Conservation Assessment and Captive Propagation of the Threatened Arabian Bream (Acanthobrama hadiyahensis) in the Khaybar–Northern Hijaz System, Saudi Arabia

Introduction 
The Arabian bream, Acanthobrama hadiyahensis, is an endemic freshwater cyprinid restricted to the Khaybar–northern Hijaz region of western Saudi Arabia known from the springs of Wadi Hadiyah and Qusaiba’a Reservoir (Al-Bint Dam), where its limited distribution is threatened by water abstraction and dam construction. After more than three decades without a confirmed record, the species was rediscovered in 2014, where one female and one juvenile were collected from Qusaiba’a Dam. This study assessed its current conservation situation and evaluated captive propagation as an immediate conservation measure for species recovery planning.

Methods 
The assessment integrated historical records, published distribution information, and field observations from the Wadi Hadiyah springs and the Qusaiba’a/Al-Bint system. For the ex situ component, broodstock were collected from Wadi Khaybar, Al-Bint, and Wadi Al-Ghars, and then acclimatized and propagated at a conservation aquaculture facility. Monitoring addressed broodstock survival, spawning, early rearing, juvenile survival, and juvenile production. The programme also developed breeding and feeding protocols, assessed genetic diversity, and planned stock enhancement and post-release monitoring.

Results 
The assessment confirmed that A. hadiyahensis remains confined to a small number of freshwater localities exposed to continuing habitat pressures. Surveys conducted in 2023–2024 reportedly recorded fewer than 2,500 mature individuals across five confirmed locations, while remote sensing identified more than 21 additional sites requiring investigation. Approximately 80 broodstock fish were collected. All survived acclimatization, survival under controlled breeding conditions was 90%, and more than 2,000 juveniles were produced. Because the species is known from few sites, conservation planning must distinguish confirmed occupancy from candidate sites requiring field verification before release decisions. These findings demonstrate initial captive-propagation capacity, but they do not establish successful reintroduction or a self-sustaining wild population.

Conclusions

Conservation of A. hadiyahensis should combine protection and restoration of remaining wadi habitats with carefully managed captive propagation. The juvenile production achieved provides material for future conservation actions, but releases should remain conditional on habitat restoration, regulatory approval, genetic safeguards, and post-release monitoring of survival, occupancy, and population response. Captive propagation should therefore be presented as a preparatory tool for biodiversity protection rather than as evidence that reintroduction has already succeeded.