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Chen et al 2024 (3)

Abstract: A new catfish species, Liobagrus chenhaojuni Chen, Guo & Wu, sp. nov., is described from the Tiaoxi River, a tributary of Taihu Lake, located in Zhejiang Province, China. This description is based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. This species belongs to a group defined by the presence of a smooth posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine and can be distinguished from other species in the group by a unique combination of characteristics, including: an upper jaw longer than the lower jaw; maxillary barbels reaching the middle of the pectoral fin; irregular blotches present on the lateral body; a rounded caudal-fin with a length ranging from 16.5% to 19.9% of the standard length; 39 to 41 post-Weberian vertebrae; and 15 to 17 anal-fin rays. The validity of this new species is further supported by the molecular phylogenetic analysis based on Cytb sequences (Chen et al 2024). Habitat: Liobagrus chenhaojuni sp. nov. is exclusively found within the Tiaoxi River basin. Within this habitat, it typically resides at the bottom of the stream with medium pebbly substrates, together with Rhinogobius leavelli (Herre, 1935), Microphysogobio bicolor (Nichols, 1930), Vanmanenia stenosoma (Boulenger, 1901), Acrossocheilus fasciatus (Steindachner, 1892), Opsariichthys bidens Günther, 1873, and Zacco tiaoxiensis Zhang, Zhou & Yang, 2022 (Chen et al 2024). Colouration: Body generally dark brown to brownish red, adorned with irregular yellowish blotches that fade to light yellow ventrally. All barbels grayish white to light yellow, while dorsal fins dark brown, and adipose and caudal fins grayish white to light brown. All fins exhibit narrow, grayish white to light yellowish distal margins. An albino individual was found, exhibiting a generally pink body without irregular yellowish blotches (Chen et al 2024). Etymology: This species is named after Mr. Hao-Jun Chen, who assisted in the field survey.

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Amblycipitidae

China: Siling Reservoir, Tiaoxi River, Yuhang district, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.

7.0cm (2¾ins)

18-22°C (63-71°F)

6.5-7.5.

Chen Z-G, Guo Y-S, Dai Y-T, Huang X-C, Huang J-H, Jiang J, Ouyang S, Wen A-X, Wu X-P (2024) A new species of Liobagrus Hilgendorf, 1878 (Teleostei, Siluriformes, Amblycipitidae) from the lower Changjiang River basin in southeast China. Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(2): 555-563.
Fish in the News 2024.