Aphanius fasciatus (Valenciennes, 1821) [N] — Mediterranean banded killifish; Batrikh

Taxonomy. Original description: Lebias fasciata Valenciennes, 1821: 160, pl. 51, fig. 4 [Salt works of Cagliari, Sardinia; neotype: MNHN 2005-1975; neotype dessignated by Kottelat et al. (2007: 24)].—Syrian synonyms: Lebias fasciatus Valenciennes, 1821; Aphanius sophiae (non Heckel, 1847).—Revisions: Langeneck et al. (2021: 10).—Illustration: Humboldt & Valenciennes (1821: 160, pl. 51, fig. 4).

Status in Syria. New record from Syria, based on ANSP and BMNH material.—Syrian material: ANSP, BMNH, MSL.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Syria: Mediterranean Sea watersheds.—Distribution in River Basin: 4-Orontes, 6-Coastal.—General distribution: Mediterranean Sea basin endemic. Introduced elsewhere.— Distribution in Ecoregion: 436-Coastal Levant, 437-Orontes.—Habitat: This species lives mainly in brackish and salty waters and enters lagoons. Freshwater, brackish, marine.

Economic importance. No commercial importance. Has potential to be used as aquarium fish.

Conservation. Conservation status in Syria: Unknown.—IUCN: LC (IUCN 2023).—Threats: CLI, EUT.—High sensitivity to human activities.—Keystone species.—Decline status: Unknown.—Moderate priority for conservation action.