Description of two new species of the genus Paranemachilus (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from Guangxi, China

This study describes two new species within the genus Paranemachilus . Paranemachilus luegvetensis sp. nov. and Paranemachilus liui sp. nov. can be distinguished from all recognized congeners by a combination of morphological characteristics and substantial genetic divergences. Paranemachilus luegvetensis sp. nov. is characterized by scaled cheeks; the whole body covered in scales, except for the head; 11–12 branched pectoral fin rays; 4–5 preoperculomandibular canal pores; body depth 13.5%–16.8% of standard length; and preanus length 68.3%–73.9% of standard length. Paranemachilus liui sp. nov. is characterized by scaled cheeks; the whole body covered in scales except for the head; 11–13 branched pectoral fin rays; 11–15 supraorbital canal pores at the base of the anterior nostrils; 7–9 preoperculomandibular canal pores; preanus length 67.4%–74.3% of standard length; snout length 21.4%–28.7% of lateral head length.