Lateral Scales Research Articles

DNA barcoding and distribution of Osteobrama peninsularis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in India

Osteobrama peninsularis has been reported in southern Indian drainages, particularly in the Krishna River drainage. This study provides new findings of O. peninsularis in two distant locations: the Kangsabati River (Suvarnarekha River drainage) in West Bengal and Wyra Lake (Godavari River drainage) in Telangana. This marks the first record of O. peninsularis in eastern India, specifically in West Bengal. The species can be distinguished from other Osteobrama members by its 28–31 branched anal-fin rays and 55–60 lateral line scales, along with other unique morphological features. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase C subunit I gene sequences from specimens collected in Suvarnarekha and Godavari River drainages cluster together in the phylogenetic analysis, indicating that the clade of O. peninsularis is distinct and maintains significant genetic distance from its congeners.

Revisiting the description of Atractoscion macrolepis (Perciformes: Sciaenidae): Another argument for comprehensive taxonomy

Atractoscion macrolepis was described as a species separate to A. aequidens, distinguished by a geographically-separated distribution, genetic evidence and a diagnostic meristic character: the number of pored lateral line scales. However, the distinction of these species and description of A. macrolepis were based on the examination of a limited number of specimens, some of which were incorrectly catalogued and possibly wrongly identified. Moreover, earlier data, demonstrating the overlap of the supposedly diagnostic character, were overlooked or not considered fully. The present study aimed to reconsider the distinction of these two species and to highlight characters for identification, using a more extensive representation of specimens, additional character sets and multivariate analyses. Seven meristic characters, 24 morphometric measurements and nine otolith variables were examined from up to 33 specimens of A. aequidens and 52 specimens of A. macrolepis. These were compared among the species and subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses, including Principal Component Analyses (PCAs) and Discriminant Function Analyses (DFAs). No meristic characters, including the number of lateral line scales, could distinguish the species, with modes being identical or with nodes differing, but ranges overlapping. While the PCA of size-transformed morphometric data revealed some separation of the two species, the DFA indicated significant and reliable discrimination. Considering the otolith variables, the PCA showed weak separation of the two species, while fair discrimination was observed in the DFA. ANOVAs indicated a number of significant differences for some transformed otolith measurements, but there were no clear trends with respect to proportions that would discriminate the species. Further exploration of those morphometric variables highlighted as contributing to separation in the PCA and DFA provided a number of variables that, when expressed as a proportion of SL and used in combination, discriminate A. aequidens and A. macrolepis: HL, MCL, PFL, AFL and PLFL. The present study does not contest the taxonomic status of A. macrolepis, the distinction of which has been demonstrated repeatedly, but does refute the characters regarded as diagnostic. In light of this, an updated key is provided for the five species of the genus. The study demonstrates the value of increased specimen representation and having data fully available rather than in summary.

Meristic co-evolution and genomic co-localization of lateral line scales and vertebrae in Central American cichlid fishes.

Meristic traits are often treated as distinct phenotypes that can be used to differentiate and delineate recently diverged species. For instance, the number of lateral line scales and vertebrae, two traits that vary substantially among Neotropical Heroine cichlid species, have been previously suggested to co-evolve. These meristic traits could co-evolve due to shared adaptive, developmental, or genetic factors. If they were found to be genetically or developmentally non-independent, this might require a more general re-evaluation of their role in evolutionary or taxonomic studies. We expanded a previous analysis of correlated evolution of meristic traits (lateral line scales and vertebrae counts) in these fishes to include a range of phylogenetic reconstructions as well as the analyses of 13 Nicaraguan Midas cichlid species (Amphilophus spp.). Additionally, we performed qualitative traits locus (QTL) mapping in a F2 laboratory-reared hybrid population from two ecologically divergent Midas cichlid fish species to discover and evaluate whether genomic co-segregation might explain the observed patterns of meristic co-evolution. Meristic values for these traits were found to morphologically differentiate some species of the Midas cichlid adaptive radiation. Our QTL analysis pinpointed several genomic regions associated with divergence in these traits and highlighted the potential for genomic co-segregation of the lateral line and vertebrae numbers on two chromosomes. Further, our phylogenetic comparative analyses consistently recovered a significant positive evolutionary correlation between the counts of lateral line scale and vertebrae numbers in Neotropical cichlids. Hence, the findings of genomic co-segregation could partially explain the co-evolution of these two meristic traits in these species. Continuing to unravel the genetic architecture governing meristic divergence helps to better understand both trait correlations and the utility of meristic traits in taxonomic diagnoses and how traits in phenotypes might be expected to co-evolve.

Scale Characteristics of Six Fish Species of the Genus Cyprinion (Teleostei: Cypriniformes): A Microscopic Analysis.

This study investigated the morphological characteristics of scales in six Cyprinion species, using light and scanning electron microscopy focusing on key features such as scale type, key scales, lateral line scales, radius/radii, rostral margin, focus, circuli, lepidonts, tubercles, and scale indices. The research analyzed the scales using ultramicroscopy and light microscopy imaging, categorizing them based on size classes and body regions. The morphological variations in scale characteristics were examined across different species, regions, and size classes. Notable findings included the tetra-sectioned form of scales, representing a unique characteristic of the Cyprinion genus. Morphological changes in scale features were observed with fish growth, particularly in the overall shape, focus shape, and size. Quantitative analysis revealed variations in average relative scale length and width among different species, regions, and size classes. The study utilized canonical discriminant analysis for multivariate assessment, classifying the species into distinct groups based on morphometric indices. The findings contribute to the understanding of scale morphology in Cyprinion species and exploring morphological variation between the examined species.

A new method for creating androgenetic diploid fish from tetraploid carp sperm and their genetic composition analysis

The application of cold shock to inhibit the extrusion of the second polar body in fertilized eggs is one of the main methods to induce triploid in diploid fish. In this study, we originally planned to induce hexaploid by this method in tetraploid carp. However, among the surviving offspring, we observed only 50.7% tetraploid and 49.3% diploid individuals, which could potentially result from either androgenetic diploids or gynogenetic diploids. The absence of irradiation and the high proportion of diploids attracted us. However, the lack of sex-specific markers for tetraploid carp, makes it difficult to determine their origin. Fortunately, we also carried out the cross of yellow carp (Cyprinus carpio yellow var., 2n, ♀) × tetraploid carp (♂) and red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var., 2n, ♀) × tetraploid carp (♂) with cold shock inhibiting the second meiosis, diploid offspring have also been found, and whether they have undergone gynogenesis or androgenesis can be judged based on phenotype and genotype. In terms of phenotypes, the key phenotypes of two diploids, such as the whisker length, number of lateral scales, and presence of melanin, are consistent with tetraploid carp. In terms of genotypes, through single-copy nuclear gene cloning and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), it is supported that both diploids are androgenetic offspring. In addition, 14.9% of tetraploid offspring were found in red crucian carp (♀) × tetraploid carp (♂) with cold shock inhibiting the second meiosis. By the above-mentioned means of detection, it was found that they were created by inhibiting the extrusion of the second polar body of the fertilized eggs. From this it will be seen that the application of cold shock before the extrusion of the second polar body of fertilized eggs cause not only polyploidy, but also the elimination of both second polar body and female nucleus. Previous studies have found that cold shock can induce lethal androgenetic haploids in diploid fish, but these androgenetic diploid fish produced by tetraploid carp sperm were surviving. We summarize the mechanism behind the above phenomenon, which is mainly related to meiosis occurring at the edge of the cell membrane. Cold shock may disrupt the function of the spindle, resulting in the simultaneous retention or extrusion of female nucleus and second polar body. This study will provide valuable insights into androgenesis, polyploidization, and hybridization in fish genetic breeding.

Van der Waals Epitaxy of Weyl-Semimetal Td-WTe2.

Epitaxial growth of WTe2 offers significant advantages, including the production of high-quality films, possible long-range in-plane ordering, and precise control over layer thicknesses. However, the mean island size of WTe2 grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the literature is only a few tens of nanometers, which is not suitable for the implementation of devices at large lateral scales. Here we report the growth of Td -WTe2 ultrathin films by MBE on monolayer (ML) graphene, reaching a mean flake size of ≃110 nm, which is, on overage, more than three times larger than previous results. WTe2 films thicker than 5 nm have been successfully synthesized and exhibit the expected Td phase atomic structure. We rationalize the epitaxial growth of Td-WTe2 and propose a simple model to estimate the mean flake size as a function of growth parameters that can be applied to other transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). Based on nucleation theory and the Kolmogorov-Johnson-Meh-Avrami (KJMA) equation, our analytical model supports experimental data showing a critical coverage of 0.13 ML above which WTe2 nucleation becomes negligible. The quality of monolayer WTe2 films is demonstrated by electronic band structure analysis using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), which is in agreement with first-principles calculations performed on free-standing WTe2 and previous reports. We found electron pockets at the Fermi level, indicating a n-type doping of WTe2 with an electron density of n = 2.0 ± 0.5 × 1012 cm-2 for each electron pocket.

Redescription of Cyprinion muscatense (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) with the first phylogenetic analysis of the genus.

Members of the genus Cyprinion (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) are found in the Indus River basin west to the Arabian Peninsula and the Tigris-Euphrates River drainages (Persian Gulf basin). The taxonomic status of Cyprinion including Cyprinion muscatense is poorly understood when compared to other cyprinid genera. C. muscatense has been considered as a member of the Cyprinion watsoni-microphthalmum group and a valid species endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. Here, we redescribe C. muscatense based on an integrative morphological and molecular approach and freshly sampled material from several localities in the Oman Mountains ecoregion. The results showed that C. muscatense is distinguished from the other Cyprinion species in the Arabian Peninsula by having a short, thin, and slightly serrated last unbranched dorsal fin ray; the lower number of circumpeduncular scales; lateral line scales; and also scales between the lateral line and the dorsal-fin origin. Subterminal mouth, presence of one pair of small barbels at the mouth corner, 3-4 unbranched and 9½-10½ dorsal-fin branched rays, 12-14 pectoral-fin rays, 7-8 pelvic-fin rays, 2-3 unbranched and 6½-7½ branched anal-fin rays, and 37-40 lateral line scales are other morphological characteristics of C. muscatense. C. muscatense is also well distinguished by molecular characters among its congeners. The first molecular phylogenetic analysis of the genus, covering all currently recognized Cyprinion species except for C. watsoni, is also presented. C. muscatense is resolved as the sister species to another endemic fish of the Arabian Peninsula Cyprinion mhalense, with a Kimura-2-Parameter model distance of 5.3%.

Impact of faults on the remote stress state

Abstract. The impact of faults on the contemporary stress field in the upper crust has been discussed in various studies. Data and models clearly show that there is an effect, but so far, a systematic study quantifying the impact as a function of distance from the fault is lacking. In the absence of data, here we use a series of generic 3-D models to investigate which component of the stress tensor is affected at which distance from the fault. Our study concentrates on the far field, located hundreds of metres from the fault zone. The models assess various techniques to represent faults, different material properties, different boundary conditions, variable orientation, and the fault's size. The study findings indicate that most of the factors tested do not have an influence on either the stress tensor orientation or principal stress magnitudes in the far field beyond 1000 m from the fault. Only in the case of oblique faults with a low static friction coefficient of μ=0.1 can noteworthy stress perturbations be seen up to 2000 m from the fault. However, the changes that we detected are generally small and of the order of lateral stress variability due to rock property variability. Furthermore, only in the first hundreds of metres to the fault are variations large enough to be theoretically detected by borehole-based stress data when considering their inherent uncertainties. This finding agrees with robust stress magnitude measurements and stress orientation data. Thus, in areas where high-quality and high-resolution data show gradual and continuous stress tensor rotations of >20∘ observed over lateral spatial scales of 10 km or more, we infer that these rotations cannot be attributed to faults. We hypothesize that most stress orientation changes attributed to faults may originate from different sources such as density and strength contrasts.

2D Near‐Surface Full‐Waveform Tomography Reveals Bedrock Controls on Critical Zone Architecture

AbstractFor decades, seismic imaging methods have been used to study the critical zone, Earth's thin, life‐supporting skin. The vast majority of critical zone seismic studies use traveltime tomography, which poorly resolves heterogeneity at many scales relevant to near‐surface processes, therefore limiting progress in critical zone science. Full‐waveform tomography can overcome this limitation by leveraging more seismic data and enhancing the resolution of geophysical imaging. In this study, we apply 2D full‐waveform tomography to match the phases of observed seismograms and elucidate previously undetected heterogeneity in the critical zone at a well‐studied catchment in the Laramie Range, Wyoming. In contrast to traveltime tomograms from the same data set, our results show variations in depth to bedrock ranging from 5 to 60 m over lateral scales of just tens of meters and image steep low‐velocity anomalies suggesting hydrologic pathways into the deep critical zone. Our results also show that areas with thick fractured bedrock layers correspond to zones of slightly lower velocities in the deep bedrock, while zones of high bedrock velocity correspond to sharp vertical transitions from bedrock to saprolite. By corroborating these findings with borehole imagery, we hypothesize that lateral changes in bedrock fracture density majorly impact critical zone architecture. Borehole data also show that our full‐waveform tomography results agree significantly better with velocity logs than previously published traveltime tomography models. Full‐waveform tomography thus appears unprecedentedly capable of imaging the spatially complex porosity structure crucial to critical zone hydrology and processes.

Distribution of endemic Garra culiciphaga (Pellegrin, 1927) in the Ceyhan River System, some diagnostic characteristics, habitats and conservation requirements

In this study, the distribution and some diagnostic features of the endemic Garra culiciphaga belonging to the Cyprinidae family in the Ceyhan River systems were determined. Accordingly, the average total length of G. culiciphaga individuals is 49.58 mm, and their average weight is 1.32 g. Line lateral scales are 30-33, line transversal 8/7, and pharyngeal teeth are 3.3.5-5.3.3. G. culiciphaga has a very limited distribution in the Ceyhan River basin and has been identified from the Kumaşır Lake, Aksu Stream and Akçasu Stream. However, G. culiciphaga individuals were detected in May 2015 in Aksu stream could not encountered in the following year (April 2016) due to habitat loss.

Morphological description of spontaneous pelvic fin loss in a neotropical cichlid fish.

Pelvic finsare a characteristic structure of the vertebrate Bauplan. Yet, pelvic fin loss has occurred repeatedly across a wide diversity of other lineages of tetrapods and at least 48 times in teleost fishes. This pelvic finless condition is often associated with other morphological features such as body elongation, loss of additional structures, and bilateral asymmetry. However, despite the remarkable diversity in the several thousand cichlid fish species, none of them are characterized by the complete absence of pelvic fins. Here, we examined the musculoskeletal structure and associated bilateral asymmetry in Midas cichlids (Amphilophus cf. citrinellus) that lost their pelvic fins spontaneously in the laboratory. Due to this apparent mutational loss of the pelvic girdle and fins, the external and internal anatomy are described in a series of "normal" Midas individuals and their pelvic finless sibling tankmates. First, other traits associated with teleost pelvic fin loss, the genetic basis of pelvic fin loss, and the potential for pleiotropic effects of these genes on other traits in teleosts were all reviewed. Using these traits as a guide, we investigated whether other morphological differences were associated with the pelvic girdle/fin loss. The mean values of the masses of muscle of the pectoral fin, fin ray numbers in the unpaired fins, and oral jaw tooth numbers did not differ between the two pelvic fin morphotypes. However, significant differences in meristic values of the paired traits assessed were observed for the same side of the body between morphotypes. Notably, bilateral asymmetry was found exclusively for the posterior lateral line scales. Finally, we found limited evidence of pleiotropic effects, such as lateral line scale numbers and fluctuating asymmetry between the Midas pelvic fin morphotypes. The fast and relatively isolated changes in the Midas cichlids suggest minor but interesting pleiotropic effects could accompany loss of cichlid pelvic fins.

Fluctuating asymmetry patterns of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in fish hatchery center of Kabat, Banyuwangi, Indonesia

A decrease in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry quality has occurred in many hatcheries indicated by fry abnormality increase, which causes low survival and growth rates. This research aims to obtain quantitative information of asymmetry level on common carp fry in the Fish Hatchery Centre (FHC) of Kabat as a reference for the breeding program. A total of 200 common carp fries with a total length of 5-7 cm were obtained from FHC of Kabat. The observed magnitude (FAm) and number (FAn) are fluctuating asymmetry. To calculate both of them; bilateral meristic characteristics were measured are pectoral fins radii, ventral fins radii, and scales on the lineal lateralis number. We found that there was an incidence of asymmetric fluctuations in FHC of Kabat with the highest FAm and FAn were obtained in lateral line scales. This implies inbreeding which causes a decrease in hatchery productivity, so the introduction of brood stock from other areas is required.

Incipient speciation in allopatric Etheostoma rupestre (Percidae: Etheostomatinae) lineages, with the description of three new subspecies.

In recent years, new species descriptions for the North American darters have proliferated. Most species concepts accepted by contemporary ichthyologists require that a valid species be both monophyletic and diagnoseable, yet many lineages exhibit modal or range differences in morphological characteristics without individuals being diagnosable. Such scenarios present difficulties with regards to proper taxonomic recognition of divergent lineages and often prohibit appropriate conservation action. Following the example of recent authors, we provide meristic, geometric morphometric, and pigmentation data to support the recognition of three subspecies of Etheostoma rupestre, a species endemic to the Mobile Basin. These morphological data cohere with previous genetic work for E. rupestre. The nominate subspecies Etheostoma rupetsre rupestre (Tsais Rock Darter) is endemic to the Tombigbee River and Black Warrior River watersheds in Alabama and Mississippi and is characterized by having lower numbers of lateral blotches, lower range and mean of lateral line scales, lower modal number of scales above the lateral line, and lower degrees of nape squamation than other subspecies. Etheostoma rupestre piersoni (Shamrock Darter), ssp. nov., is endemic to the Cahaba and Alabama River Watersheds in Alabama and is characterized by intermediate counts of lateral blotches and higher scale counts and nape squamation than E. r. rupestre. Etheostoma rupestre uphapeense (Jade Darter), ssp. nov., is restricted to several small, disjunct populations in the Coosa and Tallapoosa watersheds in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Etheostoma r. uphapeense is characterized by having a higher mean number of lateral blotches than both other subspecies and higher scale counts than E. r. rupestre. While E. r. rupestre and E. r. piersoni are widespread and abundant within their respective ranges, E. r. uphapeense has a disjunct range and is often uncommon where it occurs. Etheostoma r. uphapeense should be monitored where it occurs to discern population trends.

Characterizing the Dark Mahseer, Naziritor chelynoides (McClelland, 1839): A Morphological, Osteological, and Molecular Approach

Dark mahseer, Naziritor chelynoides is a vulnerable stream fish in several Asian countries, and developing an effective conservation strategy is impeded by incomplete information about its taxonomy. To address this research gap, in the current study dark mahseer collected from Himalayan stream in India (29°21`99.5` N and 79°33`23.9` E) were examined for their morphometric, meristic, osteological, and molecular characteristics. This study discovered unique features of dark mahseer, including its thin non-hypertrophied lower lip without median lobe, complete post-labial groove, 33 to 34 central perforated lateral line scales, a dark elliptical blotch at the angle of the operculum, and numerous fine black dots on a crescent pattern on scales. This species has 9 to 11 slender gill rakers (595.93±148.71 μm in length), 40 to 41 total vertebrae, 38 to 39 neural spines, 14 to 15 hemal spines, and fused first to fourth abdominal vertebrae. Molecular analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1), cytochrome b (cytb), and ATPase subunit 6&8 (ATPase 6&8) genes revealed the genetic distance of 0.08 to 0.10, 0.12 to 0.13, and 0.01 to 0.11 respectively from other Tor species. Our study enhances knowledge of dark mahseer's taxonomy, supporting conservation strategies for this valuable fish species.

A new cavefish of Sinocyclocheilus (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Nanpanjiang River in Guizhou, China.

A new species, Sinocyclocheilus xingyiensis, is described based on specimens collected from a karst cave in Guizhou Province, China. The authors used an integrated taxonomic approach, including morphological and molecular data, to identify the new species as a member of the Sinocyclocheilu angularis group, and it can be distinguished from all other members of this group by a combination of the following features: two pairs of long barbels and long pectoral fins, 42-46 lateral-line scales, 7 (13-14) on outer (inner) side of the first gill arch and 35 (14-15 + 4 + 16 - 17) vertebrae. Phylogenetic analyses based on the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene fragment suggest that S. xingyiensis is a sister lineage to Sinocyclocheilus flexuosdorsalis. The genetic distance (Kimura 2-parameter) between the S. xingyiensis and S. angularis groups of Sinocyclocheilus species based on cyt b gene fragment ranged from 1.2% to 15.4%.

Patterns of Phenetic Diversity and Taxonomy of the Ide <i>Leuciscus idus</i> (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) from Water Bodies of Russia and Adjacent Countries

Using the methods of population morphology, we studied the structure of phenetic diversity of the ide Leuciscus idus (L.) from the water bodies of the Russian Federation and some neighboring countries. We analysed our own collection and literature data on meristic characters of external morphology, axial skeleton, as well as the pharyngeal teeth formula. The main features contributing to population differentiation were the number of lateral line scales, total vertebrae count, caudal and pre-caudal vertebrae ratio. It was shown that the strong positive relationships of the first two features with the geographical latitude of fish habitats is associated, first of all, not with the direct influence of physical factors functionally dependent on latitude, but with particular (sub)speciation processes in river basins and dispersal of evolutionarily derived forms to the north. The results obtained are discussed in terms of evolutionary trends in the subfamily Leuciscinae and call for a taxonomic revision of the L. idus species in its current volume with elevation of the former subspecies L. idus oxianus to a species rank.

High-Resolution Profiling of Atmospheric Turbulence Using UAV Autopilot Data

The capabilities of hovering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in low-altitude sensing of atmospheric turbulence with high spatial resolution are studied experimentally. The vertical profile of atmospheric turbulence was measured at the Basic Experimental Observatory (Tomsk, Russian Federation) with three quadcopters hovering at altitudes of 4, 10, and 27 m in close proximity (~5 m) to anemometers installed on weather towers. The behavior of the longitudinal and lateral wind velocity components in the 0–10 Hz frequency band is analyzed. In addition, the obtained wind velocity components were smoothed over 1 min by the moving average method to describe long turbulent wind gusts. The discrepancy between the UAV and anemometer data is examined. It is found that after smoothing, the discrepancy does not exceed 0.5 m/s in 95% of cases. This accuracy is generally sufficient for measurements of the horizontal wind in the atmosphere. The spectral and correlation analysis of the UAV and anemometer measurements is carried out. The profiles of the longitudinal and lateral scales of turbulence determined from turbulence spectra and autocorrelation functions are studied based on the UAV and anemometer data.

Revision of Nannocharax luapulae Boulenger,1915 (Characiformes: Distichodontidae) from the Upper Congo basin: Evidence for a species pair.

For many decades, Nannocharax luapulae has been considered to be widespread in the southern part of the Upper Congo basin. However, meristic, morphometric and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding evidence revealed that its geographical distribution is restricted to the Luapula-Moero basin. The populations of the Upper Lualaba are assigned to a new species, N. chochamandai. This new species, though highly similar to N. luapulae, can readily be distinguished from it by its lower number of lateral line scales, 41-46 (vs. 49-55), its pectoral fin reaching the pelvic-fin insertion (vs. not reaching the pelvic-fin insertion) and its pelvic fin reaching the base of the anal fin (vs. not reaching the base of the anal fin). Specimens of N. chochamandai display thickened pads on the first three pelvic-fin rays that exhibit intraspecific variation in development, which appears to be related to the flow-strength of the river in which these Nannocharax specimens occur. Nannocharax luapulae is redescribed and an updated identification key to the Nannocharax species of the Congo basin sensu lato is provided as well. Some fish conservation issues related to N. luapulae and N. chochamandai are also highlighted.

Identity of the holotype and type locality of Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) (Colubridae: Natricinae), with notes on the morphology and natural history of the species in southwestern China.

The original description of Natrix leonardi (currently Rhabdophis leonardi) by Frank Wall in 1923, based on a specimen from the "Upper Burma Hills," lacked important morphological details that have complicated the assignment of recently collected material. Furthermore, although the holotype was never lost, its location has been misreported in one important taxonomic reference, leading to further confusion. We report the correct repository of the holotype (Natural History Museum, London), together with its current catalog number. We also describe key features of that specimen that were omitted from the original description, and provide new details on the morphology of the species, including sexual dichromatism unusual for the genus, based upon specimens from southern Sichuan, China. Rhabdophis leonardi is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: 15 or 17 DSR at midbody and 6 supralabials; distinct annulus around the neck, broad and red in males, and narrow and orange with a black border in females; dorsal ground color light green or olive; some lateral and dorsal scales possessing black edges, the frequency of black edges gradually increasing from anterior to posterior, forming irregular and ill-defined transverse black bands; eye with prominent green iris; black ventral spots with a red edge, most numerous at midbody but extending halfway down the length of the tail. In southwestern China, this species is frequently found at 1730-2230 m elevation. It has been documented to prey upon anuran amphibians, including toads. A recently published phylogenetic analysis showed this species to be deeply nested with the genus Rhabdophis, as a member of the R. nuchalis Group. That analysis also revealed the existence of two closely related but geographically distinct subclades in the molecular analysis, one of which may represent an unnamed taxon.

Distribution and Some Diagnostic Properties of Capoeta damascina (Valenciennes, 1842) in Streams of the Ceyhan and Seyhan River Basins, Türkiye

This study determined the distribution and some diagnostic characteristics of Capoeta damascina, which belongs to the Cyprinidae family, in the Ceyhan and Seyhan River basins. C. damascina individuals were detected in 21 of 25 Ceyhan River Basin stations and 12 out of 15 in the Seyhan River basin stations. C. damascina show a wide distribution in the Ceyhan and Seyhan River basins. It has been determined that C. damascina lives at altitudes between 125 m (Hemite Stream) and 1620 m (Söğütlü Stream) in the Ceyhan River basins, and in streams at altitudes ranging from 165 m (Çakıt stream) to 1758 m (Sarız Stream) in the Seyhan River basins. The average total length of C. damascina individuals (n: 218) caught in the Ceyhan River Basin is 14.72 cm, and their average weight is 40.12 g. In the Seyhan River basin, the average total length of C. damascina individuals (n: 74) was found to be 17.31 cm, and their average weight was 72.24 g. The mean number of line lateral scales was 71, the number of gill rakers was 23, and the number of pharyngeal teeth was 4:3:2-2:3:4.