Mystus pelusius (Solander, 1794) [N]—Zugzug catfish

Taxonomy. Original description: Silurus pelusius Solander in Russell, 1794: 210, Pl. 7 (fig. 1) [Kowick River, Aleppo, Syria; Syntype: BMNH 1955.6.25.1 (1)].— Iraq synonyms: Bagrus halepensis Valenciennes, 1840; Macrones colvillii Günther, 1874; Mystus halepensis (Valenciennes, 1840) .—Revisions: Esmaeili et al. (2022a).—Illustrations: Hamilton (1822: pl. 3, fig. 61) as Pimelodus tengara; Esmaeili et al. (2022a: 338, fig. 10); Esmaeili et al. (2022a: 339, fig. 11).

Status in Iraq. First record from Iraq by Günther (1874).—Iraq materials: Fish collection of the Marine Science Centre, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq.

Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Iraq: Euphrates and Tigris River basins.—General distribution: Middle East: Euphrates and Tigris River basins (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran).—Habitat: This species inhabits larger rivers, marshes, reservoirs, and lakes. Feeds on invertebrates and small fish. Freshwater.

Economic importance. Commercially important.

Conservation. Conservation Status in Iraq: Unknown.—IUCN: LC (IUCN 2023).—Threats: ABS, CLI, CON, EUT, HAB.—Low sensitivity to human activities.—Keystone species.—Decline status: Unknown.—Low priority for conservation action.