Thursday, August 27, 2015

[Ichthyology • 2015] Liobargus hyeongsanensis • A New Species of Torrent Catfish (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae), from Korea


Liobargus hyeongsanensis
Kim, Kim & Park, 2015    DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4007.2.9

Abstract

A new species of torrent catfish, Liobargus hyeongsanensis, is described from rivers and tributaries of the southeastern coast of Korea. The new species can be differentiated from its congeners by the following characteristics: a small size with a maximum standard length (SL) of 90 mm; body and fins entirely brownish-yellow without distinct markings; a relatively short pectoral spine (3.7–6.5 % SL); a reduced body-width at pectoral-fin base (15.5–17.9 % SL); 50–54 caudal-fin rays; 6–8 gill rakers; 2–3 (mostly 3) serrations on pectoral fin; 60–110 eggs per gravid female.

Keywords: Pisces, Amblycipitidae, Liobagrus hyeongsanensis, New species, Endemic, South Korea


Distribution. Liobagrus hyeongsanensis is restricted to the rivers flowing to the eastern coast of
Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea: Upper Hyeongsan and Taehwa Rivers (Fig. 4).

Sexual dimorphism. The adductor mandibulae in males is greatly expended during the spawning season, from late April to June.

Etymology. Named after the Hyeongsan River, the type locality. We propose the Korean name Donbang-Jagasari for this species.

Biology and habitat. Liobagrus hyeongsanensis is small, nocturnal and benthic. It inhabits the bottom stratum of running waters with moderately fast currents, in upper streams and valley streams. It is generally seen in shallow waters (0.3–0.8 m deep) with large or small stony or pebbly substrates. The spawning season is from late April to June. The adult females do not exceed 90.0 mm SL and lay a small number of eggs (60–110), 2.8–3.3 (3.1±0.2) mm in diameter. 


Kim, Su-hwan, Hyeong-su Kim & Jong-young Park. 2015. A New Species of Torrent Catfish, Liobagrus hyeongsanensis (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae), from Korea. Zootaxa. 4007(2): 267–275.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4007.2.9