Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes, 1844) [I] — Grass carp; Carp acheb

Taxonomy. Original description: Leuciscus idella Valenciennes, 1844: 362 (China; no types known).—Syrian synonyms: None.—Revisions: Berg (1949: 597).—Illustration: Berg (1949: 598, fig. 353).

Status in Syria. Introduced by the Government of Syria (Jehan & Egg, 1977); subsequently reported by Hussain (1981, 1988).—Syrian materials: None.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Syria: Euphrates River and Assad Lake.—Distribution in River Basin: 1-Dajleh & Khabour, 2-Euphrates & Aleppo.—General distribution: East Asia: China and Russia; widely introduced elsewhere.—Distribution in Ecoregion: 441-Lower Tigris & Euphrates, 442-Upper Tigris & Euphrates.—Habitat: This species conducts its spawning and overwintering in middle and lower stretches of large floodplain rivers (below 1,000 m altitude), within lakes, reservoirs, and backwaters during feeding season, preferring warm, clear water and high oxygen concentration. It is tolerant of a wide range of environmental variables. Freshwater.

Economic importance. Commercially important.

Reasons of introduction. Aquaculture/research; Biocontrol: to prevent eutrophication, aquatic plants, and pest control.

Conservation. Not relevant (introduced species).