The systematic position of Acanthalburnus microlepis (De Filippi, 1863) and contributions to the genus Acanthobrama (Cyprinidae: Leuciscinae) in Turkey

Abstract

In this study, the systematic position of Acanthalburnus microlepis from Kura and Aras basins is clarified and some notes on the taxonomy of the Acanthobrama species distributed in Turkey are given. Based on the morphological and osteological analyses, a high similarity between A. microlepis and Acanthobrama members is found. Some taxonomic information yielded from the examination of recent collections from Dicle (Tigris), Firat (Euphrates), Asi (Orontes), Ceyhan, Seyhan rivers and Berdan Stream near Tarsus is also included. Accordingly, Acanthobrama marmid is distributed only in Dicle-Firat system (presumably also in Sinnap Stream from Kuveik Drainage) and the populations from Asi, Seyhan and Berdan Stream (Tarsus) regarded as a separate subspecies as A. marmid orontis Berg, 1949 should be considered full species according to phylogenetic species concept and Ceyhan population represents a new species. © 2014 Iranian Society of Ichthyology.