Paracanthocobitis epimekes, a new species of loach from Myanmar and Thailand (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
2022
Abstract
Paracanthocobitis epimekes, new species, is described from the Tenasserim and Lenya river basins in Tanintharyi Province, Myanmar, and the Takua Pa River basin in Phang Nga Province, Thailand. Paracanthocobitis epimekes is genetically the sister species of all other species in the P. zonalternans species group and co-occurs with P. phu- ketensis in most known localities.
Paracanthocobitis epimekes differs from all other species of Paracanthocobitis by the combination of an incomplete lateral line, a relatively elongated body, an absent or rudimentary axillary pelvic lobe, 9 1 /2 or 10 1 /2 branched dorsal-fin rays, a unique pigmentation pattern, and a suborbital flap in adult males.