Paraphanius orontis (Aksiray, 1948)

Freyhof, JÖrg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash & Kaya, Cüneyt, 2025, Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia, De Gruyter : 757

Paraphanius orontis

Common name. Asi killifish.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraphanius by: ○ male black or dusty grey with roundish silvery spots on flank not organised in vertical series / ○ silvery spots large, distinct, well isolated from each other, without or with few fine, powder-like dots / ○ female with pale-brown marbled pattern on flank / ○ female with pale-brown stripe between vertical of dorsal-base and caudal base / ○ female with a line of silvery scales above and below stripe on caudal peduncle / ○ pelvic reaching to anal origin in adult male / ○ pre-dorsal distance 57–61 % SL / ○ pre-anal distance 62–65 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 39–45 % HL. Size up to 43 mm SL.

Distribution . Türkiye: Lower Orontes drainage downstream to former Lake Amik. Introduced to lower Manavgat drainage east of Antalya (not shown in map).

Habitat. Lakes, slow-flowing rivers, and canals.

Biology. Live up to 3 years, mature in a few months, usually late in year of birth. Males establish territories along banks, usually in dense vegetation, defending against rivals. Females spawn with one or more males, usually in vegetation close to surface. Individual females produce several clutches in one day. Feeds on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.

Conservation status. VU; found in fewer than 10 independent populations, some of which are declining.

Further reading. Akşıray 1948 (description).

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Paraphanius orontis

Distribution