Feeding and spawning characters of Barbus grypus Heckel, 1843 in Khouzestan water bodies

The result from conducted surveys on Shirbot (B. grypus) in Khuozestan water bodies showed that this fish has a wide occurence in almost all water bodies, and in a wide range of temperature and salinity. It is revealed that it can grow up to 20 kg in weight. Due to its tasty flesh, there is a good demand for it, especially for local markets. Diet characteristics and food intakes indicate its omnivorous habit. Data indicate that its presence in Khouzestan plain, seems to be mainly for feeding purpose. Its reproductive activities, occur in the northern parts of the regions characterized with sandy or gravel substrate high water current, low temperature and high oxygen content. This condition is not available in Khouzestan plain.