Oxynoemacheilus shehabi Freyhof & Geiger, 2021 [E]—Shehab’s loach; Lahhas alsakhr

Taxonomy. Original description: Oxynoemacheilus shehabi Freyhof & Geiger, 2021: 573, figs. 2-6 [Orontes at Al Qusayr, Syria, 34.5086N, 36.5389E; holotype: ZFMK ICH-124181].—Syrian synonyms: None.—Revisions: None.—Illustration: Freyhof & Geiger (2021: 573, figs. 2-6).

Status in Syria. Recorded from Syria in original description by Freyhof & Geiger (2021: 573).—Syrian material: ZFMK ICH.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Syria: Orontes River system.—Distribution in River Basin: 4-Orontes.— General distribution: Western Asia: upper Orontes basin (Syria).—Distribution in Ecoregion: 437-Orontes.— Habitat: This species lives in the standing and slowly flowing waters of springs and streams with mud or gravel substrate. Freshwater.

Economic importance. No commercial importance.

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