arash jouladeh roudbar

Alburnoides petrubanarescui is endemic to the Urmia Lake basin, shared by Iran and Turkey. Previously, the species was found in several rivers in this basin, however, it is currently only found in the upper part of the Nazlu Chay River. The species' extent of occurrence (EOO), which was previously estimated to be 20.000 km2, is now 300 km2. Over the past three generations (10 years), the EOO of Urmia spirlin has decreased by 98%, however, the population of the Nazlu River is stable, and there is no strong evidence to suggest that the population will decline in the future. Drought and water abstraction cause the species' population to reduce. Dam building and river pollution reduce their range, making them vulnerable to extinction. Therefore, we classified the species as Vulnerable D2.

Isfahan basin, with 18 species of fish, has a relatively good variety of fish among the Endorheic basins of Iran. In previous studies, the presence of one species of the pupfishes family Aphaniidae was recorded in this basin. However, a recent report of the presence of Esmaeilius vladykovi based on morphological evidence from this basin has been recorded, which needs further investigation. For this purpose, samples of E. isfahanensis, E. vladykovi were obtained from their type localities and Hoz mahi village (where the presence of a new species has been reported) by electro fisher and Hand net. After DNA extraction from the samples, their COI gene was amplified in a thermocycler and then sequenced. Subsequent sequences of other species in this family were obtained from the NCBI Gene Bank. The best evolutionary model and the phylogenetic tree were selected and drawn by IQTREE. The results of the phylogenetic tree showed that at least nine valid species of this family are present in Iran. In addition, due to the location of specimens in the village of Hoz Mahi in the cluster of specimens caught from the type locality of E. vladykovi, the presence of this species in the Isfahan and Sirjan basin was confirmed. Also, due to the few genetic distance observed between the population of Isfahan and Sirjan basin and Karun, it was possible that this species was transferred to mentioned basin by local people.

Chondrostoma is a genus of the family Leuciscidae. Members of this genus have not been studied in Iran. During the years 2013-2021, Chondrostoma samples were obtained from the Caspian, Tigris, Isfahan and Kor basins using electrofisher and gill net. ArcMap 10.7 were used to create distribution map of this genus. IUCN Red List criteria v. 3.1 and GeoCAT software were used to assess the conservation status. The Cytb gene of the samples was amplified using a thermocycler and sequenced after purification. The phylogeny tree of the studied samples were drawn by Mrbayes and RaxML. In 87 stations of Tigris, Isfahan and Caspian basins, members of the Chondrostoma genus were found. According to the IUCN Red List, C. cyri and C. regium were the Least Concern and C. esmaeilii and C. orientale were placed as Critically Endangered. The highest genetic distance of 4.74 were calculated between C. esmaeilii and C. cyri and the lowest genetic distance of 1.40 was calculated between the two populations of C. regium in Asi and Tigris River drainage. According to the results of phylogenetic tree, monophyly in the genus Chondrostoma were not proven. Due to the absence of Squalius berak and Alburnus sellal at the type locality of C. esmaeilii and its haplotypes next to other species of the genus Chondrostoma in the phylogenetic tree, the hybrid hypothesis is not approved.

Wetlands are productive and biologically diverse ecosystems that increase water quality, control soil erosion, maintain stream flow, and absorb carbon. Identifying the fauna of wetlands has always been very important because in various studies it has been estimated that the life cycle of 60 to 90% of economic fish is related to wetlands. In this regard, a study was conducted to investigate and identify the fish of Sarab Maran wetland in Kermanshah province. Sampling was done between 1397 to 1400 with electrofisher. Five families, nine genera and 11 species of fish were identified in this wetland. The family Cyprinidae with four species, Nemacheilidae with three species, Leuciscidae with two species and the families Cobitidae and Poeciliidae each with one species were present in the wetland. Of the 11 identified species, six species were endemic to Iran. Due to the high and unique endemicity of fish in this wetland, in order to protect its fish, it was suggested that the construction of fish farm in this wetland be stopped.

Rutilus is one of the most important genera of the Leuciscidae family, whose members are distributed from Eastern Siberia to Western Europe. It has always been difficult for researchers to identify the species and populations of this genus due to the similarity of morphologic characters and the existence of intermediate populations. Although several studies conducted base on morphology characters of members of this genus, the molecular systematic and phylogeny of Rutilus in the southern Caspian Sea have not been studied. Therefore, in order to investigate the status of Rutilus members in the southern Caspian Sea, a study was performed using the COI gene sequence. Samples of members of this genus were purchased from the of beach of Bandar-e-Turkmen, Bandar-e-Gaz, Babolsar, Nour, Ramsar, Bandar-e-Anzali and Astara. After amplifying the COI gene, the fragment was sequenced. Using the sequences results and other sequences in the NCBI gene bank, phylogeny trees were plotted by the Bayesian inference method, Maximum likelihood estimation, and haplotype network. According to the results, the sequenced specimens from the southern basin of the Caspian Sea were placed in the R. frisii clade. Also, the presence of R. rutilus and R. kutum species in the studied areas was not confirmed. Due to the insignificant difference in COI gene and phenotypic diversity, it seems the differences due to ecological plasticity, tolerance to salted waters coupled degrees of salinity, having resident and migratory populations among members of this genus.

Capoeta is one of the most important genera of the Cyprinidae because of its diversity and range of distribution with at least 36 valid species in the Middle East. Most species of this genus are morphologically similar to each other, and mixed or intermediate populations of them can be seen in many places. It is difficult for researchers to identify them. Although relatively extensive studies have been performed on members of this genus, the main purpose of these studies was to investigate a complex or description of members of this genus. In this regard, Capoeta Cytb gene sequences were extracted from the NCBI. After modifying and aligning the sequences, the best evolutionary model for the dataset was selected by ModelFinder and the phylogenetic tree was drawn with IQTREE. According to the results, the presence of 19 valid species of this genus, belong to three main clades of Iran-Anatolia, Aralo-Caspian and Mesopotamia, was confirmed. Also, the presence of C. razii were confirmed in the Tigris Basin and C. birunii regards as C. coadi synonym. In addition, presence of C. sevangi in Iran was not confirmed.

Luciobarbus is one of the most important and economical genus of the Cyprinidae family, most of them are similar in appearance, making it difficult to identify species. In the present study, 519 stations in seven basins, including: Caspian, Namak, Urmia, Hari, Tigris, Persis and Hormuz basins were sampled using nets, electro fisher and jigging, during the years 2011-2011. In total, the presence of nine species including L. barbulus, L. brachycephalus, L. capito, L. conocephalus, L. esocinus, L. kersin, L. mursa, L. subquincunciatus and L. xanthopterus was confirmed in Iran's inland waters. For the approved members of this genus in Iran, the identification key were presented and their distribution map were prepared. Also, after examining the conservation status of the members of this genus, it was suggested that a well-codified, principled and scientific program be considered to identify populations, suitable places for reproduction and release of larvae from reproduction in captivity.

Barbels Barbus spp. is one of the most important and complex genus of the Cyprinidae family, but some species that are similar in appearance, making it difficult for researchers to identify and separate species or populations of this genus. Nowadays, new methods of DNA-based identification can solve many of the common problems that we face in morphological studies. In the present study, in order to identify and prepare a distribution map of Barbus species in Iran, Namak, Kavir, Caspian, Urmia and Tigris basins were sampled using electro-fisher. After sequencing the COI mitochondrial gene, phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using the Bayesian inference method and Maximum likelihood estimation of phylogeny. According to the results, the presence of four species of B. lacerta, B. karunensis, B. cyri and B. miliaris in the inland water basins of Iran was confirmed. In addition, the results of the mean genetic distance of K2P between species of the genus Barbus in Iran, showed that the highest genetic distance was 3.48 between two species of B. lacerta and B. miliaris and the lowest was 1.17 for two species. Also, according to the results B. urmianus regard as a synonym of B. cyri.

This study was aimed to report the presence of the genus Cobitis in the Karaj River, Namak Lake basin, Iran and clarify its taxonomic status by providing morphological characteristics, mtDNA COI barcode region and its phylogenetic relationship within the members of the genus Cobitis in Iran. The results revealed that morphometric, meristic and molecular (COI) characters of these specimen are largely overlapping or even identical with those of C. faridpaki. Therefore, we conclude that they are a population belonging to C. faridpaki.

This study was aimed to review the status and distribution of the members of Cichlidae family in the Iranian inland waters along with first report of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticu from Iran. After sampling, examination of museum’s specimens and review of articles on the members of this family, presence of six species in four genus, including Amatitlania nigrofasciata (Namak Lake and Hormozgan basins), Coptodon zillii (Persian Gulf basin), Iranocichla hormuzensis (Hormozgan basins), I. persa (Makran basin), Oreochromis aureus (Persian Gulf basin) and O. niloticus (Persian Gulf basin) were confirmed in the Iranian inland water. The results also revealed the extensions of their distribution range. Two species out of six reported species are endemic and others exotic. Although most of the exotic species have no remarkable effect on their living ecosystem, but some of them can have negative environmental and economic impacts. Therefore, it is necessary to fulfil a comprehensive evaluation of their impacts on the inhabiting environments to protection of native fishes as well as sustainable exploitation.

Petroleuciscus esfahani Coad and Bogutskaya, 2010 formerly believed to be an endemic species in endorheic Esfahan basin, was recorded for the first time in the exorheic Karun River drainage, Persian Gulf basin, Iran. This new record likely shows overlooking of this species in the Persian Gulf basin. In this study, distribution and possible dispersal mechanisms of this species were discussed and also provides its morphometric and meristic data based on the collected specimens.

We conducted this study during the Summer, 2013 to evaluate morphological features of the species of the genus Paracobitis in Sistan basin. For this purpose, 60 specimens randomly were caught by a gill-net from different parts of Lake Chah Nime (Zabol, Sistan and Baluchistan), fixed in formalin solution and transferred to a laboratory for further examination. We measured 37 absolute morphological characteristics by a digital caliper and 6 meristic analyses using a stereomicroscope. We calculated 34 relative morphological characteristics with a division of absolute morphological characteristics by standard length and head length. In order to compare the morphological samples, the obtained morphological characteristics (absolute and relative) and meristic analyses were analyzed by principal component analysis and canonical variables. According to the results, we confirmed the existence of two species, P. vignai and P. rhadinaea, in the studied areas and appropriate geomorphic features were provided for their separation - barbel length, presence or absence of scales, mouth width and number of pectoral fin rays as morphological characteristics to distinguish the two species. In addition to the two species, different morphological forms were present in the sample. We proposed the use of molecular markers for better, more accurate results.

Fish biodiversity investigation in Urmia basin which is a part of Irano-Anatolian hot spot aimed to determine the state of fish in this endorheic basin. Based on the obtained results, freshwater fish species of the Urmia basin comprise 29 species in 25 genera, 7 families, 5 orders and one class. The most diverse order is the Cypriniformes with 23 species (79.31%) followed by Salmoniformes and Perciformes each with two species (2 species, 6.9%), Siluriformes and Cyprinodontiformes each with one species (1 species, 3.45%). The most diverse family is the Cyprinidae with 20 species (69%), Nemacheilidae (3 species, 10.3%), Salmonidae (2 species, 6.9%) followed by, Siluridae, Poeciliidae, Percidae and Gobiidae each with only one species (3.45 %). This basin comprises five endemic species to the basin itself (only found in Urmia basin, 17.24%) and 11 exotic species (37.93%). Zarrineh River had high species diversity and Sufi and Shahri Rivers had low species diversity. The fish composition and community structure of Urmia basin have been changed during the last few years due to (i) human-induced disturbance or anthropogenic activities including hydrological alteration, introduction of exotic species, over-fishing, unusual methods of fishing, rapid sedimentation, and land erosion and (ii) natural disturbance such as climate change which causes drought in this basin. Most of the native (including endemic) fishes of the Urmia basin have not been assessed for the IUCN Red List and some others have been considered as Least Concern or Data Deficient which is suggested to be re-assessed.

In the autumn 2012, a study in order to evalute the accuracy of describe four species from Alburnoides was done using morphological characters. The samples from three speices including Alburnoidesnamaki, Alburnoidesidignensis and Alburnoidesnicolasi caught by electrofishing from type locality that reported by Bogutskaya and Coad, 2009 and also, the samples of Alburnoideseichwaldiiwas caught from SiahroodRiver.Thirty three morphometric and five meristic characters were analysed. Morphologicalcharacteristics were standardized before statistical analysis to reduce the error ofthe allometricgrowth. In order to evaluate of morphometric variation between the mentioned populations, the morphometric and meristic characters and relative morphometric were analyzed by PCA and MANOVA/CVA methods. Our results showed a high coverage of morphometric characters in the mentioned populations and approximately these populations were not in separate site. Also, due to highe coverage in these populations, this seem that the separation of three populations in gharechay, Bidsorkh and noorabad that before described by Coad and Bogutskaya (2009) as A. namaki, A. idignensisand A. nicolausiis not possible.

Distribution of the genus Chondrostoma in Iran, which is mostly known from the Caspian Sea, Tigris River, Kor River and Esfahan basins was mapped. The Kura nase, Chondrostoma cyri is reported from Armenia, Georgia and Iran and it is found in the streams and rivers draining to the western coast of the Caspian Sea from the Kuma River in the north southward to the Kura and Aras River basins in the south. The king or Mesopotamian nase, C. regium is widely distributed in Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. It is found in the Qweik and Orontes River basins (Mediterranean Sea basin), the endorheic Esfahan basin and exorheic Tigris-Euphrates and Zohreh River basins (Persian Gulf basin). The Kor nase, C. orientale is distributed only in the endorheic Kor River basin of Iran and prefers medium to large streams and also large rivers.

Study of fishes on aquatic ecosystems in many respects, including ecology, behavior, biology, conservation and management of water resources, exploitation of resources and training are important. So in the autumn 2011, the population structure of Barilius mesopotamicus was studied. In this order, 69 samples of the mentioned fish from seimareh (34 samples), Changoleh (20 samples) and Siahgave (15 samples) rivers caught by electrofishing. Twenty nine morphometric and seven meristic characters were analysed. Morphological characteristics were standardized before statistical analysis to reduce the error of the allometric growth in morphological characteristics, nine factors were indicators of 73.73% characteristics diversity and in meristic characteristics two factors were indicators of 74.11% characteristics diversity between people of three populations. Ten morphometric characters and four meristic characters had significantly showed the difference between populations. Although, The Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variables analysis(CVA) showed a relative overlap Barilius mesopotamicus populations in Seymareh and Changoleh rivers, the siyah gav,s population located in a separate group. The results of this study showed that the morphometric and meristic characters could be separated the Changoleh and Seymareh rivers from Siyah gav population very well.

This study provide a new and updated checklist of the freshwater fishes of the Dasht-e Kavir basin of Iran. The list is based on historical literature records and taxon occurrence data obtained as a result of extensive field expeditions, examination of ichthyological collections and literature review. The total confirmed freshwater fish species of the Dasht-e Kavir basin comprise 22 species in 17 genera, 6 families, 4 orders and one class. The most diverse order is the Cypriniformes with 18 species (81.82%) followed by Cyprinodontiformes (2 species, 9.09%), Salmoniformes and Gasterosteiformes each with 1 species (1 species, 4.55%). The most diverse family is the Cyprinidae with 18 species (72.73%), Nemacheilidae (2 species, 9.09%) followed by Salmonidae, Cyprinodontidae, Poeciliidae and Gasterosteidae each with only one species (4.55%). New species are supposed to be discovered, the taxonomic status of some species has been changed, some are being resurrected from synonymy, and some taxonomic problems remain and are commented on briefly. Four endemic species (18.18%) in 4 genera and 2 families; and 12 exotic species (54.55%) in 10 genera and 4 families are listed here.