The phylogenetics and taxonomic status of small African barbs (Cyprininae: Smiliogastrini) remains unresolved despite the recent decision to elevate the genus name Enteromius for the group. The main barrier to understanding the origin of African small barbs and evolutionary relationships within the group is the poor resolution of phylogenies published to date. These phylogenies usually rely on mitochondrial markers and have limited taxon sampling. Here we investigate the phylogenetic relationships of small barbs of Kenya utilizing cytochrome b, Growth Hormone (GH) intron 2, and RAG1 markers from multiple populations of many species in the region. This multi-locus study produced well-supported phylogenies and revealed additional issues that complicate understanding the relationships among East African barbs. We observed widespread mtDNA introgression within the Kenyan barbs, highlighting the need to include nuclear markers in phylogenetic studies of the group. The GH intron 2 resolved heterospecific individuals and aided in inferring the species level phylogeny. The study reveals unrecognized diversity within the group, including within species reported to occur throughout East Africa, and it provides the groundwork for future taxonomic work in the region and across Africa.

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Recent expeditions in Kenya and examination of existing collections confirmed the presence of two undescribed Chiloglanis species and revealed previously unknown diversity within the Athi River system. The two new species are easily distinguished from described congeners in the area by external morphology, allopatric distributions, and genetic markers. Chiloglanis kerioensis sp. nov., is restricted to the Kerio River system and is the only known suckermouth catfish from the Lake Turkana basin. Chiloglanis devosi sp. nov., is known only from the type locality, the Northern Ewaso Nyiro (Ng'iro) below Chanler's Falls. In addition to these two new species, this study confirmed the presence of an undescribed Chiloglanis sp. occurring sympatrically with Chiloglanis brevibarbis in the Tsavo River. A dichotomous key for identifying all described Chiloglanis species found within Kenya is presented along with comments.

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Research on freshwater ecosystems in East Africa is providing a better understanding of the biodiversity in the region. Recent studies of the Kenyan barbs (Cyprininae: Smiliogastrini) revealed diversity within several nominal species from the region. In this study, we examine the molecular and morphological variation in the red-finned barb (Enteromius apleurogramma). The results of this study support the recognition of E. amboseli as a valid species that is endemic to the middle Athi River drainage in southern Kenya. Enteromius amboseli is geographically isolated and distinguished from E. apleurogramma in having longer posterior barbels, a shorter dorsal fin, and generally fewer scales in the longitudinal series. Genetic divergence between E. apleurogramma populations in Lake Victoria and Lake Kanyaboli, provide novel estimates for rates of molecular evolution in the group. Additionally, the biogeography of these barbs and the conservation status of E. amboseli are discussed.