Revision of the East Asian genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ditrema</Emphasis> (Embiotocidae), with description of a new subspecies

A review of the species and subspecies of Ditrema from East Asia recognized the following taxa: D. jordani Franz, 1910, D. temminckii pacificum subsp. nov., D. t. temminckii Bleeker, 1853, and D. viride Oshima, 1940. Ditrema jordani is characterized by a coppery-red body when fresh, the posterior end of the dorsal-fin base anterior to that of the anal-fin base, a dark rounded marking on the anterior suborbital area margined with white lines or a broad dark inverse trapezoid marking on the anterior part of the suborbital region, the lower half of the spinous portion of the dorsal fin often with a longitudinal black stripe, and a faint longitudinal dark line along the anal-fin base. Ditrema temminckii is characterized by a silvery body, usually bluish dorsally when fresh, a black oblique band on the anterior suborbital area, the spinous portion of the dorsal fin with a black distal margin, and no dark line along the anal-fin base. Ditrema t. pacificum, mainly distributed along the Pacific Ocean coast, differs from D. t. temminckii, mainly distributed along the coast of Sea of Japan, in lacking a dark spot on the anterior portion of the preopercle (vs. dark spot present in the latter), but having a black line along the posterior margin of the pelvic-fin spine (vs. black spot anteriorly on base of pelvic fin), fewer dorsal-fin spines (usually 9 or 10 vs. 10 or 11), more dorsal-fin soft rays (mode 21 vs. mode 20), and longer pectoral, pelvic, and caudal fins. The two nominal species (D. smitti and D. leave) are regarded as junior synonyms of D. t. temminckii. Ditrema viride is characterized by a silvery, dorsally yellowish-green body when fresh, 9–11 dorsal-fin spines (mode 10), a dark triangular marking on the anterior suborbital area, the spinous portion of the dorsal fin with a black distal margin, a longitudinal black line along the anal-fin base and the pelvic fin slightly darkish, and lacking a black spot anteriorly on the base. Neotypes are designated for D. jordani and D. viride. A key to the species and subspecies of Ditrema is provided.     

Symphurus hondoensis Hubbs, 1915, a valid species of western Pacific tonguefish (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae)

Symphurus hondoensis Hubbs, 1915, originally described only from the holotype taken in 390–542 m in Suruga Bay Japan, has long been considered a junior synonym ofS. strictus Gilbert, 1905, known from waters off Hawaii, Japan, the Philippine Islands, and South Africa. Based on new information from the holotype and a specimen recently captured from deep waters (789–815 m) off Amami-Oshima Island, southern Japan,S. hondoensis is now established as a valid species.Symphurus hondoensis is unique among congeners in having the combination of a 1–2–3 pattern of interdigitation of proximal dorsal pterygiophores and neural spines, 10 abdominal vertebrae, 14 caudalfin rays, 111–113 dorsal-fin rays, 95 anal-fin rays, 59 total vertebrae, 105–106 scales in longitudinal series, blind side nearly as darkly pigmented as the ocular surface, and a black peritoneum. Recognition ofS. hondoensis increases the number of described species ofSymphurus in waters off Japan to three (S. orientalis Bleeker,S. strictus, andS. hondoensis), with at least one more underscribed species occurring in deepwater hydrothermal vent areas off southern Japan.     

A new species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Careproctus</Emphasis> (Liparidae) from the Sea of Japan

A new snailfish, Careproctus notosaikaiensis, is described on the basis of 6 specimens collected from the central part of the Sea of Japan, off Saikai, western coast of the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa, Japan. The new species is distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of the characters: vertebrae 57–58, 10–12 abdominal and 46–48 caudal; dorsal-fin rays 52; anal-fin rays 46–47; principal caudal-fin rays 10; pectoral-fin rays 35–37; pectoral fin with a deep notch; proximal pectoral radials 4 (3 + 1), round; gill slit extending to pectoral-fin ray 4–7; teeth strongly trilobed; pleural ribs 2 pairs; 2 suprabranchial pores; chin pores paired in the same pit; pyloric caeca 20–29; dorsal and anal fins with dark margins and stomach black in preserved specimens.     

Siphonogobius nue, a new genus and species of gobiid fish from japan

A new genus and species of gobiid fish,Siphonogobius nue, based on 15 specimens, is described from temperate Pacific coasts of Japan. It is unique amongst gobioids in having a simple tube-like infraorbital canal extending below the eye and the oculoscapular canal between pores A' and L' without openings, except for the terminal pores and pore D. Although well-developed infraorbital canals occur in two other gobioid genera, the rhyacichthyidRhyacichthys and the gobiidLophiogobius, such are distinct from that ofSiphonogobius in having several branches and openings. Furthermore, the new taxon is distinguished from all other gobioids by the following combination of characters: first dorsal-fin spines 7–9 (usually 8); pectoral-fin rays 24–26, the upper 7–9 rays free from the fin membrane; pelvic frenum thick, robust and slightly emarginate posteriorly; scales small and cycloid, 87–96 in longitudinal series; vertebrae 14–15+19–20=33–34 (usually 14+20=34); P-V usually 3/I II II I I I 0/11; anal-fin pterygiophores anterior to the first haemal spine 3–4 (usually 3); a row of short fleshy flaps on the ventral surface of the head, extending from the lower edge of the preopercle to the chin; anterior nostril with a minute skin flap. Axial skeletal features indicated thatSiphonogobius is closely related to a group which includesAcanthogobius and its relatives.     

Thysanophrys papillaris, a new species of flathead from the Andaman Sea and Northern Australia (Scorpaeniformes: Platycephalidae)

A new platycephalid,Thysanophrys papillaris, is described on the basis of six specimens (78–121 mm SL) collected from the Andaman Sea and off northern Australia (Timor and Arafura Seas). This new species can be distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: presence of a single short papilla on upper surface of eye, longer snout, smaller body scales. 11 second dorsal-fin rays and 12 anal-fin rays, presence of four or more suborbital spines usually, branched short iris lappet, ctenoid lateral-line scales and interopercle not extended posteroventrally.     

Squamatological differences between two closely related flatfish species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleuronichthys</Emphasis> (Pleuronectidae,Pleuronectiformes), with a proposal of unambiguous distinctive characters

Squamation and scale morphology were examined in two closely related species, Pleuronichthys cornutus and P. japonicus, in order to establish the unambiguous characters to clearly separate the two species. Scale counts on the lateral body surface were also examined, with new count definitions proposed. Both the longitudinal and vertical scale rows followed essentially regular patterns in P. cornutus, whereas the longitudinal scale rows were occasionally irregular in P. japonicus. Scales were basically fan-shaped and oval in P. cornutus and P. japonicus, respectively, although considerable variation in scale shape was apparent in both species. The blind side scales of P. cornutus had sharp posterior margins, whereas those of P. japonicus had round ones. Scale length (scales on the ocular side, area above the lateral line) in P. japonicus was relatively greater than in P. cornutus, a plot of total length versus scale length separating the species completely. Measurements of many ocular side scales from the area above the lateral line indicated high intraspecific variance in both species, being particularly prominent in P. cornutus. Nevertheless, considerable scale measurement differences were found between the two species in some body areas, supported by principal component analysis. Longitudinal and vertical row scale counts were higher in P. cornutus than in P. japonicus, with the ranges of central longitudinal scales (88–103 vs. 75–86) and scales below the lateral line counts (59–74 vs. 47–57), respectively, not overlapping between the species. The scale count difference could be caused by the difference of the scale size between the two species. The study demonstrated that the two Pleuronichthys species can be readily distinguished on the basis of scale morphology and size, in addition to scale counts.     

Review of the genusBembras Cuvier, 1829 (Scorpaeniformes: Bembridae) with description of three new species collected from Australia and Indonesia

The bembrid genusBembras Cuvier is reviewed. Five species,B. japonica Cuvier,B. adenensis Imamura & Knapp and three undescribed species, were assigned to the genus. Type species of the genus,Bembras japonica is redescribed on the basis of 36 specimens including the holotype, and three new species,B. macrolepis, B. longipinnis andB. megacephala, previously misidentified asB. japonicus, are also described on the basis of specimens collected from Australia and Indonesia.Bembras macrolepis differs from its congeners by having large body scales, a long pectoral fin with 17–19 rays and a dark blotch on slightly upper portion to middle of margin, 14–15 anal-fin rays, small head and orbit, and caudal fin with a broad vertical dark band near posterior margin.Bembras longipinnis is distinguished from other members of the genus by having a slightly long pectoral fin with 17–19 rays and lacking a small black blotch near tip of upper rays, caudal fin with a large dark spot most intense in lower lobe, 1–2 gill rakers on upper gill arch, 13–14 anal-fin rays, slightly elong ated head and small orbit.Bembras megacephala is characterized by the following combination of characters: caudal fin with several irregular narrow vertical dark bands, small orbit, pectoral fin with 19–20 rays and lacking a small black blotch near tip of upper rays, head elongate, 2–4 gill rakers on upper gill arch, 15 anal-fin rays and small body scales. A key separating the five species ofBembras is given.     

A new species of scabbardfish, Evoxymetopon macrophthalmus (Scombroidei: Trichiuridae), from Okinawa, Japan

Evoxymetopon macrophthalmus sp. nov. is described on the basis of a single specimen collected off Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Among the two valid species of Evoxymetopon, the new species is more similar to E. poeyi in having the first dorsal-fin spine enormously large, compressed, and sword shaped. It differs from E. poeyi in having the upper profile of head uniformly convex without a prominent sagittal crest (vs. with a prominent sagittal crest), tip of first anal pterygiophore connected to the last rib in the anterior part, while the first hemal spine is long and connected to the posterior margin of pterygiophore bone plate (vs. connected to the first hemal spine only), a larger eye, 4.5 times in head length (vs. 5.5–5.9 times), 15 externally visible anal-fin soft rays (vs. 20), 9 upper gill rakers of the first arch (vs. 4–6), and 60 caudal vertebrae (vs. 64).     

Review of the clingfish genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kopua</Emphasis> (Gobiesocidae: Trachelochisminae) in Japan,with description of a new species

A taxonomic review of the clingfish genus Kopua (Gobiesocidae: Trachelochisminae) in Japan recognizes three species: K. japonica Moore, Hutchins and Okamoto 2012, K. vermiculata Shinohara and Katayama 2015 and K. yoko sp. nov. Kopua japonica and K. vermiculata are redescribed with revised diagnoses on the basis of 20 specimens (10.4–30.4 mm standard length; SL) and the holotype, respectively. Kopua japonica is similar to K. vermiculata in head sensory pore characters (normally single nasal and postocular canal pores). However, the former differs distinctly from the latter as follows: 6–8 (modally 7) gill rakers (vs. 4 or 6); 31–33 (33) vertebrae (vs. 35); anus slightly closer to posterior margin of disc than to anal-fin origin (vs. much closer to posterior margin of disc); snout length 5.3–8.7 (mean 7.0) % SL (vs. 9.2 % SL); disc length 21.2–24.0 (22.8) % SL (vs. 18.8 % SL); pre-dorsal- and anal-fin lengths 72.9–78.4 (75.2) and 78.1–82.8 (80.1) % SL, respectively (vs. 67.5 and 73.6 % SL); and two stripes on cheek (vs. a triangular blotch). Kopua yoko sp. nov., based on 14 specimens (17.7–28.8 mm SL) from the Pacific coast of southern Japan, Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, is characterized by the following combination of characters: 6 or 7 (modally 6) dorsal-fin rays; 4–6 (5) anal-fin rays; 21 or 22 (21) pectoral-fin rays; 4–6 (5 or 6) gill rakers; 31–33 (31) vertebrae; a single (rarely two) nasal canal pores; two lacrimal and preopercular canal pores; snout length 6.5–7.9 (mean 7.1) % SL; gill opening depth 5.8–7.1 (6.5) % SL; least interorbital width 2.0–3.7 (2.6) % SL; disc length 20.3–25.0 (23.1) % SL, disc region D without flattened papillae; caudal-peduncle depth 8.1–10.2 (9.2) % SL; anus slightly closer to posterior margin of disc than to anal-fin origin; pre-dorsal- and anal-fin lengths 71.6–77.1 (73.9) and 77.0–83.7 (80.4) % SL, respectively; post-dorsal-caudal length 12.6–15.0 (13.8) % SL; arch-shaped blotches on lateral aspect of body; and two reddish-orange stripes on cheek. Morphological changes with growth in K. japonica and K. yoko sp. nov. are also described.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Enneapterygius velatus</Emphasis>, a new deepwater triplefin (Perciformes: Tripterygiidae) from the Ryukyu Islands,southern Japan

A new deepwater species, Enneapterygius velatus sp. nov. (Perciformes: Tripterygiidae), is described from two male specimens from Ryukyu Island, southern Japan, the holotype having been collected at a depth of 55 m and an underwater photograph taken between 30 and 41 m depth. The new species is characterized by an extremely long first dorsal-fin spine (length 31.6–34.0 % of SL), the first dorsal-fin spine bases close together, first dorsal-fin base length less than half the distance between the base of the third spine of the first dorsal-fin and origin of second dorsal-fin, first dorsal-fin spine base with developed inclinator muscles, long pelvic fins (tip of second ray extending beyond anal-fin origin), large body scales (8 circumpeduncular scales), the supratemporal sensory canals deeply U-shaped in dorsal view, snout profile weakly rounded, abdomen from between pelvic-fin bases to anal-fin origin covered by cycloid scales, body lacking significant blackish blotches and caudal-fin base with scattered melanophores in preserved specimens.     

Two new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kyphosus</Emphasis> (Kyphosidae) and a taxonomic review of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kyphosus bigibbus</Emphasis> Lacepède from the Indo-Pacific

Two new species of Kyphosus, K. pacificus and K. hawaiiensis, are described and the taxonomy reviewed of K. bigibbus Lacepède, 1801, closely related to the former. These three species are clearly distinguished from other species of Kyphosus in having 12 dorsal-fin soft rays, the anterior part of the dorsal-fin soft-rayed portion not elevated, 11 anal-fin soft rays, and 58–72 (usually more than 59) scales in longitudinal row along the middle body. Kyphosus pacificus is distributed in the Western-Central Pacific, being characterized by a pointed snout and 26–29 gill rakers (mode 27). Kyphosus hawaiiensis is distributed only in the Central Pacific and is characterized by a blunt snout, 23–25 gill rakers (mode 24), 18 pectoral fin soft rays, and the anterior part of the anal-fin soft-rayed portion well elevated. Kyphosus bigibbus is distributed antitropically in the Indo-West Pacific and is characterized by a blunt snout, 21–24 gill rakers (mode 22), 19 pectoral fin soft rays, and the anterior part of the anal-fin soft-rayed portion not elevated. In addition, Pimelepterus fallax Klunzinger, 1884 was found to be a junior synonym of K. bigibbus Lacepède. A lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for the former because the original type series included an example of a second species.     

Taxonomic review of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sebastes inermis</Emphasis> species complex (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae)

A taxonomic review of three color morphotypes of the Sebastes inermis species complex established the existence of three valid species, viz. S. inermis, S. ventricosus, and S. cheni. The complex is defined by having two sharp lachrymal spines, the head weakly armed with nasal, preocular, supraocular and parietal spines, and the caudal fin not distinctly emarginated. Sebastes inermis, known from southern Hokkaido southward to Kyushu, Japan, and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, is characterized as follows: body dark red or light brown dorsally and laterally when fresh, pectoral fin extending beyond level of anus when depressed, pectoral-fin rays 15, anal-fin rays 7, pored lateral line scales 36–44 and gill rakers 31–37. Sebastes ventricosus, known from Iwate and Ishikawa Prefecture southward to Kyushu, Japan, and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, is characterized as follows: body somewhat greenish-black dorsally and dark silver ventrally when fresh, pectoral-fin rays 16, anal-fin rays 7–8, pored lateral line scales 43–49, and gill rakers 35–39. Sebastes cheni, known from Iwate and Akita Pref. southward to Kyushu, Japan, and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, is characterized as follows: body dark golden-brown dorsally and laterally when fresh, pelvic fin extending beyond anus when depressed, pectoral-fin rays 17, anal-fin rays 8, pored lateral line scales 37–46 and gill rakers 32–37. In the genetic analysis, the presence or absence of two AFLP fragments was completely fixed among the three species. Sebastes tokionis and S. guentheri are regarded as junior synonyms of S. inermis and S. ventricosus, respectively. A lectotype is designated for S. cheni, and a key to the three species of the S. inermis species complex provided.     

The Saurida undosquamis group (Aulopiformes: Synodontidae), with description of a new species from southern Japan

Four lizardfishes of Saurida (family Synodontidae), S. undosquamis, S. umeyoshii sp. nov., S. macrolepis, and S. longimanus, are described. All are recognized here as the Saurida undosquamis group, characterized by having dark dots on the upper margin of the caudal fin, pectoral fin exceeding origin to pelvic fin, anterior rays of dorsal fin neither elongate nor filamentous, predorsal length greater than distance between dorsal-fin and adipose-fin origins, 46–55 pored lateral-line scales, and vomer with 0–8 teeth. Saurida undosquamis, from northern West India and West Pacific, excluding East Asia, differs from others in having lateral-line scales ridged on the caudal peduncle, conspicuously concave posterior margin of the pectoral fin, 51–55 pored lateral-line scales, and 50–53 vertebrae. Saurida umeyoshii sp. nov., from southern Japan and the East China Sea, is defined by three rows of indistinct dark blotches on, above, and below the lateral line, distribution of scale pockets with melanophores on their posterior part extending over the entire abdominal region from the lateral line in specimens over ca. 130 mm SL, lateral-line scales not ridged on caudal peduncle, 49–52 pored lateral-line scales, and 48–50 vertebrae. Saurida macrolepis, from the Indo-West Pacific, is characterized by 46–49 pored lateral-line scales and 45–48 vertebrae. Saurida longimanus, from northern West India, northwest Australia, and southern Indonesia, differs from the others in having a long pectoral fin extending past the origin of the dorsal fin. Some geographic variations are found in S. macrolepis. Saurida grandisquamis is confirmed as a junior synonym of S. undosquamis, based on examination of the type specimens. A key to species in the S. undosquamis group is included.     

Belonoperca pylei, a new species of seabass (Teleostei: Serranidae: Epinephelinae: Diploprionini) from the cook islands with comments on relationships among diploprionins

Belonoperca pylei is described from five specimens collected at depths of 68–122m from Rarotonga, Cook Islands. It differs from all other known diploprionin serranids in having IX, 10 dorsal-fin rays, III, 7 anal-fin rays, and a color pattern composed primarily of yellow and organge pigments. Cladistic analysis of epinepheline morphology supports monophyly of the diploprionin generaBelonoperca andDiploprion and suggests thatBelonoperca is the sister group ofDiploprion plus the monotypicAulacocephalus.     

Revision of the wobbegong genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Orectolobus</Emphasis> from Japan,with a redescription of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Orectolobus japonicus</Emphasis> (Elasmobranchii: Orectolobiformes)

The wobbegong genus Orectolobus occurring from Japan and its adjacent waters was reviewed, and O. japonicus was redescribed using ten specimens including a syntype. Only one species, O. japonicus, was regarded as valid among three species previously recorded from Japan. Orectolobus maculatus had been erroneously described from Japan because of the past nomenclatural confusion with O. japonicus. The specimen called “Karakusa-oose,” which had been identified with O. ornatus, was regarded as an irregular form of O. japonicus. Orectolobus japonicus was distinguished from the other congeners by having no tubercles on the body, five to eight dermal lobes in the preorbital group, two distally notched lobes in the postspiracular group, no dermal lobes on lower jaw, nasal barbel with a branch, no supraocular knob, relatively high dorsal fins with usually concave posterior margins, a lower number of precaudal vertebrae and intestinal valve turns, saddles on the back without black borders and yellowish and variously shaped blotches, not forming white O-shaped spots.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Careproctus surugaensis</Emphasis> sp. nov. (Liparidae), a new snailfish from Suruga Trough,Japan

A new species of liparid fish Careproctus surugaensis is described from a single specimen collected between 1,450 and 1,570 m depth on the northern part of Suruga Trough, Suruga Bay, Japan. It can be distinguished from all currently recognized congeners by the following combination of characters: 50 total vertebrae, 47 dorsal-fin rays, 39 anal-fin rays, 32 pectoral-fin rays, 10 principal caudal-fin rays, pectoral proximal radials 4 (first to third with notches); trilobate teeth on both jaws, gill slit 7.1 % SL, extending in front of 7th pectoral fin ray base; maximum body depth 19.1 % SL, disk length 7.9 % SL, anus midway between posterior margin of pelvic disk and anal-fin origin; body and fins light orange except blackish peritoneum.     

Pseudobagrus brachyrhabdion, a new catfish (Teleostei: Bagridae) from the middle Yangtze River drainage, South China

Pseudobagrus brachyrhabdion sp. nov., from the Yuan Jiang and Xiang Jiang of the middle Yangtze River drainage in Hunan and Guizhou Provinces, South China, is described herein. It is distinguished from all other Pseudobagrus species with a truncate or slightly emarginated caudal fin by an unique combination of the following characters: supraoccipital plate and nuchal plate broadly interspaced and covered with skin; nasal barbels only at most reaching anterior margin of eye; maxillary barbels reaching slightly beyond posterior margin of eye; outer mandibular barbels extending to posterior margin of eye; dorsal fin with a somewhat convex distal margin, origin nearer to pectoral-fin insertion than to pelvic-fin insertion; dorsal-fin spine shorter than pectoral spine, with a somewhat serrated posterior margin; pectoral-fin spine with a smooth anterior margin; anal fin with 20–23 rays, base length 23.8–32.0% of standard length, posterior end of anal-fin base anterior to posterior end of adipose fin base; no longitudinal black band extending along flank; eyes large, diameter 16.3–23.7% of head length; and number of vertebrae 5 + 43–46.     

A new species of deepwater flathead,Bembras adenensis (Scorpaeniformes: Bembridae) from the western Indian Ocean

A new bembrid,Bembras adenensis, is described on the basis of specimens collected from the Gulf of Aden, western Indian Ocean. This species is easily distinguished fromB. japonica, the only known congener of the genus, by the following combination of characters: larger orbital diameter, longer head length, pectoral-fin with a small black blotch near tip of upper rays, 3 gill rakers on upper gill arch, 19 pectoral-fin rays, and 15 anal-fin rays (vs. smaller orbital diameter, shorter head length, pectoral-fin with several small spots forming irregular bands, 2 gill rakers on upper gill arch, usually 17 pectoral-fin rays, and 14 anal-fin rays inB. japonica).     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vanderhorstia papilio</Emphasis>, a new shrimp-associated goby from the Ryukyu Islands,Japan (Perciformes: Gobiidae: Gobiinae), with comments on the limits of the genus

A new gobiid fish, Vanderhorstia papilio, is described based on a single specimen (40.9mm SL) captured from a sandy-mud bottom at a depth of 45m in a protected bay of Iriomote-jima Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan. It is distinguished from congeners in having the following combination of characters: 11 segmented dorsal-fin rays; 11 segmented anal-fin rays; 27 longitudinal scales; 11 predorsal scales; third spine of first dorsal fin elongate, filamentous, and longer than preceding spine; fifth and ninth branched caudal-fin rays elongate, filamentous, and forming bifurcated caudal fin; fifth and ninth branched caudal-fin rays with a single branch in each; cephalic sensory-papillae row a comprises three widely-spaced papillae; when live or fresh, numerous small yellow spots scattered on head, body, and dorsal fins; dusky yellowish-brown vertical bar below eye; four dark gray-brown saddles on body, in addition to a similarly colored large blotch at midlateral caudal-fin base. The limits and diagnosis of the genus Vanderhorstia are discussed.     

Alburnoides manyasensis (Actinopterygii,?Cyprinidae), a new species of cyprinid fish from?Manyas?Lake?basin,?Turkey

Alburnoides manyasensis, sp. n., is described from the Koca Stream (Lake Manyas drainage, Marmara Sea basin) in Anatolia. It is distinguished from all species of Alburnoides in Turkey and adjacent regions, Alburnoides tzanevi (Rezovska [Rezve], Istranca and Terkos streams in the western Black Sea drainage), Alburnoides cf. smyrnae (Banaz Stream, a drainage of Büyük Menderes River, Aegean Sea basin), Alburnoides fasciatus (streams and rivers in the eastern Black Sea drainage) and Alburnoides eichwaldii (Kura and Aras rivers [a drainage of Kura River], Caspian Sea basin) by a combination of the following characters (none unique to the species):marked hump at nape, especially in specimens larger than 60 mm SL; partly developed ventral keel between pelvic fin and anal fin, scaleless 1/2 to 2/3 its length; body depth at dorsal-fin origin 29−32% SL; caudal peduncle depth 11−12% SL; 45–52+ 2–3 lateral-line scales; 9–12 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin; 4–5 scale rows between lateral line and anal-fin origin, 10½–12½ branched anal-fin rays; 40–42 total vertebrae.