Glyptothorax kurdistanicus (Berg, 1931) [N]—Mesopotamian sucking catfish; Balouj

Taxonomy. Original description: Glyptosternum kurdistanicus Berg, 1931: 384 [Serdesht, at Little Zab (36°N), River Bané basin, Iran, elevation 1,500 metres; holotype: ZIN 20780].—Syrian synonyms: None.—Revisions: Freyhof et al. (2021: 472).—Illustration: Freyhof et al. (2021: figs. 18-24).

Status in Syria. First record from Syria by Krupp & Schneider (1991b: 73).—Syrian material: None.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Syria: Tigris River basin.—Distribution in River Basin: 1-Dajleh & Khabour, 2-Euphrates & Aleppo.—General distribution: Asia Minor and Middle East: Tigris River basin (Turkey, Iraq, and Iran).—Distribution in Ecoregion: 441-Lower Tigris & Euphrates, 442-Upper Tigris & Euphrates.—Habitat: All species of this genus in the Middle East inhabit fast running sections of streams and rivers. Freshwater.

Economic importance. No commercial importance.

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