Rhodeus cyanorostris sp. nov. and R. nigrodorsalis sp. nov. are described from two tributaries of the River Yangtze, in Sichuan and Jiangxi Provinces, China, respectively. Both species have a small number of branched dorsal-fin rays (both with a mode of 8) and anal-fin rays (mode of 7-8 and 8, respectively), which makes them easily distinguished from all congeners. Rhodeus cyanorostris sp. nov. differs from R. nigrodorsalis sp. nov. in having more predorsal scales (14-16 vs. 12-13), fewer pectoral-fin rays (10-11 vs. 12), a shorter major axis of the eggs (2.5-2.8 mm vs. mostly 3.3-3.5 mm), absence of two rows of light spots on the dorsal-fin rays (vs. presence), and absence of a black blotch on the dorsal fin in adult males (vs. presence). The breeding season in winter of the two new species is unique among the Acheilognathinae.
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3 March 2020
Two new species of Rhodeus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Acheilognathinae) from the River Yangtze, China
Fan Li,
Te-Yu Liao,
Ryoichi Arai
Journal of Vertebrate Biology
Vol. 69 • No. 1
April 2020
Vol. 69 • No. 1
April 2020
bitterling
Breeding season
egg size
lateral line
taxonomy