Rhodeus pseudosericeus sp. nov., a new bitterling from South Korea (Cyprinidae, Acheilognathinae)

A new bitterling, Rhodeus pseudosericeus sp. nov., is described on the basis of 31 specimens from five localities included in the Namhan River system, South Korea. The new species is distinguished from other Rhodeus species by the following combination of characters: branched dorsal fin rays 9–10 (mode 9); branched anal fin rays 9–11 (mode 10); longest simple ray of dorsal fin strong and stiff, distally segmented; pelvic fin rays i, 6–7; iris of males blackish; dorsal and anal fins of males grayish in breeding season; karyotype with 2n = 48 (8m + 20sm + 20st). Rhodeus pseudosericeus sp. nov. is similar to Rhodeus sericeus sericeus in the number of pelvic fin and branched dorsal fin rays and the melanophores present on the dorsal fin membrane, but differs from the latter in having a greater body depth, more branched anal fin rays, fewer vertebrae, a lower number of scales in the lateral series, and differing male nuptial coloration. Received: June 30, 2000 / Revised: February 21, 2001 / Accepted: March 6, 2001     

A new loach, Cobitis shikokuensis (Teleostei: Cobitidae), from Shikoku Island, Japan

A new species of spinous loach, Cobitis shikokuensis, is described based on 297 specimens from Shikoku Island, Japan. The new species was formerly known as the Shikoku group of Cobitis takatsuensis. It can be distinguished from other species of Cobitis and closely related genera by a combination of the following characters: dorsal fin with 6 branched soft rays; anal fin with 5 branched soft rays; one brownish streak across eye from the tip of nose, no streak on cheek; a black spot smaller than eye diameter near the dorsal corner of the caudal fin base; 3–5 small brownish speckles on ventral side of caudal peduncle; high caudal peduncle with well-developed fleshy keels on dorsal and ventral side; a lamina circularis at base of dorsal part of pectoral fin absent; first branched soft ray of pectoral fin broad in males; pectoral soft rays widely branched from the approximate midpoint; last anal fin ray with 2 elements; interorbital width 11.2–17.1% of head length.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acheilognathus striatus</Emphasis> (Family: Cyprinidae), a new bitterling species from the lower Yangtze River,China

A new species of bitterling, Acheilognathus striatus sp. nov., is described on the basis of 57 specimens collected from the lower Yangtze River in Jiangxi Province, China. It can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combined characters: a pair of relatively long barbels, slightly longer than half of eye diameter; dorsal fin with three simple and 8–9 branched fin rays, anal fin with three simple and 7–8 branched fin rays; a black longitudinal stripe on body from the base of caudal peduncle, distinctly reaching anteriorly to the vertical line from the origin of dorsal fin, broader in males than in females; a scale distance between the longitudinal stripe and lateral line below the origin of dorsal fin; dorsal and anal fin margined with black band in males.     

Channa panaw, a new channid fish from the Irrawaddy and Sittang River basins, Myanmar

Channa panaw sp. nov. (Channidae) is described from 32 specimens collected from the Irrawaddy and Sittang River basins, Myanmar. It is distinguishable from all known congeners by the combination of the following characters: 32–35 dorsal fin rays, 23–24 anal fin rays, 17–20 pectoral fin rays, 39–41 lateral line scales, 39–41 total vertebrae, one large scale on each side of the lower jaw (rarely 2 on one side), pelvic fin length always more than 50% of pectoral fin length, and 7–12 irregular black blotches on the upper half of the body.     

Two new species and a new record of the genus Sinogastromyzon (Teleostei: Balitoridae) from Yunnan, China

Two new species and a new record of Sinogastromyzon are described from Lixianjiang River of Yunnan province, China. Sinogastromyzon lixianjiangensis, new species, can be distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: pectoral fin with XIII–XIV, 15–17 rays; pelvic fin with X–XI, 10–12 rays; 60–65 lateral-line scales; no scales on the dorsum of paired fins or the region between axilla of pectoral fin and pelvic-fin origin; tip of pelvic fin close to anus; tip of anal fin close to caudal-fin base; anal-fin origin nearer to the caudal-fin base than to the posterior pelvic-fin base; anus nearer to anal-fin origin than to the posterior pelvic-fin base; dorsal side of the body with 9–11 black blotches. Sinogastromyzon macrostoma, new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: pectoral fin with XII–XIV, 12–15 rays; pelvic fin with VII–IX, 11–13 rays; 48–56 lateral-line scales; mouth extremely big, slightly arched; no scales on the dorsum of paired fins or the region between axilla of pectoral fin and pelvic-fin origin; tip of pelvic fin far beyond anus; tip of anal fin far from caudal-fin base; anal-fin origin about midway between the posterior pelvic-fin base and caudal-fin base; anus nearer to posterior pelvic-fin base than to anal-fin origin; dorsal side of the body uniformly gray, without regular blotches in formalin preserved specimen. Sinogastromyzon cf. multiocellum is firstly recorded in China.     

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.     

Microdontochromis rotundiventralis, a new cichlid fish (perciformes: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika

Microdontochromis rotundiventralis, a new species of cichlid fish, is described on the basis of 13 specimens from Nkumbula Island, Lake Tanganyika (Zambia). It is distinct from its only congener,M. tenuidentatus, in having two (rarely one) rows of teeth on both jaws, a rounded distal margin on the pelvic fin, the outermost pelvic fin soft ray length 1.23–1.43 times the innermost ray, a deeper body (depth 26.8–29.1% standard length) and the anal fin with 9 (rarely 8 or 10) soft rays.     

A new species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Balitora</Emphasis> (Teleostei: Balitoridae) from Guangxi,China

A new species of the hillstream loach genus Balitora Gray, Balitora ludongensis, from Qilong River which drains to Zuojiang River (a headwater of the Pearl River) drainage, Jingxi County, Guangxi, China. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: pectoral fin with vi–vii, 11–12 rays; pelvic fin with ii, 6–7 rays; pre-oral groove relatively shallow, upper lip without or with 3–5 fold-like papillae in a row on its middle surface and gradually smooth to the corner of mouth; two maxillary barbels at each corner of mouth, the outer one slightly longer than the inner one, 149.0–190.9% of eye diameter; eyes small, eye diameter 14.2–18.1% of head length; Dorsal-fin origin slightly anterior to pelvic-fin origin; Caudal-peduncle depth 39.1–55.0% of its length; upper lobe of caudal fin longer than the lower one; lateral-line scales 69–74; with 6–9 black blotches on the dorsal side of body.     

A new species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triplophysa</Emphasis> (Nemacheilinae: Balitoridae), <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triplophysa jianchuanensis</Emphasis> sp. nov,from Yunnan,China

A new loach species, named Triplophysa jianchuanensis, has been recognized in collections from Jianchuan in Dali Prefecture, Yunnan, China. Triplophysa jianchuanensis can be distinguished from the other Triplophysa species by the following combination of characteristics: smooth skin, scaleless; lateral line complete; head long (26.7–29.8% of SL); eyes large (25.9–31.0% of dorsal head length); snout shorter than postorbital length (26.9–30.1% of HL); middle of lower lip interrupted and forming a pair of furrows; lower jaw spoon-like with obtuse edge; posterior chamber of air bladder completely degenerated; intestines short, bending in zigzag-shape behind stomach; pelvic-fin tip not reaching anus; caudal fin emarginate; branched rays of dorsal fin 7; branched rays of caudal fin 16. A key to the known species of Triplophysa from the Lancangjiang River is provided.     

Hemimyzon sheni, a new species of balitorid fish (Teleostei: Balitoridae) from Taiwan

A new balitord fish, Hemimyzon sheni n. sp. was collected from the Tar-Ju River basin, Taitung County, southeast Taiwan. The new endemic species can be distinguished from other congeneric species by a combination of the following features: (1) dorsal fin rays 3 + 8, pectoral fin rays 13+11 (total 24); (2) lateral-line scales 78–80 and predorsal scales 31–32; (3) somewhat pointed head shape; (3) small pelvic fin which does not extend to rear vertical of dorsal fin; (4) position of anus close to anal fin base; and (5) predorsal region with many very small light brown marks and unmarked pectoral fin. A diagnostic key to three nominal, endemic species of Hemimyzon from Taiwan is also provided in this paper.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Samariscus multiradiatus</Emphasis>, a new dextral flounder (Pleuronectiformes: Samaridae) from New Caledonia

A new dextral flounder, Samariscus multiradiatus, is described from six specimens (four males and two females) collected in deep waters (296–430 m) around New Caledonia. The species is easily distinguished from its 16 congeners in having a combination of 85–91 dorsal fin rays, 67–72 anal fin rays, 5 pectoral fin rays, and 9 abdominal and 34–35 caudal vertebrae.     

A new species,gerres infasciatus, from the gulf of thailand (perciformes: Gerreidae)

Gerres infasciatus sp. nov. is described from the holotype and two paratypes, 125–140 mm in standard length (SL), collected off Samut Prakan, northern Gulf of Thailand. The species is similar toG. filamentosus Cuvier andG. macracanthus Bleeker in general appearance, having an elongated second dorsal fin spine, but differs from them in having 39 or 40 pored lateral line scales, the first and second soft dorsal fin ray tips yellow in fresh specimens, a narrow, faint dusky-yellowish margin on the upper membrane of the spinous dorsal fin (between 4th–9th spines), the distal part of the pelvic fin (between 1st–5th soft rays) white for 1/3–1/2 of each ray length (lost after preservation), bands absent on the body in both fresh and preserved specimens, a smaller orbit diameter (11.4–12.4% of SL), a longer second dorsal fin spine (48.0–68.9% of SL), and shorter second and third anal fin spines (10.7–11.2% and 10.4–11.3% of SL), respectively.     

Hypergastromyzon eubranchus,a new species of gastromyzontin loach (Homalopteridae) from Sarawak

Hypergastromyzon eubranchus sp. nov. is described from the Lupar basin of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. It differs from the only other known species ofHypergastromyzon, H. humilis, from the Kapuas basin of western Borneo, in having a very large gill opening instead of a greatly reduced one, 23–25 instead of 28–30 branched pectoral fin rays, and pelvic fins incompletely rather than completely united to each other posteriorly.     

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.     

Two new species of the genusAmblyeleotris (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Ryukyu Islands,Japan

Two new shrimp-associated gobies,Amblyeleotris yanoi sp. nov. andA. masuii sp. nov. are described on the basis of specimens from Iriomote-jima Island and Okinawa-jima Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.A. yanoi is distinguished from other members of the genus by the combination of the following characters: 14 anal fin soft rays, 19 pectoral fin rays, 97–103 longitudinal scales, a candle flame-shaped marking on the caudal fin, a very low membrane connecting the pelvic fins and absence of a ventral frenum.A. masuii differs from all other congeners by having 92–97 longitudinal scales, the length of the interpelvic connecting membrane relative to the longest pelvic fin ray (0.43–0.66), black blotches on the sides of the chin, and blue spots on the opercle and preopercle.     

Description ofGerres chrysops sp. nov. From Thailand and redescription ofGerres setifer (Hamilton, 1822) andG. Decacanthus (Bleeker, 1865) (perciformes: Gerreidae)

Gerres chrysops, a new gerreid species from the Gulf of Thailand, is described on the basis of 29 specimens, 58–83 mm in standard length (SL). A small-sized species (less than 100 mm SL), it is characterized by a silvery-gold sheen on the head and trunk, vivid yellow or yellowish-hyaline fins in life, two supraneural bones (formula 0/0/2/) and dorsal fin rays usually IX, 10. The new species is similar toG. decacanthus (Bleeker, 1865) andG. setifer (Hamilton, 1822), which are redescribed. being similarly small valid gerreid species characterized by two supraneural bones. Together, the three species comprise “theGerres setifer complex.”Gerres chrysops differs from bothG. decacanthus andG. setifer in life and fresh colors, the body being silvery-gold with vivid yellow or yellowish dorsal, caudal, anal and pelvic fins, and yellowish-hyaline pectoral fins (vs. silver body with hyaline fins in the latter two species).Gerres setifer differs fromG. chrysops andG. decacanthus in having the last dorsal fin spine longer than the penultimate spine (vs. almost same length or shorter), usually ten dorsal fin spines and nine soft dorsal rays (vs. usually IX, 10), and 8 or 9 lower series gill rakers (vs. usually 7).Gerres decacanthus differs fromG. chrysops andG. setifer in having a shorter head, lesser body depth at the first anal fin spine base, lesser body width at the pectoral fin base, and shorter second dorsal and third anal fin spines. The new species is currently known only from Angsilla, near Bangsaen, and around Si Chang Island, northeastern Gulf of Thailand.Gerres decacanthus inhabits southern Chinese waters andG. setifer is currently known from the Bay of Bengal to the Andaman Sea.     

Liopropoma dorsoluteum sp. nov., a new serranid fish from Okinawa, Japan

A new serranid fish,Liopropoma dorsoluteum sp. nov., is described on the basis of two specimens from Yaeyama Is., Okinawa, Japan. The new species is most similar toL. erythaeum Randall & Taylor, 1988, in having the following characters: Dorsal fin rays VIII, 12; anal fin rays III, 9; pored lateral line scales 52–53; anterior nostril situated midway between posterior nostril and anterior tip of snout; slightly forked caudal fin with both lobes rounded. It differs from the latter species in having a shorter pectoral fin (23.4–23.8% SL vs. 26.9–29.0% SL), greater preanus length (65.6–68.0% SL vs. 63.3–65.1% SL), fewer gill rakers (6+12 vs. 6–7+14–15) and yellow coloration on the back (vs. light red on head and body) in fresh specimens.     

A new marine goby of genus Callogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Taiwan

A new marine goby Callogobius sheni collected from coral reefs off southern Taiwan is described. The new species can be distinguished from congeneric species by the following combination of features: dorsal fin rays VI-I, 9; anal fin rays I, 7; pectoral fin rays 18; longitudinal scale rows 27–28; predorsal scale rows 9–10; no posterior oculoscapular and preopercular canals; body pale white with five blackish brown cross bands; caudal and pectoral fins each with a large blackish brown blotch.     

A new species of the genusamblyeleotris (pisces: Gobiidae) from Japan

A new shrimp-associated goby,Amblyeleotris melanocephala, is described on the basis of specimens from Okinoshima Island. Kochi Prefecture, and Okinawa Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The species is distinguished from other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: head dark brown, a few yellow spots on pectoral fin base and opercular margin, 13 second dorsal and 13 anal fin soft rays, 20 pectoral fin rays, longitudinal scales 92–101, proportional length of interpelvic connecting membrane relative to longest pelvic fin ray (CM-value) 0.46–0.55, presence of a ventral frenum, midline of nape naked, sides scaled above midpoint between preopercle and opercle.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhinogobius</Emphasis> (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Feiyunjiang Basin in Zhejiang Province,China

A new freshwater goby, Rhinogobius wuyanlingensis, was collected from Wuyanling National Natural Conservation Area, Taishun, Zhejiang Province, China. The species can be distinguished from all congeneric species by the following unique combination of features: second dorsal fin rays modally I, 8; anal fin rays I, 8; pectoral fin rays modally 18; longitudinal scale series 30–32; predorsal scales 7–9; vertebral count 10 + 17 = 27; body always with six longitudinal pinkish orange to grayish brown lines from dorsal to ventral region in male; cheek spotless; branchiostegal membrane deep grayish with 6–7 long, transverse deep red stripes in male; chin always deep grayish; first dorsal fin with two long black blotches on membranes anterior to third spinous ray in male; second dorsal fin whitish with three to four horizontal rows of light spots in male; caudal fin base with a large blackish-brown spot; and pectoral fin with a horizontal, median blackish brown line. An artificial key to all five nominal species with a high vertebral count (27–29) from Zhejiang Province from China is also provided.