Mitochondrial phylogeny and taxonomic status of the Capoeta damascina species group (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae) in Iran with description of a new species

The members of the genus Capoeta show an abstruse taxonomic status, a complex evolutionary history with the highest diversification in the Middle East and are closely related to the genus Luciobarbus. Our molecular and morphological results confirm the existence of eight species within the Capoeta damascina group in Iran. In this paper all eight recognized species are reviewed, and diagnoses are presented for all species. Capoeta birunii is considered as new species from Zayandehrud drainage basins. This species is distinguished from other small scaled Capoeta in the C. damascina group by a combination of morphological and molecular characters.