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max length; 10.67 cmSL (holotype female); The Zayandeh and other, smaller rivers and streams of this basin flow from the eastern slopes of the Zagros Mountains to terminate in the salt swamp Gav Khuni. The stream at Dizaj is a southern or right bank tributary of the Zayandeh, while the second locality is a stream tributary to the Pelasagan River which flowed into the northern or left bank of the Zayandeh and this river now enters the Zayandeh Reservoir. Construction of the dam on the Zayandeh River (where the species is known) has altered the ecology of the river system. However, its effects on the distribution and numbers of the new species is unknown. It may be relatively secure in higher tributary streams but demands on water resources from this and other rivers on the central desert plateau of Iran have increased markedly as the human population of the country has doubled in 30 years. Freshwater resources are under threat, exacerbated by droughts, and all species found in these desert or semi-desert areas are under stress (Ref. 84539), |