Review of the Spiny Eels of Iran (Family Mastacembelidae)

The systematics, morphology, distribution, biology, economic importance and conservation of the spiny eel (Mastacembelus mastacembelus) of Iran are described, the species is illustrated, and a bibliography on this fish is provided. The single species is distributed in southern Iranian basins, including Karkheh, Karun, Jarrahi and Helleh river basins, mostly part of the Tigris River and Persian Gulf basins.