Cottus immaculatus, a new species of sculpin (Cottidae) from the Ozark Highlands of Arkansas and Missouri, USA

Abstract

Cottus immaculatus, new species, is described from the Current, Eleven Point, Spring and White river systems of the White River drainage, in the Ozark Highlands of Arkansas and Missouri, USA. Cottus immaculatus is a member of the Uranidea clade and distinguishable from all members of the genus Cottus using genetic and morphological characters. Cottus immaculatus possesses a previously unreported but possibly widespread character in the genus Cottus, enlargement of the tips of the dorsal-fin spines of males. The description of Cottus immaculatus brings the total number of species recognized within the genus Cottus to 68. Copyright © 2010 Magnolia Press.