Speolabeo hokhanhi, a new cavefish from Central Vietnam (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

Researchers have identified and described Speolabeo hokhanhi, a new species of cavefish from Hang Va Cave within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Central Vietnam. This discovery distinguishes the species through unique morphological traits, including the absence of papillae on the lower lip, no hump behind the head, a duckbilled snout, and a shorter caudal peduncle compared to its relative, S. musaei. Additionally, the pelvic fin is positioned closer to the snout tip than to the caudal-fin base. The study contributes to the understanding of cavefish biodiversity in Vietnam's UNESCO-listed national parks.

TAO, N. D., CAO, L., DENG, S., & ZHANG, E. (2018). Speolabeo hokhanhi, a new cavefish from Central Vietnam (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Zootaxa, 4476(1). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4476.1.10