• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.231-243
• /
• 2022

To investigate the taxonomic status of undescribed species Acheilognathus sp. HR from Korean Acheilognathidae discovered from the Dalcheon River, a tributary of the Hangang River, molecular phylogenetic and morphological characteristics were compared and analyzed with previous studies. As a result of molecular phylogenetic analysis, A. sp. HR formed the same genetic clade as the five subspecies of Acheilognathus tabira, but formed a separate monophyletic group based on the unique genotype, showing clear differences. As a result of morphological analyses, the dorsal fin color in males is grayish and the nuptial coloration of the outer edge of the anal fin is white. The outer edges of the dorsal and anal fins are convexly rounded. A black blotch is present on the dorsal fin of the juvenile, but there is a black blotch absent on the dorsal fin of the small adult female. In the counts, the number of branched dorsal rays is 12~13. In the measurements, the length of the barbels is short and the body depth is deep. Therefore, the A. sp. HR of Hangang River is considered at the level of a distinct species distinguished from each other by the five subspecies of A. tabira by molecular phylogenetic, morphological, and limited distributional characteristics.