Patrick A. Ceas, Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 40475

Abstract. An ongoing morphological and allozymic examination of variation within the Etheostoma spectabile complex has revealed the existence of nine previously unknown taxa, and has confirmed specific status for two previously recognized subspecies. Each of the new species is distinguished morphologically on the basis of modal differences for certain meristic counts and breeding male coloration. Diagnosis and distributional data for six of the new species found in Kentucky and Tennessee are presented. One species, endemic to Pond River system (Green River drainage), has a range of approximately 600 square kilometers. Another species, endemic to the Dix River system (Kentucky River drainage), also has a relatively small range. Although presently common within their ranges, these two species remain susceptible to habitat destruction and may warrant protection.