Notropis suttkusi, a New Cyprinid from the Ouachita Uplands of Oklahoma and Arkansas, with Comments on the Status of Ozarkian Populations of N. rubellus

Abstract

A new species of cyprinid, Notropis suttkusi, the rocky shiner, is described from tributaries of the Red River draining the Ouachita Uplands in Oklahoma and Arkansas. The geographic range of N. suttkusi extends from the Blue River in Oklahoma eastward to the Cossatot River in Arkansas. It is found primarily in the upper portions of these rivers, and prefers clear water flowing over gravel and rubble substrates. The rocky shiner is compared to populations of the rosyface shiner, Notropis rubellus, from the adjacent Ozark Uplands and east of the Mississippi River, from which it can be distinguished by its deeper and more robust body form; shorter snout and upper jaw; denser pigmentation on scales, lips, and gular region; finer tubercles on the snout; greater extent of lateral band; and more deeply decurved lateral line. A brief discussion of the confusing taxonomic history involving N. atherinoides, N. oligaspis, N. percobromus, and N. rubellus is presented.