DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1291.181633

Authors: Nayeli G. Jiménez Cano, Agnès Dettaï, Hanan Mansoor Al-Nabhani, Mohamed Abu El-Regal, Azzah Al-Jabri, Philippe Béarez

Abstract: This data paper describes a dataset of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from 51 fish specimens obtained from local fish markets in eight coastal localities in Oman and Saudi Arabia. For each vouchered specimen, basic metadata such as locality, date of purchase, and morphometric data was documented, and a photographic record was made. Tissue samples were collected for DNA analysis. The COI gene was amplified and sequenced using standard DNA protocols. The resulting COI sequences were curated and deposited in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). The dataset enhances the genetic representation of marine fishes from the Red Sea and Arabian Sea and adds three novel fish COI records in BOLD, Plectropomus marisrubri, Scarus zufar, and Scorpaenopsis lactomaculata, as well as numerous fish taxa which are currently poorly documented. These sequences represent a reference resource for specimen identification and verification, and can be used to underpin taxonomic revisions, comparative phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies, assessments of regional biodiversity and sea food authentication. In making these data freely available, this contribution promotes reproducibility, data reuse, and collaboration among researchers working on marine ecology, conservation, and fisheries management, as well as monitoring and consumer protection.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1290.182593

Authors: Aaron De la Sota, Max Hidalgo, Guillain Estivals, Dario Faustino-Fuster, Vanessa Meza-Vargas, Pierre Caminade, Leah Bêche, Ricardo Britzke R, Dirk Steinke, Nicolas Hubert

Abstract: The Amazon Basin, the largest on Earth, hosts an exceptionally rich fish fauna shaped by its ancient evolutionary history, vast environmental heterogeneity, and steep altitudinal gradient. Despite this diversity, major taxonomic gaps persist, including the Linnean shortfall—the large number of undescribed species—and the Wallacean shortfall, reflecting limited knowledge of species distributions. During the past two decades, DNA barcoding using the mitochondrial COI gene has helped uncover substantial cryptic diversity in Amazonian fishes, particularly along the Andean slope, where Siluriformes exhibit striking levels of undocumented diversity. In this study, we investigated catfish communities from the families Astroblepidae and Loricariidae in the headwaters of the Madre de Dios and Huallaga rivers in Peru, spanning elevations from 500 to 2,500 m. Using DNA barcoding and multiple species-delimitation methods, we identified 27 MOTUs, most of which could not be assigned to recognized species. Our aim was to examine diversity patterns, species co-occurrence, and phylogenetic community structure along the Andean slope. This framework allows us to evaluate how ecological processes—such as competition, niche partitioning, and ecological specialization—shape community assembly. Combined with evidence of close phylogenetic relationships among MOTUs, our results highlight the likely importance of in situ diversification in driving species turnover and structuring catfish biodiversity across Andean elevational gradients.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1289.188089

Authors: Akshay Khandekar, Tejas Thackeray, You He, Anil Mohapatra, Ishan Agarwal

Abstract: Gangaichthys indonepalicus gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Indo-Gangetic Plain, Bihar, India. This is the first stygobitic chaudhuriid and first subterranean fish from the alluvial aquifers of the Gangetic Basin and Indo-Gangetic Plain, with all three specimens collected from borewells. As the first subterranean member of the family Chaudhuriidae it is readily diagnosed from other genera and species of the family by a unique set of morphological characters linked to its stygobitic habit such as reduced eyes, the complete absence of body pigmentation, and apparent absence of ribs. In addition to its stygobitic characters, Gangaichthys is distinguished from all known chaudhuriid genera by the following osteological characters: neural spines laterally narrow and tapering to a point posteriorly or dorso-posteriorly, no spinelike projection on neural arch in front of neural spine; preorbital extension of ectopterygoid does not reach beyond coronoid process of dentary; metapterygoid elongate. Gangaichthys indonepalicus gen. et sp. nov. may further be distinguished from all known chaudhuriid genera and species by the presence of 64 vertebrae (28 abdominal, 36 caudal), and in having a single pectoral fin-ray, six caudal fin-rays, 37 dorsal, and 35 anal fin-rays. Molecular data place Gangaichthys indonepalicus gen. et sp. nov. within Chaudhuriidae, and it is > 20% divergent from two genera of the family for which there is comparative mitochondrial CO1 sequence data.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1287.183842

Authors: Jian-Fu Huang, Yun-Chih Liao, Tin-Yam Chan, Hong-Ming Chen, David G. Smith

Abstract: The genus Gnathophis differs from other genera of Congridae in having a moderately blunt and rounded tail tip and a slightly hardened tail extremity. The fleshy tip of the snout extends distinctly forwards beyond the intermaxillary teeth. A longitudinal fleshy keel is present on the ventral surface of the snout tip. Currently, two species of Gnathophis have been recorded from Taiwan, G. heterognathos and G. asanoi, whereas G. xenica has subsequently been determined to be a misidentification. In this study, three new species of the congrid eel genus Gnathophis Kaup are described from deep-sea waters off northeastern and southwestern Taiwan, based on 130 specimens. Gnathophis kbalanensis sp. nov. is diagnosed by the combination of blackish dorsal, caudal, and anal fins; 34–36 preanal vertebrae, 42–43 precaudal vertebrae, and 134–137 total vertebrae; 32–35 preanal lateral line pores; and elevated lateral line pores above the pectoral fin. Gnathophis melanurum sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having whitish dorsal and anal fins and a blackish caudal fin; 28–32 preanal vertebrae, 37–41 precaudal vertebrae, and 98+–125 total vertebrae; 29–32 preanal lateral line pores; and elevated lateral line pores above the pectoral fin. Gnathophis nanhaiensis sp. nov. is separable from other species of Gnathophis in possessing whitish dorsal, caudal, and anal fins; 40–42 preanal vertebrae, 47–48 precaudal vertebrae, and 139–143 total vertebrae; 37–41 preanal lateral line pores; and lateral line pores above the pectoral fin that are not elevated. The validities of G. kbalanensis sp. nov. and G. melanurum sp. nov. are further supported by DNA barcoding analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Molecular comparisons additionally indicate that specimens of G. heterognathos (Bleeker) from waters off Taiwan exhibit a maximum intraspecific COI sequence divergence of 1.4%.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1284.191403

Authors: Seo-Yeon Koo, Se Hun Myoung, Sang-Chul Yoon, Jung-Hoon Lee, Jin-Koo Kim

Abstract: Codlets (Bregmacerotidae) play a major role in marine ecology, acting as trophic links between primary consumers and higher predators in mesopelagic communities; however, little information has been accumulated on their early life stages. In this study, 53 larval and juvenile specimens of Bregmacerotidae, collected from the northwestern Pacific Ocean between May 2017 and July 2024, were examined using 390-bp of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 16S rRNA sequence analysis for molecular species identification. Five codlet species were identified: Bregmaceros anchovia (n = 1), B. japonicus (2), B. nectabanus (4), B. neonectabanus (6), and Bregmaceros sp. (20), a candidate undescribed species closely related to B. atlanticus. It was also discovered that previously recorded codlet larvae and juveniles appear to have been misidentified due to extreme similarity among external traits. Diagnostic characters enabling species identification at different developmental stages included the presence of melanophores on the lower right side of the preopercle, the pattern of lateral body melanophores, the presence of melanophores on the caudal peduncle, and the degree of first dorsal fin development. Here, we provide morphological descriptions and diagnostic keys for larvae and juveniles of these five taxa and hypothesize the existence of a putative undescribed Bregmaceros lineage in the region.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1284.187814

Authors: Meng-Fei Zhao, Hai-Min Lv, Jun-Hao Huang, Fei Liu

Abstract: A new species of the genus Claea, namely Claea tongziensis sp. nov., is described from the Tongzi River, a tributary of the Chishui River, in Tongzi County, Guizhou Province, China. Claea tongziensis sp. nov. is morphologically distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: seven branched dorsal-fin rays; three unbranched anal-fin rays; vertebrae 4+40–42; prominent processus dentiformis; prepelvic length 46.9–51.7% SL; pelvic–anal distance 23.8–28.6% SL; anus–anal distance 4.7–7.0% SL; eye diameter 13.5–18.5% HL; interorbital width 22.2–29.6% HL; outer rostral barbel length 18.9–29.3% HL. In molecular analyses, C. tongziensis sp. nov. constitutes a monophyly in a phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial cytb and cox1 gene sequences and is significantly distant from its congeners in genetic distance (2.82–6.41%) based on the cytb gene. Morphological and molecular evidence support the validity of the new species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1283.194940

Authors: Kunto Wibowo, Hilda M. Pratiwi, Anik B. Dharmayanthi, Djohan Tjiptadi, Wiwi Tarmini, Agus Priyadi, Ruby V. Kusumah

Abstract: The new shrimpgoby, Tomiyamichthys oriens sp. nov., is described based on two specimens collected off Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia. The new species is most similar to the recently described Japanese species T. hyacinthinus, both species being distinguished from all other species of Tomiyamichthys by having nine segmented dorsal- and anal-fin rays and two elongated filaments (second and third spines) in the first dorsal fin of males. The new species differs from T. hyacinthinus in several meristic characters (including numbers of pectoral- and caudal-fin rays, longitudinal scales, and gill rakers), as well as coloration. In addition, the morphological differences were supported by mitochondrial COI analyses, which demonstrated clear genetic differentiation (divergence of 3.1%) from T. hyacinthinus.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1281.184196

Authors: Santi Poungcharean, Idsariya Wudtisin, Soranuth Sirisuay, Phongchate Pichitkul, Sommai Janekitkarn

Abstract: Within the family Osphronemidae, mouth-brooding fighting fishes are small, air-breathing fish species that hold their eggs and offspring in their buccal cavities as a parental care behavior, usually found in running waters and distributed in the wild throughout Southeast Asia. This study aims to describe the morphological development and generate identification keys for the larval and juvenile stages of seven wild mouth-brooding fighting fish species found in Thailand, i.e., Betta apollon, B. ferox, B. pallida, B. pi, B. prima, B. pugnax, and B. simplex from the wild. The broodstocks were collected from type localities or based on characteristics that most closely matched each species description, with healthy fishes selected and breeding continued for our size-series collection, including B. simplex, a previous study. The results showed that mouth-brooders released their offspring when developed to the post-flexion stage within 11–12 (mode = 11) days after fertilization (DAF), except B. pi, which took 18–20 DAF, and the post-flexion larva developed to the juvenile stage within 18–30 days after release. The main characteristics of the new-release post-flexion larva were an oblong and depressed body, a large head, an oval to rounded eye, and rays where the caudal fin began to develop, as well as having fully developed ventral fins with two or three dorsal, central, and ventral stripes and a caudal spot. Myomere numbers and fin rays differed among species across a range of 8–10 dorsal, 10–13 pectoral, 6 ventral, 24–31 anal, and 10–13 caudal fin rays. Diagnostic characters were selected to create a dichotomous identification key, with an illustration provided. In terms of taxonomy, the different larval stages also differed in pigmentation patterns among species, with pigmentation patterns on head (pre-orbital, sub-orbital, post-orbital, and sub-opercular bands) and longitudinal stripes on the side of the body able to be used to distinguish among different development stages as well as different species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1281.186268

Authors: Ting-Ting Zhu, Feng-Hua Yuan, Ren-Yi Zhang, Ya-Hui Zhao

Abstract: Two new cave-dwelling species, Triplophysa zhijinensis sp. nov. and Triplophysa dafangensis sp. nov., are described from karst caves in Guizhou Province, southwestern China. Triplophysa zhijinensis sp. nov. is distinguished from other hypogean congeners by body scaleless, dorsal with pigment spots, lateral line complete; eye degenerated into small black spot or disappears, anterior nostril with barbel-like tip; distal margin of dorsal fin truncate; tip of pelvic fin not reaching to anus. Triplophysa dafangensis sp. nov. is distinguished from other hypogean congeners by body naked, without skin pigmentation, lateral line complete; eye reduced, with diameter of head length 5.3–7.1%; outer rostral barbel reaching to or beyond posterior margin of posterior nostrils; distal margin of dorsal fin truncate; tip of pectoral fin not reaching to pelvic-fin origin. To further validate their taxonomic status, mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene sequences were used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and assess genetic distances. The molecular data corroborate the morphological findings and support the recognition of both species as distinct evolutionary lineages. These discoveries highlight the underestimated diversity of Triplophysa in subterranean habitats and emphasize the ecological importance of karst groundwater systems as sheltered habitats for specialized cave-adapted fauna.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1281.181028

Authors: Ned S. Rose, Maybelle A. Fortaleza, Joey P. Cabasan, Kevin L. Labrador, Joemarie J. Lanutan, Cleto L. Nañola Jr., Matthew G. Girard, Katherine E. Bemis

Abstract: We revise the diagnosis of the flathead genus Elates Jordan & Seale, 1907 and describe a new species based on specimens purchased from a fish market in the southern Philippines. The new species differs from the only previously valid species in the genus, Elates ransonnettii (Steindachner, 1876), in having a large eye, a broad lateral vomerine tooth patch, a medial vomerine tooth patch, two pores on each lateral-line scale, a greater number of scale rows above the lateral line, an absence of a filamentous ray extending from the upper lobe of the caudal fin, a transparent dorsal-fin membrane with no dark pigmentation, and a wholly dark peritoneum. Analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data supports both genetic differentiation between E. ransonnettii and the new species as well as monophyly of the genus Elates. The new species is known only from specimens purchased in the General Santos Public Market in General Santos City caught in Sarangani Bay, in contrast to E. ransonnettii, which is broadly distributed in the western Pacific Ocean to the Malacca Strait and Andaman Sea.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1280.188225

Authors: Xin Liu, Zhong-Guang Chen, Yi-Fan Shu, Jun-Hao Huang, Kai Liu, Yi Yu

Abstract: A new species of freshwater goby, Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov., is described from the upper Changjiang River basin in Sichuan Province, China, based on comparative morphology and molecular phylogeny. The new species is sister to Rhinogobius szechuanensis Tchang, 1939 and can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: absence of sensory canals and pores on head; cheeks and operculum without spots or stripes; second dorsal fin with 9–11 longitudinal rows of inverted V-shaped or dash-like brown markings; incomplete brownish edges on flank scales below second dorsal fin; branchiostegal membrane bright yellow.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1279.185128

Authors: Zhixian Sun, Dong Sheng, Shuya Sun, Wenqiao Tang, Yahui Zhao

Abstract: The genus Abbottina Jordan & Fowler, 1903 comprises small benthic gobionid fishes widely distributed in East Asia. However, due to the unclear generic characteristics as defined in the original description, the taxonomic status of the species within this genus remains controversial, and its definition needs clarification. This study examined the morphology of the type species, Abbottina rivularis (Basilewsky, 1855), to more accurately redefine generic characteristics. The genus Abbottina can be distinguished from all other gobionid genera by the following characteristics: mouth inferior; lips thick, relatively smooth, with small less-developed papillae or shallow grooves; lower lip with anterior fold, medial pad forming two oval protuberances; jaws covered by lips, without horny margin; barbel one pair; the last unbranched dorsal-fin ray thin and soft; with five branched anal-fin rays; pharyngeal teeth in one row; air-bladder moderately large, possessing two soft chambers; anterior chamber enclosed in membrane capsule. Based on morphological characters and phylogeny of mitochondrial genome sequences, Abbottina lalinensis has been reassigned to the genus Microphysogobio. Further, based on the morphology of Abbottina binhi from Cao Bàng Province, this species is reassigned to the genus Oriengobio. Thus, the genus Abbottina becomes a monotypic genus.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1279.186008

Authors: Hsuan-Ching Ho, Yo Su

Abstract: Fricke (2024) described a new genus and a new species, Acanthopsaron striatum Fricke, 2024, based on a single specimen. A re-examination of the holotype revealed several errors in the original description, including the numbers of dorsal- and anal-fin rays. Our results suggest that it is not a member of Hemerocoetidae and is in fact conspecific with Parapercis fuscolineata Fourmanoir, 1985 (family Pinguipedidae). A detailed observation of the holotype is provided and compared to data of other specimens of P. fuscolineata. As we found no difference between those two species, we propose that Acanthopsaron Fricke, 2024 is a junior synonym of Parapercis Bleeker, 1863, and A. striatum is a junior synonym of P. fuscolineata.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1279.171946

Authors: Yo Su, John R. Paxton, Hsuan-Ching Ho

Abstract: Four new species of the flabby whalefish genus Gyrinomimus Parr, 1934 are described based on female specimens: G. alepis sp. nov. from the southern Atlantic, G. amaokai sp. nov. from the Northern Hemisphere, G. johnpaxtoni Su & Ho, sp. nov. from the Pacific and Atlantic, and G. johnsoni sp. nov. from the northern Pacific. Each of the new species differs from congeners in the length of gill filaments on fourth gill arch, numbers of dorsal- and anal-fin rays, gill rakers, head and lateral-line pores, anal lappets and vertebrae, distribution of cavernous tissue, and the shape and length/width ratio of copular tooth plate. Moreover, three species groups are defined: G. bruuni species group, G. grahami species group, and G. myersi species group. Each group differs in the length of gill filaments, numbers of anal lappet and gill rakers, and distribution of cavernous tissue. Diagnostic characters and detailed descriptions of the new species are provided and compared to congeners, with variations discussed. Finally, an identification key to species groups and all known species is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1273.184335

Authors: Yang Chen, Jia-Jun Zhou, Jing-Chen Chen, Jin-Quan Yang

Abstract: For decades, populations of the suck-loach genus Formosania from the Jiulongjiang River in Fujian Province, China, have been identified as F. fascicauda, a species originally described from in a separate coastal drainage basin in Fuqing County. Employing an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, we demonstrate that the Jiulongjiang River population represents a distinct species, formally described here as Formosania tangi sp. nov. It is diagnosed by a combination of characters: 13 rostral barbels arranged in two rows, a distinct straight, dark, longitudinal stripe along the lateral line, and an emarginate caudal fin. Phylogenetic analyses consistently recover it as a unique evolutionary lineage showing significant genetic divergence from true F. fascicauda, with a Kimura 2-parameter distance of 4.16%. The description of F. tangi clarifies the taxonomic status of the Jiulongjiang River population and enhances our understanding of species diversity and biogeography of Formosania in the coastal drainages of southeastern China.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1273.167628

Authors: Kunio Amaoka, Yo Su, Hsuan-Ching Ho

Abstract: A new lefteye flounder, Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov., is described based on five specimens collected from Penghu Islands. This new species differs from the other four congeners by having a pair of small black spots on the caudal fin, a horizontal triangular bluish-black marking on the blind side of body in male, the front wings of the marking reaching the base of dorsal and anal fins, and a combination of morphometric characters, including a larger head, deeper body, smaller eyes, fewer dorsal- and anal-fin rays and lateral-line scales, and other characters. A key to all five nominal species of Crossorhombus is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1272.141461

Authors: Jose Tavera, Beatriz S. Beltrán-León, Andrea Polanco F, Luis A. Zapata, Fernando A. Zapata, Arturo Acero P

Abstract: A checklist of marine fishes from the Colombian Pacific is presented based on an appraisal of local inventories published in peer-reviewed journals and validation of records with voucher specimens deposited in Colombian marine fish collections and photographic records. Unpublished information collected over several years by the authors is also included. An exhaustive re-evaluation of the taxonomy of all species present in the area was also carried out. As a result, 727 species were confirmed, representing close to 50% of the 1,468 shallow water fish species reported from the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). The diversity of marine fishes in Colombia was classified into three classes, 60 orders, 149 families, and 412 genera. Of these classes, only one species belongs to Myxini (hagfishes), 64 to Chondrichthyes (sharks, rays, and chimaeras), and 663 to Actinopterygii (bony fishes). In addition, 35 new records are presented for the Pacific of Colombia. Finally, all this diversity is characterized according to different ecological variables such as depth and bottom preference, among others, with the following results: 43% of all the species are benthopelagic, 54% of which are predominantly soft bottom dwellers. A total of 283 bony fishes (39% of all the species) are considered to have commercial value or are involved in some trade. Additionally, a list of 77 species that have only been recorded in larval stages is also presented. This comprehensive list provides a valuable resource for future research, conservation efforts, and fisheries management in the Colombian Pacific.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1272.175090

Authors: Hui Liu, Yufei Wang, Xiaojing Song, Chunyan Ma, Hanye Zhang

Abstract: The validity of Saurida microlepis has long been debated, owing to close morphological similarity with congeners and the unavailability of the type specimen. We re-evaluated the species validity of S. microlepis through integrative analyses of morphological traits and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences from 108 specimens collected along the coastal waters of China, including the type locality. Specimens were divided into three groups according to vertebral, lateral-line, and pre-dorsal-fin scales: forms matching S. eso, previously included as a synonym of S. elongata; forms corresponding to S. microlepis; and forms showing broad ranges across these traits. Morphological analyses revealed extensive overlap in both meristic and morphometric characters, demonstrating that they are insufficient for reliable discrimination. Genetic analyses revealed low intraspecific divergence and no distinct phylogenetic clustering. The results do not support recognition of S. microlepis as a valid species, and it is here confirmed as a junior synonym of S. eso. The different distribution patterns of S. eso and S. microlepis, combined with divergences in vertebral, lateral-line, and pre-dorsal-fin scales, suggest they may represent distinct populations of the same species. This study demonstrates the importance of combining morphological and molecular evidence to resolve taxonomic challenges in marine fishes.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1270.170412

Authors: Guillain Estivals, Ronald Delgado-Barboza, Morgan Ruiz-Tafur, Junior Chuctaya, Pierre Caminade, Carmen Garcia-Davila, Nicolas Hubert

Abstract: The Amazon basin harbors exceptional fish diversity, with more than 3,500 species reported. However, this biodiversity is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities and climate change. The Peruvian Amazon alone is home to nearly 1,000 freshwater fish species – approximately one-third of the entire Amazon – yet significant gaps remain in our understanding of their distribution, ecology, and conservation status. Molecular approaches, particularly environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, have emerged as promising alternatives for rapid and accurate biodiversity assessment. In this study, a metabarcoding workflow targeting a fragment of the 12S gene to eDNA samples collected from small streams and ponds near Iquitos, Peru, was applied to evaluate the applicability of this approach for local fish community inventories. Water from 12 sites was filtered, and DNA was extracted, amplified, and sequenced using high-throughput Illumina technology. Bioinformatic analyses included MOTU clustering, haplotype identification, and taxonomic assignment using the Lowest Common Ancestor (LCA) algorithm. A total of 226 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified, 95 of which were assigned to fish taxa and clustered into 44 MOTUs across four orders: Characiformes, Gymnotiformes, Siluriformes, and Cichliformes. The study highlights the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding in detecting both common and elusive species, while also highlighting current limitations due to incomplete DNA barcode reference libraries. These findings underscore the need to expand barcode databases to fully harness the potential of eDNA for monitoring Amazonian fish biodiversity and support its use as a valuable tool for inventorying fish communities in sensitive and understudied environments.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1270.175032

Authors: Harutaka Hata, Lauren Sallan, Hiroyuki Motomura

Abstract: A new anchovy species, Stolephorus falco sp. nov., is described based on three museum specimens collected from northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Although the new species resembles S. baganensis Delsman, 1931, S. dubiosus Wongratana, 1983, S. taurus Hata, Lavoué & Motomura, 2022, and S. tri (Bleeker, 1852) in having a predorsal scute and a spine on the pelvic scute, it differs from all four of these taxa in having a distinctively deeper body, fewer scales on the longitudinal series, and additional differences in a number of other characters.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1270.170907

Authors: Wei-Cheng Jhuang, Aradea Bujana Kusuma, Te-Yu Liao

Abstract: The present study provides a supplementary morphological description, the first molecular analysis, and the first description of female of Stiphodon hadiatyae Nurjirana, Gustiano, Haryono & Wibowo, 2025. In addition, the first distributional record of the species from outside Enggano Island is noted, based on underwater photographs from Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia. Although recently described, the original account lacked both molecular data and female diagnostic characters. Phylogenetic and morphological evidence confirms placement within the “Stiphodon sapphirinus group” characterized by generally having 14 pectoral fin rays and a smaller adult body size (usually < 40 mm SL). Stiphodon hadiatyae differs from its congeners by the following characteristics: males possess a pointed first dorsal fin, with an elongated, filamentous fourth spine, fewer premaxillary tricuspid teeth, a belly entirely covered by cycloid scales, and a slightly pointed caudal fin. Coloration also distinguishes both sexes from congeners: males with a blue head with a brown snout, body greyish, median fins orange, and a distinct black blotch at caudal fin base; females with orange to red first, second dorsal, and anal fins, and a caudal fin proximally red to orange with four or five rows of brown spots.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1270.182564

Authors: Xiao Ma, Yang Xu, Xiao-Die Chen, Cheng-He Sun, Chang-Hu Lu

Abstract: The classification of the Puntius-Dawkinsia complex has long been controversial due to overlapping morphological characteristics and inconsistent phylogenetic tree topology based on short mtDNA fragments. In order to better clarify the species relationship within the genus Dawkinsia, the complete mitochondrial genome of Dawkinsia apsara was determined for the first time, and the mitochondrial genome of Dawkinsia denisonii was newly sequenced independently for comparative analysis. The results showed that the nucleotide composition of mtDNA of D. apsara (16,470 bp) and D. denisonii (16,900 bp) was similar. The total AT content of the two fish species was 58.9% and 58.2%, respectively. RSCU and amino acid composition showed that A/T-ending synonymous codons, and Leu was the most abundant amino acid. However, there are significant differences in the length and structure of the control region between the two species, especially in the tandem repeats and conserved structural units. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on ML and BI methods strongly supported the monophyly of genus Dawkinsia. The Dawkinsia denisonii was clustered with D. chalakkudiensis within the genus, followed by D. tambraparniei and D. apsara, and obtained a higher phylogenetic resolution than previous studies between Dawkinsia and its related genera such as Pethia and Puntius. This study provides the first complete mitochondrial genome of D. apsara, reveals the structural variations in the genome, particularly within the control regions, among the closely related species of Dawkinsia, enriches the phylogenetic data of the genus Dawkinsia, and provides new mitochondrial genome-scale evidence for the long-controversial Puntius-Dawkinsia complex.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1269.155896

Authors: Beatriz Rodrigues da Cruz, Jonatas Santos Lima Pereira, Claudio Oliveira, Guilherme José da Costa Silva

Abstract: We describe Rineloricaria harenae sp. nov., a sand-dwelling armoured catfish from the Itapocú River, Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The new species is diagnosed by a distinctive combination of characters: (1) four lateral plate series, with the mid-dorsal series absent; (2) abdomen only partially covered by central plates that do not reach the pectoral-fin insertion; (3) plates of the central abdominal complex arranged in an approximately triangular pattern; (4) cleithral (scapular) region entirely naked or bearing a few small, isolated plates; and (5) presence of five dark transverse bars on the dorsal surface of the body. Mitochondrial COI data corroborate species distinctiveness, and phylogenetic inference under the GTR model recovers R. harenae as a well-supported lineage. The species is currently known only from the type locality, a shallow (< 1 m), sandy reach showing early siltation, suggesting potential vulnerability. Although it exhibits canonical traits of sand-dwelling groups (four lateral plate series, broad naked snout, filamentous upper caudal ray), it differs from sand-dwelling congeners by displaying an abdominal plating pattern typical of rock-dwelling groups. This raises hypotheses about the origin and functional role of ventral plates in Rineloricaria and highlights conservation needs for low-order sandy habitats.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1269.175603

Authors: Jia-Jie Chen, Bei-Jia Zhao, Ning-Ya Yang, Hui Zhang, You He, Han-Ye Zhang, Xiao-Dong Wang, Jun-Sheng Zhong

Abstract: Neobythites nanhaiensis sp. nov., a new cusk eel species from the South China Sea, is described based on 14 specimens collected at a depth of 400 m near Nan’an Reef. This species is readily distinguished from all congeners by the unique presence of two (rarely three) distinct black ocelli on the mid-flank, a trait absent in all other Neobythites species. It further lacks stripes, fin ocelli, or dark fin margins. The meristic features include dorsal-fin rays 107 (90–115), anal-fin rays 93 (80–94), pectoral-fin rays 25 (21–27), total vertebrae 62 (58–64), and 9–11 developed gill rakers. The complete mitochondrial genome (17,287 bp) was sequenced, exhibiting the typical vertebrate structure with an A+T bias of 55.1%. Phylogenetic analyses based on both the COI gene and the complete mitogenome robustly supported N. nanhaiensis sp. nov. as a distinct monophyletic lineage, sister to N. marginatus in the mitogenome phylogeny. This integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphology, meristics, otolith morphology, and mitogenomic data, confirms the establishment of this new species, which lies outside any existing species group within the genus due to its unique flank ocelli.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1269.173359

Authors: Cai-Huan Mo, Jia-Jun Zhou, Min-Jie Deng, Zhuo-Cong Wang, Li-Na Du, Zheng-Quan Nong

Abstract: A new species of Paranemachilus, Paranemachilus nonggangensis sp. nov. is described from the Zuojiang river basin, a tributary of the Pearl River system. The new species can be differentiated from other members of the genus by morphological characters and molecular evidence. In morphology, the new species can be distinguished from other congeneric species by having scaled cheeks, the postcleithrum present, 12 or 13 branched pectoral fin rays, six branched pelvic fin rays, 11–15+3 infraorbital canal pores, and 6–10 supraorbital canal pores. A Bayesian inference phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial Cyt b gene strongly supports the validity of P. nonggangensis sp. nov.; the uncorrected p-distance is 5.18–7.67%.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1268.173139

Authors: Hai-Min Lv, De-Kui He, Chun-Yun Lei, Fei Liu

Abstract: Two new species of the genus Sineuchiloglanis are described from two tributaries of the upper Yangtze River, China. These two new species can be distinguished from all congeners by morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analysis. Sineuchiloglanis chishuiensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: eye enlarged, with diameter 6.8–9.1% of head length (HL); interorbital width 24.1–24.8% of HL; maxillary barbel length 67.1–84.4% of HL; caudal-peduncle depth 27.1–40.3% of caudal-peduncle length; dorsal-fin rays i, 51/2; anal-fin rays i, 41/2; caudal-fin rays i, 7+8, i; gill opening extending to the base of second to third pectoral-fin elements; tip of nasal barbel not reaching anterior orbital margin; pelvic-fin tip reaching or extending beyond anus; and the abdomen slightly convex in profile. Sineuchiloglanis baishuiensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: head depth 42–48.4% of HL; maxillary barbel length 65.9–82.1% of HL; caudal-peduncle depth 25.9–40.6% of caudal-peduncle length; dorsal-fin rays i, 51/2; anal-fin rays i, 41/2; caudal-fin rays i, 7+8, i; gill opening extending to the base of the fourth to fifth pectoral-fin elements; tip of maxillary barbel not reaching the lower corner of the gill opening; tip of nasal barbel not reaching anterior orbital margin; and the abdomen flattened in profile. Molecular phylogenetic analysis inferred from mitochondrial Cytb gene sequences supported the validity of these two new species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1267.166354

Authors: You Nong, Yuan Fang, Jin-Yue Li, Qiu-Jun Wei, Chuan-Gui Xu, Gui-Yuan Wei

Abstract: Balitora tiandengensis (Teleostei, Balitoridae), a new species collected from a karst cave at Dukang Town, Tiandeng County, Guangxi, China is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on 70 sequences of two mitochondrial (COI and Cyt b) and three nuclear genes (RAG1, IRBP, and EGR2B) show that the new species represents an independent evolutionary lineage. Morphologically, Balitora tiandengensis Nong & Wei, sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other species currently assigned to the genus Balitora by its dorsal fin iii-9, anal fin i-6, pectoral fin v-12, and caudal-fin 19 branched rays. The lips exhibit no complex folding or thickening, maintaining a relatively thin and simple structure. Upper and lower lips connected at corner of mouth, upper lip with a row of inconspicuous papillae, and lower lip thin. Dorsal fin long, 16.7–19.4% of standard length (SL), anal fin short, 15.0–16.7% of SL, distal margin truncated, origin close to the anus and far from the caudal-fin base, pectoral fin 18.4–20.5% of SL, pelvic fin moderately developed, distal margin rounded, 15.1–16.7% of SL. Anus 72.5%–73.3% distance from posterior end of the pelvic fin base to the anal fin origin. The new species will help to define the new distribution of the genus Balitora in Guangxi, China.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1267.174380

Authors: Jia-Jie Chen, Jun-Sheng Zhong, Sheng Zeng, De-Yuan Yang, Pan Liu, Xiao-Dong Wang, Han-Ye Zhang, Jin-Qing Ye

Abstract: The ponyfish genus Aurigequula is a relatively poorly studied group within the Leiognathidae, with its diversity and phylogenetic relationships in the West Pacific remaining unclear. This study reports the first confirmed record of Aurigequula striata from Chinese waters, based on two specimens obtained from a fish market in Sanya, Hainan Island. Newly collected specimens of A. fasciata from the same region are also provided, which enabled detailed morphological and genomic analysis. The morphological descriptions are supplemented by detailed photographic documentation of fresh and preserved specimens, addressing the historical scarcity of reliable visual references for these species. Furthermore, we present the first complete mitochondrial genomes for both A. striata (16,629 bp) and A. fasciata (16,537 bp). Our phylogenomic analysis, based on 13 protein-coding genes, strongly supports the monophyly of the subfamilies Gazzinae and Leiognathinae. Within Leiognathinae, however, the analysis suggests paraphyly of Aurigequula, with A. fasciata forming a clade with Leiognathus equula to the exclusion of A. striata. This result conflicts with the current morphology-based generic diagnosis, which relies on consistent differences in the length of the second dorsal-fin spine and body coloration patterns. This study significantly expands the genomic resources for the understudied genus Aurigequula but also highlights the limitations of relying solely on mitochondrial data for resolving generic-level relationships. A more robust phylogenetic framework for Leiognathidae, capable of reconciling molecular and morphological evidence, will require the integration of multiple independent nuclear loci.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.172819

Authors: Zheng Gong, Huanshan Wang, Yanchao Liu, Jianchuan Li

Abstract: Glaridoglanis verruciloba sp. nov. is described from the Zayul River in southeastern Tibet, China. It has long been misidentified as G. andersonii. This new species is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: an enlarged lower lip bearing 4–7 verruciform lobes on the central-posterior margin; an anus situated close to the origin of the anal fin; the ventral surface at the base of maxillary barbels densely covered with striae; 11 branched pectoral-fin rays; 5–6 branched anal-fin rays; and relatively short mandibular barbels. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences further supported the validity of this new species, which is within a well-supported clade with substantial genetic divergence from G. andersonii.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436

Authors: Yo Su, Hsuan-Ching Ho

Abstract: The bandfish genus Owstonia Tanaka, 1908 shows high diversity, with many new species described recently by Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016). However, not many Taiwanese materials were included, and the diversity remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated specimens deposited in the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, which revealed that those previously reported as O. psilos includes O. doryptera (Fowler, 1934) and a species newly described here; one of three specimens reported as O totomiensis is re-identified as O. cf. aurora. The specimens of O. doryptera represent the first record from Taiwan, as well as the northernmost record of the species. Detailed descriptions of each species are provided, with comments on their morphological variations. Moreover, the diagnostic characters proposed by previous literature are discussed. Lastly, a checklist of the species of Owstonia from Taiwan is provided and discussed. In total, nine species are recognized in waters of Taiwan.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1261.151636

Authors: Matthew A. Campbell, Serra C. Perry, Khyana N. Yearwood, Grace Auringer, Nick Buckmaster, Amanda J. Finger

Abstract: The Tui Chubs, Siphateles spp., are found widely across the Great Basin and in some adjacent regions. Nearly all diversity of Siphateles has been consolidated under the name S. bicolor and there are numerous isolated populations of Tui Chubs of uncertain taxonomic standing and therefore unclear conservation priority. The Fish Lake Valley Tui Chub (FLVTC) has been recognized informally as S. bicolor ssp. 4 with a limited natural distribution in Fish Lake Valley in southwest Nevada. Considering that a rigorous examination of the phylogenetic relationships of the FLVTC and other Tui Chubs has not been conducted, the FLVTC is placed in a taxonomic framework by first applying a species delimitation method to S. bicolor sensu lato using mitochondrial data and then conducting phylogenetic analyses of genome-wide SNP data. Siphateles bicolor is better characterized by seven species, all with existing names, which here are considered to be valid Siphateles species. Furthermore, the separation of Alvord Basin Siphateles from other Siphateles is apparent as a deeply divergent lineage. As a result, we propose Epizon Campbell & Finger, gen. nov. to contain these fishes. The Fish Lake Valley Tui Chub is found to be the earliest-branching lineage of S. obesus in our SNP data set and are highly differentiated from other S. obesus. These findings are concordant with geologic evidence that indicates that Fish Lake Valley became connected to the broader Lahontan Basin ~2 million years ago, with gene flow possible until ~0.5 million years ago. Based on the geographic distribution and magnitude of genetic divergence, we find the recognition of FLVTC as a subspecies of S. obesus is appropriate.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1259.160425

Authors: Bai-an Lin, John J. Pogonoski, Fahmi, Kunto Wibowo, Ning Labbish Chao, Mathew Seymour

Abstract: In this study, we describe a newly recognized croaker (Sciaenidae), Johnius javaensis sp. nov. based on five specimens (87–121 mm in standard length) from the southern coast of Java, Indonesia. Specifically, taxonomic reassessment of sciaenids collected from fish markets on the islands of Java, Bali, and Lombok of Indonesia has revealed that specimens previously identified as Johnius heterolepis represent this new species. Johnius javaensis sp. nov. is characterized by five vesicular mental barbels on the chin, 30–32 dorsal-fin rays, seven or eight scale rows below the lateral line; 11 or 12 lower gill rakers, 11 or 12 swim-bladder appendages, and ventral margin of the sagitta head expanded into a distinct convexity. Historically, four Johnius species (J. amblycephalus, J. fuscolineatus, J. macropterus and J. mannarensis) were reported to have one mental barbel on the chin. The new species is readily distinguished from all other 33 described Johnius species by possessing five vesicular mental barbels on the chin. A phylogenetic analysis of 21 Johnius species based on the 521-bp COI gene confirms that the new species is placed as a sister species of J. macropterus, based on an average of dissimilarity 8.16%.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1257.120512

Authors: Xiao Chen, Shiping Su, Xiaohua Zhang, Richard Van der Laan, E Zhang

Abstract: Issues concerning the identification of Chanodichthys oxycephalus are addressed. This species is a senior synonym of Ch. oxycephaloides and is restricted to the Chang-Jiang basin and adjacent lakes. Specimens previously identified as Ch. oxycephalus, represent misidentifications of either Ch. abramoides or Ch. dabryi. Chanodichthys oxycephalus, Ch. abramoides, and Ch. dabryi are confirmed as three distinct species. Chanodichthys dabryi shinkainensis is treated as a junior synonym of Ch. abramoides. Additional comments are provided on some cultrin fishes from Lakes Dongting and Xingkai mentioned in earlier literature. This study clears up the taxonomic confusion surrounding associated species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1256.158411

Authors: Tonisman Harefa, Haryono Haryono, Rudhy Gustiano, Tedjo Sukmono, Gema Wahyudewantoro

Abstract: Desmopuntius mahakamensis sp. nov., is described based on specimens from East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The new species, D. mahakamensis is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: anal-fin rays iii,5½; lateral line scales 26–27 (mode 26); predorsal scales 9–11 (mode 10); gill rakers 9–11 (mode 10); total vertebrae 29; axial streak present; presence of 5–6 black lateral stripes in adults (>30 mm SL), with stripe +1 extending from behind the gill opening along scale row 1 and reaching only to midbody, between the origin and end of the dorsal-fin base. Molecular evidence further supports the assignment of the new species in the genus Desmopuntius and its clear separation from congeners.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1256.153772

Authors: Tianwei Liu, Kun Huang, An Xu, Zhenming Lü, Li Gong, Jing Liu, Ming Tang, Liqin Liu

Abstract: The ecological opportunities presented by the invasion from marine to freshwater habitats are considered to be an important catalyst for the adaptive radiation of many fish taxa. The sculpins (family Cottidae) serve as a typical representative of such successful evolutionary radiation from marine to freshwater environments, and among which, several intermediate diadromous taxa that can adapt to both marine and freshwater habitats have been evolved. However, little is known about the genetic basis underlying the diadromous migration adaptations for these euryhaline sculpins. Here, we have constructed a high-quality chromosome-level genome of the Cottidae species roughskin sculpin (Trachidermus fasciatus) and made a comparative genomic analysis of the genomes from the closely related species, aiming to elucidate the genetic basis and the possible evolutionary origin of its unique diadromous lifestyle. Our Hi-C data anchored the preliminary assembled sequences to 20 pseudochromosomes, resulting in a final corrected genome size of 526.39 Mb, with a scaffold N50 of 24.94 Mb. Phylogenetic analysis supports that the Cottidae family, to which roughskin sculpin belongs, possibly originated from the ocean, and should be reclassified under the suborder Cottoidei of the order Perciformes, rather than the classical order Scorpaeniformes. Comparative genomic analysis showed that 184 and 856 putative gene families in roughskin sculpin have undergone expansion and contraction, respectively. Enrichment categories of the top candidate genes under significant expansion were mainly associated with oxygen transport and immune response, possibly indicating their adaptations to the great oxygen demand and a wider range of pathogens across different salinity gradients during diadromous migration of roughskin sculpin. Additionally, 477 putative genes were identified to have undergone positive selection, which were enriched in categories related to DNA repair, innate immunity, and ion transport. This may indicate that the adaptive remodeling of immune systems and osmotic regulation mechanisms is essential for the roughskin sculpin to cope with the challenges posed by exposure to diverse microbial communities and fluctuations in salinity during migration. Our work not only provides valuable resources for understanding the genetic basis of the roughskin sculpin’s adaptation to a unique migratory lifestyle, but may also offer important insights into how evolutionary radiation from marine to freshwater habitats has been achieved in marine-originated sculpins.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1255.158447

Authors: Zhuo-Ni Chen, Cai-Huan Mo, Li-Na Du, Li-Na Zhang

Abstract: A new species of loach, Oreonectes qinae sp. nov., was collected in December 2024 from Guangxi Gutingshan Forest Park, Liuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The new species can be distinguished from all other congeners by a suite of morphological characters, including a dorsal-fin origin posterior to the pelvic-fin origin, a degenerated posterior chamber of the swim bladder, and an incomplete lateral line, with 11–13 lateral-line pores. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) gene sequences confirmed its separation, with uncorrected p-distances ranging from 1.4% to 8.7% compared to closely related species. The discovery of Oreonectes qinae sp. nov. reflects the hidden diversity within Oreonectes in the complex karst landscapes of Guangxi and emphasizes the need for further investigation and conservation of these cryptic freshwater species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1255.159341

Authors: Viktor N. Peinemann, Lucia Pombo-Ayora, Walter A. Rich, Michael D. Fox, Darren J. Coker

Abstract: A new species of the gobiid genus Trimma is described from the Farasan Banks in the southeastern Red Sea. The new species is characterized by having a predorsal midline with 7–8 scales, the fifth pelvic-fin ray unbranched, cheek and opercle scaleless, all pectoral-fin rays unbranched, and a dorsal fin VI + I,7, without elongate spines. In life, the species is bright yellow throughout, with a distinctive yellow-green longitudinal band in the central third of the dorsal fins. The new species inhabits caves on exposed offshore reefs at depths between 15 and 30 m where it occurs in small groups of up to 10 individuals. The new species appears to be sister to T. winchi from the western Indian Ocean. We also present a multilocus phylogeny (COI, 16S, Ptr, S7I1), including all known Red Sea Trimma and 21 non-Red Sea species, and an expanded supermatrix tree with 93 species to place Red Sea endemism in broader context. This brings the total number of Trimma species known from the Red Sea to 10, with eight appearing to be endemic to the region. The high proportion of endemism in the genus is noteworthy, even for the Red Sea, which has one of the highest proportions of endemic reef fishes in the Indo-Pacific. Moreover, K2P distances in the two widespread species suggest they may also represent cryptic endemic species, but further analyses are needed. The new species is currently known only from the Farasan Banks region despite extensive sampling along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1255.162247

Authors: Hashem Khandan Barani, Mohammad Sadegh Alavi-Yeganeh, Mehdi Ghanbarifardi

Abstract: A new species of sillaginid fish, Sillago persica sp. nov., is described from 30 specimens collected along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf (Busher), Iran. Morphological comparisons with 15 congeneric species, including members of the S. sihama complex, show that S. persica closely resembles S. sihama in meristic counts and coloration but is clearly distinguished by a unique swim bladder morphology. The posterior sub-extensions of the anterolateral swim bladder extensions in S. persica display a complex structure comprising five broad extensions connected to the swim bladder body, a feature absent in S. sihama and other sillaginids. Additional diagnostic characters include distinct meristic, morphometric, and coloration traits. Molecular analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences corroborate this species’ distinctiveness, with phylogenetic reconstruction placing S. persica haplotypes and a previously recognized G5 clade haplotype of the S. sihama complex in a strongly supported monophyletic clade sister to S. indica and S. suezensis. Intraspecific genetic divergence within haplotypes of silaginid species and clades of S. sihma ranged from 0.00 to 0.01 (K2P). The S. persica haplotypes matched the G5 clade of S. sihama (0.01, K2P distance) whereas it exhibited 0.18–0.24 K2P divergence from haplotypes of other sillaginid species and clades of the S. sihama complex. A detailed morphological description is provided along with diagnostic illustrations.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1253.153155

Authors: Min Shi, Yuan-Chao Chen, Xing-Jin Che, Wei Dao, Wen-Ming Liu, Deng-Shan Wang, Jun-Xing Yang, Xiao-Ai Wang

Abstract: Triplophysa baishuijiangensis sp. nov., a new cave-dwelling loach, was collected from an underground river outlet in Xiaoganxi Village, Yiliang County, Yunnan Province, China, situated within the core area of the Baishuijiang National Aquatic Germplasm Resources Reserve for Endemic Fish, part of the Hengjiang–Jinsha River system. The new species is distinguished from congeners by significant genetic divergence and the following combination of characteristics: vestigial eyes, absence of skin pigmentation, pelvic fin tip reaching the anus, complete lateral line, developed posterior chamber of the swim bladder, and dorsal fin rays iii-7. Phylogenetic analysis based on Cyt b positions this new species in the hypogean group of Triplophysa, increasing the documented cave species in the genus from 42 to 43. Triplophysa baishuijiangensis sp. nov. represents the first documented typical cavefish in the Jinsha River basin, underscoring the region’s ecological significance for subterranean adaptation and suggesting unexplored cave biodiversity that merits systematic investigation.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1249.154110

Authors: Menachem Goren, Tamar Feldstein-Farkash

Abstract: A taxonomic reassessment of Pseudophoxinus populations in the upper Jordan River basin has revealed that specimens previously identified as Pseudophoxinus kervillei actually represent an undescribed species. In addition, earlier taxonomic revisions have shown that P. kervillei is a junior synonym of P. libani and should no longer be regarded as a valid species. In this study, we formally describe the newly recognized species as Pseudophoxinus galilaeus sp. nov. Pseudophoxinus galilaeus sp. nov. is characterized by 39–44 scales along the mid-lateral row, 13–17 pored lateral line scales, and 20–23 predorsal scales. It has 4–5 gill rakers on the lower arch of the first gill, with two being notably short. The species possesses 33–34 vertebrae; its dorsal fin originates at vertebrae 12 or 13, and its anal fin commonly originates at vertebra 19, occasionally extending to vertebra 20 or 21. Pseudophoxinus galilaeus sp. nov. inhabits ponds, lakes, and rivers with slow to moderate currents. A unique DNA barcoding signature (mtDNA COI) revealed that it differs from any other previously bar-coded Pseudophoxinus species. In phylogenetic analyses, it clustered with the Pseudophoxinus species from neighboring countries in the Levant region, suggesting a common ancestor for these species. This analysis shows that sequences of P. kervillei from Turkey differ from P. libani from Lebanon and Syria. Further morphological examination is needed to determine the status of the species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1248.151641

Authors: Edith Avila-Treviño, Gabriel Fernando Cardoza-Martínez, Fernando Alonzo-Rojo, Rodolfo Pérez-Rodríguez

Abstract: Catfishes of the genus Ictalurus (Ictaluridae) range geographically from southern Canada to northern Guatemala and Belize. The systematics of this genus remain unresolved, with recent studies suggesting the presence of cryptic diversity. This is the case for a potentially undescribed catfish species distributed in the Nazas River basin, which has been recorded to date as a population of Ictalurus pricei. Recent phylogenetic studies suggest that it represents an independently evolving lineage that is distinct from I. pricei. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic characters that differentiate the Nazas River basin lineage and to describe this lineage as a new taxon. Morphological comparisons were made using meristic and morphometric characters. The study identified useful meristic and morphometric characters for diagnosing Ictalurus nazas sp. nov., which differentiate it from I. pricei.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1247.151795

Authors: Kwang-Tsao Shao, Hui-Ling Ko, Yung-Chieh Chiu, Hsin-Kai Huang, Ya-Fang Chen, Yen-Wei Chang

Abstract: Fish eggs and larval stages are essential components of marine ecosystems and play important roles in sustaining marine food webs. However, the egg and larval stages often lack distinct diagnostic characteristics, making it challenging to identify species solely based on their morphology. In this study, we applied a DNA barcoding approach targeting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene to establish a comprehensive reference for fish eggs and larval material in coastal waters off Taiwan. A total of 7602 records of fish eggs and larvae were collected from marine coastal waters surrounding Taiwan between 2004 and 2023 and identified using a DNA barcoding approach. By comparing our newly generated DNA barcoding sequences with records from public reference databases, we identified 1112 different fish taxa encompassing 24 orders, 158 families, 500 genera, and 844 fish species. This DNA barcoding referencing effort will facilitate future studies on the early life stages of Taiwanese coastal marine fish communities. In addition, it will also provide an important baseline for the development of new methods, such as eDNA and DNA metabarcoding diet analysis. This database provides comprehensive spatial and temporal distribution data of fish eggs and larvae in the waters surrounding Taiwan, contributing to a better understanding of fish spawning seasons, spawning grounds, and resource fluctuations. This database enhances the accuracy of species identification and serves as a scientific foundation for biodiversity conservation and fishery resource management.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1246.145752

Authors: Rodulf Anthony T. Balisco, Te-Yu Liao

Abstract: A comprehensive list of fish species collected from Philippine waters and taxonomically described from 1770 to 2024 is herein compiled and presented. A total of 1212 species from 156 families were described, of which 828 from 135 families are currently considered valid, 349 invalid, and 34 with unknown or uncertain status. There are also 228 species currently recorded only in Philippine waters, with 85 species found only in estuarine and freshwater areas, and 143 species in the marine habitats. The type information of these species is also listed together with their current valid names and authorships. The checklist also includes approximately 3842 lots containing 12549 specimens scattered in different museums, including 966 holotypes/lectotypes, 2654 lots of paratypes/paralectotypes, 216 lots of syntypes, and 15 lots of neotypes. Forty-five lots were un-cataloged, while approximately 324 lots were believed to have been lost or destroyed during World War II.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1244.141409

Authors: James L. O’Donnell, Ricardo Beldade, Jason Johns, Giacomo Bernardi

Abstract: Anemonefishes (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) comprise approximately 28 species of damselfishes that exclusively live symbiotically with sea anemones. Distribution ranges vary, with some species only found in few isolated islands and others with ranges that span almost the entire Indo-Pacific. The orange-fin anemonefish, Amphiprion chrysopterus shows a wide distribution, from Australia to French Polynesia, extending north to Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. Two main color morphs exist, with a morph that displays a white tail and a second morph that has an orange tail. In French Polynesia, only the orange-tail morph is present, while in the rest of the range, the white-tail morph is prevalent, while the orange-tail morph is also present, but very uncommon. Here we assessed the potential presence of a cryptic species in French Polynesia based on morphology, mitochondrial markers, and full genome sequencing. Morphological and genetic results were consistent in identifying a separate group in French Polynesia, which we describe here as a new species: the Polynesian anemonefish, Amphiprion maohiensis.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1244.153942

Authors: Daijiro Yuki, Ronald Fricke, Hiroyuki Motomura

Abstract: A new species of pipefish, Corythoichthys quattuordecim sp. nov., is described based on five specimens collected from Vanuatu and the Chesterfield Islands, New Caledonia. The species inhabits relatively deeper waters (56–81 m) compared to most of its congeners, which are typically found in shallower habitats. It is distinguished by a unique combination of morphological features, most notably the presence of 14 trunk rings, a rare meristic character within the genus. Additional diagnostic characters include a total of 51–52 body rings, 27 dorsal-fin rays, 5.0–5.75 subdorsal rings, and 16 or 17 pectoral-fin rays. Proportional traits include head length 14.1–17.4% of standard length, snout length 56.5–62.9% of head length, dorsal-fin base length 48.3–54.9% of head length, and snout depth 8.3–15.3% of snout length. The opercle bears a denticulate longitudinal ridge with two or three black vertical stripes, and the dorsal fin originates behind the posterior margin of anal ring. The new species most closely resembles C. amplexus and an undescribed taxon reported by Fricke (2004) but is clearly distinguished from both based on the above characters.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1243.147259

Authors: Ryusei Furuhashi, Hiroyuki Motomura

Abstract: The Indo-Pacific lizardfish Synodus autumnus sp. nov. (Aulopiformes, Synodontidae) is morphologically distinct from all other nominal species of Synodus, and is described as new. It is characterized by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays 11–13; anal-fin rays 8–10; lateral-line scales 49–51; scale rows above lateral line 3.5; scale rows below lateral line 4.5; vertebrae 49–52; anterior gill rakers 22–29; peritoneal spots 0–5; anterior palatine teeth in a discrete group, longer than posterior palatine teeth; anterior nostril flap long, broad, leaf-like, extending above and behind posterior margin of posterior nostril when laid back; posterior process of pelvic girdle wide; posterior part of preopercle scaled; body with 5 reddish saddle-like blotches; and lateral surface below lateral line with a straight row of brown blotches when fresh. The new species is similar to Synodus binotatus Schultz, 1953 and Synodus rubromarmoratus Russell & Cressey, 1979, but these species differ in having 52–56 and 53–55 lateral-line scales, respectively. In addition, S. binotatus has blotches below the lateral line in a zigzag pattern, and S. rubromarmoratus has anterior and posterior palatine teeth similar in length, 14–25 teeth on the tongue, and 0–5 peritoneal spots. No color pattern differences were apparent between the new species and S. rubromarmoratus, making differentiation between the two species in underwater photographs impossible; consequently, underwater photographs and unsupported catalog records were excluded from the reassessment of each species’ distribution. Examination of specimens reported as S. rubromarmoratus revealed that the true S. rubromarmoratus has been collected only in Australian waters, whereas S. autumnus sp. nov. is widely distributed in the eastern Indian and Pacific oceans.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1241.138917

Authors: Tadiwa I. Mutizwa, Taurai Bere, Wilbert T. Kadye, Pedro H. N. Bragança, Albert Chakona

Abstract: Growing evidence indicates that species diversity within the genus Chiloglanis Peters 1868 is poorly resolved and major taxonomic revisions are required. By integrating genetic and morphological analyses, this study describes two new Chiloglanis species from the Eastern Zimbabwe Highlands (EZH) freshwater ecoregion, a region that, until only recently, had been poorly-explored in terms of its ichthyological diversity. Chiloglanis asperocutis Mutizwa, Bragança & Chakona, sp. nov. is distinguished from other southern African congeners by a combination of characters, including ridge-like tubercles distributed on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the head and body giving the skin a conspicuously rough texture, ten closely packed mandibular teeth, deeply forked caudal fin and a high number of primary premaxillary teeth (68–128). Chiloglanis compactus Mutizwa, Bragança & Chakona, sp. nov., attains the smallest size (> 46 mm SL) of all currently known congeners in southern Africa. It is distinguished from all the other congeners from the region by a combination of characters; the possession of seven pectoral fin rays, conical tubercles distributed across the dorsal and lateral surface of the head and body, eight widely spaced mandibular teeth, a shallow forked caudal fin with rounded lobes, a low number of primary premaxillary teeth (31–53) and fewer dorsal fin rays (5). These two species are distributed in both the Buzi and Pungwe River systems. The study is the first in a series of publications that will provide formal descriptions of a number of deeply divergent lineages (candidate species) identified in previous studies from southern Africa. The persistence of the unique riverine fauna in the EZH is threatened by multiple impacts that are altering the hydrological regime of the rivers and streams as well as habitat degradation and excessive sedimentation from gold panning and agricultural activities.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1241.138677

Authors: Hsuan-Ching Ho, Tsung-Yu Yang

Abstract: A new species, Stemonosudis adenensis sp. nov., of slender barracudina is described based on a specimen collected off Somalia, Western Indian Ocean. The new species differs from its congeners by having a uniformly brown body, without distinct black patches; nostrils slightly before the posterior end of the maxilla; anus above the tip of the appressed pelvic fin; lateral-line scales: prepelvic 39, predorsal 48, preanal 59, total 81; vertebrae: prepelvic 38, prehaemal 42, predorsal 46, preanal 59, caudal 53, and total 95; and total gill rakers 68. Additional records of Stemonosudis siliquiventer Post, 1970 from the Caribbean Sea are also provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1240.125699

Authors: Anna Mahulu, Ole Seehausen

Abstract: Lake Victoria is home to a unique and taxonomically understudied species flock of endemic haplochromine cichlid fishes, with many morphologically specialized trophic groups and many different species in each of them. One of several mollusk-eating trophic groups are the pharyngeal snail-crushers of the genus Labrochromis Regan, 1920. Currently, six species from Lake Victoria have been described in this genus, none of which occupies rocky shores and reefs. Rocky shores and reefs of Lake Victoria, however harbor rich assemblages of habitat-specialized cichlids and these include snail-crushers. Here two new species of Labrochromis are described from this habitat in the Southeastern part of Lake Victoria. These species are distinct in their ecology, morphology, and male nuptial coloration from all previously described Labrochromis species, and they are distinct from each other in oral dentition, morphology, and stripe pattern. These species are named Labrochromis mawe sp. nov. and Labrochromis mawepili sp. nov. Both are currently only known from the Mwanza and Speke Gulf regions of the lake in Tanzania.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1239.131064

Authors: Fatah Zarei, Pedro H. N. Bragança, Paul H. Skelton, Albert Chakona

Abstract: Previous DNA-based studies identified four genetic lineages within Pseudobarbus afer: (i) the Mandela lineage confined to the Sundays, Swartkops, and Baakens river systems, (ii) the Krom lineage endemic to the Krom River system, (iii) the St Francis lineage occurring in the Gamtoos and adjacent river systems, and (iv) the Forest lineage occurring in several southern coastal river systems from the Tsitsikamma to the Klein Brak river system. Subsequent detailed morphological evaluation provided a redescription of P. afer s.s. (Mandela lineage), supported revalidation of P. senticeps (Krom lineage) and description of a new species, P. swartzi (St Francis lineage). The present study builds on these earlier findings and provides a formal description of the Forest lineage as a new species for science, Pseudobarbus outeniqua sp. nov. The new species differs from the aforementioned congeners by the conspicuous pigmentation on the centre of the scales which gives it a distinctive speckled hen pattern. The new species thus closely resembles the small-scale redfin, P. asper, in colour pattern, but it is readily separated from this species by genetic characters and fewer number of scales in predorsal region (16–17, mode 16 vs 18–26, mode 20–23) and around the caudal peduncle (14–15, mode 15 vs 16–22, mode 18–20). A revised key for the single-barbeled redfins is presented.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1238.142857

Authors: Jiali Ding, Wen Lei, Haryono Haryono, Wentian Shi, Wanchang Zhang

Abstract: The Betta coccina complex is a diverse taxonomic group of fighting fish widely distributed in isolated islands in Southeast Asia. This genus is an ideal model for investigating freshwater fish evolutionary patterns and historical biogeography in the Malay Archipelago. In this study, based on principal component analysis of morphological traits, taxonomic diagnoses, and phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, two new species are described from Sumatra Island, Betta iaspis sp. nov. and Betta mulyadii sp. nov. The former has a distinctive black anal fin with a few red patches on the posterior half, while the latter is red and unspotted throughout, distinguishing them with their five or six subdorsal scales from other members of the Betta coccina complex. Phylogenetic analysis of the Betta coccina complex based on Cyt b further suggests that the speciation and present distributional pattern of this complex cannot be explained simply by the current geographic isolation of the Strait of Malacca, but by the connection-isolation scenario in the Pleistocene biogeographic context in Sundaland. This metapopulation of extant Betta species suggests a potential radiative evolution before the Last Glacial Maximum. These findings advance our understanding of the taxonomy and biogeographic evolution of Betta species in Southeast Asia.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1238.136371

Authors: Leishan Wang, Qi Luo, Renyi Zhang

Abstract: Sinocyclocheilus zhenningensis sp. nov. from the Dabang-He of the Beipan-Jiang Basin in Zhenning County, Guizhou Province, China, is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species can be distinguished morphologically from all congeners in this genus by: (1) normal eyes (5.8%–8.2% SL), presence of pigmentation, with a humpback and no horn structure; (2) pelvic fin rays ii-8, dorsal-fin rays iii-8, stiff and stout last unbranched ray; (3) body depth normal (26.5%–30.1% SL) and covered with irregular black spots, body scaled, but scales buried beneath the skin; (4) lateral line complete, slightly curved ventrally, 42–47 lateral line pored scales; and (5) pectoral fin short, not reaching the anterior base of pelvic fin. Based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) gene phylogenetic tree, S. zhenningensis sp. nov. is strongly supported as sister to the S. cyphotergous-S. multipunctatus subclade. The minimum genetic distance between Sinocyclocheilus zhenningensis sp. nov. and its congeneric species is 3.8%.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1232.141880

Authors: Muhammad Afrisal, Nurjirana Nurjirana, Haryono Haryono, Daniel Frikli Mokodongan, Kunto Wibowo, Abigail Mary Moore, Nicolas Hubert

Abstract: Diagnostic characters distinguishing the gudgeons Belobranchus belobranchus and Belobranchus segura were reassessed and found to be inconsistent, making it difficult to accurately identify them. Numerous specimens of both species were examined combining genetic (mitochondrial COI gene) and morpho-meristic analyses. Our findings demonstrate that B. belobranchus and B. segura can be reliably distinguished from each other based on revised diagnostic characters, including several morphometric features (interorbital width, jaw length, and caudal-peduncle depth) as well as distinct head, body, and fin coloration.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1231.137323

Authors: Quang Van Vo, Yusuke Hibino, Hsuan-Ching Ho, Thao Thu Thi Le, Ying Giat Seah

Abstract: Two new extremely elongate snake eel of the genus Ophichthus are described based on specimens collected from Vietnamese waters. Ophichthus cuulongensis Vo, Hibino & Ho, sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having the dorsal-fin origin slightly behind the pectoral-fin tip, mean vertebral formula 14-63-202, range 12–17/60–64/199–207; teeth on jaws biserial to triserial; dorsal body dark brown, ventral body pale, anal fin initially white but changing to darker towards its tip. Ophichthus nguyenorum Vo, Hibino & Ho, sp. nov. is distinguished by having a snout rather pointed but the occipital convex (duck-shaped); body with numerous longitudinal wrinkles, weak on posterior abdomen; dorsal-fin origin slightly behind the pectoral-fin tip; one row of teeth on the maxilla anteriorly but increasing posteriorly; two rows on the lower jaw; all teeth small; body dark, usually including abdomen; dorsal fin darker with dark margin; anal fin initially pale but changing to darker towards tip; mean vertebral formula: 15-62-192, range 13–17/61–64/190–196. Descriptions of two related species, O. macrochir (Bleeker, 1852) and O. rutidoderma (Bleeker, 1852), are provided with updated morphological data.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1231.136445

Authors: Mao Sato, Shohei Ito, Yoshihiro Fujiwara, Keita Koeda

Abstract: The deep-sea cardinalfish Epigonus glossodontus Gon, 1985, previously known only from the Hawaiian Islands, was observed using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) on steep seafloors surrounding Kitadaito and Minamidaito islands, both being oceanic islands belonging to the Daito Islands, Japan in the northwestern Pacific. A total of 44 hours of ROV observations found sparse populations, each of several individuals, around or within small caves, fissures, and recesses, specifically at depths of 340–588 m within the surveyed depth of 284–1009 m. Seven individuals (36.0–114.8 mm standard length) were successfully collected during the ROV observations around the Daito Islands. A subsequent record of the species (97.5 mm standard length) from the Kyushu-Palau Ridge indicated that the species is widely distributed. A glossy bluish-green body color with black-margined scales was revealed by the field observations, the glossy color fading immediately after death.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1230.139837

Authors: Zhenming Lü, Yuzhen Wang, Jing Yu, Yijing Yang, An Xu, Li Gong, Jing Liu, Fenghui Li, Liqin Liu

Abstract: Cynoglossus semilaevis (Osteichthyes, Cynoglossidae) is one of the most significant commercial marine fish species in China and has evolved a specialized asymmetrical body axis. In addition, C. semilaevis displays different muscle thickness between the eyed side and the blind side. However, the mechanisms underlying the muscle development difference between the two sides in C. semilaevis are unclear. In this study, we generated the first comparative investigation on the structure of muscle cells, and transcriptome analysis between the eyed-side muscle (ESM) and blind-side muscle (BSM) in C. semilaevis. Histological assays showed the obvious mosaic appearance of muscles on both the eyed side and blind side. However, the number of new muscle cells in ESM was significantly more than that in the BSM group. Comparative analyses of RNA-seq data showed that 1177 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between ESM and BSM groups, including 291 up-regulated and 886 down-regulated genes. The expression levels of myosin family genes (actin, myosin-binding protein C, titin, troponin, tnnil, and astrotactin-2) were significantly higher in ESM and might be a candidate regulator of muscle filament assembly in C. semilaevis. Murine double minute 2 (Mdm2) and cyclin A2 (ccna2) were also up-regulated in ESM, which indicates that the muscle development difference between ESM and BSM in C. semilaevis might be owing to the variation in myofibroblast proliferation. In addition, KEGG pathway enrichment analyses suggested that the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway may be involved in the muscle development of C. semilaevis. Taken together, this study may provide useful information to understand the molecular mechanism of muscle development in flatfishes.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1229.135950

Authors: Kunto Wibowo, M. Iqbal Willyanto, Anik Budhi Dharmayanthi, Cahyo Rahmadi, Daniel Natanael Lumbantobing

Abstract: Barbodes klapanunggalensis sp. nov. is described on the basis of two specimens collected from the subterranean cave system of Klapanunggal karst area, Bogor Regency, West Java Province, Java Island, Indonesia. The new species is unique among its congeners in completely lacking eyes, its ocular vestige being marked by an orbital concavity fully covered with skin, and with no orbital rim. It also differs distinctly from most species of Barbodes by having relatively long paired fins (pectoral fin 26.0–31.4% SL; pelvic fin 21.5–24.4% SL), the adpressed tips of each overlapping the basal area of the adjacent posterior (pelvic and anal, respectively) fins; and the presence of a short pelvic axillary scale with a rounded posterior margin. Barbodes klapanunggalensis sp. nov. is further distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: head length 32.9–35.3% SL; pre-pectoral fin length 32.6–33.6% SL; pre-pelvic fin length 54.0–59.6% SL; anal-fin base length 9.7–11.8% SL; caudal peduncle depth 13.2–18.2% SL; completely nonpigmented body; and all fins with translucent interradial membranes and light cream to brownish rays. As reflected by its highly troglomorphic features, the new species is strictly adapted to cave habitats. Its small population size, coupled with a high level of potential threats to its known habitat, suggest that future conservation efforts will become necessary.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1228.131341

Authors: Zhi-Xian Qin, Ye-Wei Liu, Si-Yu Zhang, Jing-Song Shi, Li-Na Du, Jia-Jun Zhou

Abstract: A new species of the genus Protocobitis is described based on morphological comparisons and molecular analyses from specimens of a subterranean tributary of the Hongshui River, Lingyun County, Baise City, and a cave in Jinya Township, Fengshan County, Hechi City, Guangxi, China. Both morphological and molecular data support the validity of Protocobitis longibarba sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characteristics: whole body except for head and area between pectoral-fin and pelvic-fin origin sparsely covered with minute scales; barbels elongate; five or six branched pectoral-fin rays and four branched pelvic-fin rays; vertebrae 4+42. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference phylogenetic trees exhibited congruent topological structures, exhibiting high node support for the monophyly of Protocobitis longibarba (BPP = 1; BS = 100), which was clustered with the other congeners.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1227.130512

Authors: Haochen Huang, Jingxuan Chen, Zhixin Ke, Chi Zhang

Abstract: A new species of deepwater tilefish, Branchiostegus sanae sp. nov., is described based on five specimens collected from the area between the Xisha Islands and Hainan Island, China. This species can be distinguished from congeners by its unique cheek marker and a combination of characteristics. Among the tilefish species known to be distributed in the South China Sea, this species is the only one with vertical stripes on the body. Based on the COI, CytB, and 12S sequences, a maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree shows that the B. sanae sp. nov. forms a separate clade and is the sister group to the clade consisting of B. sawakinensis, B. albus, B. argentatus, B. biendong, B. japonicus, B. auratus, and B. okinawaensis. A key to the genus Branchiostegus is also compiled.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1224.141248

Authors: Yen-Ting Lin, Yu-Hsiang Lin, Yu-San Han

Abstract: A new species of cirri-bearing eel, Cirrhimuraena taiwanensis sp. nov. (Anguilliformes, Ophichthidae), is described based on a specimen collected from the estuary of the Langyang River (Yilan County), northeastern Taiwan. The new species is distinct from all congeners, except C. odishaensis and C. orientalis, in possessing a single row of mandibular teeth. Cirrhimuraena taiwanensis sp. nov. differs from C. odishaensis in having significantly shorter pectoral fins and fewer vertebrae, and it is distinguished from C. orientalis by its larger head, notably more total vertebrae, and a dorsal fin that originates well behind the gill opening. In the neighbor-joining tree based on COI sequences, the new species forms a distinct monophyletic group; thus, it is clearly separable from congeners both morphologically and genetically. With this addition, there are now 13 species in the genus Cirrhimuraena.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1223.135292

Authors: Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Ahmed Najeeb, Claudia R. Rocha, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: Herein, we describe a new species of Plectranthias perchlet found at depths of 100–125 meters in mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Plectranthias raki sp. nov. is unique in both morphology and coloration. The following combination of characters distinguishes it from all known congeners: dorsal fin X, 15; anal-fin rays III, 7; pectoral-fin rays 13 | 13 (13 | 12), all unbranched; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; lateral line complete with 30–32 tubed scales; gill rakers 5 + 12; circumpeduncular scales 11–12; and absence of antrorse or retrorse spines on ventral margin of preopercle. Coloration in life consists of a white to light pink body with two indistinct rows of irregularly shaped red-orange to yellow-orange patches along the dorsal two-thirds of the body, a golden-yellow opercle and maxilla, an indistinct yellow stripe on the dorsal fin, two yellow spots near the base of the anal fin, and two irregularly shaped yellow-orange spots located on either side of centermost caudal-fin rays. With this publication, the genus Plectranthias now comprises 67 valid species. This discovery adds to a strong body of research highlighting the novel biodiversity of mesophotic ecosystems, especially in locations like the Indian Ocean, where few prior ichthyological surveys have been conducted.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1221.129136

Authors: Min Zhou, Cheng Wang, Ziyue Xu, Zhicun Peng, Yang He, Ying Wang

Abstract: In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Lepidocephalichthys berdmorei was first determined by the primer walking sequence method. The complete mitochondrial genome was 16,574 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a control region (D-loop). The gene arrangement pattern was identical to that of other teleosts. The overall base composition was 29.9% A, 28.5% T, 25.5% C, and 16.1% G, with an A+T bias of 58.4%. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on 13 PCGs from the mitochondrial genomes of 18 cobitid species using with three different methods (Neighbor-joining, Maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference). All methods consistently showed that the four species of the genus Lepidocephalichthys form a monophyletic group. This study would provide effective molecular information for the Lepidocephalichthys species as well as novel genetic marker for the study of species identification.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.131100

Authors: Shing-Lai Ng, Hsin-Wei Liu, Dominique P. Mediodia, Yen-Ting Lin, Chieh-Hsuan Lee, Ching-Feng Lin, Shih-Pin Huang, Siao-Man Wu, Chih-Ren Tung, Hsuan-Ching Ho, Chien-Hsiang Lin

Abstract: Dongsha Island, situated in the northern part of the South China Sea, is surrounded by coral reefs and deep-sea habitats. The coastal areas of the atoll, a marine protected area, serve as important nursery habitats for many reef fish species. At the same time, the offshore deep-sea continental slopes are historically important fishing grounds. Although previous inventories primarily focused on coral reef fishes within the atoll listing 652 species from 73 families, comprehensive surveys of fishes from deeper waters have been incomplete. In this study, the species composition of the fish fauna around Dongsha was updated by analyzing large volumes of frozen bycatch from commercial deep-sea trawlers operating in the area for the past four years and reviewing the existing literature. The species list increased to 1087 species belonging to 167 families, including several documented as new records and potentially undescribed species. This updated checklist also includes images of each species and most of their sagittal otoliths. This will assist further taxonomic work and significantly enhance understanding of marine biodiversity in the South China Sea.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.123541

Authors: Yo Su, Hsuan-Ching Ho

Abstract: A new species of jawfish genus Opistognathus is described based on a specimen collected from a beach in the Peng-hu Islands during a cold snap. The new species, Opistognathus cryos sp. nov., differs from its congeners in having a rigid upper jaw, 10–11 + 1 + 19–22 = 31–33 gill rakers, 55 scale rows in lateral series, 10 + 16 = 26 vertebrae, the terminus of the lateral line at the base of the fourth segmented dorsal-fin ray (15th in total rays), the head, nape, dorsal-fin base above lateral line, throat, chest, and pectoral-fin base naked, dorsal fin with eight blotches along its entire base, body with five horizontal dark stripes, nape with two dark blotches in front of the dorsal-fin origin, and a caudal fin with five narrow, dark bands. A detailed description is provided and compared to its similar congeners.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.126762

Authors: Keita Koeda, Manabu Bessho-Uehara

Abstract: Species of the genus Pempheris Cuvier, 1829 (Pempheridae) from Japan and Taiwan are taxonomically reviewed based on morphology supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis. Ten species are recognized from these countries: Pempheris adusta Bleeker, 1855, Pempheris familia Koeda & Motomura, 2017, Pempheris japonica Döderlein, 1883, Pempheris nyctereutes Jordan & Evermann, 1902, Pempheris oualensis Cuvier, 1831, Pempheris sasakii Jordan & Hubbs, 1925, Pempheris schwenkii Bleeker, 1877, Pempheris ufuagari Koeda, Yoshino & Tachihara, 2013, Pempheris vanicolensis Cuvier, 1831, Pempheris xanthoptera Tominaga, 1963. Nine of them are distributed in Japan, and five of them in Taiwan. Pempheris sasakii and P. xanthoptera, nominal species that have been regarded as invalid are revalidated, redescribed with diagnoses based on examinations of the holotypes and the specimens collected from Japan. Pempheris sasakii is morphologically similar to P. nyctereutes and has been thought to be a senior synonym of the latter, but the comparison of the holotypes and non-types of both species revealed that the former species is distinguishable from the latter species in having fewer counts of body scales, also genetically supported with a 3.1% mitochondrial DNA sequence divergence. Pempheris xanthoptera is similar to P. schwenkii, but the coloration of their caudal fins is different, and the genetic analysis supported the difference. The distributions of all species of the genus Pempheris in Japanese waters are also described, based on the specimen localities from literature and new material herein.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.125127

Authors: You-Ci Fan, Yo Su, Chien-Hsiang Lin, Chih-Wei Chang, Hsiu-Chin Lin

Abstract: A new species of beardfish, genus Polymixia, is described based on three specimens collected in Taiwanese waters and off the Chesterfield Islands of New Caledonia. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: dorsal-fin rays IV–V, 35–37; gill rakers on outer face of first gill arch 3+1+6=10; scales row between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line vertically 6–8 (S1) and posteriorly 12–14 (S2); pyloric caeca 40; snout rounded, with its surface rough and gelatinous, its tip evidently protrude anterior margin of premaxilla; ctenii on body scales arranged in a wedge-shape, forming three rows; 4th anal-fin spine long, 1.0%–1.2% eye diameter; longer dorsal-fin, 49.6–53.0% SL; blackish oral-branchial cavity. Our maximum-likelihood tree based on mitochondrial COI sequences revealed that the new species is distinct from six congeneric species. Our findings indicate the presence of at least six Polymixia species in Taiwan, highlighting Taiwan and adjacent areas as a region with the highest diversity of this genus.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.126580

Authors: Yo Su, Mao-Ying Lee, Hsuan-Ching Ho

Abstract: The large-mouth pricklefish, Malacosarcus macrostoma (Günther, 1878), previously known from five specimens collected from the central Pacific Ocean, is redescribed based on three specimens collected from the abyssal zone (4,412–4,813 m) off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. These specimens contribute to a more comprehensive description of M. macrostoma and represent this species’ westernmost and deepest record. This study provides a detailed description, fresh photographs, and notes on their morphological characteristics of the specimens. Lastly, the distributional records of M. macrostoma are discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.125860

Authors: Hsuan-Ching Ho, Toshio Kawai

Abstract: Examination of the type series of Lestidium japonica Tanaka reveals that the generally accepted concept of this species does not accord with the type series. A historical review of the literature showed that the characterization of L. japonica changed over time, and what has been recognized as “L. japonica” for more than 70 years actually represents a distinct and different species. Among the junior synonyms of “L. japonica”, Paralepis philippinus Fowler, 1934 is resurrected as a valid species herein in a new combination, Lestrolepis philippina. Lestrolepis nigroventralis Ho, Tsai & Li is recognized as a junior synonym of L. japonica herein. Revised diagnostic characteristics for both L. japonica and L. philippina are provided, along with comments on related names to verify their nomenclatural status.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.126337

Authors: Yusuke Hibino, Hsuan-Ching Ho, Jian-Fu Huang

Abstract: Two new species of dark-body snake eels are described based on specimens collected from Taiwan. Ophichthus kbalanensis sp. nov. has a long tail; dorsal-fin origin above posterior third of pectoral fin; tip of lower jaw anterior to anterior-nostril tube; two simple, pointed protrusions along upper lip; preoperculomandibular pores 6 or 7 + 3; teeth on jaws and vomer mostly uniserial, except for biserial on posterior portion of maxilla and anterior portion of symphysis of dentary; vertebral formula 12-55-153 and median fins with narrow dark margins, except the pale fin origins. Ophichthus multidentis sp. nov. has a dorsal-fin origin well behind gill opening; mainly 4 rows of teeth on jaws; no protrusions along upper lip; a smaller head; mean vertebral formula 24-64-163 and pale median fins. Based on some recent papers and our result, a revised key to species is herein provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.130885

Authors: Yusuke Hibino, Hsuan-Ching Ho

Abstract: The slender snake eel genus Yirrkala from Taiwan is reviewed, and a total of four species are recognized, including a new species described here. Yirrkala nkust sp. nov. is described based on four specimens collected from western Taiwan. It can be distinguished from congeners by the dorsal-fin origin situated above the gill opening, the tip of lower jaw not reaching the base of the anterior-nostril tube, 1 + 3 supraorbital pores, 7–8 predorsal vertebrae, and 147–152 total vertebrae. Two rare species, Yirrkala kaupii Bleeker, 1858 and Yirrkala omanensis Norman, 1939, are redescribed based on specimens newly collected from Taiwan. A key to all Yirrkala species found in Taiwan is provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.126594

Authors: Yusuke Hibino, Shunsuke Endo, Hsuan-Ching Ho

Abstract: A unique species of the flappy-snake eel genus, Phyllophichthus diandrus sp. nov., is described based on a single specimen (270 mm in total length) collected from Dong-gang, southwestern Taiwan. The new species possesses several characters that are distinct from the only other species in the genus, Phyllophichthus xenodontus. Phyllophichthus diandrus sp. nov. can be easily distinguished from P. xenodontus by having two papillae inside of nasal tube (vs three in P. xenodontus), 25 branchiostegal rays (vs 29), the dorsal-fin origin positioned behind the tip of the pectoral fin (vs not behind, usually above mid-pectoral fin), and the absence of the maxillary teeth (vs present). The relationship between Phyllophichthus and Leiuranus is discussed based on generic and morphological features.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.129685

Authors: Wen-Chien Huang, Yusuke Hibino, Rodulf Anthony Balisco, Te-Yu Liao

Abstract: A new estuarine moray eel, Uropterygius hades sp. nov., is described based on 14 specimens from Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, southern Indonesia, and Fiji. It is a small-bodied, slender, uniformly dark-brown moray separated from congeners within the U. concolor species complex. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by the anteriorly positioned small eyes (5.0–7.2% of head length), absence of branchial pores, and extended inner rows of teeth which reach the posterior end of the jaws. Uropterygius hades sp. nov. represents a rare species of moray eel that inhabits turbid estuarine environments, preferring soft, muddy substrates, and burrowing and hiding among rocks or in fallen mangrove leaves. Additionally, Uropterygius mactanensis Huang, Balisco, Evacitas & Liao, another species recently separated from the U. concolor species complex, is reported for the first time from Iriomote Island in the Ryukyu Archipelago based on two specimens; this new record expands the geographic range of U. mactanensis from the central Philippines to southern Japan.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.125590

Authors: Yen-Ting Lin, Yu-San Han

Abstract: Yilan, Taiwan is the first place in East Asia where freshwater glass eels, the juvenile stage of Anguilla species, arrive by ocean currents. We collected glass eels by fyke net in Lanyang River estuary twice a month from July 2010 to November 2023. By morphological examination and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, we identified seven species of Anguilla. Most of the glass eels captured in Yilan belonged to the species A. japonica, A. marmorata, and A. bicolor pacifica. Only a few were A. luzonensis, and two A. celebesensis were recorded. In addition, two species were recorded for the time time from Taiwan; A. interioris and A. borneensis were confirmed by cytochrome b sequencing. Thus, we increase the number of Anguilla species in Taiwan from five to seven.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.140735

Authors: Hsaun-Ching Ho

Abstract: editorial

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1219.134970

Authors: Roxanne Cabebe-Barnuevo, Kunto Wibowo, Hiroyuki Motomura

Abstract: Although the status of Parascorpaena moultoni (Whitley, 1961) is now well established, the morphology of the species has been re-examined, with new diagnostic features identified. Typically 15 or 16 pectoral-fin rays are present, together with two suborbital ridges, each with a single spine and the origin of the first ridge posterior to the second, well-developed interorbital ridges forming a loop, an undeveloped occipital pit, no scales on the dorsal- and anal-fin soft ray bases. The known range of the species includes Taiwan, the Philippines, Micronesia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji in addition to previously reported Australia, New Caledonia, and Japan.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1219.130546

Authors: Jiajie Chen, Xiaodong Wang, Sheng Zeng, Wei Tian, Deyuan Yang, Jinqing Ye, Junsheng Zhong, Chaopeng Jiang

Abstract: The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis for Leiognathus equula from the South China Sea was performed using shallow genome skimming. For accurate species identification and redescription, morphometric and meristic characters were examined and compared with previous descriptions. To facilitate the identification of species and to enable comparison with the mitochondrial genome phylogeny, molecular comparisons were conducted using three mitochondrial genes: large ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1), and NADH dehydrogenase (ND5). The mitogenome (16 398 bp) comprised 38 mitochondrial genes, similar to most bony fishes: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA and 22 transfer RNA genes, and 1 non-coding region. The complete mitogenome comprised 30.7% A, 24.2% T, 15.0% G, and 30.1% C. The A+T content (54.9%) was higher than the G+C content (45.1%). All PCGs started with the typical ATG codon, except COX1, which started with GTG. Seven PCGs ended with incomplete stop codons (TA or T). The Ka/Ks ratios of all PCGs were < 1, indicating purifying selection. The phylogenies of Leiognathidae, both based on the amino acid sequences of the 13 PCGs and the single genes 16S RNA and COX1, were monophyletic with high nodal support (> 75%). L. brevirostris (NC 026232) is believed to be a Nuchequula species, whereas L. ruconius (NC 057225) is not classified under Leiognathus in the NCBI database. The phylogenetic trees divided the Leiognathidae family into three clades. The mitogenome phylogeny suggested that the Leiognathidae and Chaetodontidae clades are sister groups. These findings provide important genetic data for population genetics research and a phylogenetic analysis of Leiognathidae.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

Authors: Luiz A. Rocha, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Ahmed Najeeb, Claudia R. Rocha, Bart Shepherd

Abstract: A new species of Chromis (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) is described from four specimens collected between 95 and 110 m depth in mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Maldives, Indian Ocean. Chromis abadhah sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; pearly white body with a large black marking covering the anterior two-thirds of the anal fin. The closest DNA barcode sequence (5.1% average uncorrected genetic distance on the mitochondrial COI gene), among those available, is Chromis woodsi, a similar mesophotic species known from the coastal western Indian Ocean (Somalia to South Africa). The new species is easily distinguished from C. woodsi by having 13 dorsal spines (versus 14 in C. woodsi), the absence of a black band on the base of the tail (present in C. woodsi), and by the genetic difference.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1218.135630

Authors: Wei-Han Shao, Jian-Li Cheng, E. Zhang

Abstract: Despite the current recognition of Tachysurus taeniatus and T. ondon as two separate valid species of China, neither species have been revised based on examination of their types and/or topotypical materials, nor have they genetically analyzed. In this study, examination of the holotype of T. taeniatus showed that it has a serrated anterior edge of the pectoral spine, a slightly emarginate caudal fin, and longer maxillary barbels extending beyond the base of the pectoral spine, the characters shared with specimens currently identified as T. ondon. Morphological comparisons and molecular analysis showed that specimens from mainland China, which are characterized by the three mentioned morphological features, represent a single species. According to the nomenclatural rule of priority, T. taeniatus is a senior subjective synonym of T. ondon. Within this concept, T. taeniatus is widely distributed in the lower reaches of Yangtze River and coastal rivers in Zhejiang and Fujian Province and closely related to T. aurantiacus, which is endemic to Japan. The morphological differences and species-level genetic distance between T. taeniatus and T. aurantiacus provide additional support for synonymization of T. taeniatus and T. ondon. The paper also describes ontogenetic color changes and coloration polymorphism in this species. Phylogeny of the T. aurantiacus group, to which T. taeniatus belongs, is also discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1214.122439

Authors: Chang-Ting Lan, Li Wu, Tao Luo, Ye-Wei Liu, Jia-Jun Zhou, Jing Yu, Xin-Rui Zhao, Ning Xiao, Jiang Zhou

Abstract: Two new species of the genus Triplophysa from southwestern Guizhou Province, China, are described. These are Triplophysa ziyunensis Wu, Luo, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. and Triplophysa yaluwang Lan, Liu, Zhou & Zhou, sp. nov. from Maoying Town, Ziyun County, Guizhou Province, China. Triplophysa ziyunensis Wu, Luo, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. is distinguished from other hypogean species of the genus Triplophysa by having a combination of the following characteristics: body naked, scaleless, pigmented markings on surface of body, except ventral; eyes reduced, diameter 2.4–4.9% of head length; pelvic-fin tip extending to anus; tip of pectoral fin not reaching pelvic fin origin; anterior and posterior nostrils closely set, with anterior nostril elongated to a barbel-like tip; tip of outrostral barbel extending backward, not reaching anterior margin of the eye; lateral line complete; posterior chamber of air bladder degenerated; and fin differences. Triplophysa yaluwang Lan, Liu, Zhou & Zhou, sp. nov. is distinguished from other hypogean species of the genus Triplophysa by having a combination of the following characteristics: body naked, scaleless, with irregular pale and dark brownish brown markings, except ventrally; eyes reduced, diameter 4.6–6.1% of head length; pelvic-fin tip reaching anus; tip of pectoral fin not reaching to pelvic fin origin; anterior and posterior nostrils closely set, with anterior nostril elongated to a barbel-like tip; tip of outrostral barbel extending backward, not reaching to anterior margin of the eye; lateral line complete; posterior chamber of air bladder degenerated; and fin differences. Mitochondrial Cyt b revealed relatively small genetic differences, 1.4–2.0%, between the two new species and close relatives. Nuclear gene RAG1 indicated that the two new species possessed unique haplotypes with multiple linking mutations. This study emphasizes the importance of utilizing nuclear genes to identify new species in rapidly speciation cave species, with small genetic differences due to mitochondrial introgression occurring interspecies.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1214.127061

Authors: Zhi-Xian Sun, Wen-Qiao Tang, Ya-Hui Zhao

Abstract: Although Microphysogobio tungtingensis (Nichols, 1926) has been treated valid since it was described, its morphology remains vague, especially when comparing it with another similar species, M. elongatus (Yao & Yang, 1977). In this study, the types of both species were examined and also compared with several lots of specimens from a wide geographical range: there is no significant difference in morphology between them. Additionally, molecular evidence supported by mitochondrial gene sequence also showed low genetic distance in between. Thus, it is suggested that M. elongatus is a junior synonym of M. tungtingensis. While revising these two species, a new species, Microphysogobio punctatus sp. nov., was discovered that has a similar distribution with them both. However, it can be distinguished from its congeners by having a globular or oval shaped posterior air-bladder chamber which length 58.6%–82.8% of eye diameter; a narrow upper jaw cutting edge which less than half mouth width; a slender caudal peduncle with depth 34.6%–48.5% of length; and a six-branched-ray anal fin. This new species also has numerous small black spots on all fins which is also unique. The new species is morphologically and molecularly close to M. bicolor (Nichols, 1930).

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1214.127629

Authors: Cui Fan, Man Wang, Jia-Jia Wang, Tao Luo, Jia-Jun Zhou, Ning Xiao, Jiang Zhou

Abstract: This study describes a new species, Sinocyclocheilus xiejiahuai sp. nov., discovered within a cave located in Hongguo Town, Panzhou City, Guizhou Province, southwestern China, with the type locality in the Nanpanjiang River basin. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on mitochondrial genes show that the new species represents an independent evolutionary lineage with large genetic differences, 1.9%–13.8% in mitochondrial Cyt b, from congeners. Morphologically, this species can be differentiated from the 79 species currently classified under the genus Sinocyclocheilus by several characteristics: absence of horn-like structures and indistinct elevation at the head-dorsal junction, absence of irregular black markings on the body lateral and scaleless, eyes large, eye diameter 13% of head length, dorsal-fin rays, iii, 6½, last unbranched ray strong, with serrations along posterior margin, pectoral-fin rays, i, 13, anal-fin rays, iii, 5, pelvic-fin rays, i, 7, lateral line pores 74, gill rakers well developed, nine on first gill arch, pectoral fins short, tip not reaching to pelvic-fin origin. The number of Sinocyclocheilus species has been increased from 79 to 80 since the description of this new species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1214.128977

Authors: Yu-Jin Lee, Jin-Koo Kim

Abstract: Limnichthys koreanus sp. nov. is described on the basis of the holotype and 11 paratypes from subtidal waters of Seogwipo, Jeju Island, Korea. The new species had previously been regarded as the Northern Hemisphere population of the anti-equatorial L. fasciatus, but molecular analyses of mitochondrial COI and 16S genes recovers deep genetic divergences of 9.4% and 15.0% between the new species and topotypical specimens of L. fasciatus. Limnichthys koreanus sp. nov. is distinguished from all other species of Limnichthys based on the following combination of colouration and morphological characteristics: 38-40 vertebrae; 0–6 dorsal saddles joining mid-lateral stripe; small infraorbital sensory pores; a single median interorbital pore; and well-developed vomerine teeth. Summary characters for comparative congeneric species are provided.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1214.127532

Authors: Xin Peng, Jia-Jun Zhou, Hong-Di Gao, Jin-Quan Yang

Abstract: Opsariichthys iridescens sp. nov. is described from the Qiantang and Oujiang rivers in Zhejiang Province and a tributary of the Yangtze River adjacent to the Qiantang River. It is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of morphological features: no obvious anterior notch on the tip of the upper lip; 45–52 lateral-line scales; 18–21 pre-dorsal scales; two rows of pharyngeal teeth; a maxillary extending to or slightly beyond the vertical anterior margin of the orbit in adult males; a pectoral fin extending to the pelvic fin in adult males; nuptial tubercles on the cheeks and lower jaw of males, which are usually united basally to form a plate; uniform narrow pale pink cross-bars on trunk and two widening significantly on caudal peduncle. Its validity was also supported by its distinct Cyt b gene sequence divergence from all congeners and its monophyly recovered in a Cyt b gene-based phylogenetic analysis.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1212.118644

Authors: Claudia A. Silva-Segundo, René Funes-Rodríguez, Eduardo Anaya-Godínez, Jaime Gómez-Gutiérrez

Abstract: The description of diagnostic morphological characters and DNA barcoding of fish larvae from nine species of the carangid family are provided from specimens collected during a weekly zooplankton time-series (2016–2017) at Cabo Pulmo National Park, Gulf of California, Mexico. Five nominal species (Caranx sexfasciatus, C. caballus, Naucrates ductor, Selar crumenophthalmus, and Selene peruviana) and three morphotypes of Decapterus spp. and one of Caranx spp. were identified and separated based on morphological, meristic, and pigmentary diagnostic characters. All larvae were genetically sequenced for a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mitochondrial gene. Sequences of larval Caranx and Decapterus showed high genetic similarity (> 99%), low intraspecific divergence (< 1%), and an interspecific divergence between 6% and 11%, allowing the discrimination of diagnostic pigmentation patterns of fish larvae among three sibling species from each genus: Caranx (C. caballus, C. caninus, and C. sexfasciatus) and Decapterus (D. macarellus, D. macrosoma, and D. muroadsi). DNA barcoding supported the presence of Caranx caballus, C. caninus, C. sexfasciatus, Decapterus macarellus, D. muroadsi, Selar crumenophthalmus, and Selene peruviana, and for the first time Naucrates ductor and D. macrosoma at the CPNP. Abundance of these nine species (confirmed molecularly) was estimated throughout the 2016–2017 weekly time series. Decapterus macarellus and Caranx caninus were the most abundant species. The morphological and molecular taxonomic methods allowed us to infer the species number and abundance of these commercial species at the CPNP to improve conservation in protected areas and fishery management.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1212.121135

Authors: Viktor Nunes Peinemann, Lucía Pombo-Ayora, Luke Tornabene, Michael L. Berumen

Abstract: A new gobiid species is described from ten specimens, 9.2 – 16.7 mm SL, collected from the Saudi Arabian Red Sea. The new species is most similar to Sueviota pyrios from the Gulf of Aqaba in the northern Red Sea. It differs from S. pyrios by having no large red spots on the dorsal and caudal fin elements, no elongate spines in the first dorsal fin, a shorter pelvic fin that does not reach the anus, branched pectoral fin rays, and a projecting lower jaw. The new species is further distinguished from all its congeners by a complete lack of cephalic sensory canals and pores. Specimens were found in small caves and overhangs at depths between 10 and 53 meters.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1210.128121

Authors: Lingzhen Li, Chaoyang Li, Weihan Shao, Suxing Fu, Chaowei Zhou

Abstract: Two previously unknown species of Rhinogobius have been discovered in the streams of the Upper Youshui River, within the Yuan River Basin, Xiushan County, Chongqing, China. These new species are named as Rhinogobius sudoccidentalis and Rhinogobius lithopolychroma. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial genomes revealed that R. sudoccidentalis is genetically closest to R. reticulatus, while R. lithopolychroma shares the greatest genetic similarity with R. leavelli. Morphological distinctions allow for the clear differentiation of these species. Rhinogobius sudoccidentalis sp. nov. is characterized by having VI–VII rays in the first dorsal fin and I, 8–9 rays in the second dorsal fin. The longitudinal scale series typically consists of 22–24 scales, while the transverse scale series comprises 7–8 scales. Notably, the predorsal scale series is absent and the total vertebrae count is 12+17=29. Rhinogobius lithopolychroma sp. nov. can be distinguished from other species by the presence of 13–15 rays on the pectoral fin. Its longitudinal scale series ranges from 30 to 33 scales, with no scales in the predorsal area. The total vertebral count is 30, with 12 precaudal and 18 caudal vertebrae. The head and body of this species are light gray with irregular orange markings on the cheeks and opercle. Through morphological and molecular analyses, it has been confirmed that R. lithopolychroma and R. sudoccidentalis represent novel species within the Rhinogobius genus.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1206.118757

Authors: Kuan-Hsun Chen, Te-Yu Liao

Abstract: A new species, Luciogobius opisthoproctus sp. nov., is described based on 18 specimens collected from Daxi Creek (Yilan) and Babian Creek (Taitung) in Taiwan. The new species is characterized by having a yellowish body with scattered spots on the sides, a black blotch on the caudal fin, the absence of free pectoral-fin rays, and more than 40 vertebrae. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: AAA distance (anus to anal-fin origin) shorter than twice the body depth at anus, 4.2–7.2% of standard length (SL); pre-anus length 80.0–92.8% of pre-anal-fin length; snout length 39.7–62.7% of AAA distance; abdominal vertebrae 20–22; caudal vertebrae 20–22; first anal-fin pterygiophore usually inserted behind the second haemal spine.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1204.120873

Authors: Huy Duc Hoang, Hung Manh Pham, Ngan Trong Tran, Jean-Dominique Durand, Ling Wu, John Pfeiffer, Xiao-Yong Chen, Lawrence M. Page

Abstract: Molecular data from samples encompassing 22 nominal species of Poropuntius indicate that the species-level diversity in the genus has been vastly overestimated, likely due to inadequate taxon and geographic sampling and reliance on morphological characters that vary intra-specifically. The latter includes discrete mouth morphologies related to alternate feeding strategies (ecomorphs) within populations. One new species is described, Poropuntius anlaoensis Hoàng, Phạm & Trần, sp. nov., and 17 synonyms of six valid species names of Poropuntius, P. krempfi, P. alloiopleurus, P. huangchuchieni, P. laoensis, P. kontumensis, and P. deauratus, are recognised. Additional taxonomic changes in this widespread and generally poorly known genus are likely as more molecular and morphological data become available.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1203.100642

Authors: Alexander Urbano-Bonilla, Jorge E. Garcia-Melo, Mateo Esteban Peña-Bermudez, Omar Eduardo Melo-Ortiz, Oscar Stiven Ordoñez, Sandra Bibiana Correa, Tiago P. Carvalho, Javier A. Maldonado-Ocampo

Abstract: The Vaupés River stands out as one of the few within the Amazon basin due to its numerous rapids. These riverine fast-flowing sections not only provide habitat to highly specialized fishes but also function as natural barriers hindering the movement of fish along its course. During a fish-collecting expedition in the lower Vaupés River basin in Colombia, 95 species were registered belonging to 30 families and seven orders. Despite recent inventories in the region, our comprehensive sampling efforts particularly focused on the rapids and associated rheophilic fauna, allowing us to contribute the first records of four fish species in Colombia (Myloplus lucienae Andrade, Ota, Bastos & Jégu, 2016, Tometes makue Jégu, Santos & Jégu, 2002, also first record of the genus, Leptodoras praelongus (Myers & Weitzman, 1956), and Eigenmannia matintapereira Peixoto, Dutra & Wosiacki, 2015) and six presumably undescribed species (i.e., Jupiaba sp., Moenkhausia sp., Phenacogaster sp., Bunocephalus sp., Hemiancistrus sp., and Archolaemus sp.). In this study, a commented list of the ichthyofauna of these environments is presented, as well as a photographic catalog of fish species integrated into the CaVFish Project – Colombia.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1203.119133

Authors: Chenlian Sun, Zhenming Lü, Jiaqi Fang, Chenhao Yao, Shijie Zhao, Yantao Liu, Li Gong, Bingjian Liu, Liqin Liu, Jing Liu

Abstract: Taenioides sp. is a small temperate fish originally known to inhabit muddy bottoms of brackish waters in coastal areas of China. However, it began to invade multiple inland freshwaters and caused severe damage to Chinese aquatic ecosystems in recent years. To investigate the sources and invasive history of this species, we examined the population structure of 141 individuals collected from seven locations based on partial mitochondrial D-loop regions. The results revealed that the genetic diversity gradually decreased from south to north, with the Yangtze River Estuary and Taihu Lake populations possessing the highest haplotype diversity (Hd), average number of differences (k), and nucleotide diversity (π) values, suggesting that they may be the sources of Taenioides sp. invasions. Isolation-by-distance analysis revealed a non-significant correlation (p = 0.166) between genetic and geographic distances among seven populations, indicating that dispersal mediated through the regional hydraulic projects may have played an essential role in Taenioides sp. invasions. The population genetic structure analysis revealed two diverged clades among seven populations, with clade 2 only detected in source populations, suggesting a possible difference in the invasion ability of the two clades. Our results provide insights into how native estuary fish become invasive through hydraulic projects and may provide critical information for the future control of this invasive species.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.110314

Authors: Mingwei Zhou, Jianhong Xia, Chenhong Li

Abstract: Study of divergence of freshwater fish populations between island and adjacent mainland areas can shed light on the phylogeographical relationships of these regions. Neodontobutis hainanensis is a freshwater fish species restricted to Hainan Island and in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces in the southern mainland China. We examine the phylogenetic relationship and population structure of N. hainanensis based on 3,176 nuclear loci using a gene-capture method. STRUCTURE analysis and principal coordinate analyses (PCA) indicate that populations from Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan are each distinct, except that some individuals of the Guangdong population share minor genetic components with individuals of the Guangxi population. In the concatenated gene tree, the Hainan population is grouped with the Guangdong population, but the coalescent tree groups the Hainan population as the sister to the Guangxi population. Finally, coalescent simulations confirmed the divergence pattern supported by the coalescent tree and revealed a one-way introgression from the Guangxi population to the Guangdong population, which can explain the discordant results supported by the concatenated and coalescent phylogenetic analyses. Due to recent decline of N. hainanensis populations and the genetic patterns in this species, as revealed in this study, the populations in the three areas should be treated as separate conservation units.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.114679

Authors: Tadiwa I. Mutizwa, Wilbert T. Kadye, Pedro H. N. Bragança, Taurai Bere, Albert Chakona

Abstract: The recent surge in the discovery of hidden diversity within rheophilic taxa, particularly in West and East Africa, prompted a closer examination of the extent to which the current taxonomy may obscure the diversity of riffle-dwelling suckermouth catfishes in the genus Chiloglanis in southern Africa. Currently, the region comprises eight valid species within this genus. Seven of them have relatively narrow geographic distribution ranges except for C. neumanni, which is considered to be widely distributed, occurring from the Buzi River system in the south, and its northern limit being the eastward draining river systems in Tanzania. Recent surveys of the middle Zambezi River system revealed Chiloglanis specimens that were distinguishable from the known species of the genus from southern Africa. Integration of molecular and morphological data indicated that these specimens from the Mukwadzi River represent a new species to science, herein described as Chiloglanis carnatus Mutizwa, Bragança & Chakona, sp. nov. This species is readily distinguished from its southern African congeners by the possession of a distinctive extended dermal tissue covering the base of the dorsal fin and the possession of ten mandibular teeth (vs 8, 12, or 14 in the other taxa). Results from this study add to the growing evidence of a high level of undocumented diversity within riffle-dwelling taxa in southern Africa.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.116342

Authors: Hao Meng, Yingnan Wang, Ge-Xia Qiao, Jun Chen

Abstract: Due to the detrimental effect of formaldehyde on DNA, ethanol has replaced formalin as the primary preservative for animal specimens. However, short-term formalin fixation of specimens might be applied during field collection. In an increasing number of studies, DNA extraction and sequencing have been successfully conducted from formalin-fixed specimens. Here the DNA from five specimens of Triplophysa dalaica (Kessler, 1876) were extracted and performed high-throughput sequencing. Four of the specimens underwent short-term fixation with formalin and were subsequently transferred to ethanol. One was continuously stored in ethanol. No significant difference of DNA quality and amount were observed among these samples. Followed by assembly and annotation, five mitochondrial genomes ranging in length from 16,569 to 16,572 bp were obtained. Additionally, previously published data of other individuals or species were included to perform phylogenetic analyses. In the reconstructed trees, all eight individuals of T. dalaica form a monophyletic group within the Triplophysa branch. The group is divided into three clades: (1) samples from the Yellow River, (2) those from the Yangtze River, and (3) those from the Haihe River, and the Lake Dali Nur. This study sheds initial light on the phylogeographic relationships among different populations of T. dalaica, and will support the research about its evolutionary history in the future.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1196.109810

Authors: Xue-Ming Luo, Rui-Gang Yang, Li-Na Du, Fu-Guang Luo

Abstract: A new loach species, Oreonectes andongensis sp. nov. is described from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The new species can be differentiated from other members of the genus by combinations of characters: a developed posterior chamber of the swim bladder, 13–14 branched caudal-fin rays, 8–16 lateral-line pores, body width 12–15% of standard length (SL), interorbital width 42–47% of head length (HL), and caudal peduncle length 11–16% of SL. Bayesian inference phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial Cyt b provided strong support for validity of O. andongensis sp. nov. (uncorrected p-distance 6.0–7.5%).

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1196.111161

Authors: Matthew G. Girard, Mudjekeewis D. Santos, Katherine E. Bemis

Abstract: We describe a new species of redbait in the genus Emmelichthys collected from fish markets on Panay and Cebu islands in the Visayas region of the Philippines. The species is externally similar to E. struhsakeri but is diagnosable by two prominent fleshy papillae associated with the cleithrum and fewer pectoral-fin rays (18–19 vs. 19–21) and gill rakers (30–33 vs. 34–41). Additionally, mitochondrial DNA differentiates this taxon from other species of Emmelichthys. We generate mitochondrial genomes for two of the three type specimens and several other emmelichthyids to place the new taxon in a phylogenetic context. Analysis of the protein-coding mitochondrial loci calls into question the monophyly of two emmelichthyid genera (Emmelichthys and Erythrocles) and highlights the need for subsequent analyses targeting the intrarelationships of the Emmelichthyidae.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1190.113808

Authors: Lan-Ping Zheng, Ying-Min Geng

Abstract: Guigarra cailaoensis is a member of family Cyprinidae, subfamily Labeoninae (Cypriniformes) which was recently discovered in southwestern China. Following its initial description, additional information on this species has remained notably scarce. In the current study, we assemble the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of G. cailaoensis using the Illumina sequencing platform. The mitogenome is identified as a circular, double-stranded DNA sequence of 16,593 base pairs, encompassing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a putative control region. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference approaches were used to construct phylogenetic trees for three datasets: (i) PCG sequences of the complete mitogenome (dataset 1); (ii) PCG sequences of the complete mitogenome combined with nuclear DNA (ncDNA) (Rag1) sequence (dataset 2); and (iii) ncDNA (Rag1) sequences (dataset 3). Phylogenetic analyses position G. cailaoensis as a sister taxon to the lineage consisting of Paraqianlabeo lineatus Zhao, Sullivan, Zhang & Peng, 2014 and Pseudogyrinocheilus prochilus Fang, 1933 in dataset 1, and to Pseudogyrinocheilus prochilus in dataset 2, species lacking an oral disc on the lower lip. However, G. cailaoensis showed a close relationship to the lineage consisting of Discogobio and Discocheilus in dataset 3, species possessing an oral disc on the lower lip. Nonetheless, a variety of species with an oral disc on the lower lip are clustered into different lineages across the three datasets that may indicate that the development of the oral disc is homoplastic within the subfamily Labeoninae. The outcomes of this study have the potential to support conservation efforts for this species and to enrich our understanding of genetic resources in the area.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1188.108571

Authors: Loren E. Babcock

Abstract: Three species assigned to the same nominal genus of Paleozoic xenacanthiform shark have been combined with the name Orthacanthus gracilis (Chondrichthyes, Xenacanthiformes, Orthacanthidae). Orthacanthus gracilis (Giebel, 1848), which was originally combined as Chilodus gracilis Giebel, 1848, is the senior synonym; it has priority over both Orthacanthus gracilis (Newberry, 1857), which was originally combined as Diplodus gracilis Newberry, 1857, and Orthacanthus gracilis Newberry, 1875a. Proposed species-group replacement names are Orthacanthus lintonensis nom. nov. for O. gracilis (Newberry, 1857) and Orthacanthus adamas nom. nov. for O. gracilis Newberry, 1875a. Chilodus gracilis Giebel, 1848 is designated as the type species of Chilodus Giebel, 1848; this species becomes the type species for Giebelodus Whitley, 1940, which is a replacement name for Chilodus Giebel, 1848 (preoccupied by Chilodus Müller & Troschel, 1844, Actinopterygii). Giebelodus Whitley, 1940 is a junior subjective synonym of Orthacanthus Agassiz, 1843.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1185.105499

Authors: Tao Luo, Ming-Le Mao, Chang-Ting Lan, Ling-Xing Song, Xin-Rui Zhao, Jing Yu, Xing-Liang Wang, Ning Xiao, Jia-Jun Zhou, Jiang Zhou

Abstract: Recently described cave species of the genus Triplophysa have been discovered in southwestern China, suggesting that the diversity of the genus is severely underestimated and that there may be many undescribed species. In this work, four new species of the genus Triplophysa are described from southwestern Guizhou Province, China, namely Triplophysa cehengensis Luo, Mao, Zhao, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. and Triplophysa rongduensis Mao, Zhao, Yu, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. from Rongdu Town, Ceheng County, Guizhou, Triplophysa panzhouensis Yu, Luo, Lan, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. from Hongguo Town, Panzhou City, Guizhou, and Triplophysa anlongensis Song, Luo, Lan, Zhao, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. from Xinglong Town, Anlong County, Guizhou. These four new species can be distinguished from all recognized congeners by a combination of morphological characteristics and significant genetic divergences. The discovery of these species increases the number of known cave species within the genus Triplophysa to 39, making the genus the second most diverse group of cave fishes in China after the golden-line fish genus Sinocyclocheilus. Based on the non-monophyletic relationships of the different watershed systems in the phylogenetic tree, this study also discusses the use of cave species of the genus Triplophysa to determine the possible historical connectivity of river systems.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1185.108545

Authors: Tao Luo, Zhi-Xia Chen, Xin-Rui Zhao, Jing Yu, Chang-Ting Lan, Jia-Jun Zhou, Ning Xiao, Jiang Zhou

Abstract: This work describes a new species, Balitora anlongensis sp. nov., collected from a cave at Xinglong Town, Anlong County, Guzihou, China. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes show that the new species represents an independent evolutionary lineage with large genetic differences, 7.1%–12.0% in mitochondrial gene cytochrome b and 9.2%–12.1% in cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, from congeners. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from the 18 species currently assigned to the genus Balitora by a combination of characters, most clearly by having two pairs of maxillary barbels; 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays; 5½ branched anal-fin rays; pectoral fin not reaching pelvic fin origin; dorsal-fin origin in front of pelvic fin origin; eye small (eye diameter approximately equal to outer maxillary barbel length); and fins lacking pigment in live fish. The new species represents the first record of Balitora inhabiting caves in China and increases the number of species in the genus Balitora in its present concept from 18 to 19. The study suggests that more evidence is needed to further clarify the taxonomic composition of the genus Balitora.

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DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1184.107091

Authors: Jiachen Wang, Jingzhe Tai, Wenwen Zhang, Ke He, Hong Lan, Hongyi Liu

Abstract: In this study, mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of seven cichlid species (Lamprologus kungweensis, L. meleagris, L. ornatipinnis, Neolamprologus brevis, N. caudopunctatus, N. leleupi, and N. similis) are characterized for the first time. The newly sequenced mitogenomes contained 37 typical genes [13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs)]. The mitogenomes were 16,562 ~ 16,587 bp in length with an A + T composition of 52.1~58.8%. The cichlid mitogenomes had a comparable nucleotide composition, A + T content was higher than the G + C content. The AT-skews of most mitogenomes were inconspicuously positive and the GC-skews were negative, indicating higher occurrences of C than G. Most PCGs started with the conventional start codon, ATN. There was no essential difference in the codon usage patterns of these seven species. Using Ka/Ks, we found the fastest-evolving gene were atp8. But the results of p-distance indicated that the fastest-evolving gene was nad6. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that L. meleagris did not cluster with Lamprologus species, but with species from the genus Neolamprologus. The novel information obtained about these mitogenomes will contribute to elucidating the complex relationships among cichlid species.

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