Cyprinion kais Heckel, 1843 [N]—Smallmouth lotak

Taxonomy. Original description: Cyprinion kais Heckel, 1843: 1066 (76) [Aleppo, Syria and Mosul, Iraq; lectotype: NMW 52803 (148.1 mm)].—Iraq synonyms: Cyprinion cypris Heckel, 1843 .—Revisions: Bănărescu & Herzig-Straschil (1995: 416).—Illustration: Heckel (1843, Pl. 7 (fig. 2)).

Status in Iraq. Recorded from Iraq in the original description by Heckel (1843).—Iraq materials: NMW, RMNH.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Iraq: Tigris and Euphrates River basins.—General distribution: Middle East: Euphrates and Tigris River systems (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran).—Habitat: This species inhabits medium-sized and large rivers and streams. Known to inhabit canals but seems to be absent from reservoirs. Freshwater.

Economic importance. Locally consumed, but of no commercial importance.

Conservation. Conservation Status in Iraq: Unknown.—IUCN: LC (IUCN 2023).—Threats: ABS, CON, HAB, EUT.—Low sensitivity to human activities.—Not considered as a keystone species.—Decline status: Decreasing.—Low priority for conservation action.