Two New Species of the Akysis Variegatus Species Group (Siluriformes: Akysidae) from Southern Sumatra and a Redescription of Akysis Variegatus Bleeker, 1846

Abstract

Two new species of Akysis from Sumatra are described, and A. variegatus, the type species of Akysis, is redescribed. All three species are members of the A. variegatus species group, characterized by a space between the anterior nostril and the base of the nasal barbel that is about equal to the diameter of the anterior nostril, relatively small anterior and posterior nostrils (with a diameter less than that of the eye), the anterior nostril located at the end of a short tube, subequal jaws, and an emarginate caudal fin. The two new species are morphologically similar to one another but differ dramatically in the sculpturing on top of the head.