Oxynoemacheilus hamwii (Krupp & Schneider, 1991) [N]—Orontes sportive loach; Lahhas alsakhr

Taxonomy. Original description: Nemacheilus hamwii Krupp & Schneider, 1991: 24, Figs. 1-5 [Nahr Afrin in Afrin, Syria, 36°31‘N, 36°52‘E; holotype: SMF 17398].—Syrian synonyms: None.—Revisions: Freyhof et al. (2012).—Illustration: Krupp & Schneider (1991a: 24, figs. 1-5); Freyhof & Geiger (2021: 580, fig. 10).

Status in Syria. Recorded from Syria in original description by Krupp & Schneider (1991a: 24); subsequently reported by Saad et al. (2009).—Syrian material: SMF, MSL.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Syria: Orontes River basin.—Distribution in River Basin: 4-Orontes.— General distribution: sia Minor and Middle East: Orontes River basin (Syria and Turkey).—Distribution in Ecoregion: 437-Orontes.—Habitat: This species lives in moderately fast-flowing streams and rivers with a mud or gravel substrate and low pollution levels. Freshwater.

Economic importance. No commercial importance.

Conservation. Conservation status in Syria: Unknown.—IUCN: EN (IUCN 2023).—Threats: ABS, CON, HAB, EUT.—High sensitivity to human activities.—Keystone species.—Decline status: Decreasing.—High priority for conservation action.