[Ichthyology • 2026] Nanosphronemus gemma • A remarkable New Genus and Species of miniature osphronemid (Anabantoidei: Osphronemidae) from Vietnam

Nanosphronemus gemma

 Britz, Tan & Rüber, 2026

Raffles. Bull. Zool. 74; 

Abstract

 A new genus and species of miniature labyrinth fish of the family Osphronemidae, Nanosphronemus gemma, is described from Vietnam. It differs from all other genera of anabantoids by a unique dorsal- and anal-fin ray count, a unique colour pattern and a number of unique or highly unusual skeletal characters. Our molecular phylogenetic analysis indicates that Nanosphronemus is the sister group of the genus Trichopsis, the croaking gouramis. 

Key words. Anabantoidei, labyrinth fishes, miniaturisation, gourami

Nanosphronemus gemma, live colouration, not preserved, all ca. 16 mm SL in lateral view.
a, putative female above, note absence of red stripe in dorsal half; b, putative male in normal colouration, note presence of red stripe above and darker pigmentation below midlateral stripe; c, putative male in breeding colouration, note overall darker colouration of body and also fins, presence of bright red stripe and highly iridescent scales in mid-lateral stripe and below on head and body.

Nanosphronemus gemma, not preserved, all ca. 18 mm SL.
a, mature female with eggs; b, in breeding colouration and typical oblique courtship position, c, approaching bubble nest under plant leaf; d, adding air bubbles and embedding eggs into bubble nest.

Nanosphronemus, new genus  

Diagnosis. Nanosphronemus differs from all other genera in the suborder Anabantoidei by its unique count of XIX– XXI+2–3 dorsal-fin rays (vs. I–XVIII+ 4–14, rarely XIX in some specimens of Macropodus ocellatus) and XX– XXIV+4–5 anal-fin rays (vs. I–XVII+8–38, rarely XX–XXII in some specimens of Macropodus spp.), the presence (vs. absence) of a series of anteroventrally directed processes off the distal part of caudal haemal arches, Baudelot’s ligament ...

Etymology. The new genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek word, νάνος, meaning dwarf, combined with the name Osphronemus, the type genus of the family Osphronemidae, to which this new genus belongs. Gender: masculine. The name alludes to the tiny size of this new fish, which makes it one of the smallest anabantoids known to date.

Nanosphronemus gemma, new species 

 Suggested common name. Jewel Gourami.

Distribution. Unclear at present: reported from undisclosed area near Huế in Central Vietnam. 

Etymology. The species name is derived from the Latin word for jewel, ‘gemma’, alluding to the stunning colouration of sexually mature males. A noun in apposition.

 

Ralf BRITZ, Heok Hui TAN and Lukas RÜBER. 2026. Nanosphronemus gemma, A remarkable New Genus and Species of miniature osphronemid from Vietnam (Teleostei: Anabantoidei: Osphronemidae). Raffles. Bull. Zool. 74; 606–623. 

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Betta iaspis & B. mulyadii • Phylogenetic Analysis of Betta coccina Complex (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra Island with Descriptions of Two New Species

Betta iaspis  &  B. mulyadii  

Ding, Lei, Haryono, Shi & Zhang, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1238.142857

Abstract

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

Key words: Betta, biodiversity, mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, phylogeny, taxonomy

 

Illustrations of Betta iaspis sp. nov.
A MZB.26963, 19.5 mm SL male holotype, freshly preserved after collection in field (laterally inverted) B male, live coloration, not preserved (laterally inverted)
C male holotype, in stress coloration immediately after capture (laterally inverted) D female, in courtship coloration, not preserved (laterally inverted).

 Betta iaspis sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Betta iaspis sp. nov. differs from its congeners in the B. coccina group by the following unique combination of characters: less dorsal-fin rays (8–10*) and subdorsal scales (5–6*); shorter dorsal–fin base (7.5–19.1% SL, mean 11.7%); male with dark blackish body; without green iridescent mid-lateral body patch; dorsal-, pelvic- and caudal fins red without significant marks; blackish anal fin with reddish patches on posterior part.

Etymology. A Latin noun iaspis is derived from the Greek ἴασπις, for the gemstone jasper, which is usually red or green/blue in color, referring to the distinct combination of the fish’s iridescent bluish/greenish body and reddish fins.

Type locality photographs for Betta iaspis sp. nov.
A freshly collected specimens of male from type locality in dry season (laterally inverted), coll. Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai B photograph of remaining puddles in the forest in dry season, photograph by Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai 2023 C the surface of the type locality appear to be dried-up in dry season, while the mud beneath the thick layer of dead leaves often remain moist D this area will turn to swamp in rain season, photograph by Agus 2022 E type locality in Jambi, a small forest swamp directly adjacent to a huge oil-palm plantation.

Illustrations of Betta mulyadii sp. nov. 
 A MZB.26964, 18.5 mm SL male holotype, freshly preserved B male holotype, in stress coloration immediately after capture C breeding male with a bubble-nest, not preserved (laterally inverted) D female, in courtship coloration, not preserved E Bmale, live coloration, not preserved (laterally inverted).

 Betta mulyadii sp. nov.

Betta sp. Riau Red—Linke 2014: 228.

Diagnosis. Betta mulyadii sp. nov. differs from its congeners in the B. coccina group by the following unique combination of characters: fewer dorsal-fin rays (8*–10) and subdorsal scales (5*-6); shorter dorsal-fin base (9.89–15.1% SL, mean 12.5%); male with reddish body; without green iridescent mid-lateral body patch; unpaired fins red without significant marks (dorsal and caudal fins with bright bluish margins).

Etymology. The species is named after Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai, who discovered this species and contributed much first-hand field information on this genus during the last 30 years. Previously the species was widely known by the common name “api-api” given by the discoverer, which means flame/fire in Bahasa Indonesia referring to the reddish body and lanceolate caudal fin.

Type locality photographs for Betta mulyadii sp. nov. 
A swamp shaded by secondary shrubs B a tiny swamp surrounded by a huge oil-palm plantation C freshly collected specimens of male B. mulyadii from type locality, coll. Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai.

Jiali Ding, Wen Lei, Haryono Haryono, Wentian Shi and Wanchang Zhang. 2025. Phylogenetic Analysis of Betta coccina Complex (Teleostei, Osphronemidae) from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra Island with Descriptions of Two New Species. ZooKeys. 1238: 161-181. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1238.142857

[Ichthyology • 2024] Macropodus minnanensis • A New Species of Macropodus (Teleotsei: Osphronemidae) from Fujian Province, southern China

Macropodus minnanensis 

Chen & Chiu, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5550.1.33 

 

Abstract

A new Macropodus species was collected from the river basins of southeastern China. The new species Macropodus minnanensis, from Fujian Province, China can be well distinguished from congeners by the following combination of features: (1) dorsal fin with 13 spines and 7 soft rays; (2) anal fin with 20 spines and modally 10 soft rays; (3) vertical insertion of dorsal fin origin at second to third soft rays of anal fin; (4) longitudinal scale rows in midline modally 28; (5) transverse scale rows 14; (6) vertebrae 27 and (7) specific coloration: body with posteriorly black margin on scale pockets; eye greyish; a large opecular, deep black ocellus spot in male. The brief discussions of its related species are also provided.

Pisces, new species, freshwater fish, Macropodus, Fujian, China

Macropodus minnanensis, Jangjou, Fujian Province, China.
holotype, female, mm SL, female, 34.7 mm SL, Jangjiang basin; 
 paratype, male, 45.7 mm SL, Pinhe, Joulongjiang basin, 

Macropodus La Cepède, 1801 

(type species: Macropodus viridiauratus La Cepède, 1801: 416, 417, by monotypy). 

 Macropodus minnanensis n. sp.

Diagnosis: The new species Macropodus minnanensis, from Fujian Province, China can be well distinguished from congeners by the following combination of features: (1) dorsal fin with 13 spines and 7 soft rays; (2) anal fin with 20 spines and modally 10 soft rays; (3) vertical insertion of dorsal fin origin at second to third soft rays of anal fin; (4) longitudinal scale rows in midline modally 28; (5) transverse scale rows 14; (6) vertebrae 27 and (7) specific coloration: body tawny to blackish brown with posteriorly black margin on scale pockets; eye greyish; a large opecular, deep black ocellus spot in male.

Etymology.— The specific name, minnanensis, is referred to its own type locality in Mandarin: “Min-nan” which means the southern part of Fujian Province, China.

 I-Shiung CHEN and Yuh-Wen CHIU. 2024. A New Species of Macropodus (Teleotsei: Osphronemidae) from Fujian Province, southern China.  Zootaxa. 5550(1); 328-332. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5550.1.33 

[Ichthyology • 2023] Betta andrei • A New Species of Black Water Fighting Fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Singkep Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia

 

Betta andrei

Tan, 2023

a, B. waseri, d, B. spilotogena and j, B. andrei. 

  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71

Abstract

 A new species of Betta from the B. waseri group is described based on a single specimen from Singkep Island. It appears to be closely allied to B. spilotogena. Betta andrei, new species, differs from B. spilotogena in having a different throat pattern, comprised of a black lower jaw, continuous with a large pitcher-like pattern on throat, ending with a protruding segment on buccal membrane (vs. isolated teardrop shaped black mark on throat); opercle uniform brown with dark brown spots along posterior margin; faint black transverse bars on the dorsal- and caudal-fin interradial membranes; absence of a dark distal border on anal fin. 

Keywords. Betta, new species, Indonesia, peat swamp, biodiversity

Betta andrei, ZRC 64279, 50.7 mm SL:
topmost – live fish; second from top – freshly preserved fish with white background; third from top – freshly preserved fish with black background; bottom – radiograph.

Composite of head region of Betta andrei (ZRC 64279, 50.7 mm SL),
showing oblique (top) and ventral (bottom) views.

Betta andrei, new species 

Diagnosis. Betta andrei can be distinguished from other members of the B. waseri group in having the following combination of characters: black lower jaw, continuous with large black pitcher-shaped mark on throat, ending with a protrusion on buccal membrane (see Figs. 2–3); opercle uniform brown with dark brown mottling along posterior margin, operculum without lower distal margin black; faint black transverse bars on the dorsal and caudal fin interradial membranes; absence of a dark distal border on anal fin.

Etymology. This species is named for Andre Chandra, an intrepid fish collector and enthusiast, who rendered much assistance to the author in procuring specimens and information; fishy discussions and good meals. A noun in the genitive.

Stream in which the holotype of Betta andrei was collected (Photograph: Andre Chandra).

Schematic diagrams of throat pattern of the Betta waseri group in chronological order of discovery: a, B. waseri, b, B. hipposideros, c, B. tomi, d, B. spilotogena, e, B. chloropharynx, f, B. renata, g, B. pi, h, B. pardalotos, i, B. omega, and j, Betta andrei.

 

Tan Heok Hui. 2023. A New Species of Black Water Fighting Fish from Singkep Island (Teleostei: Osphronemidae).  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71: 491–495. 

 

    

[Ichthyology • 2022] On the Identity of the Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata (Perciformes: Osphronemidae) with Notes on the Taxonomic Status of Trichopodus bejeus

Trichogaster fasciata Bloch & Schneider, 1801, 

Trichogaster bejeus (Hamilton, 1822)

in Knight, Nallathambi, Vijayakrishnan & Jayasimhan, 2022. 

 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15191

 facebook.com: Praveenraj Jayasimhan

Abstract

Based on its original description and putative topotypes, the identity of the banded gourami Trichogaster fasciata is resolved. Trichogaster lalia is a synonym of T. fasciata, and the name Trichogaster bejeus is applied to the species hitherto identified as T. fasciata. T. fasciata is distinguished from its congeners in the shape of caudal fin, colouration, lip morphology and meristic and mensural characters.

Keywords: Colisa gourami, Osphronemidae, taxonomy, Trichogaster fasciata, Trichogaster lalia, Trichogaster bejeus

Trichogaster fasciata

Trichogaster bejeus

 

J. D. Marcus Knight, Moulitharan Nallathambi, Balaji Vijayakrishnan and Praveenraj Jayasimhan. 2022. On the Identity of the Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata with Notes on the Taxonomic Status of Trichopodus bejeus (Teleostei: Perciformes: Osphronemidae). Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15191

 facebook.com/PraveenRaj39750121/posts/5631892513515719

[Ichthyology • 2020] Parosphromenus barbarae • A New Species of Licorice Gourami (Anabantiformes: Osphronemidae) from Sarawak, Borneo

Parosphromenus barbarae 

Tan & Grinang, 2020

  DOI: 10.26049/VZ70-3-2020-07 

In Sarawak, there are two main populations of Parosphromenus known, the eastern population linked to the Rejang River basin being P. allani, and the western population linked to the Batang Kayan basin, is herein described as P. barbarae, new species. Parosphromenus barbarae differs from its most similar species, P. allani, in having a distinct black ocellus on caudal-fin base, indistinct dark brown ocellus on posterior base of dorsal-fin; presence of clearly demarcated subdistal hyaline band on anal fin (vs. faint); dorsal-fin rays XI – XIV, 4 – 5 (total count 15 – 18, mode 17); anal-fin rays XI – XIII, 6 – 10 (total count 19 – 21, mode 21); lateral scales 29 – 31½ (mode 29).

Key words: Allopatric speciation, Anabantiformes, biodiversity, peat swamps, Southeast Asia.

Fig. 3. Parosphromenus barbarae, ZRC 61245, ca. 25.0 mm SL male paratype (when live; right-side reversed).

Parosphromenus barbarae, new species

Diagnosis. Parosphromenus barbarae can be differentiated from its congeners with the following unique combination of characters: presence of faint ocellus on posterior base of dorsal-fn; presence of distinct ocellus on caudal fn base; presence of distinct three cream and two and half dark brown stripes on body; dorsal-fn rays XI –XIV, 4 –5 (total count 15 – 18, mode 17); anal-fn rays XI –XIII, 6–10 (total count 19–21, mode 21); lateral scales 29–31½ (mode 29).

Distribution. This species is currently known only from the remnant peat swamp forest near Batang Kayan in Lundu, near the western tip of Sarawak (Fig. 4). 

Etymology. Named for Barbara Brown, spouse of Allan Brown, who frst collected this species. This is the allopatric species to P. allani, being found in southern Sarawak, east of the Lupar divide. 

Tan Heok Hui and Jongkar Grinang. 2020. Parosphromenus barbarae, A New Species of Licorice Gourami from Sarawak, Borneo (Teleostei: Osphronemidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 70(3); 349-356. DOI: 10.26049/VZ70-3-2020-07

[Ichthyology • 2020] Betta nuluhon • A New Species of Fighting Fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from western Sabah, Malaysia

Betta nuluhon Kamal, Tan & Ng, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4819.1.11

  twitter.com/LKCNHM

 

Abstract

Betta nuluhon, new species, is described from a hill stream habitat in western Sabah. This species is allied to both B. chini and B. balunga, and differs from rest of its congeners in the B. akarensis group in having the following combination of characters: yellow iris when live; mature males with greenish-blue iridescence on opercle when live; mature fish with distinct transverse bars on caudal fin; slender body (body depth 22.1–25.2 % SL); belly area with faint reticulate pattern (scales posteriorly rimmed with black); absence of tiny black spots on anal fin; lateral scales 29–31 (mode 30); predorsal scales 20–21 (mode 20). Notes on a fresh series of B. chini are also provided.

Keywords: Taxonomy, biodiversity, Southeast Asia, Anabantiformes, riparian habitat, Pisces

FIGURE 1. Betta nuluhon, new species, ca. 50 mm SL, freshly caught male specimen, not preserved.

FIGURE 3. Betta nuluhon, new species, ZRC 61247, holotype, 62.6 mm SL.

Betta nuluhon, new species

Etymology. This new species is named for the Kadazandusun vernacular nuluhon, meaning hill. This pertains to its hill stream habitat. Used as a noun in apposition.

N. S. S. Kamal, H. H. Tan and Casey K. C. Ng. 2020. Betta nuluhon, A New Species of Fighting Fish from western Sabah, Malaysia (Teleostei: Osphronemidae). Zootaxa. 4819(1); 187–194. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4819.1.11

  twitter.com/LKCNHM/status/1298107837562814465

[Ichthyology • 2015] Why is Pseudosphromenus cupanus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) reported from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Pakistan?

 (a) Pseudosphromenus cupanus, NRM 40344, 27.1 mm SL, India, Kolkata, ornamental fish farm;

(b) P. dayi, NRM 12069, 22.7 mm SL, India, Kerala, Kottayam; (c) P. dayi, living specimen in aquarium, ca 40 mm SL;

(d) Badis badis, image used as illustration of Pseudosphromenus cupanus in Rahman & Ruma (2007), slightly adjusted. Photo by Gawsia W. Chowdhury

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3990.4.6

Abstract

The native distribution of the small labyrinth fish species Pseudosphromenus cupanus includes southern India and Sri Lanka. According to literature it has a range including also Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Sumatra) but there are no voucher specimens or reliable observations from those areas. The distribution record of P. cupanus was inflated partly by including P. dayi as a synonym. Pseudosphronemus dayi is native to the Western Ghats in India, but the origin of the aquarium importation in 1907 was reported as both Cochin (=Kochi) and Malacca (=Malaysia), the latter locality obviously in error. The basis for the Sumatra record is an obviously mislabeled sample of P. dayi from Pulau Weh close to Sumatra. The basis for reporting the species from Pakistan, Myanmar or Bangladesh could not be located. Misidentified museum specimens from Myanmar and Pakistan identified as P. cupanus were never published on. Pseudosphromenus cupanus has been considered recently to be extinct in Bangladesh, but in fact it never occurred there.

Keywords: Asia, Freshwater, Geographical distribution, Threat status

Kullander, Sven O., MD. M. Rahman, Michael Norén & Abdur R. Mollah. 2015. Why is Pseudosphromenus cupanus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) reported from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Pakistan? Zootaxa. 3990(4): 575–583. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3990.4.6

[Ichthyology • 2014] Trichopodus poptae • A New Anabantoid Fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Borneo

Trichopodus poptae, new species, is distinguished from all other species in the genus by an almost non-discernible colour pattern, except for a single black blotch at the base of the caudal fin; fewer lateral scales (34-38, vs. 40-65); fewer total dorsal-fin rays than T. pectoralis (14-16, vs. 17-18); more total dorsal-fin spines than T. microlepis (6-7, vs. 3-4); fewer total anal-fin rays than T. microlepis and T. pectoralis (38-41, vs. 44-50). An artificial key to the genus is provided.

  Bi Wei, Heok Hui Tan and Ralf Britz. 2014. Trichopodus poptae, A New Anabantoid Fish from Borneo (Teleostei: Osphronemidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. 25(1): 69-77.

http://www.pfeil-verlag.de/04biol/pdf/ief25_1_06.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265964427_Trichopodus_poptae_a_new_anabantoid_fish_from_Borneo_(Teleostei_Osphronemidae)

[Ichthyology • 2012] ปลากัดป่าตะวันออก | Betta siamorientalis • a new species of bubble-nest building fighting fish Betta (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from eastern Thailand

ปลากัดป่าตะวันออก | Betta siamorientalis 

Abstract 

Betta siamorientalis sp. n., a new species of fighting fish belonging to the Betta splendens group, inhabiting four provinces in the eastern Thailand, is described. The combination of slender body shape with reddish vertical bars on the black opercle and an apparent black body distinguishes the new species from other congeners especially B. imbellis. The blacker appearance relative to B. imbellis is due to a higher proportion of black body area relative to that occupied by blue/green iridescence of the scales. Based on morphological similarity and fin colour pattern and vertical bar colour on the opercle, the new species appears to be more closely related to B. imbellis and B. splendens than other members of the B. splendens group.

 Key words: Betta siamorientalis sp. n., Black imbellis, Bubble-nesting fighting fish, Thailand

Distribution. Based on our extensive survey of fighting fish in sixty-seven (total of seventy-seven as of 2012) provinces, the wild B. siamorientalis sp. n. is currently found in only 4 provinces in Thailand: Chachoengsao,  Sa Kaeo, Prachin Buri, and Chon Buri (only in areas close to Chachoengsao). The eastern region of Thailand harbouring this species is shown in Fig. 4. Betta siamorientalis sp. n. is also found in Banteay Meanchey, a province of Cambodia on the eastern border of Sa Kaeo province: this may indicate an even wider and farther distribution. It is worth mentioning that in the Chon Buri province, B. siamo­rientalis sp. n. has been found only in Phanat Nikhom district which is next to Chachoengsao province, while in the eastern part of Chon Buri, that is connected to other provinces, only B. splendens has been found.

http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=442853579101339

Field notes. Betta siamorientalis sp. n. was found in the shallow freshwater marshes, grass fields, and paddy fields. It was also caught at the water edge (with dense vegetation) of ponds, lagoons, ditches, canals, and others water ways. Leersia hexandra (family Poaceae) and Eleocharis dulcis (family Cyperaceae) were common in such habitats. The habitat characteristics are quite similar to those of other members of B. splendens group (see Fig. 5). Betta siamorientalis sp. n. lives in still waters and uses water plants as shelter to set up safe territory for building the bubble-nest, courtship, and hatching of fry, the same preferences as other species of the B. splendens group. Other labyrinth fishes cohabiting with B. siamorientalis sp. n. are Trichopsis vittata, Trichopsis shalleri, Trichopsis pu­mila, Trichopodus trichopterus, Anabas testudineus. Other non-labyrinth fishes sharing the same habitats are Lepidocephalichthys hasselti, Pangio anguillaris, Macrognathus siamensis, and Monopterus albus.

Etymology. The name siamorientalis is adopted as an allusion to the type locality of the new species collected in this study. It is derived from Siam, the former name of Thailand, and orientalis, a Latin version for east, the region of the country where the fish is located.

Kowasupat, C, B. Panijpan, P. Ruenwongsa and T. Jeenthong. 2012. Betta siamorientalis, a new species of bubble-nest building fighting fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from eastern Thailand. Vertebrate Zoology. 62(3): 387-397

http://www.vertebrate-zoology.de/vz62-3/05_Vertebrate_Zoology_62-3_Kowasupat_387-397.pdf

the 1st Author's Facebook Timeline photo: http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152360052800217

http://www.seriouslyfish.com/new-betta-species-described/

[Ichthyology • 2012] Parosphromenus gunawani & P. phoenicurus • Two new species of the genus Parosphromenus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract 

Parosphromenus gunawani spec. nov. (previously known as P. spec. “Danau Rasau”) and P. phoenicurus spec. nov. (previously known as P. spec. “Langgam”) are described from Sumatra, Indonesia. Parosphromenus gunawani is similar to P. bintan but differs from it by lacking the prominent broad blue band in the caudal fin of males. It is distinguished from the remaining species of the genus by an unique combination of meristic and colour character states. Parosphromenus phoeni­curus can be distinguished from all the other species of the genus by the rhombic caudal-fin shape in males (versus round or lanceolate with filaments). 

Key words: Teleostei, Osphronemidae, Parosphromenus, taxonomy, new species, Sumatra, Indonesia, biodiversity

Ingo SchIndler, I. and Linke, H. 2012. Two new species of the genus Parosphromenus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Sumatra. Vertebrate Zoology. 62 (3), 399-406.  

http://www.vertebrate-zoology.de/vz62-3/06_Vertebrate_Zoology_62-3_Schindler_399-406.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2012] ปลากัดมหาชัย | Betta mahachaiensis | Mahachai Fighting fish • a new species of bubble-nesting fighting fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand

Betta mahachaiensis 

Kowasupat, Panijpan, Ruenwongsa & Sriwattanarothai. 2012

ปลากัดมหาชัย | Mahachai Fighting fish

Abstract

Betta mahachaiensis, a new species of fighting fish belonging to the Betta splendens group, is described. The fish inhabits specifically sites with brackish water and nipa palms in the Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. It is distinguishable from other members of the B. splendens  group in having an iridescent green/bluish-green appearance on the brown-to-black body background. The opercular membrane has brown-to-black colour without red streaks or patches. The opercle has two parallel iridescent green or bluish-green vertical bars. Its dorsal, caudal, and anal fin rays are brown to black, contrasting with the iridescent green or bluish-green of the interradial membrane. Black transverse bars are present on at least the proximal twothirds of the dorsal fin, but not on the caudal fin. The colour of the pelvic fins is brown to black with an iridescent green/bluish-green front margin and a white tip. Females possess similar characters but are less colourful than males.

Key words: Betta mahachaiensis, Bubble-nesting fighting fish, Thailand

FIGURE 4. Close-ups of heads & opercle patterns of live males: (a) Betta splendens, THNHM-F-01703; (b) Betta imbellis, THNHM-F-01560; (c) Betta mahachaiensis, THNHM-F-01632; (d) Betta smaragdina, THNHM-F-01778; (e) Betta stiktos, THNHM-F-01824.

FIGURE 5. (a) Map of Thailand showing Betta mahachaiensis catch sites (encompassed by the small rectangle in the middle) in the central part of Thailand (C-Central, N-North, S-South, W-West, E-East, and NE-Northeast); (b) Catch (stars) of Betta mahachaiensis between years 2007 and 2012, twenty-eight sites in Samut Sakhon province and two sites in west of Bangkok. 

FIGURE 6. Habitat of Betta mahachaiensis in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand: (a) Nipa palm forest behind a food factory (Type Locality) (30 Apr. 2011); (b) Water held in the pocket phytotelma of the nipa palm bract as spawning space and the fish (THNHM-F-01632) caught from it (30 Apr. 2011); (c) The fish (THNHM-F-01655) and bubble nest in a pocket of a nipa palm bract (29 May 2011).

 

Kowasupat, C., PanijpanB., Ruenwongsa, R. & Sriwattanarothai, N. 2012. Betta mahachaiensis, a new species of bubble-nesting fighting fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. Zootaxa. (3522): 49–60.

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/list/2012/3522.html

[News] 'Mahachai' Fighting fish • “ปลากัดมหาชัย”

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