Squalius kottelati, a new cyprinid species (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Orontes River, Turkey

Abstract

Squalius kottelati, new species, is described from the Orontes, Ceyhan and Seyhan rivers in Turkey. It belongs to the S. lepidus group, characterized by a projecting lower jaw. It is distinguished from the other species of the genus Squalius in Turkey and adjacent basins by having a conspicuous broad, dark stripe on the upper part of the flank, from the head to the end of the caudal peduncle (vs. absent or very faintly marked, except S. lepidus). It differs from S. lepidus by having a longer head (28.3-30.9, vs. 25.3-27.3 % SL), fewer lateral-line scales (45-47, vs. 48-49) and fewer gill rakers on the first gill arch (9-10, vs. 11-13). It differs from S. anatolicus by having more scales in the lateral line (45-47,mode 46 vs. 43-45, mode 44); a longer caudal fin (length of upper lobe 20.3-22.5, vs. 15.8-19.0 % SL). © 2009 Magnolia Press.