An update note on diversity and conservation of the endemic fishes in Iranian inland waters

Abstract

The diversity, distribution pattern, and conservation status of endemic species were obtained by analysis of catalogued specimens collected by fieldwork carried out by the authors at various times in different regions in Iran since 2002. The Iranian endemic ichthyofauna includes 51 species and forms a significant part of the total species known from this country, so that new endemic species are being described almost every year. The highest endemicity is found in the Tigris-Karoun basin in the west, followed by the Kor River and the Persian Gulf basins in the south. Creation of the landlocked basins played an important role in speciation and diversification of Iranian endemic fishes. In addition, the biogeographic situation and geological history of the Iranian plateau, as well as the various climate conditions and consequent different habitat types, may have contributed to this high diversity. Numerous threats are known to seriously affect this diversity; some of the endemic species are going to be extinct in the near future. Human-induced disturbances (i.e. fish introductions, pollution, and, in particular, habitat destruction and unusual methods of fishing) and natural disturbances (particularly drought during the past 10 years) have drastically affected endemic ichthyodiversity in Iran.

Capoeta coadi, a new species of cyprinid fish from the Karun River drainage, Iran based on morphological and molecular evidences (Teleostei, Cyprinidae)

“…Capoeta saadii was originally described from Persepolis, Pulwar (Sivand) River, Kor River basin, Ruins, northeast of Shiraz, Iran. It was considered as a synonym of Capoeta damascina (Esmaeili et al 2010) and as a valid species by Bianco and Bănărescu (1982), by Levin et al (2012) and by Teimori et al (2016). Based on morphological and molecular results presented here, Capoeta saadii is a valid species closely related to Capoeta buhsei (as proposed by Bianco and Bănărescu (1982) and to Capoeta coadi yet is diagnosed from these species and from Capoeta damascina (see Alwan 2011).…”

“…However, it has been proposed that Capoeta damascina might be restricted to the Damascus area in Syria. Most Iranian populations, referred to Capoeta damascina , including Karun River population have been considered as Capoeta saadii (Heckel, 1847) (Teimori et al 2016). Capoeta saadii was originally described from Persepolis, Pulwar (Sivand) River, Kor River basin, Ruins, northeast of Shiraz, Iran.…”

Embryonic and early development of the Zagros tooth‐carp, Aphanius vladykovi (Actinopterygii: Cyprinodontidae)

“…Although several studies on the morphology, karyotypes, biology, and molecular systematics of this species have been published (Coad & Keivany, ; Keivany & Soofiani, ), the developmental biology and ontogeny of this endemic fish is unknown. During the past few years, its natural populations have been rapidly declining due to various natural and man‐made causes such as restricted range distribution and limited area of occurrence, small population, low dispersal ability, habitat destruction, pollution, habitat fragmentation, the introduction of exotic fishes (e.g., Gambusia holbrooki ), and severe drought and climate change (Teimori, Mostafavi, & Esmaeili, ). Hence, studying the life history and developmental biological requirements of A. vladykovi will be beneficial in its rearing methodology and conservation and management planning.…”

Embryology and early ontogeny of an endemic tooth-carp fish,Aphanius sophiae(Heckel, 1847)

“…Several threats including restricted range distribution, small population, limited area of occurrence, and low dispersal ability, as well as severe drought and climate change are affecting A. sophiae populations. In addition to these cases, several anthropogenic activities including pollution, habitat fragmentation, and the introduction of exotic fishes (e.g., Gambusia holbrooki ) are the main factors that put this endemic fish in danger (see Reichenbacher, Kamrani, Esmaeili, & Teimori, ; Teimori, Mostafavi, & Esmaeili, ). Hence, obtaining integrated information on the ecology, behavior, life history and biological requirements of A. sophiae will be useful in its conservation and management planning, rearing methodology and further will improve our understanding of its evolutionary history.…”