DNA barcoding and distribution of Osteobrama peninsularis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in India.

Osteobrama peninsularis has been reported in southern Indian drainages, particularly in the Krishna River drainage. This study provides new findings of O. peninsularis in two distant locations: the Kangsabati River (Suvarnarekha River drainage) in West Bengal and Wyra Lake (Godavari River drainage) in Telangana. This marks the first record of O. peninsularis in eastern India, specifically in West Bengal. The species can be distinguished from other Osteobrama members by its 28--31 branched anal-fin rays and 55--60 lateral line scales, along with other unique morphological features. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase C subunit I gene sequences from specimens collected in Suvarnarekha and Godavari River drainages cluster together in the phylogenetic analysis, indicating that the clade of O. peninsularis is distinct and maintains significant genetic distance from its congeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]