Two New Catfish from Mekong Basin
This study describes two previously misidentified catfish species from Southeast Asia's Mekong River basin, clarifying decades of taxonomic confusion. Scientists Heok Hee Ng and Maurice Kottelat distinguish Glyptothorax carnatus and G. rhadinus from similar-looking relatives that had been incorrectly lumped together in past research. The new species are identified by unique physical features including body shape, and thoracic adhesive apparatus characteristics. The work is significant for biodiversity conservation in the Mekong region, one of the world's most biodiverse river systems. By resolving the identities of these rheophilic catfishes, the researchers provide baseline information to help future ecological studies and appropriate conservation attention as the Mekong faces increasing environmental pressures from dams, pollution, and habitat modification.
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