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Craniological Features of Sabanejewia larvata (Cobitidae) and its Divergence from S. aurata and Other Congeneric Species

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Abstract

The conducted craniological analysis of Sabanejewia larvata and S. aurata did not reveal fundamental differences in the general morphology of the skull and skull bones between them. Comparison with previously studied Sabanejewia caspia, S. kubanica, S. caucasica, and S. aralensis showed that all investigated species have species-specific values for some craniological indices. Sabanejewia larvata and S. caspia are most similar and are characterized by the lowest skull in the ethmoid region, the widest praeoperculum, the ascending process of the dentary displaced anteriorly, and the narrowest cleithrum. The obtained results confirm the validity of the subgenus Andrzewia. At the same time, the observed craniological divergence of S. aurata and S. aralensis testifies in favor of an independent species status of the golden loach from the Aral Sea basin. However, further genetic and morphological studies are needed.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are very grateful to anonymous reviewers for the analysis of our MS and helpful comments.

Funding

Scientific investigations of E.D. Vasil’eva are supported by the State Project of ZMMU no. 121032300105-0. No additional grants to carry out or direct this particular research were obtained.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Zoological Museum, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

    E. D. Vasil’eva

  2. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

    V. P. Vasil’ev

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  1. E. D. Vasil’eva
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  2. V. P. Vasil’ev
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Correspondence to E. D. Vasil’eva.

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ETHICS APPROVAL AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE

This work does not contain any studies involving human and live animal subjects. The study is based on the analysis of the skull and cranial bones cleaned and stored as craniological preparations since 1984–1985. All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.

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Vasil’eva, E.D., Vasil’ev, V.P. Craniological Features of Sabanejewia larvata (Cobitidae) and its Divergence from S. aurata and Other Congeneric Species. J. Ichthyol. 64, 9–15 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0032945224010168

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