Key to species of Garra in the Hajar Mountains of the United Arab Emirates and Oman

1a Subterranean, whitish or pink, no externally visible eye............................ Garra longipinnis (cave population)

1b Epigean, brown or grey, eye fully developed................................................................ 2

2a Tip of dorsal fin white.................................................................................. 3

2b Tip of dorsal fin similar in colour to middle and proximal part of dorsal fin........................................ 4

3a An orange spot at upper opercle; middle caudal-fin rays bold black, membranes white; 15–18 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch............................................................................... Garra barreimiae

3b No distinct spot at upper opercle; middle caudal-fin rays and membranes same colour as other caudal-fin rays and membranes or slightly darker; 10–14 gill rakers on lower limb of first gill arch.................................... Garra shamal

4a Flank strongly mottled, with individual or series of orange scales....................................... Garra sharq

4b Flank usually plain greenish, brown or black, rarely with a midlateral stripe or faint mottling, never with orange midlateral scales............................................................................................... 5

5a Flank scales with bold dark-brown or grey margins............................................. Garra longipinnis

5b Flank scales same colour as centre of scales or with very indistinct dark margins....................... Garra gallagheri