中国特有金线鲃属鱼类 - 物种多样性、洞穴适应、系统演化和动物地理
Endemic Fishes of Sinocyclocheilus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in China
Species diversity, Cave adaptation, Systematics and Zoogeography
This monography deals with the species diversity, evolutionary adaptation, systematics and distribution of fishes of the genus Sinocyclocheilus Fang, 1936 endemic to China. The genus Sinocyclocheilus shelters stygobite and stygophilic (the authors prefer the terms troglobite/troglophilic) species distributed over the Chinese provinces Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi. The distributional pattern is explained as depending on topographical events (e.g. plateau uplifts) and the complexity of karstic areas. In some cases up to three different Sinocyclocheilus species occur sintopic (e.g. S. rhinocerous, S. angustiporus, and S. malacopterus in Yunnan Province)
Evolutionary morphological adaptations such as a high body depth and the evolution of a bizarre but recognizing horn are discussed prior to a phylogenetic tree incorporating all Sinocyclocheilus species is shown. The tree is based on genetic DNA information augmented with meristics and morphometrics. Four assemblages of species called clades are separated within the genus; jii-clade, angularis-clade, cyphotergous-clade, and tingi-clade. The common characteristics and distributional ranges are given. Systematic research for Sinocyclocheilus species seems to be in a diffcult matter to deal with since 26 of all type specimens are in private possession (mainly in the possession of Mr. Lan Jiahu and Mr. Li Weixian), another 2 are lost. In fact, just 28 of all type specimens are kept in institutions of the Chinese Academy of Science. This is rather alarming but usual for fish taxa of genera endemic to China.
In total there are 49 valid taxa recognized and extensively described in the species account section. The account features a bw-photograph, a merictics-morphometrics table and a map showing the distribution of the taxon discussed. A key to the species is provided. The species account section deserves two thumbs up for its comprehensive and clear listing.
The only but may be crucial drawback of this book is the fact that it written in Chinese language exclusively. Just the one and a half page abstract and legends of figures/tables are translated into English; this is not enough to make this book a global success. What a pity!
ME, 2011-03-20
