Cromeria nilotica and Cromeria occidentalis, two valid species of the African freshwater fish family Kneriidae (Teleostei: Gonorynchiformes)

We redescribe the two poorly known taxa Cromeria nilotica nilotica and C. n. occidentalis and designate lectotypes for both. Our reinvestigation of Cromeria specimens revealed a number of marked differences between the Nilotic and West African populations, which we take as sufficient evidence that they are two separate species. Cromeria nilotica differs from C. occidentalis in a number of characters, of which the most conspicuous are: pelvic fin origin well in front of anterior base of dorsal-fin (vs. at level of anterior base of dorsal fin); greater caudal peduncle depth; fewer pectoral fin rays and pelvic fin rays; more supernumerary anal-fin rays; fewer principal caudal-fin rays; absence of cephalic lateral line canals; absence of the supraorbital; and parasphenoid slender and lacking foramina for internal carotid arteries.