Acanthobrama urmiana

Common name. Urmia bream.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Acanthobrama by: ○ pharyngeal teeth in two rows / ○ 10−13½ branched anal rays / ○ 50−68 total lateral-line scales / ○ 42−43, usually 42, total vertebrae / ○ 10−14 gill rakers / ○ usually 8½ branched dorsal rays. Size up to 156 mm SL.

Distribution . Iran: Simineh, Zarrineh, and Shahr chay in Lake Urmia basin.

Habitat. Larger streams and rivers.

Biology. Lives up to 7 years. Matures at about 90−110 mm SL. Feeds on plants and invertebrates.

Conservation status. VU; has declined due to hydropower development and pollution.

Remarks. Very closely related to A. punctulata .

Further reading. Günther 1899 (description); Abdoli et al. 2008 (biology); Abbasi et al. 2004c (food); Coad 2021b (biology, distribution).