Luciobarbus longiceps (Valenciennes, 1842)

Freyhof, JÖrg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash & Kaya, Cüneyt, 2025, Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia, De Gruyter : 235

Luciobarbus longiceps

Common name. Jordan barbel.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Luciobarbus in Mediterranean basin by: ● 55–63 total lateral-line scales / ○ 10–13 gill rakers on lower arch / ○ pelvic origin behind or below dorsal origin. Size up to 700 mm SL.

Distribution . Jordan drainage, as well as Naaman at coast of Israel.

Habitat. Large to medium-sized streams and rivers with moderate currents. Also in reservoirs and lakes.

Biology. Matures at about 200 mm SL (males) and 250 mm SL (females). Migrates upstream in winter to spawn in small streams in January−March. Feeds on invertebrates, especially molluscs.

Conservation status. EN; declined sharply due to overfishing and desiccation of rivers and streams.

Further reading. Krupp & Schneider 1989 (diagnosis, distribution).

Figures

Luciobarbus longiceps

Distribution