FIRST RECORD OF THE NORTH AFRICAN CATFISH CLARIAS GARIEPINUS (BURCHELL, 1822) (SILURIFORMES, CLARIIDAE) IN TIGRIS RIVER, IRAQ
Clariidae
Cat Fish
Exotic fish
Morphology
Tigris River.
The current study aimed to determine the morphometric and meristic characteristics of the North African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Six specimens of C. gariepinus were collected from the Tigris River, in central Iraq. This study is considered the confirmation first record of this species in Iraq, and the second documentation of this exotic fish. The present species is characterized by a very long dorsal fin, a rounded caudal fin and four pairs of barbels.