Loaches of the genus Lepidocephalicthys from Manipur, with description of a new species

A new species Lepidocephalichthys manipurensis is described, confined to the Chandel district of Manipur near the adjoining borderland areas of Manipur, India and Burma (Myanmar). It is distinguished by the following combination of characters: a sharp small black dot just above the upper base of the caudal fin; 8-9 dorsal short dark ashy brown bars from occiput to the base of the caudal fin; absence of scales on the vertex of head; caudal fin fork, pectoral, ventral and anal fins are non-immaculate; least depth of caudal peduncle 50.00-60.24% (mean 54.09) of its length and 7.69-8.11%L sub(S)(mean 8.22); caudal fin with 4-5 W-shaped bands: a single dark black stripe from tip of snout to eye; 8-11 spots on the mid lateral line; and 30-31 vertebrae. A key to the identification of lepidocephalid loaches of Manipur is provided. Copyright 2000 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles