Alburnus orontis Sauvage, 1882 [N]—Orontes bleak; Daffaf

Taxonomy. Original description: Alburnus orontis Sauvage, 1882: 168 [Hammah (Hamáh), Syria; syntypes: MNHN A-3907 (2)].—Syrian synonyms: None.—Revisions: Freyhof & Turan (2019: 380).—Illustration: Freyhof & Turan (2019: 379, fig. 6).

Status in Syria. Recorded from Syria in original description by Sauvage (1882: 168); subsequently reported by Gruvel (1931); Beckman (1962: 89); (Saad et al, 2006).—Syrian material: BMNH, MNHN, MSL.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Syria: Orontes River basin.—Distribution in River Basin: 4-Orontes.— General distribution: Asia Minor and Middle East: Orontes River basin (Syria and Turkey).—Distribution in Ecoregion: 437-Orontes.—Habitat: This species inhabits a wide range of rivers and even canals and reservoirs. Usually, most abundantly in large springs that bring clean, freshwater to the river. Freshwater.

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

Conservation. Conservation status in Syria: Unknown.—IUCN: VU (IUCN 2023).—Threats: ABS, CLI, CON, HAB, EUT.—Moderate sensitivity to human activities.—Not considered as a keystone species.—Decline status: Decreasing.—Moderate priority for conservation action.