Abstract
Schizothorax raraensis, S. macrophthalmus and S.nepalensis are described as new species of the Schizothoracinae, Cyprinidae, from LakeRara, northwestern Nepal. S.raraensis and S.macrophthalmus are distinguished from other species of the genus Schizothorax by the combination of the following characters: the position of ventral and dorsal fins, length of the dorsal, length of the barbel, head length and interorbital width.In addition to these differences, the latter species was characterized by the snout length and eye diameter. S.nepalensis was characterized by the non-sharp horny sheath and the length of barbels.
The food habits of the three species were different from each other.Reproductive isolation was observed between S.raraensis and S.macrophthalmus.
In spite of an intensive survey in many river systems in Nepal, these species were found only in Lake Rara.Therefore, these species are considered endemic to Lake Rara.It seems that sympatric speciation in Lake Rara has been brought about by the more diverse environment.
