[Ichthyology • 2026] Oreonectes weii • A New endemic Species (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) within the Yangtze River Basin and its Monsoon-driven Evolutionary Diversification

Oreonectes weii

Luo, Ling, Cao, Zhou & Huang, 2026

 

魏氏岭鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186155 

Abstract

A new species Oreonectes weii sp. nov., is described that was collected from Shanggao County, Jiangxi Province, China, located at the upper reaches of the Yangtze River Delta. This naming honors the globally distinguished conservation biologist Fu-Wen Wei for his exceptional and pioneering contributions to biodiversity conservation and research. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of meristic and morphological characters, including fin-ray counts, body coloration, eye normal, number of lateral-line pores, and gill-raker counts. Genetically, it forms a distinct lineage in the mitochondrial Cyt b-based phylogeny and exhibits a genetic distance of 6.3% from its sister species, O. polystigmus. We further estimated divergence time within the genus Oreonectes, which indicates an origin in the Late Oligocene (~27.06 Ma) and a most recent common ancestor at ~13.91 Ma. Our biogeographic analyses suggest that the Guijiang-Hejiang River Basin likely served as a source area for the genus’ dispersal into adjacent basins, and that the new species probably originated from a dispersal event of its ancestral population from the Pearl River Basin to the Yangtze River Basin during the Late Miocene (~6.78 Ma). Lineage-divergence dynamics indicate that cladogenesis began around 28 Ma, accelerated markedly at ~18 Ma, peaked at ~6 Ma, and subsequently showed a gradual decline. The current diversity pattern of Oreonectes may have been shaped primarily by dispersal mediated by enhanced precipitation under the East Asian monsoon climate, with subsequent erosion-induced geographical isolation likely promoting speciation and diversification within the genus.

Key Words: Biogeography, cryptic species, morphology, taxonomy, phylogeny, Yangtze River

Ecological photographs and habitats.
A, B. Oreonectes weii sp. nov.; C. O. guidongensis; D. O. polystigmus;
E. Outside the cave; F. Inside the cave.

Oreonectes weii sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Oreonectes weii sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) coloration pattern present and irregular black spots scattered on the lateral body surface and caudal fin; (2) eyes normal; (3) well-developed posterior chamber of air-bladder; (4) cephalic lateral-line system with 4 + 10 infraorbital canal pores and six preoperculo-mandibular canal pores; (5) 9–10 branched pectoral-fin rays, length 16.0–24.3% SL; (6) tip of pelvic fin not reaching the anus; (7) caudal fin truncated, with 14 branched caudal-fin rays; (8) 10 inner gill rakers on the first gill arch; (9) tip of maxillary barbel not reaching the posterior margin of the operculum.

Etymology. The specific epithet “weii” is a genitive noun derived from the surname of Academician Fu-Wen Wei (魏辅文), an eminent conservation biologist. The name is given in honor of his outstanding contributions to the study and conservation of biodiversity in China. We suggest the English common name for this species is the “Wei’s Mountain Loach”, and its Chinese name is “Wèi Shì Lǐng Qiū” (魏氏岭鳅).

 Tao Luo, Wen-Qing Ling, Hai-Lin Cao, Jiang Zhou and Guang-Ping Huang. 2026. A New endemic Species Oreonectes weii sp. nov. (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) within the Yangtze River Basin and its Monsoon-driven Evolutionary Diversification. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(3): 751-765. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186155 [14 May 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Claea dafangensis (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) • A New Cave-dwelling Fish from the upper Wujiang River, Guizhou Province, China

(A) Claea dafangensis Wang, Luo & Zhou, sp. nov. 

(F) Habitat of C. dafangensis sp. nov.

(B) C. dabryi (E) C. scet (Lei et al. 2025). 

in J.-J. Wang, Luo, M.-Y. Xiao, Xie, Y.-L. Wang, Deng, N. Xiao et Zhou, 2026.  

大方山鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.172325

 Abstract

A new species of the genus Claea, Claea dafangensis sp. nov., is described from Yuchong Township, Dafang County, Guizhou Province, China. This species can be distinguished from its four congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: body pigmentation present; normal eyes with a diameter of 10.9–21.0% of head length (HL); processus dentiformis prominent, covering the lower jaw when the mouth is shut; 8–9 branched pectoral-fin rays; 16 branched caudal-fin rays; caudal-peduncle depth 6.1–8.7% of standard length (SL); interorbital width 23.6–39.0% HL; tip of maxillary barbel reaching the posterior margin of the eyes; outrostral barbel extending backward beyond the anterior nostrils; and anal-fin base length 4.0–5.5% SL. Mitochondrial Cyt b analysis further supports the distinctiveness of this population, revealing that it forms an independent phylogenetic lineage with a minimum genetic distance of 2.6% from C. wulongensis. The description of this new species suggests that Claea dabryi represents a species complex containing multiple distinct lineages, the diversity of which requires further evaluation.

Key Words: Mitochondrial, morphology, taxonomy, Wujiang basin

Holotype GZNU20241204001 (A–K) of Claea dafangensis sp. nov. in preservative.
 (A) Lateral view. (B) Dorsal view. (C) Ventral view. (D) Dorsal-fins view. (E) Anal-fins view. (F) Pectoral-fins view. (G) Pelvic-fins view. (H) Dorsal view of head. (I) Lateral view of head. (J) Ventral view of head. (K) Anterior chamber and posterior chamber. (Cephalic lateral line system highlighted as yellow dots)

Claea dafangensis Wang, Luo & Zhou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Comparative data between new species and all four known species within the genus Claea are provided in Table 3. Claea dafangensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from C. scet by the processus dentiformis prominent, covering lower jaw when mouth shut (vs.reduced, not covering lower jaw when mouth shut), body pigmentation present (vs. reduced), eyes normal, with diameter 10.9–21.0% of head length (HL) (vs. eyes reduced, 3.8–5.9% HL); from C. minibarba by tip of maxillary barbel reaching the posterior margin of eyes (vs. extending to the middle of eye), 8–9 branched pectoral-fin rays (vs. 10), and caudal-peduncle depth 6.1–8.7% SL (vs. 9.5–11.7%); from C. wulongensis by tip of maxillary barbel reaching the posterior margin of eye (vs. extending to ansterior margin of eye), 16 branched caudal-fin rays (vs. 18), and interorbital width 23.6–39.0% HL (vs. 38.5–43.1%); from C. dabryi (Fig. 6) by outrostral barbel backward extending beyond the anterior nostrils (vs. reaching or beyond to ansterior margin of eye), tip of maxillary barbel reaching the posterior margin of eye (vs. beyond the posterior margin of eye), and anal fin base length 4.0–5.5% SL (vs. 2.8–3.4%).

Lateral view of species in the genus Claea during life and the habitat of the new species.
(A) Claea dafangensis sp. nov. (B) C. dabryi (C) C. wulongensis (Chen et al. 2021). (D) C. minibarba (Zhang et al. 2024). (E) C. scet (Lei et al. 2025). (F) Habitat of Claea dafangensis sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet “dafangensis” refers to the type locality of the new species, distributed in Dafang County. We propose the common English name “Dafang mountain loach” and the Chinese name “Dà Fānɡ Shān Qīu (大方山鳅).”

Jia-Jia Wang, Tao Luo, Ming-Yuan Xiao, Xin Xie, Yu-Ling Wang, Huai-Qing Deng, Ning Xiao and Jiang Zhou. 2026. Claea dafangensis (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae), A New Cave-dwelling Fish from the upper Wujiang River, Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(2): 519-531.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.172325 [26 Mar 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Magnischistura khaokrajom • A New Genus and Species of Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Pachi River drainage in Western Thailand

Magnischistura khaokrajom  Page, Pawangkhanant & Cagle,

in Page, Pawangkhant, Tangjitjaroen, Cagle, Williams et Randall, 2026. 

Krajom Mountain Stream Loach | ปลาค้อปิศาจ ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.6.7 

 facebook.com:  R I M 

 

Abstract

Magnischistura khaokrajom, new genus and species, is described from a small tributary of the Pachi River in the Suan Phueng region of the Tenasserim Hills in western Thailand. Magnischistura shares with several recently described genera of nemacheilids a globulous suborbital flap with tubercles at its extremity and a highly modified pectoral fin on mature males, but molecular data failed to support a close relationship to any of them. Morphologically, the new genus is distinguished by the presence of a suborbital flap in the female. The highly modified pectoral fin of males is hypothesized to facilitate juxtaposition with a female during spawning.

Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Southeast Asia

(A-C) Magnischistura khaokrajom.
(A) UF 248549, paratype, 74.1 mm SL, female, live, (B) UF 248549, paratype, 68.4 mm SL male, live, (C) THNHM-F023975, holotype, 74.0 mm SL male, preserved,
(D) Mustura maepaiensis, UF 188267, 42.3 mm SL, live.

Magnischistura, Page, Pawangkhanant & Cagle, new genus 

Diagnosis. Magnischistura is distinguished from all other genera of Nemacheilidae by the combination of: (a) in adult males, a pectoral fin that is rigid, curved upward, and has a thick tuberculated pad on the dorsal surface and epidermal flanges on the narrow membranes (Figure 4B); a large, vertically oriented, globulous suborbital flap with tubercles on its underside and distal edge (Figure 4A); (b) in adult females, a pectoral fin with a thick pad on the dorsal surface and epidermal flanges on the membranes (Figure 4D), and a small suborbital flap (Figure 4C); and (c) large size—to at least 98 mm SL.

Etymology. Magni- refers to the large size of the type species relative to most species of nemacheilids in Indochina, and Schistura McClelland 1838 is a widespread genus of nemacheilids. Gender feminine.

Magnischistura khaokrajom, Page, Pawangkhanant, and Cagle, new species

Krajom Mountain Stream Loach

ปลาค้อปิศาจ [Pla Kor Pi Saad]

Etymology. Khaokrajom, meaning Krajom Mountain in Thai, where this species lives.

 

Lawrence M. PAGE, Parinya PAWANGKHANT, Weerapongse TANGJITJAROEN, David K. CAGLE, Basil R. WILLIAMS and Zachary S. RANDALL. 2026. Magnischistura khaokrajom, A New Genus and Species of Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Pachi River drainage in Western Thailand. Zootaxa. 5757(6); 583-599. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.6.7 [2026-02-11]

 facebook.com/100088301342746/posts/885864071033630

  

[Ichthyology • 2026] Oreonectes jinxiuensis • A New Species of Oreonectes (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Guangxi, China

 

Oreonectes jinxiuensis 

 Chen, Huang, Zou, Du & Lin, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.172439

Abstract

Fishes of the genus Oreonectes inhabit complex karst landscapes, and additional cryptic species may be present within Oreonectes. Specimens previously identified as O. platycephalus and collected from Fenzhan Village, Jinxiu County, Guangxi, may represent a new species, Oreonectes jinxiuensis. It is distinguished from all congeners by a degenerated swim bladder, adjacent anterior and posterior nostrils, 13 inner gill rakers on the first gill arch, a dorsal-fin origin posterior to the pelvic-fin origin, 10 branched pectoral-fin rays, 14–15 branched caudal-fin rays, a preanal length of 73.7%–77.3% of SL, and a caudal-peduncle length of 13.3%–16.4% of SL. Its validity is further supported by its recovered monophyly in a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial COI and Cyt b gene sequences, as well as by species-level genetic divergence between the new species and its closest relatives.

Key Words: Cryptic species, karst region, mitochondrial gene, Oreonectes, taxonomy

Oreonectes jinxiuensis sp. nov.
A–C. Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of the holotype KIZ2005006221 (♀);
D–F. Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of the paratype KIZ2005006226 (♂);
G. Living photo of Oreonectes jinxiuensis sp. nov., taken by Liu Caixin.

 Oreonectes jinxiuensis

Zhuo-Ni Chen, Shi-Rong Huang, Tong-Xiang Zou, Li-Na Du, Feng Lin. 2026. Description of A New Species of Oreonectes (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 119-130. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.172439 [13 Jan 2026] 

[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] Yunnanilus mentibarbatus • A New Species of loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Yunnan, China

Yunnanilus mentibarbatus

 Chen, Du & Liang, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.162354 

 

Abstract

A new loach species, Yunnanilus mentibarbatus sp. nov., is described from Yunnan Province, China. The new species differs from other congeneric species by the following combination of characters: lateral line incomplete; a pair of whisker-like fleshy projections on the chin in females; processus dentiformis present; eye diameter shorter than interorbital width; eye diameter 16.3%–23.2% of HL; 11 inner gill rakers on the first gill arch; 16 branched caudal-fin rays; head length 23.7–26.5% of standard length; caudal peduncle length 15%–17.8% of SL. Bayesian inference phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial COI and cytochrome b (Cyt b) provides strong support for the validity of Yunnanilus mentibarbatus sp. nov. Sexually dimorphic characters within Yunnanilus—such as dioecious coloration and specialized morphology, including tubercles on the trunk, temporal tubercles on the caudal peduncle of nuptial males, and whisker-like fleshy protuberances on the chin of females of the new species—may be related to the breeding season. Anthropogenic factors such as eutrophication of water and disappearance of aquatic plants are leading to the decline of Yunnanilus species. This highlights the importance of protecting the biodiversity of Yunnanilus.

Key Words: Mitochondrial gene, morphology, Nanpanjiang, taxonomy, Yunnanilus

Yunnanilus mentibarbatus sp. nov.

Zhuo-Ni Chen, Li-Na Du, Yan Liang. 2025. Yunnanilus mentibarbatus, A New Species of loach from Yunnan, China (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 1911-1919. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.162354 

[Ichthyology • 2023] Schistura ataranensis, S. kuehnei, S. peninsulae, ... • Revision of the Schistura cincticauda species group (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) using molecular and morphological markers

(A) Schistura ataranensis, Myanmar: Kayin Province: Ataran drainage; 

(B) S. hartli, Thailand: Surat Thani Province: Khao Sok; 

(C) S. myaekanbawensis, Myanmar: Tanintharyi Region: Tanintharyi drainage; 

(D) S. kuehnei, Thailand: Surat Thani Prov.: Tapi drainage, Khlong Sok watershed;. 

(E) S. peninsulae, Malaysia: Kedah Prov.: Langkawi Island.

 Dvořák, Jörg Bohlen, Maurice Kottelat and Vendula Šlechtová. 2023

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42852-1 

 

Abstract 

To approach the taxonomy of large and complex animal groups it is of advantage to focus on species groups with shared derived character state. We investigate the composition, morphological characteristics and relationships of and within the Schistura cincticauda species group, whose members are small freshwater fishes that inhabit streams and rivers in eastern Myanmar and western and southern Thailand. A phylogenetic analysis using molecular genetic markers demonstrated the monophyly of this group; a combined genetic and morphological analysis revealed the inclusion of at least twelve species. They share the presence of a pair of black marks on the lower lip, one on each side of the median interruption (these marks may be reduced to few melanophores or even missing in some individuals). Additionally, all species share a small body size (max. 60 mm SL), an incomplete lateral line reaching at most to vertical through anal-fin base, and the absence of sexual dimorphism. Each of the 12 species is diagnosed by a unique combination of character states in fin ray numbers, anus position, presence/absence of an axillary pelvic lobe, and colour pattern. The distribution areas of several species overlap and five cases of syntopic occurrence are known. Five unnamed species are described herein.

  

Species of the cincticauda species group described before 2023: 

(A) Schistura aurantiaca, CMK 14530, 45.8 mm SL; Thailand: Kanchanaburi province: Mae Khlong basin; (B) Schistura balteata, CMK 17236, 53.5 mm SL; Thailand: Kanchanaburi province: Mae Khlong basin: Pilok stream; (C) Schistura cincticauda, ZRC 38458, neotype, 29.3 mm SL; Thailand: Tak province: Salween basin: Moei River;

 (D) Schistura crocotula, CMK 16458, 30.4 mm SL; Thailand: Prachuap Khiri Khan province; (E) Schistura paucifasciata, BMNH 1930.3.3:4, paratype, 46.6 mm SL: Myanmar: Monglong; (f) Schistura robertsi, CMK 5346, paratype, 30.0 mm SL; Thailand: Phang Nga province: Phang Nga basin; (G) Schistura tenebrosa, UF 181417, holotype, 45.1 mm SL: Thailand: Kanchanaburi province: Mae Khlong drainage. (from Kangrang et al. 2012).

The Schistura cincticauda species group

Schistura aurantiaca Plongsesthee, Page & Beamish, 2011

Schistura balteata (Rendahl, 1948)

Schistura cincticauda (Blyth, 1860) 

Schistura crocotula Plongsesthee, Kottelat & Beamish, 2013

Schistura paucifasciata (Hora, 1929)

Schistura robertsi Kottelat, 1990 

Distribution: Widely distributed in most drainages of the Andaman Sea slope of Thailand, from the Isthmus of Kra southwards to Phuket Island. It was also found in some localities east of the Tenasserim Range in the upper Khlong Sok and upper Tapi River, which drain to the Gulf of Thailand, and in the Krabi River basin (Fig. 7). It occurs in sympatry with S. kuehnei in the upper Khlong Sok and with S. peninsulae in the upper Tapi.

Schistura tenebrosa Kangrang, Page, Beamish, 2012

Schistura ataranensis, new species

Distribution Known only from the upper Ataran River drainage, in Myanmar.

Etymology Named after River Ataran, where the type series was collected. An adjective, -is, -is, -e.

Remarks Schistura ataranensis is traded as ornamental fish since at least 2006 under names like ‘Sumo loach’, ‘Sumo loach II’, ‘Schistura cf. balteata’22. However, pictures of fishes from the ornamental fish trade suggest that additional species are confused under these names.

The new species described in the present study. 

(A) Schistura ataranensis, ZRC 61579, holotype, 43.5 mm SL; Myanmar: Kayin province: Ataran drainage; (B) Schistura hartli, ZRC 61581, holotype, 41.0 mm SL; Thailand: Surat Thani Province: Khao Sok; (C) Schistura myaekanbawensis, MHNG 2790.081, holotype, 29.8 mm SL; Myanmar: Tanintharyi Region: Tanintharyi drainage; 

(D) Schistura kuehnei, ZRC 61582, holotype, 37.1 mm SL; Thailand: Surat Thani Province: Tapi drainage, Khlong Sok watershed;. (E) Schistura peninsulae, ZRC 61584, holotype, 35.6 mm SL; Malaysia: Kedah province: Langkawi Island.

Schistura hartli, new species

Distribution Known only from three specimens, collected in Khao Sok NP in a small forest stream (Fig. 7). Exact position of the locality unknown.

Etymology Named for Andreas Hartl, who collected the type material. Noun in genitive, indeclinable.

Schistura myaekanbawensis, new species 

Schistura kuehnei, new species

Distribution Known only from a small forest stream draining from Khao Sok NP into stream Khlong Sok (River Tapi drainage) in Surat Thani province (Fig. 7); at the type locality it co-occurs with S. robertsi.

Etymology Named after Jens Kühne, in acknowledgement of his long-time support of our ichthyological work in Southeast Asia. Noun in genitive, indeclinable.

Schistura peninsulae, new species

Etymology Named after its wide distribution on the Malay Peninsula; it also is the most southern species of Schistura on the Malay Peninsula. A noun in genitive, indeclinable.

Bayesian tree of the concatenated dataset (mitochondrial cytochrome b plus nuclear IRBP 2 genes) showing the phylogenetic relationships of the species of the Schistura cincticauda species group and the proposed position of S. paucifasciata as concluded from its shared rare pigmentation element with S. balteata. The Bayesian (BAY) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses revealed congruent topologies; the rectangles at the nodes indicate the posterior probabilities and bootstrap support. The map indicates the geographic origin of the analysed samples of the species. Colours in the tree correspond to colours in map; the values at the nodes represent the posterior possibilities.

 

Tomáš Dvořák, Jörg Bohlen, Maurice Kottelat and Vendula Šlechtová. 2023. Revision of the Schistura cincticauda species group (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae) using molecular and morphological markers. Scientific Reports. 13: 16996. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42852-1 

[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] Indoreonectes mahadeoensis • A New Species of River Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from headwaters of the Narmada River, India

  

Indoreonectes mahadeoensis

Ghosh, Bhat & Johnson, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5693.4.5

 

Abstract

A new species of nemacheilid loach, Indoreonectes mahadeoensis is described from the Narmada River basin, Central India. Indoreonectes mahadeoensis is distinguished from its congeners by the presence of 8 branched rays in the dorsal fin, 7 branched rays in the anal fin, and by the unique combination of the following characters: nasal barbels reaching anterior border of eye, dorsal-fin origin positioned posterior to vertical line drawn from pelvic-fin origin, and broken bars along lateral surface of body. Further, I. mahadeoensis differs from all congeners, except I. evezardi, in having divided vertical bars on caudal peduncle (vs. undivided bars), but can be distinguished from the latter in having larger eyes (16.5–21.8 vs. 9.8–15.9% HL) and wider gape (40.4–59.1 vs. 24.3–37.5% HL). Analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences revealed high genetic divergence (uncorrected P-distance ranging from 11.2 to 18.6%) between I. mahadeoensis and congeners.

Pisces, Central India, Madhya Pradesh, river loach, taxonomy, freshwater fish

Indoreonectes mahadeoensis, Holotype, WII/NWr/type_F 04, 53.0 mm SL; India: Madhya Pradesh: Satpura tiger reserve: Pachmarhi: Mahadeo stream, lateral view.
Dorsal (A), ventral (B) and lateral (C) head view the holotype. 

Meghma GHOSH, Anuradha BHAT, Jeyaraj Antony JOHNSON. 2025. Indoreonectes mahadeoensis, A New Species of River Loach from headwaters of the Narmada River, India (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Zootaxa. 5693(4); 537-550. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5693.4.5 [2025-09-19]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Oreonectes guidongensis • A New Species from eastern Guangxi within the Oreonectes polystigmus complex (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) by integrating morphological and genetic evidence

 

(A) Oreonectes guidongensis Luo, Yu, Liao & Zhou, sp. nov. 
(B) O. polystigmus Du, Chen & Yang, 2008,
(C) O. zhangi Zhong, Yang & Chen, 2024

in Liao, Yu, Luo, Lan, J.-J. Zhou, Xiao et J. Zhou, 2025.

桂东岭鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.160089 

 

Abstract

We describe Oreonectes guidongensis sp. nov., a new species collected from Hezhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Morphologically, it is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: six branched pelvic-fin rays; seven branched dorsal-fin rays; tip of pelvic fin not reaching the anus; a well-developed posterior chamber of the air bladder; 14–16 branched caudal-fin rays; 10 inner gill rakers on the first gill arch; and a distance between the posterior base of the pectoral fin and the anterior base of the pelvic fin of 18.8–27.9% of standard length. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene supports the distinctiveness of this species, revealing genetic distances of 5.4–8.5% from its congeners. The discovery of Oreonectes guidongensis sp. nov. underscores the need to re-evaluate O. polystigmus as a potential species complex to better understand the genus’s biodiversity.

Key Words: Cryptic species, morphology, taxonomy, phylogeny

Ecological photographs of four species of the Oreonectes polystigmus complex. (A) Oreonectes guidongensis sp. nov. (B) O. polystigmus. (C) O. zhangi. (D) O. damingshanensis.

 Oreonectes guidongensis Luo, Yu, Liao & Zhou, sp. nov.

  

Etymology. The species name “guidongensis” refers to its distribution in Guangxi (广西), also known as Gui (桂), specifically indicating that the species is found in the eastern region of Guangxi, China. The suggested English name for this species is the Guidong Hilly Loach, and its Chinese name is Guì Dōng Lǐng Qiū (桂东岭鳅).

Diagnosis. Comparative data between new species and all nine known species within the genus Oreonectes are provided in Table 4. Oreonectes guidongensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from O. platycephalus and O. zhangi by the well-developed posterior chamber of air bladder (vs. reduced), from O. damingshanensis, O. guananensis, and O. luochengensis by six branched plevic-fin rays (vs. 7 or 7–8), from O. guilinensis and O. yuedongensis by seven branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. 6), from O. andongensis 10 inner gill rakers on the first gill arch (vs. 11–12), and from O. polystigmus by the tip of pelvic fin not reaching the anus (vs. reaching the anus), distance between the posterior base of the pectoral fin and the anterior base of the pelvic fin is 18.8–27.9% of standard length (18.8–27.9% HL vs. 27.9–34.1%), and five supratemporal pores (vs. 3) (Figs 4, 5).

Mei Liao, Jing Yu, Tao Luo, Chang-Ting Lan, Jia-Jun Zhou, Ning Xiao and Jiang Zhou. 2025. Description of A New Species from eastern Guangxi within the Oreonectes polystigmus complex (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) by integrating morphological and genetic evidence. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 1763-1774. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.160089 

[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