Garra variabilis (Heckel, 1843) [N]—Variable garra; Lahhas alhajar

Taxonomy. Original description: Discognathus variabilis Heckel, 1843a: 1069 [79] [Aleppo, Syria; Mosul, Iraq; syntypes: NMW 53238-40 (3, 8, ca. 10), 53260-69 (1, 2, 2, 2, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2), 53272 (4); SMF 403 (4); ZMB 3301 (3)].—Syrian synonyms: None.—Revisions: None.—Illustrations: Heckel (1843b: pl. 8, fig. 1) as Discognathus variabilis .

Status in Syria. Recorded from Syria in original description by Heckel (1843a: 1070) as Discognathus variabilis; subsequently reported by Saad et al. (2009).—Syrian material: BMNH, MCZ, MNHN, NMW, SMF, SMNS, ZMUC, MSL.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Syria: Tigris River basin.—Distribution in River Basin: 1-Dajleh & Khabour, 2-Euphrates & Aleppo, 4-Orontes.—General distribution: Asia Minor and Middle East: Tigris River basin (Turkey, Syria, and Iraq).—Distribution in Ecoregion: 437-Orontes, 441-Lower Tigris & Euphrates, 442-Upper Tigris & Euphrates.—Habitat: This species inhabits a wide range of standing and slowly flowing waters such as rivers, springs, marshes, and streams. It seems to be quite tolerant of pollution and also inhabits reservoirs. Freshwater.

Economic importance. Locally consumed, but of no commercial importance.

Conservation. Conservation status in Syria: Unknown.—IUCN: LC (IUCN 2023).—Threats: There are many threats in the area, but none seems to be serious enough to really impact this species.—Low sensitivity to human activities.—Not considered as a keystone species.—Decline status: Decreasing.—Low priority for conservation action.