Review of Aphanius species (Cyprinodontiformes: Aphaniidae) in Iran

The genus Aphanius belong to the family Aphaniidae which is widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf and brackish and freshwaters of Iran, Pakistan and India. To date, 14 species have been described under the genus Aphanius, in Iran. Currently, due to human-induced disturbance activities (hydrological alteration, introduction of exotic species, over-fishing, unusual methods of fishing, and land erosion) and natural disturbance (climate change and drought) some species, especially endemic species are under severe threats. Numerous authors have so far studied different aspects of these fishes, including the phenotypic variation, species diversity and phylogenetic relationships and several new endemic species were added to the members of this genus. Because of the importance of studying endemic species in their conservation and management and also introducing several new species of Aphanius during recent years, this study aims to review this genus in Iran.