Schistura mizoramensis, a new species of loach from Mizoram, northeastern India (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)

Abstract

The genus Schistura is the most diverse genus within the family Nemacheilidae, comprising more than 200 valid species. They inhabit running waters of hill streams of most continental Asia and adjacent islands (including Greater Sunda Islands), and Europe and northeast Africa (Ethiopia). Twenty three species of Schistura are known to be present in the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin (see Kottelat, 2012; Lokeshwor et al., 2012; Lokeshwor & Vishwanath, 2013; Lalronunga et al., 2013). Recent ichthyofaunal survey conducted along Turivang River, tributary of Tuirial River (Barak drainage), Mizoram, northeastern India obtained a Schistura species that markedly differs from other species of the genus already reported from the basin.