Rediscovery and re-description of Schistura chrysicristinae (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)

Abstract

The Batman River loach, Schistura chrysicristinae, is rediscovered after 48 years, at two sites upstream of its type locality in southeastern Anatolia. Originally described based on four specimens, all of which are now presumably lost, S. chrysicristinae has remained poorly known. We provide a detailed redescription based on freshly-collected fish, including updated morphological data and documentation of colour pattern. In addition, we reassess its generic position using mitochondrial COI sequences within a broad comparative framework of Nemacheilidae. Phylogenetic analyses recover S. chrysicristinae in a clade comprising Schistura cf. rupecula, supporting its placement within Schistura and not Paraschistura, as previously suggested. The rediscovery of S. chrysicristinae clarifies the taxonomic status of this poorly-known Anatolian species, and contributes to an improved understanding of nemacheilid diversity and biogeography in western Asia.