First Record of the Non‑native Pond Loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Cantor, 1842) (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from the Lower Amu Darya River in Uzbekistan

This study reports the first record of the non-native pond loach, Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Cantor, 1842) (Oriental Weatherfish), from the lower reaches of the Amu Darya River in northwestern Uzbekistan. The species’ identity was confirmed through an integrated approach using morphological data and DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial COI gene. The presence of a reproducing population, including both mature adults and juveniles, suggests the species is well-established. The likely invasion pathway is an introduction from the adjacent Karakum Canal in Turkmenistan, where the species is already established, followed by downstream dispersal. This discovery, representing only the second Cobitidae species known from Uzbekistan, underscores the dynamic nature of biological invasions in the Aral Sea basin and highlights the critical need for continued monitoring of the regional ichthyofauna.

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