Aphanius sophiae
  • Persian name Gur mahi-e-Kor, Gurmahi-e-sufia, Mahi-e-gurekhari-e-sufia, Kapoor-e-dandandar-e-sufia
  • English name Aphanius sophiae
  • Key features The number of lateral line scales are 31-25, the upper scales of the lateral line are 7-4, the scales between lateral line and the anal-fin are 8-5, the scales between lateral line and the pelvic are 9-6, the scales of the tail stem are 15-20, the number of The total rays of the dorsal fin are 15-11, the anal fins are 13-10, the pectoral fins are 19-14, the pelvic fins are 6-5, the number of Opercular spines are 10-13, the number of centrum vertebrae are 13-11, the caudal vertebrae are 15-17, and the total number of vertebrae are 29-27.
  • Conservation status Recent droughts, water contamination, habitat degradation and the introduction of invasive species into the habitat of this fish have reduced its population in the Kor basin. Therefore, study of the biology of this fish including reproduction, food and nutritional habits, age determination, and its distribution and habitat along with providing conservation programs can provide researchers and managers with sufficient information to protect this valuable genetic reserve, conserve biodiversity and manage the habitat. It has not been evaluated by IUCN (IUCN, 2015). However, this endemic fish of Iran might be listed as LC (least concerned) due to its population status and the lack of willingness of the locals to catch it (because of its small size).
  • Habitat and distribution Almost all the populations of Aphanius sophiae are found in springs systems, swamps and rivers, with slow streams and suitable and rich vegetation. They are less likely to live in rivers without vegetation. In most habitats in Fars province, this species is found along with the non-indigenous species, Gambozia. In addition, this alien species and its effect on indigenous species needs to be studied. However, this is a threat to this endemic species of Fars province. The main habitat of this species is Kor basin in Fars province. Its populations have been distributed in different geographical regions in upstream and downstream of the Kor basin. The specimens were collected from the Cheshmeh-Jouybar of Ghadamgah, the Meshkan aquifers in Safashahr, the Maloosjan spring and Hossein Abad Beyza, the Gomban spring and spring-stream systems around the Taksk and Bakhtegan lakes.