Osteological structure of Kiabi loach, Oxynoemacheilus kiabii (Actinopterygii: Nemacheilidae)

A detailed description of the osteological structure of Kiabi loach (Oxynoemacheilus kiabii), a recently described endemic species caught from Gamasiab River, Iran, is provided. Seven specimens were collected by electrofishing in June 2013 and cleared and stained and its osteological structures were described. The results showed that O. kiabii can be distinguished from other members of the genus Oxynoemacheilus by having a square prevomer versus elongated and rectangular prevomer of O. bergianus, wider and shorter supraethmoid-ethmoid, shorter connection area between prootics, presence of two sesamoids bones, larger processes of hypohyals, presence of two extra urohyals, short metapterygoid, shape of swim bladder capsule and five hypurals.