Alburnoides holciki Coad and Bogutskaya 2012

A previously unknown species of fish, Alburnoides holciki, has been identified in Tajikistan's rivers, including the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve. Genetic and morphological analysis revealed that this species, initially thought to be Alburnus bipunctatus or Alburnoides bipunctatus eichwaldi, belongs to a recently described taxon (Alburnoides holciki). The discovery was made through examination of 39 specimens from the IBIW_FS collection and additional preserved samples. This finding highlights the biodiversity significance of Tajikistan's riverine ecosystems, particularly within protected areas like Tigrovaya Balka, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research underscores the importance of genetic studies in unraveling cryptic species diversity in freshwater environments.

Artaev, O., Thoni, R., Mirzoev, N., & Levin, B. (2025). Alburnoides holciki Coad and Bogutskaya 2012. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.20514670