migrating to sea or estuarine habitats during first summer; move to sea in autumn and remain there until maturity. At sea, it feeds on a wide variety of zooplankton (especially crustaceans) and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE4FFAF28ABFD6AFBBEFB85.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; damming of major rivers significantly reduced available spawning habitat and migration routes in 20 th century. Decline appears to be continuing due to severe overfishing. Largest population in Danube.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE4FFAE28ABF9F7FA82FCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Black-back shad.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE4FFAE28ABF9F7FA82FCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alosa in Caspian basin by: ● dorsum black in spring / ● teeth on palatine and vomer well developed / ○ 59 – 92 thick gill rakers, shorter than gill filaments, with conspicuous lateral spines in juveniles but lost in adults / ○ head length 22 – 25 % SL / ○ eye diameter 15 – 20 % HL / ○ pectoral length 14 – 16 % SL. Size up to 400 mm SL. Distribution. Caspian Sea from where adults ascend Kura and Aras (Azerbaijan) and Sefid (Iran). Possibly also in other rivers. In European Caspian basin, in Volga, few enter Ural and Terek. Previously migrated Volga upstream to Kama and Oka systems. Migration now blocked by Volgograd Dam. There is evidence that it has formed landlocked populations in Volga reservoirs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE4FFAE28ABF9F7FA82FCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, pelagic, in a wide variety of habitats. Migrates to middle reaches of large rivers, spawning near banks in main channel and in almost still waters such as river bays, eddies, and floodplains. Biology. Anadromous. Migrates upstream to spawn at 4 – 5 years. Enters rivers with immature gonads. Some spawn for 2 – 4 seasons, but most females die after spawning. Spawners appear along coast in March – April and enter rivers in April – May when temperatures reach about 9 ° C, peaking at 12 – 15 ° C. Spawning run originally lasted 30 – 50 days. Spawning begins in May – August when temperatures rise above 15 ° C and continue as long as temperatures remain at 15 – 23 ° C. Spawning is most intense between 4 and 10 pm. Eggs are bathypelagic. Spent fish return to sea to feed. In autumn, move to southern part of sea to overwinter. Juveniles migrate to sea or estuaries during their first summer until maturity. At sea, feeds on a wide variety of zooplankton, crustaceans, and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFE4FFAE28ABF9F7FA82FCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; damming of major rivers in 20 th century has significantly reduced available spawning habitat and migration routes and heavily fished, especially on Volga, where largest population exists. Populations in West Asia small, most abundant in Kura and Sefid.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB128ABFF2FFB53FE80.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Azov shad.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB128ABFF2FFB53FE80.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alosa entering freshwater in Black Sea basin by: ● 29 – 39 gill rakers, about as long as branchial filaments / ○ teeth on palatine and vomer well developed. Size up to 280 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB128ABFF2FFB53FE80.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black Sea and Sea of Azov, from where adults enter coastal lagoons to spawn.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB128ABFF2FFB53FE80.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, pelagic in deep waters, entering brackish lagoons to spawn. Biology. Spawns first time at 2 years. Many individuals spawn in 2 – 4 seasons. In Romania, spawners enter Lake Razelm at about 7 ° C in March. Spawning begins at about 15 ° C in late April – June. Eggs sink to bottom. Spent fish return to sea to feed. In autumn, migrates to southern Black Sea to overwinter. Juveniles migrate to sea or remain in estuaries during first summer. Feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB128ABFF2FFB53FE80.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; still common in coastal lagoons.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB028ABFA82FEBFFEE8.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Little Black Sea shad.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB028ABFA82FEBFFEE8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alosa entering freshwater in Black Sea basin by: ● 66 – 96 gill rakers, longer than branchial filaments / ● teeth on palatine and vomer poorly developed. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB028ABFA82FEBFFEE8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black and Azov Seas, from where adults ascend rivers and migrate a short distance upstream to spawn. Inland populations in Anatolian lakes of Sapanca, Apolyont, and Manyas.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB028ABFA82FEBFFEE8.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, pelagic, in deeper layers (50 – 70 m) of coastal waters. Migrates from sea to estuaries and lower reaches of large rivers, spawns in fresh or slightly brackish water, usually close to shore, in upper 2 – 4 m, in almost still waters such as floodplains or lakes. Biology. Anadromous. Migrates upstream at 1 – 2 years. Many individuals spawn in 2 – 4 seasons. Spawners appear along coast in late January – March, enter rivers when temperature reaches about 10 ° C, late April – May. Spawning begins when temperature reaches about 15 ° C or higher in May – June. Eggs are bathypelagic or sink to bottom. Fry migrate to estuaries and coastal lagoons or to sea near estuaries to feed. In autumn, move to sea to overwinter. Juveniles migrate to sea or estuaries during first summer until they reach maturity. At sea, feed on a wide variety of zooplankton (crustaceans) and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB028ABFA82FEBFFEE8.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; most populations declined in early decades of 20 th century due to pollution. Seems to have stabilised at moderate levels since then. Situation in West Asia needs to be better known.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFAFFB028ABFA82FEBFFEE8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Landlocked populations in Türkiye have not been studied for many years and might have vanished. They need a critical review.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF8FFB328ABFF54FC07FCF0.taxon	vernacular_names	Gizzard shads	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF8FFB328ABFF54FC07FCF0.taxon	description	A large family of about 115 species in 30 genera. They are mostly tropical and subtropical shads, many of them found in coastal waters, entering freshwaters during parts of their life, or even being pure freshwater species such as African Congothrissa, Limnothrissa, and Sierrathrissa. Many species are of high commercial value, especially for artisanal fisheries. Two genera, Nematalosa and Tenualosa, both with a wide distribution range in the Indian Ocean, enter freshwaters in West Asia. Nematalosa nasus and Tenualosa ilisha are reported from the lower parts of the Shatt al Arab / Arvand. Only T. ilisha regularly enters freshwater habitats, while N. nasus is restricted to brackish waters. Both species are included in the identification key of Clupeiformes above. Tenualosa comprises five species distributed in the subtropical and tropical Indo-Pacific. All species are anadromous or landlocked, with rare reports of resident marine stocks. One species, T. thibaudeaui, is a pure freshwater species endemic to the Mekong. All Tenualosa are highly valued as food fish and provide a livelihood for many, if not millions, of small-scale fisher families. Overfishing is a serious issue throughout their range. However, as this is due mostly to artisanal fisheries, catches are rarely reported accurately, and the extent of the decline of all species might be much underestimated. The scientific and common names of T. ilisha require some clarification. This species is widely called Hilsa, which is confused with the Kelee shad, Hilsa kelee. Kelee and Hilsa are sympatric in the Gulf of Oman and along the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Kelee enters estuaries, and both species are easily distinguished by the presence of prominent striae on the top of the head in H. kelee (vs. absence in T. ilisha).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF8FFB228ABFA15FB75FAAA.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hilsa.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF8FFB228ABFA15FB75FAAA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Nematalosa nasus in lower reaches of rivers in Persian Gulf basin by: ● last dorsal ray shorter than first branched dorsal ray / ● upper jaw with median notch. Size up to 600 mm SL, usually about 360 mm SL, and up to 2.5 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF8FFB228ABFA15FB75FAAA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. From Persian Gulf along coasts of Indian subcontinent east to Irrawaddy and Salween (Myanmar). In West Asia, enters Karun and Shatt al Arab / Arvand to spawn upstream in Euphrates and Tigris. In Tigris, migrates as far north as Qal’at Salih, and in Euphrates, as far north as Yaou. Local freshwater populations in many large rivers in South Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF8FFB228ABFA15FB75FAAA.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea in coastal waters, migrates to lower and middle reaches of large rivers to spawn. A resident population is suspected in Kuwait Bay, which does not appear to migrate upstream and spawns in sea or in freshwater fan of Shatt al Arab / Arvand. Biology. Anadromous, usually migrating 50 – 100 km upstream. Long-distance migratory populations in Pakistan (Indus), Bangladesh / India (Ganges), and Myanmar (Irrawaddy). In Ganges reported to migrate 1300 km upstream, but freshwater resident populations also occur in upper Ganges. Migrates upstream to spawn at 2 years and 250 mm (males) and 3 years and about 330 mm (females). Lives up to 7 years, usually 4 – 5 years. First spawner appears at Shatt al Arab / Arvand in February and March at high tide and spends 1 – 2 months feeding. Continues to migrate upstream to spawn from April – July. Does not feed during migration. Reported to travel up to 70 km in a day. Males usually ascend rivers earlier than females. Two spawning peaks reported, one in March – May and one in July – August, but data are conflicting. In South Asia, main spawning season during southwest monsoon, with a shorter season from January to February or March. Spawns on submerged vegetation in fast currents. Larvae emerge in 1 day (23 ° C). Larvae and juveniles enter backwaters and tributaries of rivers. Spent fish return to sea between August and November and migrate south to overwinter. Feeds on a wide variety of small phytoplankton and zooplankton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF8FFB228ABFA15FB75FAAA.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; most important Indo-Pacific shad for commercial and artisanal fisheries, particularly in Gulf of Bengal. Also, one of the most important commercial species in Kuwait. Despite its wide distribution, Hilsa has declined sharply throughout its range, including Bangladesh, where world’s largest population occurs. Overfishing, pollution, and dam construction have led to massive population declines. Often highly contaminated with pollutants. Northernmost distribution in Iraq today is Hawr al Hammar due to dam construction.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFEFFB528ABFF54FE35FAF8.taxon	vernacular_names	Dwarf sprats	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFEFFB528ABFF54FE35FAF8.taxon	description	A small family of about 27 species in 11 genera. They are mostly small, tropical, and subtropical herrings, mostly found in brackish and freshwaters; few are of commercial importance. Ehiravidae includes several pure freshwater species, such as the Southeast Asian genus Sundasalanx, paedomorphic fishes reaching up to 30 mm SL. In West Asia, the only genus entering freshwaters is Clupeonella (tyulkas). They are a small group of brackish water species endemic to the Marmara, Black, and Caspian Sea basins where they frequently inhabit coastal lagoons, backwaters, and the slow-flowing sections of lower rivers. One species, C. abrau from Lake Abrau in Russia, is endemic to a small lake close to the coast. In freshwaters of West Asia, we recognise one species, C. cultriventris. Two additional tyulkas, C. engrauliformis and C. grimmi, are endemic to the Caspian Sea, both strictly marine and not reported to enter freshwater habitats. Clupeonella tscharchalensis is a freshwater species that inhabits rivers in the northern Caspian basin. It is described from Lake Chelkar (47 ° 50 ′ N 59 ° 36 ′ E) in Kazakhstan. Until further studies are conducted on tyulkas from Lake Chelkar, we classify C. tscharchalensis as a valid species with fewer gill rakers than C. cultriventris.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFFFFB42885FC53FC43F96B.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Common tyulka.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFFFFB42885FC53FC43F96B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Clupeonella in Caspian basin by: ● 49 – 62 gill rakers / ● ventral keel hard, scratching human skin / ○ body depth 18 – 25 % SL / ○ tip of pectoral pointed / ○ interorbital distance 16 – 18 % SL. Size up to 120 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFFFFB42885FC53FC43F96B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian, Marmara, Azov, and Black Sea basin. Lakes Sapanca and Apolyont. Caspian Sea and Lower reaches of rivers as Volga, Ural, and possibly Terek.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFFFFB42885FC53FC43F96B.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Euryhaline, in coastal waters, lagoons and lakes, estuaries, and lower reaches of large rivers with salinity up to 13 ‰. At sea, pelagic. Spawns near estuaries. Biology. Pelagic. Marine, landlocked, or anadromous. Lives up to 6 years. Spawns in open water late in evening in April – July at 10 – 25 ° C. Eggs pelagic, usually laid in 5 m deep with at a salinity of 0.02 – 15 ‰. Two spawning runs in Azov Sea, one in spring and one in autumn. Individuals migrating in autumn overwinter near spawning grounds and spawn in spring. Return to sea after spawning. Juveniles migrate to sea during first summer. Feeds on zooplanktonic crustaceans (copepods, mysids, cladocerans), following their daily vertical movements in surface layers at night, descending during day.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFFFFB42885FC53FC43F96B.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; very widespread and often abundant.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFFFFB42885FC53FC43F96B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Clupeonella muhlisi from Lake Apolyont in Western Anatolia and Caspian C. caspia were treated as separate species. We could not find diagnostic morphological or molecular characters to distinguish these populations from C. cultriventris. Therefore, they are treated as synonyms.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFCFFB728ABFF54FE0AF94F.taxon	vernacular_names	Anchovies	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFCFFB728ABFF54FE0AF94F.taxon	description	Anchovies are one of the most important families of marine fishes from an ecological and commercial perspective. Most are marine, but some tolerate low salinities, and several species migrate into rivers to spawn in brackish or freshwaters. Few are confined to freshwater habitats. Most anchovies are plankton filter feeders and are major prey species in the marine food chains. They are usually small (mostly 80 – 150 mm SL), and many species school in such numbers that they form the basis of some of the world’s most important fisheries. The Peruvian anchoveta Engraulis ringens has yielded greater catches than any other single wild fish species worldwide, with annual harvests varying between 4.2 and 8.3 million tonnes (2008 – 2012), almost all used for making fishmeal. Often, catches in Mediterranean and Black Seas are dominated by anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus (200,000 to 393,500 tonnes in the Black Sea). This species accounts for almost all of the commercial catches. Most of the harvest is used for the fishmeal industry, primarily to feed fish in aquaculture. Superficially similar silversides (Atherinidae) have two dorsals (vs. one in anchovies). Thrissina mystica and T. whiteheadi have been recorded in the Persian Gulf from the Shatt al Arab and the Hammar Marsh. The genus Thrissina is restricted to the Indo-Pacific, where 38 species are actually recognised. Thrissina can be distinguished from other anchovies accidentally entering freshwaters and brackish estuaries by the upper pectoral ray not extending into a long filament (vs. long pectoral filament present in Setipinna), 31 – 45 branched anal rays (less than 25 in Encrasicholina and Stolephorus) and the anal isolated from the caudal (vs. joined in Coilia). The taxonomy of Thrissina is not yet settled, and the thryssas of the northern Persian Gulf are only tentatively identified. Other species might occur and should be identified using the key provided.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFDFFB62885FCCEFBFAFA25.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Balam.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFDFFB62885FCCEFBFAFA25.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from T. whiteheadi by: ● 3 – 16 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ● 34 – 40 branched anal rays. Size up to 270 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFDFFB62885FCCEFBFAFA25.taxon	distribution	Distribution. From Persian Gulf east to south India. In Shatt al Arab / Arvand, Hammar Marsh, and up to Nasiriyah on Euphrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFDFFB62885FCCEFBFAFA25.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Pelagic in coastal waters, entering freshwaters. Biology. Spring visit to Hammar Marsh and presence of juveniles suggest spawning in brackish waters. Two spawning peaks, one in December – January and one in March – April. Feeds on a wide variety of planktonic invertebrates, fish larvae, and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFDFFB62885FCCEFBFAFA25.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFFDFFB62885FCCEFBFAFA25.taxon	discussion	Remark. Usually identified as T. hamiltonii, or as T. malabarica. Thrissina malabarica occurs in East Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF2FFB928ABFF5EFDCCFDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian Gulf thryssa.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF2FFB928ABFF5EFDCCFDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from T. mystica by: ● 18 – 21 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ● 39 – 43 branched anal rays. Size up to 205 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF2FFB928ABFF5EFDCCFDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Endemic to Persian Gulf. In Shatt al Arab / Arvand, Hammar Marsh and Lake Hawizah, widespread in sea.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF2FFB928ABFF5EFDCCFDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Pelagic in coastal waters, entering freshwaters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF2FFB928ABFF5EFDCCFDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF3FFB82885FF54FB8CFCB5.taxon	vernacular_names	Milkfish	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF3FFB82885FF54FB8CFCB5.taxon	description	The milkfish is a living representative of an ancient fish group (Gonorynchiformes or Anotophysi) related to Otophysi fishes, such as Characiformes, Cithariniformes, Cypriniformes, Gymnotiformes, and Siluriformes. Beside the milkfish, Gonorynchiformes only include Gonorynchidae and Kneridae. The milkfish is easily identified by its compressed and oblong body, small, toothless, terminal mouth, deeply forked caudal, complete lateral line, and small cycloid scales. Milkfishes have lateral pouches on the posterior part of the branchial chamber, forming an epibranchial organ, which allows them to breathe air. West Asia is the distribution border of the milkfish, where it occurs in the Persian Gulf. The milkfish is one of the most important aquaculture species in the world. It is a primary consumer of plants and detritus, so it can be produced with much less energy input than most other aquaculture species. Milkfish aquaculture first began around the 12 th century in the Philippines. Larvae are collected from rivers and grown in ponds into juveniles, which are marketed fresh, smoked, canned, and frozen. Since the 1980 s, broodstocks have been raised and spawned in captivity to produce larvae in hatcheries. No milkfish is kept in aquaculture in West Asia, likely due to low winter temperatures. In Indonesia, Taiwan, and the Philippines, more than a quarter of a million tonnes of milkfish are harvested annually in brackish ponds, contributing roughly 60 % of the total fish production from Southeast Asian aquaculture.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF3FFBB2885F98EFA07FDD7.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Milkfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF3FFBB2885F98EFA07FDD7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from superficially similar Clupeids by having four branchiostegal rays (vs. 6 – 7 in Clupeiformes) and no scutes along the belly (vs. present). Size up to 1850 mm SL and 18.6 kg, usually less than 1500 mm SL and 14 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF3FFBB2885F98EFA07FDD7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. West Asia: Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman and along coasts of Arabian Peninsula. May be only a summer visitor in northern Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Widespread in tropical Indo-Pacific but absent from areas affected by cold currents. Distribution coincides with coral reef areas where water is warm (> 20 ° C), clear and shallow. Migrates up to 100 km inland from Shatt al Arab / Arvand. Also reported from Baghu near Bandar-e Abbas, lower Mand, and Shour-Shirin or Tiyab estuaries. Likely to be found at least occasionally in all major estuaries in Persian Gulf basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF3FFBB2885F98EFA07FDD7.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Marine. Juveniles enter estuaries and lower parts of rivers. Can acclimatise to freshwater. Adults occur near coasts or around islands where reefs are well developed. Spawns in marine waters in sheltered sandy bays less than 30 km from shore. Biology. Age unknown in wild due to lack of aging method. Lives up to 12 years in ponds, but large wild adults are thought to be much older. Mature at 3 – 9 years in ponds. A warm water species, preferring water temperatures above 20 ° C, can survive up to 41 ° C. Dies at about 12 ° C. Euryhaline, can survive in fresh, marine, hypersaline waters (0 – 158 ‰). Very resistant to low dissolved oxygen, high ammonia, nitrite concentrations, crowding, and starvation. Spawning season long near equator becomes progressively shorter with a single peak at higher latitudes. Spawning thought to be triggered by rising spring temperatures (25 – 30 ° C) and high tides. Adults migrate offshore from coastal waters after spawning. High fecundity with very small eggs, 0.3 – 1.0 million eggs per kg body weight, 1.1 – 1.2 mm in diameter when fertilised. Hatching varies from 20 to 25 hours after fertilization at 26 – 32 ° C and 29 – 34 ‰ salinity. Eggs and ribbon-like larvae, pelagic up to 2 – 3 weeks. Eggs sink at salinities below 30 ‰. Larvae metamorphose and, at 10 – 17 mm TL, migrate ashore and settle in coastal wetlands (mangroves, estuaries). After about 4 weeks, most juveniles leave coastal waters. Some remain in estuaries for up to 4 years before returning to sea. Occasionally enters freshwater during juvenile stage. Grows to 200 – 430 mm TL in a year in wild. Larvae and small juveniles feed on copepods and diatoms. Larger juveniles are mainly herbivorous, feeding on cyanobacteria, algae, detritus, and small invertebrates grazed from substrate. Adults are opportunistic feeders, filtering, grazing, or snatching small prey and taking larger quantities of zooplankton and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF3FFBB2885F98EFA07FDD7.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; conservation status of wild populations is poorly known. Research is strongly focused on aquaculture aspects.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF6FFBF28ABFF54FE1EFBC0.taxon	vernacular_names	Carps and loaches	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF6FFBF28ABFF54FE1EFBC0.taxon	description	In West Asia, 434 species, 70 % of all freshwater fishes, belong to the order Cypriniformes. Cypriniforms represent the largest group of freshwater fish worldwide, with about 4300 species recognised, though about 10,000 species exist. The earliest fossil is Jianghanichthys from China’s early Eocene (56 – 48 million years ago). Bayesian relaxed molecular clock analyses of Cypriniformes result in an average posterior crown age estimate of 97 million years ago, with the credible interval ranging between 85 and 115 million years ago. The origin of Cypriniformes is found in the Late Cretaceous, similar to the evolutionary roots of modern birds, mammals, and frogs, three other species-rich groups of vertebrates. As in modern birds, mammals, and frogs, major diversification events in Cypriniformes have likely started in the Paleogene after the collapse of ecosystems at the Cretaceous – Paleogene boundary. Until the late 20 th century, only two major families were recognised: Cyprinidae for all carps, barbels, and minnows, and Cobitidae for all loaches. Just three small families were excluded: Gyrinocheilidae for three Southeast Asian suckers; Psilorhynchidae for some South Asian torrent minnows; and Catostomidae for one Chinese and many American suckers. Since Cobitidae has been split into 8 families and Cyprinidae into 12 families, not all of which are recognised by all authors, only the position of a few genera, such as Sundadanio, Paedocypris, Tanichthys, Leptobarbus, Tinca, and Zacco and some of their allies remain under discussion. Similarly, the phylogenetic relationships ‘ within’ and ‘ among’ the major groups have proved difficult to resolve across the entire order. The phylogenetic position of a few genera is irrelevant compared to the benefits in communication associated with the erection of the former subfamilies of Cyprinidae into the range of families. We recognise monophyletic groups as their own families, different from Cyprinidae as Acheilognathidae, Leuciscidae, Danionidae, Gobionidae, Tincidae, and Xenocyprididae. These are the families found within the geographic coverage of this book.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF6FFBF28ABFF54FE1EFBC0.taxon	description	Pharyngeal teeth in Cypriniformes. The pharyngeal teeth are located on the fifth gill arch or pharyngeal arch (gill arches 1 – 4 carry gill filaments and gill rakers). Their number, arrangement, and shape are useful characters to distinguish some species. To examine them, it is necessary to remove the pharyngeal arch. This dissection requires some experience and training, magnification, and good light. The standard procedure is to remove a single pharyngeal arch, usually the right one, to leave the other side of the head intact. To extract the pharyngeal arch, the opercle is folded forward, and a small sharp tool (forceps, scalpel) is inserted between the arch and the anterior edge of the cleithrum. The tool is moved dorsally and ventrally along the cleithrum to cut the tissue surrounding the arch. The dorsal end of the bow is released first. The bow is grasped by its dorsal or ventral end and moved back and forth to release it. It should not be grasped in the middle as the tool will damage the bow or the teeth. The pharyngeal arches of small individuals are fragile, but firm handling is required to extract them. Remaining tissue is removed from the arch and between the teeth, either manually or by soaking the arch in dilute potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution (0.5 – 1.0 %) (this should be done carefully as teeth of small species are easily broken during handling or damaged by the chemical). Teeth are arranged in 1 – 3 rows. All teeth in each row are counted, including broken and missing teeth. Some teeth may be missing due to breakage during preparation or as part of the replacement process. An empty socket indicates the position of a missing tooth. Teeth counts are given as a formula, with the left arch count given first, separated from the right by a hyphen. For each side, the tooth counts on the different rows are separated by commas, from the outermost to the innermost row of the left arch, then from the innermost to the outermost row of the right arch. For example, the formula 2,3,5 – 5,2,2 means that there are three rows of teeth on each arch, that the left arch has two teeth on the outer row, 3 on the middle row, and 5 on the inner row, that the right arch has two teeth on the outer row, 2 on the middle row and 5 on the inner row (Figure. 31 c). The number of teeth may differ between the two sides of an individual (usually by one unit), with the left arch generally having more teeth. Within a species, the number of pharyngeal teeth usually shows little variability. The formula of the pharyngeal teeth, especially the number of rows, has often been used as a character to distinguish genera. The loss of tooth rows from 3 to 2 or 1 occurred independently in different lineages, especially during the evolution of small-sized species and genera, so this character cannot be used alone to define genera. Pharyngeal teeth are regularly replaced, and empty sockets in the pharyngeal arch may result from lost teeth. New teeth develop next to the pharyngeal arch, embedded in tissue and without contact with bone. As the new tooth grows, it will attach to the part of the pharyngeal arch occupied by the lost tooth.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF5FFBE2885FF54FADFFCB6.taxon	vernacular_names	Bitterlings	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFF5FFBE2885FF54FADFFCB6.taxon	description	A family that includes about 75 species placed in seven genera distributed mostly in East Asia. Bitterlings are deep-bodied, compressed, and small-sized fishes. Males have plates bearing tubercles on the snout. All species have a complex reproduction cycle involving mussels. The female has a long, flexible ovipositor, which she inserts into the mussel’s exhalant siphon to deposit a few eggs. The diversity of Rhodeus in West Asia and Europe is likely overestimated. All populations are very closely related, and external characters distinguish only R. colchicus. The most comprehensive phylogenetic analyses identified six different molecular groups of populations. These include R. colchicus (eastern Black Sea basin), R. caspius (southern Caspian basin), R. meridionalis (Vardar & Pinios in Greece and North Macedonia), R. amarus (Europe from east to Elbe drainage, Black Sea basin). Two additional lineages occur, one in the Danube, the Ionian Sea basin, and Central Europe west of the Elbe drainage, and a last one in the Strymon and a few adjacent rivers in the northern Aegean basin. The phylogenetic structure of these six clades is poorly supported. Therefore, R. colchicus might be the sister group of all other western Palearctic bitterlings. This would mean that all these populations can be identified as R. amarus, as they are closely related and not distinguished by morphological characters. However, a consensus on the species status of R. colchicus has not yet been reached. Thus, we retain R. amarus, R. caspius, and R. colchicus as separate species in West Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCBFF802885FF5EFB15FA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bitterling.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCBFF802885FF5EFB15FA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from R. colchicus by: ● second infraorbital bone narrow ● 35 − 38, usually 36 − 37, total vertebrae / ● 34 − 41, usually 36 − 40, scales in lateral series. No morphological character known to distinguish from R. caspius. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCBFF802885FF5EFB15FA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Marmara and Black Sea basins (except easternmost) and all rivers draining into Aegean south to Büyük Menderes. Very widespread and invasive in Europe, where it is native in northern Aegean basin west of Nestos. Widespread from France to Volga, in southern Russia in Don and Kuban drainages, Crimea, Great Britain, north of Italy, and possibly elsewhere. Suspected to be native only to middle and lower reaches of Black Sea tributaries and Aegean basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCBFF802885FF5EFB15FA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Still or slow-flowing waters with dense aquatic vegetation and sandy-silt bottoms, such as lowland ponds, canals, streams, rivers, backwaters, and oxbows where mussels are present. Often in artificial waterbodies, rare in fast-flowing habitats. Biology. Spawns first time at 1 year and about 30 – 35 mm SL. Exceptionally lives up to 5 years, but most individuals do not survive year of first reproduction, and population sizes might fluctuate greatly over years. Spawns April – August at water temperatures above 15 ° C. Males defend small territories around one or a few bivalves (mostly Unio spp.), moving with bivalves. Females select bivalves with high oxygen concentrations in exhalation siphon. Avoid bivalves that already contain high numbers of R. amarus larvae or are gravid with glochidia (bivalves’ own larvae). Also, avoid Anodonta cygnea, which can expel most eggs and larvae and usually has low oxygen concentrations in its exhalation siphon. Males display pre-oviposition ejaculation when females inspect or approach mussel. When a female is ready to spawn, she extends ovipositor and muscular conical structure at its base. A batch of eggs is positioned at basal opening of ovipositor, behind which urine collects. She then pushes cone into mussel’s siphon. The cone contracts, and urine, under pressure, forces eggs through ovipositor. Oviposition is a rapid process. At same time, male releases sperm into inhalant siphon. After spawning, sneaking males attempt to fertilise eggs. Females typically lay 80 – 250 eggs yearly, spawning up to five times per season. Eggs are oval, about 2.5 – 3.0 mm long, and are incubated within gill chamber of mussel. Yolk sac has lateral outgrowths, which allow larvae to attach to mussel’s gills. After 20 – 30 days, feeding larvae leave mussel. Larvae show adaptations to very low oxygen concentrations in mussels, such as very rapid hatching (36 h) and enlarged skin respiratory system. Wing-like yolk projections hold larvae in mussel’s gills. Bitterlings and mussels have a parasitic relationship. Mussels suffer a reduction in fitness when carrying R. amarus larvae. Larvae and mussels compete for oxygen, and larvae appear to inhibit free water circulation through mussel gills, which may damage them. Bitterlings are rarely infested by glochidia (ectoparasitic mussel larvae). Feeds mainly on algae, diatoms, and other plant material. Frequently translocated, bred, and used for human pregnancy testing before development of modern techniques, resulting in numerous introductions. Females injected with a pregnant woman’s urine protrude their ovipositor. Has spread since Middle Ages and is widely introduced with carp stocked from fish farms inhabited by bitterlings. Warm-water species expanding its range due to climate change.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCBFF802885FF5EFB15FA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; abundant and expanding throughout most of its range. A major invasive species in Europe.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC8FF8328ABFC33FB0DFAE9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caspian bitterling.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC8FF8328ABFC33FB0DFAE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from R. colchicus by: ● second infraorbital bone narrow / ○ 35 − 36 total vertebrae / ● 34 − 37 scales in lateral series. No morphological character known to distinguish from R. amarus. Size up to 60 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC8FF8328ABFC33FB0DFAE9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin from Kura east to Gorgan (Iran). Introduced to Lake Urmia basin, upper Karkheh in Iran, and possibly elsewhere. Distribution in northern Caspian unknown.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC8FF8328ABFC33FB0DFAE9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing streams and small rivers, backwaters, ponds, and lakes, usually with dense underwater vegetation and sand-silt substrate. Biology. Spawns April – September. Mating and spawning Behaviour similar to R. amarus. Larvae incubated by Unio bivalves. Feeds on algae, benthic insect larvae, and planktonic crustaceans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC8FF8328ABFC33FB0DFAE9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC8FF8328ABFC33FB0DFAE9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Diagnostic character proposed to distinguish this species from R. amarus could not be confirmed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC9FF822885FCFDFAEAFBC0.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Georgian bitterling.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC9FF822885FCFDFAEAFBC0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Rhodeus in West Asia by: ● second infraorbital bone wide / ● 33 − 36, usually 34 − 35, total vertebrae / ● 30 − 38, usually 33 − 35, scales in lateral series. Size up to 81 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC9FF822885FCFDFAEAFBC0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caucasian Black Sea basin of Russia from Kherota south to Natanebi in Georgia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC9FF822885FCFDFAEAFBC0.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing streams and small rivers, backwaters, ponds, and lakes, usually with dense underwater vegetation and sand-silt substrate. Biology. Spawns April – September. Mating and spawning behaviour similar to R. amarus. Larvae incubated by Unio bivalves. Feeds on algae, benthic insect larvae, and planktonic crustaceans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC9FF822885FCFDFAEAFBC0.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; frequent and widespread within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCEFF8728ABFF54FB98FB29.taxon	vernacular_names	Barbels and carps	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCEFF8728ABFF54FB98FB29.taxon	description	Cyprinids are the most speciose fish family, with about 1800 species recognised worldwide. In our region, 124 species have been identified. In West Asia, true cyprinids come in five evolutionary lineages and a variety of body shapes and ecological groups. True barbels of the genera Barbus, Luciobarbus, Capoeta, and Cyprinion are distinguished by having a serrated posterior margin of the last branched dorsal ray. True barbels are most diverse in West Asia and Europe. Labeonines of the genera Garra, Tariqilabeo, and Bangana have a horny sheath on the lower jaw, often a complicated, strongly modified mouth morphology, and a smooth posterior margin of the last branched dorsal ray. Labeonines are a diverse group of fishes, being widespread and speciose, especially in tropical Asia and Africa. Yellowfishes or Torini of the genera Arabibarbus, Carasobarbus, Mesopotamichthys, and most likely also unstudied Caecocypris, form a third independent evolutionary lineage. They have large, shield-shaped scales and a smooth posterior margin of the last branched dorsal ray. Along with the African genera Acapoeta, Pterocapoeta, Labeobarbus (including Varicorhinus and Sanagia) and several South Asian genera, Torini forms a well-supported monophyletic group. Carps of the genera Carassius and Cyprinus have an exceptionally long dorsal fin and a serrated posterior margin of the last branched dorsal ray. Carps are moderately diverse, especially in China, and all but two species found in West Asia are non-native to the region. The last evolutionary lineage is represented by snow barbels, which are split into two phylogenetic groups that are not each other’s closest relatives, both found in Iran. The Schizothoracines include the genus Schizothorax and several others in the high mountains of Asia, as well as the Schizopygopsines, which include Schizopygopsis and several other Asian mountain genera. In Cyprinidae, the different structures around the mouth are essential for genus diagnosis. These include the rostral cap, the upper and lower lips, the upper and lower jaws, and the barbels. They vary in development or may be absent in different genera. The rostral cap is the fleshy tissue at the tip of the snout. The rostral groove separates the rostral cap from the upper lip. In several genera, the rostral cap develops into a pendulous fold that partly or completely covers the upper lip and the upper jaw. In such cases, the upper lip may be missing. The lower lip is separated from the skin of the throat by a postlabial groove. This groove is usually interrupted in the middle. In some species with fleshy lips, the median part may be hypertrophied and folded backward into a pendulous lobe. A cornified tissue with an anterior cutting edge may cover the lower jaw. In such cases, the lower jaw is often exposed, and the lower lip is restricted to the sides of the jaw. Most species of the genus Garra have a prominent gular disc posterior to the lower jaw. It is important to note that Labeonines have no lower lip.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCDFF862885FD8FFE32F98E.taxon	description	A genus of three very large (A. grypus) to medium-sized species endemic to West Asia. These are hexaploid barbels of the yellowfish (Torini) group, distinguished by large, shield-shaped scales with numerous parallel radii. The last unbranched dorsal ray is weakly to strongly ossified, without serrae. They have two pairs of barbels, 8 ½ branched dorsal rays, and 5 ½ branched anal rays. Their phylogenetic position has long been uncertain, but most authors categorised them in Barbus, as no alternative was available. One species, A. grypus, occurs in the Persian Gulf basin. Some authors have placed it in the Asian genus Tor. However, it has only recently become clear that these three species belong together, and with Carasobarbus, Mesopotamichthys, and Ptercapoeta form the sister group of the large African genus Labeobarbus. Both Arabian species are superficially similar but allopatric, and the molecular characters studied suggest that they have a long, isolated evolutionary history.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCDFF86288BF98EFBA4F81F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Arabian Shabout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCDFF86288BF98EFBA4F81F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Carasobarbus in Arabian Peninsula by: ● 5 ½ branched anal rays / ● 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Distinguished from Arabibarbus hadhrami by: ○ 29 – 36, usually 32 – 35 total lateral-line scales (mode 33) / ○ head depth 14 – 17 % SL / ○ pectoral length 18 – 22 % SL / ○ pelvic length 15 – 19 % SL / ○ head length 24 – 31 % SL. Size up to 351 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCDFF86288BF98EFBA4F81F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden basins from southern Saudi Arabia to Yemen.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCDFF86288BF98EFBA4F81F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with sections of deep pools. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFCDFF86288BF98EFBA4F81F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; fishing might be a threat. Actual situation unknown.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC2FF8828ABF97AFC41FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Shabout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC2FF8828ABF97AFC41FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Luciobarbus, Barbus, Carasobarbus, and Mesopotamichthys in West Asia by: ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ body cylindrical / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray weakly ossified, segmented, without serration at its posterior margin / ○ dorsal origin above or in front of pelvic origin / ○ 29 − 36, usually 30 − 35, total lateral-line scales / ○ posterior barbel length 4 − 6 % SL / ○ median lobe on lower lip well developed, often hypertrophied. Size up to 1300 mm SL and 30 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC2FF8828ABF97AFC41FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates, Tigris, Karun, and Karkheh drainages, Qweiq (now extirpated), and rivers of Persian Gulf in Iran south to Minab.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC2FF8828ABF97AFC41FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large to medium-sized rivers with moderate currents. Often found in reservoirs. Spawns on sand, gravel, or submerged vegetation in fast-flowing waters. Biology. Males mature at about 400 mm SL, females at about 450 mm SL, first spawning at 3 − 5 years. Lives up to 17 years, probably much longer. Spawns in Karun late April – early August and May−July in Atatürk reservoir, usually during floods when water is turbid. Migrations occur to fast-flowing stretches of rivers. Males congregate at spawning sites. Spawning migrations typically begin in April or May. Spawns only once a year. Appears in schools on spawning grounds just before dark and remains there until just before midnight, making loud noises by splashing, jumping, and chasing. Eggs are transparent and sticky and attached to stones or plants. In Iraq, reported to migrate upstream during hot, dry summers and then return downstream in September and October. Predominantly herbivorous, feeding on algae and leaves, fruits, and seeds of higher plants, with small amounts of aquatic invertebrates and fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC2FF8828ABF97AFC41FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; threatened mainly by overfishing, to a lesser extent by pollution, water abstraction, and dams. Extirpated from Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC2FF8828ABF97AFC41FD79.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Reported to weigh up to 100 kg, but such records probably refer to Luciobarbus esocinus. Often reported from the Orontes drainage, but there are only two records of two individuals each from Hamah in Syria in 1881, and the species has never been recorded from the Orontes since. Likely, these two fish were later mislabelled or transported from the Euphrates or Qweiq to Hamah as food fish. Often placed in Asian genus Tor.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC0FF8B28ABFD31FD2AFABD.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hadhramaut Shabout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC0FF8B28ABFD31FD2AFABD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Carasobarbus in Arabian Peninsula by: ● 5 ½ branched anal rays / ● 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Distinguished from Arabibarbus arabicus by: ○ 29 – 32 total lateral-line scales (mode 30) / ○ head depth 16 – 18 % SL / ○ pectoral length 20 – 24 % SL / ○ pelvic length 17 – 20 % SL / ○ head length 28 – 33 % SL. Size up to 205 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC0FF8B28ABFD31FD2AFABD.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Yemen: Wadi Hadhramaut drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC0FF8B28ABFD31FD2AFABD.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with sections of deep pools. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC0FF8B28ABFD31FD2AFABD.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC0FF8B28ABFD31FD2AFABD.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Poorly differentiated from A. arabicus by morphological characters but well differentiated by molecular characters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC1FF8A2885FC1EFB52FCA7.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kalabans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC1FF8A2885FC1EFB52FCA7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other cyprinid species in southern Iran by: ● transversal groove along snout / ○ mouth inferior / ○ lips thick / ○ upper lip well developed, separated from skin of snout by a groove / ○ no gular disc / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ 38 – 44 total lateral-line scales / ○ 5 ½ branched anal rays. Size up to 500 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC1FF8A2885FC1EFB52FCA7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Mashkid drainage on border with Pakistan. Widespread east into Pakistan, Afghanistan, and along Himalayan foothills in India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China. Introduced in Peninsular India and Sri Lanka.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC1FF8A2885FC1EFB52FCA7.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Iran: Small streams in desert areas. Usually in torrential mountain streams, rivers, and lakes at high altitudes. Spawns on gravel in fast or moderately fast-flowing water. Biology. Lives up to 8 years. Matures after one year and 200 − 300 mm SL (NE India). Spawns on rocks or vegetation in spring. Makes short spawning migrations to torrents. Spawns March−June (Garhwal Himalayas), June−July (NE India). May migrate to warmer regions of lakes and streams during winter. Herbivorous, feeding on detritus, diatoms, and algae, occasionally on invertebrates or small vertebrates. Highly valued as a food fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC1FF8A2885FC1EFB52FCA7.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC1FF8A2885FC1EFB52FCA7.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Bangana gedrosicus is a related species reported from the Mashkid drainage in Pakistan. Bangana dero is distinguished from B. gedrosicu s by having 5 ½ branched anal rays (vs. 6 − 7 ½) and 16 − 17 pectoral rays (vs. 14). Tariqilabeo macmahoni is another superficially similar species reported from the Mashkid basin. Bangana dero is distinguished from Tariqilabeo macmahoni in having 39 – 44 total lateral-line scales (vs. 35 − 36).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC1FF8A2885FF5EFDFEFE6F.taxon	description	Bangana comprises approximately seven large or very large species distributed across South and Southeast Asia. It is closely related to Labeo that is found in tropical Asia and Africa. Bangana are rheophilic and feed on detritus and algae. Some are territorial and defend “ gardens ” on stones. They are regionally important food fish, but none is used in aquaculture. One species is known from Iran, where the genus reaches its westernmost distribution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC6FF8C28ABFF5EFBBAFBFC.taxon	description	Barbels are medium- to large-sized fishes that live near the bottom in a variety of habitats, from lakes and slow-flowing large rivers to hill streams. They are very speciose in Europe, especially in the rivers of the Mediterranean basin. Only 12 species are known from West Asia, where the genus is very widespread. The last unbranched dorsal ray may be spinous (flexible in its uppermost part only) and either rigid or not, with its posterior edge serrated on part or entire length. The extent and intensity of serration is changing with growth. In many species, females have a longer and differently shaped anal than males, which is assumed to play a role in excavating the substrate for spawning. In all species, juveniles are covered with spots and blotches. Compared to adults, the last unbranched dorsal ray is shorter, less serrated, and less rigid. Some Barbus species have uniform brown to grey adults without blotches, while all species have small dark-brown or black spots on their scales. Diagnosis is based solely on adults. Lower lip of barbels. The terminology used in the literature to describe the shape of the lower lip of Barbus and Luciobarbus species is often inconsistent or morphologically inaccurate. It has been uncritically compiled, adapted, or translated. Here, we use only the following terms and definitions. In several species, the lower lip is thick and fleshy. In some species, the median part of the lip is produced posteriorly into a lobe (often referred to in the literature as a tongue-like lobe or three-lobed lower lip). Posteriorly, the lobe is not continuous with the skin of the throat; laterally, it is separated from the rest of the lip by notches. The lobe may be long, protruding, and pendulous, or square-shaped, extending posteriorly only to the corner of the mouth. In other species, the median part of the lower lip is thickened but not produced into a lobe; it appears as a swollen pad, bounded posteriorly by a more or less deep groove; the posterior extremity of the pad is not free but continuous with the skin of the throat (often ambiguously described in the literature as a weakly developed lobe). The difference between a lobe and a pad may be slight; we make the distinction by gently passing a needle under the lobe, which results in one of two possibilities: if it is a lobe, the needle can be inserted under the lobe (left in the above image) and moved laterally under the entire width of the lobe; or, in the case of a pad, the needle can be inserted into the groove (if any) behind the pad (right in the above image), but cannot be moved under the pad. In some species, there may be a transition from a pad to a lobe during growth; sometimes, different individuals or populations show different conditions.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC7FF8F2885F8D2FB67FE2E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Anatolian barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC7FF8F2885F8D2FB67FE2E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ● anal of equal length in female and in male / ○ 58 – 71 total lateral-line scales / ○ 9 – 11 gill rakers / ○ 45 – 49 total vertebrae / ○ lower lip with median lobe / ○ last simple dorsal ray moderately ossified, serrated along about 70 – 80 % of its posterior margin / ○ many small irregular shaped black or brown spots, smaller or as large as scales, often forming large, dark-brown blotches on head, back, and flank in adults and juveniles / ○ posterior dorsal margin concave. Size up to 400 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC7FF8F2885F8D2FB67FE2E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC7FF8F2885F8D2FB67FE2E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Medium to large rivers. Wide variety of habitats with moderate to strong currents and rocky or gravelly substrate. Biology. Matures at about 2 − 4 years, males one year earlier than females. Usually a fractional spawner, some females appear to spawn only once a year. Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC7FF8F2885F8D2FB67FE2E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC5FF912885FF5EFE44FE06.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kura barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC5FF912885FF5EFE44FE06.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ 50 − 72 + 2 − 4 [52 − 76 total] lateral-line scales / ○ 39 – 44 total vertebrae / ○ postdorsal length 48 – 61 % SL / ○ dorsal base length 16 – 21 % SL / ○ anal length 6 – 10 % SL / ○ 28 – 33 scale around caudal peduncle / ○ 9 – 13 scales below lateral line / ○ lower lip with a median swollen pad / ○ dorsal origin at or behind vertical of pelvic origin / ○ numerous irregular dark-brown blotches on back, flanks and head / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 360 mm SL; usually smaller.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC5FF912885FF5EFE44FE06.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin: Kura and Aras west of Atrak. Also, in Lake Urmia basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC5FF912885FF5EFE44FE06.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mountain and foothill zones in streams and small rivers with fast, clear, well-oxygenated water and gravel substrate; also in large lakes; in steep rivers down to estuaries. In lowland areas often most common in small streams and rare in larger rivers. Spawns in streams on gravel beds. Biology. Matures at about 2 − 3 years, males one year earlier than females. Usually lives 3 − 5 years. Spawns April−August, depending on altitude, at water temperatures of 14 − 20 ° C. Fractional spawner, spawns 2 − 3 times a season, some females appear to spawn only once a year. Three life history forms have been described from Lake Sevan (Armenia), differing in size, distribution, migration patterns, and spawning habitats (lacustrine, river-lacustrine, and riverine). Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC5FF912885FF5EFE44FE06.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC5FF912885FF5EFE44FE06.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Barbus goktschaicus from Lake Sevan basin (Armenia) and B. urmianus from Lake Urmia basin are synonyms. Barbus cyri can only be distinguished from B. lacerta and B. karunensis by molecular characters. While forming their own molecular clusters, these three species are very closely related and may be treated as one species with three population groups in the future.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFC5FF912885FF5EFE44FE06.taxon	description	Barbels challenging species recognition. We usually use two completely independent datasets to determine whether two fish populations represent one or two species. These are molecular and morphological datasets. They may or may not agree. Suppose fish from two populations can be distinguished by non-overlapping or slightly overlapping morphological characters that are not expected to be phenotypically variable (based on the observer’s experience). In that case, they can be recognised as two species. If fish from the two populations also form two “ well-separated ” groups in molecular analyses, all is well, and they are usually accepted as two species. But what happens when two morphologically indistinguishable populations are placed in two molecular groups? The conceptual framework for resolving such cases needs to be better discussed. Some authors use more or less arbitrary thresholds for molecular markers and call all populations beyond these thresholds “ cryptic species. ” While we agree that some species are indistinguishable by external and internal characters, the term “ cryptic species ” has been applied to many very different cases and should be avoided as it is not clearly defined. In West Asia, the Barbus lacerta group represents such a case. Three poorly differentiated molecular lineages in the Caspian and Persian Gulf basins are found in allopatry. These lineages are usually recognised as B. cyri, B. karunensis, and B. lacerta, but they cannot be distinguished by the morphological characters examined so far. Whether they should be treated as one species (B. lacerta) occurring in three distinct populations or as three poorly differentiated species is a matter of debate, as there is no clear conceptual background to resolve such situations. However, such cases are relatively rare, and few similar situations exist in Garra and Oxynoemacheilus. Thus far, nearly all species “ well separated ” by molecular characters can also be distinguished externally.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDAFF9028ABFA15FE31F9B9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sakarya barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDAFF9028ABFA15FE31F9B9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ● adults with numerous roundish, small, dark-brown dots, as large or larger than scales / ○ 53 − 58 total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray strongly ossified / ○ 7 – 10, usually 8 − 9, gill rakers / ○ head length 25 − 28 % SL / ○ lower lip with a median lobe / ○ juveniles with numerous irregular dark-brown blotches on back, flanks and head / ○ 45 − 48, usually 46 − 47, total vertebrae / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 300 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDAFF9028ABFA15FE31F9B9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sakarya drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDAFF9028ABFA15FE31F9B9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large rivers to mid-sized streams with gravel bottoms. Spawns in riffles and rapids. Also, in reservoirs, from which it migrates into tributaries to spawn. Biology. Matures at about 2 − 4 years, males one year earlier than females. A fractional spawner. Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDAFF9028ABFA15FE31F9B9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDAFF9028ABFA15FE31F9B9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Previously, the name B. escherichii was often applied to B. tauricus in Anatolian Black Sea basin. Barbus escherichii cannot be distinguished from B. tauricus by its COI DNA sequences, and both species may be closely related, or B. escherichii may have been the victim of introgressive hybridisation. More research is needed on this species group to understand its diversity better.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDBFF902885F988FAB3F8D4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Biga barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDBFF902885F988FAB3F8D4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ 56 − 61 total lateral-line scales / ○ 9 – 10 gill rakers / ○ 39 − 40 total vertebrae / ○ head length 24 − 27 % SL / ○ lower lip with a median pad / ○ numerous irregular dark-brown blotches on back, flank, and head / ○ dorsal origin slightly in front of vertical of pelvic origin / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray 41 – 55 % ossified / ○ posterior margin of dorsal straight or slightly convex / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 160 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDBFF902885F988FAB3F8D4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Gönen and Biga drainages on Biga Peninsula.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDBFF902885F988FAB3F8D4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwaters of streams and small rivers with fast, clear, well-oxygenated water and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDBFF902885F988FAB3F8D4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; has a small range with stable populations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDBFF902885F988FAB3F8D4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Barbus ida occurs locally sympatric with B. tauricus. It usually inhabits small headwater streams, whereas B. tauricus is found in larger, slow-flowing rivers.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD8FF9328ABFA3BFBA4F8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karun barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD8FF9328ABFA3BFBA4F8F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ 59 − 66 + 2 − 4 [60 − 70 total] lateral-line scales / ○ 39 – 44 total vertebrae / ○ postdorsal length 50 – 53 % SL / ○ dorsal base length 17 – 22 % SL / ○ anal length 7 – 9 % SL / ○ 26 – 29 scale around caudal peduncle / ○ 9 – 11 scales below lateral line / ○ 33 – 42 predorsal scales / ○ lower lip with a median swollen pad / ○ dorsal origin at or behind vertical of pelvic origin / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 154 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD8FF9328ABFA3BFBA4F8F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Sezar, Bakhtiyari, Beshar, and Khersan in upper and rarely in lower Karun drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD8FF9328ABFA3BFBA4F8F1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mountain and foothill zones, in streams and small rivers with fast, clear, well-oxygenated water and gravelly substrate. Biology. Matures at about 2 − 4 years, males one year earlier than females. A fractional spawner. Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD8FF9328ABFA3BFBA4F8F1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD8FF9328ABFA3BFBA4F8F1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Barbus karunensis can only be distinguished from B. cyri and B. lacerta by molecular characters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFF5EFAEBFD3E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lizard barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFF5EFAEBFD3E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ 52 − 73 + 2 − 4 [56 − 77 total] lateral-line scales / ○ 39 – 44 total vertebrae / ○ postdorsal length 46 – 59 % SL / ○ dorsal base length 16 – 22 % SL / ○ anal length 6.0 – 9 % SL / ○ 25 – 32 scale around caudal peduncle / ○ 35 – 48 predorsal scales / ○ lower lip with a median swollen pad / ○ dorsal origin at or slightly behind vertical of pelvic origin / ○ numerous irregular dark-brown blotches on back, flanks and head / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 186 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFF5EFAEBFD3E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, Tigris, and Karkheh drainages, also in Lake Van basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFF5EFAEBFD3E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mountain and foothill areas, in streams and small rivers with fast, clear, well-oxygenated water and gravel substrate. In lowlands usually most common in small streams and absent from large rivers. Biology. Lives up to 7 years. Matures at about 2 − 4 years, males one year earlier than females. A fractional spawner. Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFF5EFAEBFD3E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; one of the most common species in its range, extirpated from Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFF5EFAEBFD3E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Rarely found syntopic with Luciobarbus species that occur in larger rivers and lowland habitats. Barbus kosswigi, described from the upper Greater Zab drainage in Anatolian Hakkari province, and B. ercisianus from the Lake Van basin are synonyms. Barbus lacerta can only be distinguished from B. cyri and B. karunensis based on molecular characters. Further reading. Khaefi et al. 2017 a (review); Eagderi et al. 2019 d (morphology); Coad 2021 a (biology, morphology).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFAA7FB0AF898.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Namak barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFAA7FB0AF898.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ 69 − 87 + 3 − 5, totally 71 − 90, lateral-line scales / ○ 39 – 44 total vertebrae / ○ postdorsal length 52 – 59 % SL / ○ dorsal base length 18 – 23 % SL / ○ anal length 7 – 9 % SL / ○ 28 – 35 scale around caudal peduncle / ○ 12 – 15 scales below lateral line / ○ 37 – 45 predorsal scales / ○ lower lip with a median swollen pad / ○ dorsal origin at or slightly behind vertical of pelvic origin / ○ numerous irregular dark-brown blotches on back, flanks and head / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 240 mm SL, usually smaller.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFAA7FB0AF898.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Qom, Qareh Chai, and Jaj drainages in Lake Namak basin. Hable and Nam drainages and Cheshme Ali spring in Western Kavir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFAA7FB0AF898.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow to fast-flowing rivers with gravel and rocky bottoms. Biology. Matures at about 2 − 4 years, males one year earlier than females. A fractional spawner. Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDEFF9528ABFAA7FB0AF898.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; possibly extirpated from Lake Namak basin and Cheshme Ali, now found only in small numbers in 5 – 10 independent, mostly declining populations in Nam and Hable in Western Kavir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF942885FB43FAC7FAAE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Susurluk barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF942885FB43FAC7FAAE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ 62 − 72 total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray moderately ossified / ○ 6 – 8 gill rakers / ○ head length 23 − 26 % SL / ○ lower lip with a median lobe / ○ numerous irregular dark-brown blotches on back, flanks and head / ○ 43 − 44 total vertebrae / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 160 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF942885FB43FAC7FAAE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Susurluk drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF942885FB43FAC7FAAE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams with fast to moderate flow, cobble, and gravel bottom. Biology. Matures at about 2 − 4 years, males one year earlier than females. Usually a fractional spawner, some females appear to spawn only once a year. Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF942885FB43FAC7FAAE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF942885FB43FAC7FAAE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Barbus niluferensis occurs locally sympatric with B. tauricus. It usually inhabits small headwater streams, whereas B. tauricus is found in larger, slow-flowing rivers. Further reading. Turan et al. 2009 b (description).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF972B1BFAB3FBF8F96C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pergamon barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF972B1BFAB3FBF8F96C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguishedfromotherspeciesof Barbus inWest Asia by: ○ 50 − 62 total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray ossified / ○ 8 – 11, usually 9, gill rakers / ○ 41 − 42 total vertebrae / ○ head length 24 − 26 % SL / ○ lower lip with a median lobe / ○ numerous irregular dark-brown blotches on back, flanks and head / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray 52 – 72 % ossified / ○ posterior margin of dorsal slightly convex / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 172 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF972B1BFAB3FBF8F96C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: KaramenderessouthtoMadra, Bakırçay and Gediz (Aegean basin). Also, on Lesbos Island (Greece).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF972B1BFAB3FBF8F96C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and rivers, usually in fast to moderately fast-flowing waters. Inhabit reservoirs where inflowing streams provide spawning habitat. Spawns in fast-flowing waters in riffles on gravelly substrate. Biology. Matures at about 2 − 4 years, males one year earlier than females. A fractional spawner. Feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF972B1BFAB3FBF8F96C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; Still widespread, but range greatly reduced during 20 th century due to massive pollution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDFFF972B1BFAB3FBF8F96C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Between the ranges of B. pergamonensis in north and B. xanthos in south, a third molecular cluster occurs in Tahtalı and Küçük Menderes drainages, which may represent an undescribed species. On the other hand, B. pergamonensis and B. xanthos are already very similar, and further studies may show that the characters distinguishing the two species are not be confirmed. They may represent a case similar to the B. lacerta group (see above).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDDFF962885FA7EFAB6F8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Colchic barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDDFF962885FA7EFAB6F8F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ flank plain brown or grey with many minute, dark-brown spots, smaller than scales, in individuals over 100 mm SL / ○ lower lip with a median lobe / ○ 50 − 62, usually 54 − 58, total lateral-line scales / ○ last dorsal unbranched ray weakly to moderately ossified / ○ 8 – 12 gill rakers / ○ head length 24 − 28 % SL / ○ 44 − 47, usually 45 − 46, total vertebrae / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 500 mm SL, but expected to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDDFF962885FA7EFAB6F8F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Georgia and Türkiye: Eastern Black Sea basin from Kodori south to Rioni and Çoruh.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDDFF962885FA7EFAB6F8F1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mountain to hill streams with gravel bottoms and moderate- to fast-flowing water. Prefers stretches with large rocks and rapids alternating with deep holes. Spawns in riffles and rapids. Biology. Males mature at 2 − 3 years, 1 − 3 years earlier than females. Spawns May – September with a peak from May – July at water temperatures of 14 − 21 ° C. Spawns in large groups, fractional spawners. Migrates upstream to spawn. Feeds on benthic invertebrates and aquatic plants.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFDDFF962885FA7EFAB6F8F1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD2FF9828ABFA7EFB02F8B6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Crimean barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD2FF9828ABFA7EFB02F8B6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ flank plain brown or grey, with many minute dark-brown spots, smaller than scales, in individuals over 100 mm SL / ○ lower lip with a median swollen pad / ○ 51 − 64, usually 53 − 56, total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray moderately ossified / ○ 9 – 12 gill rakers / ○ head length 26 − 30 % SL / ○ 44 − 48, usually 45 − 46, total vertebrae / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 700 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD2FF9828ABFA7EFB02F8B6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern tributaries of Marmara Sea from Lake İznik west to Karamenderes. Black Sea basin from Crimean Peninsula east along Caucasian Black Sea basin of Russia. All along Anatolian Black Sea coast, west to Thrace, and north to Kamchiya in Bulgaria. In Azov Sea basin in lower Kuban drainage, possibly hybridised with B. kubanicus. Absent or restricted to lowermost Sakarya, Kızılırmak, and Yeşilırmak and eastern Black Sea basin in Georgia and Çoruh (Türkiye).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD2FF9828ABFA7EFB02F8B6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Widespread, from mountain streams with strong currents to brackish estuaries. Inhabits river reaches from coastal areas to about 600 m above sea level. Biology. Males spawn first time at 2 years, about 65 mm SL, females at 3 years, about 100 mm SL. Moves upstream to upper reaches or near rapids to spawn on gravel or rocky bottom. Spawns May−July when water temperature reaches 15 − 18 ° C, often in large groups. Females lay 1 − 3 portions of eggs. Eggs are not sticky and remain between or under pebbles until hatching. In early winter moves to deeper areas with less current and stops feeding. Feeds mainly on zoobenthos. Life cycles of rheophilic fishes. Lampreys, most sturgeons, many cyprinids, leuciscids, nemacheilids, sisorid catfishes, and salmoniforms spend at least part of their lives in moderate- to fast-flowing waters, and their life cycles show many similarities. Adults spawn in fast-flowing waters on gravel or submerged vegetation. Most species lay their eggs in the gravel or spawn above the gravel, and the eggs sink into the interstices. Predators usually eat the eggs that remain on the surface of the gravel. Eggs develop in the gravel. Yolk sac larvae usually move away from the light (they are negatively phototactic) or try to move deeper into the gravel. Larvae have been observed several meters into the substrate, but only the first few centimeters are usually suitable for eggs and larvae. When the yolk sac reserves are exhausted, the larvae become positively phototactic and leave the gravel to find suitable habitats. Larval emergence usually peaks shortly after dawn, and the larvae drift downstream. Some sturgeon and cyprinid larvae drift for several days and may find their nursery habitat several kilometers downstream of the spawning sites. This can lead to strong longitudinal variation in habitat use and extensive migrations at different life stages. Larvae of most riverine species inhabit shallow banks and bays. As they grow, they move to deeper water with faster currents. Habitat use is strongly influenced by various abiotic (e. g. available habitats, climate) and biotic (e. g. food availability, predation risk) factors.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD2FF9828ABFA7EFB02F8B6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD2FF9828ABFA7EFB02F8B6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Barbus tauricus was previously restricted to Crimea, but new data show that it is much more widespread. Barbus kubanicus, B. rionicus, B. anatolicus, and B. escherichii occur in rivers within the range of B. tauricus, and it is expected that hybrids of both species and introgressed individuals are common. Barbus tauricus seems to inhabit rivers close to the coast, while other species occur inland. Barbus bergi from European Türkiye and Bulgaria and B. oligolepis from the Marmara basin are synonyms, as proposed differentiating characters could not be confirmed. Barbus tauricus locally occurs sympatric with B. niluferensis and B. ida, but it inhabits larger river sections.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD0FF9B28ABFAEBFB10F904.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Menderes barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD0FF9B28ABFAEBFB10F904.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Barbus in West Asia by: ○ 53 − 60 total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray weakly ossified / ○ 7 – 10 gill rakers / ○ 41 − 43 total vertebrae / ○ head length 22 − 27 % SL / ○ lower lip with a median lobe / ○ numerous irregular dark-brown blotches on back, flanks, and head / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray 33 – 50 % ossified / ○ posterior margin of dorsal straight or slightly concave / ○ anal longer in female than in male. Size up to 190 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD0FF9B28ABFAEBFB10F904.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Büyük Menderes south to Eşen (Aegean basin).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD0FF9B28ABFAEBFB10F904.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of stream and river habitats, usually in fast to moderately fast-flowing waters. In reservoirs, where inflowing streams provide spawning habitat. Spawns in fast-flowing waters in riffles on gravel substrate. Biology. No data. Expected to be similar to B. pergamonensis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD0FF9B28ABFAEBFB10F904.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD1FF9A2885FD6AFD5BFC1D.taxon	description	This genus is represented by a single species: a small, whitish, eyeless, troglomorphic fish without barbels and with large scales. The orbit is filled with fatty tissue, and vestigial eyes are present only in juveniles. The species was only found once in 1979; virtually nothing is known about it. The large scales, body shape, and absence of barbels indicate a relationship to the geographically adjacent genus Mesopotamichthys.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD1FF9A2885FC22FAF2FB85.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Haditha cavefish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD1FF9A2885FC22FAF2FB85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other subterranean fishes in West Asia by: ● barbels absent / ○ no gular disc. Size up to 49 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD1FF9A2885FC22FAF2FB85.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iraq: aquifer near Haditha, accessible through a well about 3 m below Shaikh Hadeed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD1FF9A2885FC22FAF2FB85.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Underground waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD1FF9A2885FC22FAF2FB85.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; possibly extinct. An attempt to locate this species in 2012 was unsuccessful.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD1FF9A2885FC22FAF2FB85.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Coexists with Garra widdowsoni.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FFD6FF6128ABFF5EFB9AFE7D.taxon	description	Capoeta are medium-sized fishes found throughout West Asia. All 27 species of the genus are present in the region, with the distribution range of C. heratensis extending to the Amu Darya drainage in the Aral basin. Capoeta are unmistakable, with their 1 – 2 pairs of short barbels, straight or rounded lower jaw, horny cutting sheath, and strong, serrated last unbranched dorsal ray. Some Capoeta have two pairs of barbels, while most have one. There is some variation in this character, with occasional individuals having one, two, or even three barbels. The molecular diversity of Capoeta was the focus of several detailed studies, resulting in the description of 12 new species since the year 2000. This makes Capoeta the second-largest genus of Cyprinids in West Asia (after Garra). These studies also resulted in the description of several “ molecular ” species that are hardly distinguishable by external characters. Several of the populations that were proposed as species could not be confirmed by subsequent studies and are treated as synonyms. Capoeta frequently forms hybrids with sympatric Luciobarbus. Many species of Capoeta show remarkable variation in the shape of the mouth, especially the lower jaw, which is often wide, straight in some individuals, narrow, and arched in others. The hypothesis that these differences in mouth shape are attributed to gender was not supported when larger series were studied. The genus Paracapoeta was proposed for C. anamisensis, C. barroisi, C. erhani, C. mandica, and C. trutta. We reject this genus as valid. This species group forms a monophyletic group, very closely related to Capoeta, and morphological characters poorly distinguish it. Capoeta anamisensis does not show any of the proposed diagnostic character states for Paracapoeta. Capoeta forms an important component of many fish communities in West Asia, which are often dominated by these cyprinids by biomass. They are very abundant in many places and found in almost all kinds of water bodies, from cold mountain streams to large lowland lakes and small, brackish desert streams, as long as the fish have access to small patches of stony substrate and flowing waters. Spawning also takes place at the outflow of springs or wave-washed shores of lakes. Some Capoeta species are likely very powerful invasive species, but there have been few documented cases of translocations so far.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2BFF602885FF5EFAA4FC49.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Largescale scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2BFF602885FF5EFAA4FC49.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Iranian Tigris and endorheic basins by: ● 36 – 44 total lateral-line scales / ○ 14 – 15 predorsal scales / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ flank beige, golden or brown without small black spots, juveniles and some adults with large black blotches / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray soft or moderately ossified, with small serrae / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 16 – 17 circumpeduncular scale rows / ○ 6 – 8, usually 7 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 5 – 8, usually 6 scales between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 4 – 7, usually 5 – 6 scales between pelvic origin and lateral line / ○ 17 – 22 gill rakers / ○ 38 – 39 total vertebrae. Size up to 370 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2BFF602885FF5EFAA4FC49.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Tigris drainage, endorheic Kor and Esfahan basins. Qom, Qareh Chai, Jaj, Khar, Ab-e Kamar drainages in Lake Namak basin. Hable, Nam and Bidvaz drainages in Western Kavir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2BFF602885FF5EFAA4FC49.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, and springs with moderately fastto slow-flowing water. From reservoirs, they migrate to rivers to spawn. Biology. Feeds on detritus, periphyton, and occasionally small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2BFF602885FF5EFAA4FC49.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2BFF602885FF5EFAA4FC49.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Capoeta aculeata had been described from Iran without details of type locality. Capoeta bergi, described from the Lake Namak basin, was treated as a synonym. Capoeta alborzensis was described from the Lake Namak basin based on the assumption that the type locality of C. aculeata is in Kor basin and C. bergi is not an available name. No type material of C. aculeata was examined for that study. Later research identified the populations from the Lake Namak basin as C. aculeata and treated C. gracilis from the Esfahan basin and C. macrolepis from the Tigris and endorheic Kor as valid species. Again no type material was examined. We consider C. aculeata, C. macrolepis, C. gracilis, C. bergi, and C. alborzensis as conspecific as they are very closely related, with an COI distance <1 %, and none of morphological characters proposed to distinguish them could be confirmed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF28FF6328ABF9E6FAB8F8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hormuz scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF28FF6328ABF9E6FAB8F8F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Persian Gulf basin south of Zohreh and in Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ 56 – 67 total lateral-line scales / ○ flank plain silvery, often with an indistinct stripe / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray very strongly ossified, with strong serrae / ○ 8 ½ – 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 11 – 12 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 6 – 8, usually six scales between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 10 – 13 scales between pelvic origin and lateral line / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ 21 – 25 gill rakers. Size up to 230 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF28FF6328ABF9E6FAB8F8F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Upper Minab, Hasan Langi, and Haji Abad drainages, which flow into Strait of Hormuz.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF28FF6328ABF9E6FAB8F8F1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with moderate to fast-flowing water, sand, gravel or rock substrate. Biology. Feeds on detritus, periphyton, and occasionally small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF28FF6328ABF9E6FAB8F8F1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF29FF622885FCA8FB85FB64.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pamphylian scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF29FF622885FCA8FB85FB64.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Mediterranean basin and endorheic basins in Central Anatolia by: ● two pairs of barbels / ● 49 – 57 total lateral-line scales / ○ posterior edge of last unbranched dorsal ray smooth, without serrae / ○ 15 – 17 gill rakers / ○ edge of lower jaw cornified. Size up to 240 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF29FF622885FCA8FB85FB64.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Aksu, Köprüçay drainages and coastal streams east to Manavgat.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF29FF622885FCA8FB85FB64.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing stretches of rivers and larger streams with gravel or rock substrate. Biology. Feeds on detritus, periphyton, and occasionally small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF29FF622885FCA8FB85FB64.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; believed to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF29FF622885FCA8FB85FB64.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In Ilıca and Manavgat, individuals with two, three and four barbels occur together. Hybrids of C. antalyensis and C. caelestis inhabit these streams. No hybrids were observed west of Gündoğdu (36.8502, 31.2900), where only C. antalyensis is found.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2EFF6528ABFCCEFA19FB19.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Carian scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2EFF6528ABFCCEFA19FB19.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Marmara and Mediterranean basins and Central Anatolia by: ○ 58 – 71 total lateral-line scales / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 18 – 24 gill rakers / ○ keel in front of dorsal origin well developed / ○ posterior dorsal margin straight / ○ flank plain brown, rarely silvery in individuals larger than 150 mm SL / ○ last simple dorsal ray weakly ossified, with 7 – 20 small serrae along its posterior edge origin / ○ 11 – 12 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 7 – 9 scales between anal origin and lateral line / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ edge of lower jaw cornified. Size up to 370 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2EFF6528ABFCCEFA19FB19.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Büyük Menderes south to Dalaman and streams Namnam and Tersakan. Recorded from Gökova Bay and Lake Köyceğiz.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2EFF6528ABFCCEFA19FB19.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and rivers with moderate to fast-flowing water and sand or gravel and rock substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2EFF6528ABFCCEFA19FB19.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2FFF642885FF5EFA0DFDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Colchic scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2FFF642885FF5EFA0DFDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Black Sea basin by: ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ 64 – 77 total lateral-line scales / ○ 12 – 14 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 8 – 9 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ 12 – 18 gill rakers / ○ 12 – 20 serrae on last unbranched dorsal ray / ○ eye diameter smaller than cheek length / ○ edge of lower jaw cornified / ○ lips narrow, not fleshy or pleated / ○ shape of lower jaw monomorphic, wide and straight in all individuals / ○ snout short and blunt. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2FFF642885FF5EFA0DFDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Georgia: Yeşilırmak drainage east to Inguri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2FFF642885FF5EFA0DFDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of moderately to rapidly flowing streams and rivers with sand, gravel, and rock substrate. Spawns on coarse sand or gravel in flowing water. Biology. Lives up to 12 years. Matures at 2 (male) or 3 (female) years. Spawns May−July. Feeds on detritus, algae, and invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2FFF642885FF5EFA0DFDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2CFF6728ABFCFCFC2DFB72.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Orontes scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2CFF6728ABFCFCFC2DFB72.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Mediterranean and endorheic basins in Levant by: ○ one pair of barbels / ○ 76 – 83 total lateral-line scales / ○ flank silvery with many small black spots / ○ black spots on dorsal head smaller than on predorsal body / ○ pelvic – hypural distance when carried forward, always falling in front of tip of snout / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray very strongly ossified, strongly serrated / ○ 26 – 29 gill rakers / ○ predorsal keel not or very slightly elevated. Size up to 320 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2CFF6728ABFCFCFC2DFB72.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Orontes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2CFF6728ABFCFCFC2DFB72.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, reservoirs, and larger lowland rivers. Likely to migrate to inflowing rivers or streams to spawn. Biology. Feeds on detritus, periphyton, and occasionally small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2CFF6728ABFCFCFC2DFB72.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its small range. Restricted to a few localities in Orontes drainage such as Tahtaköprü reservoir, lower Orontes, upper Afrin and Lake Gölbaşı (Kırıkhan) in Türkiye and Qattinah reservoir in Syria. However, the exact distribution should be reviewed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2CFF6728ABFCFCFC2DFB72.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Individuals of C. barroisi with the last unbranched dorsal ray as long as or longer than the head are often misidentified as C. trutta. Capoeta trutta does not occur in the Orontes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2CFF662885F9C0FAC7FDD6.taxon	description	It has long been suspected that the relationship of Capoeta is with the Oriental algae scrapers of the genera Onychostoma, Semiplotus, and Scaphiodonichthys. Since, mitochondrial molecular markers have demonstrated that Capoeta is closely related to the genera Aulopyge, Barbus and Luciobarbus. All mitochondrial phylogenetic analyses indicate that Capoeta is nested within Luciobarbus. As is the case with the majority of Palearctic barbels, all Luciobarbus studied are tetraploid, with 100 chromosomes. Conversely, all Capoeta studied are hexaploid, with 150 chromosomes. The shift from tetraploidy to hexaploidy is a pivotal event in the evolution of Capoeta. Polyploidisation in fish is often associated with hybridisation, and it can be postulated that this was also the case in the origin of Capoeta. If a tetraploid mother (chromosomes in the egg: n = 2) and a diploid father (chromosome in the sperm cell: n = 1) (or vice versa) hybridise, the offspring is triploid (n = 3) and is likely to be sterile. It can be postulated that triploids cannot produce viable gametes. It is plausible that these hybrids were sufficiently abundant in a certain situation to mate with each other and were occasionally able to produce mitotic gametes, i. e., gametes without meiotic division. These eggs and sperm should have been triploid (n = 3), and after fertilisation, a new fish with an even number of chromosomes, here six, would result. This hexaploid fish could then spawn normally with the other hexaploid hybrids, which might have constituted the initial step of the new lineage, the genus Capoeta. Support for this hybridisation event is further strengthened by nuclear DNA evidence from the RAG 1 gene which, together with mitochondrial markers, suggests a biparental genomic contribution. While the mitochondrial data confirm Luciobarbus as the maternal source, the RAG 1 tree indicates a mixed ancestry, consistent with an ancient Cyprinion-like paternal lineage, and reinforces the role of polyploidisation in the evolution of Capoeta. These hybridisation and polyploidisation events may have enabled the hybrids to occupy a different ecological niche than their parents, resulting in the evolution of reproductive isolation from their parents.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2DFF662885FAD6FC35F94E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Aegean scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2DFF662885FAD6FC35F94E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Marmara and Mediterranean basins and Central Anatolia by: ○ 60 – 71 total lateral-line scales / ○ 8 ½, rarely 7 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 18 – 24 gill rakers / ○ keel in front of dorsal origin well developed / ○ posterior dorsal margin concave / ○ flank plain brown, rarely silvery in individuals larger than 150 mm SL / ○ last simple dorsal ray weakly ossified, with 21 – 27 small serrae along its posterior edge origin / ○ 11 – 14 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 7 – 9 scales between anal origin and lateral line / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ edge of lower jaw cornified. Size up to 198 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2DFF662885FAD6FC35F94E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Gediz north to Bakacak drainage (northern Biga Peninsula).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2DFF662885FAD6FC35F94E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wide range of rivers and streams with clean and, at least seasonally, running water. Biology. Feeds on detritus, periphyton, and occasionally small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF2DFF662885FAD6FC35F94E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NT; declined in recent years, but still too widespread and not declining fast enough to qualify for a threat category. Extirpated from Küçük Menderes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF22FF6928ABFAB0FA97F96C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Namak scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF22FF6928ABFAB0FA97F96C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ 82 – 95 total lateral-line scales / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ flank beige or brown without small black spots, juveniles and some adults individuals with large black blotches / ○ no groove in front of nares / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray soft or moderately ossified, serrated / ○ 14 – 16 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 29 – 31 circumpeduncular scales / ○ 12 – 14 gill rakers, 7 – 10 on lower limb / ○ 10 – 11 scales between lateral line and anal origin. Size up to 230 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF22FF6928ABFAB0FA97F96C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Qom, Qareh chai, Jaj, Karaj, Khar, Kan and Mazlaghan drainages in Lake Namak basin. Hable, Nam, Qolrudbar and Boneh Koh in Western Kavir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF22FF6928ABFAB0FA97F96C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with sand, mud or gravel bottom. Biology. Feeds on periphyton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF22FF6928ABFAB0FA97F96C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF23FF682885FCCEFA85FB46.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Taurus scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF23FF682885FCCEFA85FB46.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Mediterranean basin by: ○ one pair of barbels / ○ 57 – 69 total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray weak, slender, without serrae / ○ 8 ½ or 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 16 – 21 gill rakers / ○ 10 – 13 scales rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 7 – 8 scales between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 23 – 24 circumpeduncular scales / ○ flank beige, golden or brown without small black spots, juveniles and some adults individuals with large black blotches. Size up to 340 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF23FF682885FCCEFA85FB46.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ilıca and Manavgat east to Göksu drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF23FF682885FCCEFA85FB46.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Coastal streams to mountain rivers. Often sole species in a stream. Spawns in fast-flowing water in rapids and riffles. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF23FF682885FCCEFA85FB46.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF23FF682885FCCEFA85FB46.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In Ilıca and Manavgat, individuals with one pair, two pairs and three barbels occur together. These are hybrids between C. antalyensis and C. caelestis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FF5EFA2BFCA6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caucasian scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FF5EFA2BFCA6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Black and Caspian Sea basins by: ○ one pair of barbels / ○ 46 – 59 total lateral-line scales / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray strong, with many serrae / ○ 18 or more predorsal scales / ○ back behind head and in front of dorsal origin strongly compressed / ○ 44 – 47 total vertebrae / ○ 17 – 26 gill rakers / ○ lower and upper lips smooth and narrow / ○ edge of lower jaw cornified. Size up to 380 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FF5EFA2BFCA6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin: Kura and Aras drainages (including Lake Sevan). Black Sea basin: Çoruh (Türkiye) northeast to Rioni (Georgia). Lake Urmia basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FF5EFA2BFCA6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Stream and river habitats from coastal to mountain streams with gravel substrates. Also in lakes and reservoirs. Spawns in fast-flowing waters in rapids and riffles on gravel or sand; also on wave-washed lake shores; migrates to lake tributaries to spawn. Biology. Females live up to 10 years, males up to 6; usually 4 − 5 years. Spawns between March and September. Fractional spawner, individual females may spawn up to three times a year. Feeds mainly on detritus and periphyton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FF5EFA2BFCA6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FF5EFA2BFCA6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. As with many barbels, the eggs are toxic and even inadequately cleaned fish can be dangerous to humans. Capoeta ekmekciae from the easternmost Black Sea basin (Çoruh in Türkiye northeast to Rioni in Georgia) and C. sevangi from Lake Sevan in Armenia are synonyms. The geographical boundaries between this species and C. razii south of Kura are unclear, and hybrids are expected to occur there and potentially in Aras.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FA58FA23F81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karun scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FA58FA23F81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Karkheh, Karun, Zohreh and endorheic Zayandeh drainages by: ○ usually 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ flank beige, golden or brown without small black spots, juveniles and some adults individuals with large black blotches / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray weakly ossified and serrated / ○ 14 – 18 gill rakers, 10 – 13 gill rakers on lower limb / ○ 65 – 84 total scales along lateral line / ○ 12 – 17 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 9 – 11 scales between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ 25 – 32 circumpeduncular scales / ○ a deep groove in front of nares. Size up to 280 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FA58FA23F81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Karun drainage and Esfahan basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FA58FA23F81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderate or fast-flowing rivers, usually with gravel substrate and clear water. Biology. Lives up to 10 years. Males mature at 2 years, females at 3 − 6 years. Spawns May−June. Feeds on periphyton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FA58FA23F81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF21FF6A2885FA58FA23F81E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Capoeta birunii from the Zayandeh drainage is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF27FF6F2885FAC4FB80FAAE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Levantine scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF27FF6F2885FAC4FB80FAAE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Mediterranean, Damascus, and Dead Sea basins, Lake Van basin, Euphrates, and Tigris (except Karkheh and Karun) by: ○ flank beige, golden, or brown without small black spots, juveniles and some adults individuals with large black blotches / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray weakly to moderately ossified and serrated / ○ 8 ½ – 10 ½, usually 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ usually 61 – 82 total lateral-line scales, many individuals have 80 – 104 total lateral-line scales in Tigris and Euphrates / ○ 11 – 20 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 7.5 – 14.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ 23 – 34 circumpeduncular scales / ○ usually 18 – 23 gill rakers, 12 – 18 gill rakers on lower limb, 12 – 15 in Damascus basin / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray shorter than head / ○ usually 18 – 25 scales above lateral line / ○ 11.5 – 15.5 scales below lateral line / ○ 31 – 39 circumpeduncular scales. Size up to 450 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF27FF6F2885FAC4FB80FAAE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Seyhan, Ceyhan, and Orontes southwards to Litani in Lebanon. Damascus and Qweiq endorheic basins, Jordan drainage, and major tributaries of Dead Sea (such as Moujib and Hasa). Euphrates and Tigris, including tributaries of Lake Van. Absent from Iranian rivers flowing into Persian Gulf south of Karun, except Dez, a tributary of Karun. Absent from other parts of Karun and Karkheh.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF27FF6F2885FAC4FB80FAAE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of running waters, lakes, and reservoirs with (seasonally) inflowing rivers or streams. Occupies cold headwaters of mountain zones, medium-sized rivers, springs, and associated wetlands, down to small wadis and brackish desert streams. Spawns on gravel, wave-washed lake shores, and spring discharge horizons. Larvae and juveniles inhabit riparian habitats. Biology. Lives up to 12 years. Spawns first time at 130 − 200 mm SL, usually matures at 2 (males) and 4 (females) years. Spawns May−June or late July (Lebanon), January−March or May (upper Jordan). Migrates regionally from lakes to rivers to spawn. In upper Jordan, migrates in December−February to spawning areas in upper reaches. Rainfall, flooding, and a drop in water temperature trigger migration. Several males usually follow a female to spawn. Eggs are sticky and are deposited in gravel excavated by female during spawning. Eggs poisonous. Adults migrate downstream after spawning. Juveniles have many dark brown blotches on a silvery or golden background. Feeds on detritus, periphyton, and invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF27FF6F2885FAC4FB80FAAE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF27FF6F2885FAC4FB80FAAE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Reported from an oasis on Sinai Peninsula, where it may have been introduced (but now extirpated). Despite its wide distribution, recent molecular studies involving fish across its range have not revealed a strong phylogeographic structure. Capoeta kosswigi from Lake Van basin and C. angorae from Seyhan and Ceyhan are synonyms. Capoeta pyragyi, described from the Dez, a tributary of Karun in Iran, is identical to C. damascina by its COI DNA sequences, and all morphological characters given in original description overlap with those of C. damascina. It is also treated as a synonym. In the Tigris, high-scale count individuals (80 – 104, total lateral-line scales) occur in pure populations or syntopy with low-scale count individuals (61 – 82). In the Euphrates, no pure high-scale count populations have (yet) been reported, but low and high-scale count individuals often occur in syntopy, whereas in the Mediterranean, only lowscale count fish have been found. The high-scale count individuals are often recognised as a separate species, C. umbla. High and low-scale-count fish are not distinguished by their COI DNA sequences (but few individuals differ slightly in their LSU sequences), all other meristic characters overlap, and high and low-scale-count individuals are superficially very similar in all other characters. Furthermore, the distribution of scale numbers in Van Lake basin bridges the gap between C. damascina and “ C. umbla. ” The background of this situation has yet to be understood. A first hypothesis is that they are two species often found in sympatry; intermediate individuals could be hybrids, and the lack of COI DNA sequences could be due to introgressive hybridisation. The overall high similarity of both “ species ” and their syntopic occurrence challenge this view. Such superficially similar and closely related species only rarely occur in syntopy, and it is difficult to imagine that this is the case for Capoeta, which is known to hybridise even with sympatric other Capoeta and Luciobarbus species. Alternatively, the often bimodal scale numbers in syntopic fishes may indicate that scale number inheritance may be associated with two alternative haplotypes leading to either high- or low-scale numbers rather than intermediate scale numbers, as expected in hybrids. This hypothesis suggests a species that occurs in individuals with high- or low-scale numbers, both in mixed and pure populations. Until this hypothesis is rejected, we treat C. umbla and C. damascina as conspecifics.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF25FF6E2885FCCEFBDDFB46.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Cilician scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF25FF6E2885FCCEFBDDFB46.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Mediterranean basin by: ○ one pair of barbels / ○ 63 – 79 total scales in lateral line / ○ flank silvery or brown with many small black spots / ○ black spots on dorsal head about equally sized than on predorsal body / ○ pelvic – hypural distance when carried forward, falling in-between midpoint of nostril-the tip of snout and center of eye / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray very strongly ossified, strongly serrated / ○ 25 – 30 gill rakers / ○ predorsal keel elevated. Size up to 320 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF25FF6E2885FCCEFBDDFB46.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Seyhan and Ceyhan drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF25FF6E2885FCCEFBDDFB46.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wide range of moderately to rapidly flowing streams and rivers with sandy, gravelly, or rocky bottoms. Common in reservoirs and large rivers. Biology. Lives up to 5 years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF25FF6E2885FCCEFBDDFB46.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF25FF6E2885FCCEFBDDFB46.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Capoeta turani was described from Seyhan, but later studies found that the diagnostic characters overlap to a large extent. It is treated as a synonym of C. erhani.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3AFF7128ABFD37FB60FBC0.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zohreh scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3AFF7128ABFD37FB60FBC0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Karkheh, Karun and Zohreh drainages by: ○ flank beige, golden or brown without small black spots, juveniles and some adults individuals with large black blotches / ○ usually 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray shorter than head, weakly ossified and serrated / ○ 71 – 80 lateral-line scales / ○ 13 – 17 scales between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 8 – 11 scales between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 26 – 30 encircling least circumference of caudal peduncle / ○ 13 – 15 gill rakers, 10 – 12 on lower limb / ○ no groove in front of nares / ○ head depth at eye 90 – 102 % of postorbital length. Size up to 170 mm SL, likely to grow much larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3AFF7128ABFD37FB60FBC0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Zohreh, Jarrahi, and Fahlian drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3AFF7128ABFD37FB60FBC0.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Medium to fast-flowing rivers with sand, gravel, or mud substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3AFF7128ABFD37FB60FBC0.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3BFF702885FD12FAF8FB55.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Qanat scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3BFF702885FD12FAF8FB55.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ usually 42 – 50 total lateral-line scales / ○ usually 11 – 15 gill rakers / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray soft with few fine serrae along proximal half / ○ flank beige, golden, or brown without small black spots, juveniles and some adult individuals with large black blotches. Size up to 180 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3BFF702885FD12FAF8FB55.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Sistan basin in Afghanistan. Atrak drainage, North and South Bejestan, Eastern Kavir, Gonabad, and Lut basins in Iran.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3BFF702885FD12FAF8FB55.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of small to large desert streams, springs, qanats and canals. Habitats are often very small and isolated. Biology. Lives up to 6 years. Spawns March−August, fractional spawning. Feeds on plants and filamentous algae, occasionally on invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3BFF702885FD12FAF8FB55.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; although the species is widespread, its habitats are usually very small and under severe water stress.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3BFF702885FD12FAF8FB55.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Scales on the belly and lower flank are deeply embedded in skin in some individuals or populations. This species is very closely related to C. aculeata.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF38FF7328ABFD37FBD7FB55.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Central Asian scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF38FF7328ABFD37FBD7FB55.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Iranian endorheic basins by: ● usually two pairs of barbels / ○ 50 – 61 total lateral-line scales / ○ 17 – 22 gill rakers / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 8 – 11 scales between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 7 – 8 scales between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 7 – 10 scales between pelvic origin and lateral line / ○ back behind head and in front of dorsal origin not or very slightly compressed / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray strong, with many serrae. Size up to 292 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF38FF7328ABFD37FBD7FB55.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Hari drainage in Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. In Morghab, Karakum Canal, and Kopetdag streams in Turkmenistan, Zeravshan, and Amu Darja in Central Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF38FF7328ABFD37FBD7FB55.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and rivers, including reservoirs and lakes, from which it migrates into tributaries to spawn. Biology. Lives for 8 years, probably longer, reported to mature at 2 − 4 years and 100 mm (probably TL). Small spawners appear to be all males. Spawns April−August at temperatures between 16 and 23 ° C (Uzbekistan) on gravel bottoms. Fractional spawners, females spawn more than once in a season.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF38FF7328ABFD37FBD7FB55.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF38FF7328ABFD37FBD7FB55.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Individuals with three or two barbels are common in some populations. Capoeta steindachneri is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF39FF722885FF5EFAEAFE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Blue scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF39FF722885FF5EFAEAFE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Caspian basin by: ● usually 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ● flank bluish or bluish-green without small black spots, juveniles with large black blotches / ○ 54 – 63 total lateral-line scales / ○ 24 – 25 gill rakers. Size up to 900 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF39FF722885FF5EFAEAFE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin: Aras drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF39FF722885FF5EFAEAFE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Larger rivers with moderate or fast-flowing water. Biology. Feeds on detritus, periphyton, and occasionally small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF39FF722885FF5EFAEAFE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3EFF7528ABFD3EFBE7FB94.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mond scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3EFF7528ABFD3EFBE7FB94.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Persian Gulf basin south of Zohreh and in Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ flank silvery or brown with many small black spots, especially on head and back / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray very strong, shorter than head, strongly serrated / ○ 58 – 68 total lateral-line scales / ○ 21 – 27 gill rakers / ○ 12 – 13 scales between dorsal and lateral line / ○ 8 – 10 scales between lateral line and anal / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 300 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3EFF7528ABFD3EFBE7FB94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Helleh and Mond drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3EFF7528ABFD3EFBE7FB94.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small rivers and streams with sand or gravel bottoms. Usually in medium or fast-flowing clear or muddy waters. Biology. Lives up to 6 years. Spawns in spring, most likely May−June.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3EFF7528ABFD3EFBE7FB94.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3EFF7428ABF936FE58FA0A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ezine scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3EFF7428ABF936FE58FA0A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Black Sea basin by: ○ lower jaw strongly arched, without cornified edge / ○ 7 – 10 gill rakers / ○ 7 ½ branched anal rays / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray weakly ossified, its posterior edge of with 0 – 8 serrae / ○ 68 – 82 total lateral-line scales. Size up to 139 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3EFF7428ABF936FE58FA0A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper reaches of Ezine (Kastamonu).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3EFF7428ABF936FE58FA0A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with moderate, slow-flowing water and a gravel, sandy or muddy bottom. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3EFF7428ABF936FE58FA0A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; only a few small villages around type locality. Sudden pollution or desiccation may cause immediate extinction.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3FFF742885FA5AFB99F81F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Long-snout scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3FFF742885FA5AFB99F81F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Central Anatolia and Mediterranean basin by: ● edge of lower jaw arched, not cornified / ● lips fleshy / ● snout long, pointed / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray strongly ossified, as long or longer than head in juveniles smaller than 80 mm, shorter in adults, its posterior edge of with many serrae / ○ 83 – 92 total lateral-line scales / ○ 16 – 18 gill rakers / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 400 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3FFF742885FA5AFB99F81F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Eğirdir and Beyşehir basins, Melendiz (Ihlara Valley) and Yeşildere (Karaman) drainages in Central Anatolia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3FFF742885FA5AFB99F81F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with moderately fast-flowing or almost stagnant water. Regularly entering lakes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3FFF742885FA5AFB99F81F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; remaining populations mostly in streams. Formerly a predominantly lacustrine species, migrating to lake tributaries to spawn. Since the introduction of Sander lucioperca, few individuals migrate to the lakes, but the situation has improved due to overfishing of Sander.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3FFF742885FA5AFB99F81F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Eggs are toxic. According to one report, diarrhea, vomiting and diaphoresis were reported 4.5 h after ingestion of ovaries. Capoeta pestai and C. mauricii are indistinguishable by molecular characters (COI, cytochrome B) and morphological characters proposed to distinguish the two species could not be confirmed. Capoeta mauricii is treated as a synonym of C. pestai.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3CFF772885FCFCFAB7FADB.taxon	description	Hybrids between species of Capoeta and Luciobarbus have been recorded in areas where both species occur together. These hybrids were known to early ichthyologists exploring West Asia and have been named as Barbus species. Hybrids are often difficult to distinguish in the field, especially if they are young. In several Capoeta and Luciobarbus, the shape of the mouth is quite variable, and hybrids may bridge the gap between the mouth and head shapes of Capoeta and Luciobarbus. All Luciobarbus, for which data is available, are tetraploid with 100 chromosomes, while all Capoeta are hexaploid with 150 chromosomes. If a tetraploid (n = 4) parent and a hexaploid (n = 6) parent hybridise, the offspring is pentaploid (n = 5) and is likely to be sterile, as all odd-numbered hybrids are. The occasional findings of mitochondrial bodies of Luciobarbus in Capoeta species demonstrate that there must be a way of hybridogenous introgression via these pentaploid hybrids. This implies that at least some hybrids must be able to produce even-chromosome eggs or sperm (n = 2 or 4). These eggs can develop and produce a new, even-chromosome-numbered hybrid, which can reproduce with the pure species and transfer the mitochondrial body of one species into the other. However, this is merely speculative; the only certainty is that it must function somehow. Further research is required to elucidate the process of introgressive hybridisation in uneven chromosome cyprinids. In areas where two Capoeta species co-occur, hybrids are also observed, which exhibit morphological intermediary characteristics between the parental species. In Capoeta, it is frequently observed that in pure fish, the mitochondrial body of a syntopic species is present. For instance, in the Orontes drainage, C. damascina with the mitochondrial body of C. barroisi and vice versa are frequently observed, while morphologically intermediate fish are notably scarce.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3DFF762885FF58FC59FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Elbrus scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3DFF762885FF58FC59FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Caspian basin by: ○ 46 – 54 total lateral-line scales / ○ 18 or more predorsal scales / ○ less than 44 total vertebrae / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray strong, with 15 – 25 serrae along its posterior edge / ○ 7 – 9 scales between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 6 – 7 scales between anal origin and lateral line. Size up to 300 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3DFF762885FF58FC59FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Azerbaijan and Iran: Atrak west to coastal rivers south of Kura estuary. Also, (possibly introduced) in upper Gamasiab (Karkheh drainage), Nam (Western Kavir basin), and Jaj in Lake Namak basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3DFF762885FF58FC59FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of moderately to rapidly flowing streams and rivers with sand, gravel or rock bottoms. Biology. Lives up to 10 years. Spawns April−July. Males mature at 2 years, females at 2 − 3 years. Eggs are adhesive and laid in gravel. Feeds on detritus, periphyton and invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3DFF762885FF58FC59FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF3DFF762885FF58FC59FD79.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is usually identified as C. gracilis, described from the Zayandeh drainage in Iran (a synonym of C. aculeata). Both species are well differentiated. Capoeta razii occurs geographically adjacent to C. capoeta, and both species are almost indistinguishable by published morphological characters. Only molecular characters allow these species to be differenciated. Fish identified as C. razii by mtDNA has been found in Aras drainage, where only C. capoeta and C. kaput should occur. Hybrids between different Capoeta species are expected to occur in that region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FF5EFADBFD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Shiraz scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FF5EFADBFD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Persian Gulf basin south of Zohreh and in Iranian endor - heic basins by: ○ flank beige, golden or brown without small black spots, often with a lateral stripe, juveniles and some adults individuals with large black blotches / ○ 63 – 79 total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray soft or moderately ossified, shorter than head, with small serrae / ○ no groove in front of nares / ○ (7) 8 – 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 11 – 16 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 7 – 10 scales between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ 23 – 28 (29) circumpeduncular scales / ○ 11 – 17 gill rakers, usually 9 – 12 (15) on lower limb, 12 – 13 in Helleh drainage / ○ pectoral length 15 – 21 % SL. Size up to 384 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FF5EFADBFD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Coastal rivers from Helleh south to Kol. Also, found in endorheic basins of Kor, Esfahan and Sirjan, Jazmurian, Kerman, and Lut.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FF5EFADBFD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of moderately to rapidly flowing streams and rivers with sand, gravel, and rock substrates. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FF5EFADBFD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FF5EFADBFD79.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Analysis of COI DNA sequences places C. raghazensis, described from the Reghez Canyon in Kol drainage, within C. saadii. As morphological characters proposed to distinguish the two species could not be confirmed, C. raghazensis is treated as a synonym of C. saadii.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FAD6FA8EF921.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karkheh scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FAD6FA8EF921.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Karkheh, Karun and Zohreh drainages by: ○ flank beige, golden or brown without small black spots, juveniles and some adults individuals with large black blotches / ○ 70 – 80 scales in lateral-line series / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray moderately ossified, shorter than head, serrated / ○ no groove in front of nares / ○ usually 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 13 – 15 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 9 – 11 scales between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 25 – 31 circumpedunclular scales / ○ 15 – 19 gill rakers, 11 – 14 on lower limb / ○ head depth at eye 105 – 126 % of postorbital length. Size up to 450 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FAD6FA8EF921.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Gamasiab, Dinevar, Razavar, Kashkan, Kahman, and Seymareh in Karkheh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FAD6FA8EF921.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow to moderate flowing rivers with gravel beds. Biology. Feeds on detritus, periphyton, and occasionally small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF33FF782885FAD6FA8EF921.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF30FF7A28ABFAEBFD2FFE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Nipple-lip scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF30FF7A28ABFAEBFD2FFE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Black Sea basin by: ● lower and upper lips pleated, well developed and fleshy / ○ lower jaw without cornified edge / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ 52 – 60 total lateral-line scales / ● 28 – 35 gill rakers / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray ossified, its posterior edge of with many serrae / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 – 11 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 8 – 10 scales between lateral line and pelvic origin. Size up to 400 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF30FF7A28ABFAEBFD2FFE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Georgia: Sakarya drainage east to northern coastal streams in Georgia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF30FF7A28ABFAEBFD2FFE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and rivers with moderate to fast-flowing water and sand, gravel and rock substrate. In reservoirs, it migrates upstream to spawn. Biology. Lives up to 8 – 10 years. Feeds on detritus, periphyton, and occasionally small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF30FF7A28ABFAEBFD2FFE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF31FF7A2885FE2BFAC1FD3E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Luchunis scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF31FF7A2885FE2BFAC1FD3E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Black Sea basin by: ● last unbranched dorsal ray not serrated or with 7 – 9 serrae / ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ 70 – 74 total lateral-line scales / ○ 10 – 12 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 7 – 8 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ 12 – 15 gill rakers / ○ edge of lower jaw cornified / ○ lips narrow, not fleshy or pleated / ○ lower jaw monomorphic, wide and straight / ○ snout short and blunt. Size up to 136 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF31FF7A2885FE2BFAC1FD3E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Georgia: Rioni drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF31FF7A2885FE2BFAC1FD3E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and rivers with moderate to fast-flowing water and sand, gravel and rock substrate. In reservoirs, it migrates upstream to spawn. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF31FF7A2885FE2BFAC1FD3E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NE; due to very limited knowledge of this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF31FF7A2885FE2BFAC1FD3E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Capoeta svanetica is superficially very similar to the hybrid between C. capoeta and Barbus rionicus, and this possibility has not been rejected in its original description. Further reading. Roman et al. 2022 (description).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF36FF7D28ABFCE3FC78FAAE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Fourbarbel scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF36FF7D28ABFCE3FC78FAAE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Marmara and Black Sea basin and Central Anatolia by: ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ 69 – 87 total lateral-line scales / ○ 14 – 17 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 9 – 11 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ 16 – 22 gill rakers / ○ 17 – 28 serrae on last unbranched dorsal ray / ○ edge of lower jaw cornified / ○ lips narrow, not fleshy or pleated / ○ shape of lower jaw polymorphic, wide and straight or arched and narrow in parts of individuals / ○ snout short and blunt. Size up to 220 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF36FF7D28ABFCE3FC78FAAE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake İznik, Eber and Akşehir basin and Sursuluk (Marmara basin) east to Kızılırmak drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF36FF7D28ABFCE3FC78FAAE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Ubiquitous, inhabits a wide range of water bodies at least temporarily connected to running waters such as springs, streams, rivers, and cold headwaters. Found in lakes, reservoirs, and large rivers. Biology. Lives up to 10 years. Matures at 2 (male) or 3 years (female). Spawns May and June (Central Anatolia).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF36FF7D28ABFCE3FC78FAAE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF36FF7D28ABFCE3FC78FAAE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Populations from the Black Sea basin were recognised as C. baliki, described from Sakarya. As more data became available, they were found to be conspecific with C. tinca. No characters could be found to distinguish the two species. Populations from Kızılırmak are very closely related to C. tinca, with only minor molecular differences.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF37FF7C2885FA3AFB56F85B.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Spotted scraper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF37FF7C2885FA3AFB56F85B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Capoeta in Qweiq, Euphrates, and Tigris drainages by: ● last unbranched dorsal ray very strong, longer than head, strongly serrated / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ flank silvery with many small black spots, spots often only on back in large individuals, rarely without spots / ○ 68 – 90 total lateral-line scales / ○ 15 – 17 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 9 – 12 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ 24 – 29 gill rakers / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 450 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF37FF7C2885FA3AFB56F85B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, Tigris, and Karun drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF37FF7C2885FA3AFB56F85B.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing to standing waters, from mid-sized mountain streams to large lowland rivers. Often abundant in reservoirs and lakes, from where they migrate to inflowing streams and rivers to spawn. Biology. Lives up to 10 years. First spawns at 2 (males) and 3 (females) years. Spawns March−July in Tigris in Iraq and May−June in Tigris in Türkiye. Feeds on epilithic algae and detritus. Often grazes top mud layers in reservoirs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF37FF7C2885FA3AFB56F85B.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF37FF7C2885FA3AFB56F85B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Fish with the last unbranched dorsal ray shorter than the head are often identified as C. barroisi, a species endemic to the Orontes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF35FF7E2885FF5EFB93F88A.taxon	description	Carasobarbus are a medium-sized group of barbels known from West Asia and Morocco. They are hexaploid and distinguished by large, shield-shaped scales with numerous parallel radii. The last unbranched dorsal ray is weakly to strongly ossified, without serrae. They have one or two pairs of barbels, 9 – 11 ½ branched dorsal rays, and 6 ½ branched anal rays. Carasobarbus kosswigi and C. sublimus were previously classified in a separate genus, Kosswigobarbus, which was recently synonymised with Carasobarbus. They are most species-rich in the Tigris, where six species are found. In the Arabian Peninsula, two species are known which have close relationships with Mesopotamian Carasobarbus. Carasobarbus are inhabitants of slow-flowing or stagnant waters, often with much vegetation, while former Kosswigobarbus inhabit large, free-flowing, deep rivers. Some species are large fish that are commercially exploited in many areas. As in many other barbels, their eggs are poisonous. Some people have reported feeling dizzy, having abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, and faintness after eating a kebab made with about ¼ of an ovary of C. luteus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF4128ABFD26FB26FCA7.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Arabian himri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF4128ABFD26FB26FCA7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Carasobarbus exulatus and superficially similar Arabibarbus arabicus in Arabian Peninsula by: ● one pair of barbels / ● usually 10 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 6 ½ anal rays. Size up to 288 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF4128ABFD26FB26FCA7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Saudi Arabia: Hijaz mountain range, in wadis, draining both inland and toward Red Sea.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF4128ABFD26FB26FCA7.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mainly upper reaches of wadis with large seasonal variations in flow. Biology. Lives up to 19 years, possibly longer in captivity. Spawns in early spring. Feeds on both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and plants.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF4128ABFD26FB26FCA7.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF4128ABFD26FB26FCA7.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Very closely related to the Mesopotamian C. luteus. The two species may only have diverged in post-glacial times when a river flowing from the mountains of western Saudi Arabia to the southernmost Shatt al-Arab dried up.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF402B39FC8BFA24FE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Jordan himri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF402B39FC8BFA24FE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Carasobarbus in Persian Gulf and Mediterranean basins by: ● head grey and caudal peduncle and caudal yellow in adults larger than 100 mm SL / ○ usually 12 circumpeduncular scales / ○ lower lip without median lobe / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray usually markedly shorter than head / ○ usually 7 − 9 gill rakers / ○ head length 24 − 29 % SL / ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ 29 − 35 total scales along lateral line. Size up to 550 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF402B39FC8BFA24FE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jordan drainage. Introduced to Azraq Oasis in Jordan and coastal rivers Na‘aman and Yarqon in Israel, now all extirpated.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF402B39FC8BFA24FE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of rivers, lakes, and marshes. Spawns along banks, usually on hard bottoms. Biology. Spawns December−January (Lake Tiberias). Eggs adhere to substrate. Diet consists of fish, invertebrates, algae, and detritus. Relative proportion of fish in diet increases with body length. Mirogrex are their main prey in Lake Tiberias.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF402B39FC8BFA24FE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0AFF402B39FC8BFA24FE24.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Records from Euphrates drainage are based on misidentifications.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF08FF4328ABFCAAFC26FC77.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Orontes himri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF08FF4328ABFCAAFC26FC77.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Carasobarbus in Persian Gulf and Mediterranean basins by: ○ head and flank golden or greenish grey in adults larger than 100 mm SL / ○ usually 14 − 16 circumpeduncular scales / ○ lower lip without median lobe / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray usually shorter or as long as head, moderately ossified / ○ usually 9 − 12 gill rakers / ○ head length 20 − 24 % SL / ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ 31 − 38 total lateral-line scales. Size up to 385 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF08FF4328ABFCAAFC26FC77.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Orontes drainage in Türkiye and Syria and Nahr Marqīyah, a coastal stream in Syria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF08FF4328ABFCAAFC26FC77.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, lakes, reservoirs, and moderately fast-flowing rivers. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF08FF4328ABFCAAFC26FC77.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC. Still present in lower Orontes in Türkiye and widespread in Syria. However, the situation in Syria needs some actual surveys.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF08FF422B39FBD4FA25FE9F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karun kiss-lip himri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF08FF422B39FBD4FA25FE9F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Carasobarbus in Persian Gulf and Mediterranean basins by: ● 40 − 44 total lateral-line scales / ○ well-developed median lobe on lower lip / ● prominent black blotch on posterior caudal peduncle in individuals smaller than 85 mm SL / ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ head length 22 − 25 % SL / ○ dorsal fin height 19 − 26 % SL / ○ distance between pelvic and anal fins 24 − 25 % SL. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF08FF422B39FBD4FA25FE9F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Iraq: Upper Tigris and Karun.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF08FF422B39FBD4FA25FE9F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Poorly known; seem to inhabit deep, summer-warm mountain river stretches with fast-flowing water and gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF08FF422B39FBD4FA25FE9F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0EFF4528ABFC84FB26FB28.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hadhramaut himri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0EFF4528ABFC84FB26FB28.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Carasobarbus apoensis and sympatric Arabibarbus hadhrami in Arabian Peninsula by: ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ usually 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 6 ½ anal rays / ○ maximum body depth 26 − 36 % SL / ○ head shorter than maximum body depth. Size up to 290 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0EFF4528ABFC84FB26FB28.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Yemen: Wadi Hajr and upper Wadi Hadhramaut drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0EFF4528ABFC84FB26FB28.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with high seasonal variation and sections of deep pools over gravel, bare rock or soft substrate. Large individuals usually in deep pools. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0EFF4528ABFC84FB26FB28.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Known from two drainage systems threatened by water abstraction, also fished for human consumption.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0FFF442885F96AFA24F81F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karkheh kiss-lip himri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0FFF442885F96AFA24F81F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Carasobarbus in Persian Gulf and Mediterranean basins by: ○ 32 − 34 total lateral-line scales / ○ poorly-developed median lobe on lower lip / ○ no black blotch on posterior caudal peduncle in adults / ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ head length 20 − 24 % SL / ○ posterior barbel 21 − 38 % HL / ○ snout length 25 − 31 % HL. Size up to 150 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0FFF442885F96AFA24F81F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Gamasiab, Kahman, Kashkan, and Seymareh, all in Karkheh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0FFF442885F96AFA24F81F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Poorly known; seem to inhabit deep, summer-warm mountain river stretches with fast-flowing water and gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0FFF442885F96AFA24F81F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0CFF4728ABF98EFA07F83C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kiss-lip himri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0CFF4728ABF98EFA07F83C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Carasobarbus in Persian Gulf and Mediterranean basins by: ○ 32 − 37 total lateral-line scales / ○ well-developed median lobe on lower lip / ● last unbranched dorsal ray longer than head, strongly ossified / ○ head length 25 − 27 % SL / ○ posterior barbel 13 − 20 % HL / ○ snout length 36 − 44 % HL / ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ no black blotch on posterior caudal peduncle / ○ 14 − 16 circumpeduncular scales. Size up to 180 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0CFF4728ABF98EFA07F83C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates and Tigris drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0CFF4728ABF98EFA07F83C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Poorly known; seem to inhabit deep, summer-warm mountain river stretches with fast-flowing water and gravel bottoms. Biology. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0CFF4728ABF98EFA07F83C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0DFF492885FAD6FAF5FE9F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian himri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0DFF492885FAD6FAF5FE9F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Carasobarbus in Persian Gulf and Mediterranean basins by: ● usually one pair of barbels / ○ fleshy lobe on lower lip absent / ○ 25 − 30 total lateral-line scales / ○ usually 12 circumpeduncular scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray about as long as head or slightly shorter, soft, and weakly ossified. Size up to 370 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0DFF492885FAD6FAF5FE9F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, Tigris, and Karun drainages. Persian Gulf south to Kol drainage. Also, in Kor endorheic basin (Iran).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0DFF492885FAD6FAF5FE9F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lowland rivers, backwaters, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and ponds, rarely in fast-flowing waters. Tolerant of high salinity and reported from fully marine waters. Spawns on submerged vegetation. Biology. Lives up to 8 years. Spawns first time at 1 − 2 years and about 90 − 140 mm SL; in Atatürk reservoir at 3 years. Spawns April−June (in Hammar Marsh) or May−July (in Shatt al-Arab / Arvand). During spawning, male become reddish-brown on anterior part of body and greenish on caudal peduncle, while female is less colourful. Males can produce a series of sharp clicking sounds. Eggs are yellow to orange and sticky. Growth is reported to be slower in brackish water than in freshwater. Mainly herbivorous, taking detritus and small invertebrates, especially when young.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0DFF492885FAD6FAF5FE9F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC. Extirpated in Syrian reaches of Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF0DFF492885FAD6FAF5FE9F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Individuals with two pairs of barbels are very rare. In the Naband drainage in Iran, all individuals have two pairs of barbels, and this population may represent an undescribed species. Records from Orontes drainage and Damascus basin appear to have been mislabelled or taken from markets where fish from the Euphrates are sold. In some places, it is kept as a “ sacred ” fish in parks and holy places where it can be abundant. It adapts well to visitors, and people enjoy seeing it begging for food.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF00FF4B28ABFD00FD74FA81.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zagros kiss-lip himri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF00FF4B28ABFD00FD74FA81.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Carasobarbus in Persian Gulf and Mediterranean basins by: ○ 38 − 40 total lateral-line scales / ○ well-developed median lobe on lower lip / ○ no black blotch on posterior caudal peduncle in individuals larger than 85 mm SL / ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ head length 19 − 20 % SL / ○ dorsal fin height 26 − 30 % SL / ○ distance between pelvic and anal fins 26 − 28 % SL. Size up to 250 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF00FF4B28ABFD00FD74FA81.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: lower Karun. Possibly more widespread.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF00FF4B28ABFD00FD74FA81.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Poorly known; seem to inhabit deep, summer-warm mountain river stretches with fast-flowing water and gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF00FF4B28ABFD00FD74FA81.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF01FF4A2885FF5EFEF8FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian kiss-lip himri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF01FF4A2885FF5EFEF8FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Carasobarbus in Persian Gulf and Mediterranean basins by: ● 24 – 29 total lateral-line scales / ○ a fleshy median lobe on lower lip / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray about as long as head, strongly ossified / ○ two pairs of barbels / 12 circumpeduncular scales. Size up to 145 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF01FF4A2885FF5EFEF8FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Jarrahi and Zohreh drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF01FF4A2885FF5EFEF8FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with medium to fast currents and hard substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF01FF4A2885FF5EFEF8FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF01FF4A2885FCDFFB36F800.taxon	description	Carps of the genus Carassius are immediately distinguishable from all other cyprinids in the region by having a long dorsal fin, a terminal mouth without barbels, and the last unbranched anal and dorsal rays strongly serrated. Crucian carp C. carassius is the only species native to the area. Three different species are known to be involved in the so-called C. auratus complex. These are (1) C. auratus, a widespread ornamental species that has become feral in many areas; (2) C. gibelio, an Asian species that may have been introduced with stocked fishes; (3) C. langsdorfii believed to be endemic to Japan and introduced as a pest with ornamental koi. An additional unnamed lineage potentially originating from Central Asia was introduced mostly within countries of the former Soviet Union and may be found in West Asia in the future. All three mitochondrial lineages of non-native Carassius in West Asia are diploid and reproduce normally. This means that haploid male and female gametes join and produce a diploid offspring. In C. auratus, this is the only mode of reproduction. In the other lineages, triploid, all-female fish are common (but not found everywhere), and these reproduce by gynogenesis. Here, the sperm only triggers the triploid egg, and the offspring are clonal, triploid copies of the mother. If the sperm is included in the genome of the egg cell, then tetraploid individuals hatch. This might occasionally be the case in all populations with triploid fish. Triploid individuals are common, often even dominant, in many populations of the mitochondrial lineages called C. gibelio and C. langsdorfii. These lineages can switch between a recombinant and a clonal mode of reproduction. The assignment of individual Carassius to C. auratus, C. gibelio, or C. langsdorfii by their mitochondrial DNA is not an accurate reflection of their species identities. Mitochondrial DNA lacks recombination, which is not useful to identify hybrids. In particular, triploid individuals frequently possess genomes from two (or all three) different “ species ”. There is strong evidence that C. auratus, C. gibelio, and C. langsdorfii form large and highly diverse hybrid swarms in their non-native range. As all three “ species ” could reproduce by diploid sexual reproduction, they appear to have hybridised extensively, and their genomes are largely intermingled. We are confident that future nuclear DNA studies will not support three distinct, reproductively isolated non-native species in West Asia or Europe. However, some local populations may be pure C. auratus, C. gibelio, or C. langsdorfii. Identifying non-native Carassius to the species level is impossible because of the lack of morphological and molecular characters to identify pure species. We do not even know whether pure populations of non-native Carassius exist in West Asia, except for locally stocked C. auratus. We, therefore, refer to all populations as “ C. auratus complex ”, pending future studies. It should not be forgotten that Carassius hybridise with Cyprinus carpio. Their hybrids are fertile and may form populations independent of their parental species. Such hybrid populations are known from Europe but have yet to be discovered in West Asia. Carassius x Cyprinus hybrids can be recognised by their short barbels.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF06FF4D28ABFCBAFCFCFB85.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Goldfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF06FF4D28ABFCBAFCFCFB85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from C. carassius in West Asia by: ● flank silvery, golden-green or reddish / ● last simple anal and dorsal rays strongly serrated / ● 38 – 52 gill rakers / ● 26 – 33 total lateral-line scales / ● free edge of dorsal concave or straight / ● usually 5 ½ branched anal rays / ● peritoneum black. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF06FF4D28ABFCBAFCFCFB85.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Widespread in West Asia. Most non-native Carassius in West Asia have mitochondria belonging to this species. Reportedly native to East Asia, from Amur to Xi Jiang drainages in Russia, China, Korea, and Japan, several species appear to be confused under a single name, as evidenced by available data on Japanese populations. Domesticated in China more than 1000 years ago, introduced to Japan in 16 th century and imported from Japan to Europe in 1611 (Portugal), 1691 (England), and 1755 (France) and subsequently introduced throughout West Asia, Europe, and most of the world.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF06FF4D28ABFCBAFCFCFB85.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide variety of still waters and moderately slow-flowing rivers. Very tolerant of low oxygen and pollution. Usually associated with submerged vegetation or periodic flooding. Spawns on shallow, warm banks, on submerged vegetation or roots. Biology. Only diploid populations known. Spawns first time at 1 − 2 years. Spawns June−July when temperatures reach 15 − 20 ° C. Juveniles need high temperatures to grow. Single females spawn with a few males in dense vegetation. Eggs are sticky and attached to water plants or other submerged objects. Usually lives for about 20 years in artificial conditions. Omnivorous, feeds mainly on plankton, benthic invertebrates, plant material, and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF06FF4D28ABFCBAFCFCFB85.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; introduced as a weed with stocked carp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF06FF4C2B39FBCAFDADF800.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Crucian carp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF06FF4C2B39FBCAFDADF800.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from non-native species of Carassius in West Asia by: ○ flank golden-green / ● last simple anal and dorsal rays weakly serrated / ● 23 – 33 gill rakers / ● 31 – 36 total lateral-line scales / ● free edge of dorsal convex / ● usually 6 ½ branched anal rays / ● peritoneum whitish. Size up to 550 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF06FF4C2B39FBCAFDADF800.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Locally in lower Sakarya (Akgöl), where it might be native, and in the upper Aras drainage (Lake Çıldır), where it may be non-native. Native to North, Baltic, White, Barents, northern Black, and Caspian Sea basins; Aegean Sea basin only in Maritza drainage; eastward to Kolyma drainage (Siberia); westward to Rhine and eastern drainages of England. Absent from North Sea basin in Sweden and Norway. In Baltic basin, north to about 66 ° N. Widely introduced to Italy, England, and France but possibly often confused with C. auratus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF06FF4C2B39FBCAFDADF800.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Usually restricted to densely vegetated backwaters and oxbows of lowland rivers. Also, in small, well-vegetated lakes and channels. Tolerates high summer temperatures and very low oxygen concentrations in summer and under ice cover. Able to survive in almost completely frozen water or almost-dry habitats by burying itself in mud. Spawns in dense submerged vegetation. Biology. Lives about 10 years. Males reproduce for the first time at 3 years, females at 4 years in central and eastern Europe, at 2 years in southern Europe. Spawns in May – July at temperatures above 18 ° C. Individual females spawn with several males. Males follow ripe females, often with much splashing. Females spawn 3 – 5 times during a season. Eggs are sticky and are attached to water plants. Omnivorous, feeds all day but mostly at night on plankton, benthic invertebrates, plant material, and detritus. Seems to be a weak competitor, usually absent from waters with rich ichthyofauna and abundant predatory species. Very abundant in the absence of other fish species. High-bodied, fast-growing individuals in habitats with predatory fish more elongate in habitats without predatory fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF06FF4C2B39FBCAFDADF800.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF07FF4F2B1BFAA7FC25FDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Prussian carp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF07FF4F2B1BFAA7FC25FDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from C. carassius in West Asia by: ● flank silvery / ● last simple anal and dorsal rays strongly serrated / ● 38 – 52 gill rakers / ○ 26 – 33 total lateral-line scales / ● free edge of dorsal concave or straight / ● usually 5 ½ branched anal rays / ● peritoneum black. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF07FF4F2B1BFAA7FC25FDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Mitochondria of this species are found throughout West Asia. Often considered native from Central Europe to Siberia. As there are no historical records from Europe or West Asia, considered non-native to region. Native to Amur drainage in Russia and China and introduced in Europe with fish imported from Amur. Introduced from Europe to North Africa, West Asia, and elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF07FF4F2B1BFAA7FC25FDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Identical to C. auratus. Biology. Usually, diploid and tetraploid individuals of both sexes, often together with triploid females. Also, all-female populations where all individuals are triploids. Triploids reproduce by gynogenesis as sperm parasites of other species, such as Cyprinus carpio and various leuciscids. Lives about 10 years. Spawns first time at 3 − 4 years in central and eastern Europe, at 1 − 2 years in West Asia. Spawns May−July at temperatures above 14 ° C, with spawning most intensive in early morning. Older individuals spawn earlier in season than younger ones. Males move to spawning sites before females. Single female spawns with several males. Males follow mature female, often with much splashing. Female spawn up to three times per season. Sticky eggs are attached to water plants or other submerged objects. Feeding larvae and juveniles inhabit highly complex habitats such as reed beds. Omnivorous, feeding on plankton, benthic invertebrates, plant material, and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF07FF4F2B1BFAA7FC25FDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; introduced as a weed with stocked carp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF05FF4E2885FB6CFC3BFA13.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ginbuna.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF05FF4E2885FB6CFC3BFA13.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from C. carassius in West Asia by: ● flank silvery / ● last simple anal and dorsal rays strongly serrated / ● 38 – 52 gill rakers / ○ 26 – 33 total lateral-line scales / ● free edge of dorsal concave or straight / ● usually 5 ½ branched anal rays / ● peritoneum black. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF05FF4E2885FB6CFC3BFA13.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Native to Japan. Mitochondria of this species are reported from Lar National Park (Iran) but are considered widespread in West Asia. Already found in Czech Republic, Greece, Germany, Ukraine, Italy and Bosnia-Herzegovina (Europe), from Lake Tahoe (USA), and British Columbia (Canada).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF05FF4E2885FB6CFC3BFA13.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Identical to C. auratus. Biology. In its native range, it occurs as a diploid with normal sexual reproduction, as a triploid with gynogenetic reproduction, and rarely as a tetraploid. Only triploids have been recorded in Europe. Species may shift ploidy levels, diploids and tetraploids are expected to occur. Triploid Ginbuna has their evolutionary origin in hybridisation of diploid C. langsdorfii, C. gibelio, and C. auratus, as these maternal lineages have been detected in Japanese triploid C. langsdorfii.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF05FF4E2885FB6CFC3BFA13.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF05FF4E2885FB6CFC3BFA13.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Likely introduced as a weed with ornamental koi from Japan but expected to spread as a weed in carp farms from where it escapes into the wild.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1AFF5028ABFF5EFE43FECB.taxon	description	Lotaks are a small genus known from Arabia, the Persian Gulf basin, adjacent Iran and Pakistan, east to the Indus drainage. They are medium-sized fish that inhabit a wide range of running waters, from fast-flowing mountain torrents to brackish desert and coastal streams. Lotaks can be identified by their usually 7 ½, rarely 6 ½, branched anal rays (compared with 5 − 6 ½ in other barbels), laterally compressed body, the sharp edge on the lower jaw (except in C. milesi), one pair of barbels, the serrated posterior margin of the last unbranched dorsal ray, and the 12 ½ − 17 ½ branched dorsal rays. They are related to South and Southeast Asian genera, such as Semiplotus and Scaphiodontichthys, but the relationships in this group of fishes are poorly understood. To the extent that they have been studied, lotaks are diploid, with 2 n = 50 chromosomes. Molecular data suggest that Cyprinion hybridised with the ancestors of Capoeta and Labeobarbus and was thus involved in the allo-polyploidisation event that led to the formation of these genera. All but one of the lotaks occur in West Asia. Only C. watsoni is described from outside the region, from the rivers of the Sind Hills and the Salt Range in the Indus drainage of Pakistan. While Cyprinion is relatively tolerant of water pollution and salinisation, it is sensitive to low temperatures and absent from the mountainous headwaters of the Euphrates in Eastern Anatolia. They feed on a wide variety of food, usually periphyton, but will take whatever is available. They spawn in flowing water, laying their eggs between gravel and rocks. Nuptial male lotaks can be territorial and aggressively defend spawning sites against other males.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1BFF502885FBDBFC5FFA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Arabian lotak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1BFF502885FBDBFC5FFA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cyprinion in Arabian Peninsula by: ● 16 − 18 circumpeduncular scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray long, thick, serrated along almost entire length in large individuals / ○ 37 − 41, usually 38 − 40, total lateral-line scales / ○ 6 − 7 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin. Size up to 110 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1BFF502885FBDBFC5FFA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Yemen: Wadi Hadhramaut drainage. Saudi Arabia: Coastal wadis of Hijaz mountains such as Hediyah, Sulayma, and wadis near Jeddah.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1BFF502885FBDBFC5FFA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with high seasonal fluctuations in discharge, usually over bare rock or gravel, rarely over soft substrate. Biology. Feeds on periphyton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1BFF502885FBDBFC5FFA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1BFF502885FBDBFC5FFA34.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cyprinion acinaces hijazi from northern Saudi Arabia is treated as a synonym, but further study is encouraged to determine whether it may be a separate species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF18FF5328ABFA58FB0AF83C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Smallmouth lotak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF18FF5328ABFA58FB0AF83C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cyprinion in Persian Gulf and Iranian endorheic basins by: ● mouth semi-circular with two large lateral lobes on lower lip / ○ pelvic origin below or in front of dorsal origin / ● finger-like lower jaw with a papillious central pad / ○ 10 – 15 gill rakers on lower branch of first arch / ○ pelvic origin below dorsal origin / ○ no black spots or speckles on gill cover. Size up to 210 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF18FF5328ABFA58FB0AF83C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, Tigris, and Karun drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF18FF5328ABFA58FB0AF83C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Usually rheophilic in fast-flowing waters in rapids and riffles. Less common in slow-flowing rivers and reservoirs. Rare in small streams and absent from cold headwaters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF18FF5328ABFA58FB0AF83C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF18FF5328ABFA58FB0AF83C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Usually syntopic with C. macrostomum. Juveniles of both species are quite similar. Mitochondrial data suggest that C. kais is completely introgressed by C. macrostomum, having lost its own mitochondrial bodies. It has even been interpreted as a trophic, neotenic morphotype of C. macrostomum. However, the position of fins, the nuptial tubercles, and the colour pattern are so different that there is no doubt that they are two separate species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF19FF552885FA4FFB34FED9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Largemouth lotak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF19FF552885FA4FFB34FED9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cyprinion in Persian Gulf and Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ mouth wide, with sharp cutting edge on lower jaw, without papillious central pad on lower lip / ○ pelvic origin behind dorsal origin / ○ no large lateral lobes on lower lip / ○ no orange spots along lateral line / ○ 13 − 21 gill rakers / ○ 39 − 45, usually 40 − 44, total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray long, thick, flexible only on very tip, usually serrated along almost entire length / ○ posterior dorsal margin moderately to markedly concave / ○ 13 − 16 ½, rarely 17 ½, branched dorsal rays. Size up to 300 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF19FF552885FA4FFB34FED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, Tigris and Karun drainages. Also, in Gulf basin south to Zohreh.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF19FF552885FA4FFB34FED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Ubiquitous species found in almost all types of habitats, from very small streams to large rivers, including backwaters and reservoirs, from where it migrates into tributaries to spawn in rapids and riffles. Often very abundant in small streams, especially if moderately polluted. Biology. Lives up to 7 years, spawns first time at second or third year at about 100 mm SL. Spawns May−June, some into July. Eggs are laid in gravel in riffles. Feeds on epilithic algae, detritus, and plant material scraped from hard surfaces such as stones, wood, or plants.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF19FF552885FA4FFB34FED9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF19FF552885FA4FFB34FED9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Record from Orontes based on one individual reportedly collected from Lake Amik in 1881. With no further records of this hardy and ubiquitous species, it is very likely that this individual was either mislabelled or the fish was transported from the Euphrates to a fish market at Lake Amik.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1EFF5528ABF9F7FC33F8C5.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Dawasir lotak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1EFF5528ABF9F7FC33F8C5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cyprinion in Arabian Peninsula by: ● usually 40 − 44 total lateral-line scales / ● 19 − 22 circumpeduncular scales / ● 8 − 9 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray long, thick, serrated along almost entire length in large individuals. Size up to 160 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1EFF5528ABF9F7FC33F8C5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Saudi Arabia: Pleistocene and extant tributaries of Wadi ad-Dawasir, which flows to interior of Peninsula, including wadis Turabah, Afrak, Shuqub, Buwah, Shumrukh, Noaman, and Habayaba, between 1390 and 1830 m above sea level.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1EFF5528ABF9F7FC33F8C5.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with large seasonal variations in flow. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1EFF5528ABF9F7FC33F8C5.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1FFF572885FAC6FADFFEBC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Orange stripe lotak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1FFF572885FAC6FADFFEBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cyprinion in Persian Gulf and Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ mouth wide, variably arched to almost straight with cutting edge in adults / ○ orange spots along lateral line / ○ no lateral lobes or papillious central pad on lower lip / ○ 8 − 18 gill rakers / ○ 31 − 43, usually 35 − 40, total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray thin, flexible along at least upper third, usually serrated from half to two-thirds of length / ○ dorsal margin usually from slightly concave to slightly convex / ○ 9 − 12 ½, usually 10 − 11 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ back in front of dorsal with naked median area of variable length and about one scale wide / ○ scales on belly and upper anterior flank variably imbricated and often embedded in skin or absent. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1FFF572885FAC6FADFFEBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Shur (Iran) east to Makran region of Pakistan, where it occurs east of Bahukalat. Also, in endorheic basins of Jazmurian and Mashkid (Iran and Pakistan), Gonabad, and Lut (Iran and Pakistan).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1FFF572885FAC6FADFFEBC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Ubiquitous. Inhabits a wide range of streams and rivers. Can be found in almost any freshwater habitat within its range. Spawns on gravel, usually in riffles. Biology. Fractional spawner, individual females spawn several times during spring and summer. Males defend territories and have a dark-grey nuptial colour. Feeds on epilithic algae, detritus, and plant material scraped from hard surfaces such as stones, wood, or plants.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1FFF572885FAC6FADFFEBC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1FFF572885FAC6FADFFEBC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The shape of mouth varies from almost terminal and moderately oblique in lateral view (similar to C. milesi) to inferior and transverse, with no real gap visible in lateral view. The thickness and degree of serration of the last unbranched dorsal ray also appear variable. Cyprinion kirmanense, from southeastern Iran, is usually treated as a synonym of C. microphthalmum but may be a valid species. Cyprinion microphthalmum has often been considered a synonym of C. watsoni from Pakistan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1DFF592885FAB0FE85FB28.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bighead lotak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1DFF592885FAB0FE85FB28.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cyprinion in Persian Gulf and Iranian endorheic basins by: ● mouth subterminal, oblique in lateral view, clearly U-shaped / ○ no lateral lobes or pad on lower lip / ○ 11 − 12 gill rakers / ○ 34 − 39 total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray variably thick, weakly to strongly ossified and variably serrated / ○ dorsal margin straight / ○ 10 − 13 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ back in front of dorsal usually without naked median area / ○ scales present on belly. Size up to 190 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1DFF592885FAB0FE85FB28.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Tang-e Sarhe toward Sarbaz and Mashkid, reported from Akar Kaur (Gwadar / Pakistan), both adjacent in Makran region. Also, in endorheic basins in Pakistan such as Kalat and Quetta, in Bampur and near Guadjik in Baschakird mountains, and in Panjgur basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1DFF592885FAB0FE85FB28.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and pools with fresh or brackish waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1DFF592885FAB0FE85FB28.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; thought to be declining in its small range, mainly due to desiccation of streams.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1DFF592885FAB0FE85FB28.taxon	discussion	Remarks. A subterminal and moderately oblique mouth (in lateral view) is also found in individuals identical to C. microphthalmum in their mitochondrial DNA. The taxonomic status of C. milesi - like fishes in Iran requires further study. Cyprinion milesi is very similar to C. watsoni from the Indus, and it needs to be clarified if both are distinct.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF1DFF592885FAB0FE85FB28.taxon	description	Cyprinion milesi in Iran. Cyprinion milesi is readily distinguishable from other Cyprinion species in West Asia by its subterminal, clearly U-shaped mouth, which lacks the sharp cutting-edge characteristic of most Cyprinion. There are numerous records of C. milesi from the southern Persian Gulf basin in Iran, all based on Cyprinion with a subterminal, clearly U-shaped mouth, without a cutting edge on the lower jaw. These C. milesi are often found at the same localities as C. microphthalmum. It has been proposed that C. milesi is merely a morph of the latter species, retaining juvenile features in the mouth’s structure. During the fieldwork for this book, we examined such individuals. Except for the head and mouth shape, these fish are indistinguishable from the syntopic C. microphthalmum. Mitochondrial molecular data support the view that these are aberrant individuals of C. microphthalmum. However, it cannot be ruled out that these are C. milesi carrying mtDNA of C. microphthalmum due to past introgressive hybridisation. Cyprinion milesi carrying its own mtDNA has been found in a few rivers, e. g., Bahukalat, Tang-e Sarhe, and Iranian Sarbarz. However, it is expected to be more common in adjacent Pakistan. In the future, it would be beneficial to conduct further research into the evolutionary and ontogenetic background of “ aberrant ” individuals of C. microphthalmum.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF13FF582885FF5EFA24FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hajar lotak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF13FF582885FF5EFA24FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cyprinion in Arabian Peninsula by: ● last unbranched dorsal ray short, thin, and serrated along only proximal third of ray in large individuals / ● 14 − 16 circumpeduncular scales / ○ 37 − 41 total lateral-line scales / ○ 6 − 7 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin. Size up to 134 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF13FF582885FF5EFA24FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman and United Arab Emirates: Wadis of Hajar mountains.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF13FF582885FF5EFA24FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with large seasonal variations in flow. Adults occupy larger pools than juveniles. Spawns in flowing water on gravel beds. Biology. First spawns at 8 − 13 months. Fractional spawner, individual females spawn several times in a season. Survives more than 20 years in captivity; no data available from wild, but life expectancy in wild is likely to be much shorter. Fast-moving, active, mid-water dweller, usually found in small schools. In isolated pools, adults are generally very wary of human presence and initially remain hidden or in deeper areas close to hiding places; this may be an adaptation to predation by piscivorous birds. During spawning season, adults develop a distinctive pale blue colouration on anterior part of body, particularly lips and pectoral fins. Colour changes from mottled golden juveniles to silvery-grey adults. Juveniles are also proportionally thinner, i. e., body is less deep. Feeds on periphyton, opportunistically on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, and occasionally on plant material.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF13FF582885FF5EFA24FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF13FF582885FF5EFA24FD79.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is widespread in Hajar mountains. While the sympatric Garra are separated into different species, all populations of C. muscatense are very closely related.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF10FF5B28ABFCA8FC6BFA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian lotak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF10FF5B28ABFCA8FC6BFA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cyprinion in Persian Gulf and Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ mouth wide, variably arched to straight / ○ no lateral lobes or pad on lower lip or small lateral lobes present / ○ 10 − 21 gill rakers / ○ 32 − 39, usually 34 − 38, total lateral-line scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray thin, flexible along at least upper third, usually serrated from half to two-thirds of length / ○ posterior dorsal margin about straight or slightly concave / ○ with or without orange spots along lateral line / ○ 11 − 15 ½, usually 12 − 14 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ back in front of dorsal with naked median strip of variable length and about one scale wide / ○ scales on belly and upper anterior flank variably imbricated and often small and embedded in skin or absent. Size up to 130 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF10FF5B28ABFCA8FC6BFA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Persian Gulf basin from Helleh to Kol drainages, and Kor endorheic basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF10FF5B28ABFCA8FC6BFA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and rivers. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF10FF5B28ABFCA8FC6BFA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF10FF5B28ABFCA8FC6BFA34.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cyprinion tenuiradius occurs between the range of C. macrostomum in the north and C. microphthalmum in the south. It is also morphologically intermediate between these two species, with populations more or less resembling C. macrostomum or C. microphthalmum, often making identification difficult. Furthermore, C. tenuiradius shares its mtDNA with C. macrostomum or C. microphthalmum, and no species-specific mtDNA characters have been found so far. It is expected that C. tenuiradius has its evolutionary origin in hybridisation of C. macrostomum and C. microphthalmum, and the species’ distribution area is a wide hybrid zone between two parental species. We accept it as a species of hybrid origin, a problematic position that needs to be studied in more detail.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF11FF5A2885FF5EFC1FFBFC.taxon	description	A genus of about 24 species distributed mainly in southern China and northern Vietnam. Several species were endemic to lakes and may have formed adaptive radiations and species flocks. All these radiations are extinct, and only a few of the species involved remain. A few locally and regionally endemic carps are known from East Asia, all potentially under massive pressure from introduced non-native carps. In West Asia, only Cyprinus carpio is native. In Europe, carp appears to have been domesticated since the Middle Ages, and cultivated stocks are domesticated from the Danube wild population. Wild stocks occur naturally only in rivers draining the Black, Caspian, and Aral Seas. Carps are now found almost everywhere in West Asia. Since the 1960 s, they have spread massively into all reservoirs and other large bodies of water. Interestingly, carp are relatively rare in most natural bodies of water and seem to have established populations primarily in large rivers and reservoirs. Japanese ornamental varieties (koi) are thought to be derived from C. rubrofuscus or to be hybrids with C. carpio. However, molecular data do not support this hypothesis, suggesting instead that the native range of C. carpio extends deep into China, with many native Chinese populations belonging to this species. The situation may be complicated by the widespread introduction of European carp into the native range of C. rubrofuscus. Cyprinus carpio is widely cultivated around the world and is one of the most important species for aquaculture and inland fisheries in temperate regions. Although it is considered a pest in some countries, such as the USA, it is generally regarded as a valuable addition to fishing opportunities. In West Asia, where it is non-native to most catchment areas, it has been and still is stocked widely. The presence of carp outside of its native range is perceived as normal. If you ask someone at a reservoir which fish live there, the answer is almost always carp. Carp are especially recognised and appreciated because they grow big. Humans are fascinated by big fish, whether for food, recreational fishing or just to see them. Catching big fish is an ancient, deeply ingrained human fascination, and the person who catches a big fish is highly regarded by their social circle. Carp is one of the few large species that is ecologically wellsuited to being stocked in artificial water bodies. Silurus glanis is another. The production of carp is big business, with all kinds of equipment available, ranging from bait and fishing tackle to fish finders, tents, video games, films and clothing. It is just another multi-million-pound industry. Carp angling is also a social event with international competitions and tourist travels. The internet is full of offers of what one needs and can do to catch ‘ the big carp’. As with all businesses, the aim is to expand and create new markets. West Asian countries are a new market for all carp fishing products. All that is needed is enough advertising to convince people to buy them. Reservoirs and carp already exist everywhere and are perceived as normal and native, even though they are only native to a very small part of the area.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF16FF5D28ABFF5EFAEFFD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Common carp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF16FF5D28ABFF5EFAEFFD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cyprinidae in West Asia by: ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ 15 – 20 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ last unbranched anal ray strongly ossified and serrated at its posterior margin / ○ caudal deeply emarginate. Size up to 1100 mm SL and 50 kg, usually less than 400 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF16FF5D28ABFF5EFAEFFD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black, Caspian, and Aral basins. Introduced worldwide, including almost all drainages in West Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF16FF5D28ABFF5EFAEFFD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Warm, deep, slow-flowing, still waters like lowland rivers and large, well-vegetated lakes. Often semi-anadromous in Azov and Caspian basins. Introduced in all types of waters, especially reservoirs. Tolerates permanent salinities up to 8 ‰, temporarily up to 18.6 ‰. Spawns along banks or in backwaters. Successful survival of larvae only in warm water, under shallow submerged vegetation. Eggs hatch in water up to 10 ‰, with good results down to 6.6 ‰. Biology. Males first spawn at 1 − 5 years, females at 1 − 6 years. Usually mature at 1 − 2 years in warm waters such as southern Iraq. Lives to 50 years and usually spawns annually. Age of maturity varies with latitude and altitude. Spawns late February – late April in Iraq and May−June in northern part of range when temperatures are above 18 ° C. Reported to spawn again in October−November in southern Iraq. Adults often undertake extensive spawning migrations to suitable backwaters and flooded meadows. Individual female spawn with few males in dense vegetation. Sticky eggs are attached to aquatic plants or other submerged objects. Larvae and juveniles inhabit warm and shallow flooded river margins or backwaters, feeding mainly on very small zooplankton (rotifers). Juveniles and adults feed on various benthic organisms and plant material. Most active at dusk and dawn. Very tolerant of low oxygen levels.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF16FF5D28ABFF5EFAEFFD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC in native range. Wild populations have declined sharply since the 18 th century due to river regulation and wetland draining. Cultivated in large quantities for human consumption and stocked for recreational fishing. Wild populations are slowly but steadily declining due to hybridisation with domesticated stocks. Probably very few populations remain “ genetically unpolluted ” due to this long process. The largest “ wild ” populations in West Asia appear to exist in lowland wetlands of the southern Caspian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF17FF202885FF5EFB97FE50.taxon	description	The genus Garra comprises small fishes widely distributed in West South and Southeast Asia, and tropical Africa. The genus is highly diverse, with approximately 190 species currently recognised, while many others await formal description. It is the most speciose genus of Cyprinids in West Asia, with 42 species. The diversity of Garra in West Asia has long been significantly underestimated, as several species exhibit highly similar meristic character states and even the complex gular discs behind the mouth exhibit minimal consistent interspecific variation. Recent molecular studies have greatly contributed to the understanding of the diversity of this genus. Most Garra species can be readily distinguished from other cyprinids by a prominent, uniquely shaped gular disc on the skin behind the lower jaw. This gular disc is structured into an anteromedian fold and a central callus. Garra species are often adapted to swift-flowing mountain streams, where they are aided in maintaining their position in the current by the gular disc and the lateral position of their large, paired fins. Furthermore, the air bladder is often reduced to reduce buoyancy. Rheophilic, current-loving species usually have a very large gular disc, but the gular disc can be reduced or even absent in some species that do not reside in fast currents. The presence of a gular disc has long been regarded as the most important diagnostic character for Garra. Recent phylogenetic studies suggested that its presence is a plesiomorphic condition (an ancestral character state) in a range of labeonine cyprinids. This is evidenced by the fact that several labeonine lineages that lack the gular disc are nested within lineages that have a gular disc. Historically, species without a gular disc have been excluded from Garra. In West Asia, such species were previously placed in Hemigrammocapoeta and Iranocypris, but looking more closely, all of these still have remnants of some elements of the gular disc. It has long been suggested that they are closely related to Garra, and the “ absence ” of the gular disc is a secondary, adaptive character state in these fishes. This was recently supported by molecular data, which indicated that Hemigrammocapoeta species do not form a monophyletic lineage, but the species are related to three different groups of Garra species. All former Hemigrammocapoeta, Iranocypris, Tylognathus, and Typhlogarra from West Asia are included here within the genus Garra. All Garra species feed on periphyton, plants, and detritus but are opportunistic feeders when other food sources are readily available. In streams where Garra are common, they have a substantial effect on the stream ecosystem by permanently grazing almost all surfaces. In West Asia, most species of Garra are ubiquitous inhabitants of streams and rivers. Still, they also occur in springs, lakes with stony shores, and even in marshes with dense vegetation. In southern Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, Garra are typically found in isolated pools in wadis that are otherwise dry, except when rain floods the river courses. They also occur in subterranean habitats. Many species of Garra display prominent tubercles on the snout. The function of these tubercles has been discussed extensively, and it is generally believed that they function in territoriality and social interaction. In several species of Garra, the outer tubercles on the snout are enlarged and serve a social function. In most species, only some individuals develop prominent tubercles, and this character state is not associated with the sex of individuals. It has been proposed that individuals holding a territory develop tubercles, and those without territory do not. It has also been suggested that the snout tubercles may reduce the impact of rushing waters. However, these hypotheses remain untested.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6BFF202885FA34FC6FF82D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ilam garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6BFF202885FA34FC6FF82D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ chest and belly with very small, deeply embedded scales / ○ 17 – 19 scales on predorsal midline, often deeply embedded / ○ usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ usually 2 scales between anus and anal origin / ○ 16 – 20 total gill rakers on first branchial arch / ○ 33 – 36 total scales along lateral line / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ gular disc present / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 105 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6BFF202885FA34FC6FF82D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Sartang-e-Bijar sulfuric spring at Mehran, Meymeh, Godar khosh, Konjan cham, Zeynegan, and Kangir in Tigris drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6BFF202885FA34FC6FF82D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6BFF202885FA34FC6FF82D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; known from less than 10 populations, and habitats are declining due to multiple threats, including water abstraction and climate change.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6BFF202885FA34FC6FF82D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Occurs in sympatry with G. rufa. Garra amirhosseini has COI DNA sequences very similar to G. elegans, while both species are clearly separated by morphological characters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF68FF2228ABFAC4FEF3FB94.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Orange-ear garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF68FF2228ABFAC4FEF3FB94.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Hajar Mountains by: ● 15 – 18 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ● a pale- or deeply orange spot at upper opercle / ○ strongly mottled flank pattern with individual or series of orange midlateral scales / ○ middle caudal rays bold black, membranes white / ○ dorsal tip white / ○ anal and paired fins usually orange. Size up to 70 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF68FF2228ABFAC4FEF3FB94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. United Arab Emirates and Oman: Wadis on both flanks of northern Hajar Mountains, extending south from southern edge of Ru’us al-Jibal range (Musandam Peninsula) to at least Wadi Hawasina on coast of Gulf of Oman and Wadi al-Kabir and its tributaries on inner flank.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF68FF2228ABFAC4FEF3FB94.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, falaj systems, and springs with fresh or brackish water and gravel or rock bottoms. Typically found in small rock or gravel pools, shallow sections of larger slow-flowing pools, springs, and fast-flowing perennial sections of wadis. In small pools, juveniles occupy shallow sections, while larger adults are usually found at greater depths near hiding places. Biology. Believed to spawn in anticipation of wadi flooding, but exact triggers remain unknown. Often explores upstream against current, dispersing when wadis flow. Can travel short distances out of water, including climbing steep, damp rock surfaces (e. g., near waterfalls or during rain). Can survive almost complete disappearance of surface water from their habitat; it has been speculated that juveniles may be able to survive in fossorial aquatic environments within wadi gravels. Accumulations of dead garra have been found in gravel under boulders at low points in wadis, apparently retreated as water levels have dropped below surface. In shallow pools, movements may be frantic on first encounter. Adults swim and feed close to substrate. Feeds mainly on periphyton but opportunistically on other food if available, e. g., dead insects floating on surface or decaying fruit or plant material. Seen to defend small feeding territories and “ gardening ” of algae fields might occur.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF68FF2228ABFAC4FEF3FB94.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF69FF222885FBA5FB14FCE1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Asir garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF69FF222885FBA5FB14FCE1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Dhofar (Oman) by: ● 36 − 39 total lateral-line scales / ● 20, very rarely 18 circumpeduncular scales / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 10 − 14 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ○ dorsal hyaline or pale-brown with black spots at bases of branched rays / ○ groove between tip of snout and nostrils shallow or absent. Size up to 180 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF69FF222885FBA5FB14FCE1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Saudi Arabia: Wadis of Asir Mountains that drain inland toward Wadi ad-Dawasir, such as Wadi Turabah, between 1400 − 2400 m above sea level.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF69FF222885FBA5FB14FCE1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wide variety of habitats, in fast-flowing to almost stagnant water over bare rock or soft sediment with gravel. Biology. Feeds mainly on periphyton but opportunistically also on other food items.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF69FF222885FBA5FB14FCE1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; known from fewer than 10 populations, and habitat is declining due to multiple threats, including water abstraction and climate change.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF69FF222885FBA5FB14FCE1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In Abala (2390 m), fish have 6 – 8 rakers on the lower limb of first gill arch and may represent an own species. Garra buettikeri is closely related to G. tibanica from western Arabia and G. dunsirei, G. smartae, and G. sindhae from Oman.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6EFF2428ABFA05FAABFEBC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Orontes golden barb.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6EFF2428ABFA05FAABFEBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Central Anatolia, Mediterranean, and Dead Sea basins by: ○ gular disc incomplete / ○ skin behind lower jaw with a wide lateral lobe, very narrow, almost split in middle / ○ lateral lobe on skin behind lower jaw smooth or with indistinct furrows, papillate in middle in some individuals / ○ chin between lateral lobes strongly pointed anteriorly, reaching deeply between lateral lobes / ○ a black spot at posteriormost caudal peduncle in juveniles / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 31 − 34 scales in total lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete, with 8 − 11 pored scales / ○ one pair of very small barbels / ○ scale in rows 2 – 3 above and below lateral line not more densely pigmented in middle, without stripes / ○ live nuptial male with plain golden flank. Size up to 60 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6EFF2428ABFA05FAABFEBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Orontes drainage and Nahr al-Kabir at border between Syria and Lebanon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6EFF2428ABFA05FAABFEBC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing rivers and streams, densely vegetated springs, and wetlands. Biology. Spawns after first winter. Fractional spawner.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6EFF2428ABFA05FAABFEBC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6EFF2428ABFA05FAABFEBC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Earlier placed in Hemigrammocapoeta and often considered as a synonym of G. culiciphaga. Garra caudomaculata, G. culiciphaga, and G. nanus form a monophyletic lineage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6CFF2728ABFF5EFBBFFDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name: Al-Hoota garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6CFF2728ABFF5EFBBFFDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Hajar Mountains by: ○ eye reduced and invisible externally / ○ whitish or pink, without colour pattern. Size up to 80 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6CFF2728ABFF5EFBBFFDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman: Al-Hoota cave system.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6CFF2728ABFF5EFBBFFDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Subterranean waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6CFF2728ABFF5EFBBFFDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; known from a very small area. The population is affected by climate change.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6CFF2728ABFF5EFBBFFDD6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is genetically very closely related to neighboring surface-dwelling populations of G. longipinnis and has been treated as a ‘ form’ of G. longipinnis. Despite being very young, this evolutionary lineage shows strong and distinct evolutionary trajectories and represents a different species under the Evolutionary Species Concept. A second subterranean population may occur near the town of Al Hamra and may represent an undescribed species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6DFF262885FCA8FCDEF84A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Red stripe barb.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6DFF262885FCA8FCDEF84A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Central Anatolia, Mediterranean, and Dead Sea basins by: ● wide, orange or reddish lateral stripe from eye to caudal base in nuptial male / ○ gular disc incomplete / ○ skin behind lower jaw with a wide lateral lobe, very narrow, almost split in middle / ○ lateral lobe on skin behind lower jaw strongly papillate on entire surface / ○ chin between lateral lobes strongly pointed anteriorly, reaching deeply between lateral lobes / ○ a black spot at posteriormost caudal peduncle in juveniles / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 29 − 34 scales in total lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete, with 7 − 11 pored scales / ○ one pair of very small barbels / ○ scale in rows 2 – 3 above and below lateral line densely pigmented in middle, forming indistinct stripes. Size up to 70 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6DFF262885FCA8FCDEF84A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lower Tarsus, Seyhan and Ceyhan drainages, also in a coastal stream at İskenderun. Likely introduced to Lake Balık (Gölbaşı-Hatay).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6DFF262885FCA8FCDEF84A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing rivers and streams, densely vegetated springs, and wetlands. Spawns in dense vegetation of submerged plants, roots, or algae. Biology. Usually solitary. Lives 3 − 4 years. Spawns first time after first winter. Spawns April−September, fractional spawner. Several males follow female into dense vegetation and spread small, transparent, and sticky eggs widely in vegetation. First-time spawners spawn later in spring than older spawners. Larvae solitary, inhabit dense vegetation, feed on plankton and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6DFF262885FCA8FCDEF84A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6DFF262885FCA8FCDEF84A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Earlier placed in Hemigrammocapoeta.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF6DFF262885FCA8FCDEF84A.taxon	description	Garra culiciphaga: a misnamed fish? The field of etymology is replete with misconceptions, and at times, consulting the original descriptions or older literature can reveal errors even in well-known names that have been in use for decades. For instance, the name “ culiciphaga, ” ascribed by Jacques Pellegrin to the species, is understood to refer to its efficacy in the destruction of mosquito larvae (Culex, mosquito; phaga, to eat). Pellegrin had received the type specimens from D. E. Tok, the head doctor of the antimalarial service in the Adana region. In his own words, Pellegrin stated that “ according to the experiments of the latter (D. E. Tok), these fish are excellent destroyers of mosquito larvae, hence the name given to the species. ” In the original description, he stated that he had received the material with a postscript attached, denoting the fish’s mosquito-eating behaviour, which D. E. Tok had sent. However, in the batch of samples he had received, there was another species, which he noted as “ Aphanius fasciatus, ” known as an “ excellent mosquito destroyer. ” D. E. Tok had likely referred to A. fasciatus as “ d’excellents destructeurs, ” a case that was misinterpreted by Pellegrin. According to the rules of zoological nomenclature, the name culiciphaga cannot be changed, even if based on misinformation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF63FF282885FC50FD45F8D4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tawi Attair garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF63FF282885FC50FD45F8D4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Dhofar (Oman) by: ● neural spines very short and not penetrating between dorsal pterygiophores / ○ subterranean, body whitish or pink / ○ eye small / ○ scales on chest and belly reduced or absent. Size up to 81 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF63FF282885FC50FD45F8D4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman: Sinkhole at Tawi Attair in Jabal Qara Mountains in Dhofar region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF63FF282885FC50FD45F8D4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Subterranean species. Found in a large side passage about 200 m below surface, which may be a window into a much larger underground cave system. Biology. No data. Captive individuals have been reported to live up to 16 years; no data are available from wild, but life expectancy in wild is likely to be much shorter.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF63FF282885FC50FD45F8D4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; restricted to a single known locality where it has not been found in recent years. Fewer than 250 mature individuals are believed to exist, although this may be underestimated due to the difficulty of thoroughly exploring the sinkhole.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF63FF282885FC50FD45F8D4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Its closest relatives are G. smartae and G. sindhae. Despite being a young species, it shows very strong and distinct evolutionary trajectories and represents a different species under the Evolutionary Species Concept.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF60FF2B28ABFCCEFB4CFB19.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF60FF2B28ABFCCEFB4CFB19.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ● lateral and distal margin of labrum fused with chin skin / ○ chest and anterior belly without scales / ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin covered by scales / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ 17 − 20 gill rakers / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 87 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF60FF2B28ABFCCEFB4CFB19.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iraq: Lower Lesser Zab and main stem of Tigris.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF60FF2B28ABFCCEFB4CFB19.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large lowland rivers. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF60FF2B28ABFCCEFB4CFB19.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; very poorly known.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF60FF2B28ABFCCEFB4CFB19.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Distribution very poorly known but thought to occur mainly in lower parts of large rivers. Previously placed in Tylognathus, Hemigarra, or Hemigrammocapoeta. Molecular markers place it close to G. amirhosseini. Garra elegans is usually described as lacking a gular disc, but the disc is fully attached to the chin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF61FF2A2885FCBAFAE1FADA.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ammiq barb.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF61FF2A2885FCBAFAE1FADA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species Garra in Central Anatolia, Mediterranean, and Dead Sea basins by: ○ gular disc incomplete / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ one pair of barbels / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ skin behind lower jaw continuous, with a shallow depression in middle / ○ chin behind lateral lobes rounded anteriorly, not reaching between lateral lobes. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF61FF2A2885FCBAFAE1FADA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lebanon: Ammiq marshes in upper Litani drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF61FF2A2885FCBAFAE1FADA.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A small wetland with dense reeds and springs. Spawns in dense vegetation. Biology. Lives for 5 years and spawns first time after first winter. Fractional spawner.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF61FF2A2885FCBAFAE1FADA.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; limited to a small wetland that partially dries out in summer. Ammiq marshes (253 ha) are remnants of much more extensive marshes and lakes that once existed in Bekaa Valley, and since 1970, 90 % of Ammiq marshes have been drained. It is an Important Bird Area, listed in Directory of Wetlands, a Ramsar site; part of it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF61FF2A2885FCBAFAE1FADA.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Earlier placed in Hemigrammocapoeta. Garra festai seems not to be closely related to G. caudomaculata, G. culiciphaga, and G. nanus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF66FF2C28AAFCFCFECDFDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Black garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF66FF2C28AAFCFCFECDFDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Hajar Mountains by: ○ scales without bold dark-brown or grey margins or scale pockets / ○ flank plain or almost plain, golden-greenish, brown, grey, or black without or with little mottling, a faint dark-green lateral stripe present in some individuals / ○ no orange midlateral scales on flank / ○ no orange spot at upper opercle / ○ tip of dorsal not white / ○ 12 – 14 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF66FF2C28AAFCFCFECDFDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman: Wadi Bani Khalid and downstream falaj systems, as in towns of Bani Bu Ali and Al Mudayrib.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF66FF2C28AAFCFCFECDFDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Ponds, falaj systems, and springs with fresh or brackish water and rocky bottoms. Usually in stagnant or slow-flowing water. In small pools, juveniles occupy shallow areas, while larger adults are typically found at greater depths near hiding places. Biology. Feeds on periphyton and detritus but can take other food if readily available.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF66FF2C28AAFCFCFECDFDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Known from only three populations, two of which are very small and vulnerable to renovation of falaj systems. The main population in Wadi Bani Khalid has experienced a large decline due to restriction of wadi, but is thought to be relatively secure now. Climate change could have a significant impact on this population.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF66FF2C28AAFCFCFECDFDA9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Closely related to G. longipinnis, from which molecular characters well separate it, but differences in colour shades are vague and may not always be sufficient to distinguish the two species. Quite variable in colour within Wadi Bani Khalid, but all colour patterns represent the same population.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF67FF2C2885FDBEFBE0FC0E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Dead Sea garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF67FF2C2885FDBEFBE0FC0E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Mediterranean and Dead Sea basins by: ● tubercles present on upper posterior eye margin / ○ gular disc fully developed / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ 31 – 32 + 1 – 2 lateral-line scales / ○ 12 − 16, usually 14 circumpeduncular scales / ○ slender body / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 − 11 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin scaled / ○ chest naked or one to several scales forming one row between pectoral bases / ○ black blotch at posterior caudal peduncle absent. Size up to 101 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF67FF2C2885FDBEFBE0FC0E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jordan and Israel: Southern tributaries of Dead Sea: Lower part of Wadi Ibn Hammad, Ein Al-Haditha, Wadi Al-Hassa (including Wadi al-Burbaitah), Wadi Fifa, and Wadi Khneizerah.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF67FF2C2885FDBEFBE0FC0E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fresh and brackish streams and springs with gravel bottoms. Usually in moderate currents. Biology. Feeds almost exclusively on algae. Tolerates high water temperatures. Spawns in groups in late spring and early summer.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF67FF2C2885FDBEFBE0FC0E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; extirpated from Israel. Population in Ain al-Haditha is now restricted to a very short stream, perhaps 300 m long, which is affected by non-native Oreochromis aureus. Downstream, spring water is entirely used for irrigation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF64FF2F28ABFCBAFB91F912.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karun garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF64FF2F28ABFCBAFB91F912.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ chest without or with normally sized, often embedded scales / ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin covered by embedded scales / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ 17 − 23 gill rakers / ○ 32 – 37 total scales along lateral line / 13 – 17 circumpeduncular scale rows / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ gular disc fully developed / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 151 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF64FF2F28ABFCBAFB91F912.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Karun and Karkheh drainages. Most populations in Karun are hybrids with G. rufa.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF64FF2F28ABFCBAFB91F912.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers of all kinds, as long as there are at least small areas of rock or gravel. Biology. Lives up to 4 years. Spawns March−September with a peak in May−June. Usually total spawners. Benthic grazer feeding on algae, cyanobacteria, and small invertebrates scraped from hard surfaces such as stones, roots, and plants.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF64FF2F28ABFCBAFB91F912.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF64FF2F28ABFCBAFB91F912.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Garra gymnothorax was described based on fish from the Karun having a naked chest, whereas most Garra from the Euphrates, Tigris, Karun (and Karkheh) have a scaled chest. In the Karun and Karkheh, there is an endemic mtDNA lineage of Garra that is well differentiated from G. rufa. This endemic mtDNA lineage is found in fish with naked as well as with scaled chests. Fish containing mitochondria with this endemic sequence have been identified as G. gymnothorax. No known morphological characters distinguish fish with mtDNA of “ G. gymnothorax ” from those with mtDNA of G. rufa. While all fish in Karun and Karkheh have G. gymnothorax mtDNA, genome-wide SNP data show that many populations in Karun (including fish at the type locality of G. gymnothorax) are hybrids between “ G. gymnothorax ” and G. rufa. Both G. gymnothorax and G. rufa mtDNA are found in Karun, suggesting extensive hybridisation between the two species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF65FF2E2885FC47FC44FADA.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kol garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF65FF2E2885FC47FC44FADA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin covered by scales / ○ posterior scale-margin on chest not embedded in skin / ○ chest and belly covered by scales / ○ usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ usually 3 scales between anus and anal origin / ○ 16 − 21 gill rakers / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ gular disc fully developed / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 70 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF65FF2E2885FC47FC44FADA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Golabii spring, Haji Abad, Roudbal, and Fadami in Kol drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF65FF2E2885FC47FC44FADA.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately warm to very warm springs and muddy streams to moderately fast-flowing cold waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF65FF2E2885FC47FC44FADA.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; known from fewer than 10 populations and declining habitat due to water abstraction and climate change.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF65FF2E2885FC47FC44FADA.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The mtDNA of this species is very similar to the mtDNA of “ G. mondica. ” Also, occurs in sympatry, but not syntopy, with G. persica.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7AFF3128ABFCCEFAD5FB46.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Jordan garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7AFF3128ABFCCEFAD5FB46.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Mediterranean and Dead Sea basins by: ○ gular disc fully developed / ○ tubercles absent on upper posterior eye margin / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 35 − 37 total lateral-line scales / ○ 16 circumpeduncular scales / ○ 12 − 17, usually, 16, gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ○ 5 – 6, rarely 4 scales between tip of pectoral and pelvic origin / ○ maximum head width 64 – 72 % HL / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 20 – 25 % SL / ○ snout slightly pointed / ○ chest and belly scaled, 4 − 7 rows of deeply embedded scales on chest between pectoral bases / ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin covered by scales / ○ dark-brown or grey blotch at posterior caudal peduncle present. Size up to 137 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7AFF3128ABFCCEFAD5FB46.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jordan drainage and lower Wadi Moujib, at east side of northern Dead Sea in Jordan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7AFF3128ABFCCEFAD5FB46.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, rivers, and streams with moderate to fast-flowing waters. Also in reservoirs and lakes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7AFF3128ABFCCEFAD5FB46.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7BFF332885FA05FC78FE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tuz golden barb.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7BFF332885FA05FC78FE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Central Anatolia, Mediterranean, and Dead Sea basins by: ○ no barbels / ○ gular disc incomplete / ○ 9 − 15 gill rakers / ○ few papillae on mental pad / ○ 36 − 45 + 1 – 2 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete, with 5 − 14 pored scales. Size up to 74 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7BFF332885FA05FC78FE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ereğli marshes and Lake Meyil in Lake Tuz basin. Lakes Beyşehir and Seydişehir basins, including Çarşamba Canal. Also, in Hirfanlı reservoir (Kızılırmak).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7BFF332885FA05FC78FE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Densely vegetated springs, lakes, reservoirs, and slow-flowing streams. Biology. Matures within a year. Males with bright golden nuptial colouration. Spawns on vegetation. Comes close to shore in spring but stays deep and far from shore in Hirfanlı reservoir in late summer and winter.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7BFF332885FA05FC78FE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; occurs in less than 10 populations. Extirpated from Ereğli marshes due to draining of wetland. Other populations in decline.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7BFF332885FA05FC78FE24.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Very abundant when discovered in Hirfanlı reservoir in 2017. Despite regular monitoring efforts, not seen again until 2024, when it was found again. Previously placed in Hemigrammocapoeta.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF79FF322885FC47FC10FADA.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Anatolian golden barb.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF79FF322885FC47FC10FADA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Central Anatolia, Mediterranean, and Dead Sea basins by: ○ no barbels / ○ gular disc incomplete / ○ 15 − 17 gill rakers / ○ many papillae on mental pad / ○ 36 – 41 + 1 – 2 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete, with 6 − 32 pored scales. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF79FF322885FC47FC10FADA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Eğirdir basin, Lake Işıklı basin in upper Büyük Menderes drainage, Lake Gölcük (Isparta), and upper Köprüçay drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF79FF322885FC47FC10FADA.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, lakes, and slow-flowing streams. Biology. Lives up to 4 years. Spawns in second year.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF79FF322885FC47FC10FADA.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; extirpated from Gölcük and Eğirdir basins due to invasion of non-native species. Other populations in decline.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF79FF322885FC47FC10FADA.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Earlier placed in Hemigrammocapoeta or Crossocheilus and considered as a synonym of G. kemali by some authors. Hemigrammocapoeta menderesensis is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7EFF3528ABF9A3FBC3F8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Smooth Hadhramaut garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7EFF3528ABF9A3FBC3F8F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Dhofar (Oman) by: ○ 34 − 36 total lateral-line scales / ○ 14 − 16 circumpeduncular scales / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 11 − 17 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ○ chest and belly naked / ○ no tubercles on snout / ○ dorsal hyaline or pale-brown with black spots at bases of branched rays / ○ groove between tip of snout and nostrils shallow or absent. Size up to 120 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7EFF3528ABF9A3FBC3F8F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Yemen: Wadi Hadhramaut drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7EFF3528ABF9A3FBC3F8F1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with large seasonal variations in flow. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7EFF3528ABF9A3FBC3F8F1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Threatened by water abstraction, but threats and distribution poorly known.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342885FD56FE9CFA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name: Jabal Akhdar garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342885FD56FE9CFA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Hajar Mountains by: ○ scales with dark-brown or grey, bold scale pockets on back and dark-brown or grey scale margins on flank / ○ flank plain greenish, brown, or grey with little or no mottling, a faint dark-green lateral stripe in some individuals / ○ no orange midlateral scales on flank / ○ no orange spot at upper opercle / ○ tip of dorsal not white / ○ 12 – 14 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch. Size up to 80 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342885FD56FE9CFA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman: Mountain wadis and associated falaj systems draining southwards from Jebel Akhdar range and Semail Gap, from Jebel Kawr and Jebel Shams eastwards to about Lizq and nearby tributaries of Wadi ‘ Andam.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342885FD56FE9CFA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, streams, and falaj systems with gravel or rocky bottoms. Usually in stagnant or slow-flowing water. Biology. Feeds on periphyton and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342885FD56FE9CFA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342B1BFD54FBE9FA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lorestan cave garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342B1BFD54FBE9FA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ eye reduced and invisible externally / ○ whitish or pink, without colour pattern / ○ body without scales / ○ lateral line on body well developed, with 6 − 31 pores / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ 7 − 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 10 − 12 gill rakers / ○ rostral cap poorly developed, partly covering upper lip / ○ gular disc fully developed longer than wide / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels. Size up to 74 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342B1BFD54FBE9FA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Loven spring in Ab-e Sirum (or Ab-e Serum) valley near Tang-e Haft, and springs around Tuveh in Dez system of Tigris drainage. Probably more widespread.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342B1BFD54FBE9FA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Underground waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342B1BFD54FBE9FA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; as with all subterranean species, distribution and threats are difficult to understand.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7FFF342B1BFD54FBE9FA42.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Coexists with Garra typhlops and the cave loach Eidinemacheilus smithi.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7DFF362885FB1AFB85F9F5.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hadhramaut garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7DFF362885FB1AFB85F9F5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Dhofar (Oman) by: ● groove between tip of snout and nostrils deep / ○ usually 8 ½, rarely 7 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 34 − 36 total lateral-line scales / ○ usually 12 circumpeduncular scales / ○ 15 − 17 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ○ tubercles on snout present / ○ gular disc as long as wide or longer than wide / ○ dorsal hyaline or pale-brown with black spots at bases of branched rays. Size up to 74 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7DFF362885FB1AFB85F9F5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Yemen: Wadi Hadhramaut – Wadi Masila drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7DFF362885FB1AFB85F9F5.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with high seasonal fluctuations in discharge over soft substrate, gravel, or bare rock. Biology. Feeds mainly on periphyton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF7DFF362885FB1AFB85F9F5.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range due to water abstraction and climate change.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF72FF3928ABFC76FAABFAAE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Meymeh garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF72FF3928ABFC76FAABFAAE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ chest with normal-sized, posterior margin of scales embedded in skin / ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin covered by embedded scales / ○ usually 3 scales between anus and anal origin / ○ usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ 16 − 20 gill rakers / ○ 33 – 37 total scales along lateral line / ○ 13 – 16 circumpeduncular scale rows / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ gular disc present / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 73 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF72FF3928ABFC76FAABFAAE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Meymeh, Doiraj, and Changoleh (Tigris drainage). Iraq: Nahre Al-Tayeb.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF72FF3928ABFC76FAABFAAE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams. Biology. Feeds mainly on periphyton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF72FF3928ABFC76FAABFAAE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; with small, declining populations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF72FF3928ABFC76FAABFAAE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Occurs in sympatry with G. rufa and G. amirhosseini.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF73FF3828E6FF39FBC9FDF4.taxon	description	Iranian “ G. mondica ” was considered endemic to the springs of Tang-e-Mohr, Konar Siyah, and Firozabad in the Mond drainage. In fact, “ G. mondica ” is a long-extinct species, and only its mitochondrial genome has survived in a few populations of G. rufa as a remnant of its evolutionary past. “ Garra mondica ” was described as a separate species based on mtDNA alone; none of the morphological characters proposed as diagnostic could be confirmed. Genome-wide SNP data examined for “ G. mondica ” show that its nuclear DNA, which codes for all its morphology, ecology, and behaviour, is identical to that of G. rufa. Only the mitochondrial genome of G. mondica survived the intense introgression of G. rufa after it invaded the Mond drainage. As “ G. mondica ” was described based on G. rufa individuals containing mitochondrial DNA of the extinct “ G. mondica, ” it is treated as a synonym of G. rufa. Similar discordances between nuclear DNA and mtDNA have been found in G. gymnothorax, and the situation should be carefully investigated in G. amirhosseini, G. hormuzensis, G. meymehensis, and G. tiam. All these species occur in sympatry or proximity to G. rufa.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF70FF3B28ABFCDFFB90FA90.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Damascus barb.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF70FF3B28ABFCDFFB90FA90.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Central Anatolia, Mediterranean, and Dead Sea basins by: ○ gular disc absent / ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ a complete total lateral-line with 31 − 37 scales / ○ 9 − 15 gill rakers. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF70FF3B28ABFCDFFB90FA90.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Syria: al-Awaj in Damascus basin. Qishon in northern Israel and Jordan drainage including Lake Tiberias. Introduced to a coastal stream in southwest Israel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF70FF3B28ABFCDFFB90FA90.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing or stagnant waters of streams, lakes, and springs. Usually in warm, muddy, and even slightly polluted waters. Biology. Spawns in winter. Feeds mainly on plants, periphyton, and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF70FF3B28ABFCDFFB90FA90.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF70FF3B28ABFCDFFB90FA90.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Earlier placed in Hemigrammocapoeta. Garra nanus, G. caudomaculata, and G. culiciphaga, form a monophyletic lineage. Garra sauvagei is a synonym, but molecular differences between populations are considerable, and the species needs revision.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF71FF3A2885FF5EFA07FDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lut garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF71FF3A2885FF5EFA07FDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ one or two pairs of barbels; if two pairs, rostral barbel very small sometimes just a tubercle / ○ gular disc small / ○ chest, belly, and predorsal midline naked / ○ 5 ½ – 6 ½ transverse scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 4 ½ – 5 ½ transverse scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ 10 − 11 total gill rakers / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 81 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF71FF3A2885FF5EFA07FDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Qanats and streams in Lut and Bejestan basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF71FF3A2885FF5EFA07FDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, canals, and slow-flowing streams. Biology. No data	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF71FF3A2885FF5EFA07FDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF71FF3A2885FF5EFA07FDA9.taxon	discussion	Remarks Garra nudiventris and G. rossica are very closely related and may be recognised as conspecifics in future.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF76FF3D28ABFC95FBA9FAAE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Orontes garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF76FF3D28ABFC95FBA9FAAE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Central Anatolia, Mediterranean, and Dead Sea basins by: ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ gular disc fully developed / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal / ○ 35 – 38 total lateral-line scales / ○ 17 – 21 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ○ no tubercles on upper posterior eye margin / ○ maximum head width 73 – 82 % HL / ○ 2 – 3, rarely 4 scales between tip of pectoral and pelvic origin / ○ a slightly pointed snout / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 22 – 25 % SL / ○ caudal peduncle 13 – 14 % SL. Size up to 130 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF76FF3D28ABFC95FBA9FAAE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Orontes and Nahr al-Kabir North drainages in Türkiye and Syria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF76FF3D28ABFC95FBA9FAAE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of lakes, reservoirs, canals, streams, and rivers with at least small rock or gravel areas. Springs without much current, but usually in moderate to fast-flowing waters. Resistant to moderate pollution and can reach very high abundance in shallow, polluted streams. Biology. Feeds on periphyton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF76FF3D28ABFC95FBA9FAAE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF77FF3C2885FF5EFC14FDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF77FF3C2885FF5EFC14FDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ● 8 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ chest and belly covered by normally developed scales, absent at isthmus in some individuals / ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin covered by scales / ○ usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 15 − 21 gill rakers / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ gular disc usually present / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 85 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF77FF3C2885FF5EFC14FDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Mehran drainage east to Makran region in northern Gulf of Oman. Also, in Jazmurian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF77FF3C2885FF5EFC14FDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of rivers and streams with gravel bottoms and running water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF77FF3C2885FF5EFC14FDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF77FF3F28E6FB2EFD23FEBC.taxon	description	In evolution, “ Dollo’s Law ” states that once a complex trait has been lost, it cannot evolve again in the same way. Although the law has fallen into disrepute, it is still one of the most important rules in evolution. This is interesting because species in the former genus Hemigrammocapoeta (G. culiciphaga, G. caudomaculata, G. festai, G. nanus) have a well-developed “ lower lip ”. Molecular characters place these in Garra and treat Hemigrammocapoeta as a synonym. This hypothesis has been rejected because garras have only a very short remnant of the lower lip in the corner of the mouth, usually called the labellum. If Hemigrammocapoeta were part of Garra, the lower lip would have re-evolved in these species, breaking Dollo’s law. The gular disc on the ventral side of the head of garras has often been regarded as a modified lower lip. But the gular disc is a structure completely independent of the lips or mouth. It develops from tissues of the gular region, an area behind the mouth, between the lower jaws, often extending to the end of the ventral head. In Garra, as in many other algae-eaters (Capoeta, Chondrostoma), the lower jaw is covered by a keratinous sheath. In contrast to Capoeta or Chondrostoma, there is a skin fold behind the lower jaw, separated from it by a groove, which some authors have called the lower lip. This skin fold is not homologous to the lower lip and is called the subtoral fold. Species in the former genus Hemigrammocapoeta also have a complete subtotal fold behind the lower jaw, so their “ lower lip ” cannot be homologous to the subtotal fold. Hemigrammocapoeta has a well-developed “ lower lip ” separated in the middle by a short, pointed papillate structure. This structure has a small transverse split in the middle and may represent the reduced torus and labrum of the gular disc. As the structures of the gular disc in Garra are not split in the middle, the “ lower lip ” of Hemigrammocapoeta is most likely not homologous with any of them. Their “ lower lip ” is probably homologous to the labellum, which is usually restricted to the corner of the mouth in Garra. Like other Cyprinidae, the enlarged labellum / lower lip is continuous with the upper lip. As the labellum in Garra is the remnant of the lower lip, the “ lower lip ” of Hemigrammocapoeta represents a true lower lip. Do these species violate Dollo’s law by re-evolving the lower lip? Not in our opinion, because Dollo’s law is about the loss of complex characters, and (1) the lower lip was not completely lost, and (2) a shorter or longer lower lip is a simple change of a character state, not a complex one.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF74FF3F28ABFA3BFB51F83C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tigris garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF74FF3F28ABFA3BFB51F83C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ chest with embedded scales / ○ belly and predorsal midline covered by scales, 15 – 19 scales along predorsal midline / ○ gular disc short and wide / ○ 35 – 40 total lateral-line scales / ○ 5 ½ (rarely 4 ½ and 6 ½) transverse scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 3 ½ − 4 ½ transverse scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ 15 – 18 circumpeduncular scales / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ axillary scale at pelvic origin large / ○ 11 − 16 total gill rakers / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ body brown, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 127 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF74FF3F28ABFA3BFB51F83C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Kaynarca (Murat drainage) in Euphrates and Yanarsu, Botan, Menfez, Hezil and Batman drainages, as well as from Aktoprak in Tigris. Iran: Boein-e Olia in Choman drainage, a tributary of Lesser Zab.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF74FF3F28ABFA3BFB51F83C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and slow-flowing streams. Biology. No data	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF74FF3F28ABFA3BFB51F83C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF74FF3F28ABFA3BFB51F83C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The known distribution of this species is highly disjunct, and it is expected that it will be found in other streams in the region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF75FF3E2885FCE3FA2CFBB1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tang-e Sarhe garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF75FF3E2885FCE3FA2CFBB1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ● barbels absent / ○ chest without scales / ○ belly and predorsal midline covered by scales / ○ gular disc small / ○ 7 ½ – 8 ½ transverse scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 6 ½ transverse scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ no axillary scale at pelvic origin / ○ 11 − 13 total gill rakers / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ body brown or grey usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 51 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF75FF3E2885FCE3FA2CFBB1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Tang-e Sarhe in Makran region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF75FF3E2885FCE3FA2CFBB1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and slow-flowing streams. Biology. No data	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF75FF3E2885FCE3FA2CFBB1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4AFF0128ABFD26FA07FB19.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Afghan garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4AFF0128ABFD26FA07FB19.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ one or two pairs of barbels; if two pairs, rostral barbel very small, sometimes just tubercle / ○ gular disc small / ○ chest, belly, and predorsal midline fully covered by scales / ○ 5 ½ – 6 ½ transverse scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 4 ½ – 5 ½ transverse scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ an axillary scale at pelvic origin / ○ 13 − 16 gill rakers / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4AFF0128ABFD26FA07FB19.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Hari, Morghab, Bejestan, Sistan, Mashkid, and Jazmurian basins and Makran region in Iran, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. North-western Baluchistan west of Central Brahui, Mashkid basin, and Kharan-Makran areas in Pakistan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4AFF0128ABFD26FA07FB19.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, slow-flowing streams, canals, and various artificial habitats. Biology. Mature at 2 – 3 years. Feeds on algae and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4AFF0128ABFD26FA07FB19.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4AFF0128ABFD26FA07FB19.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Garra phryne from Sistan in Iran is a synonym. Garra rossica and G. nudiventris are very closely related and may be accepted as conspecifics in future.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4BFF032885F9C2FBABFE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Red garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4BFF032885F9C2FBABFE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ chest and belly covered by scales, scales embedded in skin, rarely absent / ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin covered by scales / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 20 − 24 gill rakers / ○ 32 – 38 total scales along lateral line / ○ 11 – 13 circumpeduncular scale rows / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ gular disc fully developed / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4BFF032885F9C2FBABFE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, and Tigris drainages. Also, in Iranian Persian Gulf basin from Zohreh south to Mond, including endorheic Kor basin. Absent from Karkheh drainage. In Karun, most Garra are hybrids of this species and G. gymnothorax.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4BFF032885F9C2FBABFE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately warm to very warm streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and artificial habitats of all types, provided there are at least small rock or gravel areas. Usually in moderately to rapidly flowing waters. Resistant to moderate pollution and may reach very high abundance in shallow, polluted streams. Biology. Lives up to 7 years. Usually spawns after one or two years, depending on water temperature, hatching month, and food availability. Spawns in spring and summer, March−July, depending on altitude and latitude. Fractional spawner. Spawns in groups over gravel substrate in open water column. Eggs are not sticky and fall into crevices. Larvae pelagic and increasingly lithophilic as they grow. Benthic grazer feeding on detritus, algae, cyanobacteria, and small invertebrates scraped from hard surfaces such as stones, roots, and plants.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4BFF032885F9C2FBABFE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4BFF032885F9C2FBABFE6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This is the original Kangal doctor fish. Replaced by G. gymnothorax in Iranian Karkheh drainage. Both species are indistinguishable by external characters, although they belong to different phylogenetic clades.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF49FF022885FB39FC01F95D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Coastal garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF49FF022885FB39FC01F95D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Dhofar (Oman) by: ● dorsal membranes dark-grey or black / ○ 32 − 36 total lateral-line scales / ○ 16 − 17, rarely 15 or 18, circumpeduncular scales / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 11 − 16 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch, 6 − 10 in Saudi Arabian populations / ○ groove between tip of snout and nostrils shallow or absent / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 129 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF49FF022885FB39FC01F95D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Yemen and Saudi Arabia: streams flowing to Gulf of Aden and southern Red Sea coast. Yemen: Wadis Bana, al Kabir, Lahej, Tiban, Murlwani, Maur, and others. Found up to 1130 m above sea level. Saudi Arabia: Wadis Minshah, Daga, Gaanah, north of Jizan, Sharfa, from 100 − 300 m above sea level.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF49FF022885FB39FC01F95D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with high seasonal fluctuations in discharge. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF49FF022885FB39FC01F95D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF49FF022885FB39FC01F95D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data suggest that this species is more closely related to the Anatolian and Mesopotamian Garra than to other species from the western Arabian Peninsula. The Saudi Arabian populations are described as Garra sahilia gharbia. They may represent a separate species, distinguished by having 6 – 10 gill rakers on the lower limb of first gill arch, whereas Garra s. sahilia has 11 – 16 gill rakers.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4EFF0528ABFD31FBCDFB0A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Muscat garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4EFF0528ABFD31FBCDFB0A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Hajar Mountains by: ● middle caudal rays’ with same colour as other rays or slightly darker, not bold black / ● membranes between these rays brown or hyaline / ○ strongly mottled flank pattern usually lacking orange scales on flank / ○ white dorsal tip / ○ no orange spot at upper opercle / ○ 10 – 14 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4EFF0528ABFD31FBCDFB0A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman: Wadis draining from Hajar Mountains to coast of Gulf of Oman, east and west of Muscat, including northern flank of Jebel Akhdar, extending from Wadi Hoqain (near Rustaq) in west to Wadi Mayh (Wadi Yiti), east of Muscat.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4EFF0528ABFD31FBCDFB0A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams and falaj systems draining mountain front, springs, streams, and falaj systems with fresh or brackish water, gravel, or bedrock bottoms. Usually in stagnant or slow-flowing water. Biology. Feeds on periphyton and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4EFF0528ABFD31FBCDFB0A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; relatively small area with fewer than 10 independent populations. Has experienced loss of several populations, and many are vulnerable to overuse of water, pollution, and climate change.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4FFF042885FCEDFB85FACC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Dayqah garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4FFF042885FCEDFB85FACC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Hajar Mountains by: ○ strongly mottled flank pattern with individual or series of orange midlateral scales / ○ no orange spot at upper opercle / ○ tip of dorsal not white / ○ membranes between central caudal rays black, not silvery / ○ 10 – 14 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 50 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4FFF042885FCEDFB85FACC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman: Wadi Dayqah drainage, including wadis Tayyin, Deema, and Khabbah, flowing to coast entering sea at Daghmar. Also, in isolated falaj systems and springs in endorheic basin north of Wahiba Sands.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4FFF042885FCEDFB85FACC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mountain wadis, streams, falaj systems, and springs with freshwater, gravel, or bedrock bottoms. Usually in slow-flowing water. Biology. Feeds on periphyton and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4FFF042885FCEDFB85FACC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; significant decline due to water abstraction and expected further decline due to climate change.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4FFF042885FCEDFB85FACC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The distribution of this species in Wadi Dayqah drainage and adjacent endorheic basins suggests recent connections between two watersheds, allowing the invasion of G. sharq. While G. sharq occurs in upper Wadi Dayn and in falaj systems of town of Al-Mintirib, other falaj systems in area are occupied by G. gallagheri. As the Garra from Wadi Dayn and Al-Mintirib have only been examined for molecular characters, we cannot exclude the possibility that both species are sympatric or that these are hybrid populations between the two species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4DFF062885FF5EFBDFFD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Andhur garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4DFF062885FF5EFBDFFD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Dhofar (Oman) by: ● prominent hump on back in some individuals / ○ 33 – 36 total lateral-line scales / ○ 14 (− 16) circumpeduncular scales / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 8 − 13 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ○ chest and belly behind pectoral origin fully covered by deeply embedded scales / ○ gular disc usually wider than long / ○ tubercles on snout absent / ○ dorsal hyaline or pale-brown with black spots at bases of branched rays / ○ groove between tip of snout and nostrils shallow or absent / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 82 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4DFF062885FF5EFBDFFD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman: Wadi Andhur in Dhofar region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4DFF062885FF5EFBDFFD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with high seasonal fluctuations in discharge. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4DFF062885FF5EFBDFFD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; restricted to a short stretch of Wadi Andhur. There appears to be no direct threat from human activity, but reduced rainfall due to climate change could threaten this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF4DFF062885FF5EFBDFFD11.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Mistakenly treated as a synonym of G. dunsirei, which is quite distinct and, as a subterranean species, has its own distinct evolutionary history compared to G. sindhae. Described as G. sindhi, but the species name is dedicated to a female and must, therefore, be declinate to G. sindhae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFF5EFAB6FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hasik garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFF5EFAB6FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Dhofar (Oman) by: ● no prominent hump on back / ○ 33 − 35 total lateral-line scales / ○ 14 (− 16) circumpeduncular scales / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 12 − 15 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch, 10 − 13 in Laggashaylon / ○ chest and belly behind pectoral origin fully covered by scales but scales on ventral midline and in front of pectoral base deeply embedded and small or absent / ○ gular disc usually longer than wide / ○ tubercles on snout absent / ○ dorsal hyaline or pale-brown with black spots at bases of branched rays / ○ groove between tip of snout and nostrils shallow or absent / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 76 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFF5EFAB6FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman: Wadis Hasik and Laggashaylon in Dhofar region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFF5EFAB6FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with high seasonal fluctuations in discharge. Biology. Feeds on periphyton and detritus. In captivity, individuals reach sexual maturity at five to six months.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFF5EFAB6FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFF5EFAB6FD79.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The Laggashaylon population appears to bridge the morphological gap between G. smartae and G. sindhae, and published molecular data suggest that this population may represent an undescribed species. Garra smartae has been erroneously treated as a synonym of G. dunsirei, which is well differentiated and, as a subterranean species, has its own distinct evolutionary trajectory when compared to G. smartae. Described as Garra smarti, but the species name is dedicated to a female and must, therefore, be declinate to G. smartae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFA93FA0CF94E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tashan cave garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFA93FA0CF94E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ● lateral line on body reduced, visible pores absent / ○ eye reduced and invisible externally / ○ whitish or pink, without colour pattern / ○ body almost naked, few scales at pelvic base only / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ rostral cap well developed, completely covering upper lip / ○ gular disc fully developed as long as wide / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels. Size up to 35 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFA93FA0CF94E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Tashan Cave at Sarjusher and Tang-e Ban spring in Jarahi drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFA93FA0CF94E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Underground waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF42FF0928ABFA93FA0CF94E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Only two locations are known: Tashan cave and Tang-e Ban spring. Tashan cave spans approximately 900 m in length and reaches a depth of about 50 m. Tang-e Ban is a seasonal karstic spring that only flows during winter and spring, during which fish are washed from the cave to the surface.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF40FF0B28ABFA14FC26F8C5.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Abshur garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF40FF0B28ABFA14FC26F8C5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ chest with normal-sized, often embedded scales / ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin with 9 – 11 scales / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ 18 − 22 gill rakers / ○ 30 – 33 total scales along lateral line / ○ 30 – 33 total lateral-line scales / ○ 12 – 13 circumpeduncular scales / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ gular disc fully developed / ○ body brown or grey usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 63 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF40FF0B28ABFA14FC26F8C5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Abshur drainage, a tributary of Karun.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF40FF0B28ABFA14FC26F8C5.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and springs with rocks or gravel bottom. Biology. Feeds mainly on periphyton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF40FF0B28ABFA14FC26F8C5.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; found in a very small area where climate change and desiccation of streams is ongoing.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF41FF0A2885FD00FB17FCE1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hijaz garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF41FF0A2885FD00FB17FCE1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Dhofar (Oman) by: ○ 34 − 36, very rarely 32, 33 or 37, 38 total lateral-line scales / ○ 16 − 18, very rarely 14, 15 or 20 circumpeduncular scales / ○ 6 − 8 ½, usually 7 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 6 − 17, usually 9 − 15, gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ○ gular disc of considerably variable shape and size, usually wider than long / ○ chest and belly usually covered by scales, scales may be embedded and barely overlapping or partly absent leaving some naked areas / ○ tubercles on snout usually present / ○ dorsal membrane hyaline or pale-brown with black spots at bases of branched rays / ○ groove between tip of snout and nostrils shallow or absent / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 131 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF41FF0A2885FD00FB17FCE1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Wadi Hajr in Yemen to Khaibar area in Saudi Arabia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF41FF0A2885FD00FB17FCE1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wadis with high seasonal fluctuations in discharge. Biology. Observed moving over short distances on land, climbing steep, moist rocky surfaces, especially near waterfalls, to reach higher pools.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF41FF0A2885FD00FB17FCE1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF41FF0A2885FD00FB17FCE1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Garra tibanica was synonymised with G. quadrimaculata from Ethiopia, a view not supported by later studies. Garra brittoni, Garra tibanica dhamarica, Garra tibanica elbahrica, Garra tibanica kasaba, Garra tibanica multaka, Garra tibanica nakalani, Garra tibanica scorteccii, and Garra tibanica yemenica, which are all from Yemen, are treated as synonyms of Garra tibanica. New fieldworks should test this hypothesis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF46FF0D28ABFA7EFB00F8B6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Cilician garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF46FF0D28ABFA7EFB00F8B6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Central Anatolia, Mediterranean, and Dead Sea basins by: ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ gular disc fully developed / ○ tubercles absent on upper posterior eye margin / ○ 33 − 37 total lateral-line scales / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ snout blunt / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 18 – 21 % SL / ○ chest and belly scaled / ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin covered by scales / ○ dark-grey blotch at posterior caudal peduncle present. Size up to 115 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF46FF0D28ABFA7EFB00F8B6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Seyhan and Ceyhan drainages and small rivers south to Arsuz. Introduced to Ilıca in Manavgat, also to the Sultan Marshes via Zamantı Tunnel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF46FF0D28ABFA7EFB00F8B6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with rocks or gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF46FF0D28ABFA7EFB00F8B6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF46FF0D28ABFA7EFB00F8B6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular studies demonstrate that the majority of producers claiming to supply G. rufa to fish spas in Antalya (Türkiye) are in fact supplying G. turcica.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF47FF0C2885FAD6FAAEF889.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zagros cave garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF47FF0C2885FAD6FAAEF889.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ eye reduced and invisible externally / ○ whitish, pink, orange, without colour pattern / ○ body without scales / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 10 − 13 gill rakers / ○ gular disc incomplete / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels. Size up to 64 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF47FF0C2885FAD6FAAEF889.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Loven spring in Ab-e Sirum (or Ab-e Serum) valley near Tang-e Haft, and springs around Tuveh in Dez system of Karun drainage. Also, in a tunnel of Simareh Dam (now encased). Probably more widespread.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF47FF0C2885FAD6FAAEF889.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Underground waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF47FF0C2885FAD6FAAEF889.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; as with all subterranean species, its distribution is difficult to understand, and threat levels may be low.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF47FF0C2885FAD6FAAEF889.taxon	discussion	Remarks. A record from Simareh Dam is likely to belong to an undescribed species. Previously placed in a separate genus, Iranocypris. Coexists with the Garra lorestanensis and the cave loach Eidinemacheilus smithi.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF44FF0F28ABFAC4FC27F97A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Small mouth garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF44FF0F28ABFAC4FC27F97A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Mediterranean and Gulf basins by: ○ one pair of barbels / ○ 20 − 26 gill rakers / ● gular disc small and narrow / ○ usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ tubercles absent on upper posterior eye margin / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ eye fully developed / ○ 32 − 38 lateral-line scales. Size up to 140 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF44FF0F28ABFAC4FC27F97A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Orontes in Syria and Lebanon and Syrian Nahr al-Kabir (South) in the Mediterranean basin. Also, Upper Euphrates and Tigris in Türkiye, Syria, and Iraq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF44FF0F28ABFAC4FC27F97A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, springs, and rivers with slow-flowing or stagnant water, often with dense vegetation or submerged wood. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF44FF0F28ABFAC4FC27F97A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF44FF0F28ABFAC4FC27F97A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Not recorded from the Iranian part of Tigris drainage. While there are records from the Tigris in Iraq, it could not be found in Greater and Lesser Zab and the Sirvan, three tributaries of Tigris in Iraq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF45FF0E2885FCC8FAFBFB19.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Haditha garra.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF45FF0E2885FCC8FAFBFB19.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ● scales restricted to lateral midline, rarely fully scaled / ○ lateral line complete, with 28 − 35 scales in lateral series / ○ eye reduced and invisible externally / ○ cream white or pink, without colour pattern / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ gular disc fully developed / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels. Size up to 61 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF45FF0E2885FCC8FAFBFB19.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iraq: groundwater table near Haditha, from three wells; one about 3 m below Shaikh Hadeed, a second 9 m deep, 135 m south-west of Shaikh Hadeed, and a third called “ Pigeon Hole, ” 12 km south of Sheik Hadid shrine, all in Euphrates drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF45FF0E2885FCC8FAFBFB19.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Underground waters. Biology. Appears to spawn all year round as all sizes of fish are present. Grazes epilithic layers of bacteria and ciliates from rock surfaces. Also, takes food from water surface by upside-down grazing.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF45FF0E2885FCC8FAFBFB19.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; three sites indicate a wider distribution in Haditha Karst. Water table in karst is now much lower than in past, and fish can only be found at Shaikh Hadeed. All other springs are dry. While this species was once very abundant, and hundreds were sold as ornamental fish in Baghdad, it is now rare in accessible parts of groundwater. Water is abstracted from wells, and the construction of a reservoir on the Euphrates upstream of Haditha has lowered the water table. The species may be on the verge of extinction. However, it is impossible to study which part of population lives in inaccessible parts of karst and which part lives in inaccessible parts.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF45FF0E2885FCC8FAFBFB19.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often placed in a separate genus Typhlogarra but closely related to Garra rufa. Coexists with Caecocypris basimi.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5BFF122885FF5EFE16FBEE.taxon	description	Luciobarbus are medium to large fishes that often co-occur with superficially similar Barbus and Capoeta species. Luciobarbus are less rheophilic and prefer more stagnant habitats than sympatric Barbus. In West Asia, all but one Luciobarbus species can be readily distinguished from Barbus species by their uniform yellowish, brown, or grey colouration, sometimes with an indistinct lateral stripe (vs. body and fins covered with distinctive, irregularly shaped spots and blotches), and by the presence of large nuptial tubercles on the snout (vs. very small nuptial tubercles throughout the head). Juveniles of both genera show a pattern of dark-brown blotches on the body and are difficult to distinguish at first sight. Luciobarbus can also be immediately distinguished from Capoeta by the absence of a keratinised lower jaw (vs. present in most species), a long, pointed head (vs. short and roundish), and the presence of two pairs of barbels (vs. usually one pair). Luciobarbus and Capoeta often hybridise. Some Luciobarbus, such as L. pectoralis and L. schejch, show a polymorphic lower lip, with a pendulous central lobe and fleshy lips in some individuals, and an interrupted lower lip with a hard and exposed lower jaw in other individuals, including all intermediate lip shapes. This polymorphism has been misinterpreted as species diagnostic, and individuals with a fleshy lobe on the lower lip have often been identified as L. barbulus (= L. schejch) throughout West Asia. In contrast, individuals without such a lobe have been identified as L. pectoralis. Both species are strictly allopatric, and both lip forms are found in both species. The lip shape is not variable in other Luciobarbus, such as L. esocinus and L. subquincunciatus. Furthermore, Luciobarbus species exhibit significant allometric growth in body shape and the length and strength of the last unbranched dorsal ray. This has led to some taxonomic confusion, particularly in the Persian Gulf basin. The identification of Luciobarbus species in the large rivers of the Euphrates and Tigris drainages has only recently been resolved. Luciobarbus esocinus and L. subquincunciatus are two well-differentiated species, L. schejch often hybridises with L. esocinus. Individuals cannot be identified by their COI DNA sequence alone, as they may have their own or the mtDNA of L. esocinus. Fish commonly identified as L. barbulus or L. xanthopterus all belong to L. schejch. The syntypes of L. xanthopterus have been identified as hybrids of L. esocinus and L. schejch, and this name is not available for any of the species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5EFF1528ABFC98FB2BFA64.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Shorthead barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5EFF1528ABFC98FB2BFA64.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in Caspian basin and Hari drainage by: ● predorsal length shorter than postdorsal length / ● usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 16 – 25 gill rakers / ● back between head and dorsal origin laterally compressed, forming a keel / ○ 62 – 90 (usually 65 – 77) total lateral-line scales / ○ lower lip thin, without median lobe or pad. Size up to about 1000 mm SL and 21 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5EFF1528ABFC98FB2BFA64.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern and western Caspian basin. Landlocked population in Mingachevir reservoir (Azerbaijan). Migrates up larger tributaries of western and southern coasts to spawn: Terek, Samur, Kura, and lower Aras. Rarely in lower Volga (to Volgograd) and Ural. Recorded from Karakum Canal and Kopetdag reservoir in Turkmenistan. Widespread in Aral basin (Central Asia).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5EFF1528ABFC98FB2BFA64.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, to 25 m depth. In rivers, in deep stretches with gravel or stone bottoms. Spawns in fast-flowing water in hard bottom areas, 1 − 2 m deep. Biology. Mostly semi-anadromous, rarely land-locked in Caspian basin, riverine in Aral basin. Lives up to 10 years (males) and 13 years (females). Spawns first time at about 500 − 700 mm SL, 5 − 7 years, females later than males. Spawns April to August, peaking at 23 − 27 ° C. Some individuals begin spawning migration in August−September and spawn next spring after overwintering in river. Some enter rivers in early spring (March) and spawn in same year. Spring run begins at water temperatures between 7 − 11 ° C and is most intense in early summer at 25 − 27 ° C. Females lay 100,000 − 1,250,000 bright yellow eggs in 2 − 3 portions during a single season. Eggs are semi−pelagic and hatch after at least 2 days at 25 ° C while drifting downstream. Larvae settle in areas of slow current; after 2 − 12 months, juveniles drift downstream to sea (or reservoir if river is dammed). In the low-salinity zones of the sea, it feeds mainly on benthic crustaceans. Does not feed during upstream migration. Starts feeding again at spawning grounds, mainly on insects, juveniles of other fish, and rarely on algae, seeds, and other plant material.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5EFF1528ABFC98FB2BFA64.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; stocks in Caspian basin declined sharply due to massive habitat alteration, particularly overfishing and dam construction. Currently very rare in Caspian basin, but still reported from coastal rivers in Azerbaijan, the Iranian Lenkoran and Terek in Dagestan. It is regularly found in middle Amu Darya drainage, where it is expected to decline sharply due to increased hydroelectric development, overfishing, and water diversion from rivers for irrigation, especially in Turkmenistan and Afghanistan (Qosh Tepa Canal).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5FFF142885FD37FB72FB55.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bulatmai barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5FFF142885FD37FB72FB55.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in Caspian basin and Hari drainage by: ○ 52 – 72 (usually 60 – 66) total lateral-line scales / ○ 13 – 15 gill rakers / ○ upper part of body dark-brown, lower part yellow in life in large individuals / ○ lower lip thin, without median lobe or pad / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ back between head and dorsal origin laterally compressed, forming a keel / ○ predorsal length longer than postdorsal length / ○ dorsal moderately long, 13 – 14 % of body depth in individuals of about 400 mm SL. Size up to about 920 mm SL and 16 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5FFF142885FD37FB72FB55.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin: tributaries of western and southern coasts, from Volga south to Atrak (Iran). Always very rare in Volga. Introduced in Jaj reservoir in Namak Lake basin (Iran).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5FFF142885FD37FB72FB55.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Resident populations mostly in large to medium-sized rivers, often also in reservoirs. At sea, usually near coast. Forages in estuaries. Spawns in lowland streams and rivers on sand-gravel bottoms, usually in strong currents. Biology. Semi-anadromous and resident individuals and populations. Spawns first time at 3 − 7 years, females later than males, above 200 mm SL. Spawns April−August. Males spawn every year, some females annually, others apparently every 2 − 3 years. Semi-anadromous populations begin migration in late summer-autumn and spawn in next spring, but some enter rivers in early spring and spawn in same year. Migrates to uppermost tributaries of rivers. Non-anadromous populations migrate to upper reaches of tributaries just before spawning or spawn in lakes and reservoirs on sandy to muddy bottoms. Larvae feed on zooplankton and small benthic invertebrates. Juveniles and adults feed on invertebrates, algae, detritus, plant material, and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5FFF142885FD37FB72FB55.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; resident populations still widespread, but abundance greatly reduced due to overfishing. Semi-anadromous populations are now very rare due to dam constructions. Terek and Kura were major spawning rivers for anadromous fish. Very rare in Terek today. Decline expected to continue due to increasing hydropower development, overfishing in estuaries, and many strong ecological impacts on the Caspian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF1728ABFD37FC39FB85.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Conehead barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF1728ABFD37FC39FB85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in Caspian basin and Hari drainage by: ○ 58 – 70 (usually 61 – 68) total lateral-line scales / ○ 13 – 15 gill rakers / ○ upper part of body dark-brown, lower part yellow in life in large individuals / ○ lower lip thin, without median lobe or pad / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ back between head and dorsal origin laterally compressed, forming a keel / ○ predorsal length longer than postdorsal length / ○ dorsal long, 15 – 16 % of body depth in individuals of about 400 mm SL. Size up to about 664 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF1728ABFD37FC39FB85.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Hari drainage. Morghab, Aral basins, and Chu drainage in Central Asia. In Karakum Canal, Kopetdag, and Uzboi lakes in Turkmenistan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF1728ABFD37FC39FB85.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large rivers and reservoirs, from which fish migrate into tributaries to spawn. Biology. Poorly known, mostly a freshwater species that does not undertake long migrations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF1728ABFD37FC39FB85.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF1728ABFD37FC39FB85.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is distinguished from L. capito by molecular characters, but no material was available to test whether morphological characters can also distinguish the two. It might be an old species and by this a synonym of L. capito.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF162B39FBD4FA16FD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pike barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF162B39FBD4FA16FD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in Persian Gulf basin by: ● mouth subterminal in small, almost terminal or terminal in large individuals / ● head pike-like, strongly pointed, depressed / ● snout length 2.0 – 2.9 times in postorbital length in individuals larger than 150 mm SL / ● dorsal head profile straight or concave / ○ 8 – 11 gill rakers / ○ 60 – 73 (– 78) total lateral-line scales / ● juveniles often with many, small dark-brown spots on upper flank. Size up to 2000 mm SL and 198 kg, regularly larger than 50 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF162B39FBD4FA16FD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates, Tigris, Karun and Jarahi drainages. Extirpated in Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF162B39FBD4FA16FD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large rivers and reservoirs, from which fish migrate into tributaries to spawn. Biology. Biology of this enigmatic species virtually unknown. Lives up to 17 years, probably longer. Spawns first time at a size greater than 1000 mm SL, probably at an age of about 10 years, in March−April. Predatory, feeding mainly on fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF162B39FBD4FA16FD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; builds up large populations in reservoirs, from where it migrate into tributaries to spawn. An important commercial species that has declined due to overfishing. Affected by pollution, draining of marshes, damming, and water abstraction.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5CFF162B39FBD4FA16FD11.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Growth hormones from this species have been cloned and used to increase growth in Cyprinus carpio. Often hybridises with sympatric L. schejch, and most hybrids seem to have had L. esocinus as their mother. Type material of L. xanthopterus has been identified as such hybrids.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5DFF192B1BFD26FE06FC1D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Greek barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5DFF192B1BFD26FE06FC1D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in Mediterranean basin by: ● 43 – 48 total lateral line scales. Size up to 400 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5DFF192B1BFD26FE06FC1D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Bakacak on Biga Peninsula west to Çanakkale and south to Büyük Menderes. Also, lakes Yliki and Paralimni plus Sperchios drainage in southwestern Greece. Introduced to Beletsi and Marathon reservoirs and Kifissos drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5DFF192B1BFD26FE06FC1D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large to medium-sized streams and rivers with moderate currents. Also, in reservoirs. Biology. Spawns April−July.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5DFF192B1BFD26FE06FC1D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF5DFF192B1BFD26FE06FC1D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Luciobarbus kottelati, and L. lydianus are synonyms. The biogeography of L. graecus is a mystery, and it is possible that L. graecus was introduced to Greece before the time of ichthyological exploration.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF52FF1928ABFC22FC01FB28.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Jordan barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF52FF1928ABFC22FC01FB28.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in Mediterranean basin by: ● 55 – 63 total lateral-line scales / ○ 10 – 13 gill rakers on lower arch / ○ pelvic origin behind or below dorsal origin. Size up to 700 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF52FF1928ABFC22FC01FB28.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jordan drainage, as well as Naaman at coast of Israel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF52FF1928ABFC22FC01FB28.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large to medium-sized streams and rivers with moderate currents. Also in reservoirs and lakes. Biology. Matures at about 200 mm SL (males) and 250 mm SL (females). Migrates upstream in winter to spawn in small streams in January−March. Feeds on invertebrates, especially molluscs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF52FF1928ABFC22FC01FB28.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; declined sharply due to overfishing and desiccation of rivers and streams.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF53FF182885FB09FB72FA16.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mursa.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF53FF182885FB09FB72FA16.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in Caspian basin and Hari drainage by: ● lower lip thick and fleshy, with median lobe or pad / ● 83 – 103 total lateral-line scales / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ● back between head and dorsal origin not or slightly compressed / ○ colouration of back and belly not sharply contrasted / ○ predorsal length equal or longer than postdorsal length / ○ body plain brown in life. Size up to about 400 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF53FF182885FB09FB72FA16.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Kura and Aras drainages east to Gorgan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF53FF182885FB09FB72FA16.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wide range of streams and rivers with fast to moderately fast-flowing water. Also, in lakes and reservoirs, from where fish migrate to rivers and streams to spawn. Biology. Spawns first time at 2 − 3 years, females later than males, between April and August. Migrates to uppermost tributaries of rivers to spawn in fast-flowing water on gravel. Feeds on invertebrates, algae, detritus, plant material, and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF53FF182885FB09FB72FA16.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; important commercial species, particularly prized in Georgia and severely overfished, especially in Kura and Aras.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF53FF182885FB09FB72FA16.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Reports from Urmia basin (Iran) have yet to be confirmed and are probably mistaken.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF50FF1B28ABFD12FAE7FB85.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Levantine barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF50FF1B28ABFD12FAE7FB85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in Mediterranean basin by: ○ 48 – 58 total lateral-line scales / ○ 8 – 13 gill rakers on lower arch / ○ 10 – 11 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 7 – 8 scale row between anal origin and lateral line. Size up to 470 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF50FF1B28ABFD12FAE7FB85.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Göksu east to Orontes drainage. Absent in between Göksu and Seyhan drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF50FF1B28ABFD12FAE7FB85.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Medium to large streams and rivers. Also, in reservoirs from which it migrates to rivers or streams to spawn. Absent from cold mountain streams and springs. Often abundant at edge of rapids or riffles. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF50FF1B28ABFD12FAE7FB85.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF50FF1B28ABFD12FAE7FB85.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often reported to occur in Euphrates and Tigris drainages, but none of these reports have been confirmed. Most likely, all records are based on misidentified specimens of L. schejch. Luciobarbus lorteti, described from Lake Amik in Orontes drainage, is treated as a synonym of L. pectoralis. Luciobarbus lorteti was distinguished from L. pectoralis by the presence of a molariform (vs. normally developed) 4 th pharyngeal tooth. Such individuals are still found in the wild. Fish with a molariform 4 th pharyngeal tooth have no other distinguishing characters, and molecular data do not allow them to be distinguished from L. pectoralis. The shape of the 4 th pharyngeal tooth may be related to the size of individual and likely to the availability and use of hard-shelled prey such as molluscs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF56FF1D28ABFF5EFCF4FCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Gattan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF56FF1D28ABFF5EFCF4FCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in Persian Gulf basin by: ● back and upper flank yellowish or brown, lower flank yellowish or cream white in life, blackish or grey in large individuals / ○ head not strongly pointed, not depressed, barbel-like / ○ dorsal head profile convex / ○ mouth inferior or subterminal in very large individuals / ○ snout length 1.1 – 1.9 times in postorbital length / ○ 50 – 62 total lateral-line scales / ○ 11 – 24 gill rakers / ○ lips fleshy, usually with median pad, lips hypertrophied in some individuals / ○ juveniles without small dark-brown spots on upper flank. Size up to 800 mm SL and 30 kg (such large individuals might be hybrids with L. esocinus).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF56FF1D28ABFF5EFCF4FCC4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates, Tigris, Karun drainages, and coastal rivers of Persian Gulf south to Kol.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF56FF1D28ABFF5EFCF4FCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large streams, mountain and lowland rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and marshes, from which it migrates into tributaries to spawn. Spawns on gravel substrate in shallow areas of large rivers in 30 − 150 cm water depths. Biology. Lives up to 11 years, probably longer. Maturity of males at 3 years and about 330 mm SL, females at 6 years and about 600 mm SL. Spawns June – August (Mosul), at dusk until just before midnight, with loud splashing, jumping, and chasing. Exclaims large areas of gravel to spawn in “ nests. ” Spawns once a year. Tolerant of low oxygen and moderate salinity. Feeds on a wide variety of aquatic invertebrates, small fish, detritus, and plants. Locally, molluscs are an important prey item.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF56FF1D28ABFF5EFCF4FCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq. Establishes large populations in reservoirs. Highly overexploited in large rivers.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF56FF1D28ABFF5EFCF4FCC4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Many, but not all, individuals of L. schejch carry mitochondria from L. esocinus, as hybridisation between the two species is common. Usually, male L. schejch spawns with female L. esocinus. Luciobarbus schejch with mitochondria of L. schejch (not L. esocinus) have been identified as L. kersin. Luciobarbus schejch with its own mitochondria and those with mitochondria of L. escocinus are widespread, occur in sympatry, and are indistinguishable by morphological characters. Luciobarbus kersin is a synonym of L. schejch. Luciobarbus schejch is often known as L. barbulus or, in parts of its range, as L. mystaceus. Luciobarbus barbulus is a junior synonym of L. schejch. Luciobarbus mystaceus has been described from the Kura in Georgia, and this species is a synonym of L. capito. Barbus rajanorum, described from Aleppo, is a hybrid of L. schejch and Capoeta damascina.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF57FF1C2885FF5EFBEEFE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Leopard barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF57FF1C2885FF5EFBEEFE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in West Asia by: ● numerous large roundish dark-brown or black blotches on head, body, and fins arranged in an almost quincunx pattern / ● 3 rd inner pharyngeal tooth enlarged, molariform / ○ 75 – 88 lateral-line scales on body / ○ no median lobe in lower lip. Size up to 600 mm SL, but likely to grow much larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF57FF1C2885FF5EFBEEFE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates and Tigris drainages from southern Anatolia to Shatt-al Arab / Arvand and Hammar marshes, including Karun.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF57FF1C2885FF5EFBEEFE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large lowland rivers. Rarely reported from reservoirs and marshes. Biology. Feeds mainly on molluscs but also takes considerable amounts of algae and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF57FF1C2885FF5EFBEEFE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; very rare throughout its range. Still in very small numbers in Tigris around Cizre, Botan, a tributary of Tigris, Murat, a major tributary of Euphrates, and Karun in Iran. Very rare in Tigris below Diyarbakır and adjacent waters in Iraq. Probably almost extinct in Khabur, a tributary of Euphrates, but situation in main stem of Tigris is unknown.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF57FF1C2885FF5EFBEEFE24.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Placed in Bertinius by some authors, a genus based on enlarged, molariform pharyngeal teeth, a character state found in several unrelated Luciobarbus species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF54FF1F28ABFD01FD31FB94.taxon	description	A monospecific cyprinid genus with large scales and no barbels. The only species within the genus, Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi forms a well-distinct clade with Carasobarbus, Arabibarbus, Moroccan Ptercapoeta, and Atlantor reinii and is most likely related to the unstudied subterranean Caecocypris basimi from Iraq. They all belong to the Torini group, which is also widespread in tropical Asia and Africa.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF54FF1F28ABFBDBFA84FC2C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Binni.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF54FF1F28ABFBDBFA84FC2C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from superficially similar Carasobarbus and Arabibarbus by: ● no barbels / ○ 7 − 9 ½, usually 8 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 5 ½ branched anal rays / ○ lower lip without median lobe or pad / ○ body depth 28 − 35 % SL. Size up to 470 mm SL and 4 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF54FF1F28ABFBDBFA84FC2C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern part of Euphrates and Tigris drainage. Iran: Hor Al Azim and Shadegan marshes and lower parts of Zohreh, Karkheh, and Karun. Syria: Asad reservoir and other large reservoirs (probably introduced). Iraq: Shatt-al Arab / Arvand and lower part of Euphrates, Tigris, Sirvan, including Al-Hammar Marsh and Huwazah Marsh, Lakes Saniyah, Habbaniyah, Tharthar, and Razzazah, and reservoirs Al Qadisiyah and Dukan (some probably introduced).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF54FF1F28ABFBDBFA84FC2C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large rivers, lakes, and marshes, usually in stagnant water with dense vegetation in salinities up to 19 ‰. Spawns in stagnant water, usually on vegetation. Biology. Lives up to 9 years. Usually spawns first at 2 − 4 years and 210 − 300 mm SL, on plants in February−April. Comes to spawning sites at dusk and dawn. Eggs are yellow and sticky. Mostly herbivorous, feeding on algae and plants.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF54FF1F28ABFBDBFA84FC2C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; declined in recent years in all Iraqi and Iranian marshes and now virtually absent from rivers. Large populations restricted to Huwazah Marsh in Iraq and Shadegan Marsh in Iran. Few populations introduced in reservoirs in Syria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF54FF1F28ABFBDBFA84FC2C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Next to Tenualosa ilisha, it is considered the tastiest fish from the Iraqi marshes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF54FF1E2B39FA58FA90FCA6.taxon	description	Snow barbel or snow trouts are common names for two large, monophyletic radiations of Asian high-altitude cyprinids. All but one genus this book covers belong to Schizothoracinae, which includes four genera. Only Schizopygopsis is placed in the subfamily Schizopygopsinae, consisting of nine snow barbels genera. Phylogenetic hypotheses derived from several studies suggest that these groups may have originated repeatedly and ambiguously through hybridisation and polyploidisation within the Cyprinidae family. This may be responsible for the controversial classification among subfamilies. The history of polyploidisation in Cyprinidae remains uncertain, presenting significant challenges for phylogenetic systematics. Preliminary results indicate that Schizothoracinae and Schizopygopsinae are the maternal siblings of Cyprininae and paternal siblings of Torinae. This hypothesis suggests that hybridisation between early carps and yellowfish may have played a pivotal role in the evolution of snow barbels. Snow barbels are speciose and abundant in the mountains east of the Zagros and Elbrus. They are often the most common fish in these regions, dominating the fish communities by biomass. Snow barbels are highly specialised and represent the ecological pendants of barbels and scrapers. Several species show high individual variation in head and mouth shape and the development of lips. Snow barbels are a large group of fishes (more than 150 species) but only occur marginally in the area covered by this book. Their taxonomy and species diversity have never been comprehensively studied, and much remains to be done. Two species of Schizothorax and one species of Schizocypris occur in Eastern Iran. Schizopygopsis stoliczkai is occasionally reported from the fauna of Iran (Sistan basin), and Schizothorax intermedius is listed for the Hari. These records are based on misidentifications, and our area has no documented records of these species. Schizothorax intermedius is likely restricted to the upper Indus drainage, while S. stoliczkai is widely distributed in mountain areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and western China. As is the case with barbel eggs, the eggs of these fish are poisonous to humans. Deaths have been reported as a result of eating the eggs of Schizothorax. Severe cases present with muscular cramps, paralysis, convulsions, and coma. Victims typically recover within 3 – 5 days after stomach evacuation, although this may take longer. It is advisable to exercise caution when consuming fish during its breeding season, as it is important to ensure that all traces of the eggs are removed to avoid contamination of the flesh. It should be noted that cooking does not destroy the toxin. Further reading. Yang et al. 2015 (phylogeny of Cyprinidae); Tan & Armbruster 2018 (subfamilies in Cyprinidae).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF55FF1E2885FA93FE5FF81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Gorgak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF55FF1E2885FA93FE5FF81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of snow barbels in Iran by: ● barbels absent / ○ body fully covered by scales, 81 – 96 scales along lateral line / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray longer than head, spinous, strongly serrated. Size up to 351 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF55FF1E2885FA93FE5FF81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Afghanistan and Iran: Sistan basin, including Helmand drainage, Chahnime reservoirs, and Hamun Lakes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF55FF1E2885FA93FE5FF81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. All kinds of permanent waterbodies, migrate to seasonal rivers and streams at high water levels to spawn. Biology. Feed mostly on aufwuchs and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FF55FF1E2885FA93FE5FF81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; situation in Helmand is unknown.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAAFEE128ABFA4FFB48F8C5.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kavir snow barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAAFEE128ABFA4FFB48F8C5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of snow barbels in Iran by: ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ 9 – 18 gill rakers. Size up to 480 mm SL and 3 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAAFEE128ABFA4FFB48F8C5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Jam, Sharak, Akhlamad, Kashaf, and small water bodies in Khorasan, upper Kal Shur, Jajarm, and Jovein in Eastern and Western Kavir basins. Also, in Cheshmeh Ali (Iran) and Hari drainage in Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, as well as in Morghab drainage in Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAAFEE128ABFA4FFB48F8C5.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. All types of permanent waterbodies such as springs, streams, rivers, and qanats. Migrates to seasonal rivers and streams at high water to spawn. Biology. Lives more than 7 years. Feeds on invertebrates, larger individuals mainly on small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAAFEE128ABFA4FFB48F8C5.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; situation outside Iran unknown.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAAFEE128ABFA4FFB48F8C5.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Occasionally hybridised with Capoeta heratensis. This is the westernmost species of snow barbel, and the Cheshmeh Ali spring is its westernmost record. Schizothorax iranicus may be a separate species based on molecular data, but no morphological diagnosis has been made.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEABFEE02885FB2EFC06F904.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hamoun snow barbel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEABFEE02885FB2EFC06F904.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of snow barbels in Iran by: ○ two pairs of barbels / ○ 21 – 41 gill rakers. Size up to 530 mm SL, but maybe much larger. Up to 12 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEABFEE02885FB2EFC06F904.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Afghanistan and Iran: Sistan basin, including Helmand drainage. Iran: Zahak, Chahnime reservoirs, and Hamun Lakes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEABFEE02885FB2EFC06F904.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Pelagic in lakes, reed beds, and reservoirs. Appears to spawn in running waters. Expected to occur also in large rivers. Biology. Mature after 4 years and at about 290 − 310 mm (male) and 380 − 400 cm (female, probably TL). Spawns March−April at water temperatures above 18 ° C. Reported to feed mainly on fish. Conservation status. LC; situation in Helmand is unknown. A commercial species artificially propagated and stocked in Iran. Once widespread in Sistan but now reportedly restricted to the Chahnime reservoir near Zahak as other major wetlands have dried up and severely affected by invasion of non-native species such as Cyprinus carpio, Carassius auratus, Ctenopharyngodon idella, and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEABFEE02885FB2EFC06F904.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Placed in Oreinus by some authors, making the genus Schizothorax polyphyletic. We retain S. zarudnyi in Schizothorax until the case is better resolved.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA8FEE32885FF39FAE4F8F1.taxon	description	The achievement of evolutionary novelty is challenging due to the multitude of evolutionary pressures and the lengthy process of mutation and selection. On rare occasions, species hybridisation may result in fertile hybrids that exhibit an ecological benefit from the novel combination of genes and the subsequent morphological, physiological, and behavioural characteristics. However, hybrids of very different species may encounter difficulties due to the distinctiveness of their genomes, which may prevent the normal meiotic process essential for the formation of gametes (egg and sperm). Such hybrids are often sterile and unable to transmit their novel character combination to the next generation. Numerous hybrids between different species in Cyprinidae and Leuciscidae are known, and it is assumed that hybridisation, even between distantly related fish species, has occurred frequently for millions of years. In exceptional cases, a hybrid may exhibit a doubling of chromosomes inherited from each parent, restoring meiotic pairing and fertility. This process, known as polyploidisation, results in a transition from a diploid, sterile hybrid to a tetraploid, fertile hybrid. Additionally, fish can duplicate their genome during their ontogenetic development, resulting in a doubling of the number of chromosomes inherited from the same parental species. This phenomenon, known as auto-polyploidisation, occurs independently of hybridisation. In a further pathway, a hybrid between species produces clonal, full-genomic gametes with two sets of chromosomes, as in all other body cells. This is an accidental occurrence in the gamete-tissue. In such a diploid, the clonal egg is fertilised by a haploid sperm, resulting in triploid offspring. Triploid individuals, which are usually females, experience difficulties in producing gametes via meiosis and are once again sterile. Except in the case in which the female may again produce clonal eggs, now with three sets of chromosomes (as in many Carassius), the offspring will be tetraploid (with four copies of each chromosome) if a haploid sperm of the parental species fertilise these. These hybrids are viable and fertile and may have a double-size genome, with four sets of chromosomes from each parental species. This represents one pathway in the process of allo-polyploidisation. Other pathways include F 1 hybrids producing clonal, diploid eggs and sperm. In all cases, the fish overcomes the sterility associated with hybrids as soon as an even (4 n, 6 n) chromosome number has been re-established with even numbers of chromosomes from each parental species. In evolutionary terms, polyploidisation is rare in vertebrates, occurring only in a few fish groups, including sturgeons and some cypriniforms. Many of the polyploidisation events in Cyprinidae are ancient, having happened at the base of large radiations that are recognised at the generic or subfamily level today. One example is an allo-tetraploidisation event at the root of all barbels (Barbini), which are all tetraploid. The allo-tetraploidisation event at the root of Cyprinini (carps and goldfish) is believed to have occurred approximately 12 million years ago, at the end of the middle Miocene. The hybridisation event leading to the hexaploid genus Capoeta occurred more recently, during the late Miocene. As previously discussed in the context of Capoeta, identifying the parental species associated with allo-polyploidisation events is of interest. In the case of Cyprinini, one species of Barbini or Acrossocheilini was potentially the maternal contributor. In contrast, a species closely related to or included within Labeonini was potentially the paternal source. These can be identified as each polyploid fish possesses each gene four times (if tetraploid), with two copies originating from the mother and two from the father. As both parental species may have been only distantly related, the phylogeny of the polyploid fish has two roots. It does not follow the “ tree-like ” evolutionary pathway often seen in textbooks. This phenomenon makes it difficult to reconstruct the phylogeny of cyprinid fishes, which is why we still have a poor understanding of the relationships of different groups of Cyprinids. It is noteworthy that maternal subgenomes frequently predominate in the genomes, a phenomenon that introduces an additional layer of complexity. One might inquire why polyploidy is so uncommon in fishes compared to plants. Polyploid animals appear to encounter significant challenges in coping with genomic and developmental chaos from merging two genomes. A fish cannot organise its functions from its new genome, as conflicting recipes exist for the same transcriptional challenges. Fish employ diverse strategies to balance dynamic subgenomic diversification during continuous re-diploidisation. They regain functional diploidy over time by eliminating certain parts of their genome, potentially those that disrupt transcription. Originally, polyploid fishes became functional diploids again through this process. This phenomenon is observed in numerous species within the Cyprinidae family.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA9FEE22885FF5EFC56FE6E.taxon	description	Tariqilabeo comprises small labeonines related to Garra. They share several characteristics with the latter, including a rounded snout, a mouth usually inferior and crescent-shaped, a horny edge on the lower jaw, a rostral cap usually fringed, and non-thickened unbranched dorsal rays. Tariqilabeo can be readily distinguished from superficially similar species of Garra lacking a gular disc, and the lower jaw and area behind it are heavily tuberculated with glandular openings and irregularly arranged hard ridges. Eight species are known. Their systematics and diversity have not been well studied, and numerous changes in taxonomy are expected in the future. Previously, species were included in the Southeast Asian genus Crossocheilus and Gonorhynchus. Crossocheilus is now restricted to a few species related to C. siamensis and is only found from Myanmar to the east.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA9FEE52885F969FD31FB94.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sistan latia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA9FEE52885F969FD31FB94.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from T. macmahoni by: ● two pairs of relatively long barbels / ● 3 − 5, usually 4, scales between anus and anal origin / ● 19 − 22 total gill rakers / ● maximum body depth 17 − 22 % SL. Size up to 93 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA9FEE52885F969FD31FB94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Afghanistan and Iran: Sistan basin, including Helmand drainage. Iran: Zehak, Chahnime reservoirs, and Hamun Lakes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA9FEE52885F969FD31FB94.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wide range of slow-flowing and stagnant-water habitats. Common in small streams with rocky or muddy bottoms, irrigation ditches, reedbed channels, and pools. Biology. Bottom feeders, feeding on detritus and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA9FEE52885F969FD31FB94.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; situation in Helmand unknown.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA9FEE52885F969FD31FB94.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Despite conflicting opinions, we maintain this species as valid and that fish from the Helmand drainage reportedly have 20 – 26 gill rakers. More material needs to be examined better to understand the diversity of Tariqilabeo in West Asia. Often identified as Crossocheilus latius, a species of Tariqilabeo from India from which it differs in having 19 – 22 gill rakers (vs. 37 – 39 in T. latius) and 34 – 38 total lateral-line scales (vs. 39 – 41).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAEFEE528ABFBDBFA8AFA16.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mashkid latia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAEFEE528ABFBDBFA8AFA16.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from T. adiscus by: ● usually one pair of rostral barbels; if present, maxillary barbels very short / ● 2 − 3 scales between anus and anal origin / ● 22 − 25 total gill rakers / ● maximum body depth 22 − 30 % SL. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAEFEE528ABFBDBFA8AFA16.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Bahukalat and Sarbaz in Makran region, Mashkid basin in Iran and Pakistan and Makran region in Pakistan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAEFEE528ABFBDBFA8AFA16.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wide range of running water habitats, including qanats and small coastal streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAEFEE528ABFBDBFA8AFA16.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; The 2020 Red List assessment classified Tariqilabeo macmahoni as VU in Pakistan; however, the species' occurrence in Iran was overlooked, and including this range would likely result in a LC status.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAEFEE528ABFBDBFA8AFA16.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often identified as T. diplochilus, a species that has been described from the Indus drainage. Mashkid latia differs from T. diplochilus by having a very short or absent maxillary barb (vs. very long), a long rostral barb (vs. short), and 3 – 5 scales between anus and anal origin (vs. 2 – 3). Tariqilabeo iranicus has been recently described from the Makran region of Iran, based on literature, which erroneously states that T. macmahoni lacks fringes on the rostral fold. This is clearly not the case and therefore T. iranicus is a synonym of T. macmahoni.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAFFEE42885FB97FB11FB55.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian barilius.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAFFEE42885FB97FB11FB55.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from superficially similar species of Alburnus, juvenile clupeids, and Cabdio occidentalis by: ● one pair of short barbels / ○ 6 – 11 roundish, dark, grey blotches on flank. Size up to 65 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAFFEE42885FB97FB11FB55.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates and Tigris drainages in southern Türkiye, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. In the lower part of Karun, Zohreh, Helleh, and Mond all flowing into the Persian Gulf. Also, in Dalaki, an endorheic basin nested within Tigris drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAFFEE42885FB97FB11FB55.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Upper water column near surface of small to large rivers with slow to moderate currents. Biology. A wide range of fish of all sizes caught in late summer suggests multiple spawning and a 1 - year maturity with a short life span. Absence from cold headwater streams indicates limited tolerance to low temperatures. Feeds on floating aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAFFEE42885FB97FB11FB55.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAFFEE42885FF54FC35FDB8.taxon	vernacular_names	Zebrafish and allies	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEAFFEE42885FF54FC35FDB8.taxon	description	Danionidae is a large family of cypriniform fishes previously treated as a subfamily of Cyprinidae. The exact composition of this family is still under discussion, and the question of which genera should be included has not yet been fully resolved. Further work is needed to settle this unsatisfactory situation. The family is speciose, with approximately 300 species and 50 genera. It is particularly diverse in sub-Saharan Africa and subtropical and tropical Asia, including numerous small rainforest species. Many of these are popular ornamental fish. The vertebrate model fish Danio rerio and the miniature fish Paedocypris progenetica, one of the smallest known vertebrates, are included in this family. All species are distinctive, small, herring-like fishes characterised by the lateral line on the lower part of the caudal peduncle.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEACFEE728ABFD54FC7CFCD2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian morar.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEACFEE728ABFD54FC7CFCD2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from superficially similar species of Alburnus and juvenile clupeids by: ● mouth subterminal; and from Barilius mesopotamicus by: ● no barbels / ● infraorbital bones large, almost as deep as eye diameter. Size up to 150 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEACFEE728ABFD54FC7CFCD2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Pakistan: Mashkid basin and Garo toward Sarbaz and Bahukalat in Makran region east to Indus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEACFEE728ABFD54FC7CFCD2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide variety of small streams to large, slow-flowing rivers. Also found in reservoirs and lakes. Biology. Omnivorous, feeding mainly on phytoplankton and zooplankton. Spawns in February – May.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEACFEE728ABFD54FC7CFCD2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEACFEE728ABFD54FC7CFCD2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Populations in Indus drainage may belong to this species. Commonly identified as Cabdio morar. Formerly known as Aspidoparia, which is a synonym of Cabdio. Molecular data place it in Salmostoma, from which it is distinguished by a subterminal (as opposed to terminal or superior) mouth.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEADFEE92885FF54FE29F96C.taxon	vernacular_names	Gudgeons	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEADFEE92885FF54FE29F96C.taxon	description	Gudgeons are a family of Cypriniformes that are most diverse in East Asia, from the Amur drainage southward to Central Vietnam; some 28 genera and 231 species are known. In West Asia, there are 17 species, all of which, except Pseudorasbora, being benthic fishes with a flat belly, laterally spread pectoral fins, a single pair of maxillary barbels, and 6 ½ branched anal rays (vs. 5 ½ in most Cyprinidae). Some Asian genera exhibit a markedly different morphology from that of true gudgeons. They have a more compressed body, the mouth is inferior to subterminal (even superior in Pseudorasbora and a few others), and they are distinguished from many other East Asian Cypriniformes by having 6 ½ branched anal rays. Some species of Sarcocheilichthys are noteworthy for spawning in the gill cavity of unionid freshwater mussels, similar to bitterlings; they, too, have developed an ovipositor. Interestingly, gudgeons and bitterlings are closely related. One East Asian species, Pseudorasbora parva, was accidentally introduced to Europe and Central Asia. From both directions, it made its way to West Asia, where it is now widely established. Except for Pseudorasbora, all gudgeons are superficially similar, bottom-dwelling fishes with a midlateral row of dark-brown or grey blotches on the flank and spotted bodies and fins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA3FEE82885FF5EFB71FDF4.taxon	description	Gobio comprises approximately 50 species distributed across a broad range of geographical locations, from Portugal to Korea. Most species (36) are found in the West Palearctic, with 14 in West Asia. Gobio are common in the Caucasus and Central Anatolia, where their species numbers require critical revision. The species of Lake Tuz basin (G. hettitorum, G. gymnostethus, G. insuyanus, G. microlepidotus) are very closely related, and it would be beneficial to test the morphological characters proposed to distinguish these species, which may be conspecific. A similar situation exists for all Caucasian species, where G. artvinicus may be conspecific with G. caucasicus. European species, including G. delyamurei, G. holurus, G. krymensis, G. brevicirris, and Asian G. caucasicus, form a cluster of populations that also require taxonomic revision. The biology of West Asian gudgeons is poorly understood, but it is thought that they behave similarly to the few European species studied. They spawn at night in the open water column of lakeshores or fast-flowing sections of streams and rivers. The sticky eggs drift a short distance with the current. Larvae are benthic, and females are fractional spawners that reproduce over a long period in spring and summer. They reach maturity after the first or second winter and live for about 3 – 8 years, feeding on a wide range of benthic invertebrates digging out from fine substrates as mud and sand.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA3FEEB2885FAD6FB8CFD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Colchic gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA3FEEB2885FAD6FB8CFD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in West Asia by: ○ 39 – 42 total lateral-line scales / ○ chest between pectorals naked or covered by scales / ○ scales on belly approximately equal or slightly larger than pupil diameter / ○ scales on base of pectoral usually embedded / ○ pectoral reaching 3 – 4 scales in front of pelvic origin in mature male / ○ head length 24 – 26 % SL / ○ head width at anterior eye-margin 11 – 12 % SL / ○ distance between pelvic origin and anal origin 2.8 – 3.3 times in distance between anus and anal origin / ○ 6 scales rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 4 – 5 scales between lateral line and anal origin / ○ 4 – 6 scales between anus and anal origin / ○ 5 – 6 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ interorbital distance 1.1 – 1.6 times in eye diameter / ○ snout pointed, not or slightly concave anterior to nostril / ○ 5 – 8 mid-lateral blotches. Size up to 107 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA3FEEB2885FAD6FB8CFD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Eastern Black Sea basin from Rioni (Georgia) south to Çoruh (Türkiye). Non-native and spreading in Kura and Aras drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA3FEEB2885FAD6FB8CFD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of lowland and foothill streams and rivers, usually in slow to moderately fast-flowing waters on sand or gravel bottoms. Absent from high altitude streams with fast currents and low water temperatures. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA3FEEB2885FAD6FB8CFD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA3FEEB2885FAD6FB8CFD8C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is much more variable than originally described, and the diagnostic characters need to be re-examined in the future. While fish from the Çoruh have a bare or incompletely scaled chest, the scales of populations from the Rioni and the Caspian basin cover the chest. There is some confusion about this species with G. caucasicus, which occurs in the adjacent Caucasian Black Sea basin and Caspian basin of Russia, and G. artvinicus is likely a synonym of G. caucasicus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA0FEEB28ABFB08FAA2FACC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Melen gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA0FEEB28ABFB08FAA2FACC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ○ 40 – 42 total lateral-line scales / ○ chest completely scaled, scales extending forward to isthmus / ○ head length 24 – 28 % SL / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 18 – 22 % SL / ○ distance between anus and anal origin 7 – 10 % SL / ○ numerous small black spots on head / ○ depth of anal approximately equal to length of pelvic / ○ snout pointed / ○ 6 – 7 scales rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 4 – 5 scales between lateral line and anal origin / ○ 5 – 6 scales between anus and anal origin / ○ 5 – 6 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ 8 – 9 mid-lateral blotches. Size up to 93 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA0FEEB28ABFB08FAA2FACC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Büyük Melen drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA0FEEB28ABFB08FAA2FACC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and small rivers with fast-flowing water on sandy or gravelly bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA0FEEB28ABFB08FAA2FACC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; seems to be in decline due to many threats.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA1FEEA2885FCCEFB03FACC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caucasian gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA1FEEA2885FCCEFB03FACC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Gobio species in Caucasus by: ● pectoral reaching to or one scale in front of pelvic origin in mature male / ○ chest scaled between pectorals, scales extending forward beyond pectoral base (at least in some individuals of any population) / ○ head width at anterior eye-margin 9 – 10 % SL / ○ distance between pelvic origin and anal origin 3.3 – 4.1 times in distance between anus and anal origin / ○ head length 26 – 28 % SL / ○ head depth at nape 16 – 17 % SL, at eye 48 – 62 % HL / ○ head width 15 – 17 % SL, 58 – 62 % HL / ○ eye diameter 4 – 6 % SL, 3.1 – 3.7 times in head depth, 1.4 – 1.5 times in interorbital distance (at 50 – 60 mm SL) / ○ depth of caudal peduncle 33 – 36 % HL / ○ snout rounded, distinctly concave anterior to nostril. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA1FEEA2885FCCEFB03FACC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Russia: Caucasian Black Sea basin. In Kuma, Terek, and Sulak drainages in Caspian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA1FEEA2885FCCEFB03FACC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lowland and foothill streams and rivers, usually in slow to moderate-flowing waters on sandy or gravelly bottoms. Absent from high altitude streams with fast currents and low water temperatures. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA1FEEA2885FCCEFB03FACC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA1FEEA2885FCCEFB03FACC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The gudgeons of the Caucasian Black Sea basin of Russia are usually identified as G. caucasicus. This species has been described based on syntypes from the European Caspian basin (often identified as G. holurus) and syntypes from the Rioni in Georgian Black Sea basin (conspecific with G. artvinicus based on molecular data). Molecular data (COI) show that some populations of “ G. caucasicus ” from the Black Sea basin are closely related to the Caspian G. holurus; others are closely related to G. kubanicus, G. brevicirris and G. krymensis from the European Black Sea basin. Finally, some populations represent a distinct molecular lineage, but the situation needs to be better understood. As different molecular lineages are found in sympatry, introgressive hybridisation is likely to have played a major role. This makes it difficult to classify species based on mtDNA alone. The identity of G. caucasicus still needs to be solved, as no lectotype has been identified. For now, we identify G. holurus as conspecific with G. caucasicus, as two of three syntype localities are within the range of this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA6FEED28ABFC76FAA4FACC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ilgın gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA6FEED28ABFC76FAA4FACC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ○ 39 – 42 total lateral-line scales / ○ chest completely scaled, scales extending forward to or almost to isthmus / ○ head length 26 – 30 % SL / ○ distance between anus and anal origin 5 – 7 % SL / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 22 – 27 % SL / ○ numerous small black spots on head / ○ snout long, with rounded tip, 11 – 14 % SL / ○ caudal peduncle length 1.6 – 2.2 times its depth / ○ 6 – 7 scales rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 6 – 8 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ 6 – 8 mid-lateral blotches. Size up to 122 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA6FEED28ABFC76FAA4FACC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Ilgın basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA6FEED28ABFC76FAA4FACC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow to moderate-flowing streams with sandy or gravelly bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA6FEED28ABFC76FAA4FACC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA6FEED28ABFC76FAA4FACC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Some individuals of G. fahrettini share their mitochondrial DNA with G. microlepidotus, and the two species may have hybridised in the past. The reasons for this hybridisation are not known, but the artificial introduction of G. microlepidotus into the Ilgın basin cannot be excluded.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA7FEEC2885FD37FB9FFBC0.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Cappadocian gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA7FEEC2885FD37FB9FFBC0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ○ 41 – 44 total lateral-line scales / ○ chest completely scaled, scales extending forward to or almost to isthmus / ○ head length 25 – 28 % SL / ○ 5 – 6 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ interorbital distance 1.6 – 1.9 times in eye diameter / ○ no black spots on head / ○ 6 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ pelvic not reaching behind anus in female / ○ interorbital distance 1.6 – 2.2 times in eye diameter / ○ head profile behind nostrils markedly convex. Size up to 140 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA7FEEC2885FD37FB9FFBC0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Melendiz drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA7FEEC2885FD37FB9FFBC0.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow to moderate-flowing streams with sandy or gravelly bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA7FEEC2885FD37FB9FFBC0.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; abundant but declining within its very small range, which is heavily impacted by water extraction and dams.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA4FEEF28ABFCE3FC71FCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Taurus gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA4FEEF28ABFCE3FC71FCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ○ 44 – 46 total lateral-line scales / ○ chest completely scaled, scales extending forward to isthmus / ○ head length 24 – 27 % SL / ○ 10 – 14 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ interorbital distance approximately 1.6 – 1.8 times in eye diameter / ○ 8 – 10 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ caudal length 17 – 20 % SL / ○ anal length 15 – 17 % SL. Size up to 124 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA4FEEF28ABFCE3FC71FCC4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Yeşildere, Deliçay, Gödet, and Ayrancı drainages (Karaman), and Ereğli marshes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA4FEEF28ABFCE3FC71FCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small streams with clear water and sand and gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA4FEEF28ABFCE3FC71FCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining in its small range due to the desiccation of streams. Extirpated from Ereğli around 2010.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA5FEEE2885FF5EFACBFEBC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Cihanbeyli gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA5FEEE2885FF5EFACBFEBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ○ 39 – 45 total lateral-line scales / ○ head length 25 – 30 % SL / ○ chest completely scaled, scales extending forward to or almost to isthmus / ○ 8 – 10 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ scales on belly approximately equal to pupil diameter / ○ 8 – 9 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ predorsal length 48 – 52 % SL. Size up to 135 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA5FEEE2885FF5EFACBFEBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Insuyu (Cihanbeyli) drainage in western Lake Tuz basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA5FEEE2885FF5EFACBFEBC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-associated streams with slow to moderately fast-flowing waters on sandy and gravelly bottoms, often among very dense aquatic vegetation. Biology. Lives up to 7 years. Omnivorous, feeding mainly on detritus and macroinvertebrates such as gammarids and dipteran larvae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEA5FEEE2885FF5EFACBFEBC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status CR; restricted to one site and in serious decline due to desiccations of its habitat.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBAFEF128ABFB56FC42FABD.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eber gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBAFEF128ABFB56FC42FABD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ○ 42 – 49 total lateral-line scales / ○ chest completely scaled, scales extending forward to isthmus / ○ head length 27 – 29 % SL / ○ distance between anus and anal origin 5 – 7 % SL / ○ caudal-peduncle length 1.7 – 2.2 times in caudal-peduncle depth / ○ 8 – 10 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ interorbital distance approximately 1.4 – 1.6 times in eye diameter / ○ 8 – 9 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ caudal length 12 – 17 % SL anal length 20 – 24 % SL. Size up to 127 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBAFEF128ABFB56FC42FABD.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lakes Eber and Akşehir basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBAFEF128ABFB56FC42FABD.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with moderate current on gravel to sandy bottoms. Also found in lakes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBAFEF128ABFB56FC42FABD.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; Lakes Akşehir and Eber dried up. Both occasionally have water, but it is highly polluted, and water level is less than 1 m in summer and almost anoxic. Fish are now largely confined to a few headwaters of Akarçay, which are heavily polluted, dammed and seasonally dry.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBBFEF02885FD37FB52FCF0.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Filyos gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBBFEF02885FD37FB52FCF0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ○ 40 – 43 total lateral-line scales / ○ chest completely scaled, scales extending forward to or almost to isthmus / ○ head length 26 – 29 % SL / ○ scales on belly smaller than pupil / ○ caudal-peduncle length 2.1 – 2.7 times its depth / ○ 5 – 6 scale rows between anus and anal origin / ○ 8 – 10 scale rows between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ 8 – 9 mid-lateral blotches. Size up to 111 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBBFEF02885FD37FB52FCF0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ulusu in Filyos drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBBFEF02885FD37FB52FCF0.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing streams and small rivers with sandy or gravelly bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBBFEF02885FD37FB52FCF0.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Some food factories around Çerkes heavily pollute the Ulusu.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBBFEF02885FD37FB52FCF0.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Despite its name, this species does not occur in Kızılırmak drainage. The Ulusu was considered a tributary of Kızılırmak, but it belongs to Filyos.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFF5EFBAAFE07.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Thracian gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFF5EFBAAFE07.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ○ 39 – 44 total lateral-line scales / ○ chest naked, incompletely or completely scaled / ○ head length 28 – 30 % SL / ○ 4 – 5 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ interorbital distance 1.4 – 1.6 times in eye diameter / ○ 5 – 6 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ pelvic reaching behind anus in female / ○ head profile behind nostrils straight or slightly convex / ○ snout pointed, not or slightly concave anterior to nostril. Size up to 102 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFF5EFBAAFE07.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Bulgaria: Black Sea basin from Provadiskaya (near Varna, Bulgaria) south to İstanbul and Biga Peninsula south to Tuzla. Also, in Büyük Melen drainage in Central Black Sea basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFF5EFBAAFE07.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Upper and middle reaches of a small, slow-flowing stream with a sandy or gravelly bottom. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFF5EFBAAFE07.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFF5EFBAAFE07.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In Europe, G. kovatschevi appears to have had some contact with Gobio from the Danube, as two different types of mtDNA are found in this species, indicating past introgressive hybridisation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFA3BFB93F898.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Işıklı gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFA3BFB93F898.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ● 53 – 56 total lateral-line scales / ○ chest completely scaled, scales extending forward to, or almost to isthmus / ○ head length 27 – 29 % SL / ○ distance between anus and anal origin 7 – 8 % SL / ○ caudal-peduncle length 1.4 – 1.7 times in caudal-peduncle depth / ○ 10 – 12 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ 9 – 10 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line. Size up to 138 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFA3BFB93F898.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Işıklı basin in upper Büyük Menderes drainage and Karadirek near Sandıklı, an isolated basin that flows through underground to Lake Işıklı.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFA3BFB93F898.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow to moderate-flowing streams with sandy and gravelly bottoms, often with very dense aquatic vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFA3BFB93F898.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB8FEF328ABFA3BFB93F898.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Extirpated Gobio populations from Lake Burdur basin may have belonged to this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF528ABFD12FA07FBED.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Beyşehir gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF528ABFD12FA07FBED.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ○ 43 – 48 total lateral-line scales / ○ scales on chest extending forward to level of pectoral origin or to half distance of pectoral origin and isthmus / ○ head length 24 – 28 % SL / ○ 9 – 11 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ 8 – 10 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ scales on pectoral base often deeply embedded in skin. Size up to 171 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF528ABFD12FA07FBED.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Beyşehir basin and upper Göksu and Limon drainages in Mediterranean basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF528ABFD12FA07FBED.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow to moderate-flowing streams with sandy and gravelly bottoms, often with very dense aquatic vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF528ABFD12FA07FBED.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be in decline within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF528ABFD12FA07FBED.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Gobio battalgilae is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF428ABF955FADBFED9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hari gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF428ABF955FADBFED9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from G. caucasicus, the geographically most adjacent species in Caspian basin by: ○ pectoral reaching 3 – 5 scales in front of pelvic origin in mature male / ○ no scales on chest and between pectorals. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF428ABF955FADBFED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Hari drainage in Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan. Amu Darya and Zeravshan in Central Asia (recorded from Uzbekistan). Also, in Kashaf (Iran).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF428ABF955FADBFED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow to moderate-flowing streams and rivers with sandy or gravelly bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF428ABF955FADBFED9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Kashaf drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBEFEF428ABF955FADBFED9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is not related to other West Asian gudgeons but belongs to a group of Central Asian and Siberian species. It is sometimes identified as G. lepidolaemus from the adjacent Aral basin, from which it differs in chest without scale (vs. covered with scales), more scale rows on the caudal peduncle (½ 3 / 1 / 3 ½ vs. ½ 2 / 1 / 2 ½) and 16 circumpeduncular scales (vs. 12 – 14). Gobio populations found in Morghab and rivers of Kopek Dag in Turkmenistan are awaiting identification and may belong to this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBFFEF42885F9E6FAC0F8D4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sakarya gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBFFEF42885F9E6FAC0F8D4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobio in Anatolia by: ○ 39 – 42 total lateral-line scales / ○ chest completely scaled, scales extending forward to isthmus / ○ head length 27 – 30 % SL / ○ pectoral reaching 3 – 4 scales in front of pelvic origin in mature male / ○ 6 – 8 scales between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus / ○ interorbital distance 1.4 – 1.6 times in eye diameter / ○ 6 – 7 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ pelvic reaching behind anus in female / ○ head profile behind nostrils straight or slightly convex / ○ snout rounded, distinctly concave anterior to nostril. Size up to 120 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBFFEF42885F9E6FAC0F8D4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sakarya drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBFFEF42885F9E6FAC0F8D4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small to medium-sized lowland and foothill streams with moderately fast-flowing water, sand, and gravel bottoms, and pool-riffle microhabitats. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBFFEF42885F9E6FAC0F8D4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBCFEF728ABFF5EFDFEFBB1.taxon	description	A genus of six small species found in East Asia. Pseudorasbora parva is one of the world’s most successful invasive fish species. It was first introduced from China to Europe in the early 1960 s as a by-product of Chinese carp aquaculture. Following the initial introduction, the establishment of P. parva populations in European water bodies happened quickly and reached Anatolia and the Caucasus. Consequently, in less than six decades, P. parva has become widespread in central and western Europe, Türkiye, and Central Asia. Genetic analysis of the European P. parva invasion indicates that two Chinese lineages from southern and northern China constitute the gene pool of all European and Anatolian populations. These two lineages exhibit a large hybrid zone in Central China, suggesting that fish from that area may have been originally introduced to Europe. The initial introduction of P. parva into the Iranian inland waters (first recorded in 1991) was distinct from other Eurasian countries, as it originated from Japan. This is likely associated with commercial links between Japan and Iran in the 1980 s when Iran was politically isolated from Europe. Since then, the Japanese lineage of P. parva has also spread to eastern Türkiye and has found contacts with the Chinese P. parva in the border area of Iran and Azerbaijan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBCFEF728ABFB86FAC5FACC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Stone moroko.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBCFEF728ABFB86FAC5FACC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Gobionidae in West Asia by: ● mouth small, superior / ● barbels absent / ○ dark-grey midlateral stripe outside spawning time / ○ 33 – 38 total lateral-line scales / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ no dorsal or ventral keels. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBCFEF728ABFB86FAC5FACC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Very widespread in West Asia except Arabian Peninsula. In Anatolia mostly in western and central parts but increasing in Eastern Anatolia. Still rare in Iraq. Iran, including Hari drainage and Sistan and Mashkid basins. Also in Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Native to Japan and Amur to Zhujiang (Pearl River) drainages (Siberia, Korea, China).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBCFEF728ABFB86FAC5FACC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Ubiquitous, in a large variety of habitats. Most common in well-vegetated small channels, ponds, and small lakes. Usually spawns in still or very slow-flowing water. Biology. Lives up to 3, rarely 5 years. First spawns at 1 year if larger than 35 mm SL. Male larger than female, with deeper body and darker colour. Male with bluish-grey breeding colour and a few very large nuptial tubercles on snout. Spawns March−June until October in Lake Eğirdir. Female spawns usually 3 − 4 times in a season. Male clear surface of a spawning site on stones or plants. Eggs are attached to substrate and guarded by male until larvae hatch. Feeds on various small crustaceans, insects, and plant material.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBCFEF728ABFB86FAC5FACC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; introduced as a weed with stocked carp. Usually not abundant in fast-running waters. Proliferates locally in ponds and other artificial habitats, quickly becoming numerically dominant and a serious food competitor for native species. Also associated as a vector of Sphaerothecum destruens, a generalist pathogen.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBCFEF728ABFB86FAC5FACC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. First introduced in Romania in 1961 with fry of Ctenopharyngodon idella from middle Changjiang [Yangtze], and from Amur into Russia and Ukraine, from where it colonised most of West Asia, North Africa, and Europe, either by active invasion, as stocked or released bait, or accidentally mixed with fry of other species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBDFEF62885FAC5FDBBF8E3.taxon	description	The genus comprises 17 species native to the West Palearctic, with three species occurring in East Asia. Both species in West Asia and numerous European species can be distinguished from Gobio species by the presence of epithelial crests on the scales of the dorsal half of the body (vs. absence). In contrast, Romanogobio species exhibit a slenderer body than the Gobio species. Romanogobio persus and R. macropterus have long been treated as conspecifics, but morphological and molecular characters distinguish them well. They are related to European species found in adjacent rivers in the north, including R. ciscaucasicus from Dagestan, R. parvus from the Kuban, R. albipinnatus from the Volga, and R. tanaiticus from the Don. All but one species (R. benacensis) are a highly rheophilic inhabitant of large to very large rivers with fast-flowing waters. They are nocturnal bottom dwellers, often restricted to the rivers’ middle and deeper parts.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBDFEF62B1BFAC5FB0AF8E3.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caucasian stone gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBDFEF62B1BFAC5FB0AF8E3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from R. persus by: ● 41 – 45, usually 42 – 43 total lateral-line scales / ● 38 – 42, usually 40 – 41 total vertebrae / ● supraorbital and infraorbital canals usually connected. Size up to 110 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBDFEF62B1BFAC5FB0AF8E3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Kura and Aras drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBDFEF62B1BFAC5FB0AF8E3.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing stretches of rivers and streams with gravel and rocky substrate. Biology. Lives up to 3 years and usually matures at 2 years. Spawns late April – June at water temperatures between 12 − 18 ° C. Fractional spawner, female usually spawn three times in a season. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEBDFEF62B1BFAC5FB0AF8E3.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; has declined sharply due to hydropower development and pollution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB2FEF928ABFB09FC2DFA7F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian gudgeon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB2FEF928ABFB09FC2DFA7F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from R. macropterus by: ● 40 – 42, usually 40 – 41 total lateral-line scales / ● 37 – 40, usually 38 – 39 total vertebrae / ● usually no connection between supraorbital and infraorbital canals. Size up to 73 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB2FEF928ABFB09FC2DFA7F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Lake Urmia basin, in southern and eastern tributaries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB2FEF928ABFB09FC2DFA7F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of streams and rivers with gravel or rock bottoms. Biology. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB2FEF928ABFB09FC2DFA7F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to decline within its very small range. Extirpated from Mahabad, Gedar and Talkheh drainages and seems to occur now only in middle Zarrineh.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB0FEFD28ABFF54FC6FFB86.taxon	vernacular_names	Minnows	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB0FEFD28ABFF54FC6FFB86.taxon	description	A total of 137 species of Leuciscids have been identified in West Asia. These fishes are characterised by a short dorsal fin whose last unbranched ray is never serrated, the absence of barbels, pharyngeal teeth usually in one or two rows, and several osteological characters. They are found in Europe, North Africa, western and northern Asia, and North America but, are absent from tropical and southern Africa and tropical Asia. Leuciscidae is divided into two main groups, the Leuciscines and the Phoxinines. Both are present in West Asia. The Phoxinines are known only from the genus Phoxinus in West Asia. They are numerous and highly diverse in East Asia and especially in North America, where they dominate many fish faunas in terms of species and biomass. In contrast, leuciscines are most speciose in the Western Palaearctic, where most genera are endemic and only a few are distributed east of Central and East Asia. Only one genus of leuciscines is found in North America (Notemigonus). The generic systematics of Leuciscidae have changed considerably in recent decades, as morphological characters poorly diagnose most genera. In many instances, the traditionally recognised genera have no congruence by morphological and molecular data. This is partly due to the earlier practise of classifying morphologically specialised species in their own, often monotypic genera (predatory species such as Aspius). Furthermore, some small-sized species exhibit characters that are partly interpreted as reductive. These have often been classified in the genera Pseudophoxinus and Petroleuciscus but have been transferred to other genera mostly based on molecular characters. Intergeneric hybridisation and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) introgression have led to the misclassification of some species based on mitochondrial molecular data alone. In such instances, we have adopted the most recent generic-level reorganisations, which have been informed by both morphological and molecular data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB7FEFF2885FC3DFE62FC77.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB7FEFF2885FC3DFE62FC77.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Ballerus, Blicca, and Vimba by: ● sub-inferior mouth, which can be extended as a tube / ● 51 – 60 total lateral-line scales / ○ 23 – 30 ½ branched anal rays / ○ eye small, diameter about 2 ⁄ 3 of snout length in individuals larger than 100 mm SL / ○ pharyngeal teeth 5 – 5 / ○ base of paired fins hyaline or grey. Size up to 700 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB7FEFF2885FC3DFE62FC77.taxon	distribution	Distribution. West Asia: Marmara, Black, and Caspian Sea basins. Locally introduced in Tigris and Lake Urmia basins (both Iran). Native to most European drainages from Adour (France) to Pechora (White Sea basin); Aegean basin, in Lake Volvi and Struma and Maritza drainages east to Aral basin. Introduced in Lake Baikal and upper Ob and Yenisei drainages. Naturally absent from Iberian Peninsula, Adriatic basin, Italy, Scotland, Scandinavia north of Bergen (Norway), and 67 ° N (Finland). Locally introduced in Ireland, Spain, Neretva (Croatia), Italy, and likely elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB7FEFF2885FC3DFE62FC77.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, reservoirs, and large- to medium-sized rivers. Most common in backwaters, lower reaches of slow-flowing rivers, brackish estuaries, and warm, shallow lakes. Semi-anadromous individuals enter fresher parts of seas to feed. Usually spawns in densely vegetated backwaters, floodplains, or lake shores. Sometimes far from shore. Almost any surface can be used for spawning. Biology. Gregarious. Forms large schools in winter, often with other fish. Lives about 10 – 20 years. Spawns first time at 3 – 4 years. Some females do not spawn every year. Spawns in May – June at temperatures above 15 ° C. In many populations, spawning migration begins in autumn (especially in semi-anadromous individuals), slows during winter, and continues in spring. Migrate far upstream (100 km in Dniepr) to spawn. Males with nuptial tubercles on head and body. Males often defend spawning grounds along banks. Females spawn once a year for a few days (Rhine) to 1 – 3 times a year, 7 – 14 days apart (Ilmensee). Eggs are sticky and increase in size with age. Larvae and juveniles inhabit still waters and feed on plankton. Juvenile survival is high in backwaters and low in main channel of large rivers. Growth is faster in main rivers than in backwaters. Juveniles of 1 – 2 years move from backwaters to river for feeding. If juveniles do not have opportunity to leave backwaters, they adapt by having slower growth and reaching maturity at a smaller size (stunted populations). In lower reaches of large rivers, juveniles drift to brackish estuaries to forage when water level in flooded areas drops. Juveniles foraging in brackish water enter lower reaches of rivers to overwinter in freshwater. Feeds on benthic invertebrates excavated from fine bottom sediments, often on molluscs. May switch to particulate or even filter feeding when zooplankton abundance is high. Juveniles feed mainly on zooplankton. Often forms fertile hybrids with Rutilus species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB7FEFF2885FC3DFE62FC77.taxon	description	Acanthobrama comprises medium-sized fish endemic to West Asia. They are distinguished by a long anal fin, an often-thickened last unbranched dorsal ray, and a usually scaleless ventral keel between the anus and the pelvic base. All species prefer lacustrine habitats as well as larger rivers and streams. Several species are of major conservation concern. Acanthobrama centisquama and A. tricolor have not been found for decades. Acanthobrama telavivensis was saved at the last moment and was even extinct in the wild for some years. Acanthobrama breams form one monophyletic lineage together with breams of the genera Abramis, Ballerus, Blicca, Mirogrex, and Vimba, and there had been several discussions to place these all into one genus, Abramis. The Aegean Acanthobrama mirabilis is a synonym of Vimba vimba, the Caucasian genus Acanthalburnus is a synonym of Acanthobrama, the southern Levantine genus Mirogrex has been revalidated, and the Iranian Leuciscus persidis has been placed in Acanthobrama. The phylogenetic position of A. tricolor has yet to be studied. Capoetobrama kuschakewitschi, a bream-like fish from the Aral basin, represents a distinct genus of breams.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB7FEFF2885FC3DFE62FC77.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB5FEFE2885FA6FFBD8F898.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Long-spine bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB5FEFE2885FA6FFBD8F898.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ○ last unbranched dorsal ray considerably thickened and very strong / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray is 85 – 104 % of body depth at dorsal origin, 24 – 28 % SL / ○ 18 – 21 ½ branched anal rays / ○ pharyngeal teeth in one row / ○ posterior margin of flank scales crenulated / ○ 82 − 100 total lateral-line scales / ○ 19 gill rakers / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB5FEFE2885FA6FFBD8F898.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lake Amik in Türkiye and Lake al-Ghab in Syria, both in lower Orontes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB5FEFE2885FA6FFBD8F898.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEB5FEFE2885FA6FFBD8F898.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct; in modern times, only recorded from Lake Amik (Türkiye). This lake was drained in stages between the 1940 s and the 1970 s. Scales and pharyngeal teeth are also known from Lake al-Gab in Syrian Orontes drainage, which was drained much earlier. There is no evidence that it has survived in Lake Gölbaşı (Kırıkhan), the only remaining relic of Lake Amik. Several detailed surveys have been undertaken to find the species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8AFEC128ABFA6DFCF8F898.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Arabian bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8AFEC128ABFA6DFCF8F898.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from superficially similar species of Carasobarbus and Cyprinion in Arabian Peninsula by: ○ last unbranched dorsal ray without serrae, thickened and very strong / ● no barbels / ● pharyngeal teeth in one row / ● 14 – 17 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 54 − 58 total lateral-line scales / ○ 17 − 19 gill rakers. Size up to 80 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8AFEC128ABFA6DFCF8F898.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Saudi Arabia: springs of Wadi Hadiyah in Khaibar area and Qusaiba’a reservoir in northern Hijaz.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8AFEC128ABFA6DFCF8F898.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and river, also reported from a reservoir. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8AFEC128ABFA6DFCF8F898.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Known from three localities, only one been confirmed in last 30 years. Threatened by water abstraction and construction of dams and reservoirs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8AFEC128ABFA6DFCF8F898.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Acanthobrama hadiyahensis is closely related to A. marmid. The two species may only have diverged in post-glacial times when a river flowing from the mountains of western Saudi Arabia to the southernmost Shatt al-Arab dried up.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8BFEC02885FBB5FC05FA25.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Jordan bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8BFEC02885FBB5FC05FA25.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ○ pharyngeal teeth in one row / ○ 59 − 69 total lateral-line scales / ○ rigid part of last unbranched dorsal ray about 70 % of ray / ○ 10 − 13 ½ branched anal rays / ○ ventral keel with free skinfold not covered by scales along full length / ○ 12 − 14 gill rakers / ○ 7 ½, rarely 8 ½, branched dorsal rays. Size up to 113 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8BFEC02885FBB5FC05FA25.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jordan drainage and Kishon, a coastal river in Israel. Introduced in Azraq oasis in Jordan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8BFEC02885FBB5FC05FA25.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes with stagnant or slow-flowing water. Feeds on zooplankton, anflug and benthic invertebrates. Biology. Spawns January−April.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8BFEC02885FBB5FC05FA25.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE88FEC328ABFCCEFA95FB64.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE88FEC328ABFCCEFA95FB64.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ○ pharyngeal teeth in one row / ○ usually 59 − 73 total lateral-line scales / ○ tip of upper lip usually below level of middle of eye (but see fish on second picture) / ○ 13 − 19 ½, usually 14 − 17 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 9 − 14 gill rakers / ○ 8 ½, rarely 7 ½ or 9 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ snout length 27 – 31 % HL. Size up to 220 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE88FEC328ABFCCEFA95FB64.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, Tigris, and Karun drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE88FEC328ABFCCEFA95FB64.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Ubiquitous species inhabiting all types of lowland standing or slow-flowing waters, such as larger streams, rivers, springs, marshes, reservoirs, lakes, and even moderately polluted waters. Usually absent from fast-flowing and cold mountain streams. Biology. Matures at 2 – 3 years and about 90 mm SL, lives 9 years, females grow faster than males. Spawns May – August. Suspected to be a fractional spawner. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates, algae, and detritus. Some populations migrate from large reservoirs to tributaries for spawning.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE88FEC328ABFCCEFA95FB64.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; in Qweiq drainage, currently restricted to Türkiye. Orontes records are misidentified A. orontis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE89FEC22885FD55FD65FB55.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Cilician bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE89FEC22885FD55FD65FB55.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ○ pharyngeal teeth in one row / ○ 51 − 64, usually 54 − 62, total lateral-line scales / ○ tip of upper lip at or above level of middle of eye / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ snout length 25 – 27 % HL. Size up to 156 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE89FEC22885FD55FD65FB55.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Göksu east to Orontes. Absent between Göksu and Seyhan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE89FEC22885FD55FD65FB55.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lowland rivers and reservoirs. Also common in irrigation channels and artificial waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE89FEC22885FD55FD65FB55.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; possibly extirpated from Orontes, as no individuals have been seen for many years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE89FEC22885FAE4FBADFADA.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE89FEC22885FAE4FBADFADA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ● 7 − 9 ½, usually 8 ½, branched anal rays / ○ ventral keel without free skin fold in front of anus / ○ pharyngeal teeth in two rows / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray soft, not stiffened / ○ 35 − 43 total lateral-line scales / ○ 10 − 14 gill rakers / ○ 7 − 9 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 7 ½, rarely 6 ½, branched dorsal rays. Size up to 113 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE89FEC22885FAE4FBADFADA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Upper Kor basin (Khosroshin, Ghadamgah, Malosjan, and Beyza springs), Helleh, Mond, and rarely in Kol drainages (Golabi spring).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE89FEC22885FAE4FBADFADA.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing or stagnant waters. Often found in springs, but also known from large rivers, streams, irrigation ditches, and qanats, usually with medium to slow currents. Biology. Seems to spawn in early spring. Feeds on plants and invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE89FEC22885FAE4FBADFADA.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; has lost many habitats due to the desiccation of springs and streams.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8EFEC428ABFC76FD86FC49.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caucasian bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8EFEC428ABFC76FD86FC49.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ○ pharyngeal teeth in two rows / ○ 60 − 87 total lateral-line scales / ○ 12 − 19 ½, usually 15 − 17 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 12 − 17 gill rakers / ○ usually 44 − 45 total vertebrae / ○ 7 − 9 ½, usually 8 ½, branched dorsal rays. Size up to 230 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8EFEC428ABFC76FD86FC49.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Sefid (Iran) and coastal rivers north to Kura.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8EFEC428ABFC76FD86FC49.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. All types of standing or slow to fast-flowing waters, such as larger streams, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes, even in moderately polluted waters. Biology. Lives up to 7 years. Matures at 1 – 2 years (males) and 2 – 3 years (females) and 80 – 120 mm TL. Spawns May – August in shallow, gravel-bottomed streams at a water temperature of 14 – 27 ° C.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8EFEC428ABFC76FD86FC49.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8EFEC428ABFC76FD86FC49.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often placed in Acanthalburnus, but molecular data showed that this genus should be synonymised with Acanthobrama. Still known as Acanthobrama microlepis, a name not available. Abramis microlepis is a junior secondary homonym of Alburnus microlepis Heckel, 1843, when placed in Alburnus by Kamensky (1901). It was replaced by Alburnus punctulatus, a former junior synonym, by Berg (1916) and is permanently invalid because junior homonyms and substitute names are still treated as synonyms.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8FFEC42885FC18FAF6FA17.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Yarkon bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8FFEC42885FC18FAF6FA17.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ○ pharyngeal teeth in one row / ○ 51 − 60 total lateral-line scales / ○ rigid part of last unbranched dorsal ray about 50 − 65 % of ray / ○ 12 − 17 gill rakers / ○ 7 ½, rarely 8 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 11 − 14 ½ branched anal rays / ○ ventral keel with a free skinfold not covered by scales along entire length. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8FFEC42885FC18FAF6FA17.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Israel: coastal streams Soreq, Yarkon, Tanninim, Daliya, and Na’aman, potentially also in Alexander, Poleg, and Hadera.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8FFEC42885FC18FAF6FA17.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and small lakes. Spawns on gravel or rocky substrates and submerged vegetation along banks in flowing and stagnant water. Biology. Mature after 1 year if larger than 40 mm SL, usually live 4 – 5 years. Spawns February – April at water temperatures between 14 and 20 ° C. Individual female spawn twice during season. Young hatch after 7 – 10 days at 13 – 17 ° C, after 5 – 8 days at 18 – 23 ° C. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8FFEC42885FC18FAF6FA17.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; declined since 1950 s due to pollution and water abstraction. A few days before last two streams dried up in 1999, about 150 fish were captured just before the last water disappeared. These individuals were bred in captivity, and reintroduction began in 2002. Following habitat modification, reintroductions have been successful since 2006, and several new populations have been established.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8CFEC728ABFF5EFD46FD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ceyhan bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8CFEC728ABFF5EFD46FD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ○ pharyngeal teeth in one row / ○ 76 − 89 total lateral-line scales / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ flank scales with crenulated posterior margin / ○ 14 – 16 ½ branched anal rays / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray slender and short / ○ length of last unbranched dorsal ray 62 – 75 % of body depth at dorsal origin. Size up to 174 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8CFEC728ABFF5EFD46FD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ceyhan and Orontes drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8CFEC728ABFF5EFD46FD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large lowland rivers and reservoirs. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8CFEC728ABFF5EFD46FD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; not seen since 1997 in Orontes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8DFEC62885FD20FB8CFCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Damascus bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8DFEC62885FD20FB8CFCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ○ ventral keel poorly developed, covered with scales in its anterior part or fully covered with scales / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray soft and entirely segmented / ○ pharyngeal teeth in one row / ○ 49 − 60 total lateral-line scales / ○ 7 − 11 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 127 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8DFEC62885FD20FB8CFCC4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Syria: Barada and Masil al Fawwar in Al-Awaj drainage, in Golan Area of Separation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8DFEC62885FD20FB8CFCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams. Historically, also in lakes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8DFEC62885FD20FB8CFCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR, possibly extinct; known from lower Barada, where it has not been found since 1908. May still exist in Syria, at Masil al Fawwar in Golan Separation Area, where it was last seen in 1990.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE8DFEC62885FD20FB8CFCC4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Alburnus vignoni, described from the Damascus basin, is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE82FEC928ABFF5EFEFFFCA6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Urmia bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE82FEC928ABFF5EFEFFFCA6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ○ pharyngeal teeth in two rows / ○ 10 − 13 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 50 − 68 total lateral-line scales / ○ 42 − 43, usually 42, total vertebrae / ○ 10 − 14 gill rakers / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 156 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE82FEC928ABFF5EFEFFFCA6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Simineh, Zarrineh, and Shahr chay in Lake Urmia basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE82FEC928ABFF5EFEFFFCA6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Larger streams and rivers. Biology. Lives up to 7 years. Matures at about 90 − 110 mm SL. Feeds on plants and invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE82FEC928ABFF5EFEFFFCA6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; has declined due to hydropower development and pollution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE82FEC928ABFF5EFEFFFCA6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Very closely related to A. punctulata.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE82FEC828ABFCA9FBB8F83C.taxon	description	Spirlins are small fishes that inhabit hill-stream habitats throughout West and Central Asia, extending east to the Amu Darya drainage. They also occur throughout Europe, west to France. Spirlins are superficially similar to some Alburnus species, particularly in turbid waters, where the lateral stripe and the dark-grey marks along the lateral line are poorly expressed. The orange bases of the paired fins are a useful indicator for distinguishing Alburnoides from Alburnus (which usually lack orange at the paired fin bases) in the field. Despite superficial similarities, both genera appear to be distantly related. All spirlin species are superficially similar, and only three species were classified as valid before the year 2000: the widespread A. bipunctatus, as well as A. oblongus and A. taeniatus (both from Central Asia). Since A. oblongus and A. taeniatus were transferred to Alburnus, 22 new Alburnoides species have been described, and 11 species revalidated from the list of synonyms. Currently, 34 species are recognised, 22 of which are found in West Asia. Alburnoides varentsovi, found on the northern slope of the Kopetdag Mountains in Turkmenistan, is an additional species in the region. It is not considered in this book. It can be challenging to distinguish between species of spirlins, and their distribution can assist in the identification, as they are all strictly allopatric.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE80FECB28ABFADEFABCFAF8.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Büyük Melen spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE80FECB28ABFADEFABCFAF8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ tip of upper lip projecting lower lip / ○ 13 – 16 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 47 − 54 + 2 − 3 lateral line scales / ○ 6 − 9 gill rakers / ○ ventral keel covered by (2) 3 – 5 scales on its anterior part / ○ proximal 50 – 70 % of last unbranched dorsal ray ossified / ○ proximal 40 – 60 % of last unbranched anal ray ossified / ○ interorbital width 7 – 8 % SL / ○ caudal peduncle depth 10 – 11 % SL. Size up to 94 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE80FECB28ABFADEFABCFAF8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Büyük Melen, Çayağzı, and Alaplı drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE80FECB28ABFADEFABCFAF8.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with fast-flowing water, usually with cobble and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE80FECB28ABFADEFABCFAF8.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; known from a small area where it is believed to be declining due to multiple threats (habitat modification, dams, drought, pollution).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE80FECA2B39FA49FF56FC1D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Damghan spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE80FECA2B39FA49FF56FC1D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 10 – 13 ½ branched anal rays / ○ ventral keel completely without scales or covered by scales for up to 3 / 4 of its length / ○ mouth terminal, upper and lower lips equally projecting / ○ snout slightly pointed / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with lower margin of eye / ○ 40 – 46 + 2 – 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 6 – 8 gill rakers. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE80FECA2B39FA49FF56FC1D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Cheshmeh Ali spring in Western Kavir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE80FECA2B39FA49FF56FC1D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Spring with coarse gravel and boulders, dense riparian vegetation, and clear, well-oxygenated, fast-flowing water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE80FECA2B39FA49FF56FC1D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; drought and introduction of non-native species (e. g. Oncorhynchus mykiss) are threats.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE81FECD2885FC2CFAD2FE06.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Great Zab spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE81FECD2885FC2CFAD2FE06.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ 7 – 9 ½, usually 8 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ ventral keel completely or almost completely covered by scales / ○ snout slightly rounded / ○ mouth terminal, with pronounced chin / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with middle of eye to lower margin of pupil / ○ caudal lobes pointed / ○ 48 − 53 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 12 − 15 ½, usually 12 − 13 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 6 − 7 gill rakers / ○ 41 − 42 total vertebrae. Size up to 81 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE81FECD2885FC2CFAD2FE06.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Iraq: Greater Zab drainage, a tributary of Tigris.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE81FECD2885FC2CFAD2FE06.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with fast-flowing water, usually with cobble and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE81FECD2885FC2CFAD2FE06.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE86FECC28ABF955FB48FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kura spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE86FECC28ABF955FB48FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Caspian basin and Hari drainage by: ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ 13 − 15, usually 14, predorsal vertebrae / ○ body depth at dorsal origin usually greater than head length / ○ ventral keel scaleless, partly or completely covered by scales, usually completely or almost completely scaleless / ○ snout slightly to markedly rounded / ○ upper lip slightly projecting lower lip / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line slightly to markedly below middle of eye / ○ 45 − 54 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 10 − 14 ½, usually 11 − 13 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 5 − 9, usually 7 − 8, gill rakers / ○ 13 − 15, usually 14, predorsal vertebrae. Size up to 142 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE86FECC28ABF955FB48FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin: Kura and Aras drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE86FECC28ABF955FB48FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Foothill streams and rivers with well-oxygenated, fast-flowing water. Also, lakes and reservoirs. Spawns in streams on gravel. Lake populations migrate to inflowing streams and rivers to spawn. Biology. Lives up to 7 years. Females larger than males. Matures at 1 – 3 years. Spawns April – June at water temperatures between 13 and 18 ° C, over gravel beds in fast currents. Females lay 2 – 3 portions of eggs per season. Eggs are sticky and adhere to substrate. Feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates and terrestrial organisms, falling on water, and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE86FECC28ABF955FB48FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE86FECC28ABF955FB48FD79.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular studies suggest that A. eichwaldii hybridises with A. samiii in small coastal rivers south of Kura.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECF28ABFF5EFAD2FEBC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Khabur spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECF28ABFF5EFAD2FEBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ● horizontal eye diameter equal or larger than interorbital distance / ○ 8 ½, rarely 9 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ ventral keel completely scaleless, rarely covered by few scales at its anterior part / ○ snout slightly pointed / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with middle of pupil or slightly below / ○ 39 − 45 + 2 − 3, usually 42 − 45 + 2 − 3, lateral-line scales / ○ 13 − 15 ½, usually 13 − 14 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 6 – 7 gill rakers / ○ 41 − 42 total vertebrae. Size up to 76 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECF28ABFF5EFAD2FEBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and most likely adjacent Syria: Beyazsu north of Nusaybin, a headwater stream of Jagh Jagh that flows to Khabur.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECF28ABFF5EFAD2FEBC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with fast-flowing water, usually with cobble and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECF28ABFF5EFAD2FEBC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECE28ABFA6DFDFEF930.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Colchic spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECE28ABFA6DFDFEF930.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ ventral keel covered by (2) 3 – 5 scales on its anterior part / ○ 12 − 15 ½, usually 13 − 14 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 44 − 53 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 6 – 10 gill rakers / ○ caudal peduncle length 17 – 21 % SL / ○ head width at anterior eye margin 10 – 11 % HL / ○ proximal 30 – 50 % of last unbranched dorsal ray ossified / ○ interorbital width 8 – 10 % SL / ○ caudal peduncle depth 11 – 12 % SL / ○ body depth at dorsal origin usually greater than head length / ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ snout pointed / ○ upper lip slightly projecting lower lip / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with middle of eye to lower margin of pupil. Size up to 127 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECE28ABFA6DFDFEF930.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caucasian Black Sea basin of Russia, south to Aksu drainage (Giresun) in Türkiye.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECE28ABFA6DFDFEF930.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with moderate or fast-flowing water and gravel substrate; also in oxbows and lakes. Spawns in smaller streams on gravel. Lake and river populations migrate into tributaries to spawn. Biology. Lives up to 8 years. Females larger than males. Matures at 2 – 3 years. Spawns April – August, at water temperatures between 13 and 19 ° C, over gravel bottoms in swift currents. Female lays 2 – 3 batches of eggs per season. Feeds mainly on benthic insect larvae, plankton, terrestrial insects, and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECE28ABFA6DFDFEF930.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE84FECE28ABFA6DFDFEF930.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Spirlin in coastal streams east of Yeşilırmak and Aksu are likely to belong to this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE85FECE2885F907FB48F84A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kızılırmak spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE85FECE2885F907FB48F84A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ ventral keel usually completely scaleless / ○ body depth at dorsal origin usually greater than head length / ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ snout slightly pointed / ○ mouth terminal, upper and lower lips equally projecting / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at horizontal line with middle of eye / ○ 42 − 51 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 14 − 15 ½, rarely 16 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 5 − 7 gill rakers. Size up to 93 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE85FECE2885F907FB48F84A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Kızılırmak drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE85FECE2885F907FB48F84A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel and cobble bottoms. Also, inhabits reservoirs. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE85FECE2885F907FB48F84A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9AFED128ABFB3FFBE6FA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hari spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9AFED128ABFB3FFBE6FA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Caspian basin and Hari drainage by: ○ horizontal eye diameter equal or slightly to clearly larger than interorbital distance / ○ ventral keel completely scaleless or almost completely scaleless / ○ 4, rarely 5, pharyngeal teeth on right 5 th ceratobranchial / ○ snout pointed / ○ mouth terminal, lower lip slightly projecting upper lip / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with upper half of pupil / ○ body depth at dorsal origin greater than head length / ○ lateral line with bold dark-grey or black dots above and below pores / ○ 46 − 55 + 2 − 3, usually 47 − 51 + 2 − 3, lateral-line scales / ○ 11 − 16 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 5 − 9, usually 6 − 8, gill rakers. Size up to 93 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9AFED128ABFB3FFBE6FA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Hari and Morghab endorheic basins and Zeravshan and Amu Darya drainages (Aral basin). Also, in Atrak drainage in Iranian Caspian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9AFED128ABFB3FFBE6FA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Hill streams and small rivers with moderate to fast-flowing water, gravel, and silt substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9AFED128ABFB3FFBE6FA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9AFED128ABFB3FFBE6FA42.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Alburnoides parhami from the Atrak (Iran) is a synonym. Alburnoides varentsovi from the northern slopes of Kopetdag Mountains in Turkmenistan is another poorly known Alburnoides from Central Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9BFED32885F927FE85F95D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kermanshah spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9BFED32885F927FE85F95D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ no pronounced chin / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with lower margin of pupil to lower margin of eye / ○ ventral keel usually partly to completely scaleless / ○ snout stout / ○ mouth terminal or subterminal / ○ 39 − 49 + 2 − 3, usually 40 − 46 + 2 − 3, lateral-line scales / ○ 9 − 12 ½, usually 11 − 12 ½, branched anal rays / ○ usually 8 ½ but frequently 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 6 – 10 gill rakers / ○ 37 − 40, usually 39, total vertebrae / ○ caudal lobes rounded / ○ anal with straight or convex outer margin. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9BFED32885F927FE85F95D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Karkheh and upper Dez (Karun) drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9BFED32885F927FE85F95D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with fast-flowing water, usually with cobble and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9BFED32885F927FE85F95D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9BFED32885F927FE85F95D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Alburnoides idignensis, A. namaki, and A. nicolausi are closely related, and future studies may not support them as independent species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE98FED328ABF8ECFAD2F82D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sakarya spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE98FED328ABF8ECFAD2F82D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ body depth at dorsal origin usually greater than head length / ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ ventral keel completely scaleless or covered by 1 − 3 scales / ○ snout slightly pointed / ○ mouth terminal, upper lip slightly projecting lower lip / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at horizontal line with middle of eye or slightly below / ○ 40 − 55 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 4 pharyngeal teeth in long row on right 5 th ceratobranchial / ○ 11 − 14 ½, usually 12 − 13 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 5 − 7 gill rakers. Size up to 97 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE98FED328ABF8ECFAD2F82D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sakarya drainage and Lake Ilgın basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE98FED328ABF8ECFAD2F82D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel and cobbled bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE98FED328ABF8ECFAD2F82D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE99FED22885FA49FAF0F912.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Yeşilırmak spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE99FED22885FA49FAF0F912.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ ventral keel usually completely scaleless / ○ 7 − 9 gill rakers / ○ body depth at dorsal origin usually greater than head length / ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ snout slightly pointed / ○ mouth slightly subterminal, upper lip projecting lower lip / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at horizontal line on or slightly below lower margin of pupil / ○ 47 − 56 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 4 pharyngeal teeth in long row on right 5 th ceratobranchial / ○ 13 − 15 ½, usually 14 ½, branched anal rays. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE99FED22885FA49FAF0F912.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Yeşilırmak drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE99FED22885FA49FAF0F912.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel and cobbled bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE99FED22885FA49FAF0F912.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE99FED52B1BF927FBECFB28.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Manyas spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE99FED52B1BF927FBECFB28.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ ventral keel scaleless up to half its length, rarely almost completely or completely covered by scales / ○ body depth at dorsal origin greater than head length / ○ horizontal eye diameter usually slightly to markedly larger than interorbital distance / ○ snout short, pointed / ○ mouth terminal / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with middle of pupil or slightly below / ○ 45 − 52 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ caudal peduncle depth 11 – 12 % SL / ○ lateral line clearly distinct in both, anterior and posterior parts / ○ snout length about equal to interorbital distance / ○ 4 pharyngeal teeth in long row on right 5 th ceratobranchial / ○ 10 − 12 ½, usually 12 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 6 − 10, usually 8 – 10, gill rakers. Size up to 92 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE99FED52B1BF927FBECFB28.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Susurluk drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE99FED52B1BF927FBECFB28.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with fast-flowing water, usually with cobble and gravel substrate. Also in lakes and reservoirs. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE99FED52B1BF927FBECFB28.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED42885FAB1FB04F9B9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Namak spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED42885FAB1FB04F9B9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ 8 ½, rarely 7 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 10 − 14 ½, usually 11 − 13 ½, branched anal rays / ○ snout rounded / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with lower margin of eye or below / ○ mouth subterminal, upper lip projecting lower lip / ○ 42 − 52 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 5 – 10 gill rakers. Size up to 110 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED42885FAB1FB04F9B9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Lake Namak basin and Nam in Hable drainage in Western Kavir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED42885FAB1FB04F9B9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, springs, and qanats with moderate to fast-flowing water and gravel and silt substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED42885FAB1FB04F9B9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED42885FAB1FB04F9B9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Alburnoides coadi is a synonym. Alburnoides idignensis, A. namaki, and A. nicolausi are closely related, and future studies may not support them as independent species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED72B1BF988FC17FE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lorestan spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED72B1BF988FC17FE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ● usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 8 – 11 ½, usually 9 – 10 ½, branched anal rays / ○ horizontaleyediametersmallerthaninterorbitaldistance / ○ ventral keel scaleless or covered by scales at up to ⅓ its length / ○ snout rounded / ○ mouth terminal, tip of mouth cleft situated at about a horizontal line with lower margin of pupil / ○ no pronounced chin / ○ caudal lobes rounded / ○ 41 − 49 + 2 − 3, usually 42 − 46 + 2 − 3, lateral-line scales / ○ 5 − 9, usually 7 − 8, gill rakers. Size up to 89 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED72B1BF988FC17FE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Nor Abad drainage in Lorestan, a tributary of Karkheh.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED72B1BF988FC17FE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Hill streams and small rivers with moderate to fast-flowing water and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED72B1BF988FC17FE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; known only from a small population in a very small area. Desiccation of streams is a major threat, and the species may be at the border of extinction.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9FFED72B1BF988FC17FE6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Alburnoides nicolausi, A. namaki, and A. idignensis are closely related, and future studies may not support them as independent species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9CFED628ABF96BFECBF9F5.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Urmia spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9CFED628ABF96BFECBF9F5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ 8 − 11 ½, usually 9 − 10 ½ branched anal rays / ○ usually 7 ½, rarely 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ mouth subterminal, tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with lower margin of eye / ○ ventral keel completely covered by scales / ○ snout stout, markedly rounded / ○ 42 − 49 + 2 − 3, usually 43 − 48 + 2 − 3, lateral-line scales / ○ 6 − 8 gill rakers. Size up to 109 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9CFED628ABF96BFECBF9F5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Türkiye: Simineh, Zarrineh, Mahabad, Nazlu, Talkheh, and Shahr in Lake Urmia basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9CFED628ABF96BFECBF9F5.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing streams with gravel and sand substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9CFED628ABF96BFECBF9F5.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; seems to be declining within its very small range. Has disappeared from all tributaries in Iran except Nazlu.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9DFED62885F944FC35F800.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Qanat spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9DFED62885F944FC35F800.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Iranian endorheic basins by: ● horizontal eye diameter equal to or larger than interorbital distance / ○ ventral keel completely covered by scales, rarely scaleless up to 1 ⁄ 4 its length / ○ lower lip usually projecting upper lip / ○ snout short, slightly pointed / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with middle of eye or upper margin of pupil / ○ 10 − 12 ½, usually 11 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 8 ½, rarely 7 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 41 − 49 + 2 − 3, usually 43 − 47 + 2 − 3, lateral-line scales / ○ 6 − 9, usually 8, gill rakers / ○ 40 − 41 total vertebrae. Size up to 82 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9DFED62885F944FC35F800.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Kor and Harat drainages in Esfahan and Sirjan basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9DFED62885F944FC35F800.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Hill streams, spring-fed streams, small rivers with slow to moderate flow, gravel, and silt substrates. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE9DFED62885F944FC35F800.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE92FED928ABFD26FAF7FC0E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. South Caspian spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE92FED928ABFD26FAF7FC0E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Caspian basin and Hari drainage by: ○ horizontal eye diameter equal to or larger than interorbital distance / ○ ventral keel partly to completely covered by scales / ○ body depth at dorsal origin usually greater than head length / ○ snout short, slightly rounded / ○ mouth terminal, upper and lower lips equally projecting / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with middle of eye / ○ 47 − 52 + 2 − 3, usually 48 − 51 + 2 − 3, lateral-line scales / ○ 4 pharyngeal teeth in long row on right 5 th ceratobranchial / ○ 11 − 15 ½, usually 12 − 14 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 7 − 10, usually 8 − 9, gill rakers. Size up to 85 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE92FED928ABFD26FAF7FC0E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin from Lenkoran lowlands (north of Talesh Mountains) in Azerbaijan east to Sefid in Iran.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE92FED928ABFD26FAF7FC0E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with moderate to fast-flowing, well-oxygenated water and hard substrate. Also in lakes and reservoirs. Spawns in streams on gravel. Biology. Females larger than males. Feeds mainly on benthic insect larvae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE92FED928ABFD26FAF7FC0E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE92FED928ABFD26FAF7FC0E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular studies suggest that A. eichwaldii hybridises with A. samiii in small coastal rivers south of Kura.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE93FED82885FAB1FA84F8D4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eastern Aegean spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE93FED82885FAB1FA84F8D4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ ventral keel completely or almost completely covered by scales / ○ body depth at dorsal origin greater than head length / ○ 12 − 15 ½, usually 13 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 40 − 45 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ caudal peduncle length 21 – 26 % SL / ○ caudal peduncle depth 11 – 12 % SL / ○ head width at anterior eye margin 9 – 10 % HL / ○ interorbital width 8 – 10 % SL / ○ horizontal eye diameter equal or slightly to markedly larger than interorbital distance / ○ snout short, rounded / ○ mouth terminal to almost subterminal, upper and lower lips equally projecting / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with lower margin of pupil to lower margin of eye / ○ 4 pharyngeal teeth in long row on right 5 th ceratobranchial / ○ 6 − 7 gill rakers. Size up to 77 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE93FED82885FAB1FA84F8D4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Meles (Kemer) near İzmir and Büyük Menderes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE93FED82885FAB1FA84F8D4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Hill streams and small rivers with moderate to fast-flowing water and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE93FED82885FAB1FA84F8D4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE93FED82885FAB1FA84F8D4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Described from Meles (İzmir) but not seen in that area since. Diagnosis developed based on fish from upper Büyük Menderes is consistent with the type.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFF5EFC17FDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tabarestan spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFF5EFC17FDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Caspian basin and Hari drainage by: ○ horizontal eye diameter equal or smaller than interorbital distance / ○ 11 − 13, usually 12, predorsal vertebrae / ○ body depth at dorsal origin usually greater than head length / ○ ventral keel usually scaleless, sometimes completely covered by scales / ○ snout slightly pointed / ○ mouth terminal, upper and lower lips equally projecting / ○ tip of mouth cleft situated at a horizontal line with middle of eye to lower margin of pupil / ○ 47 − 52 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 4 pharyngeal teeth in long row on right 5 th ceratobranchial / ○ 11 − 14 ½, usually 12 − 13 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 7 − 10, usually 8 − 9, gill rakers. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFF5EFC17FDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Khey to Gorgan drainages in southern and south-eastern Caspian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFF5EFC17FDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and small rivers with moderate to fast-flowing water and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFF5EFC17FDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFF5EFC17FDF4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Spirlins from rivers between Tajan and west to Sefid and east to Atrak have yet to be identified.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFAD6FC59FAE9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Filyos spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFAD6FC59FAE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ ventral keel usually completely scaleless, rarely with 1 – 3 scales / ○ 7 − 8 gill rakers / ○ body depth at dorsal origin usually greater than head length / ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ snout slightly pointed / ○ mouth terminal, upper and lower lips equally projecting / ○ 46 − 53 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 13 − 14 ½ branched anal rays. Size up to 101 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFAD6FC59FAE9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Filyos drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFAD6FC59FAE9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small rivers and streams with moderate to fast-flowing water and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE90FEDB28ABFAD6FC59FAE9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE91FEDA2885FCFDFBC1FC1D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Thracian spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE91FEDA2885FCFDFBC1FC1D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Mediterranean, Marmara, Black, and Caspian Sea basins and Hari by: ● maximum body depth usually smaller than head length / ○ horizontal eye diameter equal or larger than interorbital distance / ○ ventral keel covered by scales at about half its length / ○ caudal peduncle depth 9 – 11 % SL / ○ pigmentation of lateral line slightly distinct in anterior part of but indistinct in posterior part / ○ snout length is markedly shorter than interorbital distance / ○ usually 46 − 52 + 2 − 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 11 − 12 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 6 − 8, usually 7, gill rakers. Size up to 94 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE91FEDA2885FCFDFBC1FC1D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Bulgaria: western Black Sea basin in Trace from Veleca south to İstanbul and east to Karasu (Sinop) drainage. Absent from Sakarya. Anatolian records need confirmation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE91FEDA2885FCFDFBC1FC1D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Hill streams and small rivers with moderate to fast-flowing water and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE91FEDA2885FCFDFBC1FC1D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE96FEDD28ABFD12FAD2FCD2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian spirlin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE96FEDD28ABFD12FAD2FCD2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ○ horizontal eye diameter smaller than interorbital distance / ○ 5 − 6 gill rakers / ○ ventral keel completely covered by scales / ○ no pronounced chin / ○ mouth terminal or subterminal / ○ tip of mouth situated at a horizontal line with lower margin of pupil or below up to lower margin of eye in larger individuals / ○ anal with slightly or clearly pointed tips and slightly or markedly concave outer margins / ○ 44 − 52 + 2 − 3, usually 46 – 48 + 2 – 3 lateral-line scales / ○ caudal lobes rounded / ○ 8 ½, rarely 9 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 11 − 13 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 41 − 42, usually 42, total vertebrae. Size up to 88 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE96FEDD28ABFD12FAD2FCD2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Middle and upper Euphrates drainage in Türkiye, also found in Sirvan drainage in Iraq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE96FEDD28ABFD12FAD2FCD2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with fast-flowing water, usually with cobble and gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE96FEDD28ABFD12FAD2FCD2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE97FEA12885FAD6FBA4FC77.taxon	description	The genus Alburnus (43 species) is a large group of smallto medium-sized fishes widely distributed in Europe, West, and Central Asia. In West Asia, Alburnus, with 24 species, is the second-largest genus of Leuciscids after Pseudophoxinus. Previous studies have overestimated the species diversity of Alburnus, as several shemayas of the A. chalcoides group have been recognised as separate species based on morphometric and meristic differences. All these populations are closely related, and recent research only partly confirms the differences proposed before and / or found the character states to be more overlapping than proposed. Therefore, Asian shemayas from the Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins are placed in A. derjugini. The Central Asian A. taeniatus had been reported from the Hari in Iran. However, as the identification of this fish could not be confirmed, it is excluded from the coverage of this book. Molecular characters group the species of Alburnus into three major species complexes, which may be recognised as separate genera in the future. True bleaks form one group, spotted bleaks belong to the second group, and Shah Kuli’s belong to a third group. Sunbleaks of the genus Leucaspius and saramugos of the genus Anaecypris are closely related to, or even nested within, Alburnus. Alburnus are typically pelagic open-water dwelling fish that feed on plankton, drifting invertebrates, and small terrestrial arthropods that have fallen on the water surface. They are often common or very common and play important roles in the ecosystems they inhabit. In general, Alburnus are slender, silvery, herring-like fish with a superior or terminal mouth, a partly or completely open keel between the anus and the pelvic base, and a long anal fin with more than 9 ½ branched rays. However, several species do not fit this description, as they have fewer anal rays, no ventral keel or the keel completely covered by scales, and a clearly terminal or even subterminal mouth. Based on anatomical studies, these species were previously classified within the genus Petroleuciscus. However, subsequent molecular studies led to their reclassification within the genus Alburnus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEAFEA128ABF9A3FBBAF8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Adana bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEAFEA128ABF9A3FBBAF8F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Mediterranean basin by: ● 60 – 66 total lateral line scales / ○ 11 – 14 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 5 – 6 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ 10 – 12 ½ branched anal rays. Only known individual 67 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEAFEA128ABF9A3FBBAF8F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Seyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEAFEA128ABF9A3FBBAF8F1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. No data. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEAFEA128ABF9A3FBBAF8F1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct; not found since the 1940 s. Reasons for extinction unknown.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEAFEA128ABF9A3FBBAF8F1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Has been confused with A. kotschyi, which also occurs in Seyhan drainage, but both species are well differentiated. It can be distinguished from A. sellal, recently reported to be invasive in Ceyhan, by having 60 – 66 total lateral line scales (as opposed to the usual 66 – 86).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFF5EFC1DFDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Beyşehir bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFF5EFC1DFDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Central Anatolia, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ● 72 – 90 total lateral line scales / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 13 ½ branched anal rays. Size up to 150 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFF5EFC1DFDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lakes Beyşehir and Suğla (Seydişehir) basins as well as Çarşamba channel connecting both lakes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFF5EFC1DFDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine known only from lakes and slow-flowing channels. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFF5EFC1DFDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct; last time recorded in 1985, when population was already small. Extinction followed introduction of non-native Sander lucioperca in 1978 and 1980.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFF5EFC1DFDA9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In the original description, 85 – 88 total scales were given for this species, while a later study gives only 72 – 75 total scales. The correct count remains unclear, but F. Küçük counted 78 – 80 total lateral line scales (pers. comm.). Since the early 2000 s, the non-native A. escherichii has become common in the former range of A. akili.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFB5DFA07FA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFB5DFA07FA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Central Anatolia, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ anal origin below branched dorsal rays 4 – 5 / ○ 45 – 48 + 3 lateral line scales / ○ 16 – 19 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 16 – 22 gill rakers / ○ ventral keel exposed from anus to pelvic base / ○ dark-brown mid-lateral stripe absent in life, faint or absent in preserved individuals / ○ mouth slightly superior. Size up to 160 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFB5DFA07FA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black Sea basin of Russia. Türkiye: Lake Sapanca basin and Susurluk drainage, including Lakes Apolyont and Manyas (southern Marmara basin). Introduced in Cyprus. Europe north of Caucasus, Pyrenees, and Alps, eastward to Ural and Emba.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFB5DFA07FA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Open waters of lakes and medium to large rivers. Forages near surface. In winter, forms large aggregations in backwaters and other still waters. Spawns in shallow riffles or on rocky lake shores, occasionally over submerged vegetation. Biology. Gregarious. Spawns first time at 2 – 3 years. Usually spawns in one or two seasons, in May – August at temperatures above 12 ° C, 2 – 4 times at intervals of 1 – 2 weeks, early in morning. Larvae inhabit littoral zone of rivers and lakes, juveniles leave banks and occupy pelagic habitats feeding on plankton, drifting insects or invertebrates fallen on water surface. In Europe, scales were once used to make Essence d’Orient, a coating for artificial pearls.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE8FEA328ABFB5DFA07FA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22885FB43FBEDFAAE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Urmia bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22885FB43FBEDFAAE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Caspian and Lake Urmia basins by: ○ 10 – 15 gill rakers / ○ 9 – 12 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 43 – 60 + 3 lateral line scales / ○ a bold, dark-brown mid-lateral stripe / ○ ventral keel exposed for 1 – 4 scales in front of anus / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 130 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22885FB43FBEDFAAE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Türkiye: Lake Urmia basin. In uppermost Choman (Tigris drainage) directly at watershed to Saqez (Urmia).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22885FB43FBEDFAAE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of moderately fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Biology. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22885FB43FBEDFAAE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22885FB43FBEDFAAE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Populations from Lake Namak basin were listed as this species but were later identified as A. doriae. Both species are superficially similar but do not appear to be closely related. Recently, it has been considered a synonym of A. ulanus, as both species share the same COI DNA sequence. As both species are well differentiated morphologically, introgressive hybridisation is likely to have occurred.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22B1BFAB3FAF3F83C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Antalya spotted bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22B1BFAB3FAF3F83C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Mediterranean basin by: ● pelvic axillary scales absent / ● scales on back, flank, and belly reduced, often not overlapping, absent on belly in front of pelvic base / ● nuptial male bright yellow / ○ faint grey mottling on flank including only few scales in most individuals / ○ 11 – 13 gill rakers / ○ 12 – 14 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 47 – 61 total lateral line scales / ○ ventral keel fully exposed or covered by few scales on its anterior part / ○ no dark-brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 60 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22B1BFAB3FAF3F83C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Aksu east to Karpuz drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22B1BFAB3FAF3F83C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing sections of streams and rivers, often with submerged vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE9FEA22B1BFAB3FAF3F83C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; found in less than 10, mostly declining populations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEFFEA42885FA59FC5FF8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Black spotted bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEFFEA42885FA59FC5FF8F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Persian Gulf, Qweiq, Lake Van, and Iranian endorheic basins by: ● body mottled with isolated or small groups of black pigmented scales, bluish black with silvery blotches in nuptial males / ○ anal origin below dorsal base / ○ 13 – 17 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 8 – 12 gill rakers / ○ 43 – 58 total lateral line scales / ○ ventral keel fully exposed or covered by few scales on its anterior part / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 26 – 34 % SL. Size up to 101 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEFFEA42885FA59FC5FF8F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, and Tigris drainages, including Karun and Jarahi in Iran.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEFFEA42885FA59FC5FF8F1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, and lakes with moderate to slow currents. Likely to be sensitive to low temperatures. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEFFEA42885FA59FC5FF8F1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated in Syrian part of Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEFFEA42885FA59FC5FF8F1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Alburnoides recepi is a synonym. Many populations of A. caeruleus share mtDNA with Alburnus sellal, suggesting past hybridisation and DNA introgression between the two species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEECFEA728ABFF5EFB7AFC0E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Carian bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEECFEA728ABFF5EFB7AFC0E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Central Anatolia, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ 37 – 44 + 3 total scales in lateral line / ○ 11 – 13 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 6 – 8 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 15 – 19 gill rakers / ○ ventral keel exposed for 2 – 8 scales in front of anus / ○ caudal peduncle depth 8.9 – 10.5 % SL. Size up to 92 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEECFEA728ABFF5EFB7AFC0E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Dalaman, Tersakan, Namnam, and Büyük Menderes drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEECFEA728ABFF5EFB7AFC0E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of moderately fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEECFEA728ABFF5EFB7AFC0E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEECFEA728ABFF5EFB7AFC0E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. First described as A. kurui. However, as Leuciscus kurui Bogutskaya, 1995 is placed in Alburnus, A. kurui Mangit & Yerli, 2018 became a junior secondary homonym of Alburnus kurui (Bogutskaya, 1995). As both are valid species in the genus Alburnus, A carianorum is designated as a replacement name for A. kurui Mangit & Yerli, 2018.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEDFEA62885FF5EFBAEFC2C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caspian Shemaya.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEDFEA62885FF5EFBAEFC2C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Caspian basins by: ○ 52 – 70 + 2 – 5 lateral line scales / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 12 – 17 ½ branched anal rays / ○ ventral keel between posterior pelvic base and anus present and well developed / ○ 18 – 22 gill rakers / ○ anal origin ½ – 2 ½ scales behind dorsal base, below dorsal ray 7 – 8 in some individuals / ○ ventral keel exposed for 3 – 12 scales in front of anus / ○ a faint, dark-brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 400 mm SL, resident fish in rivers or streams usually much smaller.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEDFEA62885FF5EFBAEFC2C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Aral and Caspian basins, mostly western to southern coast, rarely in Ural and Volga.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEDFEA62885FF5EFBAEFC2C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lower parts of larger streams, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and brackish sea areas. Lives near surface, tolerating salinities up to 14 ‰. Migrates long distances upstream from sea or lakes to headwaters of streams in foothills and montane regions. Spawns in small rivers or streams with strong currents on submerged vegetation or gravel bottoms. Lacustrine and reservoir populations spawn in tributaries. Biology. Semi-anadromous, riverine, and lacustrine populations. First spawn at 2 – 4 years, females 1 year later than males. Anadromous populations enter rivers in autumn (September in Kura) and migrate upstream in winter and / or spring. Spawns May – September in water 0.2 – 0.7 m deep, current about 1 m / s and 18 – 26 ° C, often with much splashing. Males appear to be territorial. They congregate at spawning sites and wait for mature females, which arrive later. Eggs stick to pebbles or stones. Embryonic development lasts 2 – 3 days; larvae initially remain between pebbles for 8 – 11 days, then actively migrate to shallower areas and backwaters. Many populations are riverine. In migratory populations, adults return to sea, lakes or estuaries soon after spawning to feed. Young juveniles migrate downstream in autumn of same year or following spring. Larvae and juveniles feed on zooplankton, algae, and insect larvae, adults mainly on planktonic crustaceans, terrestrial insects, and small fish. Often hybridises with sympatric Squalius species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEDFEA62885FF5EFBAEFC2C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEDFEA62885F9C1FB16F8D4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eastern Aegean bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEDFEA62885F9C1FB16F8D4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Central Anatolia, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ 43 – 46 + 3 scales in lateral line / ○ 13 – 14 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 9 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 18 – 21 gill rakers / ○ ventral keel exposed for 6 – 9 scales in front of anus / ○ caudal peduncle depth 10.5 – 11.1 % SL. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEDFEA62885F9C1FB16F8D4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Tahtalı and Küçük Menderes drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEDFEA62885F9C1FB16F8D4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of moderately fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Reservoir populations migrate to tributaries to spawn. Biology. Spawns May – June.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEEDFEA62885F9C1FB16F8D4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE2FEA828ABFB1AFD34FDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Georgian shemaya.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE2FEA828ABFB1AFD34FDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Marmara, Black Sea, and Aegean basins by: ○ 50 – 70 + 2 – 5 lateral line scales / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 12 – 17 ½ branched anal rays / ○ ventral keel between posterior pelvic base and anus present and well developed / ○ 18 – 35, usually 22 – 31, gill rakers / ○ anal origin ½ – 2 ½ scales behind dorsal base, below dorsal ray 7 – 8 in some individuals / ○ ventral keel exposed for 3 – 12 scales in front of anus / ○ a faint, dark-brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 400 mm SL, resident fish in rivers or streams usually much smaller.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE2FEA828ABFB1AFD34FDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Marmara and Black Sea basin. In Turkish Aegean: Bakırçay, Güzelhisar, south to Gediz drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE2FEA828ABFB1AFD34FDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and rivers with moderate fast-flowing water and gravel substrate. Biology. Seem to be a resident species, no migratory populations known.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE2FEA828ABFB1AFD34FDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE2FEA828ABFB1AFD34FDD6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Shemayas were divided into 17 species (A. attalus, A. battalgilae, A. carinatus, A. chalcoides, A. danubicus, A. derjugini, A. istanbulensis, A. leobergi, A. mandrensis, A. mento, A. mentoides, A. nicaeensis, A. sarmaticus, A. sava, A. schischkovi, A. vistonicus, A. volviticus) based on morphometric and meristic characters. Some species grow large, others remain very small, some are migratory or non-migratory and many are restricted to small areas. Subsequent molecular studies (COI) did not support this diversity. Molecular differences between fish from the Caspian, Black Sea, and Turkish Aegean basins are very small. In contrast, species inhabiting the Black Sea basin and the northern Aegean mostly share one haplotype, indicating a recent common evolutionary history. As more material from Türkiye became available, the proposed morphological differences could not be confirmed, especially as the number of gill rakers overlaps much more than originally described. Because of the large overlap in morphological characters and no difference in COI DNA sequences, we treat A. attalus, A. battalgilae, A. carinatus, A istanbulensis, and A. nicaeensis as synonyms of A. derjugini. It is recommended to revisit the European species also.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE3FEAB2885F925FD16F93F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian shemaya.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE3FEAB2885F925FD16F93F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Persian Gulf, Qweiq, Lake Van, and Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ anal origin about 1 – 2 scales behind dorsal base / ○ 9 – 12 ½ branched anal rays / ○ (12) 13 – 17 (18) gill rakers / ○ 41 – 53 + 3 lateral line scales / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 2 – 5 scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ ventral keel between pelvic base and anus often indistinct, fully covered by scales / ○ usually a bold, dark-brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 134 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE3FEAB2885F925FD16F93F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Lake Namak basin, Esfahan and Sirjan basins, and few headwater streams of upper Karun.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE3FEAB2885F925FD16F93F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of moderately fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE3FEAB2885F925FD16F93F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE3FEAB2885F925FD16F93F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Alburnus doriae was a forgotten species that had not been reported for 152 years since its description in 1865. Populations of this species were later described as Petroleuciscus esfahani from the Zayandeh drainage and Alburnus amirkabiri from the Lake Namak basin; both are synonyms of A. doriae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE0FEAB28ABF907FAD0F84A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sakarya bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE0FEAB28ABF907FAD0F84A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Central Anatolia, Mediterranean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ 42 – 49 + 3 lateral line scales / ○ 12 – 16 gill rakers / ○ 12 – 15 ½ branched anal rays / ○ pelvic axillary scales present / ○ scales on back, flank, and belly well developed, overlapping / ○ in life, flank without stripes or golden upper and black lower stripe faint / ○ no mottling on flank / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray soft and flexible / ○ anal origin below dorsal base / ○ ventral keel exposed for 0 – 5 scales in front of anus / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 24 – 30 % SL / ○ 8 – 10 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin. Size up to 131 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE0FEAB28ABF907FAD0F84A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sakarya drainage, Lakes Eber, Akşehir, and Ilgın basins. Locally in Kızılırmak drainage (likely introduced). Introduced in Lake Beyşehir basin and Manavgat drainage and likely elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE0FEAB28ABF907FAD0F84A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of moderately fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Spawns in fast-flowing waters on gravel beds. Lacustrine populations migrate to inflowing rivers or streams to spawn. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE0FEAB28ABF907FAD0F84A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE0FEAB28ABF907FAD0F84A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Alburnus nasreddini is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE1FEAA2885FAEBFB56FAE9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kura bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE1FEAA2885FAEBFB56FAE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Caspian and Lake Urmia basins by: ● usually 7 ½ branched dorsal ray / ○ 48 – 61 + 3 lateral line scales / ○ usually 10 – 12 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 12 – 21 gill rakers / ○ anal origin slightly behind dorsal base / ○ a bold midlateral stripe / ○ ventral keel entirely naked or naked part extends more than 50 % of distance between pelvic origin and anus, rarely completely covered by scales. Size up to 125 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE1FEAA2885FAEBFB56FAE9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin: Kura and Aras, east to Sefid, introduced to Chahnime lakes in Sistan basin, at altitudes up to 2000 m.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE1FEAA2885FAEBFB56FAE9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. All types of streams, lakes, and rivers except very cold mountain streams and brackish lagoons. Biology. Life span is about 5 years, with maturity at 1 year for males and 2 years for females. Spawns May – June into July in higher altitudes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE1FEAA2885FAEBFB56FAE9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE1FEAA2B1BFA78FAC1F859.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kızılırmak bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE1FEAA2B1BFA78FAC1F859.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Central Anatolia, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ● prominent golden upper and dark-brown or black lower stripe along flank in life / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 19 – 24 % SL / ○ ventral keel exposed for 7 – 10 scales in front of anus / ○ 48 – 56 + 2 – 3 lateral line scales / ○ 12 – 15 gill rakers / ○ 13 – 15 ½ branched anal rays / ○ anal origin situated below dorsal ray 6 – 8. Size up to 110 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE1FEAA2B1BFA78FAC1F859.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Kızılırmak, Abdal, and Yeşilırmak drainages in southern Black Sea basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE1FEAA2B1BFA78FAC1F859.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of moderately fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE1FEAA2B1BFA78FAC1F859.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE6FEAD28ABFAEBFBEDFA7E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caucasian bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE6FEAD28ABFAEBFBEDFA7E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Tigris and Caspian and Lake Urmia basins by: ○ anal origin below branched dorsal rays 4 – 5 / ○ 38 – 43 + 2 – 3 lateral line scales / ○ 11 – 16 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 16 – 25 gill rakers / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ ventral keel well developed, entirely naked or naked part extends more than 50 % of distance between pelvic origin and anus / ○ body deep, depth 25 – 32 % SL, markedly laterally compressed / ○ flank silvery, without brown, grey or bluish pattern. Size up to 150 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE6FEAD28ABFAEBFBEDFA7E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin from Kuma to Artek drainages. Widely introduced in reservoirs all over Iran.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE6FEAD28ABFAEBFBEDFA7E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow to fast-flowing waters; prefers areas where currents are low. Common in middle and lower reaches of large rivers and their tributaries, reservoirs, and marshy streams; also in brackish water at river mouths, in estuaries and coastal lakes. Spawns in shallow water, 0.1 – 0.5 m deep. Biology. Lives up to 3 years, spawns 1 – 2 times during life. Spawns April – July when temperatures rise above 18 – 23 ° C. Eggs sticky, laid on submerged plants, rarely on pebbles, 1.4 mm in diameter. Females lay 2 – 3 portions of eggs per season. Pelagic, often shoaling in upper layers of water. Feeds on plankton and other aquatic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE6FEAD28ABFAEBFBEDFA7E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABFD01FE19FA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Iskenderun bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABFD01FE19FA51.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Mediterranean basin by: ○ prominent dark-brown mid-lateral stripe / ○ no mottling pattern on flank / ○ anal origin one scale behind last dorsal ray / ○ 9 – 11 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 49 – 59 total lateral line scales / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 21 – 26 % SL / ○ ventral keel exposed 3 – 10 scales in front of anus / ○ last simple dorsal ray soft / ○ pelvic axillary scales present / ○ scales on back, flank, and belly well developed, overlapping. Size up to 141 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABFD01FE19FA51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Tarsus, Seyhan, and Ceyhan drainages and coastal streams flowing to Gulf of İskenderun north of Orontes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABFD01FE19FA51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of moderately fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABFD01FE19FA51.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABFD01FE19FA51.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Alburnus kotschyi is often confused with A. adanensis, but both species can be easily distinguished.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABF9E6FBF1FB19.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Yüksekova bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABF9E6FBF1FB19.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Persian Gulf, Qweiq, Lake Van, and Iranian endorheic basins by: ● 8 – 12 gill rakers / ○ ventral keel absent / ○ 9 – 11 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 51 – 58 total lateral-line scales / ○ a prominent dark-brown mid-lateral stripe / ○ body short and stout / ○ snout rounded / ○ head width at nape 15 – 17 % SL / ○ head depth at nape 18 – 20 % SL. Size up to 83 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABF9E6FBF1FB19.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Yüksekova wetland in upper Greater Zab drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABF9E6FBF1FB19.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams. Likely to migrate to flooded meadows in winter. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABF9E6FBF1FB19.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Permanent water bodies such as small springs and streams in Yüksekova wetland are very limited and under increasing pressure from development.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE4FEAF28ABF9E6FBF1FB19.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The reasons why this species is restricted to a single high-altitude wetland in Tigris drainage are not clear, but it has yet to be found elsewhere despite intensive fieldwork in the region. It was placed in Petroleuciscus, but it is very closely related to Alburnus timarensis from the Lake Van basin, although the two areas are not contiguous.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2885FB2EFE39F83C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hatay spotted bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2885FB2EFE39F83C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Mediterranean basin by: ○ mottled pattern on flank, pattern clear in live individuals / ○ anal origin below or behind last dorsal ray / ○ 4 – 5 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ ventral keel exposed for 5 – 10 scales in front of anus / ○ 9 – 11 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 9 – 12 gill rakers / ○ 45 – 52 total lateral line scales / ○ 4 – 5 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ last simple dorsal ray soft / ○ pelvic axillary scales present / ○ scales on back, flank, and belly well developed, overlapping / ○ bold black, grey or brown scales on silvery or brown background. Size up to 82 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2885FB2EFE39F83C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Orontes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2885FB2EFE39F83C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2885FB2EFE39F83C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; found in fewer than 10 declining populations. Seems to have disappeared from Syria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2885FB2EFE39F83C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Alburnus magnificus is related to A. qalilus from coastal streams in Syria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2B1BFB2EFBABF8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Orontes spotted bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2B1BFB2EFBABF8F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Mediterranean basin by: ○ 52 – 59 + 2 – 3 lateral line scales / ○ 12 – 15 ½ branched anal rays / ○ ventral keel exposed 0 – 2 scales / ○ anal origin behind last branched dorsal ray / ○ flank plain silvery, yellowish or with fine mottled pattern / ○ last simple dorsal ray stiff / ○ pelvic axillary scales present / ○ scales on back, flank, and belly well developed, overlapping / ○ 5 – 7 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin. Size up to 126 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2B1BFB2EFBABF8F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Orontes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2B1BFB2EFBABF8F1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel or sand substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEE5FEAE2B1BFB2EFBABF8F1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; occurs in less than 10 independent, mostly declining populations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFAFEB128ABFAEBFADEFA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Syrian spotted bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFAFEB128ABFAEBFADEFA51.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Mediterranean basin by: ○ mottled pattern on flank, pattern fuzzy, and usually blurred in live individuals / ○ anal origin below 5 th or 6 th branched dorsal ray / ○ 3 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ ventral keel exposed for 5 – 10 scales in front of anus / ○ 9 – 12 gill rakers / ○ 9 – 11 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 45 – 52 total lateral line scales / ○ 3 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ last simple dorsal ray soft / ○ pelvic axillary scales present / ○ scales on back, flank, and belly well developed, overlapping. Size up to 104 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFAFEB128ABFAEBFADEFA51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Syria: Nahr al Kabir (North), Nahr al Sanawbar, and Nahr al-Hawaiz.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFAFEB128ABFAEBFADEFA51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and rivers with moderately fast-flowing water and gravel substrate. In a reservoir at Nahr al Kabir but absent from the Nahr al Sanawbar and Nahr al-Hawaiz reservoirs. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFAFEB128ABFAEBFADEFA51.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFAFEB128ABFAEBFADEFA51.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Occasionally been identified as Leuciscus spurius, a name given to a hybrid between Squalius and Alburnus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFBFEB32885FD55FB69FF71.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Shah kuli.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFBFEB32885FD55FB69FF71.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Persian Gulf, Qweiq, Lake Van, and Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ usually 63 – 83 + 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 10 – 25 gill rakers in riverine populations, up to 35 in lake populations / ○ 10 – 13 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 11 – 16 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 4 – 7 scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ head depth at nape 14 – 16 % SL / ○ postorbital distance 10 – 12 % SL / ○ anal origin below last branched dorsal ray or behind / ○ ventral keel covered by one or more scales / ○ flank scales without grey margins or irregular set grey pigmentation / ○ a distinct, often bold mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 180 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFBFEB32885FD55FB69FF71.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, and Tigris drainages. In endorheic Kor basin in Central Iran, and rivers south to Mond and Dalaki. Introduced to Gölbaşı Lake (Ceyhan drainage) in Türkiye.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFBFEB32885FD55FB69FF71.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, reservoirs, and all types of streams and rivers, from cold upland streams to subtropical rivers. Spawns in current on submerged vegetation or gravel substrate, also on wave-washed lake shores. Biology. Gregarious. Lives up to 5 – 6 years, usually matures at 2. Spawns June – August. Feeds on drifting invertebrates, small animals that have fallen to surface, mainly on zooplankton in lakes, reservoirs, and large rivers.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFBFEB32885FD55FB69FF71.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Syrian part of Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFBFEB32885FD55FB69FF71.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The records from Orontes are most likely mislabelled, and this species has not been found here in 20 th and 21 st centuries. Alburnus heckeli, A. mossulensis, A. selcuklui, and A. zagrosensis are synonyms. Alburnus heckeli has been recognised as a separate species, differing in having more gill rakers (28 – 35 vs. 10 – 25 in A. sellal). Populations with high numbers of gill rakers, otherwise indistinguishable from A. sellal, have since been found in other lacustrine environments, including a reservoir. This suggests a rapid adaptation of this character to lentic conditions.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF9FEB22885FB3FFACFFA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tarek.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF9FEB22885FB3FFACFFA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Persian Gulf, Qweiq, Lake Van, and Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ 69 – 88 + 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 21 – 29 gill rakers / ○ 10 – 12 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 11 – 15 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 5 – 8 scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ anal origin 0 – 4 scales behind last branched dorsal ray / ○ ventral keel scaleless or one scale behind pelvic base / ○ flank scales with grey margins or irregular set grey pigmentation / ○ mid-lateral stripe absent or very faint. Size up to 220 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF9FEB22885FB3FFACFFA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Van basin including Lakes Nazik and Aygır. Landlocked in Koçköprü reservoir (Zilan). Introduced to Lake Erçek in 1989.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF9FEB22885FB3FFACFFA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine, usually feeding in open water. Swims up tributaries to spawn in Van and Erçek basins. Spawns on shores of Nazik and Aygır lakes. Biology. Lives up to 8 years. Matures at 2 years. Spawns May – June.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF9FEB22885FB3FFACFFA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; fisheries for this commercial species are well managed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF9FEB22885FB3FFACFFA42.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Introduced to Lake Burdur (Central Anatolia) in 1966, where it became temporarily established but disappeared before the 1980 s.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB42885FB09FAADFAE9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karasu tarek.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB42885FB09FAADFAE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Persian Gulf, Qweiq, Lake Van, and Iranian endorheic basins by: ○ 13 – 17 gill rakers / ○ ventral keel present, scaleless for 5 – 10 scales in front of anus / ○ 9 – 11 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 51 – 65 (72) + 3 lateral-line scales / ○ a prominent dark-brown mid-lateral stripe / ○ body slender, elongate / ○ snout pointed / ○ head width at nape 12 – 14 % SL / ○ postorbital distance 12 – 15 % SL / ○ head depth at nape 16 – 18 % SL / ○ flank scales without grey margins or irregular set grey pigmentation / ○ a distinct, often bold mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 113 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB42885FB09FAADFAE9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Karasu drainage in Lake Van basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB42885FB09FAADFAE9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow to moderately fast-flowing streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB42885FB09FAADFAE9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; seems to decline within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB42885FB09FAADFAE9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. A resident freshwater species found together with A. tarichi during the spawning season.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB72B1BFA7EFCF4FBA2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mahabad bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB72B1BFA7EFCF4FBA2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Alburnus in Caspian and Lake Urmia basins by: ● ventral keel between posterior pelvic base and anus absent or very shallow / ○ 12 – 16 gill rakers / ○ 7 – 10 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 33 – 42 + 3 lateral line scales / ○ a bold, dark-brown mid-lateral stripe / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 130 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB72B1BFA7EFCF4FBA2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Lake Urmia basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB72B1BFA7EFCF4FBA2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lowland sections of streams and rivers with slow-flowing to standing water and submerged vegetation. Biology. Lives for 4 years. Matures at 2 years. Spawns April – June. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates, plants, and phytoplankton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB72B1BFA7EFCF4FBA2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Formerly placed in Petroleuciscus. Alburnus ulanus shares mtDNA with Alburnus atropatenae, but both species are well differentiated by morphological characters, and introgressive hybridisation is probably responsible for the similar mtDNA.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFFFEB72B1BFA7EFCF4FBA2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; appears to be on the verge of extinction. Several field teams have failed to record it in recent years. Only one individual was found in a heavily polluted stream in 2018. It was once widespread in and around wetlands along lower reaches of tributaries of Lake Urmia. Massive habitat alteration due to construction of many dams has meant that there are now very few slow-flowing lowland rivers and streams left. These, however, have been severely affected by pollution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB62885FAD6FC23F921.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zobel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB62885FAD6FC23F921.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Abramis, Acanthobrama, Blicca, and Vimba by: ○ mouth small, inferior / ● 47 – 54 total lateral line scales / ● eye large, about equal to snout length / ● 34 – 41 ½ branched anal rays. Size up to 330 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB62885FAD6FC23F921.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Kura and Aras drainages in Azerbaijan and Georgia. Aral basin and European parts of Black, Azov, and Caspian basins. Introduced or native in northern Dvina drainage (White Sea basin), where it is spreading northwards from warmer upper reaches (Vychegda system). Non-native in Volkhov (a tributary of Lake Ladoga), Rhine, and Vistula drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB62885FAD6FC23F921.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large lowland rivers and estuaries. Spawns in fast-flowing water on gravel bottom or submerged vegetation. Biology. A rheophile, nocturnal species. First spawns at 3 – 4 years. Spawns April – May when temperature rises above 8 ° C, in large aggregations. Semi-anadromous populations feed in large brackish water habitats in estuaries around Black and Caspian Seas. Spawning migration of semi-anadromous individuals begins in November (Kura). Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB62885FAD6FC23F921.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB62885FAD6FC23F921.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often listed for Iran but has yet to be confirmed. Very rare in Kura and Aras.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB92B1BF930FB3BFACB.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Silver bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB92B1BF930FB3BFACB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Abramis, Acanthobrama, Ballerus, and Vimba by: ○ sub-inferior mouth, which cannot be extended as a tube / ○ 43 – 46 + 2 – 3 lateral line scales / ○ 19 – 23 ½ branched anal rays / ○ eye diameter about equal to snout length in individuals larger than 100 mm SL / ● pharyngeal teeth 2,5 – 2,5 / ○ orange or reddish base of paired fins in adults. Size up to 330 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB92B1BF930FB3BFACB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian, Marmara, and Black Sea basins. Introduced to Cyprus. In Aral, North, Baltic, White, Northern Black (south to Rioni drainage), Atlantic basins south to Adour drainage (France; possibly introduced south of Loire) and Mediterranean basins in France (Hérault and Rhône drainages). Naturally absent from Iberian Peninsula, Italy, Adriatic basin, Crimea, Great Britain (except southeast), Scandinavia north of Sundsvall (Sweden) and 65 ° N (Finland). Locally introduced in Spain, north-east Italy, and France, apparently introduced in small coastal drainages of Var.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB92B1BF930FB3BFACB.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide variety of shallow, warm lowland lakes and slow-flowing lower reaches of large rivers and canals. Often very abundant at bottom of large sandy rivers. Spawns along banks on submerged vegetation, roots, or shallow gravel bottoms. Biology. Predominantly nocturnal. Gregarious. Lives more than 10 years. Males first spawn at 2 years, females at 3. Most individuals spawn 2 – 3 times per season, about 10 days apart, and may spawn more than once. Spawns in early morning in May – July at temperatures above 15 ° C. Eggs are sticky, and larvae inhabit still waters. Feeds on benthic invertebrates. Often hybridises with Vimba vimba. Most reported hybrids with Abramis brama are A. brama with pharyngeal teeth 2.5 – 5.2 (as opposed to usual 5 – 5).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEFDFEB92B1BF930FB3BFACB.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF2FEB82B39FA93FB8EF95E.taxon	description	A genus of middle-sized to large Leuciscids, found from France to the Volga, and Iran. Together with the Anatolian Turcichondrostoma, they are related to the west European genera Achondrostoma, Iberochondrostoma, Pseudochondrostoma, Parachondrostoma, and Protochondrostoma, which all form one monophyletic lineage. All nases are also related to the European Leuciscid genera Phoxinellus and Telestes and the West Asian genus Pseudophoxinus, although the precise phylogenetic relationships between these groups remain unclear. In West Asia, 11 out of 12 species of Chondrostoma are characterised by a well-developed rostral cap covering most of the upper lip and a variably developed cornified cutting edge on the lower jaw. Chondrostoma are slender fishes that inhabit fast-flowing waters near or on stone bottom. They obtain their food by scraping algae growing on stones and rocks and invertebrates living among them, which we refer to as “ aufwuchs ” (literally, ‘ growth’). Adults have an inferior mouth with a cornified sheath covering the lower lip, often with a sharp edge. In some species, the mouth is arched, as in most leuciscids. In more specialised species, the anterior edge of the lower lip (bearing the cornified sheath) is straight. In such species, the lower lip is distinctly fleshy only at the corners of the mouth, and the cornified sheath appears as a blade. The mouth morphology changes during ontogeny and all species with a straight mouth in adults have an arched mouth when they are juveniles. In West Asia, all Chondrostoma are difficult to distinguish, and many species are very closely related. The published diagnoses of several species do not provide an effective means of differentiating them. Consequently, the following keys are presented as a provisional guide only. Given their close phylogenetic relationship, future studies are anticipated to reveal some of the species to be conspecific.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBB28ABFD7BFB1CFD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Beyşehir nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBB28ABFD7BFB1CFD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Central Anatolia and eastern Mediterranean basin by: ● body considerably compressed / ○ keels covered by scales on back in front of dorsal and on belly between pectoral and pelvic / ○ posterior scale margin markedly undulated / ○ 60 − 71 total lateral-line scales / ○ (6 – 7) 7 – 7 pharyngeal teeth / ○ 8 – 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 8 − 11 ½, usually 9 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 33 − 40 gill rakers / ○ thick cornified sheath covering lower lip. Size up to 251 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBB28ABFD7BFB1CFD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Beyşehir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBB28ABFD7BFB1CFD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to moderately fast-flowing rivers and streams, often with dense submerged vegetation and gravel substrate. Biology. Feeds on periphyton scraped from hard substrate.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBB28ABFD7BFB1CFD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; restricted to a few tributaries of the lake. Probably also inhabited lake, but currently absent due to invasion by non-native species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBA28ABF8F3FD66FD3E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Cilician nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBA28ABF8F3FD66FD3E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Central Anatolia and eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ 59 − 68 total lateral-line scales / ○ usually 6 – 6 pharyngeal teeth / ○ 8 – 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 − 11 ½, usually 9 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 24 − 29 gill rakers / ○ poorly cornified sheath covering lower lip / ○ back in front of dorsal without keel / ○ keel between anus and posterior pelvic base shallow but well-developed. Size up to 265 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBA28ABF8F3FD66FD3E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Tarsus, Seyhan, and Ceyhan drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBA28ABF8F3FD66FD3E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderate to fast-flowing large to medium-sized rivers with rocky or gravelly bottom. Common in reservoirs. Spawns in fast-flowing waters on shallow gravel beds, often in small tributaries. Biology. Lives up to 5 years. First spawns at 2 – 3 years. Spawns April – June (Sır Reservoir, Ceyhan). Feeds on periphyton scraped from hard substrate.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBA28ABF8F3FD66FD3E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF0FEBA28ABF8F3FD66FD3E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Chondrostoma ceyhanense, C. kinzelbachi, and C. toros are very closely related to C. regium and are difficult to distinguish. Future research may clarify whether they are better treated as distinct populations of C. regium.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF1FEBA2885FB2EFA17FA7E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Colchic nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF1FEBA2885FB2EFA17FA7E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ 55 − 69, usually 58 − 64, total lateral-line scales / ○ 6 – 6 or 6 – 5, pharyngeal teeth / ○ 8 − 10 ½, usually 9 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 8 − 11 ½, usually 9 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 20 − 30 gill rakers / usually 9, rarely 8, branched pelvic rays / ○ thick cornified sheath covering lower lip. Size up to 300 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF1FEBA2885FB2EFA17FA7E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sakarya east to Çoruh (Türkiye and Georgia) and Black Sea basin from Çoruh north to Novorossiysk (Georgia and Russia).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF1FEBA2885FB2EFA17FA7E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderate to fast-flowing, large- to medium-sized rivers with rocky or gravel bottoms, also in lakes and reservoirs. Spawns in fast-flowing water on shallow gravel beds, often in small tributaries. Biology. Matures at 3 years. Spawning season depends on altitude and water temperature, peaking in April at 12 – 15 ° C. Females lay 2 – 3 batches of eggs during a spawning season. Feeds on periphyton scraped from hard substrate.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF1FEBA2885FB2EFA17FA7E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF1FEBA2885FB2EFA17FA7E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Chondrostoma angorense from Sakarya is a synonym, and C. colchicum is very closely related to C. nasus, both may be conspecific.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBD28ABFB2EFBCEFA81.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Southern Caspian nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBD28ABFB2EFBCEFA81.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Caspian, Persian Gulf, and Kor endorheic basins in Iran by: ● mouth strongly arched both in juveniles and adults / ● cornified sheath covering lower lip very thin / ○ 48 – 73, usually 52 – 62, total lateral-line scales / ○ 6 – 5, rarely 6 – 6 or 5 – 5, pharyngeal teeth / ○ 7 − 9 ½, usually 8 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 8 − 10 ½, usually 9 ½, branched anal rays / ○ (17) 21 − 26 (32) gill rakers. Size up to 246 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBD28ABFB2EFBCEFA81.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin: Kura and Aras drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBD28ABFB2EFBCEFA81.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Foothill and mountain rivers with strong to slow currents, sandy, and rocky to gravelly bottoms, also in lakes and reservoirs. Spawns on hard bottoms, migrate from lakes and reservoirs into tributaries to spawn. Biology. Lives at least 5 years and matures at 2 – 3 years. Spawning season depends on altitude and water temperature, peaking in April (lower Kura), June – July (upper Kura). Females spawn one batch of eggs per year. Feeds on periphyton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBD28ABFB2EFBCEFA81.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; has declined due to hydropower development and pollution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBC2B39FAD6FAEBFCC3.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ravansar nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBC2B39FAD6FAEBFCC3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Caspian, Persian Gulf, and Kor endorheic basins in Iran by: ● no cornified sheath covering lower lip / ○ mouth markedly arched both in juveniles and adults / ○ 8 − 9 ½, usually 8 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 10 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 51 − 58 total lateral-line scales / ● 15 − 17 gill rakers / ○ 6 – 6 pharyngeal teeth. Size up to 120 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBC2B39FAD6FAEBFCC3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Sarab-e Ravansar, a headwater of Seymareh, a tributary of Karkheh.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBC2B39FAD6FAEBFCC3.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow to moderate-flowing streams with muddy and sandy bottoms and dense riparian vegetation. Biology. Feeds on periphyton scraped from hard substrate. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBC2B39FAD6FAEBFCC3.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; known only from a small population in a very small area. Desiccation of the river is a major threat, and the species may be at the edge of extinction.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF6FEBC2B39FAD6FAEBFCC3.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Mitochondrial DNA analysis places this species in C. regium, which is widespread in the region. The general morphology suggests that C. esmaeilii may be a hybrid between C. regium and Squalius verepi. As these two species have not been found in the range of C. esmaeilii (despite several attempts), this species is likely a stabilised species of hybrid origin that reproduces independently of its parental species. More research is needed to clarify the situation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF7FEBC2885FA93FAF8FA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eastern Aegean nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF7FEBC2885FA93FAF8FA51.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ 60 − 69 total lateral-line scales / ○ 6 − 6, rarely 7 – 6, pharyngeal teeth / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 8 − 10 ½, usually 9 ½, branched anal rays / ○ usually 8 branched pelvic rays / ○ 21 − 24 gill rakers / ○ thick cornified sheath covering lower lip. Size up to 230 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF7FEBC2885FA93FAF8FA51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Gediz north to Bakırçay drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF7FEBC2885FA93FAF8FA51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mid-sized streams to large rivers with rocky or gravelly bottoms and moderately fast currents, also in reservoirs. Biology. Lives up to 5 years. Matures at 2 – 3 years. Spawns March to early May.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF7FEBC2885FA93FAF8FA51.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF4FEBF28ABFD9AFA0CFCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Levantine nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF4FEBF28ABFD9AFA0CFCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Central Anatolia and eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ (59) 63 − 73 (75) total lateral-line scales / ○ usually 7 – 7 pharyngeal teeth / ○ 9 − 10 ½, usually 9 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 10 − 13 ½, usually 10 − 11 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 32 − 38 gill rakers / ○ thick sheath covering lower lip / ○ no keel on back in front of dorsal. Size up to 220 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF4FEBF28ABFD9AFA0CFCC4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Orontes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF4FEBF28ABFD9AFA0CFCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Medium-sized streams to large rivers with rocky or gravelly bottoms and fast to moderately fast currents. Also, in natural lakes and large reservoirs from which it migrates into tributaries to spawn. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF4FEBF28ABFD9AFA0CFCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Once widespread in Orontes, may now be restricted to Lake Gölbaşı and upper Karasu, including Tahtaköprü reservoir.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF4FEBF28ABFD9AFA0CFCC4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Chondrostoma kinzelbachi, C. ceyhanense, and C. toros are all very closely related to C. regium and are difficult to distinguish. Future research may clarify whether they are better treated as distinct populations of C. regium.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FEBE2885FF5EFA25FEBC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Işıklı nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FEBE2885FF5EFA25FEBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ 52 − 60 total lateral-line scales / ○ 6 − 6, rarely 6 – 5, pharyngeal teeth / ○ 8 ½ − 9 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 − 10 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 23 − 30 gill rakers / ○ thick sheath covering lower lip / ○ usually 8 branched pelvic rays. Size up to 209 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FEBE2885FF5EFA25FEBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Işıklı basin in upper Büyük Menderes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FEBE2885FF5EFA25FEBC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, reservoirs, medium-sized streams, and large rivers have rocky or gravelly bottoms and moderate to slow currents. Biology. Lives up to 5 years. Matures at 1 – 2 years. Spawns March – May.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FEBE2885FF5EFA25FEBC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FE812885FA82FE83FDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FE812885FA82FE83FDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ 8 – 10 ½, usually 8 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ usually 9, rarely 8 branched pelvic rays / ○ 52 – 72 (usually 60 – 63) total lateral line scales / ○ 24 – 31 gill rakers / ○ (9) 10 – 11 ½ branched anal rays. Size up to 460 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FE812885FA82FE83FDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Susurluk and Hoşap drainages on Biga peninsula. Danube, Dniestr, South Bug, and Dniepr drainages in Black Sea basin, Neman, Odra, and Vistula in southern Baltic basin and rivers of southern North Seas (westward to Meuse). Invasive or introduced in Rhône, Loire, Hérault, Seine (France), and Soca (Italy, Slovenia) drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FE812885FA82FE83FDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately to rapidly-flowing large to medium-sized rivers with rocky or gravelly bottoms. Spawns in fast-flowing waters on shallow gravel beds, often in small tributaries. May show a strong size-dependent longitudinal distribution in smaller rivers, with adults occupying more upper reaches. Biology. Lives up to 12 years. First spawns at 4 – 5 years. May migrate tens of kilometers to spawning grounds, often in tributaries, but does not occupy these in summer. Spawns March – May when temperature reaches 12 ° C. Males form large aggregations, with each male defending a small territory. Females spawn only once a year and, in some populations, for a very short time (3 – 5 days). Females lay sticky eggs burrowed in gravel. Feeding larvae live on banks below water surface. Early juveniles are benthic and inhabit very shallow shoreline habitats. As they grow, they leave banks for faster-flowing water. Recruitment closely linked to high spring temperatures, absence of spring floods and availability of shallow-water riparian habitats. Juveniles overwinter in backwaters or in celvics along banks. Adults form dense schools in lower reaches of rivers during winter. Larvae and early juveniles with superior and later terminal mouths feed on small invertebrates. Larger juveniles and adults with inferior mouths feed on benthic diatoms, and detritus scraped from hard substrate in habitats with strong currents.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FE812885FA82FE83FDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEF5FE812885FA82FE83FDF4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Populations in Adriatic basin from Aoos (Greece, Albania) north to Drin and Skadar Lake basin constitute a separate valid species: C. ohridanum.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECAFE8028ABF97AFBAFFED9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECAFE8028ABF97AFBAFFED9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Caspian, Persian Gulf, and Kor endorheic basin in Iran by: ○ 47 − 74, usually 58 – 72, total lateral-line scales / ○ usually 6 − 6, 7 – 6 or 7 – 7 pharyngeal teeth, rarely 6 – 5 or 7 – 5 / ○ 8 − 9 ½, rarely 7 ½ or 10 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 8 − 12 ½, usually 9 − 10 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 22 − 34 gill rakers / ○ mouth cleft straight or slightly arched / ○ thick cornified sheath covering lower lip / ○ no keel on back in front of dorsal / ○ 45 − 48, usually 46 − 47 (27 + 20, 26 + 21, 26 + 20), total vertebrae. Size up to 400 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECAFE8028ABF97AFBAFFED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, Tigris, and Karun drainages. In Zohreh drainage and Kor, Esfahan and Sirjan basins in Iran.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECAFE8028ABF97AFBAFFED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Medium-sized streams and springs to large rivers with rocky or gravelly bottoms and swift to moderate currents. Spawns on gravel substrate in fast-flowing stretches of river. In reservoirs, from which they migrate to rivers or streams to spawn. Biology. Live up to 8 years. First reproduction at 2 – 4 years and about 130 (males) and 150 (females) mm SL. Spawning season strongly related to altitude and latitude and triggered by water temperature of 15 – 25 ° C. Reported to spawn in January (Sirvan, Iraq), March – May (Baghdad, Iraq; Gamasiyab, Iran), May – June (Syria), and April – May in Atatürk reservoir (Türkiye). Feeds on periphyton in rivers, often taking large quantities of plankton in reservoirs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECAFE8028ABF97AFBAFFED9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq. Very rare in Kor, recorded only from Band-e Amir and Ghadamgah spring since 2007.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECAFE8028ABF97AFBAFFED9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. There is one record from the Orontes drainage at Gis as-Sugur in Syria (caught in 1979), but this is doubtful. Chondrostoma orientale from the Kor in Iran is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECBFE832885FA5AFEF3FBDE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Taurus nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECBFE832885FA5AFEF3FBDE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Central Anatolia and eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ 56 – 64 total lateral-line scales / ○ 6 − 6 pharyngeal teeth / ○ 8 − 10 ½, usually 9 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 − 11 ½, usually 10 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 25 − 30 gill rakers / ○ thick cornified sheath covering lower lip / ○ keel between anus and posterior pelvic base absent or very poorly developed / ○ no keel on back in front of dorsal. Size up to 208 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECBFE832885FA5AFEF3FBDE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Göksu drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECBFE832885FA5AFEF3FBDE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Medium-sized streams to large rivers with rocky or gravelly bottoms and swift to moderate currents. Spawns on gravel substrate in swift-flowing river stretches. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECBFE832885FA5AFEF3FBDE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECBFE832885FA5AFEF3FBDE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Poorly distinguished from C. ceyhanense, both might be conspecific. Chondrostoma toros, C. ceyhanense, and C. kinzelbachi are all very closely related to C. regium and are difficult to distinguish. Future research may clarify whether they are better treated as distinct populations of C. regium.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC8FE8328ABFB62FA96FBDE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Menderes nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC8FE8328ABFB62FA96FBDE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ 44 − 54 total lateral-line scales / ○ 6 − 6, rarely 5 – 6 or 5 – 5, pharyngeal teeth / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 − 10 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 19 − 27 gill rakers / ○ thick cornified sheath covering lower lip / ○ usually 8 branched pelvic rays. Size up to 240 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC8FE8328ABFB62FA96FBDE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Tahtalı, Küçük, and Büyük Menderes drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC8FE8328ABFB62FA96FBDE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderate to fast-flowing large to medium-sized rivers with rocky or gravel bottoms. Spawns in fast-flowing water on shallow gravel beds, often in small tributaries. Biology. Feed on periphyton scraped from hard substrate.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC8FE8328ABFB62FA96FBDE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; disappeared from the Küçük Menderes drainage, which is now dry in upper and heavily polluted in lower reaches.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC8FE8328ABFB62FA96FBDE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Populations from Tahtalı were described as C. smyrnae based on very small molecular differences only. Morphological characters distinguishing C. smyrnae from C. turnai could not be confirmed based on our material, and C. smyrnae is treated as a synonym of C. turnai.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC9FE822884F9D2FE18F82D.taxon	description	Egirdira comprises small fish that inhabit densely vegetated streams and springs. The single species is endemic to Central Anatolia. It is distinguished from all other Leuciscids in West Asia by having the pectoral rays 2 – 3 thicker and slightly slanted upward, with a conspicuous downward angle at the distal end of the thickened part in the male. This character is shared with the European genera Pelasgus and Delminichthys, both related to Egirdira.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECEFE8428ABF901FA8EFE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Egirdira.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECEFE8428ABF901FA8EFE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Only species in genus. Size up to 80 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECEFE8428ABF901FA8EFE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Eğirdir basin, Eflatunpınarı in Lake Beyşehir basin, and Yeşilyurt spring in upper Aksu drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECEFE8428ABF901FA8EFE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Densely vegetated springs and streams. In Lake Eğirdir itself and in lakeshore springs. Spawns in dense vegetation. Biology. Spawns after first winter. Lives up to 5 years. Individual females usually spawn twice a season, large females 3 – 4 times. Males with golden nuptial colouration, and dark brown lateral stripe, females mottled brown. Males territorial during spawning. Spawns at night.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECEFE8428ABF901FA8EFE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECEFE8428ABF901FA8EFE24.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Previously placed in genus Pseudophoxinus and usually known as P. egirdiri, which is a junior synonym of P. nigra. The Eflatunpınarı population has a minimum COI barcode distance of 1.5 % to the Eğirdir population, with no morphological differences. This population has not been observed for more than 15 years, suggesting its possible extirpation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECFFE842885FC22FC39FB55.taxon	description	Ladigesocypris is a small fish endemic to the southern Aegean basin. It is the sole species in the genus, closely related to Squalius and Petroleuciscus. Some authors have treated Ladigesocypris as a synonym of Squalius. This view is not supported by all molecular analyses, which are inconclusive. While some studies place Ladigesocypris within Squalius, others place the species close to Petroleuciscus, suggesting that Petroleuciscus might be a synonym of Ladigesocypris. The two genera are only distinguished by an incomplete lateral line in Ladigesocypris (vs. complete in Petroleuciscus). Previously, three species of Ladigesocypris were recognised. However, L. irideus from Anatolia cannot be distinguished from Greek L. ghigii, and L. mermere from Lake Marmara was found to be a synonym of Petroleuciscus smyrnaeus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECCFE8728ABFF5EFCFAFDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ghizani.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECCFE8728ABFF5EFCFAFDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from superficially similar Petroleuciscus smyrnaeus in southwestern Anatolia by: ● lateral line incomplete, perforating 5 – 11 scales / ● 27 – 33 total scales in midlateral row / ● broad grey or black midlateral stripe from head to caudal base, separating dark-brown back from white belly. Size up to 65 mm SL in male, 90 mm SL in female.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECCFE8728ABFF5EFCFAFDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Isolated populations around Marmaris, Lake Köyceğiz and in lower Dalaman drainage. Greece: Widespread on island of Rhodes, locally introduced near Athens.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECCFE8728ABFF5EFCFAFDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and slow-flowing stretches of streams. Biology. Lives up to 3 years. First spawns at 1 year. Spawns February – June. Fractional spawner among aquatic vegetation, especially filamentous algae. Eggs sticky, 1.3 mm in diameter, hatch in 4 days. Larvae along banks, often among vegetation. Feeds on small invertebrates and algae, in summer, mainly on plant material. Large numbers of juveniles and adults die each year during summer and autumn droughts.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECCFE8728ABFF5EFCFAFDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECDFE862885FF5EFC85FD8C.taxon	description	This monotypic genus is phylogenetically isolated and may be related to Alburnus, although it is superficially similar to the European genus Telestes. Leucalburnus is poorly known, its ecology and distribution should be studied in greater depth, and its population trends should be monitored. Studying its ecology should not result in slaughtering hundreds of fish to calculate some useless indices, such as length-weight relationships or other trivialities.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECDFE862885FDD3FB0BFE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ardahan mountain dace.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECDFE862885FDD3FB0BFE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Leuciscids in West Asia by: ○ scaleless keel in front of anus short, reaching about 50 % of distance between vent and pelvic base / ○ body cylindrical, only slightly compressed / ○ 15 – 20 short, stout gill rakers / ○ 8 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 65 – 72 total lateral-line scales. Size up to 175 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECDFE862885FDD3FB0BFE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ardahan plateau in upper Kura drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECDFE862885FDD3FB0BFE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mountain streams with moderate fast-flowing water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECDFE862885FDD3FB0BFE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; no known threats, but limited range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FECDFE892885FA4FFB90FED9.taxon	description	Leucaspius is a group of small, slender, and silvery fishes often confused with juvenile Alburnus. Leucaspius is related to Alburnus and can be distinguished from it by an incomplete lateral line (vs. complete). Leucaspius are accidentally introduced with stocked fish from ponds, where they might be very abundant. Stocking also blurred the distribution area of the different species. Molecular data suggest that Leucaspius may include five species. Leucaspius delineatus was first described from the Danube drainage in Moravia (Czech Republic) and the adjacent region around Vienna (Austria). It is considered restricted to Central Europe, with records from the upper Danube. It has also been introduced in the Weser and Elbe drainages in Czech Republic and Germany. Leucaspius abruptus, described from the upper Dniestr, may be the available name for the species that is widely distributed in Eastern Europe, from the Pechora to the Rhine, including the upper Volga and the Dniestr and Dniepr in the northern Black Sea basin. Three additional molecular clades have been identified in West Asia. Leucaspius owsianka, described from the upper Don, is the available name for sun bleaks found in the Caucasian Black Sea basin of Russia and those from the Don and Kuban drainages. Leucaspius thracicus, described from the Bosporus region in Türkiye, is widely distributed in the lower Danube drainage, the lower Dniestr, Georgia, eastern Greece (Nestos), and the Marmara Sea basin. Leucaspius dimorphus is an available name for the populations from the western Caspian basin, including the rivers of Dagestan and the Kura and Sefid drainages. Further research is required to assess this genus fully. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest how the different molecular groups of Leucaspius can be distinguished externally, and their distribution remains uncertain. Therefore, we have elected to retain L. delineatus as the provisional designation pending further investigation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC2FE8928AAFCBAFB87FA60.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sun bleak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC2FE8928AAFCBAFB87FA60.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other Leuciscidae in Black and Marmara Sea basin by: ○ lateral line incomplete with about 8 – 12 pored scales / ○ keel covered by scales between pelvic origin and anus / ○ mouth superior / ○ 11 – 13 ½ branched anal rays. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC2FE8928AAFCBAFB87FA60.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Izmit west to Susurluk drainage in Marmara basin, including Lakes Apolyont and Manyas (L. thracicus). Azov and Black Sea basin south to Rioni drainage (L. owsianka), northern and western Caspian basin (south to Sefid drainage in Iran) (L. dimorphus). In Europe, from lower Rhine and northern Germany east to Pechora drainage; Black Sea basin south to Rioni drainage, northern and western Caspian basin; Aegean Sea basin (from Maritsa to Nestos). Absent in Italy, Adriatic basin, Great Britain, and Scandinavia (except southernmost Sweden). Widely introduced in France, upper Rhine drainage, and locally in Great Britain and Switzerland.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC2FE8928AAFCBAFB87FA60.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lowland riverine habitats, especially oxbows and other water bodies connected to rivers only during floods. Often found in ponds, steppe lakes, and small bodies of water not connected to rivers. May occur in any habitat with few or no predators. Biology. Gregarious. Spawns first time with one year; only for a single season. Spawns May – September when temperatures reach 16 – 18 ° C. Females may spawn about once every 3 weeks. Males are territorial; they clean spawning area and guard eggs, tied in strings around roots, reeds, aquatic vegetation, or any material floating on water surface. Feeds mainly on zooplankton and terrestrial insects. Stunted populations can form in predator-free habitats. Often rapidly invades newly created water bodies by as yet-unknown mechanisms. In Europe, scales were used to produce Essence d’Orient to coat artificial pearls.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC2FE8928AAFCBAFB87FA60.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC3FE882885FF5EFC38FD3E.taxon	description	Daces, ides, and asps of the genus Leuciscus are medium-sized to large leuciscids, with the greatest diversity occurring from Western Europe to Siberia. Leuciscus are characterised by their silvery, elongated body, concave posterior margin of the anal, a complete lateral line, and 7 – 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Most species inhabit large rivers and streams with clear water and moderate to swift currents. Two species, Leuciscus aspius and L. vorax, are known to occur in West Asia, where they are large predators that hunt in the open water column of lakes, marshes, and large rivers, often also in freshened parts of the sea. Both were previously classified in their own genus, Aspius. Leuciscus latus, described from the Hari in Afghanistan, has been occasionally listed for Iran. Recent records appear to be based on a misidentification of Rutilus lacustris, a non-native species in the Hari. The identity of L. latus requires further clarification, and the species has not been recorded in the 20 th or 21 st century. It cannot be excluded that L. latus is a synonym of one of the Central Asian Leuciscus species. Central Asian species, including L. baicalensis, L. bergi, L. lehmanni, L. lindbergi, L. squaliusculus, and L. dzungaricus, all share the same or highly similar mitochondrial DNA haplotypes (COI). This species group requires taxonomic revision. Aspiolucius esocinus is an asp native to the Aral basin, which appears to be closely related to Leuciscus and may be transferred to that genus in the future.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC3FE8B2885F965FB7EFD59.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Asp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC3FE8B2885F965FB7EFD59.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from L. vorax by: ● 61 – 73 + 3 lateral line scales / ● lower lip slightly projecting upper lip. Size up to 800 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC3FE8B2885F965FB7EFD59.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Widespread in Caspian basin. Sakarya and rivers west of Sakarya. In Rioni drainage (Georgia) but absent from Black Sea basin south of Danube. Large rivers draining into Aral Sea and North Sea (Weser, Elbe), Baltic Sea (southern tributaries, Norway east of Oslo, southern Sweden, Kokemären drainage in southern Finland), northern Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea; Aegean basin from Maritza to Lake Volvi drainages. Introduced in Rhine, Rhone, and other French rivers, Po (Italy), northern Dvina (Russia), Lake Balkhash (Central Asia), and likely elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC3FE8B2885F965FB7EFD59.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Open waters of large and medium-sized lowland rivers and large lakes. Often found in freshwater parts of sea. Spawns on gravel or submerged vegetation in fast-flowing water. Lake populations migrate into tributaries. Biology. Lives more than 10 years. First spawns at 3 – 5 years. Reproductive success appears to be linked to low water levels and high spring temperatures. Spawns more than one season, in March – early April (mid – May in Volga), when temperatures rise above 8 ° C (Rhine) or even lower (4 – 6 ° C on Terek) in places with strong currents. Spawning takes about 2 weeks, often just few days. Eggs are attached to gravel or submerged vegetation. Semi-anadromous individuals or populations (Terek) forage mainly in estuaries and freshened parts of sea, migrating to rivers only to spawn. Begins spawning migration in second half of October (Terek) and overwinters in lower part of river. Juveniles gregarious predators; adults hunt in small groups or are solitary. Juveniles and adults feed mainly on fish, especially Atherina and Alburnus. Juveniles grow rapidly, reaching about 80 – 100 mm SL in first year. In Europe, often hybridises with Leuciscus idus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC3FE8B2885F965FB7EFD59.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC. Seems to be extirpated from Sakarya.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC3FE8B2885F965FB7EFD59.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Records from Lake Manyas (Türkiye) could not be confirmed. Populations from the southern Caspian and Aral basins are reported to have up to 90 total lateral line scales and often red lips. The morphology of asps has not been studied in detail, and molecular studies (COI), including asps from the Aras, Aral basin, and Europe, show that all populations are very closely related and show no geographical structure.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC1FE8A2885FA17FBE1F898.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian asp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC1FE8A2885FA17FBE1F898.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from L. aspius by: ● 79 – 107 lateral line scales / ● lower lip strongly projecting upper lip. Size up to 1300 mm SL and 60 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC1FE8A2885FA17FBE1F898.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates and Tigris drainages, including lower Karun and Jarahi (Iran).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC1FE8A2885FA17FBE1F898.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Spawns in current on submerged vegetation and gravel. Biology. Lives up to 8 years, likely much longer. Matures at 3 – 4 years and spawns January – early March at water temperatures of 10 – 14 ° C. Juveniles prey on small fish, aquatic insects, and molluscs, while adults prey mainly on fish and frogs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC1FE8A2885FA17FBE1F898.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC1FE8A2885FA17FBE1F898.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Records from the Orontes drainage are doubtful and may refer to Squalius kottelati.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC6FE8D28ABFAA7FD67F9F5.taxon	description	Mirogrex comprises a group of pelagic fish that superficially resemble bleaks of the genus Alburnus. There are two species in this genus. Both are endemic to the upper Jordan drainage and are only found in three lakes, one already dry. Previously, both species were included in the genus Acanthobrama, but they represent an independent evolutionary lineage within the radiation of breams. Both species are closely related, and it is possible that they share a quite recent evolutionary past.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC6FE8D28ABF97AFA96F930.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hula bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC6FE8D28ABF97AFA96F930.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from M. terraesanctae by: ● 63 − 73 total lateral-line scales / ● 14 − 18, usually 16, gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ● body depth 22 − 31 % SL. Size up to 205 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC6FE8D28ABF97AFA96F930.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Israel: Lake Hula and adjacent marshes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC6FE8D28ABF97AFA96F930.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine. Biology. Pelagic, gregarious, feeding on plankton and anflug. Spawns February – April.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC6FE8D28ABF97AFA96F930.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct; Lake Hula and its marshes were drained in the 1950 s. Last recorded in 1975. Hula marshes were revived shortly after its extinction, but it was too late for this endemic species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC7FE8C2885FD55FC39FBED.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tiberias bream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC7FE8C2885FD55FC39FBED.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from M. hulensis by: ● 73 − 82 total lateral-line scales / ● 16 − 20, usually 18 − 19, gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch / ● body depth 18 − 24 % SL. Size up to 152 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC7FE8C2885FD55FC39FBED.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lake Tiberias in Israel and Lake Muzayrib in Syria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC7FE8C2885FD55FC39FBED.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine, pelagic; spawns on wave-washed lake shores. Biology. Pelagic, gregarious. Spawns November – May with a peak in January – February in littoral zone (0 – 50 cm) on rocks and gravel on wave-washed shores. Feeds on zooplankton and anflug.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC7FE8C2885FD55FC39FBED.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; population of Lake Tiberias is large and commercially important, population of Lake Muzayrib is small and may be threatened or extirpated.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC7FE8C2885FD55FC39FBED.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Occasionally hybridises with Acanthobrama lissneri; Muzayrib Lake population appears to be at least partly introgressed by mitochondrial genes from A. lissneri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC4FE8F28ABFD99FBB4FA90.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Razor fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC4FE8F28ABFD99FBB4FA90.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Leuciscidae in West Asia by: ● lateral line running in an undulated line / ○ 24 – 29 ½ branched anal rays / ○ mouth superior / ○ body very elongate and compressed / ● dorsal profile almost straight / ○ sharp, scaleless keel from throat to anus / ● dorsal base entirely above anal base. Size up to 500 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC4FE8F28ABFD99FBB4FA90.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin in Azerbaijan and Iran. Aral basin and European part of Black and Caspian basins. Absent from Anatolia and Black Sea basin south of Kuban. Baltic basin from Vistula to Neva, southern Sweden and Finland, Lakes Ladoga and Onega. Occasionally, on Baltic coast west of Vistula and Finnish coast north of 61 ° N.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC4FE8F28ABFD99FBB4FA90.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Surface of open waters of large rivers and lakes. Abundant in reservoirs (Don, Volga). Semi-anadromous individuals feed and spawn in pelagic zone of freshened parts of sea or lower parts of rivers, in main channels or floodplains. Lacustrine populations spawn in open waters of lakes. Biology. Lives up to 9 years. First spawns at 3 – 5 years, with 200 – 300 mm SL. Semi-anadromous individuals enter rivers from July (Don). When rivers are ice-covered, spawning migration ceases and resumes with ice break-up in April – May. Resident individuals in rivers throughout year. Spawns May – June, earlier in southern drainages (April in Syr-Darya) at temperatures above 12 ° C. Eggs semi-pelagic and drift with current (in rivers). Eggs hatch after 3 – 4 days. Adults return to estuaries to feed immediately after spawning. Juveniles may migrate to estuaries during first summer. Feeds on zooplankton, terrestrial invertebrates, and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC4FE8F28ABFD99FBB4FA90.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC4FE8F28ABFD99FBB4FA90.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species represents the sole member of an isolated lineage within Leuciscidae, lacking any close relationship to other Leuciscid genera. It is unique among Western Palaearctic leuciscids, exhibiting a long, slender, highly compressed body with a sharp keel from the throat to the anus. However, this appearance is shared with some unrelated Asian species, particularly Macrochirichthys macrochirus. Pelecus is an important commercial species, sold dried and smoked.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC4FE8E2B39FAD6FE13FD4D.taxon	description	The genus Petroleuciscus is currently restricted to four species: P. aphipsi, P. borysthenicus, P. ninae, and P. smyrnaeus. These species appear to be closely related, or even congeneric to Ladigesocypris. Both genera are also closely related to Squalius. Petroleuciscus is endemic to the Black, Marmara, and Aegean basins. Other species associated with this genus are now placed in different genera. Petroleuciscus persidis, native to Central Iran, belongs to the genus Acanthobrama. Petroleuciscus kurui and P. ulanus, also native to Iran, belong to Alburnus. Petroleuciscus squaliusculus, native to the Aral Sea basin, belongs to Leuciscus. Finally, P. esfahani, native to Iran, is a synonym of Alburnus doriae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC5FE912885F9E0FCE7FD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bobyretz.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC5FE912885F9E0FCE7FD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Petroleuciscus in West Asia by: ○ 8 – 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 – 10 ½ branched anal rays / ● iris orange to red / ● 7 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 33 – 40 total lateral line scales / ○ posterior margin of anal convex or almost straight / ○ no black pigments along free margin of each flank scale. Size up to 185 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC5FE912885F9E0FCE7FD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Marmara basin east to Lake Sapanca, but absent from Anatolian coast east of Sakarya, except for two records from Samsun. Caucasian Black Sea basin of Russia and Georgia. Lower parts of all tributaries of northern Black Sea and Azov basins except Don. Aegean basin from Struma drainage (Greece) eastwards.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC5FE912885F9E0FCE7FD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lowland streams, rivers, lower reaches of mountain rivers, lakes, deltas, and backwaters with moderate to no current. Prefers warm water up to 30 – 32 ° C. Tolerant of low oxygen concentrations, sometimes found in marshes and waters with dense vegetation. Tolerant of slightly brackish water. Prefers sand, sand-mud, or mud bottoms. Prefers shallow areas with slow currents along banks, backwaters, small lakes, and similar still waters. Biology. Lives up to 8 years. Spawns first time at 2 – 3 years, males may spawn in first year. Forms spawning aggregations of up to 150 individuals. Spawns April – June at 12 – 28 ° C in 0.1 – 1.0 m deep water over sandy or slightly muddy bottom. Females lay 2 – 3 portions of adhesive eggs on or among aquatic plants. Usually found in groups of 5 – 30 individuals close to bottom, but sometimes close to surface, under floating leaves or other objects. Does not migrate but moves to deeper water in winter. Feeds mainly on insects, their larvae, plankton, benthic invertebrates, and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEC5FE912885F9E0FCE7FD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Lake İznik basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902885FF5EFBC1FD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Menderes chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902885FF5EFBC1FD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Petroleuciscus in West Asia by: ○ 7 – 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 8 – 9 ½ branched anal rays / ○ iris whitish / ○ 6 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 29 – 34 total lateral line scales / ○ posterior margin of anal straight or slightly concave / ○ black pigments along free margin of each flank scale / ○ numerous black pigments on anal rays in life / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 27 – 30 % SL / ○ head width at posterior eye margin 16 – 19 % SL / ○ eye diameter smaller than snout length. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902885FF5EFBC1FD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Büyük and Küçük Menderes, Sarıçay (Muğla) and Tahtalı drainages. Locally introduced (Acıgöl).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902885FF5EFBC1FD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing to standing water of rivers, reservoirs, and larger streams, often associated with aquatic vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902885FF5EFBC1FD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902884FB1AFB64FA60.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Smyrna chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902884FB1AFB64FA60.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Petroleuciscus in West Asia by: ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ usually 8 ½ branched anal rays / ○ iris whitish / ○ 6 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 32 – 35 total lateral line scales / ○ posterior margin of anal straight or slightly concave / ○ black pigments along free margin of each flank scale / ○ pigments absent or very few orange pigments on anal rays in life / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 24 – 27 % SL / ○ head width at posterior eye margin 14 – 16 % SL / ○ eye diameter approximately equal to snout length. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902884FB1AFB64FA60.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Bakırçay to Gediz drainages. Also, on Lesbos Island (Greece).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902884FB1AFB64FA60.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing to standing water of rivers, reservoirs, and larger streams, often associated with aquatic vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902884FB1AFB64FA60.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Ladigesocypris mermere from Lake Marmara in Gediz drainage is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE902884FB1AFB64FA60.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDBFE932B1BF9F1FE15FA17.taxon	description	Phoxinus comprises small fishes readily identifiable by their black lateral stripe or series of blotches and characteristic body shape. In West Asia, Phoxinus is the sole representative of a large radiation of minnows, particularly diverse in North America, where almost all Leuciscids belong to phoxinine minnows. The genus Phoxinus is highly diverse, extending from eastern Spain to Siberia. However, this diversity has only recently received attention, and most populations are still identified as P. phoxinus. Phoxinus phoxinus is endemic to Central Europe. Phoxinus is only marginally distributed in West Asia and is known from the south-eastern Black Sea basin (P. colchicus) and northwestern Anatolia (P. abanticus, P. kottelati). Phoxinus has become the victim of “ molecular parataxonomists ”, and the description of many new species without morphological and minor molecular differences can be expected. Also, in West Asia, this might result in the recognition of many new species, all closely related and indistinguishable by external characters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FF5EFAB4FE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Abant minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FF5EFAB4FE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Phoxinus in West Asia by: ● no scales on chest in male and female / ● 60 – 69 total lateral line scales / ● caudal peduncle depth 1.8 – 2.3 times in length / ○ no supraorbital ridge / ○ no depression behind nostrils. Size up to 63 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FF5EFAB4FE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Abant basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FF5EFAB4FE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of cold and well-oxygenated habitats, from small, fast-flowing streams to lake shores. Spawns on clean gravel areas in flowing water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FF5EFAB4FE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; has a small range but its population trend seems to be stable and there are no major threats.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FF5EFAB4FE24.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Closely related to P. strandjae and P. kottelati and it is expected that future research will demonstrate their conspecificity.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FB80FAA5FA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caucasian minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FB80FAA5FA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Phoxinus in West Asia by: ● belly between pectoral bases entirely covered by scales in male, absent in female / ● a supraorbital ridge margined by a longitudinal depression extending from nostrils backwards / ● caudal-peduncle depth 2.1 – 2.9 times in its length / ○ 75 – 91 total lateral line scales. Size up to 82 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FB80FAA5FA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caucasian Black Sea basin of Russia and Georgia south to Çoruh (Borçka, Türkiye). Records from Hopa (eastern Türkiye) not confirmed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FB80FAA5FA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of cold and well-oxygenated habitats, from small, fast-flowing streams to large rivers. Spawns on clean gravel beds in flowing water. Biology. Gregarious, rheophilic. Spawns April – July, in schools, fractional spawners, females lay sticky eggs deep in clean gravel. Feeds on invertebrates, algae, and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED9FE922885FB80FAA5FA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDEFE9528ABFAD0FBB7F904.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Anatolian minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDEFE9528ABFAD0FBB7F904.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Phoxinus in West Asia by: ● 77 – 90 total lateral line scales / ● caudal peduncle depth 2.3 – 2.9 times in length / ● middle of belly scaled but separated by a naked area anteriorly in male, absent in female / ○ no supraorbital ridge / ○ no depression behind nostrils. Size up to 70 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDEFE9528ABFAD0FBB7F904.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lake Sapanca and Biga Peninsula. Also occurs east to Zonguldak in Anatolian western Black Sea.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDEFE9528ABFAD0FBB7F904.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small streams with clear, well-oxygenated water, over gravel to rocky bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDEFE9528ABFAD0FBB7F904.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Not evaluated.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDEFE9528ABFAD0FBB7F904.taxon	discussion	Remarks. See comments in P. abanticus	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FEDFFE992885FD20FE0AFD8C.taxon	description	Pseudophoxinus is the largest genus of Leuciscidae in our region, comprising 26 species. These species are endemic to West Asia, with the greatest diversity occurring in Central Anatolia and the Levant. Two species are found in the western Euphrates and Qweiq drainages. Pseudophoxinus are small fish diagnosed by the preoperculo-mandibular sensory canal being disconnected from the infraorbital canal on the head. The disconnection of the two head canals represents an adaptive character state and has evolved several times in parallel in small Leuciscids. Several species classified in Pseudophoxinus due to this character state were transferred to other genera, including Acanthobrama, Alburnus, Egirdira, Pelasgus, Rutilus, and Tropidophoxinellus. Pseudophoxinus is closely related to the genera Phoxinellus, Telestes, and Chondrostoma, and the genus is divided into two major species groups. A notable feature of many species of Pseudophoxinus is the absence of a complete lateral line, which does not extend to the caudal base. This character displays considerable variability, with a complete lateral line occurring in species otherwise diagnosed by an incomplete lateral line. Conversely, individuals with a shortened lateral line may be rare in species with a complete lateral line. Nevertheless, this character is included in the key, and examining more than one individual is essential for accurate identification. Several species of Pseudophoxinus are of significant conservation concern due to their restricted distribution ranges and occurrence in a limited number of water bodies. Consequently, we provide comprehensive information about their distribution. All species inhabit slow-flowing stretches of streams or rivers and stagnant water with dense vegetation. Most species are restricted to or are most common in springs and spring-fed streams. Our understanding of the biology of Pseudophoxinus is very limited, and more research is encouraged without slaughtering hundreds of fish for useless indices.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED3FE982885FBF9FA9EFAAE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pamphylian spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED3FE982885FBF9FA9EFAAE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ○ 41 – 44 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete with 38 – 41 perforated scales / ○ prominent mid-lateral stripe / ○ no keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus / ○ upper lip projecting beyond tip of lower lip. Size up to 98 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED3FE982885FBF9FA9EFAAE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ilıca and Kömürcüler, as well as middle Köprüçay and Karaöz sections of Aksu. Manavgat reservoir and Yamansaz marshes, all flowing into Bay of Antalya.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED3FE982885FBF9FA9EFAAE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lowland streams with dense vegetation and sand and gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED3FE982885FBF9FA9EFAAE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED0FE9A28ABFA17FD60FBED.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Giant spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED0FE9A28ABFA17FD60FBED.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ● last unbranched dorsal ray spinous and thickened / ○ 85 – 109 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line complete, gradually reaching to lateral midline at caudal peduncle / ○ pelvic not reaching to anus / ○ 11 – 12 ½ scales between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent / ○ no keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus / ○ pelvic origin below dorsal origin / ○ upper lip projecting beyond tip of lower lip / ○ flank plain brown or grey in adults, with prominent or weak stripe in juveniles. Size up to 240 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED0FE9A28ABFA17FD60FBED.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ereğli marshes, Lake Hotamis, Beyşehir and Suğla basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED0FE9A28ABFA17FD60FBED.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes and streams with dense vegetation and stagnant or slow-flowing water. Biology. Lives up to 5 years, potentially longer.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED0FE9A28ABFA17FD60FBED.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; abundant and commercially important in Lakes Beyşehir and Suğla before the 1970 s. After drainage of Lake Suğla, extensive alteration of water bodies in Ereğli marshes, and introduction of Sander lucioperca into Lake Beyşehir, restricted to very few sites. Population in Ereğli-Akgöl is suspected to have been extirpated since 2018.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED0FE9A28ABFA17FD60FBED.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Pseudophoxinus caralis is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED1FE9A2885FB7CFEF6F898.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Antalya spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED1FE9A2885FB7CFEF6F898.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ○ 52 – 64 + 2 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete with 42 – 59 perforated scales / ○ no keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus / ○ pelvic-axillary lobe present / ○ eye diameter 25 – 29 % HL / ○ upper lip projecting beyond tip of lower lip / ○ flank plain brown, grey or golden without prominent stripe. Size up to 97 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED1FE9A2885FB7CFEF6F898.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Düden and Kırkgöz springs and outflowing stream Yediarıklar in Bay of Antalya.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED1FE9A2885FB7CFEF6F898.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams with clear water and dense vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED1FE9A2885FB7CFEF6F898.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED6FE9D28ABFAB3FB03F9B9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lycaonian spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED6FE9D28ABFAB3FB03F9B9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ● shallow keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus, scaleless for about ⅓ or ¼ of its length / ○ 55 – 64 + 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line complete / ○ upper and lower lip terminates at same level / ○ flank with prominent, brown or grey mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 150 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED6FE9D28ABFAB3FB03F9B9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lakes Beyşehir and Suğla basins, Akkaya reservoir south of Niğde, a reservoir at Gümüşler, Tatlıkuyu canal at Ereğli and Manavgat drainage (Mediterranean basin) including Oymapınar and Manavgat reservoirs. Introduced in Lake Ilgın basin. Expected to occur elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED6FE9D28ABFAB3FB03F9B9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes and reservoirs, springs, and slow-flowing streams. Usually in densely vegetated habitats. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED6FE9D28ABFAB3FB03F9B9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Tatlıkuyu channel and Akkaya reservoir.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED6FE9C2B39F988FAB6FE06.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Burdur spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED6FE9C2B39F988FAB6FE06.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Western Anatolia by: ○ 47 – 57 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete with 21 – 39 (usually 26 – 37) perforated scales / ○ 7 branched pelvic rays / ○ 10 – 12 ½ scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ mouth slightly subterminal / ○ flank usually with indistinct, brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 87 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED6FE9C2B39F988FAB6FE06.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Salda and Yarışlı (Sazak spring) basins, streams Değirmendere, Karamanlı, Düğer, and Bozçay springs (a southwest tributary of Lake Burdur). Extirpated from Lake Karataş, and Karapınar spring east of Lake Salda.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED6FE9C2B39F988FAB6FE06.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, slow-flowing streams, springs, usually with dense vegetation. In lakes also in open water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED6FE9C2B39F988FAB6FE06.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED7FE9C2885FA4FFAA4F912.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Cilician spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED7FE9C2885FA4FFAA4F912.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ lower lip slightly projecting beyond tip of upper lip in some individuals / ○ uppermost point of cleft at level of center of eye or above / ○ 38 – 45 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral line / ○ no black spots below lateral line / ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank usually with indistinct, brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 138 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED7FE9C2885FA4FFAA4F912.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lower Tarsus, Seyhan and Ceyhan drainages and a small stream at Arsuz.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED7FE9C2885FA4FFAA4F912.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lowland rivers and streams with slow-flowing or stagnant water; also in moderately polluted sections. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED7FE9C2885FA4FFAA4F912.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED4FE9F28ABFAD0FCF7F889.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Fat spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED4FE9F28ABFAD0FCF7F889.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ○ 65 – 78 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray flexible and not thickened / ○ lateral line complete / ○ lateral line gradually reaching to lateral midline at caudal peduncle / ○ pelvic not reaching to anus / ○ 8 – 9 gill rakers / ○ 8 – 10 ½ scales between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent / ○ no keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus / ○ pelvic origin below dorsal origin / ○ upper lip projecting beyond tip of lower lip / ○ flank plain brown, grey or silvery without prominent stripe. Size up to 180 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED4FE9F28ABFAD0FCF7F889.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Tuz basin at Cihanbeyli, Lake Kozanlı and Samsam basins, springs south of Eşmekaya and near Aksaray and Niğde.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED4FE9F28ABFAD0FCF7F889.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams with clear water and dense vegetation. Biology. Lives up to 7 years and spawns first with 1 (male) and 2 (female) years in April – May. Female seem to spawn only once a season.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED4FE9F28ABFAD0FCF7F889.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED4FE9F28ABFAD0FCF7F889.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Closely related to P. anatolicus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED5FE9E2885F98EFAE6F81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Drusian spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED5FE9E2885F98EFAE6F81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ 47 – 60 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ flank plain brown, grey or golden without prominent stripe / ○ pelvic short, reaching 1 – 5 scales in front of anus / ○ 6 – 7 scales between pelvic origin and lateral line / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent. Size up to 80 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED5FE9E2885F98EFAE6F81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Israel and Syria: Northern Jordan drainage in Golan Heights, Jebel Druse, and Al Tammasiyyar in Syria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED5FE9E2885F98EFAE6F81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams with clear water and dense vegetation. Biology. Spawns April – June.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FED5FE9E2885F98EFAE6F81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2AFE6128ABFCBAFAD3FB64.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sultan minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2AFE6128ABFCBAFAD3FB64.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ○ 60 – 68 + 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete with 33 – 60 perforated scales / ○ no keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus / ○ pelvic origin clearly behind vertical of dorsal origin / ○ flank plain brown, grey or golden without prominent stripe / ○ upper lip projecting beyond tip of lower lip / ○ pelvic-axillary lobe absent / ○ eye diameter 13 – 20 % HL. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2AFE6128ABFCBAFAD3FB64.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sultan marshes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2AFE6128ABFCBAFAD3FB64.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams with clear water and dense vegetation. Also, in muddy irrigation channels. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2AFE6128ABFCBAFAD3FB64.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; Sultan marshes is threatened by desiccation. Zamantı Tunnel has been transferring water from Seyhan to the Sultan marshes since 2011. Since then, Capoeta damascina, Garra turcica, Squalius cappadocicus, and Oxynoemacheilus seyhanensis have invaded Sultan marshes. The impact of this invasion on native species is unknown.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6328ABFD12FAE6FBED.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lycian spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6328ABFD12FAE6FBED.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Western Anatolia by: ○ 52 – 64 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete with 16 – 30 perforated scales / ○ 8 – 10 branched pelvic rays / ○ 13 – 16 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ mouth slightly subterminal / ○ flank usually with indistinct, brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 87 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6328ABFD12FAE6FBED.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Kırkpınar spring, Lake Söğüt and Avlan basins, Akçay drainage (Finike).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6328ABFD12FAE6FBED.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, springs, spring-fed streams, and canals with clear water and dense vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6328ABFD12FAE6FBED.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Lakes Avlan and Söğüt dried up in 1990 s, and the species is now restricted to irrigation canals and spring-fed streams in both basins. Both populations are very small and very restricted in their distribution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6328ABFD12FAE6FBED.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Originally described as P. evliyae, it was changed to P. evliyai based on gender rules.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6228ABF8CDFA05FE06.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pisidian spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6228ABF8CDFA05FE06.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ○ 74 – 85 + 3 – 4 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line complete / ○ upper lip projecting beyond tip of lower lip / ○ 12 – 14 short gill rakers / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 23 – 29 % SL / ○ prominent black midlateral stripe / ○ lateral line slanted upwards to lateral midline at caudal peduncle / ○ 8 – 10 ½ scales between lateral line and pelvic origin / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray flexible / ○ pelvic axillary lobe present / ○ no keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus / ○ pelvic origin clearly behind vertical of dorsal origin. Size up to 121 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6228ABF8CDFA05FE06.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: upper and middle Köprüçay drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6228ABF8CDFA05FE06.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams with clear water and dense vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE28FE6228ABF8CDFA05FE06.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2EFE6528ABFC8BFBA3FBFC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Euphrates spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2EFE6528ABFC8BFBA3FBFC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ 43 – 49 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete, often almost complete, with 15 – 44 perforated scales / ○ flank with prominent brown, mid-lateral stripe / ○ pelvic axillary lobe present / ○ 6 – 8 gill rakers. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2EFE6528ABFC8BFBA3FBFC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Headwaters in Ceyhan, Seyhan (Karahalka spring) drainages. Very locally in Euphrates drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2EFE6528ABFC8BFBA3FBFC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams with clear water and dense vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2EFE6528ABFC8BFBA3FBFC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2FFE642885FD89FBCDFC1D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eğirdir minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2FFE642885FD89FBCDFC1D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ● lower lip projecting beyond tip of upper lip / ○ 76 – 98 + 3 – 4 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank with brown mid-lateral stripe / ○ 15 – 17 long gill rakers / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 19 – 23 % SL / ○ pelvic origin clearly behind vertical of dorsal origin / ○ no keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus. Size up to 104 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2FFE642885FD89FBCDFC1D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lake Eğirdir.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2FFE642885FD89FBCDFC1D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine and pelagic. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2FFE642885FD89FBCDFC1D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct; disappeared after the introduction of non-native Sander lucioperca.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2FFE672885F96BFDECFEE8.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Marquia spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2FFE672885F96BFDECFEE8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in eastern Mediterranean basin by: ● 26 – 33 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete with 10 – 20 perforated scales / ○ flank with prominent brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 58 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2FFE672885F96BFDECFEE8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Syria: Nahr al Marqīyah drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2FFE672885F96BFDECFEE8.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams with clear water and dense vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2FFE672885F96BFDECFEE8.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; habitat quality has deteriorated severely, and stream now has little water in summer. Pollution is a serious problem in lower reaches.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2CFE6728ABFE7FFBECFD20.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hittite spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2CFE6728ABFE7FFBECFD20.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ○ 84 – 96 + 1 – 2 lateral-line scales / ○ flank plain brown or grey without prominent stripe / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent / ○ lateral line complete / ○ no keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus / ○ pelvic origin clearly behind vertical of dorsal origin / ○ upper lip projecting beyond tip of lower lip / ○ 6 – 8 short gill rakers / ○ 26 – 30 scales between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ last simple dorsal ray flexible / ○ pelvic short, not reaching to anus / ○ dorsal origin behind vertical of pelvic origin. Size up to 104 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2CFE6728ABFE7FFBECFD20.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Beyşehir basin and Seydişehir canal flowing to Lake Suğla.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2CFE6728ABFE7FFBECFD20.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams with clear water and dense vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE2CFE6728ABFE7FFBECFD20.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE22FE6928ABFD1CFAAAFB85.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tuz spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE22FE6928ABFD1CFAAAFB85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Central Anatolia by: ○ 53 – 63 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line usually complete with 48 – 61 perforated scales / ○ no keel between posterior end of pelvic base and anus / ○ flank with brown mid-lateral stripe / ○ upper lip not or slightly projecting beyond tip of lower lip / ○ 13 – 15 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 10 – 13 gill-rakers. Size up to 81 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE22FE6928ABFD1CFAAAFB85.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Gölyazı, Büget, Tersakan and Bolluk drainages in Lake Tuz basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE22FE6928ABFD1CFAAAFB85.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and slow-flowing spring-fed streams. Usually in densely vegetated habitats. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE22FE6928ABFD1CFAAAFB85.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; Extirpated from Lake Büget in Eşmekaya.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE23FE682885FCDFFACFFB0A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lebanese minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE23FE682885FCDFFACFFB0A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ 42 – 57 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ flank plain brown, grey or golden without or with faint, brown or grey mid-lateral stripe / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent / ○ pelvic long, reaching or overlapping anus / ○ 4 – 5 scales between pelvic origin and lateral line / ○ 7 – 8 gill rakers / ○ 19 – 20 abdominal vertebrae. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE23FE682885FCDFFACFFB0A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Orontes drainage in Türkiye and Syria except for upper Karasu, Litani drainage, and endorheic Lake El Yammoune basin in Lebanon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE23FE682885FCDFFACFFB0A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, streams, and rivers, usually with clear water and dense vegetation. Biology. Spawns between February – April.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE23FE682885FCDFFACFFB0A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE23FE682885FCDFFACFFB0A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Pseudophoxinus kervillei is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE20FE6B28ABFD37FA0AFC49.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Apamean spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE20FE6B28ABFD37FA0AFC49.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Western Anatolia by: ○ 41 – 46 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete with 19 – 27 perforated scales / ○ mouth terminal or slightly subterminal / ○ flank without or with indistinct, brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 57 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE20FE6B28ABFD37FA0AFC49.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Işıklı basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE20FE6B28ABFD37FA0AFC49.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Densely vegetated springs and lakes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE20FE6B28ABFD37FA0AFC49.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE21FE6A2885FC51FB0AFB46.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sandıklı spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE21FE6A2885FC51FB0AFB46.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Western Anatolia by: ● lateral line complete / ○ 60 – 65 + 2 scales in lateral series / ○ mouth slightly subterminal / ○ flank without mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE21FE6A2885FC51FB0AFB46.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Karadirek near Sandıklı, an isolated basin flowing underground to Işıklı.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE21FE6A2885FC51FB0AFB46.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams among dense vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE21FE6A2885FC51FB0AFB46.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; known only from one small stream under pressure from many threats.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE21FE6A2885FC51FB0AFB46.taxon	discussion	Remarks. After being described from the Işıklı spring, this species was never recorded from there again. There was probably a mistake in labelling of collections.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE26FE6D28ABFA7EFAB1F96C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Alanköy spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE26FE6D28ABFA7EFAB1F96C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Western Anatolia by: ● mouth almost superior, lower lip usually projecting slightly beyond upper lip / ○ 48 – 60 + 2 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete with 30 – 50 perforated scales / ○ 11 – 13 ½ scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ flank usually with indistinct, brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE26FE6D28ABFA7EFAB1F96C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Çorak (Akgöl) basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE26FE6D28ABFA7EFAB1F96C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams, also in a reservoir. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE26FE6D28ABFA7EFAB1F96C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; Alanköy reservoir has dried up, and the species is now restricted to springs and streams where it is under pressure from water extraction and stocking of Oncorhynchus mykiss.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE26FE6D28ABFA7EFAB1F96C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The diagnostic mouth shape of P. mehmeti has not been confirmed in its stream population and other distinguishing characters requires further revision.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE27FE6C2885FA6DFB0BF930.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Onaç spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE27FE6C2885FA6DFB0BF930.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in Western Anatolia by: ○ 46 – 53 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete with 10 – 32 perforated scales / ○ 8 – 10 branched pelvic rays / ○ mouth slightly subterminal / ○ 10 – 13 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ flank usually with indistinct, brown mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 83 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE27FE6C2885FA6DFB0BF930.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Onaç drainage, Kestel marsh and springs in former Lake Karaevli.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE27FE6C2885FA6DFB0BF930.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Reservoirs, slow-flowing streams, springs usually among vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE27FE6C2885FA6DFB0BF930.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE24FE6F28ABFA6DFAE5F930.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Barada spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE24FE6F28ABFA6DFAE5F930.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ 36 – 50 + 2 – 3 scales along lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ flank plain brown, grey or golden without prominent stripe / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent / ○ pelvic short, reaching 1 – 5 scales in front of anus / ○ 6 – 7 scales between pelvic origin and lateral line. Size up to 87 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE24FE6F28ABFA6DFAE5F930.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Syria: Damascus basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE24FE6F28ABFA6DFAE5F930.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams with clear water and dense vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE24FE6F28ABFA6DFAE5F930.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; known from only one site and has declined by more than 90 % due to water abstraction in early 21 st century. With no new data since 2008, it cannot be excluded that it is now extinct.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE25FE6E2885FD22FAEBFC58.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karasu spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE25FE6E2885FD22FAEBFC58.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in eastern Mediterranean basin by: 38 – 46 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ flank with bold, black or dark-grey mid-lateral stripe / ○ lateral line incomplete, with 12 – 25, usually 16 – 21, perforated scales / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent / ○ pelvic long, reaching or overlapping anus / ○ 21 – 22 abdominal vertebrae / ○ 4 – 5 scales between pelvic origin and lateral line / ○ 8 – 11, rarely 13 gill rakers / ○ 10 – 11 scale rows between the lateral line and dorsal origin. Size up to 93 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE25FE6E2885FD22FAEBFC58.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Karasu drainage in northern Orontes catchment.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE25FE6E2885FD22FAEBFC58.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and slow-flowing streams, usually among vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE25FE6E2885FD22FAEBFC58.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3BFE702885FF2FFBC1FE32.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ceyhan spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3BFE702885FF2FFBC1FE32.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ 38 – 46 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series. / ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank usually with indistinct, brown mid-lateral stripe / ○ many small black spots below lateral line / ○ uppermost point of cleft below of center of eye. Size up to 113 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3BFE702885FF2FFBC1FE32.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Eastern Ceyhan drainage in springs around Çöçelli and Lakes Gölbaşı.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3BFE702885FF2FFBC1FE32.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, spring-fed streams, and densely vegetated lakes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3BFE702885FF2FFBC1FE32.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3BFE702885FAA1FC7BFA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Levantine spring minnow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3BFE702885FAA1FC7BFA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ 55 – 62 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series / ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank with prominent, brown or grey mid-lateral stripe. Size up to 79 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3BFE702885FAA1FC7BFA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Orontes drainage and headwaters of Qweiq. Rivers Marqīyah and Abou Noah in Syria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3BFE702885FAA1FC7BFA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Pools, slow-flowing streams, marshes, springs usually among vegetation. Biology. Lives up to 5 years. Spawns first time after first winter. Fractional spawner. Feeds on a wide range of small invertebrates and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3BFE702885FAA1FC7BFA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; Extirpated from the Qweiq in Syria and the potentially from Orontes drainage in Türkiye. It appears to have declined sharply in recent years due to climate change, desiccation of streams, and massive pollution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3EFE7528ABFF5EFE19FAAF.taxon	description	Rutilus are small- to large-sized fishes endemic to Europe, North-West, and Central Asia. In West Asia, only five species occur, with two endemic to Azerbaijan: R. atropatenus and R. sojuchbulagi. Both are poorly known and have been placed in the genus Pseudophoxinus until recently. Many subspecies and variants of the roach, R. rutilus, have been described, particularly from the Caspian basin. All can be identified as R. lacustris. Rutilus rutilus has a restricted range in West Asia, while R. lacustris and R. rutilus are largely allopatric in West Asia, both species have large hybrid zones in Europe. An attempt was made to split the genus Rutilus into three smaller genera (Leucos, Rutilus, and Sarmarutilus). Finally, most ichthyologists did not accept it as all these genera are poorly distinguished and closely related. We agree with this view and maintain the current classification of all Rutilus species as a single genus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3FFE742884FCCEFF65FAAE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Azerbaijani spring roach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3FFE742884FCCEFF65FAAE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Rutilus in West Asia by: ○ tip of snout above horizontal level of lower eye margin / ○ 34 – 38 + 2 – 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 6 – 7 scales between dorsal origin and lateral line. Size up to 80 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3FFE742884FCCEFF65FAAE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Azerbaijan: Springs in Alazani-Agrichay valley in lower Kura drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3FFE742884FCCEFF65FAAE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Karstic springs, where it is the only fish species. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3FFE742884FCCEFF65FAAE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3FFE772B1BFCCEFCEFFC88.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Vyrezub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3FFE772B1BFCCEFCEFFC88.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Rutilus in West Asia by: ● body almost cylindrical / ● 53 – 64 + 3 lateral-line scales / ● abdomen posterior to pelvic rounded / ○ mouth subterminal / ○ iris and fins grey or slightly yellowish / ○ usually 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 – 10 ½ branched anal rays / ○ no midlateral stripe / ○ lateral line complete. Size up to 680 mm and 8 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3FFE772B1BFCCEFCEFFC88.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black and Azov Sea basins, rare in Danube (mostly restricted to few subalpine lakes), absent from Kuban; landlocked populations in reservoirs on Don; Caspian basin, common from Terek to Atrak drainages, very rare in northern Caspian basin (in Volga formerly as far as Perm and in Ural). Landlocked population in Anatolian Lake İznik.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3FFE772B1BFCCEFCEFFC88.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Coastal lakes connected to rivers, and lowland reaches of large rivers close to coast at sea. In estuaries, found in deep layers down to 20 m. Tolerates salinities up to 7 – 12 ‰. Inland populations inhabit large lakes or reservoirs. Semianadromous populations often enter in small rivers or streams with strong currents on gravel beds to spawn. Biology. Riverine, lacustrine or semi-anadromous. Lives up to 12 years. Spawns first time at 4 – 5 years, with 430 – 500 mm SL. Enters rivers in second half of October (Black Sea, rarely in Caspian Sea). When rivers are ice-covered, spawning migration stops and resumes when ice breaks up or even under ice in February – April. Populations spawning in small streams enter in February – April. Spawns in April – May, somewhat earlier in southern drainages (February in Terek), when temperature reaches 8 ° C, peaking at 13 – 15 ° C. Eggs adhere to rocks and gravel, rarely to submerged vegetation. Adults return to estuary immediately after spawning to feed. Eggs hatch in 10 – 16 days at 12 – 19 ° C. Juveniles migrate to estuaries during first summer (August). Inland populations migrate from lakes, reservoirs, or middle reaches of rivers to tributaries or headwaters in spring. Larvae and early juveniles feed on zooplankton, algae, and insect larvae. Adults feed mainly on molluscs and Rhithropanopeus crabs, supplemented by other benthic invertebrates. Stops feeding during migration, spawning and overwintering.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3FFE772B1BFCCEFCEFFC88.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC: Lake İznik population declined in the late 20 th century and may now be extirpated. Migratory populations very rare in Black Sea basin. In Caspian, populations declined since 1980 s and may continue to decline. Dams and large-scale overfishing have made natural spawning almost impossible in Caspian, and populations are maintained largely by massive stocking of 120 – 140 million juveniles annually in Iranian waters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3DFE792885FC51FB9CFE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Taran.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3DFE792885FC51FB9CFE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Rutilus in West Asia by: ○ 39 – 42 + 2 – 3 lateral-line scales / ○ body laterally compressed / ○ abdomen posterior to pelvic compressed / ○ usually 10 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ usually 9 – 10 ½ branched anal rays / ○ iris whitish to yellowish / ○ pectoral, pelvic and anal hyaline, yellowish to dark-grey / ○ lateral line complete / ○ no midlateral stripe / ○ 7 – 9 scales between dorsal origin and lateral line. Size up to 430 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3DFE792885FC51FB9CFE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Freshened areas of Caspian basin entering all tributaries. Eastern Black and Azov Seas, entering Don, Kuban, Dniepr, Dniestr, and rarely Danube drainages and lower parts of these rivers. Hari drainage (not native) but possibly native to Morghab (Turkmenistan). Also, in Aegean basin (Struma and Maritza drainages and Lake Volvi). Widespread in Aral basin and Siberia from Ob east to Lena.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3DFE792885FC51FB9CFE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Resident populations inhabit many lowland habitats, such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and canals. Migratory fish spend most of the year in shallow, brackish coastal waters. At sea, adults are most abundant at depths of 2.5 – 4.0 m and 2 – 4 ‰ in summer. Enters freshwaters of estuaries, lagoons, and lower reaches of rivers to spawn. Biology. Resident and semi-anadromous populations. Usually mature at 2 – 4 years and live 10 – 15 years. Comes to coasts in August and enters rivers in September, peaking in October. Stops migrating at end of November and overwinters in main river or estuary. Spawning migration resumes with ice break-up in March (Dniepr). Spawns in April – May. Adults return to estuaries to feed immediately after spawning. Juveniles migrate to estuaries during first summer (August). Resident populations may undertake considerable river migrations, usually spawning in flooded meadows and backwaters. Lacustrine populations usually spawn in inflowing rivers or on lake shores. Spawning usually occurs at temperatures above 10 – 12 ° C, usually on submerged vegetation, but all types of substrates will be used if no vegetation is available. Several males typically follow a single female during spawning. Feeds on various plants, detritus, and invertebrates, locally molluscs or plankton dominate diet.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3DFE792885FC51FB9CFE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE3DFE792885FC51FB9CFE6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data suggest that all Caspian populations (and many in Europe) belong to this species. Rutilus lacustris, described from Siberia, has long been considered a synonym of R. rutilus. It had already been accepted in Europe as a valid species under R. heckelii (Black Sea basin) and R. caspicus (Caspian basin). Molecular data support the view that both are conspecific and that populations occurring east to Lena and Lake Baikal all belong to R. lacustris. The situation is more complicated in the Black Sea and the northern Caspian basins, as there appears to be some introgressive hybridisation between R. rutilus and R. lacustris, and many hybrid populations occur in that region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE32FE7828ABFB86FBC1FD3E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Roach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE32FE7828ABFB86FBC1FD3E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Rutilus in West Asia by: ○ 39 – 42 + 2 – 3 (41 – 44 total) lateral-line scales / ○ body laterally compressed / ○ abdomen posterior to pelvic base compressed / ○ usually 10 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ usually 10 ½ branched anal rays / ○ iris from yellowish in juveniles to deep red in adults / ○ pectoral, pelvic and anal orange to red / ○ no midlateral stripe / ○ lateral line complete / ○ 7 – 9 scales between dorsal origin and lateral line. Size up to 500 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE32FE7828ABFB86FBC1FD3E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. In West Asia, restricted to Black Sea basin, confirmed from Lake Sapanca, Sursuluk, and Sakarya. Introduced to Cyprus. Europe north of Pyrenees and Alps, east to Volga. In Azov, Black and Caspian basins probably restricted to upper and middle reaches of rivers, replaced by R. lacustris and hybrids between both in lower reaches. Present in Lake Vegoritis in Greece. Naturally absent from Iberian Peninsula, western France, Adriatic Basin, Italy, UK north of 56 ° N, Scandinavia north of 69 ° N. Locally introduced and invasive in northern Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Introduced in North Africa.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE32FE7828ABFB86FBC1FD3E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mostly in lowland areas and in lakes. Common in nutrient-rich lakes and large to medium-sized rivers and backwaters. Takes advantage of channeling, damming, and light organic pollution. Small lowland streams, brackish coastal lagoons, and fast-flowing rivers where it is restricted to sections where backwaters or shelters allow overwintering. Spawns in dense submerged vegetation in backwaters or lakes, flooded meadows, or shallow, fast-flowing river habitats on vegetated or gravel bottoms. Biology. Lives up to 13 years. Males first spawn at 2 – 3 years, females 1 year later, usually at about 100 mm SL. Undertakes short spawning migrations, sometimes beginning as early as September, generally peaking at temperatures above 9 ° C in spring. Spawns in April – May when temperatures rise above 12 ° C. Usually, an entire population spawns within 5 – 10 days. Spawns in shoals. Eggs are sticky and hatch in about 12 days. Larvae and juveniles occupy a wide range of littoral habitats. Feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, plant material, and detritus. Populations feeding predominantly on detritus are often stunted (stunted populations may also be associated with strong year classes). May shift from littoral to pelagic habitats and between benthic and zooplankton when a particular food is abundant or to avoid predation and / or competition. Decision to remain in open water or among littoral vegetation is often described as a trade-off between food intake and predator avoidance. During growth, there is an energetic need to switch from zooplankton to benthic food (chironomids, molluscs). Individuals able to feed on Dreissena mussels increase their growth rate but do not exploit this food source until they reach about 120 mm SL (size at which they can crush mussels). In some areas (Volga reservoirs), pelagic and benthic roach can be distinguished by life history characteristics (spawning time, spawning sites), and these may represent sympatric populations of R. rutilus and R. lacustris. Overwinters in backwaters or deep parts of lakes. Often produces fertile hybrids with Abramis brama.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE32FE7828ABFB86FBC1FD3E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7B28ABFF5EFDD7FD5C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Akstafa spring roach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7B28ABFF5EFDD7FD5C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Rutilus in West Asia by: ● tip of snout at or below horizontal level of lower eye margin / ○ 35 – 37 + 2 – 3 scales in lateral series. Size up to 70 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7B28ABFF5EFDD7FD5C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Azerbaijan: Springs in Akstafa region in middle Kura drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7B28ABFF5EFDD7FD5C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7B28ABFF5EFDD7FD5C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct; has not been found since it was described in 1940 s, despite several visits to its type locality and surrounding waters. Habitats in this area are heavily modified, and this species is unlikely to have survived.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7B28ABFAB0FF55F96C.taxon	description	Scardinius are small- to medium-sized fishes that inhabit various habitats, including lakes, reservoirs and slow-flowing rivers. They are typically associated with submerged vegetation. Eight species have been identified, with the genus being most speciose in the Adriatic basin and in Greece, where all but one species occur. However, some European species require critical revision, and fewer species may be recognised in the future. Two species are found in West Asia, with one, S. elmaliensis, being endemic.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7A28ABF8FDFB88FE41.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Elmalı rudd.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7A28ABF8FDFB88FE41.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from S. erythrophthalmus in West Asia by: ● 15 − 16 gill rakers / ● 9 ½ branched anal rays. Size up to 186 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7A28ABF8FDFB88FE41.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Akçay drainage, Lake Avlan basin and Çayboğazı reservoir. Dalaman drainage: Lake Gölhisar, Korkuteli, Çavdır and Yapraklı reservoirs. Burdur basin: Lake Karataş and Belenli reservoir. In endorheic former Söğüt basin as in Osmankalfalar reservoir and Lake Karagöl and its canals in Elmalı.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7A28ABF8FDFB88FE41.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Reservoirs, lakes, slow-flowing streams, marshes, and springs, usually among vegetation or under bank cover. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7A28ABF8FDFB88FE41.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; declining within its small range. Most populations appear to inhabit reservoirs. Extirpated from Lake Karataş.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE30FE7A28ABF8FDFB88FE41.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data place S. elmaliensis as a sister clade to S. erythrophthalmus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE31FE7A2885FBB4FBA1FA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Rudd.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE31FE7A2885FBB4FBA1FA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from S. elmaliensis in West Asia by: ● 8 − 13 gill rakers / ● 9 − 13 ½, usually 10 − 12 ½, branched anal rays. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE31FE7A2885FBB4FBA1FA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. In West Asia, in deltaic lakes and lower reaches of Inguri, Rioni, and Çoruh (Georgia), Marmara and Black Sea basins east to Sakarya. Also in lower Yeşilırmak and Kızılırmak (Türkiye). Absent between Kızılırmak and Coruh, as well as between Sakarya and Kızılırmak. In Caspian basin, lower reaches of Kura and Aras and lakes in Lenkoran region (Azerbaijan), Anzali and Boojagh wetlands, and Sefid drainage (Iran). Most European rivers north of Pyrenees and Alps, eastward to Ural and Eya drainages, Aral and White Sea basins; Black Sea basin in Europe. Naturally absent from Iberian Peninsula, Adriatic basin, Italy, Greece south of Pinios drainage, Great Britain north of 54 ° N, Ireland, and Scandinavia north of 62 ° N. Introduced in northern Italy, Spain, and Corsica.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE31FE7A2885FBB4FBA1FA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Nutrient-rich, well-vegetated lowland rivers, backwaters, oxbows, ponds, and lakes. Spawns on roots or submerged vegetation. Biology. Lives up to 17 years. First spawns at 3 – 4 years. Fractional spawner. Spawns April – July when water temperature is 12 – 22 ° C. Males congregate at spawning sites and drive mature females, often with much splashing, into dense vegetation to spawn. Eggs are very sticky. Feeds mainly on plankton, terrestrial insects, and plant material. Able to adapt to adverse environmental conditions by slow growth and small size at maturity (stunted populations), e. g., in Anzali Lagoon, with a maximum total length of 146 mm, living up to 5 years and spawning at age 1 +.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE31FE7A2885FBB4FBA1FA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE36FE7F28ABFF5EFE2AFCC4.taxon	description	Chubs are medium-sized to large fishes that inhabit lakes, slow-flowing large rivers, and hill streams. In this genus, 38 species are recognised, 16 of which are found in West Asia. They are particularly abundant in medium-sized streams and small rivers with gravel substrate and may constitute a significant portion of the fish biomass in such habitats. Squalius is characterised by scaled midventral keel in front of the anus, a complete lateral line, a slightly subterminal mouth, the dorsal origin behind the pelvic base, two rows of pharyngeal teeth, the absence of a prominent grey or brown lateral stripe (a very indistinct stripe is present in a few species), 7 – 10 ½ branched anal rays and 7 – 9 ½ branched dorsal rays. In Anatolia, mtDNA studies have only partially corroborated the morphological species hypothesis in recent years. This is due to several factors, including introgressive hybridisation and the possibility that some species may have arisen through genetic drift in small founder populations invading new habitats. Genetic drift is a potential evolutionary pathway of S. carinus, which has a very small range adjacent to its closely related sister species. Additionally, some species have been identified as synonyms due to underestimating their morphological variability. The species diversity of Squalius is still incompletely understood and future studies of nuclear DNA may change the species diversity recognised here. In Anatolia, Eastern Greece, and Bulgaria, one very widespread molecular group is distributed, having the mtDNA of S. orpheus. However, nuclear DNA data strongly suggest that Greek and Anatolian populations are two species: S. orpheus and S. cappadocicus. Indeed, selected populations are quite different from each other and there are plenty of intermediate populations, making separating species impossible for now. An additional complex situation is found in the Persian Gulf basin, where S. lepidus, S. berak, and S. verepi often share the same mtDNA sequences. They seem also to have often hybridised and such hybrids have locally stabilised, and populations are being morphologically intermediate between S. berak / S. verepi and S. lepidus, challenging their identification. In other populations, the external appearance of the fish is identical to that of one species, yet the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) belongs to the different species. Genomic studies will shed some light on Squalius ’ evolutionary past, hopefully soon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE34FE7F28ABFC47FA85FA90.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kura chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE34FE7F28ABFC47FA85FA90.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Caspian basin by: ○ anal yellowish, pale-orange or hyaline in life / ○ few or without black pigments in anal in preserved individuals / ○ 43 – 46 + 1 – 2 lateral-line scales / ○ 7 – 11 gill rakers / ○ posteriormost point at tip of anal at 3 rd or 5 th branched ray / ○ mouth terminal or subterminal in adults / ○ head length 24 – 28 % SL / ○ eye diameter 18 – 23 % HL / ○ 8 ½, very rarely 9 ½ branched anal rays / ○ anal height 17 – 19 % SL. Size up to 220 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE34FE7F28ABFC47FA85FA90.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin: Kura drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE34FE7F28ABFC47FA85FA90.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing streams with cobble and gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE34FE7F28ABFC47FA85FA90.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE34FE7F28ABFC47FA85FA90.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular characters well differentiate chubs from the Kura and Aras. The species from the Kura is identified as S. agdamicus, and that from the Aras is S. turcicus, but their morphological characters still need to be studied better.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE35FE412885F910FD44FE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Beyşehir pike chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE35FE412885F910FD44FE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Western and Central Anatolia by: ○ lower lip projecting beyond upper lip / ● head length 30 – 32 % SL / ○ 14 circumpeduncular scales / ○ flank silvery or golden in life / ○ scale pockets on flank with a dark-grey, crescent-shaped mark / ○ anal membranes blackish / ○ 9 ½ anal rays / ○ 8 – 10 gill rakers. Size up to 350 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE35FE412885F910FD44FE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Beyşehir, also in Manavgat, draining to Mediterranean east of Antalya. One record also available from Lake Tuz basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE35FE412885F910FD44FE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakeshores, tributaries, streams, and small rivers. Also, reservoirs and rivers up to relatively small streams. Biology. Spawns late May – early July. Probably a fractional spawner. Feeds on invertebrates and fish as it grows.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE35FE412885F910FD44FE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0AFE4128ABFDF0FAD7FD3E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tuzla chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0AFE4128ABFDF0FAD7FD3E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Western and Central Anatolia by: ● upper lip short, not or very slightly projecting beyond tip of lower lip / ○ mouth terminal or slightly subterminal in adults / ○ dorso-hypural distance reaching anterior half of eye when reported forwards / ○ silvery or golden in life / ○ no stripe on flank / ○ anal rays orange in live, blackish in preserved individuals, membranes hyaline / ○ upper lip thick, its anterior depth 3.8 – 5.8 times in its lateral length / ○ dorsal origin above middle of pelvic base / ○ upper head profile convex / ● snout rounded / ○ 40 – 45 + 2 – 3 lateral-line scales / ○ a dark-brown or black spot or blotch on flank scale pockets and at predorsal scales / ○ belly between anus and posterior extremity of pelvic base distinctly compressed / ○ prepelvic distance 53 – 55 % HL / ○ anal length 68 – 78 % HL / ○ interorbital area convex, its width 37 – 41 % HL / ○ head depth at nape 46 – 51 % HL. Size up to 183 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0AFE4128ABFDF0FAD7FD3E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Tuzla drainage entering Aegean at Assos.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0AFE4128ABFDF0FAD7FD3E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with Mediterranean water regime. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0AFE4128ABFDF0FAD7FD3E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0AFE4128ABFDF0FAD7FD3E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Records from other coastal streams could not be confirmed. This species is distributed between the ranges of S. cii and S. fellowesii, and molecular data strongly suggest that S. aristotelis may be a species of hybrid origin. Its population includes individuals with mtDNA haplotypes of neighboring S. cii and haplotypes associated with the large population complex identified here as S. cappadocicus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0BFE432885FAA7FDD7FDF3.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Euphrates chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0BFE432885FAA7FDD7FDF3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from S. lepidus in Persian Gulf basin by: ● upper lip projecting beyond lower lip / ● posterior anal-margin convex / ● 39 – 46 + 1 – 2 lateral-line scales / ● head blunt / ● snout short / ● dorsal head profile straight or slightly convex / ● scale pockets along lateral midline densely covered by pigments forming a large grey or black crescent-shaped blotch, resulting in a very contrasted reticulate pattern / ● anal rays orange in life / ● anal with few or without black pigments in preserved individuals / ● head length 26 – 30 % SL / ● interorbital distance 37 – 45 % HL / ● head depth 65 – 71 % HL / ● posteriormost point of anal at tip of 3 rd or 5 th branched rays. Size up to 450 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0BFE432885FAA7FDD7FDF3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq and Euphrates drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0BFE432885FAA7FDD7FDF3.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small- to medium-sized streams, mostly in mountains and hilly areas. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0BFE432885FAA7FDD7FDF3.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0BFE432885FAA7FDD7FDF3.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In medium-sized rivers often in sympatry with S. lepidus, which inhabits mostly large rivers. Both species occasionally hybridise as mitochondrial DNA of S. lepidus is often found in S. berak, and there are populations with intermediate morphological character states. Individuals “ difficult to identify ” by characters given could be such hybrids. Squalius semae from the upper Euphrates is a synonym. Characters proposed to distinguish S. verepi from the upper Tigris from S. berak could also not be confirmed and both are also indistinguishable by their COI sequences. Few genomic data however indicate that S. verepi might be a valid species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE08FE4328ABFD7BFB44FA81.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Anatolian chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE08FE4328ABFD7BFB44FA81.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Central Anatolia, Marmara, and Black Sea basin, and upper Euphrates by: / ○ anal membranes whitish, yellowish, very pale-orange grey or blackish, rays usually blackish in life, in adults larger than 150 mm SL / ○ 38 – 44 + 2 lateral-line scales / ○ dorsal origin above pelvic base / ○ 14 – 15 circumpedunclar scales / ○ scale pockets on flank with a dark-brown or grey crescent-shaped mark or spot or roundish blotch on middle of flank scale / ○ mouth terminal or subterminal in adults, upper lip projecting beyond lower lip or both lips at equal level / ○ (7 ½) 8 ½, very rarely 9 ½ branched anal rays / ○ posteriormost point of anal at tip of 3 rd – 5 th branched rays / ○ anal height 14 – 18 % SL / ○ head length 25 – 32 % SL / ○ belly between anus and posterior extremity of pelvic base rounded or very slightly compressed / ○ 11 – 12 gill rakers. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE08FE4328ABFD7BFB44FA81.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Anatolian Black Sea coast west of Çoruh. Eastern tributaries of Sakarya and in Melendiz drainage (Tuz basin). Seyhan, and few tributaries in upper Euphrates including Kangal and Tohma.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE08FE4328ABFD7BFB44FA81.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers stretches with moderate currents, also in reservoirs and lakes. Biology. Lives up to 7 years. Spawns April – June in shallow gravel bottom areas. Omnivorous, feeding mainly on insects and aquatic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE08FE4328ABFD7BFB44FA81.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE08FE4328ABFD7BFB44FA81.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The taxonomy and distribution of S. cappadocicus remain unresolved. It shares the COI sequence data with S. orpheus; both are well distinguished morphologically and supported as two species by unpublished nuclear DNA data. We restrict S. orpheus to Europe and preliminarily identify all Anatolian populations with COI sequences of S. orpheus as S. cappadocicus, the first name available for these fishes. COI and nDNA demonstrate S. adanaensis and S. seyhanensis to be conspecific. Both are identical to S. cappadocicus (and S. orpheus) by their COI sequences. Squalius cappadocicus and S. seyhanensis are very similar morphologically, and the morphological characters proposed to distinguish them could not be confirmed by us. We preliminarily identify S. adanaensis, S. seyhanensis, and all populations from the Black Sea basin having the COI of S. orpheus as S. cappadocicus. More research on nDNA might resolve this complicated situation in the future.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0EFE4528ABFAC4FAD7F8C5.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Işıklı chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0EFE4528ABFAC4FAD7F8C5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Western and Central Anatolia by: ● dark-brown pigmentation in life / ○ lower lip projecting beyond tip of upper lip (equal to tip of upper lip in few individuals) / ○ uppermost point of mouth cleft about at level between middle of eye and lower margin of pupil / ○ upper head profile straight / ○ snout conical and pointed / ○ interorbital area straight or slightly convex / ○ 39 – 43 + 2 – 3 lateral-line scales / ○ belly between anus and posterior extremity of pelvic base distinctly compressed / ○ dorsal origin above vertical of pelvic base / ○ anal orange, membranes hyaline, rays blackish in life / ○ a dark-brown or grey spot on scale pockets on flank / ○ dark-brown stripes along upper and lower edge of exposed part of scales / ○ predorsal length 53 – 57 % SL / ○ head length 27 – 29 % SL / ● head depth at eye 46 – 50 % HL / ○ interorbital distance 30 – 38 % HL. Size up to 260 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0EFE4528ABFAC4FAD7F8C5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Işıklı basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0EFE4528ABFAC4FAD7F8C5.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, springs, and Lake Işıklı itself, from where they migrate to streams to spawn. Biology. Lives up to 5 years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0EFE4528ABFAC4FAD7F8C5.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0EFE4528ABFAC4FAD7F8C5.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data suggest that this species is conspecific with S. fellowesii. As S. carinus is well differentiated by morphological characters, it could be advised that it represents a young species adapted to the environment of Lake Işıklı or has been introgressed by mtDNA of S. fellowesii. Further research may also show that S. carinus is a synonym of S. fellowesii.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0FFE442885FCCEFACFFB46.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Marmara chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0FFE442885FCCEFACFFB46.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Western and Central Anatolia by: ○ 14 – 16 circumpeduncular scales / ○ anal rays hyaline or pale-orange in live and preserved individuals / ○ anal membranes distinctly black / ○ upper lip clearly projecting beyond lower lip / ○ upper head profile almost straight / ○ vertical black bar behind opercle in-conspicuous / ○ 45 – 49 total lateral-line scales / ○ head length 24 – 26 % SL / ○ scale pockets on flank with a dark-grey, crescent-shaped mark / ○ belly between anus and posterior extremity of pelvic base slightly compressed / ○ head width at nape 36 – 41 % SL. Size up to 255 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0FFE442885FCCEFACFFB46.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake İznik basin, Sursuluk drainage, Biga Peninsula (Marmara basin) south to Karamenderes (Aegean basin).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0FFE442885FCCEFACFFB46.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of lakes, streams, and rivers, including adjacent reservoirs, from which it migrates into tributaries to spawn. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0FFE442885FCCEFACFFB46.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0FFE442885FCCEFACFFB46.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Squalius cephaloides from streams Teşvikiye and Armutlu is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0CFE4728ABFAB8FB8BF827.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Aegean chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0CFE4728ABFAB8FB8BF827.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Western and Central Anatolia by: ○ 16 – 17 circumpeduncular scales / ○ anal rays orange in live, blackish in preserved individuals / ○ mouth subterminal in adults / ○ silvery or golden in life / ○ no stripe on flank / ○ anal membranes hyaline / ○ a dark-brown, vertically elongated or roundish spot or blotch on flank scale pockets / ○ spots or blotches on scales pockets also on predorsal back / ○ upper lip clearly projecting beyond lower / ○ upper head profile convex / ○ snout rounded with obtuse tip / ○ interorbital area convex / ○ 40 – 43 + 2 – 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 6 – 9 gill rakers / ○ abdomen between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus distinctly compressed / ○ dorso-hypural distance reaching nostrils and anterior half of eye when reported forwards / ○ mouth subterminal in adults / ○ length of caudal peduncle 8 – 12 % SL. Size up to 180 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0CFE4728ABFAB8FB8BF827.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Aegean basin from Eşen north to Madra southern Biga Peninsula. Absent from Tahtalı and Küçük Menderes, as well as from Işıklı, but occurs in Karadirek. Introduced to Aksu (Mediterranean basin). Greece: Islands of Lesbos and Samos.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0CFE4728ABFAB8FB8BF827.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers, including adjacent reservoirs, from which it migrates into tributaries to spawn. Biology. Lives up to 7 years. Matures after the first winter in males and the second winter in females in most populations. Spawns between early April and late May.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0CFE4728ABFAB8FB8BF827.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0CFE4728ABFAB8FB8BF827.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data suggest this species is closely related to S. carinus from Lake Işıklı basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0DFE462885FB2EFAF4FAAE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Striped chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0DFE462885FB2EFAF4FAAE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Western and Central Anatolia by: ● inconspicuous, broad, dark-brown stripe on upper part of flank between head and end of caudal peduncle / ● sharp contrast between dark-brown dorsal part and light-brown lateral and ventral part of body in preserved individuals / ○ snout obtuse / ○ 37 – 42 + 2 – 3 lateral-line scales / ○ scale pockets on flank below lateral stripe with a prominent dark-brown blotch / ○ posterior margin of flank scales usually covered with dark-brown pigments giving it a dusky pattern / ○ no dark-brown spot on scale pockets on back / ○ abdomen between posterior extremity of pelvic base and anus only very slightly compressed / ○ anal rays orange in live, blackish in preserved individuals / ○ anal membranes hyaline / ○ caudal peduncle depth 15 – 19 % SL. Size up to 158 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0DFE462885FB2EFAF4FAAE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Küçük Menderes, Tahtalı drainages, and four coastal streams west to Azmak (İzmir).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0DFE462885FB2EFAF4FAAE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with Mediterranean water regime. Can survive in very small pools in dry riverbeds in summer. Also, known from springs and reservoirs. Biology. Lives up to 6 years. Spawns in March and April.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE0DFE462885FB2EFAF4FAAE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4928ABFF5EFC6BFE9E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Cilician pike chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4928ABFF5EFC6BFE9E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in eastern Mediterranean basin by: ● lower lip projecting beyond upper lip / ● 9 – 10 ½ branched anal rays / ● posterior anal margin straight / ○ 45 – 47 total lateral-line scales. Size up to 240 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4928ABFF5EFC6BFE9E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Seyhan, Ceyhan, and Orontes drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4928ABFF5EFC6BFE9E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and rivers, mostly in mountain and hill areas. Also, in reservoirs from where they migrate to tributaries to spawn on gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4928ABFF5EFC6BFE9E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC. Most likely, this species also occurred in Syrian part of Orontes, but it has not been recorded in recent years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4928ABFF5EFC6BFE9E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Very rare in Seyhan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4828ABF94BFBEEFC88.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian pike chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4828ABF94BFBEEFC88.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from S. berak and S. verepi in Persian Gulf basin by: ● lower lip projecting beyond upper lip or tip of both lips equal / ● posterior anal margin straight / ● 9 – 10 ½, rarely 8 ½ branched anal rays / ● 45 – 60 + 1 – 3 lateral-line scales / ● head pointed / ● snout long / ● dorsal head profile straight or concave / ● scale pockets on flank not or moderately covered by pigments forming a grey crescent-shaped blotch, resulting in a poorly contrasted reticulate pattern or reticulate pattern absent. Size up to 350 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4828ABF94BFBEEFC88.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates, Tigris, and Karun drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4828ABF94BFBEEFC88.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large- to medium-sized rivers, lakes, and reservoirs from where they migrate to tributaries to spawn. Rarely in small streams. Biology. Spawns May – June.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4828ABF94BFBEEFC88.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE02FE4828ABF94BFBEEFC88.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In medium-sized rivers, it often occurs in sympatry with S. berak (Euphrates) or S. verepi (Tigris), which inhabits mostly small- to medium-sized streams. Sympatric species occasionally hybridise, as mitochondrial DNA from S. berak and S. verepi is often found in S. lepidus, and there are many populations similar to hybrids between these species (relatively long head). Many individuals “ difficult to identify ” by the characters may be such hybrids. Chubs identified as S. lepidus from Lake Beyşehir, Lake Akşehir, Ceyhan, and the Orontes belong to other species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE00FE4B2884FA4FFBFAF8C5.taxon	description	Leuciscus spurius was first described by Heckel in 1843 from the Qweiq in Aleppo, a region where the fish fauna was largely unknown to scientists at the time. It was frequently listed as occurring in the area by authors who copied information from Heckel’s description. After 145 years of its description, L. spurius was recorded from coastal streams in Syria, but later these fish were described as Alburnus qalilus. The generic position of L. spurius was discussed on a few occasions, partly based on the sole individual from Heckel’s collection and the accompanying illustration in the original description. Indeed, this species was never found again. A thorough examination of the type specimen in the fish collection of the Natural History Museum in Vienna revealed that the type of L. spurius is indistinguishable from the hybrids between Squalius berak and Alburnus sellal, which are often found in the Euphrates. Both parental species also occur in the Qweiq, so they are expected to hybridise there. Such hybrids exhibit a distinct phenotype that differs from their parental species. Consequently, Heckel described this individual as a different species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE01FE4A2885FD00FACBFC0E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Namak chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE01FE4A2885FD00FACBFC0E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in adjacent Caspian and Persian Gulf basins by: ● symphysial knob on lower jaw wide and thick / ○ a bold, grey or brown, roundish or crescent shaped blotch at tip of flank scales in preserved individuals / ○ scale pockets on flank above lateral line poorly pigmented / ○ 39 – 43 + 1 – 3 lateral-line scales (39 – 45 total) / ○ posterior anal margin convex / ○ mouth subterminal / ○ anal height 7 – 13 % SL / ○ anal with few or without black pigments in preserved individuals / ○ 9 – 12 gill rakers / ○ caudal, anal and pelvic rays orange / ○ head blunt / ○ caudal peduncle length 14 – 20 % SL. Size up to 450 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE01FE4A2885FD00FACBFC0E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Qom and Qareh Chai drainages in Lake Namak basin. Hable and Nam drainages in Western Kavir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE01FE4A2885FD00FACBFC0E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and small rivers. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE01FE4A2885FD00FACBFC0E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE01FE4A2885FD00FACBFC0E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Individuals analysed from Cheshmeh Ali have the mtDNA of S. turcicus. This population could be identified as S. turcicus or could consist of hybrids between S. namak and S. turcicus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE06FE4D28ABFF5EFAD2FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Georgian chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE06FE4D28ABFF5EFAD2FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Black Sea basin by: ○ 9 ½, rarely 8 ½ branched anal rays / ○ anal orange to red / ○ conspicuous vertical black bar behind opercle / ○ 41 – 46 + 1 – 2 lateral-line scales / ○ 10 – 12 gill rakers / ○ caudal peduncle depth 11 – 12 % SL / ○ posteriormost point at tip of 3 rd anal branched ray. Size up to 600 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE06FE4D28ABFF5EFAD2FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Eastern Black Sea basin from Doğankent east to Çoruh and north to Ashe drainage and other small rivers south of Caucasus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE06FE4D28ABFF5EFAD2FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Usually in small rivers and large streams with riffles and pools, even in very small mountain streams. On banks of slow-flowing lowland rivers and lakes, making spawning migrations to inflowing streams. Spawns in fast-flowing water over gravel banks. Biology. Lives up to 16 years, females longer than males. Males first spawn at 2 – 3 years, females at 4 – 6 years. Juveniles gregarious, adults more solitary. Feeds on a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animal and plant material. Often forms hybrids with Alburnus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE06FE4D28ABFF5EFAD2FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE06FE4D28ABFF5EFAD2FD79.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data suggest that this species is very closely related to S. turcicus from Aras, and both may be conspecific. However, S. turcicus usually has dark grey fins, whereas S. orientalis has orange fins, and S. turcicus lacks the prominent vertical black bar behind the opercle. We recognise S. cephalus and S. orientalis as two species based on molecular characters alone, as their morphology has yet to be studied. Molecular data suggest that S. orientalis might have a much wider distribution in the northern Black Sea basin, including all rivers east of Danube and tributaries of Baltic Sea west to Odra and eastern tributaries of Elbe (Czech Republic and Germany). Within this population group, S. wjatkensis from the Azov and northern Caspian Sea basins (Volga) and S. latifrons may be considered additional valid species in future. Squalius latifrons is an available name for chubs closely related to S. orientalis from southern Finland, Sweden (north to around Stockholm), the Baltic basin, and tributaries of the northern and western Black Sea. Fish from Bulgarian coastal rivers in Black Sea basin also belong to this molecular group, and we suspect that they are identical to those identified as S. cephalus in northwestern Anatolia. Squalius cephalus is restricted to France, Great Britain, the Danube drainage, and the North Sea basin tributaries east of Elbe.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE07FE4C2885FF5EFA13FDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sakarya chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE07FE4C2885FF5EFA13FDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Western and Central Anatolia by: ○ dorsal origin behind vertical of last pelvic ray / ○ posteriormost point of anal at tip of 7 th or 8 th branched ray / ○ 14 – 15 circumpeduncular scales / ○ 8 ½, very rarely 9 ½ anal rays / ○ anal rays hyaline in live and preserved individuals / ○ anal membranes black, rarely orange in live, blackish in preserved individuals / ○ upper lip usually projecting beyond lower lip, lips at same level or lower lip projection in some individuals / ○ upper and ventral head profile straight in individuals larger than 100 mm SL / ○ snout conical and pointed / ○ scale pockets on flank with a dark-grey, crescent-shaped mark / ○ belly between anus and posterior extremity of pelvic base slightly or not compressed / ○ eye diameter 1.7 – 2.1 times in interorbital distance, 18 – 23 % HL / ○ head length 25 – 29 % SL / ○ head depth at nape 63 – 67 % HL / ○ 40 – 46 total lateral-line scales. Size up to 380 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE07FE4C2885FF5EFA13FDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sakarya drainage, likely restricted to upper and middle parts, including Porsuk and Kirmir. Also, in Lakes Eber, Akşehir, and Ilgın basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE07FE4C2885FF5EFA13FDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and rivers, mostly in hilly areas. In reservoirs, from where they migrate to tributaries to spawn on gravel substrate. Biology. Lives up to 10 years. Spawns April – June.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE07FE4C2885FF5EFA13FDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE07FE4C2885FF5EFA13FDF4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Squalius recurvirostris from Eber, Akşehir, and Ilgın lakes is a synonym as it is indistinguishable from S. pursakensis by COI DNA sequences, and morphological characters proposed to distinguish both species could also not be confirmed. Squalius pursakensis and mtDNA haplotypes of S. cappadocicus are found in the Sakarya. It has not yet been investigated where exactly both species occur in Sakarya, possibly in different subsystems, or where exactly hybrids between S. pursakensis and S. cappadocicus occur. In addition, the morphological characters distinguishing S. pursakensis and S. cappadocicus are poorly understood and require further research.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE04FE4E28ABF955FCF9FD3E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. South Caspian chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE04FE4E28ABF955FCF9FD3E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Squalius in Persian Gulf, Caspian, Lake Namak and Lake Urmia basins by: ● anal membranes and rays hyaline, greyish-white or yellow in life / ○ mouth terminal or subterminal in adults / ○ snout pointed / ○ knob on lower jaw symphysis narrow, thin or absent / ○ head length 26 – 28 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 35 – 41 % HL / ○ head width at nape 61 – 70 % HL / ○ anterior width 4.2 – 7.1 times in its lateral length / ○ (7 ½) 8 ½ (9 ½) branched anal rays / ○ 7 – 11 gill rakers / ○ anal height 18 – 24 % SL / ○ posterior tip of flank scales without bold blotch / ○ posteriormost point of anal at tip of 5 th or 6 th anal branched ray / ○ a wide band of densely-set, dark-brown or blackish melanophores along posterior margin of each flank scale. Size up to 264 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE04FE4E28ABF955FCF9FD3E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin from Aras east to Atrak. Also, in Lake Urmia basin (Iran), Cheshme Ali in Western Kavir basin (Iran), Sulak drainage (Dagestan), and uppermost Choman (Tigris drainage), directly at watershed to Saqez (Urmia).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE04FE4E28ABF955FCF9FD3E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wide range of streams and rivers, mostly in hilly areas. In lakes, from where it migrates to tributaries to spawn. Locally spawns on wave-washed lake shores on gravel substrate. Biology. Lives up to 8 years, possibly longer. First spawns at 2 – 3 years (males) and 3 – 4 years (females). Spawns late May – July at water temperatures of 12 – 18 ° C.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE04FE4E28ABF955FCF9FD3E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE04FE4E28ABF955FCF9FD3E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data suggest that this species is closely related to S. orientalis from the eastern Black Sea basin, and both may be conspecific. However, S. turcicus usually has dark-grey fins, whereas S. orientalis has orange fins, and the prominent vertical black bar behind the opercle in S. orientalis is absent in S. turcicus. Further research is needed to determine whether this is one or two species. Molecular characters differentiate the Kura and Aras chubs well. The species from the Kura is identified as S. agdamicus, and the one from the Aras is S. turcicus, but their morphological characters still need to be better studied. More research is required to distinguish the two species and understand their range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE05FE4E2885FA7EFA8CF81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tigris chub.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE05FE4E2885FA7EFA8CF81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from S. lepidus in Persian Gulf basin by: ● upper lip projecting beyond lower lip / ○ posterior anal-margin convex / ● 39 – 46 + 1 – 2 lateral-line scales / ○ head blunt / ○ snout short / ○ dorsal head profile straight or slightly convex / ○ scale pockets along lateral midline densely covered by pigments forming a large grey or black crescent-shaped blotch, resulting in a very contrasted reticulate pattern / ○ anal rays orange in life / ○ anal with few or without black pigments in preserved individuals / ○ head length 27 – 30 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 35 – 45 % HL / ○ head depth 61 – 72 % HL / ○ posteriormost point of anal at tip of 3 rd or 5 th branched rays. Size up to 450 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE05FE4E2885FA7EFA8CF81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Tigris and Karun drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE05FE4E2885FA7EFA8CF81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small- to medium-sized streams, mostly in mountains and hilly areas. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE05FE4E2885FA7EFA8CF81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE05FE4E2885FA7EFA8CF81E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In medium-sized rivers often in sympatry with S. lepidus, which inhabits mostly large rivers. Both species occasionally hybridise as mitochondrial DNA of S. lepidus is often found in S. verepi, and there are populations with intermediate morphological character states. Individuals “ difficult to identify ” by characters given could be such hybrids. Morphological characters proposed to distinguish S. verepi from S. berak could not be confirmed and both are also indistinguishable by their COI sequences. Only few unpublished genomic data indicate that S. verepi might be a valid species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1BFE502885FD7BFC4FFBDE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tefenni nase.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1BFE502885FD7BFC4FFBDE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Chondrostoma in Central Anatolia, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ● no cornified sheath covering lower lip / ● 12 − 14 gill rakers / ○ 44 − 54 total lateral-line scales / ○ 5 − 5 pharyngeal teeth / ○ 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ usually 8 ½ branched anal rays. Size up to 127 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1BFE502885FD7BFC4FFBDE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Kırkpınar (Başpınar) spring near Karamusa (Tefenni), Değirmendere flowing into Karamanlı reservoir, Lake Karatas, Elmacık reservoir and Bozçay in Burdur basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1BFE502885FD7BFC4FFBDE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1BFE502885FD7BFC4FFBDE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Extirpated from Lake Karataş as this lake has dried out in recent years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1BFE502885FD7BFC4FFBDE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The single species included in this genus had previously been classified as Pseudophoxinus. Molecular data indicate that this species is closely related to Chondrostoma. Available molecular data are contradictory, and some molecular analysis relate Turcichondrostoma with Chondrostoma soetta and C. kneri from the Adriatic basin in Europe. Further studies are required to resolve the generic position of T. fahirae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE18FE5228ABFAF5FB44FDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Vimba.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE18FE5228ABFAF5FB44FDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Abramis, Acanthobrama, Ballerus, and Blicca by: ○ 46 – 58 + 2 – 3 lateral-line scales / ○ 16 – 22 ½ branched anal rays / ○ no scaleless groove in front of dorsal / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray as much or slighly more ossified as other rays, thickened or not thickened / ○ sub-inferior mouth, which cannot be extended as a tube / ○ back keeled behind dorsal base / ○ pharyngeal teeth 5 – 5 / ○ orange or reddish base of paired fins in adults. Size up to 400 mm SL (Caspian anadromous form), many populations much smaller.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE18FE5228ABFAF5FB44FDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian, Black, Marmara, and Baltic Sea basins (Sweden and Finland north to 63 ° N), North Sea basin from Elbe to Ems drainages. In Anatolia: in Aegean basin (from Gediz to Eşen), southern Marmara basin including lakes Apolyont, Manyas, İznik, and Sapanca, and in Black Sea tributaries. Lake Eğirdir (Central Anatolia) and Aksu and Köprüçay which flow to Gulf of Antalya. Semi- anadromous in Caspian basin, entering almost all, even small, tributaries to spawn. Widespread in Europe from Elbe east to Volga and all rivers in Baltic, Black, and Caspian basin. Non-native to Rhine and northern Italy.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE18FE5228ABFAF5FB44FDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Brackish estuaries, large to medium-sized rivers, and large lakes. Sedentary populations also occur in small rivers. Spawns on gravel in riffles in shallow, fast-flowing streams and rivers. Biology. Lives up to 7 – 15 years. Semi-anadromous populations forage in freshened parts of sea. Caspian population undertakes long-distance migrations to overwinter and feed at sea. To spawn, enters rivers in winter (Kura) or March – April (smaller rivers) and undertakes long upstream spawning migrations. Spawns first time at 2 – 3 years of age. Spawns late April – late July, depending on water temperature. Commences spawning when temperature rises above 15 ° C. Lacustrine populations migrate to fast-flowing tributaries. Fractional spawners, individual females spawn several times over 2 – 3 months. Individuals spawn only once per season, reported from upper Danube and Caspian basin, and spent adults return to feeding areas. Feeds mainly on small molluscs and insect larvae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE18FE5228ABFAF5FB44FDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE18FE5228ABFAF5FB44FDF4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The genus Vimba is closely related to other breams, such as Acanthobrama, Abramis, Ballerus, Blicca, and Mirogrex. Typically, four species are recognised within the genus. Vimba melanops is endemic to the European part of the Aegean, V. persa is found in the Caspian basin, V. mirabilis is found in the eastern Aegean basin (from Gediz south to Eşen in Türkiye), and V. vimba is found in the Black Sea basin. However, all Vimba are very closely related, and morphological characters do not allow for the distinction of different species within that genus. Therefore, we treat all Vimba as a single species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1EFE5528ABFF54FBCCFD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Tench	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1EFE5528ABFF54FBCCFD8C.taxon	description	The phylogenetic position of the tench has been debated for decades, with the species currently classified as belonging to a distinct family within the order Cypriniformes. Following the publication of several molecular studies in the 21 st century, Tinca was occasionally grouped with a diverse range of East Asian fishes, including Zacco, Tanichthys, and bitterlings belonging to the family Acheilognathidae. In this context, Tincidae was proposed as a distinct family, with the genus Tinca representing a monotypic taxon. The fossil record of tincids is extensive, with remains dating back to the early Oligocene (30 million years ago) in Europe, Central Asia, and Siberia. Palaeotinca and Tarsichthys were the first known genera in Tincidae and among Central Europe’s earliest representatives of Cypriniformes. It is possible that they reached this area together with a small number of other Asian invaders. Tinca was first recorded in the Middle Miocene and has since been widespread in Europe and Central Asia. Despite the long history of Tincidae, there is only one extant species, indicating that it has very strong dispersal abilities. This may be due to the species being able to guarantee gene flow over large distances, or it may be due to a massive extinction event in the past, which reduced the species’ range. The range of Tinca is subdivided between two slightly differentiated molecular groups of populations. The first is from the British Isles to Poland, while the second is from Germany throughout Asia to China. Both groups show a large overlap in their range within Central Europe (Germany, Poland, and the Danube), which might originate from postglacial expansion and stocking. These two population groups indicate that there might have been two glacial refuge areas.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1EFE542B39FDADFAECFEBC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tench.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1EFE542B39FDADFAECFEBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Cyprinidae in West Asia by: ○ golden greenish brown body / ○ orange or red iris / ○ one pair of barbels (maxillary) / ○ 96 – 115 total lateral-line scales, small and deeply embedded / ○ 6 – 9 ½ branched anal rays / ○ 8 – 9 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 600 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1EFE542B39FDADFAECFEBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Centuries of stocking in West Asia and Europe have blurred the original distribution pattern. In West Asia, thought to be native to Black and Caspian Sea basins. Now widely introduced in Anatolia. Presumed native to most of Europe, naturally absent only in Ireland, Scandinavia north of 61 ° 30 ’ N, eastern Adriatic basin, and western and southern Greece, where it is now introduced. In northern Asia, native east to Yenisei drainage south of 60 ° N. Introduced in North and South Africa, Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, India, North America, Chile, and probably elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1EFE542B39FDADFAECFEBC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Typically, in shallow, densely vegetated lakes and backwaters, but introduced often to all kinds of lakes and reservoirs. Often overwinters buried in mud. Spawns in still water among dense vegetation. Biology. Lives up to 20 years. First spawns at 2 – 6 years and 70 – 250 mm SL, females usually a year later than males. Pelvic rays more robust, longer, and extending beyond anus in males. Spawns May – October in Central Europe, usually June – July, at temperatures above 19 ° C, usually 22 – 24 ° C. Several males follow a female who lays eggs in several parts above vegetation. Females may spawn 1 – 9 times a year, every 11 – 15 days, if weather is warm enough. High embryo mortality has been observed when temperatures fluctuate greatly. Larvae and juveniles restricted to dense vegetation. Tolerant of low oxygen and salinity up to 12 ‰. Feeds on detritus, benthic animals, and plant material. Adults often feed mainly on molluscs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1EFE542B39FDADFAECFEBC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1CFE5728ABFF54FB4BFD3E.taxon	vernacular_names	Chinese carps	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1CFE5728ABFF54FB4BFD3E.taxon	description	The aggregation of non-native East Asian carps has been placed in several cyprinid subfamilies, depending on which molecular characters were studied. The genera Squaliobarbus, Elopichthys, Ctenopharyngodon, and Mylopharyngodon were previously classified within the Cyprinid subfamily Squaliobarbinae. Hypophthalmichthys has been placed in the family Leuciscidae. The results of recent, comprehensive molecular studies place these fishes in Xenocyprididae. Xenocyprididae is a diverse group that encompasses species native to Southeast Asia (e. g. Macrochirichthys, and Parachela) and East Asia (e. g., Culter, Chanodichthys, and Ochetobius). They represent an independent adaptive radiation within the order Cypriniformes and exhibit remarkable morphological and ecological diversity. In East Asia, they form similar ecological niches to those of Leuciscids in the West, and some are even superficially similar to Alburnus, Leuciscus, Chondrostoma, and others. Some species attain considerable size and exhibit rapid growth; four have been cultivated and widely introduced. Several other species are small pond dwellers, including Aphyocypris, Hemigrammocypris, and Metzia. Xenocypridis are particularly abundant in lowland freshwater ecosystems, with some species being ubiquitous. Some are also resistant to the majority of human impacts. One species, Hemiculter leucisculus, was introduced to the Aral basin and has become invasive along the southern and western coast of the Caspian Sea. Subsequently, it was introduced to the Euphrates and Tigris drainages, where it is expanding its range. Ctenopharyngodon, Mylopharyngodon, and Hypophthalmichthys have been stocked throughout West Asia and are typically sourced from European suppliers. However, these activities have declined due to the perceived inferiority of the flesh of these species and their subsequent low market value. There is no documented evidence of any established population of these species in West Asia. Nevertheless, their potential to become established in the future as a consequence of warming due to climate change cannot be discounted.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1CFE5628ABF968FA85FCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Grass carp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1CFE5628ABF968FA85FCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from similar Mylopharyngodon piceus by: ● body olive to brassy green on back, silvery white to yellow on flank / ○ body cylindrical / ● pharyngeal teeth laterally compressed, serrated, with a groove along grinding surface (Figure 43), usually in two rows, 2,5 – 4,2. Size up to 1200 mm SL and 32 kg. Distribution. Rarely introduced for weed control or escaped from aquaculture facilities. No established populations in West Asia. Native to East Asia, in most major Pacific drainages from Amur to Xi Jiang. Used in aquaculture in Asia, Europe, and North America; released in most major drainages. Established non-native populations in North America and in Aral Sea basin (Central Asia).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1CFE5628ABF968FA85FCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Stocked in large rivers and almost all still waters such as lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. Often escapes from fish farms. In its native range, inhabits rivers with pronounced water level fluctuations caused by floods. Spawning and overwintering in middle and lower reaches of large rivers. In lakes, reservoirs, and backwaters during feeding season, preferably in warm, clear water with high oxygen concentrations. Biology. In natural habitat, first spawns at 7 – 10 years and about 600 – 800 mm SL, females 1 – 2 years later than males. Spawns April – August. Migrates upstream and spawns during high water, in upper water layer, or on surface in sections with strong currents. Females lay one or more portions of eggs depending on length of flood. Average females lay about 1.5 million pelagic eggs, hatching while drifting downstream in 2 – 3 days; if river is blocked or available river reaches are too short, eggs cannot drift long enough and fail to develop. After spawning, adults leave river and migrate to flooded areas, lakes, or backwaters with dense vegetation. They return to river in autumn – winter and spend cold season in deep places in lower reaches. Larvae settle in flooded lakes and channels with little or no current after a downstream migration of about 1000 km. Larvae feed on phyto- and zooplankton and then, from about 25 to 50 mm SL, on aquatic macrophytes. Larger juveniles and adults feed mainly on macrophytes, including terrestrial macrophytes, during summer floods. Does not feed in winter. There are reliable data on natural spawning in rivers in southern Russia, but success of these reproductive events is not known.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1CFE5628ABF968FA85FCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; stocked for commercial fisheries. In West Asia very rarely stocked. Native stocks in eastern Russia and China are declining. Its introduction into Czech Republic was accompanied by introduction of tapeworm Bothriocephalus gowkongensis, which subsequently caused severe losses in Cyprinus carpio farmed stocks.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1DFE592885FA2AFD93FE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sharpbelly.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1DFE592885FA2AFD93FE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from superficially similar species of Alburnus by: ● sharp keel on ventral midline from chest to pelvic base / ● last unbranched dorsal ray unsegmented, stiff and spinous with flexible tip / ○ anal origin far behind vertical of last dorsal ray / ○ lateral line curves downward from its origin to end of pectoral fin. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1DFE592885FA2AFD93FE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Non-native to southern Caspian basin in Iran, Azerbaijan, and southern Russia. Locally introduced in Tigris drainage. Native from Amur in Russia, south to China, North and South Korea, Japan, and northern Vietnam.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1DFE592885FA2AFD93FE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers, reservoirs and lakes. Also in coastal lagoons in Caspian Sea. Biology. Lives up to 6 years in Iran, begins spawning in second year. Spawns March – August, most likely fractional spawners. Feeds on algae, plant material, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1DFE592885FA2AFD93FE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; introduced as a weed with stocked Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) or / and Chinese carps (Ctenopharyngodon, Hyophthalmichthys).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE1DFE592885FA2AFD93FE6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. An invasive species introduced with Chinese carp from Central Asia, invading the Caspian and Tigris basins. Could appear wherever carp are stocked as it is transported long distances with carp fingerlings. The current source of this species appears to be Caspian hatcheries in Azerbaijan and Iran. Still, it is only a matter of time before it becomes established in hatcheries producing Cyprinus carpio elsewhere. This species will invade all of West Asia, Europe, and North Africa, following the path of Pseudorasbora parva. Several species are confused under this name. The identity of the species introduced in the Western Palaearctic has yet to be investigated.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE12FE5928ABFA7EFA04F83C.taxon	description	Two of the three species of this genus have been introduced to Europe, from where they were subsequently spread to West Asia. Both have been hybridised in aquaculture, and fish found in West Asia and Europe do not represent pure species. As far as is currently known, they did not establish self-sustaining populations except (perhaps) in the Danube, Maritza (Europe), and Terek (western Caspian basin), where data at least allow us to suspect that H. molitix might have established. Hypophthalmichthys have also been introduced to Central Asia, particularly in the Aral basin. They were introduced from the Amur (Siberia) to European Russia and from the Yangtze (China) to Romania. From these two areas, fish were transported to various locations throughout North Africa, West Asia, and Europe for aquaculture purposes. It is estimated that most major rivers were stocked, particularly in reservoirs. Many fisheries biologists have postulated that these fish can transform algal blooms from pollution into edible fish protein. The first importation of these fish to Romania is a prime example of how careless fish introductions have often been handled. In 1961, unidentified fish larvae were caught in the Yangtze near the city of Wuhan and released in an aquaculture station near Bucharest. Upon draining the ponds in the autumn, 22 Chinese fish species were recorded, including Hypophthalmichthys and Pseudorasbora. While the other introduced species could be successfully eliminated, Pseudorasbora escaped from the ponds and is still expanding its range. Hypophthalmichthys and other introduced Chinese carps also hosted several parasites that conquered West Asia and Europe. The most spectacular of these is the glochidium of large freshwater mussel Sinanodonta woodiana.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE13FE582885FD01FB86F889.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Silver carp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE13FE582885FD01FB86F889.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from H. nobilis by: ● sharp scaleless keel from pectoral region to anal origin / ● pectoral short, not reaching beyond pelvic origin / ● 650 – 820 long, slender gill rakers / ● head length 24 – 29 % SL / ● plain silvery colouration, greenish-grey above, whitish below. Size up to 1000 mm SL and 50 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE13FE582885FD01FB86F889.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Introduced in most drainages in West Asia. Established reproductive populations in North America, in Karakum Canal in Turkmenistan, Central Asia, potentially also in Danube (Europe). No established population in Aral Sea basin. Native to most major Pacific drainages in East Asia from Amur to Xi Jiang. Used in aquaculture almost worldwide outside of tropics.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE13FE582885FD01FB86F889.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Stocked in large rivers and almost all still waters such as lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. Often escapes from fish farms. Aquaculture tolerates brackish water (up to 7 ‰) when stocked in estuaries and coastal lakes. In its native range, inhabits rivers with marked fluctuations in water level, overwintering in middle and lower reaches. During feeding season in shallow (0.5 – 1.0 m deep) and warm (above 21 ° C) backwaters, lakes, and flooded areas with slow currents. Spawns in rivers or tributaries above shallow rapids with gravel or sand bottoms, strong current (0.5 – 1.7 m / s), turbid water, temperatures above 15 ° C (usually 18 – 26 ° C), and high oxygen concentrations. Biology. First spawns at 5 – 7 years. Juveniles and adults form large schools during spawning and overwintering. Migrates long distances upstream at onset of rapid floods and water level rise (April – August depending on location; late April – early June in Terek), able to jump over obstacles up to 1 m. Spawns during floods when water level rises 50 – 120 cm above normal, usually at 18 – 26 ° C. Stops spawning when conditions change (particularly sensitive to falling water levels, reduced turbidity and increased current velocity) and resumes spawning when water levels rise. Spawns in upper layer of water or even on surface. Females lay about 500,000 eggs in one or more portions, depending on duration of flood. Eggs float, are transparent, and hatch after about 2 days at about 25 ° C while drifting downstream. If river is blocked or if available river reaches are too short, eggs cannot drift long enough and fail to develop. After spawning, adults leave river and migrate to feeding areas. In autumn – winter they migrate to deeper places in mainstream, where they remain without feeding. Larvae drift downstream and settle in floodplain lakes, shallow banks, and backwaters with little or no current. Feeds from about 15 mm SL on phytoplankton only. Very sensitive to low temperature (below 5 ° C) and oxygen depletion. There is reliable data on natural spawning in rivers of southern Russia (Terek) and lower Danube. Still, it is not known whether eggs and larvae could complete development. There is no evidence that this species has become established in West Asia or North Africa.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE13FE582885FD01FB86F889.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; stocked for commercial fisheries. Survives in West Asia and Europe only through stocking. Potentially reproductive in Danube. Native wild stocks in Russia and China are declining.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE10FE5B28ABFCCEFACEF96C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bighead carp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE10FE5B28ABFCCEFACEF96C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from H. molitrix by: ● scaled keel from pelvic to anal / ● pectoral long reaching beyond pelvic origin / ● 240 – 300 long gill rakers / ● head length 27 – 35 % SL / ● dark-grey overall colouration, flank with dark, large, very irregularly shaped blotches. Size up to 1460 mm SL and 40 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE10FE5B28ABFCCEFACEF96C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Used in aquaculture in Europe, Asia, and North America. No reliable data on natural spawning in West Asia, spawning reported from Europe (Terek). This species is rarely used in aquaculture and may have already vanished from West Asia. Established reproductive populations in North America and Karakum Canal in Turkmenistan, Central Asia. No established population in Aral Sea basin. Native to Central and South China.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE10FE5B28ABFCCEFACEF96C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Stocked in large rivers and almost all still waters such as lakes and ponds. Often escape from fish farms. In aquaculture, adults tolerate brackish water (up to 7 ‰) when stocked in estuaries and coastal lakes. In native range, in rivers with marked water level fluctuations, overwintering in middle and lower reaches. Foraging in shallow (0.5 – 1.5 m deep) and warm (above 24 ° C) backwaters, lakes, and flooded areas with slow currents. Spawns in deep, turbid, and warm water above 18 ° C (usually 22 – 30 ° C), with strong currents (1.1 – 1.9 m / s) and high oxygen concentrations. Biology. Lives up to 20 years. Spawns first time at 5 – 6 years, 550 – 700 mm SL, and 5 – 10 kg (Russian Pacific basin), or even at 2 – 4 years (males) and 3 – 5 years (females) in Turkmenistan. Migrates long distances upstream at onset of rapid flooding and water level rise (April – July, depending on location). Spawning migration begins in mid – May at temperatures of 18 – 19 ° C and lasts until end of June (Terek). Spawns during floods. Stops spawning when conditions change and resumes when water level rises. Spawns in upper water layer or even on surface in June (Terek). Females lay up to 1.1 million eggs in 1 – 3 portions, depending on flood duration. Eggs are yellowish, transparent, and hatch after about 2 days at around 25 ° C while drifting downstream in a deep open water layer. If river is blocked or available river reaches are too short, eggs cannot drift long enough and fail to develop. After spawning, adults leave river and migrate to feeding areas. Larvae drift downstream and settle in floodplain lakes, shallow banks, and backwaters with little or no current. In autumn / winter, when temperatures drop to 10 ° C, juveniles and adults form separate large schools and move downstream to deeper areas in main river to overwinter. Feeds mainly on zooplankton and also on algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE10FE5B28ABFCCEFACEF96C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; stocked for commercial fisheries. There are reliable data on natural spawning in rivers of southern Russia (Terek), but whether eggs and larvae could complete development is unknown. Native wild stocks in Russia and China are declining.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE11FE5A2885FD12FBC4FAF8.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Black carp.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE11FE5A2885FD12FBC4FAF8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from similar Ctenopharyngodon idella by: ● body black, blue-grey or dark-brown / ○ body slightly compressed / ● pharyngeal teeth molar-like, massive, smooth, very strong (Figure 43). Size up to 1800 mm SL and more than 60 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE11FE5A2885FD12FBC4FAF8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Used in aquaculture; stocked in Rioni (Georgia), Danube, Dniestr, Dniepr, Don, Kuban, and Volga drainages. Reproductive populations established only in Amu Darya (Central Asia) and possibly in Tone drainages (Japan), not in West Asia. Native to most major Pacific drainages, from Amur to Xi Jiang.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE11FE5A2885FD12FBC4FAF8.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Stocked to reservoirs. In native range, large lowland rivers and lakes usually with clear water and high oxygen concentrations. Biology. Spawns first time at 6 – 11 years, females later than males, at about 1000 mm SL and 15 kg, males at 900 mm and 11 kg. Migrates upstream and spawns in open waters from March to July. Spawns when water level rises, at 19 – 30 ° C. Eggs pelagic or semi-pelagic, hatching while drifting downstream. If river is blocked or available river reaches are too short, eggs cannot drift long enough to develop. Larvae settle in floodplain lakes and channels with little or no current. Larvae feed on zooplankton, then ostracods and aquatic insects. At about 120 mm SL, juveniles begin to feed on small snails and clams; larger juveniles and adults feed almost exclusively on molluscs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE11FE5A2885FD12FBC4FAF8.taxon	conservation	Conservationstatus. Non-native; stockedtocontrolbivalves. In West Asia, persists only in Rioni (Georgia) through stock - ing. Native stocks in Russia and China have declined sharply. Expected to disappear if stocking is stopped.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE11FE5A2885FD12FBC4FAF8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Introduced to control of populations of molluscan vectors of fish and human parasites. Commonly used to remove Dreissena mussels that clog hydroelectric plants.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE17FE5C2886FF54FE08FB73.taxon	vernacular_names	Spined loaches	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE17FE5C2886FF54FE08FB73.taxon	description	A family of small, slender fishes found in Morocco, Europe, and Asia. It is most diverse in Southeast and East Asia, with approximately 240 species in 18 genera. Two genera are found in West Asia. They are distinguished by an erectile, movable, usually bifid, suborbital spine, hidden under the skin in some species. Many spined loaches exhibit external sexual dimorphism. In Cobitis, the male has a modified pectoral, which is usually much larger than the female’s pectoral, and the male is smaller than the female. In Sabanejewia, there are no size differences between the sexes, but the male exhibits vertical swellings of the flanks. All Cobitidae are benthic, living on the substrate, and all prey on small invertebrates. The pigmentation of spined loaches is a useful diagnostic feature. Its pattern is organised in one series of blotches on the back and up to four pigmentation zones on the flank, described as Gambetta’s longitudinal pigmentation zones. These zones are abbreviated as Z 1 to Z 4, starting with Z 1 as the narrow line immediately below the mid-dorsal row of blotches and Z 4 as the midlateral row of blotches. Furthermore, most species exhibit one or two black spots on the caudal base, which may be fused to form a bar in Sabanejewia. In Sabanejewia and several Cobitis species, the Gambetta zones are either incompletely developed or dissociated. Three East Asian species of weatherfish (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus, M. bipartitus, Paramisgurnus dabryanus) are non-native in Europe and are anticipated to be found in West Asia in the near future. Their spread is facilitated by the use of non-biosave stocking materials of carp and other aquaculture fishes and through the pond and aquarium trade. East Asian weatherfish are pale-brownish with numerous dark-brown spots and small blotches, forwarddirected barbels, and a mental lobe that is prolonged into two long, barbel-like projections (vs. mental lobe absent or with one very short projection in Cobitis and Sabanejewia).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE14FE2228ABFD7BFE39FD4E.taxon	description	Cobitis comprises approximately 126 species, distributed between Portugal and Morocco in the west and Korea and Japan in the east. In West Asia, 31 species have been documented, most of which are found in Anatolia. In conjunction with Greece, this region represents a significant diversity hotspot of the genus. Male Cobitis have one or two laminar projections on the dorsal surface of the anterior pectoral rays (lamina circularis, plural: laminae circularis; also known as Canestrini scales). Examining the lamina circularis in Cobitis requires preparation, as it is covered by skin. In species with two laminae, these may be very small, particularly the outer lamina, which may be a small lateral enlargement or a lateral crest on the fin ray. It should be noted that the inner lamina is not necessarily scale-shaped. Cobitis is notable for exhibiting minimal morphological variation. Most species exhibit superficial similarities, share identical meristic characters, and display comparable structural characteristics, including fin position, mouth shape and structure, nares, lateral-line length, and squamation pattern. Species differentiation is primarily achieved through colour patterns, organised by the Gambetta zones relatively conservatively. Several species have a notable divergence from the typical configuration of the Gambetta zones. This is evidenced by the fragmentation of the blotches within these zones, the blurring of the borders between them, and the gradual convergence of different zones. Notably, this process of dissociating the colour pattern of the Gambetta zones is ontogenetic. In young fish, the colour pattern is often well organised in the Gambetta zones, whereas in adults, particularly in adult females, a pattern of dissociated blotches is observed. The degree to which the Gambetta zones’ colour patterns are dissociated depends on the species and particular populations. For instance, considerable individual variation is observed in the colour pattern of C. battalgilae, which spans almost the entire spectrum of variation observed in Cobitis. Additionally, considerable variation is observed among different populations of C. strumicae, C. phrygica, C. simplicispina and C. turcica, with almost every population displaying distinct characteristics. In C. dorademiri and C. sipahilerae, only a small proportion of individuals exhibit a dissociated colour pattern, with most individuals displaying a highly similar phenotype. Cobitis are typically associated with fine substrates (sand, mud) from which they feed. They burrow in the substrate to hide. A specialised filter-feeding mechanism enables Cobitis to separate fine organic particles and small benthic organisms (e. g., copepods, worms, insect larvae) from the substrate. Cobitis can swallow air, with oxygen being absorbed through the gut walls. The spawning behaviour is consistent in the few species of Cobitis in which it has been observed. The male follows the female, and after both enter dense vegetation (e. g., filamentous algae), the male forms a complete ring around the female’s body behind the dorsal as the female releases the eggs. The eggs of most species are not sticky but swell to 2.5 – 3.5 mm in diameter and, due to this large size, are retained in the vegetation. The free larvae have large external gill filaments. The biology of almost all Cobitis species in West Asia remains unstudied, and there is much work to be done in the future. Some Cobitis species of Central and Eastern Europe occur as a multitude of hybridogenous lineages. These hybrid lineages, made up of nearly only female individuals, reproduce by gynogenesis, often including polyploid individuals. They are described as sperm-parasites, as they are dependent on males of bisexually reproducing lineages that serve as sperm donors, with the sperm serving only to induce the development of their eggs. Such hybridogenous lineages have yet to be reported from West Asia, but their occurrence cannot be excluded. The presence of highly biased sex ratios may serve as an indicator.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE69FE252885F955FAB4FE9E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Menderes spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE69FE252885F955FAB4FE9E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in eastern Aegean basin by ○ pigmentation below Z 4 usually present along complete flank / ○ colour pattern on flank often dissociated, but following Gambetta zones in all populations except in few individuals / ○ external part of suborbital spine bifurcate / ○ back spot at upper caudal base present, often very small / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.9 – 1.1 times in caudal – peduncle length / ○ two laminae circularis in male. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE69FE252885F955FAB4FE9E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Büyük Menderes and Küçük Menderes drainages, including Lake Işıklı basin and Karadirek, which flows underground to Lake Işıklı.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE69FE252885F955FAB4FE9E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE69FE252885F955FAB4FE9E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Küçük Menderes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE69FE252885F955FAB4FE9E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often occurs in sympatry with C. fahireae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6EFE2528ABFA7EFAB4F81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Cilician spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6EFE2528ABFA7EFAB4F81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen by: ○ flank pattern well organised in four Gambetta zones / ○ anterior to dorsal origin, blotches in Z 2 and Z 4 almost always well separated from each other / ○ Z 1 and Z 2 always well distinguished / ○ Z 2 with small brown spots, always much smaller than blotches in Z 3, much smaller than eye or pupil diameter / ○ Z 2 and Z 3 well separated / ○ Z 4 formed by one series of distinct blotches / ○ no pigmentation or very few isolated brown spots below Z 4 and on lower caudal – peduncle / ○ mid-dorsal pigmentation consisting in a series of 10 – 14 dark-brown, roundish blotches / ○ prepelvic length 56 – 60 % SL in female / ○ interorbital distance 7 – 11 % HL in male / ○ caudal – peduncle length 11 – 14 % SL in female. Size up to 65 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6EFE2528ABFA7EFAB4F81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lower Tarsus, Seyhan and Ceyhan drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6EFE2528ABFA7EFAB4F81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6EFE2528ABFA7EFAB4F81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6EFE2528ABFA7EFAB4F81E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cobitis aliyeae, C. evreni, and C. erkakanae are three Cobitis species found in the Ceyhan drainage. All three species occur in allopatry within the drainage, C. aliyeae in lower Ceyhan and C. evreni in upper reaches of Ceyhan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6FFE242885FDB8FA02FC1D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Azerbaijani spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6FFE242885FDB8FA02FC1D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Caspian basin by: ● subdorsal scales with a large focal zone, about ½ of maximum scale diameter / ○ Z 4 consisting of distinct, large dark-brown blotches, usually horizontally elongated on anterior part of flank, roundish or vertically elongated on caudal – peduncle / ○ spot in upper part of caudal base very small and faith. Size up to 65 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6FFE242885FDB8FA02FC1D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Kyzylagach Bay, south of Kura estuary, lower Kumbashi, about 150 m from Azerbaijan’s coast, desalinated Caspian Sea area off Durnev Islands and Prorva in Kazakhstan. Expected to occur elsewhere in lower parts of rivers, coastal lagoons, and freshened parts of sea.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6FFE242885FDB8FA02FC1D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Coastal lagoons, lower parts of rivers, and freshwater parts of sea with gravel, sand, or mud bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6FFE242885FDB8FA02FC1D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct; not recorded since 1937. Intensive fieldwork in southern Azerbaijan revealed only C. saniae, even in stream sections very close to the sea.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2728ABFD9AFAB4FB19.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hatay spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2728ABFD9AFAB4FB19.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen by: ○ flank pattern well organised in four Gambetta zones / ○ anterior to dorsal origin, blotches in Z 2 usually fused into short, irregularly shaped stripes, or forming a mottled band of irregularly shaped, small blotches and spots / ○ Z 1 and Z 2 usually fused into a mottled band / ○ Z 2 with small brown spots, always much smaller than blotches in Z 3, much smaller than eye or pupil diameter / ○ Z 2 and Z 3 well separated / ○ Z 4 formed by one series of distinct blotches, fused into a stripe in few individuals / ○ mid-dorsal pigmentation consisting in a series of 7 – 11 dark-brown, roundish blotches / ○ no pigmentation or very few isolated brown spots below Z 4 and on lower caudal – peduncle / ○ interorbital distance 7 – 11 % HL in male / ○ prepelvic length 53 – 55 % SL in female / ○ caudal – peduncle length 15 – 19 % SL in female. Size up to 82 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2728ABFD9AFAB4FB19.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Lower Orontes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2728ABFD9AFAB4FB19.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2728ABFD9AFAB4FB19.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2728ABFD9AFAB4FB19.taxon	discussion	Remarks. While C. anabelae is found in northern, lower part of Orontes drainage, the upper Orontes is inhabited by the closely related C. levantina. The exact distribution of both species is unknown, and it cannot be excluded that they might form a hybrid zone at the border of their ranges.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2628ABF955FB13FF71.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zagros spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2628ABF955FB13FF71.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Persian Gulf basin by: ○ one lamina circularis in male / ○ 12 – 17 distinct, large, dark-brown blotches in Z 4, usually horizontally elongated along anterior part of flank, roundish or vertically elongated on caudal – peduncle. Size up to 98 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2628ABF955FB13FF71.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Dinevar, Raazavar, and Gamasiab in upper Karkheh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2628ABF955FB13FF71.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with sandy or muddy bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2628ABF955FB13FF71.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6CFE2628ABF955FB13FF71.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Records from Sirvan (Iran) and Dukan reservoir in Lesser Zab drainage (Iraq) might be identified as this species, but these identifications must be confirmed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6DFE292885FAB0FC61FB0A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Beyşehir spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6DFE292885FAB0FC61FB0A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen and endorheic basins in Central Anatolia by: ○ two laminae circularis in male / ○ pigmentation organised in Gambetta zones / ○ blotches in Z 4 being usually dissociated, usually vertically elongate, often forming a band or an open field of small, irregularly shaped blotches and spots in female larger than 90 mm SL / ○ blotches in Z 4 often vertically and horizontally dissociated into several rows or a wide band of small blotches and spots / ○ blotches in Z 4 in not forming stripes, usually much larger than in Z 2 / ○ mid-dorsal pigmentation consisting in a series of blotches, often very closely set or slightly fused / ○ a black spot at upper caudal base, often very small and comma-shaped / ○ anterior nare reaching to hint margin of posterior nare when folded down / ○ external part of suborbital spine bifurcate / ○ snout as long or shorter than distance between tip of anal and end of hypural complex / ○ caudal peduncle 14 – 16 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 14 – 16 % HL in male / ○ eye diameter in male 16 – 20 % HL. Size up to 137 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6DFE292885FAB0FC61FB0A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Beyşehir basin in Çeltek in very north and in spring Eflatunpınarı in east of lake (and maybe elsewhere). Also, in Apa reservoir and in river that flows out of Lake Suğla and ends in Konya plains, as well as in Manavgat that flows to Gulf of Antalya.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6DFE292885FAB0FC61FB0A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Running waters with gravel, sand, or silt bottoms, often with dense submerged vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6DFE292885FAB0FC61FB0A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; less than 10 populations are known; some declining but may be more widespread.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE6DFE292885FAB0FC61FB0A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Closely related to C. turcica, and few individuals might be difficult to distinguish. Cobitis battalgilae grows much larger than C. turcica. The distribution area of C. battalgilae reflects the hydrological connections of Lake Beyşehir, which seasonally flows over to Lake Suğla, from which some parts of water flow to the Konya plain, and other parts of water flow into the karstic rock masses supporting springs in Manavgat drainage through underground connections. The colour pattern in C. battalgilae is especially variable within and between populations. Some individuals, usually males smaller than 70 mm SL, lack the pigmentation in Z 3, and there is one series of squarish blotches in Z 4. Other individuals have the Z 3 partly or fully pigmented, and the blotches in Z 4 are vertically elongate, often small and densely set, or some or all blotches in Z 4 are divided into 2 or more elements, resulting in a colour pattern of two rows of blotches (similar to C. pirii, see below). In other individuals, Z 4 is dissociated into a band of small, irregularly shaped blotches and spots, or the spots and blotches are dispersed on the flank, forming an open field of blotches and spots. This large variability in colour pattern in C. battalgilae makes it very difficult to identify this species, especially if only few individuals are available.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE62FE2828A4F968FB8CFED9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Great Beyşehir spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE62FE2828A4F968FB8CFED9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen and endorheic basins in Central Anatolia by: ● one lamina circularis on pectoral in male, base of pectoral ray adjacent to lamina circularis swollen / ● a short skin-flap before genital papilla. Size up to 195 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE62FE2828A4F968FB8CFED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Beyşehir basin, in streams Sarıöz (Eylikler) and Sarıçay north of Beyşehir (and possibly others). Also, in river flowing from Lake Beyşehir to Lake Suğla and seasonally in outflow of Lake Beyşehir, possibly more widespread.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE62FE2828A4F968FB8CFED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Running waters with gravel or sand bottoms, often with dense submerged vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE62FE2828A4F968FB8CFED9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE62FE2828A4F968FB8CFED9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This is the largest spined loach in the world. It was placed in a separate subgenus, Beyshehiria, but belongs to a group of species around C. simplicispina. It is related to the geographically adjacent C. pirii from Lake Eğirdir basin. It is the only species of this species group having one lamina circularis, while all other species have two.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2B28ABFD74FB16FB85.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kura spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2B28ABFD74FB16FB85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in southern Caspian basin by: ● plate of lamina circularis not reaching end of third segment of attached pectoral ray / ● dark-brown spot at upper caudal base absent or poorly developed / ○ subdorsal scales with a small focal zone (about or less than ⅒ of maximum scale diameter) / ○ one lamina circularis in male. Size up to 80 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2B28ABFD74FB16FB85.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Azerbaijan and Georgia: Lower Kura drainage: Kara-Su and its tributaries, Agstafa, Mingechaur reservoir basin, and Katekh in Balaken region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2B28ABFD74FB16FB85.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wetlands, streams, rivers, and reservoirs, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2B28ABFD74FB16FB85.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2B28ABFD74FB16FB85.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Sympatric with C. saniae in Agstafa drainage and potentially in other areas. Both species are very closely related, and their mode of reproductive isolation is interesting to research.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2A28ABF988FBB7FE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Köyceğiz spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2A28ABF988FBB7FE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other Cobitis species in eastern Aegean basin by: ○ very deep caudal – peduncle, depth 1.0 – 1.2 times in its length / ○ two laminae circularis in male / ○ back spot at upper caudal base present, often very small / ○ usually, a very regular colour pattern organised in four Gambetta zones / ○ Z 4 often dissociated into a wide band or field of small blotches and spots / ○ blotches in Z 4 much larger than in Z 2 / ○ pigmentation below Z 4 present, often restricted to anal base / ○ external part of suborbital spine bifurcate. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2A28ABF988FBB7FE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Köyceğiz basin, lower Dalaman drainage, and some small coastal streams in between.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2A28ABF988FBB7FE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with sandy or gravelly bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2A28ABF988FBB7FE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE60FE2A28ABF988FBB7FE24.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Four different Cobitis species in Dalaman drainage make this small river a hotspot in Cobitis species diversity. Cobitis dorademiri, C. phrygica, and C. indus have two laminae circularis. These three species seem not to occur in sympatry as C. dorademiri is only known from the lower, C. indus from the middle, and C. phrygica from upper Dalaman drainage, where it occurs adjacent to and potentially sympatric with C. fahireae. The distribution of different species in Dalaman should be better explored. It is expected that C. dorademiri and C. indus, but potentially all species, might occur in sympatry.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE61FE2A2885F9BCFB5BF800.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Euphrates spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE61FE2A2885F9BCFB5BF800.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Persian Gulf basin by: ○ two laminae circularis in male / ○ Z 4 between vertical of pectoral origin and dorsal base squarish, irregularly shaped, roundish, and usually widely separated / ○ pelvic axillary lobe present. Size up to 143 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE61FE2A2885F9BCFB5BF800.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Euphrates south to Atatürk reservoir. Expected to be more widespread in Euphrates, and records of Cobitis from Syrian Euphrates may belong to this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE61FE2A2885F9BCFB5BF800.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE61FE2A2885F9BCFB5BF800.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2D28A1FD45FAABFB94.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sapanca spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2D28A1FD45FAABFB94.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Marmara and Black Sea basins by: ● Z 3 fully covered by very small spots forming a sand-like pattern, especially in female / ● black spot at upper caudal base roundish or ovoid, larger than eye diameter in male / ○ blotches in Z 2 and Z 4 well separated, fused into a bold stripe in some individuals / ○ flank without pigmentation below Z 4 / ○ 12 – 18 roundish, triangular, squarish or horizontally elongate blotches in Z 4, blotches vertically elongate on posterior part of flank / ○ one lamina circularis in male / ○ focal zone of subdorsal scale small, about ⅓ – ⅒ of vertical scale diameter. Size up to 77 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2D28A1FD45FAABFB94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Sapanca basin. Cobitis in lower Sakarya drainage are expected to belong to this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2D28A1FD45FAABFB94.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakeshores with fine sediments such as sand and silt, and inflowing streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2D28A1FD45FAABFB94.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2C28ABF9BEFAD2FED9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Gölbaşı spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2C28ABF9BEFAD2FED9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen and endorheic basins in Central Anatolia by: ○ flank pattern well organised in four Gambetta zones / ○ a series of large, horizontally elongate blotches in Z 4, adjacent blotches often fused / ○ blotches in Z 4 not vertically or horizontally dissociated / ○ external part of suborbital spine bifurcate / ○ black spot present at upper caudal base / ○ two laminae circularis in male / ○ mid-dorsal pigmentation consisting in a series of 9 – 12, elongate blotches, often very closely set or slightly fused. Size up to 65 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2C28ABF9BEFAD2FED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lakes Gölbaşı (Adıyaman) basin in Ceyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2C28ABF9BEFAD2FED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and lakes, usually on sand or fine gravel. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2C28ABF9BEFAD2FED9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE66FE2C28ABF9BEFAD2FED9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Together with C. aliyeae and C. evreni, C. erkakanae is the third Cobitis species found in Ceyhan drainage. All three species occur in allopatry within drainage, but we are unaware of any biogeographical background explaining why the Gölbaşı lakes have their own fish fauna isolated from the Ceyhan. Not only is C. erkakanae endemic to the Gölbaşı lakes, but molecular data indicates that the populations of Paraphanius (P. boulengeri) and Pseudophoxinus zekayi are isolated from those in Ceyhan. While the water from the Gölbaşı lakes flows to the Ceyhan today, we postulate that this was an endorheic basin connected only recently to the Ceyhan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE67FE2C2885F9E6FB12F81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ceyhan spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE67FE2C2885F9E6FB12F81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen and endorheic basins in Central Anatolia by: ● a bold-brown stripe in Z 4 between head and vertical of anal origin / ○ flank below Z 4 unpigmented / ○ external part of suborbital spine bifurcate / ○ no black spot at upper caudal base / ○ two laminae circularis in male. Size up to 80 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE67FE2C2885F9E6FB12F81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Göksun and Savrun in middle Ceyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE67FE2C2885F9E6FB12F81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Running waters with gravel or sand bottoms, also on lakeshores. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE67FE2C2885F9E6FB12F81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE67FE2C2885F9E6FB12F81E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cobitis evreni, C. aliyeae, and C. erkakanae are the three Cobitis species found in Ceyhan drainage. All three species occur in allopatry within Ceyhan drainage, C. evreni inhabiting hillstream habitats in middle and upper Ceyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE64FE2E28ABF968FBE1FE41.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Aegean spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE64FE2E28ABF968FBE1FE41.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in eastern Aegean basin by: ● 12 – 18 roundish, triangular, squarish, or horizontally elongate blotches in Z 4, often densely set and fused into short stripes along anterior and middle part of flank / ● blotches vertically elongate on posterior part of flank / ○ black spot at upper caudal base absent or comma-shaped, smaller than eye diameter / ○ Z 3 with a row or a narrow band of small spots not forming a sand-like pattern / ○ focal zone of subdorsal scale small / ○ blotches in Z 2 and Z 4 well separated, fused into a bold stripe in some individuals / ○ flank without pigmentation below zone Z 4 / ○ one lamina circularis in male. Size up to 89 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE64FE2E28ABF968FBE1FE41.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Dalaman drainage (around Gölhisar) north to Madra drainage in Aegean basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE64FE2E28ABF968FBE1FE41.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE64FE2E28ABF968FBE1FE41.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE64FE2E28ABF968FBE1FE41.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cobitis kurui, described from the Küçük Menderes, and C. damlae from the upper Dalaman are synonyms. Cobitis damlae was described for an albinotic individual miss-perceived as a cave fish. Molecular data indicate a moderate diversity of different populations identified as C. fahireae within its large range, and we cannot fully exclude that more than one species is involved. Initial examination of several populations did not reveal any characters allowing to distinguish different populations as distinct species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE65FE2E2885FBB4FAA1FB55.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Siahrud spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE65FE2E2885FBB4FAA1FB55.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Caspian and Lake Namak basins by: ○ one lamina circularis in male / ○ base of lamina circularis with a narrow connection to pectoral ray / ○ cheek between eye and opercle poorly pigmented or unpigmented / ○ plate of lamina circularis reaching to or beyond end of third segment of attached pectoral ray / ○ dark-brown spot at upper caudal base well developed / ○ subdorsal scales with a small focal zone, about or less than ⅒ of maximum scale diameter. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE65FE2E2885FBB4FAA1FB55.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Eastern Caspian basin from Khey east to Gorgan, Karaj in Lake Namak basin, and Taar and Havir in upper Nam drainage in Western Kavir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE65FE2E2885FBB4FAA1FB55.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Running and stagnant waters with sandy bottoms, often with dense submerged vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE65FE2E2885FBB4FAA1FB55.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE65FE2E2885FBB4FAA1FB55.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cobitis keyvani from eastern Caspian basin is a synonym. Most probably Western Kavir population was translocated to upper Nam drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7AFE3128ABFD37FAB9FC88.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Dalaman spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7AFE3128ABFD37FAB9FC88.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other Cobitis species in eastern Aegean basin by: ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.2 – 1.7 times in caudal – peduncle length / ○ two laminae circularis in male / ○ back spot at upper caudal base present, often very small / ○ usually a very regular colour pattern organised in four Gambetta zones / ○ Z 4 rarely dissociated into a wide band or field of small blotches and spots / ○ blotches in Z 4 slightly larger than in Z 2 / ○ pigmentation below Z 4 absent or restricted to a short line or few dots on caudal – peduncle / ○ external part of suborbital spine bifurcate. Size up to 69 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7AFE3128ABFD37FAB9FC88.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Middle Dalaman drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7AFE3128ABFD37FAB9FC88.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Rivers, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7AFE3128ABFD37FAB9FC88.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. DD; due to the very poor knowledge of this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7AFE3128ABFD37FAB9FC88.taxon	discussion	Remarks. See remarks under C. dorademiri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885FF5EFC62FDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sultan spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885FF5EFC62FDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen and endorheic basins in Central Anatolia by: ○ flank pattern not organised in Gambetta zones, completely disorganised into a pattern of many small spots and blotches / ○ two laminae circularis in male / ○ black spot present at upper caudal base, often very small and best seen in life individuals / ○ 5 – 8 dark-brown, large and roundish blotches on back anterior to dorsal origin / ○ mental lobe short, not reaching beyond lower lip; caudal slightly rounded / ○ prepelvic length 58 – 59 % SL / ○ preanal distance 81 – 82 % SL in female. Size up to 70 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885FF5EFC62FDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sultan marshes in Develi depression.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885FF5EFC62FDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, streams, and canals, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885FF5EFC62FDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; see comments under Pseudophoxinus elizavetae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885FF5EFC62FDA9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cobitis fusunae is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885F9F7FB42F898.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Diyarbakır spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885F9F7FB42F898.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Persian Gulf basin by: ○ one lamina circularis in male / ○ Z 4 consisting of indistinct minute, dark-grey, roundish dots. Size up to 58 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885F9F7FB42F898.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Göksu in upper Tigris drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885F9F7FB42F898.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Described from a small lowland stream. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7BFE302885F9F7FB42F898.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct; only known occurrence of this species was in lower Göksu. It has not been found again in the region despite intensive fieldwork. Habitat conditions in Göksu had been good and it remains unclear why it might have disappeared. In recent years, however, Göksu has almost completely dried out.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE78FE3328ABFD00FB66FB64.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Orontes spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE78FE3328ABFD00FB66FB64.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen by: ○ flank pattern well organised in four Gambetta zones / ○ Z 4 formed by one series of distinct blotches, partly or completely fused into a stripe in some individuals / ○ black spot present at upper caudal base / ○ blotches in Z 2 irregularly shaped, often ½ of size or as large as in Z 3 / ○ often blotches in Z 2 and Z 3 about size of eye or pupil diameter / ○ Z 2 and Z 3 usually forming one marbled pattern / ○ many small, dark-brown spots or blotches on lower part of caudal – peduncle, reaching forward to pectoral base in some individuals / ○ interorbital distance 7 – 11 % HL in male / ○ external part of suborbital spine bifurcate / ○ mid-dorsal pigmentation consisting in a series of 7 – 12 dark-brown, roundish blotches / ○ two laminae circularis in male. Size up to 82 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE78FE3328ABFD00FB66FB64.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Upper Orontes drainage in Syria and Lebanon, and Litani drainage in Lebanon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE78FE3328ABFD00FB66FB64.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Running and standing waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often with dense submerged vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE78FE3328ABFD00FB66FB64.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE78FE3328ABFD00FB66FB64.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cobitis levantina is found in southern, upper Orontes, but closely related C. anabelae inhabits the northern, lower part of Orontes drainage. The exact distribution of both species is unknown, and it cannot be excluded that they might form a hybrid zone at the border of their ranges.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE79FE322885FD26FBF2FB94.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Shiraz spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE79FE322885FD26FBF2FB94.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Cobitis in Persian Gulf basin by: ○ two laminae circularis in male / ○ blotches in Z 4 between vertical of pectoral origin until caudal – peduncle comma-shaped, densely set, often fused into short stripes or dissociated into a wide band of several rows of blotches / ○ axillary pelvic lobe absent. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE79FE322885FD26FBF2FB94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Kor drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE79FE322885FD26FBF2FB94.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing and stagnant waters with muddy or sandy bottoms. Biology. Spawns June – July.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE79FE322885FD26FBF2FB94.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE79FE322885FD26FBF2FB94.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Occasionally recorded from upper Kol, but this must be incorrect. Superficially similar loaches also occur in Iranian Karun drainage, and it cannot be excluded that these might be identified as C. linea in the future.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7EFE3528ABFB86FAA0FA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Phrygian spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7EFE3528ABFB86FAA0FA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Central Anatolia and southern Aegean basin by: ○ a series of midlateral blotches in Z 4 or Gambetta zones dissociated into a pattern of many irregularly shaped small or medium-sized spots and blotches / ○ flank below Z 4, usually pigmented / ○ external part of suborbital spine simple / ○ no black spot at upper caudal base / ○ two laminae circularis in male. Size up to 120 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7EFE3528ABFB86FAA0FA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Salda basin, upper Eşen, and Dalaman drainages. In Aksu, north of Bucak, and in one spring area east of Gemiş in Acıgöl basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7EFE3528ABFB86FAA0FA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Flowing and standing waters of springs and streams with sandy or muddy bottoms, often with dense submerged vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7EFE3528ABFB86FAA0FA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; largest populations in Dalaman and Eşen. Extirpated from Acıgöl basin. Other populations are confined to small areas.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7EFE3528ABFB86FAA0FA34.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often treated as a synonym of C. simplicispina, but both species are not closely related. The colour pattern in C. phrygica is very variable within and between populations, making it very difficult to identify. Some individuals have the flank pattern well organised in Gambetta zones; in others, the flank is covered by small spots. Also, all kinds of intermediate colour patterns are found, ranging from individuals with wellorganised Gambetta zones to others with Gambetta zones completely dissociated.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7FFE342885FDBEFAD2FD3E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pisidian spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7FFE342885FDBEFAD2FD3E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen and endorheic basins in Central Anatolia by: ○ flank pattern well organised in four Gambetta zones, blotches in Z 4 organised in a wide band or two rows of spots, and blotches in some individuals or populations / ○ external part of suborbital spine simple / ○ black spot present at upper caudal base / ○ back with 13 – 20 dark-brown, roundish blotches, often irregularly shaped or fused to each other / ○ two laminae circularis in male. Size up to 97 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7FFE342885FDBEFAD2FD3E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Eğirdir basin, upper Aksu and Köprüçay drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7FFE342885FDBEFAD2FD3E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7FFE342885FDBEFAD2FD3E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7FFE342885F99FFB19F800.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Brown spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7FFE342885F99FFB19F800.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Marmara basin by: ● body brownish / ● blotches of zone Z 2 and Z 4 very small, indistinct, or confluent / ○ flank pigmented below zone Z 4 / ○ one lamina circularis in male. Size up to 78 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7FFE342885F99FFB19F800.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lakes Manyas and Ulubat basins; Greece and Türkiye: lower Maritza drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7FFE342885F99FFB19F800.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Still to moderately flowing streams with muddy bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7FFE342885F99FFB19F800.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7CFE3628ABF924FAABFCB5.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Western Caspian spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7CFE3628ABF924FAABFCB5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Caspian and Black Sea basin by: ○ subdorsal scales with a small focal zone, about or less than ⅒ of maximum scale diameter / ○ blotches in Z 4 horizontally elongate, often very densely set and fused into short or longer stripes anterior to dorsal origin / ○ dark-brown spot at upper caudal base well developed / ○ one lamina circularis in male / ○ plate of lamina circularis reaching to or beyond end of third segment of attached pectoral ray / ○ base of lamina circularis widely connected to pectoral ray / ○ cheek between eye and opercle strongly pigmented. Size up to 85 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7CFE3628ABF924FAABFCB5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Sefid (Iran) north-west to Kura and Aras in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Türkiye and Zarrineh drainage in Lake Urmia basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7CFE3628ABF924FAABFCB5.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7CFE3628ABF924FAABFCB5.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE7CFE3628ABF924FAABFCB5.taxon	discussion	Remarks. A record from middle Rioni in Georgian Black Sea basin may be a lapsus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE72FE3928ABFF5EFC32FCC3.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Colchic spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE72FE3928ABFF5EFC32FCC3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Black Sea basin by: ○ pigmentation in Z 3 usually complete, reaching much behind dorsal base / ○ pigmentation in Z 3 usually wider than pigmentation in Z 2 / ○ blotches in Z 4 irregularly roundish or squarish anterior to dorsal origin / ○ focal zone of subdorsal scale small, about ⅓ – ⅒ of vertical scale diameter / ○ one lamina circularis in male / ○ base of lamina circularis with a narrow connection to pectoral ray. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE72FE3928ABFF5EFC32FCC3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. From Kintrich in Georgia [entering Black Sea at 41.80388, 41.76916] clockwise to İyidere, Filyos and Bartın drainages in southwestern Black Sea basin and from Tuzla (northernmost Aegean) east to Lake İznik basin, including Sursuluk drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE72FE3928ABFF5EFC32FCC3.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Still to moderately flowing clear water streams with mud or sand bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE72FE3928ABFF5EFC32FCC3.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE72FE3928ABFF5EFC32FCC3.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cobitis satunini is closely related to European C. taenia. Cobitis taenia is distinguished by having 48 chromosomes (vs. 50). Records of Cobitis along the southern Black Sea coast are very sparse, and we are not aware of findings of Cobitis (except C. simplicispina) between Trabzon in east and Bartın in west. Cobitis from Western Black Sea basin, Marmara and northern Aegean had been identified as C. taenia. But these fish have 50 chromosomes and are also close to C. satunini by morphological and molecular characters. Cobitis osurgeticus has recently been treated as a valid species for most of the populations identified here as C. satunini. It is distinguished from C. satunini by very small differences in chromosomes and morphometric characters (both populations are probably conspecific). Cobitis osurgeticus is a numen nudum, as its description is not valid, despite later indications, and the name is not available.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE73FE3B2885F9E0FB23FE9E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Galatian spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE73FE3B2885F9E0FB23FE9E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Black Sea basin and endorheic Anatolian basins of Lakes Akşehir, Eber, and Ilgın by: ● two laminae circularis in male. Size up to 130 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE73FE3B2885F9E0FB23FE9E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sakarya and Kızılırmak drainages and endorheic basins of Lakes Eber, Akşehir and Ilgın.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE73FE3B2885F9E0FB23FE9E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE73FE3B2885F9E0FB23FE9E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE73FE3B2885F9E0FB23FE9E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. There is a doubtful record of C. simplicispina from Lake İznik, which has not been validated yet. Only C. satunini was so far found in Lake İznik. Cobitis simplicispina is the only species of Cobitis found in Black Sea basin having two laminae circularis, and it is immediately distinguished by its large size and the blotches in Z 4 organised in one series, often fused into short or longer stripes (vs. blotches in Z 4 well separated in other species). Molecular data place C. simplicispina in a group of species from Central Anatolia and the Mediterranean basin, indicating a past biogeographic connection between these regions.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE70FE3B28ABFC84FB96FA90.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kırkgöz spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE70FE3B28ABFC84FB96FA90.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen and endorheic basins in Central Anatolia by: ● back plain cream-brown, few individuals with 1 – 3 narrow, squarish, brown bars / ○ two laminae circularis in male / ○ black spot present at upper caudal base, often very small and best seen in life individuals. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE70FE3B28ABFC84FB96FA90.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Düden and Kırkgöz springs and outflowing stream Yediarıklar.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE70FE3B28ABFC84FB96FA90.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE70FE3B28ABFC84FB96FA90.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE70FE3B28ABFC84FB96FA90.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cobitis sipahilerae is one of four freshwater fish species native to the Kırkgöz-Yediarıklar drainage and the adjacent Düden spring in Antalya. Others are Pseudophoxinus antalyae, Paraphanius mentoides, and Seminemacheilus attalicus. All four species are endemic to this small drainage system. The occurrence of four endemic species (the native fish fauna is comprised exclusively of strict endemic species) makes the Düden-Kırkgöz-Yediarıklar drainage a site of major importance for conservation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE71FE3A2885FD37FB60FB73.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bithynian spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE71FE3A2885FD37FB60FB73.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Black Sea basin and endorheic Anatolian basins of Lakes Akşehir, Eber and Ilgın by: ○ pigmentation in Z 3 reduced to about head length in male or pigmentation in Z 3 as wide as or narrower than pigmentation in Z 2 / ○ blotches in Z 4 irregularly roundish or squarish anterior to dorsal origin / ○ focal zone of subdorsal scale small, about 1 ⁄ 3 – 1 ⁄ 10 of verti - cal scale diameter / ○ one lamina circularis in male / ○ base of lamina circularis with a narrow connection to pectoral ray. Size up to 86 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE71FE3A2885FD37FB60FB73.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Small coastal streams around Akçakoca and Büyük Melen (Black Sea).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE71FE3A2885FD37FB60FB73.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lower and middle reaches of still to moderately fast-flowing, clear streams with mud or sand bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE71FE3A2885FD37FB60FB73.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; Population may be stable, but more data is needed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE71FE3A2885FD37FB60FB73.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Doubtful records of this species from Aegean and southern Marmara basins could not be confirmed and seem to be based on misidentifications of C. satunini and C. fahireae. A reduced pigmentation in Z 3 in male is very characteristic to C. splendens. Still, this character state is not unique to C. splendens, and individual males with very much reduced or even no pigmentation in Z 3 are found in many other Cobitis species. Cobitis from the Büyük Melen [entering Black Sea at 41.073, 30.967] are identified as C. splendens based on molecular characters. Still, in this population, the pigmentation in Z 3 is not reduced, distinguishing it from C. splendens. The Cobitis of Anatolian Black Sea basin needs an in-depth revision.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE76FE3D28ABFD8FFBB6FC3A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Struma spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE76FE3D28ABFD8FFBB6FC3A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Marmara basin by: ● two laminae circularis in male / ○ usually two small spots at caudal base, often very small or absent / ○ zone Z 4 with 12 – 21 roundish or squarish blotches, sometimes indistinct or fused two by two / ○ flank not pigmented below zone Z 4. Size up to 110 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE76FE3D28ABFD8FFBB6FC3A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Kocaçay in Çanakkale province and a doubtful record from Terme (Samsun, Black Sea basin). European Aegean and Black Sea basins: from Struma drainage to Varna area (Greece, Bulgaria, Türkiye), Lakes Volvi and Koronia (Greece); Danube basin in Bulgaria. Expected to be more widespread.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE76FE3D28ABFD8FFBB6FC3A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Still to flowing waters with sandy or muddy bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE76FE3D28ABFD8FFBB6FC3A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3C2885FF5EFAD2FD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Dardanelles spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3C2885FF5EFAD2FD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in eastern Aegean basin by: ● 25 – 36, small, comma-shaped blotches in Z 4 along anterior and middle part of flank / ○ focal zone of subdorsal scale small, about ⅓ – ⅒ of vertical scale diameter / ○ flank without pigmentation below zone Z 4 / ○ body pale-yellowish or whitish / ○ blotches squarish or irregular shaped on posterior part of flank, rarely fused into short stripes / ○ one lamina circularis in male. Size up to 76 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3C2885FF5EFAD2FD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Tuzla drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3C2885FF5EFAD2FD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers, usually on sand or fine gravel in slow or moderate fast-flowing waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3C2885FF5EFAD2FD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3C2885FF5EFAD2FD8C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cobitis troasensis is found in sympatry with C. satunini, making it one of very few cases in which two species of Cobitis with one lamina circularis occur together. Hybridisation between both should be expected.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3F2885F9F1FD72FDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Central Anatolian spined loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3F2885F9F1FD72FDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cobitis in Mediterranean basin east of Eşen and endorheic basins in Central Anatolia by: ○ flank pattern not organised in Gambetta zones, completely disorganised into a pattern of many small spots and blotches / ○ back with dark-brown, large, and roundish blotches / ○ black spot present at upper caudal base, often very small and best seen in life individuals / ○ mental lobe long, reaching to or beyond lower lip / ○ caudal truncate / ○ prepelvic length 53 – 56 % SL / ○ preanal distance 75 – 78 % SL in female / ○ two laminae circularis in male. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3F2885F9F1FD72FDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Wider Lake Tuz basin: Ereğli, Melendiz (Ihlara Valley), springs in Sultanhanı north of Sarı Yayla and Gölyazı.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3F2885F9F1FD72FDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams with still to moderately flowing clear water and muddy or sandy bottoms. Also, lakes and reservoirs. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3F2885F9F1FD72FDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Extirpated from Ereğli.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE77FE3F2885F9F1FD72FDD6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cobitis turcica and C. battalgilae are closely related, but almost all individuals can be well distinguished, and therefore they are treated as two species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE74FE3F28ABFA4FFB1EF898.taxon	description	Golden loaches are widely distributed in the northern Aegean, Black, Baltic, Caspian, and Aral basins. There are approximately 10 species of Sabanejewia. Sabanejewia aralensis from the Aral Sea basin has been occasionally reported from the Hari drainage, although its presence here has yet to be confirmed. While superficially similar to Cobitis, Sabanejewia exhibits a markedly different sexual dimorphism. Male Sabanejewia reach the same size as females, lack modifications of the pectoral fins, but exhibit vertical swellings of the flanks in males. The biogeography of Sabanejewia needs to be better understood. They are related to Cobitis, Misgurnus, Microcobitis, and Bibarba, all found in East Asia. Only Sabanejewia is absent from East Asia, reaching no further east than the Aral basin. The family Cobitidae probably originated in East and Southeast Asia. Consequently, it is anticipated that Sabanejewia may have colonised western Eurasia at an early stage, potentially during the Oligocene, in conjunction with the first Cyprinids. The genus subsequently disappeared from East Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE75FE3E2885FBFAFBC9FBDF.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caspian golden loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE75FE3E2885FBFAFBC9FBDF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Sabanejewia caspia by: ● 10 – 15 large, distinct blotches along lateral midline ● no irregularly shaped band of brown pigments below lateral blotches. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE75FE3E2885FBFAFBC9FBDF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Southern Caspian basin: Kura and Aras drainages east to Sefid.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE75FE3E2885FBFAFBC9FBDF.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Hill streams with clear water and sandy or gravelly bottoms. In moderate current. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE75FE3E2885FBFAFBC9FBDF.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE75FE3E2885FBFAFBC9FBDF.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Occasionally, reported to occur in all rivers of Iranian Caspian basin, but no records east of Sefid was confirmed in last decades. The identity of Hari and Morghab populations is questionable, and these fishes might belong to S. aralensis, a species widespread in Zeravshan, Amu, and Syr Darya in Central Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4AFE0128ABFD26FAF9FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Liman golden loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4AFE0128ABFD26FAF9FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Sabanejewia aurata by: ● a narrow, irregularly shaped stripe along lateral midline often overlaid by small blotches or short bars / ● an irregularly shaped band of brown pigments below lateral stripe. Size up to 92 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4AFE0128ABFD26FAF9FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin: Lowermost Kura in Azerbaijan, Kyzylagach Bay south of Kura estuary, brackish lagoons in Lenkoran region, Anzali wetland, and lowermost Sefid in Iran. Caspian Sea at Durnev Islands and estuaries of Ural and Emba in Kazakhstan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4AFE0128ABFD26FAF9FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lowermost part of rivers and coastal waters. In still or very slow-flowing, often brackish waters. Biology. Spawns in April in brackish lagoons of Lenkoran. Feeds on detritus and benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4AFE0128ABFD26FAF9FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4BFE022885FF54FE2AFDD7.taxon	vernacular_names	Stone loaches	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4BFE022885FF54FE2AFDD7.taxon	description	A large family with 49 genera and more than 840 known species (more than 2000 may exist) from the rivers of Asia, Europe, and Ethiopia. Nemacheilid loaches are the second largest family of cypriniform fishes and the least known large group within freshwaters in Asia. Actually, 112 known species of nemacheilid loaches are recognised in West Asia. However, further species will be discovered in the future. Stone loaches are occasionally confused with spined loaches of the family Cobitidae, which also possess three pairs of barbels. In contrast to stone loaches, spined loaches have an erectable suborbital spine that they use for defense. Such a spine is absent in stone loaches; both families have very different general appearances. In many Oxynoemacheilus and Paraschistura species, males exhibit an exposed lachrymal bone called a suborbital flap or groove. In contrast, other species lack this character. The shape of this structure can be used for identification purposes. There have been speculations that the suborbital flap or groove exposure is a seasonal character. However, this still needs to be demonstrated, and further research is required. The generic structure of nemacheilid loaches from West Asia has been confused for a long time. Species have been placed in Nemacheilus (an East Asian genus), Barbatula (a European and North Asian genus), Orthrias (a synonym of Barbatula), Nun (a synonym of Oxynoemacheilus), Ilamnemacheilus (a synonym of Oxynoemacheilus), and Metaschistura (a synonym of Paraschistura). Molecular studies have demonstrated that eight genera can be recognised in West Asia, with Oxynoemacheilus being the most speciose and widespread. However, the situation still needs to be fully settled, as Seminemacheilus turns out to be nested within Oxynoemacheilus in some phylogenetic analyses, while in others, it represents its own genus. Indeed, both genera are similar in many characters and poorly distinguished. Triplophysa stoliczkai has been recorded from the Sistan basin in Iran, subsequently identified as Paraschistura alta. Nemacheilid loaches inhabit a wide range of water bodies, typically found in swift-flowing water, where they feed on small invertebrates. Up to five nemacheilid species and up to three species of Oxynoemacheilus have been found in syntopy, making identifying species in the field challenging. Syntopic species are usually found in different microhabitats, often in different current velocities. However, the ecological niche separation in different loaches has yet to be studied. All species appear to spawn for the first time at 1 year; most individuals seem to be multiple spawners but spawn only one to two seasons. Biological details are unknown for almost all species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE49FE022B1BFD37FAD7FB28.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tabin blind loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE49FE022B1BFD37FAD7FB28.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from E. smithi by: ● dorsal adipose crest absent / ● 8 + 8 or 8 + 7 branched caudal rays / ● jaws enlarged / ● head canal system fully developed. Size up to 54 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE49FE022B1BFD37FAD7FB28.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iraq: An aquifer near Kanishok in Tabin drainage. Tabin flows into Lesser Zab.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE49FE022B1BFD37FAD7FB28.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Underground waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE49FE022B1BFD37FAD7FB28.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; as with all subterranean species, its distribution is difficult to understand, and threat levels may be low.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE49FE022885FD37FD45FB28.taxon	description	The two species are troglomorphic inhabitants of underground waters in the Zagros Mountains. They are superficially quite different, and molecular data suggest that both are not closely related. The phylogenetic relationships of Eidinemacheilus and other genera remain unresolved. Eidinemacheilus may be a relict genus in the Zagros, but the diversity of nemacheilid loaches in South Asia needs to be better understood. Therefore, epigean Eidinemacheilus species may be found there in the future. As troglomorphic fishes lack colour patterns and face very different evolutionary challenges, potential epigean Eidinemacheilus should be identified by molecular characters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4EFE0528ABFB97FB87FADA.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zagros blind loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4EFE0528ABFB97FB87FADA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from E. proudlovei by: ● dorsal adipose crest present / ● 7 + 7 branched caudal rays / ● jaws normally developed / ● head canal system reduced. Size up to 53 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4EFE0528ABFB97FB87FADA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Loven spring in Ab‐e Sirum (or Ab‐e Serum) valley near Tang‐e Haft, and springs around Tuveh in Karun drainage. Probably more widespread.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4EFE0528ABFB97FB87FADA.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Underground waters. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4EFE0528ABFB97FB87FADA.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; as with all subterranean species, its distribution is difficult to understand, and threat levels may be low.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE4FFE0E2885FC22FE59FB1A.taxon	description	This is the most speciose genus of freshwater fishes in the Western Palaearctic, with 68 known species, and the largest in West Asia, with 64 species. It is distributed throughout West Asia and one species is found in Central Asia (O. oxianus). Three species are found in Europe in Albania and Greece (O. bureschi, O. pindus), and the northern Caucasus (O. merga). Oxynoemacheilus are found virtually everywhere, with one or more species in almost all habitats. They belong to the standard repertoire of nearly every river, stream, and spring. However, this genus is absent in Iran from the Caspian basin, east of the Sefid, and from many of the endorheic basins in southern Iran. It is also absent from the rivers south of the Mond, where mostly loaches of the genus Paraschistura are found, and from all the Arabian Peninsula. Mature males are typically smaller than females, with upward-curled pectorals that are longer than those of females. These rays are stiffer, wider, and covered by numerous rows of minute tubercles. Outside the spawning season, it can be challenging to distinguish between sexes. In many species, adult males have a suborbital slit or groove below the modified lachrymal bone. However, this slit or groove is absent in many other species. In some species, a small groove may be present in the posterior outline of the lachrymal bone. In other species, the lachrymal bone may be visible but completely covered by skin. Identifying Oxynoemacheilus species is often challenging, particularly for slender species with a deeply emarginate caudal and a suborbital groove in the male. Such species are usually widely distributed and may exhibit variations in colour patterns within and between populations. Unfortunately, in slender Oxynoemacheilus, several populations without morphological and only small differences in mtDNA had been recognised as separate species, indicating a need for a conceptual framework of boundaries between populations and species. Some of these are not accepted here. Many other species have a stout, massively built body, a slightly emarginate or even truncate caudal, and no suborbital groove in male. These species are often locally endemic. In sympatry, the caudal fin’s shape and the caudal peduncle’s depth can be useful to distinguish between most species. It has been demonstrated that the diversity in body shapes observed in Oxynoemacheilus does not fully correspond to the phylogeny of the different species, as slender and stout species may be closely related. However, nuclear DNA characters may lead to very different phylogenetic patterns if analysed in the future. Some stout species form monophyletic groups in Oxynoemacheilus, but slender species are a highly polyphyletic group. Notably, there are a variety of intermediate morphotypes within this large genus. We know that the diversity of Oxynoemacheilus presented in this book sometimes not conforms to simplistic, tree-based patterns, as introgressive hybridisation between species has occurred. In several species, isolated populations differ only by small molecular differences without morphological differences, and we do not accept these as species. Of course, we observe the species diversity of Oxynoemacheilus (and other genera) to be streamlined with clusters of minimal COI differences and new species to be described with only ‘ invented’ morphological differences. This process has already begun. Here, the concept of “ old species ” should be applied to avoid false species decriptions.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE45FE112885FB3FFD09FA5E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hassa loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE45FE112885FB3FFD09FA5E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Cilicia and northern Levant by: ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ caudal deeply emarginate / ○ lateral line incomplete with 23 – 45 pores, terminating between vertical of dorsal origin and anus / ○ 10 – 13 pores in infraorbital canal / ○ flank pattern mottled or with many, very narrow, irregularly shaped and set, pale-brown bars, usually flank-bars separated from middorsal saddles and not meeting contralaterals / ○ flank and back posterior to dorsal base covered by scales / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 1.2 – 1.4 times in HL. Size up to 71 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE45FE112885FB3FFD09FA5E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Spring İncesu at Hassa, a northern tributary of Orontes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE45FE112885FB3FFD09FA5E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Only known from one spring but expected to occur in nearby slow-flowing streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE45FE112885FB3FFD09FA5E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; known only from a small population in a very small, unprotected spring. Expected to decline.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE45FE112885FB3FFD09FA5E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Related to O. cilicicus from adjacent Ceyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5AFE102B39FB29FC2FFE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Burdur loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5AFE102B39FB29FC2FFE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Aegean basin and Central Anatolia by: ○ caudal emarginate, shortest middle caudal ray 84 – 98 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ pre-dorsal back usually with 3 – 4 saddles / ○ flank completely covered by scales / ○ belly without scales / ○ head length 24 – 27 % SL / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.3 – 1.6 times in its length. Size up to 86 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5AFE102B39FB29FC2FFE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Dalaman drainage and four spring-fed streams in Central Anatolia: Düger, Ereçay at Elmacık near Kemer, Karamanlı reservoir, and Pınarbaşı.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5AFE102B39FB29FC2FFE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing streams with dense vegetation and sand, mud, or gravel substrate. Biology. Lives up to 5 years. Spawns after first winter. First spawn recorded in March.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5AFE102B39FB29FC2FFE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5AFE102B39FB29FC2FFE24.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Superficially similar loaches in Lake Salda basin may also belong to this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5BFE132885F975FEC1F8E2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Angora loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5BFE132885F975FEC1F8E2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Marmara, and Black Sea basins, and Central Anatolia by: ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.5 – 1.8 times in its length / ○ caudal slightly emarginate, shortest middle caudal ray 88 – 92 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ belly without scales / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ flank marbled, often with a series of midlateral blotches fused to a wide, irregularly shaped midlateral stripe / ○ upper part of cheek mottled / ○ tip of pectoral usually not reaching pelvic origin in male / ○ distance between pectoral and pelvic origins 25 – 28 % SL / ○ no median incision in upper lip / ○ axillary pelvic lobe absent / ○ colour pattern on flank anterior to dorsal origin usually interrupted by pale-beige lateral line. Size up to 98 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5BFE132885F975FEC1F8E2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Susurluk east to Kızılırmak drainages and endorheic Lakes İznik and Ilgın basins, also in Göksu drainge.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5BFE132885F975FEC1F8E2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of habitats, from swift mountain streams, banks of large rivers, springs to muddy lakes with dense vegetation. Moderately rheophilic, avoids very fast currents. Biology. Spawns first time, usually at age 1; most individuals spawn for 1 – 2 seasons. Multiple spawner. Feeds on relatively large benthic invertebrates. Tolerant of moderate organic pollution and stream channeling.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5BFE132885F975FEC1F8E2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE58FE132B39FB5CFBFDF8E2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Erzurum loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE58FE132B39FB5CFBFDF8E2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Euphrates drainage by: ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ lateral line complete / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ flank mottled or with 6 – 9 irregularly shaped dark-grey blotches, often fused, forming a lateral stripe / ○ caudal peduncle without high adipose crest or ridge / ○ flank covered by scales. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE58FE132B39FB5CFBFDF8E2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Karasu, a tributary of Euphrates west of Erzurum.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE58FE132B39FB5CFBFDF8E2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE58FE132B39FB5CFBFDF8E2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE58FE132B39FB5CFBFDF8E2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Despite its name, this species is restricted to the Euphrates drainage and has not been found in the Aras (Caspian basin).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE59FE122885FB08FA85FA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Two-spot loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE59FE122885FB08FA85FA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Euphrates and Qweiq drainages by: ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank covered by scales / ○ two distinct and prominent black blotches at posteriormost caudal base, often overlaid by a dark-brown or black chevron-shaped bar / ○ caudal moderately deep emarginate / ○ flank and caudal peduncle with marbled colour pattern, without bars / ○ caudal peduncle without high adipose crest or ridge / ○ upper lip with a median incision / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.4 – 1.8 times in caudal – peduncle length. Size up to 62 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE59FE122885FB08FA85FA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq drainage in Türkiye and Syria. South-western Euphrates drainage in Türkiye, and most likely in adjacent Syrian Euphrates. In Gölbaşı lakes in uppermost Ceyhan and potentially more widespread in Ceyhan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE59FE122885FB08FA85FA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wide range of habitats in moderately fast-flowing waters, from small hill streams to banks of large rivers. Rarely found in stagnant waters as reservoirs. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE59FE122885FB08FA85FA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5EFE1528ABFCE3FAB6FC49.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Murat loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5EFE1528ABFCE3FAB6FC49.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Euphrates drainage by: ○ scales absent / ○ supratemporal canal with one central pore / ○ lateral line incomplete, reaching to vertical through a point between about of one snout length in front of dorsal origin and middle of caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent / ○ no or a shallow dorsal and ventral adipose crest in individuals larger than 50 mm SL / ○ dark-brown bar or a vertically elongated blotch on caudal base or a bar fused with a roundish or vertically elongate, dark-brown blotch at vertical midline / ○ caudal usually with wide, bold, dark-brown bands / ○ caudal – peduncle length 1.3 – 1.6 times its depth / ○ prepelvic length 48 – 53 % SL. Size up to 97 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5EFE1528ABFCE3FAB6FC49.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Murat drainage, a major tributary of Euphrates and in Güroymak spring near Bitlis. Potentially more widespread in Euphrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5EFE1528ABFCE3FAB6FC49.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel or rock substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5EFE1528ABFCE3FAB6FC49.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC. Extirpated from Syrian part of Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5FFE142885FD37FA03FCD2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lake Tuz loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5FFE142885FD37FA03FCD2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Central Anatolia and rivers flowing to Bay of Antalya by: ● elevated dorsal and ventral adipose crests, usually with convex margin and reaching to or exceeding vertical of anal base / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.2 – 1.6 times in its length / ○ caudal almost truncate, middle caudal ray 88 – 98 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ head length 24 – 27 % SL / ○ flank usually with irregularly set and shaped, confluent, small blotches and spots, forming a mottled pattern or rarely with larger blotches forming a marbled pattern. Size up to 73 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5FFE142885FD37FA03FCD2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Pınarbaşı spring in İnsuyu, Lakes Samsam and Gök in Kozanlı, and Melendiz drainage (Ihlara Valley), all in Lake Tuz basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5FFE142885FD37FA03FCD2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing and standing waters of springs and streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5FFE142885FD37FA03FCD2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5CFE1728ABFBD8FBB4FA09.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Paphlagonian sportive loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5CFE1728ABFBD8FBB4FA09.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in the Black Sea basin by: ○ caudal – peduncle depth 7 – 10 % SL, usually 2.0 – 3.0 times in its length, very rarely 1.6 – 3.0, without high adipose crest or ridge / ○ caudal emarginate, middle caudal ray 80 – 90 % of length of longest ray in upper caudal lobe / ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank covered by scales / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ one central or no black, grey or brown blotch or short bar on caudal base, its colour identical to blotches on caudal peduncle / ○ no yellowish triangles at posteriormost portion of caudal peduncle / ○ pelvic very long, reaching or almost reaching to anus / ○ pectoral in male very long, reaching or almost reaching to pelvic origin / ○ flank mottled or with large, irregularly shaped, squarish, or vertically elongate blotches, usually as wide or narrower than interspaces / ○ lateral blotches on caudal peduncle usually interrupted in size and / or shape at or above lateral midline. Size up to 78 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5CFE1728ABFBD8FBB4FA09.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Filyos and Devrekani drainages in Black Sea basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5CFE1728ABFBD8FBB4FA09.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel or rock substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5CFE1728ABFBD8FBB4FA09.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5CFE1728ABFBD8FBB4FA09.taxon	discussion	Remarks. No external characters are known to distinguish this species from O. bergianus, O. fatsaensis, and O. simavicus, all of which are diagnosed by molecular characters. As these four species are allopatric, the distribution area should help in identification.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5DFE162885FAA7FE2DF898.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Agstafa loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5DFE162885FAA7FE2DF898.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Caspian basin by: ○ caudal moderately deeply emarginate / ○ caudal – peduncle depth two times in its length. Size up to 71 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5DFE162885FAA7FE2DF898.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Azerbaijan: Agstafa, a tributary of Kura.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5DFE162885FAA7FE2DF898.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. No data. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5DFE162885FAA7FE2DF898.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. DD; due to the very poor knowledge of this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5DFE162885FAA7FE2DF898.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species might be conspecific with O. bergianus. Further reading. Çiçek et al. 2018 (rediscovery); Freyhof et al. 2021 b (discussion).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE5DFE162885FAA7FE2DF898.taxon	description	It is challenging to ascertain the number of valid species and their correct names. This often necessitates travel to type localities in remote areas. One such case is explained here. Nemacheilus bergi was described from the Kura drainage in Azerbaijan and was treated as a valid species without examining fish from the type locality or any other justification. In the same study, N. alasanicus from the upper Alazani in the Georgian Kura drainage was treated as a synonym of N. bergi, again without examining any materials or arguments. Early authors clearly distinguished N. bergi from Oxynoemacheilus brandtii. The account of O. bergi does not correspond to O. cyri, another species known from the Kura. Oxynoemacheilus bergi could be a third species of Oxynoemacheilus in the Kura, which has yet to be found (again). The account on O. bergi does not correspond to O. veyselorum, which has only been found in the adjacent Aras. However, it cannot be ruled out that O. bergi might be conspecific with the species identified as O. bergianus, also found in the Aras drainage. Nevertheless, there are no records of O. bergianus from the Kura, and fieldwork in late 2024 aimed to resolve the issue but failed to find it. If O. bergianus were conspecific with O. bergi, it would become a junior synonym of O. bergi. It was also suggested that two other loaches occur in the Alazani, a tributary of the Kura: N. angorae alasanicus and N. brandtii gibbusnazus. Indeed, only O. brandtii, very common in the Kura, has been recently found in the Alazani. Nemacheilus angorae alasanicus might be conspecific with O. bergianus, and both could be conspecific with O. bergi. These species should be re-examined based on materials from their type localities, and considerable efforts should be made to find the mysterious Oxynoemacheilus bergi and O. alasanicus. This is a complex issue, demonstrating that even with the publishing of this book, many questions need to be resolved.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE52FE1828ABFD37FAD4FC2B.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sportive loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE52FE1828ABFD37FAD4FC2B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Seyhan, Black Sea, and Caspian basins as wellasEuphratesandTigrisdrainagesby: ○ caudal – peduncle depth 6 – 10 % SL, usually 2.0 – 3.0 times in its length, very rarely 1.8 – 3.5, without high adipose crest or ridge / ○ caudal deeply emarginate, middle caudal ray 70 – 84 % of length of longest ray in upper caudal lobe / ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank covered by scales / ○ upper lip without a median incision / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ one central or no black, grey, or brown blotch or short bar on caudal base, its colour identical to blotches on caudal peduncle / ○ no yellowish triangles at posteriormost portion of caudal peduncle / ○ pelvic very long, reaching or almost reaching to anus / ○ pectoral in male very long, reaching or almost reaching to pelvic origin / ○ flank mottled, marmorate, or with large, irregularly shaped, squarish, or vertically elongate blotches, usually as wide or narrower than interspaces / ○ lateral blotches on caudal peduncle usually interrupted in size and / or shape at or above lateral midline. Size up to 71 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE52FE1828ABFD37FAD4FC2B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Kızılırmak drainage in Anatolian Black Sea basin, upper Zamantı (Seyhan) drainage in Mediterranean basin, upper Euphrates and upper Tigris including Greater Zab, Sirvan south to Doiraj, and Meymeh. Also, in Caspian basin, from Sefid in Iran north-west to Aras and Lake Namak and Urmia basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE52FE1828ABFD37FAD4FC2B.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderate to fast-flowing waters with coarse gravel and small boulders. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE52FE1828ABFD37FAD4FC2B.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE52FE1828ABFD37FAD4FC2B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This is the most widespread of all Oxynoemacheilus species. Oxynoemacheilus erdali from the upper Murat drainage in Türkiye, O. lenkoranensis from Azerbaijan, O. longipinnis and O. parvinae from Iran, and O. samanticus from Seyhan in Türkiye are synonyms. No consistent morphological or colour pattern differences between these populations have been found or confirmed, and they show very small molecular differences. Recently published morphological differences are fabricated to support populations with very small molecular differences as separate species. Oxynoemacheilus longipinnis has been described as a separate genus, Ilamnemacheilus, based on a malformed individual with 10 ½ branched dorsal rays, several multiplied vertebrae, and a shortened caudal peduncle. There appear to be no records of O. bergianus from the Kura drainage, but further fieldwork is required to confirm its presence. If this species is found to be conspecific with O. bergi from the Kura, then O. bergi would take precedence over O. bergianus. No external characters are known to distinguish O. bergianus from O. banarescui, O. fatsaensis, and O. simavicus, all of which are diagnosed by molecular characters. Published morphological differences are based on small sample sizes or are intentionally falsified. As these four species are allopatric, the range should aid identification.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE50FE1B28ABFB2EFBD6FA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caucasian loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE50FE1B28ABFB2EFBD6FA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Caspian basin by: ● caudal forked, usually with 1 – 3, wide and very bold bands / ○ an upper and a lower bold, black or dark-brown blotch on caudal base, usually fused into a bar, its colour distinctly darker than bars on caudal peduncle / ○ flank with wide, irregularly shaped bars, much wider than interspaces / ○ bars on caudal peduncle not interrupted in size and shape at or above lateral midline, rarely with a mottled pattern / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 2.5 – 3.2 times in its length. Size up to 70 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE50FE1B28ABFB2EFBD6FA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Kura and Aras drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE50FE1B28ABFB2EFBD6FA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to very fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel or rock substrate. Usually found in riffles and rapids in middle of river. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE50FE1B28ABFB2EFBD6FA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE50FE1B28ABFB2EFBD6FA34.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Populations studied from the Aras drainage share their mtDNA sequence with O. elsae but are identified as O. brandtii by morphological characters. Nemacheilus brandtii gibbusnazus from the upper Alazani in Georgian Kura drainage has been treated as a synonym, but the identity of this population may require further investigation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE51FE1A2885FB1AFB0BFA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Çoruh loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE51FE1A2885FB1AFB0BFA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Black Sea basin by: ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ axillary pelvic lobe present / ○ a median incision in upper lip in most individuals / ○ lateral line complete / ○ caudal deeply emarginate / ○ dorsal adipose crest on caudal peduncle absent / ○ tip of pectoral almost reaching vertical through dorsal origin in male / ○ 7 – 15 dark-grey saddles on back, 3 – 7 in front of dorsal origin / ○ 9 – 15 irregularly shaped dark-grey bars on flank posterior to dorsal origin in most individuals / ○ colour pattern on flank not interrupted by whitish lateral line / ○ caudal – peduncle length 18 – 21 % SL / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 10 – 13 % SL. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE51FE1A2885FB1AFB0BFA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Çoruh drainage in Türkiye and Georgia, as well as in upper part of Doğankent stream, a coastal river in Eastern Black Sea basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE51FE1A2885FB1AFB0BFA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing waters in streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE51FE1A2885FB1AFB0BFA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE56FE1C28ABFD54FE3EFE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Elbistan loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE56FE1C28ABFD54FE3EFE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Cilicia and northern Levant by: ○ caudal deeply emarginate, length of middle caudal ray 1.1 – 1.3 times in length of longest unbranched ray in upper caudal lobe / ○ lateral line complete, terminating at caudal base or on hypural complex / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ flank and back behind dorsal base covered by many isolated and embedded scales / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.4 – 1.6 times in its length / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 18 – 20 % SL / ○ head length 25 – 27 % SL. Size up to 57 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE56FE1C28ABFD54FE3EFE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Ceyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE56FE1C28ABFD54FE3EFE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing waters in streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE56FE1C28ABFD54FE3EFE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE56FE1C28ABFD54FE3EFE24.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The distribution of this species needs to be better understood as it has usually been confused with O. cilicicus, a species found in the lower Ceyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1C2884FE2BFAB7FD5C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Khabur two-spot loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1C2884FE2BFAB7FD5C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Euphrates drainage by: ○ flank with a distinct series of midlateral blotches, fused to each other or fused into a stripe, below lateral series of blotches with isolated patches of blotches or a row of small dark-brown spots / ○ two distinct and prominent black blotches at posteriormost caudal base, usually overlaid by a dark-brown or black chevron-shaped bar / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ no or a very short median incision in upper lip / ○ lateral line complete, terminating behind vertical of anal base or at caudal base / ○ flank completely covered by scales / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.4 – 1.7 times in its length / ○ caudal deeply emarginate or forked. Size up to 60 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1C2884FE2BFAB7FD5C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and most likely adjacent Syria: Beyazsu north of Nusaybin in Khabur drainage, a tributary of Euphrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1C2884FE2BFAB7FD5C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing waters in streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1C2884FE2BFAB7FD5C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; restricted range and ongoing threats such as droughts.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1F2885FB08FB2EFD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Choman loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1F2885FB08FB2EFD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ○ dorsal profile straight / ○ caudalpedunclewithveryindistinct, fuzzybarsorvertically elongated blotches / ○ flank completely covered by scales / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ lateral line complete, terminating behind vertical of anal base or at caudal base / ○ suborbital groove absent in adult male / ○ maxillary barbel reaching to anterior eye margin or middle of eye / ○ colour pattern on anterior part of flank not interrupted by unpigmented zone along lateral line / ○ one central pore in supratemporal canal / ○ no median incision in upper lip / ○ interorbital distance 1.4 – 1.5 times in snout length / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.3 – 1.4 times in caudal – peduncle length / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ posterior process of bony air-bladder capsule directed laterally. Size up to 77 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1F2885FB08FB2EFD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Iraq: Headwaters of Choman and Lesser Zab.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1F2885FB08FB2EFD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing waters in streams with gravel and rock substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1F2885FB08FB2EFD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE57FE1F2885FB08FB2EFD8C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Oxynoemacheilus chomanicus, O. zarzianus, O. zagrosensis, and loaches identified as O. frenatus are superficially very similar and occur in Lesser Zab drainage. The distribution of these species needs to be better known, and identification may be difficult.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE54FE1F28ABFBF8FAF3FACC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sultan loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE54FE1F28ABFBF8FAF3FACC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Central Anatolia and rivers flowing to Bay of Antalya by: ● scales absent / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.1 – 2.2 times in caudal – peduncle length / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ flank with roundish blotches in variable size, without bars / ○ a small median incision in upper lip / ○ pelvic axillary lobe very small or absent / ○ lateral line complete. Size up to 60 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE54FE1F28ABFBF8FAF3FACC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sultan marshes in Develi depression.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE54FE1F28ABFBF8FAF3FACC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Standing water of springs on gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE54FE1F28ABFBF8FAF3FACC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; see comments under Pseudophoxinus elizavetae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FE1E2885FF5EFAC8FD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Cilician loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FE1E2885FF5EFAC8FD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Cilicia and northern Levant by: ○ caudal deeply emarginate, middle caudal ray 1.2 – 1.4 times in length of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ lateral line with 13 – 23 pores terminating anterior to dorsal origin or slightly behind dorsal base / ○ infraorbital canal with 8 – 10 pores / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ flank and back behind dorsal base covered by scales / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.0 – 1.4 times in its length / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 1.0 – 1.2 times in HL / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 20 – 24 % SL / ○ head length 22 – 25 % SL / ○ flank pattern mottled or with many, very narrow, irregularly shaped and set, pale-brown bars, usually flank-bars separated from middorsal saddles and not meeting contralateral. Size up to 58 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FE1E2885FF5EFAC8FD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lower Göksu east to Ceyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FE1E2885FF5EFAC8FD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small streams to larger rivers. In slow or moderately fast-flowing stretches, usually along banks. Also along banks of reservoirs and in irrigation canals. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FE1E2885FF5EFAC8FD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FE1E2885FF5EFAC8FD11.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Distribution of this species and superficially similar O. ceyhanensis from upper Ceyhan needs to be better explored.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FDE12885F968FC26FEBC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kura banded loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FDE12885F968FC26FEBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Caspian basin by: ● suborbital groove absent in male / ● flank with 12 – 17 distinct, regularly shaped and set bars / ● caudal very slightly emarginate or truncate. Size up to 74 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FDE12885F968FC26FEBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ardahan plateau in upper Kura drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FDE12885F968FC26FEBC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow or fast-flowing streams with gravel or rock bottoms and clear water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FDE12885F968FC26FEBC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; has a small range in upper Kura drainage; its habitat is intact, the species is common, and no threats are known.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FE55FDE12885F968FC26FEBC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. It is a phylogenetically isolated species, restricted to a small area at high altitudes. It appears to be endemic to Türkiye and has never been found in downstream Armenia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAAFDE128ABFBEFFAE2FADA.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Küçük Menderes loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAAFDE128ABFBEFFAE2FADA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Aegean basin by: ○ inner axial stripe absent / ○ tip of pectoral usually not reaching to or reaching pelvic origin in male / ○ belly with small embedded scales / ○ body depth decreasing between dorsal and caudal base / ○ scales present from midline between pectoral- and pelvic bases to pelvic base / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.3 – 1.5 times in its length / ○ caudal emarginate, middle caudal ray 71 – 84 % of length of longest ray in upper caudal lobe / ○ two dark-brown blotches on caudal base, rarely connected to each other / ○ flank with bars and / or blotches. Size up to 65 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAAFDE128ABFBEFFAE2FADA.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Küçük Menderes, Tahtalı and Gediz drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAAFDE128ABFBEFFAE2FADA.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Standing and flowing waters of springs and streams on gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAAFDE128ABFBEFFAE2FADA.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE02885FD37FCF4FB0A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Urmia loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE02885FD37FCF4FB0A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Caspian basin by: ○ caudal emarginate, usually with 3 – 6, narrow, pale-brown band / ○ an upper and a lower bold, black or dark-brown blotch on caudal base, often fused into a bar, it’s colour distinctly darker than bars on caudal peduncle / ○ flank with irregularly shaped and spaced, dark-brown bars, often split in middle, more narrow than interspaces, or flank is almost plain brown / ○ bars on caudal peduncle not interrupted in size and shape at or above lateral midline / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 2.3 – 2.9 times in its length. Size up to 68 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE02885FD37FCF4FB0A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Türkiye: Zarrineh, Simineh, Mahabad, Barandoz, Nazlo, and Soufi drainages in Lake Urmia basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE02885FD37FCF4FB0A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Rivers and streams with fast-flowing water and gravel or boulder substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE02885FD37FCF4FB0A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE02885FD37FCF4FB0A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Oxynoemacheilus brandtii from Aras shares mitochondrial DNA with this species, but these fish can be identified as O. brandtii and not as O. elsae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE32885F907FC77FE41.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Van loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE32885F907FC77FE41.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in adjacent Euphrates drainage by: ○ scales absent / ○ lateral line incomplete not reaching or reaching below dorsal base / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ supratemporal canal without central pore / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent / ○ dorsal adipose crest on caudal peduncle high, not reaching to vertical through last anal ray base in individuals larger than 50 mm SL / ○ caudal – peduncle length 1.0 – 1.3 times its depth / ○ body width at dorsal origin 13 – 17 % SL / ○ flank with a marmorated pattern or with large, irregularly shaped and narrowly spaced dark-brown bars or blotches, usually more prominent on flank behind dorsal base / ○ caudal base with mottled colour pattern, without bold, black bar or bold, black spots upper and lower caudal base. Size up to 82 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE32885F907FC77FE41.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Van and its tributaries Zilan, Deli, Bendimahi and Karasu.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE32885F907FC77FE41.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately flowing streams and rivers with gravel or rock substrate. Also, in microbialites of Lake Van itself, at a maximum depth of 13 m and about 500 m offshore. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE32885F907FC77FE41.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDABFDE32885F907FC77FE41.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Nemacheilus pulsiz is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA8FDE328ABF9F7FB07F84A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ereğli loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA8FDE328ABF9F7FB07F84A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Central Anatolia and rivers flowing to Bay of Antalya by: ○ caudal slightly emarginate, shortest middle caudal ray 83 – 91 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ belly without scales / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ dorsal adipose crest reaching behind vertical of posterior anal base, absent in some individuals / ○ flank usually with irregularly set and shaped, distinct, large blotches forming a marbled pattern / ○ few isolated scales on flank in front of dorsal origin / ○ head length 24 – 26 % SL / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.5 – 1.9 times in its length. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA8FDE328ABF9F7FB07F84A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Beyşehir and Suğla basins, Yeşildere (Karaman) in Central Anatolia, also in Göksu and Manavgat drainage in southern Anatolia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA8FDE328ABF9F7FB07F84A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small streams and springs with gravelly, sandy, or muddy bottoms and slow-flowing water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA8FDE328ABF9F7FB07F84A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range. Extirpated in Ereğli, elsewhere often in very small water bodies.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA8FDE328ABF9F7FB07F84A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Oxynoemacheilus atili is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA9FDE52885FB2EFB06FE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Fırat loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA9FDE52885FB2EFB06FE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ○ two distinct and prominent black blotches at posteriormost caudal base, often overlaid by a dark-brown or black chevron-shaped bar / ○ lateral line complete / ○ juveniles larger than 20 but smaller than 45 mm SL with poorly developed mottling between midlateral blotches on flank / ○ last bars on caudal peduncle as wide or wider than interspaces / ○ upper lip with well-developed median incision / ○ flank covered by scales / ○ caudal forked / ○ caudal peduncle without high adipose crest or ridge / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ caudal peduncle, and in some individuals also flank, with bars / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 2.0 – 2.8 times in caudal – peduncle length. Size up to 70 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA9FDE52885FB2EFB06FE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates, Tigris, and Karun drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA9FDE52885FB2EFB06FE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and rivers with gravel substrate and fast to very fast-flowing water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA9FDE52885FB2EFB06FE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA9FDE52885FB2EFB06FE24.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The distribution of this species is still incompletely known and it is not recorded from Lesser Zab and Meymeh. It is superficially very similar to O. kurdistanicus and O. marunensis, and these species appear to have formed hybrid populations in some parts of the Tigris drainage. Oxynoemacheilus freyhofi from the Karun drainage is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAEFDE528ABFC0CFA07FA25.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ceyhan sportive loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAEFDE528ABFC0CFA07FA25.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Cilicia and northern Levant by: ○ caudal emarginate, middle caudal ray 80 – 91 % of length of longest ray in upper caudal lobe / ○ caudal with dark-brown bands of elongated blotches / ○ a yellowish triangle at upper and lower posteriormost portions of caudal peduncle / ○ one central, bold-brown blotch or no blotch on caudal base, often an irregularly shaped black bar at caudal base / ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank and back behind dorsal base covered by scales / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ flank posterior to dorsal base and caudal peduncle with a series of bold, usually irregularly shaped bars reaching from dorsal midline almost to ventral midline / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.8 – 2.4 times in its length. Size up to 68 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAEFDE528ABFC0CFA07FA25.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ceyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAEFDE528ABFC0CFA07FA25.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small streams to larger rivers. In fast-flowing stretches usually in riffles with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAEFDE528ABFC0CFA07FA25.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAEFDE528ABFC0CFA07FA25.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Seyhan drainage records are subject to confirmation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE42885FF5EFAC5FD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Güzelhisar loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE42885FF5EFAC5FD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Aegean basin by: ○ belly with few, small, embedded scales / ○ caudal emarginate, middle caudal ray 71 – 91 % of length of longest upper caudal ray / ○ body depth almost uniform between dorsal and caudal base (ratio of body depth at posterior of dorsal base to body depth at caudal base is equal or almost equal to 1) / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 15 – 17 % SL / ○ caudal peduncle 10 – 12 % SL / ○ length of middle caudal ray 16 – 19 % SL / ○ no dorsal and ventral adipose crests on caudal peduncle behind vertical of posterior anal base. Size up to 70 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE42885FF5EFAC5FD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Güzelhisar drainage in northeastern Aegean basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE42885FF5EFAC5FD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderate to fast-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE42885FF5EFAC5FD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE72885F9F7FB55FE06.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Yeşilırmak sportive loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE72885F9F7FB55FE06.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Black Sea basin by: ○ caudal – peduncle depth 7 – 9 % SL, usually 2.0 – 2.6 times in its length, without high adipose crest or ridge / ○ caudal emarginate, middle caudal ray 80 – 90 % of length of longest ray in upper caudal lobe / ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank covered by scales / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ one central or no black, grey or brown blotch or short bar on caudal base, its colour identical to blotches on caudal peduncle / ○ no yellowish triangles at posteriormost portion of caudal peduncle / ○ pelvic very long, reaching or almost reaching to anus / ○ pectoral in male very long, reaching or almost reaching to pelvic origin / ○ flank mottled or with large irregularly shaped, squarish or vertically elongate blotches, usually as wide or narrower than interspaces / ○ lateral blotches on caudal peduncle usually interrupted in size and / or shape at or above lateral midline. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE72885F9F7FB55FE06.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Yeşilırmak drainage and adjacent coastal stream Elekçi.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE72885F9F7FB55FE06.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE72885F9F7FB55FE06.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDAFFDE72885F9F7FB55FE06.taxon	discussion	Remarks. No external characters are known to distinguish this species from O. bergianus, O. banarescui, and O. simavicus, and all species are diagnosed only by molecular characters. Published differences are based on small sample sizes or are spurious. As these four species are allopatric, the distribution areas should help in identification.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDACFDE728ABFC64FB9CFADB.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDACFDE728ABFC64FB9CFADB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ○ lateral line incomplete, terminating in front of or above anal base / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ flank mottled or marbled without bars / ○ colour pattern on anterior part of flank, often interrupted by an unpigmented zone along lateral line / ○ a shallow dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ one central pore in supratemporal canal / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ scales present on back and flank in front of anus. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDACFDE728ABFC64FB9CFADB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Mosul and upper Tigris drainage down to Batman drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDACFDE728ABFC64FB9CFADB.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing to standing waters of springs, streams, and rivers with muddy or gravelly bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDACFDE728ABFC64FB9CFADB.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDACFDE728ABFC64FB9CFADB.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Recently not recorded from rivers downstream of Batman. Superficially, very similar but genetically very different loaches occur in Iranian Lesser Zab, and these have also been identified as O. frenatus. It is impossible to say whether the populations from the upper Tigris are the same as those from Mosul. Only when new material from Mosul becomes available will the identity of Anatolian and Iranian populations be finally resolved.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDADFDE62885FD98FABCFA81.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Galilean loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDADFDE62885FD98FABCFA81.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in southern Levant by: ● 9 – 11 ½ branched dorsal rays / ● body scaleless / ○ caudal slightly emarginate or truncate / ○ no dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove absent in male. Size up to 64 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDADFDE62885FD98FABCFA81.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Syria: Lake Muzayrib basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDADFDE62885FD98FABCFA81.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine, along shores. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDADFDE62885FD98FABCFA81.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; Lake Muzayrib has been reported to be drying up, and the species may be extinct. No fieldwork has been carried out since 2008 to investigate the situation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDADFDE62885FD98FABCFA81.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Described from Lake Tiberias but later speculated to be from Lake Hula or Lake Muzayrib. The single type specimen corresponds well to the Lake Muzayrib population, while all fish we see from Tiberias and Hula do not. Fish from Hula and Tiberias are similar to the type of O. galilaeus in being scaleless and in number of anal and dorsal rays (all individuals from Hula are reported to have 6 ½ branched anal rays). These fish also have a very different colour pattern from O. galilaeus (large spots or bars on the flank vs. fine mottled pattern in O. galilaeus) and body shape (deep body vs. slender in O. galilaeus), and we identify them as O. leontinae. Oxynoemacheilus galilaeus is diagnosed by 6 ½ branched anal rays; this character is variable (Muzayrib), and few individuals have 6 ½ (including type), most have 5 ½ branched anal rays. It has been placed in a separate genus: Nun, based on fish from the Hula basin, but as Nun was described based on O. leontinae, this is its type species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA2FDE928ABFD8FFA08FB85.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Carian loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA2FDE928ABFD8FFA08FB85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Aegean basin by: ○ caudal emarginate / ○ flank with scales / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.5 – 2.2 times in its length / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ scales on belly restricted between pelvic bases, rarely exceeding anteriorly / ○ inner axial stripe absent / ○ tip of anal reaching to or slightly beyond ventral adipose crest, if present / ○ belly with few, small, embedded scales / ○ tip of pectoral usually not reaching to or reaching pelvic origin in male / ○ body depth decreasing between dorsal and caudal base / ○ flank with bars and / or blotches, rarely plain or mottled. Size up to 83 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA2FDE928ABFD8FFA08FB85.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Büyük Menderes and Gediz drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA2FDE928ABFD8FFA08FB85.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing to stagnant waters of springs, streams, and rivers with muddy or gravelly bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA2FDE928ABFD8FFA08FB85.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA2FDE928ABFD8FFA08FB85.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Oxynoemacheilus cinicus and O. mesudae, both from Büyük Menderes, are synonyms.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA0FDEB28ABFBDBFAFEFA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zalm loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA0FDEB28ABFBDBFAFEFA51.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ● lateral line incomplete, terminating slightly behind pectoral base / ● body naked except very dorsal part of caudal peduncle / ● a midlateral series of small, horizontally elongated, dark-brown blotches often fused into an irregularly shaped midlateral stripe, one additional stripe above and below midlateral stripe in many individuals / ○ 3 – 4 lateral pores and no central pore in supratemporal canal / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ upper lip without median incision. Size up to 57 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA0FDEB28ABFBDBFAFEFA51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iraq: Zalm, a headwater of Sirvan in Tigris drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA0FDEB28ABFBDBFAFEFA51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing and standing waters of streams, backwaters, and springs with muddy bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA0FDEB28ABFBDBFAFEFA51.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA0FDEB28ABFBDBFAFEFA51.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Oxynoemacheilus gyndes is a very distinctive species, not closely related to other loaches in its genus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDEA2885FF5EFA1CFD3E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Orontes sportive loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDEA2885FF5EFA1CFD3E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Cilicia and northern Levant by: ● yellowish triangle at upper and lower posteriormost portions of caudal peduncle / ○ one central, bold-brown blotch or no blotch on caudal base, often an irregularly shaped black bar at caudal base / ○ caudal deeply emarginate with dark-brown bands of elongated blotches / ○ middle caudal ray 64 – 74 % of length of longest ray in upper caudal lobe / ○ lateral line complete or almost complete terminating behind vertical of anus / ○ flank covered by scales, sparsely set on anterior, densely set on posterior flank / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ flank in juveniles with a midlateral series of horizontally elongate blotches, adults with a brown marbled pattern / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.4 – 1.9 times in its length. Size up to 64 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDEA2885FF5EFA1CFD3E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Orontes drainage in Türkiye and northern Syria (Afrin).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDEA2885FF5EFA1CFD3E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing water in streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDEA2885FF5EFA1CFD3E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be extirpated in lower Orontes and is declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDEA2885FF5EFA1CFD3E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Records of this species from the upper Orontes refer to O. shehabi, and records from the Euphrates and Tigris are misidentifications of other species, most likely O. argyrogramma, O. chaboras, and O. euphraticus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDED2885F910FA90FE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sirvan two-spot loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDED2885F910FA90FE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ○ flank with a distinct series of midlateral blotches, fused to each other or fused into a stripe / ○ isolated patches of blotches or a row of small dark-brown spots below lateral series of blotches / ○ two distinct and prominent black blotches at posteriormost caudal base, usually overlaid by a dark-brown or black chevron-shaped bar / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ no or a very short median incision in upper lip / ○ lateral line complete, terminating behind vertical of anal base or at caudal base / ○ flank completely covered by scales / ○ caudal deeply emarginate or forked. Size up to 61 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDED2885F910FA90FE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Iraq: Headwaters of Sirvan and Alvand drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDED2885F910FA90FE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing streams and springs with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDED2885F910FA90FE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA1FDED2885F910FA90FE6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The Iranian population is superficially very similar, but their COI sequence data place them close to O. marunensis. They may represent O. hanae, introgressed by O. marunensis. In the upper Sirvan, O. hanae and O. marunensis occur in syntopy.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA6FDED28ABFC1EFBEEFBB1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hazar loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA6FDED28ABFC1EFBEEFBB1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemachei lus in Tigris drainage by: ● flank naked, only caudal peduncle behind anus with scales / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ a deep incision in middle of upper lip / ○ mottled or marmorated colour pattern on flank, not interrupted by an unpigmented zone along lateral line. Size up to 67 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA6FDED28ABFC1EFBEEFBB1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Hazar basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA6FDED28ABFC1EFBEEFBB1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakeshores and moderately fast-flowing, stagnant waters of streams, backwaters, and springs with muddy bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA6FDED28ABFC1EFBEEFBB1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA6FDED28ABFC1EFBEEFBB1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is not closely related to other species in the Tigris but belongs to a group of loaches that are mostly found in the Euphrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA7FDEF2885F94BFB94FDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Palestine loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA7FDEF2885F94BFB94FDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in southern Levant by: ○ caudal emarginate / ○ lateral line complete, terminating at or almost at caudal base / ○ back and flank covered by scales / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove present in male. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA7FDEF2885F94BFB94FDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jordan drainage, Dead Sea, and Damascus basins. In Damascus basin, now limited to Barada and Nahr al Awaj springs west of Damascus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA7FDEF2885F94BFB94FDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing to stagnant waters of springs, streams, and rivers with muddy or gravelly bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA7FDEF2885F94BFB94FDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; likely extirpated from Barada, but still common in headwaters of Nahr al Aouaj and Jordan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA7FDEF2885F94BFB94FDA9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Diversity of loaches in Jordan drainage still needs to be better understood. Oxynoemacheilus insignis is widespread in all the eastern, left tributaries of the Jordan in Syria and Jordan, from the Yarmouk south to the Zarqa, Moujib, and tributaries of southern Dead Sea. Noemacheilus insignis tortonesei from the Zarqa and N. angorae jordanicus from Wadi Kufrinja, both in Jordan, are synonyms. Oxynoemacheilus doriae, O. israeliticus (both from the Bet-She’an Valley, Israel), and O. pantheroides (from the Golan Heights, Israel) are usually treated as synonyms of O. insignis. Molecular data strongly suggest that O. pantheroides is a valid species, possibly endemic to tributaries of Lake Tiberias. Oxynoemacheilus doriae and O. israeliticus should be re-examined based on fresh material from type localities, as they may also represent valid species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA4FDEF28ABF9C0FAF1F83C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Beyşehir sportive loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA4FDEF28ABF9C0FAF1F83C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Central Anatolia and rivers flowing to Bay of Antalya by: ● caudal – peduncle depth 2.2 – 2.6 times in its length / ○ caudal deeply emarginate, shortest middle caudal ray 71 – 85 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ preanal length 68 – 74 % SL / ○ head length 21 – 24 % SL / ○ body depth strongly decreasing between dorsal and caudal bases / ○ flank with scales / ○ flank with a series of irregularly shaped and set, vertically elongated midlateral blotches, usually disconnected from saddles on back, rarely a mottled or marbled pattern / ○ upper part of cheek without or with vermiculated dark-brown spots / ○ tip of anal not reaching ventral adipose crest / ○ prepelvic length 51 – 51 % SL / ○ suborbital groove present in male. Size up to 63 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA4FDEF28ABF9C0FAF1F83C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Beyşehir and Suğla basin. Detailed distribution is poorly known.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA4FDEF28ABF9C0FAF1F83C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing streams on gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA4FDEF28ABF9C0FAF1F83C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA5FDF12885FD00FDFDFB55.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karkheh two-spot loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA5FDF12885FD00FDFDFB55.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent or rudimentary, shallow and knob-shaped / ○ two distinct and prominent black blotches at posteriormost caudal base, often overlaid by a dark-brown or black chevron-shaped bar / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ lateral line complete, terminating behind vertical of anal base or at caudal base / ○ flank completely covered by scales / ○ caudal deeply emarginate or forked / ○ no or very short incision in upper lip / ○ a series of vertically elongated blotches or short bars along lateral midline / ○ dark-brown blotches behind dorsal base narrower than interspaces / ○ caudal peduncle 1.7 – 3.1 times longer than deep. Size up to 58 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA5FDF12885FD00FDFDFB55.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Gamasiab, Dinevar, and upper Seymareh in Karkheh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA5FDF12885FD00FDFDFB55.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing and standing waters of streams, backwaters, and springs with muddy bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA5FDF12885FD00FDFDFB55.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDA5FDF12885FD00FDFDFB55.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The type locally of this species was mistakenly thought to be in Karun drainage. It was later found to be endemic in Karkheh drainage. Fish identified as O. karunensis from the Jarrahi drainage had been described as O. marunensis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBAFDF128ABFB1AFB78FA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Melid loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBAFDF128ABFB1AFB78FA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Euphrates drainage by: ○ caudal peduncle with a shallow, wide, and often long dorsal adipose ridge, not elevated from dorsal profile, reaching to middle of caudal peduncle or below last dorsal ray when folded down / ○ lateral line complete / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ pelvic axillary lobe present / ○ flank covered by scales / ○ caudal very slightly emarginate or truncate / ○ flank with a brown mottled or marmorated pattern, with irregularly shaped brown bars, especially on flank behind dorsal origin in some individuals / ○ caudal base with a bold, dark-brown or black bar. Size up to 68 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBAFDF128ABFB1AFB78FA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Göksu, Kaynarca, and Gül, which are headwaters of Peri Suyu, Sultan Suyu, which flows to Karakaya reservoir, and Kangal, which flows to Keban reservoir, all in Euphrates drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBAFDF128ABFB1AFB78FA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to moderately fast-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Usually along margins of streams with muddy substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBAFDF128ABFB1AFB78FA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBBFDF02885FF5EFAD5FDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Botan loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBBFDF02885FF5EFAD5FDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ○ distinct bars or vertically elongated blotches on flank behind dorsal origin / ○ colour pattern on anterior part of flank not interrupted by unpigmented zone along lateral line / ○ 10 + 9, 9 + 9 or 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ flank completely covered by scales / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ one central pore in supratemporal canal / ○ no median incision in upper lip / ○ lateral line complete, terminating behind vertical of anal base or at caudal base / ○ posterior process of bony air-bladder capsule directed laterally / ○ maxillary barbel reaching beyond middle of eye, usually to posterior eye margin / ○ interorbital distance 1.6 – 1.9 times in snout length / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.2 – 1.3 times in caudal – peduncle length. Size up to 78 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBBFDF02885FF5EFAD5FDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Botan, as well as Hezil and Nerduş, entering Tigris in border area of Türkiye, Iraq, and Syria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBBFDF02885FF5EFAD5FDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing and stagnant waters of gravel-bedded streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBBFDF02885FF5EFAD5FDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBBFDF02885F965FA1FF854.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Longhead Zagros loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBBFDF02885F965FA1FF854.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ○ two, rarely one or three lateral pores in supratemporal canal and no central pore / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ flank covered by embedded scales, no scales on back in front of dorsal / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ lateral line incomplete, terminating under dorsal base or above anal base / ○ head length 26 – 30 % SL / ○ flank with vertically elongated, irregularly shaped blotches or narrow bars. Size up to 57 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBBFDF02885F965FA1FF854.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Gamasiab and Dinevar in Karkheh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBBFDF02885F965FA1FF854.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderate to fast-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBBFDF02885F965FA1FF854.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB8FDF328ABFD54FAA4FC58.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Havran loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB8FDF328ABFD54FAA4FC58.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Aegean basin by: ○ no shallow dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ belly with few, small, embedded scales / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ middle caudal ray 71 – 91 % of length of longest upper caudal ray / ○ body depth decreasing between dorsal and caudal base / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.0 – 1.3 times in caudal – peduncle length / ○ caudal peduncle 13 – 16 % SL / ○ flank with coarse mottling, without bars or blotches. Size up to 65 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB8FDF328ABFD54FAA4FC58.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Havran and Karınca in northeastern Aegean basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB8FDF328ABFD54FAA4FC58.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderate to fast-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB8FDF328ABFD54FAA4FC58.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885FD37FAE5FBC0.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lesser Zab loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885FD37FAE5FBC0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ usually 9 ½ (rarely 8 ½) branched dorsal rays / ○ flank with a midlateral row of 6 – 12 dark-brown, irregularly shaped, vertically elongated bars / ○ last bars on caudal peduncle narrower than interspaces / ○ two distinct and prominent black blotches at posteriormost caudal base, often overlaid by a dark-brown or black chevron-shaped bar / ○ upper lip with a deep median incision / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent or a very shallow pad / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ lateral line complete, terminating at caudal base / ○ body completely covered by scales / ○ caudal deeply emarginate or forked. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885FD37FAE5FBC0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Iraq: Lesser Zab drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885FD37FAE5FBC0.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderate to fast-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885FD37FAE5FBC0.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885F98EFB5BF859.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tiberias loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885F98EFB5BF859.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in southern Levant by: ○ flank scaleless or with few isolated scales / ○ caudal very slightly emarginate or truncate / ○ lateral line terminating about at vertical of dorsal origin / ○ without prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle or with short crest on posterior caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 16 – 20 % SL / ○ 8 ½ - 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ flank with a series of irregularly shaped bars or large, roundish or vertically elongate blotches. Size up to 64 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885F98EFB5BF859.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Israel: Lake Hula and Tiberias basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885F98EFB5BF859.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakeshores and small tributaries. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885F98EFB5BF859.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Extirpated from Hula and now restricted to Tiberias basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB9FDF22885F98EFB5BF859.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often identified as O. galilaeus or O. panthera.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBEFDF528ABFB5CFA96FA60.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Marmara loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBEFDF528ABFB5CFA96FA60.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Marmara and Black Sea basin by: ○ flank with mottled or vermiculate pattern / ○ no axillary lobe at pelvic base / ○ caudal-peduncle depth 1.2 – 1.6 times in its length / ○ caudal moderately emarginate, lobes slightly rounded / ○ no median incision in upper lip / ○ distance between pectoral and pelvic origins 29 – 34 % SL / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove present in male. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBEFDF528ABFB5CFA96FA60.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Emet drainage, a tributary of Susurluk.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBEFDF528ABFB5CFA96FA60.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBEFDF528ABFB5CFA96FA60.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; poorly known and potentially more common and less threatened.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBFFDF72885FD54FF48FD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tigris two-spot loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBFFDF72885FD54FF48FD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ○ flank with a midlateral row of 7 – 10 dark-brown, irregularly shaped, vertically elongated blotches, overlaid by a marmorated pattern / ○ juveniles larger than 20 but smaller than 45 mm SL with poorly developed mottling between midlateral blotches on flank / ○ two distinct and prominent black blotches at posteriormost caudal base, often overlaid by a dark-brown or black chevron-shaped bar ○ / upper lip r with a well-developed median incision / ○ pelvic axillary lobe small but well developed / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ lateral line complete, terminating behind vertical of anal base or at caudal base / ○ flank completely covered by scales / ○ caudal deeply emarginate or forked. Size up to 78 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBFFDF72885FD54FF48FD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jarrahi drainage (Iran), Sirvan (Iran, Iraq), and upper Tigris and its tributaries (Türkiye).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBFFDF72885FD54FF48FD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing and standing waters of streams, backwaters, and springs with muddy bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBFFDF72885FD54FF48FD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBFFDF72885FD54FF48FD11.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species has not (yet) been recorded from the Greater and Lesser Zab drainages, where it is replaced by O. euphraticus (Greater Zab) and O. kurdistanicus (Lesser Zab). It also appears to be absent from the Karkheh and Karun drainages. Molecular characters very slightly differentiate major populations in the Jarrahi, Sirvan, and upper Tigris and may be described as different species if clear morphological differences can be worked out.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFD26FB33FCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pamphylian loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFD26FB33FCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Central Anatolia and rivers flowing to Bay of Antalya by: ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.2 – 1.5 times in its length / ● caudal deeply emarginate, shortest middle caudal ray 65 – 76 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ body depth almost uniform between dorsal and caudal bases / ○ flank blotches usually connected to saddles on back / ○ flank with scales / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove present in male. Size up to 73 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFD26FB33FCC4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Aksu and Köprüçay drainages in Gulf of Antalya.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFD26FB33FCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing to almost stagnant waters of streams and rivers with mud or gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFD26FB33FCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFD26FB33FCC4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Loaches from Lake Eğirdir basin carry the mtDNA of O. mediterraneus but are identified as O. nasreddini by morphological characters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFA14FAB6F84A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Stout Euphrates loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFA14FAB6F84A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Euphrates drainage by: ○ scales absent / ○ lateral line incomplete, not reaching or reaching below dorsal base / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ supratemporal canal without central pore / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent / ○ dorsal adipose crest on caudal peduncle shallow, reaching to vertical through last anal ray base in individuals larger than 50 mm SL / ○ caudal – peduncle length 1.3 – 1.6 times its depth / ○ body width at dorsal origin 11 – 13 % SL / ○ flank with fine, brown, mottled colour pattern, usually with narrow, pale-brown bars on flank behind dorsal base, bars confluent with adjacent saddles on back / ○ caudal base with mottled colour pattern, without bold, black bar or bold, black spots upper and lower caudal base. Size up to 70 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFA14FAB6F84A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Murat drainage and Eğri, a tributary of Atatürk reservoir. Potentially more widespread in Euphrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFA14FAB6F84A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing streams and rivers with gravel or rock substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFA14FAB6F84A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDBCFDF728ABFA14FAB6F84A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is very closely related to O. ercisianus from Lake Van basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB2FDF928ABFB3FFAE6F898.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Levantine loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB2FDF928ABFB3FFAE6F898.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Cilicia and northern Levant by: ● flank pattern usually with 6 – 17, very distinct and regularly shaped and set bars, usually all or most flank-bars, at least behind dorsal base, extending to middorsal saddles and usually meeting contralateral / ○ caudal deeply emarginate, length of middle caudal ray 1.3 – 1.5 times in length of longest unbranched ray in upper caudal lobe / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ no or very shallow dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ scales absent on flank in front of dorsal, sparsely set below dorsal, densely set on posterior flank, or very few isolated and embedded scales on back and flank in front of dorsal origin / ○ lateral line terminating anterior to or below dorsal base, rarely above anus or anal base, very exceptionally at caudal base / ○ head length 21 – 24 % SL / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 16 – 20 % SL / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.2 – 1.4 times in its length. Size up to 84 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB2FDF928ABFB3FFAE6F898.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Orontes drainage and coastal streams in Syria from Orontes south to Nahr al-Kabir on Syrian-Lebanese border.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB2FDF928ABFB3FFAE6F898.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing to stagnant waters of springs, streams, and rivers with muddy or gravelly bottoms. Also on banks of reservoirs and in irrigation canals. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB2FDF928ABFB3FFAE6F898.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB2FDF928ABFB3FFAE6F898.taxon	discussion	Remarks. A population of O. tigris from the upper Qweiq in Türkiye shares mtDNA with O. namiri, suggesting past hybridisation between these two species and, thus, a close biogeographic link between the Orontes and the Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB3FDF82885FD54FA1CFBED.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eber loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB3FDF82885FD54FA1CFBED.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Central Anatolia and rivers flowing to Bay of Antalya by: ○ a prominent inner axial stripe along midlateral flank / ○ body usually with a series of vertically elongated blotches / ○ tip of pectoral usually reaching to or slightly beyond pelvic origin in male / ○ body depth decreasing between dorsal and caudal base / ○ belly with few, small, embedded scales / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.5 – 2.1 times in its length / ○ caudal emarginate, shortest middle caudal ray 76 – 91 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ prepelvic length 48 – 55 % SL / ○ usually a series of short bars on caudal peduncle / ○ 2 – 4 dark-brown bands on caudal / ○ suborbital groove present in male. Size up to 78 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB3FDF82885FD54FA1CFBED.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lakes Akşehir, Eber, Eğirdir and Ilgın basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB3FDF82885FD54FA1CFBED.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing streams with gravel or mud bottom. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB3FDF82885FD54FA1CFBED.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range and has lost several habitats in recent years due to desiccation of streams and massive pollution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB3FDF82885FD54FA1CFBED.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Populations from Lake Eğirdir basin share the mtDNA with O. mediterraneus, indicating a past introgressive hybridisation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB0FDFB28ABF9C0FA07F8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Damascus loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB0FDFB28ABF9C0FA07F8F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in southern Levant by: ○ caudal very slightly emarginate or truncate / ○ lateral line terminating before vertical of dorsal origin / ○ usually a prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ 8 ½ – 9 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ anterior flank scaleless or with few isolated scales, caudal peduncle with densely set scales / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 20 – 25 % SL. Size up to 77 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB0FDFB28ABF9C0FA07F8F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Syria: Barada and Nahr al Awaj drainages west of Damascus; Lebanon: Litani drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB0FDFB28ABF9C0FA07F8F1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Standing and slow-flowing waters of springs and streams with mud or gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB0FDFB28ABF9C0FA07F8F1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB0FDFB28ABF9C0FA07F8F1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is usually identified in Litani as O. leontinae, a poorly known loach from the Jordan drainage. The few individuals analysed from the Litani draingae host the COI sequences of O. namiri.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB6FDFD28ABFD7BFB50FC76.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Golan loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB6FDFD28ABFD7BFB50FC76.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in southern Levant by: ○ caudal deeply emarginate / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ lateral line usually incomplete, terminating between vertical of dorsal- and anal base / ○ back and flank densely covered by scales. Size up to 60 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB6FDFD28ABFD7BFB50FC76.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Israel: Upper Jordan drainage, possibly also in upper reaches of Jordan in Lebanon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB6FDFD28ABFD7BFB50FC76.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Standing and slow-flowing waters of springs and streams with mud or gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB6FDFD28ABFD7BFB50FC76.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NE; due to very limited knowledge of this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB6FDFD28ABFD7BFB50FC76.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Oxynoemacheilus doriae from Israel may be an additional valid species, and further research is needed to test this hypothesis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885FCE3FAD7FBDE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tohma loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885FCE3FAD7FBDE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Euphrates drainage by: ● flank with a distinct midlateral series of large, roundish or horizontally elongated brown blotches and a row of small brown blotches between upper pelvic base and lowermost caudal base / ○ lateral line complete / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ caudal peduncle without high adipose crest or ridge / ○ flank covered by scales. Size up to 76 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885FCE3FAD7FBDE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Mancınık, Çetinkaya, and Kalkım drainages in upper Euphrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885FCE3FAD7FBDE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately or slowly flowing waters in streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885FCE3FAD7FBDE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885F9BCFBEFF8C5.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885F9BCFBEFF8C5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Oxynoemacheilus tongiorgii, it is only other congeneric in Iranian Kor drainages by: ● caudal deeply emarginate / ● no dorsal crest on caudal peduncle. Size up to 78 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885F9BCFBEFF8C5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Kor basin, Helleh, and Mond drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885F9BCFBEFF8C5.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing waters in springs, streams, and rivers with gravel substrate. Biology. Spawns May and June.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885F9BCFBEFF8C5.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB7FDFC2885F9BCFBEFF8C5.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Oxynoemacheilus farsicus is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB4FDFF28ABFB7CFAB7FA25.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Rioni loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB4FDFF28ABFB7CFAB7FA25.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other adjacent Oxynoemacheilus species by: ○ flank mottled, marbled, or with bars / ○ a moderately emarginate caudal / ○ caudal peduncle deep / ○ no median incision in upper lip / ○ pelvic not reaching to origin of genital papillae / ○ pelvic origin below first branched dorsal ray / ○ a wide, bold band at middle or posterior half of caudal / ○ suborbital groove present in male. Size up to 77 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB4FDFF28ABFB7CFAB7FA25.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Georgia: Rioni and Inguri drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB4FDFF28ABFB7CFAB7FA25.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderate or fast-flowing waters in springs, streams, and rivers with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB4FDFF28ABFB7CFAB7FA25.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB5FDFE2885FF5EFAD5FDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sarus loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB5FDFE2885FF5EFAD5FDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other Oxynoemacheilus species in Cilicia (including Göksu, Seyhan, and Ceyhan drainages) by: ○ a series of irregularly shaped midlateral blotches or bars disconnected from saddles on back / ○ a bold, black blotch or spot at upper and lower caudal base / ○ 3 – 5 dark-brown bands on caudal / ○ lateral line complete, terminating at anterior part of hypural complex / ○ caudal forked (shortest middle caudal ray is 56 – 70 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe) / ○ caudal peduncle 1.4 – 1.8 times longer than deep, without dorsal crest / ○ a suborbital groove in male / ○ pre-dorsal length 45 – 52 % SL / ○ prepelvic length 48 – 53 % SL / ○ distance between pectoral- and pelvic origin 25 – 29 % SL. Size up to 54 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB5FDFE2885FF5EFAD5FDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ceyhan, and lower Seyhan drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB5FDFE2885FF5EFAD5FDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing water in streams and rivers with stones and gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDB5FDFE2885FF5EFAD5FDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABFD1CFC12FBC0.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lycaonian loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABFD1CFC12FBC0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Marmara and Black Sea basin as well as in Cilicia and northern Levant by: ● caudal slightly emarginate, almost truncate / ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank behind dorsal base covered by scales / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ no prominent dorsal crest on caudal peduncle. Size up to 84 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABFD1CFC12FBC0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak drainages, also in upper and middle Seyhan, and in Çerkeş, in upper Filyos drainage. Recorded from Sultan marshes, where it entered through Zamantı tunnel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABFD1CFC12FBC0.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing water in streams with gravel or mud substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABFD1CFC12FBC0.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABFD1CFC12FBC0.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Oxynoemacheilus kosswigi is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABF99CFB10F823.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Adana loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABF99CFB10F823.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Cilicia and northern Levant by: ● caudal pattern indistinct, almost or completely absent / ○ bold black band or blotches on caudal base / ○ lateral line complete, terminating at anterior part of hypural complex / ○ caudal deeply emarginate / ○ caudal peduncle without dorsal crest / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.4 – 2.2 in its length / ○ pre-dorsal length 51 – 56 % SL / ○ prepelvic length 50 – 57 % SL / ○ distance between pectoral-and pelvic origin 27 – 32 % SL. Size up to 56 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABF99CFB10F823.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Seyhan and Ceyhan drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABF99CFB10F823.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing water in streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8AFDC128ABF99CFB10F823.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8BFDC32885FB5EFD41FA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Syrian sportive loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8BFDC32885FB5EFD41FA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Cilicia and northern Levant by: ● flank with 5 – 7 dark-brown bars, much narrower than interspaces, irregularly shaped and set, extending to middorsal saddles and meeting contralateral / ○ a bold, black blotch or spot at upper and lower caudal base / ○ caudal with dark-brown bands of elongated blotches / ○ lateral line complete terminating at caudal base / ○ caudal deeply emarginate / ○ flank covered by scales, sparsely set on anterior, densely set on posterior flank / ○ no dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ no or a very short incision in upper lip / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ pelvic axillary lobe well developed, fully attached to body / ○ two, usually indistinct, black blotches or spots at caudal base / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.8 – 2.4 in its length. Size up to 48 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8BFDC32885FB5EFD41FA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Syria: Upper Orontes drainage upriver of Lake Qattinah.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8BFDC32885FB5EFD41FA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. From small streams to larger rivers. In fast-flowing stretches. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8BFDC32885FB5EFD41FA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD88FDC228ABF9E6FA22FEBB.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mysian loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD88FDC228ABF9E6FA22FEBB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Marmara and Black Sea basin by: ○ caudal – peduncle depth 6 – 10 % SL, usually 2.0 – 3.0 times in its length, very rarely 1.7 – 3.3, without high adipose crest or ridge / ○ caudal emarginate, middle caudal ray 70 – 96 % of length of longest ray in upper caudal lobe / ○ lateral line complete / ○ flank covered by scales / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ one central or no black, grey or brown blotch or short bar on caudal base, its colour identical to blotches on caudal peduncle / ○ no yellowish triangles at posteriormost portion of caudal peduncle / ○ pelvic very long, reaching or almost reaching to anus / ○ pectoral in male very long, reaching or almost reaching to pelvic origin / ○ flank mottled or with large irregularly shaped, squarish or vertically elongate blotches, usually as wide or narrower than interspaces / ○ lateral blotches on caudal peduncle usually interrupted in size and / or shape at or above lateral midline. Size up to 74 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD88FDC228ABF9E6FA22FEBB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Susurluk, Sakarya and Büyük Melen drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD88FDC228ABF9E6FA22FEBB.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing water in streams and rivers with gravel substrate. Usually found in riffles and other fast-flowing habitats. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD88FDC228ABF9E6FA22FEBB.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD88FDC228ABF9E6FA22FEBB.taxon	discussion	Remarks. No external characters are known to distinguish this species from O. banarescui, O. bergianus, and O. fatsaensis, all of which are diagnosed by molecular characters. Morphological characters and differences in colour pattern to distinguish this species from the others are based on too small sample sizes or are false. As these four species are allopatric, the range should help in identification. Oxynoemacheilus sakaryaensis and O. melenicus are synonyms of this species as they are closely related, and none of the characters proposed as diagnostic in their description could be confirmed. The diagnostic characters distinguishing O. simavicus, O. sakaryaensis, and O. melenicus have been deliberately falsified to allow populations that differ slightly in molecular characters to be described as separate species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC528ABFD20FCE7FBDE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Aeolian loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC528ABFD20FCE7FBDE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Aegean basin by: ○ caudal deeply emarginate / ○ a shallow dorsal crest on caudal peduncle / ○ suborbital groove present in male; caudal-peduncle depth 12 – 13 % SL, 1.3 – 1.6 times in its length / ○ flank mottled / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 17 – 18 % SL / ○ length of middle caudal ray 19 – 23 % SL / ○ dorsal and ventral adipose crests present on caudal peduncle behind vertical of posterior anal base / ○ body depth between dorsal and caudal bases almost uniform / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ belly with few, small, embedded scales. Size up to 66 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC528ABFD20FCE7FBDE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Bakırçay drainage. Also, on Greek island of Lesbos.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC528ABFD20FCE7FBDE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing waters in streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC528ABFD20FCE7FBDE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC528ABFD20FCE7FBDE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Oxynoemacheilus bergamensis is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC428ABF926FC9BFBFB.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Halap loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC428ABF926FC9BFBFB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Euphrates and Qweiq drainages by: ● prominent long and high dorsal adipose crest on caudal peduncle reaching beyond vertical through anal origin, usually below last dorsal rays when folded down / ● dorsal crest usually dark-brown with yellowish or whitish margin in individuals larger than 60 mm SL / ● 10 – 16 bold, narrow, regularly shaped bars, very prominent on caudal peduncle / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ many isolated, deeply embedded scales on flank / ○ two bold, black spots at caudal base in most individuals. Size up to 73 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC428ABF926FC9BFBFB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq drainage in Türkiye and Syria, and stream Merziman, which joins Euphrates at Birecik reservoir.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC428ABF926FC9BFBFB.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing to standing waters of streams with gravel or mud bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC428ABF926FC9BFBFB.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Extirpated from Syria and has a very small distribution range in Türkiye.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8EFDC428ABF926FC9BFBFB.taxon	discussion	Remarks. A population of O. tigris from the upper Qweiq in Türkiye shares mtDNA with O. namiri from the Orontes, The population from Merziman was described as O. sarali in 2025, too late to be included in this book.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8CFDC728ABF94EFB17F85E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kor loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8CFDC728ABF94EFB17F85E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Oxynoemacheilus persa, the only other congeneric in Iranian Kor and Mond drainages by: ● caudal slightly emarginate or truncate / ● shallow dorsal crest on caudal peduncle. Size up to 62 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8CFDC728ABF94EFB17F85E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Kor drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8CFDC728ABF94EFB17F85E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing to standing waters of springs and streams with muddy bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8CFDC728ABF94EFB17F85E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8CFDC728ABF94EFB17F85E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Previously thought to be a species of Seminemacheilus, but molecular data show that it belongs to Oxynoemacheilus. Originally described from Kol drainage, which is a mistake.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8DFDC62885F98EFB8AF8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Aras loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8DFDC62885F98EFB8AF8F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Caspian basin by: ● flank mottled, often forming an irregularly shaped midlateral stripe, without distinct bars or large blotches / ○ lateral line complete / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.3 – 1.6 times in its length. Size up to 117 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8DFDC62885F98EFB8AF8F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin: Aras drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8DFDC62885F98EFB8AF8F1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Rivers and streams with fast-flowing water and gravel or boulder substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD8DFDC62885F98EFB8AF8F1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD82FDC928ABFD00FAC3FC2C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mottled Choman loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD82FDC928ABFD00FAC3FC2C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ● posterior process of bony air-bladder capsule directed posteriorly / ○ flank mottled / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ flank completely covered by scales / ○ dorsal profile convex / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ one central pore in supratemporal canal / ○ no median incision in upper lip / ○ lateral line complete, terminating behind vertical of anal base or at caudal base / ○ colour pattern on anterior part of flank not interrupted by unpigmented zone along lateral line. Size up to 61 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD82FDC928ABFD00FAC3FC2C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Choman drainage, a tributary of Lesser Zab.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD82FDC928ABFD00FAC3FC2C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing and standing waters of streams, backwaters, and springs with muddy bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD82FDC928ABFD00FAC3FC2C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD82FDC928ABFD00FAC3FC2C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. See remarks at O. chomanicus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD83FDC82885FD37FB4CFC1D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zarzianian loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD83FDC82885FD37FB4CFC1D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ● 8 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ flank completely covered by scales / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ dorsal profile convex / ○ colour pattern on flank behind dorsal base mottled or marmorated, without bars / ○ colour pattern on anterior part of flank not interrupted by unpigmented zone along lateral line / ○ one central and one lateral pore in supratemporal canal / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent or a very shallow pad / ○ a median incision in upper lip / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ lateral line complete, terminating behind vertical of anal base or at caudal base / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.0 – 1.2 times in caudal – peduncle length / ○ interorbital distance 1.1 – 1.4 times in snout length / ○ posterior process of bony air-bladder capsule directed laterally. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD83FDC82885FD37FB4CFC1D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Iraq: Lesser Zab, Qeshlaq, and upper Sirvan drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD83FDC82885FD37FB4CFC1D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing and standing waters of streams, backwaters, and springs with gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD83FDC82885FD37FB4CFC1D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD83FDC82885FD37FB4CFC1D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. See remarks at O. chomanicus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD80FDCA28ABFF5EFE00FB64.taxon	description	A slender body and a high dorsal adipose crest on the caudal peduncle distinguish Paracobitis. All species lack a suborbital flap or groove, and there is no sexual dimorphism in the length of the pectoral. Additionally, other genera within the family contain crested species with prominent brown bars on the posterior part of the flank (Paraschistura) or a stout body with a markedly different general appearance and pronounced sexual dimorphism (male with enlarged pectoral fins in Oxynoemacheilus and Seminemacheilus), a character state that absent in Paracobitis. Twelve species of Paracobitis are currently recognised, with eight of them being described after the year 2000. All species of Paracobitis, except subterranean, Central Asian P. starostini, are found in West Asia. Slender loaches with a high adipose crest, identified as Paracobitis, also occur in China. They belong to a very different evolutionary lineage and are placed in the genus Homatula. Paracobitis smithi from Iran is placed in its own genus (Eidinemacheilus). The phylogenetic position of Paracobitis ghazniensis from the Afghan Helmand drainage still needs to be studied. However, the species is superficially very similar to P. rhadinaea; thus, we treat both as conspecific. The species diversity of Paracobitis in West Asia is well understood, and only one additional species might await description.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABFF5EFA01FD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caspian crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABFF5EFA01FD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ○ axillary pelvic lobe large and well developed, usually with free tip / ○ scales sparsely set on flank between dorsal origin and anal base, densely set on caudal peduncle / ○ posterior narial opening roundish / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ dorsal origin usually slightly behind a vertical through pelvic origin, rarely above or in front / ○ caudal rays hyaline with an irregular pattern of dark-brown or black spots and elongated blotches often organised in 1 – 2 wide, irregularly shaped bars. Size up to 110 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABFF5EFA01FD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Tajan, Siyah, Talar, Babol, Haraz, and Kashpal in southern Caspian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABFF5EFA01FD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and small rivers with clear water, coarse gravel, and fast currents. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABFF5EFA01FD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABFF5EFA01FD8C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Originally described as P. abrishamchiani, the name needed to be declined, as the species was described for two persons.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABF9D2FACEF800.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Atrak crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABF9D2FACEF800.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ○ no scales on body, isolated scales on dorsal, adipose crest in few individuals / ○ caudal truncate or very slightly emarginate / ○ coarse mottled brown pattern on flank / ○ posterior narial opening roundish / ○ pelvic origin below vertical of last unbranched or first branched dorsal ray / ○ caudal rays hyaline with an irregular pattern of dark-brown or black spots and elongated blotches often organised in 1 – 3 wide, irregularly shaped bars / ○ no pelvic axillary lobe or lobe fully attached. Size up to 125 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABF9D2FACEF800.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Turkmenistan: Atrak drainage in southeast Caspian basin and Bidvaz drainage in Eastern Kavir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABF9D2FACEF800.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with coarse gravel and moderate to fast-flowing water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD86FDCD28ABF9D2FACEF800.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Bidvaz.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD87FDCC2885FD89FAD7FC1D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karun crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD87FDCC2885FD89FAD7FC1D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ● dorsal origin at about one eye diameter behind a vertical of pelvic origin / ○ many brown or yellowish, medium-sized, widely spaces and irregularly shaped blotches forming a mottled pattern on predorsal back and flank / ○ flank behind dorsal origin covered by small scales / ○ caudal almost truncate or slightly emarginate / ○ posterior narial opening roundish / ○ axillary pelvic lobe small. Size up to 61 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD87FDCC2885FD89FAD7FC1D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Headwaters of Bashar in upper Karun drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD87FDCC2885FD89FAD7FC1D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with coarse gravel and moderate to fast-flowing water. Biology. No data. Only four individuals have been found so far.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD87FDCC2885FD89FAD7FC1D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. DD; due to very poor knowledge of this species. May be extinct, as it has never been found again despite intensive searches.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABFF58FABBFD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Golestan crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABFF58FABBFD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ○ caudal rays dark-brown or black with a hyaline base and a hyaline posterior margin / ○ no scales on body / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ fine marbled or vermiculate brown pattern on flank / ○ posterior narial opening roundish / ○ axillary pelvic lobe well developed with free tip / ○ pelvic origin below vertical of last unbranched or first to second branched dorsal ray. Size up to 95 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABFF58FABBFD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Ziyarat, Zaringol, Madarsu, and Qarasu in Gorgan drainage and locally in Atrak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABFF58FABBFD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to moderately fast-flowing streams. Biology. Lives for 3 (males) to 4 years (females). Feeds on benthic invertebrates such as chironomids and stoneflies.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABFF58FABBFD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABFF58FABBFD8C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Paracobitis atrakensis and P. hircanica occur in sympatry in Atrak and hybrids should be expected to occur.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABF9ADFC24F81F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Central Asian crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABF9ADFC24F81F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ○ posterior narial opening slit-shaped / ○ body fully covered by scales / ○ irregularly set blotches or bars on flank behind dorsal base / ○ caudal deeply emarginate / ○ pelvic origin below second or third branched dorsal ray / ○ axillary pelvic lobe small / ○ caudal rays hyaline with an irregular pattern of dark-brown or black spots and elongated blotches often organised in 1 – 2 wide, irregularly shaped bars. Size up to 150 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABF9ADFC24F81F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Hari and Morghab in Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. Amu Darya and Zeravshan in Aral basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABF9ADFC24F81F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and small rivers. From lowland habitats up to high mountain streams. Biology. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD84FDCF28ABF9ADFC24F81F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; common and widespread, especially in Amu Darya drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD85FDD02885FA1EFB1CFB94.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Namak crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD85FDD02885FA1EFB1CFB94.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ○ flank behind dorsal origin or slightly anterior to dorsal base covered by scales, anterior flank naked / ○ moderately to slightly emarginate caudal / ○ posterior narial opening roundish / ○ caudal adipose crest high, its depth at highest point 3.3 – 3.8 SL in individuals between 30 – 50 mm SL / ○ tube of anterior nostril not fully overlapping posterior nostril when folded back / ○ midlateral stripe connected to blotches and saddles on caudal adipose crest / ○ caudal rays hyaline with an irregular pattern of dark-brown or black spots and elongated blotches often organised in 1 – 2 wide, irregularly shaped bars / ○ pelvic origin below vertical of last unbranched or first to second branched dorsal ray / ○ axillary pelvic lobe small, often indistinct / ○ tube of anterior nostril reaching beyond posterior tip of posterior nostril when folded back. Size up to 126 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD85FDD02885FA1EFB1CFB94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Qom, Qara chai, Jaj, and Karaj in Lake Namak basin and Nam and Hable in Western Kavir basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD85FDD02885FA1EFB1CFB94.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing stream with gravel bottom. Biology. Lives up to 5 years and spawns between March and May.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD85FDD02885FA1EFB1CFB94.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD85FDD02885FA1EFB1CFB94.taxon	discussion	Remarks. There are doubtful records of this species from the Urmia basin, which need to be confirmed. Paracobitis iranica is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD85FDD02885FA1EFB1CFB94.taxon	description	Pierre Martin Rémi Aucher-Éloy and Paracobitis malapterura. The provenance of a fish can occasionally be a source of considerable interest. Cobitis malapterura was described by Cuvier and Valenciennes (1846) based on two individuals (MNHN 3962 and B- 3070) received in 1840 by the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (MNHN) in Paris. Both specimens were dispatched to Paris by Rémi Aucher-Éloy, a French botanist who relocated to Constantinople (now İstanbul) to collect plants in West Asia. Between 1830 and 1838, he undertook extensive travels in West Asia. The two specimens are labelled as originating from Syria, yet Cuvier & Valenciennes (1846) note that “ Mr. Aucher-Éloy (1792 – 1838) has sent, from Syria, a loach. ” The two fish were probably sent through an agent from what is now Lebanon, as this was a common practice at the time for agents to receive material and sell it to museums and collections. The fish were obtained by MNHN in 1840, following the death of Aucher-Éloy in 1838. This suggests they were collected in the final years of Aucher-Éloy’s travels. In March 1836, a significant portion of Aucher-Éloy’s collections were lost in a fire in Constantinople. Consequently, the fish were probably collected after the fire. In 1836, Aucher-Éloy undertook several expeditions to Greece and Western Anatolia (an area devoid of Paracobitis). In 1837, he accompanied the French zoologist M. Dufaud on a survey of northern Anatolia, traversing the shores of the north of Lake Urmia and extending as far as the Caspian Sea in Iran. In August 1837, they surveyed the western Alborz Mountain range, after which they departed the mountains on September 2. Their route took them along the lower Sefid, through Qazvin and Karaj, to Tehran, where they arrived on September 5. Dufaud died of fever in Tehran on October 21. On December 22, 1837, Aucher-Éloy continued his travels south, reaching Qom on December 24. In his account, he noted that the city was based on a small river that always had good water and never dried up. (Aucher-Éloy, 1843: 464). From Qom, he subsequently proceeded to Esfahan, and from there continued his journey southwards to Shiraz, Bandar Abbas, and later to Oman and also to Baluchistan, before returning to Esfahan, where he died. Aucher-Éloy (1843) did not mention anything about his fish collection in his published work, but he rarely mentioned specific plants in his writings. The two loaches were the only fish sent to Paris. M. Dufaud may have collected them before he died in Tehran, as he was interested in zoological materials. Aucher-Éloy and Dufaud entered the distribution range of Paracobitis when they visited the Lake Namak basin after turning east from the Sefid to Tehran. Aucher-Éloy crossed rivers that were potentially inhabited by Paracobitis until he left Qom. It seems highly probable that Aucher-Éloy and Dufaud collected their Paracobitis specimens in the Namak basin and did so in the northern tributaries of the lake in the present-day Alborz province. This is because Dufaud died before they reached Qom, the next locality where they might have collected Paracobitis. The two syntypes, still extant at MNHN, are indistinguishable from the Paracobitis species found in the Lake Namak basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9BFDD02885F925FAD7F84A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kurdistan crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9BFDD02885F925FAD7F84A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ○ caudal truncate / ○ pelvic origin below first branched dorsal ray / ○ flank behind dorsal origin or slightly anterior to dorsal base covered by scales, anterior flank naked / ○ axillary pelvic lobe small / ○ posterior narial opening roundish. Size up to 66 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9BFDD02885F925FAD7F84A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Iraq: Upper Zalem, Sirvan, Leyleh, and Lesser Zab drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9BFDD02885F925FAD7F84A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with coarse gravel and moderate to fast-flowing water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9BFDD02885F925FAD7F84A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD98FDD328ABFB63FAC9FA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kor crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD98FDD328ABFB63FAC9FA51.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ○ tube of anterior nostril not fully overlapping posterior nostril when folded back / ○ caudal adipose crest very shallow, its depth at highest point 2.1 – 3.2 % SL / ○ flank behind dorsal origin or slightly anterior to dorsal base covered by scales, anterior flank naked / ○ pelvic origin below last unbranched dorsal ray / ○ axillary pelvic lobe small, often indistinct / ○ moderately to slightly emarginate caudal / ○ posterior narial opening roundish / ○ midlateral stripe always disconnected from blotches and saddles on caudal adipose crest. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD98FDD328ABFB63FAC9FA51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Beyza, Maloosjan, and Ghadamgah springs, as well as headwaters of Kor.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD98FDD328ABFB63FAC9FA51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small, slow-flowing streams and springs. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD98FDD328ABFB63FAC9FA51.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885FF4BFC12FDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Giant crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885FF4BFC12FDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ○ posterior narial opening slit-shaped / ○ body naked or with few, usually isolated and embedded scales / ○ usually a midlateral row of irregularly set and shaped large dark-brown blotches on flank posterior to dorsal base / ○ caudal emarginate or truncate / ○ pelvic origin below vertical of first to third branched dorsal ray / ○ axillary pelvic lobe large, well developed. Size up to 250 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885FF4BFC12FDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Afghanistan and Iran: Sistan basin, including Helmand drainage, Chahnime reservoirs, and Hamun Lakes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885FF4BFC12FDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes and large rivers, but little-known about habitats. Biology. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates and small fishes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885FF4BFC12FDF4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Paracobitis macmahoni, P. ghazniensis, and P. vignai are synonyms for this species. Paracobitis rhadinaea shows remarkable variability in colour pattern, from spots to almost patternless, in scale cover, from scales on the caudal peduncle to being completely bare, and from an emarginate to a truncate or slightly rounded caudal.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885FF4BFC12FDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; situation in Helmand is unknown. Strongly declined in Iran due to loss of wetlands.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885F988FAB7F83C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Euphrates crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885F988FAB7F83C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ○ pelvic origin below or very slightly in front of dorsal origin / ○ caudal truncate / ○ no pelvic axillary lobe / ○ flank with a dark-brown vermiculate or marbled pattern / ○ flank behind vertical through adipose-crest origin covered with small, deeply embedded scales / ○ posterior narial opening roundish / ○ predorsal length 56 – 57 % / ○ prepelvic length 54 % SL / ○ outer rostral barbel 24 – 32 % HL / ○ maxillary barbel 27 – 34 % HL. Size up to 66 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885F988FAB7F83C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Göksu drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885F988FAB7F83C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with coarse gravel and moderate to fast-flowing water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD99FDD22885F988FAB7F83C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range. Its distribution is very small, and only two individuals have been found so far.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9EFDD528ABFF5EFBA1FD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Greater Zab crested loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9EFDD528ABFF5EFBA1FD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paracobitis by: ● body almost plain brown with narrow reticulate yellowish pattern / ○ pelvic origin below or very slightly in front of dorsal origin / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ no or a very small pelvic axillary lobe / ○ flank behind dorsal origin covered with small, deeply embedded scales / ○ posterior narial opening roundish. / ○ predorsal length 49 – 56 % SL / ○ prepelvic length 50 – 53 % SL / ○ outer rostral barbel 16 – 24 % HL / ○ maxillary barbel 19 – 27 % HL. Size up to 77 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9EFDD528ABFF5EFBA1FD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Yanarsu, Botan, and Nerduş drainages; Greater Zab drainage in Türkiye and Iraq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9EFDD528ABFF5EFBA1FD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with coarse gravel and moderate to fast-flowing water. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9EFDD528ABFF5EFBA1FD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9FFDD62885FBEFFE13FD3E.taxon	description	Paraschistura is a poorly known group of medium-sized or small loaches, distributed from the Karkheh in Iran throughout southern Iran and Pakistan to the Indus and the Hari, Morghab, and Helmand in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. It is anticipated that some species of India’s large loach diversity may belong to this genus. The genus Paraschistura was first described in 2009, and 24 species are currently recognised, 16 of which are found in West Asia. The genus Metaschistura is a synonym. Several osteological characters diagnose Paraschistura. In Iran, all species except P. aredvii, P. nielseni, P. ilamensis, and P. susiani can be readily identified by a prominent black spot at the base of the first dorsal rays. The diversity of Paraschistura species in Iran has been well-studied, but knowledge of diversity in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan is very poor. It is anticipated that further unidentified species will be discovered in these regions.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9DFDD62885FA2AFAC6F800.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sirjan loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9DFDD62885FA2AFAC6F800.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ caudal peduncle covered by deeply embedded, often isolated scales, in some populations, scales also present immediately in front of dorsal origin / ○ pelvic origin below first or second branched dorsal ray / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 11 – 19 regularly or irregularly shaped pale- or dark-brown bars on flank, often dissociated into a marmorate pattern / ○ suborbital flap or groove absent in male / ○ dorsal adipose keel usually absent, if present, then without procurrent rays / ○ predorsal distance 49 – 53 % SL / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 10 – 14 % SL. Size up to 65 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9DFDD62885FA2AFAC6F800.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Haji Abad and upper Minhab in Persian Gulf basin, Baft in Sirjan basin, and western tributaries of Jazmurian and Lut basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9DFDD62885FA2AFAC6F800.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to slow-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9DFDD62885FA2AFAC6F800.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD9DFDD62885FA2AFAC6F800.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Individuals from the Jazmurian and Sirjan basins lack dorsal scales, as do most individuals from the Kol drainage. In Kol drainage, there are some individuals that have scales on the dorsum, just in front of dorsal origin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD93FDD82885FD8FFA94FBED.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Helmand banded loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD93FDD82885FD8FFA94FBED.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ● processus dentiformis in upper jaw absent / ○ lateral line complete or almost complete (incomplete in Iranian fish), reaching to caudal base / ○ flank and caudal peduncle covered by scales / ○ snout long and pointed / ○ caudal forked / ○ 7 ½ or 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ pelvic origin below second or third branched dorsal ray / ○ no dorsal adipose crest / ○ suborbital flap or groove absent in male / ○ a small, bold black spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ black bar at caudal base faint / ○ 9 – 10 regularly set and shaped pale-brown or grey bars, absent or very faint on flank in front of dorsal origin / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 0.9 – 1.2 times longer than deep / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 12 – 20 % SL. Size up to 112 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD93FDD82885FD8FFA94FBED.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Afghanistan and Iran: Sistan basin, including Helmand drainage, Chahnime reservoirs, Hamun Lakes, and Zehak.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD93FDD82885FD8FFA94FBED.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large and medium-sized rivers. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD93FDD82885FD8FFA94FBED.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; situation in Helmand unknown.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD93FDD82885FD8FFA94FBED.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species was originally described as having a complete or almost complete lateral line, which is incomplete in fish recorded from Iran. Whether this species has a suborbital groove or flap in males remains unknown; it is absent in the few individuals examined.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD90FDDB28ABFDAFFAB8FCD2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zohreh loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD90FDDB28ABFDAFFAB8FCD2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ pelvic origin below first or second branched dorsal ray / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ suborbital groove absent in male / ○ back and flank behind dorsal origin covered by scales / ○ 7 – 9 irregularly shaped blotches or bars on flank, wider than interspaces / ○ dorsal adipose crest absent / ○ snout blunt / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.4 – 1.7 times longer than deep / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 14 – 17 % SL. Size up to 56 mmSL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD90FDDB28ABFDAFFAB8FCD2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Fahlian, Shiv and Zohreh drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD90FDDB28ABFDAFFAB8FCD2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to slow-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD90FDDB28ABFDAFFAB8FCD2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FF5EFAB2FDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bampur loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FF5EFAB2FDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ snout pointed / ○ flank and back covered by scales / ○ 11 – 18 dark-brown bars on flank usually narrower than interspaces, especially on caudal peduncle / ○ lateral line incomplete, usually reaching beyond dorsal base, beyond anal origin in some individuals / ○ caudal forked or deeply emarginate / ○ suborbital flap present in male, triangular, not overlapping horizontal slit below flap / ○ a bold black spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ dorsal adipose crest absent / ○ usually 8 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ pelvic reaching to about 1 – 2 eye diameter in front of anus / ○ pelvic origin below first or second branched dorsal ray. Size up to 60 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FF5EFAB2FDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran and Pakistan: Mashkid and Khash drainages, eastern tributaries of Jazmurian basin, Sarhe, Sarbaz, and Bahukalat drainages in Makran region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FF5EFAB2FDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately to rapidly flowing freshwater streams in mountain and desert landscapes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FF5EFAB2FDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FB72FB31FAF8.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Khorasan loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FB72FB31FAF8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ● prominent dorsal adipose crest supported by 22 – 25 procurrent caudal rays / ○ lateral line complete or almost complete, reaching to caudal base / ○ snout blunt / ○ flank completely covered by scales / ○ pelvic reaching to or slightly in front of anus / ○ a bold black spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ 9 – 13 brown bars usually faded or absent on flank in front of dorsal origin, regularly shaped and wider than interspaces or dissociated into blotches and irregularly shaped bars; rarely without bars / ○ body with 4 – 8 wide dark-brown bars behind dorsal origin / ○ usually a complete black bar at caudal base / ○ pelvic origin below vertical of second or third branched dorsal ray / ○ suborbital groove or flap absent in male / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ usually 8 ½, rarely 7 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 70 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FB72FB31FAF8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Eastern Kavir basin (Iran), Hari drainage in Afghanistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Morghab, and Kopetdag in Karakum Desert basin (Turkmenistan). Probably more widespread in Turkmenistan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FB72FB31FAF8.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to slow-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. Lives up to 4 years, and spawns March – June.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FB72FB31FAF8.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD91FDDA2885FB72FB31FAF8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Previously placed in the monotypic genus Metaschistura.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD96FDDD28ABFD01FB7BFC0E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Qareh Aqaj loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD96FDDD28ABFD01FB7BFC0E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ dorsal origin situated above, or very slightly behind vertical of pelvic origin / ○ suborbital flap or groove absent in male / ○ flank and back completely covered by scales / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ no dorsal adipose crest / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.2 – 1.9 times longer than deep / ○ snout blunt / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ very variable colour pattern of irregularly shaped and set, often faded bars and blotches on flank / ○ a bold black or brown spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ an irregularly shaped black bar at caudal base in some populations / ○ predorsal distance 52 – 56 % SL / ○ distance between tip of pelvic and anus 7 – 11 % SL. Size up to 51 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD96FDDD28ABFD01FB7BFC0E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Qareh Aqaj and Firozabad in Mond drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD96FDDD28ABFD01FB7BFC0E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to slow-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD96FDDD28ABFD01FB7BFC0E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FD55FAC6FB85.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Minab loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FD55FAC6FB85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ snout pointed / ○ suborbital flap present in male, triangular, not overlapping horizontal slit below flap / ○ caudal forked / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ 7 – 8 dark-brown bars on flank / ○ pelvic reaching to or beyond anus, to anal origin in some individuals / ○ body fully covered by scales / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 13 – 18 % SL / ○ no dorsal adipose crest / ○ a bold black spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ usually a complete black bar at caudal base / ○ pelvic origin below first or second branched dorsal ray / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 52 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FD55FAC6FB85.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Minab drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FD55FAC6FB85.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to slow-flowing streams. Usually in shallow areas and on gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FD55FAC6FB85.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FA05FBFBF8F1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ilam banded loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FA05FBFBF8F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ suborbital flap roundish or elongate, pointed downward, overlapping slit below flap / ○ snout blunt / ○ back and flank fully covered by scales / ○ pelvic origin below first branched dorsal ray / ○ 7 – 13 dark-brown, irregularly shaped and set, often faded bars on flank / ○ pelvic reaching to a point about 1.0 – 2.0 eye diameter in front of anus / ○ no dorsal adipose crest / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.6 – 1.8 times longer than deep / ○ a bold or very faint black spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ usually a complete black bar at caudal base / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 14 – 15 % SL. Size up to 55 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FA05FBFBF8F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Bala and Cholvar are two tributaries of Dez in Karun drainage and Siah Gav in Karkheh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FA05FBFBF8F1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to slow-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FA05FBFBF8F1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; seems to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD97FDDC2885FA05FBFBF8F1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Paraschistura pasatigris is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD94FDDF28ABFB0BFAFEFA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kerman loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD94FDDF28ABFB0BFAFEFA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ dorsal origin situated above, or very slightly behind vertical of pelvic origin / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ caudal peduncle covered by scales, no scales on predorsal back and middle and anterior part of flank / ○ suborbital flap or groove absent in male / ○ very variable colour pattern of 4 – 21 irregularly shaped and set, often faded bars and blotches on flank / ○ a bold black spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ an irregularly shaped black bar at caudal base in some populations / ○ no dorsal adipose crest / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ snout blunt / ○ predorsal distance 53 – 56 % SL / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.1 – 1.4 times longer than deep. Size up to 68 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD94FDDF28ABFB0BFAFEFA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Bidkhoon in Kerman basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD94FDDF28ABFB0BFAFEFA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. High altitude (about 2400 m), clear, fast to slow-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD94FDDF28ABFB0BFAFEFA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; known only from a small population in a very small area. Desiccation of rivers is a major threat, and it may be at the edge of extinction.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD94FDDF28ABFB0BFAFEFA34.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is superficially similar to P. abdolii, and both occur nearby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885FE05FAB2FD20.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pishin Lora loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885FE05FAB2FD20.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ 10 – 12 regularly shaped and set dark-brown bars on flank, as wide as interspaces / ○ scales completely absent / ○ body depth 11 – 15 % SL / ○ pelvic reaching to about 1 – 2 eye diameter in front of anus / ○ suborbital flap or groove absent in male / ○ a bold black spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ snout blunt / ○ no dorsal adipose crest / ○ pelvic origin below first branched dorsal ray / ○ usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 45 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885FE05FAB2FD20.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Pishin Lora drainage in Pakistan and Afghanistan and Mashkid basin in Iran and Pakistan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885FE05FAB2FD20.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately to rapidly flowing freshwater streams in mountain and desert landscapes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885FE05FAB2FD20.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885FE05FAB2FD20.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The records from Bodo in Pakistan probably refer to P. lindbergi, and both occur in sympatry in Mashkid basin. Nemacheilus sargadensis is a synonym of P. kessleri. Paraschistura turcomana is another species without scales. It has been described from the Kushka in Morghab drainage in Turkmenistan. Like the Hari, Morghab is an endorheic basin that originates in Afghanistan and ends in Karakum Desert, not far from the inner estuary of Hari.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885F9F6FB71F82F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Farah banded loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885F9F6FB71F82F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ 10 – 12 regularly shaped and set dark-brown bars on flank, wider or as wide as interspaces / ○ scales completely absent / ○ body depth 14 – 17 % SL / ○ suborbital flap or groove absent in male / ○ a bold black spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ snout blunt / ○ a short dorsal adipose crest / ○ pelvic origin shortly in front of first branched dorsal ray / ○ usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 58 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885F9F6FB71F82F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Afghanistan: Farah drainage in Sistan basin; Iran and Pakistan: Mashkid basin; Pakistan: Unar and Loralai in Indus drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885F9F6FB71F82F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with moderate to fast-flowing freshwater in mountainous desert landscapes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885F9F6FB71F82F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NE; due to the very poor knowledge about this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD95FDDE2885F9F6FB71F82F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is poorly known and has not been studied since its description in 1965. The Farah, Mashkid, and Indus populations seem unlikely to be conspecific. Paraschistura lindbergi and P. kessleri occur in sympatry in Mashkid basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEAFDA128ABFBDBFAB7FA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Jegin loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEAFDA128ABFBDBFAB7FA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ● flank plain brown or slightly mottled / ○ lateral line complete or almost complete, reaching to caudal base / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ processus dentiformis in upper jaw small and pointed / ○ pelvic origin situated below second or third branched dorsal ray / ○ no dorsal adipose crest on caudal peduncle without procurrent rays / ○ suborbital flap present in male / ○ small, isolated, deeply embedded scales restricted to caudal peduncle and flank below and behind dorsal origin, no scales on predorsal back and flank / ○ snout pointed / ○ a bold black spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ 2 – 3 black blotches at caudal base / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.2 – 1.4 times longer than deep. Size up to 40 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEAFDA128ABFBDBFAB7FA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Upper Jegin drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEAFDA128ABFBDBFAB7FA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to slow-flowing streams with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEAFDA128ABFBDBFAB7FA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. DD; due to the very poor knowledge of this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEBFDA02885FD55FAC6FB28.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian banded loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEBFDA02885FD55FAC6FB28.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ dorsal origin situated above, or very slightly behind vertical of pelvic origin / ○ suborbital flap or groove absent in male / ○ back and flank fully covered by scales / ○ snout blunt / ○ absence of a long dorsal adipose crest / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ very variable colour pattern of irregularly shaped and set, often faded bars and blotches on flank / ○ pelvic reaching to a point about 1.0 – 2.0 eye diameter in front of anus / ○ no dorsal adipose crest / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.7 – 2.0 times longer than deep / ○ a bold or faint black spot at base of first dorsal rays in some populations / ○ a complete black bar at caudal base in some populations / ○ distance between anus and tip of pelvic 4 – 7 % SL. Size up to 51 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEBFDA02885FD55FAC6FB28.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Kor basin and Kol and Mond drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEBFDA02885FD55FAC6FB28.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to slow-flowing streams and springs with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEBFDA02885FD55FAC6FB28.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining in its small range, where stream desiccation is a major challenge.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEBFDA02885FD55FAC6FB28.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In the Kol drainage, P. naumanni occurs in sympatry with P. abdolii and P. delvarii. Whether all three species occur in syntopy or are geographically separated within Kol drainage remains unclear. Oxynoemacheilus persa is another loach species found in Mond. Paraschistura naumanni shows a large variability in colour patterns within and between different populations, and fish from other sites may look very different.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE8FDA328ABFB61FBD0FA7E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Helleh loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE8FDA328ABFB61FBD0FA7E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ 6 – 11 regularly set and shaped dark-or pale-brown or grey bars, wider than interspaces, absent or very faint on flank in front of dorsal origin / ○ suborbital groove present in male / ○ a faint dark-grey spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ black bar at caudal base faint or dissociated o two blotches, rarely complete / ○ snout blunt / ○ no dorsal adipose crest / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ caudal deeply emarginate / ○ back and flank fully covered by scales / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 15 – 17 % SL / ○ pelvic reaching to about 1 – 2 eye diameters in front of anus / ○ pelvic origin below first or second branched dorsal ray / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 52 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE8FDA328ABFB61FBD0FA7E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Helleh and Mond drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE8FDA328ABFB61FBD0FA7E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to slow-flowing streams and springs with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE8FDA328ABFB61FBD0FA7E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA2288BFF58FAC6FDD7.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Khuzestan banded loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA2288BFF58FAC6FDD7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ suborbital present in male, short, blunt, and roundish / ○ back and flank fully covered by scales / ○ snout blunt / ○ no dorsal adipose crest / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ pelvic origin below first or second branched dorsal ray / ○ pelvic reaching to about 0.5 – 1 eye diameters in front of anus / ○ 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 14 – 16 % SL / ○ 7 – 10, usually regularly set and shaped, dark-or pale- brown or grey bars, wider than interspaces, absent or very faint on flank in front of dorsal origin / ○ black or brown bar at caudal base / ○ a bold or very faint dark-grey spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ caudal peduncle 1.4 – 1.6 times longer than deep. Size up to 50 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA2288BFF58FAC6FDD7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Ab-e Ala and Zard in Jarahi drainage and Shur in Karun drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA2288BFF58FAC6FDD7.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to slow-flowing streams and springs with gravel substrate. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA2288BFF58FAC6FDD7.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA52885F9ADFE72FDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Turkmenian loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA52885F9ADFE72FDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraschistura in West Asia by: ○ scales completely absent / ○ flank with marbled colour pattern, or with bars dissociated in a row of midlateral blotches and saddles on back, or with 11 – 14 irregularly shaped and set, dark-brown bars on flank, usually dissociated into two adjacent narrow bars or individual bars with a central open space / ○ suborbital flap or groove absent in male / ○ no dorsal adipose crest / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ a bold black spot at base of first dorsal rays / ○ snout blunt / ○ usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ body depth at dorsal origin 13 – 15 % SL / ○ pelvic reaching to about 1 – 2 eye diameter in front of anus / ○ pelvic origin below first or third branched dorsal ray. Size up to 53 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA52885F9ADFE72FDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Eastern Kavir basin, Atrak drainage, western Karakum Desert, Hari in Afghanistan, Iran and Turkmenistan, Morghab in Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, and northern slope of Kopetdag in Turkmenistan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA52885F9ADFE72FDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and springs with moderate to fast-flowing freshwater in mountain and desert landscapes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA52885F9ADFE72FDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE9FDA52885F9ADFE72FDD6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Nemacheilus kessleri turcomanus is likely a synonym for this species. Paraschistura turcomanus has recently been re-validated, but while syntypes of P. turcomana examined for that study are typical of P. turcmenica, the species identified as P. turcmenica may be juvenile P. cristata.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEEFDA528ABFD9AFB7DFED9.taxon	description	Sasanidus and Eidinemacheilus are two loach genera endemic to the Persian Gulf basin. Only one species of Sasanidus is known, and no superficially similar species have been reported from Pakistan or India. Sasanidus is distantly related to Paraschistura, and it cannot be excluded that other species of Sasanidus might exist on the Indian subcontinent, where a large diversity of nemacheilid loaches exist, usually identified as Paraschistura or Schistura. Furthermore, an understanding of the phylogeny of loaches is virtually lacking in this region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEEFDA42B39FE6EFE77FC58.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kermanshah loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEEFDA42B39FE6EFE77FC58.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from superficially similar species of Oxynoemacheilus in Tigris drainage by: ○ body cylindrical / ● a prominent, irregular lateral stripe along lateral midline / ● no dark-brown or black bar or blotch at caudal base / ● a prominent whitish or yellowish triangular patch on posteriormost upper and lower caudal peduncle / ● no sexual dimorphism in pectoral length / ○ caudal peduncle deep, without adipose crest / ○ caudal moderately deep emarginate / ○ lateral line incomplete, reaching to vertical between middle dorsal base and middle anal base / ○ suborbital groove present in male. Size up to 70 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEEFDA42B39FE6EFE77FC58.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Gamasiab, Dinevar, Razavar, and Kahman in Karkheh drainage and Sezar in Karun drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEEFDA42B39FE6EFE77FC58.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing to standing waters of gravel-bed streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEEFDA42B39FE6EFE77FC58.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEFFDA42885FBEFFB47FBA2.taxon	description	Schistura is a highly polyphyletic genus that encompasses approximately 250 species. The type species of Schistura is S. rupecula, found in northern India. The genus is thought to be widely distributed and speciose in the southern Himalayas, extending from Pakistan to China. Loaches identified as Schistura are widespread in India and Sri Lanka and occur all over tropical Asia and Indonesia. They are especially speciose in Indochina. Most loaches placed in Schistura will be recognised in different genera in the future, and the genus needs a fundamental revision. In West Asia, several loaches had been described in Schistura, including S. ceyhanensis, S. chrysicristinae, S. evreni, and S. seyhanicola, all from Türkiye. Except for S. chrysicristinae, these were later placed in Oxynoemacheilus. Schistura chrysicristinae was placed in Paraschistura based on the characters provided in its original description. Upon rediscovery in 2021, mitochondrial DNA data indicated a close relationship between S. chrysicristinae and S. rupecula. Consequently, S. chrysicristinae was reclassified within the genus Schistura. Schistura chrysicristinae is found approximately 3,000 km northeast of the genus’s known range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEFFDA72B1BFBB4FD86FD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Batman loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEFFDA72B1BFBB4FD86FD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Nemacheilidae in upper Tigris drainage by: ○ flank with wide, pale-brown bars or large, irregularly shaped and set blotches / ○ no black bar or bold black blotches at caudal base / ○ no suborbital flap or groove in male / pectoral in male as large as in female / ○ lateral line incomplete, reaching above anal base / ○ body covered by scales, scales densely set on caudal peduncle and flank behind dorsal origin, absent on anterior flank / ○ caudal emarginate / ○ 7 – 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 36 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEFFDA72B1BFBB4FD86FD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ambar and Batman drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEFFDA72B1BFBB4FD86FD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing river sections. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEFFDA72B1BFBB4FD86FD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Not found in Ambar in recent years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDECFDA728ABFDD3FEE4F8B7.taxon	description	Seminemacheilus comprises six species endemic to Central and southern Anatolia. It is distinguished by a roundish or slightly emarginate caudal, a very stout body, a very long pectoral in male, and no or very few scales. Seminemacheilus is related to Oxynoemacheilus, and some phylogenetic studies place Seminemacheilus as a sister genus to Oxynoemacheilus or nested within the basal clades of that genus. However, the phylogenetic relationships between these taxa remain uncertain, and we treat Seminemacheilus as a distinct genus. Seminemacheilus can be distinguished from similar stout and deep-bodied Oxynoemacheilus species, including O. panthera, O. seyhanensis, and O. frenatus, by the presence of a very long pectoral fin in males that extends beyond the pelvic origin when folded back. Seminemacheilus are stagnophilic loaches that are rarely found in flowing waters. They typically inhabit densely vegetated backwaters, springs, or slow-flowing streams. They exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males being smaller, more slender, and having a longer pectoral fin than females.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEDFDA62885FB97FB3DFA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sultan pond loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEDFDA62885FB97FB3DFA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Seminemacheilus by: ● many small black or brown dots or blotches on belly / ● posterior naris reaching to anterior eye margin when folded backwards / ○ body scaleless / ○ caudal truncate / ○ no central pore in supratemporal head canal / ○ 2 – 5 supraorbital head pores / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.0 – 1.1 times in its length / ○ head length 25 – 28 % SL / ○ eye diameter 13 – 14 % HL / ○ snout length 38 – 40 % HL / ○ prepelvic length 57 – 59 % SL / ○ flank pattern mottled, vermiculated, or with large isolated blotches. Size up to 57 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEDFDA62885FB97FB3DFA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sultan marshes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEDFDA62885FB97FB3DFA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams with standing or slow-flowing water and dense submerged vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDEDFDA62885FB97FB3DFA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; see comments under Pseudophoxinus elizavetae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE2FDA928ABFD37FAF2FC58.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kırkgöz pond loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE2FDA928ABFD37FAF2FC58.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Seminemacheilus by: ● caudal usually slightly emarginate / ○ flank mottled or marbled / ● one central pore in supratemporal head / ● 7 – 13 supraorbital head pores / ○ body scaleless / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 0.9 – 1.2 times in its length / ○ head length 24 – 28 % SL / ○ belly without or very rarely with black or brown blotches / ○ posterior naris not reaching to anterior eye margin when folded backwards. Size up to 86 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE2FDA928ABFD37FAF2FC58.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Spring Kırkgöz and outflowing stream Yediarıklar.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE2FDA928ABFD37FAF2FC58.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams with stagnant or slow-flowing water and dense submerged vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE2FDA928ABFD37FAF2FC58.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE3FDA82885FF5EFA10FE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Central Anatolian pond loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE3FDA82885FF5EFA10FE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Seminemacheilus by: ○ caudal rounded / ○ no central pore in supratemporal head canal / ○ 2 – 4 supraorbital head pores / ○ body scaleless / ○ no black or brown dots or blotches on belly / ○ posterior naris not reaching to anterior eye margin when folded backwards / ○ flank pattern mottled, vermiculated, or with large isolated blotches / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 0.9 – 1.1 times in its length / ○ head length 23 – 26 % SL. Size up to 73 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE3FDA82885FF5EFA10FE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Tuz basin and Ereğli marshes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE3FDA82885FF5EFA10FE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams with stagnant or slow-flowing water and dense submerged vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE3FDA82885FF5EFA10FE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Disappeared from Ereğli marshes as these dried up.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE0FDAB28ABFF5EFB1FFD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Southern pond loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE0FDAB28ABFF5EFB1FFD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Seminemacheilus by: ● a few deeply embedded scales on caudal peduncle / ● caudal – peduncle depth 1.3 – 1.6 times in its length / ● head length 21 – 24 % SL / ○ caudal truncate / ○ no black or brown dots or blotches on belly / ○ posterior naris not reaching to anterior eye margin when folded backward / ○ no central pore in supratemporal head canal / ○ 6 – 10 supraorbital head pores / ○ flank pattern mottled, vermiculated, or with large isolated blotches. Size up to 91 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE0FDAB28ABFF5EFB1FFD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Eğirdir and Salda basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE0FDAB28ABFF5EFB1FFD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, streams, and lakeshores. Usually in habitats with standing water and dense submerged vegetation. Spawning begins in March. Biology. Lives up to 4 years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE0FDAB28ABFF5EFB1FFD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE0FDAB28ABFF5EFB1FFD11.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Although Seminemacheilus ispartensis and S. lendlii are almost identical in their COI sequences, S. ispartensis is recognised as a valid species based on clear morphological differences, with recent introgressive hybridisation suspected. Seminemacheilus recorded from Karapınar (Lake Yarışlı basin) may belong to this species. This population has disappeared as Karapınar has dried up.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE1FDAA2885FD45FBA8FC77.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Northern pond loach	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE1FDAA2885FD45FBA8FC77.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Seminemacheilus by: ○ caudal truncate / ○ posterior naris not reaching to anterior eye margin when folded backward / ○ no black or brown dots or blotches on belly / ○ flank pattern fine mottled / ○ no central pore in supratemporal canal / ○ 5 – 7 supraorbital head pores / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.1 – 1.2 times in caudal – peduncle length / ○ head length 25 – 28 % SL / ○ snout length 38 – 40 % HL / ○ prepelvic length 57 – 59 % SL / ○ eye diameter 13 – 14 % HL. Size up to 77 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE1FDAA2885FD45FBA8FC77.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Eymir-Mogan basins (Ankara), Porsuk drainage, a tributary of upper Sakarya, and Lakes Akşehir, Eber, and Ilgın basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE1FDAA2885FD45FBA8FC77.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams with standing or slow-flowing water and dense vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE1FDAA2885FD45FBA8FC77.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; potentially vanished from Lakes Ilgin and Eymir-Mogan basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE6FDAD28ABFD8FFA89FBA2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Beyşehir pond loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE6FDAD28ABFD8FFA89FBA2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Seminemacheilus by: ○ caudal truncate / ○ no black or brown dots or blotches on belly / ○ flank pattern mottled, vermiculated or with large isolated blotches / ○ body scaleless / ○ posterior naris not reaching to anterior eye margin when folded backwards / ○ no central pore in supratemporal head canal / ○ 2 – 5, rarely 6, supraorbital head pores / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.1 – 1.3 times in its length / ○ head length 24 – 28 % SL / ○ eye diameter 14 – 17 % HL / ○ snout length 35 – 37 % HL / ○ prepelvic length 53 – 56 % SL. Size up to 66 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE6FDAD28ABFD8FFA89FBA2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Beyşehir basin and Göksu drainage (Mediterranean basin).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE6FDAD28ABFD8FFA89FBA2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Stream sections with stagnant or slow-flowing water and dense vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE6FDAD28ABFD8FFA89FBA2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE6FDAD28ABFD8FFA89FBA2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Seminemacheilus dursunavsari is a synonym. It was first published as a nomen nudum, which did not meet the criteria for a species description. The description was re-published, and now S. dursunavsari is an available name but published after the description of S. tubae, rendering it a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE7FDAC2885FF5EFBC1FA7F.taxon	description	Turcinoemacheilus are small fishes that can be readily distinguished from all other nemacheilids in West Asia by their very slender body and the position of the anus, which is notably situated in front of the anal origin. Before 2013, only one species was known in the genus, but subsequent research revealed 11 species. Turcinoemacheilus are commonly found in the headwater streams and small rivers of the Euphrates, Tigris, and Zayandeh drainage, an endorheic basin in Iran. One species was described from the Himalayas, suggesting a much wider distribution range for the genus. Several small South Asian loaches exhibit superficial similarities to Turcinoemacheilus, and their phylogenetic relationships require further investigation. Turcinoemacheilus may represent a relatively common genus in the Himalayas, or these fishes may belong to different genera.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE4FDAF28ABFB97FA07FA43.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Beshar dwarf loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE4FDAF28ABFB97FA07FA43.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: body depth 10 – 13 % SL / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base / ○ anus situated behind middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ mottled colour pattern or a prominent irregular-shaped dark-brown stripe along lateral midline disconnected from dark-brown blotches on back. Size up to 50 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE4FDAF28ABFB97FA07FA43.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Merian, Beshar, and Khersan in upper Karun drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE4FDAF28ABFB97FA07FA43.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Inhabits interspaces in gravel. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE4FDAF28ABFB97FA07FA43.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; restricted to a small area where it is in decline.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE4FDAF28ABFB97FA07FA43.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Syntopic with T. saadii in Beshar.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FF58FB75FDD7.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zayandeh dwarf loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FF58FB75FDD7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ● usually a dark-brown blotch on side of anal base / ○ anus situated behind middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ mottled colour pattern or an irregular-shaped dark-brown stripe along lateral midline disconnected from dark-brown blotches on back. Size up to 54 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FF58FB75FDD7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Headwaters in Zayandeh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FF58FB75FDD7.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Biology. Mature at 1 year and lives up to 4 (males) and 5 (females) years. Feeds on invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FF58FB75FDD7.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FF58FB75FDD7.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species was described based on individuals with a dark-brown blotch on side of anal base. New data show that this condition is not present in all individuals and that morphological characters may need to be revised. It is well distinguished from other species by molecular characters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FBFBFCF9FAAF.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sezar dwarf loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FBFBFCF9FAAF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ● lateral line complete, reaching to anterior part of caudal / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.6 – 1.8 times in its length / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ anus situated behind middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base. Size up to 54 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FBFBFCF9FAAF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Gholiyan, a headwater tributary of Bakhtiyari in Karun drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FBFBFCF9FAAF.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Inhabits interspaces in gravel. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDE5FDAE2885FBFBFCF9FAAF.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; restricted to one site where it is in decline. Potentially at the edge of extinction.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFAFDB128ABFD99FAABFC49.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Anatolian dwarf loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFAFDB128ABFD99FAABFC49.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ○ roundish blotches or a stripe thicker than eye diameter along lateral midline / ○ 5 – 7 mandibular pores in mandibular canal / ○ caudal – peduncle length 7 – 9 % SL / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.8 – 2.7 times in its length / ○ body depth 1.3 – 1.7 times in head length / ○ prepelvic distance 50 – 53 % SL / ○ upper caudal lobe 15 – 18 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 23 – 31 % HL / ○ maxillary barbel 15 – 21 % HL / ○ anus situated at middle or in front of middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base / ○ caudal slightly emarginate. Size up to 55 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFAFDB128ABFD99FAABFC49.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: stream Kaynarca in Euphrates, Yanarsu, Botan, Nerduş, Batman in upper Tigris drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFAFDB128ABFD99FAABFC49.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFAFDB128ABFD99FAABFC49.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFAFDB128ABF9D2FC54F8E2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian dwarf loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFAFDB128ABF9D2FC54F8E2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ○ body depth 13 – 15 % SL / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base / ○ anus situated behind middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ mottled colour pattern or a prominent irregular-shaped dark-brown midlateral stripe disconnected from dark-brown blotches on back. Size up to 67 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFAFDB128ABF9D2FC54F8E2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Behesht Abad in Karun drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFAFDB128ABF9D2FC54F8E2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFAFDB128ABF9D2FC54F8E2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; restricted to a small area where it is in decline.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFBFDB02885FBDBFB50FA16.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zab dwarf loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFBFDB02885FBDBFB50FA16.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ○ a dark midlateral stripe broader than eye diameter / ○ 5 – 6 mandibular pores in mandibular canal / ○ caudal – peduncle length 8 – 10 % SL / ○ body depth 1.3 – 2.0 times in head length / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.5 – 2.3 times in its length / ○ interorbital distance 31 – 37 % HL / ○ prepelvic distance 50 – 53 % SL / ○ anus situated at middle or in front of middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base. Size up to 52 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFBFDB02885FBDBFB50FA16.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iraq and Iran: Sirvan, Greater and Lesser Zab drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFBFDB02885FBDBFB50FA16.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Inhabits interspaces in gravel. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFBFDB02885FBDBFB50FA16.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF8FDB328ABFF5EFBF4FDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hakkari dwarf loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF8FDB328ABFF5EFBF4FDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ○ a dark midlateral stripe narrower than eye diameter / ○ 5 – 7 mandibular pores in mandibular canal / ○ caudal – peduncle length 7 – 9 % SL / ○ body depth 1.3 – 1.7 times in head length / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.9 – 2.2 times in its length / ○ large, brown saddles on back connected to lateral stripe / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ upper caudal lobe 18 – 21 % SL / ○ prepelvic distance 47 – 50 % SL / ○ maxillary barbel 21 – 26 % HL / ○ anus situated at middle or in front of middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base. Size up to 60 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF8FDB328ABFF5EFBF4FDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Greater Zab drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF8FDB328ABFF5EFBF4FDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Inhabits interspaces in gravel. Biology. Lives for 1 or 2 years. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF8FDB328ABFF5EFBF4FDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; limited to a small area that is and will be heavily impacted by mining.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF9FDB22885FD9BFB5EFC77.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Euphrates dwarf loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF9FDB22885FD9BFB5EFC77.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ● caudal – peduncle length 6 – 7 % SL / ● body depth 1.6 – 1.9 times in head length / ● 4 – 5 mandibular pores in mandibular canal / ○ a row of large irregular, brown, longitudinally elongated blotches along lateral midline, often fused into an irregular-shaped lateral stripe / ○ large, brown saddles on back connected to lateral blotches / ○ caudal slightly emarginate / ○ anus situated at middle or in front of middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base. Size up to 50 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF9FDB22885FD9BFB5EFC77.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Göksu and Kahta in Euphrates drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF9FDB22885FD9BFB5EFC77.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Inhabits interspaces in gravel. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF9FDB22885FD9BFB5EFC77.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; restricted to a small area where it is in decline.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF9FDB22885FA05FCF9F8B7.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kermanshah dwarf loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF9FDB22885FA05FCF9F8B7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ● caudal – peduncle length 14 – 20 % SL / ○ 5 – 6 mandibular pores in mandibular canal / ○ body depth 1.2 – 1.8 times in head length / ○ caudal – peduncle depth 1.5 – 2.3 times in its length / ○ prepelvic distance 50 – 55 % SL / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base / ○ anus situated at middle or in front of middle between pelvic and anal origins. Size up to 54 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF9FDB22885FA05FCF9F8B7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Sirvan, Zemkan, Leyleh, Alvand, and Goleyn in Tigris drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF9FDB22885FA05FCF9F8B7.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Inhabits interspaces in gravel. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF9FDB22885FA05FCF9F8B7.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; restricted to a small area where it is in decline.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFEFDB528ABFB80FD3AF889.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Large spot dwarf loach.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFEFDB528ABFB80FD3AF889.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in West Asia by: ● colour pattern organised in 7 – 9 distinct dark-brown or grey saddles never forming a lateral stripe / ○ caudal deeply emarginate / ○ anus situated at middle or in front of middle between pelvic and anal origins / ○ no dark-brown blotch on side of anal base. Size up to 64 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFEFDB528ABFB80FD3AF889.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Bashar, Bakhtiyari, and Sezar in Karun, Gamasiab, Dinevar, and Kahman in Karkheh drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFEFDB528ABFB80FD3AF889.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of small rivers and streams, usually in rapids and riffles with coarse gravel or rocks. Inhabits interspaces in gravel. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFEFDB528ABFB80FD3AF889.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFEFDB528ABFB80FD3AF889.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In the upper Karun, usually syntopic with T. hafezi and Sasanidus kermanshahensis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFCFDB728ABFF54FE06F8C5.taxon	vernacular_names	Catfishes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDFCFDB728ABFF54FE06F8C5.taxon	description	Catfishes, or Siluriformes, are a large group of primary freshwater fishes. There are approximately 4200 species worldwide. Eight families of catfishes are found in West Asia, six of which are native, one purely marine (Plotosidae), and one predominantly marine (Ariidae). Catfishes are particularly diverse in the tropics, especially in South America, where many species, sizes, morphologies, and feeding types can be found. They represent one of the most species-rich groups in freshwaters. The earliest fossils of a catfish are Campanian (83 – 72 million years ago) and Maastrichtian (72 – 66 million years ago) from Argentina and Bolivia. However, Bayesian relaxed molecular clock analyses of Siluriformes resulted in an average posterior crown age estimate of 121 million years ago, with a credible interval between 111 and 131 million years ago. Catfishes are the sister group of Neotropical knifefishes (Gymnotiformes), renowned for their electric organs and electrosensory systems. The majority of catfishes are nocturnal. Many species engage in parental care, with the male guarding the eggs and larvae. All catfishes lack true scales, and most West Asian species are either naked or have small, ossified prickles on the skin. Some catfishes can breathe air and drown if not allowed to do so. Most catfishes are tolerant to only freshwater, but the salinity tolerance of several species extends to, or is even limited to, estuarine or oceanic levels. One of the marine catfishes, Plotosus lineatus, is frequently found along the shores of the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea and has invaded the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. It is known that this species enters brackish and freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia, but it has never been found in freshwaters in West Asia. Therefore, it is included in the family key only. Ariid catfishes are a second, mostly marine family, and they can occasionally be found on mudflats and in shallow, barckish waters of the Persian Gulf, including lower parts of rivers such as the Shatt al Arab / Arvand and Hammar marshes. Netuma bilineata, N. thalassina, Plicofollis dussumieri, P. layardi, and P. tenuispinis have been recorded from the region. Still, these require critical identification, and almost nothing is known about their distribution in the Persian Gulf’s habitats. They are included in the family key only because they do not enter freshwaters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF2FDB928ABFF54FEC3FB0B.taxon	vernacular_names	Suckermouth catfishes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF2FDB928ABFF54FEC3FB0B.taxon	description	Sucker-mouth catfish, armored catfish, and plecos represent the largest catfish family, with approximately 110 genera and over 1000 species, many of which remain undescribed. These peculiar fishes are native to South and Central America and exhibit an astonishing diversity of body shapes, colours, sizes, and adaptations. They are distinguished by several characteristics, including a scale-less body covered with bony plates on the back and flank, a sucker-like mouth (often with highly specialised teeth), and papillate lips. In all species, the males perform parental care until the young have resorbed their yolk-sack. Most species can gulp air and have many other special morphological and ecological adaptations. In West Asia, one species has been released into a limited number of water bodies, where it has become established. However, individuals might be found in virtually all locations, particularly in or around cities. Suckermouth catfishes cannot survive temperatures below 15 ° C for longer than a few days, which limits their distribution to warm springs in many regions. As several species of suckermouth catfish are kept in aquaria, the possibility of the release and subsequent establishment of other species cannot be ruled out. Specialist aquarium literature is likely to be of assistance in identifying these.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF2FDB82B39FEF5FAE8FD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hybrid sailfin catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF2FDB82B39FEF5FAE8FD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Unmistakeable. Flank and back covered with large shields, sucker-like mouth, and short barbels. Size up to 490 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF2FDB82B39FEF5FAE8FD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Israel: Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and Nahal Amal; Türkiye: Pınarbaşı near İnönü, possibly also in Orontes. Saudi Arabia: Wadi Haneefah in Riyadh, Al-Kharj south of Riyadh and Al-Ahsa oasis. Both parental species of Pterygoplichthys are native to Amazon drainage of South America.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF2FDB82B39FEF5FAE8FD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Tropical, inhabiting a wide range of stagnant or slow-flowing waters, often colonising reservoirs, urban and artificial water bodies, hot water springs, lakes, or water storage areas. Biology. Usually, begins spawning when larger than 260 mm SL, often at about 300 mm SL. Spawns throughout year frequently interrupted by low availability of nesting sites at low water levels. Males are territorial at nest site, dig burrows (usually in banks or under stones), and guard eggs until fry has resorbed their yolk sac. Stomach enlarged, highly vascularised, acting as an accessory respiratory organ, allowing high tolerance to low oxygen concentrations and desiccation (up to 20 hours). Tolerant to salinity up to 10 ‰, but low tolerance to water temperatures below 15 ° C. Herbivorous, feeding mainly on periphyton and detritus, grazing on hard structures and surface of fine sediments. Large individuals also eat plants.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF2FDB82B39FEF5FAE8FD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; kept in aquaria worldwide, from which it is released. An important non-native and invasive species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF2FDB82B39FEF5FAE8FD11.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Released from aquaria into the wild since early 1950 s, with established non-native, often invasive, populations reported from many tropical and subtropical countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, India, Mexico, USA, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, and Java. It has also been released in warm springs in temperate regions such as Poland and Italy. Still, it is not invasive there because it cannot escape warm water habitats and survive winters in natural waters in these countries. Because of its hardiness and high fecundity, this catfish is produced in very large numbers for the aquarium trade in Southeast Asia and perhaps elsewhere. It is commonly used as a cleaner fish in aquariums and is often released when it grows too large. A major global invasive species of management concern, particularly where they occupy sensitive habitats such as springs. They often reach very high densities, and their spawning burrows in stream banks increase erosion. It is considered a pest in fisheries because of its abundance, poor taste, and physical characteristics, including hard bony plates on its body and strong spines that make it difficult to handle in nets. Species identification of Pterygoplichthys is most easily based on the colour pattern of abdomen. Most non-native populations were initially identified as P. disjunctivus and / or P. pardalis or sometimes placed in the genus Liposarcus, a synonym of Pterygoplichthys. Early studies from several introductions suggested that more than one, and perhaps even more than four, species of suckermouth catfish had been introduced in a single area. Still, more recent studies indicate that the globally invasive suckermouth catfish is a hybrid between P. disjunctivus and P. pardalis. This explains the high variability in characters resembling parental species in non-native populations. As these hybrids are very common and their introduction has been documented for decades, the initial hybridisation occurred very early in history of Pterygoplichthys culture for the aquarium trade.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF0FDBB28ABFF54FE1FFBFC.taxon	vernacular_names	Bagrid catfishes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF0FDBB28ABFF54FE1FFBFC.taxon	description	Bagridae is a family of approximately 16 genera and 225 species widely distributed in Asia. Bagrus, is found only in Africa. All other African genera formerly included in the Bagridae are now placed in different families. In Asia, bagrids exhibit a wide range of body shapes and sizes. The giant Indian catfishes of the genus Sperata, which reach 2000 mm total length, represent one extreme, while the 29 mm SL dwarf leaf-litter dwellers, such as the Nanobagrus immaculatus from Borneo, represent the other. All large- and medium-sized bagrids are sought for commercial species, several of which are valued for aquaculture. Mystus, with approximately 52 valid species, is the largest genus in the family, comprising mostly middle-sized and morphologically generalised species. One species, M. gulio, is known to frequently enter brackish and marine waters, with records from the coast of Pakistan, situated not far from the border with Iran. Other species are strict freshwater inhabitants. Mystus species exhibit only moderate tolerance to low water temperatures, with most species being abundant in the lower reaches of the Euphrates and Tigris (M. pelusius) and warm springs (M. cyrusi, M. misrai).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF0FDBA28ABF97AFADEFCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kol zugzug.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF0FDBA28ABF97AFADEFCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Mystus in West Asia by: ● maxillary barbel not reaching to or beyond pelvic origin / ● adipose base length 31 – 37 % SL, with a steep slope at its origin / ● head depth 17 – 22 % SL / ● caudal peduncle depth 10 – 13 % SL / ● 12 – 14 gill rakers / ○ usually a wide, brown, mid-lateral stripe, followed by a wide silvery stripe above and below mid-lateral stripe, and a silvery line along lateral midline in life and preserved individuals / ○ eye situated at or slightly above, usually protruding dorsal head profile / ○ 14 – 22 serra on inner pectoral spine. Size up to 203 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF0FDBA28ABF97AFADEFCC4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Shur, Qalatooyeh, and Golabi springs in Kol drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF0FDBA28ABF97AFADEFCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF0FDBA28ABF97AFADEFCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Invasive Amatitlania nigrofasciata might be a threat in springs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF1FDBA2885F9DCFB1DF8E3.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hatay zugzug.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF1FDBA2885F9DCFB1DF8E3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Mystus in West Asia by: ● dorsal fin margin rounded / ● 8 – 10 serra on inner pectoral spine / ● eye situated below dorsal head profile, not protruding / ● head blunt / ● no stripes or lines on flank in life and preserved individuals / ● dorsal spine shorter than head-width at eye, usually as long as distance between lower eye margins / ○ maxillary barbel reaching to or beyond pelvic origin. Size up to 138 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF1FDBA2885F9DCFB1DF8E3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Lower Orontes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF1FDBA2885F9DCFB1DF8E3.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large rivers and lakes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF1FDBA2885F9DCFB1DF8E3.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; following massive pollution of lower Orontes and draining of Lake Amik in 20 th century, this species appears to be restricted to Lake Balık (Gölbaşı). It is thought to be in decline here due to habitat deterioration.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF6FDBD28ABFCEDFB4AFC2C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zugzug catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF6FDBD28ABFCEDFB4AFC2C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Mystus in West Asia by: ○ maxillary barbel reaching to or beyond pelvic origin, to anal-base in some individuals / ○ adipose base length 38 – 46 % SL, with a gentle slope at its origin / ○ dorsal fin margin straight or very slightly convex / ○ 11 – 16 serra on inner pectoral spine / ○ eye situated at or slightly above, usually protruding dorsal head profile / ○ head pointed / ○ usually a wide, brown, mid-lateral stripe, followed by a wide silvery stripe above and below mid-lateral stripe, and a silvery line along lateral midline in life and preserved individuals / ○ dorsal spine as long or longer than head width at eye, often longer than maximal head width. Size up to 178 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF6FDBD28ABFCEDFB4AFC2C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, Tigris, Karun, Jarrahi, and Zohreh drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF6FDBD28ABFCEDFB4AFC2C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Larger rivers, marshes, reservoirs, and lakes. Biology. Lives up to 7 years. Spawns first time in one year, in May and June, males with about 70 mm SL and females with about 50 mm SL. Feeds on invertebrates and small fishes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF6FDBD28ABFCEDFB4AFC2C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF7FDBC2885FF54FE71F8D4.taxon	vernacular_names	Air-breathing catfishes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF7FDBC2885FF54FE71F8D4.taxon	description	The family of air-breathing catfishes comprises approximately 120 species in 16 genera. Phylogenetic diversity is greatest in South and Southeast Asia, where most genera are found. The genus Clarias is the largest genus in the family and is distributed across Asia and Africa. Most species in the genus Clarias are found in Africa, where they have invaded from Asia only once and diversified there. Airsac catfishes of the former family Heteropneustidae are included in the family Clariidae. Air-breathing catfishes can thrive in various ecosystems, including marshes and rivers, as well as rainforest streams, desert pools, lakes, subterranean waters, and many artificial waterbodies. They can reach high densities, and due to their often large size, they are of major ecological and commercial importance in tropical Asia and Africa. As their common name suggests, Clariids breathe air through a specialised organ. An opening between the second and third gill arches leads to a suprabranchial chamber with highly vascularised, brush-like structures called “ trees. ” These dendritic organs are situated above and behind the gills and are supported by epibranchials of the second and fourth branchial arches. The first of these is smaller and lies in the anterior compartment. Each is a highly branched tree-like structure supported by a cartilaginous internal skeleton. This feature enables them to survive for extended periods out of water. Heteropneustes have a lung-like outgrowth from the pharynx. Some Clarias species can “ walk ” a few meters on land to seek alternative habitats, using sturdy spines on their pectorals. Clarias catfishes are weakly electric, and their electricity is used for communication and to find food. It is challenging for a human observer to perceive their electricity directly, as it is too weak to be sensed. Clarias gariepinus and Clarias sp. are among the most significant globally invasive species. Both are major aquaculture species within their native range, and both, as well as several hybrids, including other Clariids, are increasingly farmed outside their range for their boneless flesh. They are most commonly imported for farming or aquaria. Still, because they are easy to translocate, private individuals often introduce them into residential or community ponds, aiming to harvest them for food. In all of these situations, they may escape or be released intentionally.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF4FDBF28ABFF5EFCF7FB64.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sharptooth catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF4FDBF28ABFF5EFCF7FB64.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Clarias sp. in West Asia by: ● body slender, eel-like / ● body depth slightly increasing to dorsal origin, then decreasing / ● anterior margin of pectoral spine serrated / ● posterior dorsal tip not reaching to caudal base / ● flank brown or grey with dark-brown mottling. Size up to 1500 mm SL and 60 kg, usually about 700 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF4FDBF28ABFF5EFCF7FB64.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Native to Jordan drainage and coastal streams of Israel. Introduced in Azraq oasis, Orontes drainage in Syria and Türkiye. Widespread in southern Türkiye from Orontes to Göksu, probably elsewhere along Mediterranean coast. Also, in warm springs in Sakarya, Lake Burdur basin (Türkiye), Al-Kharj south of Riyadh, and Medina (Saudi Arabia). Probably found elsewhere. Nearly pan-African range, absent only from North Africa except Algeria, where it occurs in streams in Tolga oasis on northern edge of Sahara and gueltas on north slopes of Tassili n’ Ajjer. Tibesti and Ennedi massifs of Chad. Widespread in Nile and Niger drainages, eastern and southern Africa, but absent from upper and lower Guinea, Cape prov. and probably Nogal prov. of South Africa. Introduced in other parts of Africa, tropical and subtropical Asia, and South America. Occasional escapes from warm water aquaculture facilities in Europe are not established in natural waters but only in artificially heated waters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF4FDBF28ABFF5EFCF7FB64.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing or standing waters of lakes, marshes, reservoirs, and lowland rivers, rarely in fast-flowing waters. Often found in canals with both sewage and treated water. Tolerant of extreme environmental conditions, including temperatures as low as 8 ° C and very low oxygen conditions. Biology. Lives up to 8 years. Matures at about 300 – 350 mm SL (males), 350 – 400 mm SL (females). An accessory respiratory organ allows this species to breathe air. Often found in muddy bottoms of dry ponds, occasionally swallowing air through mouth. Dependent on atmospheric oxygen and will drown if cut off from surface. Can leave water using its strong pectoral spines and move to new areas through very shallow channels. Spawning is usually triggered by rising water levels and flooding shallow areas. Spawns throughout year when water temperatures are above 22 ° C. Migrates to rivers and temporary streams to spawn. Spawns usually at night in shallow, flooded areas. Courtship often preceded by highly aggressive encounters between males. Generates monophasic, head-positive electrical discharges of 5 – 260 microSiemens during intra-specific aggressive interactions. Mating position, a form of amplexus, is maintained for several seconds. In amplexus, male lies in a U-shaped curve around female’s head. Sperm and eggs are released, followed by a vigorous female tail swish to spread eggs over a wide area. Pairs mate several times during a spawning night. Parents do not guard eggs or larvae. Eggs adhere to vegetation. Larvae usually begin feeding 48 – 72 hours after hatching (23 – 28 ° C). Nocturnal bottom feeders on invertebrates and fish, occasionally taking young birds, rotting flesh, and plants. An important commercial species in Africa. An important aquaculture species in warm-water and tropical countries, introduced almost worldwide.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDF4FDBF28ABFF5EFCF7FB64.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCAFD8028ABFD12FC06FCE1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Stinging catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCAFD8028ABFD12FC06FCE1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of catfishes in West Asia by: ○ adipose absent / ○ nasal barbel present, very long / ○ anal long, 60 – 70 rays / ○ dorsal short, 6 – 7 rays, without spine. Size up to 280 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCAFD8028ABFD12FC06FCE1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates and Tigris drainages. In Tigris, from about Diyarbakır and Syrian Euphrates south to southern marshes and Shatt al Arab / Arvand in Iraq. Common in rivers and marshes of Khuzestan prov. in Iran, in Azadegan, and Karkheh. Native from Indus east to Myanmar.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCAFD8028ABFD12FC06FCE1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing rivers, marshes, reservoirs, and lakes with fresh or slightly brackish water. Can inhabit heavily polluted habitats and waters with very low oxygen levels, survive in semi-liquid mud, move overland, and move to bottom of cracks and crevices formed by mud cracking. Biology. Usually gregarious. Spawns first time at 1 year and about 50 – 100 mm SL (India). Spawns under water surface. Mating position, held in a form of amplexus for several seconds. Several copulations during a spawn. Does not guard eggs or larvae. Two tubular air sacs extending from gill cavity almost to caudal peduncle. Bimodal respirator and may respire aerially by gulping air at different intervals when oxygen content of water is reduced below saturation. Digs burrows in form of anastomosing tubes with multiple exits; up to 364 individuals have been found in one burrow complex. Feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates and plant material.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCAFD8028ABFD12FC06FCE1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; first reported from Iraq and Iran in 1950 s. Most likely introduced to control Bulinus truncatus snails, an important schistosomiasis vector. Still expanding its range northwards. Locally threatened by overexploitation for human consumption in its native range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCAFD8028ABFD12FC06FCE1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Regarded as a pest in West Asia and not eaten. High market value and demand in India, where the species is used for medicinal purposes. Stinging catfish have the pectoral spine connected to a venom gland. Freshly caught or netted fish swing their heads from side to side and are active venomators. The venom is neurotoxic, hemolytic, and very painful. A sting in hand causes severe swelling, usually over the whole arm. The swelling and pain will subside in about a day, and the sting may take up to two weeks to heal. If the venom is squeezed and sucked out of sting, the effect can be negligible. While Clarias also have some sacs for breathing atmospheric air, in Heteropneustes, this structure is much more developed and resembles lungs. The air chambers begin above the gills and extend back to the tail as long, tubular sacs that emerge from the branchial cavity between the second and third gill arches and lie close to the backbone.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCAFD8028ABFD12FC06FCE1.taxon	description	Fish physiology: Getting rid of waste without water. Most nitrogenous wastes in fish are produced and excreted as ammonia or urea. Animals that excrete their nitrogenous wastes primarily as ammonia (NH 3) are classified as ammoniotelic, including agnathans and most teleost fish. Approximately 80 – 90 % of their nitrogenous wastes are excreted as ammonia, with the remainder excreted as urea. In high concentrations, ammonia is highly toxic, as it increases the internal pH of the cells, inhibiting key enzymes required for energy generation. Most air-breathing teleosts are primarily ammoniotelic but appear to have retained the genes for the urea cycle enzymes since a full complement of urea cycle enzymes has been reported for many of them. The capacity to synthesise urea in these fish may be an adaptation to their amphibious nature and their normal habitat of marshes, where the water ammonia level may be quite high, often rendering it uninhabitable to typical freshwater fish. Heteropneustes fossilis is capable of tolerating extremely high levels of total ammonia in its environment (up to 75 mm ammonium chloride vs. 100 – 200 μM, rarely up to 1000 μM in most fishes, up to 40 – 80 μM in humans). It can do so for extended periods without any adverse effects. When exposed to stressful conditions, the transition from ammoniotelism to ureotelism occurs in some air-breathing fishes. This happens when they live in semi-dry conditions inside mud during habitat drying. Although the real mechanism (s) of regulation of ureogenesis is unclear, it is hypothesised that the accumulation of ammonia within the body is likely the internal modulator for enhanced ureogenesis. This is mainly to avoid any build-up of ammonia to a level that can be toxic. It is hypothesised that the urea cycle is the predominant source of urea in air-breathing fishes despite the presence of uricolysis. The significant carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS) levels observed in these fishes may play an important physiological role in their tolerance of high ammonia concentrations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC8FD8328ABFD1AFC7EFC0E.taxon	vernacular_names	North American catfishes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC8FD8328ABFD1AFC7EFC0E.taxon	description	Ictaluridae are endemic to North and Central America, with a southern distribution reaching Guatemala. The family includes approximately 50 species in seven genera, three of which (Satan, Trogloglanis, Prietella) are eyeless inhabitants of subterranean waters in Texas and Mexico. Ameiurus was introduced to Germany as early as 1885, and at least four species of Ictaluridae have become established in Europe (Ameiurus melas, A. nebulosus, Ictalurus furcatus, and I. punctatus). Ictalurus punctatus has become established in Cyprus. As these species and additional ones are widely available in the aquaculture and aquarium trade, their introduction is expected to occur in other regions of West Asia in the future.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC8FD822B39FC51FD63FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Channel catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC8FD822B39FC51FD63FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other West Asian catfishes by: ● caudal deeply forked / ○ adipose present / ○ juveniles and small adults usually with dark-grey or black spots. Size up to 1000 mm SL, usually <570 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC8FD822B39FC51FD63FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Cyprus. Native to North America, Hudson Bay, Great Lakes-St. Lawrence and Mississippi drainages, and rivers in between. Widespread in other parts of North America. Introduced to Europe for aquaculture. Self-sustaining populations recorded in lower Ebro (Spain), Oglio and Pavia provinces (northern Italy), Arno and Tiber (central Italy), lower Kuban and Don drainages (Russia). May also occur in other areas.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC8FD822B39FC51FD63FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Warm lowland rivers and large streams, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. Usually associated with low-flow riverine habitats. Also found in upper estuarine habitats with salinities up to 15 ‰. Biology. Lives up to 24 years. First spawns at 4 – 6 years of age. Spawning begins in May at about 20 – 30 ° C. Nests are built in sheltered areas by males only or by both sexes. Males take care of eggs and guard nest. Females spawn only once a year. Eggs hatch in 5 – 10 days. Omnivorous, feeding on algae, plant material, invertebrates, and fish. Usually nocturnal.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC8FD822B39FC51FD63FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; introduced for recreational fisheries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCEFD8528ABFF54FD7DFD4D.taxon	vernacular_names	Sheatfishes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCEFD8528ABFF54FD7DFD4D.taxon	description	A family of approximately 13 genera and 107 species is found in Europe and Asia. A very long anal fin characterises them, as well as the absence of an adipose fin, the lack of a dorsal spine, and, in some cases, the absence of the entire dorsal fin. Some species are relatively small, with an adult length of approximately 50 mm SL, as observed in the glass catfish Kryptopterus minor from Southeast Asia. However, other species are considerably larger, with Silurus glanis reaching lengths of over 2000 mm. These fishes inhabit the lower strata of rivers and lakes, where they prey on smaller fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCEFD8528ABFD12FB60FA90.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. European catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCEFD8528ABFD12FB60FA90.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from S. triostegus by: ● always two pairs of mental barbels / ● maxillary barbel longer than head length / ● anterior mandibular barbel present, longer than posterior mandibular barbel / ● one patch of vomerine teeth / ● pectoral spine not or slightly serrated on its inner margin. Size up to about 2600 mm SL and 148 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCEFD8528ABFD12FB60FA90.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lake Urmia basin, Black, Caspian, North, Baltic, and Aral basins, as far north as southern Sweden and Finland; Aegean basin, in Maritza and from Stuma to Sperchios drainages. Not native to Persian Gulf and Mediterranean basins of West Asia. Widely introduced and translocated in Anatolia, Europe, Hari drainage, and Lake Balkhash basin (Kazakhstan). Occasionally stocked in Persian Gulf basin but does not appear to have established (yet).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCEFD8528ABFD12FB60FA90.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large and medium-sized lowland rivers, reservoirs, backwaters, and well-vegetated lakes. Spawns in shallow, warm, and well-vegetated riverine habitats without current. Biology. Lives up to 80 years in wild. Spawns first time at 2 – 3 years and 1 – 2 kg, April – June, in northern areas until August, when temperatures reach about 20 ° C. Female lay about 30,000 eggs per kilogram of body weight. At spawning sites, males defend small territories and build nests of plant material, dig shallow depressions, or clean spawning substrate such as willow (Salix) roots. Males defend nest until larvae emerge. Spawns in pairs. Male embraces female during spawning. Eggs hatch in 2 – 3 days, and larvae remain in nest until yolk sac is absorbed (2 – 4 days). A nocturnal predator, feeding near bottom and in water column. Very sensitive to extraaquatic sounds. Head sensory canal system allows tracking of wakes (a trail of hydrodynamic and chemical signatures left by a swimming fish) of prey up to 10 seconds old over distances up to 55 times length of prey. Larvae and juveniles benthic and negatively phototactic, feeding on a wide variety of invertebrates and fish. Adults feed on fish and other aquatic vertebrates, documented to feed on pigeons at water edge by lunging out of water during daylight.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCEFD8528ABFD12FB60FA90.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; one of most important invasive species in the Western Palearctic.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCFFD842885FB60FA96FA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCFFD842885FB60FA96FA51.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from S. glanis by: ● usually one pair of mental barbels in adults larger than 400 mm SL / ● maxillary barbel usually about equal to head length / ● if anterior mandibular barbel present, shorter than posterior mandibular barbel / ● usually two patches of vomerine teeth / ● pectoral spine strongly serrated on its inner margin. Size up to about 2000 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCFFD842885FB60FA96FA51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Euphrates, Tigris, and Karun drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCFFD842885FB60FA96FA51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large rivers, marshes, lakes, and reservoirs. Biology. Lives up to 12 years in the wild, likely much longer. Spawns first time after 2 – 3 years (Atatürk reservoir).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCFFD842885FB60FA96FA51.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCFFD842885FB60FA96FA51.taxon	discussion	Remarks. All the diagnostic characters may overlap with those of S. glanis, but the combination of all the characters should allow its identification. So far, and despite many introductions of Silurus, the two species are still allopatric.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCCFD8928ABFF54FE0EF82E.taxon	vernacular_names	Torrent catfishes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDCCFD8928ABFF54FE0EF82E.taxon	description	The family comprises approximately 17 genera and 220 species of rheophilic catfishes, with the greatest diversity observed in South and Southeast Asia. One species, Bagarius bagarius, reaches up to 1400 mm SL, while most species are small. Most are highly adapted to live in rapids and very fast-flowing waters, with some (Oreoglanis) inhabiting the vertical part of waterfalls. Some species are found in high-altitude streams in the Himalayas, while the greatest diversity of species is observed in rapids of tropical rivers. In West Asia, only Glyptothorax is found, which is the most speciose genus of the family. Glyptothorax is immediately identified by a thoracic adhesive organ on the breast between the pectorals. The adhesive organ is sometimes referred to as a “ sucker, ” which does not suck to the substrate, but instead adheres with small unculi on elevated skin folds, a structure similar to the feet of gecko lizards. Glyptothorax are adapted to live in fast-flowing waters and are commonly found in foothill rivers and mountain streams. In our region, 13 species are recognised, but six species from Iran are closely related, and their status is under discussion. Two of these (G. alidaeii and G. galaxias) occur in sympatry and are good biological species. Other species may be conspecific with G. silviae, but not all morphological differences have been studied in detail. Three widespread species inhabit large- or medium-sized rivers, while others are restricted to fast-flowing headwater streams with more restricted distribution ranges. A single record of Glyptothorax from the Yeşilırmak in the Anatolian Black Sea basin has been identified, although the integrity of this record cannot be confirmed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC0FD8B28ABFCE3FA84FBDE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Karkheh torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC0FD8B28ABFCE3FA84FBDE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus with, without or with few, very short anteromedial striae, 1.3 – 1.6 times longer than wide, extending to base of last pectoral ray or to posterior limit of pectoral base / ○ caudal-peduncle depth 1.3 – 1.6 times in its length / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus moderately elevated, completely situated on a horse-shoe shaped elevation / ○ medial pit open, without striae / ○ dorsal and lateral head, back and flank with or without small roundish warts / ○ adipose short, its length 0.5 – 0.8 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ○ caudal lobes pointed / ○ inner mandibular barbel 30 – 33 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 43 – 49 % HL / ○ maxillary barbel shorter than head, 76 – 90 % HL / ○ 10 – 12 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ caudal moderately forked, shortest middle caudal ray 57 – 65 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ fins usually with distinct yellow tips / ○ head, back and flank with many, irregular shaped and set brown blotches smaller than eye / ○ many silvery-beige spots and blotches on head and flank in life. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC0FD8B28ABFCE3FA84FBDE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Middle and upper reaches of Karkheh and Karun drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC0FD8B28ABFCE3FA84FBDE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in rapids and riffles on rock or gravel substrate. Limited to hill stream habitats. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC0FD8B28ABFCE3FA84FBDE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC0FD8B28ABFCE3FA84FBDE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Glyptothorax cous, G. alidaeii, and G. galaxias are expected to occur in sympatry in Seymareh (Iran), and G. alidaeii often occurs together with G. galaxias.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC1FD8A2885FCFCFAF5FBC0.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Euphrates torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC1FD8A2885FCFCFAF5FBC0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ● head, back, and flank with many minute tubercles and few roundish warts / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus strongly elevated, 1.0 – 1.5 times longer than wide, usually extending from isthmus to base of last pectoral ray or to posterior limit of pectoral base / ○ striae restricted to elevated apparatus / ○ anteromedial striae numerous and well developed / ○ medial pit without striae / ○ 9 – 12 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ all fins with a distinct, distal yellow tip / ○ adipose short, its length 0.7 – 1.1 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ○ caudal moderately forked, shortest middle caudal ray 62 – 69 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ head and body dark-brown without or with small, often indistinct brown or black spots. Size up to 220 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC1FD8A2885FCFCFAF5FBC0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Syria: Upper Euphrates drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC1FD8A2885FCFCFAF5FBC0.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in rapids and riffles on rock or gravel substrate. Limited to hill stream habitats. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC1FD8A2885FCFCFAF5FBC0.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC1FD8A2885FCFCFAF5FBC0.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Despite some fieldwork in the region, the Glyptothorax recorded from the Yeşilırmak drainage in Anatolian Black Sea basin has never been confirmed. It cannot be excluded that such catfish occur there, and as the Yeşilırmak is adjacent to the Euphrates, it is likely that this species will be identified as G. armeniacus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC6FD8D28ABFD7BFC61FC49.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC6FD8D28ABFD7BFC61FC49.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ● thoracic adhesive apparatus 0.8 – 1.1 times longer than wide, poorly delineated at its posterior margin, only partly situated on shallow, horse-shoe shaped elevation; elevation absent in many adult individuals / ● striae reaching far beyond elevated apparatus, usually onto pectoral base, usually extending from isthmus to base of last pectoral ray or to posterior limit of pectoral base / ○ dorsal head, back and flank usually with large, bony, striated and elongated tubercles (absent in some individuals) / ○ adipose short, its length 0.6 – 1.2 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ○ anteromedial striae well developed / ○ medial pit open, without striae / ○ flank with large dark-brown blotches and or small dark-brown spots. Size up to 450 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC6FD8D28ABFD7BFC61FC49.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, Tigris and Karun drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC6FD8D28ABFD7BFC61FC49.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to moderately fast-flowing medium to large rivers. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates, as adults, mainly on fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC6FD8D28ABFD7BFC61FC49.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC6FD8D28ABFD7BFC61FC49.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The mtDNA of G. cous from the Tigris is nested within mtDNA of G. daemon. There may have been some introgressive hybridisation between the two species. This would also mean that the mtDNA of G. cous from the Euphrates could be very different from that of Tigris population, and great caution should be exercised in identifying G. cous based on mtDNA alone.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC7FD8C2885FCA8FAD3FB19.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ghost torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC7FD8C2885FCA8FAD3FB19.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus with several, long anteromedial striae, 1.1 – 1.3 times longer than wide, extending to base of last pectoral ray, or to posterior limit of pectoral base / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus strongly elevated, completely situated on a horse-shoe shaped elevation / ○ medial pit open, without striae / ○ dorsal and lateral head, back and flank with small roundish warts / ○ adipose short, its length 0.7 – 1.1 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ○ caudal lobes rounded / ○ caudal-peduncle 1.6 – 2.1 times in its length / ○ maxillary barbel shorter than head, 72 – 85 % HL / ○ inner mandibular barbel 21 – 30 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 42 – 51 % HL / ○ 7 – 11 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ caudal moderately forked, shortest middle caudal ray 55 – 59 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ fins usually without, rarely with very indistinct yellow tips / ○ flank dark-grey or black with few small black spots, rarely pale-brown. Size up to 125 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC7FD8C2885FCA8FAD3FB19.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye and Iraq: Upper Tigris and Great Zab drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC7FD8C2885FCA8FAD3FB19.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in mountain streams, rapids, and riffles on rocky or gravelly bottoms. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC7FD8C2885FCA8FAD3FB19.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC7FD8C2885FCA8FAD3FB19.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Glyptothorax daemon populations in upper Tigris may be quite isolated from each other, as they show a shallow but consistent separation in their mtDNA. All these populations belong to one old species, and are not to be described as own species in the future, ignoring the absence of morphological differences.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8F28ABFB08FA84F904.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. White-spot torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8F28ABFB08FA84F904.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus with many and long anteromedial striae, 1.3 – 1.5 times longer than wide, extending to posterior-most pectoral base / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus strongly elevated, almost or completely situated on a horse-shoe shaped elevation / ○ medial pit open, without striae / ○ dorsal and lateral head, back and flank with small round warts / ○ adipose length 0.5 – 0.8 of distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ○ caudal lobes rounded / ○ caudal moderately forked, its shortest middle caudal ray 61 – 65 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ head pointed and short, 21 – 24 % SL / ○ maximum head width 84 – 101 % HL / ○ postdorsal length 52 – 54 % SL / ○ preanal length 65 – 72 % SL / ○ eye diameter 10 – 14 % HL / ○ caudal-peduncle 1.6 – 2.1 times in its length / ○ maxillary barbel shorter than head, 77 – 91 % HL / ○ inner mandibular barbel 26 – 33 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 56 – 58 % HL / ○ 9 – 12 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ all fins with a distinct, distal yellow tip / ○ head, back and flank with many, irregular shaped and set brown blotches as large as eye diameter or slightly larger. Size up to 114 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8F28ABFB08FA84F904.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Upper Karun and Karkheh drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8F28ABFB08FA84F904.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in mountain streams, rapids, and riffles on rocky or gravelly bottoms. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8F28ABFB08FA84F904.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8F28ABFB08FA84F904.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Occurs often in sympatry with G. alidaeii.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8E2B39F94BFAA5FC49.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Zohreh torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8E2B39F94BFAA5FC49.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ○ maxillary barbel as long as head, 95 – 108 % HL / ○ inner mandibular barbel 25 – 35 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 46 – 61 % HL / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus with many and long anteromedial striae, 1.0 – 1.2 times longer than wide, usually extending posterior-most pectoral base / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus moderately elevated, almost or completely situated on a horse-shoe shaped elevation / ○ medial pit open, without striae / ○ dorsal and lateral head, back and flank with small round warts / ○ adipose short, its length 0.5 – 0.8 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ○ caudal lobes pointed / ○ caudal deeply forked, shortest middle caudal ray 42 – 49 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ caudal-peduncle 1.3 – 1.6 times in its length / ○ 9 – 11 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ all fins with a distinct, distal yellow tip / ○ many black or dark-brown blotches on head, back and flank usually smaller than eye diameter. Size up to 90 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8E2B39F94BFAA5FC49.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Zohreh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8E2B39F94BFAA5FC49.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in mountain streams, rapids, and riffles on rocky or gravelly bottoms. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDC4FD8E2B39F94BFAA5FC49.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD9128ABFD54FEDCF9C8.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tigris torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD9128ABFD54FEDCF9C8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ● thoracic adhesive apparatus 0.7 – 0.9 times longer than wide / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus almost or completely situated on a horse-shoe shaped elevation, usually extending from isthmus to base of first or third branched pectoral ray / ○ anteromedial striae few, very short or absent / ○ striae not reaching onto pectoral base / ○ medial pit open, without striae / ○ dorsal and lateral head, back and flank with small round warts / ○ adipose short, its length 0.6 – 1.0 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ○ caudal-peduncle length 13 – 16 % SL / ○ caudal-peduncle 1.1 – 1.3 times in its length / ○ maxillary barbel 74 – 92 % HL / ○ inner mandibular barbel 31 – 36 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 53 – 63 % HL / ○ 9 – 12 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ all fins with a distinct, distal yellow tip / ○ few black or dark-brown blotches on flank. Size up to 122 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD9128ABFD54FEDCF9C8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Upper Tigris (Türkiye) to Sirvan drainage (Iran).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD9128ABFD54FEDCF9C8.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in mountain streams, rapids, and riffles on rocky or gravelly bottoms. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD9128ABFD54FEDCF9C8.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD902B39FD54FC8FFC58.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pale torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD902B39FD54FC8FFC58.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ○ head and body pale-brown without brown or black spots / ○ head and flank with roundish or elongate warts, without tubercles / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus strongly elevated, 1.0 – 1.2 times longer than wide, usually extending from isthmus to base of last pectoral ray or to posterior limit of pectoral base / ○ medial pit narrow and spear-blade shaped, without striae / ○ striae restricted to elevated apparatus / ○ anteromedial striae absent or very short / ○ caudal-peduncle 1.1 – 1.3 times in its length / ○ caudal lobes pointed / ○ caudal deeply forked, shortest middle caudal ray 47 – 53 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ head depth 53 – 57 % HL / ○ maximum head width 73 – 80 % HL / ○ maxillary barbel 90 – 95 % HL / ○ inner mandibular barbel 38 – 42 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 52 – 59 % HL, reaching pectoral origin / ○ 10 – 11 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ upper head, back and flank without brown or black spots or blotches / ○ all fins with a distinct, distal yellow tip / ○ adipose short, its length 0.5 – 0.8 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin. Size up to 69 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD902B39FD54FC8FFC58.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Sirvan drainage, including Goleyn, Alvand, Zemkan, and Sirvan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD902B39FD54FC8FFC58.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in mountain streams, rapids, and riffles on rocky or gravelly bottoms. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD902B39FD54FC8FFC58.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDAFD902B39FD54FC8FFC58.taxon	discussion	Remarks. As the Sirvan flows into Iraq to join Tigris, this species is expected to occur there.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDBFD902885FBEFFABFFBED.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sardasht torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDBFD902885FBEFFABFFBED.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ○ head and body pale-brown without brown or black spots / ○ head and flank without roundish or elongate warts, without tubercles / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus slightly elevated, 0.8 – 1.2 times longer than wide, usually extending from isthmus to base of third or fifth branched pectoral ray / ○ striae restricted to elevated apparatus / ○ anteromedial striae few and short / ○ medial pit without striae, broad, its anterior end roundish / ○ caudal-peduncle 1.6 – 2.3 times in its length / ○ caudal lobes pointed / ○ caudal deeply forked / ○ head depth 37 – 52 % HL / ○ maximum head width 72 – 88 % HL / ○ maxillary barbel 53 – 95 % HL / ○ upper head, back and flank without brown or black spots or blotches / ○ inner mandibular barbel 22 – 31 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 33 – 53 % HL, not reaching pectoral origin / ○ 9 – 11 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ all fins with a distinct, distal yellow tip. Size up to 67 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDBFD902885FBEFFABFFBED.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lesser Zab (Iran) and Batman drainages (Türkiye). Potentially more widespread.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDBFD902885FBEFFABFFBED.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in mountain streams, rapids, and riffles on rocky or gravelly bottoms. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDBFD902885FBEFFABFFBED.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD8FD9328ABFF5EFA84FDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Shapur torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD8FD9328ABFF5EFA84FDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus with few, very short anteromedial striae, 1.0 – 1.2 times longer than wide, extending to base of last pectoral ray or to posterior limit of pectoral base / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus strongly elevated, completely situated on a horse-shoe shaped elevation / ○ medial pit open, without striae / ○ dorsal and lateral head, back and flank with or without small roundish warts / ○ adipose short, its length 0.5 – 0.8 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ○ caudal lobes pointed / ○ caudal deeply forked, its shortest middle caudal ray 46 – 49 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ caudal-peduncle 1.1 – 1.3 times in its length / ○ inner mandibular barbel 18 – 22 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 42 – 44 % HL / ○ maxillary barbel shorter than head, 81 – 84 % HL / ○ 9 – 11 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ fins usually with distinct yellow tips / ○ head, back and flank with few, irregular shaped dark-brown blotches as large as eye diameter or larger, and many, very small dark-brown points, much smaller than eye diameter / ○ no silvery-beige spots and blotches on head and flank in life. Size up to 81 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD8FD9328ABFF5EFA84FDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Helleh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD8FD9328ABFF5EFA84FDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in mountain streams, rapids, and riffles on rocky or gravelly bottoms. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD8FD9328ABFF5EFA84FDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD8FD9328ABFF5EFA84FDD6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The description of G. shapuri may be based on juveniles, and the morphometric and colour pattern characters may be different in adults. However, we cannot exclude that this is a true dwarf species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD9FD922885FD9AFB47FC2C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD9FD922885FD9AFB47FC2C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus with no or few, very short anteromedial striae, 1.0 – 1.2 times longer than wide, extending to base of last pectoral ray or to posterior limit of pectoral base / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus elevated, completely situated on a horse-shoe shaped elevation / ○ medial pit open, without striae / ○ dorsal and lateral head, back and flank with or without small roundish warts / ○ adipose short, its length 0.8 – 1.0 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ○ caudal lobes pointed / ○ caudal moderately forked, its shortest middle caudal ray 61 – 65 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ caudal-peduncle 1.3 – 1.6 times in its length / ○ inner mandibular barbel 45 – 48 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 67 – 74 % HL / ○ maxillary barbel as long as head, 92 – 110 % HL / ○ 9 – 11 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ caudal deeply forked, shortest middle caudal ray 40 – 43 % of longest ray of upper caudal lobe / ○ fins usually with distinct yellow tips / ○ flank grey or brown with few or many spots and small blotches or only small blotches all smaller than eye diameter, without silvery-beige spots and blotches on life. Size up to 100 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD9FD922885FD9AFB47FC2C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Jarrahi drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD9FD922885FD9AFB47FC2C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing water in mountain streams, rapids, and riffles on rocky or gravelly bottoms. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD9FD922885FD9AFB47FC2C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDEFD9528ABFD9AFBA9FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Longfin torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDEFD9528ABFD9AFBA9FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ● adipose very long, its length 1.5 – 3.0 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ● medial pit closed by striae / ● 13 – 17 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ head pointed, short, 21 – 23 % SL / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus slightly elevated, 1.1 – 1.5 times longer than wide, on a shallow horse-shoe shaped elevation; extending from isthmus to base of last pectoral ray or to posterior limit of pectoral base / ○ anteromedial striae not or poorly developed / ○ dorsal head and predorsal back with large, striated, elongated tubercles / ○ distance between anus anal origin 5.0 – 6.7 % SL / ○ flank with small black spots or without spots. Size up to 190 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDEFD9528ABFD9AFBA9FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Tigris below Diyarbakır; Euphrates in Syria, Nahr Al-Khabur, a tributary of Euphrates in Syria, and Lesser Zab in Iraq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDEFD9528ABFD9AFBA9FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast to moderately fast-flowing medium to large rivers. Biology. Nocturnal. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDEFD9528ABFD9AFBA9FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDFFD942885FF5EFA25FE06.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kangavar torrent catfish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDFFD942885FF5EFA25FE06.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Glyptothorax in West Asia by: ● thoracic adhesive apparatus 0.8 – 1.1 times longer than wide / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus almost or completely situated on a horse-shoe shaped elevation, usually extending from isthmus to base of first or third branched pectoral ray / ○ thoracic adhesive apparatus moderately elevated with few, short anteromedial striae / ○ caudal-peduncle length 16 – 20 % SL / ○ anteromedial striae few, very short / ○ striae not reaching onto pectoral base / ○ medial pit wide, the roundish anterior end, open, without striae / ○ dorsal and lateral head, back and flank with small round warts / ○ adipose short, its length 0.5 – 0.7 times larger than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin / ○ caudal-peduncle 1.1 – 1.3 times in its length / ○ maxillary barbel 72 – 99 % HL / ○ inner mandibular barbel 31 – 45 % HL / ○ outer mandibular barbel 50 – 81 % HL / ○ 5 – 8 serrae on pectoral spine / ○ all fins with a distinct, distal yellow tip / ○ many black or dark-brown blotches on flank. Size up to 91 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDFFD942885FF5EFA25FE06.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: lower reaches of Kangavar in Karkheh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDFFD942885FF5EFA25FE06.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Moderately fast-flowing medium-sized rivers. Biology. Nocturnal, hiding under rocks during day. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDFFD942885FF5EFA25FE06.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; known from only one small stream, extirpated from Aran and Chardavol.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDCFD9728ABFF54FD8CFB55.taxon	vernacular_names	Pikes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDCFD9728ABFF54FD8CFB55.taxon	description	The family comprises three genera (Esox, Dallia, Novumbra) related to salmonid fishes and the mudminnows of the family Umbridae. Esox, comprises seven species, three of which are endemic to North America and two endemic to Europe. They are highly distinctive, predatory fishes with a large, duckbill-like snout and dorsal and anal fins located far back on the body. Esox lucius, native to North America and Eurasia; E. cisalpinus, endemic to Italy; and E. aquitanicus, endemic to France, are species known from the West Palearctic. Additionally, E. reichertii is endemic to the Amur basin in Russia, Mongolia, and China. Pikes have a rich fossil record, spanning from the Late Cretaceous to the Holocene and covering much of the northern hemisphere. The first species of Esox (E. tiemani) was discovered in the Palaeocene of Alberta and Saskatchewan (Canada), estimated to be approximately 62 million years old. Fossils of Esox from the Eocene and later periods are also well documented in Europe. Due to its commercial value, E. lucius has been introduced locally in West Asia. In Spain, the introduction of E. lucius has resulted in the local extirpation of almost all native fish species, where Esox maintain high population densities and feed predominantly on crayfish (also introduced). The ecological effects of non-native pike in West Asia still need to be studied.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDCFD962B39FEF5FD3AFDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pike.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDCFD962B39FEF5FD3AFDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other freshwater fishes in West Asia by: ○ snout long / ○ mouth large / ○ dorsal origin slightly in front of anal origin / ○ 105 – 148 total lateral line scales. Size up to 1300 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDCFD962B39FEF5FD3AFDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Native to Caspian, Black, Baltic, White, Barents, Arctic, North and Aral Seas and Atlantic basins, southwest to Loire drainage; Mediterranean basin, in Rhône drainage. Widespread in North America, Central Asia, and Siberia east to Anadyr drainage (Bering Sea basin). Historically absent from North Africa, Mediterranean, endorheic basins of West Asia, and Persian Gulf basin. Also, non-native to Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean France, Italy, southern and western Greece, eastern Adriatic basin, Iceland, western Norway, and northern Scotland. Now widely introduced and translocated throughout West Asia, North Africa and Europe.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDCFD962B39FEF5FD3AFDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Occurs in a variety of habitats with aquatic or periodically flooded vegetation. Often semi-anadromous in parts of northern Baltic basin with lower salinity. Biology. Males spawn first at 170 – 350 mm SL, females at 250 – 400 mm SL, at 1 – 6 years. Reproduction closely linked to presence of submerged vegetation. Spawns in late winter – early spring, between February in south and June in north, when temperatures rise above 5 ° C. Several males compete for a single female. Eggs are laid in flooded areas and on submerged vegetation over a period of 2 – 5 days. Juvenile survival is negatively related to biomass of older individuals and positively related to area of submerged vegetation. Feeds on a variety of small vertebrates, mainly fish and large invertebrates such as decapod crustaceans. Cannibalism is common. In Arctic lakes, there may be only pike in a given body of water; in such cases, juveniles feed on invertebrates and terrestrial vertebrates; large individuals are predominantly cannibals. Other fish avoid areas with pike feces, which contain alarm pheromones.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDDCFD962B39FEF5FD3AFDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD2FD9928ABFF54FA04FEE8.taxon	vernacular_names	Whitefishes and ciscoes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD2FD9928ABFF54FA04FEE8.taxon	description	The family comprises a variety of medium-sized to large fishes with slender and compressed, silvery bodies covered by numerous small scales (60 – 110), a dorsal adipose fin, and very small or absent teeth. The family includes anadromous and pure freshwater species in northern Europe, Asia, and North America. Most species are pelagic, form schools, and feed on small crustaceans. In autumn, both sexes develop nuptial tubercles on each lateral scale. Whitefish are renowned for their propensity to evolve rapidly, particularly in European, Siberian, and North American lakes, where they adapt to specific ecological conditions and form their own niches. This has resulted in recognising numerous species, often endemic to a single or few lakes. The majority of species have a high commercial value and are intensively fished. Some are cultivated, with fry of many populations and species produced artificially and stocked outside their native range, resulting in hybrid stocks and other manipulations. The genetic integrity of several wild populations and species is under threat, with several species now extinct following the formation of hybrid swarms and habitat modification. Two species have been introduced to lakes in the Caucasus, with one of them forming an endemic species of hybrid origin. The anadromous Stenodus leucichthys is frequently reported from West Asia and found in the Caspian Sea. However, we are unaware of any confirmed records of this species entering rivers in the region, and it appears to have always been restricted to the northern, European part of the sea. Fish from the remaining population in the Volga may occasionally enter the Asian part of the Caspian Sea. However, it is doubtful that they will enter rivers to spawn and can be found in freshwater here. It The species is not included in the scope of this book.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD2FD982B39FE7FFD9BFCD2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Baltic cisco.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD2FD982B39FE7FFD9BFCD2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Lake Sevan whitefish by: ● mouth superior, upper jaw shorter than lower one / ● 38 – 50 gill rakers. Size up to about 350 mm SL, many populations much smaller.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD2FD982B39FE7FFD9BFCD2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Introduced in 1930 s from Lake Ladoga (Russia) to Lake Paravani (Georgia) and Lake Kartsakhi (Aktaş, Türkiye). Native to Baltic basin, lakes of upper Volga drainage (Seliger, Vseluga, Perejaslavskoe), some lakes of White Sea and North Sea basins east of Elbe drainage. Anadromous in Gulf of Finland and marine in northernmost freshwater part of Gulf of Bothnia. North to about 69 ° N in Lake Inari, northern Finland. Native also all over northern Europe, Siberia and Pacific America, where C. sardinella is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD2FD982B39FE7FFD9BFCD2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine and marine, in open water. At sea, foraging close to shore. Spawns on banks, 3 – 10 m deep, rarely down to 22 m or just below surface. Spawns deeper in clear lakes and closer to surface in humic lakes. Biology. Anadromous, marine and freshwater populations. Spawns first time at 2 – 5 years (2 – 3 in Lake Onega), males usually earlier than females. Spawns in October (Central Finland) December (Northern Germany) at 6 – 7 ° C. Anadromous populations begin river migration in August (Neva). Eggs hatch March – April, and juveniles migrate to sea in late summer of first year in anadromous populations. Larvae pelagic, near surface and usually near coast. Adults usually in deep waters during day, moving to upper layers at night. Feeds on zooplankton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD2FD982B39FE7FFD9BFCD2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; introduced for commercial fisheries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD3FD982885FC64FB59FABD.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sevan whitefish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD3FD982885FC64FB59FABD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from C. albula by: ● mouth terminal or inferior, upper jaw longer than or equal to lower one / ● 27 – 36 (38) gill rakers. Size up to about 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD3FD982885FC64FB59FABD.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Armenia: Lake Sevan. Introduced from Lake Sevan to Lake Issykul (Kyrgyzstan) in 1973 and from there to Charvak Reservoir (Uzbekistan) in 1980 s. Likely introduced to other lakes in former Soviet Union.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD3FD982885FC64FB59FABD.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine, spawns in lakes. Biology. Pelagic, spawns in autumn and early winter along shores. Feeds on plankton and benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD3FD982885FC64FB59FABD.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Not assessed due to the very poor knowledge about this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD3FD982885FC64FB59FABD.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Two species were introduced in Lake Sevan in 1920 s: Coregonus ludoga from Lake Ladoga and C. maraenoides from Lake Chudskoe (both in northern European Russia). These two species naturalised and hybridised in Lake Sevan, and an intermediate phenotype was subsequently described as Coregonus lavaretus sevanicus. Introducing this whitefish may have been one reason for the collapse of trout populations in Lake Sevan. Coregonus sevanicus is treated here as a valid species of hybrid origin. However, due to the lack of recent data, we cannot confirm or reject any taxonomic hypothesis related to this species. Coregonus ludoga was also introduced in Lake Tabatskuri in Georgia from the Volkhov hatchery in the 1930 s. Still, the species has not been recorded for at least the last 50 years, and we suspect that the population may have been extirpated.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD0FD9B28ABFF54FED2F8C5.taxon	vernacular_names	Trout	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD0FD9B28ABFF54FED2F8C5.taxon	description	Salmonids are medium- to large-sized fishes that inhabit a wide range of habitats with clear, cold, and well-oxygenated water. They are native to the northern hemisphere but have been widely introduced for aquaculture, commercial, and recreational fisheries in cold waters worldwide. They have a very diverse and fascinating evolutionary biology, grow to a commercial size, and have good-tasting flesh with few bones. Nevertheless, few groups of fish have been so heavily impacted by human activities. The most significant challenge for salmonid conservation is stocking non-native salmonid species, or populations, for recreational and commercial purposes. In Europe, salmonid stocking has resulted in the genetic pollution of many native populations. Recent molecular studies suggest that genetic pollution of trout is limited in West Asia, as mostly rainbow trout are stocked. However, the over-exploitation of water sources, river regulation (dams, weirs), poaching, and climate change pose significant threats to many trout populations in the region. Until the late 20 th century, virtually all trout native to the West Palearctic were identified as Salmo trutta. Many species described in the 19 th century are now treated as valid, and many new species have been described in the 21 st century, especially from Türkiye. Recent genomic studies indicate that trout populations in the Mediterranean and Ponto-Caspian regions diverged relatively recently, within a timeframe of 0.5 – 2.5 million years ago. This resulted in minimal to no mitochondrial DNA divergence. Standard molecular approaches, such as cytochrome oxidase 1 barcoding, have been unsuccessful in recognising the diversity of trout in West Asia. This is because all populations have relatively recently separated and, therefore, are not comparable with the evolutionary age of other species of fishes in the region. Species richness, high rates of phenotypic morphological and ecological diversification, and a very low genetic divergence between species make studies on the evolution of trout attractive and challenging. It is evident that recent gene flow and isolation of the populations of trout, particularly in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf basins, have resulted in the evolution of small morphological differences, which has led to the recognition of a high number of species. Furthermore, natural hybridisation between different trout lineages has probably played an important role in the origin of several populations. This phenomenon requires further investigation into the species of West Asia. In conclusion, the available genomic evidence supports the view that trout are distributed in many isolated populations, which can be distinguished by details in colour and morphology. Should trout be classified as a multi-species taxon or better recognised as populations of one species (Salmo trutta) with small differences? This is a debated question and we are curious to follow the research on this in the coming years. Some authors treat Coregonidae and Thymallidae as subfamilies, a view that is not adopted here.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD1FD9A2885FCA8FC56FA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Rainbow trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD1FD9A2885FCA8FC56FA51.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Salmo by: ● wide, pink to red stripe from head to caudal base (except in sea-run form) / ● caudal with black spots at least on upper lobe, usually on whole fin. Size up to 1000 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD1FD9A2885FCA8FC56FA51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Widespread or stocked from fish farms, especially in Türkiye and Iran. Unclear where established. Native to Kamchatka and south to lower Amur drainage and Pacific basin of North America south to northern Mexico.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD1FD9A2885FCA8FC56FA51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Stocked in cold lakes, rivers, and streams. Usually not stocked in water with summer temperatures above 25 ° C or in ponds with very low oxygen concentrations. Spawns on gravel in fast-flowing water. Biology. Anadromous, lacustrine, and resident forms. Often spawns first time at 1 year, 3 – 5 years in north, usually in February – May when temperatures rise above 10 – 15 ° C. Farmed trout mature August – April, depending on strain. Makes short spawning migrations. Anadromous and lake forms may undertake long migrations to spawning streams. Females build redds in gravel bottom of moderate to fast-flowing streams or rivers. Breeding populations will not be established if peak juvenile emergence coincides with flood season and cold summer temperatures, and if temperatures do not fall below 13 ° C. In agonistic behaviour, O. mykiss fry dominate Salmo fry of similar size, and juvenile and adult Salmo dominate similar size rainbow trout. Feeds on a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and small fish. At sea, feeds on fish and cephalopods. Feeding is negligible below 5 ° C and above 25 ° C water temperature.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FDD1FD9A2885FCA8FC56FA51.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; introduced for recreational fisheries and as escapees from fish farms.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2AFD6128ABFD54FCDFFC3A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Abant trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2AFD6128ABFD54FCDFFC3A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Marmara and Black Sea basins by: ● flank silvery in life with many black spots and polygonal blotches much larger than pupil scattered on whole flank in individuals larger than 210 mm SL / ● no red spots on flank in individuals larger than about 210 mm SL / ○ maxilla short, reaching slightly behind posterior êye margin in male larger than about 230 mm SL / ○ 103 – 121 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 26 – 28 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line. Size up to 500 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2AFD6128ABFD54FCDFFC3A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Abant basin. Introduced into several ponds and reservoirs in Türkiye for recreational fishing; establishment remains uncertain except for a confirmed population in Ulugöl (Ordu Province).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2AFD6128ABFD54FCDFFC3A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine, spawns in springs in lake itself and in lake tributaries. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2AFD6128ABFD54FCDFFC3A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; situation appears to be relatively stable, but species may be conservation dependent, and a stock of this species is maintained in captivity to produce juveniles for stocking.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2AFD6128ABFD54FCDFFC3A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Genomic data support recognising this species as distinct from S. labrax and S. rizeensis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FF5EFD23FD5B.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sevan spring trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FF5EFD23FD5B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Caspian basin by: ○ flank silvery with black and red spots in individuals of all size groups / ○ parr marks distinct up to about 100 mm SL, absent or indistinct in larger individuals. Size up to 500 mm SL and 1.9 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FF5EFD23FD5B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Armenia: Lake Sevan basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FF5EFD23FD5B.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine, spawns in lake and in mouths of tributaries. Biology. Spawns in spring and early summer. Feeds mainly on benthic gammarid crustaceans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FF5EFD23FD5B.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; might by CR; may be extinct in the wild, surviving only through artificial propagation and stocking.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FAD6FAC2FA16.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Aras trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FAD6FAC2FA16.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Caspian basin by: ○ background colour of flank greyish to brownish in life / ○ few black spots scattered on back and upper part of flank, often ocellated with a roundish narrow white ring / ○ 21 – 22 gill rakers / ○ 103 – 114 lateral-line scales / ○ 10 – 13 parr marks, distinct up to about 130 mm SL / ○ adipose not reaching base of caudal in male larger than 200 mm SL / ○ no dark band on flank. Size up to 276 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FAD6FAC2FA16.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Kırkpınar, Alacasu, Porsuklu, and İncilipınar in upper Aras drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FAD6FAC2FA16.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwaters with clear and fast-flowing water, with stone and gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FAD6FAC2FA16.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2BFD602885FAD6FAC2FA16.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is likely conspecific with S. caspius; see the discussion there. More research is needed to resolve the case of Kura and Aras trout, all of which (except Lake Sevan trout) are likely to be conspecific.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD28FD6328ABFD54FAA4FCD2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ardahan trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD28FD6328ABFD54FAA4FCD2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Caspian basin by: ○ background colour of flank yellowish to dark-brown in life / ○ black spots few to numerous, roundish, medium size (approximately equal to pupil), ocellated, scattered on back, middle and upper part of flank in some individuals, restricted to back and upper part of flank in others / ○ number of black spots not or slightly increasing with increasing size in most males / ○ 19 – 21 gill rakers / ○ 112 – 119 lateral-line scales / ○ adipose large, almost reaching to caudal base in male larger than about 170 mm SL / ○ no dark bands on flank. Size up to 280 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD28FD6328ABFD54FAA4FCD2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Kura drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD28FD6328ABFD54FAA4FCD2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwaters with clear and fast-flowing water, with stone and gravel bottoms. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD28FD6328ABFD54FAA4FCD2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD28FD6328ABFD54FAA4FCD2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is likely conspecific with S. caspius; see the discussion there. More research is needed to resolve the case of Kura and Aras trout, all of which (except Lake Sevan trout) are likely to be conspecific.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD29FD622885FF58FAC3FEBC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Murat trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD29FD622885FF58FAC3FEBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ● red spots on flank larger than pupil / ○ red spots on flank irregularly shaped / ○ background colour of flank greyish or brown / ○ usually one, rarely two grey spots or blotches behind eye and on cheek / ○ 3 – 7 black spots on opercle / ○ few black spots on back and upper part of flank, absent on predorsal area / ○ no black spots on top of head / ○ number of black and red spots not increasing with size / ○ 1 – 2 dark-brown or grey bands on posterior part of flank / ○ 107 – 118 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 24 – 28 scales rows between lateral line and dorsal origin. Size up to 270 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD29FD622885FF58FAC3FEBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sinek and Cumaçay in upper Murat drainage, potentially in adjacent streams.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD29FD622885FF58FAC3FEBC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams with cold, clear water, moderate current, gravelly and pebbly bottom. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD29FD622885FF58FAC3FEBC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD29FD622885FAA1FAC3FA42.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Nilufer trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD29FD622885FAA1FAC3FA42.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Marmara and Black Sea basins by: ○ one black spot in postorbital and suborbital area, greater than pupil / ○ 2 – 4 black spots on opercle, usually smaller than pupil / ○ less than 60 black spots on body, approximately smaller or equal to pupil, often ocellated, scattered on back and upper part of flank (missing in predorsal area) / ○ less than 40 red spots, smaller than pupil, irregularly shaped, surrounded by an irregularly shaped narrow ring, organised in 2 – 4 irregular longitudinal rows / ○ number of black and red spots not increasing with size / ○ interorbital width 7 – 8 % SL / ○ anal height 12 – 15 % SL in male / ○ adipose height 8 – 9 % SL. Size up to 187 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD29FD622885FAA1FAC3FA42.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Aras, Deliçay, and Ericek, potentially all tributaries to Nilüfer in Susurluk drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD29FD622885FAA1FAC3FA42.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Clear and fast-flowing streams with a substrate of gravel and pebbles. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD29FD622885FAA1FAC3FA42.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2EFD6428ABFB39FC07FC0F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caspian trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2EFD6428ABFB39FC07FC0F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Resident populations distinguished from Lake Sevan trout by: ● flank brown, grey, yellowish or greenish (silvery without orange spots in anadromous form) / ● black spots usually restricted to back and upper part of flank, rarely on midlateral flank, then spots usually grey or pale-brown / ● parr marks distinct up to about 350 mm SL / ○ flank with many red spots in individuals smaller than 350 mm SL. Anadromous individuals larger than 350 mm SL distinguished from Lake Sevan trout by: ● flank with very small, irregularly shaped, black blotches (vs. many, very large, roundish spots) / ● caudal truncate (vs. emarginate). Size up to 1300 mm SL in anadromous form, usually up to 300 mm SL in resident form.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2EFD6428ABFB39FC07FC0F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian, Lake Namak, and Lake Urmia basins. Kura and Aras drainages north to Volga and Ural. Introduced in Western Kavir, and Karun (Iran). Records not shown on map as details are lacking.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2EFD6428ABFB39FC07FC0F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, along coast to 50 m depths. Locally resident in lakes. Migrates to mountain streams. Resident part of populations in streams and headwaters with fast currents, cold, clear water, and stony or gravelly bottoms. Spawning sites usually in upper reaches of fast-flowing rivers and streams. Biology. Anadromous, lacustrine, and resident forms. First spawn at 3 – 5 years, females 1 year later than males. Spawns October – December. Before construction of dams and river regulation, two migration waves, first in summer – autumn, peaking in October, with adults spawning in same autumn and returning to sea in December; second in late autumn – winter, peaking in December – February, with adults spawning in following autumn after about 10 – 12 months in river. Eggs hatch in 6 – 8 weeks. Anadromous individuals in Terek drainage probably spawn once in life, but some females from other populations spawn up to 4 times. Parrs spend 2 – 4 years, sometimes more, in rivers and then migrate to sea. Commonly spends up to 4 years at sea before returning to rivers. Parr and resident adults feed on a wide variety of aquatic and terrestril invertebrates. Anadromous and large lacustrine individuals feed mainly on fish but also on large crustaceans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2EFD6428ABFB39FC07FC0F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2EFD6428ABFB39FC07FC0F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The northern range of S. caspius remains unclear, as S. trutta appears to have naturally invaded the upper Volga. The diversity of trout in Caspian basin has been greatly confused by the description of S. ardahanensis, S. araxensis, and S. murathani from Türkiye and the restriction of S. caspius and S. ciscaucasicus to anadromous populations. We strongly disagree with this approach. In all well-studied cases of Salmonidae, anadromous and resident individuals are conspecific, and this should have been the null hypothesis to be rejected by data. That an anadromous trout is (was) reproductively isolated from sympatric resident trout should have been demonstrated, as the opposite is the only demonstrated situation in Salmonidae. Reversing the burden of proof leads to a situation where each population could, in principle, be described as a separate species — and others are asked to prove the opposite. Although sympatric anadromous and resident Salmo species cannot be completely excluded, such a finding would be the first and only case in Salmonidae in riverine ecosystems. We await further studies on Caspian trout to resolve the case, but in the meantime, we have to accept the different species as valid. Salmo ciscaucasicus from the European Caucasus is probably a synonym of S. caspius.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2CFD6728ABFF5EFC37FDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ceyhan trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2CFD6728ABFF5EFC37FDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Mediterranean basin by: ● dorsal head profile strongly convex / ● snout blunt / ● mouth conspicuously subterminal, with fleshly maxilla and lower lip / ○ maxilla short, depth of upper jaw 2.5 – 2.9 times in length of maxilla / ● size of adipose equal in male and female / ● length of maxilla equal in male and female / ○ 10 – 13 parr marks, distinct up to about 200 mm SL / ○ a narrow (equal or smaller than eye pupil) white ring around red spots / ○ 7 – 13 black spots on opercle / ○ 1 – 12 black spots behind eye and on cheek (more than one spot in individuals larger than about 160 mm SL) / ○ four broad bands on flank distinctive in all size groups / ○ few red spots on flank in individuals of all size groups / ○ 108 – 114 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 24 – 26 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 15 – 17 scale rows between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 13 – 14 scale rows between adipose origin and lateral line / ○ 18 – 21 gill rakers. Size up to 300 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2CFD6728ABFF5EFC37FDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Göksu, Tekir, Fırnız, Göçüksu, and other tributaries of upper Ceyhan and Sarız, a tributary to upper Seyhan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2CFD6728ABFF5EFC37FDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mountain streams, usually spring-fed, with cold, clear water and moderate currents, gravel, and pebble beds. Biology. Spawns November – February.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2CFD6728ABFF5EFC37FDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD2CFD6728ABFF5EFC37FDF4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The very limited genomic data suggest a relatively weak genetic differentiation for this species, making it very close to or even identical to European S. farioides and S. lourosensis. Admittedly, increased sample sizes and taxon sampling will be required to assess the validity of retaining the species more rigorously. However, its genetic differentiation is weaker than that observed between other recognised trout species elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6928ABFF5EFAB9FEBC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Köprüçay trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6928ABFF5EFAB9FEBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Mediterranean basin by: ○ black spots on flank in individuals of all size groups / ○ one small black spot in postorbital and suborbital areas, larger than pupil / ○ head length 26 – 30 % SL / ○ caudal peduncle depth 9 – 10 % SL / ○ 7 – 17 black spots on opercle / ○ 9 – 10 parr marks / ○ 4 broad dark bands on flank / ○ maxilla short and narrow / ○ 108 – 118 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 21 – 25 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 16 – 18 scale rows between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 11 – 13 scale rows between adipose origin and lateral line / ○ 22 – 24 gill rakers / ○ head not dorso-ventrally flattened. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6928ABFF5EFAB9FEBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Köprüçay drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6928ABFF5EFAB9FEBC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams, usually fed by springs, with cold and clear water with moderate currents and substrate of stones and pebbles. Biology. Spawns December – January.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6928ABFF5EFAB9FEBC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6828ABFA93FC81FA16.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Northern Euphrates trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6828ABFA93FC81FA16.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ○ flank brownish in life / ○ one black spot behind eye / ○ 2 – 9 black spots on opercle / ○ 0 – 54 roundish black spots on flank, restricted to back (usually missing in predorsal area) and upper part of flanks / ○ number of black spots not increasing with size / ○ 13 – 53 small red spots on flank, round in male and irregularly shaped in female / ○ adipose dark-grey / ● mouth gape length 14.3 – 16.5 % SL in male, 12.3 – 14.9 in female / ○ adipose large, with 0 – 4 orange spots on its posterior margin / ○ 10 – 12 parr marks, distinct up to about 200 mm SL / ○ 112 – 120 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ● 26 – 31 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin. Size up to 260 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6828ABFA93FC81FA16.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Şenyurt, Erzincan, Kuzgun, Rizekent, Ağırcık, Sırlı (Karasu drainage) in northern Euphrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6828ABFA93FC81FA16.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams with cold, clear water, moderate current, gravelly and pebbly bottom. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6828ABFA93FC81FA16.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD22FD6828ABFA93FC81FA16.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Genomic data suggest that natural hybridisation between Mediterranean and Black Sea trout has played a role in the evolution of S. euphrataeus. However, the diversity, biogeography and relationships of the Persian Gulf trout still need to be better understood.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD23FD682885FA58FB0CFA16.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Euphrates trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD23FD682885FA58FB0CFA16.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ○ flank silvery in life / ○ back, middle and upper part of flank with numerous, roundish black spots (> 80) increasing in number with size / ○ one black spot in postorbital and suborbital areas / ○ numerous roundish red spots on flank (> 70 in adult individuals), smaller than pupil, increasing in number with size / ○ no black spots on top of head / ○ no dark-brown or grey bands on flank / ○ head length 24 – 28 % SL / ○ maxilla length 8 – 10 % SL in male / ○ adipose depth 3 – 8 % SL in male / ○ lateral line with 109 – 116 scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 27 – 30 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 20 – 23 scale rows between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 15 – 17 scale rows between origin of adipose and lateral line. Size up to 232 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD23FD682885FA58FB0CFA16.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Türkiye: Ömertepesuyu and Tekke in northern Euphrates drainage and Terme drainage, east of Samsun, in Black Sea basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD23FD682885FA58FB0CFA16.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams with cold, clear water, moderate current, gravelly and pebbly bottom. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD23FD682885FA58FB0CFA16.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; the quality of its habitats is steadily declining due to pollution and water abstraction, and its population appears to be already quite low.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD21FD6A2885FD37FAB2FCD3.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Gegarkuni.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD21FD6A2885FD37FAB2FCD3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Caspian basin by: ● flank with very large, densely set, black blotches, larger than 10 mm in diameter in individuals larger than 300 mm SL / ○ flank silvery, without orange spots except in juveniles / ○ parr marks distinct up to about 100 mm SL, absent or indistinct in larger individuals. Size up to 800 mm SL and 16 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD21FD6A2885FD37FAB2FCD3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Armenia: Lake Sevan basin. Locally introduced to lakes and reservoirs in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, as well as to Lake Issykul (Kyrgyzstan) and from there in 1980 th to Charvak reservoir (Uzbekistan).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD21FD6A2885FD37FAB2FCD3.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine, spawns in inflowing streams. Biology. Spawns in autumn – early winter. Feeds mainly on benthic gammarid crustaceans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD21FD6A2885FD37FAB2FCD3.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; might by CR; may be extinct in the wild, surviving only through artificial propagation and stocking.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD26FD6D28ABFF5EFA94FE9E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sevan trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD26FD6D28ABFF5EFA94FE9E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Caspian basin by: ○ flank with small or middle-sized black spots, smaller than 10 mm in diameter in individuals larger than 300 mm SL / ○ flank silvery, without orange spots / ○ parr marks present up to about 100 mm SL. Size up to 760 mm SL and 15 kg.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD26FD6D28ABFF5EFA94FE9E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Armenia: Lake Sevan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD26FD6D28ABFF5EFA94FE9E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine, spawned in lake, in gravel, close to springs and in mouth of inflowing streams. Biology. Spawned in autumn – early winter. Fed mainly on benthic gammarid crustaceans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD26FD6D28ABFF5EFA94FE9E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD26FD6D28ABFF5EFA94FE9E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The name S. danilewskii has been used for small individuals feeding on gammarids and plankton. Salmo danilewskii is a synonym, and these fish were most likely small individuals of S. ischchan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD27FD6C2885FF5EFAC2FE06.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Alakır trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD27FD6C2885FF5EFAC2FE06.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Mediterranean basin by: ○ black spots on flank numerous, scattered on back, middle and upper part of flank (on lower part of flank in some individuals) in male larger than about 160 mm SL, and female larger than about 160 − 190 mm SL / ○ in male and female smaller than about 160 mm SL, black spots few, restricted to upper part of flank / ○ few to numerous red spots on back and flank / ● 7 – 9 parr marks / ● no dark-brown or grey bands on flank / ● number of black and red spots increasing with size in male, decreasing with size and age in female / ○ head length 29 – 33 % SL in male, 26 – 32 in female / ○ mouth slightly subterminal / ○ length of mouth gape 13 – 19 % SL in male, 12 – 15 in female / ○ 105 – 113 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 24 – 29 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ 17 – 19 scale rows between lateral line and anal origin / ○ 13 – 15 scale rows between lateral line and adipose insertion / ○ 18 – 20 gill rakers. Size up to 210 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD27FD6C2885FF5EFAC2FE06.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Alakır drainage southwest of Antalya.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD27FD6C2885FF5EFAC2FE06.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams with cold, clear water, moderate current, gravelly and pebbly bottom. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD27FD6C2885FF5EFAC2FE06.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD27FD6F2885F97AFE02FD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eastern Mediterranean trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD27FD6F2885F97AFE02FD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Mediterranean basin by: ○ black spots present on flank in individuals of all size groups / ○ flank without red spots in individuals larger than about 70 mm SL / ○ black spots numerous (more than about 50), smaller than pupil, irregularly shaped, scattered on middle of flank, usually absent on back / ○ 11 – 12 parr marks, distinct up to about 150 mm SL in male, about 200 mm SL in female / ○ four broad, dark-brown or grey band on flank, absent or indistinct in individuals smaller than approximately 200 mm SL / ○ 2 – 10 black spots behind eye, 6 – 13 on opercle / ○ maxilla and supramaxilla narrow, depth of upper jaw 2.8 – 3.8 times in length of maxilla / ○ 109 – 115 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ head length 25 – 27 % SL / ○ caudal peduncle depth 10 – 11 % SL / ○ 23 – 25 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 16 – 17 scale rows between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 14 – 15 scale rows between adipose origin and lateral line / ● 21 – 23 gill rakers / ○ head not dorso-ventrally flattened. Size up to 450 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD27FD6F2885F97AFE02FD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ecemiş, lower Zamantı and Çakıt in Seyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD27FD6F2885F97AFE02FD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams usually springs-fed, with cold and clear water, moderate current, gravel, and pebble substrate. Occasionally also enters reservoirs. Biology. Spawns December – January.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD27FD6F2885F97AFE02FD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; found in more than 5 independent populations, thought to be in decline, mainly due to overfishing.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD24FD6E28ABF924FBBDFD5C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Black Sea trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD24FD6E28ABF924FBBDFD5C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Marmara, Black Sea and Caspian basins by: ○ background colour of flank brownish to silvery in life (silvery in anadromous individuals) / ● black spots on flank ocellated, few and scattered on upper third of flank in most individuals, number not increasing with size and age / ○ red spots few or many, usually irregularly shaped and ocellated / ○ number of red spots on flank increasing by size in male / ● head about 0.9 – 1.2 times in body depth at dorsal origin / ○ maxilla short, reaching slightly beyond posterior eye margin in individuals larger than 150 mm SL, upper edge convex posteriorly ○ body depth at dorsal origin 23 – 27 % SL / ● dorsal in front of midpoint of body / ○ 110 – 121 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 27 – 32 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 15 – 23 scale rows between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 16 – 20 gill rakers. Size up to 1150 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD24FD6E28ABF924FBBDFD5C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Marmara and Black Sea basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD24FD6E28ABF924FBBDFD5C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, at depths of down to 50 m, usually along coasts and near estuaries. Migrates to mountain streams. Locally resident in lakes. Resident part of populations in streams with fast currents, cold, clear water, and stony or gravelly bottoms. Usually in lower and middle reaches of main rivers and streams. Also, in very short coastal streams (less than 5 km). Observed in Çoruh up to 340 km from sea. Usually spawns in middle reaches of rivers. Biology. Anadromous, lacustrine, and resident forms, with most individuals remaining in freshwater. Smallest adult female recorded about 160 mm SL. Spawns October – January. Spends 2 – 4 years in rivers and streams, then smolts migrate to sea or matures in freshwater. Spends 2 – 4 years at sea. Some anadromous individuals return to rivers in April – May, where they spend summer, usually spawning migration starts in September – October, gregarious during migration. Other anadromous individuals begin to migrate shortly before spawning. Eggs hatch in 6 – 8 weeks. Parr and resident adults feed on a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Anadromous and large resident individuals feed mainly on fish and large crustaceans. Anadromous individuals feed in rivers.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD24FD6E28ABF924FBBDFD5C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD24FD6E28ABF924FBBDFD5C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Salmo labrax, S. coruhensis, and S. rizeensis are often recognised as three species from the Black Sea basin. Genomic data suggest they did not differentiate earlier than during the last or pre-last glacial period. They occur in many sedentary populations, some of which are also occasionally or frequently anadromous. All are closely related by recent genomic data and microsatellite and cytochrome b mtDNA studies. Furthermore, the morphological differences described between the species are minor and overlapping. We follow the latest study on this species complex and treat S. coruhensis as a synonym of S. labrax but keep S. rizeensis as a valid species. That means S. rizeensis is not the resident form of S. labrax, but resident populations of two species occur in sympatry.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3AFD7128ABFAC6FC27F98D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Munzur trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3AFD7128ABFAC6FC27F98D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ● adipose very large, length about equal to length of anal base in adults, as large as dorsal and anal in a 400 mm SL male / ○ flank with many irregularly shaped black and red spots / ○ flank brownish / ○ black spots mostly along middle of flank, absent from back / ○ number of black spots increase with size / ○ adipose usually with very narrow white margin, red submargin followed by a white band or spots, an and inner red band in male / ○ head length 24 – 27 % SL / ○ maxilla length 8 – 10 % SL / ○ length of mouth gape 10 – 13 % SL / ○ 116 – 123 scales along lateral line counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 15 – 17 scales between lateral line and adipose / 28 – 30 scales rows between lateral line and dorsal origin. Size up to 400 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3AFD7128ABFAC6FC27F98D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Munzur and Murat in upper Euphrates drainage. Also, in Keban Reservoir and a tributary south of Keban drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3AFD7128ABFAC6FC27F98D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams with cold, clear water, moderate current, gravel, and pebble substrate. Inhabits reservoirs. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3AFD7128ABFAC6FC27F98D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3BFD702885FB2EFAC2FAE9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sarıkamış trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3BFD702885FB2EFAC2FAE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Caspian basin by: ○ background colour greyish on back and upper part of flank, yellowish on lower part of flank and belly in life / ○ black spots numerous in male, and in female larger than 230 mm SL, irregularly shaped, small to medium (smaller than pupil), ocellated, surrounded by a large white ring, scattered on back, middle and upper part of flank, and anterior part of lower flank / ○ number of black spots increasing with increasing size / ○ adipose of moderate size, not reaching caudal base / ○ 114 – 122 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 12 – 14 parr marks, distinct up to about 200 mm SL, vertically elongate on anterior, roundish on posterior part of flank / ○ four dark bands on flank in female larger than 230 mm SL. Size up to 255 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3BFD702885FB2EFAC2FAE9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Çıldır, upper Aras, Keklik, Kızılçubuk, Arpaçay, and Maksutçuk in Aras drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3BFD702885FB2EFAC2FAE9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Clear and relatively slow-flowing water with stony and pebbly bottom. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3BFD702885FB2EFAC2FAE9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3BFD702885FB2EFAC2FAE9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is most likely conspecific with S. caspius; see the discussion there.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD7328ABFAD6FB2FF904.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Western Euphrates trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD7328ABFAD6FB2FF904.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Euphrates and Tigris drainages by: ● flank and back covered by numerous irregularly shaped small red spots and dots, imparting a peppered or slightly marmorate pattern / ● 5 – 18 black spots on top of head / ○ four broad dark-brown or grey bars on flank, very faintly marked or indistinct in small individuals but distinct in individuals larger than about 230 mm SL / ○ flank greyish / ○ black and red spots on flank irregular shaped / ○ red spots on flank smaller than pupil / ○ 1 – 22 small black spots in postorbital and suborbital area, smaller than pupil in individuals larger than 120 mm SL / ○ 8 – 17 small black spots on opercle, smaller than pupil in individuals larger than 120 mm SL / ○ adipose grey, with three or four red to orange spots on its free edge / ○ 10 – 11 parr marks, distinct up to about 210 mm SL / ○ 103 – 112 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ● 26 – 28 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin. Size up to 280 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD7328ABFAD6FB2FF904.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Göksu, Lake Gökpınar basin (in Tohma drainage), and Sürgü in Euphrates drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD7328ABFAD6FB2FF904.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams with cold, clear water, moderate current, gravelly and pebbly bottom. Biology. Spawns in November.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD7328ABFAD6FB2FF904.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD722B39F94BFBC9FA90.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Alara trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD722B39F94BFBC9FA90.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Mediterranean basin by: ● predorsal area slightly convex in individuals larger 170 mm SL / ○ four broad, dark-brown or grey bands on flank / ○ 10 – 12 parr marks distinct even in the largest size / ○ one black spot behind eye / ○ 0 – 5 black spots on opercle, usually 2 – 3 (smaller than pupil) / ○ 0 – 50 black spots on flank, smaller than pupil, irregularly shaped, located mostly on anterior, upper part of flank, also on back and below lateral line in some individuals / ○ red spots few, small, irregularly shaped / ○ a large (lager than eye pupil) white ring around red spots / ○ red spots present on flank in individuals of all size groups / ○ maxilla short, maxilla, and lower lip not fleshly / ○ maxilla and supramaxilla wide (depth of upper jaw 2.6 – 3.2 times in length of maxilla) / ○ adipose larger in male than that in female / ○ 112 – 120 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 24 – 26 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 16 – 18 scale rows between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 13 – 15 scale rows between adipose origin and lateral line / ○ 22 – 23 gill rakers. Size up to 270 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD722B39F94BFBC9FA90.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Alara, a coastal Mediterranean drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD722B39F94BFBC9FA90.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams, usually spring-fed, with cold, clear water and moderate currents, with gravel and pebble beds. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD722B39F94BFBC9FA90.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; believed to decline due to many threats in its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD38FD722B39F94BFBC9FA90.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Was thought to be widespread in Ceyhan, but all these populations have recently been identified as S. chilo.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD7528ABFD54FBF8FC58.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Flathead trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD7528ABFD54FBF8FC58.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Mediterranean basin by: ● head dorso-ventrally flattened / ● flank marbled or mottled without red spot in individuals larger than 70 mm SL, without black spots in individuals larger than about 200 mm SL / ● 12 – 13 parr marks up to about 70 mm SL / ○ lower jaw enclosed laterally by fleshy maxilla / ○ four broad dark-brown or grey bands on flank, indistinct in individuals smaller than about 170 mm SL / ○ one black spots behind eye / ○ 7 – 16 very indistinct black spots on opercle / ○ maxilla short, narrow anterior part short / ○ maxilla and supramaxilla wide (depth of upper jaw 2.2 – 2.7 times in length of maxilla) / ○ 110 – 116 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 23 – 25 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 17 – 18 scale rows between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 13 – 15 scale rows between adipose origin and lateral line / ● 23 – 25 gill rakers. Size up to 600 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD7528ABFD54FBF8FC58.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Clear and moderately fast-flowing streams with rocky and pebbly bottoms. Biology. Spawns October – middle December.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD7528ABFD54FBF8FC58.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Soğuksu, Uzunyayla, and Karagöz in upper Zamantı drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD7528ABFD54FBF8FC58.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; believed to decline due to many threats in its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD742B39FBE9FA24FDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pontic brook trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD742B39FBE9FA24FDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Marmara and Black Sea basins by: ○ flank brownish in life / ○ black spots on flank usually smaller than pupil, ocellated, restricted to back and upper part of flank, absent in front of dorsal / ○ few black spots, number decreasing with size / ○ few red spots, small, ocellated, usually organised in three or four irregular rows along middle and lower part of flank / ○ number and size of red spots not changing with size / ● maxilla long, reaching beyond eye in adults and juveniles / ○ upper edge of maxilla straight or slightly convex posteriorly in male / ○ head 1.2 – 1.4 times in body depth at dorsal origin in male / ● adipose slender, upper edge straight or very slightly convex anteriorly / ○ 114 – 120 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ 26 – 30 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ○ 18 – 21 scale rows between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 14 – 17 scale rows between adipose origin and lateral line / ○ 16 – 19 gill rakers. Size up to 250 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD742B39FBE9FA24FDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black Sea basin from Georgia to Sakarya in Anatolia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD742B39FBE9FA24FDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with cold, clear, fast-flowing water, and a substrate of rocks, stones, and pebbles. Biology. Spawns mid-September – mid-October. Resident and not undertaking long spawning migrations. Smallest spawning female observed about 110 mm SL. Smallest male with mature gonads about 90 mm SL, usually 140 – 170 mm SL. Do not appear to feed during winter.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD742B39FBE9FA24FDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3EFD742B39FBE9FA24FDD6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. See discussion in chapter about S. labrax.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3FFD742885FB0AFB4DFA16.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tigris trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3FFD742885FB0AFB4DFA16.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Euphrates and Tigris by: ● flank greenish in life / ○ few black spots on flank, smaller than pupil, ocellated / ○ few red spots on flank, usually in 1 – 3 along lateral midline, smaller than pupil, usually irregularly shaped and ocellated / ● adipose without red or black spots / ○ maxilla short, reaching posterior eye-margin or slightly beyond in individuals larger than 200 mm SL / ○ head 1.0 – 1.1 times in body depth at dorsal origin in both sexes / ○ 108 – 116 lateral-line scales counted until end of hypural complex / ● 32 – 35 scale rows between dorsal origin and lateral line / ● 19 – 20 scale rows between adipose origin and lateral line / ○ 22 – 26 scale rows between anal origin and lateral line / ○ 17 – 19 gill rakers. Size up to 400 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3FFD742885FB0AFB4DFA16.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Çatak and Müküs in upper Tigris drainage south of Lake Van.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3FFD742885FB0AFB4DFA16.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Headwater streams with cold, clear water, moderate current, gravel, and pebble bottom. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3FFD742885FB0AFB4DFA16.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3CFD7728ABFB2EFABCF81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Atlantic trout.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3CFD7728ABFB2EFABCF81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salmo in Euphrates and Tigris (based on materials from Türkiye) by: ○ 15 – 17 scale rows between lateral line and end of adipose base / ○ 28 – 33 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal origin / ○ lateral line with 117 – 125 scales counted until end of hypural complex / ○ adipose depth 8 – 10 % SL in male / ○ black and red spots on flank roundish / ○ numerous black spots on back, middle and upper part of flank / ○ number of black spots increasing with size / ○ flank brownish in life. Size up to 900 mm SL in native range. Anadromous and lacustrine individuals usually 450 – 600 mm SL, resident individuals usually 200 – 300 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3CFD7728ABFB2EFABCF81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: introduced into Arpet (a tributary of Botan in upper Tigris) and Sapur (a small tributary of Lake Van), but it appears to have become vanished in these areas due to poaching. Iran: introduced and established in Lake Gahar in Karun drainage. Native to Atlantic, North, White, and Baltic basins, from Spain to Chosha Bay (Russia). Present in Iceland and northernmost rivers of Great Britain and Scandinavia. In Rhône drainage, native only to Lake Geneva basin, which it entered after last glaciation. Native to upper Danube and Volga drainages. Introduced throughout Europe, North and South America, southern and montane eastern Africa, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3CFD7728ABFB2EFABCF81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Cold streams, rivers, and lakes. Spawns in fast-flowing rivers and streams. Lacustrine populations migrate to tributaries and lake outlets, rarely spawning on stony, wave-washed lake shores. Spawning sites are usually characterised by downward movement of water into gravel. Sea and lake trout forage in pelagic and littoral habitats; sea trout usually close to coast, not far from mouth of natal river. Biology. Unstudied in Anatolian populations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3CFD7728ABFB2EFABCF81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3DFD792885F930FBBEFDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Brook charr.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3DFD792885F930FBBEFDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Salmo and Oncorhynchus in West Asia by: ● lateral-line scales very elliptical, reduced to little more than nerve tube, smaller than scales in adjacent rows, with no or little overlap with scales in front or behind / ● back, dorsal and caudal with pale-brown or grey spots or vermiculated / ○ pectoral, pelvic and anal with white margin followed by a black submarginal line / ○ flank with pink or red spots, some bluish / ○ juvenile with 8 – 10 parr marks. Size up to about 500 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3DFD792885F930FBBEFDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Very locally stocked in Caucasus and Türkiye. Unclear if established. Native to North America from Hudson Bay basin and northeastern Canada south to upper Mississippi, east to coast of New Jersey and northern Georgia. Widespread in North and South America, Europe, Asia and southern Africa. Found throughout Europe, especially in high-altitude streams and lakes, but rarely confirmed as established. Established populations documented from high-altitude lakes and streams in Corsica, Italy, Czech Republic, southern Germany (list probably not exhaustive).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3DFD792885F930FBBEFDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Cold and moderately to rapidly flowing mountain streams. In North America, northern populations also in lakes and rivers. Spawns in gravel in fast-flowing streams or in lakes. Occasionally established in nutrient-poor lakes, high mountains or acidic streams. Biology. Lives up to 15 years. First spawns at 1 – 2 years in central and southern Europe, 3 – 4 years in northern Europe. Spawns in October – November, earlier in north, usually at 3 – 10 ° C. Females build redds. Eggs hatch in spring. Only non-anadromous populations in Europe. Anadromous in North America. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates and small fish. Territorial, of equal size, dominated by Salmo trutta, whose presence limits its distribution. Artificial hybrids with Salmo trutta (tiger trout) are occasionally stocked.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD3DFD792885F930FBBEFDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; introduced for recreational fisheries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD33FD782885FC14FC19FA25.taxon	vernacular_names	Burbots	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD33FD782885FC14FC19FA25.taxon	description	A small family of mostly marine fishes with three genera and approximately 5 species within the diverse order Gadiformes. They are widely distributed, mostly in cold seas of the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. Lota is the only freshwater member of the family, distinguished from marine genera in West Asia by the presence of a single central barbel on the lower jaw, two dorsals, and one anal with 64 – 84 ½ total rays. Additionally, the body is marbled dark-brown and lacks a prominent nasal barbel. A single individual of Lota lota was caught in 1920 in the Kura in Azerbaijan, and another record was made in 1921 from the lower Sefid in Iran. At the time, there may have been a small population in the region, but the two individuals were likely the result of accidental migration from the northern Caspian Sea. No populations appear in West Asia, and the species was never native or is now extinct in the region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD30FD7B28ABFF54FB48FB55.taxon	vernacular_names	Gobies	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD30FD7B28ABFF54FB48FB55.taxon	description	Gobiiformes include gobies, as well as cardinal fishes (Apogonidae) and nursery fishes (Kurtidae). Gobies are commonly small benthic fishes, forming one of the most speciose groups among Teleostei. There are approximately 270 genera, with more than 2400 species. These can be found in all aquatic habitats, especially in coral reefs. Gobies are distinguished from all other freshwater fishes in West Asia by the fusion of the pelvics, which form a suction organ with an anterior transverse membrane. They also have two dorsals, and the pelvic is located beneath the base of the pectoral. Most gobies have a short lifespan, with an average of less than few years. However, the biology of most species in West Asia still needs to be studied. Male gobies engage in parental care, with eggs suspended from the roof of small cavities beneath stones, shells, leaves, or any other hard structure. The male may mate with multiple females and guards the eggs until the larvae hatch and leave the nest. Many gobies exhibit sexual dimorphism, with male exhibiting larger fins and more intense colouration, often black in Neogobius and Ponticola species. Previously, Gobiiform systematics was based on a limited number of morphological characters. However, recent molecular studies have confirmed the majority of these classifications. Currently, nine families of gobies are recognised: Butidae, Eleotridae, Gobiidae, Milyeringidae, Odontobutidae, Oxudercidae, Rhyacichthyidae, Thalasseleotrididae, and Xenisthmidae. In freshwater habitats of West Asia, two families occur: Gobiidae and Oxudercidae. There is no consistent morphological character distinguishing Gobiidae and Oxudercidae; both are identified as families only by molecular characters. In West Asia, genera as disparate as sand gobies (Knipowitschia) and mudskippers (Boleophthalmus, Periophthalmus, Scartelaos) belong to Oxudercidae. In contrast, all the Ponto-Caspian gobies (Neogobius and Ponticola) and some genera from the Indian Ocean belong to Gobiidae. As both families are not diagnosed by external characteristics, the keys for the genera of gobies are designed to facilitate the identification of all freshwater gobies in West Asia. The Odontobutid goby Perccottus glenii is a highly invasive species in Europe. It occurs as a weed in carp farms and is introduced with non-biosafe carp. Given the lack of regulation of fish stocking in West Asia, the introduction of Perccottus glenii can be expected anytime. Two eleotrid gobies (Eleotris acanthopomus and Ophiocara porocephala) have been identified in brackish inland waters of Oman. As they do not qualify as freshwater fishes, they are not included in this book, as are species such as Bathygobius fuscus and Acentrogobius dayi, which are included in the key but otherwise excluded from the book because they occur only in brackish waters in ther Persian Gulf.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD31FD7C28E6FD20FE6DFD8C.taxon	description	The lateral line system’s canals, pores, and sensory papillae provide important diagnostic characters to distinguish goby genera and species. The figure shows the terminology and notation system used. Canals are stippled, and pores are indicated by Greek letters. It should be noted that there is no lateral line canal on the flank and that the canals may be variously developed on the head. In the species with the most developed canals, there is an anterior oculoscapular canal (from pores ‘ s’ to ‘ r’), a posterior oculoscapular canal (from pores ‘ r 1 ’ to ‘ r 2 ’) and a preopercular canal (from pores ‘ g’ to ‘ e’). One or more of these canals may be absent or interrupted, and the posterior and anterior oculoscapular canals may be continuous or discontinuous. The anterior oculoscapular canals of both sides of the head may be separate or fused in the interorbital area. The anterior oculoscapular canal may be divided into a circumorbital and postorbital segment. The papillae are organised in vertical rows (numbered in Fig. 59, left) or longitudinal rows (lettered in Fig. 59, right). To examine the pores and papillae, a dissecting microscope is necessary. They are best viewed using oblique light. On occasion, they may be hidden by mucus. Some authors have attempted to highlight the canals by injecting chromic acid, ferric tannate, or potassium permanganate, but all these methods damage the specimens. Air pulsed by a small aquarium pump through an injection needle is a technique now used by goby specialists. Despite this, goby identification remains challenging even for experts.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD34FD7F28ABFF54FA84FCF0.taxon	vernacular_names	True gobies	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD34FD7F28ABFF54FA84FCF0.taxon	description	True freshwater gobies occur in all sea basins in West Asia except the Mediterranean. In the Black and Caspian Seas, the Ponto-Caspian gobies of the genera Babka, Neogobius, Ponticola, and Proterorhinus, as well as the tadpole gobies of the genera Anatirostrum, Benthophilus, Benthophiloides, and Caspiosoma, are represented. However, in West Asia, tadpole gobies are not reported to enter freshwaters, unlike in Europe. They are speciose and very diverse in the seas. Only Benthophilus leobergius is occasionally reported from the Caspian Sea near river estuaries. Therefore, tadpole gobies are excluded from the coverage of this book. Additionally, other gobies well-known from the European Black Sea coast, including Ponticola eurycephalus and P. ratan appear absent from Anatolia’s coasts. In addition to the Ponto-Caspian gobies listed below, Gobius cobitis, G. niger, G. ophiocephalus and some additional Ponticola species are occasionally recorded as occurring in freshwater. However, we are unaware of documented records of their permanent and regular occurrence. Therefore, they are briefly discussed in the generic chapters below. In the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, additional true gobies are known from inland waters, while only Glossogobius regularly enter pure freshwaters. Bathygobius fuscus, Acentrogobius dayi, and others are occasionally reported from saline inland waters but not from freshwater habitats. Bathygobius and Acentrogobius are included in the key to ease their identification, but as these species are not considered freshwater fishes, they are excluded otherwise. Indeed, more marine gobies (as Cryptocentroides arabicus and Favonigobius melanobranchus) might occur in the lower reaches of the rivers, as some have brackish waters. Identification literature for marine fishes should be considered to identify these.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD35FD7E2885FF58FB7EFE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Racer goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD35FD7E2885FF58FB7EFE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of Neogobius and Ponticola entering freshwater in Caspian and Black Sea basins by: ● midline of nape naked in front of preoperculum / ● diagonal bars on body irregular in position and shape / ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with small, rounded lobes whose length is less than 1 ⁄ 6 of fraenum width at base (Fig. 62) / ○ 54 – 62 + 2 – 3 scales in midlateral series / ○ first branched ray of second dorsal about as long as penultimate ray / ○ first dorsal without black spot in posterior part. Size up to 160 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD35FD7E2885FF58FB7EFE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black, Azov, and Caspian Sea basins. Since late 1990 s, invasive in rivers of northern Black Sea and Baltic basins. No reports of invasive behaviour in West Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD35FD7E2885FF58FB7EFE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Mostly in fresh and brackish water with low salinity (<2 ‰). Estuaries, lagoons, and lakes, large rivers to small fast-flowing streams, on sandy or muddy bottoms. Mainly found in well-vegetated habitats. Common in backwaters and channels. Biology. Lives up to 4 – 5 years. Spawns first time at 2 years. Spawns April – June, occasionally until mid-August. Female may spawn repeatedly during a season. Usually spawns for only one season. Adhesive eggs laid on rocks, shells, and aquatic vegetation. Male guard eggs until hatching. Feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates, especially molluscs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD35FD7E2885FF58FB7EFE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD35FD7E2885FF58FB7EFE6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Distribution in West Asia poorly understood. Babka macrophthalma from the Caspian basin is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD35FD412885FA34FE61FDE5.taxon	description	The genus comprises approximately 42 species primarily found in coastal habitats and freshwaters. Most species are found in freshwater habitats, with many exhibiting an amphidromous lifestyle. However, there are also examples of species exclusively found in freshwater, including those from Madagascar, New Guinea, the Philippines, and Sulawesi. Notably, several species are endemic to the Malili Lakes in Sulawesi. A number of the Malili species are pelagic, exhibiting an enlarged swim bladder. Glossogobius ankaranensis is a troglomorphic, cave-dwelling species native to Madagascar. Glossogobius are often common and abundant in the lower reaches of rivers and streams. They play an important role as predators in their ecosystems. Three species have been recorded from West Asia. Still, their distribution is poorly known, and more species are likely to occur, particularly along the coast of Oman and Yemen, including Socotra. A comprehensive review of the diversity of these gobies is required. Glossogobius are important in coastal fisheries due to their relatively large size and the palatability of their flesh, which lacks bones. These fish are consumed locally and exported fresh and frozen, even to Europe and West Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0AFD4128ABFB3FFC6BF8E3.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Bareye goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0AFD4128ABFB3FFC6BF8E3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other Glossogobius in Iran by: ○ middle rays in first dorsal not prolonged / ○ sensory papilla row 6 distinct and long / ○ caudal roundish / ○ upper part of opercle with cycloid scales / ● each cheek line with 2 – 3 (rarely more) rows of sensory papillae / ● papillae line 5 below eye and suborbital papillae line 7 single / ○ 18 – 28 predorsal scales / ○ 1 – 2 + 1 + 6 – 9, usually 1 – 2 + 1 + 7 – 8 gill rakers. Size up to 240 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0AFD4128ABFB3FFC6BF8E3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. West Asia: Sarbaz drainage, in Iranian Makran most likely west to Bandar-e Jask. Possibly also along coast of Oman and Yemen. From Iran along coasts of Pakistan and India to Japan, south to Australia, widespread in Oceania. In Red Sea, along east coast of Africa, including Madagascar.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0AFD4128ABFB3FFC6BF8E3.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lower part of rivers and coastal lagoons, usually on soft bottoms. Most common in brackish water. Less common in fast-flowing waters on gravel or rocky bottoms. Often found in mangroves in sea. Migrates up to 300 km upstream. Biology. Facultatively amphidromous can be landlocked in reservoirs and lakes. Matures at about 80 - 100 mm SL and spawns several times during season. Male guard eggs and larvae swim downstream. Feeds on small insects, crustaceans and small fish. Often buried in fine sediments.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0AFD4128ABFB3FFC6BF8E3.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0AFD4128ABFB3FFC6BF8E3.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The G. giuris species complex in the Indo-West Pacific comprises several molecular lineages, including two unidentified clusters. It remains to be seen which of these correspond to G. giuris. The distribution of G. giuris here corresponds to the species found in Iran (G. giuris B). A species of commercial importance, especially in tropical Asia. The maximum size of this species is given as 500 mm total length, but we have serious doubts that such large individuals exist.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0BFD402885FA4FFA18F97A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Coastal tank goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0BFD402885FA4FFA18F97A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other Glossogobius in Iran by: ○ middle rays in first dorsal not prolonged / ○ sensory papilla row 6 distinct and long / ● caudal roundish / ● upper part of opercle with cycloid scales / ● each cheek line with 2 – 3 (rarely more) rows of sensory papillae / ● papillae line 5 below eye and suborbital papillae line 7 double / ○ 19 – 25 predorsal scales / ○ 1 – 2 + 1 + 6 – 8, usually 1 – 1 + 1 + 8 gill rakers. Size up to 161 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0BFD402885FA4FFA18F97A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. West Asia: Gabrik drainage, in Iranian Makran. From Iran along coasts east to New Guinea, Australia, China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0BFD402885FA4FFA18F97A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lower part of rivers and coastal lagoons, usually on soft bottoms. Biology. Adults usually in freshwater habitats, juveniles occasionally in estuaries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0BFD402885FA4FFA18F97A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NE.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD08FD4328ABFD37FB7EFCF0.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Wadi Shab goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD08FD4328ABFD37FB7EFCF0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other Glossogobius in Iran by: ● middle rays in first dorsal prolonged / ● sensory papilla row 6 absent or very short, often only a few papillae long / ● each cheek line with 1 row of sensory papillae / ● caudal spade-shaped / ● upper part of opercle scaleless / ● 12 – 16 predorsal scales / ● 1 + 1 + 9 – 11, usually 1 + 1 + 10, gill rakers. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD08FD4328ABFD37FB7EFCF0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman: Lower Wadi Shab and Wadi Hasi. Also known from South African coast from Mgeni in Eastern Cape to KwaZulu Natal. Expected to have a wider distribution and records from Sokotra seem to belong to this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD08FD4328ABFD37FB7EFCF0.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lower and middle parts of streams that reach sea at least once every few years. Inhabit soft bottoms with sand, silt or hard bottoms with gravel and sell sediments. Expected to occur in many coastal habitats. Biology. No data. Expected to be amphidromous, to spawn in freshwater habitats and larvae drift to sea.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD08FD4328ABFD37FB7EFCF0.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD09FD422885FF5EFAE1FED9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Knout goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD09FD422885FF5EFAE1FED9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from species of similar genera Neogobius and Ponticola in freshwaters in Black Sea basin by: ● 8 – 10 vertical rows of papillae in suborbital area (Fig. 60) / ● 72 – 85 total scales in midlateral series / ○ nape naked / ○ anterior naris not projecting forward beyond lip / ○ male without bluish-iridescent, small blotches on membrane of first dorsal. Size up to 345 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD09FD422885FF5EFAE1FED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black, Marmara and Azov Sea basins. Freshwaters in Georgia and European range. More records expected from coastal lagoons in Türkiye.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD09FD422885FF5EFAE1FED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Inshore habitats, estuaries, brackish and freshwater lagoons on sandy or rocky bottoms. Often very deep in summer (up to 100 m). Rarely in pure freshwater. Biology. Lives up to 8 years. First spawns at 3 years in February – May, once a year. Eggs large, laid under or between rocks. Feeds mainly on fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD09FD422885FF5EFAE1FED9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD09FD422885FF5EFAE1FED9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Mesogobius nonultimus (nape scaled) from the Caspian basin is usually listed as a subspecies of M. batrachocephalus. It is a distinct species that does not enter freshwater.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD09FD422885FA6DFE10FAAF.taxon	description	Neogobius was previously employed as a catchall group for larger gobies in the Black Sea and Caspian basins. Molecular studies have increased our knowledge about the phylogenetic structure of these gobies. Neogobius is now restricted to one strict freshwater species in Italy (N. nigricans), two euryhaline species (discussed below), and three marine species (N. bathybius, N. caspius, and N. pallasi) in the Black Sea and Caspian basins. Neogobius pallasi is known to enter freshwaters in the Volga but not in West Asia. Consequently, it is only included in the key to allow the user of the book to identify this species. Other species previously included in Neogobius are now placed in Babka and Ponticola.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0EFD4528ABFAEBFCDBF8B7.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Monkey goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0EFD4528ABFAEBFCDBF8B7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Neogobius entering freshwater in Black and Caspian Sea basins by: ○ first branched ray of second dorsal about twice as long as penultimate ray / ○ 55 – 61 + 2 – 4 scales in midlateral series / ○ no black spot in posterior part of first dorsal. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0EFD4528ABFAEBFCDBF8B7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Azov, Black Sea, Marmara, and Caspian basins. Usually near estuaries but often far inland. Invasive in upper parts of rivers in northern Black Sea basin and first recorded in 2011 in lower Maritza on Greek – Turkish border. Also invasive in Europe (Baltic basin, Danube, Rhine). Not known to be invasive in West Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0EFD4528ABFAEBFCDBF8B7.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Sea shores, inshore habitats, lakes, estuaries, brackish, and freshwater lagoons, large- to medium-sized rivers and streams. Mostly found on open sand or mud bottoms. One of the most abundant species in large lowland rivers. Biology. Lives up to 5 years. First spawns at 2 years in April – July, locally until September, when temperature rises above 13 ° C. Female may spawn repeatedly during season. Nuptial male black with yellow fin edges. Adhesive eggs laid on stones, shells, and aquatic plants. Male excavate nests under any type of hard substrate and guard eggs until hatching. Feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates, especially molluscs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0EFD4528ABFAEBFCDBF8B7.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0EFD4528ABFAEBFCDBF8B7.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Neogobius fluviatilis appears to be absent from the southern Caspian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0FFD442885FAA7FA9DF8E2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Round goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0FFD442885FAA7FA9DF8E2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Neogobius entering freshwater in West Asia by: ● first dorsal with large black spot on posterior part / ● 45 – 54 + 2 – 3 scales in midlateral series / ○ first branched ray of second dorsal about as long as penultimate ray. Size up to 220 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0FFD442885FAA7FA9DF8E2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Azov, Black Sea, Marmara and Caspian basins. Invasive in North America, Volga, Baltic, Black, and North Sea basins reached by shipping channels or direct introductions. No records of invasion in West Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0FFD442885FAA7FA9DF8E2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Coastal habitats, estuaries, brackish and freshwater lagoons and lakes, large rivers, canals, and harbors on sandy or rocky bottoms. Up to 50 – 60 m deep in Black Sea in winter. Mostly found on well-vegetated or rocky bottoms. Biology. Lives up to 4 years. Male spawn for first time at 3 – 4 years, female at 2 – 3 and 55 – 80 mm SL. In invasive areas, mature at a smaller size, i. e. 45 mm SL. Spawns April – September. Nuptial male almost completely black. Female may repeat spawning every 18 – 20 days during a season. Adhesive eggs laid under or between stones, shells and aquatic vegetation. Male guard eggs until hatching in 2 – 3 weeks. Male usually die after spawning season. Feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates and small fish, mainly molluscs. Egg clutches are sometimes transported attached to the hulls of ships.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0FFD442885FAA7FA9DF8E2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD0CFD4628ABFC0DFE52F82E.taxon	description	Ponticola are small- or medium-sized fishes and comprise approximately 18 species. They were previously considered species within the genus Neogobius, but subsequent molecular and morphological studies have demonstrated that this group represents a distinct genus. Ponticola are common in most rivers flowing to the Black and Caspian Seas, and several species occur mostly in allopatry. In addition to those species included in the species chapters, we recognise only five additional species in West Asia (P. eurycephalus, P. ratan, P. iljini, P. platyrostris, P. cephalargoides) that are found in brackish waters only and are not known to enter freshwater habitats. Some authors consider Ponticola odessicus and P. goebelii valid species, yet we have not identified any scientific evidence to support this classification. These species appeared elevated from synonyms to species in checklists without supporting documentation. Ponticola eurycephalus is a coastal species that regularly enters freshwaters in the European part of the Black Sea basin. However, this species is not distributed in West Asia. It is included in the key only to allow its identification. Ponticola ratan is known from the Black Sea and Caspian (where it is occasionally recorded in the Asian parts of these seas). It may be an accidental species, but from its European range, it has only one freshwater population in an inland reservoir in Ukraine. Ponticola eurycephalus and P. ratan are excluded from the coverage of this book, as well as P. iljini, P. platyrostris, and P. cephalargoides. The selection between freshwater and marine species in Ponticola is somewhat artificial, given the need for a clear border between fresh- and brackish water habitats, particularly in larger river estuaries and coastal limans. Furthermore, the diagnostic characters of the different Ponticola species need to be better documented, and the distribution of several species needs to be better understood.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD02FD4928ABFC47FD36F930.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Alazani goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD02FD4928ABFC47FD36F930.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Ponticola entering freshwater in West Asia by: ● no suborbital transverse rows below suborbital longitudinal row b / ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with small, rounded lobes, whose length is less than 1 ⁄ 6 of fraenum width at base / ○ lower jaw not or very slightly prognathous / ○ 48 – 55 total scales in midlateral series / ○ second dorsal usually with 15 – 16 ½ branched rays / ○ anal with 10 – 12 ½ branched rays / ○ lateral part of upper lip distinctively swollen / ○ dorsal head, lips, cheeks and predorsal plain brown / ○ flank very slightly reticulate / ○ pelvic disc not reaching anus / ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with angular lobes whose length is 1 ⁄ 6 – 1 ⁄ 2 of fraenum width at base. Size up to 74 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD02FD4928ABFC47FD36F930.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Georgia: Alazani in upper Kura drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD02FD4928ABFC47FD36F930.taxon	conservation	Habitat. Lowland rivers and marshes with sand bottoms. Often found near submerged trees and roots. Not found in brackish water. Biology. Spawns May – June. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates. Conservation status. NE; due to the very poor knowledge about this recently described species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD02FD4828ABF907FA24FC1D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caucasian goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD02FD4828ABF907FA24FC1D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Ponticola entering freshwater in West Asia by: ○ lateral part of upper lip distinctively swollen / ○ lower jaw strongly prognathous / ○ predorsal area finely mottled / ○ two suborbital transverse rows below suborbital longitudinal row b / ○ first dorsal without bold, distal dark-brown band / ○ pelvic disc reaching 40 – 60 % of distance between its origin and anus / ○ 53 – 74 + 2 – 4 scales in midlateral series / ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with angular lobes whose length is 1 ⁄ 6 – 1 ⁄ 2 of fraenum width at base. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD02FD4828ABF907FA24FC1D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black Sea drainages of southern Caucasus from lower Çoruh (Türkiye) north to Noworossiysk (Russia). Also, in western tributaries of Kuban.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD02FD4828ABF907FA24FC1D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Cold mountain to warm foothill streams. Not found in brackish water. Biology. Matures with 1 – 2 years and spawns in May – June. Nuptial male almost entirely black. Several females may spawn with one male, and female are expected to spawn several times during season. Male guard eggs and larvae in gravel or rocky burrows. Feeds on a wide range of small invertebrates and fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD02FD4828ABF907FA24FC1D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD02FD4828ABF907FA24FC1D.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Ponticola rhodioni is treated as a synonym. It has been described based on chromosomal characters only, and morphological or molecular characters do not support P. rhodioni as a valid species. Molecular characters distinguish P. constructor well from P. rizensis and P. turani, and published morphological data places P. constructor intermediate between these two species. However, all characters used to distinguish P. constructor, P. rizensis, and P. turani largely overlap in fresh material we examined, and further studies are needed to distinguish at least the two species supported by molecular characters (P. constructor and P. rizensis).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD03FD4B2B1BFC2CFEE1FD5C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kura goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD03FD4B2B1BFC2CFEE1FD5C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Ponticola entering freshwater in West Asia by: ● predorsal area marbled / ● first dorsal with a dark-brown distal blotch or band / ○ lateral part of upper lip usually swollen / ○ two suborbital transverse rows below suborbital longitudinal row b / ○ lower jaw slightly prognathous / ○ pelvic disc reaching 40 – 60 % of distance between its origin and anus / ○ 51 – 74 + 2 – 4 scales in midlateral series / second dorsal usually with / ○ usually with 17 – 18 ½ branched rays / ○ anal usually with 13 ½ branched rays / ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with angular lobes whose length is 1 ⁄ 6 – 1 ⁄ 2 of fraenum width at base. Size up to 111 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD03FD4B2B1BFC2CFEE1FD5C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Kura drainage from headwaters in Türkiye south to Azerbaijan. Widely reported from Aras, but records questionable.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD03FD4B2B1BFC2CFEE1FD5C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Cold mountain to warm foothill streams. Not found in brackish water or reservoirs. Biology. Matures at 1 – 2 and lives for 3 years; spawns May – late August at water temperatures of 11 – 20 ° C. Male guard eggs in gravel or rocky burrows. Feeds on a wide range of small invertebrates and fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD03FD4B2B1BFC2CFEE1FD5C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD03FD4B2B1BFC2CFEE1FD5C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The distribution of this species in Kura is not fully known, and it potentially occurs in sympatry with P. alasanicus in upper Kura. In the middle and lower Kura, it occurs in sympatry with P. gorlap.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD00FD4A2B39FF5EFECCFB93.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caspian bighead goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD00FD4A2B39FF5EFECCFB93.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Ponticola entering freshwater in West Asia by: ○ lower jaw strongly prognathous / ○ lateral part of upper lip not swollen / ○ pelvic disc reaching 75 – 95 % of distance between its origin and anus / ○ 60 – 71 total scales in midlateral series / ○ 23 – 28 predorsal scales / ○ two suborbital transverse rows below suborbital longitudinal row b / ○ flank mottled / ○ first dorsal without bold, distal dark-brown band / ○ pectoral base with a black blotch / ○ no dark-brown blotches on anterior part of first dorsal / ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with angular lobes whose length is 1 ⁄ 6 – 1 ⁄ 2 of fraenum width at base. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD00FD4A2B39FF5EFECCFB93.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Coastal rivers of Azerbaijani and Iranian Caspian coasts. Also, in sea, Volga upstream to Astrakhan until 1977, then spread upstream to lakes Ivankovskoje and Rybinskoje (2000). Invaded Don drainage (Black Sea basin) through Volga-Don canal (first record 1972). Now abundant in Lake Tsimlyansk and lower Don.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD00FD4A2B39FF5EFECCFB93.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Inshore habitats, lakes, estuaries, brackish and freshwater lagoons, and large rivers, harbors, on rocky bottoms. Mainly found on well-vegetated or rocky bottoms. Biology. Most females spawn for first time at 1 year, male at 2 years. Spawns April – May, rarely until July. Adhesive eggs laid on stones, shells, and aquatic vegetation. Male guard eggs until hatching. Feeds mainly on small fish and a variety of invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD00FD4A2B39FF5EFECCFB93.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD00FD4A2B39FF5EFECCFB93.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In the lower and middle Kura, it may occur in sympatry with superficially similar P. cyrius. Previously, P. iljini was treated as a synonym of P. gorlap. Still, new research has shown it to be a valid species restricted to the coast of Mangyshlak peninsula in Kazakhstan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD01FD4A2885FBDBFACBFCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Gorgan goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD01FD4A2885FBDBFACBFCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Ponticola entering freshwater in West Asia by: ○ lower jaw not or very slightly prognathous / ○ 60 – 71 total scales in midlateral series / ○ 19 – 23 predorsal scales / ○ lateral part of upper lip swollen / ○ dorsal head, lips, cheeks, predorsal area, and flank strongly reticulate / ○ two suborbital transverse rows below suborbital longitudinal row b / ○ pelvic disc reaching 40 – 60 % of distance between its origin and anus / ○ first dorsal with marginal pale orange-yellow band and dark oblique spot / ○ upper part of pectoral base with one dark-brown stripe / ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with angular lobes whose length is 1 ⁄ 6 – 1 ⁄ 2 of fraenum width at base. Size up to 92 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD01FD4A2885FBDBFACBFCC4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Kaboudval and Zarrin Gol in Gorgan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD01FD4A2885FBDBFACBFCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small, fast-flowing headwater streams with gravel bottoms. Not found in brackish water. Biology. No data	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD01FD4A2885FBDBFACBFCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD01FD4A2885FBDBFACBFCC4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species has hybridised with P. gorlap and mtDNA from P. gorlap is present in individuals from the only known population.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4D28ABFD12FAF0FBA2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sefid goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4D28ABFD12FAF0FBA2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Ponticola entering freshwater in West Asia by: ○ lower jaw not or very slightly prognathous / ○ 54 – 70 total scales in midlateral series / ○ second dorsal usually with 15 – 16 ½ branched rays / ○ anal usually with 11 – 12 ½ branched rays / ○ lateral part of upper lip distinctively swollen / ○ dorsal head, lips, cheeks and predorsal plain brown / ○ flank very slightly reticulate / ○ first dorsal with marginal pale orange-yellow band and dark oblique spot / ○ upper part of pectoral base upper part with one dark-brown stripe / ○ pelvic disc reaching 40 – 60 % of distance between its origin and anus / ○ two suborbital transverse rows below suborbital longitudinal row b / ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with angular lobes whose length is 1 ⁄ 6 – 1 ⁄ 2 of fraenum width at base. Size up to 86 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4D28ABFD12FAF0FBA2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Lower and middle Sefid drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4D28ABFD12FAF0FBA2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Cold, fast-flowing, gravel-bottomed rivers and larger streams. Not found in brackish water. Biology. Spawns end February – end April. Male guard eggs in gravel or rocky burrows.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4D28ABFD12FAF0FBA2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4D28ABFD12FAF0FBA2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is very similar to P. patimari, and a recent publication suggests that the two may be indistinguishable by external characters. They occur in syntopy in Lower Sefid, and may represent just populations of one old species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4C2B39FBB5FA17FBB1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. South Caspian freshwater goby	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4C2B39FBB5FA17FBB1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Ponticola entering freshwater in West Asia by: ○ lower jaw not or very slightly prognathous / ○ 44 – 56 total scales in midlateral series / ○ second dorsal usually with 15 – 16 ½ branched rays / ○ anal usually with 11 – 12 ½ branched rays / ○ lateral part of upper lip swollen / ○ dorsal head, lips, cheeks, and predorsal plain brown / ○ flank very slightly reticulate / ○ first dorsal with marginal pale orange-yellow band and dark oblique spot / ○ upper part of pectoral base upper part with one dark-brown stripe / ○ pelvic disc reaching 40 – 60 % of distance between its origin and anus / ○ two suborbital transverse rows below suborbital longitudinal row b / ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with angular lobes whose length is 1 ⁄ 6 – 1 ⁄ 2 of fraenum width at base. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4C2B39FBB5FA17FBB1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Cheshme kile to Astara in southern Caspian basin. Absent from Sefid except lower most part and in rivers of Anzali Lagoon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4C2B39FBB5FA17FBB1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Cold mountain to warm foothill streams. Not found in brackish water. Biology. Male guard eggs in gravel or rocky burrows. Feeds mainly on small fish and a wide variety of invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD06FD4C2B39FBB5FA17FBB1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD04FD4E28ABF930FAFDFDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Colchic goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD04FD4E28ABF930FAFDFDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Ponticola entering freshwater in West Asia by: ○ lateral part of upper lip distinctively swollen / ○ lower jaw prognathous / ○ predorsal area uniform brown or dark-grey / ○ first dorsal without bold, distal, dark-brown band / ○ head depressed, wider than deep / ○ 59 – 73 + 3 scales in midlateral series / ○ caudal peduncle depth 18 – 22 % of caudal peduncle length / ○ two suborbital transverse rows below suborbital longitudinal row b / ○ pelvic disc reaching 40 – 60 % of distance between its origin and anus / ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with angular lobes whose length is 1 ⁄ 6 – 1 ⁄ 2 of fraenum width at base. Size up to 124 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD04FD4E28ABF930FAFDFDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Aksu (Giresun) east to Hopa drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD04FD4E28ABF930FAFDFDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Cold mountain to warm foothill streams. Not found in brackish water. Biology. Male guard eggs in gravel or rocky burrows. Feeds mainly on small fish and a variety of invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD04FD4E28ABF930FAFDFDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be slowly declining within its relatively small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD04FD4E28ABF930FAFDFDA9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular characters do not distinguish P. rizensis and P. turani from each other but clearly distinguish both together from P. constructor. Published morphological data place P. constructor somewhere between these two species. However, all characters used to differentiate P. constructor, P. rizensis, and P. turani largely overlap in fresh material we examined, and further studies are needed to distinguish at least the two species supported by molecular characters (P. constructor and P. rizensis). Ponticola rizensis and P. turani have been published in the same study. As a first reviser, we give priority to P. rizensis over P. turani. This makes P. turani a synonym of P. rizensis. Ponticola west of Aksu might belong to this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD05FD4E2885FA3BFA25F81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Syrman goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD05FD4E2885FA3BFA25F81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Ponticola entering freshwater in West Asia by: ○ pelvic-disc fraenum with small, rounded lobes, whose length is less than 1 ⁄ 6 of fraenum width at base / ● three suborbital transverse rows below suborbital longitudinal row b / ○ interorbital distance equal to eye diameter) / ○ lateral part of upper lip not distinctively swollen / ○ lower jaw not or very slightly prognathous / ○ pelvic disc reaching 60 – 70 % of distance between its origin and anus / ○ 57 – 67 + 2 – 3 scales in midlateral series / ○ head depressed, wider than deep. Size up to 220 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD05FD4E2885FA3BFA25F81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Azov, northern Black Sea, and Caspian basins. In West Asia only confirmed from Caspian but not from Black Sea basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD05FD4E2885FA3BFA25F81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Inshore habitats, estuaries, brackish and freshwater lagoons, and large rivers on muddy bottoms. Restricted to coastal areas and rarely found in freshwater. Biology. Lives up to 4 years. First spawns at 1 – 2 years in March – June. Female may spawn twice in a season. Adhesive eggs laid under or between stones, shells, and aquatic vegetation. Male guard eggs until hatching. Feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD05FD4E2885FA3BFA25F81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1AFD5128ABFF5EFBCDFB1A.taxon	description	All freshwater species of Proterorhinus have long been confused under the name P. marmoratus. Morphological and molecular data indicate that P. marmoratus does not enter pure freshwaters; it inhabits brackish waters in the Black Sea. Consequently, it is only mentioned in the key. Proterorhinus semilunaris also enters brackish waters and both may occur at similar salinities and may form hybrids. Three species occur in the Black Sea and two, potentially three, in the Caspian basin. All three Caspian species have been described from coastal habitats: P. nasalis and P. blennioides from the Caspian Sea near Baku (Azerbaijan) and P. semipellucidus from the mouth of the Karasu, a tributary of Gorgan Bay (Iran). Proterorhinus nasalis from Azerbaijan and Russia and P. semipellucidus from Iran might be conspecific or two allopatric species. Much more research is needed on this genus and the situation might be quite different from what is presented here in summer 2025.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1AFD5128ABF969FB65F81F.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caspian tubenose goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1AFD5128ABF969FB65F81F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Proterorhinus in Caspian basin by: ○ eye diameter 16 – 21 % HL / ○ usually 13 ½ branched anal rays. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1AFD5128ABF969FB65F81F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iranian Caspian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1AFD5128ABF969FB65F81F.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Usually associated with dense vegetation or coarse rocks. Biology. No data	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1AFD5128ABF969FB65F81F.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NE.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1AFD5128ABF969FB65F81F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In recent molecular literature, this species has been misidentified as P. semipellucidu s, a synonym of P. nasalis or a species potentially endemic to the Iranian Caspian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD18FD5328ABFD20FA81FB64.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eastern tubenose goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD18FD5328ABFD20FA81FB64.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Proterorhinus in Caspian basin by: ○ eye diameter 20 – 28 % HL / ○ usually 14, rarely up to 16 ½ branched anal rays. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD18FD5328ABFD20FA81FB64.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian and Azov basins. Native to Volga delta, now reaching as far as Lake Rybinskoye. Reached eastern Baltic basin in Russia, Estonia and Finland in recent years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD18FD5328ABFD20FA81FB64.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A variety of slow-flowing or still waters. Usually associated with dense vegetation or coarse rocks. Biology. Spawns first time at 1 – 2 years, usually for 1 – 2 seasons, in April – August. Females spawn more than once in a season. Male guard eggs deposited in burrows. Larvae and juveniles benthic. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD18FD5328ABFD20FA81FB64.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; invasive in Volga and Baltic basin, where it is spreading, reportedly facilitated by canalisation of main rivers and reservoirs or slow-flowing waters created by hydroelectric plants.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD18FD5328ABFD20FA81FB64.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In recent literature, this species has been misidentified as P. semipellucidus, a species potentially endemic to the Iranian Caspian basin. It cannot be excluded that P. semipellucidus might be a valid species, and future research is encouraged to investigate this question. In recent literature, this species has been misidentified as P. semipellucidus, a species potentially endemic to the Eastern Caspian basin. Proterorhinus semipellucidus was redescribed too late to get full credits in this book. It can be identified by the key on page 675.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD19FD522885FAEBFB5EF8D4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Western tubenose goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD19FD522885FAEBFB5EF8D4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Proterorhinus in Black Sea basin by: ○ head length 28 – 31 % SL / ○ eye diameter 20 – 28 % HL / ○ 13 – 16, usually 14 ½ anal rays / ○ total scales in midlateral series 41 – 47. Size up to 90 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD19FD522885FAEBFB5EF8D4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Marmara and Black Sea basins, and Maritza and Struma drainages in eastern Aegean. In Danube, historically present up to about Vienna, invasive since 1970 s, now reaching upstream to Germany and France. Invaded Baltic and North Sea basins since 1992, now widespread from Sommes (France) east to Vistula (Poland). Also in upper Rhône. In South Bug and Dnieper native far upstream. No reports of spread into Anatolia and arrived in North America in 1991 in ballast of ships.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD19FD522885FAEBFB5EF8D4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A variety of slow-flowing or standing waters, from estuaries to small, slow-flowing pre-montane streams. Usually associated with dense vegetation or coarse rocks. Often very abundant in backwaters and lakes, increasing in reservoirs and canals. Biology. Spawns first time at 1 – 2 years, usually for 1 – 2 seasons, in April – August. Female spawn more than once in a season. Male guard eggs deposited in burrows, larvae and juveniles benthic. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD19FD522885FAEBFB5EF8D4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD19FD522885FAEBFB5EF8D4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular studies revealed different haplotypes within populations in Georgia indicate past hybridisation with P. victori. Further studies are needed to resolve the species diversity of tubenose gobies.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1EFD5528ABF9E6FC5EF88B.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Georgian tubenose goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1EFD5528ABF9E6FC5EF88B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Proterorhinus in Black Sea basin by: ○ head length 31 – 35 % SL / ○ eye diameter 20 – 27 % HL / ○ 12 – 14 ½, usually 13 ½ anal rays / ○ total scales in midlateral series 42 – 59. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1EFD5528ABF9E6FC5EF88B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Georgia: Chorokhi, Kintrishi, Mchishta and lakes Kakhaberi and Inkiti in Black Sea basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1EFD5528ABF9E6FC5EF88B.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A variety of slow-flowing or still waters. Usually associated with dense vegetation or coarse rocks. Biology. No data	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1EFD5528ABF9E6FC5EF88B.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NE; due to the very poor knowledge about this recently described species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1EFD5528ABF9E6FC5EF88B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The presence of mtDNA from P. semilunaris in fish from Kintrishi indicates some degree of hybridisation between the two species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1FFD542885FF54FC39FD4D.taxon	vernacular_names	Sand gobies and mudskippers	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1FFD542885FF54FC39FD4D.taxon	description	Oxudercid gobies constitute a large group of fishes, comprising approximately 110 genera and 745 species. They are found predominantly in coastal and brackish waters, as well as in freshwater habitats. Their previous family name was Gobionellidae. However, it is now considered a junior synonym of Oxudercidae. In the freshwaters of West Asia, Oxudercidae is represented by the amphidromous genus Awaous, the sand gobies of the genus Knipowitschia, non-native Rhinogobius, and three mudskippers (Boleophthalmus dussumieri, Periophthalmus waltoni, Scartelaos tenuis). Mudskippers are found often associated with mud flats and mangroves in the Persian Gulf and around the Arabian Peninsula. They may also be occasionally found in freshwater, particularly following heavy rainfall, but they do not occur regularly in freshwater; instead, they are only found in brackish waters and the sea. Some mudskippers are occasionally seen at considerable distances up in brackish rivers, as B. dussumieri in the upper Shur (Iran), 55 km upriver from the coast. The key includes Periophthalmus and Scartelaos but excludes them from the list of freshwater fishes of West Asia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1CFD5628ABFB2EFB55FC3A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Arabian freshwater goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1CFD5628ABFB2EFB55FC3A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from sympatric Glossogobius by: ● upper lip projecting beyond lower lip / ● caudal rounded. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1CFD5628ABFB2EFB55FC3A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman, UAE, Yemen, southern Iran, and Pakistan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1CFD5628ABFB2EFB55FC3A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lower and middle parts of streams that flow into sea at least once every few years. Occupies soft bottoms with sand, silt or organic material. Also on soft sea bottoms, in estuaries, mangroves and coastal lagoons. Biology. No data. Other species in this genus are amphidromous and spawn in freshwater. Male guard eggs. Larvae are pelagic and must drift into estuaries or ocean. Juveniles migrate to freshwater to grow into adults and spawn. No resident freshwater populations known, but individuals can live for many years, and larvae may only reach sea in years of heavy flooding. Individuals often bury themselves in soft sediment. Marine and brackish water-only populations are expected to occur along coastlines.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1CFD5628ABFB2EFB55FC3A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1CFD5628ABFB2EFB55FC3A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Previously identified as Awaous aeneofuscus, a species known from the East African coast, possibly as far north as Socotra (Yemen). The distribution boundary between the two species is unknown, but individuals from Wadi Masila in Hadhramaut are identified as A. jayakari. Individuals from Socotra have yet to be identified and are provisionally included under A. jayakari. Awaous jayakari differs from A. aeneofuscus in having a pectoral base that is scaleless or has only 1 – 3 scales in adults (vs. pectoral base that is usually completely covered with scales).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1DFD592885FC0FFBB4FE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Gel Khorok mudskipper.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1DFD592885FC0FFBB4FE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other freshwater gobies in the Persian Gulf basin and the Arabian Peninsula by: ● one large canine tooth behind jaw symphysis and behind row of teeth in lower jaw / ○ no barbels on ventral side of head / ● eye strongly elevated from head profile / ● usually only one row of teeth in lower jaw / ○ 103 – 185 scales in lateral series / ○ 48 – 56 predorsal scales. Size up to 187 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1DFD592885FC0FFBB4FE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Persian Gulf basin to western India. Upper Shur (Iran) found 55 km upstream from coast and expected to occur in other brackish rivers.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1DFD592885FC0FFBB4FE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Intertidal mudflats. Also, mudflats of brackish rivers far inland. Biology. Lives up to 6 – 7 years, usually spawns for a single season and then dies. Spawns first time at 2 years, in April – August. Digs U-shaped vertical burrows to a depth of about 1 m with mud dams around entries. Mud dams usually pentagonal, rarely hexagonal or square, shape varies between populations. Mud dams help to keep water in burrow at low tide. Hides in burrow at high tide, low winter, and very high summer temperatures and when threatened. Active between 13 and 40 ° C. Muscular pectoral fin aid movement on land. Keeps water under gill cover to maintain a moist atmosphere for gills. Usually remains within mud walls of its territory, submerged in water or wet mud. Emerges from burrows at 10 ° C, often coming out of burrows to test temperatures. Basks to raise body temperature to 14 ° C. Keeps itself wet by regular immersion in pools and burrows and cool by evaporative loss of body fluids. Even at 40 ° C air temperature, body temperature does not exceed 33 ° C. Mucous cells prevent dehydration. Gas exchange in air and water occurs through gills, inner operculum, nasal, body, and outer operculum skin. Spawns in male burrow. Male guard eggs. Larvae emerge mid-July, usually in August. Male compete for females during courtship. A male usually has five neighbors, half of which are females. Male identify and attract female by raising fins and jumping with about two-thirds of body above ground. Pectoral fin waves, lateral tail beats, and quivers are other signals. On coast, feeds mainly on diatoms, blue-green algae, and filamentous algae, using polygonal enclosure between mud walls as a ‘ farm’ for diatom growth.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1DFD592885FC0FFBB4FE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD1DFD592885FC0FFBB4FE6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Records of this species from the east coast of India refer to Boleophthalmus boddarti.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD12FD582B39FDF1FE2CFB0A.taxon	description	Dwarf gobies of the genus Knipowitschia are a widespread species in lower parts of slowly flowing rivers and lakes in the Black, Caspian, and Mediterranean basins, from Italy to the Aegean coast in Türkiye. All species are very small gobies that inhabit standing or slowly flowing waters, usually with dense submerged vegetation. They might be very abundant, especially in lakes close to the coast. All species of Knipowitschia have a lifespan of no more than two years with adults absent in late summer. Currently, seven species are known from West Asia, with one, K. iljini, being strictly marine in the Caspian Sea and included in the key only. Notably, K. iljini has not been recorded for several decades. Knipowitschia is superficially similar to sand gobies of the Pomatoschistus, only found in the sea and in brackish parts of estuaries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD10FD5B28ABFDBEFBB4FA16.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Volga dwarf goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD10FD5B28ABFDBEFBB4FA16.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Knipowitschia in Caspian basin by: ● otic transverse row tra of papillae on cheek extending downward from anterior oculoscapular canal almost to row b / ● a second transverse row of papillae on cheek extending downward through row d and almost reaching row e / ○ flank and caudal peduncle covered by scales, with more than one series along lateral midline / ○ about 30 total scales in midlateral series / ○ caudal symmetric. Size up to 32 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD10FD5B28ABFDBEFBB4FA16.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Northern and south-eastern Caspian Sea, deltas of Ural and Volga, along west coast south to Iran. Mostly at sea, but was recorded from a river in Gonbad City (Iran).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD10FD5B28ABFDBEFBB4FA16.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A near-pelagic coastal, marine species found in areas of varying salinity, including freshwater. Biology. Lives 1 year. Matures at 18 – 20 mm SL. Spawns after first winter, in May – July, at depths of 2 – 7 m. Female lay 2 – 3 portions of eggs (0.4 × 1.0 mm) attached inside a mollusc shell. Adults probably die shortly after spawning. Feeds on small crustaceans.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD10FD5B28ABFDBEFBB4FA16.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD10FD5B28ABFDBEFBB4FA16.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Knipowitschia bergi is poorly known and has been reported from coastal, freshwater or slightly brackish lagoons in the Caspian basin. It is thought to be common in northern the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan, where it mainly inhabits fresher parts of the sea. Knipowitschia bergi has been placed in a separate genus, Hyrcanogobius, by some authors based on a slightly different organisation of cephalic sensory pores. Its phylogenetic position should be investigated in future.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5A2885FF5EFBB7FE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Köyceğiz dwarf goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5A2885FF5EFBB7FE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Knipowitschia in Anatolia by: ○ squamation incomplete, scales in two patches: in axillary area and on caudal region, often with a narrow naked zone behind tip of pectoral, rarely in one series along midlateral line / ○ head canals usually reduced to two short postorbital canals, anterior oculo-scapular canal present in few individuals / ○ otic transverse row tra of papillae on cheek not reaching to row b / ○ no transverse row of papillae on cheek through row d / ○ caudal symmetric. Size up to 28 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5A2885FF5EFBB7FE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Köyceğiz basin, a small stream flowing to Gökova Bay and lower Dalaman drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5A2885FF5EFBB7FE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fresh to brackish waters of coastal lakes and tributaries. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5A2885FF5EFBB7FE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5A2885FF5EFBB7FE6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Knipowitschia byblisia is much more abundant than K. caunosi in Lake Köyceğiz. These two species represent a molecular cluster (COI) well separated from other Knipowitschia. Within this cluster, syntopic subgroups are slightly different from each other. Fish from these subgroups all agree with the original description of K. byblisia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5D2B1BFDF1FF7EFAF8.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caucasian dwarf goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5D2B1BFDF1FF7EFAF8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Knipowitschia in West Asia by: ● head canals usually complete, rarely posterior oculoscapular reduced / ○ anterior oculoscapular canals usually fused in posterior interorbital space, with a single pore λ / ○ flank and caudal peduncle covered by scales, with more than one series along lateral midline / ○ anterior extremity of anterior oculoscapular canal in front of middle of eye (pore λ) (Fig. 64) / ○ otic transverse row tra of papillae on cheek not reaching to row b / ○ no transverse row of papillae on cheek through row d / ○ caudal symmetric. Size up to 50 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5D2B1BFDF1FF7EFAF8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Coasts of Black, Azov, Caspian, and Marmara Seas. Also, along northern Aegean west to Aliakmon drainage (Greece). Introduced in Karamanlı Reservoir, Lakes Beyşehir, Eğirdir and Eber basins, Büyük Menderes drainage and some places around Antalya (Türkiye). Also introduced to Aral Sea (now extirpated). Invasive in lower Rhine (North Sea basin).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5D2B1BFDF1FF7EFAF8.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fresh to hypersaline waters (salinity up to 55 ‰) of lakes, estuaries, and lagoons. Most common in shallow, well-vegetated habitats. Biology. Lives <2 years. Spawns after first winter in March – July at 20 – 23 mm SL, releasing up to four portions of eggs. Eggs are attached to roof of a burrow under stones, plant material or shells, defended by male. Postlarvae pelagic. Feeds on small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5D2B1BFDF1FF7EFAF8.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD11FD5D2B1BFDF1FF7EFAF8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The origin of introduced populations in Türkiye appears to be the Maritza drainage in European Türkiye, as fish farms in this region were a major source of carp stocked throughout Anatolia. Molecular data also support this hypothesis. Within K. caucasica, several molecular groups differ slightly from each other.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD16FD5D2B39FF5EFB62FC0E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kaunos dwarf goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD16FD5D2B39FF5EFB62FC0E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Knipowitschia in West Asia by: ○ head canals present / ○ posterior oculoscapular canal absent / ○ anterior oculoscapular canals usually fused in posterior interorbital space, with a single pore λ, rarely canals not extending to interorbital space / ○ flank and caudal peduncle covered by scales, with more than one series along lateral midline / ○ anterior extremity of anterior oculoscapular canal in front of middle of eye (pore λ) (Fig. 64) / ○ otic transverse row tra of papillae on cheek not reaching to row b / ○ no transverse row of papillae on cheek through row d / ○ caudal symmetric. Size up to 30 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD16FD5D2B39FF5EFB62FC0E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Köyceğiz basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD16FD5D2B39FF5EFB62FC0E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fresh to brackish waters of coastal lakes and rivers. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD16FD5D2B39FF5EFB62FC0E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD16FD5D2B39FF5EFB62FC0E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Knipowitschia caunosi is much rarer than K. byblisia and seems to be endemic to Lake Köyceğiz.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD17FD5C2885FBA5FB0CFA35.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Longtail dwarf goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD17FD5C2885FBA5FB0CFA35.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Knipowitschia entering freshwater by: ● caudal asymmetric, upper part longer than lower part / ○ anterior extremity of anterior oculoscapular canal in front of middle of eye (pore σ) / ○ anterior oculoscapular canals usually fused in posterior interorbital space, with a single pore λ, rarely canals not extending to interorbital space / ○ flank and caudal peduncle covered by scales, with more than one series along lateral midline / ○ otic transverse row tra of papillae on cheek not reaching to row b / ○ no transverse row of papillae on cheek through row d / ○ posterior oculoscapular canal absent / ○ back naked in front of origin of second dorsal / ○ body with 4 – 8 dark bars in live nuptial male / ○ 33 – 40 total scales in midlateral series. Size up to 40 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD17FD5C2885FBA5FB0CFA35.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian, Azov, northern and western Black Sea basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD17FD5C2885FBA5FB0CFA35.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fresh to salt waters of coastal lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and lagoons in shallow, well-vegetated habitats. Rarely in large rivers where it might occur far upstream. Biology. Lives <2 years. Spawns after first winter, at 20 mm SL, March – July. Female may spawn several times in a season. Male defend eggs in cavities under stones, plant material, or mollusc shells. Feeds on small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD17FD5C2885FBA5FB0CFA35.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD17FD5C2885FBA5FB0CFA35.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species has not been found along the Black Sea coast of Türkiye, Russia, and Georgia and may be absent from the Asian Black Sea basin. Fish identified as this species from the Danube delta and the lower Don share their COI DNA sequences with K. caucasica, and no K. longecaudata has been positively identified by molecular methods. This suggests that K. caucasica may have introgressed at least parts of populations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F28ABFCE3FDD2FA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Gediz dwarf goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F28ABFCE3FDD2FA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Knipowitschia in Anatolia by: ● anterior oculoscapular canals usually separate or very closely set in midline of posterior interorbital space, with two pores λ / ○ flank and caudal peduncle covered by scales, with more than one series along lateral midline / ○ head canals present, often reduced / ○ posterior oculoscapular canal absent / ○ otic transverse row tra of papillae on cheek not reaching to row b / ○ no transverse row of papillae on cheek through row d / ○ caudal symmetric. Size up to 30 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F28ABFCE3FDD2FA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lower Gediz and Madra drainages, probably more widespread in northern and central Aegean rivers in Anatolia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F28ABFCE3FDD2FA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fresh to brackish water of coastal lakes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F28ABFCE3FDD2FA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F2B39FCE3FB8FFA33.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ephesus dwarf goby.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F2B39FCE3FB8FFA33.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Knipowitschia in Anatolia by: ● head canals absent / ○ squamation incomplete, scales in two patches: in axillary area and on caudal region, rarely in one series along midlateral line / ○ otic transverse row tra of papillae on cheek not reaching to row b / ○ no transverse row of papillae on cheek through row d / ○ caudal symmetric. Size up to 26 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F2B39FCE3FB8FFA33.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lakes Gebekirse and Kocagöz basins and Eleman marshes in lower Küçük Menderes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F2B39FCE3FB8FFA33.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fresh to brackish water of coastal lakes. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F2B39FCE3FB8FFA33.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD14FD5F2B39FCE3FB8FFA33.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Gobies in Kavakdere reservoir (Aegean basin) may belong to this species. Knipowitschia ephesi is a synonym. Knipowitschia ricasolii is closely related to K. caucasica.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD15FD212885F9C3FB2EFEBC.taxon	description	Rhinogobius is a large group of small gobies widely distributed in East and Southeast Asia. It is estimated that there are around 112 species in the genus, with many more yet to be described. Stream gobies exhibit a wide range of life history traits, with some species inhabiting coastal rivers and streams, being amphidromous and producing many eggs and small pelagic larvae. These species often have large distribution areas. Others inhabit headwater streams and lay few eggs from which large benthic larvae hatch. A significant proportion of these species are endemic to a single or few rivers, and only a small proportion have likely been described. Consequently, the identification of Rhinogobius species is challenging, as only a few regional faunas have been extensively studied, while Rhinogobius from China, Russia, and Vietnam remain largely unstudied. One Rhinogobius species is non-native in West Asia, and it is believed to have been introduced from Central Asia to Iran as a contaminant of commercially cultivated fishes such as Chinese carps (Ctenopharyngodon, Hypophthalmichthys). It is thought to originate from the Russian Amur, from where it was introduced to Central Asia during Soviet times. Chinese carps have also been introduced to Central Asia from China (e. g., from Wuhan, Yangtze). It cannot be excluded that the non-native Rhinogobius originate from outside the Amur. These Rhinogobius have been identified as R. similis, R. lindbergi, or R. cheni. Still, identification of the species is based only on the assumption that it has been introduced from the Amur drainage and that these are the only similar species in the Amur. Rhinogobius is a very speciose genus, and many undescribed species are expected to occur in China and the Russian part of the Amur drainage. A comprehensive identification of non-native Rhinogobius is only possible when the diversity of Chinese Rhinogobius species is better understood. The species has expanded its range in the western Caspian basin and Iran. It has recently also reached the Rioni in the Georgian Black Sea basin, opening the door for a westward invasion. As it continues to be introduced as a weed with commercial fish, it could virtually be found everywhere, especially in areas where carps are stocked. In addition to the species discussed here, R. brunneus or a similar species, has been recorded from the Persian Gulf but has not been confirmed recently.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD68FD2328ABFF54FD14F8F0.taxon	vernacular_names	Pipefishes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD68FD2328ABFF54FD14F8F0.taxon	description	Syngnathidae is characterised by an elongate body covered by a series of bony rings, a small mouth at the extremity of a long and slender snout, and the absence of pelvics (and caudal, dorsal, and anal) fins in some species. The bestknown members of the family are probably the marine sea horses (Hippocampus). The family includes approximately 220 species, mostly found in tropical marine waters. Several species enter estuaries and coastal lagoons, while others are strictly freshwater inhabitants. The trunk rings begin with the ring bearing the pectoral base and end with the ring bearing the anus (which usually bears the anal fin). The predorsal rings end with the ring bearing the first dorsal ray. The caudal rings begin with the first ring situated posterior to the anus and end with the penultimate ring. The terminal ring bears the caudal fin. Syngnathus nigrolineatus and S. caspius regularly enter freshwater habitats in West Asia. Three additional species have been recorded to enter brackish waters of estuaries and coastal lagoons and may find their way into freshwater. These species can be distinguished using the key below. The diversity of the genus Syngnathus in the Mediterranean basin is significantly underestimated. Molecular studies indicate that several species may be confused under S. abaster. A critical review is required to ascertain the diversity and distribution of Mediterranean pipefishes. It is proposed that S. abaster be restricted to the coastal habitats of Spain, France, Corsica, and Sardinia. The Italian coastal species is identified as S. agassiz, described from Trieste, the freshwater species in the Black Sea basin as S. nigrolineatus, and the Caspian species as S. caspius. The well-defined molecular group found in Tunisia could be identified as S. algeriensis or S. flavescens in the future. From these, only S. algeriensis, S. caspius, and S. nigrolineatus regularly occur in freshwaters, while other species are restricted to marine or estuarine habitats. Syngnathus agassiz is expected to be found along the coast of the Eastern Mediterranean, but more research is needed to understand its distribution. The morphological characteristics that distinguish these different pipefishes have yet to be studied; thus, a definitive diagnosis cannot be provided.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD69FD222885FE23FA8AFDEC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Caspian pipefish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD69FD222885FE23FA8AFDEC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Characters to distinguish this species from other species of Syngnathus have yet to be worked out. Size up to 190 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD69FD222885FE23FA8AFDEC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caspian basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD69FD222885FE23FA8AFDEC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Many marine, brackish, and freshwater habitats are mostly associated with dense submerged vegetation. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD69FD222885FE23FA8AFDEC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD69FD222885F9A3FA98F81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Black Sea pipefish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD69FD222885F9A3FA98F81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Characters to distinguish this species from other species of Syngnathus have yet to be worked out. Size up to 190 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD69FD222885F9A3FA98F81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Coastal habitats and lower reaches of rivers in Black Sea basin; in Danube reaching Romanian-Hungarian border; in Dniepr reaching Kyiv. Introduced in middle and lower Volga reservoirs with mysids brought from Don estuary, now spreading and already south of Moscow.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD69FD222885F9A3FA98F81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of marine, brackish, and freshwater habitats are usually associated with dense submerged vegetation and are also on open, muddy bottoms. Biology. Lives up to 4 years. First spawns at 1 year, in April – October. Female lay 10 – 60 eggs in a brood pouch on ventral surface of male’s tail. Male fertilise eggs as they enter pouch. Eggs incubate for 20 – 32 days.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD69FD222885F9A3FA98F81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD6EFD2528ABFF54FB89FCF0.taxon	vernacular_names	Old world silversides	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD6EFD2528ABFF54FB89FCF0.taxon	description	A family of euryhaline fishes, comprising mostly small to medium-sized species, with approximately 14 genera and 70 species found throughout the world’s tropical and temperate seas. Many species are confined to freshwater, often entering brackish waters or coastal rivers. Atherinid schools are often very abundant in estuarine ecosystems. They are characterised by a silvery, elongate, compressed body, two widely separated dorsals, a large eye, and a long snout with a terminal mouth. Atherinids can be distinguished from superficially similar Mugilidae (mullets) by a laterally compressed head (vs. dorso-ventrally flattened), no of scales on the top of the head (vs. presence), and 7 – 10 ½ rays in the first dorsal (vs. 4). The diversity of Atherina in the Mediterranean basin has been significantly underestimated, with A. boyeri being restricted to the western Mediterranean. Atherina caspia and A. pontica are simultaneous subjective synonyms, and the first reviser [apparently Kessler, 1874: 108] gave precedence to A. pontica over A. caspia. Consequently, the populations in the Mediterranean from Greece to the east, including the Black Sea and Caspian basins, are now identified as A. pontica. However, several species might be included in this region. Further unidentified Atherina have been discovered in the Orontes, Lake Köyceğiz (Aegean Sea), and potentially in other freshwater habitats. Here, we present only one species that has been reported to enter freshwater habitats in West Asia. Nevertheless, the taxonomy of Atherina remains poorly resolved, with the possibility that several synonyms represent valid species. As the freshwater species of the genus await revision, we maintain all records under the name A. pontica.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD6FFD242885FBF9FBFBFB46.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eastern sand smelt.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD6FFD242885FBF9FBFBFB46.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Only species in family in freshwaters in West Asia. Size up to about 85 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD6FFD242885FBF9FBFBFB46.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Western Greece east to Caspian basin. Introduced in several lakes and reservoirs in Anatolia and probably elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD6FFD242885FBF9FBFBFB46.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lower parts of rivers, estuaries, coastal lakes, and the sea. Freshwater populations prefer still or slow-flowing waters. Pelagic in lakes and sea. Biology. Gregarious. Usually lives 1 – 3 years, rarely up to 4. Spawns at 1 – 2 years in spring and early summer. Fractional spawners. Eggs with long hairy appendages attached to filamentous algae, deposited at 2 – 6 m depth, perhaps shallower in rivers. Larvae pelagic but often form shoals near shore. In lakes and estuaries, feeding mainly on small planktonic invertebrates, often on benthos in rivers.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD6FFD242885FBF9FBFBFB46.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD6CFD2628ABFF54FE43FACC.taxon	vernacular_names	Eurasian killifishes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD6CFD2628ABFF54FE43FACC.taxon	description	The family comprises approximately 45 species, distinguished by the absence of ossified rays in the dorsal, a short and stout body, and sexually dimorphic colour patterns. The males typically exhibit prominent black or brown bars on the flank, while the females display a mottled or spotted colour pattern, with short black or brown lateral bars in some species. This resulted in numerous instances of dual descriptions of males and females as different species during the 19 th century when scientists were unaware of this sexual dimorphism. Extensive research was conducted on Aphaniids previously classified within the American family Cyprinodontidae. The definition, limits, and contents of the family Cyprinodontidae have undergone significant changes over the past 30 years. Aphaniidae is treated as its own family related to Valenciidae, which is endemic to Europe and African lamp-eyes (Procatopodidae). Aphaniidae has been subdivided into eight genera, with six of which (excluding Tellia and Apricaphanius) are included in the coverage of this book. Aphaniids have a long fossil record, with the oldest Aphanius - like otoliths deriving from Miocene deposits almost 21 million years old. At which times, Aphaniids also occurred in Central Europe and the Caucasus region, and it is possible that they vanished from these regions due to climatic changes. The biology of most Aphaniids remains unknown in the field. However, they have been extensively studied in captivity. During the spawning period, which extends throughout spring and summer, year-round in some species, males establish territories along the shores, usually in dense vegetation but also between rocks, which they defend against rival males. Females spawn with one male, typically in algae or other vegetation close to the water surface or into gravel bottoms. If population densities are high, several males may sneak in to join the spawning pair. One or a few eggs are laid into the spawning substrate during a single spawning act. Individual females may spawn several egg clutches during a day and then typically pause for a few days before spawning again. Eggs possess filamentous structures to attach to the substrate. The larvae usually hatch after 7 – 15 days, with the timing dependent on temperature. Young Aphaniids exhibit rapid growth, with some reaching maturity within the same or the following year. Most species feed on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. Several Aphaniids have very limited distribution ranges, with some species facing a high risk of extinction. One species is currently extinct. Ex situ populations of numerous species have been established within the aquarium hobby, yet they are poorly managed and typically based on a very small founder broodstock.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD62FD2B28ABFF5EFE10FE24.taxon	description	Anatolichthys is the largest genus of Eurasian killifishes, with all (except one) species occurring in Central Anatolia. They often have restricted distribution ranges in relatively small habitat patches. Two species are found in the Black Sea basin. Anatolichthys is related to Kosswigichthys. All Anatolichthys inhabit inland waters, including springs, lakes, and the shores of rivers. They also inhabit reservoirs. All species mature within a few months after hatching, usually late in the year of birth. Males establish territories along the banks, usually in dense vegetation, but also between rocks, which they defend against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in algae or other vegetation near the water surface or on gravel bottoms. Few eggs are deposited in the substrate during a spawning event. Individual females produce several clutches of eggs in one day. All species feed on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. Many springs previously inhabited by Anatolichthys dried out in the late 20 th century, and non-native species now dominated many others. Due to the deteriorating ecological conditions in Central Anatolia, many populations of Anatolichthys will vanish in the future. One species, A. splendens, became extinct after introducing non-native species for fisheries. An additional, potentially extinct species is known from early 20 th- century records in the Damascus and Jordan basins. This species is similar to A. marassantensis, and it is necessary to determine whether it represents an undescribed species or was introduced to the region. Three species of Anatolichthys are notable for their pelagic habitat and reduced scale coverage, which are adaptations to predator-free, lacustrine environments. However, two of these species are now on the brink of extinction and largely restricted to springs at lake shores, as the ecological conditions in the lakes no longer allow fish to exist there permanently.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD60FD2A28ABFDE7FAF2FAE9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lake Tuz killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD60FD2A28ABFDE7FAF2FAE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ○ male usually with grey or whitish dorsal base and a black mid-dorsal band and a hyaline or grey distal dorsal margin / ○ except base, dorsal completely black in some populations / ○ body shape ovoid / ○ male with 8 – 10 wide, regularly set, yellowish dark-bars / ○ third-last bar anterior to caudal base 2.1 – 4.3 times wider than anterior white interspace / ○ male with yellow anal with narrow black margin / ○ male with 1 – 4 bold black vertical bars on caudal / ○ male with flank bars in front of dorsal origin wider than interspaces / ○ male with dark-brown bars on caudal peduncle being 0.3 – 1.8 times as wide as interspaces / ○ female with numerous black spots or blotches on flank not organised in bars or a midlateral row / ○ body completely covered with overlapping scales. Size up to about 45 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD60FD2A28ABFDE7FAF2FAE9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lakes Tuz, Beyşehir, and Suğla basins, around Konya and eastward to Niğde.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD60FD2A28ABFDE7FAF2FAE9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams with dense underwater vegetation. Biology. Live up to 4 years; biology as described in genus section.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD60FD2A28ABFDE7FAF2FAE9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; habitats have been lost continuously for many years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD60FD2A28ABFDE7FAF2FAE9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Aphanius lykaoniensis, A. venustus, A. flavianalis, A. obrukensis and A. aksaranus are synonyms.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD60FD2A28ABFDE7FAF2FAE9.taxon	description	Vanishing Lake Tuz. Lake Tuz in Central Anatolia was once the second-largest lake in Türkiye. It was a popular destination for flamingos, who flocked there to feed and nest. People also visited to witness the lake’s seasonal colour changes and to bathe in the mineral-rich water, mud, and salt. Lake Tuz is fed by groundwater that originates in the Northern Taurus and passes through the Konya Plain and Obruk Plateau, which bubbles up into Lake Tuz via springs. Other water sources include two major streams and rain that primarily falls in springtime. Water in the region has become increasingly scarce, with more frequent and intense droughts. The region is a significant climate change hotspot, warming more than the global average since the pre-industrial period. Before 2000, Lake Tuz generally contained sufficient water in August to be considered permanent. From 1985 through 2000, the lake’s water level exceeded 20 % of the current shoreline in all years except 1992 and 1994. During the most humid years, 1988 and 1996, the lake reached its fullest extent, with 93 % and 58 % of the lake covered by water, respectively. Notwithstanding the drought conditions that prevailed in 1992, water still managed to cover 16 % of the lakebed. However, a distinct shift occurred after the year 2000. Between 2001 and 2016, water spanned less than 20 % of the lake every August (except for 2015) as droughts became more frequent and intense. In 2008 and 2016, the lake completely dried up. Research indicates that an extraordinary meteorological drought has devastated Lake Tuz since 2019. In July 2021, the lake’s water levels were at an all-time low, resulting in the mass death of flamingos. The decline of Lake Tuz coincided with the excessive use of groundwater and surface-water resources, which were used to irrigate agriculture and meet the water needs of the surrounding provinces. Furthermore, as surface water dwindled during the intense drought, people turned to the groundwater that historically fed the springs. In the event of further drought conditions, water extraction will likely continue at current levels, resulting in the disappearance of lakes, springs, and streams in Central Anatolia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD66FD2D28ABFB2EFC7CFA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sultan killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD66FD2D28ABFB2EFC7CFA51.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ● male with rhomboid dorsal profile, straight up to a vertical line through pelvic origin / ○ male with 8 – 14 black bars / ○ male with bars behind dorsal origin wider than interspaces / ○ third-last bar anterior to caudal base 2.3 – 4.0 times wider than anterior white interspace in male larger than 26 mm SL / ○ male with 1 – 4 bold black vertical bars on caudal / ○ male with completely grey or black dorsal often with grey margin / ○ dorsal base hyaline or with a narrow white line / ○ male with yellow or white anal, with narrow black margin and 1 – 4 narrow, black, concentric bands / ○ female with numerous bold black spots and / or blotches on flank not organised in bars or a midlateral row / ○ female without spots or blotches on caudal and / or anal / ○ body completely covered with overlapping scales. Size up to 46 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD66FD2D28ABFB2EFC7CFA51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Sultan marshes in Develi depression.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD66FD2D28ABFB2EFC7CFA51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, spring-fed streams, and canals with or without dense underwater vegetation. Biology. Live up to 3 years; biology as described in genus section.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD66FD2D28ABFB2EFC7CFA51.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; see comments under Pseudophoxinus elizavetae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD66FD2D28ABFB2EFC7CFA51.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Cyprinodon chantrei is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD67FD2F2885FA93FDB9FD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Yarışlı killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD67FD2F2885FA93FDB9FD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ○ male with a completely black anal or anal white with a wide black margin, with irregularly set and shaped black bands and / or blotches / ○ body completely covered with overlapping scales / ○ male with regularly set and shaped dark-brown or black bars, without white spots in bars / ○ dorsal completely black or with white or hyaline base / ○ flank bars behind dorsal origin wider than interspaces / ○ female with numerous black spots or blotches on flank often organised in midlateral rows. Size up to about 50 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD67FD2F2885FA93FDB9FD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Karapınar spring near Yeşilova, Düğer spring near Lake Yarışlı southwest of Lake Burdur, springs in former Lake Karaevli southeast of Lake Burdur and Lakes Karataş and Salda basins.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD67FD2F2885FA93FDB9FD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, springs, and lake shores, with or without vegetation, also common on rocky shores. Biology. Live up to 3 years; batch spawning, spawns synchronously with A. saldae from April to September in Lake Salda.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD67FD2F2885FA93FDB9FD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Extirpated from Karapınar and Düğer spring and Lake Karataş basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD67FD2F2885FA93FDB9FD11.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Potentially introduced to Lake Salda, where it hybridises with A. saldae. Aphanius altus from Karapınar and A. litoralis from Lake Karataş are synonyms.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD64FD2E2B39FF5EFEC1FD3E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eğirdir killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD64FD2E2B39FF5EFEC1FD3E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ● male with black dorsal, with a wide, hyaline or white, proximal band / ○ male with black dorsal base / ○ last lateral bar in male regularly shaped, not fused with penultimate bar / ○ female with bold back spots or / and blotches on flank / ○ male with yellow or white anal with a narrow black margin / ○ male with 1 – 4 bold black vertical bars on caudal / ○ body completely covered with overlapping scales. Size up to about 50 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD64FD2E2B39FF5EFEC1FD3E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lake Eğirdir and Kovada basins. Also in two springs in upper Köprüçay and Aksu.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD64FD2E2B39FF5EFEC1FD3E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakeshores, springs, and streams, usually with dense vegetation. Biology. Live up to 4 years; feeds mainly on aquatic insect larvae, amphipods and diatoms. Population size in Eğirdir fluctuates in parallel with Atherina population.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD64FD2E2B39FF5EFEC1FD3E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; had declined sharply in Lake Eğirdir before about 2006 but has increased since then, presumably following the disappearance of predation by Sander lucioperca due to overfishing. It is now declining again as the lake level is falling.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7AFD3128ABFF5EFCDBFED9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kaklık killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7AFD3128ABFF5EFCDBFED9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ● male with irregularly set and shaped, dark-brown bars, bars with white spots or vermiculate pattern, some large individuals plain, dark-grey with some yellow blotches / ○ male with yellow or white anal with narrow black margin / ○ female with numerous black, irregularly shaped stripes and vermiculate blotches on flank organised in midlateral rows / ○ body completely covered with overlapping scales. Size up to about 52 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7AFD3128ABFF5EFCDBFED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Spring near Kaklık in Büyük Menderes drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7AFD3128ABFF5EFCDBFED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs with dense vegetation and associated streams. Biology. Live up to 3 years; biology as described in genus section.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7AFD3128ABFF5EFCDBFED9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; known only from a very small spring area, vulnerable to climate change, recreational activities, non-native species and desiccation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7AFD3128ABFF5EFCDBFED9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Anatolichthys irregularis is very closely related to A. maeandricus, but the colour pattern of male and female can easily distinguish both species. It is likely that A. irregularis was recently isolated and has adapted to the gypsum springs where it lives.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7BFD332885FA34FF48FD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Büyük Menderes killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7BFD332885FA34FF48FD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ● male with a white line or a row of white spots or blotches along or distinctly above black dorsal base / ○ dorsal completely black or with grey distal margin / ○ last dark-brown bar irregularly or diamond-shaped, usually fused with pre-last bar / ○ male with bright yellow anal with narrow black margin / ○ male with 1 – 4 bold black vertical bars on caudal / ○ male with flank bars behind dorsal origin wider than interspaces / ○ female with numerous black spots not organised in midlateral rows / ○ body completely covered with overlapping scales. Size up to 45 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7BFD332885FA34FF48FD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Springs of Büyük Menderes near Işıklı, Pınarbaşı spring near Karakuyu and Düden Pınarı at Dinar.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7BFD332885FA34FF48FD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs with dense underwater vegetation. Biology. Live up to 3 years; biology as described in genus section.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7BFD332885FA34FF48FD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7BFD332885FA34FF48FD11.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Several records of Anatolichthys from the middle and lower Büyük Menderes drainage exist, none of which have been confirmed in recent decades.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD78FD322B39FF5EFE0FFC49.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kızılırmak killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD78FD322B39FF5EFE0FFC49.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ○ adult male with completely black dorsal, or with white or grey base and a narrow white line or row of white spots along dorsal base / ○ male with bright yellow or white anal with narrow black margin and 1 – 4 narrow, black, concentric bands / ○ male with 8 – 13 dark-brown bars, third-last bar anterior to caudal base 0.9 – 1.8 times wider than anterior white interspace / ○ male with ovoid dorsal profile in individuals larger than 26 mm SL / ○ female without spots on caudal / ○ female larger than 28 mm SL with 1 – 3 lateral rows of large black spots on flank behind dorsal base / ○ body shape ovoid, rarely rhomboid, dorsal profile convex / ○ body completely covered with overlapping scales. Size up to 57 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD78FD322B39FF5EFE0FFC49.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Kızılırmak drainage and lower and middle Yeşilırmak drainage; also in adjacent coastal wetlands west of Sinop.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD78FD322B39FF5EFE0FFC49.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, small streams to marshes, and large reservoirs. Biology. Live up to 5 years; spawns May-September. Feeds mainly on zooplankton (especially cladocerans and copepods), plants (diatoms and algae) and some other invertebrate groups (especially amphipods and gastropods). Similar to A. iconii in Lake Eğirdir, its population fluctuates in a similar pattern to that of Atherina in Hirfanlı Reservoir.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD78FD322B39FF5EFE0FFC49.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD78FD322B39FF5EFE0FFC49.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is usually identified as A. chantrei, a synonym of A. danfordii. Similar fish occurred in upper Jordan drainage and the Damascus basin in Syria until the early 20 th century but have not been found since. These have been identified as A. marassantensis, which may have been introduced in this area, but this needs to be confirmed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD79FD322B1BFF5EFAEDFC76.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Lycian killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD79FD322B1BFF5EFAEDFC76.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ● male with 6 – 8 dark-brown bars on flank / ● male with flank bars behind dorsal origin narrower than interspaces / ○ adult male with completely black dorsal or with brown base / ○ body shape ovoid / ○ male with bright yellow anal with narrow black margin / ○ male with 1 – 4 bold black vertical bars on caudal / ○ female with numerous black spots or blotches on flank often organised in midlateral rows / ○ body completely covered with overlapping scales. Size up to 55 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD79FD322B1BFF5EFAEDFC76.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Upper Eşen drainage and Lake Söğüt, Avlan, and Gölhisar basins. Also in a small reservoir in Lake Salda basin (potentially introduced).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD79FD322B1BFF5EFAEDFC76.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. River and stream margins, lakeshores, springs, and spring-fed canals and streams. Biology. Live up to 4 years, mature at age I; spawns July-September.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD79FD322B1BFF5EFAEDFC76.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; found in fewer than 10 independent populations, some of which are declining.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD79FD322B1BFF5EFAEDFC76.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Anatolichthys parvus, from small streams near Lake Gölhisar, is a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7FFD372885FB4DFE7BFE9E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Salda killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7FFD372885FB4DFE7BFE9E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by ○ 1 – 3 lines of large, usually not or only slightly overlapping scales on midlateral flank / ● usually no or few isolated scales on flank, up to 47 – 52 total, not or very slightly overlapping scales along lateral series / ● male with black bars wider at dorsal part, narrower at ventral part / ○ no or few isolated scales on flank except midlateral row / ○ scales on back and belly absent / ○ lateral head profile almost quadratic, lower jaw large, directing upward / ○ body depth 4.0 – 5.3 times in standard length. Size up to 50 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7FFD372885FB4DFE7BFE9E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Salda.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7FFD372885FB4DFE7BFE9E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine. Forages in open water; spawns on gravel beds near shore. Overwinters in deeper parts of lake. Lake Salda is oligotrophic with a very high concentration of magnesium carbonate (MgCO 3). Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature within a year. Pelagic and offshore, outside spawning season. Non-nuptial males and females form large schools, even during spawning season spawns April to September. Males establish territories along shore, usually between gravel and rocks, which they defend against rivals. Female spawn with one or more males on gravel bottoms. Few eggs are laid in the substrate during a spawning event. Individual females may produce several clutches in a single day. Feeds on small benthic and planktonic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7FFD372885FB4DFE7BFE9E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; Water abstraction and reduced rainfall due to climate change are critical threats to salinity levels in Lake Salda and could lead to its rapid extinction in the near future.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7FFD372885FB4DFE7BFE9E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often treated as a synonym of A. splendens.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7CFD372885FEB2FCF2FD4D.taxon	description	The presence of scales on fish is a protective mechanism that safeguards the integumentary system from injury. However, this adaptation comes at a cost in terms of energy expenditure. This is evidenced by the observation that many cavefish, which inhabit environments with reduced levels of light, have reduced scales. Similarly, pelagic Aphaniids that inhabit mineral-rich lakes appear relatively safe from predators and flooding hazards. Consequently, they have also reduced their scales. The reduction of scales in Anatolichthys and Kosswigichthys is not a genetic adaptation to the high concentration of sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and magnesium carbonate in the lakes in which they live. There was no difference in the salt tolerance of scale-reduced fish and normally scaled fish observed in experiments. The reduction is a consequence of the absence of stabilizing selection. Mutants exhibiting all variations in squamation survive, increasing the variability of the squamation. This may lead to the complete loss of scales, potentially saving energy by not developing and maintaining scales.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7CFD3628ABFCFDFD0AFDD7.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Gölcük killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7CFD3628ABFCFDFD0AFDD7.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ○ 1 – 3 lines of large, usually not or only slightly overlapping scales on midlateral flank / ● usually 38 – 46 total, overlapping scales along lateral series / ● male with black bars equally shaped, not wider at dorsal part / ○ scales on back and belly absent / ○ lateral head profile almost quadratic, lower jaw large, directing upward / ○ body depth 4.0 – 5.3 times in standard length / ○ male with white anal with wide, black margin or completely black. Size up to 38 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7CFD3628ABFCFDFD0AFDD7.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Gölcük west of Isparta.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7CFD3628ABFCFDFD0AFDD7.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine. Biology. No data. Expected to be similar to other Anatolichthys. In laboratory, larvae hatch after 12 days at an incubation temperature of 24 ° C.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7CFD3628ABFCFDFD0AFDD7.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct; invasive Sander lucioperca, Cyprinus carpio and Carassius auratus caused the extinction of this species in the early 1980.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7CFD3628ABFCFDFD0AFDD7.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Anatolichthys saldae, a species endemic to Lake Salda, is often treated as a population of A. splendens.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7DFD392885FD9BFB55FCE1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Burdur killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7DFD392885FD9BFB55FCE1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ○ usually scales on back and belly absent / ○ usually 1 – 3 lines of large, usually not or only slightly overlapping scales on midlateral flank / ○ lateral head profile triangular or rounded, lower jaw small, directing forward / ○ body depth 3.2 – 4.2 times in standard length / ○ caudal peduncle depth 11 – 14 % SL / ○ head depth at nape 61 – 69 % SL / ○ head width at nape 51 – 60 % SL / ○ nuptial male with grey dorsal base / ○ male with white anal and wide, black margin or completely black. Size up to 45 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7DFD392885FD9BFB55FCE1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Burdur.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7DFD392885FD9BFB55FCE1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine along shores also found in mouths of inflowing streams and springs on lakeshores. Lake Burdur has very high sodium sulfate (Na 2 SO 4) concentrations and alkalinity (pH 8.9 – 9.5). Biology. Live up to 4 years, mature in 100 – 120 days. Starts spawning at end of March. Incubation period 7 – 8 days at 22 – 24 ° C water temperature. Non-nuptial males and females form large schools. Arctodiaptomus burduricus and Brachionus plicatilis are major food items.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7DFD392885FD9BFB55FCE1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its small range. The main threats are drying up of Lake Burdur and increasing salinity and pollution, which are continuing. Lake Burdur has lost about 30 % of its surface area since the 1980 s due to water abstraction and retention. Reduced inflow has led to increased salinity and pollutant concentrations. Between 2016 and 2019, the species disappeared from the lake after massive fish kills. It was confined to springs and tributaries, suffering from competition and predation from non-native Gambusia holbrooki. In 2000, it was found in the lake again after much rain and fewer algal blooms. Lake Burdur is a Ramsar site, a “ Protected Area of First-Degree Importance ”, and a “ Wildlife Development Zone ” under national law.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD7DFD392885FD9BFB55FCE1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In the past, Anatolichthys from Lake Burdur showed a wide range of squamation patterns. Fish with a partially bare body and reduced, non-overlapping scales on the flank coexisted with fish with a body completely covered by overlapping scales. Early authors placed a high value on scale patterns and placed fish with fullscale coverage in genus Aphanius and those with reduced scales in genus Anatolichthys. Later, authors treated all fishes as one variable species, mostly based on inconclusive hybridisation experiments and intermediate fishes in the lake. Fish from Lake Burdur were described as A. sureyanus without giving details of scale patterns, A. burdurensis based on fish with reduced scales and a slender body, and A. burduricus based on fish with fullscale coverage and a deep body. Today, Anatolichthys show reduced scale patterns or no scales at all. Molecular studies (cytochrome b, cytochrome c oxidase 1) have yet to provide evidence to distinguish fish from Lake Burdur (without detail in scale patterns) from fish inhabiting springs and lakes in the wider Lake Burdur basin, identified here as A. fontinalis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD72FD382B39FC76FC52FC0E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Acıgöl killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD72FD382B39FC76FC52FC0E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ○ scales on back and belly usually absent / ○ usually 1 – 3 lines of large, not or only slightly overlapping scales on midlateral flank / ○ lateral head profile triangular or rounded, lower jaw small, directing forward / ○ body depth 3.2 – 4.2 times in standard length / ○ caudal peduncle depth 16 – 18 % SL / ○ head depth at nape 68 – 75 % SL / ○ head width at nape 62 – 74 % SL / ○ nuptial male with completely black dorsal / ○ male with white anal and wide, black margin or anal completely black. Size up to 40 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD72FD382B39FC76FC52FC0E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Acıgöl basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD72FD382B39FC76FC52FC0E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and small spring-fed streams. Also found in Acıgöl when there is sufficient water. Biology. Live up to 2 years, mature with 5 - 7 months. Spawns February to May and again July to August in channals of brine ponds. Several males gather to chase females during spawning. Few eggs are laid on vegetation during a spawning event. Feeds on benthos and detritus in Gambusia dominated springs, otherwise insect larvae, zooplankton and plant material.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD72FD382B39FC76FC52FC0E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; once abundant in Acıgöl and its tributaries. Now, only in one spring field. Springs on western, eastern and northern shores of Acıgöl have dried up. In late 20 th century, it was reported to be more abundant, and the last spring field was much larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD72FD382B39FC76FC52FC0E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. There is a large variation in scale reduction in A. transgrediens.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD70FD3B28ABFAEBFA0BFA16.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sakarya killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD70FD3B28ABFAEBFA0BFA16.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Anatolichthys by: ● male with 4 – 14 vertical rows of small black or brown spots on caudal / ● male with 13 – 25 narrow brown bars on body / ● female larger than 40 mm SL usually without back spots or blotches on flank except one bold black blotch at middle posterior most caudal peduncle / ○ male with regularly set and shaped dark-brown or black bars, without white spots in bars / ○ male with bright yellow anal with narrow black margin / ○ male with flank bars behind dorsal origin wider than interspaces / ○ body completely covered with overlapping scales. Size up to 60 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD70FD3B28ABFAEBFA0BFA16.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Ilgın and upper Sakarya drainage downstream to about confluent of Sakarya and Porsuk.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD70FD3B28ABFAEBFA0BFA16.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, springs, and slow-flowing streams with dense vegetation. Biology. Male live up to 4 years, females up to 5 years; batch spawning from late of March to July.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD70FD3B28ABFAEBFA0BFA16.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD71FD3D2885FF5EFE30FDAA.taxon	description	Aphaniops are a group of eight species of killifishes known to inhabit the south-easternmost Mediterranean basin, extending along the coasts of the Red Sea from south to Ethiopia and across the Persian Gulf basin to Gujarat in India. Except for one species, all Aphaniops occur in West Asia. Aphaniops stiassnyae is endemic to Lake Afdera in the Danakil Depression of northern Ethiopia, and several undescribed species might exist in East Africa. Aphaniops cannot survive water temperatures below 10 ° C for an extended period. Low water temperatures during the winter months in the Mediterranean basin may limit their distribution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD77FD3F2885FF5EFF56F84A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Red Sea killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD77FD3F2885FF5EFF56F84A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Aphaniops in West Asia by: ● male with roundish or ovoid silvery spots or blotches on flank, sometimes with short vermiculation, on a grey, greenish or bluish background, usually without bars on caudal peduncle / ● tip of dorsal reaching to three scales in front of end of hypural complex in male larger than 40 mm SL / ○ female with a midlateral series of wide bars or irregularly shaped and set, vertically elongated, lateral blotches / ○ female with a narrow and long bar at caudal base / ○ male with 2 – 3 bold, crescent-shaped black bars on caudal / ○ body covered by overlapping scales / ○ caudal truncate or slightly rounded / ○ 6 – 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 56 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD77FD3F2885FF5EFF56F84A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Red Sea coast south to Gulf of Aden, Socotra and south to Ethiopia. In Suez Canal, Bitter and Timsach Lakes. Also along northern Nile Delta and Sinai coast, and on Israeli Mediterranean coast at Atlit and Siwa Oasis in western Egypt. Introduced in fish farms around Khartoum with salt from Port Sudan area.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD77FD3F2885FF5EFF56F84A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Euryhaline, coastal habitats with dense vegetation or rocky bottoms. Also found in coral reefs in Red Sea. Very rarely reported from freshwater habitats. Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along shore, usually in dense vegetation but also between rocks, which they defend against rival males. Spawns March – September, with a peak in July – August on Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Spawns throughout year on Arabian Peninsula. Females spawn with one or more males, usually on gravel, rocks, algae, or other vegetation. Few eggs are laid in substrate during a spawning event. Individual females may produce several clutches in a single day. Feeds on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. Produces sterile hybrids with Aphanius fasciatus along Egyptian coast.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD77FD3F2885FF5EFF56F84A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD77FD3F2885FF5EFF56F84A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Populations in Socotra and western Yemen are thought to belong to this species. In the Nile, reports are from the delta area, but records upstream of the delta, south of Cairo, are unconfirmed and doubtful. At least two species are included in A. dispar, both found in the Red Sea, and there may be other unrecognised species in the area. It remains to be seen which species was originally described as A. dispar.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD75FD3E2885FAE4FB4DFABD.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Scaleless Hormuzgan killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD75FD3E2885FAE4FB4DFABD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Aphaniops in West Asia by: ● caudal slightly emarginate / ● caudal without bars in male / ● body completely scaleless / ● teeth bicuspid. Size up to 33 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD75FD3E2885FAE4FB4DFABD.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Kol and Mehran drainages including Khurgu and Faryab hot sulfuric springs close to Bandar Abbas. Also, Shur drainage in Makran region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD75FD3E2885FAE4FB4DFABD.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Saline rivers and hot sulfur springs with salinities around 30 ‰. Usually along banks. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD75FD3E2885FAE4FB4DFABD.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; habitats are under threat due to severe drought, pollution, and habitat destruction.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD75FD3E2885FAE4FB4DFABD.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Occurs in sympatry with Aphaniops teimorii, which is usually much more abundant.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4AFD0028ABFB1AFAF1FE07.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Genow killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4AFD0028ABFB1AFAF1FE07.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Aphaniops in West Asia by: ● 5 branched dorsal rays, ½ ray absent / ○ male with 13 – 19 brown bars on flank / ○ male with 2 – 3 crescent-shaped black bars on caudal / ○ female with a midlateral row of vertically elongated black, grey or dark-brown blotches or narrow bars / ○ male without black dorsal margin, anal yellow anteriorly, with 3 – 8 narrow black or brown bands on posterior part of fin / ○ anal and dorsal not reaching to caudal base / ○ body covered by overlapping scales / ○ caudal truncate or slightly rounded. Size up to 40 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4AFD0028ABFB1AFAF1FE07.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Genow hot sulfuric spring.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4AFD0028ABFB1AFAF1FE07.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A very small hot sulfur spring with 37 – 40 ° C water temperatures, bottom of stones and pebbles covered with cyanobacteria. Biology. Lives up to 6 (female) or 5 (male) years. Matures at 2 years. Spawns probably all year round. Feeds on algae and insect larvae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4AFD0028ABFB1AFAF1FE07.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; declined sharply after the construction of bathing facilities in the spring of the early 21 st century. Since then, population has stabilised at a very low level.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4AFD0028ABFB1AFAF1FE07.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species occurs adjacent to the range of A. teimorii that inhabits the outflow of Genow spring below a small waterfall. Both species are well differentiated morphologically, but morphological differences may result from recent adaptations to the extreme conditions of the habitat.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD48FD0328ABFC51FAB6FAE9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Omani killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD48FD0328ABFC51FAB6FAE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Aphaniops in West Asia by: ● male with 9 – 14 brown or grey flank bars between pectoral, pelvic, and caudal bases, often dissociated into blotches in front of pelvic base / ● female with a diamond-shaped or vertically elongate black or dark-brown blotch at caudal base / ○ female with a midlateral row of vertically elongated black, grey or dark-brown blotches or narrow bars / ○ male without black dorsal margin, anal yellow anteriorly, with 3 – 8 narrow black or brown bands on posterior part of fin / ○ male with 2 – 3 bold, crescent-shaped black bars on caudal / ○ body covered by overlapping scales / ○ caudal truncate or slightly rounded / ○ 6 – 7 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 52 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD48FD0328ABFC51FAB6FAE9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Oman: Coast of Dhofar northeast to Wadi Bani Khalid drainage. Wadi Bani Khalid is far inland. In small springs and falaj systems, for example, in the towns of Bani Bu Ali and Al Mudayrib. Populations in eastern Yemen are likely to belong to this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD48FD0328ABFC51FAB6FAE9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Coastal wetlands, wadis, springs, falaj systems, and spring-fed streams. Biology. Live up to 2 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation but also between rocks, which they defend against rival males. Spawns throughout year. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in algae or other vegetation near the surface or on gravel beds. Few eggs are laid in substrate during a spawning event. Individual females produce several clutches of eggs in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD48FD0328ABFC51FAB6FAE9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD48FD0328ABFC51FAB6FAE9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data show that A. kruppi is distinct from coastal populations of A. stoliczkanus. Aphaniops from many inland drainages north of Buraimi on the UAE-Oman border (e. g., Wadi Dayqah, Al-Hoota, Al Juwayf, Wadi Hatta, and Wadi Sayfam) are very similar to A. kruppi in colour pattern, but have mtDNA of A. stoliczkanus. They are thought to be hybrids and often non-native populations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD49FD052885FAC5FD5FFDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Dead Sea killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD49FD052885FAC5FD5FFDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Aphaniops in West Asia by: ● male with silvery vermiculation on grey background on flank / ○ bars absent on flank or restricted to caudal peduncle in male / ○ female with a midlateral row of vertically elongated black, grey or dark-brown blotches or narrow bars / ○ male without black dorsal margin, anal yellow anteriorly, with 3 – 8 narrow black or brown bands on posterior part of fin / ○ dorsal in male only slightly longer than in females, not reaching caudal base in male larger than 30 mm SL / ○ male with 2 – 3 bold, crescent-shaped black bars on caudal / ○ body covered by overlapping scales / ○ caudal truncate or slightly rounded. Size up to 50 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD49FD052885FAC5FD5FFDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jordan and Israel: Springs in Dead Sea basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD49FD052885FAC5FD5FFDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and headwater streams, usually with fresh or brackish water. Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months, usually late in the year of birth. Biology similar to other Aphaniidae. Feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD49FD052885FAC5FD5FFDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. In Jordan, extirpated from the northern Dead Sea basin and now restricted to the southern part.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4EFD0528ABFDBEFB5AFDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Azraq killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4EFD0528ABFDBEFB5AFDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Aphaniops in West Asia by: ● female with a midlateral row of roundish, black spots, often with additional black spots on flank / ● male with a wide, black dorsal margin / ● dorsal and anal yellow, with or without a narrow black margin and 0 – 2 short black bands on middle of fin / ○ male with 8 – 11 distinct bold black or dark-brown lateral bars on flank between head and caudal peduncle / ○ female with a series of dark-grey blotches along midlateral body / ○ male with 1 – 3 bold, crescent-shaped black bars on caudal / ○ body covered by overlapping scales / ○ caudal truncate or slightly rounded. Size up to 45 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4EFD0528ABFDBEFB5AFDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jordan: Azraq marsh.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4EFD0528ABFDBEFB5AFDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Shallow oases, lakes and springs. Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months, usually late in the year of birth. Biology similar to other Aphaniidae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4EFD0528ABFDBEFB5AFDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; Azraq marshes almost completely dried up in 1992. Species survived in wetland and had been maintained in Azraq Reserve and outside by captive breeding. Since 1994, 8 % of the marshes (based on their 1960 s extent) have been restored. However, the species remains dependent on conservation, as water has to be pumped into the wetland due to a very low water table resulting from increasing water abstraction. Non-native species threaten the restored reserve.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4DFD062885FD01FBB8FA34.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Rajasthan killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4DFD062885FD01FBB8FA34.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Aphaniops in West Asia by: ● male usually with wide grey or brown bars at caudal peduncle, often anterior to dorsal base, with roundish or ovoid silvery spots or blotches on flank anterior to dorsal base or caudal peduncle / ● tip of dorsal reaching to end of hypural complex in nuptial male larger than 40 mm SL / ● female with a midlateral series of narrow bars, not much wider in upper part / ○ female with a narrow and long bar at caudal base / ○ male with 2 – 3 bold, crescent-shaped black bars on caudal / ○ male without black dorsal margin / ○ body covered by overlapping scales / ○ caudal truncate or slightly rounded / ○ 6 – 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 53 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4DFD062885FD01FBB8FA34.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Shatt al Arab / Arvand and its tributaries, recorded from Hammar Marsh, Fallujah, Lake Razzazah and Badrah on Iran / Iraq border east of Baghdad. Also along coasts of Persian Gulf basin in Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, except coast of Hormuzgan, and east along Indian Ocean coast to Rajasthan (north-west India). Aphaniops found as far inland as south of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia may belong to this species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4DFD062885FD01FBB8FA34.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Euryhaline; widespread in lagoons and estuaries, lower parts of rivers, streams, and all types of inland waters, especially when brackish or saline. In and around Hajar Mountains, very common in freshwater habitats, natural and artificial (including water tanks and cisterns), with or without significant vegetation. Biology. May mature within five months, depending on temperature and food availability. Females mature at about 25 mm SL, males smaller. Males grow larger than females. Live up to 3 years. Males territorial during spawning season defending spawning sites against other males. Spawns in pairs. In Oman and UAE, spawning occurs at all times of day and throughout the year. In southern Iraq, spawning peaks April – July. Several eggs are laid in each spawning event, and several spawning events occur daily. Eggs are attached to the spawning substrate by sticky filaments. Larvae hatch after about 14 days (25 ° C). Females, juveniles, and non-reproductive males form schools in open water. Salinities up to 14.5 % are tolerated, and salinities up to 25.0 % are briefly survived. Feeds on a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, algae, and detritus are usually main components.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4DFD062885FD01FBB8FA34.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD4DFD062885FD01FBB8FA34.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Aphaniops teimorii, A. kruppi, and A. ginaonis are other superficially similar species. Aphaniops stoliczkanus has been widely introduced for mosquito control in UAE and Oman, and many, if not all, inland populations may be non-native. In northern Oman, inland populations sometimes show colour patterns similar to A. kruppi, and hybridisation between the two species cannot be excluded.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD42FD0828ABFA59FC45FEBC.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hormuz killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD42FD0828ABFA59FC45FEBC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Aphaniops in West Asia. ○ female with a narrow and long bar at caudal base / ○ male with 12 – 17 brown bars on flank / ○ male with 2 – 3 bold, crescent shaped black bars on caudal / ○ female with a midlateral row of vertically elongated black, grey or dark-brown blotches or narrow bars / ○ male with grey bars on silvery background or with roundish or ovoid silvery spots or blotches, sometimes with short vermiculation, on a grey greenish or bluish background, often with spots in front of anal origin and bars on caudal peduncle / ○ body covered by overlapping scales / ○ caudal truncate, or slightly rounded / ○ 7 – 8 ½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to about 55 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD42FD0828ABFA59FC45FEBC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Mond to Minab drainages as well as Qeshm Island.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD42FD0828ABFA59FC45FEBC.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, rivers, and streams with high salinity. Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation but also between rocks, which they defend against rival males. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in algae or other vegetation near surface or in gravel bottoms. Few eggs are deposited in substrate during a spawning event. Individual females may produce several clutches of eggs in 1 day. Feeds on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD42FD0828ABFA59FC45FEBC.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD42FD0828ABFA59FC45FEBC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Aphaniops teimorii was previously described as A. hormuzensis, and this name is still in use, although it is not available (nomen nudum) due to a formal error in the description.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD43FD082B1BFE8DFC47FCA7.taxon	description	The two species of the genus Aphanius are found along the coasts of the Mediterranean, where they inhabit a wide range of brackish waters and are rarely seen in pure freshwaters or the sea. Inland water habitats are usually associated with very high mineral concentrations. Aphanius inhabit mostly shores with dense submerged vegetation and resist pollution and high water temperatures. Notably, nuptial males are territorial, whereas non-nuptial males and females often shoal and may be pelagic.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD40FD0B28ABFD1CFA0AFBED.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Almiri killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD40FD0B28ABFD1CFA0AFBED.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Aphanius fasciatus by: ● female with dark, roundish blotches on flank, more or less connected by an irregular dark-grey midlateral stripe / ● dorsal and anal not reaching caudal base in male. Size up to about 38 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD40FD0B28ABFD1CFA0AFBED.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Aegean basin in Türkiye and Greece: Tuzla estuary, Lake Bafa and coastal lagoons around İzmir (Homa lagoon), springs near Almiri and Meligou (Peloponnese) and coastal lagoons on islands of Lesbos and Kos and near cities of Thessaloniki and Kavala. Likely more widespread. Also at Palude del Capitano in Puglia, Italy.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD40FD0B28ABFD1CFA0AFBED.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing streams, lagoons and lakes. In fresh and brackish water, up to 23 ‰ salinity. Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation but also between rocks, which they defend against rival males. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in algae or other vegetation near surface or in gravel beds. Few eggs are deposited in substrate during a spawning event. Individual females may produce several clutches in one day. Feeds mainly on algae and detritus and, to a lesser extent, on planktonic invertebrates and anflug.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD40FD0B28ABFD1CFA0AFBED.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD40FD0B28ABFD1CFA0AFBED.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species was considered restricted to two localities in Greece but appears widespread throughout the Aegean basin. The distribution of A. almiriensis and A. fasciatus in the eastern Mediterranean is poorly understood, and a population from the island of Evia (Greece) and possibly several others in Aegean belong to A. fasciatus. Both species may hybridise, but this has not been investigated. It cannot be completely excluded that the Italian population was accidentally introduced during Roman times, possibly from the island of Kos (Greece).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD46FD0D28ABFC84FAA3FA25.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mediterranean killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD46FD0D28ABFC84FAA3FA25.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from A. almiriensis by: ● female with narrow, isolated, dark-grey or brown bars on flank / ● dorsal and anal reaching caudal base in male. Size up to about 60 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD46FD0D28ABFC84FAA3FA25.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Deltaic areas of Köyceğiz, Göksu, Seyhan, and Ceyhan, in a stream near Iskenderun, lowermost Susurluk in Marmara basin, and perhaps elsewhere in southern Türkiye. Mediterranean coast from Moulouya estuary (Morocco) east to Egypt, Cyprus, and Syria; in tributaries of Chott el Gharsa and Lake Keliba in Tunisia and Chott Melrhir and Touggourt oasis in Algeria. Entering Bitter Lakes in Egypt via Suez Canal. Locally along Syrian and Israeli coasts (Haifa, now extirpated), in Siwas and Fayum Oasis in Egypt. In Nile Delta and adjacent coastal lagoons. Largely absent from Aegean basin, but recorded from island of Evia (Greece). In Europe, from Camargue (France) east to western Greece, including Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Malta. In Spain, recently appeared in Ebro Delta, which was thought to have been released by aquarists, but population seems to have disappeared.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD46FD0D28ABFC84FAA3FA25.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Coastal lagoons in fresh (with high mineral content), brackish, and even hypersaline waters. Often in shallow, still or slow-flowing brackish waters, especially at estuaries. Biology. Live up to 3 years, spawns for the first time at 7 – 12 months. Spawns March – June in Italy, April – July in Greece, April – September in Corsica. Males establish territories along shore, usually in dense vegetation but also between rocks, which they defend against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in seaweed or other vegetation close to surface or in gravel beds. Few eggs are laid in substrate during a spawning event. Individual females may produce several clutches in one day. Eggs hatch in 10 – 14 days. Juveniles form large schools, and non-nuptial males and females swarm and are often pelagic. Feeds on small benthic or planktonic invertebrates, anflug and algae.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD46FD0D28ABFC84FAA3FA25.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD46FD0D28ABFC84FAA3FA25.taxon	discussion	Remarks. There appear to be no current records of this species from the Egyptian Bitter Lakes and the northern Red Sea, and the species may be no longer found here. The distribution of A. fasciatus in the eastern Mediterranean has yet to be fully understood. The distribution limits with similar A. almiriensis along the Aegean coast of Türkiye are still unclear but seem to lie between Köyceğiz and Bafa.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD47FD0C2885FDBEFE2AF898.taxon	description	Persian killifish is a genus of six species widespread in Iran and the lower Shatt al Arab in Iraq. All species inhabit inland habitats, such as the shores of rivers, streams, and springs. Many populations, often largely isolated, indicate a much wider distribution range in the recent geological past, and many populations might have become isolated only a few thousand years ago. The distribution of these fishes reflects the interesting geological history of the Zagros Mountains. Some geographically distantly isolated populations were described as separate species during their discovery. However, subsequent analysis revealed that many of these are very closely related, morphologically indistinguishable and that those previously identified as E. arakensis, E. kavirensis, E. mesopotamicus, or E. pluristriatus are now considered synonymous with E. sophiae. Many populations have been lost recently due to the unsustainable exploitation of freshwater resources and the increasing aridity of Central Iran, which is also a consequence of climate change.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD44FD0E28ABFA80FE81FDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Darab killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD44FD0E28ABFA80FE81FDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Esmaeilius by: ● female with a midlateral series of short, slightly vertically elongated blotches / ○ male with narrow white dorsal and pelvic margin / ○ anal margin white, hyaline or greyish / ○ 10 – 19 dark-brown bars on flank wider than interspaces / ○ female with a distinctive black spot at caudal base / ○ 23 – 28 scales in lateral series. Size up to 34 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD44FD0E28ABFA80FE81FDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Korsiah Banaki and Golabi springs and Dasht – e Konar wetland in upper Kol drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD44FD0E28ABFA80FE81FDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams. Biology. No data. Expected to be similar to other Esmaeilius.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD44FD0E28ABFA80FE81FDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Extirpated from Korsiah Banaki. (not shown on the map).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD44FD0E28ABFA80FE81FDA9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is related to E. persicus but superficially resembles E. sophiae. Both species are distinguished mainly by molecular characters, and the morphological differences given may be quite vague.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD45FD112885FDB8FEC5FDA9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Esfahan killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD45FD112885FDB8FEC5FDA9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Esmaeilius by: ● male with black dorsal, pelvic and anal margins / ● female mottled with many large blotches or narrow bars on flank, usually fused into a midlateral, wide, dark-brown band / ○ 25 – 29 total scales along lateral series / ○ female with a distinctive black spot at caudal base. Size up to 45 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD45FD112885FDB8FEC5FDA9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Lower Zayandeh drainage (e. g., Hasan Abad, Malvajerd qanats).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD45FD112885FDB8FEC5FDA9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams. Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months at about 25 mm SL, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation but also between rocks, which they defend against rival males. Spawns April – July. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in algae or other vegetation near surface or in gravel beds. Few eggs are laid in the substrate during a spawning event. Individual females may produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD45FD112885FDB8FEC5FDA9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; appears to be declining within its very small range. May have disappeared from Varzaneh.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD45FD112885FDB8FEC5FDA9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Esmaeilius sophiae inhabits Gavkhoni marshes in very lower Zayandeh drainage. The black spot at the caudal base in the female is much more pronounced in small individuals and fades in large adults of more than 25 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5BFD132885FC33FEB3FDF3.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Maharlo killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5BFD132885FC33FEB3FDF3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Esmaeilius by: ● female with distinct, brown bars along lateral midline / ○ male with narrow white anal, dorsal, and pelvic margin / ○ female with a distinctive black spot at caudal base / ○ 24 – 29 total scales along lateral series. Size up to 35 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5BFD132885FC33FEB3FDF3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Lake Maharlo basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5BFD132885FC33FEB3FDF3.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Small freshwater or brackish springs and pools, usually without vegetation. Biology. Live up to 4 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation, but also between rocks, which they defend against rivals. Spawns April – November (Barm-e Shur spring). Females spawn with one or more males, usually in vegetation near surface or in gravel beds. Few eggs are laid in substrate during a spawning event. Individual females may produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5BFD132885FC33FEB3FDF3.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct in the wild; found only in one spring in 2013 but seems to have disappeared from nature since. Water abstraction, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of non-native species and reduced rainfall due to climate change have caused all populations to vanish and springs to dry up.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5BFD132885FC33FEB3FDF3.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Very few female E. persicus lack the diagnostic narrow brown bars on the flanks but have a mottled pattern. This species was called Aphanius farsicus between 2011 and 2020.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5BFD132885FC33FEB3FDF3.taxon	description	Aphanius persicus: Forward and back again. Aphanius persicus (Jenkins, 1910) was previously known as the scientific name of the Maharlo killifish. When Gaudant (2011) studied the fossil killifish Brachylebias persicus Priem, 1908, he concluded that this must be a species of Aphanius and thus transferred B. persicus to Aphanius. Consequently, A. persicus (Jenkins, 1910) became a junior secondary homonym of A. persicus (Priem, 1908). As the name A. persicus was no longer available for the Maharlo killifish, it was redescribed as A. farsicus. However, upon the separation of the phylogenetic groups of Aphanius into different genera, Brachylebias was considered incertae sedis, as there were no arguments to place it in one of the recognised genera, and it could not be excluded that it represents a distinct (extinct) evolutionary lineage. As it is highly unlikely that Brachylebias might have been a species of Esmaeilius, it was transferred back to Brachylebias. As a result of this reclassification, Aphanius farsicus became a junior synonym of A. persicus (Jenkins, 1910), and the latter name is once again available for the Maharlo killifish. This species was then transferred to the new genus Esmaeilius.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD59FD152885FA93FD49FE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Shirin killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD59FD152885FA93FD49FE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Esmaeilius by: ● male usually with 7 – 11 wide, brown bars on flank / ○ male with wide and white dorsal margin / ○ female with irregular set brown or dark-grey spots and blotches / ○ female without or with a very small black spot at caudal base / ○ 25 – 31 total scales along lateral series. Size up to 36 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD59FD152885FA93FD49FE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Khosroshirin, a headwater spring-stream system in upper Kor drainage and Arjan wetland in Helleh drainage (introduced).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD59FD152885FA93FD49FE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams and springs with low to moderate current, gravel and mud substrate covered with dense filamentous algae. Biology. No data. Expected to be similar to other Esmaeilius.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD59FD152885FA93FD49FE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. CR; has declined sharply in its last native habitat and may be on the verge of extinction, occurring in only one non-native habitat.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5EFD1428ABFE35FB4FFED9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5EFD1428ABFE35FB4FFED9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Esmaeilius by: ○ male with narrow white anal, dorsal and pelvic margin / ○ male with 8 – 19, usually 11 – 16 brown bars on flank / ○ female with irregular set brown or dark-grey spots and blotches / ○ female with a distinctive black spot at caudal base / ○ 25 – 31 total scales along lateral series. Size up to 42 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5EFD1428ABFE35FB4FFED9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iraq: Shatt al-Arab, north of Basra. Iran: Springs in Lake Namak basin, lower Karkheh and Karun drainage, Helleh drainage, and springs in Mond drainage, possibly in a qanat near Jahrom. Endorheic basins of Kor, Esfahan, and Sirjan, Western Kavir (Cheshmeh Ali spring), and Gavkhoni marsh in the very lower Zayandeh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5EFD1428ABFE35FB4FFED9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Rivers, streams, springs and qanats with stagnant or slowly flowing water, usually with dense submerged vegetation, but also with little or no vegetation and small gravel and pebble substrates. Biology. Lives up to 4 years, maturing in a few months, usually late in the year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation but also between rocks, which they defend against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in algae or other vegetation near surface or in gravel beds. Few eggs are laid in substrate during a spawning event. Individual females may produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5EFD1428ABFE35FB4FFED9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; one population in Mond drainage extirpated due to introduction of Xiphophorus hellerii and Gambusia holbrooki.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5EFD1428ABFE35FB4FFED9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Esmaeilius arakensis, E. mesopotamicus, E. pluristriatus, and E. kavirensis are synonyms.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5FFD172B1BFE6EFDA1F904.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Chaghakhor killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5FFD172B1BFE6EFDA1F904.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Esmaeilius by: ● 36 – 47 scales in lateral series / ○ female without distinctive black spot at caudal base / ○ female with irregular set brown or dark-grey spots and blotches, blotches sometimes slightly vertically elongated / ○ male with 9 – 14 brown bars on flank / ○ male with wide white anal, and dorsal margin. Size up to 65 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5FFD172B1BFE6EFDA1F904.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Upper Karun drainage. Introduced to Hozmahi spring in Zayandeh drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5FFD172B1BFE6EFDA1F904.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. High-altitude wetlands in the Zagros Mountains (at about 2400 m). In springs, ponds, streams, and marshes. Biology. Live up to 4 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation, but also between rocks, which they defend against rivals. Spawning peaks in early April but lasts much longer. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in algae or other vegetation close to surface or in gravel beds. Adhesive eggs attached to plants in batches of 3 – 30 eggs hatch in 9 – 13 days at 21 – 22 ° C. Individual females may produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5FFD172B1BFE6EFDA1F904.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; originally present at 10 sites, but has disappeared from four sites in the last 10 years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5CFD1728ABF94BFB19F8D4.taxon	description	The only species in this genus is a highly specialised pelagic killifish endemic to a single ancient lake in Eastern Anatolia. Kosswigichthys is related to Anatolichthys, but both genera are long and well-separated. Kosswigichthys is one of West Asia’s few phylogenetically isolated and highly adapted lacustrine fish species. Its only habitat, Lake Hazar, is a rift lake situated at the border of the Anatolian and Arabian plates within the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ). This is one of the most significant active continental transform fault zones globally. Lake Hazar may be the oldest lake in West Asia, having possibly commenced development in the late Miocene or early Pliocene. However, some studies suggest a quite recent age for the lake, of about 150 – 180,000 years. Molecular data demonstrate that Kosswigichthys is isolated from Anatolichthys for longer than the late Miocene and that its ancestors may have inhabited the area much longer. It is possible that they found refuge in Lake Hazar, adapting to lacustrine conditions when the lake was formed. Their adaptations to lacustrine environments are similar to those of Anatolichthys saldae and A. splendens, which also show a lack of or reduced scales, a slender body, and a strongly upturned mouth. However, these species inhabit relatively young lakes and might have separated from their riverine ancestors only during the late Pleistocene. At present, K. asquamatus is the sole representative of the Aphaniidae in the upper Mesopotamian drainage system.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5DFD162885FA59FE8CF81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Hazar killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5DFD162885FA59FE8CF81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Aphaniidae by: ● teeth conical, in three rows / ○ body without scales / ○ no black bars in caudal in male. Size up to 36 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5DFD162885FA59FE8CF81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lake Hazar.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5DFD162885FA59FE8CF81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Pelagic come to shores in spring and summer to spawn. Feeds on algae, invertebrates, and plankton. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD5DFD162885FA59FE8CF81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD52FD1828ABFB61FE37FBDF.taxon	description	Paraphanius comprises seven species, plus one undescribed, that are all superficially similar but well distinguished by molecular characters. Paraphanius species are particularly diverse in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially in the Levant. One species, P. mento, is distributed across the Levant, the upper Euphrates and Tigris, where it appears to have a localised distribution pattern. Further studies are required to determine whether this species represents a complex of closely related species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD50FD1B28ABFBE9FB7EFA90.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. İskenderun killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD50FD1B28ABFBE9FB7EFA90.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraphanius by: ○ male bluish, black or dusty grey with roundish or elongated silvery spots on flank organised in vertical series / ○ silvery spots indistinct, overlaid by many fine, powder-like dots / ○ pelvic reaching to anal origin in adult male / ○ pre-dorsal distance 57 – 60 % SL / ○ pre-anal distance 63 – 70 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 36 – 45 % HL female with pale-brown marbled pattern on flank / ○ female with pale-brown stripe between vertical of dorsal-base and caudal base / ○ female with silvery scales above and below stripe on caudal peduncle / ○ female without marbled pattern on back, often with single pale-brown dots in middle of scales. Size up to 46 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD50FD1B28ABFBE9FB7EFA90.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Middle and upper Ceyhan drainage, Erzin drainage, and small coastal streams in Hatay south to Arsuz. Introduced in warm springs in upper Tohma drainage (Euphrates).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD50FD1B28ABFBE9FB7EFA90.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, lakes and slow-flowing streams. Biology. Live up to 4 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation, defending against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in vegetation close to surface. Individual females produce several clutches in 1 day. Feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD50FD1B28ABFBE9FB7EFA90.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD50FD1B28ABFBE9FB7EFA90.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Appears to be absent from the lower Ceyhan drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD51FD1D2885FA15FB7EFE24.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Gölbaşı killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD51FD1D2885FA15FB7EFE24.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraphanius by: ○ male bluish, black or dusty grey with roundish or elongated silvery spots on flank organised in vertical series / ○ silvery spots indistinct, overlaid by many fine, powder-like dots / ○ pelvic reaching to anal origin in adult male / ○ pre-dorsal distance 55 – 62 % SL / ○ pre-anal distance 62 – 64 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 33 – 40 % HL / ○ female with pale-brown marbled pattern on flank / ○ female with pale-brown stripe between vertical of dorsal-base and caudal base / ○ female with silvery scales above and below stripe on caudal peduncle / ○ female with marbled pattern on back. Size up to 40 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD51FD1D2885FA15FB7EFE24.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Gölbaşı lakes in Adıyaman.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD51FD1D2885FA15FB7EFE24.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes and canals with or without dense underwater vegetation. Biology. Live up to 4 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation, defending against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in vegetation close to surface. Individual females produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD51FD1D2885FA15FB7EFE24.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range. Its only habitat has been dominated by invasive Gambusia holbrooki.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FD1E2885FF5EFAB2FD5C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Iridescent killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FD1E2885FF5EFAB2FD5C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraphanius by: ○ male bluish, black or dusty grey with roundish or elongated silvery spots on flank, spots might be organised in vertical series or in longitudinal rows (with whitish bars in lower Mesopotamia) / ○ silvery spots distinct, not overlaid by many fine, powder-like dots / ○ female with silvery spots on each flank-scale (female with whitish blotches in lower Mesopotamia) / ○ female without midlateral stripe or palebrown marbled pattern on flank / ○ pelvic not reaching to anal origin in adult male. Diagnostic character blurred as several species seemed to be involved. Size up to 52 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FD1E2885FF5EFAB2FD5C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Tigris downstream of Mosul and common in marshes along Shatt al-Arab / Arvand. Upper Nahr al Khābūr in Syria, Damascus basin, Litani and Jordan drainages, and Dead Sea basin (Ein Feshkha spring). Also, one record in Qweiq and in very upper Orontes in Syria, downstream to Homs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FD1E2885FF5EFAB2FD5C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing rivers, lakes, and marshes usually associated with dense aquatic vegetation. Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Spawns April to July in southern Iraq. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation, defending against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in vegetation close to surface. Individual females produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FD1E2885FF5EFAB2FD5C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq and seems to have disappeared from Iranian part of Mesopotamian marshes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FD1E2885FF5EFAB2FD5C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. There is a considerable population diversity within P. mento, as recognised here. Paraphanius mento occurs in sympatry with P. striptus in the northern Dead Sea basin and possibly elsewhere in Jordan drainage. Both species have also hybridised extensively in the region. Paraphanius mento was described from Tigris at Mosul based on individuals with isolated iridescent spots. Fish from the lower Tigris show a barred pattern in males (similar to P. striptus) and a marmorated pattern in females (vs. plain in P. striptus and other populations of P. mento). These might not be conspecific with P. mento. Molecular characters and details in colour pattern of fish from Mosul have not yet been studied. Molecular analyses place fish from the Litani and upper Orontes, lowermost Tigris, Jordan, Damascus basin, and middle Orontes in three distinct clades, with P. striptus nested in between in some analyses. The diversity of P. mento will have to be re-examined when material from Mosul becomes available.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FCE12B1BFCE3FA83F8C5.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Kırkgöz killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FCE12B1BFCE3FA83F8C5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraphanius by: ○ adults very large, often more than 60 mm SL / ○ pre-dorsal distance 62 – 66 % SL / ○ pre-anal distance 67 – 72 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 32 – 33 % HL / ○ male bluish, black or dusty grey with roundish or elongated silvery spots on flank, organised in vertical lines / ○ silvery lines distinct, not overlaid by many fine, powder-like dots / ○ lower jaw strongly upturned / ○ background colour greenish, greyish or dark-blue in male, upper part of head and back not orange / ○ female without silvery scales and without brown stripe along lateral midline. Size up to 66 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FCE12B1BFCE3FA83F8C5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Yamansaz marsh, Düden spring in Antalya, Kırkgöz spring and outflowing stream Yediarıklar. Introduced in Lake Nemrut, a volcano crater lake in East Anatolia (not shown on map).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FCE12B1BFCE3FA83F8C5.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakeshores, springs, and spring-fed streams. Biology. Live up to 7 years, mature after first winter. Spawns May – July. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation, defending against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in vegetation close to surface. Individual females produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FD55FCE12B1BFCE3FA83F8C5.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. EN; appears to be declining within its very small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA8FCE328ABFC47FB7EFB0A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Asi killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA8FCE328ABFC47FB7EFB0A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraphanius by: ○ male black or dusty grey with roundish silvery spots on flank not organised in vertical series / ○ silvery spots large, distinct, well isolated from each other, without or with few fine, powder-like dots / ○ female with pale-brown marbled pattern on flank / ○ female with pale-brown stripe between vertical of dorsal-base and caudal base / ○ female with a line of silvery scales above and below stripe on caudal peduncle / ○ pelvic reaching to anal origin in adult male / ○ pre-dorsal distance 57 – 61 % SL / ○ pre-anal distance 62 – 65 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 39 – 45 % HL. Size up to 43 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA8FCE328ABFC47FB7EFB0A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lower Orontes drainage downstream to former Lake Amik. Introduced to lower Manavgat drainage east of Antalya (not shown in map).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA8FCE328ABFC47FB7EFB0A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, slow-flowing rivers, and canals. Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation, defending against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in vegetation close to surface. Individual females produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA8FCE328ABFC47FB7EFB0A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; found in fewer than 10 independent populations, some of which are declining.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCAFFCE42885FCBAFA9CFBA2.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Adana killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCAFFCE42885FCBAFA9CFBA2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraphanius by: ○ male bluish, black or dusty grey with roundish or elongated silvery spots on flank organised in vertical series / ○ silvery spots distinct, without or with few fine, powder-like dots / ○ female with many silvery spots on flank, not organised as continuous rows on caudal peduncle / ○ female without midlateral stripe or pale-brown marbled pattern on flank / ○ pelvic reaching to anal origin in adult male / ○ pre-dorsal distance 57 – 60 % SL / ○ pre-anal distance 63 – 68 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 36 – 41 % HL / ○ Size up to 40 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCAFFCE42885FCBAFA9CFBA2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Lower Tarsus, Seyhan and Ceyhan. Also, in springs in Ereğli marshes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCAFFCE42885FCBAFA9CFBA2.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, slow-flowing rivers and coastal marshes with fresh or brackish water. Also, in canals, large reservoirs and many heavily polluted and artificial habitats. Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation, defending against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in vegetation close to surface. Individual females produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCAFFCE42885FCBAFA9CFBA2.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCACFCE628ABFA5BFDFDFAAE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Palestinian killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCACFCE628ABFA5BFDFDFAAE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraphanius by: ○ adults small, rarely more than 40 mm SL / ○ lower jaw slightly upturned / ○ background colour bright blue in male, with an orange upper part of head and anterior back / ○ male with silvery lines, regularly shaped, rarely interrupted / ○ female with few silvery spots on flank, not organised as continuous rows on caudal peduncle / ○ female without brown stripe along lateral midline. Size up to 40 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCACFCE628ABFA5BFDFDFAAE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Israel and Syria: Jordan drainage south of Lake Tiberias, locally in Jarmuk drainage, and in several coastal spring-stream systems.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCACFCE628ABFA5BFDFDFAAE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs and streams with dense underwater vegetation. Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation, defending against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in vegetation close to surface. Individual females produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCACFCE628ABFA5BFDFDFAAE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCACFCE628ABFA5BFDFDFAAE.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Occurs in sympatry with P. mento in northern Dead Sea basin and possibly elsewhere in Jordan drainage. Here, both species hybridise, at least locally.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCADFCE62885FAB1FBCFFB94.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Syrian killifish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCADFCE62885FAB1FBCFFB94.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The characters distinguishing this species from other Paraphanius have yet to be worked out. Size up to 46 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCADFCE62885FAB1FBCFFB94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Syria: Nahr al Sanawbar, Nahr al-Hawaiz, and middle reaches of Orontes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCADFCE62885FAB1FBCFFB94.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, rivers, and streams. Biology. No data.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCADFCE62885FAB1FBCFFB94.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NE	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA2FCE928A9FF54FE55F8E2.taxon	vernacular_names	Livebearers	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA2FCE928A9FF54FE55F8E2.taxon	description	A large family of small, fresh- and brackish-water fishes distributed across the Americas, from southern USA to Argentina. The majority of species exhibit internal fertilisation and give birth to live young. They also exhibit striking sexual dimorphism, with females being larger and deeper-bodied than males. The male’s anal is modified into an intromittent organ (gonopodium) (Fig. 65) through which sperm is introduced into the female’s body. Females store sperm, which can be used to fertilise several successive broods. The eyes of the embryos are occasionally visible in a blackish blotch through the female’s belly, immediately in front of and above the anal. One species, guppy Poecilia reticulata, is one of the world’s most popular aquarium fishes and has been released throughout the tropics and in various kinds of warm-water habitats elsewhere. Guppies and mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki are typically introduced to control mosquito populations. However, global studies have demonstrated that these introductions have had only limited effects on mosquito numbers, with potentially negative or neutral impacts on native fish populations. There needs to be a clear justification for these introduction programs, which are ongoing in some countries. It has been demonstrated that mosquitofish is the main or one of the main causes of the critical decline or extirpation of several populations of species of Aphaniids and other fishes. In West Asia, only Gambusia holbrooki is widespread. In addition to the species discussed here, other introduced poecilids may be present, particularly in and around cities. Specialist aquarium literature will allow theiridentification.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA0FCEB28ABFF5EFAEEFCE1.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eastern mosquitofish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA0FCEB28ABFF5EFAEEFCE1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Poeciliidae in West Asia by: ● pelvic of male unmodified, tip of first ray not enlarged, similar in male and female / ● gonopodium long ● male dull grey / ● both sexes with rows of black spots in dorsal and caudal / ○ dorsal and caudal with black spots / ○ no blue or red blotches on flank in male / ○ dorsal origin far behind vertical of anal origin / ○ no lateral stripe / ○ male without sword-like prolongation on caudal. Size up to 30 mm SL in male, 55 mm in female.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA0FCEB28ABFF5EFAEEFCE1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Introduced throughout warmer parts of West Asia, North Africa, and southern Europe. Throughout Mediterranean basin, including Nile and Cyprus. Locally in southern Caspian basin and coastal areas of Black Sea basin. Iran and locally in Saudi Arabia (Al-Ahsa oasis, Lake Alsfar, wadis around Riyadh). Native to North America, from Delaware drainage to Florida and Alabama.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA0FCEB28ABFF5EFAEEFCE1.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Still or slow-flowing waters, usually with dense aquatic vegetation. Can survive in heavily polluted waters by absorbing oxygen from top surface layers. Often, last fish survive in heavily polluted streams. Biology. Matures at 4 – 6 weeks, three or more generations can be produced in a year. Breeds from April – October (depending on latitude), all year in south. Gestation lasts 3 – 4 weeks. Brood can be up to 354 young, usually between 40 and 60. Sexual activity ceases when temperatures drop below 18 ° C. While females continue to grow throughout their lives, males stop growing when they reach reproductive size. Feeds mainly on small aquatic invertebrates, highly opportunistic depending on prey availability. Lives below surface, catching prey at or just below surface.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA0FCEB28ABFF5EFAEEFCE1.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; first introduced to Europe in Spain (1921) by health authorities in hope that it would control mosquitoes (vectors of various diseases). There is no evidence that it has had any effect on mosquito populations, but there is increasing evidence that it impacts native fish, seriously threatening many endemic species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA0FCEB28ABFF5EFAEEFCE1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often referred to as G. affinis, a species identified by details of gonopodium morphology, 5 ½ dorsal rays (vs. 6 ½ in G. holbrooki) and 8 ½ anal rays (vs. 9 ½). There are no confirmed records of G. affinis from West Asia. After the initial import in 1921, most subsequent introductions into Europe, North Africa, and West Asia were from European stocks. Still, Gambusia was also imported and introduced after 1921; at least one import was from the native range of G. affinis. Introduced populations in China are all G. affinis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA1FCED2885F9F7FAA8FDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sailfin molly.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA1FCED2885F9F7FAA8FDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Character states often intermediate between this “ species ” and P. “ sphenops ”. Distinguished from other species of Poeciliidae in West Asia by: ● 12 – 16 ½ dorsal rays in male forming a large sail / ○ dorsal origin above or in front of vertical of anal origin / ○ no lateral stripe but series of grey or black spots organised in horizontal rows / ○ body moderately elongate / ○ both sexes with rows of small black, grey or brown spots on flank or flank black or black mottled / ○ male without coloured blotches or stripes / ○ dorsal larger in male than in female / ○ flank not red / ○ pelvic of male modified, tip of first ray enlarged, different in male and female / ○ gonopodium short / ○ male without sword-like prolongation on caudal. Size usually up to 80 mm SL. Male larger than female.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA1FCED2885F9F7FAA8FDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Hybrids identified as this species have been introduced worldwide in tropical and subtropical countries, including Hammar Marsh and Shatt al Arab / Arvand in Iraq and also established in Zayandeh (Iran), a wadi north of Muscat (Oman), locally in Israel and Saudi Arabia (wadis around Riyadh; Al-Ahsa oasis including Lake Alsfar, Anik and Al-Qatif), Bahrain (Adhari Park), and probably elsewhere, and introduced to lower Nile (Egypt) and locally in Italy and Greece. Poecilia latipinna is native to coastal areas between North Carolina (USA) and Yucatan (Mexico).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA1FCED2885F9F7FAA8FDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wells and irrigation channels, drainage ditches, artificial ponds and streams, coastal marshes, lagoons, estuaries and lower reaches of rivers in brackish to freshwater habitats. Euryhaline, in fresh and even hypersaline water up to 87 ‰, usually in standing water. Biology. Mature in less than a year. Produces up to 140 young of about 8 mm SL after a gestation period of 20 – 30 days, depending on water temperature. Females may give birth throughout year. Males defend territories and display their dorsal fins. Only dominant males develop large dorsals and guard schools of females. Males that cannot establish territories hide in schools of females and reproduce by sneeking. Males have higher predation mortality due to their active display behaviour. Feeds mainly on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA1FCED2885F9F7FAA8FDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; released from aquaria. Rapidly spreading and highly invasive in the northern Persian Gulf region.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA1FCED2885F9F7FAA8FDF4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Non-native sailfin mollies are mistakenly identified as P. latipinna. Poecilia latipinna, P. sphenops, P. velifera and possibly others have been accidentally and deliberately hybridised in aquaria and fish farms to produce attractive aquarium stocks suitable for freshwater tanks (the pure species are mostly found in brackish water). This process has not been well documented but appears to have started as early as the 1970 s. Such aquarium populations have been released and may have differed considerably in their original genetic composition. The genetic make-up of non-native population has not been studied. Non-native sailfin molly occurs in two colour variants: pale beige and mottled black and beige. Pure black, silver and orange varieties are known from the aquarium trade.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA7FCEC2885FD6DFB05FA65.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Guppy.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA7FCEC2885FD6DFB05FA65.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Poeciliidae in West Asia by: ● male brightly coloured in life, with black blotches on flank also seen in preserved individuals / ○ dorsal and caudal in male with blue, white or red colour / ○ flank in male with a variable colour pattern of red, turquoise, yellow, orange, and black blotches and short stripes / ○ dorsal larger in male than in female / ○ flank not red, if with red blotches, then in male only / ○ pelvic of male modified, tip of first ray enlarged, different in male and female / ○ body moderately elongate / ○ dorsal origin behind vertical of anal origin / ○ gonopodium short / ○ dorsal and caudal without black spots / ○ no lateral stripe / ○ male without sword-like prolongation on caudal. Size up to 35 mm SL in male 50 mm SL in female.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA7FCEC2885FD6DFB05FA65.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Introduced worldwide. Established in warm springs in upper Sakarya, İzmir, and upper Tohma drainages (Euphrates, Türkiye). Likely established elsewhere in West Asia. Also locally established in hot springs in Europe and in warm effluents from European power stations. Native to Venezuela, Guyana, and adjacent islands.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA7FCEC2885FD6DFB05FA65.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide variety of habitats with low predation pressure. Usually found in very small streams and densely vegetated lakes and springs. Biology. Not studied in West Asian populations. In captive populations, females mature at about 3 months, males slightly earlier. Continuous, non-resource and non-territorial mating system. Sexually dimorphic. Males brightly coloured and highly polymorphic with many cultivated colour forms; females cryptically coloured. Predation is a major evolutionary pressure influencing colouration, life history traits, and behaviour. Widely used as a model in biology, especially to study evolution.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA7FCEC2885FD6DFB05FA65.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Despite being one of the most common aquarium fish in the world, there are few confirmed records of guppies being introduced in West Asia, with some populations surviving for more than 40 years. Poecilia wingei and P. obscura are two other guppies kept in the hobby, and hybrids between P. wingei and P. reticulata are particularly common and likely to be released into the wild. Although we identify all wild guppy populations as P. reticulata, this is likely incorrect. Hybrid populations with P. wingei are likely to occur, especially in more recently established populations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA7FCEC2885FD6DFB05FA65.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; released from aquaria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA4FCEE28ABFCFDFDE5F97A.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mexican molly.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA4FCEE28ABFCFDFDE5F97A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Character states often intermediate between this “ species ” and P. “ latipinna ”. Distinguished from other species of Poeciliidae in West Asia by: ● usually 9 ½ dorsal rays in male, not forming a sail / ● dorsal origin behind vertical of pelvic origin / ○ both sexes with rows of small black, grey or brown spots on flank or flank black or black mottled / ○ male without coloured blotches or stripes / ○ dorsal larger in male than in female / ○ flank not red / ○ pelvic of male modified, tip of first ray enlarged, different in male and female / ○ gonopodium short / ○ body moderately elongate / ○ no lateral stripe / ○ male without sword-like prolongation on caudal. Size up to 75 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA4FCEE28ABFCFDFDE5F97A.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Hybrids identified as this species are locally established in Israel and Italy, at several sites in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, including Al-Ahsa oasis, adjacent to Lake Alsfar, and coastal wetlands at Salwar, north of Qatif and south of Jubail. Also established in UAE for 40 years or more in Ruwayyah, a traditional plantation area inland from urban Dubai. Also, present on a recently developed golf course on outskirts of Dubai. Poecilia sphenops is native to Central America, from Mexico to Guatemala. Widespread in tropical areas through aquarium releases.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA4FCEE28ABFCFDFDE5F97A.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Euryhaline, but usually in slightly brackish waters and lower parts of rivers, lagoons, marshes, and streams. Biology. Matures in less than a year. Produces up to 150 young after a gestation period of about 28 days. Females give birth throughout year in warm waters. Feeds on algae and small invertebrates. Black variety (Black Molly) is a popular aquarium fish and is marketed throughout the world.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA4FCEE28ABFCFDFDE5F97A.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; released from aquaria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA4FCEE28ABFCFDFDE5F97A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Non-native mollies are incorrectly identified as P. sphenops. See notes under P. “ latipinna ”. In the UAE, this molly occurs in two colour variants: pale beige and black beige mottled. In its native range, several species appear to be included in P. sphenops, further complicating thesituation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA5FCF12885F8CFFDBAFD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Green swordtail.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA5FCF12885F8CFFDBAFD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Poeciliidae in West Asia by: ● prominent black, red, or green lateral stripe / ● male with a long, white or yellow sword-like prolongation with black margin at ventral part of caudal / ○ dorsal origin in front of vertical of anal origin. Size up to 78 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA5FCF12885F8CFFDBAFD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Israel and Iran: Two very small localities in city of Jahrom, one spring in city of Kashan and Soleymaniyeh spring in Namak Lake basin. Türkiye: warm springs in upper Tohma drainage (Euphrates). Introduced worldwide in tropical and subtropical countries, as well as in Italy and Morocco. Native to the Atlantic basin of Central America. From Rio Nautla (Mexico) southeast to Rio Sarstun (Belize).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA5FCF12885F8CFFDBAFD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Wide range of habitats in stagnant to moderately flowing waters from lagoons to springs, also in moderately polluted waters. Biology. Males territorial. Breeds throughout year as long as water temperature is high enough. Primary males develop swords immediately and mature with females. Secondary males mature later, at larger sizes; some may initially reproduce as females and later change sex to males. Feeds mainly on algae, detritus and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA5FCF12885F8CFFDBAFD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; released from aquaria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCA5FCF12885F8CFFDBAFD11.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Common ornamental species. There are several breeds with different fin shapes and colours. Green and red individuals also occur in the wild in native range. Less cold hardy than G. holbrooki and will not survive temperatures below 15 ° C for over a few days.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBAFCF028ABFA6DFA96FE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Platy.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBAFCF028ABFA6DFA96FE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Poeciliidae in West Asia by: ● body very short and deep / ● dorsal in male and female equally long, its origin slightly behind pelvic origin / ○ gonopodium short / ○ dorsal and caudal without black spots / ○ flank colour very variable but similar in male and female, often red or blueish / ○ no lateral stripe / ○ pelvic of male modified, tip of first ray enlarged, different in male and female / ○ male without sword-like prolongation on caudal. Size up to 45 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBAFCF028ABFA6DFA96FE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Saudi Arabia: Wadi Haneefah in Riyadh; Al-Kharj and Layla Aflaj south of Riyadh; and Al-Ahsa oasis. Türkiye: İnönü spring in upper Sakarya. Native from about Ciudad Veracruz, Mexico, east to northern Belize. Has established few non-native populations, for example, in Australia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBAFCF028ABFA6DFA96FE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Springs, streams, and canals, usually with slow-flowing water and dense aquatic vegetation. Biology. Females reach sexual maturity between 5 – 16 weeks and at about 18 mm SL; 3 – 92, usually 15 – 30, young are born after a gestation period of 24 – 30 days. Breeding intervals often longer than gestation period as species can store sperm. Capable of year-round reproduction given favorable water temperatures. Some males mature early, often after 5 weeks, others mature much later; maturation strategy is genetically determined. Platy is a model organism in cancer cell genetics and hybridisation research. Feeds mainly on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBAFCF028ABFA6DFA96FE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; released from aquaria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBAFCF028ABFA6DFA96FE6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Several colour varieties are popular aquarium fishes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB8FCF328ABFF54FE1CF9AB.taxon	vernacular_names	Combtooth Blennies	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB8FCF328ABFF54FE1CF9AB.taxon	description	A diverse group of small marine fishes, comprising approximately 60 genera and 400 species, distributed throughout all tropical and temperate waters. They are typically found in shallow waters, on or near rocks or stone bottoms. A few species have adapted to estuarine and freshwater habitats. Blennies are characterised by pelvic fins anterior to the pectorals, with a single spine embedded in the skin and 2 – 4 rays. They also have a scaleless skin, numerous comb-like teeth, and long dorsal and anal fins. The freshwater blennies of West Asia were previously classified in the genus Salaria, which is now restricted to marine species, S. basilisca, endemic to the Mediterranean, and S. pavo, that occurs in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. The correct generic name for the five freshwater blennies previously placed in Salaria is now Salariopsis. These are: S. economidisi endemic to Greece, S. atlantica is endemic to Morocco, and the other three species occur in the area covered by this book. Salaria pavo is sometimes listed as a freshwater species. It effectively enters lagoons and brackish waters but has not been recorded from true freshwater habitats and is included here only in the key.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBEFCF528ABFF5EFAE5FE9E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eastern freshwater blenny.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBEFCF528ABFF5EFAE5FE9E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salariopsis in West Asia by: ● tiny black dots on the cheek not organised in rows or bands / ● supraocular tentacle branched, short, not reaching to, rarely overlapping the 9 th circum-orbital sensory pore / ○ pores of lateral line with white circle / ○ black dots present on cheek and / or upper part of flank. Size upto 88 mmSL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBEFCF528ABFF5EFAE5FE9E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Bay of Antalya (Türkiye) east to Jordan drainage (Israel), including Cyprus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBEFCF528ABFF5EFAE5FE9E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams with moderate current and rocky bottom. Also in lakes, including reservoirs. Biology. No data, but expected to be similar with S. fluviatilis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBEFCF528ABFF5EFAE5FE9E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBEFCF528ABFF5EFAE5FE9E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Superficially very similar to S. fluviatilis but well differentiated by molecular characteristics.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBFFCF42885FF5EFBB3FD5C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Freshwater blenny.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBFFCF42885FF5EFBB3FD5C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salariopsis in West Asia by: ● tiny black dots on cheek usually organised in rows, often with a broad diagonal band of tiny black dots from lower edge of eye downward and backward / ● supraocular tentacle branched, long, usually overlapping 9 th circum-orbital sensory pore / ○ pores of lateral line with white circle / ○ black dots present on cheek and / or upper part of flank. Size up to 130 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBFFCF42885FF5EFBB3FD5C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. From Atlantic basin in Portugal east to western Anatolia. Also present on larger Mediterranean islands such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Crete. Present in Garonne drainage (Atlantic basin in France), possibly due to invasion through Canal du Midi. Introduced to reservoirs in Sakarya and Kızılırmak drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBFFCF42885FF5EFBB3FD5C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes and streams with moderate currents and rocky bottoms; in streams, deepest and fastest microhabitats are preferred, locally in coastal lagoons with low salinity. Biology. Territorial, lives on and under rocks. Lives up to 5 years. Spawns first time at end of first year. Spawns for up to 3 years, but most females die at end of the first spawning year. Spawns May – August in France, April – July in Spain and Italy, at temperatures above 18 ° C. Female lays up to 1200 eggs (usually 200 – 300) in a single layer under a large stone, producing several portions of eggs during a spawning season. Male clean, fan, and defend eggs until hatching. Several females may spawn with one male, who may guard eggs at different stages of development. Eggs hatch in about a week. Larvae are planktonic for about a month until about 15 mm and drift to and remain in quiet pools or tributaries of rivers. They have a high tolerance for salt water, allowing them to migrate through marine waters. Feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small molluscs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBFFCF42885FF5EFBB3FD5C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBFFCF42885FF5EFBB3FD5C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The identity of extirpated population in Cyprus remains unclear and may have been S. burcuae, which is found on the adjacent mainland.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBCFCF728ABFAD6FD53F889.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ceyhan freshwater blenny.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBCFCF728ABFAD6FD53F889.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Salariopsis in West Asia by: ● supraocular tentacle unbranched / ● pores of lateral line with black circle / ● no black dots on cheek and / or upper part of flank. Size up to 69 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBCFCF728ABFAD6FD53F889.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: Ceyhan and Arsuz drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBCFCF728ABFAD6FD53F889.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Fast-flowing stretches of streams. Biology. No data, but expected to be similar with S. fluviatilis.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBCFCF728ABFAD6FD53F889.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBDFCF82885FF54FDDAF800.taxon	vernacular_names	Cichlids	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCBDFCF82885FF54FDDAF800.taxon	description	A large family of mostly small freshwater fishes with approximately 1750 named (and several hundred unnamed) species distributed throughout tropical and temperate Africa, Madagascar, South and Central America, a few species are found in India, Sri Lanka, Iran, and the Levant. Some species have been introduced almost pan-tropically. Cichlids are immediately distinguishable from similar perch-like fishes by two lateral lines on the flank, with an anterior upper line and a posterior lower line. Eight species are native to West Asia, with seven being introduced. Iranocichla and Tristramella are endemic to West Asia, both having relationships to African genera and potentially representing the relics of a once much wider distribution of cichlids in the area. Cichlid fossils have been recorded from the Arabian Peninsula until the Pliocene, indicating a continuous distribution from the Levant through the Arabian Peninsula to Iran. Cichlids were “ reintroduced ” in Arabia in the modern era as non-native species for aquaculture and mosquito control. Cichlids are generally very sensitive to temperatures below 10 ° C, with mortality occurring if exposed for more than a few hours. This renders them susceptible to low winter temperatures, which restrict their distribution to warm springs in the northern part of West Asia. They represent a highly significant group for evolutionary studies and the pet trade, with numerous species being kept in aquaria, including in West Asian countries. Until now, Amatitlania nigrofasciata is the most widespread species released from aquaria. Other species, such as Rubricatochromis guttatus, an African species already found at several locations in Europe, are also expected to be found in West Asia in the future. It is unknown how many cichlid species from East African Lake Malawi have established themselves in the warm springs of Nahal Amal in Bet She’an (Israel). At least Aulonocara hybrids, Dimidiochromis compressiceps, Labidochromis caeruleus and Chindongo elongatus have formed stable populations. Aulonocara are domesticated hybrids produced for the aquarium trade. Other species might have also been established, and more research is needed. Malawi cichlids are included in the identification key but do not have separate species chapters. Several other cichlids have been reported from West Asia but have yet to be established. More introduced cichlids will inevitably find their way from aquariums into the wild, especially in artificial waters in parks or private areas. To identify them, consulting specialist books on aquarium fish is necessary.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB1FCFA2885FBEFFD72F82D.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Convict cichlid.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB1FCFA2885FBEFFD72F82D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ○ 8 – 10 anal spines / ● 8 – 9 black bars on grey flank (albinotic individuals occur in non-native populations). Size up to 150 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB1FCFA2885FBEFFD72F82D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Türkiye: a hot spring in upper Sakarya drainage. Iran: Golabi spring near Darab in Fars prov., and Soleymaniyeh spring in Namak Lake basin. Was established in Israel but seems to have disappeared. Native to Central America: Pacific slope, from Río Sucio, El Salvador to Río Suchiate, Guatemala; Atlantic slope, from Río Patuca, Honduras to Río Jutiapa, Guatemala. Introduced in Austria, Hungary, Italy, Australia, Japan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, the USA, Hawaii and likely elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB1FCFA2885FBEFFD72F82D.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of streams and springs. Biology. Forms pairs; both sexes territorial. Females lay eggs on exposed hard surfaces such as stones or wood. Larvae and young guarded by parents. Male guard outer and female inner circle around young. Incubation of eggs, larvae, and free-swimming juveniles in the wild lasts 4 – 6 weeks and occurs only once a season for most females. An opportunistic feeder, feeding on detritus and plant material and preying on small aquatic animals. Frequently used in behavioural studies.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB1FCFA2885FBEFFD72F82D.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; released from aquaria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB1FCFD2B1BFA14FADAFED9.taxon	description	Coptodon comprises approximately 35 species, which are primarily distributed in West Africa. Many species have relatively small distribution ranges in tropical rainforests. Some species are found in coastal lagoons and may forage in marine habitats. The concept of a widespread coastal species (C. guineensis) has recently been rejected, and the number of Coptodon species may be grossly underestimated. Two crater lakes in Cameroon host endemic species flocks: Lake Bermin with 11 species and Lake Ejagham with four species. Coptodon are macroherbivores and, if available, feed on plants. They graze submerged vegetation and, during high water levels, migrate into forests and other terrestrial ecosystems to feed on flooded plants. It is common to observe them leaping out of the water to bite pieces from overhanging leaves. As some Coptodon species are particularly abundant, their grazing structures freshwater ecosystems. They may also play an important role in the dispersal of seeds. Many species grow to a large size and are of importance in both subsistence and commercial fisheries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB7FCFC2885FF5EFC4DFB94.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Redbelly tilapia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB7FCFC2885FF5EFC4DFB94.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ● chest red or red and black in adults, red colour restricted to lateral chest in juveniles (rarely absent) / ○ lower jaw not projecting / ○ caudal with tessellate pattern / ○ chest, belly, and isthmus in front of pelvic covered by small scales / ○ 8 – 11 gill rakers on lower part of first branchial arch / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ scales cycloid / ○ no ocelli on anal. Size up to 400 mm SL, usually about 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB7FCFC2885FF5EFC4DFB94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. In West Asia, native to Jordan drainage and possibly a few adjacent coastal streams. Introduced in Köyceğiz and Burdur basins in Türkiye; Euphrates and Tigris in Syria, Iraq, and Iran; Azraq oasis in Jordan; and Ceyhan and Orontes drainage in Syria and Türkiye. Also native to Nile drainage and Lakes Albert and Turkana. Widespread in West Africa, including Senegal, Gambia, Niger, Chad, and Volta, and many coastal rivers in Ivory Coast and between Volta and Niger. Occurs in Ubangui, Ulele, and Ituri in central Congo basin. Morocco: Lower valley of Oued Dr’aa and Oued Aouedri, a small Saharan valley between Tan Tan and Tarfaya. Algeria: Tolga, Zibans, and Touggourt oases in northern Sahara and on western slopes of Ahaggar, in Tassili n’ Ajjer, and Arak, a tributary of Botha, all in southern Algerian Sahara. Tunisia: Kebili oasis and perhaps more widely in eastern and southern Chott el Djerid basin. In Sahara: Tibesti, Ennedi, and Borkou mountains. Introduced almost everywhere in subtropical and tropical areas of Southeast Asia, Australia, India, Madagascar, New Caledonia, Fiji, Guam, Taiwan, China, Philippines, Japan, Antigua, Mexico, and the USA, including Hawaii and elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB7FCFC2885FF5EFC4DFB94.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Hypersaline desert ponds and wadis to small rainforest streams with soft and acidic water. Often very abundant in standing water, such as lakes, large rivers, or reservoirs with dense riparian vegetation. Biology. Usually lives 3 – 5 years. Matures at about 80 mm SL. Growth extremely variable depending on temperature and food availability; may spawn after a year in West Asia but mature within 4 months in tropics. Forms pairs that defend territories against other fish. Usually, females defend a smaller inner territory and males a larger outer territory around spawning site. Females lay sticky eggs on surfaces such as stones or wood, often in shelters or small depressions in substrate dug by both parents. Spawns throughout year in tropical range, late spring to summer in West Asia when water temperatures rise above 20 ° C. Stops spawning when water temperature rises above 28 ° C. Both parents fan eggs, picking up debris and dead eggs. Larvae usually hatch 48 hours after spawning (25 ° C) and are transferred to small burrows in substrate or under wood or stones. Larvae begin to feed about a week after spawning. Both parents guard larvae and juveniles for about 4 weeks. Survives temperatures as low as 6.5 and as high as 42.5 ° C, but only briefly, unable to survive below 10 ° C for more than a few hours. Harsh winters cause mortality in northern part of range. Survives in salinities up to 45 ‰ and reproduces in salinities up to 29 ‰. Feeds mainly on aquatic and terrestrial macrophytes but also on invertebrates, algae, detritus, and virtually all organic matter. Of great economic importance in sub-Saharan Africa as a food fish for smallscale fisheries, rarely used in aquaculture. Introduced for aquatic weed and mosquito control, as forage or food fish, and for aquaculture. Several studies show negative impacts on native biodiversity, adverse effects on aquatic plants, and it is a pest in rice plantations.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB7FCFC2885FF5EFC4DFB94.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB7FCFC2885FF5EFC4DFB94.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Populations of C. zillii from Morocco, Algeria, West Africa, the Nile, and Jordan are almost identical in their mitochondrial DNA, suggesting a very recent invasion of this species into the Levant and a recent interruption of gene flow between the Niger, Senegal, Nile, and many coastal rivers in West Africa. Locally misidentified as C. rendalli in 20 th century.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB7FCFC2B1BF9C1FAB7F81E.taxon	description	Haplochromis and related genera from Africa’s Lake Victoria region represent the largest cichlid fish genus and the most species awaiting description. These fishes provide textbook examples of adaptive radiations and the role of hybridisation in speciation and evolution. While being very speciose and morphologically as well as ecologically very diverse in Africa, there is only one species native to Asia, which is distantly related to the “ Lake Victoria Region Superflock. ”	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB4FCFE28ABFA17FAA6FDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Jordan mouthbrooder.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB4FCFE28ABFA17FAA6FDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ● scales ctenoid / ● yellow or orange ocelli on anal in adults / ○ chest, belly, and isthmus in front of pelvic covered by small scales / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ flank with a short stripe between opercle and about middle of spined part of dorsal, continued as 1 – 2 blotches on lateral midline behind spined part of dorsal / ○ bold bar between eye and corner of mouth / ○ flank with indistinctive dark-grey or brown bars. Size up to 100 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB4FCFE28ABFA17FAA6FDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jordan drainage, where it occurs in Lake Muzayrib (Syria) and Lake Kinneret (Israel) basins, in Ajami and Al Asha’ari springs (southern Syria), and in vicinity of Lake Kinneret and the Baisan Valley (Israel).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB4FCFE28ABFA17FAA6FDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Shallow shores of lakes, springs, and streams where it occurs among rocks and vegetation. Biology. Maternal mouthbrooders without permanent pair-bonding. Spawns several times between April and July. Nuptial males occupy a territory with a shallow nest in center. Female spawn with territorial males. After fertilisation in nest, female takes eggs in mouth. In Lake Kinneret, females feed mainly on chironomid larvae, oligochaetes, and amphipods, while males feed primarily on snails.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB4FCFE28ABFA17FAA6FDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be relatively secure in Lake Kinneret but declining in its small range outside the lake.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB4FCFE28ABFA17FAA6FDF4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Haplochromis flaviijosephi does not appear to be closely related to any African Haplochromis species. There must have been a recent biogeographic window that allowed C. zillii, O. aureus, and S. galilaeus to invade the Jordan from the Nile. However, both H. flaviijosephi and Tristramella must have existed in Levant before the biogeographic connection to the Nile, and a much earlier invasion from the Nile could be proposed. Alternatively, Tristramella and H. flaviijosephi may be relics of a once widespread range of cichlids on the Arabian Peninsula and may have invaded the Jordan from Saudi Arabia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCB5FCFE2885FB09FB40FA16.taxon	description	Iranocichla is a genus comprising two species, both of which are highly similar. Iranocichla is endemic to Iran, and it was previously hypothesised that it is closely related to Danakilia, a genus with two species from Ethiopia and Eritrea. However, molecular data does not support this hypothesis; Iranocichla is close to Tristramella.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8AFCC128ABFD26FAA2FBDE.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Persian pearl cichlid.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8AFCC128ABFD26FAA2FBDE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ● lower part of head and chest in nuptial male black / ○ black blotch on last spinous part of dorsal distinct / ○ no or very few white spots on caudal / ○ no scales on chest, belly, and isthmus in front of pelvic origin / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ scales cycloid. Size up to 120 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8AFCC128ABFD26FAA2FBDE.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Middle and lower Mehran drainage.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8AFCC128ABFD26FAA2FBDE.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Freshwater to hypersaline streams, often partially drying up in summer and forming isolated pools. Area around Strait of Hormuz is rich in salt domes and hypersaline streams; up to about 1 ½ marine salinity, are found. Water temperatures range from 15 to 33 ° C in winter (November to March) and up to 40 ° C in summer. Biology. Maternal mouthbrooders without permanent pair-bonding. Spawns in spring. Nuptial males occupy a territory with a shallow nest in center. Female spawn with territorial males. After fertilisation in nest, female takes eggs in mouth and returns to schools.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8AFCC128ABFD26FAA2FBDE.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be declining within its small range.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8BFCC02885FF5EFB29FCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eastern pearl cichlid.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8BFCC02885FF5EFB29FCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ● lower part of head and chest in nuptial male orange / ○ black blotch on last spinous part of dorsal pale-grey or invisible / ○ white spots forming wavy bars or stripes on caudal / ○ no scales on chest, belly and isthmus in front of pelvic origin / ○ nuptial male dark-grey or black with many white spots or short vermiculation on flank / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ scales cycloid. Size up to 120 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8BFCC02885FF5EFB29FCC4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Kol, Shur, Hasan Langi, and Minab drainages.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8BFCC02885FF5EFB29FCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Freshwater to hypersaline streams, often forming isolated pools in summer. Water temperatures range from 15 to 33 ° C in winter (November – March) to 40 ° C in summer. Biology. Maternal mouthbrooders without permanent pair-bonding. Spawns in spring. Nuptial males occupy a territory with a nest in center. Nests are shallow pits about one body length in diameter. Females form shoals in deeper water. Nuptial females approach nests to spawn. Female spawn with territorial males, and sneaking appears to be common. After fertilisation in nest, females take eggs in mouths and return to school. Up to 153 offspring recorded in one mouth, ranging in length from 9.6 to 10.9 mm SL (from a female of 117 mm SL). Feeds on diatoms and other algae scraped from rocks and sediments.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8BFCC02885FF5EFB29FCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8BFCC02885FF5EFB29FCC4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data suggest that all Iranocichla populations are closely related. The two Iranocichla species form only slightly distinct clades, diagnosable by several fixed mutations in ND 2, D-loop, and very small differences in cytochrome oxidase 1 sequences. Fish from the Kol drainage, the largest Iranocichla population between the Mehran and Shur drainages, agree with I. hormuzensis in their male nuptial colour but cluster with I. persa in their mitochondrial sequence characters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC88FCC328ABFCA8FC10F921.taxon	description	Oreochromis comprises approximately 20 – 40 species, depending on the generic concept. Most Oreochromis are found in East Africa, although two are native to West Asia. Some authors have recognised Alcolapia, Neotilapia, Nyassalapia, and Vallicola as valid genera. Still, molecular studies have challenged the generic concept of mouth-brooding tilapias, and these may ultimately be reclassified as Oreochromis. The phylogeny of Oreochromis also shows widespread discordance between nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA trees. It seems premature to propose a revision of mouth-brooding tilapias, which are unlikely to form a natural group. Several Oreochromis species are attractive targets for aquaculture, with at least eight species actively farmed globally, many in warm-water farms. Oreochromis niloticus and its hybrids are the most widely farmed aquaculture warm-water species globally. Additionally, in certain West Asian regions, an expanding aquaculture industry is cultivating primarily hybrid tilapia (O. niloticus x O. aureus). Other tilapias, including Oreochromis niloticus, O. aureus, and O. mossambicus, as well as hybrids between O. mossambicus and O. niloticus (Taiwanese red tilapia), are maintained in experimental farms and are cultivated in limited quantities before being released into natural waters. Oreochromis spilurus, a salt-tolerant species, was introduced from Kenya to Saudi Arabia and was reportedly bred and cultured in saline waters of the Red Sea. While it cannot be ruled out that fish have escaped and established themselves in the Red Sea basin, there is no evidence to confirm this. Therefore, O. spilurus has been excluded from the list of non-native species in Arabia. A few Oreochromis from Oman have been studied for their mitochondrial molecular characters. The results suggest that either O. niloticus has already hybridised with O. mossambicus in Oman or that the introduced fish had already been hybridised, and these Omani populations might be feral Taiwanese red tilapia. Phenotypically, these fish are close to O. niloticus. Introgressed mitochondrial DNA is a trace of past hybridisation events. The aquaculture industry has a significant environmental impact, as fish inevitably escape and potentially establish local populations. This has occurred locally in West Asia, where Oreochromis have become invasive in the Persian Gulf basin and the Levant. Many species of Oreochromis have a substantial invasive potential, and four species are currently listed on the Global Invasive Species Index.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8EFCC428ABFC76FAB6FD8C.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Blue tilapia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8EFCC428ABFC76FAB6FD8C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ○ caudal usually tessellate, marbled, or with blotches not forming regularly shaped and set bars or, if bars present, then short, not reaching from upper to lower caudal rays / ○ flank scales with scales pockets darker than scale margins / ○ tip of membrane between dorsal spines orange or red / ● nuptial male bright blueish or grey with whitish lower part of head and orange dorsal and caudal margins / ○ snout not duck-bill-like, elongated in male larger than 200 mm SL / ○ anterior processes of lower pharyngeal bone clearly projecting beyond anterior margin of toothed pads / ○ chest, belly, and isthmus in front of pelvic covered by small scales / ○ chest never red / ○ 18 – 26 gill rakers on lower part of first branchial arch / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ scales cycloid / ○ no ocelli on anal. Size up to 380 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8EFCC428ABFC76FAB6FD8C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Native to Jordan drainage and lower Nile downriver of Cairo. Also native to Oued Draa drainage in southern Morocco, Senegal, central Niger and Benue, and Lake Chad basin, including lower Shari and Logone. Widely introduced in Israel, Azraq oasis in Jordan and Orontes in Syria and Türkiye, Ceyhan, Seyhan and Sakarya in Türkiye, lower Euphrates and Tigris in Iraq and Iran, Wadi Haneefah in Riyadh, Al-Kharj and Layla Aflaj south of Riyadh, and Al-Ahsa oasis in Saudi Arabia. Probably more widespread. Also established in Cyprus, Florida, South Africa, Central America, Southeast and East Asia, Hawaii, Madagascar, and elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8EFCC428ABFC76FAB6FD8C.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing rivers, backwaters, lakes, and coastal lagoons. Biology. Lives up to 5 years. Spawns in second year, usually with 160 – 180 mm SL. Males larger than females, and branched dorsal and anal rays longer in males. Posterior margin of dorsal membrane thickened in nuptial male. Spawning begins in late March – early April in Lake Kinneret at water temperatures above 20 – 22 ° C and lasts until late May in Kinneret or until November in Nile Delta. Males establish territories near shores in shallow water. Territory radius (0.7 – 3.0 m) depends on strength of male. Territories are often concentrated in leks that form breeding colonies. Within a territory, males dig a shallow nest in substrate and attempt to attract females. Eggs are laid in batches, immediately fertilised by male and taken into mouth by female. No permanent pair bond. Females may spawn with several males in a breeding colony. Females spawn several times during summer. Larvae hatch after 3 days, and females swallow eggshells. Female keeps eggs and larvae for about 13 – 14 days and guards free-swimming juveniles for a few more days, returning them to mouth at night. Can live in brackish water up to at least 10 ‰. Juveniles usually cannot survive temperatures below 9 ° C. Adults can survive night temperatures as low as 5 ° C for a few days if daytime temperatures are higher. Juveniles inhabit shallow habitats. Opportunistic feeders, usually phytoplankton but also zooplankton, epiphytic algae, and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8EFCC428ABFC76FAB6FD8C.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8EFCC428ABFC76FAB6FD8C.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Very important species for aquaculture, produced in large quantities in tropical and subtropical countries and warm-water facilities in Europe. This species is often misidentified as O. niloticus or Sarotherodon galilaeus, and hybrids between these three species have been recorded in the wild. Hybrids between O. aureus and O. niloticus are produced for aquaculture.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8CFCC628ABFC76FB51FE9E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mozambique tilapia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8CFCC628ABFC76FB51FE9E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ● nuptial male black or dark-grey with whitish lower part of head / ● snout duck-bill-like elongated in male larger than 200 mm SL / ○ orange or red dorsal- and caudal margins in nuptial male / ○ tip of membrane between dorsal spines orange or red / ○ caudal with small spots or blotches not forming regularly shaped and set bars / ○ all flank scales with dark-grey scale pockets in preserved individuals, dark-grey scales pockets never organised in fields / ○ center of flank scales above lateral midline, sometimes also below, darker than scale pockets / ○ anterior processes of lower pharyngeal bone clearly projecting beyond anterior margin of toothed pads / ○ chest, belly, and isthmus in front of pelvic covered by small scales / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ scales cycloid / ○ no ocelli on anal. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8CFCC628ABFC76FB51FE9E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Introduced in Saudi Arabia (details unknown) and in Yemen, locally introduced in UAE but not recorded from Oman. A non-native population in Algeria. Native to lower Zambezi, lower Shire, and coastal plains from Zambezi Delta to Algoa Bay. Occurs south to rivers in Eastern Cape and Transvaal to Limpopo. Widely introduced beyond this range into inland areas and south-western and western coastal rivers, including lower Orange River and rivers of Namibia. Introduced for aquaculture, escaped and established in tropical countries worldwide.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8CFCC628ABFC76FB51FE9E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Various standing and slow-flowing waters include coastal lakes, lowland rivers, streams, drains, reservoirs, and marshes, usually over muddy bottoms, often in well-vegetated areas. Fresh to marine waters, can survive in hypersaline waters. Spawns only in fresh and brackish waters of low salinity, along shorelines in stagnant or slow-flowing waters, and on sandy or muddy bottoms. Biology. Lives up to 11 years. Females usually begin spawning at about 120 mm SL, but in dense populations, at 60 – 70 mm SL and about 2 months. Territorial males excavate and defend a basin-shaped burrow in center of their territory, where they spawn with females. Often forms leks in dense colonies. Females only visit pits to spawn. Male actively courting female to nest in pit. Territorial males produce sounds during all stages of courtship, but especially during late stages, including spawning. Subordinate males without territory may adopt pseudo-female behaviour and sneak into nests during spawning. Female lays 100 – 1700 eggs in multiple portions. Female take eggs in their mouths as they are laid, before, during, or after fertilisation. No permanent pair bond formed; females incubate eggs alone while males court other females. Females may spawn a full clutch with one male or several males in a series so that siblings have different fathers. Females do not feed during brood care or take small food items, some of which are eaten in mouth by juveniles. Water is circulated over eggs by chewing movements of female’s jaws. Fry hatch in female’s mouth after 3 – 5 days, depending on temperature. Juveniles are released 10 – 14 days after spawning. Female guards fry, encouraging them to enter her mouth if threatened, for about 3 weeks. Juveniles swarm in shallow water and feed during day, retreating to deeper water at night. Females produce several broods in a season. Non-spawning individuals, as well as mouth-brooding females, gregarious along shores. Can tolerate temperatures ranging from 8 to 42 ° C; natural temperature range is 17 – 35 ° C. Tolerates low dissolved oxygen levels and utilises atmospheric oxygen when aquatic oxygen levels drop. Omnivorous, feeds mainly on algae and phytoplankton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8CFCC628ABFC76FB51FE9E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; released for mosquito control. NT in its native range, threatened by hybridisation with non-native Oreochromis niloticus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC8CFCC628ABFC76FB51FE9E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. While this species was of great importance in aquaculture and is one of the best-studied freshwater fishes in the world, it is now largely replaced by O. niloticus and O. aureus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC82FCC828ABFBE9FB4EFE41.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Nile tilapia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC82FCC828ABFBE9FB4EFE41.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ● 3 – 40 dark-grey to black, regularly shaped and set vertical bars on caudal (number increasing with size) / ○ usually all flank scales with dark-grey scale pockets in preserved individuals, dark-grey scales pockets never organised in fields / ○ tip of membrane between dorsal spines black or grey / ○ chest, belly, and isthmus in front of pelvic covered by small scales / ● nuptial male whitish with pink anterior body and caudal / ○ snout not duck-bill-like elongated in male larger than 150 mm SL / ○ anterior processes of lower pharyngeal bone clearly projecting beyond anterior margin of toothed pads / ○ chest never red / ○ 19 – 25 gill rakers on lower part of first branchial arch / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ scales cycloid / ○ no ocelli on anal. Size up to 395 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC82FCC828ABFBE9FB4EFE41.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Widely introduced in Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, but many might be Taiwanese red tilapia. Also introduced in North Africa, Jordan, Orontes, Iran, and Iraq. Native to Nile drainage (including Lakes Albert, Edward, and Tana), Jebel Marra, Lakes Kivu, Tanganyika, Awash, and Omo, various Ethiopian lakes, Lake Turkana, Suguta, and Lake Baringon. Also native to West Africa in Senegal, Gambia, Volta, Niger, Benue, and Chad drainages. Widespread introduction for aquaculture in other parts of Africa, Europe, and tropical countries worldwide.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC82FCC828ABFBE9FB4EFE41.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, backwaters, and slow-flowing rivers. Very common in reservoirs, canals, and other artificial water bodies. Spawns along banks in stagnant or slow-flowing water. A freshwater species that does not inhabit brackish water. Biology. Lives up to 5 years. Matures at 3 – 6 months or much younger, depending on temperature and food availability. Sexually monomorphic, male larger. Spawns when temperatures exceed 20 ° C between April and August in North Africa. Begins spawning in February in Lake Nasser (Egypt). Non-spawning individuals are gregarious along banks. Males form territories and dig shallow depressions in sandy or muddy shores to attract females. Nest is a circular depression up to 100 cm in diameter and 50 cm deep, usually twice length of breeding male. Males often builds their nests close together, forming leks. Females only visit nest to spawn. Courtship lasts several hours. Up to 200 eggs are laid in about 20 portions over 45 – 120 minutes. Eggs are picked up and placed in mouth by female as they are laid, before, during, or after fertilisation. No permanent pair bond; females incubate eggs alone while males court other females. Females may lay a full clutch with one male or several males in a series so that siblings have different fathers. Females do not feed during brood care or take small items of food, some of which are eaten in mouth by young. Water is circulated over eggs by chewing movements of female’s jaws. Females spawn several times during summer, often once a month. Females hold eggs and larvae in their mouths for about 20 days and guard-feeding juveniles for up to 2 weeks. Expanded temperature range: 8 – 42 ° C; natural temperature range: 13 – 33 ° C. Juveniles are omnivorous; juveniles and adults feed mainly on planktonic and epilithic blue-green algae, diatoms, and macrophytes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC82FCC828ABFBE9FB4EFE41.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; LC in its native range; released or escaped from fish farms. It significantly impacts native fish due to its dense population and competition for habitat and food; its nesting activity and territorial behaviour disturb habitat and spawning grounds. International and national agencies that promote its stocking largely ignore these negative impacts. Globally, O. niloticus is the most important tilapia species in aquaculture and also supports major capture fisheries where it is established. It is highly invasive and is known to hybridise with many other Oreochromis species. For this reason, further stocking has been banned in several countries, including South Africa, Malawi, and Zambia. Remarks. This species is important for aquaculture worldwide and is cultivated in many countries, and escapes are expected elsewhere. Several records of O. niloticus from Türkiye are unconfirmed and all these records have been identified as O. aureus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC83FCC82B1BFE16FBEBFB64.taxon	description	Sarotherodon comprises approximately 25 species of mouth-brooding tilapias, all but one of which are endemic to West and Central Africa. Of particular interest is the adaptive radiation of 11 closely related species in Barombi Mbo, a crater lake in Cameroon. This represents one of the most spectacular examples of sympatric speciation. It appears that Sarotherodon is paraphyletic, with several new generic names expected to be described. It is unlikely that S. galilaeus will remain in that genus. Alternatively, several other genera of mouth-brooding tilapias, including Iranocichla, Oreochromis, and Tristramella, might become synonyms of Sarotherodon. However, no conclusive phylogenetic concept has been proposed until now. Furthermore, S. galilaeus appears to have been largely introgressed by Oreochromis aureus, indicating that both species have undergone extensive hybridisation in the past. Additionally, there is a high genetic diversity within S. galilaeus, particularly in West and Central Africa. Consequently, a critical taxonomic revision of this species is required.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC80FCCB28ABFF5EFBF4FB64.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mango tilapia.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC80FCCB28ABFF5EFBF4FB64.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ● anterior processes of lower pharyngeal bone not or very slightly projecting beyond anterior margin of toothed pads / ○ flank scales without dark-grey scale pockets in preserved individuals, isolated black scales pockets, or fields of black scale pockets in some individuals / ○ nuptial male pale-grey or pinkish white without white spots or vermiculation on flank / ○ no red or orange colour in life / ○ often with black bars on flank / ○ caudal almost without pattern / ○ chest, belly, and isthmus in front of pelvic covered by small scales / ○ 20 – 27 gill rakers on lower part of first branchial arch / ○ chest never red / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ scales cycloid / ○ no ocelli on anal. Size up to 320 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC80FCCB28ABFF5EFBF4FB64.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Native to Jordan drainage and coastal rivers Yarkon, Kishon, and Na’aman in Israel. Introduced in Orontes and Syrian part of Euphrates. Native to Congo, Nile drainage including Lakes Albert and Turkana. Also in Lake Chad basin, Borkou in Chad, Ubangui and Ulele, Adar in Mauritania, and West African rivers from Senegal to Guinea, Volta, Niger, and rivers between them and Sanaga in Cameroon.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC80FCCB28ABFF5EFBF4FB64.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing rivers, backwaters, lakes, and coastal lagoons. Often pelagic and very common in reservoirs. Can live in brackish water to at least 20 ‰. Cannot survive if water temperature falls below 10 ° C for over a few days. Biology. Live up to 7 years. Usually matures after second winter at about 130 – 220 mm SL. Sexually monomorphic male over 2 years with slightly larger and longer unbranched dorsal and anal rays. Pairs for a few days to 2 weeks before spawning. Spawns in Lake Kinneret late March – August, each female usually produces two or more clutches. Pair digs a shallow nest. Eggs are laid in batches of 20 – 40, each batch fertilised by male as it is laid. Eggs remain in nest in clutches. In undisturbed conditions, all eggs laid in nest are taken into mouth by male, female, or both parents after hatching. If predators are present, each batch is taken immediately after fertilisation. Pair bond is broken after spawning. Commitment to brood care by males depends on availability of mature females. Parents release fry after about 14 days and usually do not care for them. Feeds mainly on phytoplankton, including cyanobacteria, epiphytic algae, and detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC80FCCB28ABFF5EFBF4FB64.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; massively stocked in Lake Kinneret for commercial fisheries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC80FCCB28ABFF5EFBF4FB64.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Reports from the Oued Draa drainage in southern Morocco are based on misidentified O. aureus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC81FCCA2885FF5EFE54FCE1.taxon	description	Tristramella, which is endemic to the Levant, comprises only two species. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Tristramella is related to Iranocichla. Some authors have proposed that T. magdalenae from the Damascus basin and T. intermedia from Lake Hula basin should be considered distinct species. However, we could not identify distinguishing characteristics that would allow us to differentiate these from T. simonis. Consequently, we have treated them as conspecific. Both populations and T. sacra are extinct. Both species are mouthbrooders, but the details of their breeding behaviour have not been described. There is some doubt whether T. sacra should be recognised as a species distinct from T. simonis, given that large nuptial male T. simonis also have a strongly projecting lower jaw. It would be beneficial to re-examine the original materials of both species to test whether T. sacra represents a valid species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC81FCCA2885FC76FC4CFDF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Long jaw Tristramella.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC81FCCA2885FC76FC4CFDF4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ● lower jaw strongly projecting / ● all teeth conical / ○ nuptial male pale-grey or pinkish white without white spots or vermiculation on flank / ○ chest never red / ○ 13 gill rakers on lower part of first branchial arch / ○ chest, belly, and isthmus in front of pelvic covered by small scales / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ scales cycloid / ○ no ocelli on anal. Size up to 320 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC81FCCA2885FC76FC4CFDF4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Israel: Lake Kinneret.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC81FCCA2885FC76FC4CFDF4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lacustrine. Biology. Spawns in April – July. Paternal mouthbrooders. Feeds on zooplankton and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC81FCCA2885FC76FC4CFDF4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Extinct; last seen in 1990, despite research both in lake and local markets. Destruction of breeding habitat (marshes in northern part of lake) may be reason for its extinction.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC86FCCD28ABFCCEFBB6FB94.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Short jaw Tristramella.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC86FCCD28ABFCCEFBB6FB94.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Cichlidae in West Asia by: ● lower jaw slightly projecting / ○ outer teeth bicuspid, inner teeth tricuspid / ○ chest never red / ○ nuptial male pale-grey or pinkish white without white spots or vermiculation on flank / ○ 10 – 12 gill rakers on lower part of first branchial arch / ○ chest, belly, and isthmus in front of pelvic covered by small scales / ○ 3 anal spines / ○ scales cycloid / ○ no ocelli on anal. Size up to 250 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC86FCCD28ABFCCEFBB6FB94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Jordan drainage: Lakes Muzayrib (Syria), Hula and Kinneret (Tiberias) (both in Israel), Dara’a reservoir and a canal at Al Asha’ari (Syria), Damascus basin, and Lake Hula. Non-native in Orontes and Nahr al Kabir (Syria).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC86FCCD28ABFCCEFBB6FB94.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Lakes, reservoirs, springs, and spring-fed streams and canals. Biology. Spawns March – August. Maternal mouthbrooder or both partners participate in brooding. Feeds on phytoplankton and invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC86FCCD28ABFCCEFBB6FB94.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; extirpated from Hula due to drainage of this wetland and extirpated from Damascus basin due to drying up of lakes it inhabited. Apparently stable in Kinneret. Probably declining outside Lake Kinneret, but inhabiting reservoirs and invasive in Syria.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC84FCD028ABFF54FE51FA82.taxon	vernacular_names	Mullets	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC84FCD028ABFF54FE51FA82.taxon	description	A family of fishes primarily found in coastal waters, with approximately 25 genera and 75 species. They occur globally in various marine habitats, including temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions. Mullets are distinguished by the presence of two separate dorsal fins, a small triangular mouth, and the absence of a lateral line on the flanks. Most species exhibit an unusually muscular stomach and a complex pharynx, which are believed to be an adaptation to grazing on plants, algae, and detritus. Some species inhabit freshwater habitats, while most are marine coastal species that occasionally enter lagoons, estuaries, or the lower reaches of rivers. They can be distinguished from superficially similar Atherinidae by several characteristics, including a dorso-ventrally flattened head (vs. laterally compressed), scales on the dorsal surface of the head (vs. absence of scales), and 11 – 14 ½ anal rays (vs. 10 – 20 ½). The taxonomy and nomenclature of the Mugilidae are not yet fully resolved, and several name changes have occurred recently. In the context of our region, the most significant alteration is the synonymisation of Liza with Chelon and the segregation of Planiliza from Liza. Mullets are pelagic fishes that live in schools and typically inhabit waters less than 200 m deep, with a preference for muddy bottoms. They spawn at sea. Eggs and early larvae are pelagic, while small juveniles move toward the shoreline and enter estuaries and lagoons, where they feed on zooplankton. Larger individuals return to the sea, where they feed on algae and vegetal detritus, often taking a significant amount of sediment with them, which they filter through their branchial apparatus. All species exhibit a similar morphology, with a silvery appearance that renders them challenging to distinguish. Nine species have been documented from freshwaters in West Asia, with five representing non-native populations at least in part of their range. The sole true freshwater species is Planiliza abu, which also spawns in freshwater habitats. Mugil cephalus, Chelon auratus, and C. ramada frequently enter freshwaters in lower parts of rivers in the Black Sea and Mediterranean basins to forage, as do C. auratus and C. saliens that are also introduced to the Caspian Sea. East Asian Planiliza haematocheilus is rapidly expanding its range in the Black and Aegean Seas. Ellochelon vaigiensis and Planiliza carinata are present in our region, although they have not yet been recorded from freshwater habitats in West Asia. Both species are included in the keys to allow their identification. Ellochelon vaigiensis is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, occurring in the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and along the entire coast of Arabia. Planiliza carinata is found in the Red Sea and is invasive in the eastern Mediterranean, where it is recorded from Egypt (west to the Nile delta), Israel, Lebanon, and Türkiye. Identification literature for marine fish should be consulted to identify fish not found in pure freshwaters.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC98FCD328ABFD26FC23FB64.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Golden mullet.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC98FCD328ABFD26FC23FB64.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of mullets entering freshwaters in West Asia by: ○ usually a golden or orange blotch on opercle / ○ predorsal scales with a single or no longitudinal groove / ○ 20 circumpeduncular scale rows / ○ when folded forward, pectoral reaching eye / ○ no black spot at pectoral base / ○ posterior extremity of upper jaw not reaching anterior rim of eye / ○ posterior angle of preorbital bone pointed / ○ 40 – 46 total scales in lateral series / ○ without adipose tissue rim around eye / ○ pectoral short, not reaching close to vertical of first dorsal origin / ○ flank plain silvery grey / ○ upper lip smooth / ○ preorbital bone fills space between lip and eye / ○ caudal forked. Size up to 500 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC98FCD328ABFD26FC23FB64.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Mediterranean, Black Sea, and eastern Atlantic from Cape Verde and Senegal to southern Norway and British Isles (not reaching southern Baltic); northern Red Sea. Introduced in Caspian Sea.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC98FCD328ABFD26FC23FB64.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Pelagic near shore, sometimes in lagoons and estuaries. Most freshwater-tolerant Chelon species recorded from West Asia. Spawns at sea. Biology. Gregarious. Spawns September – November. Juveniles move to coastal lagoons and estuaries in winter and especially in spring. Juveniles feed on zooplankton and larger individuals on algae and plant detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC98FCD328ABFD26FC23FB64.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NT; like almost all Chelon, this species has declined considerably over the last 20 years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC98FCD328ABFD26FC23FB64.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Chelon auratus has entered the northern Red Sea from the Mediterranean and has recently been reported from this area. It is unclear whether the species is expanding its range in the Red Sea.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC99FCD22885FF5EFB52FD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Thick lip mullet.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC99FCD22885FF5EFB52FD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of mullets entering freshwaters in Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Sea basins by: ● lower 1 ⁄ 4 – 1 ⁄ 3 of upper lip with 2 – 3 rows of papillae with horny ridges in individuals larger than 100 mm SL / ○ without adipose tissue rim around eye / ○ pectoral short, not reaching close to vertical of first dorsal origin. Size up to 600 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC99FCD22885FF5EFB52FD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Coasts of Mediterranean, Black Sea, and eastern Atlantic from Cape Verde and Senegal to southern Norway, southern Iceland, and Faroe Islands.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC99FCD22885FF5EFB52FD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Pelagic near shore, sometimes in lagoons and estuaries. Spawns at sea in coastal surface waters. Biology. Gregarious along coasts, often entering lagoons and estuaries, juveniles readily adapt to freshwater. Lives up to 12 years. Males spawn for the first time at 2 years, females at 3, later in northern areas. Females larger than males. Spawns pelagic in February – April, eggs pelagic. Juveniles of about 20 mm SL move to coastal lagoons and estuaries in April – June, returning to sea in late summer. Juveniles feed on zooplankton; adults mainly on algae and plant detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC99FCD22885FF5EFB52FD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NT; like almost all Chelons, this species has declined considerably over the last 20 years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC99FCD52885F968FA07FE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Thinlip mullet.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC99FCD52885F968FA07FE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of mullets entering freshwaters in Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Sea basins by: ○ predorsal scales with a single or no longitudinal groove / ○ 24 circumpeduncular scale rows / ● when folded forward, pectoral not reaching eye / ○ posterior angle of preorbital bone rounded / ○ posterior extremity of upper jaw not reaching anterior rim of eye / ● a black spot at pectoral base / ○ 41 – 46 scales in lateral series (not including scales on caudal base) / ○ upper lip smooth / ○ without adipose tissue rim around eye / ○ pectoral short, not reaching close to vertical of first dorsal origin. Size up to 545 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC99FCD52885F968FA07FE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Mediterranean, Black Sea, Azov Sea, and eastern Atlantic from Cape Verde and Senegal to southern Baltic and British Isles (not reaching northern Scotland). Migrates north during summer. Introduced in Lake Kinneret (Israel).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC99FCD52885F968FA07FE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Pelagic inshore, entering lagoons and lower reaches of rivers, often found in polluted waters. Spawns offshore at sea. Biology. Usually in schools. Males spawn first time at 2 – 3 years, females at 4 or later. Females slightly larger than males. Spawns several million pelagic eggs in September – December in Mediterranean, April – July along British coast. Juveniles about 20 mm SL move into coastal lagoons and estuaries in autumn, especially in winter. Juveniles feed on zooplankton until about 30 mm SL, then on benthic animals and plants. Adults filter algae and plant detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC99FCD52885F968FA07FE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NT; like almost all Chelon, this species has declined considerably over the last 20 years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9EFCD528ABFC8BFB34FAE9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sharpnose mullet.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9EFCD528ABFC8BFB34FAE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of mullets entering freshwaters in Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Sea basins by: ● predorsal scales with 2 – 5 longitudinal grooves / ● 48 – 49 scales in lateral series (not including scales on caudal base) / ○ 20 circumpeduncular scale rows / ○ when folded forward, pectoral reaching eye / ○ posterior extremity of upper jaw not reaching anterior rim of eye / ○ upper lip smooth / ○ without adipose tissue rim around eye / ○ pectoral short, not reaching close to vertical of first dorsal origin. Size up to 350 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9EFCD528ABFC8BFB34FAE9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Mediterranean, Black Sea, and eastern Atlantic from Angola to Bay of Biscay. Introduced in Caspian Sea.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9EFCD528ABFC8BFB34FAE9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Pelagic near shore, sometimes in lagoons and estuaries. Spawns at sea. Biology. Usually in schools. Males spawn for first time at 2, females at 3 years. Females larger than males. Spawns pelagic eggs in May – August, rarely until early October. Juveniles about 20 mm SL move to coastal lagoons and estuaries in summer and autumn. Juveniles feed on zooplankton to about 30 mm SL, then benthic organisms to 50 mm SL; adults feed on algae and plant detritus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9EFCD528ABFC8BFB34FAE9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NT; like almost all Chelon, this species has declined considerably over the last 20 years.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9EFCD528ABFC8BFB34FAE9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Seems rarely to enter freshwaters and might be excluded from freshwater fish in future. Only known from sea in Caspian.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9FFCD42885FCFDFC6FFA90.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Flathead mullet.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9FFCD42885FCFDFC6FFA90.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of mullets entering freshwaters in West Asia by: ○ adipose tissue covering most of eye, reaching pupil in adults / ○ back rounded, not keeled in front of first dorsal / ○ anterior margin of preorbital bone straight, tip pointed / ○ upper lip smooth / ○ pectoral short, not reaching close to vertical of first dorsal origin / ○ caudal forked. Size up to 800 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9FFCD42885FCFDFC6FFA90.taxon	distribution	Distribution. All tropical and subtropical seas, Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Atlantic, reaching northward to England and the Netherlands.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9FFCD42885FCFDFC6FFA90.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Pelagic near shore, often foraging in lagoons, estuaries, and lower reaches of rivers. Spawns at sea in coastal surface waters. Biology. Usually in schools. Males spawn first time at 2 years, females at 3 years. Females larger than males. Spawns at sea in coastal surface waters, producing several million pelagic eggs from July to October (Mediterranean). Eggs develop optimally in full marine salinity. Juveniles of about 20 mm SL migrate to coastal lagoons and estuaries in autumn. Juveniles feed on zooplankton until about 30 mm SL and larger individuals filter algae, plant detritus, and small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9FFCD42885FCFDFC6FFA90.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9CFCD728ABFD55FB23FADB.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Abu mullet.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9CFCD728ABFD55FB23FADB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of mullets entering freshwaters in West Asia by: ● 44 – 50 total scales in lateral series / ● pectoral long, reaching almost to vertical of first dorsal origin / ○ no golden blotch on opercle / ● two irregular dark-grey lateral stripes / ○ caudal deeply emarginate / ○ upper lip smooth / ○ without adipose tissue rim around eye. Size up to 220 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9CFCD728ABFD55FB23FADB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Persian Gulf basin from Euphrates and Tigris south to Indus. A relict population in Al-Ahsa oasis in Saudi Arabia. Introduced in Orontes, Ceyhan and Seyhan drainages (Türkiye), and Kor basin (Iran).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9CFCD728ABFD55FB23FADB.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Medium-sized streams to large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Also, in densely vegetated springs and canals. A wide range of still to moderately fast-flowing waters. Absent from very fast-flowing rivers and streams. Usually in salinities below 2 ‰ but can tolerate up to 30 ‰. Usually a warm-water species, absent from cold headwaters of Anatolia. Biology. Freshwater species usually live in large schools under water’s surface. Lives up to 7 years, usually 4 – 5 years. Spawns first time at one year and about 100 mm TL in late February – March (southern Iraq), March – May (Baghdad), and March – July (southern Türkiye). Spawns once or twice a year. Eggs attached to submerged vegetation. Feeds mainly on detritus, phytoplankton, and aquatic plants. Small amounts of planktonic invertebrates are taken.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9CFCD728ABFD55FB23FADB.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is a very powerful invader and would be able to colonise large parts of the Mediterranean basin if introduced.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9CFCD728ABFD55FB23FADB.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; relatively resistant to pollution. Despite its small size, commercially caught in large quantities, particularly in Iran and Iraq and accidentally introduced in Mediterranean coastal areas in Türkiye and Syria, where it is considered a pest.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9DFCD62885FF5EFB50FD79.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Soiuy mullet.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9DFCD62885FF5EFB50FD79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of mullets entering freshwaters in Black Sea and Mediterranean basins by: ● posterior extremity of upper jaw reaching beyond anterior rim of eye / ○ predorsal scales with a single longitudinal groove / ○ 41 – 42 scales in lateral series (not including scales on caudal base) / ○ 24 circumpeduncular scale rows / ○ upper lip smooth / ○ without adipose tissue rim around eye / ○ pectoral short, not reaching close to vertical of first dorsal origin. Size up to 530 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9DFCD62885FF5EFB50FD79.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Coast of East Asia from Vladivostok to Hainan Island. Introduced in Sea of Azov in late 1960 s, reached Aegean in 1995. Southernmost record in Aegean from Homa lagoon (İzmir) more widespread.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9DFCD62885FF5EFB50FD79.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. At sea, pelagic near shore. Juveniles enter brackish and fresh waters of lagoons and lower reaches of rivers. Spawns at sea and in brackish waters. Often enters freshwater to overwinter. Biology. Euryhaline, live six years, likely much longer. Feeds on detritus, diatoms and blue-green algae. Eggs and larvae planktonic.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9DFCD62885FF5EFB50FD79.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; situation poorly known. Most abundant Mugilid in Azov Sea. Along shores of Black Sea and possibly Aegean, its expansion corresponds to a sharp decline in native species of Mugilidae, which it appears to be replacing.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC9DFCD62885FF5EFB50FD79.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Surprisingly, there are very few records of this species from the Anatolian, but none from the Georgian Black Sea basin, whereas it is common along the coasts of Russian Caucasus.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFF5EFAECFD11.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Eastern keeled mullet.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFF5EFAECFD11.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of mullets in Persian Gulf basin and coasts of Arabian Peninsula by: ○ back in front of first dorsal keeled by thickened and ridged stripes on scales / ○ with adipose tissue rim around eye reaching or almost reaching pupil / ○ total gill rakers 79 – 96 in individuals between 66 and 91 mm SL, 94 – 109 in individuals between 110 and 139 mm SL / ○ first pterygiophore of first dorsal ray set between 7 th and 8 th vertebrae / ○ caudal forked / ○ pectoral short, not reaching close to vertical of first dorsal origin / ○ anterior margin of preorbital bone strongly concave, tip blunt. Size up to 175 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFF5EFAECFD11.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Coasts of Persian Gulf, including lower Shatt al Arab / Arvand and Hammar marshes, east to Pakistan and west coast of India. Mostly in estuaries of larger rivers.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFF5EFAECFD11.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large estuarine areas, lagoons, marshes, and lower reaches of rivers, often found in polluted waters. Biology. Gregarious. Lives up to five years. Spawns first time at 1 year and about 100 mm SL. Spawns at sea at 14 – 18 ° C in December – April (Kuwait Bay). Juveniles enter estuaries and freshwaters to feed. Highest growth rate and food conversion efficiency at 15 ‰ salinity under experimental conditions. Feeds mainly on detritus, algae, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFF5EFAECFD11.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. VU; appears to be in steady decline due to overfishing.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFF5EFAECFD11.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often identified as Liza carinata.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFB3FFC01F912.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Greenback mullet.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFB3FFC01F912.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of mullets in Persian Gulf basin and coasts of Arabian Peninsula by: ● preorbital bone not filling space between lip and eye / ○ back rounded, not keeled in front of first dorsal / ○ 27 – 32 total scales along lateral midline / ○ caudal emarginate or truncate / ○ without adipose tissue rim around eye / ○ pectoral short, not reaching close to vertical of first dorsal origin / ○ anterior margin of preorbital bone strongly concave, tip blunt. Size up to 260 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFB3FFC01F912.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Persian Gulf east to India, China, northern Australia, and Polynesia. Recorded from lower Shatt al Arab / Arvand and Hammar marshes.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFB3FFC01F912.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Coastal waters, lagoons, marshes, estuaries, and lower reaches of rivers. Spawns at sea. Biology. Gregarious. Lives up to 6 years. Spawns first time at about 120 mm SL. Spawns February – April in Shatt al Arab / Arvand, March – April, often June, offshore in Persian Gulf. After spawning, adults and juveniles migrate to brackish and fresh waters. Feeds mainly on algae, detritus, plants, and plankton.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFB3FFC01F912.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC92FCD928ABFB3FFC01F912.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Sometimes identified as Liza dussumieri in Persian Gulf basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC93FCD82885FF54FD69FC88.taxon	vernacular_names	Righteye flounders	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC93FCD82885FF54FD69FC88.taxon	description	Flatfishes represent a distinctive group of primarily marine fishes that are readily distinguishable by their bilateral asymmetry, with both eyes on the same body side. They have been observed to have remained largely unchanged since the Eocene epoch (34 – 56 million years ago). The family Pleuronectidae is recognised to comprise 40 genera, and approximately 103 species distributed across all marine habitats worldwide. It should be noted that several other species (e. g., Citharus [family Citharidae], Solea [family Soleidae], Scophthalmus [family Scophthalmidae]) may occasionally be found in estuaries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC93FCDB2885FCDFFA83FDD6.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Flounder.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC93FCDB2885FCDFFA83FDD6.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Only flatfish entering freshwater habitats in West Asia. Distinguished from other species of flatfishes occasionally entering freshwaters in Mediterranean and Black Sea basins by: ○ about 80 total lateral-line scales / ○ enlarged scales along dorsal and anal bases / ● bony tubercles along lateral line / ○ 51 – 66 ½ dorsal rays / ○ 35 – 45 ½ anal rays / ○ eyes on right side (but, in North Sea, up to 40 % of individuals may have eyes on left side). Size up to 500 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC93FCDB2885FCDFFA83FDD6.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black Sea, Mediterranean, eastern Atlantic northeast to White Sea. Introduced in Caspian Sea and Great Lakes of North America. Occasionally recorded up to 650 km upstream in Rhine, in western Asia only in estuarine habitats.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC93FCDB2885FCDFFA83FDD6.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Shallow, marine, and estuarine mud and sand bottoms; rarely enter freshwaters in West Asia. Biology. Males spawn first time at 2 – 3 years, females at 3 – 4 years. Migrates to sea in October – December. Spawns at sea in deep water, in January – June. Eggs and larvae pelagic and drift with current. At about 10 mm SL, left eye moves to right side, pigmentation develops, and juveniles become benthic. Pelagic larvae migrate to brackish and freshwater habitats with tidal currents, moving up water column during high tide and to bottom during low tide. First pelagic flounder is usually recorded in estuaries in March. Juveniles begin to migrate upstream into freshwater to feed by mid – April. Few individuals enter brackish or fresh water. Spawning adults do not return to brackish or freshwater but remain at sea. Feeds on small fish and benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC93FCDB2885FCDFFA83FDD6.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC93FCDB2885FCDFFA83FDD6.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The taxonomy of founders needs a critical revision. Several species may be confused under the name P. flesus. Platichthys luscus is occasionally used as a valid name for flounders from the northeastern Mediterranean and Black Sea basin flounders. However, we could not find any data to support this view.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC91FCDA2885FF54FC5DFCF0.taxon	vernacular_names	Snakeheads	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC91FCDA2885FF54FC5DFCF0.taxon	description	Snakeheads are mid-sized to large freshwater fishes that are characterised by an elongate, rounded body that becomes compressed posteriorly, long and spineless dorsal and anal fins, and by paired accessory organs or suprabranchial organs in the upper gill chamber (above and behind the gills) which enable these fishes to breathe air. There are approximately 50 species (plus many undescribed) in the Asian genus Channa and three species in the African genus Parachanna. The fossil record of snakeheads extends from the upper Eocene of Egypt to Central Europe and Asia. The smallest snakeheads reach approximately 100 mm, while the largest reported individual is 1800 mm long. All species are considered thrust predators, with most being piscivorous as adults. Snakeheads inhabit still waters, although some are found in larger rivers or along margins of fast-flowing streams. Most species construct a bubble nest in vegetation, with the eggs laid and fertilised below the nest so that they float up into the bubbles. Others are mouthbrooders, and some feed their young with unfertilised eggs. One or both adults guard the nest, and young attacking intruders with great ferocity, including humans. Several species are highly valued as food fish within parts of their native ranges, where they are an important part of capture fisheries and aquaculture. They can be transported alive, wrapped in wet clothes or vegetation, and introduced in areas outside their natural distribution. Several Asian species have been introduced outside of their native range. Four snakehead species are thought to have entered North America through the aquarium and live-food fish markets and are now spreading. Channa maculata and C. striata have already established a wide non-native range in the tropics, including Hawaii and Madagascar.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC91FCDD2885FA71FA82FD8B.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Baluchi snakehead.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC91FCDD2885FA71FA82FD8B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other freshwater fishes in West Asia by: ○ paired accessory organs or suprabranchial organs in upper gill chamber / ○ 33 – 35 ½ soft dorsal rays / ○ 20 – 22 ½ anal rays / ○ body roundish and elongate / ○ 41 – 44 lateral-line scales / ○ many teeth on jaws, vomer and palatines / ○ pelvic origin shortly behind pectoral base and below dorsal origin. Size up to 125 mm SL, likely to grow larger.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC91FCDD2885FA71FA82FD8B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Iran: Jazmurian (Bampur and Halil) and Mashkid (Rotak) basins shared by Iran and Pakistan. Also in rivers of Makran coast. Indus drainage in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, as well as rivers of western India,	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC91FCDD2885FA71FA82FD8B.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of freshwater habitats often associated with dense submerged vegetation and standing water such as qanats, springs, and streams. Occasionally found in rocky streams without vegetation. Biology. Forms pairs and guard larvae and small fry. Feeds free-swimming juveniles with eggs by spawning into cloud of juveniles. Single study of species’ reproduction suggests that eggs are laid on bottom. Breathes air from surface. Feeds on invertebrates and small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC91FCDD2885FA71FA82FD8B.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Not evaluated. Declining in Iran due to desiccation of habitats.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC91FCDD2885FA71FA82FD8B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In West Asia, snakeheads are restricted to Iran, usually identified as Channa gachua, a species described from Bengal in India. Recent molecular studies suggest that more than 20 species may be included in C. gachua. The Baluchi snakehead is very closely related to populations from the Indus and westernmost India. It is identified here as C. montana, a species described from the upper Indus drainage in Afghanistan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC97FCDC2885FF54FA9AFD4D.taxon	vernacular_names	Spiny eels	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC97FCDC2885FF54FA9AFD4D.taxon	description	Mastacembelids are a small, distinctive family of perch-like fishes with elongate bodies. They are widespread in tropical Asia and Africa. About 50 species and all genera are found in Asia, while a monophyletic radiation of 41 species is present in Africa. In the Nile drainage, spiny eels are absent except in Lake Victoria. The only species in West Asia is the sister group of all the African species, indicating that the invasion of these eels from Asia to Africa occurred through West Asia. The divergence between African Mastacembelus and M. simack is estimated to have occurred between 18 and 15 million years ago (95 % CI: 27.5 – 8.8 Mya). Mastacembelids have a peculiar rostral appendix bearing a tubular nostril on either side of a central rostral tentacle. The spinous part of the dorsal fin of percomorph fishes is dissociated into individual short spines in spiny eels. These spines can be erected, and handling spiny eels might be dangerous. They twist very fast in a way that the spines cut into the skin of the aggressor, and the spines can produce severe wounds on hands and arms, especially if the eel is large. In West Asia, fishers treat spiny eels with caution. In some regions, spiny eels are a highly sought-after food source; in others, they are not consumed due to cultural beliefs.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC94FCDF28ABFF5EFC10FE6E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Mesopotamian spiny eel.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC94FCDF28ABFF5EFC10FE6E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Anguilla species in West Asia by ● movable nasal appendix / ● marbled body colour / ● dorsal and anal spines present. Size up to 1000 mm SL, usually up to 400 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC94FCDF28ABFF5EFC10FE6E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Qweiq, Euphrates, Tigris, and Karun drainages and tributaries to Persian Gulf in Iran south to Helleh and Dalaki.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC94FCDF28ABFF5EFC10FE6E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Reservoirs, large rivers, up to small mountain streams. Often very common in rapids and riffles in fast-flowing waters. Biology. Lives up to 21 years. Matures at 2 years, measuring about 250 mm SL and 125 g. Spawns May – July in shallow water between rocks or vegetation. Predatory, juveniles feed on benthic invertebrates, and adults mainly feed on fish and shrimp. Often hides during day in gravel in riffles, roots or caverns of various kinds but may also lie motionless on bottom in bright sunshine, camouflaged in shallow areas to prey on small fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC94FCDF28ABFF5EFC10FE6E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; extirpated from Qweiq.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC94FCDF28ABFF5EFC10FE6E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Often still found as M. mastacembelus, which is a synonym. Records from the Kor, an endorheic drainage in central Iran, and the Orontes could not be confirmed. Russell (1756) reported that this fish was “ found in great abundance ” and was “ esteemed a lighter and more delicate food ” than the eel at Aleppo. Spiny eels are often seen in fish markets of Syrian cities in Orontes drainage, imported from the Euphrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC95FCDE288BFF54FC7CFBB2.taxon	vernacular_names	Perches	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FC95FCDE288BFF54FC7CFBB2.taxon	description	A family of predominantly freshwater fishes with approximately 244 species in 12 genera native to Europe, northern, West and Central Asia, and North America. Most species belong to the American subfamily Etheostominae (darters: approximately 160 species in four genera). Three genera are found in West Asia. Percidae is distinguished from Cichlidae by the presence of a single continuous lateral line (vs. lateral line interrupted, with the anterior part of the line situated at a higher level on the body than the posterior part), from Centrarchidae (a family of fish that was introduced to the region) by the presence of one or two anal spines (vs. 3 – 6), and from Dicentrarchus (Moronidae) by having 1 – 2 anal spines (vs. 3), and no auxiliary rows of lateral-line scales on the caudal (vs. presence). In the European part of the Black and Caspian Seas, Sander volgensis is a widely distributed and locally abundant species which has become invasive in Europe due to accidental stocking. It has not yet been found in the area covered by this book, but it cannot be excluded that it might be found in the future. Sander marinus is an additional percid found in this area. It has not been reported to enter pure freshwaters, inhabiting marine and brackish estuaries. It appears to be on the verge of extinction in the Black Sea basin, with the sole surviving population in Ukraine. In contrast, it is relatively common in the Kazakh Caspian basin, although it is rare along the coast of Azerbaijan and Iran, where it is only occasionally caught. Sander marinus and S. volgensis are included in the key to facilitate their identification. Species of Sander and Perca are commercially important food fish. Sander lucioperca has been introduced throughout West Asia, Northern Africa, and Europe to transform “ low-value ” fish stocks into high-value fisheries. As a result, it is widely introduced and responsible for the extinction or extirpation of endemic Leuciscidae and Cobitis species in Lakes Beyşehir and Eğirdir (Central Anatolia, Türkiye) and possibly also elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEAFCA128ABFD26FAEDFBDF.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ruffe.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEAFCA128ABFD26FAEDFBDF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Percidae in West Asia by: ● two dorsals confluent. Size up to 200 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEAFCA128ABFD26FAEDFBDF.taxon	distribution	Distribution. In West Asia non-native to upper Kura and Rioni (Georgia). In Europe, native to Trace in Türkiye and Caspian, Black, Baltic, and North Sea basins, north to about 69 ° N in Scandinavia. In Black sea basin south to Kuban. Also, in Aral basin, Arctic Ocean basin eastward to Kolyma. Introduced into France west of Rhine, northern Italy, northern Great Britain, Neretva (Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina), and Great Lakes region, North America and likely elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEAFCA128ABFD26FAEDFBDF.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Eutrophic lakes, lowland and foothill streams. Prefers still or slow-flowing waters with soft bottoms and no vegetation. Most common in estuaries of large rivers, brackish lakes with salinities up to 10 – 12 ‰ and reservoirs. Generally increases in abundance with increasing eutrophication. Biology. Females live up to 10 years, males up to 7. First spawn at 1 – 3 years, male a one year earlier than female. Spawns March – May until July in northern Europe on various substrates at depths of about 3 m or less. Spawns at temperatures above 6 ° C in north and above 10 ° C in south. Usually, a single female spawns with several males. Eggs become sticky in contact with water and adhere to rocks or plants. Females may spawn intermittently, laying eggs in two or more portions, usually separated by about 30 days in summer. Eggs from first batch are larger than those from second. Larvae have no or only a short pelagic larval stage, early transition to benthic life, secretive and solitary, do not form schools. Survival of larvae is poor below 10 ° C and above 20 ° C. Crepuscular or nocturnal. Well-developed cephalic lateral-line system and tapetum lucidum in the eyes make it an efficient predator at night and in turbid waters. Usually feeds on benthic chironomid larvae and amphipods, which can be detected in upper layers of substrate through sensory channels on head. Pelagic in coastal lakes and tidal estuaries, feeding on zooplankton and fish. When coexisting in deep lakes, Perca fluviatilis and G. cernua sometimes occur at different depths, with G. cernua being more abundant in deeper layers.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEAFCA128ABFD26FAEDFBDF.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEAFCA02B39FB61FB8CFAE9.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Perch.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEAFCA02B39FB61FB8CFAE9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Percidae in West Asia by: ● pelvic and anal yellow to red / ● dark-grey or black blotch on posterior part of first dorsal / ● 5 – 8, usually y-shaped bold dark-grey bars on flank / ○ two distinctly separate dorsals / ○ 56 – 77 total lateral-line scales. Size up to 600 mm SL, usually about 200 mm SL, females grow larger than males.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEAFCA02B39FB61FB8CFAE9.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Black Sea and western Caspian basins, south to Sefid (Iran). Increasingly stocked in many reservoirs outside its native range, particularly in Türkiye, and often illegally by anglers. Native throughout Europe to northernmost tip of Scandinavia, except Iberian Peninsula, central Italy, and Adriatic basin. In Aegean from Maritza to Aliakmon drainages. Native in Siberia, in rivers draining to Arctic Ocean east to Kolyma (replaced by P. flavescens in North America). Introduced in Aral basin (replaced by P. schrenkii), Ebro delta (Spain), central and southern Italy, Lake Skadar (Montenegro, Albania), Amur (Siberia), Australia, and South Africa (list not exhaustive).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEAFCA02B39FB61FB8CFAE9.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. A wide range of habitats from estuarine lagoons, lakes, and rivers of all types to medium-sized streams. Biology. Lives up to 21 years, usually to about 6 years. Males spawn first time at 1 – 2 years, females at 2 – 4 years. Spawns February – July, depending on latitude and altitude, when temperature reaches about 6 ° C. May undertake short spawning migrations. Females usually spawn with several males once a year. Female circles spawning site, followed by one male, while other males remain stationary. A string of eggs is released as female swims in a clockwise spiral, folding herself into a U-shape. All eggs are released and fertilised within approximately 5 seconds in a single strand, which becomes twisted and entangled in spawning substrate. Feeding larvae are positively phototactic, live in open water, and feed on pelagic organisms. Currents can widely disperse them. Opportunistic diurnal feeders, feeding mainly at sunrise and sunset on all available prey. Larvae and small juveniles usually feed on planktonic invertebrates. Many juveniles come close to shore during first summer to feed on benthic prey. Often becomes piscivorous at about 120 mm SL. Stocks with different life histories may co-occur in some lakes (littoral, benthic, pelagic zooplanktivorous), sometimes with varying spawning sites and times.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEAFCA02B39FB61FB8CFAE9.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE9FCA22885FF5EFC24FCC4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pikeperch.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE9FCA22885FF5EFC24FCC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Sander in West Asia by: ○ 1 – 2 enlarged canine teeth in anterior part of each jaw / ○ 18 – 22 ½ branched rays in second dorsal / ○ 80 – 97 total lateral-line scales. Size up to 1000 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE9FCA22885FF5EFC24FCC4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Native to Caspian, Baltic, Black, and Aral basins; Elbe (North Sea basin) and Maritza (Aegean basin) drainages. North to about 65 ° N in Finland. Introduced into Central Anatolia (Lakes Beyşehir and Eğirdir and Seyhan reservoirs), Iranian Tigris, Kor basin, Lake Urmia, and Namak basins, and possibly elsewhere. Introductions began in Great Britain in 1878, followed by Italy, Strymon drainage (Greece) and continental Europe west of Elbe, Ebro, Tagus, and Jucar drainages in Iberian Peninsula, Onega and Severnaya Dvina in White Sea basin and widely introduced in North Africa, Ob and Amur drainages (Asian Russia), Lake Issyk-Kul (Kyrgyzstan), Balkhash, and many smaller basins in central Kazakhstan.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE9FCA22885FF5EFC24FCC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Large, turbid rivers and eutrophic lakes; brackish coastal lakes and estuaries. Often declines if turbidity is reduced. Biology. Lives up to 17 years. Spawns first time at 3 – 10 years, usually at 4. Spawns April – May, exceptionally late February – July, depending on latitude and altitude, when temperatures reach 10 – 14 ° C (lowest temperature for egg incubation 11.5 ° C). May undertake short spawning migrations. Individuals foraging in brackish water migrate to freshwater habitats (migrations of up to 250 km have been recorded). Homing well developed, even neighboring populations may be relatively isolated. Male territorial digging shallow pit of about 50 cm in diameter and 5 – 10 cm deep in sand, gravel, or among exposed plant roots, on which eggs are laid, usually in turbid water and at 1 – 3 m depth. Spawns in pairs at dawn or night. Female remains above nest while male circles rapidly around it, about 1 m from nest. Male then assumes vertical position, and both swim rapidly around, releasing eggs and sperm. Female leaves nest after all eggs are released. Male defends nest and fans eggs with pectoral fins. Female spawn once a year. Feeding larvae positively phototactic feeding on pelagic organisms after leaving nest for open water. Piscivorous, feeding mainly on gregarious pelagic fish. Stomach contents from Lake Eğirdir revealed a high predation rate on native species, particularly Anatolichcthys iconii.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE9FCA22885FF5EFC24FCC4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE9FCA22885FF5EFC24FCC4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Introduced in Lake Eğirdir from Austria in 1955 and was commercially fished between 1960 and 2000. Since then, stocks have declined sharply due to overfishing.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEFFCA42885FF54FB02FE50.taxon	vernacular_names	Sticklebacks	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEFFCA42885FF54FB02FE50.taxon	description	A small family comprising five genera and approximately 21 species, distributed across fresh and coastal waters in Eurasia and northern America. They are characterised by the presence of a series of spines in front of the soft dorsal, a single spine in the anal, a pair of pelvic spines (which are absent in many species), and in most species, several bony scutes on the flank and the caudal peduncle. The male constructs a nest of vegetal debris and algae in all species, anchored to the substrate or submerged vegetation. The nest is held together by a thread-like substance secreted by the kidney, which acts as a glue. The male guides the female into the nest, where the eggs are laid and fertilised. The male then guards the nest and subsequently the young. Sticklebacks represent significant species in the fields of behavioural and evolutionary biology. The number of species in Gasterosteus has been a topic of discussion. Previously, several populations from northern Eurasia and America had been placed in Gasterosteus gymnurus. However, this classification has not been accepted and is not supported by large-scale molecular data, suggesting that all Western Palaearctic Gasterosteus populations are closely related.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEFFCA72B1BFDE7FAF5FBA3.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Threespine stickleback.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEFFCA72B1BFDE7FAF5FBA3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from all other freshwater fishes in West Asia by: ● 3 spines in front of dorsal. Size up to 60 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEFFCA72B1BFDE7FAF5FBA3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Localised in Mediterranean basin: Dalaman (southern Aegean) south to Nahr Surit, a coastal river in Syria. Widespread in Black Sea and introduced in Caspian basin. Widespread in Europe, northern Asia, and America.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEFFCA72B1BFDE7FAF5FBA3.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Streams, lakes, and ponds with slow to moderate currents, clear water, and sandy bottoms. In Mediterranean basin, usually in spring-fed waters, but also found in other habitats (including brackish waters in Po delta). In Europe, often pelagic at sea. Biology. Only resident populations in West Asia, anadromous and resident in Europe. Spawns in April – May in Spain, May – July in Italy in springs, and earlier in brackish waters, at temperatures above 12 ° C. Spawns first time at 1 year. During spawning season, male develop a bright red belly, defend their territory against rivals, and build a nest on bottom in relatively shallow areas. They dig a depression into which they place plant material glued together with kidney secretions and covered with sand, leaving only a visible entrance. Several females are led into nest to spawn and are then chased away. Male guard and fan eggs to provide them with oxygenated water. Spawning behaviour very stereotyped. Eggs hatch in about 10 days, and young are guarded for a few days, after which male abandons nest. Outside spawning season, often pelagic at sea or in large lakes and reservoirs. Usually heavily infested with the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus, especially in warm-water habitats. Feeds mainly on small invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEFFCA72B1BFDE7FAF5FBA3.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCECFCA728ABFA3BFB9AF8D4.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Ukrainian stickleback.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCECFCA728ABFA3BFB9AF8D4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Gasterosteus aculeatus in West Asia by: ● 7 – 11 isolated spines in front of dorsal. Size up to 60 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCECFCA728ABFA3BFB9AF8D4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. In West Asia restricted to lower reaches of rivers in Azerbaijan and lower Sefid and associated wetlands in Iran. Native in lower rivers and wetlands draining to northern shores of Black, Caspian, and Aral basins. In Danube drainage as far upstream as Belgrade. Isolated populations in Axios and Aliakmon drainages (Greece). Also in upper Tobol system (Ob drainage), Lake Issyk-Kul basin (Kyrgyzstan), and Sarysu drainage (central Kazakhstan).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCECFCA728ABFA3BFB9AF8D4.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Marshes and slow-flowing streams with dense vegetation, occasionally enter brackish water. Biology. Spawns first time at 1 year in spring when temperature reaches 15 ° C. Territorial during spawning. Males build a nest of filamentous algae and submerged vegetation with a separate entrance and exit. Females lay about 90 eggs. Male guard nest until young swim away a few weeks later. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCECFCA728ABFA3BFB9AF8D4.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEDFCA62885FF54FD31FC58.taxon	vernacular_names	Sunfishes	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEDFCA62885FF54FD31FC58.taxon	description	A small family comprising approximately 50 species in eight genera native to North America, extending from Alaska to southern Mexico. In West Asia, they are distinguished from Cichlidae by the presence of a single continuous lateral line (vs. lateral line interrupted, with the anterior part of the line situated at a higher level on the body than the posterior part) and the absence of pharyngeal tooth plates (vs. presence). They are distinguished from Percidae by having 2 – 6 anal spines (vs. 1 – 2), and from Dicentrarchus (Moronidae) by the absence of auxiliary rows of lateral-line scales on the caudal (vs. presence), and from both by having only a single dorsal (vs. 2). Two species of Centrarchidae have established in West Asia. Lepomis gibbosus is the most widespread, while Micropterus nigricans has only been introduced to Cyprus. Additional species may be introduced in the future, and it is anticipated that Micropterus will be stocked illegally elsewhere.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEDFCA62885FBEFFAE4FB0B.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Pumpkinseed.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEDFCA62885FBEFFAE4FB0B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Micropterus nigricans by: ● flank blueish with many orange blotches and spots, usually with indistinct dark-blue bars / ● head yellowish, orange, or brown with bright blue stripes or marmorated pattern / ● opercular flap with red margin at tip and white margin at upper and lower edge / ○ 36 – 47 lateral-line scales on body / ● no lateral stripe or series of blotches / ● mouth small, upper jaw length about equal to eye diameter. Size up to 320 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEDFCA62885FBEFFAE4FB0B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Western and northern Anatolia, and Cyprus. Native to North America, in Great Lakes, St. Lawrence and upper Mississippi drainages, and Atlantic basin. Widely introduced in temperate waters in Europe since 1880 s as a pond and aquarium fish. Now widely distributed throughout Europe, particularly in Mediterranean countries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEDFCA62885FBEFFAE4FB0B.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing to still waters such as large rivers, lakes, ponds, canals, and backwaters. Avoid swift waters. In estuaries with salinity up to 18 ‰. Biology. Lives up to 8 years. First spawns at 1 – 3 years. Spawns April – June when temperatures reach 16 – 18 ° C. Male fan and defend nests, which are shallow depressions in sand or gravel on shallow shores. Nests in colonies in sunny open habitats. Each male may spawn with several females in one nest and will guard nest until abandoned by larvae. Feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCEDFCA62885FBEFFAE4FB0B.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; mostly spread as a weed with stocked fish for fisheries.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE2FCA928ABFAD6FC4BF81E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Largemouth bass.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE2FCA928ABFAD6FC4BF81E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from Lepomis gibbosus by: ● 55 – 68 lateral-line scales on body / ● one prominent lateral stripe or series of closely set blotches / ● mouth large, upper jaw length greater than eye diameter. Size up to 650 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE2FCA928ABFAD6FC4BF81E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Introduced and established in Cyprus. Native to North America, Great Lakes, St. Lawrence and Mississippi drainages, Gulf of Mexico, and southern Atlantic basins. Introduced to Europe in 1883 and widespread especially in Mediterranean basin.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE2FCA928ABFAD6FC4BF81E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Slow-flowing to still waters such as large rivers, lakes, canals, and backwaters. Avoids fast-flowing waters. In estuaries with salinity up to 13 ‰. Biology. Biology very well studied in North America, understudied in Europe and West Asia. Lives up to 16 years. First spawns at 1 – 4 years. Spawns April – June when temperatures reach 16 – 18 ° C. Male fan and defend nests, which are shallow depressions in sand or gravel bottoms. Male or both sexes guard nests and free-swimming larvae for a few days. Juveniles feed on invertebrates, taking more fish as they grow older. Adults piscivorous.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE2FCA928ABFAD6FC4BF81E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. Non-native; introduced for recreational fisheries. Responsible for decline of several endemic fish species in Spain.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE2FCA928ABFAD6FC4BF81E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The diversity of Micropterus in North America has been significantly underestimated, with 19 species currently recognised, 14 of which have been described. A review of diversity of Micropterus revealed that the largemouth bass introduced to North Africa, Europe, and Cyprus was not identified as M. salmoides but as M. nigricans, a species previously treated as a synonym.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE3FCA82884FF54FD16FCB5.taxon	vernacular_names	Grunters	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE3FCA82884FF54FD16FCB5.taxon	description	The family comprises approximately 60 species in 16 genera, endemic to the Indo-Pacific region. Grunters and sunfishes (see above) are classified within the order Centrarchiformes, which includes a diverse range of marine perch-like fish. Other freshwater perches in this order include the Sinipercidae and Percichthyidae. Grunters can be distinguished from superficially similar cichlids by a single continuous lateral line on the flank (vs. two lateral lines). Most grunters are marine, although some enter freshwater habitats for feeding. A few Australian species are freshwater residents. The name “ grunter ” is derived from the sound these fish produce, which is audible to humans. One species is known to enter freshwaters in West Asia regularly.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE3FCAB2885FCBAFC02FE9E.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Tiger perch.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE3FCAB2885FCBAFC02FE9E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Only species of family entering freshwaters in West Asia. Distinguished from all perch-like fishes in coastal freshwaters in West Asia by: ● body silvery white with 3 – 4 black, curved stripes from nape to posterior back, lowermost stripe continuing across middle of caudal / ● spinous part of dorsal with a blackish blotch on membranes between 3 rd and 6 th spines. Size up to 280 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE3FCAB2885FCBAFC02FE9E.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Persian Gulf and coasts of Arabian Peninsula. Invasive in Mediterranean, where it entered via Suez Canal (Lessepsian migration). Not yet recorded from freshwaters in Mediterranean. Indo-Pacific from East African coast to South Africa, east to Samoa, north to southern Japan, south to Arafura Sea, Australia, and Lord Howe Island.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE3FCAB2885FCBAFC02FE9E.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Marine, postlarvae, and juveniles inhabit coastal habitats such as lower parts of rivers, lagoons, intertidal pools, and other coastal habitats. Inhabits soft bottoms with sand, silt, or organic material. Euryhaline, with a salinity tolerance of 0 – 39 ‰, usually found at depths down to 20 m but recorded down to 350 m. Catadromous, spawns at sea, juveniles migrate to coast or freshwater areas. Biology. Protogynous, all juveniles are female, and sex reversal to male begins in many individuals when larger than 90 mm SL. Lives up to 10 years. Matures at about 120 mm SL. Fractional spawner, usually spawns throughout year. Eggs semipelagic. Larval stage about 25 days (Socotra). Postlarvae and juveniles enter brackish and freshwater habitats and may remain for two years, almost to maturity. Adults only in sea. Juveniles usually live in schools, adults in loose groups or solitary. Juveniles feed mainly on invertebrates. Adults take invertebrates and small fish but feed mainly on scales removed from live fish. So far, only species known to be a specialised scale-eater in marine environments. Scales are only removed from live fish larger than predators, and slow-swimming species are preferred. Always attacks lateral surface of prey species, and scales are mainly removed from posterior region of body, particularly around caudal peduncle. A variety of species are attacked. Black longitudinal stripes fade during feeding but darken in presence of conspecifics, perhaps to prevent autopredation.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE3FCAB2885FCBAFC02FE9E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Molecular data suggest that more than one species is involved, and populations from India to the east may belong to different species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE3FCAB2885FCBAFC02FE9E.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE1FCAA2885FF54FB31FC1D.taxon	vernacular_names	Temperate basses	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE1FCAA2885FF54FB31FC1D.taxon	description	The family comprises two genera, Morone, with four species in North America and Dicentrarchus, with two species in the Eastern Atlantic, Black Sea, and Mediterranean. They are distinguished by having two narrowly separated dorsals, two opercular spines, a lateral line extending almost to the posterior margin of the caudal, and auxiliary rows of lateral-line scales on the caudal above and below the main row. The two Dicentrarchus species enter brackish waters. Dicentrarchus labrax is the only species of the genus known to inhabit freshwater habitats. In contrast, D. punctatus is known to enter brackish waters only occasionally on the Atlantic coasts of France, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Mediterranean, and the western Black Sea. Hybrids between female Morone saxatilis and male M. chrysops are increasingly used in aquaculture in Israel and several European countries. There are many records of individuals who have escaped from captivity. Hybrids are fertile but produce only a few offspring. As aquaculture of these fishes expands, the number of records will increase, potentially leading to the establishment of local populations. This voracious predator exerts strong effects on fish communities. Morone hybrids can be distinguished from Dicentrarchus species by having small serrations along the lower part of the preoperculum, directed downward (vs. forward) and 5 – 7 lateral stripes (vs. body plain or spotted). Dicentrarchus can be distinguished from superficially similar Sander species and (introduced) Micropterus by the presence of spines on the lower part of the preoperculum (vs. preoperculum smooth), the presence of auxiliary rows of lateral-line scales on the caudal (vs. absence), the concave posterior margin of the anal (vs. convex in Micropterus), and the presence of three anal spines (vs. two in Sander).	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE1FCAD2885FA4FFCF4FE41.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Sea bass.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE1FCAD2885FA4FFCF4FE41.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from D. punctatus by: ● 65 – 80 lateral-line scales on body (vs. 58 – 68) / ● adults without small black spots on upper part of body (vs. with black spots) / ● vomerine teeth in an anchor shape patch (crescentic band with a median posterior extension (vs. crescentic band only) / ● scales in interorbital area cycloid (vs. ctenoid). Size up to 1000 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE1FCAD2885FA4FFCF4FE41.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts. Coasts of Atlantic Morocco as far north as Norway, but absent from White, Barents, and Caspian Seas.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE1FCAD2885FA4FFCF4FE41.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Coastal waters and estuaries. Biology. Lives up to 30 years. Spawns first time at 4 – 7 years and about 350 (male) and 420 (female) mm SL. Spawns pelagic in open sea, in January – June at temperatures above 9 ° C. Larvae planktonic. Juveniles move inshore as they grow, aggregating in brackish estuarine nursery areas where they usually remain until second summer. Large juveniles and adults exhibit a complex migratory pattern at sea, moving inshore and into estuarine freshwaters during summer to feed. Juveniles feed on invertebrates, taking more fish as they grow. Adults are piscivorous.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE1FCAD2885FA4FFCF4FE41.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. NT; numbers have declined over the last 20 years due to overfishing.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE7FCAC2885FF54FAB6FDB8.taxon	vernacular_names	Porgies	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE7FCAC2885FF54FAB6FDB8.taxon	description	Porgies are a family of approximately 164 species, most of which are marine. Only a few species occasionally enter brackish and freshwater habitats, with the only regular freshwater inhabitant in West Asia being Acanthopagrus arabicus. Porgies can be distinguished from other fish of similar appearance belonging to the families Percidae, Cichlidae, Centrarchidae, and Moronidae by the presence of a very long and strong second anal spine and a pointed, strongly compressed snout. Many porgies are hermaphrodites, with male and female gonads developing simultaneously, which allows them to change sex from male to female (protandry) or from female to male (protogyny). Acanthopagus arabicus was previously identified as A. latus but has since been sorted into five species, two of which occur in the area: A. arabicus and A. sheim.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE7FCAF2885F99FFDF0FA51.taxon	vernacular_names	Common name. Arabian yellow seabream.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE7FCAF2885F99FFDF0FA51.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Distinguished from A. sheim, a marine species in Persian Gulf, by: ● black blotches on inter-radial membranes between dorsal rays absent (vs. present) / ● no black streaks near base of anal inter-radial membranes between yellow anal rays (vs. present). Size up to 220 mm SL.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE7FCAF2885F99FFDF0FA51.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Persian Gulf to Duqum (Oman) to Trivandrum in southwest India. In lower Euphrates and Tigris drainages, recorded from Shatt al Arab / Arvand, Shatt al Basra Canal, Hammar and Horalazim marshes, and lower parts of Karun. Also enters lower parts of coastal rivers in Persian Gulf basin, not reported from wadis along Arabian Peninsula.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE7FCAF2885F99FFDF0FA51.taxon	biology_ecology	Habitat. Coastal lagoons and lower parts of rivers. On sand and rocky bottoms in sea to about 50 m depth. Often feeds on mudflats. Spawns at sea. Biology. Lives up to 14 years. Juveniles enter brackish or freshwaters, and fish in fresh and brackish waters are usually less than 145 mm SL. Large parts of the population remain at sea. Adults migrate from Shatt al Arab from January – March to spawn. Spawns January – April with a peak in February – March. Protandrous hermaphrodite with males dominating smaller and females dominating larger size groups. Feeds mainly on bivalves and crabs, less commonly on other benthic invertebrates, plants, and fish.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
C85F87D2FCE7FCAF2885F99FFDF0FA51.taxon	conservation	Conservation status. LC; important commercial species.	en	Freyhof, Jörg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Kaya, Cüneyt (2025): Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia. GmbH, Berlin / Boston: De Gruyter, ISBN: 978-3-11-167781-1, DOI: 10.1515/9783111677811, URL: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111677811
