UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Labeo rajasthanicus (Datta & Majumdar, 1970) was originally described from Jaisamand Lake, Rajasthan, and was later considered taxonomically uncertain due to the absence of subsequent records and the loss of the original type material. The species was subsequently confirmed to be valid following a reassessment of the Labeo gonius subgroup and the designation of a neotype. The present study reports the occurrence of L. rajasthanicus from the Bhima River basin, Maharashtra, India, based on two specimens collected from the confluence region of the Mula Mutha and Bhima rivers at 18°34'01.7"N and 74°20'34.1"E. Morphometric and meristic characters were examined using standard taxonomic procedures. The specimens measured 172.88–179.61 mm in standard length and showed diagnostic characters consistent with L. rajasthanicus, including 57–58 lateral-line scales, 19–20 predorsal scales, 24–26 circumpeduncular scale rows, 41–47 circumferential scale rows, and a dorsal-fin formula of iii-12. These features distinguish the specimens from closely related congeners such as L. shivamogaensis, L. dussumieri, L. boggut, and L. gonius. The present record extends the known distribution of L. rajasthanicus from its previously documented range in Rajasthan to the Bhima River basin in Maharashtra. This finding adds to current knowledge of the species’ distribution and highlights the need for further ichthyofaunal surveys in Indian river systems.