Oxynoemacheilus kentritensis Freyhof, Kaya & Turan, 2017 [N] — Kentrites loach

Taxonomy. Original description: Oxynoemacheilus kentritensis Freyhof, Kaya & Turan, 2017: 552, figs. 1–4 [Stream Kesan about 1 km south of Güntepe, Bitlis Province, 38°21’24’’N, 42°37’39’’E, Turkey; holotype: FFR 01566].—Iraq synonyms: None.—Revisions: None.—Illustration: Freyhof et al. (2017: figs. 1–4) .

Status in Iraq. First record from Iraq by Freyhof et al. (2021).—Iraq materials: ZFMK-ICH, FSJF.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Iraq: Tigris River basin.—General distribution: Middle East: upper Tigris River basin (Turkey, Iraq, and Syria).—Habitat: This species occurs in moderately fast-flowing to almost standing waters of clean springs, streams, and rivers with mud or gravel substrate. Freshwater.

Economic importance. No commercial importance.

Conservation. Conservation Status in Iraq: Unknown.—IUCN: NE (2023).—Threats: Unknown.—Moderate sensitivity to human activities.—Keystone species.—Decline status: Unknown.—Moderate priority for conservation action.