Pseudophoxinus syriacus (Lortet, 1883)

Pseudophoxinus syriacus View in CoL View Figure

Common name. Barada spring minnow.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Pseudophoxinus in eastern Mediterranean basin by: ○ 36–50+2–3 scales along lateral series / ○ lateral line incomplete / ○ flank plain brown, grey or golden without prominent stripe / ○ pelvic axillary lobe absent / ○ pelvic short, reaching 1–5 scales in front of anus / ○ 6–7 scales between pelvic origin and lateral line. Size up to 87 mm SL.

Distribution View Figure . Syria: Damascus basin.

Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams with clear water and dense vegetation.

Biology. No data.

Conservation status. CR; known from only one site and has declined by more than 90 % due to water abstraction in early 21 st century. With no new data since 2008, it cannot be excluded that it is now extinct.

Further reading. Krupp 1985d (diagnosis, distribution).