Identity of the catfish Liobagrus styani (Teleostei: Amblycipitidae) from Hubei Province, China

Abstract

Liobagrus styani is redescribed and its identity clarified. The real L. styani is represented by the population found in the Po-He, a tributary of the lake Huanggai system in the middle Chang-Jiang basin, at Chibi City, South Hubei Province, China. The materials currently identified as L. styani from Henan, Shaanxi, Anhui and Jiangxi provinces possibly represent an undescribed species. Taxonomic and nomenclatural comments are provided for Chinese species of Liobagrus with a smooth posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine. A key to the species of Liobagrus found in China including Taiwan Island is provided.Liobagrus styani is redescribed and its identity clarified. The real L. styani is represented by the population found in the Po-He, a tributary of the lake Huanggai system in the middle Chang-Jiang basin, at Chibi City, South Hubei Province, China. The materials currently identified as L. styani from Henan, Shaanxi, Anhui and Jiangxi provinces possibly represent an undescribed species. Taxonomic and nomenclatural comments are provided for Chinese species of Liobagrus with a smooth posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine. A key to the species of Liobagrus found in China including Taiwan Island is provided