Molecular and morphological study of a new record Crab (potamon persicum) in the Greater Zab river Kurdistan region-Iraq

Abstract

The Brachyura (decapod;crustacean) of Kurdistan region–Iraq, Potamon persicum  Pretzmann,1962.discovered in central Asia from The Euphrates-Tigris rivers in the southern Turkey. New record species in the Greater Zab river Kurdistan region –Iraq, as primary freshwater crab(P.presicum)reported in this study. Morphologically the recorded species has a transversely oval-shaped Carapace. Front margin is smooth and folded down. The third maxilliped's exopod has a flagellum on its exopod. Concerning to Molecular study, and the identity results showed evidence derived from the mitochondrial 16S rDNA supports the establishment of this species, identically species that they are 100% identical P.persicum.