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Oreochromis mossambicus bassamkhalafi Khalaf, 2009 : A New Mozambique Tilapia Subspecies from Wadi Al Wurayah Pools, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates By: Dr. Sc. Norman Ali Bassam Ali Taher Khalaf-Sakerfalke von Jaffa
Abstract: A new subspecies of Mozambique Tilapia of the genus Oreochromis (Pisces: Cichlidae) from Wadi Al Wurayah pools, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates is described. This new subspecies is distinguished from the subspecies Oreochromis mossambicus mossambicus living in Saudi Arabia, Oman and United Arab Emirates, by its distinctive body colouration and the smaller size. It is morphologically and geographically distinct from the subspecies Oreochromis mossambicus mossambicus. The new subspecies was named Oreochromis mossambicus bassamkhalafi Khalaf, 2009.
Keywords: Mozambique Tilapia, Emirati Tilapia, Wadi Al Wurayah Tilapia, Bassam Khalaf‟s Tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus bassamkhalafi, Freshwater Fish, New Subspecies, Wadi Al Wurayah, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Arabian Peninsula, Middle East.
Introduction: During two field trips to Wadi Al Wurayah, the U.A.E.‟s first mountain protected area, located in Al Hajar Mountains, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday the 8th August 2009 and Saturday the 15th August 2009, accompanied with my wife Ola and my daughter Nora, I inspected Wadi Al Wurayah pools and waterfall, and after diving in the circa 6 meter deep pool, I saw many Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus ssp.) swimming in the pool waters. These fish were observed, examined, measured and photographed.
Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 92 – August 2009 – Sha’ban 1430