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| Aphyocypris pulchrilineata Zhu, Zhao & Huang 2013 |
Abstract
Aphyocypris pulchrilineata sp. nov., a miniature cyprinid fish, was described from a small branch of the Hongshuihe River, which belongs to the Pearl River drainage. The new species can be distinguished from the species of Yaoshanicus, Nicholsicypris, Pararasbora and some species of Aphyocypris (Aphyocypris chinensis and Aphyocypris kikuchii) by the lack of a lateral line, either complete or partial. The new species is most similar to Aphyocypris lini morphologically. However, A. pulchrilineata lacks a large black spot on the caudal-fin base which A. lini has. A key to the species of the genus Aphyocypris is provided in the paper.
Etymology. The Latin adjective pulchrilineata is a mention of the beautiful (pulcher, -ra, -rum) lines (linea, hence lineata, ‘‘bearer of lines’’). (New Chinese name: Li Xian xi)
Distribution and ecological notes. The new species is known only from the type locality, a stream of the Chengjiang River, a small northern branch of the Hongshuihe River, being itself a tributary of the Xijiang drainage, the longest tributary of the Pearl River.
Specimens were collected in a small, canalized stream, which is located very close to the county town. The general landform around is typical karst. The stream was shallow and turbid, with a low flow rate. Aquatic plants grow in the stream, covering almost half of the water. Both shore sides are corn fields. Fish community of the type locality was not surveyed. The stream is disturbed by locals frequently. Ducks are usually found in the water. Meanwhile, the collection site is near a water treatment plant.
Zhu, Y., Zhao, Y. & Huang, K. 2013. Aphyocypris pulchrilineata, a new miniature cyprinid species (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Guangxi, China. Ichthyological Research, Article first published online: 06 March 2013 DOI 10.1007/s10228-013-0338-y
