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

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.