Pseudophoxinus, Bleeker, 1860

Freyhof, JÖrg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash & Kaya, Cüneyt, 2025, Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia, De Gruyter : 360-364

Pseudophoxinus

Pseudophoxinus is the largest genus of Leuciscidae in our region, comprising 26 species. These species are endemic to West Asia, with the greatest diversity occurring in Central Anatolia and the Levant. Two species are found in the western Euphrates and Qweiq drainages. Pseudophoxinus are small fish diagnosed by the preoperculo-mandibular sensory canal being disconnected from the infraorbital canal on the head. The disconnection of the two head canals represents an adaptive character state and has evolved several times in parallel in small Leuciscids. Several species classified in Pseudophoxinus due to this character state were transferred to other genera, including Acanthobrama , Alburnus , Egirdira , Pelasgus , Rutilus , and Tropidophoxinellus . Pseudophoxinus is closely related to the genera Phoxinellus , Telestes , and Chondrostoma , and the genus is divided into two major species groups. A notable feature of many species of Pseudophoxinus is the absence of a complete lateral line, which does not extend to the caudal

base. This character displays considerable variability, with a complete lateral line occurring in species otherwise diagnosed by an incomplete lateral line. Conversely, individuals with a shortened lateral line may be rare in species with a complete lateral line. Nevertheless, this character is included in the key, and examining more than one individual is essential for accurate identification. Several species of Pseudophoxinus are of significant conservation concern due to their restricted distribution ranges and occurrence in a limited number of water bodies. Consequently, we provide comprehensive information about their distribution. All species inhabit slow-flowing stretches of streams or rivers and stagnant water with dense vegetation. Most species are restricted to or are most common in springs and spring-fed streams. Our understanding of the biology of Pseudophoxinus is very limited, and more research is encouraged without slaughtering hundreds of fish for useless indices.

Onaç River, long believed to be the only habitat of Pseudophoxinus ninae , is usually dry below the reservoir, which also dried up. The last pumps take the last water out.

Pseudophoxinus alii ; Ilıca drainage; ~ 45 mm SL.