A new distributional record of spanner barbs, Striuntius lateristriga (Valenciennes, 1842) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in Belitung Island, Indonesia

Abstract

The Spanner Barb Striuntius lateristriga is a freshwater species from the Cyprinidae family that spread in Southern Thailand; the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Indonesia. The previous presence of the Spanner barb in Indonesia was recorded in West Kalimantan and Bangka Island. This study was carried out to record for the first time the presence of S. lateristriga on Belitung Island, Indonesia. The presence of S. lateristriga in the Belitung archipelago adds knowledge about the new distribution and biogeography of freshwater species. Moreover, information on this species’ new distribution is critical for supporting suitable conservation policies and measures. The twenty S. lateristriga specimens were collected on January 20, 2023 utilizing a fish trap at the Gurok Beraye waterfall, Gunung Tajam, Belitung Island, Indonesia. This specimen was identified based on specific literature. The new record of S. lateristriga provided here is the southernmost record for this species, expanding its geographic distributing. In addition, the new record site is 250 km southeast of the nearest locality in Bangka Island, and about 500 km south-west from the nearest locality in Borneo. Futrhermore, understanding biodiversity, range extension, and biogeography of the species in Sundaland will enrich knowledge in science.