Luciobarbus subquincunciatus (Günther, 1868) [N]—Mesopotamian/Leopard barbel

Taxonomy. Original description: Barbus subquincunciatus Günther, 1868: 86 [Mesopotamia?; holotype: BMNH 1869.3.19.1469 (skin)].— Iraq synonyms: None.—Revisions: Levin et al. (2012: 544).— Illustration: None .

Status in Iraq. Recorded from Iraq in original description by Günther (1868).—Iraq materials: None.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Iraq: Euphrates river system.—General distribution: Middle East: Tigris and Euphrates river systems (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran).—Habitat: This species inhabits large, freeflowing lowland rivers and migrates short distances to breed. Rarely recorded from lakes and reservoirs, which seem to represent largely unsuitable habitats. Freshwater.

Economic importance. Commercially important.

Conservation. Conservation Status in Iraq: Unknown.—IUCN: CR (IUCN 2023).—Threats: ABS, CON, EUT, FIT, HAB.—High sensitivity to human activities.—Keystone species.—Decline status: Decreasing.—High priority for conservation action.