Barbodes klapanunggalensis, a new species of blind subterranean fish (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) from Klapanunggal karst area, West Java, Indonesia, with notes on its conservation

Abstract

Barbodes klapanunggalensis sp. nov. is described on the basis of two specimens col-lected from the subterranean cave system of Klapanunggal karst area, Bogor Regency, West Java Province, Java Island, Indonesia. The new species is unique among its con-geners in completely lacking eyes, its ocular vestige being marked by an orbital con-cavity fully covered with skin, and with no orbital rim. It also differs distinctly from most species of Barbodes by having relatively long paired fins (pectoral fin 26.0–31.4% SL; pelvic fin 21.5–24.4% SL), the adpressed tips of each overlapping the basal area of the adjacent posterior (pelvic and anal, respectively) fins; and the presence of a short pelvic axillary scale with a rounded posterior margin. Barbodes klapanunggalensis sp. nov. is further distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: head length 32.9–35.3% SL; pre-pectoral fin length 32.6–33.6% SL; pre-pelvic fin length 54.0–59.6% SL; anal-fin base length 9.7–11.8% SL; caudal peduncle depth 13.2–18.2% SL; completely nonpigmented body; and all fins with translucent interradial membranes and light cream to brownish rays. As reflected by its highly troglomorphic features, the new species is strictly adapted to cave habitats. Its small population size, coupled with a high level of potential threats to its known habitat, suggest that future conservation efforts will become necessary.