Revalidation of the Spanish stone loach Barbatula hispanica (Lelek, 1987) (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae) according to morphological and mitochondrial data

This study revalidates Barbatula hispanica, previously considered a junior synonym of B. quignardi. This species is found in the Ebro drainage and in Cantabria (Spain) as well as in the Adour drainage (Southwestern France). It is characterized by an upper lip with a well-marked medial incision and an interorbital width 18.5-33.7% of the HL. The species delineation is corroborated by the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 molecular marker. We provide the sequence of 12S rDNA (950 bp) as reference for environmental DNA studies, and discuss also the taxonomy of B. quignardi which would be restricted to the Lez River.

Automated summary

This study revalidates the status of Barbatula hispanica, providing genetic markers and discussing the taxonomy of B. quignardi. The species is characterized by specific features and its delineation is supported by molecular evidence.