Romanogobio persus, Habitat.

Romanogobio persus View in CoL View Figure

Common name. Persian gudgeon.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from R. macropterus by: ● 40–42, usually 40–41 total lateral-line scales / ● 37–40, usually 38–39 total vertebrae / ● usually no connection between supraorbital and infraorbital canals. Size up to 73 mm SL.

Distribution View Figure . Iran: Lake Urmia basin, in southern and eastern tributaries.

Habitat. Fast-flowing sections of streams and rivers with gravel or rock bottoms.

Biology. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates.

Conservation status. EN; appears to decline within its very small range. Extirpated from Mahabad, Gedar and Talkheh drainages and seems to occur now only in middle Zarrineh.

Further reading. Naseka et al. 1999 (morphology, distribution).