First record of Macrognathus aral (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) from the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan

Abstract

This study reports a new record of freshwater fish Macrognathus aral (Bloch & Schneider) from Aiechu-Kalikhola tributary of the Maukhola river in Sarpang, Bhutan. The species was found in shoal of the tributary and was identified using its morphometric characters. It can be identified and distinguished from its congeners reported in Bhutan by dorsal fin rays XIX, 47, anal fin rays III, 52, rostral plates 28, pectoral fin rays 19, caudal fin rays 15, soft rayed part of dorsal and anal fin separated by a notch from rounded caudal fin, and presence of four ocelli at the base of dorsal fins. Further studies are needed to better understand its distribution, ecology, and population dynamics in the country. A key to species belonging to Mastacembelidae of Bhutan including the new record is provided.