Systematic review of Anguilliformes order in Iranian Museums from the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea

Abstract

This study focuses on Anguilliformes specimens revising which collected during 2006-08 in some Iranian museums. For this study, all museum samples from Iranian coastal waters of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea were investigated. The results indicated that species diversity in the Iranian waters can be classified into six families of Anguiliformes (Eels and Morays fishes). A total of 11 species - consisting of six families have been identified, of these the highest species diversity belongs to the Muraenidae with five genus and eight species. Also, there were two endemic species Muraenesox cienerus (Muraenesocidae) and Gymnothorax undulates (Muraenidae). More than ten rare species were the first report and record from Iranian territorial waters. There are Ichthyapus acuticeps, Synaphobranchus affinis, Strophidon sathete, Rhynomuraena quaestia, Gymnothorax johnsoni, G.kidako, Muraenesox bagio, Pseudoxenomystax albescens, Muraenesox talabonoides, and Conger cinereus cinereus.