Systematics of the shah mahi,Chalcalburnus chalcoides(Güldenstädt, 1772), in the southern Caspian Sea basin (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae)

The shah mahi, Chalcalburnus chalcoides, has four nominal subspecies in the southern Caspian Sea and its basin. The systematics of this species was examined using principal components analysis on 21 morphometrjc and 12 meristic characters. C. chalcoides iranicus was found to be indistinguishable from C. chalcoides longissimus, which has priority. Analyses also indicate that both these nominal subspecies, and a third subspecies C. chalcoides latissimus, are probably not distinct from the type subspecies. The study confirms the opinion of Holcik & Jedlicka (1994) who regard subspecies designation in many cyprinid fishes as unwarranted.