Esmaeili nase

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.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

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.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

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.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

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.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia