Luciobarbus subquincunciatus (G̡nther, 1868) [N]—Mesopotamian/Leopard barbell; Abou shadak

Taxonomy. Original description: Barbus subquincunciatus Günther, 1868: 86 [Mesopotamia?; holotype: BMNH 1869.3.19.1469 (skin)].—Syrian synonyms: None.—Revisions: Levin et al. (2012: 544).—Illustration: None.

Status in Syria. First record from Syria by Beckman (1962: 112) as Barbus subquincunciatus; confirmed by Krupp & Schneider (1991b: 73) as Barbus subquincunciatus and.—Syrian material: None.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Syria: Euphrates river system.—Distribution in River Basin: 1-Dajleh & Khabour, 2-Euphrates & Aleppo.—General distribution: Asia Minor and Middle East: Tigris and Euphrates river systems (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran).—Distribution in Ecoregion: 441-Lower Tigris & Euphrates, 442- Upper Tigris & Euphrates.—Habitat: This species inhabits large, free-flowing lowland rivers and migrates short distances to breed. Rarely recorded from lakes and reservoirs, which seem to represent largely unsuitable habitats. Freshwater.

Economic importance. Commercially important.

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