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Nemacheilus pezidion, new species, is described from the Xe Kong watershed, Mekong drainage, in Attapeu province, southern Laos. It is distinguished from all other Nemacheilidae in Southeast Asia by its unique colour pattern consisting of a black midlateral stripe and a middorsal row of 11–15 narrow saddles. Besides, the male has a globulous suborbital flap with tubercles along its posterior edge, and the pectoral fin with thickened anterior rays, and branched rays 1–4 and unculiferous pads behind them covered by small tubercles. It was found in habitats with moderate flow, on mud to gravel bottom. Nemacheilus pezidion was earlier misidentified as N. longistriatus.

‘Nemacheilus’ argyrogaster, new species, is described from the Xe Kong, Mekong drainage, in Attapeu and Xe Kong provinces, southern Laos. It is distinguished from all other Nemacheilidae in Southeast Asia by its unique colour pattern made of a bold black midlateral stripe separating the yellowish brown dorsal part of the body from the silvery whitish ventral part and a middorsal row of 14–19 thin saddles. Besides, the male has a globulous suborbital flap with tubercles along its free, posterior edge, and the pectoral fin with thickened anterior ray and branched rays 1–4 and unculiferous pads behind them covered by small tubercles; lips thin, lower lip continuous with a narrow median notch. It was found in moderate to fast flowing water, over pebble to stone bottom. ‘Nemacheilus’ argyrogaster, was earlier misidentified as N. longistriatus; it is provisionally placed in the genus Nemacheilus.

Rhyacoschistura, new genus, belongs to a group of genera (Physoschistura, Mustura, Pteronemacheilus, Petruichthys) characterised by the modified branched pectoral-fin rays of males, with a very thick first ray, usually without membranes between some of the branches and/or rays, and anterior rays and/or membranes covered by small tubercles at maturity. Rhyacoschistura is distinguished from them by the combination of: presence of a suborbital flap; emarginate caudal fin; lower lip with a wide median interruption and connected to isthmus by a frenum; body depth about equal from behind head to caudal-fin base. Rhyacoschistura larreci, new species, is described from the Mekong drainage in Xayaburi Province, Laos. It is distinguished by details of the morphology of the pelvic fin, and its colour pattern (flank with numerous narrow slanted bars, very irregularly organised and shaped, more or less connected, or sometimes covering the whole flank). Schistura suber, from Nam Ngum watershed, is redescribed on the basis of adults and placed in Rhyacoschistura.

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, and the high level of diversity and endemism was reached by colonisation events as well as internal diversification. We investigate the phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history of the loach genus Nemacheilus, which is widely distributed and common across freshwaters of Southeast Asia. In addition we present the ancestral range reconstruction of the related loach genus Pangio that commonly occurs in the same region as Nemacheilus. Our results reveal that the species currently classified as Nemacheilus in fact are a polyphyletic assemblage; most species are now retaining in a monophyletic Nemacheilus sensu stricto and five species belong to different lineages. We further indicate the existence of hidden diversity within Nemacheilus in the form of several undescribed species. Three major clades (Selangoricus, Masyae and Ornatus) are found within the genus Nemacheilus sensu stricto. These clades generally correspond to the species groups formerly defined on the basis of their pigmentation pattern. The biogeographic analyses show that Nemacheilus most likely originated in mainland Southeast Asia and subsequently expanded in a southward direction to Borneo, Sumatra and Java and the southern Malay Peninsula. In contrast, the genus Pangio originated in Sundaland, from where it extended several times northwards into Indochina and to northern India. Our results demonstrate that small freshwater fishes with restricted dispersal ability are very helpful for the reconstruction of biogeographic history. The contrasting biogeographic history of these two groups of small, benthic and related fish show how complex and case-specific the processes that lead to the biodiversity richness of Southeast Asia are.

Squalius kottelati: FFR 1567, 13, 130-203 mm SL; Turkey: Kahramanmaraş Prov.: Ceyhan River; Menzelet Reservoir; Geçit Stream on road from Kahramanmara to Andırın; D. Turan, Z. Bostancı & G. Kırankaya, vi.2005. – FRR 769, 5, 197–218 mm SL; Turkey: Adana Prov.: Seyhan Reservoir; D. Turan & Z. Bostancı, 20.vi.2005.

Schistura systomos, new species (Figs. 1-2) Holotype. MHNG 2767.056 ı 35.0 mm SL; Laos: Champasak Province: Bolaven Plateau: Tad Set on Houay Set (Xe Setı tributary of Xe Don)ı a b near Ban Nonghinkhaoı 15��18'03" N 106��18'23" E; 1136 m asl; M. Kottelat et al. ı 19 January 2013. Paratypes. CMK 23401 ı 6ı 21.7-35.4 mm SL; 2ı ethanol-fixedı 28.6-31.6 mm SL; same data as holotype. Diagnosis. Schistura systomos is distinguished from the other species of the genus in Southeast Asia by having a small mouth (gape about 2.9- 3.1 times in maximum head width; Fig. 3 a)ı occupying only the median half of head width at its position (vs less than about two timesı lateral extremity of lips reaching or almost reaching sides of head in ventral view; Fig. 3 b); a blunt snout (vs. rounded or pointed) resulting in a relatively deep infraorbital area; head about circular in crosssection (vs. depressed)ı lower surface flat only in middle (vs. whole surface flat); infraorbital area roundedı not expanded laterally and leaving the eyes partly or almost visible in ventral view (vs. infraorbital area vertical or expanded laterally or swollenı eyes visible only in dorsal view). Additional diagnostic charactersı not unique to the species are: small size at maturity (35 mm SL and possibly less); wide interorbital area (interorbital distance about 1.7-2.1 times eye diameter); depth of caudal peduncle 1.5-1.7 times in its length; 8 1 / 2 branched dorsal-fin rays; pelvic-fin origin below or slightly in front of dorsal-fin origin; pelvic axillary lobe varying from rudimentary and fused to small and free; 9 +8 branched caudal-fin rays; no suborbital flap; 14-17 bars (4-6 predorsalı 3-4 subdorsalı 6-9 postdorsal) on bodyı of regular width and shapeı wider than interspacesı continuous over back with contralateral bars under dorsal fin and on caudal peduncle; on predorsal areaı bars irregularly shaped and setı dissociated in blotches and short stripes. Pattern at caudal-fin base made of a black vertically elongated blotch occupying median 1 / 3 of caudal baseı not reaching dorsal and ventral midlines; overimposed to itı a dark brown bar extending ventrally beyond the base of the lower unbranched principal rayı and extending dorsally to base of branched ray 5; and a small blotch from above the base of the upper unbranched principal rayı reaching or not the dorsal midline. Description. See Figures 1-2 for general appearance and Table 1 for morphometric data of holotype and 2 largest paratypes. A moderately elongate nemacheilid with body depth slowly increasing up to slightly in front of dorsal-fin origin. Behind dorsal finı body depth almost uniform until caudal-fin base. Dorsal profile continuous between head and body. Head about circular in cross sectionı lower surface flat only in middle; infraorbital area roundedı not expanded laterally. Body slightly compressed anteriorly to compressed posteriorly. Interorbital area arched. Eye dorso-lateralı at edge of cranium and partly or almost visible from below because infraorbital area not expanded laterally; diameter 1.7-2.1 times in interorbital width; in lateral viewı eye located lower than profile of head. Cheeks not swollen. Snout roundedı blunt. Depth of caudal peduncle 1.5-1.7 times in its lengthı uniform; low dorsal keel on posterior fourth of post-dorsal area; no ventral keel. Dorsal keel continuous with upper margin of caudal fin. Largest recorded size 35.4 mm SL. Dorsal fin with 4 unbranched and 8 1 / 2 (7) branched rays; distal margin slightly convex or straight. Second branched ray longest. Pectoral fin with 1 unbranched and 8 (1) or 9 (6*) branched raysı roundedı reaching about halfway of distance to pelvic-fin base. No axillary pectoral lobe. Pelvic fin with 1 unbranched and 7 (7) branched raysı reaching to anusı rounded; posterior margin convex; origin below or slightly in front of dorsalfin origin; axillary lobe from rudimentary and fused to small and free. Anus situated about 1.5 eye diameter in front of anal fin. Anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 1 / 2 (7) branched rays; distal margin convex. Caudal fin with 9 + 8 (7) branched raysı emarginateı lobes roundedı of equal length. Body covered by embedded scalesı except on predorsal area and on belly in front of anus. Lateral line completeı pores difficult to count with accuracyı about 80- 90ı anterior most 16-29 conspicuousı remainder indistinct (fixation artefactı pores hidden in midlateral groove resulting from dehydratation by ethanol). In anterior half of bodyı a small auxiliary pore or papillae above and below some lateral line tubes (usually by pair). Cephalic lateral line system with 6 supraorbitalı 4 + 11-12 infraorbitalı 8-9 preoperculo-mandibular and 3 supratemporal pores. Anterior nare pierced in front side of a pointed triangular flap-like tube. Posterior nare adjacent to anterior one. Mouth archedı narrowı gape about 2.9-3.1 times in maximum head widthı occupying only median half of head width and lateral extremity of lips by far not reaching lateral outline of head in ventral view; gape about two times wider than long (Fig. 3 a). Lips thick. Upper lip with a rounded median notch in which processus dentiformis is visibleı with numerous fine and shallow furrowsı edge finely crenulated. Processus dentiformis presentı well-developed. Lower lip with conspicuous V-shaped median interruption; broad median part with two or three sulciı narrower lateral partı shortı with a few fine and shallow furrows. Tip of lower jaw exposed. A shallow median concavity in lower jaw in which processus dentiformis is fitting. Inner rostral barbel not reaching corner of mouth; outer one reaching slightly beyond corner of mouth or vertical of anterior margin of eye. Maxillary barbel reaching below vertical of posterior half of eye. Intestine thin (about 0.3 mm diameter in 35.4 mm SL specimen)ı straightı without bend behind stomach (Fig. 4); stomach comparatively smallı about 3 mm longı body of stomach wideı swollen. Air bladder without posterior chamber in body cavity. Sexual dimorphism. None observed. No specimen with suborbital flapı groove or slit. No modified pectoral raysı no tuberclesı no patches of unculi. Ripe females deeper bodied. Coloration. After three weeks in formalin. Head and body background colour pale yellowish brownı throat and belly whitish to pale yellowish; except otherwise statedı all markings dark brown to blackish. Head without distinct pattern. Body with 14-17 bars (4-6 predorsalı 3-4 subdorsalı 6-9 postdorsal)ı reaching downwards to level of pectoral finı or to ventral midline on caudal peduncleı continuous over back with contralateral bars under dorsal fin and on caudal peduncleı of regular width and shapeı wider than interspacesı anterior bars slightly broader than posterior ones. On predorsal areaı bars irregularly shaped and setı dissociated in blotches and short stripes and usually not meeting contralaterals. A conspicuous black blotch on caudal-fin base. Black inner pigments forming a vertically elongated blotch occupying median 1 / 3 of caudal-fin baseı not reaching dorsal and ventral midlines; overimposedı a dark brown bar extending ventrally beyond base of lower unbranched principal rayı dorsally to base of branched ray 5 (from top). A smaller blotch from above base of upper unbranched principal rayı reaching or not dorsal midline. Space between bar on caudal-fin base and preceeding bar paler than rest of body background coloration. A wide inner axial stripe made of chevron-shaped elements present but faintly markedı not visible in front of dorsal fin. Dorsal fin hyalineı with a small black blotch at base of simple and first branched raysı followed by two or three blackish blotches on or near base of following raysı space between blotches hyaline; on median third of rays (near branching in branched rays)ı black pigments along edge of rays and between segments. Caudal fin hyalineı on proximal two thirds of principal raysı black pigments along edge of rays and between segments. Anal fin hyalineı with black blotch on base of simple rays; on median third of rays (near branching in branched rays)ı black pigments along edge of rays and between segments. Pelvic and pectoral fins hyaline; on median third of rays (near branching in branched rays)ı black pigments along edge of rays and between segments. In smallest specimen (21.7 mm SL; Fig. 2 b)ı body greyishı bars more faintly markedı more irregularly shaped. Notes on biology. A dissected female (35.4 mm SL) had one ripe ovary with 14 yellow ova about 1.2-1.4 mm diameter and about 31 whitish oocytes. Its stomach and intestine contained remains of unidentified insect larvae. Distribution. Schistura systomos is presently known only from the type localityı a waterfall on Xe Setı a tributary of Xe Doneı near edge of Bolaven Plateau (Fig. 5). It was collected between stones and blocksı in about 50-100 cm depth (dry season) below the waterfall. a Etymology. From the classical Greek ��������������ς (systomos)ı meaning with a narrow mouth. An adjectiveı indeclinable. Remarks. Schistura systomos has the smallest mouth in the genus Schistura and possibly among loaches of the family Nemacheilidae. The mouth occupies only the median half of head width at its location (Fig. 3 a)ı while in the other species it occupies most of head widthı with the lipsı when seen in ventral viewı extending to or almost to the lateral outline of the head (Fig. 3 b). As mentioned earlierı the genus Schistura is very diverse andı as presently understoodı polyphyletic. A number of species group can be distinguished by morphological characters and by colour patternı most of which will likely be recognised as distinct genera. Two species of small size (S. geisleri ı S. isostigma) have the mouth somewhat narrower than other Schistura (not quantified) but they are distinguished by the pale yellow background and the colour pattern made of a midlateral row of dark brown to black blotches and a row of saddles along dorsal midline (Kottelatı 1990ı 1998). They also have a suborbital flap in male that is lacking in S. systomos. Similarlyı two species of Physoschistura (P. brunneana ı P. pseudobrunneana) also have the mouth somewhat narrower than species of Schistura (not quantified)ı slightly compressed and deep body and headı and the eyes partly or almost visible in ventral view; S. systomos is distinguished by the absence of a posterior chamber of the air bladder in the body cavity (vs. presence)ı the absence of a suborbital flap in male (vs. presence)ı the arched mouth (vs. U-shaped)ı and the lower lip with V-shaped median interruptionı the median part with two or three sulciı the lateral part shortı with a few shallow furrows (vs. with wide median interruption forming two lateral triangular pads with deep sulci). Physoschistura is another genus to which a number of species have been added in recent years (Chen et al. ı 2011; Lokeshwor & Vishwanathı 2012 a- b; Suvarnarakshaı 2013) that do not seem related to the type species (P. brunneana) and seem to represent one or more distinct genera. A number of species placed in Schistura are apparently also related to these ���Physoschistura��� ı for example S. geisleri ı S. isostigma ı S. maepaiensis and S. shuangjiangensis. There is no character suggesting that S. systomos could be more closely related to any of these ���Physoschistura��� rather than to ���Schistura���. In factı S. systomos likely represents a genus of its own. It relationships will be addressed in a forthcoming review of the genera of Southeast Asian Nemacheilidae. Compared to other nemacheilidsı the stomach of S. systomos appears proportionally smaller (not quantified) and the intestine is very thin and straight. In the great majority of nemacheilidsı the intestine has at least one conspicuous bendı a loop or a complex coiling. The stomach and intestine of the two dissected specimens contained remains of insect larvae that could not be identified., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2017, Schistura systomos �� a new species of loach from southern Laos (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae), pp. 9-16 in Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters 28 (1) on pages 10-15, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.886698, {"references":["Kottelati M. 1990. Indochinese nemacheilines. A revision of nemacheiline loaches (Pisces: Cypriniformes) of Thailandi Burmai Laosi Cambodia and southern Viet Nam. Pfeili Muncheni 262 pp.","- 1998. Fishes of the Nam Theun and Xe Bangfai basinsi Laosi with diagnoses of twenty-two new species (Teleostei: Cyprinidaei Balitoridaei Cobitidaei Coiidae and Odontobutidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwatersi 9: 1 - 128.","Lokeshwori Y. & W. Vishwanath. 2012 a. A new loach of the genus Physoschistura Banarescu & Nalbant (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Chindwin basini Manipuri India. Zootaxai 3586: 95 - 102.","Suvarnarakshai A. 2013. A new species of Physoschistura (Pisces: Nemacheilidae) from northern Thailand. Zootaxai 3736: 236 - 248."]}

Squalius berak: FFR 709, 18, 76���164 mm SL; Turkey: Şanlıurfa Prov.: Hilvan Stream at Hilvan, Euphrates River drainage; D. Turan, E. Bay��elebi & C. Kaya, 17.ix.2013. ��� FFR 775, 6, 58���218 mm SL; Turkey: Gaziantep Prov.: Merzimen Stream at Yavuzeli, Euphrates River drainage; D. Turan, E. Bay��elebi & C. Kaya, 6.vi.2014. ��� FFR 738, 29, 75���156 mm SL; Turkey: Kilis Prov.: Qweik River; D. Turan, E. Bay��elebi & C. Kaya, 16.ix.2013., Published as part of Davut Tura, Maurice Kottelat & Esra Bay��elebi, 2017, Squalius semae, a new species of chub from the Euphrates River, Eastern Anatolia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 33-42 in Zoology in the Middle East 63 (1) on page 34, DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2017.1290761, http://zenodo.org/record/886680

Squalius turcicus: FFR 771, 45, 126���300 mm SL; Turkey: Kars Prov.: Selim Stream, Aras River, a drainage of Kura River; D. Turan & S. Engin, 3.ix.2006. ��� FFR 594, 14, 134���237 mm SL; Turkey: Ardahan Prov.: Hanak Stream, Kura River drainage; D. Turan & A. R. K��roğlu, 2.ix.2006., Published as part of Davut Tura, Maurice Kottelat & Esra Bay��elebi, 2017, Squalius semae, a new species of chub from the Euphrates River, Eastern Anatolia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 33-42 in Zoology in the Middle East 63 (1) on page 34, DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2017.1290761, http://zenodo.org/record/886680

Squalius lepidus: FFR 1569, 5, 180���250 mm SL; Turkey: Muş Prov.: Karasu Stream, Euphrates River; D. Turan & Z. Bostancı, 18.vi.2005. ��� FFR, 1570, 10, 200���260 mm SL; Turkey: Batman Prov.: Batman Stream, Tigris River; D. Turan & Z. Bostancı, 19.vi.2005., Published as part of Davut Tura, Maurice Kottelat & Esra Bay��elebi, 2017, Squalius semae, a new species of chub from the Euphrates River, Eastern Anatolia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 33-42 in Zoology in the Middle East 63 (1) on page 34, DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2017.1290761, http://zenodo.org/record/886680

S. sokolooi: CMK 16012, 5 paratypes, 45.8-87.6 mm SL; Vietnam: Gia Lai Province: near Kon Ha Nung (Da Rang drainage)., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2017, Schistura titan, a new species of loach from Dakchung Plateau, southern Laos (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae), pp. 65-83 in Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters 28 (1) on page 72, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.886884

Squalius semae, sp. n. (Figure 1 a-b) Holotype. FFR 724, 197 mm SL; Turkey: Erzurum Prov.: Serçeme Stream (tributary of Karasu Stream) (39°56.85’N 40°48.24’E); D. Turan, E. Bayçelebi & C. Kaya, 26.v.2013. – Paratypes. FFR 725, 26, 133– 228 mm SL; same data as holotype. – FFR 669, 9, 121– 174 mm SL; Turkey: Erzurum: Sırlı Stream (tributary of Karasu Stream) (40°13.06’N 41°06.03’E); D. Turan & R. Buyurucu, 23.iv.2005. – FFR 593, 52, 50–161 mm SL; Turkey: Erzurum: Toprakkale Stream (tributary of Karasu Stream), (40°14.51’N 40°59.67’E); D. Turan & R. Buyurucu, 15.viii.2009. – FFR 700, 8, 91–200 mm SL; Turkey: Muş Prov.: Karasu Stream (a tributary of Murat River) (38°38.94’N 41°46.98’E); D. Turan, E. Bayçelebi & C. Kaya, 22.ix.2013. – FFR 703, 4, 86–123 mm SL; Turkey: Muş Prov.: Murat River (38°51.97’N 41°00.00’E); D. Turan, E. Bayçelebi & C. Kaya, 22.ix.2013. – FFR 710, 5, 86–123 mm SL; Turkey: Ağrı Prov. Doğubeyazıt Dist.: Murat River (39°36.81’N 43°30.98’E); D. Turan, E. Bayçelebi & C. Kaya, 16.vii.2012. – FFR 722, 13, 64–123 mm SL; Turkey: Muş Prov.: Mercimekkale Stream (tributary of Murat River) (38°04.07’N 41°31.73’E); D. Turan, E. Bayçelebi & C. Kaya, 22.ix.2013. – FFR 727, 2, 165– 190 mm SL; Turkey: Tunceli Prov.: Pülümür Stream (39°08.39’N 39°38.31’E); C. Kaya & M. Kocabaş, 27.x.2013. – CMK 26645, 4, 174– 195 mm SL; Turkey: Erzurum Prov.: Serçeme Stream (tributary of Karasu Stream) (39°56.85’N 40°48.24’E); D. Turan, E. Bayçelebi & C. Kaya, 26.v.2013. All from the Euphrates River drainage. Diagnosis. Squalius semae sp. n. is distinguished from all other species of Squalius in eastern Anatolia by the combination of the following characters: mouth slightly subterminal to terminal, with a marked chin in males, slightly marked in females; the upper lip thick, slightly projecting beyond lower lip, its anterior width approximately 1.7–2.0 times its width at the corner of the mouth; scale pockets somewhat narrow, with dense dark brown pigments, and almost covered by the posterior margin of preceding scales; a band of densely-set dark brown or blackish pigments along the posterior margin of each flank scale; head length 26.0–32.2% SL, approximately 1.1–1.3 times body depth; anal, pelvic and pectoral fins with numerous black pigments on rays; dorsal fin with numerous black pigments on rays and membranes; dorsal-fin origin behind pelvic-fin base; posteriormost point of anal fin at tip of 3th or 4th branched ray; caudal fin slightly forked, lobes slightly rounded; and 41–46 total lateral line scales. Comparison with closely related species. Squalius semae is distinguished from S. berak by having numerous black pigments on anal-fin rays in life ([Figure 3 A], vs. pigments on rays orange in live specimens, greyish when preserved [Figure 3 B]); by the absence of a dark stripe on the upper part of the flank, from the head to the end of the caudal peduncle (vs. presence of a faint dark stripe); by having thicker rays in all fins (thick and fleshy, vs. slender and not fleshy) and the tip of the snout rounded (vs. slightly pointed). It also differs from S. berak in the pigmentation pattern on the scales. In S. semae, there is a band of densely-set dark brown or blackish pigments along the posterior margin of each flank scale, resulting in a contrasted reticulate pattern (Figure 2 a). In S. berak there are a few grey pigments along the posterior margin of each scale (Figure 2b). Squalius semae sp. n. is distinguished from S. seyhanensis by having black pigments on anal-fin rays in life ([Figure 3 A] vs. pigments orange in life, greyish when preserved [Figure 3 B]). Squalius semae sp.n. is further distinguished from S. seyhanensis by the width of the gape of the mouth smaller than its length (vs. width greater than its length). Besides, the two species differ in the pigmentation pattern on the scales. In S. semae sp.n., the scale pockets are somewhat narrow, with faintly dense dark brown or blackish pigments, and almost covered by the posterior margin of preceding scales (Figure 2 a). In S. seyhanensis, the scale pockets are broad, exposed and densely covered by melanophores forming a black crescent-shaped mark, and approximately one third of the pigments on scale pockets are covered by the posterior margin of preceding scales (Figure 2 c). Squalius semae sp.n. has a narrower band of densely-set pigments along the posterior margin of each scale than observed in S. seyhanensis. Kaya, Turan, and Ünlü (2016) identified the Squalius populations of Batman and Silvan streams (Tigris River drainage) as Squalius sp. Squalius semae sp. n. is distinguished from Squalius sp. by having numerous black pigments on anal and pelvic-fin rays in life (vs. anal and pelvic-fin rays with orange pigments). Further the two species differ in the pigmentation pattern of the scales. In S. semae sp. n., the scale pockets are somewhat narrow and almost covered by the posterior margin of preceding scales, and there is a band of densely-set dark brown or blackish pigments along the posterior margin of each scale, resulting in a contrasted reticulate pattern. In Squalius sp., the scale pockets are somewhat large and not covered by the posterior margin of preceding scales, and there are a few melanophores along the posterior margin of the scales. Squalius semae sp. n. is distinguished from S. adanaensis by having numerous black pigments on anal and pelvic-fin rays (vs. anal and pelvic fins without black or orange pigments) and thicker and fleshy fin rays (vs. slender and not fleshy). Further the two species differ in the pigmentation pattern of the scales and the shape of flank scales. In S. semae sp. n., there is a band of densely-set dark brown or blackish pigments along the posterior margin of each scale, resulting in a contrasted reticulate pattern; flank scales have a smooth posterior margin. In S. adanaensis, there are no or only few melanophores along the posterior margin of the scales; most flank scales have a somewhat undulating posterior margin. The two species are also distinguished by the shape of the mouth. In S. semae sp. n., the width of the gape of the mouth is slightly smaller than its length, the corner of the mouth is in front of a vertical through the anterior margin of the eye, and the upper lip is thick (the width of the upper lip at the tip of the snout is 1.7–2.0 times its width at the corner of the mouth). In S. adanaensis, the length of the mouth gape is approximately equal to its width, the corner of the mouth is about below the anterior margin of the eye, and the upper lip is thin (the width of the upper lip at the tip of the snout is 1.3–1.5 times its width at the corner of the mouth). Squalius semae sp. n. is distinguished from S. turcicus by the presence of black pigments on anal-fin rays (vs. absence) and the shape of the body in specimens larger than about 160 mm SL (dorsal profile of body convex and ventral profile approximately as convex as dorsal profile, vs. dorsal profile of body straight and ventral profile convex). The two species further differ by the pigmentation pattern of the scales. In S. semae sp. n., there is a band of densely-set dark brown or blackish pigments along the posterior margin of each flank scale, resulting in a contrasted reticulate pattern (Figure 2 a; vs. a few light brown pigments) and the caudal fin has a greyish margin (vs. with black margin). Squalius semae sp. n. further differs from S. turcicus by having a round- ed snout (vs. pointed), a less rounded outer margin of the anal fin (slightly convex, vs. convex), a distinct chin in males (vs. indistinct), the dorsal fin with slightly convex outer margin (vs. straight or slightly convex), and thicker fin rays (thick or fleshy, vs. thin). Squalius semae sp. n. is distinguished from S. orientalis by the presence of black pigments on anal- and pelvic-fin rays (vs. anal and pelvic-fin rays with orange pigments). Squalius semae sp. n. has a band of densely-set dark brown or blackish pigments along the posterior margin of each flank scale, resulting in a contrasted reticulate pattern (Figure 2 a; vs. few melanophores). It further differs from S. orientalis in having fewer branched anal-fin rays (7½ or 8½, mean 7.9, vs. 8½ or 9½, mean 8.8), a somewhat longer and more slender head (head length 26.0–32.2% SL, mean 27.7, vs. 23.9– 27.7, mean 25.6; head depth at nape 58-65% HL, mean 61.3, vs. 63–72, mean 68.1), and by having a very faintly distinct vertical black bar behind the opercle (vs. conspicuous), and denser melanophores along the free margin of each flank scale. Squalius semae sp. n. is distinguished from S. kottelati and S. lepidus (of the lepidus- group) by the lower jaw not projecting (vs. projecting), by having fewer branched anal-fin rays (7½ or 8½, mean 7.9, vs. 8–10½, mean 9.4), and a blunt (vs. pointed) head in males. Further, it has fewer lateral line scales than S. lepidus (total 41–46, vs. 48–49). Squalius semae sp. n. is further distinguished from S. kottelati by the absence of a broad dark stripe on the upper part of the flank from the head to the end of the caudal peduncle (vs. presence). The three species of the S. cephalus group present in the Euphrates River drainage (S. seyhanensis, S. semae sp. n. and S. berak) were compared using principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA was performed on 28 morphometric characters. The PCA shows that the new species almost separated from S. seyhanensis and S. berak as well as from each other (Figure 5). The most important loadings on PC II are for the body depth, distance between pelvic-fin origin and anal fin origin, the height of the dorsal and anal fins, the length of the upper caudal lobe, the length and width of the snout, and the head width. Description. Body shape as in Figure 1 a–b; morphometric and meristic data are given in Tables 1–2. Body moderately deep, slightly compressed laterally. Dorsal profile of body convex, ventral profile approximately equal to dorsal profile. Head long (length 26.0–32.2% SL), approximately 1.1–1.3 times body depth, its dorsal profile slightly convex above eye and convex on snout. Mouth slightly subterminal to terminal, its corner not reaching vertical through anterior margin of eye. Length of mouth gape approximately slightly greater than its width. Upper lip thick, anterior width approximately 1.7–2.0 times width at corner of mouth. Snout with rounded tip. Dorsal fin with 4 simple and 7½ (1) or 8½* (29) branched rays, its height approximately equal to pectoral-fin length, outer margin slightly convex. Pectoral fin short, its length 16.4–20.0% SL, outer margin rounded, with 15–17 branched rays. Pelvic fin rounded, with 1 simple and 8 branched rays. Anal fin with 3 simple and 7½ (1), 8½* (28) or 9½ (9) branched rays, fleshy, outer margin convex posteriorly. Caudal fin slightly forked, lobes slightly rounded. Total number of lateral line scales 41 (2), 42 (2), 43 (10), 44* (13), 45 (1) or 46 (1); 7* (5) or 8 (25) scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin; 3 (6) or 4* (24) scale rows between lateral line and anal-fin origin. Gill rakers 3 + 8–9 = 11–12 on outer side of first gill arch. Pharyngeal teeth 5.2–2.5, distinctly hooked, serrated. Sexual dimorphism. There are small tubercles on the head in the males, which are absent in the females. Colouration. In life, general body colour silvery, pelvic, anal and pectoral fins yellowish, and dorsal and caudal fins light greyish. Numerous black pigments on anal, pelvic and pectoral fin rays. Dorsal fin with numerous black pigments on rays and membranes. A faint narrow black bar behind opercle. Formalin-fixed adults and juveniles dark brown on back and upper part of flank, yellowish on belly. Faint black bar behind opercle. Dorsal and caudal fins dark grey; pectoral, pelvic and anal fins light greyish. Scale pockets with dense dark brown or blackish pigments, and almost covered by posterior margin of preceding scales. A band of densely-set dark brown or blackish pigments along posterior margin of each flank scale, resulting in a contrasted reticulate pattern (Figure 2 a). Anal, pelvic and pectoral fins with black pigments on rays (Figure 3 A). Dorsal fin with numerous black pigments on rays and membranes. Etymology. The species is named for Sema Turan, the beloved wife of the first author. Distribution and Notes on Biology. Squalius semae sp. n. is presently known from Sırlı, Toprakkale and Serçeme streams (tributaries of Karasu Stream), Pülümür Stream and Murat River (northeastern drainage of Euphrates) (Figure 4). It inhabits cool, swift flowing water, with a cobble and pebble bottom. Salmo euphrataeus, Oxynoemacheilus sp., Alburnoides velioglui, Alburnus mossulensis and Capoeta umbla were collected with S. semae sp. n. The maximum size observed in the field was about 600 mm SL.

Squalius seyhanensis: FFR 729, 16, 152���227 mm SL; Turkey: Sivas Prov.: Tohma Stream at G��r��n, Euphrates River drainage; D. Turan & R. Buyurucu, 3.vii.2007. ��� FFR 1993, 11, 126���240 mm SL; Turkey: Kayseri Prov.: Sarız Stream, Seyhan River drainage; D. Turan & R. Buyurucu, 3.vii.2007. ��� FFR 1994, 15, 88���137 mm SL; Turkey: Kayseri Prov.: Zamantı Stream at Sıradan K��y��, Seyhan River drainage; D. Turan & Z. Bostanci, 12.vi.2005. Results, Published as part of Davut Tura, Maurice Kottelat & Esra Bay��elebi, 2017, Squalius semae, a new species of chub from the Euphrates River, Eastern Anatolia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 33-42 in Zoology in the Middle East 63 (1) on pages 34-35, DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2017.1290761, http://zenodo.org/record/886680

Schistura indawgyiana, new species (Figs. 1-2) Holotype. MHNG 2760.092, 27.3 mm SL; Myanmar: Kachin State: Lake Indawgyi basin: unnamed creek entering Nam Mun Chaung (stream) from west, about 5.5 km upstream of Nam Mun (village); 24��57'31"N 96��20'01"E; 254 m asl; M. Kottelat et al., 6 December 2014. Paratypes. CMK 26083, 22.1 mm SL; same data as holotype. ��� CMK 25633, 1, 30.4 mm SL; same data as holotype; fixed in 95 % ethanol. a b Diagnosis. Schistura indaaegyiana is distinguished from other species of Schistura in Southeast Asia by having a colour pattern made of a blackish midlateral stripe and a reduced number of branched rays in pectoral (8-9), pelvic (7) and caudal fins (7 + 7). The presence of a midlateral stripe is shared only with S. paaeensis and S. rubrimaculata, both also from the Irrawaddy drainage in Myanmar. Schistura indaaegyiana is distinguished from these species by having a greyish background (vs. whitish), the stripe made of a row of closely-set, vertically elongated blotches, resulting in an irregular appearance (vs. a more or less regular width), by having no or only faint saddles on the back (vs. presence of up to 7 clearly marked saddles, or a mid-dorsal stripe, or a combination of saddles and stripe) and by the distal margin of the dorsal fin convex (vs. straight to concave). Schistura indaaegyiana is distinguished from S. rubrimaculata by having 7 + 7 principal branched caudal-fin rays (vs. 9 + 8), an incomplete lateral line ending before the origin of the pelvic fin (vs. complete), the pelvic-fin origin in front of the dorsal-fin origin (vs. dorsal-fin origin in front of pelvic-fin origin). The three type specimens of S. indaaegyiana do not have a suborbital flap (but their sex and maturity could not be determined), while S. rubrimaculata has a suborbital flap in males. Schistura indaaegyiana is distinguished from S. paaeensis by having a small oval black blotch at the middle of the base of the caudal fin (vs. blotch almost totally on lower half of caudal-fin base, extended posteriorly by an elongated patch of pigments on lower caudal-fin lobe), an incomplete lateral line ending before the origin of the pelvic fin (vs. reaching at least end of dorsal-fin base). Juveniles (less than about 20 mm SL) of several species of Schistura have a more or less distinct midlateral stripe, but they have a vertical bar at caudal-fin base and typically 9 +8 branched caudal-fin rays. Description. See Figures 1-2 for general appearance and Table 1 for morphometric data of holotype and paratypes. An elongate nemacheiline with body depth increasing until somewhat in front of dorsal-fin origin, then decreasing to fin origin, equal under base of fin and becoming higher behind until caudal-fin base. Dorsal profile continuous between head and body, without hump or concavity. Caudal peduncle 1.3-1.5 times longer than deep, of uniform depth; short and low dorsal and ventral crests on posterior extremity of post-dorsal area; dorsal crest continuous with upper margin of caudal fin. Largest recorded size 30.4 mm SL. Head depressed; body slightly compressed anteriorly to compressed posteriorly. Interorbital area flat, with a low longitudinal protuberance above each eye. In lateral view, upper edge of eye flushed with dorsal profile of head. No suborbital flap. Cheeks not swollen. Snout pointed in lateral view, rounded in dorsal view. Dorsal fin with 4 unbranched and 6 1 / 2 (1) or 7 1 / 2 (2) branched rays; distal margin strongly convex, second branched ray longest; origin above pelvic-fin base. Pectoral fin rounded, with 1 unbranched and 8 (1) or 9 (2) branched rays (including small last ray, unbranched), reaching 3 / 5 to 2 / 3 of distance to pelvic-fin base; rays without filamentous extensions. Axillary pelvic lobe present, free. Pelvic fin rounded, with 1 unbranched and 7 branched rays (including small last ray, unbranched); reaching anus or at least about 2 / 3 of distance to anus; origin in front of vertical through dorsal-fin origin. Anus situated about 2 eye diameters in front of anal fin. Anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 1 / 2 branched rays; distal margin strongly convex. Caudal fin with 7 +7 branched rays; dorsal and ventral procurrent rays cannot be counted; emarginate, lobes rounded, subequal. Body entirely scaled except on belly in front of base of pelvic fins. Anteriorly, scales deeply embedded. Lateral line incomplete, reaching in front of pelvic-fin, with 16-23 pores. Cephalic lateral line system with 6 supraorbital, 4 + 10 infraorbital, 10 preoperculo-mandibular and 3 supratemporal pores (counted on 2 specimens). Anterior nostril pierced in front side of a pointed flap-like tube, tip reaching about midway between posterior nostril and eye. Posterior nostril adjacent to anterior one. Mouth strongly arched, gape about 1.5-2.0 times wider than long (Fig. 3). Lips smooth. Upper lip broad but thin in lateral view, median notch absent or very poorly marked, with a few shallow furrows near corner of mouth. Processus dentiformis present. Lower lip broad, smooth, with a narrow and shallow median furrow, but not interrupted; 1-3 shallow furrows laterally. Tip of lower jaw not exposed. No median notch in lower jaw. Inner rostral barbel reaching corner of mouth; outer one reaching vertical of posterior margin of eye. Maxillary barbel reaching middle of postorbital area. Intestine straight (Fig. 4). Sexual dimorphism. None observed. None of the characters usually associated with sexual dimorphism observed (modified pectoral fins, unculi, tubercles, suborbital flap, etc.). The three types were dissected but it is not possible to determine the sex and maturity. Colouration. One week after fixation. Body background colour: upper half grey; lower half pale yellowish or light greyish. Head without pattern, top and snout blackish, lower half pale yellowish or light greyish. Back dark grey to blackish, with slightly darker patches along dorsal midline between dorsal-fin origin and caudal-fin base suggesting saddles (suggesting possible presence of narrow saddles in small juveniles). An irregular dark brown to blackish midlateral stripe from gill opening to caudal-fin base, made of a row of closely-set, vertically elongated blotches. A conspicuous black blotch in middle of caudal-fin base, vertically oval, occupying about 1 / 4 of depth of fin base, with a small median incision on posterior side (in 2 specimens), continuous with midlateral stripe or separated by a very narrow space. Pigments totally missing in two triangular patches at upper and lower extremity of caudal-fin base and extending on part of uppermost and lowermost caudal-fin rays. Inner axial stripe not distinct. Dorsal fin hyaline, with a small black spot at base of last simple and first branched rays; lower 2 / 3 of last unbranched and all branched rays edged with black, as well as between segments. In holotype, distal 1 / 3 of last unbranched and 2 anterior branched rays pale orange-red. Caudal fin hyaline, edges of rays and segments outlined with black; in holotype, median half of rays pale orange-red. Anal and pelvic fins hyaline. Pectoral fin hyaline, dorso-posterior edge of proximal half of rays outlined by black. In life: body greyish, somewhat translucent, pattern as above, darker, but not very conspicuous. Distribution. Presently known only from the type locality, a headwater of a tributary of Lake Indawgyi, in Kachin State, Myanmar. It is expected elsewhere in headwaters in the lake basin (but not in the lake itself) and probably in adjacent areas in the upper Irrawaddy drainage. The specimens were collected in a narrow creek (1-2 m wide), in a gorge, cascading on large blocks. The maximum observed depth was about 120 cm at time of visit. The types were obtained with electricity among large blocks in the points with the strongest current. Despite targeted efforts, only three specimens were caught. Etymology. The adjective indaaegyianus (- a, - um) refers to the basin of Lake Indawgyi, where the type locality of the species is located. Discussion The genus Schistura as presently understood is conspicuously heterogenous and obviously artificial. Its phylogeny is still poorly understood, but several lineages can be recognised, diagnosed by morphological features and details of colour pattern and its ontogeny (Kottelat, in prep.). Most species have a pattern of bars. The juveniles of most species have a body colour pattern made of variously shaped bars and dots, in some the spots may be more or less coalescent and form an irregular stripe, but very few species have a real stripe. As mentioned in the diagnosis, in the genus Schistura, the midlateral stripe is present in S. paaeensis and S. rubrimaculata (both described by Bohlen & ��lechtov��, 2013a, from the Irrawaddy drainage in Myanmar). Despite this apparent similarity, these three species do not appear to be closely related. Schistura paaeensis and S. albirostris (also from the Irrawaddy drainage, in Yunnan) share (when preserved) the slender and whitish body, the presence of a rectangular white patch on the snout, in front of the nostrils and between a dark brown line extending forwards from the eye on both sides. The two species also share a distinctive black pattern at the base of the caudal fin, made of a blotch almost totally on the lower half of the base; it is continued posteriorly by an elongated patch of pigments on the outermost principal rays, for about 1 / 3 of their length. A second elongated blotch is located on the basal third of the upper principal rays on the dorsal lobe, but it does not extend forwards on the caudal-fin base proper. Two conspicuous contrasted white patches extend in front of the blotches, on the posterior part of the caudal peduncle, separated by the midlateral stripe (in S. paaeensis) or by a black patch along the midlateral line. The figure of the holotype of S. albirostris (in Chen & Neely, 2012: 222, fig. 1) shows a pattern of irregularly shaped and directed dark brown bars and saddles, superimposed over a midlateral row of roundish black spots, more or less coalescent on the caudal peduncle; the description (p. 225) describes it as ���a faint dusky stripe along lateral midline���. In any case, if considered a stripe, that of S. albirostris is much narrower than that of S. paaeensis. Schistura sexnubes Endruweit (2014: 60, figs. 1-2), from the Mekong drainage in China, is another whitish, elongated species, with the same or a similar contrasted pattern on the caudal peduncle and basis of caudal fin. The white patch on the top of the snout is irregularly shaped. Schistura kloetzliae Kottelat (2000: 63), from the Mekong drainage in northern Laos, is also a whitish species with a pattern of two black blotch at the basis of the caudal fin, but it does not seem to be related with S. paaeensis and S. albirostris: the blotches are differently shaped and located, it has no white patch on the top of the snout, the caudal fin is forked, the body is deeper and the shape of the head is different (see Kottelat, 2000: fig. 41). Among the species of Schistura present in northen Laos and Vietnam, some individuals of S. caudofurca (from the Red River and Nam Ma drainages) and S. dorsizona (from the Mekong drainage) present a broad midlateral stripe, while the majority of the individuals have a barred pattern and a very different pattern at the base of the caudal fin: a complete black bar in S. caudofurca and a single black blotch, more or less diamondshaped, at mid-height of the base of the fin in S. dorsizona (see Kottelat, 2001: figs. 269 and 275, respectively)., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2017, Schistura indaaegyiana, a new loach from Lake Indawgyi basin, Myanmar (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae), pp. 1-8 in Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters 28 (1) on pages 2-6, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.886939, {"references":["Chen, X. - Y & D. A. Neely. 2012. Schistura albirostris, a new nemacheiline loach (Teleostei: Balitoridae) from the Irrawaddy River drainage of Yunnan Province, China. Zootaxa, 3586: 222 - 227.","Endruweit, M. 2014 a. Schistura sexnubes, a new diminutive river loach from the upper Mekong basin, Yunnan Province, China (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae). Zoological Research, 35 (1): 59 - 66.","- 2000. Diagnoses of a new genus and 64 new species of fishes from Laos (Teleostei: Cyprinidae, Balitoridae, Bagridae, Syngnathidae, Chaudhuriidae and Tetraodontidae). Journal of South Asian Natural History, 5 (1): 37 - 82.","- 2001. Fishes of Laos. Wildlife Heritage Trust, Colombo, 198 pp."]}

Figs 1-2 Holotype: MHNG 2767.087, 55.6 mm SL; Laos, Xiangkhouang Province, Nam Chat upstream of Ban Houay Sod, 19��37���24���N 102��52���17���E, 1142 masl; M. Kottelat et al., 29 February 2012. Paratypes: CMK 22748, 16 (+3 ethanol-fixed); ZRC 56275, 5; 32.7-62.0 mm SL; same data as holotype. Comparison material: Carassius auratus: CMK 25714, 3, 68.4-81.5 mm SL; Laos: Houaphan Province: Nam Ma drainage: Nam Long upstream of Ban Kong Koun. Diagnosis: Carassius praecipuus is distinguished from all other congeners in having the origin of the anal fin located behind a vertical through the base of last dorsalfin ray (vs. under dorsal-fin base), fewer branched dorsal-fin rays (9-11��, vs. 11-21��), fewer lateral line scales (25-27 + 1, vs. 27-36 [total]) and fewer gill rakers (total 20-21, vs. 23-128). It reaches sexual maturity around 60-70 mm SL. Description: See Table 1 for morphometric data of holotype and 5 largest paratypes. Largest known specimen 62 mm SL. Body moderately elongate, compressed. Dorsal body profile arched but made of a straight line on top of head, then an angle at nape and a straight line to dorsal-fin base, then more or less straight to caudal-fin base. Caudal peduncle 1.3-1.4 times longer than deep. Interorbital area convex. Head longer than deep, dorsal profile straight; ventral profile arched from mouth to pelvic-fin base, then straight to analfin origin; snout blunt. Mouth terminal to subterminal, anteriormost point of cleft below level of lower margin of eye, upper lip slightly projecting beyond tip of lower jaw. Lower jaw-quadrate junction about at vertical of anterior margin of eye. 10+10 (1), 10+11 (4*) or 11+10 (1) = 20-21 gill rakers on first gill arch, their length about 1-1.5 times width of arch and about 3-4 times in length of gill filaments at same position. Manuscript accepted 19.06. 2017 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo. 893541 Dorsal fin with 4 simple and 9�� (1), 10�� (6*) or 11�� (4) branched rays, second ray longest; last unbranched ray rigid, thick (about 3 times width of branched rays), with 10-16 strong and pointed serrae along posterior edge (number increasing with size); distal margin straight to slightly convex; origin behind vertical through pelvic-fin origin; dorso-hypural distance reaching between nostril and tip of snout when reported forward from dorsal-fin origin. Pectoral fin rounded, with 15 (4*) or 16 (2) rays (unbranched and branched); reaching between 2/3 to whole distance to pelvic-fin origin. Pelvic fin rounded, with 8 rays (unbranched and branched); reaching slightly beyond halfway to anal-fin base; origin in front of vertical through dorsal-fin origin, origin slightly closer to pectoral-fin origin than to anal-fin origin. Anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5�� branched rays, first longest; last unbranched ray stout, rigid, thick (about 4 times thicker than branched rays), with 12-15 strong and pointed serrae along posterior edge (number increasing with size); distal margin straight; origin behind vertical through base of last dorsal-fin ray. Caudal fin with 9+9 (1) or 9+8 (5*) branched rays; forked, lobes rounded, subequal. Lateral line complete with 25+1 (1*), 26+1 (3) or 27+1 (2) pored scales. ��5 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin origin; 6�� (1*) or 7�� (5) between lateral line and ventral midline, counted 2 scales in front of pelvicfin base; 4 (1*), 4�� (1) or 5 (4) between lateral line and pelvic-fin origin; 4 (3*) or 5 (3) between lateral line and anal-fin origin; ��2/1/2�� longitudinal scale rows on caudal peduncle; 12 (1*), 13 (4) or 14 (1). A single pelvic axillary scale, small, same shape as adjacent scales. Coloration: After 6 weeks in formalin. Head and body yellowish brown, darker on back. Top of head dark brown. Belly yellowish white. Scales on dorsal half of flank, covered by densely set dark pigments (melanophores?); with a thin line of smaller ones along posterior edge; pigments more densely-set on scale pockets, making them appear as poorly contrasted crescentic marks. On lower half of body, scales with only a few large pigments, sparsely set, restricted to anterior half of exposed part of scale; number of pigments decreasing ventrally, no pigments on lowermost 2-4 scale rows. Peritoneum dark grey. Dorsal fin with pigments on all rays and membranes, denser on rays and on posterior half of membranes. Caudal fin with pigments on rays and on membranes between branches (but not on membranes between rays). Anal fin with pigments larger than on other fins, less densely set, mainly on proximal half of membranes between last unbranched and third branched rays. Pelvic fin with a few pigments, sparsely set on proximal 1/3 of rays and membranes. Pectoral fin with pigments restricted to edges of all rays. In life and shortly after fixation: yellowish brown. Distribution: Carassius praecipuus has been observed only at the type locality, in the upper Nam Chat in the hills of central Laos (Fig. 3). Security safeguards greatly restricted movement and access to potential additional sampling sites. if larger individuals had been present they would probably have been caught. Other fish species present were: Opsarius pulchellus (Smith, 1931) (Cyprinidae), Schistura coruscans Kottelat, 2000, S. defectiva Kottelat, 2000, S. personata Kottelat, 2000, S. quaesita Kottelat, 2000 (Nemacheilidae), Oreoglanis sp. (Sisoridae) and Rhinogobius mekongianus (Pellegrin & Fang, 1940) (Gobiidae). The largest available specimen (62 mm SL) is a female with mainly white oocytes and a few pale yellow eggs about 1.0 mm diameter, likely unripe. The specimens were collected at the end of February and this suggests that they would have been able to spawn a few weeks later in the comming dry season, or at the beginning of the wet season when the stream would flood the adjacent grassland. Etymology: From the Latin adjective praecipuus, -a, -um, meaning ���which is not common���, allusion to the unexpected presence of a Carassius in the Mekong drainage and the very low dorsal-fin ray, lateral line scale and gill-raker counts. Habitat and notes on biology: The Nam Chat is a tributary of the Nam Ting, itself a tributary of Nam Ngum, entering it at 19��22���15���N 102��43���22���E. It lies at the northern edge of the Plain of Jars, between the Nam Ngum proper and the Nam Khan, another tributary of the Mekong. The sampling site is in the uppermost course of the Nam Chat, about 5 km from its sources, at 1142 masl. The stream was 2-4 m wide, about 30-50 cm deep, up to about 1 m deep in one of the curves (Fig. 4), with moderate current. The bottom was made of gravel and pebble, with some areas covered by a thin layer of sediments, most likely washed from adjacent fields. The stream is at the bottom of a narrow valley, used for agriculture. The shores are mainly covered by bushes and occasional trees. Carassius praecipuus was collected mainly in the deepest areas, under the roots of overhanging trees and bushes. No specimen larger than the types were observed; the sampling was done with electricity and Remarks: The genus Carassius occurs naturally from Central Europe to Japan and extends southwards in northern and central Vietnam in the rivers draining to the Gulf of Tonkin. Some species have been cultivated, and especially some of the East Asian species, which have given rise to numerous ornamental varieties, popularly known as goldfishes. Goldfishes and some other species of Carassius have been introduced, voluntarily or not, throughout the world and some have prooved very damaging pests. Carassius praecipuus is the first species of the genus discovered in the Indochinese area (in the zoogeographic meaning; see Kottelat, 1989). A number of characters distinguish C. praecipuus from all its congeners and allow to exclude the possibility that it could be a feral population of some cultivated variety accidentally released in the wild (which anyway at the very isolated site would be surprising, although never impossible). The European and northern Palaearctic species of Carassius are described or diagnosed by Berg (1948), Szczerbowski (2002: 7) and Kottelat & Freyhof (2007), the Chinese species by Luo & Chen (2000), the Japanese species by Hosoya (2002) and the Vietnamese species by Nguyen & Ngo (2001). Several meristic characters distinguish C. praecipuus from all other species. It has fewer branched dorsal-fin rays (9-11��, vs. 11-21��), fewer lateral line scales (25-27 + 1, vs. 27-36), fewer gill rakers (total 20-21, vs. 23-128). Further, the shorter dorsal fin in C. praecipuus is reflected by the more forward end of the base of the fin (in front of a vertical through the origin of the anal fin, vs. behind origin of the anal fin). Based on the literature, some of these meristic values show marginal overlap. The analysis is complicated by the fact that some species of Carassius are widely distributed and are of interest for aquaculture and geneticists; the use of contradictory and sometimes incoherent species concepts, and the non-understanding of the implications of the concepts used, has blurred the taxonomy of the group and makes it difficult to know how many species really exist and how much of the identifications under the same name in different countries are really conspecific. I will focus here only on the populations showing meristic features whose values overlap with the ranges observed in C. praecipuus. A further recurrent problem is that it is not always clear how the different authors obtained some of the counts. Differences exist in the way of counting the last two dorsal-fin rays that articulate on the same pterygiophore. Some authors count them as a single ray, others as two rays; I note them as ���1�����, a notation that removes ambiguity and also indicates that the author is aware of this issue. Similarly, different authors have reported lateral line scale counts in different ways, including or not the scales on the base of the caudal fin. They are here given separately (e.g. 26+1); again, this notation removes the ambiguity in showing that the author is aware of the issue. In the literature, in many instances, it is not clear if a count indicated as 26 means 24+2, 25+1 or 26+x. There are also instances of authors refering to a method but in fact using another one. Whichever way they are counted, there are only few literature records of branched dorsal-fin ray counts of 11 or 12. A single species shows overlap with C. praecipuus. Hosoya (2002: 254) reports from a small area of Honshu island (Japan) an unnamed ��� C. auratus subsp. 2���, which has 11-14 (= 11-14�� in my notation; explained p. xxxv). This ��� C. auratus subsp. 2��� also has some overlap with C. praecipuus in lateral line scale count, with 26-30 scales on the body (method explained p. xxxi). However, C. praecipuus is distinguished in having 20-21 gill rakers on the first gill arch (vs. 30-38) and the origin of the anal fin is behind a vertical through the base of the last dorsalfin ray (vs. under dorsal-fin base). It is noteworthy that ��� C. auratus subsp. 2��� also has a small size (up to 150 mm SL). Szczerbowski (2002: 7) compiled a list of counts from the literature for C. gibelio (Bloch, 1782). The cumulated variation is 12-19 (apparently =12-19�� in my notation); 12 is reported only in the range 12-18 for a population from Yakutia. Noteworthy is that this Yakutia sample also has the lowest reported lateral line scale count, with 27- 35 scales, while others have 28-33. The count supposedly includes the scales on the caudal-fin base (see below) but one cannot be certain since this is a compilation from disparate sources. The reported range of variability of the counts in this Yakutia population is very wide and makes the data suspicious. A variability range of 7 rays for a population with an average 15 rays is something otherwise unknown in cyprinid fishes in which the usual range in species with short dorsal fin would be 2-3 rays (and often no variability); this suggests a serious problem and poor reliability. In any case, C. praecipuus is distinguished from C. gibelio in having 20-21 gill rakers on the first gill arch (vs. 35-54) and a much smaller size (largest known specimen 62 mm SL, vs. 350 mm SL). Carassius gibelio is a species present from eastern Europe to northeastern China, which possibly includes several species and hybrids and presents a number of taxonomic problems (Kottelat & Freyhof, 2007: 145; Kalous et al., 2012). Lateral line scale counts of 26 and 27 have been reported for C auratus in the literature as the extreme of a range of 26-31. This is again in a table compiled in Szczerbowski (2002: 7), who supposedly included the pored scales on the caudal-fin base (as most eastern European authors). For the same species, 27-30 scales are reported by Luo & Chen (2000: 430), who supposedly included only the scales on the body (as most Chinese authors). C. praecipuus is distinguished in having 9-11�� branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. 13-19�� in C. auratus), 20-21 gill rakers on the first gill arch (vs. 37-47), and the origin of the anal fin is behind a vertical through the base of the last dorsal-fin ray (vs. under dorsal-fin base). A single other species of Carassius has been reported from Laos, from the Nam Ma drainage, a river entering Laos from and returning to Vietnam and entering the Gulf of Tonkin near Thanh Hoa. The species has been identified as C. auratus (Kottelat, 2001: 42), which may or may not be correct, and may be native or introduced or invasive. In any case, C. praecipuus is distinguished from these specimens in having a more slender appearance (compare Figures 1 and 5), a yellowish brown body coloration (vs. golden in life, greyish when preserved), fewer branched dorsal-fin rays (9-11��, vs. 15-18��), the distal margin of the dorsal fin straight to convex (vs. concave to straight), fewer lateral line scales (25-27 + 1, vs. 27-28 + 2), fewer longitudinal scale rows on the caudal peduncle (��2/1/2��, vs. ��3/1/3��), the anal-fin origin behind the base of the last branched dorsal-fin ray (vs. under branched ray 13-14 [or 2-4 when counted from posterior extremity of fin]), strong and pointed serrae along the posterior edge of the last unbranched dorsal- and anal-fin rays (vs. short and blunt); fewer and shorter gill rakers on the first gill arch (20-21, length about 1-1.5 times width of arch and about 3-4 times in length of gill filaments at same position; vs. about 34 gill rakers in one dissected specimen, about 3-4 times wider than arch and about 2 times in length of gill filaments). Carassius is a genus typical of the East Asian Subregion of the Oriental Region (sensu Kottelat, 1989: 34; of Sino- Indian Region sensu Bănărescu, 1992) and its presence in the Mekong drainage (Indochinese District, Southeast Asian Subregion, Oriental Region, sensu Kottelat, 1989: 34; South Asian Subregion of Banarescu, 1989) is unexpected. Nevertheless, it is not too surprising. The Nam Chat is adjacent to the Plain of Jars and to the Nam Ngum proper at the south. The Nam Ngum, Nam Ngiep and Nam Neun have headwaters on the Plain of Jars where they are separated only by very low divides. The Nam Ngum and Nam Ngiep are tributaries of the Mekong while the Nam Neun flows to the east to Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin, which it enters near Vinh. A few species or genera typical of the East Asian fauna are present in the Mekong tributaries on the Plain of Jars [Opsariichthys hainanensis Nichols & Pope, 1927, Vanmanenia sp., Rhinogobius milleri Chen & Kottelat, 2003, Macropodus opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758)] (Kottelat, 2017). The species is possiby also present in head waters of the Nam Khan (the next watershed to the north) and of the Nam Neun., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2017, Carassius praecipuus, a dwarf new species of goldfish from the Mekong drainage in central Laos (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 323-329 in Revue suisse de Zoologie 2 on pages 323-328, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.893541, {"references":["Kottelat M. 1989. Zoogeography of the fishes from Indochinese inland waters with an annotated check-list. Bulletin Zoologisch Museum Universiteit van Amsterdam 12 (1): 1 - 54.","Szczerbowski J. A. 2002. Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) [pp. 5 - 41]. In: Banarescu P. M., Paepke H. - J. (eds), The freshwater fishes of Europe. Vol. 5 / III. Cyprinidae 2. Part III: Carassius to Cyprinus. Gasterosteidae. Aula, Wiesbaden, XIV + 506 pp.","Kottelat M., Freyhof J. 2007. Handbook of European freshwater fishes. Kottelat, Cornol & Freyhof, Berlin, XIV + 646 pp.","Luo Y. L., Chen Y. Y. 2000. [Cyprininae] [pp. 391 - 433]. In: Yue P. Q. (ed.). [Fauna Sinica. Osteichthyes. Cypriniformes III]. Science Press, Beijing, V + 653 pp. [In Chinese, English summary].","Hosoya K. 2002. Cyprinidae [pp. 253 - 271]. In: Nakabo T. (ed.). Fishes of Japan with pictorial keys to the species, English edition. Tokai University Press, Tokyo, 2 vols, 1: I-LXI + 1 - 866, 2: I-VIII + 867 - 1749.","Nguyen V. H., Ngo S. V. 2001. Ca nuoc ngot Viet Nam. Tap I. Ho ca chep (Cyprinidae) [Freshwater fishes of Vietnam. Volume 1. Carp family (Cyprinidae)]. Nha Xuat Ban Nong Nghiep [Agriculture Publishing House], Hanoi, 622 pp. [In Vietnamese].","Kalous L., Bohlen J., Rylkova K., Petrtyl M. 2012. Hidden diversity within the Prussian carp and designation of a neotype for Carassius gibelio (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters 23 (1): 11 - 18.","Kottelat M. 2001. Fishes of Laos. Wildlife Heritage Trust, Colombo, 198 pp.","Banarescu P. 1992. Zoogeography of fresh waters. Volume 2. Distribution and dispersal of freshwater animals in North America and Eurasia. Aula, Wiesbaden, pp. 519 - 1091.","Kottelat M. 2017. Vanmanenia orcicampus, a new species of loach from the Plain of Jars, Laos (Teleostei: Gastromyzontidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 28 (in press)."]}

Maurice Kottelat (2017): Carassius praecipuus, a dwarf new species of goldfish from the Mekong drainage in central Laos (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Revue suisse de Zoologie 2: 323-329, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.893541, {"references":["Banarescu P. 1992. Zoogeography of fresh waters. Volume 2. Distribution and dispersal of freshwater animals in North America and Eurasia. Aula, Wiesbaden, pp. 519-1091.","Berg L.S. 1948-1949a. [Freshwater fishes of the U. S. S. R. and adjacent countries]. Izdatelstvo Akademii Nauk SSSR, Moskva & Leningrad, vol. 1 (1948): 1-466, vol. 2 (1949): 467-926, vol. 3 (1949): 927-1382, 1 map. [Translation: Israel Program for Scientific Translations, Jerusalem, 1965, 1: vi+504 pp., 2: vi+496 pp., 3:vi+510 pp. ].","Hosoya K. 2002. Cyprinidae [pp. 253-271]. In: Nakabo T. (ed.). Fishes of Japan with pictorial keys to the species, English edition. Tokai University Press, Tokyo, 2 vols, 1: I-LXI + 1-866, 2: I-VIII + 867-1749.","Kalous L., Bohlen J., Rylkova K., Petrtyl M. 2012. Hidden diversity within the Prussian carp and designation of a neotype for Carassius gibelio (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters 23(1): 11-18.","Kottelat M. 1989. Zoogeography of the fishes from Indochinese inland waters with an annotated check-list. Bulletin Zoologisch Museum Universiteit van Amsterdam 12(1): 1-54.","Kottelat M. 2001. Fishes of Laos. Wildlife Heritage Trust, Colombo, 198 pp.","Kottelat M. 2017. Vanmanenia orcicampus, a new species of loach from the Plain of Jars, Laos (Teleostei: Gastromyzontidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 28 (in press).","Kottelat M., Freyhof J. 2007. Handbook of European freshwater fishes. Kottelat, Cornol & Freyhof, Berlin, XIV + 646 pp.","Luo Y.L., Chen Y.Y. 2000. [Cyprininae] [pp. 391-433]. In: Yue P.Q. (ed.). [Fauna Sinica. Osteichthyes. Cypriniformes III]. Science Press, Beijing, V+653 pp. [In Chinese, English summary].","Nguyen V.H., Ngo S.V. 2001. Ca nuoc ngot Viet Nam. Tap I. Ho ca chep (Cyprinidae) [Freshwater fishes of Vietnam.Volume 1. Carp family (Cyprinidae)]. Nha Xuat Ban Nong Nghiep [Agriculture Publishing House], Hanoi, 622 pp. [In Vietnamese].","Szczerbowski J.A. 2002. Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) [pp. 5-41]. In: Banarescu P.M., Paepke H.-J. (eds), The freshwater fishes of Europe. Vol. 5/III. Cyprinidae 2. Part III:Carassius to Cyprinus. Gasterosteidae.Aula,Wiesbaden, XIV + 506 pp."]}

Vanmanenia orcicampus ı new species (Figs. 1-2) Holotype. MHNG 2767.094 ı 47.5 mm SL; Laos: Xiangkhouang Province: Nam Ngum at Ban Khangviangı 19��34'47"N 103��17'42"Eı 1138 m asl; M. Kottelatı T. Phommavong & B. L. Amathı 2 March 2012. Paratypes. CMK 22732 ı 5 ı 20.6-23.2 mm SL; collected with the holotype. Diagnosis. Vanmanenia orcicampus is distinguished from the other species of the genus by its unique colour patternı made of a midlateral row of six blotchesı anterior two longitudinally elongatedı 3rd to 5th roundishı 6th faintı at posterior extremity of caudal peduncle; a middorsal row of three predorsal and three postdorsal saddlesı 3rd predorsal one extending backwards along dorsalfin base; and vermiculations between saddles and blotches and on lower half of flank. It is further distinguished from congeners in having a slender caudal peduncle whose depth is 1.5 times in its length and 2.5 times in body depth; and 12-14 branched pectoral-fin rays. a b Description. Based on holotype only. See Figures 1-2 for general appearance and Table 1 for morphometric data of holotype. A moderately elongate Gastromyzontidae with arched dorsal profileı body depth regularly increasing up to slightly in front of dorsal-fin originı decreasing under dorsal-fin base. Behind dorsal finı body depth decreasing regularly to slightly in front of caudal-fin base. Dorsal profile continuous between head and body. Ventral profile slightly convex. Preventral part of belly and lower surface of head flat. Head slightly depressed; body slightly compressed. Interorbital area flat. In lateral viewı eye flushed with dorsal profile of head. Snout rounded. Depth of caudal peduncle 1.5 times in its lengthı tapering posteriorlyı and 2.5 times in body depth. Largest recorded size 47.5 mm SL. Dorsal fin with 4 unbranched and 7 (2) or 7 1 / 2 (4*) branched rays; distal margin almost straight; 1 st and 2nd branched rays longest. Pectoral fin with 1 unbranched and 12 (2) or 13 (4*) branched rays (including small last rayı unbranched)ı roundedı reaching 3 / 4 of distance to pelvic-fin base. No axillary pectoral lobe. Pelvic fin with 1 unbranched and 8 (4) or 9 (2*) branched rays (including small last rayı unbranched); reaching about �� of distance to anus; rounded; origin below base of branched dorsal-fin rays 2-3; axillary lobe presentı freeı extending on 1 st and 2nd branched rays. Anus situated at about 1 / 3 of distance between pelvic-fin base and anal-fin origin. Anal fin with 3 unbranched and 5 1 / 2 (6*) branched rays; distal margin convex. Caudal fin with 7+ 7 (6*) branched rays; about 6 dorsal and about 4 ventral procurrent rays; forkedı lobes roundedı of equal length. Upper 4 and lower 4 principal caudal-fin rays adnate (without membranes) until about first branching point. Body entirely covered by scalesı except on belly in front of anus. Most scales with an acuminate projection on posterior marginı tip often fleshyı sometimes appearing as ���soft tubercles���. Lateral line completeı not extending on caudal-fin baseı with 79 pored scales. Anterior nostril pierced in front side of a pointed flap-like tube. Posterior nostril adjacent to anterior one. Mouth archedı gape about 2 times wider than long (Fig. 3 b). Two pairs of rostral barbels and one barbel at each corner of mouth. Rostral groove shallow between rostral barbelsı deeper from base of outer rostral barbel backwards; edge of rostral fold with three fleshy lobes between rostral barbels. Lips very finely papillatedı continuous around corner of mouth. Upper lip fleshyı appearing as three transverse layers: two fleshly layers and a narrow intermediate oneı smoothı harderı slightly protrudingı not reaching corner of mouth. Lower lip in three partsı each about of equal lengthı separated by small notches; median part thinı papillated along anterior edge; lateral parts thick and fleshyı with a small projection at midlength; postlabial groove restricted to behind lateral parts. Mouth structure of juvenile (Fig. 3 a- b) as adultı except that mouth is narrowerı lower jaw exposed. Notches between three parts of lower lip not very marked; lateral parts close togetherı more or less in contact mesiallyı where fleshier and with two short projections and in some individuals forming a ridge with contralateralı wide and thin towards maxillary barbel with a short projection along median edge. Gill opening extending downwards in front and below base of anterior pectoral-fin ray. Tubercles on all surfaces of headı finer on snout and top of headı larger but smooth on ventral surfaceı large and densely set on opercle. Unculiferous pads (sensu Conway et al. ı 2012): in pectoral finı well developed along anterior edge of unbranched ray and behind unbranched and first seven branched raysı hardly distinct on remaining branched rays; in pelvic finı well developed along anterior edge of unbranched ray and behind unbranched and first three branched rays. Coloration. After about one month in formalin. Adult: Head and body background colour pale yellowish brownı throatı bellyı lower part of caudal peduncle whitish; except otherwise statedı markings dark brown. Head with a dark blotch in interorbital area and on posterior part of head; snoutı suborbital area and opercle variegated. Body with three predorsal and three postdorsal saddles; third predorsal saddle extending backwards along (but not touching) dorsal-fin base; saddles restricted to middorsal areaı not extending down side. A midlateral row of six blotchesı anterior two longitudinally elongated; 3rd to 5th roundish; 6th faintı at posterior extremity of caudal peduncle. Vermiculations between rows of saddles and blotches and on lower half of flankı paler brown than saddles and blotches. A blackish band between posterior extremity of second blotchı connecting it with its contralateral across base of dorsal fin. Dorsal fin hyalineı with two irregular rows of spotsı most located on rays and membranes between branches at level of 1 st and 2nd branching points (and at similar position on last unbranched ray). Caudal fin hyalineı with three vertical rows of spotsı first one near base of raysı second and third one on rays and membranes between branches near branching points; spots on first row appearing as a blotch on lower and upper most rays (not separated by membranes at this position). Anal fin hyalineı with an elongated mark on raysı mainly near branching points. Pelvic fin hyalineı with two irregular rows of spotsı one in proximal position on posterior raysı one on rays and membranes between branches near branching points. Pectoral fin hyalineı with three irregular rows of spotsı one in proximal position on posterior raysı one on rays and membranes between branches near branching points of all rays (faint on posterior rays)ı and one in similar position but absent on posterior rays. Juveniles: Body background colour yellowish whiteı marking dark brown. Four juveniles (Fig. 2 a) with three large blotches along lateral lineı connected by a broad band over lateral line. First blotch connected with contralateral across back by a band of paler brown pigmentsı in position of second saddle in adult. Second and third blotches connected with contralaterals across back by band of similar pigmentsı in positionı respectivelyı of blackish band across dorsal-fin base and of 5th saddle in adult. Blotches and transverse bands resulting in four elliptic pale areas (anterior one not sharply contrasted)ı with a patch of pale brown pigments in centre of eachı in position of 1stı 3rdı 4th and 6th saddles in adult. A conspicuous black blotch on proximal 1 / 3 of dorsal fin. In largest juvenile (Fig. 2 b; only 3 mm longer than smallest)ı pattern still distinctı but blotches smallerı restricted to along lateral line and forming a very irregular stripe. Blotch on caudal fin fainter. Distribution and habitat. Vanmanenia orcicampus has been collected only once in the upper Nam Ngum at the northern edge of the Plain of Jars. The Nam Ngum crosses the western part of the plain before descending westwards through 110-km long gorges until the Nam Ngum 2 reservoir and then to the Mekong. It was not present in the other 44 sites sampled in the Nam Ngum watershed downstream of the plain. The plain is also drained to the south by the Nam Ngiep (another Mekong tributary) and the Nam Neunı which flows to Vietnam (as Song Lam) and reaches the Gulf of Tonkin. It is possibly present in the Nam Ngiep and Nam Neun on the plain but sites with an appropriate topography could not be sampled. It was not present at 33 sites in the Nam Ngiep watershed (a Mekong tributary) and 11 sites in the Nam Neun drainage (which flows directly to the Gulf of Tonkin) downstream of the plain. At the type localityı the Nam Ngum was a sluggish stream in an open agricultural area (Fig. 4). The bottom was made of sand to cobbleı at places covered by mud. The current was slow. This is unlikely to be the original habitatı which was probably pebble to stone bottom. The juveniles were caught among gravel and pebble. The adult was obtained among bamboos used to build a weir. The other species present were a mix of species usually found in streams with fast current and clear water (Devario cf. laoensis ı Poropuntius angustus ı Scaphiodonichthys acanthopterus ı Schistura defectiva ı S. quaesita ı Rhinogobius milleri) and species typical of sluggish waters and swamps (Puntius brevis ı Systomus jacobusboehlkei ı Channa gachua ı Macropodus opercularis). Etymology. From the Latin nouns orca (jar; dative plural: orcis) and campus (plainı field)ı literally the plain with the jarsı reference to the type locality on the Plain of Jars. A compound noun in apposition., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2017, Vanmanenia orcicampus �� a new species of loach from the Plain of Jars�� Laos (Teleostei: Gastromyzontidae), pp. 87-95 in Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters 28 (1) on pages 88-91, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.886193

Maurice Kottelat (2017): Vanmanenia orcicampus �� a new species of loach from the Plain of Jars�� Laos (Teleostei: Gastromyzontidae). Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters 28 (1): 87-95, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.886193, {"references":["Banarescui P. 1992. Zoogeography of fresh waters. Volume 2. Distribution and dispersal of freshwater animals in North America and Eurasia. Aulai Wiesbadeni pp. 519-1091.","Cheni Y.-Y. & W.-Q. Tang. 2000. Homalopteridae. Pp. 438-567 in: P.-Q. Yue (ed.)i [Fauna Sinica. Osteichthyes. Cypriniformes III]. Science Pressi Beijing. [In Chinesei English summary","Conwayi K. W.i N. K. Lujani J. G. Lundbergi R. L. Mayden & D. S. Siegel. 2012. Microanatomy of the paired-fin pads of ostariophysan fishes (Teleostei: Ostariophysi). Journal of Morphologyi 273: 1127- 1149.","Fangi P. W. 1935. Study on the crossostomoid fishes of China. Sinensiai 6(1934[1935]): 44-97.","Kottelati M. 1989. Zoogeography of the fishes from Indochinese inland waters with an annotated checklist. Bulletin Zoologisch Museum Universiteit van Amsterdami 12: 1-54.","- 1990. Indochinese nemacheilines. A revision of nemacheiline loaches (Pisces: Cypriniformes) of Thailandi Burmai Laosi Cambodia and southern Viet Nam. Pfeili Muncheni 262 pp.","- 2000.Diagnoses of a new genus and 64 new species of fishes from Laos (Teleostei: Cyprinidaei Balitoridaei Bagridaei Syngnathidaei Chaudhuriidae and Tetraodontidae). Journal of South Asian Natural Historyi 5: 37-82.","- 2001. Fishes of Laos. Wildlife Heritage Trusti Colomboi 198 pp.","- 2012. Conspectus cobitidum: an inventory of the loaches of the world (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cobitoidea). Raffles Bulletin of Zoologyi Supplement 26: 1-199.","- 2013.The fishes of inland waters of Southeast Asia:a catalogue and core bibliography of the fishes known to occur in freshwatersi mangroves and estuaries. Raffles Bulletin of Zoologyi Supplement 27: 1-663.","- 2017. Carassius praecipuus i a dwarf new species of goldfish from the Mekong drainage in central Laos (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Revue Suisse de Zoologiei 124 (in press).","Kottelati M. & J. Freyhof. 2007. Handbook of European freshwater fishes.Kottelati Cornol & Freyhofi Berlini xiv + 646 pp.","Maii D. Y. 1978. [Identification of freshwater fishes of northern Viet Nam]. Science & Technics Publishing Housei Ha Noii 339 pp. [In Vietnamese].","Nguyeni V. H. 2005. Ca nuoc ngot Viet Nam. Tap II. Lop ca sun va bon lien bo cua nhom ca xuong (lien bo ca thati lien bo ca dang trichi tong bo ca dang chao va lien bo ca dang chep) [Freshwater fishes of Vietnam. Volume 2]. Nha Xuat Ban Nong Nghiep [Agriculture Publishing House]i Hanoii 759 pp. [In Vietnamese].","Yii W.-J.i E. Zhang & J.-Z. Shen. 2014. Vanmanenia maculata i new species of hillstream loach from the Chang-Jiang basini South China (Teleostei: Gastromyzontidae). Zootaxai 3802: 85-97.","Zhangi C.-G. & Y.-H. Zhao. 2000. [A new species of the genus Vanmanenia from Guangxii China (Cypriniformes: Homalopteridae)]. Acta Zootaxonomica Sinicai 25: 458-461. [In Chinesei English summary]."]}

Kottelat, Maurice (2017): Schistura colossa and S. klydonion, two new species of loaches from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 65: 341-356, DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5356893, {"references":["Bohlen J & Slechtova V (2010) Schistura udomritthiruji, a new loach from southern Thailand (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 20(4) (2009 [2010]): 319-324.","Bohlen J & Slechtova V (2013a) Two new species of Schistura from Myanmar (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 24(1): 21-30.","Bohlen J & Slechtova V (2013b)Schistura puncticeps, a new species of loach from Myanmar (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 24(1): 85-92.","Bohlen J, Petrtyl M, Chaloupkova P & Borin C (2016) Schistura kampucheensis, a new species of loach from Cambodia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 26(4): 353-362.","Bohlen J, Slechtova V & Udomritthiruj K (2014)Schistura hypsiura, a new species of loach (Cobitoidea: Nemacheilidae) from southwest Myanmar. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 62: 21-27.","Chen X-Y & Neely DA (2012) Schistura albirostris, a new nemacheiline loach (Teleostei: Balitoridae) from the Irrawaddy River drainage of Yunnan Province, China. Zootaxa, 3586: 222-227.","Freyhof J, Geiger MF, Golzarianpour K & Patimar R (2016) Sasanidus , a new generic name for Noemacheilus kermanshahensis Banarescu & Nalbant, with discussion of Ilamnemacheilus and Schistura (Teleostei; Nemacheilidae). Zootaxa, 4107: 65-80.","Freyhof J & Serov DV (2001) Nemacheiline loaches from Central Vietnam with descriptions of a new genus and 14 new species (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 12(2): 133-191.","IUCN [International Union for Conservation of Nature] (2001). IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1. IUCN, Gland & Cambridge, 31 pp.","Kottelat M (1990) Indochinese nemacheilines. A revision of nemacheiline loaches (Pisces: Cypriniformes) of Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and southern Vietnam. Pfeil, Munchen, 262 pp.","Kottelat M (1998) Fishes of the Nam Theun and Xe Bangfai basins, Laos, with diagnoses of twenty-two new species (Teleostei: Cyprinidae, Balitoridae, Cobitidae, Coiidae and Odontobutidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 9(1): 1-128.","Kottelat M (2000) Diagnoses of a new genus and 64 new species of fishes from Laos (Teleostei: Cyprinidae, Balitoridae, Bagridae, Syngnathidae, Chaudhuriidae and Tetraodontidae). Journal of South Asian Natural History, 5(1): 37-82.","Kottelat M (2001) Fishes of Laos. Wildlife Heritage Trust, Colombo, 198 pp.","Kottelat M (2012) Conspectus cobitidum: an inventory of the loaches of the world (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cobitoidea). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement 26: 1-199.","Kottelat M (2013) The fishes of inland waters of Southeast Asia: A catalogue and core bibliography of the fishes known to occur in freshwaters, mangroves and estuaries. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement 27: 1-663.","Kottelat M (2017a) Schistura indawgyiana, a new loach from Lake Indawgyi basin, Myanmar (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 28(1): 1-8.","Kottelat M (2017b) A new genus and three new species of nemacheilid loaches from northern Irrawaddy drainage, Myanmar (Teleostei: Cypriniformes). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 65: 80-99.","Kottelat M (2017c) Schistura systomos, a new species of loach from southern Laos (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 28(1): 9-16.","Kottelat M & Freyhof J (2007) Handbook of European Freshwater Fishes. Kottelat, Cornol & Freyhof, Berlin, xiv + 646 pp.","Kottelat M, Baird IG, Kullander SO, Ng HH, Parenti LR, Rainboth WJ & Vidthayanon C (2012) The status and distribution of freshwater fishes of Indo-Burma. In: Allen DJ, Smith KG & Darwall WRT (eds.) The Status and Distribution of Freshwater Biodiversity in Indo-Burma. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Cambridge & Gland. Pp. 38-65.","Ng HH & Kottelat M (2014) Clarias serniosus, a new walking catfish (Teleostei: Clariidae) from Laos. Zootaxa, 3884(5): 437-444.","Ng HH & Kottelat M (2017). The Glyptothorax of the Bolaven Plateau, Laos (Teleostei: Sisoridae): new and endangered. Zootaxa, 4238(3): 406-416.","Ou C, Montana CG, Winemiller KO & Conway KW (2011) Schistura diminuta, a new miniature loach from the Mekong river drainage of Cambodia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 22(3): 193-200.","Plongsesthee R, Kottelat M & Beamish FWH (2013) Schistura crocotula, a new loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from southern Thailand. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 24(2): 171-178.","Plongsesthee R, Page LM & Beamish FWH (2011) Schistura aurantiaca, a new species from the Mae Khlong basin, Thailand (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 22(2): 169-178."]}

Schistura klydonion, new species (Figs. 13���15) Holotype. MHNG 2767.085, 75.8 mm SL; Laos: Champasak Province: Bolaven Plateau: Houay Xoy, a tributary of Xe Namnoy, 14��52���41���N 106��34���49���E; 790 masl; M. Kottelat & T. Phommavong, 14 January 2013. Paratypes. All from Laos: Champasak Province: Bolaven Plateau: CMK 23344, 29, 26.0��� 66.5 mm SL; ZRC 56223, 5, 43.6���54.4 mm SL; same data as holotype. ��� CMK 23320, 25, 25.7���76.0 mm SL; Houay Namkong, a creek tributary of Xe Namnoy; 14��58���14���N 106��33���44���E; 755 masl; M. Kottelat & T. Phommavong, 12 January 2013. ��� CMK 23337, 5, 18.4���59.6 mm SL; Houay Xoy, a creek tributary of Xe Namnoy; 14��56���49���N 106��35���02���E; 771 masl; M. Kottelat & T. Phommavong, 14 January 2013. ��� CMK 23361, 1, 68.6 mm SL; unnamed creek on road from Tayerkseua to Ban Namtouad; 15��06���32���N 106��35���31���E; 838 masl; M. Kottelat & T. Phommavong, 15 January 2013. ��� CMK 22363, 1, 51.0 mm SL; Xe Namnoy at bridge downstream of dam site; 15��03���28���N 106��36���10���E; 708 masl; M. Kottelat et al., 22 January 2011. Additional material (non types). CMK 24737, 2 (ethanol fxed); Laos: Champasak Province: Bolaven Plateau: Xe Namnoy, frst rapids downstream of dam site; 15��01���38���N 106��36���16���E; 833 masl; M. Kottelat & T. Phommavong, 13 January 2013. Diagnosis. Schistura klydonion is distinguished from the other species of the genus in Southeast Asia by the following combination of characters: relatively large size (up to at least 76 mm SL); body with a midlateral row of 12���21 bars not reaching the dorsal midline, alternating with a middorsal row of saddles or small blotches, and leaving a pale zigzag line between the two rows; lips with a few sparsely set papillae; and black pattern at base of caudal fn made of a vertically elongated blotch, usually with a median constriction at level of lateral line, and a smaller black blotch at base of upper simple and 2���3 posterior procurrent rays, sometimes also a patch of brown pigments on base of lower unbranched and posterior procurrent rays. Additional diagnostic characters, not unique to the species are: 8�� branched dorsal-fn rays; no known sexual dimorphism; axillary pelvic lobe rudimentary or small, free; marked dorsal and ventral keels on posterior half of caudal peduncle; depth of caudal peduncle 1.1���1.5 times in its length; pelvic-fn origin about under dorsal-fn origin; 9+8 branched caudal-fn rays; no median notch in upper lip; lateral line complete. Description. See Figs. 13���15 for general appearance and Table 2 for morphometric data of holotype and 10 paratypes. An elongate nemacheiline with body depth slowly increasing up to slightly in front of dorsal-fn origin. Behind dorsal fn, body depth almost uniform until shortly in front of caudal-fn base, then increasing to caudal-fn base. Dorsal profle continuous between head and body. Head slightly depressed; body slightly compressed anteriorly to compressed posteriorly. Interorbital area fat. In lateral view, eye fushed with or slightly protruding over dorsal profle of head. Cheeks not swollen. Snout pointed but rounded at tip. Depth of caudal peduncle 1.1���1.5 times in its length, deeper posteriorly. Marked dorsal keel on posterior fourth of post-dorsal area (posterior half of caudal peduncle) and ventral keel on posterior half of caudal peduncle. Dorsal keel continuous with upper margin of caudal fn. Largest recorded size 76.0 mm SL. Dorsal fn with 4 unbranched and 8�� branched rays; distal margin slightly convex; second branched ray longest. Pectoral fn with 1 unbranched and 9 (7*) or 10 (4) branched rays (including small last ray, usually unbranched), rounded, reaching about halfway to pelvic-fin base; no ray with flamentous extension. Pelvic fn with 1 unbranched and 7 branched rays (including small last ray, usually unbranched); reaching almost to anus; rounded; posterior margin convex; origin at vertical through dorsal-fn origin or below base of unbranched dorsal-fn rays 2���3. Axillary pelvic lobe present, rudimentary to small, free. Anus situated about 1.5���2 eye diameters in front of anal fn, behind posterior extremity of pelvic-fn. Anal fn with 3 unbranched and 5�� branched rays; distal margin convex. Caudal fn with 9+8 branched rays; emarginate, lobes rounded, subequal. Body entirely scaled. Scales embedded, more deeply in anterior part. Lateral line complete, with 78���92 pores. Cephalic lateral line system with 6 supraorbital, 4 + 10���12 infraorbital, 9���10 preoperculo-mandibular and 3 supratemporal pores. Anterior nostril pierced in front side of a pointed fap-like tube. Posterior nostril adjacent to anterior one, about same size. Mouth strongly arched, gape about 2���2.5 times wider than long (Fig. 16). Lips thick, with sparsely-set, small papillae. Upper lip without median notch (small notch in one individual), with a few furrows near corner of mouth, edge smooth. crenulated. Processus dentiformis present. Lower lip with narrow median interruption; median part with 2���3 sulci, lateral part with a few shallow ridges. Tip of lower jaw not exposed. A shallow median concavity in lower jaw. Barbels with sparsely set papillae similar to those on lips. Inner rostral barbel reaching corner of mouth; outer one reaching vertical of anterior margin of eye. Maxillary barbel reaching middle of postorbital area. Intestine with a loop immediately behind stomach (Fig. 17). Air bladder without posterior chamber in abdominal cavity. Sexual dimorphism. None observed. Colouration. About 3 weeks after fxation. Head and body background colour pale greyish brown, throat and belly whitish; except otherwise stated, markings dark grey to black. Head with a few spots on top and interorbital area. Body with 12���21 bars (4���7 predorsal, 2���4 subdorsal, 6���10 postdorsal), regular in most specimens, slightly wider than interspaces. Bars extending on about median �� of body depth, reaching downwards to level of pectoral fns, behind pelvic fns reaching close to ventral midline but not continuous with contralaterals. Anterior bars only slightly wider than posterior ones in specimens with numerous bars (for example holotype; Fig. 13) and wider in specimens with few anterior bars (maybe equivalent to 2 bars) (Figs. 14 a, 15c). A row of saddles alternating with bars, leaving a narrow pale line zigzagging between row of saddles and row of bars. Saddles regular (especially in specimens with few bars; Fig. 14 a), sometimes divided into spots (especially in specimens with many bars in anterior part of body; Fig. 13), sometimes irregular and occasionally connected with some bars (Fig. 14 c). A conspicuous black blotch on caudal fn base, vertically elongated, occupying about middle third, usually with a constriction at level of lateral line (Fig. 13). A smaller black blotch at base of upper simple ray and 2���3 posterior procurrent rays. Both blotches more or less extensively covered by superfcial brown pigments. Sometimes also a patch of superfcial brown pigments on base of lower unbranched ray and posterior procurrent rays (Fig. 14 b). A triangular unpigmented area over procurrent rays and adjacent areas of caudal peduncle and unbranched principal rays. A faint inner axial stripe. Dorsal fn hyaline, with blackish pigments along all rays; a black spot at base of simple rays and frst branched ray; an elongated blotch at base of branched rays 2���8, usually dissociated in a subproximal row of diffuse spots on rays; space between these spots hyaline. Caudal fn orange red, with blackish pigments along rays, especially between branches and appearing as two vague, indistinct vertical rows of spots. Anal fin hyaline, with blackish pigments along rays, especially at inner sides of branches. Pelvic fn hyaline, with few blackish pigments along rays. Pectoral fn hyaline, with blackish pigments along dorsal side of rays. In smallest available specimens (less than about 30 mm SL; Fig. 15), adult pattern already distinct, although bars shorter, more rounded, sometimes partly fused to form a very irregular midlateral stripe. Saddles irregular, sometimes fused into an irregular middorsal blotch. Notes on biology. One female (CMK 23344, 66.5 mm SL) had apparently almost ripe ova, about 1.0 mm diameter; another one (CMK 23320, 69.0 mm SL) had apparently more advanced ova, about 1.4 mm diameter. In both, the ovaries were narrow, elongated, and ova were few and on one or two rows. Schistura klydonion was observed in water bodies ranging from small forest streams 2 m wide to the Xe Namnoy main river about 30 m wide, with fast current, riffes and rapids, clear water, over a gravel to rock bottom (Fig. 18). Other species of Schistura collected together with S. klydonion are S. tizardi and S. bolavenensis. Distribution. Schistura klydonion has been observed only in the Xe Namnoy on the Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos. Etymology. From the classical Greek ����υ������������ (klydonion) meaning small wave, ripple, undulation; allusion to the wavy stripe running along the fank between the row of saddles and the row of bars. A noun in apposition. Remarks. The projecting papillae on the lips of S. klydonion have not been observed or reported in other species of Schistura. The colour pattern of S. klydonion made of a midlateral row of bars alternating with a middorsal row of saddles or small blotches, and leaving a pale zigzag line between them is unique among species of Schistura in Southeast Asia. Some individuals of S. colossa (also from Bolaven Plateau, see above) have a colour pattern made of bars that do not reach the dorsal midline, but in this case they are dissociated into an irregular pattern of blotches and do not leave a pale zigzag line. Further, in S. klydonion, the pattern of bars and saddles is quite regular on the whole body at all sizes (vs. becoming irregular in posterior part of body in largest specimens in S. colossa), the head is longer (lateral head length 23.2���25.1% SL, vs. 21.1���23.8), there is no median notch in the upper lip (vs. presence), and the spots at the base of the caudal fn are separated (vs. form a continuous band reaching close to dorsal and ventral midlines). Schistura dalatensis from the Dong Nai drainage in Vietnam has a colour pattern somewhat similar to that of S. klydonion, but it has a midlateral row of irregular blotches instead of the quite regular bars of S. klydonion and the predorsal area is marbled by irregular spots, saddles and bars (Freyhof & Serov, 2001: 151). Besides, in S. klydonion, the dorsal and ventral keels on the caudal peduncle are more developed resulting in the caudal peduncle clearly higher posteriorly (vs. uniform depth; 11.2���13.8% SL, mean 12.6, vs. 9.7���11.5, mean 10.5), the body is deeper anteriorly than behind dorsal fn (vs. depth very uniform from head to caudalfn base; depth at dorsal-fn origin 13.9���17.5% SL, mean 16.2, vs. 12.5���15.3, mean 12.8), lateral line complete (vs. variable, reaching to middle of anal in most specimens). In S. klydonion, there is a vertically elongated black blotch at the middle of caudal-fn base, a blotch at base of upper simple principal ray and sometimes one at the base of the lower one. In S. dalatensis the black marks at caudal-fn base are fused into a continuous bar, including also the spot at the base of the lower simple principal ray, which seems to always be present. In S. klydonion, the juveniles have a midlateral row of elongated blotches and a middorsal row of small saddles, while juveniles S. dalatensis have about 10���12 irregular bars, some reaching the dorsal midline, many widened in a blotch at level of lateral line (morphometric data from Freyhof & Serov, 2001; other characters confrmed on paratypes CMK 15999). Two other species of Schistura have been collected together with S. klydonion: S. tizardi and S. bolavenensis. Schistura tizardi (Fig. 16) has a distinctive appearance, with a fat head, depressed snout, eyes protruding over the dorsal profle, and humped back. Besides, S. klydonion has 12���21 very contrasted bars restricted to the fank (vs. 7���10, not very contrasted and meeting their contralaterals on the back). Schistura klydonion is distinguished from S. bolavenensis (Fig. 17) by its stouter body (depth 13.9���17.5% SL, vs. 12.8���14.6), a stouter caudal peduncle (depth 11.2���13.8% SL, vs. 9.8���12.0; 1.1���1.5 times in its length, vs. 1.5���1.7), a longer head (lateral head length 23.2���25.1% SL, vs. 19.7��� 23.3), no median notch in upper lip (vs. presence), 12���21 bars restricted to the fank (vs. 15���24, meeting their contralateral on back), black pattern at caudal-fn base made of a vertically elongated black blotch at the middle, a small one at the base of the upper simple principal ray and sometimes one at the base of the lower one (vs. blotches fused to form a bar often reaching the dorsal and ventral midlines). Both S. klydonion and S. colossa are endemic to the Bolaven Plateau. Schistura klydonion has been observed only in the Xe Namnoy. Downstream of the waterfalls that border the plateau, the species has not been observed in the Xe Kong foodplain. It was not found in the Houay Makchang Gnai, a tributary of the Xe Namnoy that enters it after a high waterfall. It was also missing in the samples from the Xe Katam, another Xe Namnoy tributaries; the Xe Katam enters the Xe Namnoy on the Xe Kong foodplain, below a high waterfall. Schistura colossa was collected in the Xe Pian on the Bolaven Plateau. The Xe Pian leaves the plateau on the south through a succession of waterfalls. Schistura colossa was not observed downstream of the plateau. A single specimen caught in the Houay Champi and one caught in the Xe Set, both on Bolaven Plateau, cannot be distinguished from the samples from the Xe Pian. The Houay Champi and Xe Set are two tributaries of the Xe Don, which they join after leaving the Bolaven Plateau through waterfalls on the west and on the north, respectively. A single juvenile collected in the Houay Makchang Gnai is tentatively referred to S. colossa. The Houay Makchang Gnai is a tributary of the Xe Namnoy (see above). Schistura colossa has not been observed in the Xe Namnoy itself. Several species present in the Xe Pian are shared with the Houay Makchang Gnai but are missing in the Xe Namnoy (Poropuntius solitus, Glyptothorax forabilis) and vice versa several species present in the Xe Namnoy have not been observed in the Houay Makchang Gnai (P. bolovenensis, P. lobocheiloides, S. klydonion, G. porrectus). This might be an artefact resulting from an insufficient number of sampling sites in the Houay Makchang Gnai; however, it seems easily explained by topography. The Houay Makchang Gnai fows parallel to the Xe Pian, coming as close as 2.5 km apart (near the sampling site of CMK 23443 and near the type locality of S. colossa, respectively). The altitude of the plateau above the respective shores is about 790 masl, and the maximum altitude between them about 820 masl. A third stream (Houay Liang) fows between them, tributary of the Xe Pian, and at one point less than 1 km from the Houay Makchang Gnai; there, around 15��04���36���N 100��32���0 1���E, the altitude difference between the respective shores is about 6 m. A former connection between the Houay Makchang Gnai and the Xe Pian seems therefore a reasonable hypothesis. Although the Houay Makchang Gnai is a tributary of the Xe Namnoy, it reaches it in the gorges descending the plateau and in its last km it descends from about 740 masl to about 600 masl, through rapids and waterfalls. It seems a reasonable hypothesis that the connection is relatively recent and that fshes endemic to the Xe Namnoy are not able to ascend the Houay Mackchang Gnai. An exception is possibly S. bolavenensis known from the Xe Namnoy and Houay Makchang Gnai but not observed in the Xe Pian. The Xe Katam descends from the plateau through a very high waterfall and enters the Xe Namnoy at the foot of the plateau. Similarly, the topography of the plateau shows that there is no geomorphological obstacle to an earlier connection between the Xe Katam and the Houay Makchang Gnai, and the Xe Pian, which may explain the presence of G. forabilis and P. solitus in both rivers and their absence in the Xe Namnoy, and the absence of the Xe Namnoy endemics in the Xe Katam. Rivers on the plateau have been impacted by agriculture (especially coffee plantations), deforestation and smallscale mining. With the abrupt drop of about 700 meters, the plateau is of great interest for hydropower development. A complex scheme is under construction that includes two dams diverting waters from the Houay Makchang-Gnai and Xe Pian to a reservoir created on the Xe Namnoy by a third dam, and from there by a penstock to the Xe Kong. These dams result/will result in severe impacts on the aquatic habitats (inundation of rapids, reduction of volume and velocity of discharge below dams, disturbance of annual cycles, turbidity, siltation, genetic exchanges between watersheds, etc.) (see Kottelat et al., 2012). Two of the known sites of S. colossa are directly impacted (at Xe Pian dam site and near Houay Makchang Gnai dam site); the remaining three known sites are not impacted by this hydropower scheme, are quite distant and are in two other drainages (Xe Set and Houay Champi). Certainly S. colossa is not restricted to these four sites and has a wider distribution in the respective catchments. Still the whole known range is impacted by agriculture and the potential for more hydropower development exists. The decrease in range and habitat quality probably qualifes S. colossa to the Near Threatened category under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria (IUCN, 2001). Schistura klydonion has been observed in the Xe Namnoy mainstream, which will be entirely impacted, and in some of the few headwaters, above the maximum level of the reservoir, presently not much impacted. However, these are small water bodies with limited fow and are not able to support large populations of large adults. The sharp decrease in range, habitat quality and population size probably qualifes S. klydonion to the Endangered or Critically Endangered categories under IUCN criteria (IUCN, 2001)., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2017, Schistura colossa and S. klydonion, two new species of loaches from Bolaven Plateau, southern Laos (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae), pp. 341-356 in Raffles Bulletin Of Zoology 65 on pages 349-355, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.886270, {"references":["Freyhof J & Serov DV (2001) Nemacheiline loaches from Central Vietnam with descriptions of a new genus and 14 new species (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae). 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Zootaxa, 4188(1): 1-92.","Ou C, Montana CG, Winemiller KO & Conway KW (2011) Schistura diminuta, a new miniature loach from the Mekong river drainage of Cambodia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 22(3): 193-200.","Plongsesthee R, Kottelat M & Beamish FWH (2013) Schistura crocotula, a new loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from southern Thailand. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 24(2): 171-178.","Plongsesthee R, Page LM & Beamish FWH (2011) Schistura aurantiaca, a new species from the Mae Khlong basin, Thailand (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 22(2): 169-178.","Prokofiev AM (2004) Revision of the species-complex of Triplophysa labiata with description of a new species, T. kaznakowi sp. n. (Osteichthyes, Balitoridae, Nemacheilinae). Senckenbergiana Biologica, 83(2): 181-208.","Prokofiev AM (2010) Morphological classification of loaches (Nemacheilinae). Journal of Ichthyology, 50(10): 827-913.","Rendahl H (1948) Die Susswasserfische Birmas. I. Die Familie Cobitidae. Arkiv for Zoologi, Ser. A, 40(7): 1-116.","Rendahl H & Vestergren G (1941) Eine neue Art der Gattung Glyptosternon s. str. aus dem nordostliche Birma. Zoologischer Anzeiger, 133: 213-214.","Slechtova V, Bohlen J & Perdices A (2008) Molecular phylogeny of the freshwater fish family Cobitidae (Cypriniformes: Teleostei): delimitation of genera, mitochondrial introgression and evolution of sexual dimorphism. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 47: 812-831.","Vidthayanon C, Saenjundaeng P & Ng HH (2009) Eight new species of the torrent catfish genus Oreoglanis (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Thailand. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 20(2): 127-156."]}

CMK 25507, 1, 54.5 mm SL; Myanmar: Kachin state: Mali Hka River, about 9 km upstream of Kang Mu Lon. ��� CMK 25560, 10, 54.5���77.9 mm SL; Myanmar: Kachin state: Mula River at Lika village, about 0.8 km downriver of Mulashidi., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2017, A new genus and three new species of nemacheilid loaches from northern Irrawaddy drainage, Myanmar (Teleostei: Cypriniformes), pp. 80-99 in Raffles Bulletin Of Zoology 6 on page 97, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.886217

Malihkaia aligera, new species (Figs. 1, 2) Holotype. MHNG 2766.051, male, 65.7 mm SL; Myanmar: Kachin State: Mali Hka River, about 9 km upstream of Kang Mu Lon; 402 masl; 27��25���54���N 97��27���56���E; M. Kottelat, Nyein Chan et al., 26 November 2014. Paratypes. CMK 25508, 2 males, 64.9���73.0, 2 females, 73.1���77.2 mm SL; ZRC 55630, 1 male, 65.9 mm SL; same data as holotype. Diagnosis. See generic diagnosis for characters distinguishing the species from all other nemacheilids. Description. See Figs. 1 & 2 for general appearance and Table 1 for morphometric data of holotype and paratypes. An elongate nemacheilid with body depth increasing until somewhat in front of dorsal-fn origin, then decreasing until posterior extremity of dorsal-fn base. Behind dorsal fn, body depth almost uniform until caudal-fn base. Dorsal profle with a marked hump behind head. Head strongly arched in lateral view, slightly depressed; body slightly compressed anteriorly to very compressed on caudal peduncle. Interorbital area arched. Eye below dorsal profle of head. Head deep, with high cheek. Cheeks not swollen (in both sexes). Snout rounded in dorsal and lateral view. Caudal peduncle 1.3���1.5 times longer than deep, of uniform depth. Low dorsal keel on posterior half of post-dorsal area. Low ventral keel on posterior half of caudal peduncle. Dorsal keel continuous with upper margin of caudal fn. Largest recorded size 77.2 mm SL. Dorsal fn with 4 unbranched and 8�� branched rays; distal margin straight to slightly concave. Second branched ray longest. In frst branched ray, anterior branch not branched a second time, shorter than posterior branch. Pectoral fn with 1 unbranched and 10 branched rays, falcate in males, reaching beyond pelvic-fin base, rounded in females, reaching about two thirds of distance to pelvic-fn base (see diagnosis of genus for more detailed description of pectoral fn; Fig. 4). Pelvic fn with 1 unbranched and 6 (1) or 7 (5*) branched rays, reaching about three-ffths of distance to anal-fn origin (not reaching anus); rounded; posterior margin straight; origin below base of branched dorsal-fn rays 1 to 2. Axillary pelvic lobe present, entirely free. Anus situated about 1.5���2 eye diameter in front of anal fn. Anal fn with 3 unbranched and 5�� branched rays; distal margin straight. Caudal fn with 9+8 branched rays; forked, lobes rounded, lower lobe slightly longer than upper one; upper lobe 1.3���1.5 times longer than median rays. Body entirely scaled except on anterior half of predorsal area and belly in front of pelvic fns. Lateral line complete, with 89���99 pores. Cephalic lateral line system with 6 supraorbital, 4+10���11 infraorbital, 8���9 preoperculo-mandibular and 3 supratemporal pores. Anterior nostril pierced in front side of a pointed fap-like tube. Posterior nostril adjacent to anterior one. Mouth U-shaped, gape about 1.5 times wider than long (Fig. 3). Lips thick, with numerous, closely set, deep furrows. Upper lip with a small median notch, with furrows on its whole length, edge crenulated. Processus dentiformis present. Lower lip with a median interruption; with furrows on its whole length, edge crenulated. Tip of lower jaw not exposed. No median concavity in lower jaw. Inner rostral barbel reaching beyond corner of mouth; outer one reaching vertical of middle of eye. Maxillary barbel reaching beyond posterior margin of eye. Intestine with a loop posterior to stomach (Fig. 5). Air bladder without visible posterior chamber. Sexual dimorphism. Males with suborbital fap; females with neither suborbital fap nor suborbital slit. Pectoral fn rounded in females, strongly falcate in males. In males, unbranched and frst branched rays rigid, arched and curled upwards. First branched ray about 5 times wider than other branched rays, fattened dorso-ventrally, reaching beyond pelvic-fn base; without membrane between the branches and all sub-branches. Second branched ray slender, branched only at tip, membrane between branches very narrow. See diagnosis of genus for more detailed description of pectoral fn of both sexes. Coloration. In formalin, shortly after fixation. Body background colour pale yellowish brown, throat and belly whitish; except otherwise stated, all markings blackish brown to black. Head black, cheek marmorated, lower side whitish. Irregularly set and shaped patches of black pigments on lips, but always a patch on posterior edge of lower lip and on adjacent part of throat. Body with 9���12 bars (3���4 predorsal, 3 subdorsal, 3���5 postdorsal), extending from dorsal midline to level of pectoral fn (or ventral midline on caudal peduncle), mostly continuous over back with contralaterals; bars of quite regular width and shape in front of dorsal fn, less regular posteriorly; much wider than interspaces. A conspicuous more or less squarish black blotch at middle of caudal-fn base, depth about ⅓����� of depth of base of fn. A more or less triangular black blotch over dorsal procurrent rays, including dorsal midline. Fainter pigments over base of uppermost and lowermost 4���6 principal rays of caudal fin, making a slightly elongated, arched mark, variably contrasted, and variably connected with other two blotches. Space between upper triangular blotch and last bar on body somewhat reddish. Axial stripe faint, or not distinct except on caudal peduncle where darker and wider, combining with blotch at middle of caudal-fn base to make a larger and more conspicuous blotch. Dorsal fn hyaline, no pigments on membranes, with a small black spot at base of unbranched rays and middle and distal parts of last unbranched ray black; pigments on rays at branching points and on middle of unbranched part of frst branched rays (and branched rays 2���4 in largest specimens). Caudal fn hyaline, with pigments between segments of branched rays and near branching points. Anal fn hyaline, with pigments near branching points of branched rays. Pelvic fin hyaline, with pigments along rays and near branching points of branched rays. Pectoral fin with membranes hyalines, pigments on rays, darker along posterior edge of branched rays 2���10. In males, unbranched and frst branched rays more or less completely covered by pigments, on dorsal side, on whole length; identical in females, but pigments less densely set. Notes on biology. The two females did not have ripe ovaries. The stomach contained unidentifable insect remains. Distribution and habitat. Malihkaia aligera has been observed only once, in the Mali Hka River near Putao. It was collected over gravel and cobble, in fast riffes, in about 60 cm depth (Fig. 6). Other species collected in the same microhabitat at this locality include Bangana sp., Garra sp. (Cyprinidae), Psilorhynchus brachyrhynchus (Psilorhynchidae), Homalopteroides rupicola (Balitoridae), Acanthocobitis sp., Schistura malaisei, S. nubigena, S. sikmaiensis (Nemacheilidae), Batasio procerus (Bagridae), Amblyceps murraystuarti (Amblycipitidae), Pseudecheneis brachyurus (Sisoridae) and Mastacembelus armatus (Mastacembelidae). Schistura malaisei and Homalopteroides rupicola were the most abundant species. Etymology. From the Latin aliger (aligera, aligerum), winged. An adjective. Remarks. The colour pattern of the six available specimens of M. aligera is made of very regular bars on body, with very well marked edges, on a pale background. This general pattern is rare among Southeast Asian nemacheilids. Interestingly, one of the species collected together with M. aligera is Schistura sikmaiensis, which also has a regular and contrasted colour pattern (Fig. 7). A third species collected at the same locality is S. nubigena (described below), which has a sharply contrasted colour pattern of 4 bold black bars on a whitish background. Finally, S. wanlainensis, also described below, from the same area but at higher altitude and habitat with higher gradient, also has a very contrasted colour pattern of very regular bars on a pale background., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2017, A new genus and three new species of nemacheilid loaches from northern Irrawaddy drainage, Myanmar (Teleostei: Cypriniformes), pp. 80-99 in Raffles Bulletin Of Zoology 6 on pages 85-87, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.886217

Malihkaia, new genus Type species. Malihkaia aligera, new species (Figs. 1���2). Diagnosis. Malihkaia is distinguished from all other genera of nemacheilids by the unique morphology of the lips and the unique pectoral fn sexual dimorphism. Lips thick, with numerous, closely set, deep furrows (Fig. 3). Upper lip with a small median notch, with transverse furrows on its whole length, edge crenulated. Lower lip with a median interruption; with transverse furrows on its whole length, edge crenulated. In the male, the pectoral fn is strongly falcate (Fig. 2). The unbranched ray is fexible and shaped as in other species of Nemacheilidae. The frst branched ray is rigid, arched and curled upwards (Fig. 4). It is about 5 times wider than the other branched rays. It is fattened dorso-ventrally and very elongate, reaching beyond pelvic-fn base. It is frst branched at about midlength. The posterior main branch is thicker than the anterior main branch; it is branched again twice, the third branching about at distal one-sixth of the ray. The anterior branch is branched again only once, in a position intermediate to that of branching points 2 and 3 of posterior main branch. There is no membrane between all the branches and sub-branches, but there is a membrane around the tip of the ray. The second and third branched rays are very slender, branched only at their distal third, the anterior branch is thicker than the posterior one and it is branched again once; the posterior branch has no sub-branches. The membrane between the branches is very narrow. The spaces and relative ���depth��� of the branching increase regularly in the following rays. The fourth and following branched rays have two branches that are each branched once. There is some variation in the branching apparently related to size and small injuries; the above is based on intact fns. The lower surface of the unbranched ray and the unbranched part of frst branched ray and the membrane between the three frst rays are covered by an unculiferous pad (Conway et al., 2012), thickest under the frst branched ray. There are also pads under the membranes between the other rays, but less developed. There also are granulations (unculi?) on the dorsal surface of the rays and thickened tissue on the membranes. In females, the pectoral fn is rounded; there are unculiferous pads under the rays, thickest under the unbranched and frst branched ones, decreasing in extant and thickness posteriorly. The unbranched ray is thicker than the following rays and rigid; dorsally, the membrane between the frst two rays is thickened. The frst branched ray is thickened but fexible, round in cross-section, thicker than the following rays; the anterior branch is unbranched. The posterior branch is branched once, the anterior sub-branch is unbranched and the posterior one branched again. In the second branched ray, the anterior branch is unbranched and the posterior branch is branched again. The remaining rays are all branched twice as in other nemacheilids. There is some little variation in the branching, related with small injuries and regrowth; the above is based on one intact fn on each female. In both sexes, in both pelvic and pectoral fns, the anterior edge of the unbranched ray has a thick tissue cover. In both sexes, the pelvic fn has thickened tissue on membranes between the unbranched ray and branched rays 1���3, dorsally and ventrally, also covering part of these rays ventrally. Additional characters useful to distinguish the genus are: processus dentiformis present; suborbital fap present in males; 8�� branched dorsal-fn rays; 9+8 branched caudal-fn rays; axillary pelvic lobe present; anus situated about 1.5���2 eye diameter in front of anal fn; body entirely scaled; lateral line complete; air bladder without posterior chamber; body with 9���12 bars extending from dorsal midline to level of pectoral fn, bars of quite regular width and shape in front of dorsal fin, less regular posteriorly, much wider than interspaces; and black mark at caudal-fn base made of a more or less squarish blotch in middle of base, a more or less triangular blotch over dorsal procurrent rays, fainter pigments over base of uppermost and lowermost 4���6 principal rays of caudal fn. Etymology. Named for Mali Hka River, where the type species was discovered. Gender feminine. Remarks. The deeply furrowed lower lip of Malihkaia aligera is unique in South and Southeast Asian Nemacheilidae. Acanthocobitis (including Paracanthocobitis, see Kottelat, 2012b: 74, 2013: 198) has papillated lips (Kottelat, 1990, 2012a). On the upper lip, the papillae are organised in several rows; on the lower lip there is a broad median interruption and, on each side, a widened, strongly papillated pad, covered by papillae. Species of Acanthocobitis also have a very different colour pattern, made of obliquely organised bars, usually of irregular shape and organisation. All species of Acanthocobitis have a small black spot (sometime ocellated) at the upper extremity of the base of the caudal fn. Finally, species of Acanthocobitis have a longer dorsal fn, with 9���18�� branched rays. In Nemacheilidae, the deeply furrowed lips are otherwise known only in some species of Labiatophysa, Triplophysa and Tarimichthys, all endemic to the Tibetan plateau, the Tarim and adjacent endorheic basins in China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and adjacent waters. These genera are distinguished, among others, by the absence of scales (most species), males with densely set unculi on the side of the head below the eye and on the dorsal surface of anterior pectoral-fn rays (Prokofev, 2004, 2010). Cobitiforms have developed a great variety of sexual dimorphism, but most of it associated with the pectoral fns and involving thickening and modifcation of rays (see, e.g., ��lechtov�� et al., 2008 for sexual dimorphism in Cobitis and related genera; Kottelat & Lim, 1992 for Lepidocephalichthys; Kottelat & Tan, 2008 for Kottelatlimia and Acantopsis; Kottelat, 1990 for Indochinese Nemacheilidae; Bohlen & ��lechtov��, 2011 for Pteronemacheilus); sexual dimorphism may also involve, for example, thickening of parts of the body (e.g., in Sabanejewia, Kottelat & Freyhof, 2007) or vertical torsion of the caudal peduncle (in Microcobitis; pers. obs., unpubl.). The modifed pectoral fn of male M. aligera seems unique in Nemacheilidae but is very reminiscent of what is observed in some Cobitidae, especially species of Acantopsis. In Acantopsis, the branches of the frst branched ray are in contact and there is no membrane between them and the ray is covered by a dense layer of unculi (pers. obs.; Kottelat & Tan, 2008). In Kottelatlimia, the frst branched ray is branched only at the tip and may appear as an unbranched ray (Kottelat & Tan, 2008). A curled pectoral fn in males is observed in Cobitidae in Acantopsis and Pangio (e.g., Kottelat & Tan, 2008; Kottelat & Lim, 1993) but has not been reported in Nemacheilidae before., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2017, A new genus and three new species of nemacheilid loaches from northern Irrawaddy drainage, Myanmar (Teleostei: Cypriniformes), pp. 80-99 in Raffles Bulletin Of Zoology 6 on pages 81-84, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.886217, {"references":["Conway KW, Lujan NK, Lundberg JG, Mayden RL & Siegel DS (2012) Microanatomy of the paired-fn pads of ostariophysan fshes (Teleostei: Ostariophysi). Journal of Morphology, 273: 1127 - 1149.","Kottelat M (2012 b) Conspectus cobitidum: an inventory of the loaches of the world (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cobitoidea). Raffes Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement 26: 1 - 199.","Kottelat M (1990) Indochinese nemacheilines. A revision of nemacheiline loaches (Pisces: Cypriniformes) of Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and southern Vietnam. Pfeil, Munchen, 262 pp.","Kottelat M (2012 a) Acanthocobitis pictilis, a new species of loach from Myanmar and Thailand (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Zootaxa, 3327: 45 - 52.","Prokofiev AM (2004) Revision of the species-complex of Triplophysa labiata with description of a new species, T. kaznakowi sp. n. (Osteichthyes, Balitoridae, Nemacheilinae). Senckenbergiana Biologica, 83 (2): 181 - 208.","Prokofiev AM (2010) Morphological classification of loaches (Nemacheilinae). Journal of Ichthyology, 50 (10): 827 - 913.","Slechtova V, Bohlen J & Perdices A (2008) Molecular phylogeny of the freshwater fish family Cobitidae (Cypriniformes: Teleostei): delimitation of genera, mitochondrial introgression and evolution of sexual dimorphism. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 47: 812 - 831.","Kottelat M & Lim KKP (1992) A synopsis of the Malayan species of Lepidocephalichthys, with descriptions of two new species (Teleostei: Cobitidae). Raffes Bulletin of Zoology, 40 (2): 201 - 220.","Kottelat M & Tan HH (2008) Kottelatlimia hipporhynchos, a new species of loach from southern Borneo (Teleostei: Cobitidae). Zootaxa, 1967: 63 - 72.","Bohlen J & Slechtova V (2011) A new genus and two new species of loaches (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Myanmar. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters 22 (1): 1 - 10.","Kottelat M & Freyhof J (2007) Handbook of European freshwater fshes. Kottelat, Cornol & Freyhof, Berlin, xiv + 646 pp.","Kottelat M & Lim KKP (1993) A review of the eel-loaches of the genus Pangio (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from the Malay peninsula, with descriptions of six new species. Raffes Bulletin of Zoology, 41 (2): 203 - 249."]}

Schistura nubigena, new species (Figs. 8���10) Holotype. MHNG 2766.052, 33.6 mm SL; Myanmar: Kachin state: Mali Hka River, about 9 km upstream of Kang Mu Lon; 402 masl; 27��25���54���N 97��27���56���E; M. Kottelat, Nyein Chan et al., 26 November 2014. Paratypes. CMK 25509, 11, 19.5���38.7 mm SL; same data as holotype. Diagnosis. Schistura nubigena is distinguished from all other species of the genus by its unique colour pattern made of 4 black bars in juveniles that evolve into 8 bars, more or less fused on the fank and the back to leave only 2 series of pale yellowish spots in the predorsal area and 4 narrow transverse bands in subdorsal and postdorsal areas. Although not unique, the following characters help to identify the species: incomplete lateral line, reaching at most to above pelvic-fn base; two vertically elongated blotches on proximal extremity of all rays of caudal fn (one blotch per lobe); no observed sexual dimorphism; 8�� branched dorsal rays. Description. See Figs. 8���10 for general appearance and Table 2 for morphometric data of holotype and three largest paratypes. A moderately elongate nemacheilid with body depth slowly increasing up to about above tip of pectoral fn. Behind dorsal fn, body depth decreasing slowly to caudal-fn base. Dorsal profle with a small concavity between head and body. Head slightly compressed; body slightly compressed anteriorly to compressed posteriorly. Interorbital area slightly convex. In lateral view, eye below or fushed with dorsal profle of head. Cheeks not swollen. Snout rounded in dorsal and lateral view. Caudal peduncle depth 1.6���2.0 times in its length, of uniform depth. Low dorsal crest on posterior half of post-dorsal area. Low ventral crest on entire length of caudal peduncle. Dorsal crest continuous with upper margin of caudal fn. Largest recorded size 38.7 mm SL. Dorsal fn with 4 unbranched and 8�� branched rays; distal margin straight to slightly concave. Second branched ray longest. Pectoral fn with 1 unbranched or 8 (3*) and 9 (1) branched rays (including small last rays, usually unbranched), rounded, reaching about two thirds of distance to pelvic-fn base. No axillary pectoral lobe. Pelvic fn with 1 unbranched and 6 branched rays; reaching to anus; falcate, posterior margin rounded; origin below base of fourth unbranched or frst branched dorsal-fn ray. Axillary pelvic lobe present, entirely free. Anus situated about 1 eye diameter in front of anal fn. Anal fn with 3 unbranched and 5�� branched rays; distal margin straight. Caudal fn with 9+8 branched rays; forked, lobes rounded, lower lobe slightly longer than upper one. Body entirely covered by scales, except nape and predorsal area, and belly in front of anal fn. Scales deeply embedded. Lateral line incomplete, reaching between tip of pectoral fn and pelvic-fn origin, with 19���31 pores (number apparently increasing with increasing size). Cephalic lateral line system with 6 supraorbital, 4+11 infraorbital, 9 preoperculomandibular and 3 supratemporal pores. Anterior nostril pierced in front side of a pointed fap-like tube. Posterior nostril adjacent to anterior one. Mouth U-shaped, gape about 2 times wider than long (Fig. 11). Lips thin but feshy. Upper lip without median notch, with numerous shallow furrows on whole length, edge fnely crenulated. Processus dentiformis present. Lower lip with wide median notch; median part with 2���4 sulci, lateral parts smooth. Tip of lower jaw exposed. No median notch or concavity in lower jaw. Inner rostral barbel reaching slightly beyond base of outer one; outer one reaching slightly beyond base of maxillary barbel. Maxillary barbel reaching almost vertical of posterior margin of eye. Intestine straight behind stomach (Fig. 12). Air bladder without free posterior chamber. Sexual dimorphism. None of the characters associated with sexual dimorphism in other nemacheilids have been observed in S. nubigena. Coloration. After fixation in formalin. Head and body background colour pale yellowish grey; throat, belly and lower part of caudal peduncle whitish; except otherwise stated, all markings dark brown to black. Top of head and opercle dark brown. A white squarish patch between tip of snout and nostrils; a few smaller, less sharply marked pale spots on top of head. Body with 4 bars (behind head, below dorsal-fn origin, below end of dorsal-fn base and on caudal peduncle). Bars continuous across back with contralaterals, not reaching down to level of pectoral fin. Bars slightly wider than interspaces in small specimens (less than about 22 mm SL; Fig. 9 b), becoming wider with increasing size. Bars wider on dorsal midline and at lower extremity. In many specimens bars appearing divided vertically with a paler median area (Fig. 9 e). Some or all bars maybe in contact at lower and upper extremities. In largest specimen, all bars appearing as vertically split in two (total 8 bars; Fig. 10), and all fused along fank in a broad milateral stripe, predorsal bars also merged on back, leaving only two longitudinal rows of 3 yellowish spots. Interspace between subdorsal and postdorsal bars persisting as 4 narrow transverse band; an additional one between head and frst fank bar. In most specimens, posteriormost bar more irregular than others, with lower posterior corner projecting towards ventral midline and caudal-fn base (Fig. 9 b���e), and in two specimens appearing as a separate blotch. Black marks at caudal-fn base appearing as two vertically elongated deep black blotches, one covering proximal extremity of all branched rays of lower lobe, and one on all those of upper lobe (best seen on Fig. 9 c). Two posterior dorsal procurrent rays black. Overimposed on upper extremity of lower black blotch, a small patch of less dense pigments, oriented diagonally upwards forwards. In larger specimens, this last patch may be connected to lower posterior extension of posterior bar, leaving a pair of large roundish white blotches (paler than rest of yellowish background colour; Figs. 9 d, e, 10f). A faint inner axial stripe visible in few specimens. Dorsal fn with hyaline membranes and a dark patch along anterior half of base, above subdorsal bar; an elongate patch of black pigments at midlength of last unbranched ray and near frst branching of branched rays. Caudal fn with hyaline membranes, and pigments along all rays and between all segments. Anal and pelvic fn membranes and rays hyaline. Pectoral fin membranes and rays hyaline; in largest specimens (33.6, 38.7 mm SL; Figs. 8, 10), an elongate patch of pigment near branching of branched rays 1���4, on dorsal side only. Distribution. Schistura nubigena has been observed only once, in the Mali Hka River near Putao. It was collected over gravel and cobble, in fast riffles (Fig. 6) together with Malihkaia aligera; see under that species for more information. Diagnosis. Schistura wanlainensis is distinguished from all other species placed in Schistura in Southeast Asia by its unique colour pattern of a pale yellowish to pale grey background with 18���32 narrow, regularly shaped black bars, extending from dorsal midline and reaching downwards to below level of pectoral fn, continuous over back with contralaterals in most specimens, wider than interspaces anteriorly, narrower than interspaces on caudal peduncle; some of anterior bars fused at their dorsal extremity. Additional characters useful to identify the species (but not unique) are: black pattern at base of caudal fn made of a vertically elongated blotch at middle of base, and a smaller blotch at its dorsal and ventral extremities (blotches contiguous in one specimen); 8�� branched dorsal-fn rays; caudal fn forked; caudal peduncle depth 1.2���1.5 times in its length; very low dorsal and ventral crests on caudal peduncle; lips thick, feshy; upper lip with median notch; lower lip with narrow median interruption, with numerous furrows; processus dentiformis present, feebly marked, very wide (more than half of mouth gape); largest recorded size 91.8 mm SL; and females with a suborbital slit (males unknown but expected to have a suborbital fap). Etymology. From the Latin adjective nubigenus, -a, -um, who engenders clouds, a reference to the white spots on the back resulting from the partial fusion of the bars (nubigena is also a noun meaning cloud-born, but this is not the meaning used here). Remarks. Schistura nubigena has a colour pattern made of 4 black bars in juveniles that evolve into 8 bars, more or less fused on the fank and the back to leave only 2 series of pale yellowish spots in the predorsal area and 4 narrow transverse bands in subdorsal and postdorsal areas. This colour pattern, and its ontogeny, has not been reported for any named species of nemacheilid in Southeast and South Asia., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2017, A new genus and three new species of nemacheilid loaches from northern Irrawaddy drainage, Myanmar (Teleostei: Cypriniformes), pp. 80-99 in Raffles Bulletin Of Zoology 6 on pages 88-92, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.886217

Speolabeo, new genus, is established for Bangana musaei, a fish from caves in the Khammouan Karst in Laos. It was originally tentatively placed in the genus Bangana s.l. Besides characters related to hypogean life (absence of eyes, absence of pigment resulting in a whitish body), it is distinguished from all species of Bangana s.l. in having only 7–8½ branched dorsal-fin rays, the pelvic-fin at the vertical between the first unbranched and first branched dorsal-fin rays, and details of mouth morphology.

Barbus niluferensis, new species, is described from the Nilüfer River, Marmara Sea drainage, Turkey. It is distinguished by a weaker last simple dorsal-fin ray, serrated along the proximal half of its posterior margin, a maximum known size of 146 mm SL, a slender body, a short head, a short caudal fin, and larger irregular black blotches on the back and the flanks, and small black spots on the head, extending downwards to the cheeks. Barbus oligolepis Battalgil, 1941, is a valid species known from the rivers draining to the southern shore of the Marmara Sea.

Amblyrhynchichthys micracanthus sp. n. is described from the Mekong, Chao Phraya, Mae Khlong and Tapi river drainages in Indochina (mainland Southeast Asia). It can be distinguished from its only congener, A. truncatus, in having a more truncate snout (with a straight vs. gently rounded lateral profile), shorter dorsal spine (15.5-25.7 %SL vs. 26.7-29.9), smaller eye when similar-sized individuals of larger than ca. 70 mm SL are compared (28.7-34.9 %HL vs. 32.7-36.3), and fewer gill rakers (34-37 vs. 39-40).

Schistura epixenos, new species, is described from the Nakai Plateau in Laos. It is distinguished from its congeners in Southeast Asia with a pattern of dark brown bars on a pale brown background by a combination of characters including, among others, a slender body, body with 13–17 bars reaching downwards to the level of the pectoral fin, a complete lateral line, scales present in the predorsal area, and the pelvic-fin origin below the dorsal-fin origin.

Acanthocobitis pictilis, new species, is described from the Ataran drainage in Myanmar and the Mae Khlong drainage inThailand. It had earlier been misidentified as A. rubidipinnis. It is distinguished by, among other characters, its colour pat-tern, especially the dark brown triangular saddles in the upper half of the body, strongly slanted anteriorly and becomingalmost vertical posteriorly, becoming paler in the middle, and forming pairs of narrow saddles in large individuals; lateralline complete; 12 ½ or 13 ½ branched dorsal-fin rays. Acanthocobitis mandalayensis is a valid species, removed from the synonymy of A. botia.

Kottelat, Maurice (2012): Draconectes narinosus, a new genus and species of cave fish from an island of Halong Bay, Vietnam (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Revue suisse de Zoologie 119 (3): 341-349, DOI: 10.5962/bhl.part.150197, URL: http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/part/150197

Kottelat, Maurice (2012): Rasbora rheophila, a new species of fish from northern Borneo (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Revue suisse de Zoologie 119 (1): 77-87, DOI: 10.5962/bhl.part.150144, URL: http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/part/150144

Balantiocheilos melanopterus: CAS 49188 (3), 80.6-133.3 mm SL; Borneo: Kalimantan Barat, lower part of Sungai Kebian, a large forested stream flowing into Kapuas mainstream 5 km upstream from confluence of Sungai Melawi, 0��7'N111��32'E. CAS-SU 34658 (8), 133.8-168.1 mm SL; ZRC 1767 (2), 144.5-177.4 mm SL; ZRC 2138 (2), 63.6-140.0 mm SL; Malaysia: Perak, Chenderoh Dam. UMMZ 70662 (1), 85.4 mm SL; Sumatra: Jambi. UMMZ 155659 (1), 128.4 mm SL; Sumatra: Palembang. ZRC 8145 (1), 116.2 mm SL; Malaysia: Pahang, Tasek Chini., Published as part of Heok Hee Ng & Maurice Kottelat, 2007, Balantiocheilos ambusticauda, a new and possibly extinct species of cyprinid fish from Indochina (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)., pp. 13-20 in Zootaxa 1463 on page 19

Balantiocheilos ambusticauda sp. nov. is described from the Mekong and Chao Phraya river drainages in Indochina (mainland Southeast Asia). It can be distinguished from its only congener, B. melanopterus, in having a shorter snout (27.5–33.9% HL vs. 33.2–39.1), posteriorly directed grooves at rictus curved (vs. straight), and narrower black margins on the pelvic and anal fins (on distal third or less vs. on distal half or more). The possibility that B. ambusticauda is extinct is also discussed.

Psilorhynchus pseudecheneis. BMNH 1958.9.1.10, 2, 65.5-103.5 mm SL; Nepal: Dhankuta District, Mewa Khola.KU 29517, 37 (3 c&s), 44.3-78.3 mm SL; Nepal: Sankhuwasabha, Arun River at confluence of Num and Kokta Rivers, 1 hour walk East of Num.KU 29519, 12 (3 c&s), 32.6-36.0 mm SL; Nepal: Sankhuwasbha /Bhojpur, Arun River at Manakaamana, 1 hour walk upstream from Tumlimgtar.USUM 327771, 2, 72.0-78.7 mm SL; India: Dudh Kosi.USNM 327772, 1, 64.6 mm SL; India: Manipur., Published as part of Kevin W. Conway & Maurice Kottelat, 2007, A new species of Psilorhynchus (Teleostei: Psilorhynchidae) from the Ataran River Basin, Myanmar, with comments on the generic name Psilorhynchoides., pp. 47-57 in Zootaxa 1663 on page 48

Schistura papulifera, new species, is described from a cave of the Synrang Pamiang system, Meghalaya State, India. It is distinguished from all other known species of Schistura in having the lower half of the head covered by small skin projections and 5 pores in the supratemporal canal of the cephalic lateral-line system. In addition, it has a white body and vestigial eyes. The closest epigean relative of S. papulifera has not yet been identified due to the lack of survey and usable data. The identity of the cave nemacheiline from Siju Cave is briefly discussed, but this remains inconclusive, again due to the lack of material and usable data.

Psilorhynchus robustus, new species Figure 1 Holotype. ZRC 51111, 60.3 mm SL; Myanmar: Kayin [Karen] State: stream ���Chon Son��� between Kyondaw and Phadaw, about 20km northwest of Payathouzu (at border with Thailand). K. Kubota, December 2002. Paratypes. CMK 17773, 1, 54.8 mm SL; same data as holotype; ZRC 51113, 10; 53.3���66.1 mm SL; CMK 17941, 32 (3 cleared and stained); 49.1���68.1 mm SL; same data as holotype, March 2003. Diagnosis: Psilorhynchus robustus is most similar to P. gracilis and P. balitora in overall body shape, meristics and colour pattern. It is distinguished from both species by the presence of a large dark blotch situated posterodorsally to opercle opening, extending along lateral-line scales 3���6 (vs. absence) and in having upper lip separated from the rostral cap by a shallow groove (vs. upper lip separated from rostral cap by a deep groove). It is further distinguished from P. gracilis by a greater mouth width (28���31 % HL vs. 20���25), head width (67���73 % HL vs. 56���61), head depth (55���58 % HL vs. 46���50), pre-pelvic distance (53���56 % SL vs. 47���50), pre-anal distance (78���83 % SL vs. 76���79), and caudal peduncle width (5���6 % SL vs. 3���4). Psilorhynchus robustus is distinguished from P. arunachalensis, P. homaloptera, P. microphthalmus, P. pseudecheneis and P. s u c a t i o in having 9 branched dorsal fin rays (vs. 8). It is further distinguished from P. microphthalmus, P. arunachalensis, P. homaloptera and P. pseudecheneis by the lower number of unbranched pectoral rays (5 vs. 7 in P. microphthalmus, 8���9 in P. arunachalensis and P. homaloptera and 9���10 in P. pseudecheneis) and lateral line scales (32���34 vs. 39���40 in P. microphthalmus, 42���44 in P. arunachalensis, 43���44 in P. homaloptera and 46���48 in P. pseudecheneis) and from P. homaloptera and P. pseudecheneis by a greater body depth (19���23 % SL vs. 10���15 in P. homaloptera and 13���16 in P. pseudecheneis) and head depth (55���58 % HL vs. 41���45.5 in P. homaloptera and 38���42 in P. pseudecheneis). Description: General body shape as in Figure 1. Morphometric and meristic data are listed in Tables 1���2. Body high, greatest depth at dorsal-fin origin. Dorsal profile arched, rising gradually to dorsal-fin origin, sloping steeply towards caudal peduncle. Ventral profile straight, from lower jaw to caudal-fin base. Dorsal fin with iii. 9 rays. Anal fin with ii. 6 rays. Branched caudal-fin rays 8-9 + 8-9 (8 + 8 in holotype), dorsal procurrent rays 5 or 6, ventral procurrent rays 6. Pelvic-fin rays ii. 7 pectoral-fin rays v. 11���12. Total number of vertebrae 34���35, consisting of 18 + 16 (1) or 19 + 16 (1). Head and eye large, mouth inferior, snout rounded, ventral surface bordered by a deep longitudinal groove on each side. Rostral cap and upper lip fused, separated only by a narrow, shallow groove. Lower jaw covered by a thick squarish 'cushion' that can be folded backwards. 'Cushion' composed of two adnate tissue layers: a deeper layer, the lower lip, smooth, not continuous with upper lip around corner of mouth; and a superficial layer, papillated, thick, continuous with skin of isthmus and connected with rostral cap by a narrow strip of skin around corner of mouth, extended posteriorly and broadened as a flat, slightly papillated skin fold at posterolateral most corner of mouth (Fig. 2 a). Large pre-epiphysial and post-epiphysial fontanelle. Five infraorbital bones (IO 1-5); IO 1-3 platelike; IO 4-5 reduced in width, comprised of sensory canal only. Gill membranes joined to isthmus. Fifth ceratobranchial with 4 needle-like pharyngeal teeth, arranged in a single row. Swimbladder coated by thick peritoneal tunic, posterior chamber greatly reduced. Anterior chamber partially enclosed in a bony capsule formed anteriorly by lateral process of the 2 nd vertebral centrum and laterally by the outer arm of the os suspensorium. Paired fins horizontally placed. Pectoral fin almost reaching horizontal through dorsal-fin orgin. Pelvicfin origin posterior to dorsal-fin origin, insertion opposite 3 rd branched dorsal-fin ray. Anus positioned between pelvic fins. Caudal fin emarginated, upper lobe slightly longer than lower lobe. Scales large, 32���34 along lateral line, plus 1���2 on base of caudal fin. 3.5 / 1 / 2 transverse scale rows from dorsal-fin origin to pelvicfin origin, 10 around caudal peduncle. Scales absent from ventral surface between pectoral fins. Coloration: In alcohol body background olive. Scales on flanks and dorsal surface edged with dark pigment. Dark pigment between pores of lateral line, forming an indistinct lateral streak. Occiput and dorsal surface of snout dark. Dorsal surface between occiput and dorsal-fin origin with one or two indistinct saddles. Five prominent dark saddles along dorsal surface between dorsal-fin origin and caudal-fin base, first situated at dorsal-fin origin, second between insertions of branched dorsal-fins rays 6���9, third between dorsal-fin and anal-fin origin, fourth directly above anal fin and fifth situated anterior to caudal-fin base. Large dark blotch on flank, situated posterodorsal to opercle opening, extending across lateral line scales 3���6. Unbranched pectoral-fin rays and base of dorsal-fin rays edged with dark pigment. Caudal fin with irregular dark patterning. Peritoneal lining silvery, speckled with dark melanophores. Distribution: Definitively known from headwaters of the Ataran basin in Myanmar (Fig. 3). See Kottelat (2003, 2004) for a more detailed description of the basin. Etymology: From the Latin adjective robustus, meaning strong or robust, in allusion to the overall robust appearance of this species. ...continued. Table 1 continued., Published as part of Conway, Kevin W. & Kottelat, Maurice, 2007, A new species of Psilorhynchus (Teleostei: Psilorhynchidae) from the Ataran River Basin, Myanmar, with comments on the generic name Psilorhynchoides, pp. 47-57 in Zootaxa 1663 on pages 49-54, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.179992, {"references":["Kottelat, M. (2003) Parambassis pulcinella, a new species of glassperch (Teleostei: Ambassidae) from the Ataran River Basin (Myanmar), with comments on the family-group names Ambassidae, Chandidae and Bogodidae. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 14, 9 - 18.","Kottelat, M. (2004) Botia kubotai, a new species of loach (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from the Ataran River basin (Myanmar), with comments on botiine nomenclature and diagnosis of a new genus. Zootaxa, 401, 1 - 18."]}

Psilorhynchus microphthalmus. NSMP-T 46803, paratype, 1, 59.0 mm SL; India: Manipur, 85 km south of Imaphal, Mombi, Manipur River., Published as part of Kevin W. Conway & Maurice Kottelat, 2007, A new species of Psilorhynchus (Teleostei: Psilorhynchidae) from the Ataran River Basin, Myanmar, with comments on the generic name Psilorhynchoides., pp. 47-57 in Zootaxa 1663 on page 48

Balantiocheilos ambusticauda sp. nov. (Fig. 1a) Balantiocheilos melanopterus (non Bleeker) Bleeker, 1865a: 35; 1865b: 176; Sauvage, 1881: 164; Tirant, 1885: [p. 161 of 1929 reprint]); Hora, 1923: 159; Chevey, 1932: 14; Fowler, 1937: 200, Figs. 185-186; Smith, 1945: 206; Taki, 1968: 10; Kottelat, 1985: 260; Rainboth, 1996: 86; Baird et al, 1999: 25; Kottelat, 2001: 38 (not figure [a cultivated specimen]). Type material. Holotype. MHNG 2689.096, 105.1 mm SL; Thailand: Nakhon Sawan province, Bung Borapet; R. Geisler, February 1967. Paratypes. MHNG 2158.45 (3), 102.4-120.9 mm SL; data as for holotype. ANSP 87831 (3), 52.6-54.6 mm SL; Thailand: Kemrat, 16°2'N105°12'E; R. de Schauensee, 1936. ANSP 87209 (2), 110.0-116.6 mm SL; Thailand: Bangkok; R. de Schauensee, 1936. MNHN A6333 (1), 126.0 mm SL; Thailand: Chao Phraya River; M. Harmand, 1883. MNHN 1847 (5), 78.6-107.5 mm SL; Thailand: Bangkok; F. Bocourt, 1862. Diagnosis. Balantiocheilos ambusticauda is distinguished from its sole congener, B. melanopterus (Fig. 1b), in having a shorter snout (27.5-33.9% HL vs. 33.2-39.1) that is rounded (vs. obliquely truncate) in specimens larger than ca. 80 mm SL (Fig. 2), posteriorly directed groove at rictus curved (vs. straight; Fig. 3), and narrower black margins on the pelvic and anal fins (on distal third of both fins or less vs. on distal half or more, with pelvic fins sometimes entirely black). Description. Morphometric data are given in Table 1. Body moderately slender and strongly compressed; scales in transverse lines ½5/1/4½ (1) or ½6/1/4½ (8). Predorsal profile gently sloping dorsally, then sloping gently ventrally from origin of dorsal fin to end of caudal peduncle; predorsal scales 11 (6) or 12 (3). Ventral profile less convex than dorsal profile, sloping gently ventrally to anal-fin origin, then sloping more steeply dorsally from there to end of caudal peduncle. Lateral line complete, with 32+2 (6), 33+2 (2) or 34+3 (1) scales. Scales with strongly convergent radii. Vertebrae 17+14=31 (1), 18+14=32 (4), 17+16=33 (2) or 18+15=33 (2). Head narrow, snout produced, with a rounded tip. Nostrils small and situated in front of eye. More than 50% of eye in anterior half of head, visible from ventral, but not dorsal, aspect. Suborbital bones fairly large, narrowest directly below eye. Mouth subterminal, with well-developed groove separating lips from both upper and lower jaws. Lips thick and fleshy, with numerous longitudinal striae. Upper lip produced, entirely visible from below when mouth is closed. Lower lip with prominent lobe produced posteriorly; lobe deeply incised medially to form chevron-shaped posterior margin, and with short, curved groove extending posteriorly at rictus (Fig. 3). Gill membranes separate at isthmus. First gill arch with 4+7 (3), 5+10 (4) or 6+10 (2) rakers. Gill rakers short, 25% length of opposing filaments on epibranchial and 20% length of opposing filaments on ceratobranchial. Pharyngeal bones stout, with three rows (2,3,5-5,3,2) of hook-shaped, conical teeth. Dorsal fin moderately high, with ii,8½ (9) rays and concave distal margin, sharply pointed at apex; origin slightly anterior to pelvic-fin origin. Tip of adpressed dorsal fin reaching vertical through base of first anal-fin ray. Last unbranched ray longest, osseous proximally; spinous part with 12-15 serrations on posterior edge. Pectoral fin long, with i,12,i (1), i,13,i (4) or i,14,i (4) rays and extending almost to pelvic-fin origin (reaching to 1-2 scale rows anterior to pelvic-fin origin); distal margin slightly convex. Pelvic fin with i,8 (1); i,8,i (1) or i,9 (7) rays, extending to slightly more than midway between pelvic-fin origin and anterior part of anal-fin base; distal margin slightly convex. Anal fin with ii,5½ (9) rays, strongly concave distal margin and last three posterior rays approximately equal in length; when adpressed against body, extending to middle of caudal peduncle. One scale row between urogenital opening and anal-fin origin. Caudal peduncle strongly compressed and moderately long; circumpeduncular scales ½3/1/3½ (9). Caudal fin deeply forked, with i,8,8,i (1) or i,9,8,i (8) rays. Upper and lower caudal lobes pointed; lower lobe slightly longer than upper. Pronounced sexual dimorphism absent. Breeding tubercles absent and body depth between sexes not different. Coloration. Preserved material with a brown body and head. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins hyaline with a thick black margin band. Proximal anterior part of dorsal fin dark brown. Dorsal and ventral margins of upper and lower caudal fin lobes with faint dark band in some individuals. Posterior third of pelvic fin black. Pectoral fin hyaline. Distribution. Lower and middle Mekong and Chao Phraya river drainages in mainland Southeast Asia (Fig. 4). The original distribution of this species included the Chao Phraya River drainage from Bangkok upriver to the lower Nan River (Smith, 1945) and in the Mekong from Vietnam and the Great Lake (Tonle Sap) to the lower Nam Ngum River (Taki, 1968). The specimen identified as Balantiocheilus from Chiengmai by Fowler (1934: 127) is actually a juvenile Poropuntius. Etymology. The name of this species comes from the Latin ambustus (burned around, scorched) and cauda (tail), in allusion to the black edge of the caudal fin. This name evokes the Thai name for the fish (pla hang mai, meaning “burnt tail fish”; Smith, 1945: 206). A noun in apposition. Discussion The characters distinguishing B. ambusticauda from B. melanopterus are listed under the diagnosis. The difference in snout length between B. ambusticauda and B. melanopterus cannot be explained by ontogeny alone. Analysis of the plots of snout length against SL for both species (Fig. 5) shows that the regression lines are significantly different (ANCOVA, P Besides the differences in fin color, the live coloration of B. ambusticauda also appears to differ slightly from that of B. melanopterus. A photograph of live B. ambusticauda appearing in a Thai children's magazine circa 1970 shows some golden color on the dorsal surfaces of the head and body (C. Vidthayanon, pers. comm.), and there are unsubstantiated reports that the fish is an overall golden color (B. melanopterus in contrast is an overall silver color in life and does not show any evidence of a gold color on the body in life). Balantiocheilus ambusticauda is also apparently a smaller species than B. melanopterus, reaching only to 20 cm TL (Smith, 1945: 205), versus to 35 cm TL for the latter species (Weber & de Beaufort, 1916: 206). Balantiocheilos ambusticauda is possibly extinct. This is said to be due to excessive harvesting for the aquarium-fish trade (Humphrey & Bain, 1990) but there is no data supporting this claim. In 1980, fisheries biologists in Thailand were already considering it extirpated and by that time all Balantiocheilos exported from Thailand for the aquarium trade were already captive-bred B. melanopterus originating from Indonesian stock. Rainboth (1996) records this species (as B. melanopterus) as occurring "...in a few rivers flowing through relatively pristine inundated forest at the eastern end of the Great Lake...", but we did not locate material to substantiate this. We also could not obtain information through the aquarium trade on its possible survival in Tonle Sap. The most recent specimens collected were possibly the type series. Although Rainboth et al. (1976) recorded this species from the Mekong, their records were based on literature and no specimens of Balantiocheilos were obtained during an extensive survey of the middle and lower Mekong River carried out in the late 1960s and early 1970s by the University of Michigan (all of the material from these surveys are deposited in UMMZ). There are two recent Vietnamese reports (Nguyen & Nguyen, 2005; Tong & Nguyen, 2005), which record Balantiocheilos from the Saigon River and Ca Mau province (in the Dong Nai and Mekong River drainages respectively). We were unable to obtain information as to whether or not these records were based on material collected or on the literature, nor were we able to examine the material (if any) to ascertain their identity. If based on actual specimens of Balantiocheilos, these records most likely refer to B. ambusticauda. It is noteworthy that the B. melanopterus populations in other parts of Southeast Asia also seem to have sharply declined or disappeared in recent years. In Danau Sentarum (Borneo), fishermen already reported in 1993 and 1995 that the populations have decreased dramatically after 1975, for no clear reason. Fishermen mentioned overfishing for the aquarium-fish trade or forest fires in 1975 and the resulting pollution as possible causes (Kottelat & Widjanarti, 2005). The species is apparently extirpated in the Batang Hari basin (Sumatra) (H. H. Tan, pers. comm.) and it seems that all individuals of B. melanopterus exported from Indonesia and Thailand by the aquarium-fish trade are captive bred (Kottelat & Widjanarti, 2005).

[[Genus Epalzeorhynchos Bleeker]] The Labeoninae (sensu Chen et al., 1984), which is essentially equivalent to the Labeines of Reid (1982) or the tribe Labeone (= Labeonini) of Rainboth (1991, 1996), includes cyprinid fishes widely distributed in the fresh waters of tropical Africa and Asia. Most of these fishes are adapted to fast flowing waters. Members of this subfamily show a high degree of morphological modification in oromandibular structures, which is the basis for recognition of most of its included genera. To date, twenty-seven Labeonine genera have been recognized from eastern and southeastern Asia (Rainboth, 1991; Zhang & Chen, 2004). Among these, Epalzeorhynchos Bleeker, 1855 (type species: Barbus kalopterus Bleeker, 1851) is diagnosed by having a pair of moveable lateral lobes on the snout, which are also called ���fleshy rostral papilla��� (Roberts, 1989) or ���posteriorly free lateral lobes��� (Yang & Winterbottom, 1998). Five valid species have so far been identified in Epalzeorhynchos: E. bicolor, E. bicornis, E. frenatus, E. kalopterus, and E. munensis. Epalzeorhynchos bicornis was described by Wu et al. (1977), based on a single 140 mm SL specimen from the upper Salween River (= Nu Jiang in Chinese) basin in Liuku County, Yunnan Province, China. Although E. bicornis is currently regarded as valid (Chu & Cui, 1989; Chen, 1998; Zhang et al., 2000), its generic position is still unclear. Kottelat (1989) commented that E. bicornis does not belong in Epalzeorhynchos, but did not elaborate further. Yang and Winterbottom (1998) investigated the relationships among the five currently identified species of Epalzeorhynchos. They demonstrated that E. bicornis is sister to Paracrossochilus when Crossocheilus is used as the outgroup, and that it is basal to the clade that includes Crossocheilus and other species of Epalzeorhynchos, when Paracrossochilus is utilized as the outgroup. These findings led Yang and Winterbottom to conclude that E. bicornis should not be placed in Epalzeorhynchos, but they stopped short of erecting a new genus for its reception. Kottelat���s (1989) and Yang and Winterbottom���s (1998) observation that E. bicornis is not immediately associated with the other species of Epalzeorhynchos is corroborated by marked differences we found in position and structure of the moveable lateral lobes on the snout and the morphology of the oromandibular structures. Morphology of the oromandibular structures is diagnostic for many Labeoninae genera (Zhang et al., 2000; Zhang & Chen, 2004), and the differences we observed among species of Epalzeorhynchos indicate that E. bicornis belongs to a distinct genus, which we describe and name in the present paper., Published as part of E Zhang & Maurice Kottelat, 2006, Akrokolioplax, a new genus of Southeast Asian labeonine fishes (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)., pp. 21-30 in Zootaxa 1225 on pages 21-22

E. munensis. CMK 13385, 5 ex., 83.0-91.6 mm SL; Nam San, Laos., Published as part of E Zhang & Maurice Kottelat, 2006, Akrokolioplax, a new genus of Southeast Asian labeonine fishes (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)., pp. 21-30 in Zootaxa 1225 on page 29

P. acerus. CMK 10848, 1 ex., 56.1 mm SL, Sungai Sekarang, Sarawak, Malaysia.CMK 11696, 17 ex., 24.4-48.5 mm SL, Kapuas Basin, Borneo, Indonesia., Published as part of E Zhang & Maurice Kottelat, 2006, Akrokolioplax, a new genus of Southeast Asian labeonine fishes (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)., pp. 21-30 in Zootaxa 1225 on page 29

S. microstomatus. IHB 87IV510, 87IV506-7, 87IV509, 4 ex., 78.1- 83.2 mm SL, Libo, Guizhou, China., Published as part of E Zhang & Maurice Kottelat, 2006, Akrokolioplax, a new genus of Southeast Asian labeonine fishes (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)., pp. 21-30 in Zootaxa 1225 on page 30

Akrokolioplax, new genus Type species: Epalzeorhynchos bicornis Wu, 1977. Diagnosis Akrokolioplax belongs to the tribe Labeonini (sensu Reid, 1982), which is diagnosed by the following four unique characters: (1) presence of a vomero-palatine organ; (2) neural complex of Weberian apparatus in direct contact with the supraoccipital region of the skull; (3) basioccipital with a terete process; (4) lower lip developed posterior to lower jaw. Akrokolioplax shares with Epalzeorhynchos what has usually been called “rostral lateral lobes” (e.g. Smith, 1945), but these “lobes” actually are not homologous in the two genera because they differ in their position and structure (see below). Akrokolioplax is further distinguished from Epalzeorhynchos in having the upper lip absent or vestigial (vs. present, medially reduced and separated from the upper jaw), the upper jaw completely covered by the rostral fold (vs. not covered medially) and laterally connected (vs. disconnected) by a frenum with the lower lip around the corner of the mouth, the lower lip with an exteriorly papillose (vs. smooth) anterior margin, and maxillary barbels tiny (vs. well-developed). As the “lobes” of Epalzeorhynchos and Akrokolioplax are not homologous structures, we will use the term “rostral lobe” only for Epalzeorhynchos, as it has long been used in the literature (e.g. Weber & de Beaufort, 1916; Smith, 1945), and the term ‘rostral flap’ for Akrokolioplax. In Epalzeorhynchos (Fig. 2A), the lobe is an elongate conical structure, with a conspicuous conical tubercle at its tip (already present in specimens 33.3-56.6 mm SL) and a series of conical and starry tubercles along its lower edge. It is encased in a widened sublachrymal groove (which borders the rostral fold) and surrounds the rostral barbel. The lobe is movable, and can rotate upwards along a more or less longitudinal axis to reach a position above the sublachrymal groove. The infraorbital branch of the cephalic lateral-line system ends anteriorly along the upper edge of the sublachrymal groove, the anterior pore being located nearly opposite to the mid-length of the rostral lobe. In Akrokolioplax (Fig. 2B), the flaps are broadly rounded, triangular, paired structures at the tip of the snout. The flap is fleshy, with a relatively sharp (but not cutting) edge, located in a depression close to the tip of the snout. It is movable forward along a vertical axis. The flap has a number of small conical tubercles along its lower edge. In our smallest specimens (106.2 mm SL), the depression under and around the flap is continued ventrally as a semi-circular groove, which in turn is connected to the sublachrymal groove in front of the rostral barbel. The sublachrymal groove passes along the rostral barbel, but does not surround it anteriorly, or the rostral barbel is in the sublachrymal groove. In larger specimens (122.4 mm SL), the semi-circular groove is missing. The infraorbital branch of the cephalic lateral-line system ends anteriorly along the edge of the sublachrymal groove, with the anterior pore positioned slightly in front of the base of the rostral barbel, at some distance below the rostral flap. Yang and Winterbottom (1998: fig. A5c) figured the lachrymal with a slight concavity at the anterior extremity of their 101 mm SL C&S specimen. In our 122.0 mm SL C&S mm SL specimen, there is a marked concavity in the same location, possibly corresponding to the depression in which the flap is located. Etymology Derived from a combination of the Greek akrokolion, the extremities of the body, especially of animals (snout, ears, or trotters); and plax, flat and broad, in allusion to the presence of a pair of fleshy rostral flap on the tip of the snout. Gender: feminine.

R. luxiensis. IHB 87IV0023, 87IV0032, 87IV0018, 87IV0020, 4 ex., 94.0-135.1 mm SL, Dachang, Sichuan, China., Published as part of E Zhang & Maurice Kottelat, 2006, Akrokolioplax, a new genus of Southeast Asian labeonine fishes (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)., pp. 21-30 in Zootaxa 1225 on page 29

P. bamaensis. IHB 743119, 743136, 73422, 76092, 4 ex., 100.0- 08.0 mm SL, Bama, Guangxi, China., Published as part of E Zhang & Maurice Kottelat, 2006, Akrokolioplax, a new genus of Southeast Asian labeonine fishes (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)., pp. 21-30 in Zootaxa 1225 on page 29

Syncrossus Blyth Syncrossus Blyth, 1860 (type species: Syncrossus berdmorei Blyth, 1860, by subsequent designation by Jordan, 1919b). Gender masculine. Diagnosis. Distinguished from all other genera of Botiinae by the unique presence of a sickle-shaped anterior process of the premaxilla, surrounding a cavity between left and right processes; rostral process short, without ridge along inner edge. Distinguished from other lineages within the subfamily Botiinae by the following combination of characters: Mental lobe not developed in a barbel, with a pair of fleshy papillae at its anterior edge. Fronto-parietal fontanelle large, wide. Anterior chamber of gas bladder partly covered by bony capsule; posterior chamber large. Top of supraethmoid narrow. Optic foramen large. Suborbital spine not strongly curved backwards, bifid. Head naked (based on Taki, 1972: 74, 76). Colour pattern: regular, narrow bars throughout life, in some species with overimposed longitudinal rows of black spots. Remarks. The valid name for the lineage called Hymenophysa by Fang (1936), Nalbant(1963, 2002), Taki (1972) and others is Syncrossus Blyth, 1860. Blyth (1860: 166) originally included two species in his Syncrossus, S. berdmorei Blyth, 1860 and " Schistura grandis apud McClelland". The last name is a deliberate application of a previous misidentification[ICZN art. 67.2.1], and therefore two species are included. The type species, by subsequent designation by Jordan (1919b: 294) is S. berdmorei. The species called B. hymenophysa by Taki (1972) is B. helodes (see Kottelat, 1984; Nalbant & Bianco, 1984). Included species: Syncrossus beauforti (Smith, 1931) (synonyms: B. lucasbahi Fowler, 1937, B. beauforti formosa Pellegrin & Fang, 1940, B. yunnanensis Chen, 1980) Syncrossus berdmorei Blyth, 1860 Syncrossus helodes (Sauvage, 1876) Syncrossus hymenophysa (Bleeker, 1852) (synonym: Hymenophysa macclellandi Bleeker, 1858) Syncrossus reversa (Roberts, 1989), Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2004, Botia kubotai, a new species of loach (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from the Ataran River basin (Myanmar), with comments on botiine nomenclature and diagnosis of a new genus., pp. 1-18 in Zootaxa 401 on pages 13-14

Botia histrionica: CMK 11956, 7, 58.5-103.5 mm SL; Thailand: Tak Prov.: Mae Nam Moei at Ban Wa Le; 16��17'23"E98��42'20"E; K. Kubota, 8 Nov. 1995. -CMK 14685, 2, 95.4-102.4 mm SL; same locality; M. Kottelat & K. Kubota, 7 Apr 1998. -CMK 16180, 4, 41.2-120.5 mm SL; Thailand: Mae Hong Son Prov.: Salween at Mae Sam Laep; 17��58'57"N97��44'13"E; Kottelat et al, 5 Apr 2000. -CMK 16256, 2, 55.1-74.8 mm SL; same locality; K. Kubota, Feb 2000. -CMK 16275, 1, 58.6 mm SL; Myanmar: Mandalay, from aquarium fish collectors; K. Kubota, Feb 2000., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2004, Botia kubotai, a new species of loach (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from the Ataran River basin (Myanmar), with comments on botiine nomenclature and diagnosis of a new genus., pp. 1-18 in Zootaxa 401 on page 16

Sinibotia Fang Sinibotia Fang, 1936 (type species: Botia superciliaris G��nther, 1892, by original designation). Gender feminine. Included species: Sinibotia longiventralis (Yang & Chen, 1992) Sinibotia pulchra (Wu, 1939) (synonym: Botia gigantea Mai, 1978) Sinibotia reevesae (Chang, 1944) Sinibotia robusta (Wu, 1939) (synonym: Botia hexafurca Mai, 1978) Sinibotia superciliaris (G��nther, 1892), Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2004, Botia kubotai, a new species of loach (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from the Ataran River basin (Myanmar), with comments on botiine nomenclature and diagnosis of a new genus., pp. 1-18 in Zootaxa 401 on page 15

[[Genus Botia Gray]] Lineages within Botiinae. The history of the lineages recognised within the subfamily Botiinae has been reviewed by Taki (1972) who concluded in recognising two genera, Leptobotia and Botia, as done previously by Fang (1936) and Nalbant (1963). He also recognised three subgenera within Botia, Botia s.s., Hymenophysa and Sinibotia. Nalbant (2002) presented a discussion of botiine relationships. His analysis is marred with semantic, conceptual and nomenclatural shortcomings. It does not seem appropriate to expend further here on the semantic problems, although they probably are the source of a number of misunderstandings. Nevertheless, it seems necessary to explain why I have ignored most of Nalbant's discussion. The nomenclatural problems are dealt with below. Among the most obvious problems, Nalbant ignores important works on the phylogeny of Cobitoidei (e.g., Sawada, 1982). Cobitoid genera which have unsettled relationships and are potentially very basal in the phylogeny of the suborder are not (Yunnanilus, Tuberoschistura) or vaguely mentioned (Ellopostoma, Serpenticobitis). Nalbant treats Nemacheilinae as a valid family, but does not say a word of Balitoridae in which it is usually included (and which is a senior synonym). New family-group names appear on plate 7 (Ellopostomatinae, Serpenticobitinae) which are not mentioned in the text. Nalbant claims to have analysed "more than 30" characters. But he does not make the difference between 'character' and 'character state'. What he lists on pp. 310-311 are at best 38 character states of a much smaller number of characters. On the other hand, the alternative states listed for many characters are not related. The determination of the polarity of the characters is not discussed and in some cases seems axiomatic (see below for Vaillantellinae), which may lead to circularity. Some characters obviously amalgamate characters/character states which should be analysed independently. For example, 'character' 9 ("both lips simple with no mental barbels ") and 'character' 10 ("both lips papillous or furrowed, with well developed mental lobes, sometimes as button, or a fourth or fifth pair of barbels") include information on the structure of the lip surface (furrowed or papillous), the presence of mental barbels and their development. Does 'simple' [smooth], furrowed or papillous mean three states of the same character or pairs of states of two independent characters (smooth vs. furrowed; smooth vs. papillous)? If the plesiomorphic state is smooth, furrowed and papillous seem to be character states of two different characters (smooth vs. furrowed; smooth vs papillous). The presence or absence of mental lobes "sometimes as buttons or a fourth or fifth pair of barbels" is obviously not part of the same lip structure character(s), but represent one or more additional characters (presence vs. absence of mental barbels; mental barbels reduced to a knob vs. well developed; etc.). Another lethal flaw is that distribution is used as a phylogenetic character in the analysis. As zoogeography has to be derived from phylogeny, this clearly is circular reasoning. There are no data to support the approximate palaeogeographic scenario spanning pages 312-313. These comments apply at most levels of the analysis (families, subfamilies, tribes) and the limited examples presented here should be enough to explain why Nalbant's discussion cannot be considered as a base for a systematic discussion and zoogeographic analysis. Nalbant treats Botiinae as a family including the subfamilies Vaillantellinae and Botiinae. This relationship is based only on symplesiomorphic (thus uninformative) character states. The distribution of apomorphic states is not discussed. The existence of possible synapomorphies linking Vaillantellinae and Balitoridae, or Botiinae and Cobitidae is not discussed. Character states 'defining' Botiidae (sensu Nalbant) in fact are not shared by Vaillantellinae (body is deep vs. very elongated in Vaillantellinae; lateral line complete vs. incomplete; suborbital spine present vs. missing). Nalbant does not list synapomorphies diagnosing Vaillantellinae from Botiinae; he lists some characters for each taxa, but not the same characters for all taxa and he does not indicate the alternative character states; again there is no discussion of these characters in species of Balitoridae, Cobitidae or outgroups. Sawada (1982: 190) discussed relationships of Cobitoidei and showed that Vaillantella shares synapomorphies with Nemacheilinae and none with Botiinae. This work is not mentioned by Nalbant, although some of his figures are based on Sawada's. Contrary to Nalbant's statements, in Vaillantellinae the rostral barbels are not organised as in Botiinae. As in Nemacheilinae, they are organised in a transverse row; their bases are adjacent but they cannot be described as united; they do not have a conspicuous fleshy muscular support. In Botiinae, the rostral barbels are organised in two rows at the tip of the snout, the two median ones clearly anterior to the lateral ones, separated from them by a groove and with an independent movable, fleshy, muscular support. Vaillantellinae have a conspicuous cephalic lateral line system, as do Nemacheilinae (vs. inconspicuous in Botiinae). This being said and although they are not supported by clearly formulated apomorphies, the lineages or genera recognised by Taki (1972) and Nalbant (2002) for South and Southeast Asian botiines (Nalbant's Botiini) are intuitively reasonable. The branching, evolutionary theories, etc. may be wrong, but the assemblages of species seem to constitute natural groups. Taki (1972) had proposed a system of two genera (Botia, Leptobotia), with Botia divided into three subgenera, Botia s.s., Hymenophysa and Sinibotia. Taki went further in recognising two lineages within his Hymenophysa and his text (p. 78) and key (p. 76) make it clear that he was considering B. macracanthus as representing a distinct taxon but he did not name it. Within Hymenophysa, he recognised an hymenophysa group and a modesta group. With the available data, the lineages within Botia (sensu Taki) seem real and supported by the characters listed by Taki. But there is no analysis to support closer relationships between some lineages rathers than others. In Nalbant's 2002 system, Botia (sensu Taki) is divided into four genera: Botia (Taki's Botia s.s.), Hymenophysa (Taki's hymenophysa group) and Yasuhikotakia (Taki's modesta group). The generic position of B. macracanthus is not discussed. Taki's Sinibotia is treated as a valid genus in the tribe Leptobotiini. The resulting picture is that of several species groups or lineages which can be diagnosed by sets of characters (but of largely undetermined polarity). To recognise some lineages as part of the same subgenus, or as subgenera of the same genus implies that there is a phylogenetic analysis supporting this hierarchy. This analysis is not available. An arbitrary grouping of some lineages to each other rather than to others does not make sense and the only logical way of treating these lineages pending a phylogenetic analysis is to give them an equal rank. There are three alternatives: to treat them all as genera, or all as subgenera of Botia, or as constituting a single genus. To treat them all as subgenera of Botia results in intercalating a subgeneric name between the generic and specific name, in my view an unnecessarily cumbersome notation, especially when considering that anyway Botia would be the only genus of its subfamily. To treat them as a single genus masks the already identified diversity within the family. Therefore, I treat them as distinct genera. This implies the creation of a new generic name for B. macracanthus which cannot be placed in any of the already named species-groups. I have not had access to enough material of the East Asian botiines (Leptobotiini of Nalbant) and it would not make sense at this stage to discuss their genera on the sole basis of the literature. I treat here as valid the genera recognized by Chen (1990) and Nalbant (2002). Nevertheless, I note that here again most characters listed are uninformative, ambiguous, ambiguously worded or comparing non comparable states (i.e., body elongated vs. tall, head conical vs. elongated; posterior chamber enlarged vs. free). This does not mean that the genera and species do not exist (published illustrations suggest they do) but that suitable information is missing., Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2004, Botia kubotai, a new species of loach (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from the Ataran River basin (Myanmar), with comments on botiine nomenclature and diagnosis of a new genus., pp. 1-18 in Zootaxa 401 on pages 9-11

Parabotia Dabry Parabotia Dabry de Thiersant, 1872 (type species: Parabotia fasciata Dabry de Thiersant, 1872, by monotypy). Gender feminine. Remarks. Nalbant (2002: 316) lists the author of Parabotia and P. fasciata as "Guichenot, in Dabry de Thiersant, 1872". Dabry de Thiersant (1872) effectively mentions Guichenot as author of the name. But Guichenot did not publish this name. He apparently only labelled the fishes under that name in the collection (other cases are mentioned, e.g., by Bleeker, 1871) and clearly Dabry is responsible of the conditions which make the name available, and therefore is sole author (ICZN art. 50.1 is explicit). Included species: Parabotia banarescui (Nalbant, 1965) Parabotia bimaculata Chen, 1980 ? Parabotia dubia Kottelat, 2001 (synonym: Botia elongata Mai, 1978 (non Bleeker, 1870)) Parabotia fasciata Dabry, 1872 (synonyms: Nemachilus xanthi G��nther, 1888, Botia multifasciata Regan, 1905, Leptobotia mantschurica Berg, 1907, L. intermedia Mori, 1929, L. hopeiensis Shaw & Tchang, 1931, L. kudorii Mori, 1933, B. kwangsiensis Fang, 1936, B. wui Chang, 1944) Parabotia lijiangensis Chen, 1980 Parabotia maculosa (Wu, 1939) Parabotia parva Chen, 1980, Published as part of Maurice Kottelat, 2004, Botia kubotai, a new species of loach (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from the Ataran River basin (Myanmar), with comments on botiine nomenclature and diagnosis of a new genus., pp. 1-18 in Zootaxa 401 on pages 15-16