The loaches of Iran and adjacent regions with description of six new species (Cobitoidea)

Abstract

Abstract About 31 species in eight genera and two families (Nemacheilidae and Cobitidae) are reported from Iran and adjacent countries (i.e., Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan). Six new species, five from Iran and one from Afghanistan, are described. Several Iranian loach genera are also found in western Palearctic region (i.e., Sabanejewia, Cobitis, and Orthrias), or eastern Asia (i.e., Schistura). But other genera such as Paracobitis and Seminemacbeilus are endemic to, or exclusive of, Middle Asia. Our investigation confirms the important role of Iranian drainages as a biogeographic bridge between western‐Palearctic and Oriental fish faunas.