Abstract

The genus Schizothorax comprises an important group of freshwater fishes in Xinjiang (China); however, detailed information on their skeletal anatomy remains limited. In this study, we combined micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and traditional skeletal preparations to examine and compare the osteological characteristics of three representative Schizothorax species: Schizothorax biddulphi, Schizothorax eurystomus, and Schizothorax curvifrons. Distinct variations were observed in several skeletal structures, including the cranium, pharyngeal teeth, fin-supporting elements, and vertebrae. Among the three species, S. biddulphi and S. eurystomus showed generally similar skeletal architectures, whereas S. curvifrons exhibited more pronounced osteological differences. These findings provide new comparative osteological data for Schizothorax species and offer a morphological reference for future studies on the taxonomy, systematics, and conservation of these freshwater fishes.

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