Paraphanius similis (Aksiray, 1948)

Freyhof, JÖrg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash & Kaya, Cüneyt, 2025, Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia, De Gruyter : 760-761

Paraphanius similis

Common name. Adana killifish.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Paraphanius by: ○ male bluish, black or dusty grey with roundish or elongated silvery spots on flank organised in vertical series / ○ silvery spots distinct, without or with few fine, powder-like dots / ○ female with many silvery spots on flank, not organised as continuous rows on caudal peduncle / ○ female without midlateral stripe or pale-brown marbled pattern on flank / ○ pelvic reaching to anal origin in adult male / ○ pre-dorsal distance 57–60 % SL / ○ pre-anal distance 63–68 % SL / ○ interorbital distance 36–41 % HL / ○ Size up to 40 mm SL.

Distribution. Türkiye: Lower Tarsus, Seyhan and Ceyhan. Also, in springs in Ereğli marshes.

Habitat. Lakes, slow-flowing rivers and coastal marshes with fresh or brackish water. Also, in canals, large reservoirs and many heavily polluted and artificial habitats.

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. LC.

Further reading. Akşıray 1948 (description).

Paraphanius striptus ; Einot Timsach, Israel; female, ~ 32 mm SL. Paraphanius striptus ; Einot Timsach, Israel; male, ~ 35 mm SL.