Investigation of diversity and threats of fishes in Sarab Maran wetland, Kermanshah province

Wetlands are productive and biologically diverse ecosystems that increase water quality, control soil erosion, maintain stream flow, and absorb carbon. Identifying the fauna of wetlands has always been very important because in various studies it has been estimated that the life cycle of 60 to 90% of economic fish is related to wetlands. In this regard, a study was conducted to investigate and identify the fish of Sarab Maran wetland in Kermanshah province. Sampling was done between 1397 to 1400 with electrofisher. Five families, nine genera and 11 species of fish were identified in this wetland. The family Cyprinidae with four species, Nemacheilidae with three species, Leuciscidae with two species and the families Cobitidae and Poeciliidae each with one species were present in the wetland. Of the 11 identified species, six species were endemic to Iran. Due to the high and unique endemicity of fish in this wetland, in order to protect its fish, it was suggested that the construction of fish farm in this wetland be stopped.