Systematic biodiversity in the freshwater fishes of Iran

Abstract

The freshwater fishes of Iran comprise 155 species in 24 families, the most diverse family being the Cyprinidae with 74 species. Nineteen families have 5 or fewer species. Endemics number 24 species although this is expected to increase as new species are described. More than two‐thirds of the species are restricted to a single drainage basin out of 20 examined although two cyprinid species are reported from 10 or more basins. The Caspian and Tigris basins have the most species with 74 and 54 species respectively. Iran compares favourably with neighbouring countries in its diversity. At least 27 exotic and transplanted species have been reported from Iran although not all are established. The most widespread species is the exotic mosquitofish.

Key words:

• Iran
• Biodiversity
• Endemics
• Zoogeography
• Exotics