Zoosystematics and Evolution, cilt.100, sa.2, ss.483-492, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
The taxonomic status of the Oxynoemacheilus from the Karınca and Havran streams in the north Aegean Basin was evaluated, and it was concluded that these populations contain a new species. The new species, Oxynoemacheilus kottelati sp. nov., is distinguished by a body with a marbled pattern, a deeper caudal peduncle, a shorter caudal peduncle, a wider interorbital distance, and a shorter middle caudal-fin lope. Oxynoemacheilus kottelati sp. nov. is differentiated from the closest species, O. marmaraensis, in possessing 51 nucleotide substitution sites, a genetic distance of 8.40%, the presence of an axillary lobe at the base of the pelvic fin (vs. absent), and a narrower median incision in the upper lip (vs. absent). Three species delimitation tests (ASAP, ABGD, and PTP) and phylogenetic analyses reinforce the validity of O. kottelati sp. nov. as a distinct species.