Morphological Characterization and Taxonomic Validation of Spinibarbichthys maensis (Cyprinidae) from the Ma Basin, Lao PDR

Submitted by amonpong.k on Fri, 09/25/2026 - 12:29

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Issue

The 5th Thailand International Symposium on Natural History Museums

Authors

Somphanh Philavong

Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand.

Kaviphone Phouthavong

Living Aquatic Resource Research Center (ARReC), Vientiane, Lao PDR

Jarungjit Grudpan

Sustainable Fishery Research Unit, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, 85 Sathonlamak Rd, Muean Si Khai, Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand.

Chaiwut Grudpan

Sustainable Fishery Research Unit, Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University, 85 Sathonlamak Rd, Muean Si Khai, Warin Chamrap, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand.

Abstract

This study investigates the morphological variation and taxonomic status of the genus Spinibarbichthys based on 100 specimens collected from the Ma Basin (Et District, Houaphanh Province, Lao PDR). A total of 157 characters, comprising 138 morphometric measurements and 19 meristic counts, were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were conducted against the original descriptions of S. maensis and S. denticulatus, as well as two voucher specimens from Guangxi, China. Our results indicate that the Lao PDR population is conspecific with S. maensis and morphologically differs from S. denticulatus and the Chinese vouchers. Diagnostic traits supporting this distinction include significantly higher ratios in head length, body depth, caudal peduncle length, and dorsal fin height. Furthermore, S. maensis is characterized by a higher lateral line scale count (28–30 + 2 vs. 26–27 + 2 in S. denticulatus. These morphometric and meristic data collectively validate S. maensis and clarify its taxonomic distribution within the region.

Attachment

proceedings-2026-07-30-004.pdf

Keywords

References

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