Gudgeon from the Emel River and Problems of the Gudgeon Taxonomy (Genus Gobio, Cyprinidae) in Kazakhstan and Siberia

A comparative morphological analysis of the gudgeons from the genus Gobio from the collection of the Zoological Museum of Lomonosov Moscow State University enables to describe the gudgeon specimens from the Emel River (Basin of Lake Alakol, south-eastern part of Kazakhstan) as a new species. The new species differs from other gudgeon species distributed in Kazakhstan and neighboring territories by the set of characters and is characterized by a short snout, the length of which is usually less than the postorbital distance; long barbels, usually extending beyond the posterior margin of the eye (always extending beyond the middle of the eye); the absence of scales on the breast, the presence of usually 12 or more black spots along the side, a low body, and a relatively short head. The validity of Gobio latus inhabiting the basin of Lake IssykKul has been restored. The key for diagnosing species of the genus Gobio in Kazakhstan is provided.