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Issue: Vol. 5763 No. 4: 5 Mar. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-03-05
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5763.4.3
Page range: 501-528
Abstract views: 145
PDF downloaded: 28

Carolina Redhorse—a new species of Moxostoma (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae) from North Carolina and South Carolina, USA

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences; 11 West Jones St.; Raleigh NC 27601; USA
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences; 11 West Jones St.; Raleigh NC 27601; USA
Bremerton; WA; USA
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences; 11 West Jones St.; Raleigh NC 27601; USA; Department of Marine; Earth and Atmospheric Sciences; 2800 Faucette Dr.; North Carolina State University; Raleigh NC 27606; USA
Department of Biology; Roanoke College; 221 College Lane; Salem; VA 24153; USA
Pisces Fishes Suckers North America Atlantic slope Yadkin-Pee Dee Cape Fear

Abstract

Recognized as an undescribed species since the mid-1990s, the Carolina Redhorse is herein described as Moxostoma carolina sp. nov. The Carolina Redhorse is distinguished from all other species described in the genus Moxostoma by the number of caudal peduncle scales, the texture and angle of the lower lip, and by pigmentation and tuberculation patterns. It is morphologically similar to M. erythrurum, although the two species are allopatric and phylogenetic analysis of the COI mitochondrial gene supports the Carolina Redhorse as a distinct evolutionary lineage. The Carolina Redhorse is rare, localized, and endemic to lower Piedmont streams and run-of-river reservoirs in North Carolina and South Carolina. Characteristics of five of the species with which the Carolina Redhorse is sympatric and M. erythrurum are discussed, and a dichotomous key is provided.

 

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How to Cite

Hogue, G.M., Tracy, B.H., Raine, J.A., Hughes, L.C. & Jenkins, R.E. (2026) Carolina Redhorse—a new species of Moxostoma (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae) from North Carolina and South Carolina, USA. Zootaxa, 5763 (4), 501–528. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.4.3