Squalius lepidus Heckel, 1843 [N]—Mesopotamian pike chub

Taxonomy. Original description: Squalius lepidus Heckel, 1843: 21 [24], pl. 9 [Tigris River, Mosul, Iraq; lectotype: NMW 49342 (spec. 1)].— Iraq synonyms: Leuciscus lepidus (Heckel, 1843) .—Revisions: Khaefi et al. (2016).—Illustration: Heckel (1843: pl. 10 (fig. 2)).

Status in Iraq. Recorded from Iraq in original description by Heckel (1843).—Iraq materials: NMW.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Iraq: Euphrates and Tigris River basins.—General distribution: Middle East: Asi Nehri (Orontes), Quwayq, Euphrates, and Tigris River basins (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran).— Habitat: This species occurs in large to medium-sized rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Freshwater.

Economic importance. Locally commercially important.

Conservation. Conservation Status in Iraq: Unknown.—IUCN: LC (IUCN 2023).—Threats: There are many threats in the area, non seem to be serious enough to strongly impact this species.—Low sensitivity to human activities.—Not considered a keystone species.—Decline status: Stable.—Low priority for conservation action.