Hidden species diversity in the Enteromius Cope, 1867 (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Aruwimi basin (Middle Congo) in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Two new African minnow species, Enteromius cerinus and Enteromius ruforum, have been discovered in the Angadiko River within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These species are distinguished by unique morphological traits, such as low circumpeduncular scales, body depth, and barbel lengths for E. cerinus, and high body depth with small, isometric eye diameter for E. ruforum. Genetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA (COI gene) confirmed their distinct lineages, with genetic distances of 10.3% and 11.2%, respectively, from the closely related species Enteromius kamolondoensis. The study highlights the hidden biodiversity in the poorly documented left-bank sub-affluents of the Nepoko River, which face significant anthropogenic threats, including habitat destruction and illegal fishing practices like ecopage. Both new species are classified as Vulnerable (VU) under IUCN criteria, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the reserve's freshwater biodiversity.

Mayo Ilodiri, W., Huyghe, C. E. T., da Costa, L. M., Mambo Baba, T., Danadu Mizani, C., & Vreven, E. J. W. M. N. (2024). Hidden species diversity in the Enteromius Cope, 1867 (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Aruwimi basin (Middle Congo) in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Journal of Fish Biology, 106(2), 230–255. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15883