Esmaeilius, Freyhof & Yoğurtçuoğlu, 2020

Freyhof, JÖrg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash & Kaya, Cüneyt, 2025, Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia, De Gruyter : 736-737

Esmaeilius

Persian killifish is a genus of six species widespread in Iran and the lower Shatt al Arab in Iraq. All species inhabit inland habitats, such as the shores of rivers, streams, and springs. Many populations, often largely isolated, indicate a much wider distribution range in the recent geological past, and many populations might have become isolated only a few thousand years ago. The distribution of these fishes reflects the interesting geological history of the Zagros Mountains. Some geographically distantly isolated populations were described as

separate species during their discovery. However, subsequent analysis revealed that many of these are very closely related, morphologically indistinguishable and that those previously identified as E. arakensis , E. kavirensis , E. mesopotamicus , or E. pluristriatus are now considered synonymous with E. sophiae . Many populations have been lost recently due to the unsustainable exploitation of freshwater resources and the increasing aridity of Central Iran, which is also a consequence of climate change. Further reading. Freyhof & Yoğurtçuoğlu 2020 (description, species diversity).

Esmaeilius darabensis ; Golabi spring, Kol drainage, Iran; female, ~ 30 mm SL.

Esmaeilius darabensis ; Golabi spring, Kol drainage, Iran; male, ~ 25 mm SL.