Investigation of species diversity of the Minnows (Cypriniformes: Leuciscinae) in the Caspian Sea basin, Iran using molecular approach

The Caspian Sea basin is one of the most important ecosystems in Iran with a high diversity of different aquatic species, so that the issue of determining the taxonomy its fishes has always been considered. Up to now, a total of 297 species of freshwater and brackish fish have been reported from Iran where the subfamily Leuciscinae (minnows) has a high diversity of species in the Caspian Sea basin. In the present study, during the years 2017-2019, sampling of reported species of the subfamily was performed in this basin. In addition to morphological studies, Bayesian Inference (BI) analyzes were carried out using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) to investigate the phylogenetic relationships between members of this subfamily. According to result, the following genera were caught and identified: Abramis, Acanthobrama, Alburnus, Alburnoides, Blicca, Chondrostoma, Leucaspius, Leuciscus, Rutilus, Scardinius, Squalius and Vimba, where Alburnoides parhami, A. samiii and A. tabarestanensis are endemic species. Therefore, to maintain the diversity of Leuciscinae subfamily species in Iran, especially in the Caspian Sea basin, it is necessary to protect endangered species and preserve their genetic resources.