Garra lissorhynchus (McClelland, 1842)

Thoni, R. J., Gurung, D. B. & Mayden, R. L., 2016, A review of the genus Garra Hamilton 1822 of Bhutan, including the descriptions of two new species and three additional records (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae), Zootaxa 4169 (1), pp. 115-132 : 124

Garra lissorhynchus (McClelland, 1842)

( Figs. 7 & 8 )

Platycara lissorhynchus McClelland 1842 . No Holotype. Kasyah Hills, Meghalaya, India.

Materials examined. 3 Specimens, CNR 13011, CNR 13163, CNR 13164, 47.1 –54.2 mm SL; Bhutan: Zhemgang Dzongkhag: Rendibichhu, D.B. Gurung & R.J. Thoni, September 27, 2013 . 1 Specimen, CNR 13528, 79.2 mm SL; Bhutan, Zhemgang Dzongkhag: Nabbeykhola, D.B. Gurung & R.J. Thoni, September 30, 2013 . 2 Specimens, CNR 19111-19112, 46.1 -49.0 mm SL; Bhutan: Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag: Martangchhu, D.B. Gurung & R.J. Thoni, October 23, 2013 . 1 Specimen, CNR 13038, 68.5 mm SL, Tikrikhola, Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan, D.B. Gurung & R.J. Thoni, October 22, 2013 . 3 Specimens, CNR 15034, CNR 15271, CNR 13272, 48.0– 60.9 mm SL; Bhutan: Mongar Dzongkhag: Sherichhu at bridge crossing, D.B. Gurung & R.J. Thoni, October 23, 2013 . 1 Specimen, CNR 13052, 72.8 mm SL, Bhutan: Mongar Dzongkhag: Murongdrangchhu, D.B. Gurung & R.J. Thoni, October 24, 2013 . 1 Specimen, CNR 13114, 66.5 mm SL; Bhutan: Mongar Dzongkhag: Morichhu, D.B. Gurung & R.J. Thoni, October 24, 2013 .

Remarks. The presence of a W-shaped pigmentation band on the caudal fin diagnoses this species as a member of the G. lissorhynchus species group ( Menon, 1964). It is differentiated from the other species in this group, G. abhoyi Hora 1923 , G. dampaensis Lalronunga et al. 2013 , G. nambulica Vishwanath & Joyshree 2005 , G. paralissorhynchus Vishwanath & Shanta Devi 2005 , G. rupecula (McClelland, 1842) , and G. hughi Silas 1954 , in having 14–15 (versus scales absent, fewer than 12, or 16–29) predorsal scales.

This is a common species encountered in streams and rivers of central and eastern Bhutan. There were several individuals identified and released at many sites in addition to the voucher specimens listed above. Specimens were collected in tributaries of the Mangdechhu, Kurichhu, and Bodachhu Rivers, with the Mangdechhu being the westernmost extent of its range in Bhutan. It was always found in clear, fast flowing water with boulders and cobble substrate. Common species found to be sympatric with G. lissorhynchus include: Psilorhynchus cf. homaloptera , Neolissochilus hexagonolepis , and members of the genera Glyptothorax and Schistura .

Figures

FIGURE 7. Garra lissorhynchus. CNR 15271, 60.9 mm SL; Bhutan: Mongar Dzongkhag: Sherichhu River, D. B. Gurung & R. J. Thoni, October 23, 2013.

FIGURE 8. Live specimen Garra lissorhynchus. CNR 15271, 60.9 mm SL; Bhutan: Mongar Dzongkhag: Sherichhu River, D. B. Gurung & R. J. Thoni, October 23, 2013.