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Stenorynchoacrum xijiangensis, a new genus and a new species of Cyprinidae, is described from a tributary of the Zhujiang River (Pearl River) in Guangxi Province, China. It can be distinguished from other genera of Labeoninae by the following characters: middle part of rostral cap undeveloped, narrow, only covering the base of the upper jaw, both sides of rostral cap well developed and extending upward, rostral cap connected the lower lip with free lateral margin, the median part of lower lip protruded to form a round fleshy pad, whose posterior margin continuous with the mental region.

Common name: Chungtien schizothoracin (English). Local name: Zhongdian Chongchunyu (Chinese). Conservation status: EN—China Species Red List, Vol. 1 Red List (Wang and Xie 2004). Identification: D III 7-8; A II 5; LL 100–110; pharyngeal teeth two rows, 3,4–4,3; one pair of barbels. Sides of body above lateral line is brown with a golden shine and densely covered with black speckles, sides below lateral line are yellowish and densely covered with black speckles, and the abdomen is silver. Illustration by Bao-Rong Wu. Distribution: Endemic to Zhongdian Plateau of Jinsha River drainage including Lake Bita, Lake Napa, Lake Shudu, Nayahe River, Xiaozhongdian River and Gezan River (Huang and Chen 1986; Chen 2010). Abundance: Since 1986, populations have declined or disappeared in most areas. Species is now extirpated from Lake Napa. Most remaining individuals are in Lake Bita with a few in Xiaozhongdian River and Naya River (Wang and Xie 2004). Habitat and ecology: Juveniles occur in the littoral zone of the lake and streams; the adults inhabit the middle and lower water layers of the lake. Reproduction: Individuals return from the lake to streams to spawn in June. Males dig pits with anal fin rays and lays eggs in the pit. Parental fishes spawn several times from July to September every year. Threats: Habitat degradation, water pollution, over-exploitation and exotic species. Most notably, Micropercops swinhonis invasion is a critical threat. Conservation actions: Lake Bita and primary forest around the lake have been well protected since 1984 by establishing Bitahai Provincial Natural Reserve. A population status monitoring of Chungtien Environ Biol Fish (2010) 89:1–2 DOI 10.1007/s10641-010-9654-5

We are grateful to all the voluntary donors of DNA samples in this study. We thank Hui Zhang and Yan-jiao Li for their technical help. We also thank Dr. Darren Curnoe for his critical reading of the manuscript. This study was supported by grants from the National 973 project of China (2007CB947701,2007CB815705), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (KSCX1YW-R-34, Westlight Doctoral Program), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30525028, 30700445, 30630013 and 30771181), and the Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province of China (2007C100M, 2009CD107).

Common name: You Yu (Chinese). Kunming Nase (English). Conservation status: Endangered—China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals, Pisces (Yue and Chen 1998); Endangered—China Species Red List, Vol. 1 Red List (Wang and Xie 2004). Identification: Body elongate and slightly compressed; belly rounded with scutes from end of pelvic fin to anus; snout blunt; mouth small and transverse; no barbels; eyes laterally placed; lower jaw with a well developed horny anterior edge; upper jaw thick and slightly projected; D III 7; A III 10–12; P I 13– 15; V I 8; LL 72–77; pharyngeal teeth three rows, 2,4,6—6,4,2 or 2,4,7—6,4,2 (Liu and He 1998; Chen and Li 1989; Froese and Pauly 2008). Live coloration, dark gray on back and silvery white below; dorsal fin gray, anal fin light red, caudal fin orange red, red color fading in formalin (Chen and Li 1989; Froese and Pauly 2008). Distribution: Endemic to Dianchi Lake (24°40’–25°02’1 N, 102°36’–102°47’ E, 1,885 m above sea level, 306.3 km), Kunming, Yunnan, China (Chen and Li 1989). Abundance: Abundant in Dianchi Lake in 1960s, but since 1970s, the stock has decreased rapidly (Yue and Chen 1998). Frequent aquatic biodiversity surveys (GEF/ The World Bank) have not found this species in the lake. Habitat and ecology: Midwater and benthic habitats, feeds on aquatic invertebrates, algae and organic detritus (Chen and Li 1989). Reproduction: Spawning from May to June around lake periphery over gravels; spawn sticky (Chen and Li 1989). Threats: Destruction of spawning area, competition from commercial fishes such as Cprinus carpio, over fishing for preferred taste and water pollution are critical threats. Conservation recommendations: Effective habitat protection and public awareness programs, rigid control of fish introductions and water pollution are needed. Environ Biol Fish (2009) 85:361–362 DOI 10.1007/s10641-009-9493-4

The cyprinid genus Gymnodiptychus was established by Herzenstein (1892), with Diptychus dybowskii Kessler as type species. Gymnodiptychus integrigymnatus was first published as a nomen nudum in Cao et al. (1981) who, in using the name, indicated that its author was S.-Y. Huang. The species has since been described in other works [e.g., Mo (1989), Chen & Huang (1998), Chen & Cao (2000)]. At present, FishBase (www.fishbase.org) and Eschmeyer (2008) list different authorships for this nominal species: Huang (1998) and Mo (1989). The nomenclatural status of G. integrigymnatus is discussed below with a view to the clarification of this taxon’s authorship and date of availability.

Common name: Kangpian Yu, Pangpi Yu (Chinese). Elongate bitterling (English). Conservation status: Endangered—China Species Red List, Vol. 1 Red List (Wang and Xie 2004); Endangered—IUCN Red List (Groombridge 1993). Identification: D III 11–13; A III 10–11; LL 36–38; predorsal scales, 14–18; pharyngeal teeth one row, 5–5; mouth sub-superior; no barbels; air-bladder developed (Chen and Li 1989; Lin 1998; Yang et al. 1990). Body silvery white, dorsal surface olive, lateral black stripe from caudal peduncle to the dorsal-fin origin (Wu 1964; Chen and Li 1989). Figure by Cai MJ (Lin 1998). Distribution: Endemic to Dianchi Lake (24°40′–25°02′1 N, 102°36′–102°47′ E, 1885 m above sea level, 306.3 km), Yunnan, China (Yang et al. 1990; Wang and Xie 2004). Abundance: Existed in Dianchi Lake before 1960s, no field records since 1970 (Chen et al. 2001) and no specimens in thriceyearly aquatic biodiversity survey from 2003 to 2008. Habitat and ecology: Occurs in shallow water along the lake shore (Chen and Li 1989), feeds mainly on Cladocera and Copepoda (Yang et al. 1990). Reproduction: Eggs must hatch in bivalves. Threats: Water pollution, habitat degradation, overfishing and use of illegal fishing methods are critical threats (Chen et al. 2001). Water pollution causes loss of bivalves. Artifical dykes and enclosing the lake to create farmland have caused habitat degradation (Chen et al. 2001). A 600year old medicine book claimed eating A. elongatus increased fertility (Lan M (ed), revised by Yu et al. 2004). Conservation action: Dianchi Freshwater Biodiversity Restoration Project conducts thrice-yearly survey and monitoring of aquatic biodiversity, including A. elongatus. Conservation recommendations: Control pollution and eutrophication. Long-term monEnviron Biol Fish (2009) 84:209–210 DOI 10.1007/s10641-008-9408-9

Common name: Silvery white fish (English). Figure from Chu and Chen (1989). Local name: Xiao Bai Yu (Chinese). Conservation status: Endangered – China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals, Pisces (Yue and Chen 1998); Anabarilius alburnops is one of the critically endangered fishes in Lake Dianchi (24°28′– 25°28′ N, 102°30′–103°00′ E, 1,886 m above sea level), Yunnan, China. Identification: Lateral line curved markedly downward above pectoral fin; lateral line scales 76–81. Gill raker count is 43–50 (Regan 1914; Chu and Chen 1989; Chen 1998). Distribution: Endemic to Lake Dianchi and probably found in Songhuaba reservoir in Yunnan Province. Abundance: This species was very common in Lake Dianchi prior to the mid-twentieth century. The population started to decline throughout the lake during the 1970s (Yue and Chen 1998), and is now very rare in the lake. No specimens had been collected from the lake until three individuals were observed in DaYu village (24°50′ 36.06′′ N, 102°45′59.86′′ E), Chenggong County in August 1999. Habitat and ecology: Anabarilius alburnops lives in the middle and upper layers of the water column and feeds on various food items; mainly aquatic insects, plankton and plants (Chu and Chen 1989; Chen 1998; Yue and Chen 1998). Reproduction: It becomes sexually mature after one winter; eggs are adhesive (Yue and Chen 1998). Threats: Its loss from the lake is thought to be due to introduced fish species, deterioration of water quality, loss of macrophytes (in part due to grass carp), and over-fishing; as well as loss of breeding sites due to siltation and blocked access. Conservation recommendations: Destructive fishing practices should be strictly prohibited (Yue and Chen 1998). The conservation status of A. alburnops can be improved through effective habitat protection, increased public awareness, and long-term monitoring and surveys. Environ Biol Fish (2008) 83:505–506 DOI 10.1007/s10641-008-9373-3

Common name: Yi se yun nan qiu. Conservation status: This species is currently not listed. Identification: Body naked, origin of dorsal fin at middle of body, branched caudal rays 14, branched ventral rays seven, dwarfism (Zhou and He 1989; Figure). Distribution: Yunnanilus discoloris is one of the endangered fish in Lake Dianchi (24°28′–25°28′N, 102°30′–103°00′E, 1,886 m above sea level) and White Dragon spring (Li 2001), which connect with effluent from the lake, Yunnan, China. This species was not found in Lake Dianchi from the 1950–60s, few around Lake Dianchi from the 1970–80s. Now it is found in the White Dragon spring at Chenggong, Kunming which flows into Lake Dianchi. Abundance: The number of the total population is estimated about 500 individuals inWhite Dragon spring ponds. Y. discoloris is considered to be rare in Lake Dianchi now. Habitat and ecology: Lives in clear springs, at a depth of 80 cm, with sand, stones and some macrophytes on the bottom. A difference of the color pattern between male and females in mature individuals (Zhou and He 1989). Reproduction: The White Dragon spring has been protected, so these fish are protected too. Threats: Its loss from the lake is likely due to introduced fish species (“the four cultured carp”, Black carp, Mylopharyngodon piceus, Grass carp, Silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Big head carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) (He et al. 1983; Gao et al. 1990), water pollution and loss of macrophytes. Current threats to the springs are introduced species and modification of spring structure. Conservation actions: Beginning in 2003, a GEF/ World Bank funded project was established in Kunming, Yunnan to conserve and try to restore the aquatic biodiversity of Lake Dianchi. Conservation recomEnviron Biol Fish (2009) 86:119–120 DOI 10.1007/s10641-008-9356-4

Conservation status, identification, distribution, abundance, habitat and ecology, conservation actions and recommendations of a endemic cyprinid fish, Cyprinus micristius were introduced based on data and knowledge from a GEF project in Lake Dianchi, Yunnan, China.

Conservation status, identification, distribution, abundance, habitat and ecology, threats, conservation actions and recommendations of a endemic bagrid catfish, Dianchi bullhead, Pseudobagrus medianalis were introduced based on data and knowledge from a GEF project in Lake Dianchi, Yunnan, China.

One new species is added to the genus Sinocyclocheilus , the largest cyprinid genus in China and the largest cavefish genus in the world. Sinocyclocheilus gracilicaudatus sp. nov. is similar to S. donglanensis but differs to other congeners in having normal eyes and scaled body, curved lateral line with 59–64 lateral-line scale rows, half-hard dorsal fin spine, 8 gill rakers and 8 predorsal vertebrae. Compared to S. donglanensis , the new species has a longer and more narrow caudal peduncle (caudal peduncle length 21.3-22.7% vs. 16.8–20.4% of SL; caudal peduncle depth 10.5–12.0% vs. 12.5–15.5% of SL), smaller eyes (eye diameter 5.8–8.3% vs. 6.5–10.9% of SL) and longer barbels (maxillary barbel length 16.6–24.3% vs. 11.1–21.1 % of SL; rictal barbel length 19.5–21.6% vs. 11.3–21.1% of SL). The new species is distributed in a subterranean river, belonging to the Longjiang River system; S. donglanensis occurs in the Hongshuihe River system, a system separate from that where the former species occurs.

Factors that determine the genetic structure of species in southwestern China remain largely unknown. In this study, phylogeography and demography of Tylototriton shanjing was investigated from a mitochondrial perspective to address the role of the Quaternary ice ages in shaping phylogeographic history and genetic diversity of Yunnan. A total of 146 individuals from 19 populations across the entire range of the species were collected. We detected four maternal phylogenetic lineages corresponding to four population groups, and found that major glaciation events during the Pleistocene have triggered the intra-specific divergence. Coalescent simulations indicated that the populations retreated to different refugia located in southern Yunnan, northwestern Yunnan, the border region of western Yunnan with Myanmar, and middle-western Yunnan, respectively, during previous glacial periods in the Pleistocene, and these four refugia were not retained during the Last Glacial Maximum. Population expansions occurred during the last inter-glaciation, during which ice core and pollen data indicated that the temperature and precipitation gradually increased, and declines of population sizes started after the beginning of the Last Glacial Maximum when the climate became cooler and dryer. The paleo-drainage system had no contribution to the current genetic structure and the rivers were not dispersal barriers for this salamander.

Yaoshania, new genus, is described with Protomyzon pachychilus as type species. Yaoshania is distinguished from othergenera of Balitoridae by its larger gill opening, a lip lamina at angle of mouth, and the rostral fold with four notches toaccommodate rostral barbels. A lectotype is designated for Y. pachychilus. Erromyzon kalotaenia, new species, is de-scribed from Guangxi, China. It is distinguished from other species of Erromyzon by the very reduced median lobe of therostral fold; the lower lip distinctly covered with melanophores; and the color pattern on the flank. A key to the species of Erromyzon is provided.

Species of the nemacheilid genus Homatula are endemic to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau of China. Herein we provide phy-logenetic inferences of species relationships based on complete sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cyt b)and partial sequences of the nuclear recombination activation gene (RAG 1). Both gene trees (and the concatenated dataset) support the recognition of five clades in the genus. These analyses also support the hypothesis that two of the lineagesresolved represent undescribed species awaiting formal description, and, further, that two previously recognized speciesare junior synonyms; both are genetically indistinguishable from other previously recognized species. Divergence timesof the major clades in Homatula are inferred to be Late Pliocene and the Early Pleistocene, and are correlated with themassive geological events associated with the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau occurring at these times. The recon-struction of drainage histories suggests that the fish faunas of the Nu and Lancang rivers are basal relative to other riverinefaunas in the region, and that the Nanpan and the Jinsha rivers share a more recent history than with any other river systems included in our study.

A new species of Homatula, Homatula wuliangensis, is described from the Lancang River of the Wuliang Mountain, Pu-Er City, Jingdong County, Yunnan Province, China. Homatula wuliangensis sp. nov. is readily distinguished from otherspecies of Homatula by the combination of several morphological characters, including a long upper lobe of the caudalfin relative to the lower lobe, high and long dorsal adipose crest, series of 22–26 very closely aligned body markings, bodyscaled, and 41–42 vertebrae. In addition, H. wuliangensis differs from the similar species H. anguillioides in having short-er barbels, spots on the caudal fin, the origin of the pelvic fin under the last simple dorsal-fin ray, and a pointed axillarypelvic lobe divided from the body. The new species is further distinguished from the similar species H. pysnolepis in having shorter barbels, lacking a notch on the lower jaw, and lacking vermiform markings on top of the head.

A new species of nemacheilid loach, Triplophysa longliensis, is described from Yudonghe River, a small tributary of PearlRiver in Guizhou Province, China. It can be distinguished from other valid Triplophysa loaches by the followingcombination of characters: body smooth and scaleless; head tapering; lips thin and smooth; posterior chamber of gasbladder highly developed, long, bag-shaped, tip reaching origin of pelvic fin; intestine short, bending in zigzag shapebehind stomach; insertion of pelvic fin posterior to dorsal-fin origin; dorsal-fin origin closer to snout tip than to caudalfin base; caudal fin deeply forked, upper lobe obviously longer than lower one; pelvic-fin tip reaching to anus.

Factors that determine genetic structure of species in southwestern China remain largely unknown. In this study, sequences of two mitochondrial genes (COI and cyt b) were determined to investigate the phylogeography and demography of Babina pleuraden, a pond frog endemic to southwestern China. A total of 262 individuals from 22 populations across the entire range of the species were collected. Our results indicate that B. pleuraden comprises five well-supported mitochondrial lineages roughly corresponding to five geographical areas. The phylogeographic structure of B. pleuraden has been shaped primarily by the unique regional responses of the Yunnan Plateau to the rapid uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau occurred c. 2.5 Mya (B phrase of Qingzang Movement) and climatic oscillation during middle Pleistocene (c. 0.64-0.36 Mya), rather than by the paleo-drainage systems. The present wide distribution of the species has resulted from recent population expansion (c. 0.053-0.025 Mya) from multiple refugia prior to the Last Glacial Maximum, corresponding to the scenario of "refugia within refugia".

Common name: Yang-si (Chinese). King’s bullhead (English). Conservation status: Endangered—China Red Data Book of Endangered Animal, Pisces (Yue and Chen 1998). Identification: Body elongate and compressed, head broad and depressed, snout blunt, rounded and depressed, eyes small and nearer to tip of snout, mouth large, terminal and nearly transverse, lower jaw slightly projecting, barbels four pairs, posterior barbels shorter than head length, dorsal and pectoral spine both with serrations, body naked and without lateral line (Chu and Kuang 1990; He 1999). Body color in alcohol grayish, with small dark spots, fins yellowish (Tchang 1935). Dorsal i+6, Anal iii+ 10–13, Pectoral i+7, Pelvic i+5. Maximum size 95.0 mm SL (He 1999). Distribution: Endemic to China and distributed only in Dianchi Lake and its tributaries, Yunnan Province. Abundance: It had been a familiar sight in Dianchi Lake, though the number was not great (Yue and Chen 1998). Two specimens were collected in 1960, Haigeng, Kunming (Cat. No.: KIZ1960000611, KIZ1960000612), and after that no specimens were collected (Chu and Kuang 1990). Habitat and ecology: Carnivorous, lives rapidly flowing streams with plenty of rocks at the water bottom (Yue and Chen 1998). According to collected location of above two specimens, it also lived in Dianchi Lake itself. Reproduction: Nothing is known about its reproduction. Threats: Habitat degradation and loss are the critical threat, including the overdischarge of domestic and industrial wastewater which seriously polluted the water, and the construction of water conservation projects like reservoirs, hydropower stations, which may result in rivulets drying up, and the habitat is lost. Conservation recommendations: Liobagrus kingi should be listed as a state protected animal. The conservation status of L. kingi can be improved through effective habitat protection and public awareness programs.

The loach genus Oreonectes is reviewed in this study. Six valid species are recognized, including two new species. Oreonectes polystigmus sp. nov., and Oreonectes microphthalmus sp. nov. are described from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Among its congeners, O. polystigmus is most similar to O. platycephalus in morphology. It can be distinguished from all its congeners by an incomplete lateral line with 6–8 pores; a cephalic lateral-line system with 7 supraorbital and 4+7 infraorbital pores; sexual dimorphism (males have a genital papilla located immediately posterior of the anus, and the gonad is opened at the end of a fleshy prominence); and a body with many differently shaped spots. Oreonectes microphthalmus is most similar to O. furcocaudalis in morphology. It can be distinguished from all congeners by its degenerate eyes, which only have black pigment; a cephalic lateral-line system with 2+2 supratemporal, 7 supraorbital, 3+0 infraorbital and 8 preoperculomandibular pores; and an incomplete lateral line with 3 pores. A key to all valid Oreonectes species is provided. The validity of some related species is discussed. Nemacheilus liboensis, Oreonectes liboensis and Oreonectes translucens are all proved to be synonyms of Paracobitis longibarbatus, and Paracobitis longibarbatus is actually a species of Triplophysa.

Conservation status, identification, distribution, abundance, habitat and ecology, threats, conservation actions and recommendations of an endemic catfish, King's bullhead, Silurus mento were introduced.

A total of 62 variable osteological and external characters was found among the five currently recognized species of Epalzeorhynchos. When the genera Crossocheilus and Paracrossocheilus are combined as the outgroup, only 30 of these characters can be polarized. This includes six autapomorphies. The remaining 24 polarized characters form a data matrix which yields a single, 26-step tree with a Consistency Index (CI) of 1 and a Retention Index (RI) of 1. The analysis was also performed on a combined dataset in which the 32 unpolarized characters (characters for which the combined outgroup was dimorphic) were added and coded as missing data (i.e., "?"). Analyzing this data matrix with all multistate characters ordered generates the same single most-parsimonious tree with a length of 63 steps, a CI of 0.98 and a RI of 0.97. When either Crossocheilus or Paracrossocheilus is used as the sole outgroup, the same single most-parsimonious tree is produced although the numbers of informative characters and some of the polarities differ. Evidence is presented to support the following hypotheses: (1) E. kalopterus + E. frenatus + E. bicolor + E. munensis form a monophyletic group; (2) E. frenatus + E. bicolor + E. munensis form a monophyletic group with E. kalopterus as its sister group; this speciation event is congruent with the predictions of vicariant speciation mode I; and (3) E. bicolor and E. munensis are sister groups, again congruent with vicariant speciation mode I. Evidence presented here also supports the zoogeographical hypothesis that the faunas of the Indochinese region and the Greater Sundas are more closely related to each other than either of them is to the lower Salween basin fauna and that the lower Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Khlong basin faunas are more closely related to each other than any of them is to the Greater Sundas. In addition, the monophyly of Epalzeorhynchos is also preliminarily discussed by including either Paracrossocheilus or Crossocheilus in the ingroup. It is demonstrated that E. bicornis clusters with Paracrossocheilus when Paracrossocheilus is included in the ingroup. It seems likely that the taxonomic position of E. bicornis will be resolved as more fishes of the Crossocheilus group are included in future studies.

Background An emerging cavefish model, the cyprinid genus Sinocyclocheilus, is endemic to the massive southwestern karst area adjacent to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China. In order to understand whether orogeny influenced the evolution of these species, and how genomes change under isolation, especially in subterranean habitats, we performed whole-genome sequencing and comparative analyses of three species in this genus, S. grahami, S. rhinocerous and S. anshuiensis. These species are surface-dwelling, semi-cave-dwelling and cave-restricted, respectively. Results The assembled genome sizes of S. grahami, S. rhinocerous and S. anshuiensis are 1.75 Gb, 1.73 Gb and 1.68 Gb, respectively. Divergence time and population history analyses of these species reveal that their speciation and population dynamics are correlated with the different stages of uplifting of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. We carried out comparative analyses of these genomes and found that many genetic changes, such as gene loss (e.g. opsin genes), pseudogenes (e.g. crystallin genes), mutations (e.g. melanogenesis-related genes), deletions (e.g. scale-related genes) and down-regulation (e.g. circadian rhythm pathway genes), are possibly associated with the regressive features (such as eye degeneration, albinism, rudimentary scales and lack of circadian rhythms), and that some gene expansion (e.g. taste-related transcription factor gene) may point to the constructive features (such as enhanced taste buds) which evolved in these cave fishes. Conclusion As the first report on cavefish genomes among distinct species in Sinocyclocheilus, our work provides not only insights into genetic mechanisms of cave adaptation, but also represents a fundamental resource for a better understanding of cavefish biology. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-015-0223-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.