Cyprinion kais Heckel, 1843 [N]—Kais kingfish/Small mouth lotak; Shalami

Taxonomy. Original description: Cyprinion kais Heckel, 1843a: 1066 [76] [Aleppo, Syria and Mosul, Iraq; lectotype: NMW 52803 (148.1 mm)].—Syrian synonyms: None.—Revisions: Bănărescu & Herzig-Straschil (1995: 416).—Illustration: Heckel (1843b: pl. 7, fig. 2).

Status in Syria. Recorded from Syria in original description by Heckel (1843a: 1067); subsequently reported by Gruvel (1931) as Cyprinion cypris; Beckman (1962: 120).—Syrian material: BMNH, MCZ, MNHN, NMW, RMNH.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Syria: Qweik, Tigris and Euphrates River basins.—Distribution in River Basin: 1-Dajleh & Khabour, 2-Euphrates & Aleppo.—General distribution: Asia Minor and Middle East: Euphrates and Tigris River systems (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran).—Distribution in Ecoregion: 441-Lower Tigris & Euphrates, 442-Upper Tigris & Euphrates.—Habitat: This species inhabits medium-sized and large rivers and streams. Known to inhabit canals but seems to be absent from reservoirs. Freshwater.

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

Conservation. Conservation status in Syria: Unknown.—IUCN: LC (IUCN 2023).—Threats: ABS, CON, HAB, EUT.—Low sensitivity to human activities.—No keystone species.—Decline status: Decreasing.—Low priority for conservation action.