Paraphanius similis

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.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

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.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

distribution

Distribution. Türkiye: Lower Tarsus, Seyhan and Ceyhan. Also, in springs in Ereğli marshes.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

distribution

Distribution in the area. The species is widespread in the Seyhan River drainage, whereas some landlocked populations exist in central Anatolia.

Distribution and diversity of fish from Seyhan, Ceyhan and Orontes river systems