Oedalechilus labeo (Cuvier, 1829) [N]—Boxlip mullet; Bouri chelan

Taxonomy. Original description: Mugil labeo Cuvier, 1829: 233 [Mediterranean Sea; lectotype: MNHN A-3606; lectotype selected by Blanc & Hureau (1971:692)].—Syrian synonyms: None.—Revisions: Durand et al. (2012: 693).—Illustration: Ben-Tuvia in Whitehead et al. (1986: 1203, fig.).

Status in Syria. First record from Syria by Saad (2005).—Syrian material: MSL.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Syria: Mediterranean watersheds.—Distribution in River Basin: 4- Orontes, 6-Coastal.—General distribution: Mediterranean Sea; Sea of Marmara; eastern Atlantic: Portugal, northern Morocco, and Madeira; introduced elsewhere.—Distribution in Ecoregion: 436-Coastal Levant, 437-Orontes.—Habitat: This species is a benthopelagic, neritic species found inshore, at the mouths of rivers and sewage effluents, but not entering brackish or freshwater. Freshwater, brackish, marine.

Economic importance. Commercially important.

Conservation. Conservation status in Syria: Unknown.—IUCN: LC (IUCN 2023).—Threats: No major threats known.—Low sensitivity to human activities.—Not considered as a keystone species.—Decline status: Unknown.—Low priority for conservation action.