A review on the taxonomic status and biological characteristics of the genus Carassius (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in Iranian inland waters

The genus Carassius is a genus of the family Cyprinidae, that its species are important part of the ornamental fish industry in Iran. Due to the recent changes in the taxonomic status of the genus Carassius, it is necessary to review the taxonomic statues of its recorded populations in Iran. Therefore, the present study was conducted to provide an overview of the taxonomic status of the genus Carassius and also to provide some of the most important biological and ecological features of the species of this genus in Iran. Three species of the genus Carassius have been recorded in the inland waters of Iran, including C. auratus, C. gibelio and C. langsdorfii thatthei biological features and distribution were reviewed. Morphological differentiation between Carassius species, especially C. auratus and C. gibelio is difficult, because there is a high degree of morphological overlapping. This indicates that the taxonomic status of this genus should be reviewed based on molecular studies.