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The rock-dwelling cichlids from Lake Malaŵi, known as mbuna, comprise a diverse group of haplochromine fishes that are placed among 14 genera. Within the mbuna, Pseudotropheus is a polyphyletic genus, which has served as a catch-all for many of these fishes. Recently, many of the species-groups within Pseudotropheus have been elevated to separate genera. Herein, we describe an elongate form that was originally placed in the Pseudotropheus elongatus species group but is now described as a member of Metriaclima.

Barbus urmianus, from the upper Mahabad River in Lake Urmia basin, was distinguished from B. cyri based on several morphological characters. Our analysis demonstrated very small molecular (COI) differences between both species and mostly overlapping or identic morphological character states. Therefore, Barbus urmianus is treated as a junior synonym of B. cyri.

Species of the gobiid genus Schindleria are among the smallest and fastest reproducing vertebrates of the oceans. We describe a new species, Schindleria qizma, from the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. It is an extreme example of progenesis, within the already paedomorphic genus, with morphological traits clearly differentiating it from its congeners. Schindleria qizma has a unique, unflexed notochord with a straight urostyle of which the tip is inserted into the hypural cartilage, rather than the typical flexed notochord with an upturned urostyle of the other species of Schindleria. Schindleria qizma belongs to the short dorsal-fin type of Schindleria. It is further characterized by an elongated but relatively deep body; a short dorsal fin originating just slightly anterior to the anal fin (predorsal-fin length 59.4% of SL vs. preanal-fin length 60.2% of SL); a head continuously increasing in depth posteriorly with a straight dorsal profile; a short snout (18.6% of head length); large eyes (34.4% of head length); a short pectoral-radial plate (6.3% of SL); 13 dorsal-fin rays; 11 anal-fin rays; 0–2 procurrent rays (where the last procurrent ray is short, if present); an anal fin with the first anal-fin ray situated opposite the second dorsal-fin ray; toothless oral jaws; females with few (10–11, total) but very large (4.6% of SL) eggs and with a conspicuous urogenital papilla characterized by a wide urogenital opening flanked by two long, bilobed projections; a dorsally pigmented swim-bladder; blackish, iridescent eyes, capped by a silvery layer with irregular rows of black dots or blotches; and no additional external pigmentation on its body, at least in preserved specimens.

The present study investigated the ability of DNA barcoding to reliably identify the endemic freshwater species in Turkey, known as biodiversity hotspots. The barcode region (652 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was used to barcode 153 individuals from 13 morphologically identified species of the genus Alburnoides. Based on the Kimura two-parameter (K2P) evolution model, the average interspecific distance (0.0595) was 31-fold higher than the average intraspecific distance (0.0019). There was a clear-cut barcode gap (0.0158–0.0187) between maximum intraspecific distance (A. tzanevi and A. velioglui) and minimum nearest-neighbour distance (A. freyhofi and A. kurui) for Anatolian Alburnoides species and a common genetic threshold of 0.0158 sequence divergence was defined for species delimitation. The multiple species delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, GMYC and bPTP) revealed a total of 11 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) for 13 morphospecies. Neighbour-joining (NJ), Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) tree analysis indicated that all haplotypes were clustered into two major clades, which corresponded to eleven Alburnoides species clusters, with strong bootstrap support. Furthermore, all the specimens clustered in concurrence with the morpho-taxonomic status of the species, except for two species (A. coskuncelebii and A. emineae) that were morphologically differentiated, but showed overlap in variation for COI-based DNA barcode data with other species. Overall, present results identified that COI-based DNA barcoding is effective for species identification and cataloguing of genus Alburnoides in Turkey.

The Astyanax genus represents an extraordinary example of phenotypic evolution, being their most extreme examples the blind and depigmented morphs, which have evolved from independent surface-dwelling lineages. Among cave organisms, Astyanax cavefish is a prominent model system to study regressive evolution. Before this study, 34 cave populations were known for the Astyanax genus to be inhabited by the cave morph. The majority of those cave populations are distributed in Northeast México, at the Sierra Madre Oriental (32 cavefish), in three main areas: Sierra de Guatemala, Sierra de El Abra, and Micos, and two in the Balsas basin in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. In the present study, we describe a new cave population found 4.5 km Southward of Pachón cave, the most northern cave population known for the Sierra de El Abra limestone. El Refugio cave is a resurgence with a mixed population of fish with different levels of troglomorphism, and surface fish, resembling other hybrid populations within the Sierra de El Abra. Based on a mitochondrial DNA characterization of the 16S ribosomal DNA sequence, we could identify the mitochondrial lineage of this population, which was placed closely related to the “New Lineage”, sharing haplotypes with the surface (i.e. Arroyo Lagartos) and Pachón populations, instead of with the cave populations from Central Sierra de El Abra (e.g. Tinaja cave). El Refugio cave population gives additional evidence of the intricate history of this system, where migration, drift, and selection have shaped the evolution of the cave morphs through the independent episodes of the Astyanax mexicanus history.

The common minnow species Cyprinus chrysoprasius, previously synonymised to Phoxinus phoxinus, was originally described from the Crimean Peninsula (Black Sea – Sea of Azov basin). A genetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxydase 1 in the context of a phylogenetic study of European Phoxinus showed that it represents a distinct genetic clade and potentially a valid species. In the present study, we approach the issue following a broader, both genetic and morphological, study in order to check and support the validity of native Crimean Phoxinus under the earliest available name of the species: P. chrysoprasius. Our data demonstrate a reliable genetic distance of this minnow from geographically neighbouring clades and species, and a certain morphological distinctiveness. In order to determine the taxonomic concept of P. chrysoprasius, as a species involved in a genetically well-differentiated, but phenotypically poorly structured complex of east-European Phoxinus, a neotype for the species, based on topotypical material, is herein described and designated. The original type locality of the species is also clarified.

Colouration is an important tool for systematists inferring species limits and phylogenetic relationships of teleost fishes, but the use of colouration variation in trichomycterine catfish systematics has generated some controversy. We first report and describe the occurrence of four, geographically disjunct colour morphs inTrichomycterus albinotatus, endemic to south-eastern Brazil, as well as ontogenetic colouration change in each morph. A phylogenetic analysis using a cytb fragment (1098 bp) for 23 specimens representing all colour morphs and four outgroups did not support any correlation between colour morphs and lineages, with different colour morphs sharing identical haplotypes. This study indicated that young adult specimens found in lighter habitats had white and brown to black spots on the flank, whereas similar-sized specimens inhabiting darker habitats had white spots inconspicuous or absent and dark brown or black spots expanded. Individuals above about 65 mm SL of all populations had flank white marks less conspicuous or absent and cryptic habits during daylight, contrasting with smaller individuals with white marks and actively swimming above the substrate. Literature data indicate that ontogenetic colouration and habit changes occur in different trichomycterid lineages. Our data thus show that colouration may be problematic in taxonomical studies, although often being consistently used to diagnose species and clades. We conclude that colouration should not be discarded a priori as evidence of trichomycterine relationships and species limits, but should be used with caution in systematic studies, being necessary additional evidence, such as osteological characters or molecular data.

The subfamily Plectorhinchinae (sweetlips) is composed of poorly-known species with high commercially and ecologically values that exhibit phenotypic plasticity and various morphologies. Few studies have assessed the validity of sweetlips, intergeneric relationships and evolutionary survey in this subfamily, which have not yet been resolved. This study investigated the DNA sequences of (1) the mitochondrial COI gene to delimit species, and (2) two mitochondrial (COI and Cyt b), and one nuclear (RAG1) markers to infer phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary and biogeographic history. The molecular results could differentiate Diagramma punctatum from the other species, but failed to distinguish D. labiosum as a distinct species with considerably lower genetic distances for the COI (0.53%) and Cyt b (0.51%) markers. However, additional taxonomic investigations are required to shed light on this issue. All previously described nominal species of sweetlips in the northwest Indian Ocean were found to be well supported. The monophyly of Plectorhinchus is not supported and Diagramma pictum and D. punctatum should be assigned to the genus Plectorhinchus. The biogeographic history of Plectorhinchinae likely originated in the Indo-Pacific ca. 34 Ma (30–39 Ma; late Eocene/ middle Oligocene) and subsequently colonised the Western Indian Ocean and the Central Indo-Pacific. Maximum diversification within the subfamily occurred from the middle Miocene to Pliocene, coinciding with dispersal and vicariance events. Diversification was probably driven by both biological and geographical factors.

Two rarely caught species of the roughy fish genus Hoplostethus have been identified for the first time in the fish collections of Taiwan. The first, H. grandperrini Roberts & Gomon, 2012 was previously known only from two type specimens collected in the Southern Hemisphere off the coast of New Caledonia. Its distribution is now extended to the Northern Hemisphere off the coast of Pingtung, southern Taiwan. Our specimen represents the only record of this species since its initial description. The second, H. robustispinus Moore & Dodd, 2010 was originally described from a single specimen collected in the Philippines and was only known from the type locality and a single record off the Paracel Islands, South China Sea. This specimen represents the third record of the species since its original description. A single specimen of H. crassispinus Kotlyar, 1980, whose name has long appeared in the ichthyological literature of Taiwan and adjacent areas, was also identified as the first specimen-based record for Taiwan. Detailed descriptions of these species are provided and compared with available data of respective type specimens and related species, with intraspecific variations also discussed. Also included is a dichotomous key to all known species of the subgenus Hoplostethus in Taiwan.

Liparis tianchiensis (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae), a new species from Wenxian County, Gansu Province, China, is described and illustrated, based on morphological characters. Liparis tianchiensis is morphologically similar to L. damingshanensis, L. pauliana and L. mengziensis with erect, lax flowered-inflorescences, small persistent floral bracts, small greenish-purple flowers, spreading sepals, free reflexed and linear petals, a lip with 2 calli near the base and an arcuate column. Liparis tianchiensis differs from L. pauliana by the single and much smaller leaf, shorter sepals and petals, smaller and reflexed oblong lip. It differs from L. mengziensis by having fewer and larger flowers and not connate lip apex. The novelty mostly resembles L. damingshanensis, but can be readily identified by having longer sepals and a reflexed oblong lip. Liparis tianchiensis only occurs in evergreen broad-leaved forest around a mountain lake in Wenxian County, Gansu Province, China.

A new species of the zoarcid genus Pyrolycus Machida & Hashimoto, 2002, Pyrolycus jaco sp. nov., is described from a hydrothermal seep environment named Jacó Scar in the eastern Pacific of Costa Rica. Four specimens were collected in 2018 between 1746–1795 m among tubeworm colonies around the seep. The new species is differentiated from its two western Pacific congeners by having a shorter head, snout, jaw, and pectoral fins. It is further diagnosed by having three postorbital pores and two occipital pores. Molecular sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene are provided and are the first for the genus. The character states indicating miniaturization in this species are discussed. This is the first vertebrate species known from this composite reducing ecosystem and is the fourth hydrothermally-associated zoarcid from the eastern Pacific.

Supplementary descriptions based on new specimens of two rare dragonfish species, Photonectes klepadloae and P. litvinovi, formerly known by the holotypes only, are presented. The presence of a bulbous swelling at the tip of the terminal filament of the mental barbel is documented for P. klepadloae, and its absence in some specimens of that species, including the holotype, is likely an artifact of preservation. The presence of blue luminous tissue is documented for P. litvinovi, which was formerly believed to lack it due to skin abrasion in the holotype. A key for the species is corrected based on the new diagnostic characters of P. litvinovi. Incorrect mapping of the distribution of P. filipendulus provided in the original description is improved and a map showing the known distribution of all three aforementioned species is presented.

Hypostomus krikati sp. n. is described from the Mearim River basin, state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. This new species shares all the diagnostic features defining the Hypostomus plecostomus super-group. Three species of the H. plecostomus super-group are geographically close to the species described here (Hypostomus jaguribensis, H. pusarum and H. papariae). Hypostomus krikati sp. n. is easily distinguised from them by having conspicuous keels along the lateral series of plates. There are other species geographically close to H. krikati sp. n. that do not belong to the H. plecostomus super-group (H. johnii, H. velhomonge and H. velhochico). Hypostomus krikati sp. n. differs from these species by having a lower number of teeth, conspicuous keels along the lateral series of plates, abdominal region totally covered by plates, dark spots horizontally not aligned along lateral series of plates, and large-sized adults. The recently described species for the Maranhão hydrographic systems, as well as the new species here described reinforce the hypothesis that the Maranhão hydrographic systems may present a high level of endemism for freshwater fishes.

Re-investigation of the grenadier Coelorinchus vityazae endemic to the West Wind Drift Islands Province reveals species-level differences between the populations from the southeastern Atlantic and southwestern Indian oceans. The southeastern Atlantic populations (from Discovery and Gough seamounts) are described as a new species, C. inventionis sp. nov., characterized by a moderately short snout (27.7–33.9 % HL, vs. 32.0–38.7 % in C. vityazae) tipped with short, weakly tripartite terminal scute (vs. triangular and sharply pointed); uniformly thick, unpigmented lips (vs. fleshy, partly blackish upper lip with lateral portions expanded at middle in C. vityazae); modally i+17 or i+18 pectoral-fin rays (vs. i+15 or i+16), and anal-fin rays conspicuously darkened distally (vs. uniformly and finely peppered). Statistically significant differences between these two species were found for 28 of 39 morphometric characters. The Discovery and Gough specimens show a drastic difference in size of the light organ, which may reflect an initial stage of speciation within C. inventionis sp. nov. Iwamoto & Graham’s (2008) key to the species of the C. fasciatus group is modified for inclusion of the new species.

Heteromormyrus Steindachner, 1866, a genus of Mormyridae (Teleostei: Osteoglossomorpha), has been monotypic since the description of Heteromormyrus pauciradiatus (Steindacher, 1866) from a single specimen. No type locality other than “Angola” was given and almost no specimens have been subsequently identified to this species. In order to investigate the relationship of this taxon to fresh specimens collected in Angola and elsewhere, whole genome paired-end sequencing of DNA extracted from the holotype specimen of Heteromormyrus pauciradiatus was performed and a nearly complete mitogenome assembled from the sequences obtained. Comparison of cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b sequences from this mitogenome to sequences from recently collected material reveal that Heteromormyrus pauciradiatus is closely related to specimens identified as Hippopotamyrus ansorgii (Boulenger, 1905), Hippopotamyrus szaboi Kramer, van der Bank & Wink, 2004, Hippopotamyrus longilateralis Kramer & Swartz, 2010, as well as to several undescribed forms from subequatorial Africa collectively referred to in the literature as the “Hippopotamyrus ansorgii species complex” and colloquially known as “slender stonebashers.” Previous molecular phylogenetic work has shown that these species are not close relatives of Hippopotamyrus castor Pappenheim, 1906, the type species of genus Hippopotamyrus Pappenheim, 1906 from Cameroon, and are thus misclassified. Hippopotamyrus ansorgii species complex taxa and another species shown to have been misclassified, Paramormyrops tavernei (Poll, 1972), are placed in genus Heteromormyrus and one genetic lineage from the Kwanza and Lucala rivers of Angola are identified as conspecific Heteromormyrus pauciradiatus. Three additional new combinations and a synonymy in Mormyridae are introduced. The morphological characteristics and geographical distribution of the genus Heteromormyrus are reviewed. The electric organ discharges (EODs) of Heteromormyrus species are to be treated in a separate study.

Fish are the largest vertebrate group, consisting of more than 30 000 species with important ecological and economical value, while less than 3% of fish genomes have been published. Herein, a fish, Chirolophis japonicus, was sequenced using the next-generation sequencing. Approximately 595.7 megabase pair of the C. japonicus genome was assembled (49 901 contigs with 42.61% GC contents), leading to a prediction of 46 729 protein-coding gene models. A total of 554 136 simple sequence repeats was identified in the whole genome of C. japonicus, and dinucleotide microsatellite motifs were the most abundant, accounting for 59.49%. Phylogenomic analysis of 16 genomes based on the 694 single-copy genes suggests that C. japonicus is closely related with Anarrhichthys ocellatus, Cebidichthys violaceus, and Pholis gunnellus. The results provide more thorough genetic information of C. japonicus and a theoretical basis and reference for further genome-wide analysis.

A study of the type series of Stylophthalmus paradoxus and Idiacanthus atlanticus (Stomiidae), and Cyclothone livida, C. obscura and C. pallida (Gonostomatidae), uncovered errors in the synonymy of Idiacanthus and inconsistencies regarding the number of type specimens of the three species of Cyclothone. The syntypes of S. paradoxus were matched with the illustrations of this species in Brauer (1906) and the specimen used in the description was identified and designated as a lectotype of this species. A comparison of these syntypes with specimens of Idiacanthus atlanticus, including its syntypes, and of I. fasciola indicated that S. paradoxus is most likely a junior synonym of I. fasciola. In addition, the research resulted in a reliable way to distinguish between I. fasciola and I. atlanticus and in the identification of the primary type of the latter species. Mismatches were found in the information Brauer (1906) provided about the material he had for the three species of Cyclothone as well as with published data about the type series of these species. It seems that the whereabouts of many of the type series specimens is unknown. We therefore propose that the individual specimens Brauer singled out for measurements in his original descriptions of C. livida, C. obscura and C. pallida be recognized as lectotypes.

Garra rezai, new species, is described from the Chooman, a tributary of the Lesser Zab in Iran, and from headwaters of the Yanarsu, a tributary of the upper Tigris in Turkey. It is distinguished from its congeners in the Garra variabilis species group by having two pairs of barbels, a well-developed mental disc, 35–40 total scales along the lateral line, 15–19 scales along the predorsal midline, and 15–18 circumpeduncular scales. It is further characterised by having ten diagnostic nucleotide substitutions and the K2P genetic distances with the closest species i.e. G. klatti, G. kemali and G. variabilis as 11.9, 12.0, and 13.7%, respectively in the mtDNA COI barcode region.

An evidence-based annotated checklist of gobiid species (Teleostei: Gobiidae) inhabiting the South Caspian Sea and its catchment area (i.e., the South Caspian Sea sub-basin) is compiled. The South Caspian Sea sub-basin gobiofauna currently comprises 38 confirmed species in 11 genera (i.e., 88.4% of the Caspian gobiofauna); the most diverse genus is Benthophilus (16 species, 42.1%), followed by Ponticola (seven species, 18.4%), and Neogobius (four species, 10.5%). Ten species (26.3%) are endemic to the South Caspian Sea sub-basin, another 21 species (55.3%) are endemic in the Caspian Sea basin as a whole, six (15.8%) are native to the Ponto-Caspian region, and one species (2.6%) is exotic. According to the current IUCN Red List, 24 species (64.9%) are listed as being of “Least Concern”, eight species (21.6%) are “Data Deficient”, and five species (13.5%) as “Not Evaluated”. Similar numbers of species are confirmed to inhabit the South Caspian Sea sub-basin waters of the three countries that border it: Iran harbors 25 species (nine genera), Azerbaijan has 28 species (10 genera), and Turkmenistan has 26 species (10 genera). The greatest known diversity of Benthophilus in South Caspian waters occurs in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan (11 species each), whereas Iranian waters harbor seven species. In comparison, Iran, with six out of eight species (75%), has the greatest diversity of Ponticola known from the Caspian Sea basin. Species richness and endemism of the Caspian Sea gobiid-fauna varies considerably with latitude: the North, Middle and South sub-basins respectively harbor 21, 31, and 37 native species, of which 0, 3, and 10 species are endemic in that sub-basin alone. The high species diversity and endemism of Gobiidae in the South Caspian Sea sub-basin may have resulted from: (i) greater ecological diversity compared to the northern Caspian Sea marine areas (e.g., water depths) that may have led to differential niche adaptation and adaptive radiation in the Benthophilus-Anatirostrum species flock, (ii) lower historical extinction rate compared to Caspian higher latitudes, which had greater exposure to the Pleistocene’s extreme climatic changes, (iii) geological history of freshwater habitats in the South Caspian Sea sub-basin that set the speciation and evolutionary stage for the genus Ponticola during these Pleistocene climatic oscillations, (iv) presently less limiting conditions compared to the North Caspian Sea, i.e., higher present winter minimum of water temperature and higher salinity, and (v) Iranian freshwater abundance, variability and habitat diversity. Contemporary gobiid diversity and endemism in the Caspian Sea basin suggests two higher-priority conservation areas: (i) freshwater habitats of the South Caspian Sea region in Iran and Azerbaijan, and (ii) shallow coastal and deep waters of the South and Middle Caspian Sea sub-basins. An identification key is provided for the updated gobiid species from the South Caspian Sea sub-basin.

A new freshwater rhinogoby has been collected and surveyed from northern Taiwan. The new species, Rhinogobius yangminshanensis n. sp. with fluvial life history can be well distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of features: (1) fin rays: second dorsal fin rays I/9; anal fin rays I/8; pectoral fin rays modally 16; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 28–30 (modally 29); perdorsal scales 9–10 (modally 9); (4) vertebral count 27; (5) rear edge of mouth: merely extending to vertical of anterior margin of pupil in male and (6) specific colouration: lateral side with 6–7 longitudinal rows of bright orange to orange red spots in male which general size about 1/2 of pupil diameter. Cheek and opercle with 24–35 orange spots in male. Branchiostegal membrane with many minute orange spots in male. Caudal fin with distally orange zone in male with about 3 vertical rows of orange or orange red spots. First dorsal fin with broad orange band on distally 1/3 area. A middle black spot in abterior first dorsal fin. Pectoral fin with two rows red orange spots in male. The phylogenetic comparisons have revealed that the great mitogenetic differences of R. yangminshanensis with all other congeneric species and sister species would be R. rubromaculatus in Taiwan. A diagnostic key to all valid species of Rhinogobius from Taiwan is also provided.

Owstonia aurora sp. nov. is described on the base of three specimens (69.8–88.0 mm in standard length) collected off East Luzon during the “Aurora 2007” Philippine Expedition. The new species differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin elements III, 21; anal-fin elements I, 14; gill rakers on first arch 35–38; cheek with 80–86 scales in 7–8 rows; lateral line without branch, not forming loop in front of dorsal-fin, ending below 17th to 22th dorsal-fin soft rays; oblique body scale rows in mid-lateral series 54–58; lower margin of preopercle rounded; prominent black blotch on anterior dorsal-fin membrane, and extend downward to dorsal-fin base, remaining membrane of dorsal, anal, and caudal fins red with white margins and bases, distinct white stripes on mid dorsal and caudal fin membranes; membranes between maxillary and premaxillary with discontinuous black stripes or patches.

Gymnothorax poikilospilus sp. nov. is described based on two specimens collected from Penghu Islands, western Taiwan. It is a medium-sized brown moray that body covered with several rows of inconspicuous large dark brown patches on the back of body and dorsal fin. It has slightly elongated and arched jaws similar to the common characteristic of the genus Enchelycore Kaup, but the dentition supports it belongs to typical morays of the genus Gymnothorax Bloch. The new species can be distinguished from other similar Indo-Pacific brown morays by the combination of dentition, vertebral formula, and morphometric measurements. Molecular analyses based on 612 bp of mitochondrial COI gene also support it as a distinct species.

Four new species of the genus Chaunax found in Taiwan and the Philippines are described. Chaunax albatrossae sp. nov. belongs to the C. abei species group and is distinct from its congeners in having a dark gray mouth cavity, a dark brown to black gill chamber and gill rakers and skin covered with only short, simple spinules. Three new species belong to the C. fimbriatus species group: Chaunax erythraeus sp. nov. is distinct in having a uniformly pinkish-red body and an entirely black gill chamber; Chaunax obscurus sp. nov. is distinct in having a dark gray mouth cavity and orange-red marbling on the dorsal surface that fades after fixation; and Chaunax viridiretis sp. nov. is distinguished by its green reticulate pattern with some small, bright-white patches on the dorsal surface. The diagnostic characters used to identify the chaunacids are summarized and a key to all Chaunax species found in Taiwan and adjacent waters is provided.

A new pineapple fish is described based on 26 type and 80 non-type specimens collected from Taiwan, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Queensland, Australia. This new species is sympatric with and similar to Monocentris japonica but can be distinguished from the latter in having only 6 or 7 scales on the third scale row below the lateral line; excisura notched and a small pseudo-excisura present on the sagittal otolith; consistently greater head depth, body depth, postorbital length, dorsal-fin–pelvic-fin length, and dorsal-fin–pectoral-fin length in proportion to standard length. A detailed description and designation of neotype are provided for M. japonica. DNA barcoding analysis supports the distinction of the new species with an estimated average COI gene divergence of 3.6 % from M. japonica.

An additional description of the Misol snake eel Yirrkala misolensis (Günther, 1872) is reported on the basis of 9 specimens collected from Dong-gang and Ke-tzu-liao, southwestern Taiwan. The species was previously reported from Indonesia and Australia and then extends northward to Taiwan and Japan, and was lacking adequate characterization on morphology. A detail description, fine condition of fresh photographs and 4 partial CO1 sequences are provided for the first time.

Two new species of the elongate snake eel genus Bascanichthys are described from the northwestern Pacific. Bascanichthys kabeyawan sp. nov. is described based on a single specimen collected from estuary of southern Taiwan. It is characterized by having head 4.6% TL; tail 52.3% TL; body depth at gill opening 1.1% TL; predorsal-fin length 58.4% HL; snout length 10.9% HL; body bicolored, head without bands; lateral-line pores anterior to anus 104; vertebral formula 4-103-224. Bascanichthys ryukyuensis sp. nov. is described based on two specimens collected from the shallow water of Okinawa-jima Island, Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan. It is characterized by having head 3.7–4.3% TL; tail 43.3–44.2% TL; predorsal-fin length 40.7–45.4% HL; snout length 11.3–13.1% HL; body pale brown, head without distinct dark bands after preservation; lateral-line pores anterior to anus 114–118; total vertebrae 207–216, mean vertebral formula 2-116-212; and dorsal-fin origin before middle of head.

Chelidoperca barazeri Lee, Lee, Matsunuma & Chen, 2019 is redescribed based on two sub-adult types and 12 additional non-types specimens collected from the type locality and southwestern Taiwan, respectively. The identification of the additional specimens were supported by morphological and/or molecular approaches. C. barazeri is characterized by the following combination of characters: three scale rows between lateral line and base of 6th dorsal-fin spine; pored lateral-line scales 34‒37, modally 36; modally 2+7 developed gill rakers on the upper and lower limb; soft dorsal fin with series of large yellow spots; and the anal-fin with a yellow margin. C. barazeri is most similar to C. tosaensis and can be distinguished from C. tosaensis by: relatively less pored lateral line scales, 34‒37 (vs. 37‒43, modally 39); anal-fin without series of spot; penultimate and the last dorsal- and anal-fin rays in adult not elongated (vs. well elongated in adults); presence of a faint and discontinuous stripe formed by clusters of melanophores along the mid-lateral body when preserved (vs. without or very indistinct). Furthermore, six species of Chelidoperca are confirmed occurring in the Taiwanese water by literature reviews. A key to Chelidoperca from the Taiwanese water is provided.

A new species of goby of the subfamily Sicydiinae, Lentipes niasensis, is described from the stream of Humogo River, Nias Island, Indonesia. This species can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of features: (1) fin ray counts: D2 I/10; A I/10; P 17–18; D1 not connected to D2 in either sex. (2) squamation: LR 7–11; anterior half of body naked, lateral body scales present from 5–6th rays of second dorsal-fin to hypural, embedded in skin. (3) upper jaw teeth in male 14–19 and in female 33–38. (4) urogenital papilla in male slender and distally pointed, flanked by pair of associated fleshy lobes and not retractable into sheath–like groove. (5) distinctive colour pattern of male: upper lip greyish, red patches on the pectoral-fin base, on mid-body below origin of second dorsal-fin and at caudal peduncle.

A new diagnosis and a new classification of Heptapterus are provided and a new species, H. carmelitanorum, is described. Heptapterus is diagnosed by the following character combination: adipose fin confluent with the caudal fin; non-bifurcate caudal fin; anal-fin insertion posterior to vertical through adipose-fin insertion; 10–23 anal-fin rays; anal fin not confluent with caudal fin; and extremely elongate body, with a head length of 16.1–24.9%SL. Species included in Heptapterus are H. borodini, H. carmelitanorum, H. carnatus, H. exilis, H. hollandi, H. mandimbusu, H. mbya, H. mustelinus, H. ornaticeps, and H. qenqo. Some of the character states diagnosing H. carmelitanorum among its congeners are the anal-fin insertion less than one eye diameter posterior to a vertical through the adipose-fin insertion (vs. more than one eye diameter in all congeners); the isognathous mouth (vs. slightly to moderately retrognathous, except H. borodini); and the keel formed by ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays shallow, far from reaching anal-fin base (vs. keel formed by ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays deep, continuing almost to the anal-fin base, except in H. borodini and H. hollandi).

Glyptothorax vatandousti, new species (Figs. 3–9) Holotype. BIAUBM 1-H, 1, 90 mm SL; Iran: Kermanshah prov., Kangavar stream at Kangavar Kohne, 34.34849, 47.98972. Paratypes. AJRPC 10, 3, 83–91 mm SL; FSJF 4113, 4, 74–89 mm SL; MNCN-ICTIO 296.950–296.953 4, 65 – 87 mmSL; MZLU L020 /000001-3, 3, 66 – 83 mm SL; same data as holotype. Material used in molecular genetic analysis. AJRPC A100, OQ883980; A102, OQ883981; same data as holotype. Diagnosis. Glyptothorax vatandousti is distinguished from its congeners in the Persian Gulf basin by a deep and short caudal-peduncle (caudal peduncle depth 1.1–1.3 in length vs. 1.3–1.8 in G. silviae, G. alidaeii, G. galaxias, G. sardashtensis, 1.6–2.5 in G. armeniacus, G. cous, G. daemon, G. sardashtensis; see Table 6 for details of all species, and G. steindachneri), a wider thoracic adhesive apparatus (apparatus length 0.8–1.1 in width vs. 1.1–1.8 in G. silviae, G. alidaeii, G. galaxias, G. hosseinpanahii, G. sardashtensis, G. pallens; see Table. 6 for details of these species), a roundish anterior end of medial pit (vs. pointed in G. pallens, G. shapuri, G. silviae, G. alidaeii, G. hosseinpanahii, G. galaxias), and without or with one pale, triangle-shaped blotch in front of dorsal-fin origin (vs. prominent in G. silviae, G. alidaeii, G. galaxias, G. armeniacus, G. daemon, G. pallens, G. kurdistanicus and G. hosseinpanahii). Glyptothorax vatandousti is closely related to G. galaxias, a species that occurs in the Karkheh drainage; but both species have not yet been recorded together. The new species is distinguished from G. galaxias by having 5–8 serrae on inner margin of ossified pectoral fin-ray (vs. 11–14), deeper body (21–25 vs. 17–21% SL and caudal-peduncle (13–16 vs. 10–12% SL), wider thoracic adhesive apparatus (apparatus length 0.8–1.1 in width vs. 1.2–1.6), shape of caudal fin (shortest middle caudal-fin ray 62–80% of the longest ray of upper caudal-fin lobe vs. 41–60%), blunt head (vs. pointed), few or very short anteromedial striae on thoracic adhesive apparatus (vs. many and long). From the additional species known from the Karkheh drainage, i.e. G. galaxias, G. alidaeii and G. cous, G. vatandousti is distinguished by the following combination of characters: from G. alidaeii by having 5–8 serrae on the inner margin of ossified pectoral fin-ray (vs. 11–12), shape of caudal fin (shortest middle caudal-fin ray is 62–80% of the longest ray of the upper caudal-fin lobe vs. 44–57%), deeper body (21–25 vs. 16–20% SL), shorter adipose-fin length (13–16 vs. 17–21% SL), wider thoracic adhesive apparatus (apparatus length 0.8–1.1 in width vs. 1.1–1.3), thoracic adhesive apparatus with few and short anteromedial striae (vs. many and long), head, back and flank with dark-brown blotches usually larger than eye diameter (vs. dark-brown blotches usually smaller than eye diameter), blunt and roundish head (vs. pointed), and rounded caudal-fin lobes (vs. pointed); from G. cous, by having the dorsal and lateral head and predorsal back having many ovoid or round warts (vs. with many large, elongated, bony tubercles), and few or very short anteromedial striae on thoracic adhesive apparatus (vs. many and long). The new species is distinguished from G. kurdistanicus, a species found in the upper Tigris south to the Sirvan drainage, by having moderately elevated thoracic adhesive apparatus with few and short anteromedial striae (vs. elevated thoracic adhesive apparatus with many long striae), and a longer caudal-peduncle (16 – 20 vs. 13 – 16% SL); from G. pallens, another species found in the Sirvan drainage, by having 5–8 serrae on inner margin of ossified pectoral fin-ray (vs. 11–13), thoracic adhesive apparatus moderately elevated (vs. strongly elevated), longer inner (31–45 vs. 12–23% HL) and outer mandibular barbel (50–81 vs. 32–43% HL), wider thoracic adhesive apparatus (apparatus length 0.8–1.1 in width vs. 1.2–1.4), shape of caudal fin (shortest middle caudal-fin ray 62–80% of the longest ray of the upper caudal-fin lobe vs. 44–52%), rounded caudal fin lobes (vs. pointed), and flank with small and large, blackish or dark-brown blotches (vs. lacking black or brown spots or blotches); from G. sardashtensis found in the Lesser Zab drainage, by having 5–8 serrae on inner margin of ossified pectoral fin-ray (vs. 10–14), deeper body (21–25 vs. 17–19% SL), greater distance between pectoral and pelvic-fin origins (31–40 vs. 29–31% SL), deeper caudal peduncle (13–16 vs. 10–11% SL), shorter adipose-fin (13–16 vs. 17–25% SL), shorter pectoral fin (13–19 vs. 25–27% SL), shape of caudal fin (shortest middle caudal-fin ray is 62–80% of the longest ray of the upper caudal-fin lobe vs. 51–58), wider thoracic adhesive apparatus (apparatus length 0.8–1.1 in width vs. 1.1–1.3), caudal peduncle depth 1.1–1.3 in its length (vs. 1.3–1.8), flank with small and large, blackish or dark-brown blotches (vs. plain flank, without spots or blotches or with few, very small, dark-brown dots on head, dorsal-, and adipose-fin bases), without, or a pale, triangle-shaped blotch in front of dorsal-fin origin (vs. three yellowish blotches, arranged in crescent-shaped pattern), and pelvic-fin origin completely behind vertical of dorsal-fin origin (vs. below or slightly behind vertical of dorsal-fin origin). Glyptothorax vatandousti is distinguished from G. silviae and G. shapuri by having 5–8 serrae on inner margin of ossified pectoral fin-ray (vs. 9–10 in G. shapuri, 8–11 in G. silviae), shape of caudal fin (shortest middle caudal-fin ray 62–80% of longest ray of upper caudal-fin lobe vs. 43–49% in G. silviae, 49–46% in G. shapuri (data from Mousavi-Sabet et al. 2021)), deeper body (body depth 21–25% SL vs. 17–19 in G. silviae), smaller eye (eye diameter 7 – 13% HL vs. 16–18 in G. shapuri (data from Mousavi-Sabet et al. 2021)), deeper caudal-peduncle (13–16 vs. 11–13% SL in G. silviae), shorter adipose-fin length (13–16 vs. 60–20% SL in G. silviae), flank with many black spots (vs. without spots in in G. shapuri), with small and large, blackish or dark-brown blotches usually larger than eye (vs. many, irregular shaped and set blotches smaller than eye in G. shapuri); from G. hosseinpanahii by having 5–8 serrae on inner margin of first pectoral fin-ray (vs. 9–10), deeper body (body depth 21–25 vs. 18–20% SL), shorter anal-fin base length (9–13 vs. 13–15% SL), shape of caudal fin (shortest middle caudal-fin ray is 62–80% of longest ray of the upper caudal-fin lobe vs. 46–51%), few or very short anteromedial striae on thoracic adhesive apparatus (vs. many and long), rounded caudal fin lobes (vs. pointed), and head, back and flank with dark-brown blotches larger than eye diameter (vs. irregular dark-brown spots or small blotches smaller than eye diameter); from G. armeniacus and G. daemon by having few, or very short anteromedial striae on thoracic adhesive apparatus (vs. many and long), and thoracic adhesive apparatus moderately elevated (vs. strongly elevated); and from G. steindachneri by having short adipose-fin, its length 0.5–0.7 times (vs. 1.5–3.0), larger than distance between base of last dorsal-fin ray and adipose fin origin, 5–8 serrae on inner margin of ossified pectoral fin-ray (vs. 13–17), medial pit of thoracic adhesive apparatus without striae (vs. with striae), and dorsal and lateral head and predorsal back with having many ovoid or round warts (vs. large, elongated, bony tubercles). ...Continued on the next page Description. Morphometric data in Table 3. Head depressed; body stout and subcylindrical. Dorsal head profile straight, predorsal profile convex: Profile rising from tip of snout to dorsal-fin origin, then almost straight, sloping softly ventrally from origin of dorsal fin to end of the body. Ventral profile straight to end of caudal peduncle. Pelvic-fin origin clearly behind vertical of dorsal-fin origin. Caudal-peduncle depth 1.1–1.3 times in length. Anus and urogenital openings located at vertical through middle of adpressed pelvic fin. Skin on head, back and flank covered by small, roundish or ovoid warts. Warts smaller and denser set on gill cover. Lateral line complete and midlateral. Head broad, triangular when viewed laterally and spade shape when viewed from above. Snout blunt. Anterior nare round, posterior nare ovoid, both separated by base of nasal barbel. Eye and pupil ovoid, horizontal axis longest; located in dorsal half of head. Largest individual recorded 91 mm SL. Barbels in four pairs. Maxillary barbel broad and thick, extending to, slightly in front of or beyond pectoral-fin base, velum at proximal part of barbel attached to head closer to posterior nare than to eye, many thick warts on outer base of velum, velum smooth. Nasal barbel broad, reaching beyond eye. Inner mandibular barbel extending to isthmus. Outer mandibular barbel reaching pectoral-fin origin or slightly beyond pectoral-fin base. Mouth inferior, a narrow premaxillary tooth band exposed when mouth is closed. Oral teeth small and villiform, in irregular rows on all tooth-bearing surfaces. Premaxillary teeth appearing in single broad semilunate band. Dentary teeth in a single crescentic band, consisting of two separate halves tightly bound at midline. Thoracic adhesive apparatus with striae or narrow longitudinal pleats located in a rhombic field extending from isthmus to base of second branched pectoral-fin ray. Anteromedial striae few and short (Figs. 6 and 8). Medial pit wide, without striae, its anterior end roundish. Anterolateral edges of thoracic adhesive apparatus almost straight or slightly concave. Length of thoracic adhesive apparatus 0.8–1.1 times its width. Dorsal fin with two visible unbranched rays and 5½ (n=15) branched rays. Anal fin with one unbranched and 5½ (2) or 6½ (13) branched fin rays. Pelvic fin with one unbranched and 5 (15) branched rays. Pectoral fin with one unbranched and 7 (1), 8 (13) or 9 (1) branched fin rays. Anterior margin of pectoral-fin smooth, posterior margin slightly concave, with 5–8 serrations. Caudal fin slighly forked with equal rounded lobes. Coloration. In formalin-fixed individuals: dorsal and lateral surfaces of head and body pale-grey to greyish brown, fading to pale-grey or beige on ventral surfaces of head and anterior belly, and on pectoral and pelvic-fin bases. Belly without any pattern. Head, back and flank with a fine, pale-brown mottled pattern overlaid by small and large, blackish or dark-brown blotches. Latero-sensory pores same colour as surrounding tissue. Adipose fin with a pale-grey blotch behind origin and a pale-grey posterior margin. All other fins with a dark-grey or blackish base, followed by a pale-yellowish band, thereafter a dark-grey or brown band and a yellowish margin; appearing as dark-grey or blackish fins with a whitish or yellowish band and margin; yellowish margin in caudal fin often absent, or reduced to a large or small blotch on each lobe. Pattern in fins dissociated and lost in large individuals. Maxillary and nasal barbels grey or blackish dorsally, pale-grey ventrally and velum pale-grey or beige. Mandibular barbels beige or pale-grey. Etymology. The species is named for Saber Vatandoust (Qaemshahr), for his contributions to the taxonomy of fishes in Iran. Saber Vatandoust was also the ichthyology professor of the first author, AJR, at the Azad Islamic University of Babol. A noun in genitive, indeclinable. Distribution. Glyptothorax vatandousti is found in the lower reaches of the Kangavar stream, particularly at its confluence with the Gamasiab River. These rivers are parts of the Karkheh drainage, a major tributary of the Tigris. In addition to the Gamasiab drainge, we have recorded this species in two additional locations: the Aran stream and the Chardavol River (depicted as red dots in Fig. 1). These records are over 10 years old, and despite several attempts, we were unable to find the species at these places since. Habitat. Unlike other Glyptothorax species from Western Asia, G. vatandousti was only found in shallow and slow-moving streams. Naturally, there has not been any study to decide if the ecology of G. vatandousti is different from other species of the genus. The Kangavar stream (Fig. 11), where this species was found in abundance, has a relatively narrow width of around 1.5 meters, clear water with a rubble bed, and moderately fast current. The habitat of G. vatandousti is facing serious threats due to human activities. Water from the Kangavar and Gamasiab is used for irrigation in nearby agricultural farms, which can significantly alter the water flow and quality, leading to habitat degredation. In addition, the frequent passage of trucks and other vehicles near the Kangavar result in soil erosion and sedimentation, which can negatively impact the species’ survival and reproduction.

Key to species of Glyptothorax in Iran (expanded from Freyhof et al. 2001 and Mousavi-Sabet et al. 2021) 1a- Adipose length 1.5–3.0 times longer than distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin; 13–17 serrae on pectoral spine, medial pit of thoracic adhesive apparatus with striae........................................ G. steindachneri 1b- Adipose length 0.6–1.2 times of distance between base of last dorsal ray and adipose origin; 5–14 serrae on pectoral spine; medial pit of thoracic adhesive apparatus without striae........................................................ 2 2a- Head and flank with tubercles (rarely absent in some individuals)........................................... G. cous 2b- Head and flank without tubercles, with or without roundish or elongate warts...................................... 3 3a- Upper head, back and flank without brown or black spots or blotches............................................. 4 3b- Upper head, back and flank with few or many, dark-brown spots and, or blotches (potentially faded in poorly preserved individuals).......................................................................................... 5 4a- Outer mandibular barbel not reaching pectoral-fin origin; thoracic adhesive apparatus slightly elevated; medial pit broad, its anterior end roundish; caudal peduncle depth 1.6–2.3 times its length................................. G. sardashtensis 4b- Outer mandibular barbel reaching pectoral-fin origin; thoracic adhesive apparatus strongly elevated; medial pit narrow and spear-blade shaped; caudal peduncle depth 1.1–1.3 times its length....................................... G. pallens 5a- Thoracic adhesive apparatus wider than long, as wide as long in juveniles (0.7 – 0.9 times longer than wide).............. 6 5b- Thoracic adhesive apparatus as wide as long or longer, 1.0–1.6 times longer than wide............................... 7 6a- Thoracic adhesive apparatus moderately elevated with few, short anteromedial striae; caudal-peduncle length 16–20% SL............................................................................................ G. vatandousti 6b- Thoracic adhesive apparatus elevated with many and long anteromedial striae; caudal-peduncle length 13–16% SL................................................................................................ G. kurdistanicus 7a- Anteromedial striae in thoracic adhesive apparatus long and numerous........................................... 8 7b- Anteromedial striae in thoracic adhesive apparatus short or absent............................................... 9 8a- Caudal-peduncle depth 1.3–1.6 times in its length; shortest middle caudal-fin ray 42–49% of longest ray of upper caudal lobe; caudal with pointed lobes; maxillary barbel as long as head (95–108% HL)........................... G. hosseinpanahii 8b- Caudal-peduncle depth 1.6–2.5 times in its length; shortest middle caudal ray 55–65% of longest ray of upper caudal lobe; caudal with rounded lobes; maxillary barbel shorter than head (72–91% HL)............................... G. galaxias 9a- Thoracic adhesive apparatus 1.3–1.6 times as long as wide............................................. G. silviae 9b- Thoracic adhesive apparatus 1.1–1.3 times longer than wide................................ G. alidaeii & G. shapuri

Glyptothorax viridis, new species (Figs. 1–2) Type material. Holotype: ZSI FF 9463, 87 mm SL; India: Manipur, Chandel District, Dujang River at Dutuwl below Khubung Khullen, a tributary of the Chakpi River, Chindwin basin, 24º07ꞌ32.39ꞌꞌ N 93º53ꞌ04.49ꞌꞌ E, Shangningam, 23 December 2021. Paratypes: ZSI FF 9464, 4 ex, 74.0– 87.2 mm SL; same data as holotype. Diagnosis. Glyptothorax viridis is distinguished from all congeners in the Chindwin drainage in having plicae on ventral surface of pectoral-fin spine, and on first pelvic-fin ray, and thoracic adhesive apparatus with deep cone-shape median depression opening caudally. It is further distinguished by having the following combination of characters: thoracic adhesive apparatus with anteromedial striae; slender nasal barbel reaching anterior orbital margin; strong dorsal spine; branched pectoral-fin rays 9 with 9–10 serrae on posterior margin of pectoral spine, and slender pelvic fin reaching anal fin. Glyptothorax viridis is distinguished from all congeners in the Chindwin-Irrawaddy drainage, except G. trilineatus and G. ventrolineatus in having three stripes on the body. However, it can be distinguished from G. ventrolineatus and G. trilineatus (Fig. 3) in having an oval field thoracic adhesive apparatus with deep cone shaped median depression (vs. elliptical thoracic adhesive apparatus with triangular shaped median depression in G. ventrolineatus; vs. rhomboidal thoracic adhesive apparatus with narrow median depression in G. trilineatus). Furthermore, it differs from G. ventrolineatus in having greater head width (19.2–21.8 % SL vs. 12.3–14.5), longer anal fin (19.2–22.7 % SL vs.13.8–15.8), greater head depth at occiput (54.1–63.6 % HL vs. 39.5–46.3), dorsal spine not serrated (vs. serrated), dorsal fin nearer to adipose-fin origin than to tip of snout (vs. dorsal fin located midway between tip of snout and adipose-fin origin) and fewer unbranched anal-fin rays (ii vs. iii); and from G. trilineatus in having a slender nasal barbel reaching (vs. not reaching) anterior margin of orbit, maxillary barbel reaching beyond posterior end of pectoral-fin base (vs. reaching anterior base of pectoral fin), shorter preanal length (64.4–67.9 % SL vs. 68.2–68.4), and presence (vs. absence) of tubercles on fins. Description. Morphometric data in Table 1. Body slender. Head depressed with truncate snout when viewed dorsally and ventrally. Dorsal profile rising from tip of snout to dorsal-fin origin, then sloping towards end of caudal peduncle. Skin on body with tuberculations. Occipital process not in contact with anterior nuchal plate element. Anterior nuchal plate element visible as a saddle with arrow-shaped extensions when viewed dorsally. Ventral profile flat up to vent, slightly convex to end of anal-fin base, then decreasing gently towards caudal-fin base. Caudal peduncle elongate. Eyes small, round, situated on dorsal surface of head. Mouth inferior, premaxillary tooth band partially exposed with mouth closed. Oral teeth small, villiform, in irregular rows on all tooth-bearing surfaces. Barbels in four pairs. Maxillary barbel slender, extending to end of pectoral-fin base. Outer mandibular barbel longer than inner, reaching pectoral-fin base. Nasal barbel long, extending to anterior margin of orbit when adpressed. Thoracic adhesive apparatus present, longer than broad, consisting of ridges of striae in an oval field extending from isthmus to level towards middle of pectoral-fin base and with deep, cone-shaped median depression opening caudally. Median ridges oriented longitudinally, lateral ones radiating from median depression, few branched at anterior and posterior ends. Anteromedial striae present. Ridges of apparatus not reaching gular region. Anus and urogenital openings located at vertical through posterior mid of adpressed pelvic fin. Lateral line complete, running mid-lateral. Dorsal fin with i, 6 (5) rays; fin margin convex, located nearer to adipose-fin origin than to tip of snout. Dorsal-fin spine strong, shorter than depth of body. Adipose fin with anterior margin straight or very slightly concave, posterior margin angular. Pectoral fin with i,9 (5) rays; posterior-fin margin almost convex. Pectoral spine broad, covered with thick skin, its posterior margin with 9 (2) or 10 (3) serrae. Pelvic fin with i,5 (5) rays, its posterior margin slightly convex, surpasses vent, tip of adpressed fin reaching anal-fin origin. Ventral surface of pectoral-fin spine plaited, and first pelvic-fin ray plaited with rows of plicae. Anal fin with ii, 9 (5) rays. Caudal fin with 8+7 (5) branched rays, strongly forked, with lower lobe slightly longer than upper lobe. Coloration. In 70 % alcohol: dorsal and lateral surface of head and body brownish-black, ventral surface up to pelvic-fin pale yellow. Three yellow stripes on body: first one, thick and mid-dorsal, extending behind end of dorsal fin; second thin, midlateral, originating at level of origin of pectoral fin; and third thick, originating from end of pelvic fin, with stripes reaching caudal-fin base. Dorsal, pectoral, pelvic and anal-fins with two black bands, first thin band at base, and broad one at middle of the fin, margins whitish-yellow. Adipose fin yellow, with broad black band in middle. Caudal fin brownish yellow with black rays. Nasal barbel pale brown. Maxillary barbel with broad black base, and mandibular barbel pale yellow. In life, body uniformly green (Fig. 4). Stripes distinct yellow. Fins tinged yellowish-orange and caudal fin yellowish-brown. Distribution. The species is presently known only from the type locality, the Dujang, a hillstream tributary of Chakpi River, Chindwin River basin in Manipur, India (Fig. 5). Habitat. Glyptothorax viridis was collected in rapids with cobbles, boulders and rocks as substrate. The fish was collected along with species of the genus Schistura, Mustura, Psilorhynchus, Garra and Mastacembelus. Etymology. The species name ‘ viridis’ is derived from Latin meaning green, alluding to the color pattern of live individuals., Published as part of Shangningam, Bungdon & Kosygin, Laishram, 2023, Glyptothorax viridis, a new species of catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from Manipur, India, pp. 83-93 in Zootaxa 5315 (1) on pages 86-89, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5315.1.6, http://zenodo.org/record/8130253

Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash, Ghanavi, Hamid Reza, Freyhof, Jörg (2023): Glyptothorax vatandousti, a new species of torrent catfish from the upper Karkheh drainage in Iran (Teleostei: Sisoridae). Zootaxa 5315 (1): 37-58, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5315.1.2, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5315.1.2

Shangningam, Bungdon, Kosygin, Laishram (2023): Glyptothorax viridis, a new species of catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from Manipur, India. Zootaxa 5315 (1): 83-93, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5315.1.6, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-04-22-0755-PDN

The karyotype of the freshwater fish Sabanejewia bulgarica (Drensky, 1928), from the Danube Delta, was studied by conventional Giemsa staining and the C-banding technique. The diploid chromosome number was 2n = 50. The karyotype contained 2 pairs of metacentric (the first one was much larger than the second one), 6 pairs of submetacentric and 17 pairs of subtelocentric to acrocentric chromosomes. Pericentromeric blocks of heterochromatin were revealed in most of the chromosome pairs. The karyotype phenotype of S. bulgarica was the same as found for S. balcanica from Northern Carpathian Mountains.

A total of 87 freshwater fish species from 30 families were recorded from the Kenyir Reservoir, Peninsular Malaysia, where 75 are native and 12 are introduced species. Few species still have unstable taxonomy identities which urge further studies. Most of the species were categorised as Least Concern (LC) and two were threatened species; Endangered and Critically Endangered (EN and CR). One introduced species, Gambusia affinis is widespread in the human-associated area, while other introduced fish species can be considered low in numbers.Twenty five fish species are recorded for the first time in the Kenyir Reservoir.

Salariopsis burcuae, new species (Figs. 3–7) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: D9EB2F7D-2C08-4E0C-8494-EBC9658B593B Holotype. FFR 4260, 88.3 mm SL; Türkiye: Adana prov.: Körkün River at Hacılı, 37.2947 35.1539. Paratype. FFR 4261, 5, 44–83 mm SL; FSJF 4114, 4, 49–64 mm SL; same data as holotype. Additional materials. FFR 4256, 2, 63–66 mm SL; Türkiye: Adana prov.: Çakıt River at Salbaş, 37.1031, 35.1094.— FFR 4259, 2, 47–49 mm SL; Türkiye: Antalya prov.: stream Kargı at Türkler, 36.6219, 31.8047.— FSJF 2281, 5, 32–74 mm SL; Türkiye: stream Ilıca at Ilıca, 36.8190 31.3528.— FSJF 2420, 1, 34– 34 mm SL; Türkiye: stream Çakırca at Çakırca west of Iznik, 40.4625 29.6746.— FSJF 2453, 17, 45–66 mm SL; Türkiye: stream Çakıt, south of Salbaş, the lower part of Pozantı Stream, 37.0961, 35.1170.— FSJF 2652, 4, 34–54 mm SL; Syria: River Nahr al Kabir at Safkoon, 35.6561, 35.9972.— FSJF 2710, 5, 62–69 mm SL; Syria: Nahr al Marqiya at road bridge, 35.0306 35.9050.— FSJF 3076, 2, 60–68 mm SL; Türkiye: Göksu at Hamam, 2 km west of Mut, 36.6313 33.3674.— FSJF 3113, 8, 44–76 mm SL; Türkiye: Köprüçay at Belkıs, 3 km east of Serik, 36.9140 31.1609.— FSJF 4114, 1, 55 mm SL; Türkiye: Adana prov.: Eğlence about 1 km north of Torunsolaklı, 37.3188 35.2197. New material used in molecular genetic analysis. FSJF-DNA 3560; Türkiye: Adana prov.: Körkün River at Hacılı, 37.295 35.1539. (GenBank accession numbers: OQ696248).— FSJF-DNA 2571; Israel: Amnun Beach, Lake Tiberias, 32.8910 35.5943 (GenBank accession numbers: OQ696262, OQ696263).— FSJF-DNA 1155; Syria: Nahr al Marqiya at road bridge, 35.0306 35.9050 (GenBank accession numbers: OQ696265, OQ696266).— FFR-DNA 398; Türkiye: Adana prov.: Çakıt at Salbaş, 37.1031 35.1094 (GenBank accession numbers: OQ696252, OQ696252).— FFR-DNA 4259; Türkiye: Antalya prov.: stream Kargı, 36.6249 31.8131, (GenBank accession number: OQ696254). Diagnosis. Salariopsis burcuae is distinguished from other species of Salariopsis by having a short, usually branched (often simple in juveniles) cirrus above the eye (vs. simple in juvenile and adult S. atlantica and S. economidisi), not reaching to, or rarely overlapping the 9 th circum-orbital sensory pore (vs. overlapping, usually reaching much beyond in S. fluviatilis), many tiny black dots on the cheek not organised in rows or bands (vs. yellowish band between eye and operculum with a broad diagonal band of tiny black dots in S. fluviatilis, 3–5 rows of black dots in S. economidisi, no black dots in S. atlantica), and 20–28 teeth in the upper and 16–20 teeth in the lower jaw (vs. 13–15 and 14–16 in S. atlantica). The new species is also distinguished from its congeners by the possession of 13–15 dorsal simple rays (vs. 12–13). Description. See Figures 3–7 for general appearance and Table 3 for morphometric data. Small to medium sized species. Body compressed laterally, deepest at dorsal-fin origin. Section of head triangular, flattened on ventral surface. Caudal peduncle short and compressed, 0.9–1.4 times deeper than long. Male with 2–3 glandular shaped tissue between first anal ray and anus. Posteriormost gland attached to first anal-fin ray. Supraocular tentacle branched. Lateral line incomplete, with 5–19 simple pores and 5–8 short bi-pore tubes. Dorsal fin with 13–15 simple and 13–16 segmented rays. First segmented dorsal-fin ray 1.4–1.9 times longer than first simple dorsal-fin ray. Maximum depth of simple-ray portion approximately equal to segmented-ray portion, usually shallower in female; posterior membranous attachment on dorsal edge of caudal peduncle anterior to caudal-fin base. Anal fin with 2 simple and 16–17 segmented rays, posterior membranous attachment on ventral edge of caudal peduncle anterior to caudal-fin base. Pectoral-fin with 1 simple 12–14 segmented rays. Pelvic-fin with (2) 3 segmented rays. Anterior nostril with a short end along posterior margin, never developed as supraocular tentacle. Supratemporal canal with (2) 3 pores. Preoperculo-mandibular canal with 10–11 pores. Circumorbital canal with 10–11 pores. Upper jaw with 18–27 teeth, posterior 2 on each side caniniform. Lower jaw with 15–18 teeth, posterior 2 on each side caniniform. Both sexes with a fleshy ridge or crest on head in individuals larger than 30 mm SL. Adult male larger than 30 mm SL with a well-developed crest, Adult female larger than 30 mm SL with a sharp ridge only. ...Continued on the next page Coloration. Background pale yellowish brown. Pattern highly variable, following the basal pattern described below. A midlateral row of 6–8 dark-brown blotches, more or less rectangular, horizontally elongated, irregularly shaped, alternating with 5–6 dark brown saddles along dorsal body contour and on base of dorsal fin. In some individuals, an intermediate row of horizontally elongated, irregular, dark brown spots or blotches or intermediate, irregularly shaped and set blotches forming a marbled or mottled pattern. Surface of lateral myomeres usually darker, rarely paler, than surface of myosepts resulting in a pattern of parallel edges of triangles. Many tiny black dots on upper flank. An upper and lower, pale-yellowish blotch at caudal peduncle. Head with four yellowish band. First from tip of snout to eye, two bands from eye to head-crest, one from eye to lower part of opercule. Bands except one from tip of snout to eye as well as head around eye and behind covered with many tiny black dots, not organised in rows. A large yellowish blotch at corner of mouth and adjacent, posterior part of upper lip, and one additional yellowish blotch on anterior part of lower jaw. A short additional yellowish band on lower jaw, all these without minute dots. Cirrus yellowish. Dorsal fin with dark blotches or band along base. A black botch between anterior two spines, conspicuous in female and juveniles, faint to indistinct in male. Anal fin plain greyish brown, with a white distal and a dark brown subdistal bands. Caudal fin with a dark brown blotch continuing mid-lateral row on flank; 3–4 vertical rows of dark brown spots on rays, usually with red or pink distal colouration. Pectoral-fin rays hyaline or tessellated and a few black spots equivalent to those on head and flank. Pelvic hyaline. Etymology. The species is named after Burcu Yoğurtçuoğlu, the wife of the first author, in gratitude for her profound inspiration, as well as admirable patience and support towards her husband’s endless travels to explore fishes. Her understanding, despite the occasional unintentional neglect due to her husband‘s tireless dedication to his work, have been invaluable to his achievements in ichthyology., Published as part of Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Kaya, Cüneyt, Atalay, Mustafa Altuğ, Ekmekçi, Fitnat Güler & Freyhof, Jörg, 2023, Two new freshwater blennies from the Eastern Mediterranean basin (Teleostei: Blenniidae), pp. 85-104 in Zootaxa 5311 (1) on pages 90-96, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5311.1.4, http://zenodo.org/record/8090403, {"references":["Alagoz, S. (2016) Length-weight relationships for six freshwater fish species from the Seyhan Reservoir (south-eastern Anatolia, Turkey). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 32, 141 - 143. https: // doi. org / 10.1111 / jai. 12905","Kaya, C., Turan, D., Baycelebi, E., Kalayci, G. & Freyhof, J. (2020) Oxynoemacheilus cilicicus, a new nemacheilid loach from the Goksu River in southern Anatolia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Zootaxa, 4808 (2), 284 - 300. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4808.2.3","Erk'akan, F., Ozdemir, F. (2011) Revision of the Fish Fauna of Seyhan and Ceyhan River Basins in Turkey. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 6 (1), 1 - 8. https: // doi. org / 10.3923 / rjbsci. 2011.1.8","Krupp, F. (1985) Systematik und Zoogeographie der Susswasserfische des levantinischen Grabenbruchsystems und der Ostkuste des Mittelmeers. Dissertation, Johannes Gutenberg Universitat, Mainz, 215 pp."]}

Key to species of Salariopsis 1a Supraocular tentacle unbranched......................................................................... 3 1b Supraocular tentacle branched........................................................................... 2 2a Supraocular tentacle short, usually not overlapping 9 th circum-orbital sensory pore; many tiny black dots on cheek not organised in rows or bands............................................................................... S. burcuae 2b Supraocular tentacle long, usually overlapping 9 th circum-orbital sensory pore; tiny black dots on cheek usually organised in rows, often with a broad diagonal band of tiny black dots from lower edge of eye downward backward......... S. fluviatilis 3a Pores of the lateral line black; no black dots on upper part of flank and on cheek.......................... S. renatorum 3b Pores of the lateral line not black; black dots present on cheek and/or upper part of flank............................. 4 4a 3–5 rows of black dots on cheek, many black dots on back; 25–30 upper and 20–27 lower jaw teeth......... S. economidisi 4b No black dots on cheek and upper back; 13–15 upper and 14–16 lower jaw teeth........................... S. atlantica, Published as part of Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Kaya, Cüneyt, Atalay, Mustafa Altuğ, Ekmekçi, Fitnat Güler & Freyhof, Jörg, 2023, Two new freshwater blennies from the Eastern Mediterranean basin (Teleostei: Blenniidae), pp. 85-104 in Zootaxa 5311 (1) on page 90, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5311.1.4, http://zenodo.org/record/8090403

Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Kaya, Cüneyt, Atalay, Mustafa Altuğ, Ekmekçi, Fitnat Güler, Freyhof, Jörg (2023): Two new freshwater blennies from the Eastern Mediterranean basin (Teleostei: Blenniidae). Zootaxa 5311 (1): 85-104, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5311.1.4, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5311.1.4

Within the genus Carassius Jarocki, 1822 , the crucian carp (C. carassius L., 1758) occurs naturally in the northern part of Middle Danube Basin (Austria, Morava, Slovakia). This species has the least concern status in this region, but observations in the last decades suggest that it is very close to extinction here. The distribution of crucian carp is limited to a small number of vanishing lentic habitats (oxbow lakes, marshlands). These biotopes are in the last stage of succession due to the drying up of the landscape and a reduction in the creation of new natural alluvial habitats. The non-native cyprinid, C. gibelio (Bloch, 1782), known as gibel carp and Prussian carp, has gradually become eudominant in a wide spectrum of habitats/biotopes since the 1960s Several biological adaptations of non-native species are generally considered the strong basis for the mass spreading in the invaded area. The other side of the expansion of non-native C. gibelio is affected by anthropic activities associated with fish farming, translocation and stocking the fish in open water ecosystems. In this study, we analysed historical scientific data on the distribution of Carassius spp. published from the 19th century to the present from the mentioned areas. The results suggest that the number of records of invasive C. gibelio has gradually increase in rivers, regulated channels and creeks, which could be considered as natural pathways of spreading. However, the presence of invasive C. gibelio in artificial biotopes (fishponds, reservoirs) is continuous from the 1960s. In the area mentioned, the artificial biotopes are managed by national fisheries associations and relate to the historical way of farming in Central and Eastern European countries. To show the current state of the fishing grounds of the Slovak Angling Association, we a created the distribution map based on the Carassius spp. catches recorded in last two decades.

Salariopsis renatorum, new species (Figs. 8–11) urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: B7534639-E2A4-47CE-8513-C51289ECA4DA Holotype. FFR 4262, 61 mm SL; Türkiye: Kahramanmaraş prov.: Aksu at Pazarcık, 37.5390 37.3480. Paratype. FFR 4267, 4, 51–66 mm SL; FSJF 4118, 8, 41–69 mm SL; same data as holotype.—FFR 4265, 2, 57–62 mm SL; Türkiye: Kahramanmaraş prov.: Tekir River at Çağlayan, 36.7060 27.1358. Additional materials. FFR 4264, 5, 41–69 mm SL; FSJF 4119, 9, 41–54 mm SL; Türkiye: Osmaniye prov.: Karasu River at Günyazı, 37.0672 35.9662.— FFR 4263, 2, 51–53 mm SL; Türkiye: Hatay prov.: stream Haçahmetli at Hüyük 36.3691 35.9134. New material used in molecular genetic analysis. FSJF-DNA 3527; Türkiye: Hatay prov.: stream Hacahmetli at Arsuz, 36.3691 35.9134 (GenBank accession number: OQ696237).— FSJF-DNA 3539: Türkiye; Kahramanmaraş prov.: Aksu at Pazarcık, 37.5390 37.3480 (GenBank accession number: OQ696242).— FSJF-DNA 3553, 3565, 3568, 3569, 3571, 3574, 3583: Türkiye: Osmaniye prov.: Karasu at Günyazı, 37.0672 35.9662, (GenBank accession numbers: OQ696229, OQ696243, OQ696232, OQ696230, OQ696231, OQ696228, OQ696233).— FFR-DNA 4253; Türkiye: Osmaniye prov.: Karasu at Toprakkale, 37.0605 36.1122 (GenBank accession numbers: OQ696256, OQ696267, OQ696273).— FSJF-DNA 4250; Türkiye: Kahramanmaraş prov.: Aksu at Pazarcık, 37.5390 37.3480 (GenBank accession numbers: OQ696271, OQ696272). Diagnosis. Salariopsis renatorum is distinguished from other species in Salariposis by having black lateral-line pores (vs. yellowish or whitish) (Fig 12). It is further distinguished by having an unbranched cirrus above the eye (vs. branched in S. fluviatilis and S. burcuae), no black dots on the cheek and the upper part of the back (vs. present in S. economidisi, S. fluviatilis and S. burcuae), and 15–25 teeth in the upper and 15–21 teeth in the lower jaw (vs. 13–15 and 14–16 in S. atlantica, 25–30, and 20–27 in S. economidisi). It is further distinguished from S. burcuae by having a shorter snout (snout length 25–30% HL vs. 30–34), and 11–13 simple dorsal-fin rays (vs. 13–15). Description. See Figures 8–11 for general appearance and Table 4 for morphometric data. Small to medium sized species. Body compressed laterally, deepest at dorsal-fin origin. Section of head triangular, flattened on ventral surface. Caudal peduncle short and compressed, 1.1–1.5 times deeper than long. Male with 2–3 glandular shaped tissue between first anal ray and anus. Posteriormost gland attached to first anal-fin ray. Supraocular tentacle simple. Lateral line incomplete, with 16–21 simple pores and 2–10 short bi-pore tubes. Dorsal fin with 11–13 simple and 15–18 segmented rays. First segmented dorsal-fin ray 1.2–1.6 times longer than first simple dorsal-fin ray. Depth of spinous portion approximately equal to segmented-ray portion, usually shallower in female; posterior membranous attachment on dorsal edge of caudal peduncle anterior to caudal-fin base. Anal fin with 2 simple and 14–17 segmented rays, posterior membranous attachment on ventral edge of caudal peduncle anterior to caudal-fin base. Pectoral-fin with 1 simple 12 segmented rays. Pelvic-fin with (2) 3 segmented rays. Anterior nostril with a short point along posterior margin, never developed as supraocular tentacle. Supratemporal canal with (2) 3 pores. Preoperculo-mandibular canal with 11–13 pores. Circum-orbital canal with 8–10 and preopercular canal with 7–8 pores. Upper jaw with 16–23 teeth, posterior 2 on each side caniniform. Lower jaw with 15–20 teeth, posterior 2 on each side caniniform. Both sexes with a fleshy ridge of crest on head in specimens larger than 30 mm SL.Adult male larger than 30 mm SL with a well-developed crest, adult female larger than 30 mm SL with sharp ridge only. Coloration. Background pale yellowish brown. Pores of the lateral line black. Pattern highly variable, following the basal pattern described below. No midlateral row of dark-brown blotches. 5–6 dark brown saddles along dorsal body contour and on base of dorsal fin. Surface of lateral myomeres usually darker, rarely paler, than surface of myosepts resulting in a pattern of parallel edges of triangles. No black dots on upper flank or on head. Lateral-line pores black. An upper and lower, pale-yellowish blotch at caudal peduncle. Head with five yellowish band, usually less distinct than in other Salariopsis. First from tip of snout to eye, usually very wide, fused with band on opposite site; snout yellowish without interruption. Two bands from eye to head-crest, two from eye to lower part of opercule. A large yellowish blotch at corner of mouth and adjacent, posterior part of upper lip, and one additional yellowish blotch on anterior part of lower jaw. A short additional yellowish band on lower jaw. Cirrus yellowish. Dorsal fin with dark blotches or band along base, rays usually tessellate, with whitish margin and wide, reddish or pink distal band. A black blotch between anterior two spines, conspicuous in female and juveniles, faint to indistinct in male. Anal fin plain greyish brown, with a white or yellow distal and dark brown subdistal bands. Caudal-fin base with a dark brown blotch; 3–6 vertical rows of dark brown spots on rays, usually red or pink. Pectoral-fin rays tessellated and a few black spots equivalent to those on head and flank. Pelvic hyaline. Etymology. Freely formed on “ renātus ”, perfect participle of the Latin verb “ renāscor ” signifying rejuvenation, renewal, or rebirth. The type locality of the species is situated in Pazarcık, which acted as the central location for the devastating earthquakes that impacted several Turkish cities, along with some Syrian regions, on February 6, 2023. These seismic events led to the loss of over 60,000 lives with a significant number of individuals injured and a substantial amount of structural damage. The species name is emblematic of the concepts of regeneration and revival, honouring the hope and resilience demonstrated by the communities impacted by these calamitous events. Additionally, the name is dedicated in memory of Gözde Bayırlı, a cousin of BY, as well as her family and all others who lost their lives during this tragic earthquake. Treated as a genitive plural., Published as part of Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Kaya, Cüneyt, Atalay, Mustafa Altuğ, Ekmekçi, Fitnat Güler & Freyhof, Jörg, 2023, Two new freshwater blennies from the Eastern Mediterranean basin (Teleostei: Blenniidae), pp. 85-104 in Zootaxa 5311 (1) on pages 96-100, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5311.1.4, http://zenodo.org/record/8090403

The karstic cave, la Cueva de Los Sabinos, located in the Sierra de El Abra in the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, is mostly known for hosting a population of blind, depigmented Astyanax mexicanus cavefish. Herein, we report the discovery of a non-pigmented sponge (Porifera) in the final sump of this cave. No genus or species name could be attributed because we did not collect any specimen. Up to now, the sponge distribution seems restricted to a single pool in la Cueva de Los Sabinos, but further careful exploration of other pools of the cave as well as closely related cavities is warranted. To our knowledge, this observation constitutes the fourth report of a freshwater, white, cave-adapted sponge in the world and the first for Mexico and North America. It is also the eleventh troglobite species encountered in Los Sabinos. Our discovery confirms the exceptionally rich biodiversity of this cave ecosystem.

Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758 [I]—Brown trout Taxonomy. Original description: Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758: 308 (European rivers; no types known).— Afghanistan synonyms: None.—Revisions: Berg (1948: 235); Scĥffmann (2021: 35); Segherloo et al. (2021: 10).—Illustration: Berg (1948: 238, figs. 143–144). Status in Afghanistan. First record from Afghanistan by Coad (1981: 8); confirmed by Coad (2014: 318 as exotic species).—Afghanistan materials: None. Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan: Amu Darya drainage.—General distribution: Northeastern Atlantic: Norway south to Iberian Peninsula; Baltic Sea; North Sea; Mediterranean Sea; Europe: northeastern Atlantic watersheds and upper Danube basin, south to Sicily; introduced widely elsewhere.—Habitat: This species lives in cold streams, rivers, and lakes. Spawns in rivers and streams with swift water. Lacustrine populations migrate to tributaries and lake outlets, rarely spawning on stone or wave-washed lake shores. Spawning sites are usually characterized by the downward movement of water into gravel. Freshwater. Economic importance. Commercially important. Reasons of introduction. Aquaculture/research. Conservation. Not relevant (introduced species). Remarks. Salmo trutta was described originally from European rivers. This name was applied from the British Isles to Afghanistan but many subspecies have been recognised as distinct species. Additionally, it introduced many countries all over the world.Afghanstan is not include natural distribution range of the species. Therefore, current status of the species should be clarifying in the country., Published as part of Çiçek, Erdoğan, Fricke, Ronald, Eagderi, Soheil, Sungur, Sevil, Coad, Brian W & Hamdard, Mohammad Hamid, 2023, Fishes of Afghanistan; a revised and updated annotated checklist, pp. 1-69 in Zootaxa 5305 (1) on page 43, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5305.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/8048564, {"references":["Linnaeus, C. (1758) Systema Naturae. Vol. 1. Ed. X. [Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata]. Impensis Direct. Laurentii Salvii, Holmiae, ii + 824 pp.","Berg, L. S. (1948) s. n. In: Ryby presnych vod SSSR i sopredelnych stan. [Freshwater fishes of the U. S. S. R. and adjacent countries]. Vol. 1. 4 th Edition. Opredeliteli po faune SSSR. [Guide to the fauna of the U. S. S. R.], Moskva. Freshwater fishes of the U. S. S. R. and adjacent countries No. 27. Russian Academy of Sciences, USSR, Moskva, 466 pp. [in Russian. English translation available, Israel Prog. Sci. Transl., Jerusalem, 1962, 504 pp.]","Segherloo, I. H., Freyhof, J., Berrebi, P., Ferchaud, A. - L., Geiger, M., Laroche, J., Levin, B. A., Normandeau, E. & Bernatchez, L. (2021) A genomic perspective on an old question: Salmo trouts or Salmo trutta (Teleostei: Salmonidae)? Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 162 (107204), 1 - 16. https: // doi. org / 10.1016 / j. ympev. 2021.107204","Coad, B. W. (1981) Fishes of Afghanistan, an annoted checklist. National Museum of Canada Publications in Zoology, 14, i - v + 1 - 26.","Coad, B. W. (2014) Fishes of Afghanistan. Pensoft Publishers, Sofia-Moscow. 393 pp."]}

Ptychobarbus conirostris Steindachner, 1866 Remarks. This species was reported from Afghanistan by Mirza and Hameed (1975). Despite this record, Mirza (1991) and Mirza and Afridi (2002) report that this species is not found in Afghanistan. Indeed, there is no other record of its occurrence and distribution in Afghanistan. The presence of the species needs clarification., Published as part of Çiçek, Erdoğan, Fricke, Ronald, Eagderi, Soheil, Sungur, Sevil, Coad, Brian W & Hamdard, Mohammad Hamid, 2023, Fishes of Afghanistan; a revised and updated annotated checklist, pp. 1-69 in Zootaxa 5305 (1) on page 51, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5305.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/8048564, {"references":["Steindachner, F. (1866) Ichthyologische Mittheilungen. (IX.) [With subtitles I - VI.]. Verhandlungen der K. - K. zoologischbotanischen Gesellschaft in Wien, 16, 761 - 796, pls. 13 - 18.","Mirza, M. R. & Hameed, K. (1975) A checklist of t he Schizothoracinae (Pisces, Cyprinidae) or Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 7 (1), 75 - 81.","Mirza, M. R. (1991) A contribut ion to the systematics of the schizothoracine fishes (Pisces: Cyprinidae) with the descri ption of three new tribes. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 23 (4), 339 - 341.","Mirza, M. R. & Afridi, R. (2002) A note on the distri bution of the snow-carps (Pisces: Cyprinidae: Schizothoracinae) in Pakistan and Kashmir. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 34 (2), 171 - 173."]}

Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufmanni (Kessler, 1877) [N]—Amu Darya shovelnose sturgeon Taxonomy. Original description: Scaphirhynchus kaufmanni Kessler, 1877: 194 [Lower Amu-Darya River, Uzbekistan; syntypes: SPSU uncat. (1), ZIN 2707 (1, lost), ZMMU P-1456 (1)].— Afghanistan synonyms: None.—Revisions: Berg (1948: 104).—Illustration: Berg (1948: 106–108, figs. 80–84). Status in Afghanistan. First record from Afghanistan by Berg (1948: 104); confirmed by Coad (1981: 8; 2014: 111; 2015: 227).—Afghanistan materials: None. Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan: Panj River (Amu Darya River system, into Aral Sea).— General distribution: Eastern Europe.—Habitat: The species occurs in the turbid waters of rivers with fast-flowing turbulent currents and sandy or rock-gravel substrates at depths of up to two meters in highly turbulent waters. Although it is a freshwater species, it can tolerate low salinities, as it was previously found in the river mouth area of the Aral Sea. Freshwater, brackish. Economic importance. Commercially important. Conservation. Conservation status in Afghanistan: Unknown.—IUCN: CR (Mugue & Karimov 2022b).—Threats: FIT, TOU, CON, EUT, CLI.—High sensitivity to human activities.—Keystone species.—Decline status: Decreasing.—High priority for conservation action., Published as part of Çiçek, Erdoğan, Fricke, Ronald, Eagderi, Soheil, Sungur, Sevil, Coad, Brian W & Hamdard, Mohammad Hamid, 2023, Fishes of Afghanistan; a revised and updated annotated checklist, pp. 1-69 in Zootaxa 5305 (1) on page 9, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5305.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/8048564, {"references":["Kessler, K. F. (1877) The Aralo-Caspian Expedition. IV. Fishes of the Aralo-Caspio-Pontine ichthyological region. Aralo-Caspian Expedition, St. Petersburg, xxviii + 360 pp., pls. 1 - 8.","Berg, L. S. (1948) s. n. In: Ryby presnych vod SSSR i sopredelnych stan. [Freshwater fishes of the U. S. S. R. and adjacent countries]. Vol. 1. 4 th Edition. Opredeliteli po faune SSSR. [Guide to the fauna of the U. S. S. R.], Moskva. Freshwater fishes of the U. S. S. R. and adjacent countries No. 27. Russian Academy of Sciences, USSR, Moskva, 466 pp. [in Russian. English translation available, Israel Prog. Sci. Transl., Jerusalem, 1962, 504 pp.]","Coad, B. W. (1981) Fishes of Afghanistan, an annoted checklist. National Museum of Canada Publications in Zoology, 14, i - v + 1 - 26.","Coad, B. W. (2014) Fishes of Afghanistan. Pensoft Publishers, Sofia-Moscow. 393 pp.","Mugue, N. & Karimov, B. (2022 b) Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufmanni. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2022, e. T 18601 A 120872031. https: // doi. org / 10.2305 / IUCN. UK. 2022 - 1. RLTS. T 18601 A 120872031. en"]}

Gobio nigrescens (Keyserling, 1861) [N]—Dusky gudgeon Taxonomy. Original description: Bungia nigrescens Keyserling, 1861: 19 [22], pl. 8 [Harirud River at Herat, Afghanistan; no types preserved].— Afghanistan synonyms: None.—Revisions: Mousavi-Sabet et al. (2016).— Illustration: Keyserling (1861: pl. 8) as Bungia nigrescens. Status in Afghanistan. First record from Afghanistan by Keyserling (1861); confirmed by Coad (1981: 10, synonymised with Gobio gobio).—Afghanistan materials: None. Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan: Hari River basin.—General distribution: Hari River basin (Afghanistan, Iran and Turkmenistan) and Amu Darya River basin (Uzbekistan).—Habitat: This species inhabits a wide range of streams, rivers, and lakes, including canals and reservoirs. Freshwater. Economic importance. Locally consumed, but of no commercial importance. Conservation. Conservation status in Afghanistan: Unknown.—IUCN: NE (2023).—Threats: Unknown.—Low sensitivity to human activities.—Not considered as a keystone species.—Decline status: Unknown.—Low priority for conservation action., Published as part of Çiçek, Erdoğan, Fricke, Ronald, Eagderi, Soheil, Sungur, Sevil, Coad, Brian W & Hamdard, Mohammad Hamid, 2023, Fishes of Afghanistan; a revised and updated annotated checklist, pp. 1-69 in Zootaxa 5305 (1) on page 33, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5305.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/8048564, {"references":["Keyserling, E. (1861) Neue Cypriniden aus Persien. Zeitschrift fur die Gesammten Naturwissenschaften, 17 (1), 1 - 24.","Mousavi-Sabet, H., Ganjbakhsh, B., Geiger, M. F. & Freyhof, J. (2016) Redescription of Gobio nigrescens from the Hari River drainage (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Zootaxa, 4114 (1), 71 - 80. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4114.1.4","Coad, B. W. (1981) Fishes of Afghanistan, an annoted checklist. National Museum of Canada Publications in Zoology, 14, i - v + 1 - 26."]}

Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes, 1844) [I] — Grass carp Taxonomy. Original description: Leuciscus idella Valenciennes, 1844: 362 (China; no types known).— Afghanistan synonyms: None.—Revisions: Berg (1949: 597).—Illustration: Berg (1949: 598, fig. 353). Status in Afghanistan. First record from Afghanistan by Moravec and Amin (1978); confirmed by Coad (1981: 10; 2014: 318).—Afghanistan materials: None. Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan: Kabul River.—General distribution: East Asia: China and Russia; widely introduced elsewhere.—Habitat: This species conducts its spawning and overwintering in middle and lower stretches of large floodplain rivers (below 1,000 m altitude), within lakes, reservoirs, and backwaters during feeding season, preferring warm, clear water and high oxygen concentration. It is tolerant of a wide range of environmental variables. Freshwater. Economic importance. Commercially important. Reasons of introduction. Biocontrol: to prevent eutrophication, aquatic plants, and pest control. Conservation. Not relevant (introduced species)., Published as part of Çiçek, Erdoğan, Fricke, Ronald, Eagderi, Soheil, Sungur, Sevil, Coad, Brian W & Hamdard, Mohammad Hamid, 2023, Fishes of Afghanistan; a revised and updated annotated checklist, pp. 1-69 in Zootaxa 5305 (1) on page 31, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5305.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/8048564, {"references":["Berg, L. S. (1949) s. n. In: Ryby presnych vod SSSR i sopredelnych stan. [Freshwater fishes of the U. S. S. R. and adjacent countries]. Vol. 2. 4 th Edition. Opredeliteli po faune SSSR. [Guide to the Fauna of the U. S. S. R.], Moskva. Freshwater fishes of the U. S. S. R. and adjacent countries No. 29. Russian Academy of Sciences, USSR, Moskva, pp. 467 - 925. [in Russian, English translation appeared in Israel Program of Scientific Translation, Jerusalem, 1964, 496 pp.]","Moravec, F. & Amin, A. (1978) Some helminth parasites excluding Monogenea from fishes of Afghanistan. Acta Sci Nat Brun, 12, 1 - 45.","Coad, B. W. (1981) Fishes of Afghanistan, an annoted checklist. National Museum of Canada Publications in Zoology, 14, i - v + 1 - 26.","Coad, B. W. (2014) Fishes of Afghanistan. Pensoft Publishers, Sofia-Moscow. 393 pp."]}

Schizothorax gobioides (McClelland, 1842) Taxonomy. Original description: Racoma gobioides McClelland, 1842: 576, pl. 15, fig. 3 (Bamean River, Afghanistan; no types known).— Afghanistan synonyms: None.—Revisions: None.—Illustration: McClelland (1842: pl. 15, fig. 3). Status in Afghanistan. First described from Afghanistan by McClelland (1842) as Racoma gobioides; listed by Coad (1981: 12 as status uncertain; 2014: 215; 2015: 228).—Afghanistan materials: None. Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan: Bamean River, Afghanistan.—General distribution: Afghanistan.—Habitat: This species founds streams. Freshwater. Remarks: Status of the species uncertain based on Coad (1981). Because this may be an endemic species, the current status needs clarification., Published as part of Çiçek, Erdoğan, Fricke, Ronald, Eagderi, Soheil, Sungur, Sevil, Coad, Brian W & Hamdard, Mohammad Hamid, 2023, Fishes of Afghanistan; a revised and updated annotated checklist, pp. 1-69 in Zootaxa 5305 (1) on page 52, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5305.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/8048564, {"references":["McClelland, J. (1842) On the fresh-water fishes collected by William Griffith, Esq., F. L. S. Madras Medical Service, during his travels under the orders of the Supreme Government of India, from 1835 to 1842. Calcutta Journal of Natural History, 2 (8), 560 - 589, pls. 6 + 15 + 18 + 21.","Coad, B. W. (1981) Fishes of Afghanistan, an annoted checklist. National Museum of Canada Publications in Zoology, 14, i - v + 1 - 26."]}

Triplophysa griffithii (Günther, 1868) [N]—Griffith’s loach Taxonomy. Original description: Nemachilus griffithii Günther, 1868: 360 [Arghandab, near Kandahr, Afghanistan; syntypes: BMNH 1860.3.19.93-94 (2)].— Afghanistan synonyms: Nemachilus griffithii Günther, 1868; Nemacheilus griffithii Günther, 1868; Noemacheilus griffithii Günther, 1868; Nemacheilus naziri Ahmad & Mirza, 1963; Triplophysa hazaraensis (Omer & Mirza, 1975).—Revisions: Kottelat (2012: 126).—Illustration: Menon (1987: figs. 6–7, pl. 8) as Triplophysa griffithi. Status in Afghanistan. Recorded from Afghanistan in original description by Günther (1868: 360) as Nemachilus griffithii; confirmed by Coad (1981: 14; 2014: 268; 2015: 229).—Afghanistan materials: BMNH, CMN. Distribution and habitat. Distribution in Afghanistan: Arghandab River.—General distribution: Afghanistan and Pakistan.—Habitat: This species occurs in streams with moderately to fast flowing freshwater in both mountainous and lowlands. Freshwater. Economic importance. No commercial importance. Conservation. Conservation status in Afghanistan: Unknown.—IUCN: NE (2023).—Threats: Unknown.— Moderate sensitivity to human activities.—Keystone species.—Decline status: Unknown.—Moderate priority for conservation action., Published as part of Çiçek, Erdoğan, Fricke, Ronald, Eagderi, Soheil, Sungur, Sevil, Coad, Brian W & Hamdard, Mohammad Hamid, 2023, Fishes of Afghanistan; a revised and updated annotated checklist, pp. 1-69 in Zootaxa 5305 (1) on pages 15-16, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5305.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/8048564, {"references":["Gunther, A. (1868) Catalogue of the fishes in the British Museum. Catalogue of the Physostomi, containing the families Heteropygii, Cyprinidae, Gonorhynchiidae, Hypodontidae, Osteoglossidae, Clupeidae, Chirocentridae, Alepochephalidae, Notopteridae, Halosauridae, in the collection of the British Museum. Vol. 7. Department of Zoology, British Museum (Natural History), London, xx + 512 pp.","Mirza, M. R. & Hameed, K. (1975) A checklist of t he Schizothoracinae (Pisces, Cyprinidae) or Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 7 (1), 75 - 81.","Kottelat, M. (2012) Conspectus Cobitidum: an inventory of the loaches of the world (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cobitoidei). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement, 26, 1 - 199.","Menon, A. G. K. (1987) The fauna of India and the adjacent countries. Pisces. Vol. IV. Teleostei - Cobitoidea. Part 1. Homalopteridae. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, x + 259, pls. 1 - 16.","Coad, B. W. (1981) Fishes of Afghanistan, an annoted checklist. National Museum of Canada Publications in Zoology, 14, i - v + 1 - 26.","Coad, B. W. (2014) Fishes of Afghanistan. Pensoft Publishers, Sofia-Moscow. 393 pp."]}