Three new species of filament barbs of the genus Dawkinsia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Western Ghats of India

Fishes of the genus Dawkinsia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka, are reviewed, recognising three new species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and cytochrome b gene sequences, delineated species of Dawkinsia into two distinct monophyletic lineages, representing two different species groups, viz., the 'assimilis' and 'filamentosa' species groups. Within the 'assimilis' group we describe two new species, Dawkinsia apsara and D. austellus, designate a neotype to establish the identity of D. assimilis, and revalidate Puntius (Capoeta) lepidus (hereafter D. lepida). Within the 'filamentosa' group, we describe a new species, Dawkinsia crassa, and consider D. singhala as a junior synonym of D. filamentosa.