Systematics of the Nothobranchius melanospilus species group (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae) with description of two new species from Tanzania and Mozambique

Nothobranchius makondorum, new species, and N. lucius, new species, from the coastal plains of Tanzania and Mozambique are described. Both are members of a "N. melanospilus species group". Nothobranchius makondorum and N. lucius can be distinguished from the other species of the group by male and female coloration, cytology and results of mitochondrial DNA analyses. Nothobranchius makondorum is similar to N. melanospilus in morphology but differs in the female coloration being characterized by sparse, often barely visible spots on the body, which, in some individuals, are arranged in an interrupted chevron pattern. Nothobranchius lucius differs from its congeners by a more elongate body, a longer head and more densely distributed dark brown spots on the body, head and fins of the female. The position of N. hengstleri within the N. melanospilus species is confirmed based on mtDNA data.