Sabanejewia romanica (Băcescu, 1943) (Actinopterygii: Cobitidae), a new species for the ichthyofauna of Serbia

Abstract

Sabanejewia romanica was recorded for the first time on the territory of Serbia in three direct tributaries of the Danube River (Rečka River, Slatinska River and Zamna River). This is the first record of the species outside Romania, the westernmost point of its occurrence and the first verified record of the species from the right tributaries of the Danube River. Genetic characterisation of the Serbian specimens showed that they are the most related to the Romanian S. romanica, with a high recorded net evolutionary divergence between them. Further studies with included populations from the whole geographical range of S. romanica should provide an accurate picture of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relations within the species.