Key to the species of Luciobarbus in the Persian Gulf basin

1a - Numerous large, roundish, dark-brown or black blotches on head, body, and fins arranged in an almost quincunx pattern; 75–88 total lateral-line scales............................................................ L. subquincunciatus (Fig. 4)

1b - Body plain yellow, grey, silvery or black, often upper part of flank brown and lower part yellow or silvery. Irregular shaped, small pale-brown spots present in juveniles; 45–73 (78) total lateral-line scales.................................... 2

2a - Head pike-like, strongly pointed, depressed; mouth sub-terminal or terminal; snout length 2.0–2.9 times in postorbital length in individuals larger than 150 mm SL; 8–11 total gill rakers; 60–73 (–78) total lateral-line scales; juveniles often with many, small dark-brown spots on upper flank.................................................................. L. esocinus

2b - Head barbel-like, not strongly pointed or depressed; mouth inferior in small individuals, inferior or subterminal in large individuals; snout length 1.1–1.9 times postorbital length; 11–24 total gill rakers; 50–62 total lateral-line scales; juveniles without small dark-brown spots on upper flank....................................................... L. schejch