Description of the Sicklefin Redhorse (Catostomidae: Moxostoma)

The Sicklefin Redhorse is perhaps the largest truly new North American species discovered in the last century, and the species is herein described as Moxostoma ugidatli , new species. Sicklefin Redhorse differ from other red-tailed redhorse based on the presence of elongate first through third dorsal-fin rays, and from all other redhorse by having plicate lips with deep, branching grooves distally (vs. lips papillose or unbranching) and by having moderately molariform pharyngeal teeth (vs. molariform or chisel-like teeth). The Sicklefin Redhorse is found in the upper Tennessee River basin of North Carolina and Georgia in the Little Tennessee and Hiwassee River subbasins. Although the species is not federally protected, it is threatened in North Carolina and endangered in Georgia. The species is known to live to 22 years, with the largest preserved female 500 mm SL, 633 mm TL, 2.561 kg and the largest preserved male 463.2 mm SL, TL unknown, 2.024 kg.