Acanthobrama persidis

Common name. Persian bream.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ● 7−9½, usually 8½, branched anal rays / ○ ventral keel without free skin fold in front of anus / ○ pharyngeal teeth in two rows / ○ last unbranched dorsal ray soft, not stiffened / ○ 35−43 total lateral-line scales / ○ 10−14 gill rakers / ○ 7−9½ branched anal rays / ○ 7½, rarely 6½, branched dorsal rays. Size up to 113 mm SL.

Distribution . Iran: Upper Kor basin (Khosroshin, Ghadamgah, Malosjan, and Beyza springs), Helleh, Mond, and rarely in Kol drainages (Golabi spring).

Habitat. Slow-flowing or stagnant waters. Often found in springs, but also known from large rivers, streams, irrigation ditches, and qanats, usually with medium to slow currents.

Biology. Seems to spawn in early spring. Feeds on plants and invertebrates.

Conservation status. VU; has lost many habitats due to the desiccation of springs and streams.

Further reading. Coad 1981b (description); Perea et al. 2010 (molecular phylogeny); Freyhof & Özuluğ 2014 (generic position); Teimori et al. 2015 (distribution); Coad 2021b (biology, distribution).