First Record of the Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Euphrates River at Al-Hindia Barrage –Middle of Iraq

Abstract

Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. was recorded for first time in Euphrates River, The specimens (13 to 33 cm for total length, 11 to 31.5 cm of standard length and 30.6 to 1446 gm of weight) were collected from Euphrates River at Al-Musayab, before Al-Hindia barrage. Number of the gill rakers on the first arch is 27- 31. Dorsal fin with 12-13 rays and 16 spine, anal fin with 8-10 rays and 3 spines. The dorsal fin length relating to standard length is 53.47%, body depth is 42.78%, snout length is 12.05%, pectoral fin length is 31.47% , the eye diameter is 5.42% relation to standard length.