Review of reports indicating new records from the Persian Gulf fish fauna, implications and reasons

Over 50 new fish species have been recorded from the Persian Gulf and its marginal marshes during last 20 years. Here, 25 papers related to this topic have been reviewed regarding their taxonomy, distribution, ecological and biological characteristics. Most of records belong to Perciformes order (68%) and Leiognathidae, Gobiidae, Haemulidae and Sciaenidae were families with most confirmed new record species. About 82% of new record species were mainly distributed in tropical area and 41% were reef associated. Original known distributions of 42% of new records were Indo-west Pacific, while 23% distributed in western Indian Ocean. Although some new records attributed to lack of appropriate ichthyological investigation in the Persian Gulf, but extension of distribution range from southern and warmer tropical area in about half of new recorded species, could be due to global climate change effect. Also in some case, direct human-induced effect through ballast water of ships has been discussed. Crossboundary collaboration among the Persian Gulf countries is necessary for effective monitoring and conservation of fish biodiversity in area

Keywords:

Persian Gulf , Fish Fauna , New fish records.