taxonID	type	description	language	source
038987E7FFCADB2DC0EF5DC05899A633.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Cobitid with lateral line complete; dorsal-fin origin over or behind pelvic-fin origin; deep, slab-sided body; scales on top of head (except L. pahangensis), cheek and opercle; eye very small and subcutaneous, or absent; 8 – 9 branched dorsal-fin rays; 9 – 13 pectoral-fin rays; 6 – 8 pelvic-fin rays; 42 – 43 vertebrae; lamina circularis a thickend 2 nd ray of pectoral fin on mature male. Most often confused with Lepidocephalichthys and Pangio. Lepidocephalus differs from Lepidocephalichthys in having complete lateral line (vs. no lateral line); eye very small and subcutaneous, or absent (vs. eye present, not conspicuously small); 8 – 9 (vs. 6) branched dorsal-fin rays; 9 – 13 (vs. 7) pectoral-fin rays; longer predorsal length, (> 60 % SL vs. ~ 50 – 55 %); and lamina circularis of mature male on 2 nd ray (vs. 7 th and 8 th rays) of pectoral fin (Havird et al. 2010). They also differ in numbers of total vertebrae (among species for which data are available) with Lepidocephalus having 42 – 43, and Lepidocephalichthys having 35 – 38 (Roberts 1989: 96). All species of Lepidocephalus except L. pahangensis, have scales on top of head (vs. scales absent on top of head in Lepidocephalichthys except in L. kranos and L. irrorata), and on the cheek and opercle (vs. scales usually absent or deeply embedded on cheek and opercle in Lepidocephalichthys). Lepidocephalus differs from Pangio in having scales on cheek and opercle (vs. no scales on head); complete lateral line (vs. no lateral line); eye very small and subcutaneous, or absent (vs. eye present, not so conspicuously small); 8 – 9 (vs. 5 – 6) branched dorsal-fin rays; and 6 – 8 (vs. 5 – 7) pelvic-fin rays (Havird et al. 2010). Lepidocephalus has 42 – 43 total vertebrae (among species for which data are available), and Pangio has 45 – 71 total vertebrae (Roberts 1989: 96, as species of Acantophthalmus). In general appearance, Lepidocephalus is deep-bodied and slab-sided, and is readily distinguishable from Lepidocephalichthys, which is more slender and much less slab-sided, and Pangio, which is long, slender and generally eel-like in appearance. Based on nuclear gene data, Šlechtová et al. (2008) hypothesized Lepidocephalus to be closely related to Canthophrys gongata (Hamilton 1822), a species native to India, Nepal, Burma, Bangadesh and Pakistan (Shrestha, 2008; Talwar and Jhingran, 1991). However, there is no morphological evidence to suggest a close relationship between Lepidocephalus and Canthophrys. Species of Lepidocephalus differ greatly from Canthophrys gongata in general appearance, and lack the pattern of black dorsal saddles and black spots on the side of the body and the wide depressed head with large upwardly directed eyes. They also differ in having the lamina circularis on the 2 nd ray (vs. medial rays) of the pectoral fin, and in having (vs. lacking) scales on the head.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCADB2FC0EF5AD8589CA3E1.taxon	description	(Fig. 1 B) Cobitis macrochir Bleeker, 1854: 97. Type-locality: Java (Surakarta) in fluviis; Sumatra (Palembang) ubi confluunt flumina Lematang et Enim. [Confluence of Lamatang and Enim rivers, Palembang, eastern Sumatra; Pepeh River, Surakarta, central Java, Indonesia]. Syntypes: originally 5; only BMNH 1866.5. 2.55 known.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCADB2FC0EF5AD8589CA3E1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Lepidocephalus that is readily distinguishable (Fig. 1, Table 1) from L. spectrum by the presence of eyes and dark pigment on the body, and absence of tubules along the lateral line; from L. pahangensis by the presence of scales on top of the head; from L. pallens by having the dorsal-fin origin well behind (vs. over) the pelvic-fin origin (predorsal length 65.0 – 69.3 vs. 59.9 % SL); and from L. nanensis by having a shorter snout (3.9 – 5.1 vs. 5.6 – 7.4 % SL; 23.3 – 27.1 vs. 28.6 – 38.1 % HL). Lepidocephalus macrochir further differs from L. pahangensis in having 8 (vs. 9) branched dorsal-fin rays and 5 – 6 (vs. 4) branched anal-fin rays, and from L. pallens, L. pahangensis and L. spectrum in having a shorter head (16.6 – 18.8 vs. 23.2, 21.8, and 21.3 – 23.2 % SL, respectively).	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCADB2FC0EF5AD8589CA3E1.taxon	description	Description. Body deep, slab-sided; greatest depth 15.7 – 18.9 % SL. Head narrow, length 16.6 – 18.8 % SL. Eye small, in dorsal half of head in shallow depression above bifid suborbital spine. Origin of dorsal fin behind origin of pelvic fin. Small axillary lobe on pelvic fin; small fleshy lobe at origin of pectoral fin. Pectoral fin falcate. Scales on top of head, cheek and opercle; body completely covered with minute, often deeply embedded scales. Lateral line complete, 105 – 150 pores; no tubules on lateral line. Mouth horseshoe-shaped; upper lip without median indentation; lower lip with median indentation on lower edge. Two pairs of rostral barbels; inner pair reaching to corner of mouth, outer pair slightly longer and reaching slightly past corner of mouth; one pair of maxillary barbels, reaching approximately to vertical at posterior end of groove containing suborbital spine. Large flap on anterior nostril. Dorsal rays iii, 8; pectoral rays 10 – 11; pelvic rays 6 – 8; anal rays ii, 5 – 6; upper branched caudal rays 7 – 8; lower branched caudal rays 7. Coloration. Described by Bleeker (1854) as “ " colore corpore pinnisque fuscescente-aurantiaco vel fusco; maculis vel vittis corpore pinnisque nullis, ” which translates to: body and fins brown-orange or brown tinged with grayish-black; lacking spots or bands on body and fins.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCADB2FC0EF5AD8589CA3E1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lepidocephalus macrochir is poorly represented in collections and known only from the Lamatang and Enim rivers in eastern Sumatra, the Pepeh River in central Java, and the Barito River basin in southern Borneo (Fig. 2). Previous reports of the distribution that included peninsular Malaysia and western Borneo (e. g., Roberts, 1989) were based on the holotypes of L. pahangensis, and L. pallens, respectively. The occurrence of L. macrochir in the Barito River basin in southern Borneo and the Pepeh River in central Java supports the hypothesis of de Bruyn et al. (2013) of a paleo East Sunda River basin connecting these land masses.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFC8DB2AC0EF5FEB5DE7A50D.taxon	description	(Fig. 1 A)	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFC8DB2AC0EF5FEB5DE7A50D.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. NIFI 4388, 72.0 mm SL; Thailand, Phitsanulok Prov., Khlong Chompu, Mae Nam Nan, Chao Phraya basin, Nov. 2008, G. Deein. Paratypes. NIFI 3787, 79.3 mm SL; Thailand, Phitsanulok Prov., Nern Ma Prang District, Mae Nam Nan drainage, Chao Phraya basin, Nov. 2008; NIFI 4856 (6, 69.9 – 76.1), Phitsanulok Province, Bang Rakam District, Mae Nam Nan, 16.76 N, 100.11 E, 9 Feb. 2011; NIFI 4857 (6, 68.4 – 80.1), boundary of Sukhothai Province, Kongkrairat District with Phitsanulok Province, Prompiram and Bang Rakam districts, Mae Nam Nan, 16.76 N, 100.11 E, 18 Aug. 2010; NIFI 4858 (4, 56.4 – 67.6) Nakon Sawan Province, Chum Sang District, Borraped Lake, 15.71 N, 100.27 E, 11 Oct. 2010; UF 186928 (5, 68.2 – 75.0), Phitsanulok Province, Prompiram District, Mae Nam Nan near Naraesuan Dam, 17.04 N, 100.20 E, 23 Apr. 2009; UF 186929 (2, 65.5 – 72.7), Phichit Province, Sam Ngam District, Mae Nam Nan, 16.50 N, 100.20 E, 4 Oct. 2011; UF 186930 (2, 65.2 – 70.0), Nakon Sawan Province, Krok Pra District, Chao Phraya River, below confluence of Nan and Yom rivers, 15.55 N, 100.08 E, 15 Jun. 2009.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFC8DB2AC0EF5FEB5DE7A50D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Lepidocephalus that is readily distinguishable (Fig. 1, Table 1) from L. spectrum by the presence of eyes and dark pigment on the body, and absence of tubules along the lateral line and large papillae on the lips; from L. pahangensis by the presence of scales on top of the head and absence of large papillae on the lips (Figs. 3 A, 4 A); from L. pallens by having the dorsal-fin origin well behind (vs. over) the pelvic – fin origin (predorsal length 68.1 – 71.3 vs. 59.9 % SL); and from L. macrochir by having a longer snout (5.6 – 7.4 vs. 3.9 – 5.1 % SL; 28.6 – 38.1 vs. 23.3 – 27.1 % HL).	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFC8DB2AC0EF5FEB5DE7A50D.taxon	description	Description. Body deep, slab-sided; greatest depth 14.7 – 21.2 % SL. Head narrow, length 16.9 – 22.2 % SL. Eye small, in dorsal half of head in shallow depression above bifid suborbital spine. Origin of dorsal fin behind origin of pelvic fin. No or small axillary lobe on pelvic fin; absent on holotype. Fleshy lobe at origin of pectoral fin. Scales on top of head, cheek and opercle; body completely covered with minute, often deeply embedded scales. Lateral line complete, 185 – 205 scales; 0 – 2 pores on caudal fin; no tubules on lateral line. Mouth horseshoe-shaped; upper lip smooth on ventral surface, with small papilla on anterior and posterior margins, without median indentation; lower lip plicated, with median indentation on lower edge (Figs. 3 A, 4 A). Two pairs of rostral barbels; inner pair reaching to corner of mouth, outer pair slightly longer and reaching slightly past corner of mouth; one pair of maxillary barbels, reaching approximately to vertical at posterior end of groove containing suborbital spine. Large flap on anterior nostril. Dorsal rays iii, 8; pectoral rays 9 – 11; pelvic rays 6 – 8; anal rays ii, 5 – 6; upper branched caudal rays 7; lower branched caudal rays 7. Cephalic lateralis system: lateral canal with 1 pore, extends anteriorly from lateral line; suborbital canal extends along lower margin of groove holding suborbital spine with 4 pores, abruptly turns anteroventrally with 4 more pores, ends on side of snout well in front of nostrils; no supraorbital canal at surface. Supratemporal canal branches off lateral canal, then ends or continues under skin without pores at surface. Preoperculomandibular pores not visible. Pectoral fin falcate in both sexes; second ray longer in both sexes than other pectoral-fin rays. Pectoral fin much longer in some individuals than others (12.2 – 18.9 % SL); extent and significance of inter- and intra-variation, including sexual and ontogenetic variation, is unknown. Second ray of pectoral fin much thicker (forming lamina circularis) in adult male than in female, but not longer. Pectoral fins of male L. nanensis (N = 4) averaged 15.1 % SL; those of females (N = 7) averaged 15.5 % SL. The thicked ray presumably has a function related to spawning behavior. Pelvic fins are short, 6 – 8 % SL. Coloration in life. Body dusky pink-brown; darker gray-brown along mid-dorsum and along mid-side posteriorly (Fig. 5). Distinctive yellow snout followed by blue-black bar before eye; head dusky yellow behind eye. Cheek and opercle with silver-blue iridescence. Dorsal fin with concentration of melanophores at base, creating dark basal band - deepest anteriorly; melanophores outlining lower halves of fin rays. Other fins clear except for melanophores along rays.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFC8DB2AC0EF5FEB5DE7A50D.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The name nanensis, an adjective, refers to the river system where most specimens have been collected.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFC8DB2AC0EF5FEB5DE7A50D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Lepidocephalus nanensis is found in Thailand in the Nan River and in the Chao-Phraya River below the confluence of the Nan and Yom rivers (Fig. 2). To our knowledge, Šlechtová et al. (2008) first recorded this species from Thailand (as L. macrochir) and included molecular data from specimens collected at a fishpond at Nakom Savan (Nakon Sawan, Nakon Sawan Province), Thailand. Recent collections suggest that this species is common in the Nan and lower Chao Phraya rivers. These large rivers seem to be the preferred habitat of the species.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCDDB2BC0EF59BE5C63A221.taxon	description	(Fig. 1 C)	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCDDB2BC0EF59BE5C63A221.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Lepidocephalus that is readily distinguishable (Fig. 1, Table 1) from all other species of Lepidocephalus by having the dorsal-fin origin over the pelvic-fin origin (vs. dorsal-fin origin behind the pelvic-fin origin), and a concomitantly shorter predorsal length (59.9 vs. 62.4 – 71.3 % SL). Lepidocephalus pallens further differs from L. pahangensis in having scales on top of the head, and from L. spectrum by the presence of eyes and darker pigment on the body, and absence of tubules along the lateral line.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCDDB2BC0EF59BE5C63A221.taxon	description	Description. Body deep, slab-sided; greatest depth 17.4 % SL. Head narrow, length 23.2 % SL. Eye small, in dorsal half of head in shallow depression above bifid suborbital spine. Origin of dorsal fin over origin of pelvic fin. No axillary lobe on pelvic fin. Small fleshy lobe at origin of pectoral fin. Scales on top of head, cheek and opercle; body completely covered with minute, partially embedded scales. Lateral line complete, ~ 200 scales along lateral line; no tubules along lateral line. Mouth horseshoe-shaped; upper lip without median indentation; lower lip with median indentation on lower edge. Two pairs of rostral barbels; inner pair reaching to corner of mouth, outer pair slightly longer and reaching slightly past corner of mouth; one pair of maxillary barbels, reaching approximately to vertical at posterior end of groove containing suborbital spine. Large flap on anterior nostril. Dorsal rays iii, 8; pectoral rays 11; pelvic rays 7; anal rays ii, 5; upper branched caudal rays 7; lower branched caudal rays 7; vertebrae 28 abdominal + 15 caudal = 43 total (Roberts 1989: 96). Only specimen known is the holotype, which appears to be a female. The pectoral fin is falcate with the 2 nd ray longer but not thicker than other rays (20.0 % SL). Pelvic fin small, but larger than in other species at 11.5 % SL. Coloration in life. Described as pallid by Vaillant (1902).	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCDDB2BC0EF59BE5C63A221.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from the type locality, the Kapuas River presumably at Sintang (Fig. 2).	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCDDB2BC0EF59BE5C63A221.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Roberts (1989) treated L. pallens as a synonym of L. macrochir. However, as noted above, the two species are easily distinguished by the position of the dorsal-fin origin relative to that of the pelvic-fin origin (Fig. 1). Lepidocephalus pallens and L. spectrum were both described from the Kapuas River in Borneo, and possibly occur syntopically.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCCDB2BC0EF5EAA5E85A7F0.taxon	description	(Fig. 1 D)	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCCDB2BC0EF5EAA5E85A7F0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Lepidocephalus that is readily distinguishable (Fig. 1, Table 1) from all other species of Lepidocephalus by the absence of scales on top of the head. It is further distinguished from L. spectrum by the presence of eyes and dark pigment on the body, and absence of tubules along the lateral line; from L. pallens by having the dorsal-fin origin well behind (vs. over) the pelvic-fin origin (predorsal length 68.2 vs. 59.9 % SL); from L. nanensis by having large papillae on the lips (Fig. 3 B); and from L. macrochir by having a longer head (21.8 vs. 16.6 – 18.8 % SL). Although counts for L. pahangensis are available only for the holotype, it differs from all other species in having 4 (vs. 5 – 6) branched anal-fin rays, and from all except L. spectrum in having 9 (vs. 8) branched dorsal-fin rays.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCCDB2BC0EF5EAA5E85A7F0.taxon	description	Description. Body deep, slab-sided; greatest depth 17.0 % SL. Head narrow, length 21.8 % SL. Eye small, in dorsal half of head in shallow depression above bifid suborbital spine. Origin of dorsal fin behind origin of pelvic fin. Small axillary lobe on pelvic fin. Large fleshy lobe at origin of pectoral fin. No scales on top of head; scales present on cheek and opercle; body completely covered with minute, partially embedded scales. Lateral line complete, 174 pores along lateral line, 6 pores on caudal fin; no tubules on lateral line. Mouth horseshoe-shaped; lips with large papillae on outer surfaces; upper lip without indentation; lower lip with median indentation on lower edge (Fig. 3 B). Two pairs of rostral barbels; inner pair reaching to corner of mouth, outer pair reaching past corner of mouth; one pair of maxillary barbels, reaching approximately to vertical at posterior end of groove containing suborbital spine. Large flap on anterior nostril. Dorsal rays iii, 9; pectoral rays 11; pelvic rays 7; anal rays ii, 4; upper branched caudal rays 7; lower branched caudal rays 7. Pectoral fin falcate with 2 nd ray longer than other rays (15.6 % SL), but not thickened. Pelvic fin small, 6.4 % SL. Coloration. Described as being uniformly colored (presumably pinkish gray-brown as in L. nanensis) by de Beaufort (1933).	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCCDB2BC0EF5EAA5E85A7F0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from the type locality, the Pahang River at Mentakab, Peninsular Malaysia (Fig. 2).	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFCCDB2BC0EF5EAA5E85A7F0.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In the original description of Acanthophthalmus pahangensis, de Beaufort (1933) described the head as scaleless. The holotype has no scales on top of the head, but has scales on the cheeks and opercles. It seems likely that de Beaufort was referring only to the top of the head in his description, as scales are readily apparent on the cheek and opercle. Hora (1941) examined the holotype and found scales “ on the head in the region below and behind the eyes. ” Oddly, Hora included a drawing of the head and anterior body of the holotype that differs from his verbal description in showing scales on top of the head as well as on the cheek and opercle. De Beaufort was correct in originally noting the absence of scales on top of the head.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFC3DB24C0EF5C8B5E6BA4D5.taxon	description	(Fig. 1 E)	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFC3DB24C0EF5C8B5E6BA4D5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Lepidocephalus that is readily distinguishable (Fig. 1, Table 1) from other all species of Lepidocephalus by the absence of eyes, absence of dark pigment on the body, and presence of pored tubules along the lateral line. It further differs from L. pahangensis by the presence of scales on top of the head, from L. pallens by having the dorsal-fin origin slightly behind (vs. over) the pelvic-fin origin (predorsal length 62.4 – 65.6 vs. 59.9 % SL), from L. nanensis by having large papillae on the lips (Figs. 3 C, 4 B), and from L. macrochir by having a longer head (21.3 – 23.3 vs. 16.6 – 18.80).	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFC3DB24C0EF5C8B5E6BA4D5.taxon	description	Description. Body deep, slab-sided; greatest depth 18.9 – 22.1 % SL. Head narrow, length 21.3 – 23.3 % SL. Eye absent; small shallow depression above bifid suborbital spine where eye located on other species of Lepidocephalus. Origin of dorsal fin slightly behind origin of pelvic fin. Small axillary lobe on pelvic fin. Large fleshy lobe at origin of pectoral fin. Scales on top of head, cheek and opercle; body completely covered with minute, deeply embedded scales. Lateral line complete, 70 – 87 pores at ends of ventrally directed tubules along lateral line, 0 – 2 pores on caudal fin. Mouth horseshoe-shaped; lips with large papillae on outer surfaces; upper lip without indentation; lower lip with median indentation on lower edge (Figs. 3 C, 4 B). Two pairs of rostral barbels; inner pair reaching to corner of mouth, outer pair reaching past corner of mouth; one pair of maxillary barbels, reaching approximately to vertical at posterior end of groove containing suborbital spine. Large flap on anterior nostril. Dorsal rays iii, 8 – 9; pectoral rays 11 – 13; pelvic rays 6 – 7; anal rays ii, 5 – 6; upper branched caudal rays 7 – 8; lower branched caudal rays 7 – 8; vertebrae 28 abdominal + 14 – 15 caudal = 42 – 43 total (Roberts 1989: 96). Pectoral fins less falcate than in other species; 2 nd ray longer than other rays. Pectoral fin 17.1 – 18.1 % SL; pelvic fin 9.1 – 12.0 % SL. Coloration. Described by Roberts (1989) as being creamy or pinkish white in life.	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
038987E7FFC3DB24C0EF5C8B5E6BA4D5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Kapuas River basin, western Borneo (Fig. 2).	en	Deein, Gridsada, Tangjitjaroen, Weerapongse, Page, Lawrence M. (2014): A revision of the spirit loaches, genus Lepidocephalus (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zootaxa 3779 (3): 341-352, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3779.3.2
