Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky, 1855)

[I] — Sharpbelly

Taxonomy. Original description: Culter leucisculus Basilewsky, 1855: 238 [Rivers flowing into Bay of Tschili (Chihli), Beijing (Peking), China; syntypes: ZIN 5272 (2)].— Afghanistan synonyms: None.—Revisions: Berg (1949: 808).—Illustration: Berg (1949: 809, fig. 553).

Status in Afghanistan. First record from Afghanistan by Moravec and Amin (1978); confirmed by Coad (1981: 10; 2014: 318).—Afghanistan materials: None.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan: Kunduz and Khanabat Rivers.—General distribution: East Asia; introduced elsewhere.—Habitat: This species is usually found in large and medium-sized rivers in shallow water over sandy bottoms, but sometimes occurs in pools along the bed of mountain streams; it is also abundant in ponds, lakes, and the backwaters of rivers. It is highly tolerant to water pollution. Freshwater, brackish.

Economic importance. Locally commercially important.

Reasons of introduction. Fisheries: enhancement of wild stocks and sports fishing.

Conservation. Not relevant (introduced species).