[Ichthyology • 2025] Hongiastoma zhangbuensis • A New Species of the Subfamily Acrossocheilinae (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from South China

Hongiastoma zhangbuensis

 Zheng & Chen, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15172563

Abstract

Hongiastoma zhangbuensis sp. nov. is described from a tributary of the upper reach of the Pearl River basin based on the morphological and molecular data. It is distinguished from all known species within the subfamily Acrossocheilinae by having a combination of the following characteristics: a crescent horny sheath on the lower jaw, a less prominent lower lip limited to the corners of the mouth, a serrated posterior edge of the last simple dorsal-ray, 47–50 lateral-line scales, 9 scales above the lateral line, 16–18 circumpeduncular scales, and 16–18 pre-dorsal midline scales. The molecular phylogeny revealed that H. zhangbuensis sp. nov. was a sister taxon to Hongiastomata argentatum, with a genetic distance ranging from 10.49% to 10.68%. Together, they formed a lineage at the base of the Acrossocheilinae clade. Furthermore, the interspecific genetic distances between the new species and those of Onychostoma sensu lato ranged from 9.9 to 13.4%, indicating significant genetic divergence between this new species and all known species within Onychostoma sensu lato. Therefore, both morphological and molecular data support the recognition of this species as new.

Keywords: morphology; molecular phylogenetics; COI; Cypriniformes

  Lateral view of Hongiastoma zhangbuensis sp. nov.
(A) KIZ 2024011623, paratype, 144.6 mm SL; (B) not preserved, 217.2 mm TL.

Hongiastoma zhangbuensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Hongiastoma zhangbuensis can be distinguished from Hongiastoma argentatum by the following unique combination of characteristics: last simple dorsal-ray hard and serrated posteriorly (vs. slender and smooth), dorsal-fin origin positioned anterior to (vs. behind/opposite to) pelvic-fin insertion, and more (9 vs. 7) scales above the lateral-line.

 Lan-Ping Zheng and Wei-Tao Chen. 2025. Hongiastoma zhangbuensis, A New Species of the Subfamily Acrossocheilinae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from South China. Animals. 15(17), 2563. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15172563 [31 August 2025]

Simple Summary: The family Cyprinidae has significant economic value. The genus Hongiastoma belongs to the subfamily Acrossocheilinae within the family Cyprinidae, which was recently established and is currently monotypic. A new species, Hongiastoma zhangbuensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the Pearl River basin in this study. This is the first record of the genus Hongiastoma in China.

[Ichthyology • 2018] Altigena malihkaia • A New Species of Labeonini (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Irrawaddy River Basin in Myanmar

 

Altigena malihkaia

Zheng, Qin & Chen, 2018

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4476.1.8 

 Researchgate.net/publication/327632900

 

Abstract

Altigena malihkaia, new species, is described from the Mali Hka River, a tributary of the Irrawaddy River in northern Myanmar. It is distinguished from all other species of the genus Altigena by having a combination of 45–49 lateral-line scales, 12–14 circumpeduncular scales, 17–20 pre-dorsal midline scales, wide head (96.8–138.5% HL), long postorbital length (64.6–81.0 % HL), and short dorsal-fin (length 21.9–26.2% SL).

Pisces, Taxonomy, Cypriniformes, Mali Hka River

 Lan-Ping ZHENG, Tao QIN and Xiao-Yong CHEN. 2018. Altigena malihkaia, A New Species of Labeonini (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Irrawaddy River basin in Myanmar. Zootaxa. 4476(1); 87–93. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4476.1.8 [2018-09-13] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/327632900_Altigena_malihkaia_a_new_species_of_Labeonini_Cyprinidae_from_the_Irrawaddy_River_basin_in_Myanmar

[Ichthyology • 2025] Forgotten for Decades: Revalidation and Redescription of Raiamas harmandi (Sauvage, 1880) (Cypriniformes: Danionidae) from the Mekong River Basin

 Raiamas harmandi (Sauvage, 1880): (a) subadult, (c) adult;
R. guttatus (Day, 1870), (d) adult 

 in Liu, Xu, Zeng, Oo et Chen, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030042

Abstract

The genus Raiamas currently comprises 18 valid species, only 2 of which occur in Asia; the remaining 16 are endemic to Africa. Raiamas harmandi was originally described by Sauvage in 1880 as Bola harmandi, which is distributed in the Great Lakes, Cambodia, the Mekong River Basin. It was considered a synonym of R. guttatus by later researchers. In this study, we examined 49 Raiamas individuals from the Mekong, Irrawaddy, and Salween river basins, recording both meristic counts and morphometric measurements. Based on the morphological evidence, we revised the taxonomy of Raiamas in the Mekong River Basin, confirming R. harmandi as a valid species and providing a comprehensive redescription. Raiamas harmandi can be distinguished from R. guttatus mainly by having more predorsal scales (25–28 vs. 21–23) and a different color pattern on the lateral body. Utilizing a total of 44 aligned COI and Cyt b sequences—including eight newly sequenced individuals of Raiamas from three river basins—we reconstructed its phylogenetic relationships. The analysis strongly supported four R. harmandi individuals from the Mekong River Basin forming a distinct clade, which was the sister to the clade comprising five R. guttatus individuals from the Irrawaddy and Salween river basins. Genetic distances between R. harmandi and R. guttatus ranged from 14.0 to 14.9% for COI and 16.1 to 17.0% for Cyt b. Distributionally, R. harmandi occurs throughout the Mekong River Basin, as evidenced by combined voucher specimens and molecular sequence data.

Keywords: Raiamas guttatus; taxonomy; systematics; DNA barcoding; morphology; freshwater fish; Southeast Asia

 Live individuals of (a) subadult Raiamas harmandi, 85.0 mm SL, (b) subadult R. guttatus, 95.0 mm SL, (c) adult R. harmandi, 176.5 mm SL, and (d) adult R. guttatus, 159.2 mm SL.

Raiamas harmandi stat. rev. (Sauvage, 1880)

Diagnosis. Raiamas harmandi can be distinguished from all other Asian Raiamas species by the following combination of characteristics: a distinctive color pattern of numerous small spots irregularly scattered on the lateral body; predorsal scales 25–28; lateral-line scales 45–50; total number of vertebrae 41–44; caudal vertebrae 20–22. It can be further distinguished from the most similar species, R. guttatus, by a proportionally longer upper jaw (57.9–68.6% HL vs. 56.3–61.9% HL).

Etymology. The name of this species, harmandi, is in honor of the French Navy surgeon, naturalist, and explorer François-Jules Harmand (1845–1921), who collected the holotype.

Distribution. Raiamas harmandi is widely distributed in the Mekong River Basin, with records from China (the lower Lancang River), Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia (Figure 1). Species of the genus Raiamas have also been recorded in the Chao Phraya River Basin, Peninsular Malaysia, and South Sumatra, and it remains to be confirmed whether they are R. harmandi.

 Cai-Xin Liu, Yi-Yang Xu, Yu-Yang Zeng, Thaung Naing Oo and Xiao-Yong Chen. 2025. Forgotten for Decades: Revalidation and Redescription of Raiamas harmandi (Sauvage, 1880) (Cypriniformes: Danionidae) from the Mekong River Basin. Taxonomy. 5(3), 42; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030042 [20 August 2025]

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy in the 21st Century: Celebrating a New Chapter—First Impact Factor Received) 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Phylogenomics of African Labeo (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) emphasizing central African species

 

Live photographs of representative specimens of African Labeo species from the Congo and Lower Guinea ichthyofaunal provinces.
 a) Labeo nasus, b) Labeo falcipinnis, c) Labeo greenii, d) Labeo parvus,
e) Labeo weeksii, f) Labeo mbimbii, g) Labeo sp. 18, f) Labeo lukulae. 

Photos d, e, and g were taken in a photarium (photo tank) and the remaining photos were taken in plain air.

in Liyandja, Smith, Alter, Sidlauskas et Stiassny, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108427

Highlights: 

• A large-scale phylogenomic analysis of the genus Labeo using 2,697 UCEs is presented.

• The monophyly of African Labeo is supported, three main clades, & nine species groups are recovered.

• Interspecific relationships are well resolved & numerous previously unrecognized taxa identified.

• A time-calibrated tree & historical biogeography of the African Labeo are presented.

• Morphological synapomorphies are presented & discussed.

Abstract

Labeo constitutes the largest genus within the cyprinid tribe Labeonini with over 110 recognized species in Africa and Asia. The clade comprises a major component of the herbivore/detritivore guild with considerable socio-economic importance to artisanal and commercial fisheries. A pan-African distribution and wide variety of habitat occupancy make the group a model to investigate diversification patterns, eco-phenotypic variation, and biogeographical events underpinning their radiation at a continental scale. However, previous attempts to elucidate Labeo systematics using either molecular or morphological data have failed to produce congruent and robust results, and much taxonomic and nomenclatural confusion remains. Here we present the first phylogenomic analysis of the genus using 2,187 ultraconserved elements from 85 taxa, including 56 recognized species, 27 cryptic (candidate) species, and outgroups from the Asian Labeonini. Both concatenated and coalescence-based phylogenetic analyses strongly support monophyly of African Labeo and recover three major clades comprising at least nine species groups. Two main clades are pan-African, while the third is restricted to four ichthyofaunal provinces. With the single exception of the L. umbratus group, none of the previously proposed morphological groupings are resolved as monophyletic, suggesting rampant morphological convergence across the radiation. In this study, interspecific relationships are well resolved and time calibration results corroborate the key role of the Miocene in the radiation of African freshwater fishes. We identify numerous previously unrecognized taxa, and our study provides a much-needed framework for the taxonomic revision of Labeo, a task critical for the development of sound management of these important food fishes.

 

Keywords: African carps, Interspecific relationships, Ultraconserved elements (UCEs), Diversity, Classification (systematics)

Live photographs of representative specimens of African Labeo species from the Congo and Lower Guinea ichthyofaunal provinces.
 a) Labeo nasus, b) Labeo falcipinnis, c) Labeo greenii, d) Labeo parvus,
e) Labeo weeksii, f) Labeo mbimbii, g) Labeo sp. 18, f) Labeo lukulae.

Photos d, e, and g were taken in a photarium (photo tank) and the remaining photos were taken in plain air.

 

Tobit L.D. Liyandja, Brian T. Smith, S. Elizabeth Alter, Brian L. Sidlauskas and Melanie L.J. Stiassny. 2025. Phylogenomics of African Labeo (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) emphasizing central African species. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 108427. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108427 [5 August 2025]

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Opsariichthys jishuiensis (Cypriniformes: Xenocyprididae) • A New Species from Yellow River Basin, China

Opsariichthys jishuiensis

Zhao & Xu, 2025 

 

 https://www.scdwzz.com

Abstract 

‍In May 2023, a new species of the genus Opsariichthys, O. jishuiensis sp. nov.,  was found from the Dayu River (Jiyuan City) and Dawen River (Jinan City) in the Yellow River Basin. The result of morphological comparison revealed that O. jishuiensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from the congeners by the lateral edge of the oral fissure straight,  absence of anterior notch on upper lip, extending of maxillary never to the vertical of anterior margin of orbit, extending of pectoral fin far beyond the origin of ventral fin, 43-47 lateral-line scales, and scales below lateral-line 3. O. jishuiensis sp. nov. is similar to O. evolans and O. macrolepis, except the significant differences in the caudal peduncle length covers 10.1%-17.0% of standard length (O. evolans: 17.8%-21.6%, O. macrolepis: 16.9%-24.2%), lower jaw with 2 rows of moderate tubercles well separated (O. evolans: 1 row), and lower pharyngeal teeth 3 rows (O. macrolepis: 2 rows). The phylogenetic tree constructed by the mitochondrial cyt b gene showed that O. jishuiensis sp. nov. was a monophyletic group. K2P genetic distance between O. jishuiensis sp. nov. and its congeners ranged from 0.079 to 0.118, reaching the level of interspecific differentiation.

Keywords:  ‍Opsariichthys; new species; Yellow River; cyt b gene

Opsariichthys jishuiensis sp. nov. in lifes

photo by Zhao Liming

ZHAO Liming and  XU Xiaojun. 2025. Opsariichthys jishuiensis sp. nov. (Cypriniformes: Xenocyprididae), A New Species from Yellow River Basin. Sichuan Journal of Zoology. 44(4); 447-456. DOI: 10.11984/j.issn.1000-7083.20240239 [28 July 2025]

https://www.scdwzz.com/thesisDetails#10.11984/j.issn.1000-7083.20240239&lang=en  

[Ichthyology • 2025] Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis • Description of A New Eyeless Cavefish (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) Using Integrative Taxonomic Methods, from Guizhou, China

 

 Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis  Liu, Mao & Yang,

in Liu, Mao, Sudasinghe, Chen, Yang et Meegaskumbura, 2025

  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15152216 

 facebook.com/madhava88m

Simple Summary

The karst caves of southwest China are home to an extraordinary diversity of cavefish, especially those in the Sinocyclocheilus group, the largest cavefish genus in the world. Using a combination of morphology and genetic analyses, we describe a new species, Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis, found in an underground river in Guizhou Province. This fish is eyeless or degenerate-eyed, has no horn-like structures on its head (unlike some of its relatives), and features a large hump behind the head and a snout shaped like a duck’s bill. Measurement and comparison with similar species show that it is distinct morphologically. DNA analysis of two mitochondrial genes places it close to S. bicornutus, a related species; the genetic differences, while small, are consistent with what we observe between known sister species. Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis is also distinct in appearance: it has degenerated eyes (dark spot) or no eyes (compared to the normal eyes of S. bicornutus); it also lacks the split horn found in S. bicornutus. It can be distinguished from the similar-looking S. zhenfengensis by its eyeless/degenerate-eye condition, shorter facial barbels, and longer pelvic fins. Identifying and describing new species is important for protecting cave life and understanding how species evolve in extreme environments.

Abstract

China’s southwestern karst landscapes support remarkable cavefish diversity, especially within Sinocyclocheilus, the world’s largest cavefish genus. Using integrative taxonomic methods, we describe Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis sp. nov., found in a subterranean river in Guizhou Province. This species lacks horn-like cranial structures; its eyes are either reduced to a dark spot or absent. It possesses a pronounced nuchal hump and a forward-protruding, duckbill-shaped head. Morphometric analysis of 28 individuals from six species shows clear separation from related taxa. Nano-CT imaging reveals distinct vertebral and cranial features. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial cytb and ND4 genes place S. wanlanensis within the S. angularis group as sister to S. bicornutus, with p-distances of 1.7% (cytb) and 0.7% (ND4), consistent with sister-species patterns within the genus. Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis is differentiated from S. bicornutus by its eyeless or degenerate-eye condition and lack of bifurcated horns. It differs from S. zhenfengensis, its morphologically closest species, in having degenerate or absent eyes, shorter maxillary barbels, and pelvic fins that reach the anus. The combination of morphological and molecular evidence supports its recognition as a distinct species. Accurate documentation of such endemic and narrowly distributed taxa is important for conservation and for understanding speciation in cave habitats.

Keywords: Sinocyclocheilus; new species; Beipanjiang River; cytochrome b; NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4; integrative taxonomy; cavefish; molecular systematics; mtDNA; China

 Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis sp. nov., GXU2020000062, holotype, 86.74 mm SL.
(A) Live specimen (not holotype); (B) lateral view of head in preserved specimen; (C) dorsal view of preserved specimen.

Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis Liu, Mao & Yang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis is distinguished from all its congeners by the following combination of characters: absence of horn-like structure; eyes absent or degenerated into dark spots; a distinct nuchal hump; predorsal profile distinctly arched; the tip of the adpressed rostral barbel extending posteriorly not reaching vertical through the anterior margin of the sunken eye or dark spot; tip of the pelvic-fin rays reaching the anus when pelvic-fin rays extended backward; a distinct head shape protruding forward, resembling a duck’s beak; body scaleless; in life, body light golden brown; lateral line pores 41–45; gill rakers well developed, 9 on first gill arch.

Distribution and habitat. Known only from a subterranean river within a cave in the town of Wanlan, Zhenfeng County, Guizhou Province, China. This underground river serves as an important source of drinking and irrigation water for local villagers. They have established large and small pumps to extract water from the cave. The water from this underground river eventually flows into the Beipanjiang River. Sinycyclocheilus wanlanensis occurs in sympatry with several other fish species: Longanalus macrochirous, Pterocryptis anomala, Carassius auratus, and Opsariicthys bidens.

Etymology. The new species’ name, wanlanensis, derives from Wanlan Town, Zhenfeng County, where the type specimens were collected.

  

Yewei Liu, Tingru Mao, Hiranya Sudasinghe, Rongjiao Chen, Jian Yang and Madhava Meegaskumbura. 2025. Description of A New Eyeless Cavefish Using Integrative Taxonomic Methods—Sinocyclocheilus wanlanensis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), from Guizhou, China. Animals. 15(15), 2216. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15152216 [28 July 2025] 

 facebook.com/madhava88m/posts/10238220513033814

[Ichthyology • 2025] Hampala lupar & H. katibas • Two New Species of Hampala (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Borneo

 

Hampala lupar
Hampala katibas

Tan & Grinang, 2025

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 73; 

Abstract

 Two new species of Hampala are described from Borneo Island. Hampala lupar, new species, is closely allied to H. bimaculata but differs in having three black bars on the body, vs. two bars; with the additional black bar just posterior to head. Hampala lupar is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: lateral line scales 26–27; three black bars on body, even at juvenile stage; upper and lower edges of caudal fin with a black marginal stripe; all fins orange with caudal fin reddish-orange when alive. Hampala katibas, new species, is similar to H. bimaculata but differs in having two large black blotches on the body, vs. two curved black bars; amongst other characters. Both new species are separated by the Lupar Geological Divide.

 Key words. Southeast Asia, Sundaland, taxonomy, freshwater fish, Cypriniformes

Hampala lupar, new species;
not preserved, ca. 300 mm SL, showing live colouration from Sarawak: Bau area (image from Mike Lo); 
 not preserved, ca. 60 mm SL, showing live colouration from Sarawak Kanan River population (sides inverted, image from Jongkar Grinang).

Hampala lupar, new species 

Etymology. Named after the Lupar River basin, where it was first recorded in the 1980s. Used as a noun in genitive. Cramphorn (1982: 29) who had misidentified H. lupar as “H. bimaculata (3 spots)”, listed the following local names for this species: Adong Tekalang Maioh (Iban) and Adong Takalang Banyak (Malay).

Hampala katibas, new species
  fresh colouration from Sarawak: Katibas, not preserved, ca. 350 mm SL (image from Low Bi Wei);
Brunei: Belalong, not preserved, ca. 160 mm SL;
Brunei: Belalong, ZRC uncatalogued, ca. 160 mm SL.

Hampala katibas, new species 

Etymology. Named after the Katibas River sub-basin draining into the Rejang River. Used as a noun in genitive.

 Tan Heok Hui and Jongkar Grinang. 2025. Two New Species of Hampala from Borneo (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 73; 

[Ichthyology • 2024] Garra magnarostrum • A New Species of cyprinid fish (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Brahmaputra River Drainage, Northeastern India

  

Garra magnarostrum

Singh, Tudu & Gurumayum, 2024 

Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 124(3); 

RecordsofZSI.com/index.php/zsoi

Abstract

Garra magnarostrum sp. nov. is described from the Ranga River, Brahmaputra River drainage in Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is distinguished from congeners in the Indian sub-continent, Myanmar and China in having (vs. lacking) many small and budding tubercles on the ventral side of the transverse lobe of the snout. It further differs from congeners in having a combination of the following characters: a multilobed proboscis on the snout, a long head, a long snout, small eye, a deep caudal peduncle, a small gular disc, 14½ branched pectoral-fin rays, 33 lateral line scales, 11 predorsal scales, 13 circumpeduncular scales and presence of multicuspid tubercles on the snout.

Keywords: Cyprinidae, India, New Species, Ranga River

Garra magnarostrum sp. nov.

 Pratima Singh, Asha Kiran Tudu and Shantabala Devi Gurumayum. 2024. Garra magnarostrum, A New Species of cyprinid fish (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Brahmaputra River drainage, Northeastern India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 124(3); 219–227. DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v124/i3/2024/172296 

https://RecordsofZSI.com/index.php/zsoi/article/view/172296

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Pseudobarbus outeniqua • A New redfin Species (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Cape Fold Ecoregion of South Africa

Pseudobarbus outeniqua

Zarei, Bragança, Skelton & Chakona, 2025 

Forest redfin | Wildernis rooivlerkie  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1239.131064 

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.

Key words: Conservation, endemic hotspot, Forest lineage, minnows, systematics, threatened freshwater fish

 

Live specimens of Pseudobarbus outeniqua sp. nov. from the Klein Brak River system
A SAIAB 237307 (tag number FZ03), male, holotype, 67.6 mm SL
B SAIAB 246084 (tag number FZ04), paratype, 80.6 mm SL
C SAIAB 246084 (tag number FZ06), paratype, 77.9 mm SL.

  Pseudobarbus outeniqua sp. nov. 

Proposed common names. Forest redfin (English), 

Wildernis rooivlerkie (Afrikaans).

Diagnosis. Pseudobarbus outeniqua sp. nov. is diagnosed among all currently recognised congeners by the following combination of character states: mouth with one pair of barbels; barbel length 1.0–1.9 times orbit diameter, reaching vertical through posterior edge of eye; pigmentation distinct, with scale centres darkly pigmented, giving the fish an overall speckled appearance, speckling less conspicuous or absent ventrally; presence of a distinct dark mid-lateral band, with a broader anterior half and a narrower posterior half which ends in form of a large triangular mark at the base of the caudal fin; lack of dark spots, dashes, stripes or wavy lines on back and mid-dorsal; scales moderate sized, 35–37 in lateral line series, 14–15 (mode 15) around caudal peduncle, and 16–17 (mode 16) on predorsal region. Detailed comparison of the new species with the other congeners is presented below.

Etymology. The specific epithet outeniqua refers to the Outeniqua mountain range and highlights the species’ occurrence in streams draining its southern slopes within the southern Cape Fold Ecoregion.

 Fatah Zarei, Pedro H. N. Bragança, Paul H. Skelton and Albert Chakona. 2025. Pseudobarbus outeniqua sp. nov., A New redfin Species (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) from the Cape Fold Ecoregion of South Africa. ZooKeys 1239: 231-255. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1239.131064 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Sinocyclocheilus zhenningensis • A New Species of Sinocyclocheilus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Beipan-Jiang in Guizhou, China

Sinocyclocheilus zhenningensis

Wang, Luo & Zhang, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1238.136371

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%.

Key words: Cavefish, karst, molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, new record, Sinocyclocheilus zhenningensis, taxonomy

Sinocyclocheilus zhenningensis (GZNUSLS202201109, ZN-7), holotype, 123.5 mm SL;
 lateral (A), dorsal (B), and ventral (C) view of body. Live photo (D). Scale bar: 10 mm.

Leishan Wang, Qi Luo and Renyi Zhang. 2025. A New Species of Sinocyclocheilus (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) from the Beipan-Jiang in Guizhou, China. ZooKeys. 1238: 99-114. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1238.136371

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Tariqilabeo iranicus • A New Species of labeonine fish (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Makran Basin in Iran

Tariqilabeo iranicus 

Esmaeili, Sayyadzadeh, Masoumi, Hashemi & Echreshavi, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5620.3.3

Abstract

A new species of labeonine fish, Tariqilabeo iranicus sp. nov. is described from the Makran drainage basin of Iran. It is distinguished from its closest congener, Tariqilabeo diplochilus, by having a silvery spot on the operculum, and a snout shorter than the postorbital length. It is further distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters: 34–36 lateral-line scales, 11–14 predorsal scales, 22–24 total gill rakers on the first branchial arch, 3+8 ½ dorsal-fin rays, 14–16 pectoral-fin rays, 9 pelvic-fin rays, 3+5½ anal-fin rays, 2–3 scales between anal-fin origin and anus, 7–8 scales between posteriormost pelvic-fin base and anus, 2 pairs of small barbels, presence of fringes on the rostral fold, and absence of horny tubercles on snout and cheek in males. Tariqilabeo iranicus sp. nov. is further distinguished from T. diplochilus by a K2P nearest-neighbor distance of 4% in the COI barcode region. A key to the species of Tariqilabeo is also presented.

Freshwater fish, Taxonomy, Labeonine, Gonorhynchus, Crossocheilus, COI, Iran, Pisces

Tariqilabeo iranicus sp. nov.

Hamid Reza ESMAEILI, Golnaz SAYYADZADEH, Amir Hassan MASOUMI, Seyed Hassan HASHEMI and Sorour ECHRESHAVI. 2025. Tariqilabeo iranicus, A New Species of labeonine fish from the Makran Basin in Iran (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).  Zootaxa. 5620(3); 437-450. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5620.3.3 [2025-04-10]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Acrossocheilus dabieensis • A New Species of the Genus Acrossocheilus Oshima, 1919 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Dabie Mountains, Henan, China

Acrossocheilus dabieensis Chen & Zhao,
  

in Chen, Xu, Li, Hu, Gao et Zhao, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15050734 

Abstract

Acrossocheilus Oshima, 1919, a cyprinid genus of Cyprinidae in southern China and currently comprises 26 valid species. In this study, we describe Acrossocheilus dabieensis sp. nov. from the Dabie Mountains, China. This new species differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: The second primary vertical bar (PB2) is situated beneath the anterior origin of the dorsal fin in females and subadult males. Vertical bars extend to the end of the ventral abdomen in juveniles, and they gradually recede above the lateral line in adult females, whereas they are absent in adult males. The last unbranched dorsal-fin ray is slender with a smooth posterior margin. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial DNA sequences indicate that A. dabieensis sp. nov. is a monophyletic group, and it forms a sister group with A. kreyenbergii, reinforcing the status of the new species. A key to the barred species of Acrossocheilus is also provided.

Keywords: biodiversity; Cyprinidae; Henan; new species; taxonomy

Acrossocheilus dabieensis Chen & Zhao, sp. nov.

Habitat and adult habitus of Acrossocheilus dabieensis sp. nov.
(A) Type locality in Liankangshan National Nature Reserve, Luoshan County, Henan Province, China;
(B) male subadult habitus (HENUJGT0019); (C) male adult habitus (HENUJGT0010);
(D) female subadult habitus (HENUJGT0011); (E) female adult habitus (HENULKS0012).

Diagnosis. Acrossocheilus dabieensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following morphological characteristics: (1) The second primary vertical bar (PB2) situated beneath the anterior origin of the dorsal-fin in females and subadult males (Figure 2B), (2) in juveniles: vertical bars are distinct and extend to the end of the ventral abdomen (Figure 2C). In adult males: vertical bars gradually vanish with increasing age. In adult females: vertical bars gradually recede above the lateral line with increasing age. (3) The last unbranched dorsal-fin ray is slender, and the posterior margin smooth. (4) Intestinal coiling is folded and elongated (Figure 2D,E).

Etymology. The name of the new species, dabieensis, is derived from the name of the mountains, Dabie Mountains, the type locality of the new species (Figure 1). The suggested common English name is “Dabie Mountains Acrossocheilus” and the Chinese name is “Dà Bié Shān Guāng Chún Yú”.

 Tian-En Chen, Jia-Xin Xu, Peng-Ju Li, Huan-Fu Hu, Kai Gao and Hai-Peng Zhao. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Acrossocheilus Oshima, 1919 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Dabie Mountains. Animals. 15(5), 734. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15050734 [4 March 2025] 

Simple Summary: The family Cyprinidae Cuvier, 1817 includes more than 3000 species worldwide and has an important influence on the freshwater fishery economy. Acrossocheilus Oshima, 1919 is a group of small- to medium-sized barbine species, which are widely distributed in Laos, Vietnam and southern China. One new species, Acrossocheilus dabieensis sp. nov., from the Dabie Mountains, Henan Province, China, is described and illustrated in this study.

[Ichthyology • 2025] Hampala siamensis • A New Species of Hampala (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Lower Tenasserim Basin of Thailand

 

Hampala siamensis 

 Panitvong & Tan, 2025

 

Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 73;  

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Abstract 

 Hampala siamensis, new species, is described from the Lower Tennasserim basin in Peninsular Thailand. This new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a saddle-like bar or inverted triangular marking on the body beneath the dorsal fin, rarely reaching the lateral-line scale row, by measurements of the head and body and scale counts. It is the fourth species of Hampala recorded from Thailand. 

Key words. aquatic biodiversity, Southeast Asia, freshwater fish, taxonomy, Cypriniformes

  Underwater photographs of Hampala siamensis documenting ontogenetic differences in colour pattern, all from Lam Ru Yai River.
From top to bottom: individual below 30 mm SL; individual below 50 mm SL; larger juvenile ca. 100 mm SL. Not collected (all photographs by N. Panitvong).

Underwater photograph of Hampala siamensis (center) in a mixed school with Barbodes lateristriga (left) and B. binotatus (right); Lam Ru Yai River.
Underwater photograph of Hampala siamensis in close association with Mastacembelus favus; Lam Ru Yai River.

(photograph by N. Panitvong). Not collected.

Hampala siamensis, new species  

Diagnosis. Hampala siamensis, new species, can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: lateral line scales 26–27; in adults: bar 1 saddle or inverted triangle shape, 5½–6 scales wide by 2½–3 scales deep, barely visible in preserved specimen; a faint horizontal stripe along lateral side of body, 1½–2 scales wide, visible in life only when stressed; upper and lower edges of caudal fin with a gray to black marginal band; all fins pale orange in life; head pointed, wedge-shaped, large (length 32.3–35.0 % SL). 

Etymology: Named for Siam, historical name of Thailand and of the website “siamensis.org”, run by a group of Thailand-based conservationists. 

Proposed English name: black-backed hampala, 

Thai name: ปลากระสูบหลังดำ.

Species of Hampala showing live colouration. From top to bottom:
H. siamensis (ca. 100–120 mm SL); H. ampalong (ca. 150 mm SL);
H. dispar (ca. 150 mm SL); H. macrolepidota (ca. 150 mm SL);
H. sabana (ca. 120 mm SL); H. salweenensis.

Not collected. Photographs by N. Panitvong.

Nonn PANITVONG and TAN Heok Hui. 2025. A New Species of Hampala (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Lower Tenasserim Basin of Thailand. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 73; 67–72.

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[Ichthyology • 2025] Barbodes klapanunggalensis • A New Species of blind subterranean fish (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Klapanunggal Karst Area, West Java, Indonesia

Barbodes klapanunggalensis Wibowo, Rahmadi & Lumbantobing, 

 in Wibowo, Willyanto, Dharmayanthi, Rahmadi et Lumbantobing, 2025. Barbodes 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.135950 

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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.

Key words: Cave-dwelling fish, coloration, endemic, morphology, silvery barbs

Photographs of the holotype of Barbodes klapanunggalensis sp. nov.
 A in situ photograph, from video; B picture 

photos taken in 2020 by M. Iqbal Willyanto.

 Barbodes klapanunggalensis Wibowo, Rahmadi & Lumbantobing, sp. nov.

  English name: Klapanunggal Blind Cave Barb 

New Indonesian name: Wader Gua Buta Klapanunggal

   

Barbodes klapanunggalensis sp. nov., 
MZB.26657, holotype, 63.8 mm SL; MZB.26656, paratype, 73.0 mm SL
A fresh B preserved C radiograph.

Diagnosis. A species of Barbodes distinguished from all its congeners by the absence of eyes, as the eye is vestigially replaced by an orbital concavity being fully closed by an epidermal layer, while lacking the orbital rim. The species is also uniquely diagnosed by having relatively long pectoral and pelvic fins, with their adpressed tips each extending past the vertical through the insertion or origin of the next fin posterior to the tip, as to further pass posteriorly about two scales in anteroposterior; and by the presence of a relatively short and rounded axillary pelvic-fin scale, with tip not reaching posterior edge of pelvic-fin base. It is further distinguished from other Barbodes species in having by the following combination of characters: head length 32.9–35.3% of SL; pre-pectoral fin length 32.6–33.6% of SL; pre-pelvic fin length 54.0–59.6% of SL; pectoral fin length 26.0–31.4% of SL; pelvic fin length 21.5–24.4% of SL; anal-fin base length 9.7–11.8% of SL; caudal peduncle depth 13.2–18.2% of SL; body without pigmentation (black dots, bars, stripes, blotches, and triangular markings all absent from lateral surface); all fins with translucent interradial membrane and light cream to brownish rays.

Etymology: The specific epithet klapanunggalensis is derived from the type locality, the Klapanunggal karst area, which includes the Cisodong 1 Cave, Nambo Village. The name reflects the unique habitat and geological significance of the Klapanunggal karst area, where the species is likely endemic.

 Kunto Wibowo, M. Iqbal Willyanto, Anik Budhi Dharmayanthi, Cahyo Rahmadi and Daniel Natanael Lumbantobing. 2025. Barbodes klapanunggalensis, A New Species of blind subterranean fish (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) from Klapanunggal Karst Area, West Java, Indonesia, with notes on its conservation. ZooKeys. 1229: 43-59. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.135950

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