Garra meymehensis

biology_ecology

Habitat. Springs and spring-fed streams. Biology. Feeds mainly on periphyton.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

diagnosis

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Garra in Persian Gulf and endorheic basins in Iran by: ○ chest with normal-sized, posterior margin of scales embedded in skin / ○ mid-dorsal area in front of dorsal origin covered by embedded scales / ○ usually 3 scales between anus and anal origin / ○ usually 7 ½ branched dorsal rays / ○ 9 + 8 branched caudal rays / ○ 16 − 20 gill rakers / ○ 33 – 37 total scales along lateral line / ○ 13 – 16 circumpeduncular scale rows / ○ lateral and distal margin of labrum of gular disc free from skin of chin / ○ two pairs of normally developed barbels / ○ gular disc present / ○ body brown or grey, usually mottled / ○ eye fully developed. Size up to 73 mm SL, likely to grow larger.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

discussion

Remarks. Occurs in sympatry with G. rufa and G. amirhosseini.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

distribution

Distribution. Iran: Meymeh, Doiraj, and Changoleh (Tigris drainage). Iraq: Nahre Al-Tayeb.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia