[Ichthyology • 2026] Gitchak nakana • A miniature, subterranean, blind cobitid loach (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae) is the first groundwater-dwelling fish from Northeast India

Gitchak nakana

Britz, Marak, Velentina, Lokeshwor, Raghavan, Pinion & Rüber, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40425-6  

  x.com/Meenkaran1

Abstract

Subterranean animals are commonly met with considerable fascination, by both laymen and biologists. While most of these animals have been reported from caves, some species have adapted to other underground habitats. One special subterranean aquatic habitat are aquifers, which are home to a number of invertebrates and fishes. Of the more than 300 known subterranean fishes, fewer than 10% have been recovered from aquifers and are encountered only rarely and serendipitously. Here we report the discovery of a tiny, blind loach of the family Cobitidae from a dug-out well in Assam, India, which exhibits a number of characters commonly associated with subterranean life, so-called troglomorphies. This loach, described here as Gitchak nakana, represents a new genus and species, differing from all other genera of cobitids by a number of unique characters. The most unusual among these is the complete lack of a skull roof with the brain covered dorsally only by skin. Gitchak nakana is the first aquifer-dwelling (phreatobitic) fish from Northeast India, and marks the first discovery of a previously unknown subterranean fauna in this part of Asia.

Gitchak nakana. (a) ZSI FF11123, holotype, 20.8 mm SL, in life, sides reversed, showing overall appearance, note presence of large eggs in body cavity and numerous fat globules (reflective spheres) along dorsal midline and postanal ventral midline. (b) same specimen, after preservation. (c) same specimen, µCT-image to illustrate presence of eight large eggs arranged in a longitudinal series. (d) same specimen, in life, actively swimming in the water column; note large yellow eggs and blood red liver. (e) KUFOS2025.F.11.51, non-type, 16.4 mm SL, in life, close-up of lateral head and body; note swimbladder visible through body wall. (f) KUFOS:2025.FT.11.6, paratype, 20.0 mm SL, frontal view of head to illustrate crown of barbels; note large-calibre red blood vessels supplying rostral (rb), maxillary (mxb) and mandibular (mdb) barbels and small-calibre vessels supplying nasal (nb) and tiny mental barbels (marked by arrow).

Taxonomy 

Gitchak, new genus 

Diagnosis. Gitchak is a member of the family Cobitidae as evidenced by (i) the modification of lateral ethmoid into a bifurcated subocular spine, which articulates with the orbitosphenoid, (ii) the reduction of the endopterygoid into a rod-like element, (iii) the absence of contact between orbitosphenoid and pterosphenoid and (iv) the outer arm of the os suspensorium completely surrounding anterior swimbladder chamber.

Etymology. The genus name is derived from the Garo word gitchak, meaning red, alluding to the striking red life colour of this loach. Treated here as a noun in the feminine gender.

Gitchak nakana, new species.

 

Etymology. The specific name is derived from the Garo words na·tok, fish, and kana, blind, referring to the absence of eyes in this species, a noun in apposition.

 

Ralf Britz, Wimarithy K. Marak, Kangjam Velentina, Yumnam Lokeshwor, Rajeev Raghavan, Amanda K. Pinion and Lukas Rüber. 2026. A miniature, subterranean, blind cobitid loach, Gitchak nakana, new genus and species, is the first groundwater-dwelling fish from Northeast India. Scientific Reports. 16: 7746. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40425-6 [26 February 2026]

  x.com/Meenkaran1/status/2027384099984519338

[Ichthyology • 2026] Balitora tiandengensis • A New Species of Cave-dwelling Loach (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) from Guangxi, China

 

Balitora tiandengensis Nong & Wei,   

in Nong, Fang, Li, Q.-J. Wei, Xu et G.-Y. Wei, 2026. 

天等爬鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.166354

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.

Key words: Karst cave, loach, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Morphological characters of holotype (WGY2024121901) of Balitora tiandengensis sp. nov. 
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Ventral side view of head; E. Dorsal side view of head; F. Close up photo of the mouth.

Habitat and photographs of Balitora tiandengensis sp. nov. in life.

Balitora tiandengensis Nong & Wei, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Balitora tiandengensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) two pairs of maxillary barbels; (2) dorsal fin rays iii, 9; (3) pectoral fin rays v, 12; (4) pelvic fin rays ii, 7; (5) anal fin rays i, 6; (6) lateral-line scales 69–75; and (7) 6–7 indistinctly separated transversely oval blotches on the dorsal side.

Etymology. The specific epithet tiandengensis is in reference to the type locality of the new species: Duoru Village, Dukang Town, Tiandeng County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. We propose the common English name “Tiandeng cave loach” and the Chinese name “tiān děng pá qiū (天等爬鳅)”.

 You Nong, Yuan Fang, Jin-Yue Li, Qiu-Jun Wei, Chuan-Gui Xu and Gui-Yuan Wei. 2026. Balitora tiandengensis (Teleostei, Balitoridae), A New Species of Cave-dwelling Loach from Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1267: 373-390. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.166354 [30 Jan 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Sinocyclocheilus changlensis • A New eyeless Cavefish Species of the Genus Sinocyclocheilus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Guangxi, China

 

Sinocyclocheilus changlensis Liu, Mao & Yang, 

in Liu, Mao, Sudasinghe, Zhou, Chen, Yang & Meegaskumbura, 2025 

Changle Golden-line Barb | 长乐金线鲃  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72370

ABSTRACT

The extensive limestone landscapes of southwestern China form one of the world's largest karst regions, providing ideal conditions for cavefish evolution. Within this region, Sinocyclocheilus, the most speciose cavefish genus globally, comprises 84 species adapted to dark environments. Despite the many species, the region is still poorly explored, with new species currently being added to the total. Here, using integrative taxonomic methods involving morphological and molecular analyses, we describe Sinocyclocheilus changlensis, a new troglobitic species discovered in a cave in central Guangxi, China. This species is characterized by the absence of eyes, an unpigmented and complete scaled body, and a forked, horn-like structure at the dorsal posterior edge of the head. Morphologically, S. changlensis differs from its congeners by having pelvic-fin rays that do not reach the anus when extended, 42–46 lateral line scales, and a posterior operculum margin reaching the base of the pectoral fin at vertical. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial markers (cytb and ND4), genetic distances, and geometric morphometric analysis further confirmed S. changlensis as a distinct species. The description of this new species contributes to the understanding of cave-dwelling fish diversity in China and underscores the importance of further exploration of stygomorphic species across this poorly explored karstic landscape.

Keywords: blindness, cavefish, Hongshui River, landmarks, molecular systematics, morphology, Sinocyclocheilus, stygomorphic

Sinocyclocheilus changlensis, GXU2020000041, HOLOTYPE, 137.8 mm SL.
(a) Lateral view of preserved specimen; (b) dorsal view of head in preserved specimen; (c) live specimen.

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

Diagnosis: Sinocyclocheilus changlensis can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: eye absent (eyeless); pelvic-fin rays tip not reaching the anus when pelvic-fin rays are extended backward; having a forked horn-like structure at the dorsal posterior edge of the head; albinotic body without pigmentation; lateral line scales 42–46; posterior margin of operculum close to the base of pectoral-fin origin; a distinct hump in the predorsal profile; rostral barbel not reaching the depression after eye degeneration; maxillary barbel not reaching the posterior margin of preoperculum; pharyngeal teeth pattern 1,3,4–3,3,1; vertebrae 4 + 35–36; 11 outer rakers on the first gill arch.

Yewei Liu, Tingru Mao, Hiranya Sudasinghe, Jiajun Zhou, Rongjiao Chen, Jian Yang, Madhava Meegaskumbura. 2025. Description of A New Eyeless Cavefish Species Using Integrative Taxonomic Methods—Sinocyclocheilus changlensis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), From Guangxi, China. Ecology and Evolution.15(11); e72370.  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72370 [19 November 2025]

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Oreonectes qinae • A New loach Species (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from Guangxi, China

 

Oreonectes qinae 

Chen, Mo, Du & Zhang, 2025 

覃氏岭鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1255.158447

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.

Key words: Cavefish, cryptic species, Cytb, karst, Liujiang River, mitochondrial gene, Oreonectes, subterranean, taxonomy

Oreonectes qinae sp. nov. 
A–C. Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of holotype KIZ20240559 (♀); D. Live photo of female, photo by Zhou Jia-Jun;
E–G. Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of paratype KIZ20240564 (♂);
H. Ventral view of head of holotype KIZ20240559 (♀) I. gill rakers.

 Oreonectes qinae Chen, Mo, Zhang & Du, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. This new species can be distinguished from all known species of Oreonectes by a combination of the following characteristics: color pattern present; swim bladder degenerated; black longitudinal stripe from posterior upper pectoral fin to caudal-fin base; dorsal-fin origin posterior to pelvic-fin origin; tip of pelvic fin not reaching anus; caudal fin with irregular black markings; caudal fin rounded; maxillary barbel not reaching posterior margin of opercula; without dark brown V-shaped marking on dorsal surface of head; 16 branched caudal-fin rays; and 12 inner-gill rakers on first gill arch.

Etymology. The species name, qinae, is in recognition of the contributions of Zi-Shan QIN to the collection of the present specimens and dedicated efforts in fieldwork. We suggest the Chinese vernacular name “覃氏岭鳅”.

 Zhuo-Ni Chen, Cai-Huan Mo, Li-Na Du and Li-Na Zhang. 2025. Oreonectes qinae (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae), A New Loach Species from Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1255: 365-377. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1255.158447

[Ichthyology • 2025] Triplophysa baishuijiangensis • A New typical Cavefish of the Genus Triplophysa (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Jinsha River, Yunnan, China

Triplophysa baishuijiangensis Shi, Chen, Yang & X.-A. Wang,

in Shi, Chen, Che, Dao, Liu, D.-S. Wang, Yang et X.-A. Wang, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1253.153155

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.

Key words: Cavefish, Cyt b sequence, loach, molecular phylogeny, new species, Triplophysa

Triplophysa baishuijiangensis sp. nov. 
Morphological characteristics of holotype KIZ2025000165
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Lateral view of head; E. Dorsal view of head; F. Ventral view of head; G. Lateral and; H. Dorsal views of the X-ray graph.

A. Habitat; B. Live photo of Triplophysa baishuijiangensis sp. nov. Red circles indicate the subterranean river outlet.

 Triplophysa baishuijiangensis Shi, Chen, Yang & X.-A. Wang, sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet baishuijiangensis is in reference to the type locality of the new species: the core area of Baishuijiang National Aquatic Germplasm Resources Reserve for Endemic Fish. We propose the common English name “Baishuijiang high-plateau loach” and the Chinese name “Bái Shuǐ Jiāng Gāo Yuán Qiū (白水江高原鳅)”.

 Min Shi, Yuan-Chao Chen, Xing-Jin Che, Wei Dao, Wen-Ming Liu, Deng-Shan Wang, Jun-Xing Yang and Xiao-Ai Wang. 2025. A New typical Cavefish of the Genus Triplophysa (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from the Jinsha River, Yunnan, China. ZooKeys. 1253: 73-92. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1253.153155

[Ichthyology • 2025] Balitora dehouensis • A New Species of Cave-dwelling Hillstream Loach (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) from the upper Red River, southwestern China

 

Balitora dehouensis  Lei, Pu & Yang,  

in Lei, Pu, Yang, Zhu, Mo, Liu, Wang et Bi, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.157180 

Abstract

A new species of cave-dwelling hillstream loach (Balitoridae, Cypriniformes), Balitora dehouensis sp. nov. is described from a cave in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Balitora dehouensis sp. nov. is confirmed to be a distinct species by morphological and phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene as well as the nuclear recombination activating gene 1 (RAG1), interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP), and early growth response protein 2B (EGR2B). Balitora ludongensis is confirmed to be the third cave-dwelling member of Balitora, after B. anlongensis and B. dehouensis.

Key Words: Balitora, Balitoridae, Cavefish, morphology, phylogeny

Family Balitoridae Swanson, 1839

Type Genus: Balitora Gray, 1830.

Genus Balitora Gray, 1830

Comparison of colorations of hypogean and epigean individuals of Balitora dehouensis sp. nov.
A. Lateral view of epigean individual (PXR20241123001); B. Dorsal view;
C. Lateral view of hypogean individual (YHF20230925005); D. Dorsal view.

Morphological characteristics of Balitora dehouensis sp. nov. (Paratype, PXR20241123004); coloration in life.
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view.

 Balitora dehouensis Lei, Pu & Yang, sp. nov.

 Hao-Tian Lei, Xin-Rui Pu, Hong-Fu Yang, Ming-Xin Zhu, Hao-Lin Mo, Xiao-Yu Liu, Mo Wang and Bao-Liang Bi. 2025. Balitora dehouensis, A New Species of Cave-dwelling Hillstream Loach (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Balitoridae) from the upper Red River, southwestern China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 1569-1584. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.157180 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Triplophysa xiuwenensis • A New cave-dwelling Species of the Genus Triplophysa (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from southwest China

Triplophysa xiuwenensis Zhu, Zhang & Yuan,

 

 in Zhu, Yuan, Zhang et Zhao, 2025. 

修文高原鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.154380

Abstract

Based on morphological and molecular data, we described a new cave-dwelling species, Triplophysa xiuwenensis sp. nov., from the karst region of southwest China. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following morphological characteristics: body scaleless without pigmentation; eye diameter of HL with 4.6–6.7%; tip of pelvic fin not reaching anus; outer rostral barbel reaching to posterior margin of eyes; 14–15 branched caudal fin rays. Phylogenetic relationships based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene support the validity of the new species. The discovery of the new species brings the number of cave-dwelling Triplophysa species in Guizhou Province to 15, making it the region with the highest number of Triplophysa cave species in the southwestern karst area.

Key Words: Cavefish, karst, morphology, new loach, taxonomy

Live specimen of Triplophysa xiuwenensis sp. nov. 

Triplophysa xiuwenensis sp. nov., holotype, GZNUSLS202306086, 69.1 mm SL. a. dorsal view; b. lateral view; c. ventral view.

 

Triplophysa xiuwenensis Zhu, Zhang & Yuan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species can be distinguished from all other species in the genus Triplophysa by the following combination of characteristics: body naked, without skin pigmentation, lateral line complete; eye reduced, with diameter of HL 4.6–6.7%; anterior nostril with elongated barbel-like tip; long outer rostral barbel reaching to posterior margin of eyes; distal margin of dorsal fin truncate; tip of pectoral fin not reaching to pelvic-fin origin, tip of pelvic fin near anus; dorsal fin 8, anal fin 6, and caudal fin 14–15 branched fin rays; vertebrae 41.

Etymology. The specific name refers to the type locality of the new species: Shilin Village, Xiuwen County and the Latin suffix (ensis). We propose the Chinese name ‘修文高原鳅’.

 Ting-Ting Zhu, Feng-Hua Yuan, Ren-Yi Zhang and Ya-Hui Zhao. 2025. A New cave-dwelling Species of the Genus Triplophysa (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from southwest China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 1383-1396. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.154380

[Ichthyology • 2025] Triplophysa yangi & T. wenshanensis • Two New cavefish Species of Triplophysa (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Karst Subterranean Rivers of Yunnan, China

 

Triplophysa yangi Jiang, Cao, Song, Yi & Yang,

 in Cao, Song, Yi, Xiang, Yang, Li et Jiang, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf033

 Researchgate.net/publication/392130218

Abstract

Cavefish are of considerable interest owing to the remarkable adaptations for surviving in harsh subterranean conditions. These adaptations, often described as constructive traits or regressive features, reflect trade-offs in metabolic requirements and energy utilization in response to life in darkness. In this study, we describe two new cavefish species, Triplophysa yangi sp. nov. and Triplophysa wenshanensis sp. nov., from karst subterranean rivers in Yunnan Province, China. Triplophysa yangi is distinguished from its congeners by its bilaterally expanded anterior swim bladder chambers, which protrude from the enlarged bony capsule, distending the lateral body wall and becoming externally visible. Additionally, it has highly developed pectoral and pelvic fins with filamentous extensions. Triplophysa wenshanensis can be identified by its nearly cone-shaped head, triangular head profile, and light brown to flesh pink body colour with faint brown blotches. Molecular phylogenetic analysis places both species in the hypogean group of Triplophysa, increasing the number of cavefish species in this genus from 39 to 41. The most distinctive feature of T. yangi, its expanded anterior swim bladder chambers protruding beyond the enlarged bony capsules, might represent an innovative stygomorphic trait among Chinese cavefish. This trait is hypothesized to be associated with a unique energy-saving buoyancy mechanism, crucial for the ability of the species to remain suspended and survive in perpetual darkness.

Triplophysa, cavefish, Yunnan, morphology, phylogenetic analysis

Live specimens of Triplophysa yangi.
A, downwards gesture. B, ventral view. C, lateral view. D, turning gesture.

Reconstruction of the skeleton and bony swim bladder capsules of Triplophysa yangi using X-ray microtomography.

Triplophysa yangi Jiang, Cao, Song, Yi & Yang sp. nov.

Etymology:  The specific epithet of the new species, yangi, is named after Dr Junxing Yang, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the research and conservation of cavefish diversity in China. Consequently, the Chinese name for the new species is ‘Yáng Shì Máng Gao Yuán Qiu’ (杨氏盲高原鳅).

Triplophysa wenshanensis Jiang,  Cao, Song, Yi & Yang sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species, wenshanensis, is derived from the type locality, Wenshan Prefecture, in Yunnan Province. The Chinese name for this new species is ‘Wén Shan Gao Yuán Qiu’ (文山高原鳅).

Jianhan Cao, Shuang Song, Wenjing Yi, Hongmei Xiang, Hongfu Yang, Jie Li and Wansheng Jiang. 2025. Two New cavefish Species of Triplophysa (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Karst Subterranean Rivers of Yunnan, China. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 204(1) zlaf033. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf033 [27 May 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/392130218_Two_new_cavefish_Triplophysa_from_Yunnan_China

https://naked-science.ru/article/biology/ryba-v-spasatelnom-kruge

[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 

facebook.com/Daniel 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.

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

 facebook.com/danil.petek/posts/10108699470827574

[Ichthyology • 2025] Protocobitis longibarba • A New Species of the rib-degenerated loach, Genus Protocobitis (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae), from Guangxi, China

 

Protocobitis longibarba

Qin, Liu, Zhang, Shi, Du & Zhou, 2025 

长须原花鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1228.131341  

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.

Key words: Cavefish, mitochondrial gene, Pearl River, taxonomy

Morphometric characters of Protocobitis longibarba sp. nov.
 A–C lateral, dorsal and ventral views of male, holotype KIZ2024000004
D–F lateral, dorsal and ventral views of female, paratype KIZ2024000003
G ventral view of mouth H live male
I lateral and ventral views of skeleton, paratype ZJFRF2402010
J, K suborbital spines (Abbreviations: Pmc, Processus mediocaudalis; Pl-c, Processus latero-caudalis; Pm, Processus medialis; Pm-l, Processus medio-lateralis; Pl-r, Processus latero-rostralis; Pm-r, Processus medio-rostralis).

Protocobitis longibarba sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis: Protocobitis longibarba can be distinguished from all other species of Protocobitis by the following combination of characteristics: whole body, except for head and abdomen, sparsely covered with minute scales (vs scaleless in P. anteroventris, scales present along midline of body in P. typhlops; barbels elongate; 5–6 branched pectoral fin rays (vs seven in P. anteroventris, P. longicostatus, and P. polylepis); four branched pelvic-fin rays (vs five in other Protocobitis species); caudal-peduncle height 34.9%–58.6% of its length (vs 64.1%–65.7% in P. polylepis, 27.9%–43.3% in P. anteroventris); head width 7.3%–10.3% of SL (vs 5.4%–6.6% in P. anteroventris); head height 50.2%–80.6% of lateral head length (vs 45.7%–49.5% in P. longicostatus, 43.8%–46.8% in P. anteroventris).

Etymology: The specific epithet is a combination of the Latin words long- (long) and -barba (barbel), indicating its long maxillary barbel, which extends almost to the vertical line at the junction of the head and dorsal body, feminine. We suggest the common Chinese name “Cháng Xū Yuán Huā Qiū (长须原花鳅)” and English name “long-barbal protocobitis”.

 Zhi-Xian Qin, Ye-Wei Liu, Si-Yu Zhang, Jing-Song Shi, Li-Na Du and Jia-Jun Zhou. 2025. 

A New Species of the rib-degenerated loach, Genus Protocobitis (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae), from Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1228: 185-195. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1228.131341  

[Ichthyology • 2024] Karstsinnectes daxinensis • Evolutionary History of Chinese Karst Loaches (Nemacheilidae: Karstsinnectes): New insights from Mitochondrial-based Genomes and Description of A New Species from Guangxi, China

  Karstsinnectes daxinensis Luo, Zhou & Zhou,

in T. Luo, F.-W. Luo, Lan, M.-Y. Xiao, J.-J. Zhou, Liao, N. Xiao et J. Zhou, 2024. 

Daxin Chinese Karst Loach | 大新中华喀鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.133964

 Abstract

The genus Karstsinnectes of blind fishes known as karst loaches from China was established in 2023 during a revision of the genus Oreonectes (Nemacheilidae). Six species are recorded in this study and some taxonomic progress has been made; however, the lack of genetic data for some species (e.g., K. anophthalmus) may have weakened our current understanding of Karstsinnectes. This study reassessed the phylogeny and evolutionary history of Karstsinnectes by integrating a combination of previously published and newly sequenced mitochondrial genomic data. A phylogenetic tree was developed that was able to divide Karstsinnectes into two clades corresponding to drainages and clarify the phylogenetic position of K. anophthalmus. Divergence times show that Karstsinnectes originated at the Oligocene/Miocene boundary (~22.37 Mya), with the most recent common ancestor occurring in the early Miocene (~18.87 Mya) and interspecific divergence occurring in the late Miocene. Ancestral area reconstruction suggests that the most recent common ancestor of Karstsinnectes most likely inhabited the Hongshui River basin and dispersed into the Zuojiang-Yujiang, Beipanjiang, and Youjiang river basins during the early Miocene (~18.87 Mya), middle Miocene (~12.78 Mya), and late Miocene (~6.71 Mya), respectively. The dispersal under the influence of orogenesis and a monsoon climate drove the speciation and diverse distribution of Karstsinnectes. Such findings are important for conservation considering that Karstsinnectes strictly inhabits deep caves. Additionally, the taxonomic status of the distributed Karstsinnectes population in Leiping Town, Daxin County, Guangxi, China was revised by combining genetic and morphological differences to describe this population as a new species, Karstsinnectes daxinensis Luo, Zhou & Zhou, sp. nov. The definition of the phylogenetic position of K. anophthalmus emphasizes the importance of using type locality material for the identification of cryptic species.

Key Words: Biogeography, blind fishes, Karstsinnectes anophthalmus, phylogeny, taxonomy

Lateral, dorsal, ventral views of Karstsinnectes daxinensis sp. nov. In living.

 Karstsinnectes daxinensis Luo, Zhou & Zhou, sp. nov.

 

Chresonymy: Oreonectes anophthalmus: Wang, 2022 (Leiping Town, Daxin County, Guangxi, China). Karstsinnectes anophthalmus: Luo et al. 2023, 2024; Yu et al. 2023; Ge et al. 2024; Zhao et al. 2024 (Leiping Town, Daxin County, Guangxi, China).

 

Diagnosis: Karstsinnectes daxinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of the other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) body naked and without pigmentation; (2) eyes absent; (3) dorsal-fin rays iii-7, pectoral-fin rays i-10–11, pelvic-fin rays i-5, anal-fin rays iii-5, caudal fin truncated with 13–14 branched caudal-fin rays; (4) pelvic fins slightly long, length 9.5–13.2% of SL, tip reaching the anus; (5) high and wide head (depth 6.3–9.8% of SL; wide 10.0–14.8% of SL), narrow mouth (width 6.2–7.9% of SL), long inrostral barbel length (length 7.2–12.7% of SL), and long maxillary barbel length (length 11.3–13.1% of SL).

Etymology: The specific epithet “daxinensis” refers to the type locality of the new species: Leiping Town, Daxin County, Chongzuo City, Guangxi, China. We propose the English common name “Daxin Chinese Karst Loach” and Chinese common name “Dà Xīn Zhōng Huá Kā Qiū (大新中华喀鳅).”

Tao Luo, Fang-Wei Luo, Chang-Ting Lan, Ming-Yuan Xiao, Jia-Jun Zhou, Mei Liao, Ning Xiao and Jiang Zhou. 2024.  Evolutionary History of Chinese Karst Loaches (Nemacheilidae, Karstsinnectes): new insights from Mitochondrial-based Genomes and Description of A New Species from Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(4): 1473-1486. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.133964

[Ichthyology • 2024] Sinocyclocheilus xiejiahuai • A New Cave Fish (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) with extremely small population size from western Guizhou, China

  Sinocyclocheilus xiejiahuai Luo, Fan, Xiao & Zhou, 

in Fan, M. Wang, J.-J. Wang, Luo, J.-J. Zhou, Xiao et J. Zhou. 2024. 

Xie’s Golden-lined Fish | 谢氏金线鲃  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1214.127629

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.

Key words: Cavefish, new species, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Lateral view of adult holotype GZNU20230304001 of Sinocyclocheilus xiejiahuai sp. nov. in preservative
A left side B right side.

 Sinocyclocheilus xiejiahuai Luo, Fan, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Sinocyclocheilus xiejiahuai sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) absence of horn-like structures and indistinct elevation at the head-dorsal junction; (2) absence of irregular black markings on the body lateral and scaleless; (3) eyes large, eye diameter 13% of head length; (4) dorsal-fin rays, iii, 6½, last unbranched ray strong, with serrations along posterior margin; (5) pectoral-fin rays, i, 13; (6) anal-fin rays, iii, 5; (7) pelvic-fin rays, i, 7; (8) lateral line pores 74; (9) gill rakers well developed, nine on first gill arch; (10) pectoral fins short, tip not reaching to pelvic-fin origin (Table 5).

Etymology: The specific name xiejiahuai is in honor of Professor Jia-Hua Xie (谢家骅), for his contribution to zoological research in China. Before retiring from Guizhou Normal University, he described S. angustiporus, the first species distributed in Guizhou within the S. tingi species group, and his work has been an important contribution to the study of zoology in Guizhou, especially the conservation of critically endangered species. We propose the common English name “Xie’s Golden-lined Fish” and the Chinese name “Xiè Shì Jīn Xiàn Bā (谢氏金线鲃).”

 Cui Fan, Man Wang, Jia-Jia Wang, Tao Luo, Jia-Jun Zhou, Ning Xiao and Jiang Zhou. 2024. Sinocyclocheilus xiejiahuai (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), A New Cave Fish with extremely small population size from western Guizhou, China. ZooKeys. 1214: 119-141. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1214.127629