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Issue: Vol. 5728 No. 2: 10 Dec. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-12-10
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5728.2.7
Page range: 365-374
Abstract views: 51
PDF downloaded: 15

Hidden diversity of the widespread Opsaridium ubangiense (Cypriniformes: Danionidae) in Central Africa

Biology Department; Randolph-Macon College; Ashland; VA USA 23005; Smithsonian Research Associate; National Museum of Natural History; Division of Fishes; Washington; DC USA 20560.
Biology Department; Randolph-Macon College; Ashland; VA USA 23005
Biology Department; Randolph-Macon College; Ashland; VA USA 23005
Shark Conservation Fund; New York; NY USA 10036
Pisces species delimitation biodiversity cryptic species headwater capture

Abstract

Opsaridium ubangiense is a reportedly widespread species that occurs throughout the Lower Guinea ichthyofaunal province and within the Upper Congo River drainage. Recent collections throughout the region allow us to examine the genetic diversity within this species across its reported distribution. The results of a multi-locus analyses and four different species delimitation methods (GD, bPTP, ABGD, and ASAP) suggest the presence of distinct taxa within what is now considered O. ubangiense. The analysis also revealed potentially distinct taxa within the rivers of Equatorial Guinea and highlight some interesting patterns of diversity within the Mbini River drainage. A preliminary morphological analysis also revealed some differences among topotypic material and other studied populations. These results are discussed in the context of other recent discoveries in the region; future studies needed are also detailed.

 

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How to Cite

Schmidt, R.C., Clements, M.A., Hinson, M.W. & Barrientos, C. (2025) Hidden diversity of the widespread Opsaridium ubangiense (Cypriniformes: Danionidae) in Central Africa. Zootaxa, 5728 (2), 365–374. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5728.2.7