Triplophysa qiubeiensis is a species of ray-finned fish in the genus Triplophysa, within the family Nemacheilidae (brook loaches) and the order Cypriniformes. The species was first described by W. X. Li and H. F. Yang in 2008.
Taxonomy and Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
- Order: Cypriniformes
- Family: Nemacheilidae
- Genus: Triplophysa
- Species: T. qiubeiensis
Distribution and Habitat
Triplophysa qiubeiensis is a cave-dwelling (troglobitic) species found in underground water in a cave near Nijiao Village, Qiubei County, Yunnan Province, China (approximately 24°05′N, 104°01′E). It inhabits freshwater cave environments and is demersal in nature, living in a tropical climate zone.
Morphology
The species is characterized by several distinctive features that distinguish it from other cave-dwelling congeners in China:
- Highly degenerated eyes, consistent with its subterranean lifestyle
- Dorsal fin with 7 branched rays
- Forked caudal fin
- Elongated body shape
- Absence of blotches on the body
It is morphologically similar to Triplophysa macromaculata, which also exhibits highly degenerated eyes, absence of blotches, and a forked caudal fin. The maximum recorded standard length is approximately 9.2 cm.
Conservation Status
The species is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (criteria D2), as assessed on 18 January 2024. Its restricted distribution to a single cave system contributes to its vulnerability.
Genetic Research
The complete mitochondrial genome of Triplophysa qiubeiensis has been sequenced using the Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform. The mitogenome is 16,584 base pairs in length and exhibits a gene composition and arrangement typical of teleost fishes, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. Phylogenetic analysis places T. qiubeiensis within a clade of Triplophysa species primarily distributed in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau of southwestern China.
Etymology
The genus name Triplophysa derives from Greek: triplos meaning "thrice" and physa meaning "tube." The specific epithet qiubeiensis refers to Qiubei County, the type locality where the species was discovered.
