Southend Aquarist

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Videos of the our Shows from 2001 to 2019 are available on www.vimeo.com/southendaquarist
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Southend Leigh and District Aquarist Society.
The Society has been active since at least 1935 and even held a show in the Kursaal in 1938. Current members range from novices to those with life long experience of fishkeeping in aquariums & ponds.
New members always welcome- you get three meetings at no cost to see if you like us- we won`t ask you to subscribe until your fourth visit.
We have held a Show almost every year since 1948. Traditionally our show is held in May.
Southend-on-Sea commonly referred to simply as Southend, is a large coastal town and wider unitary authority area with city status in southeastern Essex, England.It was granted city status by the Prime Minister on the recent knifing of the popular member of parliament for Southend West, Sir David Amess, who had long championed the town as deserving the city status. The city lies on the north side of the Thames Estuary, 40 miles (64 km) east of central London. It is bordered to the north by Rochford and to the west by Castle Point. It is home to the longest leisure pier in the world, Southend Pier. London Southend Airport is located 1.5 NM (2.8 km; 1.7 mi) north of the city centre.

More news for the fishkeeper can be found at:- https://www.facebook.com/groups/181515255319981// this is derived from newspapers & websites etc. plus
Archive of Aquarium Magazines aqua-worlduk.weebly.com
& in Memory of Howard Preston responsible for the interest in wild livebearers in the UK howardpreston.weebly.com

Meetings are now held on the second Tuesday in the month at:-
Benfleet Cricket & Social Club, Manor Road,Benfleet, Essex, SS7 4PA, at 8.00 pm
All fishkeepers are welcome. We no longer meet at the Chuch Hall in Westcliff
Our next meeting is on the 11th March 2025 at 8.00pm at Benfleet Cricket & Social Club, Manor Road,Benfleet, Essex, SS7 4PA, at 8.00 pm
All fishkeepers are welcome. We no longer meet at the Chuch Hall in Westcliff.

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Homatula gelao • A New nemacheiline Species of loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the upper Yangtze River basin in Guizhou Province, southwestern China

Homatula gelao Xiao,

in G.-B. Xiao, Guo, Cao, Lin, WeXi Deng, Q.-Q. Xiao, Zhou, Zhang et Fang, 2025.
仡佬荷马条鳅 || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.141973

Abstract
Homatula gelao, a new species, is here described from the Wu-Jiang of the Yangtze River basin in Guizhou province, southwestern China. This new species belongs to the elongate-bodied group of Homatula defined by having a complete lateral line, sparsely scales hidden in skin on the predorsal body, and a slender body with a uniform depth. It, along with H. variegata, is distinguished from all other species of this group in having a broadly rounded caudal fin and a small number of scales sparsely scattered over the predorsal body. Both differ in body coloration, striped pattern on the predorsal body, and caudal-peduncle length. The validity of the new species is corroborated by distinct genetic distance divergence with closely related congeneric species and its monophyly recovered in a mtDNA COI gene-based phylogenetic analysis. It is separated from other Homatula species by a minimum of 8.2% Kimura 2-parameter distance in the COI gene.

Key Words: Homatula gelao, new species, morphological comparison, taxonomy, Yangtze River basin

Lateral (A), dorsal (B), and ventral (C) views of Homatula gelao, holotype, ZVTC 20200601, 127.6 mm SL, caught from Furong-Jiang, a tributary flowing into Wu-Jiang of the Yangtze River basin, at Huaiping Village, Daozhen Gelao and Miao Autonomous County, Guizhou Province, P. R. China.

 Homatula gelao Xiao, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A member of the elongate-bodied group of Homatula defined by having a slender body with a uniform depth (9.2%–14.4% of SL), a complete lateral line, and a scarcely scaled or scaleless predorsal body. H. gelao resembles H. variegata in the presence of a broadly rounded (vs. truncate or obliquely truncate) caudal fin and scales sparsely scattered on the predorsal body (vs. predorsal body unscaled or sparsely scaled on the dorsum and flank), which distinguishes both from all other species of this group (H. berezowskii, H. guanheensis, H. laxiclathra, H. longidorsalis, H. oxygnathra, and H. tigris). It differs from H. variegata in possessing a body coloration of 17–18 brown vertical bars narrower than interspaces, particularly on the Caudal peduncle flank (vs. dense, undulating vertical bars slightly wider or equal to interspaces); a thick brown-black stripe running along dorsal midline from behind head to dorsal fin origin; and symmetrical black vertical bars on sides of body (vs. light brown spots on the dorsum and irregular markings on the sides of the body); and a longer (vs. equal) distance from the origin of the anal fin to the origin of the pelvic fin than the distance from the origin of the anal fin to the base of the caudal fin.

Sampling locality of Homatula gelao in the Huaixi-He, tributary to the Furong-Jiang in Huaiping Village, Jiucheng Town, Daozhen Gelao and Miao Autonomous County, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, P. R. China; 2 June 2020, photographed by Guibang Xiao.
The view of perched states of a fresh individual of Homatula gelao in Daozhen Gelao and Miao Autonomous County, Guizhou, P. R. China. The white arrow indicates the backwater areas. Red arrow indicates the natural habitat state of H. gelao. White square indicates the inhabitant situation of H. gelao.

Etymology: The specific epithet is named after Gelao (in Chinese spelling) nationality. The type specimens of the new species were collected from the Huaixi-He in Daozhen Gelao Autonomous County, northern Guizhou Province. The Chinese common name for H. gelao is suggested as “仡佬荷马条鳅”.

Gui-Bang Xiao, Qi-Wei Guo, Liang Cao, Jia Lin, Wei-Xi Deng, Qi-Qi Xiao, Lin Zhou, Hao-Ran Zhang and Ding-Zhi Fang. 2025. Homatula gelao (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae), A New nemacheiline Species of loach from the upper Yangtze River basin in Guizhou Province, southwestern China. Zoosystematics and Evolution .101(1): 257-271. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.141973

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Plectranthias raki • A New Species of Perchlet (Perciformes: Serranidae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives

Plectranthias raki
Shepherd, Pinheiro, Najeeb, C. R. Rocha & L. A. Rocha, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1223.135292

Abstract
Herein, we describe a new species of Plectranthias perchlet found at depths of 100–125 meters in mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Plectranthias raki sp. nov. is unique in both morphology and coloration. The following combination of characters distinguishes it from all known congeners: dorsal fin X, 15; anal-fin rays III, 7; pectoral-fin rays 13 | 13 (13 | 12), all unbranched; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; lateral line complete with 30–32 tubed scales; gill rakers 5 + 12; circumpeduncular scales 11–12; and absence of antrorse or retrorse spines on ventral margin of preopercle. Coloration in life consists of a white to light pink body with two indistinct rows of irregularly shaped red-orange to yellow-orange patches along the dorsal two-thirds of the body, a golden-yellow opercle and maxilla, an indistinct yellow stripe on the dorsal fin, two yellow spots near the base of the anal fin, and two irregularly shaped yellow-orange spots located on either side of centermost caudal-fin rays. With this publication, the genus Plectranthias now comprises 67 valid species. This discovery adds to a strong body of research highlighting the novel biodiversity of mesophotic ecosystems, especially in locations like the Indian Ocean, where few prior ichthyological surveys have been conducted.

Key words: COI gene, deep reefs, ichthyology, Indian Ocean, rebreather diving, taxonomy

Holotype (left) and paratype (right) of Plectranthias raki sp. nov.
Holotype CAS-ICH 248439 66.2 mm SL, shortly after collection (A), preserved specimen (B) and x-radiograph (C).
Paratype LACM 61827, 70.4 mm SL, shortly after collection (D), preserved specimen (E) and x-radiograph (F).
Photos: A, D by Luiz Rocha. B, C, E, F by Jon Fong.

 Plectranthias raki sp. nov.
Dhivehi common name: Raki bureki
English common name: Maldivian Perchlet

Diagnosis: Plectranthias raki sp. nov. is unique in both morphology and coloration. The following combination of characters distinguishes it from all known congeners: dorsal fin X, 15; anal-fin rays III, 7; pectoral-fin rays 13 | 13 (13 | 12), all unbranched; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; lateral line complete with 30–32 tubed scales; 3 supraneural bones, predorsal formula 0/0 + 0/2/1 + 1/1/1/; gill rakers 5 + 12; circumpeduncular scales 11–12; oblique rows of scales on cheek 8 (7); longest dorsal spine the ...

Living specimen (not retained) of Plectranthias raki sp. nov. photographed at 110 m depth at Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives.
Photo by Luiz Rocha.

Etymology: The species name, raki, means “feeling shy to confront people” in the Dhivehi language. This was chosen because Plectranthias are shy by nature and typically hide from us when we are conducting surveys. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Ahmed Najeeb, Claudia R. Rocha and Luiz A. Rocha. 2025. Plectranthias raki (Teleostei, Serranidae), A New Species of Perchlet from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives. ZooKeys. 1223: 333-344. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1223.135292

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Hongiastoma gen. nov., Angustistoma gen. nov. & Scaphostoma gen. nov. • Generic Revision of the Southeast and East Asian Torrent Carp Subfamily Acrossocheilinae (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) With Description of Three New Genera and a New Species from Vietnam

Hongiastoma gen. nov.,
Angustistoma gen. nov.,
Scaphostoma gen. nov., S. annamense sp. nov.

in Hoang, Jang-Liaw, Pham, Tran, Durand, Nguyen, Pfeiffer et Page, 2025.
DOI: doi.org/10.1155/jzs/8895501
Researchgate.net/publication/387861867

Abstract
Molecular data from 35 of the 50 Acrossocheilinae species suggest that the species-level diversity in the subfamily has been overestimated, likely due to inadequate taxon and geographic sampling and reliance on morphological characters that vary intraspecifically. Three new genera, one resurrected genus, two resurrected species, and one new species are diagnosed and described herein. Nine synonyms of three valid species of Acrossocheilinae are recognized from the Yangtze, Xijiang, Song Hong, Annamite, and Mekong ecoregions in East and Southeast Asia. Thirty-two valid and six putative new species are indicated by molecular data and a key to the genera is provided. As more molecular and morphological data become available, additional taxonomic changes in this widespread and generally poorly known subfamily are likely.

Keywords: Angustistoma gen. nov., Cyprinidae, Hongiastoma gen. nov., molecular and morphological systematics, Scaphostoma annamense sp. nov., Scaphostoma gen. nov.

Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae Rafinesque, 1815
Subfamily: Acrossocheilinae Yang [Yang, et al. 2015.]

Hongiastoma Hoàng and Nguyễn, new genus

Type species: Varicorhinus argentatus Nguyễn and Đoàn, 1969.
Lectotype RIAH 67, 147 mm, Suối Rút, Hòa Bình, Vietnam.

Etymology: The name is from the Vietnamese prefix hong- meaning the Song Hong or Red River where the type species occurs, and the Greek suffix -stoma meaning mouth and referring especially to the horny sharp sheath on the lower lip. Gender neuter.

Angustistoma Hoàng, new genus

Type species: Onychostoma elongatum (Pellegrin and Chevey, 1934): 340.
Holotype: MNHN 1934-026, 142 mm, Ngòi-Thia—tributary of Red River, Nghĩa-Lộ, Yên-Bái, Vietnam.

Etymology: The name is from the classical Latin prefix angusti- meaning narrow, and the Greek suffix -stoma meaning mouth and referring especially to the horny sharp sheath on the lower lip. Gender neuter.

Scaphostoma Hoàng and Phạm, new genus

Type species: Gymnostomus lepturus (Boulenger, 1900): 961.
Holotype: BMNH 1899.11.30.21, 159.2 mm, Five-fingers Mountains, Hainan Island, China.

Etymology: The name is from the classical Greek prefix σκαφό (scapho) meaning bow-shaped, and the Greek suffix -stoma meaning mouth and referring especially to the horny sharp sheath on the lower lip. Gender neuter.

Huy Duc Hoang, Nian-Hong Jang-Liaw, Hung Manh Pham, Ngan Trong Tran, Jean-Dominique Durand, Tao Dinh Nguyen, John Pfeiffer and Lawrence M. Page. 2025. Generic Revision of the Southeast and East Asian Torrent Carp Subfamily Acrossocheilinae (Pisces: Teleostei) With Description of Three New Genera and a New Species From Vietnam. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1155/jzs/8895501
Researchgate.net/publication/387861867_Generic_Revision_of_Acrossocheilinae_with_Description_of_Three_New_Genera
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Myriophyllum rubricaule (Haloragaceae) • a M. aquaticum look-alike only known in cultivation

Myriophyllum rubricaule Valk. & Duist.,

in Van Valkenburg, Duistermaat, Boer et Raaymakers, 2022.
DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.828.1847

Abstract
A confusingly labeled water-milfoil of obscure status, known only in cultivation, is here formally described as a new species, Myriophyllum rubricaule Valk. & Duist. sp. nov. This species has fully replaced M. aquaticum in the horticultural trade in Europe since the addition of M. aquaticum to the list of invasive alien species of Union concern (EU regulation no. 1143/2014) in 2016. This manuscript provides a morphological description of M. rubricaule sp. nov., and its distinction from M. aquaticum is further supported by molecular data (chloroplast and nuclear loci).

Keywords: Myriophyllum, water-milfoil, EU regulation no. 1143/2014, invasive plant, horticulture

Myriophyllum rubricaule Valk. & Duist. sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Herba perennis aquatica vel paludigena. Folia omnia verticillata pectinata. Flores unisexuales, solae plantae femininae culturaeque cognitus. Flores intra axillas foliorum solitarii. Planta valde similaris Myriophyllo aquatico, sed caules foliaque modice, caules purpurei et folia emergentia virida. Flores feminei subrosei

Etymology: The species epithet is based on the purplish red color of the stem.

Johan L.C.H. Van Valkenburg, Leni (H.) Duistermaat, Edu Boer and Tom M. Raaymakers. 2022. Myriophyllum rubricaule sp. nov., a M. aquaticum look-alike only known in cultivation. European Journal of Taxonomy. 828(1), 1-15. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.828.1847
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Gobiodon cobenjaminsis & G. bicalvolineatus • Two New Species of Gobiodon (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from the Indo-Pacific, with Notes on South Pacific and Indian Ocean populations of Gobiodon spadix

Gobiodon cobenjaminsis
Gobiodon bicalvolineatus

Hildebrandt, Froehlich, Brodnicke, Klanten, Møller & Wong, 2024
RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 72:

photographed by G. Barrall and P. Munday in Munday et al. (1999).

Abstract
The gobiid genus Gobiodon contains small, cryptic coral dwelling fishes that are particularly diverse but difficult to identify. Herein we name and provide formal descriptions for two new species of Gobiodon, G. bicalvolineatus and G. cobenjaminsis, previously known as Gobiodon sp. B and Gobiodon sp. C respectively. Additionally, we provide new information on the South Pacific Ocean population of the recently described G. spadix, and a revised description of the genus Gobiodon. Both G. bicalvolineatus and G. cobenjaminsis are small, highly specialised and cryptic members of the genus found in limited geographic ranges in Papua New Guinea (PNG). On the basis of colouration, G. bicalvolineatus is diagnosed in having a light blue-green base colouration with red vertical bars on the face, red spots and lighter diagonal bars on the dorsal surface of the head, and thin unbroken horizontal lines along the length of the body. It has only been recorded inhabiting Acropora caroliniana in the Bootless Bay area of PNG. Gobiodon cobenjaminsis is light orange-brown in colour with pale vertical bars on the face, black edges on all fins except pectoral fins, and a black spot on the upper opercular margin. It has been recorded inhabiting Acropora elseyi in the Kimbe Bay area of PNG. We also provide morphological confirmation that the individuals previously referred to as Gobiodon sp. D observed in PNG and the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are conspecific with the recently described G. spadix, along with additional measurements, characters, and habitat ecology. The latter includes their host preference for Acropora divaricata in the GBR and slight variation in morphometrics. The study utilises an interdisciplinary approach combining morphological characters, meristic and morphometric measurements, molecular genetics, and multivariate-statistical analysis of morphometric data to provide these descriptions and aid in the identification of these species.

Key words. taxonomy, Gobiodon, coral goby, Gobiodon bicalvolineatus, Gobiodon cobenjaminsis, Gobiodon spadix

Infraclass Teleostei
Order Gobiiformes
Family Gobiidae

Genus Gobiodon Bleeker, 1856

Etymology. The commonly accepted source for Gobiodon comes from the Latin ‘gobius’ meaning gudgeon and the Greek ‘odous’ meaning teeth.

Gobiodon cobenjaminsis.
live colouration photographed by G. Barrall in Munday et al. (1999).
Gobiodon bicalvolineatus, holotype, AMS I.51465-001.
live specimen colouration photographed by P. Munday in Munday et al. (1999).

Gobiodon bicalvolineatus, new species
English name: Speckle-Lined Coral Goby

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin rays VI, I,10; anal-fin rays I,9–10; head and majority of body naked with some squamation on caudal peduncle; body slightly laterally compressed (body depth at pelvic-fin origin 40.6–45.3% SL), typically dorsal ventrally symmetrical, head rounded; mouth small with pronounced recurved lips; groove between isthmus and interopercle present; caudal peduncle relatively deep (15.5–18.6% SL); caudal fin long (22.1–29.3% of SL). Post symphysial teeth absent, triangular dentary with various sizes of jaw dentition. Elongate cheek papillae length exceeding width. Adults with blue-green base colouration and red markings on the face and body. Facial markings as vertical bars on cheek, small spots on dorsal surface of head and unbroken horizontal lines along the length of the body beginning post pectoral fin (Fig. 2).

Etymology. The name is derived from the Latin for ‘two,’ ‘bald’ and ‘lined’, representing the two pale patches at the back of the head imitating baldness and the prominent lined pattern on the body.

Gobiodon cobenjaminsis, new species
English name: Russet Coral Goby

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin rays VI, I,10; anal-fin rays I,10; head and body naked; obvious groove between the isthmus and interopercle; body compressed and deep (depth at pelvic fin origin 39.4–45.0% of SL); head rounded in adults; dorsal fins fused with membrane. Caudal peduncle relatively deep (15.5–18.7% of SL); caudal fin long (22.2–29.3% of SL). Post symphysial teeth absent, dentary elongate and recurved; teeth of two to three various sizes in several rows. Cheek papillae elongate. Adult orange-brown in colour with black margins on all fins except pectoral fins. Black spot on the upper opercular margin (Fig. 5). Fins lighter in colour than body, with lighter oblique patch on cheek and 3–4 lighter bands on facial area.

Etymology. The name was chosen with the Latin “co” for ‘with’ or ‘together’ and the “benjaminsis”, with the “-sis” component derived from the Greek for a process or action, to honour the actions of the Benjamin family under the request of the specimen collector Phil Munday, especially Max Benjamin. This is due to their contribution in research, field station set-up, and marine conservation in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, that resulted in the observation and collection of this species.

Gobiodon spadix Sato & Motomura, 2024
English Name: Akane Coral Goby
Japanese Name: Akane koban-haze

Courtney A. Hildebrandt, Catheline Y. M. Froehlich, Ole B. Brodnicke, O. Selma Klanten, Peter R. Møller and Marian Y. L. Wong. 2024. Two New Species of Gobiodon (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Indo-Pacific, with Notes on South Pacific and Indian Ocean populations of Gobiodon spadix. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 72: 488–510

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Kapuasia, A Genus Name for ‘Nemacheilus’ maculiceps (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from the Kapuas Drainage on Borneo

Kapuasia maculiceps (Roberts, 1989)
Kapuasia gen. nov.

Kottelat & Tan, 2024
  Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 72
Researchgate.net/publication/379044298

Abstract
Kapuasia, new genus, is created to accommodate ‘Nemacheilus’ maculiceps, from the Kapuas drainage on Borneo. It is distinguished by the presence of a large suprapectoral flap above the pectoral fin, and its unique lip morphology. The lower lip has a continuous anterior edge, and its median part has 8–10 ridges on each side, radiating at the anterior extremity, across the whole lip, resulting in a crenulated inner edge of the lip.

Key words. Cobitoidei, Nemacheilidae, Schistura, Borneo, stone loach

Maurice Kottelat and Tan Heok Hui. 2024. Kapuasia, A Genus Name for ‘Nemacheilus’ maculiceps (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 72; 105–109.
Researchgate.net/publication/379044298_Kapuasia_a_genus_name_for_'Nemacheilus'_maculiceps
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Pollimyrus ibalazambai
Pollimyrus krameri
Pollimyrus weyli

Pollimyrus ibalazambai, P. krameri, ... • Morphometric Synthesis of Pollimyrus (Osteoglossiformes: Mormyridae) with the Description of Four New Speci
Abstract
Mormyridae, a species-rich family endemic to Africa, remains taxonomically understudied. This has been the case for the genus Pollimyrus Taverne, 1971, which hinders further understanding of the distribution, ecology, and conservation of its species. Therefore, an in-depth morphometric comparison of all currently valid species is carried out using most of the available type specimens. Species delineations were re-evaluated, and four species new to science described: Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov. (the Luki River, the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov. (the Lugenda River, Mozambique), Pollimyrus vanneeri sp. nov. (the Kouilou-Niari River, the Republic of the Congo), and Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov. (the Buzi River, Mozambique). In this study, Pollimyrus guttatus is confirmed to belong to Pollimyrus, whereas Pollimyrus eburneensis and Cyphomyrus plagiostoma seem more similar to species allocated to other genera. No or only little morphological differences were found between the type series of several species, which could indicate the need for synonymization of these species (Pollimyrus cuandoensis with Pollimyrus marianne and Pollimyrus nigripinnis with Pollimyrus pulverulentus). As such 20 species are currently morphologically identifiable in the genus Pollimyrus. The present study highlights the critical need for further synthetic efforts and new collecting efforts across Africa for this and other Mormyridae genera.

Keywords: morphology, Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov., Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov., Pollimyrus vanneeri sp. nov., Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov., taxonomy

Class Actinopterygii Klein, 1885
Order Osteoglossiformes Berg, 1940

Family Mormyridae Bonaparte, 1831
Subfamily Mormyrinae Bonaparte, 1831

Genus Pollimyrus Taverne, 1971
Pollimyrus Taverne, 1971: 140
(type species: Mormyrus isidori Valenciennes, 1847, by original designation).i

Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring Professor Dr. Armel Ibala Zamba (1975–) (Université Marien Ngouabi, the Republic of the Congo) for his contributions to African ichthyology and his work in the Luki River basin (DRC) within the framework of his PhD (2005–2010).

Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring Professor Dr. Bernd Kramer (1943–) (University of Regensburg, Germany) for his contributions to ichthyology and study of weakly electric fish, southern African Mormyridae in particular.

Photograph of dead, but not yet fixed, holotype specimen of Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov. (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity [SAIAB] 73892: 45.6 mm SL [standard length]) from the Lugenda River (by R.B., August 22, 2003).
Photograph of dead, but not yet fixed, holotype of Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov. (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity [SAIAB] 67639: 51.43 mm SL [standard length]) from the Mussapa River (by R.B., September 27, 2002).
Photograph of a live type specimen of Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov. from the Luki River, near the Kimbozi Bridge (by S.W.L., Mbisa-Congo I, August 10, 2016).

Pollimyrus vanneeri sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring Professor Dr. Wim Van Neer (1954–) (Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium) for his contributions to ichthyoarchaeology in Europe and northern Africa.

Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring the late Professor Dr. Olaf L.F. Weyl (1972–†2020) (SAIAB) for his contributions to African ichthyology and his work in the Buzi River system within the framework of his PhD, expanding the collections housed at SAIAB and increasing the understanding of the biodiversity in the region.

Katrien Dierickx, Soleil Wamuini Lunkayilakio, Roger Bills and Emmanuel Vreven. 2024. Morphometric Synthesis of Pollimyrus (Teleostei, Mormyridae) with the Description of Four New Species. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15983

. (A) Urkumayu micracanthus (CI-FML 7014, 30.3 mm SL). (B) Urkumayu gladysae (CI-FML 8109, 30.1 mm SL). (C) Urkumayu petracinii (CI-FML 8110, 26.9 mm SL).

Urkumayu gen. nov. & ‘Hoplisoma’ osvaldoi • Integrative Phylogeny of Corydoradinae (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) with an emphasis on Northwestern La Plata Species, including Descriptions of A New Genus and Species

Urkumayu micracanthus (Regan 1912)
Urkumayu gladysae (Calviño & Alonso 2010)

Urkumayu, new genus
Alonso, Terán, Aguilera, Montes, Serra Alanís, Calviño, Vera-Alcaraz, Cardoso, Koerber & Mirande, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2024.11.006
facebook.com/FelipeAlonsoIctio

Highlights
• New phylogenetic hypothesis for diverse Neotropical fish genus Corydoras
• Integration of molecular and morphological data from 153 species
• Discovery of a new clade, including Andean and upper Paraná basin species
• Identification of emerging endemicity hotspots in NW La Plata basin
• Description of a new species and assessment of conservation status

Abstract
The knowledge about the diversity and phylogeny of South American callichthyid armored catfishes of the subfamily Corydoradinae is still growing, after important recent contributions, and many species have uncertain relationships. In this study, we present the first combined phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus based on five genes, 83 morphological characters, and 153 species, providing synapomorphies for some of the main genera of Corydoradinae, as recently defined. The inclusion of species not previously analyzed in a phylogenetic context challenged the monophyly of Hoplisoma and required the definition of a new genus for endemic species from the Andean portion of the northwestern La Plata basin (ANWLP): Hoplisoma gladysae, H. micracanthum, and H. petracinii. We found Hoplisoma non monophyletic with Hoplisoma sensu stricto not sister to a clade of species herein named the ‘Hoplisoma’ paleatum clade. In this clade we recovered a new species of Hoplisoma, which is endemic to the upper Bermejo basin, as sister to ‘Hoplisoma’ paleatum from the lower La Plata basin. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by a unique coloration similar to that of the syntopic H. micracanthum, suggesting a putative case of Müllerian co-mimicry.

Key words: Müllerian co-mimicry, coloration, endemic species, Upper Bermejo, threatened species

Live individuals. (A) Urkumayu micracanthus (CI-FML 7014, 30.3 mm SL).
(B) Urkumayu gladysae (CI-FML 8109, 30.1 mm SL).
(C) Urkumayu petracinii (CI-FML 8110, 26.9 mm SL).

Urkumayu, new genus Alonso, Terán, Aguilera, Montes, Serra Alanís, Calviño, Vera-Alcaraz, Cardoso, Koerber, Mirande

Type species: Corydoras gladysae Calviño & Alonso 2010

Diagnosis: Urkumayu is distinguished from the remaining genera of Corydoradinae by the following unique combination of characters: supraoccipital and nuchal plate not in contact, posterior expansion of pharyngobranchial triangular, and ossified portion of pectoral spine strongly reduced.

Included species: Urkumayu gladysae (Calviño & Alonso 2010) n. comb., Urkumayu micracanthus (Regan 1912) n. comb., Urkumayu petracinii (Calviño & Alonso 2010) n. comb.

Etymology: Urkumayu, masculine gender, from the Quechua language, compound of urku meaning mountain and mayu for river, referring to the habitat where most species of this genus are found.
Distribution: It has a disjunct distribution in northwestern Andean La Plata Basin in Argentina.

‘Hoplisoma’ osvaldoi n. sp. alive individual immediately after capture (CI-FML 5360, 41.6 mm SL).
‘Hoplisoma’ osvaldoi n. sp. (left) (CI-FML 5360, 41.6 mm SL) and Urkumayu micracanthus (right) (CI-FML 7011, 28.8 mm SL) immediately after capture. Anta Muerta creek (-23.117134 S, -64.497133 W).

Hoplisoma osvaldoi, new species Alonso, Terán, Aguilera, Montes, Serra Alanís, Calviño, Vera-Alcaraz, Cardoso, Koerber, Mirande

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Jorge Osvaldo Fernández Santos, an esteemed aquarist and fish collector who made significant contributions to the knowledge of Argentinean fish by collecting and generously donating numerous specimens to scientific collections and collaborating with ichthyologists. He had been an avid promoter of the fish keeping hobby, particularly with respect to native species. As a result, this species is named in recognition of Osvaldo’s contributions to the study and knowledge of Argentina’s fishes.

Felipe Alonso, Guillermo Enrique Terán, Gastón Aguilera, Martin Miguel Montes, Wilson Sebastián Serra Alanís, Pablo Calviño, Héctor Samuel Vera-Alcaraz, Yamila Cardoso, Stefan Koerber and Juan Marcos Mirande. 2024. Integrative Phylogeny of Corydoradinae (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) with an emphasis on Northwestern La Plata Species, including Descriptions of A New Genus and Species. Zoologischer Anzeiger. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2024.11.006
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I Indoreonectes amrabad, I. kalsubai & I. radhanagar • Three New Species of Hill Stream Loach Genus Indoreonectes (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from peninsular India

Indoreonectes amrabad,
I. kalsubai,
I. radhanagar
Jadhav, Karuthapandi, Jaiawal, Shiva Shankar, Dinesh, Raghunathan & Banerjee, 2024

Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 124(1);
  RecordsofZSI.com/index.php/ZSoI/article/view/172675

Abstract
Fishes of the genus Indoreonectes (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) are widely distributed and endemic to the peninsular India. An integrative taxonomic approach-based study including morphology, geography, genetic distance and mt Cytb genebased molecular phylogenetic analysis resulted in the description of three new species of Indoreonectes namely, I. amrabad sp. nov. from the Eastern Ghats, whereas I. kalsubai sp. nov. and I. radhanagari sp. nov. from the northern Western Ghats. Overall, species diversity of the genus has increased from five species to eight species in peninsular India, wherein six species are known from the Western Ghats and two species from the Eastern Ghats. We also provide DNA analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence to support the distinction of the new species.

Keywords: Eastern Ghats, Freshwater Fish, Indoreonectes, Taxonomy, Western Ghats

Indoreonectes radhanagari, paratype (ZSI/ FBRC/F/4042, 29.3 mm SL) in life.
Indoreonectes kalsubai, holotype (ZSI/ FBRC/F/4039, 44.3 mm SL) in life.
Indoreonectes amrabad, holotype (ZSI/ FBRC/F/4036, 49.3 mm SL) in life.

Indoreonectes amrabad sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the name of the type locality, ‘Amrabad Tiger Reserve’, a protected area in the state of Telangana. The species epithet is a noun in apposition to the generic name.

Indoreonectes kalsubai sp. nov.

Etymology:The specific epithet is derived from the name ‘Kalsubai’, one of the highest mountain peaks in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, which also comprises the type locality. The species epithet is a noun in apposition to the generic name.

Indoreonectes radhanagari sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is named after ‘Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary’, the type locality for the species and a protected area in Maharashtra. The species epithet is a noun in apposition to the generic name.

Shrikant Jadhav, M. Karuthapandi, Deepa Jaiawal, C. Shiva Shankar, K. P. Dinesh, C. Raghunathan and Dhriti Banerjee. 2024. Three New Species of Hill Stream Loach Genus Indoreonectes (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from peninsular India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 124(1); 11-24. DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v124/i1/2024/172675
  RecordsofZSI.com/index.php/ZSoI/article/view/172675

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Stiphodon chlorestes • A New Species of sicydiine Goby (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) from Taiwan and Luzon

Stiphodon chlorestes
Jhuang, Dimaquibo & Liao, 2024

Green Hummingbird Goby | 青蜂枝牙鰕虎 || DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15852
facebook.com/WeiChengJhuang

Abstract
Stiphodon chlorestes sp. nov. is described based on seven specimens collected from Taiwan and Luzon. It is a large-sized Stiphodon species sharing the second dorsal-fin rays 9–10 and pectoral-fin rays 14–16 with similar-sized congeners. However, it differs from them by the wider interorbital width and almost complete lack of scales on the occipital region in males. In addition, the new species can be further distinguished from all congeners by seven to eight oval bands or a black longitudinal band on the lower body, black and white spots on pectoral fins, and a short red or orange line on posterior upper edge of caudal fin. Molecular analysis based on the 680-bp mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) fragments also supports it as a distinct species belonging to the “Stiphodon elegans group” and a sister group of the clade consisting of Stiphodon multisquamus and Stiphodon palawanensis.

Stiphodon chlorestes sp. nov.
Green hummingbird goby | 青蜂枝牙鰕虎

Wei-Cheng Jhuang, Al Casane Dimaquibo and Te-Yu Liao. 2024. Stiphodon chlorestes, A New Species of sicydiine Goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from Taiwan and Luzon. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15852
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Vexillichthys gen. nov. • A New Genus for the Blackfin Sucker, Thoburnia atripinnis (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae)

Vexillichthys Armbruster, new genus
Vexillichthys atripinnis (Bailey 1959)

in Armbruster, 2024.
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5536.2.8

Abstract
Thoburnia atripinnis is more closely related to Hypentelium (hogsuckers) than it is to other Thoburnia, and its presence in the Barren River of Kentucky is disjunct from that of true Thoburnia. Its unique morphology is unlike that of the easily recognized hogsuckers, making placement of the species within Hypentelium untenable; thus, a new genus is described. The new genus can be separated from all other catostomids by the presence of thin, black, prominent stripes on the body, a large black mark on the anterodist al portion of the dorsal fin, presence of pads ventrally on the leading portion of the pectoral fin, lateral laminae of the dermethmoid angled anteriorly, and the base of the lateral ethmoid narrow.

Pisces, Hypentelium, Moxostoma, Thoburnini, Taxonomy

Live specimens of Vexillichthys n. gen. atripinnis.
A. young in typical coloration (90 mm SL, Salt Lick Creek at Bugtussle Road crossing, Monroe Co., KY, ...) and
B. nuptial specimen, probably female (147 mm SL, Long Hungry Creek, at KY 1333 crossing, Allen Co., KY, ...). Specimens uncataloged.
Photos by M. Thomas.

Vexillichthys Armbruster, new genus

Type species. Moxostoma (Thoburnia) atripinne Bailey 1959

Diagnosis. Vexillichthys can be separated from all other Catostomids by the presence of well-developed, thin, black stripes on the body and a large, black mark on the anterodistal portion of the dorsal fin. Members of Hypentelium and Thoburnia may have stripes, but the stripes are faint, and the dorsal saddles are darker than the stripes (vs. the stripes darker than the saddles in Vexillichthys). Hypentelium does have dark marks in the dorsal fin, but the fin has bands or blotches instead of a single, large, black area at the anterodistal portion of the fin and the remainder of the fin hyaline. Vexillichthys can be further separated from Thoburnia by lacking a rust-colored, wide lateral stripe. Minytrema also has dark stripes, but these are composed of distinct ...

Etymology. From the Latin vexillum for flag and the Greek ichthys for fish. The dorsal fin has a flaglike pattern and the approximately thirteen alternating dark and light stripes are like the flag of the United States of America. Gender masculine.

Jonathan W. ARMBRUSTER. 2024. A New Genus for the Blackfin Sucker, Thoburnia atripinnis (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae). Zootaxa. 5536(2); 325-335. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5536.2.8

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Chaetostoma sacramento • The Ornate Rubbernose Pleco (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Chaetostoma), A New Species from the Ucayali River Basin, Peru

Chaetostoma sacramento
Meza-Vargas, Ramirez & Lujan, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.118522

Abstract
A new species in the rubbernose catfish genus Chaetostoma is described from the Aguaytia, Pisqui and Palcazu Rivers, which drain the Pampa de Sacramento Region in the Ucayali River drainage of central Peru. The new species is distinguished from congeners, except C. anomalum, C. branickii, C. dorsale, C. leucomelas, C. microps, C. nudirostre, C. palmeri and C. thomsoni by having distinct, white, variably-shaped spots or vermiculations ½–2× nostril diameter on dark grey to black background on the head (vs. spots absent or black on light-coloured background). The new species is distinguished from C. anomalum, C. branickii, C. dorsale, C. microps, C. nudirostre and C. thomsoni by having highly variable, distinct white spots, vermiculations or bands ½–10× nostril diameter on the body, from C. leucomelas by having dorsal and caudal fin indistinctly and variably-patterned with zero to four bands (vs. dorsal and caudal fin consistently having five or more uniform bands) and from C. palmeri by having two predorsal plates (vs. three), supraoccipital excrescence present (vs. absent) and pelvic-fin insertion slightly posterior to dorsal-fin insertion (vs. pelvic-fin insertion at middle of dorsal-fin base). Species delimitation analyses of the COI and Cytb genes further support the recognition of this new species.

Key Words: Amazon, Andes, Chaetostoma clade, freshwater, molecular, Neotropical, taxonomy

Live holotype of Chaetostoma sacramento MUSM 72045, 65.1 cm, collected from the Yamino River, a tributary of the Aguaytía River. Photos by D. Faustino.

 Chaetostoma sacramento sp. nov.
Chaetostoma sp. nov. Ucayali: Lujan et al. (2015b) [molecular phylogeny].

Diagnosis: Chaetostoma sacramento can be diagnosed from all congeners, except C. anomalum, C. branickii, C. dorsale, C. leucomelas, C. microps, C. nudirostre, C. palmeri and C. thomsoni by having distinct, white, variably-shaped spots or vermiculations ½–2× nostril diameter on grey to brown background on the head (vs. spots absent or black on light-coloured background). Chaetostoma sacramento is distinguished from C. anomalum, C. branickii, C. dorsale, C. nudirostre and C. thomsonii by having highly variable, small to large distinct white spots, vermiculations or bands on the body (vs. spots, vermiculations or bands absent or black on light-coloured background), from C. anomalum by having adipose fin fully formed (vs. rudimentary), from C. dorsale by having uniformly brown adipose fin (vs. adipose fin with black spot), from C. leucomelas by having golden spots across the dorsal fin rays (vs. light bands), from C. microps by having eight branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. nine), from C. nudirostre by having curved cheek odontodes (vs. strait), from C. palmeri by having two predorsal plates (vs. three), excrescence present (vs. absent) and pelvic-fin insertion slightly posterior of dorsal-fin insertion (vs. pelvic-fin insertion at middle of dorsal-fin base).

Etymology: The species epithet sacramento refers to the plain (pampa) in central Peru between the Huallaga and Ucayali Rivers, approximately delimited by the Pisqui River in the north and Palcazu River in the south. Chaetostoma sacramento is currently known exclusively from this region, known as the Pampa de Sacramento, which occupies a valley between Huánuco and Ucayali provinces that is part of the Peruvian subandean belt and surrounds Boqueron del Padre Abad in the Cordillera Azul. The Pampa de Sacramento was first encountered by Europeans on 21 June 1726, by an expedition led by Don Juan Nunez Lobo and was christened Pampa del Sacramento to commemorate the Catholic ceremony of the Corpus Christi. Subsequent Franciscan missionaries highlighted the rich ethnic diversity of this region (IBC 2016). A noun in apposition.

Vanessa Meza-Vargas, Jorge L. Ramirez and Nathan K. Lujan. 2024. The Ornate Rubbernose Pleco (Siluriformes, Loricariidae, Chaetostoma), A New Species from the Ucayali River Basin, Peru. Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(4): 1387-1400. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.118522
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AbstractSiamese fighting (betta) fish are among the most popular and morphologically diverse pet fish, but the genetic bases of their domestication and phenotypic diversification are largely unknown. We assembled de novo the genome of a wild Betta splendens and whole-genome sequenced 98 individuals across five closely related species. We find evidence of bidirectional hybridization between domesticated ornamental betta and other wild Betta species. We discover dmrt1 as the main sex determination gene in ornamental betta and that it has lower penetrance in wild B. splendens. Furthermore, we find genes with signatures of recent, strong selection that have large effects on color in specific parts of the body or on the shape of individual fins and that most are unlinked. Our results demonstrate how simple genetic architectures paired with anatomical modularity can lead to vast phenotypic diversity generated during animal domestication and launch betta as a powerful new system for evolutionary genetics.
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SIGN UPINTRODUCTIONDomesticated animals have provided important insights into the genetic bases of a wide range of morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits. Because of their intimate relationship with people, domesticates have also furthered our understanding of human history and culture and of our interactions with other species (1). Genetic studies of animal domestication, however, have largely focused on mammals and birds (1, 2), and only few genome-wide analyses of fish domestication have been performed (3–5).
Siamese fighting fish have been selectively bred for fighting in Southeast Asia for centuries, with reports dating back to as early as the 14th century A.D. in Thailand, making them one of the oldest fish domestications (6). Starting in the early 20th century, Siamese fighting fish also began to be bred for ornamental purposes, becoming one of the world’s most popular pet fish, commonly known as betta (7). Although it is generally presumed, on the basis of morphology and few genetic markers (8, 9), that domesticated fighting fish derive mainly from Betta splendens, it has been suggested that other closely related species (collectively called the B. splendens species complex) may have contributed to modern varieties (10). Ornamental betta have been diversified from their short-finned ancestors into an astonishing array of fin morphologies, colors, and pigmentation patterns, providing a rich phenotypic repertoire for genetic analysis. This remarkable and long history of domestication for fighting, followed by breeding for ornamental purposes, combined with one of the smallest vertebrate genomes at only ~450 megabase pairs (Mb) (11–13), makes betta an appealing subject for evolutionary genetic studies of domestication. Here, we use a synergistic combination of population and quantitative genetic approaches to investigate the historical processes and molecular changes that lead to the domestication and phenotypic diversification of betta fish.RESULTSA wild B. splendens reference genomeWe generated a high-quality reference genome assembly of wild B. splendens using long-read PacBio technology, optical mapping with BioNano, further scaffolding with 10X Genomics linked reads, polishing with Illumina short reads, and finishing with manual curation (14). We obtained a reference genome composed of 441 Mb, of which 98.6% is assigned to the 21 chromosomes expected from its karyotype (15). The contig N50 reached 2.50 Mb and the scaffold N50 20.13 Mb, meeting the standards set forth by the Vertebrate Genomes Project (16). To annotate the genome, we performed RNA sequencing from male and female brain, fin, liver, spleen, and gonad. This annotated reference genome is now the representative B. splendens reference in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) (fBetSpl5.3, GCA_900634795.3).
To discover structural chromosomal rearrangements that may have arisen during domestication, we performed whole-genome alignments of our wild B. splendens reference to three ornamental betta references (11–13) and to Anabas testudineus (climbing perch) as an outgroup (8, 16). Except for a possible large intrachromosomal rearrangement of chromosome 16 in ornamental betta, the genome was largely syntenic between wild B. splendens and ornamental betta (fig. S1 and note S1).Complex evolutionary relationships between Betta speciesTo determine the genetic origin of ornamental betta and understand their relationships with species of the B. splendens complex, we sequenced to ~15× coverage the whole genomes of (i) 37 ornamental betta from different sources, representing a diversity of ornamental traits (Fig. 1, A and B, and table S1); (ii) 58 wild-caught individuals, including representatives of all species of the B. splendens complex (except for Betta stiktos), and four populations of B. splendens from different parts of its natural range (Fig. 1A); and (iii) an outgroup (Betta compuncta). We aligned the sequencing reads to our B. splendens reference genome then called and filtered variants to generate a final set of 27.8 million phased biallelic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
Fig. 1. Betta phylogeny, gene flow, and demographic history.
(A) Distribution ranges of B. splendens species and sampling locations. Dots denote sampling locations of B. splendens populations. Colors according to (B) and B. splendens in gray. (B) Species and population relatedness based on NJ of group pairwise genetic differences. Arrows denote introgression events involving specific samples. Triangles contain sample numbers. Photos show representative males of ornamental varieties; from top to bottom: crowntail plakat, dalmatian veiltail, orange doubletail, superblack halfmoon, steel halfmoon, and royal blue halfmoon. Image credits: Kasey Clark (B. smaragdina, B. mahachaiensis, B. imbellis, and ornamental betta), Frank Sriborirum (B. siamorientalis), and Madison Lichak, Columbia University (B. splendens). (C) Principal components analysis (PCA) of genetic variation among B. splendens samples. PCA including other species is shown in fig. S8. (D) Proportion of genome introgressed from non-splendens species in each ornamental individual based on fdM and regional trees. (E) Genome-wide fdM plot of ornamental betta Orn45 (p1, other ornamental bettas; p2, Orn45; p3, B. mahachaiensis or imbellis; outgroup, B. compuncta). (F) Effective population sizes as estimated by Relate within populations (solid lines) and between wild B. splendens populations and ornamental betta (dashed lines). (G) Inference of bottleneck timing and intensity of ornamental and wild B. splendens from Kanchanaburi using fastsimcoal2. Dots denote independent runs, and outlined dot denotes the average. Bottleneck intensity = (bottleneck duration)/(2*Ne bottleneck).
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We first assessed relationships across the wild species of the B. splendens complex by constructing neighbor-joining (NJ) and maximum likelihood–based phylogenies (Fig. 1B and fig. S3, A and B). We observed strong bootstrap support for Betta smaragdina as the outgroup to the other B. splendens complex species, with Betta mahachaiensis as the outgroup to the remaining species. Betta imbellis and Betta siamorientalis together form a sister clade to all wild B. splendens populations.
We then tested for evidence of evolutionary processes that violate tree-like species relationships, such as hybridization, by computing ABBA-BABA statistics [Patterson’s D and f4 admixture ratio (17)] for all triplets of individuals organized according to the phylogeny. This analysis revealed widespread patterns of excess allele sharing between nonsister species, suggesting that the speciation history of these groups was complex, involving either structured ancestral populations, cross-species gene flow, or both (Fig. 1B, fig. S4A, and note S2). Notably, two of three B. mahachaiensis samples and one of the two B. imbellis samples showed highly significant excess allele sharing with B. splendens populations compared to their conspecifics sampled from different locations, consistent with gene flow from B. splendens into particular populations of these species (fig. S4, A and B, and notes S2 and S3).Ornamental betta derive from B. splendens but have variable contributions from other speciesAdding the ornamental betta samples to the phylogeny, we found that they cluster with B. splendens (Fig. 1B and fig. S3C). This result was also observed through principal components analysis (PCA), where ornamental betta showed no apparent loading on axes representing non-splendens species (fig. S8A). In both phylogenies and PCA, ornamentals form a clearly defined group distinct from all wild B. splendens populations (Fig. 1, B and C, and fig. S8B). These results indicate that ornamental betta are genetically most similar to B. splendens.
To test whether ornamental betta carry non-splendens ancestry, we computed all ABBA-BABA tests of the form D (ornamental except focal, focal ornamental; non-splendens species, outgroup) (fig. S5, G to J, and note S4). These tests revealed that 76% (28 of 37) of ornamental betta carry significant ancestry from non-splendens species, a pattern that is generally not seen for wild B. splendens individuals (fig. S5K). To examine the chromosomal distribution of non-splendens ancestry in these individuals, we computed regional ABBA-BABA statistics (fdM) (18–20) along their genomes and confirmed non-splendens ancestry in high-fdM regions by constructing local gene trees (Fig. 1, D and E, and fig. S9). The analyses revealed that signals of excess allele sharing are driven by genomic tracts where one or, more rarely, both haplotypes of the focal sample clustered with B. imbellis or B. mahachaiensis (fig. S9). Cumulatively, these tracts encompass between 0 and 6% of the genomes of ornamental betta (Fig. 1D). The tracts are generally different among individuals, and none are shared by all individuals of particular ornamental phenotypes (red, blue, veiltail, and crowntail), suggesting that these ornamental phenotypes are not caused by alleles from non-splendens species (fig. S12). The ornamental sample with the second highest levels of introgression from other species is particularly interesting, since some of its chromosomes are a mosaic of alternating regions of B. imbellis and B. mahachaiensis ancestry, consistent with a natural or man-made hybrid of those species having been backcrossed into ornamental betta (Fig. 1E). Together, our analyses indicate that ornamental betta are clearly derived from B. splendens, yet most individuals have relatively recent contributions from B. mahachaiensis and B. imbellis.Ornamental betta introgression is widespread among wild BettaThe topology of relationships between wild B. splendens populations in the phylogenies changed after including ornamental bettas (fig. S3, A and C, and notes S4 and S5). To further investigate this, we computed ABBA-BABA statistics within the framework of the phylogeny including ornamentals and assessed each individual’s relationship with respect to the other species of the B. splendens species complex, as well as ornamentals (fig. S6A). Together, these analyses revealed strong evidence for ornamental betta ancestry in two of three wild B. mahachaiensis samples and in individuals from three of four populations of wild B. splendens (note S4). Investigating the signals along the genome, we found that for the two B. mahachaiensis samples, mahachaiensis-like and ornamental-like haplotypes alternate at near-chromosome scale, suggesting an ornamental ancestor only a few generations back (fig. S7B). Gene flow from ornamental betta into B. mahachaiensis is possibly facilitated by the close proximity of the Mahachai region to the Bangkok metropolis. Conversely, for wild B. splendens individuals with ornamental betta ancestry, the genome-wide signals of excess allele sharing with ornamentals were diffusely distributed along the chromosomes with only a few relatively short, clearly distinguishable ornamental haplotypes (fig. S7A), suggesting that there was enough time for introgressed haplotypes to be broken down by recombination. In summary, ornamental introgression into wild Betta seems to be geographically widespread and to have happened both long ago and very recently. This finding is perhaps related to the practice by breeders of releasing excess domesticated betta into the wild and may constitute a conservation threat to wild Betta populations.Demographic history and domestication of B. splendensTo infer the demographic history of wild and domesticated B. splendens, we performed coalescence-based demographic analysis. To date events, we first needed to know the germline mutation rate. To determine this rate, we sequenced an ornamental trio and a quartet to >30× coverage and found the mutation rate to be 3.75 × 10−9/base pair (bp) per generation [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.05 × 10−10 to 9.39 × 10−9]. This rate is similar to the rate previously inferred for cichlids (21) and approximately threefold lower than that of humans (22). Although the generation time of B. splendens in the wild is not known, betta in captivity are bred at around 7 months of age (7). Our demographic analyses using Relate (23), excluding genomic regions with introgression to avoid biasing coalescence time estimates, suggest that the lineages leading to present-day ornamental and wild populations began to split around 40,000 generations (~23,000 years) ago (Fig. 1F and fig. S10, A, B, and D).
Next, we queried our genomic data for signatures of a recent, strong population bottleneck, as would be expected if a small number of animals are taken from the wild and propagated in captivity in the process of domestication. Consistent with such a bottleneck, we observe elevated linkage disequilibrium (LD) in ornamental betta relative to wild B. splendens (fig. S11B). Since, in the absence of very large sample sizes, Markovian coalescence–based approaches such as Relate do not accurately estimate recent demographic changes, we used fastsimcoal2 (24), which uses the information in the site frequency spectrum. As we show by extensive simulations, fastsimcoal2 can accurately time bottlenecks of varying intensities as recent as 100 generations ago and is robust to the overall demographic history (fig. S10E and note S6). Using this method, we found evidence for a bottleneck in ornamental betta ~680 generations ago (~400 years; ~160 to 1670 years based on mutation rate 95% CI; Fig. 1G) with an average of 79% of the present-day sampled lineages finding a common ancestor during the bottleneck (note S6). Bottleneck duration and strength are generally difficult to disentangle (25), but, as an illustration, for a bottleneck duration of 20 generations, the estimated intensity would correspond to a reduction to only 25 breeding individuals. When performing the same analysis on wild B. splendens, we only detected a much older and weaker bottleneck ~2240 generations ago of only ~0.14× the intensity of the ornamental bottleneck. Thus, our results are consistent with a strong bottleneck in the ornamental lineage.Genetic signals of selection in ornamental bettaGenetic variants that increase fitness in captivity or that are associated with phenotypic traits actively selected by breeders are expected to increase in frequency during domestication. To discover these loci with signatures of selective sweeps in ornamental betta, we searched for extended homozygosity tracts across 37 ornamental betta using H-scan, which can detect soft and hard selective sweeps and performs well in dogs, another domesticated species (26). We used two other tests to detect selected loci: G12, which looks for high-frequency haplotypes (27) and Tajima’s D, a frequency-based test (28). H-scan identified prominent peaks in multiple chromosomes (Fig. 2A), and these peaks coincided with G12 peaks and Tajima’s D values below zero, all supporting evidence of selective sweeps in ornamental betta (fig. S12). Equivalent selection scans using whole-genome sequencing of 24 wild B. splendens did not reveal clear signals, which is unlikely due to the smaller sample size, as H-scan and G12 peaks remained in a downsampled set of 24 ornamentals (fig. S13, A and B). Notably, selection peaks were not located in genomic regions with low recombination rates, suggesting that selection signals are unlikely to be driven by long haplotypes resulting from reduced recombination (fig. S13C). These results are consistent with footprints of selection in ornamental betta being related to the domestication process.

Fig. 2. Genomic signals of selection in ornamental betta.
(A) Genome-wide H-scan within ornamental betta (n = 37) and within wild B. splendens from Kanchanaburi (n = 24). (B to E) Top: H-scan close-up of ornamentals (gray line). Middle: Ornamentals separated by (B) color (red, 17; blue, 17), (C) sex (female, 17; male, 20), and (D and E) fin morphology (crown, 16; veil, 18). Gray dashed lines denote genome-wide threshold of significance (α = 0.05) for the absolute difference in H (|ΔH|) between ornamentals separated by color, sex, and fin type. (B to E) Bottom: Distribution of haplotypes in genes identified as outliers in both H-scan and G12 and statistically different between ornamentals separated by color, sex, and fin morphology; see Figs. 3 to 5. White denotes haplotypes observed in single fish.
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The majority (34 of 37) of the ornamental betta that we sequenced represent four of the most popular varieties along two phenotypic dimensions: color and fin morphology. The fish were royal blue (n = 17), solid red (n = 17), veiltail (n = 18), and crowntail (n = 16), represented by males (n = 20) and females (n = 17). Veiltails are characterized by large, flowing caudal fins, and crowntails have fins that are webbed between the rays (Fig. 1B). To determine whether the footprints of selection that we detected were driven by fish of a particular variety, we compared H-scan and haplotype frequencies across subsets of fish representing these traits (Fig. 2, B to E).
The most prominent selection peak shared across ornamentals but absent in wild B. splendens falls on chromosome 9 and is centered on zinc and ring finger 3 (znrf3), which is required for the formation of fin rays in zebrafish (29). A peak close to znrf3, centered on double-sex and mab-3–related transcription factor 1 (dmrt1), became apparent when comparing males to females (Fig. 2C). dmrt1 is critical for gonad development in vertebrates and functions as the sex determination gene in several fish species (30–32), in Xenopus laevis frogs (33), and in birds (34), suggesting that dmrt1 has a role in sex determination in betta.
A strong sweep in blue fish on chromosome 2 harbors multiple genes involved in pigmentation (Fig. 2B): proopiomelanocortin (pomc), which encodes alpha- and beta-melanocyte–stimulating hormones; T-box transcription factor 19 (tbx19), which encodes a transcription factor expressed specifically in pituitary cells that will express pomc (35); xanthine dehydrogenase (xdh), which encodes an enzyme whose homologs synthesize yellow-red pteridine pigments (36); ALK and LTK-ligand 2–like (alkal2l), which encodes a cell signaling molecule important for the development of iridophores (37, 38); and beta-carotene oxygenase like-1 (bco1l), which encodes an enzyme whose homologs metabolize orange-red carotenoid pigments (39). These results suggest that one or more of these pigmentation genes were a target of selection by betta breeders. Two selection peaks, one on chromosome 22 and another on chromosome 24, were not detected when all ornamental fish were combined or in an analysis including only veiltail fish but were significant in the subset of crowntail fish (Fig. 2, D and E), suggesting their importance to crowntail fin morphology.The evolution of sex determinationTo test whether the locus containing dmrt1, which had evidence of a selective sweep in ornamental betta, is involved in sex determination, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using gonadal sex as the trait. We focused on ornamental betta since we had a large enough sample size (20 males and 17 females) to detect variants with large effect on sex. A ~30-kb region overlapping dmrt1 was strongly associated with sex, with 16 of 17 females being homozygous at the most strongly associated SNPs, while 16 of 20 males were heterozygous (Fig. 3, A and C). We call “Y” the male-specific allele of dmrt1 and “X” the allele present in both males and females. These results strongly implicate dmrt1 as the sex determination gene in ornamental betta and indicate that males are the heterogametic sex.
Fig. 3. dmrt1 is a sex determination gene in ornamental betta.
(A) Manhattan plot for GWAS of gonadal sex in ornamental betta. Dashed line denotes the genome-wide significance threshold. (B) QTL mapping of two F2 intercrosses: dmrt1_X1X1 female × dmrt1_X1Y male (black line) and dmrt1_X1X1 female × dmrt1_X1X1 male (gray line). Dashed line denotes the genome-wide significance threshold (α = 0.05). (C) GWAS zoom-in of the dmrt1 locus. (D) LD plot for chromosome 9 surrounding the dmrt1 locus for ornamental betta and wild B. splendens from Kanchanaburi. Upper triangle, females; lower triangle, males. Red arrowheads denote the region of the dmrt1 haplotype in (E). Purple bar denotes dmrt1. (E) Maximum likelihood phylogeny with ≥80% bootstrap support for the dmrt1 haplotype across B. splendens, rooted by B. siamorientalis. Tips represent one of the two alleles of a sample, colored by population. Arches link the two alleles of each sample and are colored by sex. (F) Genotypes of males and females from ornamental betta and wild B. splendens across 12 SNPs present in all samples within the dmrt1_Y group. P, Phetchaburi; C, Chiang Mai. (G) Sex ratios for dmrt1 haplotypes in ornamental betta and wild B. splendens. P value by Fisher’s exact test. (H) Average haplotype ratios across sex for offspring from two dmrt1_X1X1 female × dmrt1_X1Y male crosses (diamond, n = 101; circle, n = 112) and dmrt1_X1X1 male × dmrt1_X1X1 female cross (n = 100). P value by Fisher’s exact test. (I) Allele-specific expression of dmrt1 across days post fertilization (dpf) for dmrt1_X1Y larvae from a dmrt1_X1X1 × dmrt1_X1Y cross. Dots denote individual offspring. ***P < 0.001 by binomial test. (J) Left: Differential mRNA expression between three dmrt1_X1Y and three dmrt1_X1X1 4-dpf larvae. Red denotes expression differences where P < 10−6. Right: Transcripts per million (TPM) of two genes important for male sex development: antimullerian hormone (amh) and gonadal soma–derived factor (gsdf).
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The reference genome was generated from a wild male B. splendens, so genomic sequences present only in females or only in ornamental betta would not be represented in the SNPs that we used for GWAS. Only 0.5% of sequencing reads of individuals from both sexes could not be mapped to the reference genome (male versus female, P = 0.64), indicating that there are no major sex-specific regions that are absent from the reference (fig. S14A). To test whether smaller-scale sequence differences were associated with sex, we performed a GWAS independent of the reference genome using k-mers from the sequencing reads. We found k-mers significantly associated with sex, and when we assembled those k-mers into contigs, they corresponded to dmrt1, consistent with the results from SNP-based GWAS (fig. S14B). We also assessed copy number variations across the genome, and none were significantly associated with sex (fig. S14C). Although sex chromosomes often carry chromosomal rearrangements, we found no evidence of an inversion in X or Y (Fig. 3D and Materials and Methods). These results indicate that, at this level of detection, only a small genomic region <30 kb within otherwise nonsexually differentiated chromosomes (autosomes) distinguishes female and male ornamental betta.
Because dmrt1 had a strong signal of a selective sweep in ornamental betta, we hypothesized that dmrt1’s role in sex determination evolved rapidly during domestication. To explore the relationship between dmrt1 and sex in wild and ornamental betta, we first built a phylogenetic tree of the dmrt1 locus defined as a ~30-kb LD block (Fig. 3E). Consistent with the selective sweep, all ornamental females, but only one wild female, had a particular haplotype we call X1. In line with selection at the dmrt1 locus in ornamental betta occurring preferentially on the X, its nucleotide diversity (1.14 × 10−4/bp) was lower than on the Y (1.66 × 10−4/bp; Y:X ratio of 1.46). In contrast, in wild B. splendens, Y had slightly lower diversity (4.07 × 10−4/bp) than X (4.71 × 10−4/bp; Y:X ratio of 0.86), indicating that the reduced diversity on X in ornamental betta is unlikely caused by a higher mutation rate in males compared to females, which would contribute to excess diversity on Y. As they evolve, proto-sex chromosomes often stop recombining in the heterogametic sex, leading to reduced diversity in the chromosome specific to that sex (40, 41). However, we found neither evidence of reduced recombination around dmrt1 (fig. S13C) nor evidence of rearrangements (which can prevent recombination) involving this region (Fig. 3D, fig. S1, and Materials and Methods). This agrees with the lack of karyotypic differences between the sexes in ornamental betta (15). Furthermore, Y has higher diversity than X in ornamental betta, opposite from the expectation arising from suppression of recombination between these alleles, supporting a role for selection acting preferentially on X.
We further explored the association between dmrt1 and sex in wild and ornamental betta. In wild B. splendens, 50% (6 of 12) of XX individuals were female, and 91% (10 of 11; binomial P = 0.00048) of XY individuals were male (Fig. 3, F and G). While this evidence suggests that dmrt1_Y promotes maleness in wild B. splendens, it is possible that multiple sex determination systems segregate in the wild, similar to what is seen in African cichlids (42). In contrast, in ornamental betta, 87% (94 of 108; the 17 fish in the GWAS plus 91 independent samples; binomial P < 10−12) of XX individuals were female, and 93% (83 of 89; binomial P < 10−12) of XY individuals were male (Fig. 3G). These results are consistent with a higher penetrance of XX in promoting female development in ornamental betta than in wild B. splendens (Fisher’s exact test, two-tailed P = 0.005) and suggest that this effect contributed to the selective sweep around dmrt1.
Since dmrt1 XX-XY status was not perfectly related to gonadal sex, we searched for additional sex-linked loci that may have been missed by GWAS. To do so, we performed two quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping experiments, one in a cross between an XX female and an XY male, and another between an XX female and an XX male. In the XX × XY cross, 52% of the offspring were female, and we detected a single sex-linked locus encompassing dmrt1 (Fig. 3B). In the XX × XX cross, 90% of the offspring were female, and no locus was linked to sex (Fig. 3, B and H). In the XX × XY cross, 85% of the XX offspring were female, and 90% of the XY offspring were male (Fig. 3H). However, in the XX × XX cross, all offspring were XX, yet 10% of these fish developed as males (Fig. 3H), confirming the incomplete penetrance of the XX-XY locus in sex determination, as has been observed in Oryzias latipes (medaka fish) that also bear a dmrt1 XX-XY sex determination system (43). In summary, these results confirm that the dmrt1 locus is strongly linked to sex in ornamental betta but that XX and XY are neither necessary nor sufficient to determine a particular sex.
To determine whether the X and Y transcripts of dmrt1 are differentially expressed during sex determination, we performed allele-specific expression analyses in XY ornamental larvae at several time points after fertilization. The results indicated that the dmrt1 Y allele constitutes 65% of the dmrt1 mRNA molecules at 4 days post fertilization (dpf) and that this allelic bias progressively decreases at 8 and 12 dpf, until it reverses in adult testis, where only 45% of the dmrt1 transcripts originate from the Y allele (Fig. 3I). This timing of dmrt1 XY allele–specific expression is consistent with that of sex determination, since we found that by 4 dpf, XX and XY larvae have started the process of sex differentiation: XY larvae express higher levels of gonadal soma–derived factor (gsdf), a teleost-specific gene essential for testis development (44), and higher levels of antimullerian hormone (amh), a gene that promotes vertebrate male development (Fig. 3J). Each of these genes is the sex determination locus in other fish species (44, 45) and is in separate chromosomes from dmrt1 in betta, indicating that their sex-specific expression is a response in trans to dmrt1. Thus, the variants that distinguish dmrt1 X from Y are associated with higher expression of the dmrt1 Y allele in a manner that is temporally linked to sex differentiation, further implicating dmrt1 as the major sex determination gene in ornamental betta.Genetic bases of coloration in ornamental bettaOrnamental betta breeders have generated a vast array of fish varieties (e.g., “royal blue”) that differ along multiple axes of coloration: hue, brightness, saturation, and the anatomical distribution of these features. To determine whether any of the genes we found to be under strong selection, as well as any others, contribute to coloration in ornamental betta, we performed a GWAS of the red (n = 17) and blue (n = 17) fish that were used for the selection scans (Fig. 4A and fig. S16A). Red and blue fish not only lie at opposite ends of the betta hue spectrum but also differ in their brightness and saturation (Fig. 4, A and C, and fig. S17). However, association mapping alone between pure red and pure blue fish, which are largely fixed for all these color features, cannot establish which of these features are affected by significant loci. Therefore, we also performed a QTL mapping experiment by generating a second-generation (F2) hybrid population of red-blue fish in which individual coloration components could segregate (Fig. 4B). In these 211 F2 hybrids, we measured the proportion of the anal, caudal, and dorsal fins; of the side of the body; and of the head that was red, blue, or very dark (which we refer to as black). We also measured the hue, brightness, and saturation of the red and blue areas on each body part and used these phenotypes for QTL mapping.

Fig. 4. Genomic loci affecting coloration in ornamental betta.
(A) Manhattan plot for GWAS of color between 17 blue and 17 red ornamental betta. Dashed line denotes the genome-wide significance threshold. (B) Schematic of the red × blue F2 intercross and photo of a hybrid annotated with the body parts analyzed. (C) Distribution of hues in the red and blue founder (P0) populations (red, n = 13; blue, n = 11) and F2 hybrids (n = 202). Gray vertical lines depict the hue intervals for red and blue assessed in the F2 population. (D) Concentration of β-carotene and echinenone in the skin of red and blue ornamental betta. P value by Mann-Whitney U test. (E) QTL mapping of color features across different body parts. Dashed lines denote the genome-wide significance threshold (α = 0.05). (F to I) Phenotypic distribution for QTL genotypes across the F2s (red and blue squares denote alleles inherited from red and blue P0s, respectively). (J to M) GWAS zoom-in across significant loci.
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The strongest GWAS signal occurred between augmentator-α2 (alkal2l) and bco1l on chromosome 2 (Fig. 4, A and K), a region with a large difference in selection sweep signal between blue and red fish (Fig. 2B). This GWAS peak was aligned with a QTL at which the allele swept in blue fish increased the proportion of blue and decreased the proportion of red on the fins and body of the hybrids (Fig. 4, E and G). This locus modulates blue saturation only on the body and not on the fins or the head (Fig. 4E). Consistent with genetic variation at the alkal2l locus mediating differences in blue saturation in the bodies between blue and red fish, we find that alkal2l mRNA is present at 210× higher levels (P = 0.004) in the skin of the body of blue fish compared to red fish but not significantly different in the fins (fig. S18A). alkal2l encodes a ligand of leukocyte tyrosine kinase (37), which, in zebrafish, is necessary for the development of iridophores, the chromatophores that generate refractive colors such as blue (37, 38). Together, this suggests that genetic variation affecting this developmental cell signaling ligand affects the extent of ornamental blue coloration. alkal2l likely corresponds to the gene referred to by betta breeders as the spread iridocyte gene, hypothesized to increase the prevalence of iridescence throughout the body (46).
Notably, the alkal2l-bco1l locus also modulated the red hue of the red parts of the body (Fig. 4, E and G). This suggested that bco1l, which encodes a protein predicted to metabolize orange-red carotenoids and whose homologs modulate coloration in other animals (47, 48), could also be involved in differences between red and blue fish. Through biochemical assays, we found that, as predicted by its sequence homology to other BCO1 proteins, BCO1L has 15,15′-dioxygenase activity that cleaves β-carotene into two molecules of all-trans retinal (fig. S19, A to D). Consistent with the QTL effect on red hue and BCO1L biochemical activity, we found that red fish have more β-carotene and echinenone in their skin than blue fish (Fig. 4D). One of the bco1l variants most strongly associated with red and blue coloration results in a change from threonine in red fish to isoleucine in blue fish (figs. S16B and S19, E and F). We did not detect differential biochemical activity of the two alleles in vitro, but it is possible that their activity or stability differs in vivo, as there are no significant differences in skin bco1l mRNA levels between red and blue fish (fig. S19H). Therefore, variation in the locus containing alkal2l and bco1l likely affects both blue and red coloration through these two genes located only ~50 kb apart. The tight linkage might explain why breeders struggle to make the “perfect” red fish without any iridescence.
The second strongest GWAS peak, on chromosome 8, mapped to adenylosuccinate lyase (adsl), and the strongest QTL at this locus was for the brightness of blue areas on the body (Fig. 4, E and I). adsl encodes an enzyme involved in the de novo synthesis of purines. Purines are the major components of the reflective platelets in fish skin iridophores that underlie iridescence, and these platelets differ in structure between blue and red betta fish (49). While the homologs of adsl have not been previously implicated in animal coloration, mutations in other genes in the de novo purine synthesis pathway cause iridophore defects in zebrafish (50). Consistent with a role for adsl in blue coloration, we found that adsl is expressed in the skin of blue fish in cells abutting melanophores, where betta iridophores are located (fig. S18B) (49).
The third strongest GWAS peak, on chromosome 1, mapped to solute carrier family 2, member 15b (slc2a15b), a gene necessary for the development of larval yellow xanthophores in medaka (51) but whose role in adult pigmentation was previously not described (Fig. 4, A and J). We found a QTL that overlaps slc2a15b that strongly affected the saturation of red areas in the fins but not of the body or the head (Fig. 4, E and F). Intense coloration on the fins relative to the body is a phenotype referred to by breeders as the “Cambodian” variety, and our results suggest that slc2a15b contributes to this phenotype.
The fourth strongest GWAS peak, on chromosome 6, mapped to kit ligand (kitlga), whose orthologs affect melanin pigmentation in other fish and in mammals (52) (Fig. 4, A and L). A QTL overlapping kitlga strongly modulated the proportion of black, blue, and red on the head and fins but less so on the body (Fig. 4, E and H). A black head, a phenotype we found that is linked to kitlga, is referred to by breeders as the mask trait (7). This QTL also modified the saturation of blue areas on the fins but not on the body and had minor effects on red saturation outside the head. Its comparatively stronger impact on blue saturation may be related to the tight histological association of iridophores and melanophores as a unit in betta skin (49).
Together, we found that red-blue variation in ornamental betta is linked to genetic polymorphisms near two genes encoding cell signaling ligands (alkal2l and kitlga), two enzymes (bco1l, which metabolizes pigments, and adsl, which produces material for reflective structures), and a membrane solute transporter (slc2a15b). Candidate genes that we identified might correspond to those inferred, but not molecularly identified, by betta geneticists beginning in the 1930s (53, 54). Notably, all of these genes had anatomical specificity, and all but two were on separate chromosomes (Fig. 4A).Genetic bases of fin morphology in ornamental bettaWe found strong signals of selective sweeps in crowntail fish on chromosomes 22 and 24, suggesting that these regions could harbor variants associated with crown morphology (Fig. 2, D and E). To identify these variants within selective peaks and elsewhere throughout the genome, we performed a GWAS with the 18 veiltail and 16 crowntail fish used for the selection scans. We found two significant peaks, one on chromosome 22 and another on chromosome 24, overlapping the selection peaks (Fig. 5A), indicating that these regions are not only under selection but are the main loci contributing to differences between veiltail and crowntail fish.

Fig. 5. Genomic loci regulating fin morphology in ornamental betta.
(A) Manhattan plot for GWAS of fin type between 18 veiltail and 16 crowntail ornamental betta. Dashed line denotes the genome-wide significance threshold. (B) Left: Valley/ray ratio in anal and caudal fins across crown (n = 9) and veil (n = 13) founder populations, F1 (n = 4), and F2 hybrids (n = 139). P value by Mann-Whitney U test. Right: QTL mapping of valley/ray ratios for caudal and anal fins. Dashed line denotes the genome-wide significance threshold (α = 0.05). (C) GWAS zoom-in across significant loci.
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To confirm the involvement of the GWAS loci in fin morphology, we performed a QTL mapping experiment in an F2 hybrid population from a cross between veil and crowntail fish (Fig. 5B). In agreement with the GWAS results, we found two significant QTLs, one on chromosome 22 and another on chromosome 24, that overlap the GWAS peaks. Unexpectedly, we found that the chromosome 22 locus is significantly linked only to anal fin webbing and not caudal fin webbing, whereas the chromosome 24 locus is linked to caudal fin webbing but not significantly linked to anal fin webbing (Fig. 5B). These complementary association and quantitative mapping experiments demonstrate that two loci are the primary determinants of veil-crown morphology and that webbing of different fins is under separate genetic control.
Examining the genes at the crown-veil GWAS peaks identified promising causal genes. The strongest association signal on chromosome 22 maps to frmd6, which encodes the protein willin that regulates tissue growth as part of the hippo pathway (Fig. 5, A and C, and fig. S20A) (55). The region of strongest association on chromosome 24 is larger and encompasses 22 genes (Fig. 5, A and C, and fig. S20A). Of these, tfap2b and tfap2d, which have evolutionarily ancient roles in ectodermal development (56), are prominent candidate genes. As with the variants that affect coloration, we also find evidence of anatomical modularity for the variants that affect fin morphology. These results also demonstrate that there is no single “crowntail gene,” as had been speculated by ornamental betta breeders (7).DISCUSSIONUsing whole-genome sequencing of multiple Betta species, populations, and individuals, we take an important first step in unraveling the domestication history of betta fish. Our results suggest that betta were domesticated around 700 generations ago. While domesticated betta are largely derived from B. splendens, they carry genetic contributions from two other species that are also endemic to the Malay Peninsula: B. imbellis and B. mahachaiensis. None of the alleles derived from these other Betta species are present in all ornamental individuals, nor do they contribute to the regions under selection driving sex determination, coloration, or fin morphologies that we found here. These introgressed alleles, however, might contribute to other traits of domesticated betta or represent historical attempts by breeders to introduce new phenotypes into ornamental fish through hybridization.
The strongest genetic evidence of selection during domestication involves dmrt1, which we found is the sex determination gene in ornamental betta. Most females are XX, and most males are XY, settling a long-standing question in the field (57). A selective sweep of a dmrt1_X allele with increased penetrance may have been selected by breeders since it would lead to more predictable sex ratios in spawns. The lower penetrance of dmrt1 for sex determination in wild B. splendens suggests that other sex determination mechanisms operate in the wild, similar to what is seen in zebrafish (58). In contrast to domesticated zebrafish, however, whose sex is not determined by a single locus, ornamental betta sex is predominantly determined by a single large-effect locus that maps to dmrt1.
In poeciliid fishes, such as guppies and swordtails, the sex determination locus is linked to multiple color genes that contribute to sexually dimorphic coloration and shape the genetics of female preference for male color traits (59). In contrast, the betta sex determination locus is only ~30 kb in size and is not linked to genes known to affect color. These results are consistent with coloration not being particularly sexually dimorphic in betta. Instead, we find that color and fin morphology in betta have a Lego-like logic, in which major-effect genes located on different chromosomes modulate color and fin morphology with unexpected anatomical specificity (table S2). Betta breeders are keenly aware of the mix-and-match possibilities of betta and leverage this feature to breed new fish varieties by combining different body, head, and fin colors with various fin morphologies.
Our results provide molecular entry points for further study of the developmental and evolutionary bases of change in morphology and sex determination. The genomic resources that we generated will also enable genetic studies into how centuries of artificial selection of betta for fighting purposes have shaped their aggression and other fighting-related traits. Together, our work elucidates the genomic consequences of the domestication of ornamental betta and helps establish this fish as a modern system for evolutionary genetic interrogation.MATERIALS AND METHODSAnimal husbandryAdult fish were housed individually in 1- to 1.4-liter tanks in a system with recirculating water with automated dosing using Instant Ocean sea salt and sodium bicarbonate to maintain a conductivity of 1.0 mS/cm and a pH of 7.0. Ten percent of the volume of the system is replaced daily with reverse osmosis–purified water. Water quality was monitored regularly for nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia. Water and room temperature are maintained at 28°C with a 14:10-hour light:dark cycle.
Larvae were grown from 5 to 14 dpf in 2.8-liter static tanks at a density of 30 larvae per tank and fed Brachionus rotundiformis rotifers. At 15 dpf, fry were moved to 37-liter grow-out tanks and fed two to four times daily with decapsulated newly hatched Artemia nauplii. Animal experimentation protocols were approved by the Columbia University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (AC-AAAT1482).Genome assemblyThe fBetSpl5 assembly was created by assembling 48× PacBio CLR reads from SplBan0 with Falcon-unzip (60). Haplotigs representing retained duplication were removed using purge_haplotigs before scaffolding the assembly using Scaff10x (https://github.com/wtsi-hpag/Scaff10X) with 183× Illumina HiSeqX, 10X Chromium reads from a different individual (SplPhe0). Following scaffolding, the assembly was gap-filled with PBJelly (61) and polished with Arrow (https://github.com/PacificBiosciences/pbbioconda) using the long-reads data and then polished further using Freebayes (62) with 83× Illumina HiSeqX reads from SplBan0.
The resulting assembly was further improved with manual curation by building a gEVAL database and correcting mis-scaffolding by leveraging aligned Bionano consensus optical maps generated from SplPhe0 (14). Additional scaffolding was possible using haplotypic contig overlaps. The assembly was separated into chromosomes through alignment with the existing B. splendens assembly (GCA_003650155.1); these chromosomal units, including any discrepancies, were confirmed using the Bionano optical map data, presence of retained haplotypic contig overlaps, and general sequence contig integrity (expected read coverage, no read cliff). Chromosomes were named by synteny to medaka (O. latipes) assembly GCA_002234675.1 (fig. S1A and see the “Comparisons across reference assemblies” section in the Supplementary Materials). Curation resulted in 67 manual breaks, 92 manual joins, and the removal of 113 regions representing false duplications. The final assembly consists of 69 scaffolds totaling 441 Mb, with a scaffold N50 of 20.1 Mb. A percentage of 98.62% of the assembly has been assigned to the 21 chromosomes.
For RNA sequencing for genome annotation, we used fin, gonad, brain, liver, and gill from two adult wild B. splendens, SplChi0 and SplPhe30. Libraries of two different insert sizes (~350 and ~515 bp) were generated using the NEBNext Ultra Directional RNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina (E7420, New England Biolabs) and sequenced to an average coverage of 72 × 106 reads (range: 33 × 106 to 145 × 106) with 2 × 150 bp reads in a NextSeq 500. Reads were used by NCBI to annotate the B. splendens genome in Annotation Release 101.Sample collection and resequencingSequencing libraries were generated from genomic DNA extracted from ethanol-preserved fin clips of wild samples and were sequenced on an Illumina platform, following Illumina’s polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based library protocols. Whole-genome sequencing libraries for the ornamental samples were generated using the QIASeq FX DNA Library Kit (180473, Qiagen). Libraries were PCR-free with the exception of Orn30, Orn27, and Orn37, which were PCR-amplified in 6 cycles. Through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of total variants called and the number of Mendelian errors in the trio and quartet sequenced to >30× coverage, we determined that 15× coverage was enough for our sample set and sequenced our ornamental B. splendens panel to ~15 ×.
Samples and the associated metadata included in the study are listed in table S1. Field sampling in Indonesia was conducted according to research permits 1/TKPIPA/FRP/SM/I/2011 and 3/TKPIPA/FRP/SM/III/2012 for L.R. Fieldwork in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak was conducted under permits issued by the Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department, Malaysia (UPE 40/200/19/2417 and UPE 40/200/19/2534) and the Forest Department Sarawak (NCCD.970.4.4[V]-43).Alignment, variant detection, filtering, and phasingWe aligned DNA sequencing reads to the fBetSpl5.3 NCBI genome using bwa-mem2 (63) and marked duplicate reads using picard v2.0.1 (http://broadinstitute.github.io/picard/). We identified filter criteria for variants based on Mendelian errors from a trio and quartet using two variant callers: bcftools mpileup v1.11 (64) and GATK4 v4.1.4 (65). We assumed that de novo mutations are rare and that most Mendelian errors are sequencing artifacts and thus represent false positives. On the basis of ROC analysis, bcftools appeared to call more variants at similar false-positive rates compared to GATK. We determined that filtering out variants with mapping quality (MQ) of <50 and genotypes with genotype quality (GQ) of <30, depth (DP) of <4, and where the allele depth (AD) support for genotype was less than two reads provided the least number of Mendelian errors with the highest number of non-Mendelian errors through ROC of mpileup variant calls. We also excluded variants that are adjacent to each other within 3 bp. To increase the confidence of heterozygous genotypes, we further filtered out heterozygous genotypes in which the variant allele fraction (alt depth/DP; VAF) showed an allelic imbalance: VAF < 0.25 and VAF > 0.75.
For short (<100-bp) indel analysis, we used GATK4 for calling indels as it uses local realignment around indels and filtered with more stringent criteria including requiring indels to have GQ > 50, fraction missing < 0.2, and are present in more than one individual. These variants were required to be concordant with Mendelian expectations if present in either the trio or quartet, leaving 228,066 indels. For structural variant analysis (structural rearrangements, indels >100 bp), we used smoove (https://github.com/brentp/smoove), filtering out genotypes with GQ < 50 and for which deletions carried a DP > 0.7× of the flanking region (duphold flank fold-change, DHFFC > 0.7). We additionally filtered out duplications that were <1.3× relative to other similar GC-content bins across the genome (duphold bin fold-change, DHBFC < 1.3) and inversions/translocations with DP < 4. We manually inspected these variants through Integrated Genomics Viewer (66). We performed chi-square analysis corrected for false discovery rate to assess the association of variants near regions identified by genome-wide association and QTL analysis, and none were more associated than SNPs through analogous chi-square statistics.
Regions filter
We calculated read counts for each bam file across fBetSpl5.3 segmented into 1000-bp windows with a 500-bp slide. For each sample, we log2-normalized the read counts of each window by the median read count across the genome. For pop-genome analysis, we removed regions where read counts were either >2.5 SD from the median within a sample or where the variance of the log2-normalized read counts across the bam files was >2.5 SD from the median variance across the genome across all bam files. For association mapping analyses in ornamental betta, we applied the latter filter only to the ornamental betta samples to prevent removal of regions that were lost or gained in other species/populations but are stably diploid in ornamental betta.
To further filter out regions with poor mappability, we used SNPable (https://github.com/lh3/misc) with –l 200 and –r 0.5. Most regions (98.0%) that were masked through SNPable were also removed on the basis of our read-coverage filter (table S4).
Phasing
Using the filters described above, along with a fraction missing threshold of 0.2, we phased the genotypes in a two-step method. We performed read-based phasing of the quartet and trios with the pedigree phasing mode of WhatsHap v0.18 (67). We included the phase set generated by WhatsHap into ShapeIt4 v4.1.3 (68) to phase all samples with the recommended error rate (--use-PS 0.0001) and settings for sequencing data (--sequencing). To increase phasing accuracy, we increased the number of mcmc iterations “--mcmc-iterations 10b,1p,1b,1p,1b,1p,1b,1p,10m” and the number of conditioning haplotypes “--pbwt-depth 8.”Species phylogeniesOn the basis of the filtered phased biallelic SNP callset, we calculated pairwise differences across individuals using plink v1.90p (69) with the option --distance square both for the whole genome and in 100-kb windows. NJ trees were calculated with the nj function of Python’s skbio package v0.5.6 (http://scikit-bio.org/). Block bootstrap support was determined by randomly subsampling window-pairwise differences with replacement and testing how often a node of the whole genome tree was supported in 1000 random replicates. Maximum likelihood trees were generated using IQ-TREE v2.0.3 (70) with model HKY+F+R2 based on ModelFinder and then bootstrapped (-B).Gene flow analysesABBA-BABA analysis
We computed ABBA-BABA tests for all triplets of samples with Dsuite v0.4 r38 (19), defining each individual as a separate population and running Dsuite Dtrios with default parameters. Unless otherwise stated, we used the B. compuncta sample as the outgroup. All f4 ratio plots show f4(p1,p2,p3,outgroup) for f4(p1, p2, p3, outgroup) > 0 and -f4(p2, p1, p3, outgroup) otherwise.
fdM analysis in ornamental betta
Windowed fdM was computed across the genome with Dsuite Dinvestigate using a window size of 100 SNPs with a step of 25 SNPs for each of the triplets of samples that showed signs of introgression with the ABBA-BABA tests. For each triplet, we smoothed the fdM along the chromosome using a MAD winsorization (71), so that a single window outlier inconsistent with the fdM values observed in adjacent windows would not affect downstream segmentation. We then applied a piecewise segmentation across the chromosomes and calculated the mean fdM of each segment. Across all sample triplets, we observed a clear bimodal distribution in fdM values of these segments with one mode at 0.01 and another above a 0.2 valley (fig. S9C). We thus filtered for segments with fdM > 0.2 and merged adjacent remaining segments that were within 5 kb of each other to determine the start and end points of the introgressed regions. Local gene trees were constructed for each of these high-fdM genomic regions using IQ-TREE across the haplotypes of the ornamental bettas and other B. splendens species complex samples that did not show recent introgression through the ABBA-BABA tests. For each region, we determined the ancestry of each haplotype for the ornamental sample (p2) with high fdM by calculating the average branch length distance of the sample’s haplotype to the haplotypes of other samples for each species. If the average distance of the p2 sample’s haplotype to the haplotypes of a non-splendens species was shorter than the average distance to other B. splendens haplotypes and less than 2 SD away from the average distance between B. splendens haplotypes, we determined that the haplotype likely shared ancestry with that non-splendens species. We further validated ancestry assignments by visual inspection of the trees, all of which showed the topology inferred by these analyses (fig. S9, D and E).Demographic inferenceWe used Relate v1.1.7 (23) to infer the demographic histories of the wild B. splendens populations and ornamental betta. We generated an ancestral sequence reconstruction with IQ-TREE v2.0.3 using the phased variant call set from B. compuncta, B. smaragdina, B. mahachaiensis (only Mah0 sample because it had no evidence of introgression from B. splendens), and wild B. splendens. We did not include ornamental betta as many samples have introgressed regions from other species. We constructed trees for each chromosome using the HKY+F+R2 model with 1000 bootstraps (-bnni). Tree topologies supported the species tree (Fig. 1B and fig. S3A) and did not differ across chromosomes. We then used IQ-TREE (-asr) to infer the ancestral state sequence at the node supporting the split between Mah0 and splendens. We assigned the allele with the highest posterior probability as the ancestral state at each biallelic variant position. Positions where no nucleotide had a posterior probability above 0.9 (which occurred in 0.001 of positions) were assigned the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry ambiguity code “N” as the ancestral state.
We used a constant recombination rate based on the genetic length of each chromosome (as determined from the genetic map of an F2 intercross; see the “QTL analysis of color” section below). The genome-wide average rate was 6.6 centimorgan (cM)/Mb. We ran Relate using our point estimate for the de novo mutation rate and the upper and lower CI boundaries. We assumed a diploid starting effective population size of 91,300 based on the nucleotide diversity of 0.00137 of wild B. splendens from Kanchanaburi and the point estimate of the mutation rate. Inferred demographies were similar when using a starting population size of 37,000 or of 378,000, based on the CI from the mutation rate (fig. S10D). We excluded the following samples with signs of recent introgression or that are the offspring of the quartet or trio: Orn29, Orn21, Orn5, Orn38, Orn39, SplKan8, SplPhe2, SplBan0, and SplBan1. We further excluded all genomic regions with evidence of non–B. splendens introgression in the included samples (amounting to 11% of the genome) and found negligible differences in the demographies inferred by Relate (fig. S10B). We ran the Relate EstimatePopulationSize algorithm for one iteration to avoid introducing biases generated from the assumption that our samples belong to one panmictic population. We performed jackknife resampling of chromosomes and observed negligible variation when removing individual chromosomes. We also performed 100 runs of 5-kb block bootstrap resampling across chromosome 1 to assess the variability of inferred demographics (fig. S10C).Bottleneck inferenceWe extracted the site frequency spectrum of genomic regions without evidence for recent admixture as described in the “Gene flow analyses” section for ornamental and Kanchanaburi samples from the filtered, phased, and biallelic SNP VCF file. Strongly admixed individuals Orn5, Orn21, and SplKan8, as well as the offspring from trios, were removed from the analysis. This yielded an accessible genome of 300 Mb and a total of 0.704 million and 1.02 million SNPs for ornamental and Kanchanaburi samples, respectively. The site frequency spectrum was polarized using the ancestral state inferred as described in the “Demographic inference” section.
We used the site frequency spectra as input to fastsimcoal2 (fsc2 v2.7.0.2) (24) inferring the time and intensity of a single instantaneous bottleneck (25) within the last 3000 generations and an otherwise constant effective population size using the instbot feature. We focused on such a simple model to specifically look for evidence for a recent, strong domestication bottleneck rather than trying to fit the full, undoubtedly complicated population history (which is explored using Relate in the “Demographic inference” section).
To check that such a simple model can accurately time a relatively recent bottleneck in a variety of “background” demographic histories, we used msprime v1.0.1 (72) to simulate bottlenecks of different strengths and timings assuming different demographic histories. We simulated 35 diploid ornamental genomes (same as our real sample size) consisting of 21 chromosomes of length 14 Mb (the average B. splendens chromosome length). First, we assumed constant effective population sizes of 10,000 or 100,000 individuals. Second, we ran simulations following the inferred Relate demographic history for times older than 1000 generations ago. Since, given our sample size, Relate results for more recent times are less reliable (fig. S10B), we assumed linear growth toward the inferred long-term effective population size of 72,000. On top of these demographic models, we added bottlenecks of different timings and intensities. We added a single instantaneous bottleneck in the past 100, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 generations ago of varying bottleneck intensities (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8; msprime strength = 2Ne*fsc2 intensity) and a demography without a bottleneck. A constant recombination rate of 6.6 cM/Mb and mutation rate of 3.75 × 10−9/bp per generation based on our point estimate of the de novo mutation rate were applied. For each parameter combination, we ran five independent replicates of the fsc2 instbot model and one “null model” in which the bottleneck intensity was fixed to zero (fig. S10E).Diversity statisticsWe calculated genome-wide nucleotide diversity (pi) in ornamental and wild B. splendens, accounting for accessible sites after filtering using the B. splendens regions filter and filtering out regions with evidence of introgression from the fdM analysis. We removed from the analysis the following samples from the wild populations because they had signs of introgression: SplKan8, SplPhe2, SplBan0, and SplBan1. Nucleotide diversity was calculated per site using the python package scikit-allel (https://github.com/cggh/scikit-allel), and the sum is divided by the total accessible (invariant and variant) sites remaining after filtering. CIs were calculated on the basis of jackknife resampling of chromosomes. We calculated windowed nucleotide diversity in 10-kb windows with 100-bp slide across the genome (fig. S12). We removed windows where 3 kb or less of the window was accessible.LD analysisWe assessed LD using plink v1.90, calculating the r2 value of SNPs with a minor allele frequency (MAF) of 0.2 (in either ornamental betta or wild B. splendens from Kanchanaburi) and --ld-window-kb 999. To assess LD decay, we generated bins that incrementally increased by 3 bp from 0 to 999 kb and calculated the mean r2 value of SNPs where the distance between the SNPs fell within each bin. Calculations of interchromosomal r2 value after thinning SNPs that were within 100 kb of each other within a chromosome (--bp-space 100000) served as the baseline using --r2 interchrom and --ld-window-r2 0.Selection scansWe performed three types of genome-wide scans to identify signatures of selection: (i) H-scan (26) to detect extended homozygosity tracts, (ii) G12 and G2/G1 scans with 200 SNP windows (73) to assess haplotype frequency spectra across the genome and to identify hard and soft sweeps across populations, and (iii) Tajima’s D in 10-kb windows with 100-bp slide across the genome using scikit-allel. To determine whether differences in H between groups of fish (red and blue, crowntail and veiltail, and male and female) were greater than expected by chance, we performed permutation testing. As neighboring loci may share high H-scan values due to linkage, representing the same putative sweep (74), we clumped loci that were part of the same LD block. For each chromosome, we pooled the H values of the compared groups and then randomly sampled from this pool to assign scan values across the chromosome for each group. We calculated the absolute difference in H values between the two groups across regions of the chromosomes. We performed 1000 permutations for each chromosome and then calculated the 99% percentile (α = 0.01) across the distribution of differences of all permutations across chromosomes, which served as our genome-wide threshold.Genome-wide association analysisGenome-wide association analysis for sex, color, and fin morphology across ornamental betta was performed using GEMMA version 0.98.1, with a linear mixed model that incorporated the kinship/relatedness matrix to account for population structure (75); see Q-Q plots in fig. S15. We removed variants with MAF < 0.05, fraction missing < 0.2, and r2 > 0.8. We performed genome-wide association using biallelic variants for sex (confirmed by inspection of gonads after euthanasia) across 37 ornamentals (females, 17; males, 20). For color, we performed genome-wide association across 34 ornamentals (red, 17; blue, 17). For fin morphology, we performed genome-wide association across 34 ornamentals (veil, 18; crown, 16).
We considered haplotype blocks to represent the number of independent statistical tests. We calculated the number of haplotype blocks using plink --blocks with a maximum kilobase window of 999 and MAF of 0.05. We identified 53,844 haploblocks in ornamental betta. Thus, for a Bonferroni-corrected P value of 0.05, we set the significance threshold in GWAS as −log10(0.05/53844) = 6.03.
We also performed a k-mer association analysis using HAWK v1.3 (76) for sex in ornamental betta. We assembled the k-mers into contigs using ABYSS v2.0 (77) and mapped these sequences to the fBetSpl5.3 genome using bwa-mem. All significantly associated k-mers could be successfully mapped to the reference.QTL analysis of sexWe performed an F2 intercross between a male (dmrt1_XY) and a female (dmrt1_XX) ornamental splendens. We crossed the F1 (dmrt1_XY) males and F1 (dmrt1_XX) females to generate 211 F2 progeny. We sexed each F2 based on the presence of an ovipositor and confirmed after euthanasia by the presence of ovaries or testis. We generated Tn5-tagmented whole-genome sequencing libraries (78) and sequenced the samples to a depth of ~0.05× in a NextSeq 500/550 (75 cycles). We generated a panel of SNPs where the two founders differed in their genotype. In addition to the filters described in the “Alignment, variant detection, filtering, and phasing” section, we filtered out variants with DP greater than or less than 1.5 SD of the median DP on a per-sample basis and removed variants that were within 150 bp from each other (read length). We excluded SNPs that were private to a founder and were not present across the ornamentals in the GWAS cohort. We also excluded variants with non-Mendelian segregation in our trio and quartet. For the F2s, we counted the allele read depth for each SNP using alleleCount (https://github.com/cancerit/alleleCount) with base quality > 20 and MQ > 35.
To quality-prune the SNPs used for imputation, we excluded SNPs where fewer than 10% of individuals had read coverage. We then performed imputation using AncestryHMM v0.94 (79) for an F2 intercross design. We removed SNPs where the genotype likelihood was less than 90% across more than 50% of the samples. We additionally removed SNPs where the difference of the posterior probability of the SNP relative to the preceding SNP was less than 10%. Using the remaining 15,572 SNPs, we performed QTL analysis for sex using Haley-Knott regression in R/qtl (80). We performed nonparametric interval mapping and determined significance thresholds by 1000 permutations of the data using scanone.
To investigate whether a secondary sex determination system exists for males carrying the dmrt1_XX haplotype, we also performed an F2 intercross between a male (dmrt1_XX) and female (dmrt1_XX) ornamental betta, resulting in 100 F2s. None of the founders of these crosses were close relatives of each other. Following the same filtering criteria, we performed QTL analysis for sex (confirmed gonadally) on 8561 SNPs. To minimize environmental biases, we raised the dmrt1_XY male × dmrt1_XX female and dmrt1_XX male × dmrt1_XX female crosses at the same time using the same housing, water, and temperature conditions.XY haplotype analysisTo generate a haplotype tree of the dmrt1 locus, we used the filtered, phased, and biallelic SNP variants within the LD block of chromosome 9 spanning 28,850,248 to 28,884,157 bp. We included both invariant and variant sites within the region. We excluded the following samples due to signs of recent gene flow, due to being the offspring of the quartet or trio, or due to being sexually immature: Orn29, Orn5, Orn38, Orn39, SplPhe1, SplPhe2, SplBan0, SplBan1, SplChi1, SplChi2, and SplKan6. We used IQ-TREE v2.0.3 (70) with the recommended model “HKY+F+R2” with 1000 bootstraps, optimizing the bootstrap tree with nearest-neighbor interchange (-bnni). We collapsed branches with bootstrap support of <80% and used this tree to infer ancestral sequence at each node and tip of the tree (-asr).GenotypingSequencing-based genotyping
To validate the sex GWAS results, we generated an independent panel unrelated to the GWAS sample set consisting of 161 unrelated ornamentals (females, 83; males, 78). We performed a local chi-square analysis of the regions carrying the highest associated GWAS SNPs for sex in the ornamentals to select the SNPs most associated with sex and present in the Y branch. We PCR-amplified and Illumina-indexed products spanning these SNPs (tables S3 and S4) and sequenced the amplicons using NextSeq 500/550. We removed aligned reads that had an MQ of less than 10 and then performed bcftools mpileup with -C 50. We removed genotypes with DP < 50, GQ < 30, and where the SNP VAF was between 0.2 and 0.3 or 0.7 and 0.8 from further analysis.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism–based genotyping for sex
We developed a diagnostic restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)–based assay for genotyping dmrt1_XX versus dmrt1_XY. We identified an SNP with r2 > 0.8 with the top 0.5% of the highest associated GWAS SNPs for sex that overlapped the restriction enzyme site for MluCI. We PCR-amplified the region and overnight digested the amplicons with MluCI (R0538L, NEB) (tables S3 and S4). The PCR fragments were then visualized on a 2.5% agarose gel (fig. S21). To confirm the accuracy of the RFLP assay, we Sanger-sequenced the undigested PCR amplicons of five dmrt1_XY samples and five dmrt1_XX samples and found perfect concordance.QTL analysis of colorWe generated an intercross between a red (dmrt1_XY) male and a blue (dmrt1_XX) female ornamental betta, crossed two pairs of F1 hybrids, and generated 211 F2 progeny (one of the crosses used in QTL mapping of sex). We genotyped F2s as described in the “QTL analysis of sex” section and then performed Haley-Knott regression in R/qtl.
Imaging
We photographed both sides and top of sexually mature F2s in a plastic tank inside a photo studio tent lined with white light-emitting diodes using a Canon EOS RP camera with a Canon Macro lens EF 100 mm. There were minimal light distortions when assessed with a polarized lens. At the start of each photo session, we calibrated the camera using the white balance (CT24-23-1424) provided on the 24ColorCard from CameraTrax.com. Each image included the color checker card.
Color processing analysis
We used a custom python script to automatically identify the color matrix and calibrated each picture based on the reference color values on the color checker card with a pipeline built on python packages, rawpy, colour, and PlantCV. We segmented images using a recursive-convolutional neural net model across 122 images that were annotated and trained in MATLAB 2019b. Images that were poorly segmented were manually segmented with ImageJ for downstream analysis. Downstream analysis was performed using a custom R script based on imager (https://dahtah.github.io/imager/). Color analysis was based on the hue-saturation-value color space, using the hue range [0,0.045], [0.98,1] for red and [0.6,0.728] for blue. These ranges maximized the difference between the red (n = 17) and blue (n = 17) ornamental betta through iterative subtractive binning. We similarly determined the range [0 to 0.3] to assess blackness based on the value axis along the color space.QTL analysis of fin morphologyWe generated an F2 intercross consisting of 139 F2 progeny from a veiltail (dmrt1_XX) male with a crowntail (dmrt1_XX) female ornamental betta (one of the crosses used in QTL mapping of sex; the additional 39 F2s were not raised concomitantly with the rest and excluded from analyses of sex determination to minimize environmental confounders). We pinned sexually mature euthanized fish to a sylgard-coated petri dish with the fins expanded and photographed them as described in the “QTL analysis of color” section. Using Fiji, we annotated the length of the ray and webbings between the primary rays measured from the base of the tail and. We genotyped F2s as described in the “QTL analysis of sex” section and performed Haley-Knott regression using R/qtl.AcknowledgmentsThe DNA pipelines staff at the Wellcome Sanger Institute generated sequencing data. D. Leung and H. Tomida photographed fish. L. Buss, D. Kelley, C. Mason, and M. Przeworski provided comments on the manuscript. E. Adamson, H. Budianto, T. Chann Aun, P. Epang, H. Ganatpathy, R. K. Hadiaty, S. Lavoué, M. Lo, H. Michael, S. Sauri, J. Siow, E. Velautham, N. S. Yaakob, and D. Yong helped in the field. R. Kyller, as well as members of the International Betta Congress including L. Hahn, S. Illig, K. MacAuley, and H. Rutan, provided samples. V. Sousa provided input on the fastsimcoal2 analysis.
Funding: This work was supported by the following: Searle Scholarship (A.B.), Sloan Foundation Fellowship (A.B.), NIH grant R35GM143051 (A.B.), NIH grants EY020551 and EY028121 (J.v.L.), Wellcome grant WT206194 (I.B., J.W., S.M., W.C., K.H., and R.D.), Wellcome grant WT207492 (S.M. and R.D.), Flemish University Research Fund (J.C.-G. and H.S.), FWO Research Foundation Flanders Ph.D. fellowship (N.V.), and Simons Society of Fellows Junior Fellowship (A.L.N.). Columbia University’s Shared Research Computing Facility is supported by NIH grant 1G20RR030893-01 and NYSTAR contract C090171.
Author contributions: Y.M.K., R.D., H.S., and A.B. conceived and designed the study. Y.M.K., N.V., C.H., M.R.L., A.L.N., K.X.F., J.C.-G., I.B., J.W., S.M., W.C., K.H., S.B., H.S., and A.B. collected and analyzed data. H.H.T. and L.R. provided samples. Y.M.K., N.V., C.H., J.C.-G., J.v.L., R.D., H.S., and A.B. analyzed and interpreted results. Y.M.K., H.S., and A.B. wrote the paper with input from all authors.
Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Data and materials availability: All data needed to evaluate the conclusions in the paper are present in the paper and/or the Supplementary Materials. Sequence data are available at NCBI GenBank GCA_900634795.3 and BioProject PRJNA486171, PRJEB25124, PRJEB19273, PRJEB30365, PRJEB30366, PRJNA522468, and PRJNA778896.Supplementary MaterialsThis PDF file includes:Supplementary Notes S1 to S6
Supplementary Methods
Figs. S1 to S21
Tables S2 to S4
References

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Microphysogobio punctatus • Redescription of Microphysogobio tungtingensis (Nichols, 1926) with the Description of A New Species of the Genus (Cypriniformes: Gobionidae) from southern China

Microphysogobio punctatus
Sun, Tang & Zhao, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1214.127061

Abstract
Although Microphysogobio tungtingensis (Nichols, 1926) has been treated valid since it was described, its morphology remains vague, especially when comparing it with another similar species, M. elongatus (Yao & Yang, 1977). In this study, the types of both species were examined and also compared with several lots of specimens from a wide geographical range: there is no significant difference in morphology between them. Additionally, molecular evidence supported by mitochondrial gene sequence also showed low genetic distance in between. Thus, it is suggested that M. elongatus is a junior synonym of M. tungtingensis. While revising these two species, a new species, Microphysogobio punctatus sp. nov., was discovered that has a similar distribution with them both. However, it can be distinguished from its congeners by having a globular or oval shaped posterior air-bladder chamber which length 58.6%–82.8% of eye diameter; a narrow upper jaw cutting edge which less than half mouth width; a slender caudal peduncle with depth 34.6%–48.5% of length; and a six-branched-ray anal fin. This new species also has numerous small black spots on all fins which is also unique. The new species is morphologically and molecularly close to M. bicolor (Nichols, 1930).

Key words: East Asia, freshwater fish, Gobionidae, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Microphysogobio punctatus sp. nov.
A Freshly caught from its type locality, uncatalogued
B live individual from Luzhai County, Liuzhou City, Guangxi Autonomous Region in Luoqingjiang River, collected and photographed by Dr. Fan Li
C original drawing by Zhi-Xian Sun based on individual collected from Yongfu County, Guilin City, Guangxi Autonomous Region in Xihe River.

 Microphysogobio punctatus sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: Posterior chamber of air-bladder small, globular or oval shaped, length 15.8%–26.4% of head length, and 58.6%–82.8% of eye diameter; upper jaw cutting-edge narrow, width less than half mouth width; caudal peduncle slender, depth 34.6%–48.5% of length; lateral-line scales 37–40 (mode 38, mean 39); circumpeduncular scales 12; branched anal-fin rays 6; midventral region of body scaleless only before pectoral-fin base end; all fins with numerous small black spots.

Etymology: The new species name punctatus is derived from the Latin punctum, meaning spot. The name refers to the numerous black spots on its scales and fin rays. Suggested Chinese name for this species is “斑点小鳔鮈”.

Zhi-Xian Sun, Wen-Qiao Tang, Ya-Hui Zhao. 2024. Redescription of Microphysogobio tungtingensis (Nichols, 1926) with the Description of A New Species of the Genus (Cypriniformes, Gobionidae) from southern China. ZooKeys. 1214: 161-186. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1214.127061
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Lefua nishimurai • Integrative Taxonomy revealed A New Species of Lefua (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Fukui Prefecture, central Japan

Lefua nishimurai Katayama,

in Katayama et Sawada, 2024.
DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.8.131002

Abstract
Eight-barbel loaches belonging to the genus Lefua have diverged into seven species in freshwaters of East Asia. Recent studies have discovered a new population in the Kuzuryu River drainage system of Fukui Prefecture, central Japan. Based on the results of the genetic analyses and morphological comparisons, we describe this population as a new species, Lefua nishimurai sp. nov. Body width, interorbital width, orbit diameter, preanal length, snout length, and the newly examined head width greatly contributed to the discrimination between L. torrentis, L. tokaiensis and L. nishimurai sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by combining the following characteristics: 1) eyes positioned dorsally on the head; 2) a narrow conspicuous longitudinal mark between the base of the outer rostral barbel and the eye; 3) small dark spots on the body, dorsal, and caudal fins; 4) a small dorsal fin and eye diameter; and 5) black spots above and below the base of the caudal fin. Based on the phylogenetic relationships of the genus, L. nishimurai sp. nov. is estimated to have diverged early from its common ancestor in central Japan. Understanding the natural history of this new species and implementing conservation measures are crucial because of its narrow, fragmented distribution and presence in vulnerable habitats.

Key Words: endangered species, freshwater fish, inland water, nemacheilid loach, nuclear phylogeny, species richness

Body coloration of the holotype of Lefua nishimurai sp. nov. (LBM 1210059189).
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view. Scale bar: 10 mm.

 Lefua nishimurai Katayama, sp. nov.
New Standard Japanese name: Reihoku-nagare-hotoke-dojyô

Diagnosis: Lefua nishimurai sp. nov. can distinguished from all other species of Lefua by combing following features: absence of rhomboid or triangular dark blotches on middle of caudal fin base; absence of black longitudinal stripe on both body sides in mature males; absence of dusky cross bars on dorsal area of body; absence of dusky bar beside dorsal fin base; eyes located dorsally on head; narrow conspicuous longitudinal mark between base of outer rostral barbel and eye; small dorsal fin; small orbit diameter (6.3–11.2% of head length); small value of interorbital width relative to body width (28.1–39.4%); dark spots dorsally and ventrally on caudal fin base; small dark brown spots from snout to caudal peduncle; small dark spots on dorsal and caudal fins (approximately same size as eyes).

Etymology: The specific name is dedicated to Toshiaki Nishimura, who first morphologically distinguished this new species.

Comparison of body morphology and coloration of three Lefua species.
A. Kii-Shikoku Population of L. torrentis (FAKU 211486); B. Sanyo Population of L. torrentis (FAKU 211492); C. Nihonkai Population of L. torrentis (FAKU 211504);
D. L. tokaiensis (FAKU 211510); E. Lefua nishimurai sp. nov. (LBM 1210059189).
Scale bar: 10 mm.

Yuta Katayama and Naoto Sawada. 2024. Integrative Taxonomy revealed A New Species of Lefua (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae) from Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Evolutionary Systematics. 8(2): 247-260. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.8.131002

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Lasiancistrus wiwa • Phylogenetic Revision of Whisker-cheeked Suckermouth Catfishes (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Lasiancistrus) from east of the Andes: Five Species where once there were Two

Lasiancistrus wiwa
Poveda-Cuellar, Conde-Saldaña, Villa-Navarro, Lujan & Santos, 2024

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad042
Researchgate.net/publication/372161393

Abstract
We integrated large sample sizes, morphometric and molecular data, and phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses to test the 17-year-old hypothesis that only two species of whisker-cheeked suckermouth catfishes (genus Lasiancistrus) occur in river drainages west of the Andes Mountains. Our results reject this hypothesis, demonstrating that, in addition to the previously recognized Lasiancistrus guacharote from Lake Maracaibo, a Lasiancistrus clade from west of the Sierra de Perijá contains at least four allopatric, genetically differentiated and morphologically distinct lineages. One of these lineages had no previous name associated with it and is described here as the new species Lasiancistrus wiwa. Phylogenetic relationships and geographical distributions of all five trans-Andean lineages are concordant with watershed boundaries and major mountain ranges that form these boundaries, with the following five freshwater basins or regions each containing a single species: Lake Maracaibo (L. guacharote), Rancheria River basin (L. wiwa), Upper and Middle Magdalena River and lower Cauca River basins (Lasiancistrus volcanensis), Upper Cauca River basin (Lasiancistrus caucanus) and Pacific Coastal watersheds between central Colombia and central Panama (Lasiancistrus mayoloi). Evolutionary relationships among these lineages suggest that Andean uplift-mediated vicariance contributed significantly to the cladogenesis and allopatric distributions of these fishes.

Andes, biodiversity, biogeography, molecular phylogeny, South America, morphology, anatomy

Holotype of Lasiancistrus wiwa, CZUTIC17449, 79.6 mm standard length, from Colombia, Departamento de La Guajira, Ranchería River basin, Manantial Cañaverales. Scale bar: 10 mm.

Lasiancistrus wiwa

Etymology: Wiwa is a noun in apposition, referring to indigenous peoples who live in what is now northern Cesar Department and southern La Guajira Department, Colombia. The Wiwa have been displaced to between 900 and 2500 m a.s.l. in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and their population currently numbers< 14 000 people.

José Luis Poveda-Cuellar, Cristhian Camilo Conde-Saldaña, Francisco Antonio Villa-Navarro, Nathan K Lujan and Jorge Abdala Dergam dos Santos. 2024. Phylogenetic Revision of Whisker-cheeked Suckermouth Catfishes (Loricariidae: Lasiancistrus) from east of the Andes: Five Species where once there were Two. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 199(3); 688–712. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad042
Researchgate.net/publication/372161393_Phylogenetic_revision_of_Lasiancistrus_from_east_of_the_Andes
x.com/Novatax_Col/status/1821004988958617910

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Glyptothorax pongoensis • A New Species of rheophilic catfish (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from the Brahmaputra River drainage, Nagaland, India

Glyptothorax pongoensis
Tenali, Singh, Pratap, Phom, Ratnaraju & Kosygin, 2024

DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2385137

ABSTRACT
Glyptothorax pongoensis, sp. n. is described from the Yongmon River in Nagaland, India. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners in the Indian subcontinent by the following combination of characters: an ovate-shaped thoracic adhesive apparatus with skin ridges present over the entire apparatus, including the subulate-shaped median depression; presence of plicae on the ventral surface of the pectoral fin spine and the first ray of the pelvic fin; W-shaped anterior nuchal plate element; dorsal-fin origin nearer to the snout tip than to the origin of the adipose fin; posterior margin of dorsal spine rugose with 4–5 ridges, tuberculate skin, and nasal barbel not reaching eye when adpressed.

KEYWORDS: Siluriformes, Pongo Forest, Nagaland

Glyptothorax pongoensis

Diamond Rajakumar Tenali, Pratima Singh, Gudabandi Vijaya Pratap, Nyamkham Phom, Maka Ratnaraju and Laishram Kosygin. 2024. Glyptothorax pongoensis, A New Species of rheophilic catfish (Sisoridae) from the Brahmaputra River drainage, Nagaland, India. Journal of Natural History. 58(37-40); 1377-1391. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2024.2385137
facebook.com/FishInTheNews/posts/925655959583909

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Rhinogobius sudoccidentalis & R. lithopolychroma • Two New Species of Freshwater Goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Upper Youshui River, Chongqing, China

Rhinogobius sudoccidentalis &
Rhinogobius lithopolychroma

L. Li, C. Li, Shao, Fu & Zhou, 2024.
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1210.128121

Abstract
Two previously unknown species of Rhinogobius have been discovered in the streams of the Upper Youshui River, within the Yuan River Basin, Xiushan County, Chongqing, China. These new species are named as Rhinogobius sudoccidentalis and Rhinogobius lithopolychroma. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial genomes revealed that R. sudoccidentalis is genetically closest to R. reticulatus, while R. lithopolychroma shares the greatest genetic similarity with R. leavelli. Morphological distinctions allow for the clear differentiation of these species. Rhinogobius sudoccidentalis sp. nov. is characterized by having VI–VII rays in the first dorsal fin and I, 8–9 rays in the second dorsal fin. The longitudinal scale series typically consists of 22–24 scales, while the transverse scale series comprises 7–8 scales. Notably, the predorsal scale series is absent and the total vertebrae count is 12+17=29. Rhinogobius lithopolychroma sp. nov. can be distinguished from other species by the presence of 13–15 rays on the pectoral fin. Its longitudinal scale series ranges from 30 to 33 scales, with no scales in the predorsal area. The total vertebral count is 30, with 12 precaudal and 18 caudal vertebrae. The head and body of this species are light gray with irregular orange markings on the cheeks and opercle. Through morphological and molecular analyses, it has been confirmed that R. lithopolychroma and R. sudoccidentalis represent novel species within the Rhinogobius genus.

Key words: China, fish taxonomy, Gobiidae, Gobionellinae, mitochondrial genome, Yuanjiang River Basin

Pictures of Rhinogobius reticulatus and Rhinogobius sudoccidentalis sp. nov. with the latter having black lines under the eyes A R. reticulatus B R. sudoccidentalis.

 Rhinogobius sudoccidentalis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Rhinogobius sudoccidentalis can be distinguished from other species in the genus by the following characteristics: it possesses VI–VII rays in the first dorsal fin and I, 8–9 rays in the second dorsal fin. The longitudinal scale series typically consists of 22–24 scales (most commonly 23), while the transverse scale series typically comprises 7–8 scales (most commonly 8). The predorsal scale series is absent. The total number of vertebrae counts is 12+17=29. Additionally, it features a black line stripe beneath the eye that extends to the mandible. Morphometrics Reference Table 2.

Etymology: This species, discovered in Chongqing and Guizhou Province in the southwestern region of China, has been named R. sudoccidentalis. The Latin roots “sud” meaning “south” and “occidentalis” meaning “western” combine to signify “southwestern”. The suggested Chinese name for this species is 西南吻虾虎鱼.

Photographs of Rhinogobius lithopolychroma captured underwater in a tank A male and B female.
Photographed by Mr Zhi.

 Rhinogobius lithopolychroma sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Rhinogobius lithopolychroma can be distinguished from other species in the Rhinogobius by the following characteristics: It typically possesses 13–15 rays on the pectoral fin. The longitudinal scale series count ranges from 30 to 33, with the predorsal area lacking scales. The total vertebrae count is 30, comprising 12 precaudal and 18 caudal vertebrae. The head and body of this species are light gray, adorned with irregular orange markings on the cheeks and opercle. Morphometrics Reference Table 3.

Etymology: Rhinogobius lithopolychroma was discovered in a small stream with a colorful cobble substrate. Accordingly, we named this species after its habitat. In Ancient Greek, “litho” means “stone,” and “polychroma” means rich in color. We combined these two words to christen this species. We suggest the Chinese name of this species as “彩石吻虾虎鱼”.

Lingzhen Li, Chaoyang Li, Weihan Shao, Suxing Fu and Chaowei Zhou. 2024. Two New Species of Freshwater Goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from the Upper Youshui River, Chongqing, China. ZooKeys. 1210: 173-195. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1210.128121

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Bunocephalus serranoi • First Fossil Record of Aspredinidae: A New Species from the late Miocene of northeastern Argentina

Bunocephalus serranoi
Bogan & Agnolin, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5493.4.5
Researchgate.net/publication/383064860

Abstract
This study aims to describe a new fossil species of the extant aspredinid genus Bunocephalus. The new species is represented by a nearly complete skull and pectoral girdle coming from late Miocene Ituzaingó Formation beds of Paraná City, Entre Ríos Province, Argentina. The specimen constitutes the first fossil record for the genus and the family Aspredinidae. This finding demonstrates that large temporal and geographical gaps are still present in the fossil record of the South American continent, evidencing the lack of knowledge of the geographical and temporal distribution of many freshwater fish clades.

Pisces, Ituzaingó Formation, Paraná City, Neogene, Siluriformes, Bunocephalus

Holotype of Bunocephalus serranoi nov. sp. (MAS-PV-795) compared with extant Bunocephalus doriae (CFAIC- 6516) in A, C, dorsal; and B, D, ventral views.
Abbreviations. Cl, cleithrum; Cl S, cleithrum suture; Cor, coracoid; Cor S, coracoid suture; Dor lam Web, dorsal lamina of the Weberian apparatus; Dor P, dorsal process of cleithrum; Hum P, humeral process of cleithrum; Hyo, hyomandibular; Op, opercle Po, preopercle; Scl, supracleithrum; Sp, pectoral spine. Scale bar: 5 mm.

Reconstruction of Bunocephalus serranoi

Bunocephalus serranoi nov. sp.

Sergio Bogan and Federico L. Agnolin. 2024. First Fossil Record of Aspredinidae: A New Species from the late Miocene of northeastern Argentina.  Zootaxa. 5493(4);  392-400. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5493.4.5
  Researchgate.net/publication/383064860_FIRST_FOSSIL_RECORD_of_ASPREDINIDAE_A_New_Species_from the_Late_MIOCENE_of_NE_ARGENTINA
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Schistura sonarengaensis • A New Species of Cave-dwelling Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Meghalaya, northeast India

Schistura sonarengaensis
Mukhim, Sarma, Choudhury, Chandran, Das, Singh, Warbah, Sarkar & Sarma, 2024.

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15856
Researchgate.net/publication/382714747

Abstract
A new species of nemacheilid loach, Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov., is described from three cave-dwelling populations (Barak–Surma–Meghna drainage) in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The new species possesses prominent eyes but is easily distinguished from all the congeners of the genus Schistura from Barak–Surma–Meghna and adjacent rivers drainages of northeast Indian (except S. syngkai) in having 13–26 vertically elongated to circular mid-lateral black blotches (brownish in life) overlayered on a grayish-black mid-lateral stripe on a dull white or pale-beige (golden brown in life) body. However, it can be easily distinguished from S. syngkai in having a complete (vs. incomplete) lateral line with more 72–89 (vs. 19–42) lateral-line pored scales, greater pre-dorsal length (48.5–53.1 vs. 41.9–44.1 %SL), a wider body at dorsal-fin origin (11.3–16.7 vs. 9.4–10.3 %SL), greater dorsal (18.1–21.1 vs. 15.1–17.0 %SL) and lateral (20.9–24.1 vs. 17.4–18.9 %SL) head length, a wider head (14.5–18.5 vs. 11.6–13.3 %SL), and moderately forked (vs. emarginated) caudal fin. Further, molecular analysis confirms the distinctiveness of S. sonarengaensis sp. nov. from its congeners found in northeast India by significant divergences with uncorrected genetic distance ranging from 3.7% to 17.3% in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene dataset. The phylogenetic position of the new species with its sister species was evaluated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis. The species delimitation approaches assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) and Poisson tree processes (PTP) utilized for testing species assignments consistently identified our test group as a distinct species from its sister species. Although the new species lacks typical morphological adaptations usually associated with a subterranean life, such as complete absence (or vestigial presence) of eyes and pigmentation, it exhibits a reduction of pigmentation when compared to the epigean congeners.

Keywords: Barak–Surma–Meghna drainage, biodiversity hotspot, limestone cave, Meghalaya, new loach, subterranean life, taxonomy

Holotype of Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov. (GUMF 1001, 72.8 mm SL), India: Meghalaya: Krem Sonarenga; dorsal (a), lateral (b), and ventral (c) views.

Live coloration of Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov. GUMF uncatalogued, , about 63 mm SL; India: Meghlaya: Krem Chiabole.

Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov.

Dran Khlur B. Mukhim, Kangkan Sarma, Hrishikesh Choudhury, Rejani Chandran, Rajdeep Das, Rajeev K. Singh, Deisakee P. Warbah, Uttam Kumar Sarkar and Dandadhar Sarma. 2024. Schistura sonarengaensis, A New Species of Cave-dwelling Loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Meghalaya, northeast India. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15856
Researchgate.net/publication/382714747_Schistura_sonarengaensis_a_new_species_of_cave-dwelling_loach_from_Meghalaya_northeast_India

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Utricularia sunilii (Lentibulariaceae) • A striking New Species from southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India

Utricularia sunilii Naveen Kum. & K.M.P.Kumar,

in Kumar, Prabhukumar, Jagadeesan, Harinarayanan, Nair, Janarthanam et Balachandran, 2018.
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.371.2.9
Researchgate.net/publication/327918561

Abstract
Utricularia sunilii, a new species of Utricularia Sect. Oligocista from Kerala state of Western Ghats is described here. The new species shows similarities with U. graminifolia in having 3-nerved foliar organs and thickened capsule wall along the margin of dehiscence but differs by deeply 3-lobed lower lip of corolla.

Keywords: Nelliyampathy, New taxon, Palakkad, Utricularia, Eudicots

Utricularia sunilii Naveen Kum. & K.M.P.Kumar, sp. nov.

Vannaratta Veettil Naveen Kumar, Konickal Mambetta Prabhukumar, Raveendran Jagadeesan, Cheruppoyilath Mana Harinarayanan, Maya C. Nair, Malapati K. Janarthanam and Indira Balachandran. 2018. Utricularia sunilii (Lentibulariaceae), A striking New Species from southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Phytotaxa. 371(2):140. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.371.2.9
Researchgate.net/publication/327918561_Utricularia_sunilii_a_new_species_from_southern_Western_Ghats_India

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Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae) • A New Species of Giraffe Catfish from Mfimi-Lukenie Basin, central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae
Modimo, Bernt, Monsembula Iyaba, Mbimbi & Liyandja, 2024

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15885
x.com/MJBernt

Abstract
A new, distinctively short-bodied giraffe catfish of Parauchenoglanis is described from the Ndzaa River, a small left-bank tributary of the Mfimi-Lukenie basin in the Central basin of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by having 29 or fewer (vs. 33 or more) total vertebrae. It can further be distinguished from all congeners, except Parauchenoglanis zebratus Sithole et al., 2023 and Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (Boulenger 1911), by having 13 or 14 (vs. 16 or more) pre-anal vertebrae. The species is endemic to the Mfimi River basin, where it has been collected mainly in blackwater tributaries.

Keywords: Congo basin, CT scan, DNA barcoding, morpholog,y Ndzaa River, Parauchenoglanis

Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae sp. nov.
Photographs of preserved (a) holotype (AMNH 278139 in lateral view) and (b–d) paratype (AMNH 278165, 68.1 mm standard length [SL], respectively, in dorsal, lateral, and ventral views).
Scale bar: 1 cm.

Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: P. stiassnyae is distinguished from all congeners by having 28–29 vertebrae (vs. 33 or more). P. stiassnyae is also distinguished from all congeners by the possession of 13–14 pre-anal vertebrae (vs. 15 or more) except for Parauchenoglanis zebratus (14–17) and Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (13, holotype). The new species can further be distinguished from P. cf. punctatus_L3, P. balayi, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, P. punctatus, and P. ubangensis by a narrower supraoccipital process–nuchal plate interdistance (1.4%–2.9% vs. >3% HL); from P. cf. punctatus_L3, P. guttatus, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, and P. punctatus by a wider orbital HW (64.7%–76.2% vs. 54.9%–63.9% HL); from P. guttatus, P. longiceps, and P. ubangensis by a wider mouth (37.8%–50.8% vs. 25.9%–35.7% HL); from P. guttatus, P. punctatus, P. ubangensis, and P. zebratus by a wider premaxillary toothplate (12.9%–18.6% vs. 6.6%–12.5% HL); from P. guttatus, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, and P. zebratus by a wider head (HW: 70.1%–81.1% vs. 58.9%–69.3% HL); from P. balayi and P. pantherinus by a shorter dorsal-fin spine (10.8%–16% vs. 16.1%–18.8% SL); from P. guttatus and P. pantherinus by a smaller orbital diameter (9.5%–14.2% vs. 14.4%–16.9% HL) and a wider interpectoral distance (16.7%–21.4% vs. 15.3%–16.6% SL); from P. balayi, P. ngamensis (holotype), and P. ubangensis by a shorter adipose-fin–caudal-fin interdistance (2.7%–5.2% vs. 6.2%–10.5% SL); and from P. balayi by a longer head (HL: 31.3%–35% vs. 28.1%–30.6% SL) and a narrower interorbital (IOD: 19.5%–27.1% vs. 27.3%–28% HL).

Biology and ecology: Most specimens of P. stiassnyae were collected in forested habitats over mud and plant debris in tributaries of the Mfimi River. The rivers where specimens of P. stiassnyae have been collected are characterized by a humic, moderately acidic (pH 4.1–5.3), and dark-brown water with low conductivity (10–50 μS/cm) and low concentrations of dissolved solids (TDS: 10–30 mg/L). These observations, combined with the species body colouration, suggest that P. stiassnyae is adapted to forested habitats, muddy, humic, and dark-brown waters of the Mfimi River tributaries.

Etymology: P. stiassnyae is named after Melanie L. J. Stiassny (MLJS) of the AMHN. MLJS is the initiator of the AMNH Congo Project that resulted in significant documentation and an improved systematic, biological, and evolutionary understanding of the Congo River basin ichthyofauna with an extensive collection deposited at the AMNH, the University of Kinshasa, and the University of Marien Ngouabi. Additionally, MLJS trained and continues to train numerous Congolese ichthyologists, including the authors of the present paper. We dedicate this species to her outstanding work and commitment to biodiscovery and conservation in the Congo River basin.

Myriam Y. Modimo, Maxwell J. Bernt, Raoul J. C. Monsembula Iyaba, José J. M. M. Mbimbi and Tobit L. D. Liyandja. 2024. Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae): A New Species of Giraffe Catfish from Mfimi-Lukenie Basin, central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15885
x.com/MJBernt/status/1818665684739535207

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Phylogeographic Patterns of Cyphocharax (Characiformes: Curimatidae) from trans-Andean Rivers and northward expansion to lower Central America

Cyphocharax spp.

in Melo, Conde-Saldaña, Villa-Navarro, McMahan et Oliveira, 2024.
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15777
x.com/TheFSBI

Abstract
Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear data of 31 specimens of Cyphocharax from trans-Andean rivers support the presence of one lineage of Cyphocharax aspilos in Lago Maracaibo and three cryptic lineages of Cyphocharax magdalenae: (1) Cauca-Magdalena and Ranchería, (2) León and Atrato, and (3) Chucunaque-Tuira, Santa María, and Chiriquí basins of Central America. Results suggest that the Serranía del Perijá facilitated Late Miocene cladogenetic events, whereas post-Isthmian C. magdalenae expansion was enabled by gene flow across the lower Magdalena valley and Central American lowlands. Time-calibrated phylogenetics indicate that the C. magdalenae colonized lower Central America in the Pliocene (3.7 MYA; Ma), the divergence Atrato-Magdalena occurred in Late Pliocene (3.0 Ma) and the split Ranchería-Magdalena during the Middle Pleistocene (1.3 Ma). Updated geographic distribution data support the hypothesis that the Cordillera de Talamanca functions as a barrier to northward expansion of C. magdalenae in Central America.

Keywords: Characiformes, Magdalena, Maracaibo, Ostariophysi, Serranía del Perijá, Talamanca

Bruno F. Melo, Cristhian C. Conde-Saldaña, Francisco A. Villa-Navarro, Caleb D. McMahan and Claudio Oliveira. 2024. Phylogeographic Patterns of Cyphocharax from trans-Andean Rivers and northward expansion to lower Central America (Teleostei, Curimatidae). Journal of Fish Biology. 105(1); 314-325. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15777
x.com/TheFSBI/status/1813834913109422246

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Sciadonus alphacrucis • A New Species of the rare deep-sea Genus Sciadonus Garman, 1899 (Ophidiiformes: Bythitidae) from off Brazil, with a discussion of the evolution of troglomorphism and miniaturization in the aphyonid clade

Sciadonus alphacrucis
Melo, Gomes, Møller & Nielsen, 2022

DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr.2021.103684

Highlights:
• A new species of the rare genus Sciadonus is discovered from Brazilian waters.
• Highly specialized reproductive apparatus enables internal fertilization and viviparity in a deep-sea fish.
• The depletion of sunlight resulted on convergent evolution of troglomorphic traits in deep-sea fishes and cave fishes.
• Human activities of oil and natural gas exploration, fisheries and littering may be impacting rare deep-sea species.

Abstract
A new species of the rare, deep-sea genus Sciadonus Garman, 1899 (Bythitidae) is described based on two specimens obtained by the Brazilian R/V Alpha Crucis on the continental slope off São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil, western South Atlantic. It differs from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: body pale lacking dark pigmentation except for on female claspers; a pair of dermal tissue flaps anteriorly on lower jaw; pelvic-fin rays present; precaudal vertebrae 39 or 40 and total vertebrae 74 or 75. The key to the species of Sciadonus is updated. A discussion of the presence and differentiation between troglomorphic and miniature characteristics among the species in the aphyonid clade is provided and compared with other bythitids.

Keywords: Aphyonid clade, Continental slope, Western South Atlantic, R/V Alpha Crucis

Sciadonus alphacrucis sp. n. ; western South Atlantic, São Paulo State, off Ilhabela, 794 m depth
MZUSP 125949, holotype, female, 82.7 mm SL
MZUSP 125950, paratype, male, 60.3 mm SL.

Order Ophidiiformes Berg, 1937.

Family Bythitidae Gill, 1861.

Sciadonus alphacrucis n. sp.

Etymology: The specific name honors the Brazilian R/V Alpha Crucis. A noun in apposition.

Marcelo Roberto Souto de Melo, Amand Alves Gomes, Peter Rask Møller and Jørgen G. Nielsen. 2022. A New Species of the rare deep-sea Genus Sciadonus Garman, 1899 (Teleostei, Bythitidae) from off Brazil, with a discussion of the evolution of troglomorphism and miniaturization in the aphyonid clade. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. 180, 103684. DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr.2021.103684
instagram.com/p/CYmsVeWPHYL

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Hypostomus cari • Integrative taxonomy clarifies the armoured catfish Hypostomus pusarum (Starks) species complex (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) and reveals A New Species in the drainages of Northeastern Brazil

Hypostomus cari
Lustosa-Costa, Ramos, Zawadzki, Jacobina & Lima, 2024

  DOI:  10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae059
  x.com/ZoolJLinnSoc

Abstract
Hypostomus is the most species-rich genus within the family Loricariidae and is widely distributed throughout the Neotropical region. Nonetheless, the diversity and distribution of these species have still large knowledge gaps. This scenario is more significant in some regions, such as the northeast of Brazil. In this region, the first species of the genus, H. pusarum, was described in the Northeast Caatinga and Costal Drainages ecoregion. Six congeners were subsequently described in the same ecoregion, all sharing the same colour pattern making them difficult to distinguish. All of them are collectively referred to as the H. pusarum complex. The present work seeks to clarify the diversity that constitutes the H. pusarum complex through an integrative study using molecular and morphological data. The results indicate that H. carvalhoi, H. jaguribensis, H. nudiventris, H. papariae, and H. salgadae are all junior synonyms of H. pusarum. However, one of the morphotypes that occurs in the Parnaíba River is a new species that differs from the others by the absence of a developed medial buccal papilla and the presence of a pre-anal plate. The data provided here highlight the importance of integrative taxonomy for assessing diversity in complex and diverse groups in the Neotropics.

cascudos, DNA barcode, Neotropical fish, new species, Parnaíba River

Hypostomus cari sp. nov.

Silvia Yasmin Lustosa-Costa, Telton Pedro Anselmo Ramos, Cláudio Henrique Zawadzki, Uedson Pereira Jacobina and Sergio Maia Queiroz Lima. 2024. Integrative taxonomy clarifies the armoured catfish Hypostomus pusarum (Starks) species complex (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) and reveals A New Species in the drainages of Northeastern Brazil. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 201(3); zlae059, DOI:  doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae059
  x.com/ZoolJLinnSoc/status/1813166947200102676

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Aequidens pirilampo • A New Species of Aequidens (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from the rio Paraguai basin, Brazil

Aequidens pirilampo
R.C. Oliveira, Tencatt, Deprá, Britzke, C. Oliveira & Graça, 2024

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0106

Abstract
Morphological and molecular data support the description of a new Aequidens species from the upper rio Correntes, considered herein as endemic to the upper rio Paraguai basin in the Cerrado biome in Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all congeners, except from A. plagiozonatus by having anteriorly oblique dark brown flank bars vs. vertical flank bars, and is additionally distinguished from some congeners by showing a discontinuous lateral band and presence of a dark cheek spot. The new species differs from Aequidens plagiozonatus by having the profile of the dorsal part of head almost straight (in lateral view), with a conspicuous concavity at the interorbital, and by the longer length of upper and lower jaws. Furthermore, delimitation analyses based on mitochondrial data provide additional support for the validity of the species. Our study data also revealed the occurrence, and consequently the first record, of A. plagiozonatus in the upper rio Araguaia basin, which was most likely driven by headwater capture events.

Keywords: Cerrado biome; DNA barcode; Molecular data; Morphological data; Species delimitation

Aequidens pirilampo, living specimens photographed just after capture in the rio Comprido, rio Paraguai River basin, 17°32’04.8”S 54°25’36.6”W, uncatalogued. Photos by L. F. C. Tencatt.

Aequidens pirilampo, new species

Diagnosis. Aequidens pirilampo is distinguished from all congeners, except A. plagiozonatus, by having anteriorly oblique dark brown flank bars (vs. vertical). The new species differs from A. plagiozonatus by having the dorsal head contour, from the tip of the snout to the vertical through the posterior margin of the eye, almost straight, except for a conspicuous concavity at the interorbital region (Fig. 2) (vs. dorsal head contour convex, with a subtle concavity at the interorbital region in occasional specimens), by having longer lower jaw (40.2–46.9% HL and 16.7–18.5% SL vs. 35.2–39.3% HL and 13.2–15.2% SL in A. plagiozonatus), and longer upper jaw, (12.2–15.1% SL vs. 9.3–12.1% SL in A. plagiozonatus). Additionally, A. pirilampo is distinguished from its congeners, except A. chimantanus Inger, 1956, A. diadema, A. epae, A. mauesanus Kullander, 1997, A. michaeli, A. patricki Kullander, 1984, A. plagiozonatus, A. potaroensis Eigenmann, 1912, and A. tubicen Kullander & Ferreira, 1991, by having a discontinuous lateral band in fixed specimens (vs. continuous). ...

Etymology. The specific epithet “pirilampo” means firefly in the popular Portuguese naming in the region the new species occurs. It is a bioluminescent Coleoptera very common in this region. These insects emit an intense green light, which alludes to the color pattern in life displayed by the new species. A noun in apposition.

Collecting sites of Aequidens pirilampo, showing (A) the ribeirão Comprido, its type-locality, (B) a stream with unknown name, and (C) the córrego de Cima, all tributaries of the rio Correntes in the border region of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states, Central Brazil. Photo (A) by LFCT, (B) by Heriberto Gimênes Jr., and (C) by Hans Evers.

Rianne Caroline de Oliveira, Luiz Fernando Caserta Tencatt, Gabriel de Carvalho Deprá, Ricardo Britzke, Claudio Oliveira and Weferson Júnio da Graça. 2024. A New Species of Aequidens (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from the rio Paraguai basin, Brazil. Neotrop. ichthyol. 22 (2); DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0106

Resumo: Dados morfológicos e moleculares apoiam a descrição de uma nova espécie de Aequidens do alto rio Correntes, considerada aqui como uma espécie endêmica da bacia do alto rio Paraguai, no bioma Cerrado no Brasil. A nova espécie distingue-se de todas as congêneres, exceto de Aequidens plagiozonatus, por apresentar barras laterais marrom-escuras oblíquas em direção anterodorsal vs. barras verticais nos flancos. Além disso, distingue-se de algumas espécies por apresentar uma faixa lateral descontínua e pela presença de uma mancha escura na porção entre a órbita e a margem preopercular. A nova espécie difere de A. plagiozonatus por apresentar o perfil da parte dorsal da cabeça (em vista lateral) aproximadamente reta, com uma concavidade conspícua na porção interorbital, e pelo maior comprimento das maxilas superior e inferior. Além disso, análises de delimitação baseadas em dados mitocondriais oferecem evidência a favor da validade da espécie. Nossos dados também revelaram a ocorrência e, consequentemente, o primeiro registro de A. plagiozonatus na bacia do alto rio Araguaia, provavelmente devido a eventos de captura de cabeceiras.
Palavras chave: Bioma Cerrado; Dados moleculares; Dados morfológicos; Delimitação de espécies; DNA barcode

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Sinobdella longitubulus • A New Species of Spiny Eel (Pisces: Mastacembelidae) from the Zhu-Jiang Basin, southern China, with A Note on the Type Locality of S. sinensis (Bleeker, 1870)

Sinobdella longitubulus Shan & Zhang,

in Shan, Li et Zhang, 2024.
长管华刺鳅 || DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e123990

Abstract
Background: The spiny eel genus Sinobdella belongs to the family Mastacembelidae of the order Synbranchiformes. Kottelat and Lim (1994) utilised Rhynchobdella sinensis as the type species to propose the genus. Currently, it contains a single species widespread in eastern and southern China and northern Vietnam.

New information: Sinobdella longitubulus, a new species of spiny eel, is here described from the Xi-Jiang of the Zhu-Jiang Basin in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. It differs from the single congeneric species S. sinensis in having a more or less white-brown reticulated pattern on the flank, two tubular anterior nostrils longer than or equal to the rostral appendage, an anal fin heavily mottled with dark brown markings and white spots and bearing a narrow white distal margin; shorter pre-anal length; and fewer abdominal vertebrae. The validity of this new species is corroborated by its monophyly recovered in a COI gene-based phylogenetic analysis and its significant sequence divergence with S. sinensis. A note on the type locality of S. sinensis is also given; its type specimen is possibly from mountain streams of Jiangxi Province, in the lower Chang-Jiang Basin.

Keywords: Sinobdella, new species, taxonomy, Zhu-Jiang Basin

Sinobdella longitubulus, holotype, IHB 202303066738, 153.3 mm SL, dorsal (a), lateral (b) and ventral (c) views. China: Guangxi Province: Guigang City: Pingnan County: Lilia Village: Datong-Jiang, a stream tributary to Meng-Jiang flowing into Xi-Jiang of Zhu-Jiang basin.

Sinobdella longitubulus, IHB 202303066740, 148.7 mm SL, China: Guangxi Province: Guigang City: Pingnan County: Lilia Town: Datong-Jiang: Zhu-Jiang Basin;

Sinobdella longitubulus Shan & Zhang sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Sinobdella longitubulus is clearly distinguished from the single congeneric species (S. sinensis) by having a more or less white-brown reticulated pattern (vs. many dark brown vertical bars, with very narrow light yellow interspaces) on the flank (Fig. 2), two tubular anterior nostrils longer than or equal to (vs. shorter than) the rostral appendage (Fig. 3), an anal fin heavily mottled with dark brown markings and white spots and bearing a narrow white distal margin (vs. black with a relatively wide light white distal margin) (Fig. 2); shorter pre-anal length (53.3-56.2 vs. 56.3-60.6 % SL; see Fig. 4) and fewer abdominal vertebrae (32-33, mean = 32.9 vs. 34-36, mean = 35.1) (Table 1).
...

Etymology: The epithet name, used here as a noun, is derived from the Latin word longus (= long) and tubulus (= pipe), alluding to two longer tubes modified from anterior nostrils. The common Chinese name here suggested for this new species is “长管华刺鳅”.

Peng Shan, Guangyu Li and E Zhang. 2024. Sinobdella longitubulus, A New Species of Spiny Eel (Pisces, Mastacembelidae) from the Zhu-Jiang Basin, with A Note on the Type Locality of S. sinensis (Bleeker, 1870). Biodiversity Data Journal. 12: e123990. DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e123990

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Macabi tojolabalensis • A new Mesozoic teleost of the subfamily Albulinae (Albuliformes: Albulidae) highlights the proto-Gulf of Mexico in the early Diversification of extant Bonefishes

Macabi tojolabalensis
L-Recinos, Cantalice, Caballero-Viñas & Alvarado-Ortega, 2023

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2023.2223797
x.com/Cantalice_KM

Abstract
We present a new fossil species of the order Albuliformes, †Macabi tojolabalensis gen. et sp. nov., from Campanian outcrops of Chiapas state, south-eastern Mexico. The number of branchiostegal rays, a fusion of the lower hypural elements in the caudal-fin skeleton, and the two types of cycloid scales over the body are features that separate this new taxon from other members of the order. Its inclusion in a phylogenetic analysis including fossil and extant species shows that †Macabi tojolabalensis gen. et sp. nov. is closely related to the extant Albula vulpes. The biogeographical analysis shows four distinct regions of bonefish diversification during the Cretaceous and identifies the proto-Gulf of Mexico as an important place to understand the early divergence of living albuliformes.

Keywords: Albuliformes, Late Cretaceous, Mexico, systematics, biogeography, new species

Macabi tojolabalensis

Marleni L-Recinos, Kleyton M. Cantalice, Carmen Caballero-Viñas and Jesús Alvarado-Ortega. 2023. A new Mesozoic teleost of the subfamily Albulinae (Albuliformes: Albulidae) highlights the proto-Gulf of Mexico in the early diversification of extant bonefishes. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 21(1); 2223797. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2023.2223797
x.com/Cantalice_KM/status/1678830357418766336

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Yunnanilus polylepis • A New Species of Yunnanilus (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Yunnan, southwest China

Yunnanilus polylepis
Qin, Shao, Du & Wang, 2024

多鳞云南鳅 || DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.122962

Abstract
A new species of Yunnanilus is described from the Nanpanjiang River, Yunnan, China. The new species, Yunnanilus polylepis, can be distinguished from other species of Yunnanilus by the following combination of characteristics: Processus dentiformis absent; eye diameter smaller than interorbital width; outer gill raker absent and 10 inner gill rakers on first gill arch; whole trunk covered by scales; nine branched dorsal-fin rays; 10 or 11 branched pectoral-fin rays; six branched pelvic-fin rays. Despite our phylogenetic analysis, which sheds light on the complex relationships among Yunnanilus species, the majority of Yunnanilus species are restricted to more localized environments and habitats. It is urgent to address the environmental threats that jeopardize their survival, especially given their generally restricted distribution.

Key Words: Loach, mitochondrial gene, morphology, Nanpanjiang River, taxonomy

Morphometric characters of Yunnanilus polylepis sp. nov.
A–C. Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of female, holotype KIZ2023000009; D–F. Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of male, paratype KIZ2023000041; G–H. Living photo of female and male; I. Location of anterior and posterior nostrils.

 Yunnanilus polylepis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is distinguished from all other members of the genus based on the following characters: whole trunk covered by scales; processus dentiformis absent; eye diameter smaller than interorbital width; nine branched dorsal-fin rays; 10 or 11 branched pectoral-fin rays; six branched pelvic-fin rays; outer gill raker absent and 10 inner gill rakers on first gill arch.

Etymology: The specific name polylepis is derived from the characteristic of being entirely covered by scales Gender: Masculine. We suggest the Chinese and English common names as “多鳞云南鳅” and “densely scaled Yunnan loach,” respectively.

Zhi-Xian Qin, Wei-han Shao, Li-Na Du and Zhen-Xing Wang. 2024. A New Species of Yunnanilus (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from Yunnan, southwest China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(2): 747-754. DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.122962

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Reconstructing an Ancient Fish: Three-dimensional Skeletal Restoration of the Head of Mawsonia (Sarcopterygii: Actinistia) using CT Scan, and an adjusted model for body size estimation in fossil coelacanths

Head of Mawsonia (Sarcopterygii, Actinistia)

in Toriño, Dutel, Soto, Norbis, Ezquerra & Perea, 2024.
DOI: 10.1111/joa.14054
x.com/PabloTorino4

Abstract
Mawsonia constitutes one of the most conspicuous fossil coelacanth taxa, due to its unique anatomy and possible maximum body size. It typifies Mesozoic coelacanth morphology, before the putative disappearance of the group in the fossil record. In this work, the three-dimensional cranial anatomy and body size estimations of this genus are re-evaluated from a recently described specimen from Upper Jurassic deposits of Uruguay. The 3D restoration was performed directly on the material based on anatomical information provided by the living coelacanth Latimeria and previous two-dimensional restorations of the head of Mawsonia. The montage was then scanned with computed tomography and virtually adjusted to generate an interactive online resource for future anatomical, taxonomic and biomechanical research. In general terms, the model constitutes a tool to improve both the anatomical knowledge of this genus and its comparison with other coelacanths. It also facilitates the evaluation of possible evolutionary trends and the discussion of particular features with potential palaeobiological implications, such as the anterior position of the eye and the development of the pseudomaxillary fold. Regarding the body size, a previous model for body size estimation based on the gular plate was submitted to OLS, RMA, segmented linear and PGLS regressions (including the evaluation of regression statistics, variance analysis, t-tests and residual analysis). The results point to a power relationship between gular and total lengths showing a better support than a simple linear relationship. The new resulting equations were applied to the studied individual and are provided for future estimates. Although an isometric evolutionary growth cannot be rejected with the available evidence, additional models developed with other bones will be necessary to evaluate possible hidden evolutionary allometric trends in this group of fishes, thus avoiding overestimates.

Keywords: 3D reconstruction, body size, coelacanths, computed tomography, Mawsonia

Pablo Toriño, Hugo Dutel, Matías Soto, Walter Norbis, Víctor Ezquerra and Daniel Perea. 2024. Reconstructing an Ancient Fish: Three-dimensional Skeletal Restoration of the Head of Mawsonia (Sarcopterygii, Actinistia) using CT Scan, and an adjusted model for body size estimation in fossil coelacanths. Journal of Anatomy. DOI: 10.1111/joa.14054
x.com/PabloTorino4 /status/1791310290782494804

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Nannocharax skeltoni • A New Species of Banded Nannocharax (Cithariniformes: Distichodontidae) from the Luapula River Basin, Zambia, Africa

Nannocharax skeltoni
Jerep, Vari, Dillman & Santana, 2024

DOI: 10.1643/i2023041
x.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract
A new species of Nannocharax is described from the Luongo and Kalungwishi Rivers, tributaries of the Luapula River in the northeastern region of Zambia. The new species differs from its congeners by a combination of characters, such as the body coloration pattern formed by a series of one-scale-wide vertical bars, a small caudal-peduncle spot surrounded by a light clear area at the base of the middle caudal-fin rays, and a low number of scales in the circumpeduncular series and lateral line series. The new species is also distinguished from other members of the Nannocharax multifasciatus species-group by genetic distances ranging from 10.3% to 11.6% with DNA barcoding. Likewise, distance and coalescent molecular species delimitation approaches recovered the new species as an independent operational taxonomic unit. Newly generated hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference for the new taxon are provided.

Nannocharax skeltoni, CUMV 100101, 22.6 mm SL, holotype, Zambia, Luapula, Luongo River drainage, Lufubo River falls ...

Nannocharax skeltoni, new species

Etymology.--The species name, skeltoni, is in honor of Professor Paul Harvey Skelton of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to our knowledge of the diversity and biogeography of African fishes. A genitive noun

Fernando C. Jerep, Richard P. Vari, Casey B. Dillman and C. David de Santana. 2024. A New Species of Banded Nannocharax from the Luapula River Basin, Zambia, Africa (Cithariniformes: Distichodontidae). Ichthyology & Herpetology. 112(2):156-167. DOI: 10.1643/i2023041
x.com/IchsAndHerps /status/1796046263835648257

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Two new species of the armored catfish genus Panaqolus (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from the Ecuadorian Amazon

PISCESANDEAN PIEDMONTDIVERSITYFRESHWATER FISHESNEOTROPICSTAXONOMY

PDF(14.67MB)

AbstractCurrently four described species of genus Panaqolus have been reported from the Amazon River basin in Ecuador: P. albomaculatus (Kanazawa 1958), P. dentex (Günther 1868), P. gnomus (Schaefer & Stewart 1993) and P. nocturnus (Schaefer & Stewart 1993). Revision of specimens deposited at the fish collection of Museo de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional (MEPN), Quito, indicated the presence of two additional species, both new to science: P. orcesi n. sp. and P. pantostiktos n. sp. The new species are similar to each other, and to P. albomaculatus and P. nix Cramer & Rapp Py-Daniel 2015 in having the head, body, and fins covered with light dots. Diagnostic characters comprise differences in color pattern, including size and density of light dots on head, body, and fins; as well as various morphometric characters. Apparently, both new species reach larger sizes than previously described species of Panaqolus. The two new species can be included in the subgenus Panafilus (Lujan et al. 2017); they come from the Tigre and Napo River basins, two isolated tributaries in the western Amazon.
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CHyphessobrycon wadai • A Name for the ‘Blueberry Tetra’, An Aquarium Trade popular Species of Hyphessobrycon Durbin (Characiformes: Characidae) from Amazon Basin, Brazil

Hyphessobrycon wadai
Marinho, Dagosta, Camelier & Oyakawa, 2016

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12991

Abstract
A new species of Hyphessobrycon is described from a tributary of the upper Rio Tapajós, Amazon basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Its exuberant colour in life, with blue to purple body and red fins, is appreciated in the aquarium trade. Characters to diagnose the new species from all congeners are the presence of a single humeral blotch, absence of a distinct caudal-peduncle blotch, absence of a well-defined dark mid-lateral stripe on body, the presence of 16–18 branched anal-fin rays, nine branched dorsal-fin rays and six branched pelvic-fin rays. A brief comment on fish species descriptions solely based on aquarium material and its consequence for conservation policies is provided.

Keywords: freshwater fish; Hyphessobrycon coelestinus; Rio Juruena; Rio Tapajós; taxonomy

Hyphessobrycon wadai

Etymology -- The specific name, wadai, is a patronym that honours Luiz Wada, ornamental fish breeder and enthusiastic aquarist, in recognition of his help in many scientific researches with fishes.

Distribution — Hyphessobrycon wadai is known from tributaries of the Rio do Sangue, affluent of the Rio Juruena, upper Rio Tapajós basin, Brazil.

M. M. F. Marinho , F. C. P. Dagosta , P. Camelier and O. T. Oyakawa. 2016. A Name for the ‘Blueberry Tetra’, An Aquarium Trade popular Species of Hyphessobrycon Durbin (Characiformes, Characidae), with Comments on fish species descriptions lacking accurate Type Locality. Journal of Fish Biology. [Special Issue: Fish and Aquatic Habitat Conservation in South America]. 89(1); 510–521. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12991

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Liobagrus chenhaojuni • A New Species of Liobagrus Hilgendorf, 1878 (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from the lower Changjiang River basin in southeast China

Liobagrus chenhaojuni Chen, Guo & Wu,

in Chen, Guo, Dai, X.-C. Huang, J.-H. Huang, Jiang, Ouyang, Wen et Wu, 2024.
浙江䱀 ||  DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.122472

Abstract
A new catfish species, Liobagrus chenhaojuni Chen, Guo & Wu, sp. nov., is described from the Tiaoxi River, a tributary of Taihu Lake, located in Zhejiang Province, China. This description is based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. This species belongs to a group defined by the presence of a smooth posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine and can be distinguished from other species in the group by a unique combination of characteristics, including: an upper jaw longer than the lower jaw; maxillary barbels reaching the middle of the pectoral fin; irregular blotches present on the lateral body; a rounded caudal-fin with a length ranging from 16.5% to 19.9% of the standard length; 39 to 41 post-Weberian vertebrae; and 15 to 17 anal-fin rays. The validity of this new species is further supported by the molecular phylogenetic analysis based on Cytb sequences.

Key Words: catfish, phylogeny, taxonomy, Zhejiang Province

Liobagrus chenhaojuni sp. nov. A–C. Dorsal, lateral, and ventral view of holotype (24_NCU_XPWU_Y01); D. Dorsal view of pectoral-fin spine of paratype (22_NCU_XPWU_Y31). Arrows show the anus.

Living specimens of Liobagrus chenhaojuni sp. nov. and its similar congeneric species. A, B. Liobagrus chenhaojuni sp. nov.; C. Liobagrus chenhaojuni sp. nov.  albino individual;
D. L. styani; E. L. anguillicauda; F. L. brevispina; G. dorsal view of pectoral-fin spine of L. brevispina.

 Liobagrus chenhaojuni Chen, Guo & Wu, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Liobagrus chenhaojuni sp. nov. is a member of the group defined by the presence of a smooth posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine (i.e., L. reinii, L. formosanus, L. styani, L. nantoensis, L. anguillicauda, L. marginatoides, and L. aequilabris). It can be distinguished from all other species in this group by the following characteristics: the upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw (vs. equal in L. aequilabris and L. formosanus; shorter in L. marginatoides); the maxillary barbels reach the middle of the pectoral fin (vs. reach the pectoral-fin insertion in L. styani, L. reinii, and L. nantoensis); presence of irregular blotches on the lateral body (vs. absence in L. formosanus, L. nantoensis, L. anguillicauda, L. marginatoides, and L. aequilabris); the caudal fin is rounded (vs. sub-truncate in L. marginatoides); the caudal fin length ranges from 16.5% to 19.9% standard length (vs. 13.1–16.2 in L. styani, 20.3–27.0 in L. anguillicauda and 20.1–26.9 in L. aequilabris); it possesses 39–41 post-Weberian vertebrae (vs. 35–37 in L. aequilabris), the anal-fin rays range from 15 to 17 (vs. 12 in L. nantoensis) (Table 3).

Etymology: This species is named after Mr. Hao-Jun Chen, who assisted in the field survey.
Vernacular name: 浙江䱀 (Pinyin: zhe jiang yang).



Zhong-Guang Chen, Yan-Shu Guo, Yu-Ting Dai, Xiao-Chen Huang, Jun-Hao Huang, Jiao Jiang, Shan Ouyang, An-Xiang Wen and Xiao-Ping Wu. 2024. A New Species of Liobagrus Hilgendorf, 1878 (Teleostei, Siluriformes, Amblycipitidae) from the lower Changjiang River basin in southeast China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(2): 555-563. DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.122472

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Eustomias robertsi • A New Species of Eustomias (Nominostomias) (Stomiiformes: Stomiidae) from the Kermadec Ridge—Tonga Trench Region, western South Pacific Ocean, with Notes on the barbel morphology of E. trewavasae

Eustomias robertsi
Stewart, Kenaley & Sutton, 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5458.1.5

Abstract
A new species of dragonfish Eustomias (Nominostomias) robertsi is described from the western South Pacific Ocean. The new species, the first record of a member of Eustomias (Nominostomias) Group III (sensu Gibbs et al. 1983) from the region, it is most similar to Eustomias suluensis in barbel morphology. However, it has a smaller proximal and distal bulb distance, the smallest distal inter–bulb value in the group, and much longer terminal filaments.
Comments are also provided on the morphology of the diagnostic features on the barbel of Eustomias trewavasae, including an important character overlooked in the original description of the species. The barbel morphology is redescribed taking this into account.
A brief observation is made recording the first record of the subgenus Triclonostomias from the western South Pacific Ocean.

Key words: Taxonomy, marine fish, deep-sea, identification, dragonfish

Eustomias robertsi n. sp. holotype, NMNZ P.013765.; 232.1 mm SL. Illustration: Michelle Freeborn.

Teeth of Eustomias robertsi n. sp. holotype, NMNZ P.013765. Fixed teeth (black), remaining teeth depressible. Illustration by Michelle Freeborn.
Freshly caught paratype of Eustomias robertsi n. sp. NMNZ P. 058340; 144.6 mm SL. Photo Carl Struthers/Thom Linley.

Eustomias (Nominostomias) robertsi sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is diagnosed from others in Eustomias (Nominostomias) Group III by the combination of the barbel morphology of: A very small distance between proximal and distal bulbs (0.1–0.2 % SL; 0.01–0.07 times distal bulb length), and three long terminal filaments, longest 30.4–42% SL.

Andrew L. Stewart, Christopher P. Kenaley and Tracy Sutton. 2024. A New Species of Eustomias (Nominostomias) (Stomiiformes: Stomiidae) from the Kermadec Ridge—Tonga Trench Region, western South Pacific Ocean, with Notes on the barbel morphology of E. trewavasae. Zootaxa. 5458(1); 93-107. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5458.1.5

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ป้ายกำกับ: 'Open Access', 2024, Actinopterygii, Deep sea, Ecology, Ichthyology - Fish, Marine, Ocean: Pacific, patronym, Phylogenetics, Taxonomy, Teleostei, Zootaxa
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[Arachnida • 2024] Austrarchaea andersoni • A New Species of Pelican Spider (Araneae: Archaeidae) from the Whitsunday Hinterland of central-eastern Queensland
Austrarchaea andersoni Rix, in Rix et Harvey, 2024 DOI: 10.54102/ajt.8sf6i Abstract Pelican spiders of the genus Austrarchaea Forste...
[Paleontology • 2024] Koleken inakayali • A New abelisaurid Dinosaur from the end Cretaceous of Patagonia and Evolutionary Rates among the Ceratosauria
Koleken inakayali Pol, Baiano, Černý, Novas, Cerda & Pittman, 2024 DOI: 10.1111/cla.12583 Abstract Gondwanan dinosaur faunae du...
[PaleoOrnithology • 2017] Exceptional Preservation of Soft Tissue in A New Specimen of Eoconfuciusornis and Its Biological Implications
Figure 1. Photograph of Eoconfuciusornis indet. STM7-144, preserved in right lateral view; scale bar equals 20 mm Figure 5. In vivo ...
[Arachnida • 2016] The Goblin Spider Genus Ischnothyreus (Araneae, Oonopidae) in Java and Sumatra
Abstract The genus Ischnothyreus Simon, 1893 from Java and Sumatra is revised with the description of seven new species from Java...
[Crustacea • 2013] Halmyrapseudes gutui • Description of three species of Halmyrapseudes (Crustacea: Tanaidacea: Parapseudidae), with a Discussion of Biogeography
Abstract We describe Halmyrapseudes gutui sp. nov. from a mangrove area on Lidee Island, southern Thailand. This species closel...
[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Opalios splendens, Dharragarra aurora, Parvopalus clytiei, ... • A Diverse Assemblage of Monotremes (Monotremata) from the Cenomanian Lightning Ridge Fauna of New South Wales, Australia
Opalios splendens gen. et sp. nov. Dharragarra aurora gen. et sp. nov. Parvopalus clytiei gen. et sp. nov. Flannery, McCurry, Rich...
[Mollusca • 2024] Sinocamaena cheni • New camaenid Genus and Species (Eupulmonata: Helicoidea) from Zhejiang, East China
Sinocamaena cheni Wu, in Wu, Chen et Shen, 2024. 陈氏中华坚螺 || DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1202.118964 Abstract We report a new land snai...
[Ichthyology • 2024] Phylogenetic and Phylogeographic insights into Sri Lankan Killifishes (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Aplocheilidae)
Aplocheilus dayi phenotype (a) male and (b) female, Aplocheilus werneri phenotype (c) male and (d) female, Aplocheilus parvus (e) male ...
[Invertebrate • 2024] Clavelina ossipandae • A strange-looking New Species of Colonial Ascidians in the
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Hyphessobrycon citrus • Redescription of Hyphessobrycon cachimbensis (Characiformes: Characidae) with the Description of A New congener from the Serra do Cachimbo, Brazil

Hyphessobrycon citrus
Marinho & Dagosta, 2024

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0127

Abstract
The Serra do Cachimbo is a highland area at the southeastern portion of the Amazon Forest drained by the headwaters of tributaries of rios Xingu and Tapajós. It is known as an area of high level of endemism of fish, low species diversity, and very few taxa with broad distribution in the other parts of the Amazon. Despite its biogeographical importance, there are still many poorly sampled areas. Four expeditions to the region yielded in the rediscovery of a poorly known, endemic species, Hyphessobrycon cachimbensis, and the discovery of a similar, allopatric undescribed congener, frequently misidentified as H. cachimbensis. We provided the redescription of H. cachimbensis and the description of the new species. Both can be differentiated from most congeners by having a conspicuous longitudinal dark stripe on body and anal-fin base convex in males, due to thicker musculature insertion in the region. Other diagnostic features are mostly related to counts of scales and fin rays.

Keywords: Endemism; Ostariophysi; Rio Tapajós; Rio Xingu; Tetra

Hyphessobrycon citrus, Brazil, Pará State, rio Tapajós basin, rio Teles Pires drainage, tributary of rio Braço Norte. A. MZUSP 128236, holotype, 38.0 mm SL, male; B. MZUSP 101429, paratype, 39.4 mm SL, female.

Hyphessobrycon citrus, new species

Diagnosis. Hyphessobrycon citrus can be distinguished from its congeners, except H. cachimbensis, H. chiribiquete, H. comodoro, H. cyanotaenia, H. fernandezi, H. melanostichos, H. nigricinctus, H. paucilepis, H. petricolus, H. piranga, H. psittacus, H. scholzei, H. sovichthys, H. stegemanni, H. taphorni, H. tuyensis, and H. vilmae,by the presence of a well-defined, relatively narrow dark midlateral stripe on body, from immediately behind the opercular opening to the tip of middle caudal-fin rays (vs. longitudinal stripe absent, stripe starting approximately at vertical through the dorsal-fin origin, or midlateral dark stripe becoming blurred towards the caudal peduncle). It can be distinguished from the aforementioned species, except H. cachimbensis, H. chiribiquete, H. comodoro, H. cyanotaenia, H. melanostichos, H. nigricinctus, and H. petricolus, by the presence of a humeral spot (vs. absence). Hyphessobrycon citrus can be distinguished from H. cachimbensis, H. comodoro, H. cyanotaenia, and H. melanostichos by having the longitudinal black stripe starting immediately behind the opercle (vs. starting at the posterior margin of orbit), from H. chiribiquete, H. nigricinctus and from H. cachimbensis by having 14–17 anal-fin rays (vs. 18 or more), and from H. petricolus by having 14 horizontal scale rows around caudal peduncle (vs. 12) and non-symphyseal teeth of the premaxillary inner row with 7 to 9 cusps (vs. 3 to 5). The yellow citrus coloration and a vivid colored red eye in life also help distinguishing H. citrus from congeners.

Etymology. The specific epithet comes from the Latin “citrus”, referring to its bright yellow coloration similar to several citrus fruits. A noun in apposition.

Manoela Maria Ferreira Marinho and Fernando Cesar Paiva Dagosta. 2024. Redescription of Hyphessobrycon cachimbensis (Characiformes: Characidae) with the Description of A New congener from the Serra do Cachimbo, Brazil. Neotrop. ichthyol. 22 (2); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0127

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Phylogenetic and Phylogeographic insights into Sri Lankan Killifishes (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Aplocheilidae)

Aplocheilus dayi phenotype (a) male and (b) female,
Aplocheilus werneri phenotype (c) male and (d) female,
Aplocheilus parvus (e) male and (f) female.

in Sudasinghe, Ranasinghe, Wijesooriya, Rüber et Meegaskumbura, 2024.
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15792
facebook.com/HiranyaSud
Researchgate.net/publication/380732853

Phylogenetic and Phylogeographic insights into Sri Lankan Killifishes (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Aplocheilidae)ylogenetic and Phylogeographic insights into Sri Lankan Killifishes (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Aplocheilida

Abstract
Three nominal species of the killifish genus Aplocheilus are reported from the lowlands of Sri Lanka. Two of these, Aplocheilus dayi and Aplocheilus werneri, are considered endemic to the island, whereas Aplocheilus parvus is reported from both Sri Lanka and Peninsular India. Here, based on a collection from 28 locations in Sri Lanka, also including a dataset of Asian Aplocheilus downloaded from GenBank, we present a phylogeny constructed from the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb), mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), and nuclear recombination activating protein 1 (rag1), and investigate the interrelationships of the species of Aplocheilus in Sri Lanka. The endemic Sri Lankan aplocheilid clade comprising A. dayi and A. werneri is recovered as the sister group to the clade comprising A. parvus from Sri Lanka and Aplocheilus blockii from Peninsular India. The reciprocal monophyly of A. dayi and A. werneri is not supported in our molecular phylogeny. A. dayi and A. werneri display strong sexual dimorphism, but species-level differences are subtle, explained mostly by pigmentation patterns. Their phenotypes exhibit a parapatric distribution and may represent locally adapted forms of a single species. Alternatively, the present study does not rule out the possibility that A. dayi and A. werneri may represent an incipient species pair or that they have undergone introgression or hybridization in their contact zones. We provide evidence that the Nilwala-Gin region of southwestern Sri Lanka may have acted as a drought refugium for these fishes.

link facebook.com/Tharindu2010ac/posts/8468383033188002
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Researchgate.net/publication/380732853_Phylogenetic_phylogeographic_SriLankan_Aplocheilidae

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Rhinolepadichthys gen. nov. • A New Generic Name for the “Lepadichthys” lineatus complex (Gobiesocidae: Diademichthyinae) with A Rediagnosis of Discotrema, a senior synonym of Unguitrema, and Comments on their phylogenetic relationships

Representatives of diademichthyine clingfishes.
A Rhinolepadichthys lineatus (Oman); B Rhinolepadichthys geminus (Anilao, Philippines);
C Rhinolepadichthys geminus (Okinoerabu Islands, Amami Islands, Japan); D Discotrema crinophilum (Amami-oshima Island, Amami Islands, Japan: KPM-NR 78755);
E Lepadichthys frenatus (Lord Howe Island, Australia); F Diademichthys lineatus (Lembeh Strait, Indonesia: KPM-NR 147468).

in Fujiwara, Motomura, Summers & Conway, 2024.
DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e113955
All images except F with sides reversed.
photos by J. Randall, J. Eyre and K. Uehara.

Abstract

Rhinolepadichthys, a new genus of the gobiesocid subfamily Diademichthyinae, is described for the “Lepadichthys” lineatus complex (including Rhinolepadichthys geminus comb. nov., R. heemstraorum comb. nov., R. lineatus comb. nov., and R. polyastrous comb. nov.). Detailed investigation of external morphology and osteological anatomy of the new genus and related genera suggests that Rhinolepadichthys represents the sister genus to Discotrema, based on the following putative synapomorphies: (1) presence of a hardened (potentially keratinized) cap on the surface of at least some disc papillae (vs. surface of disc papillae soft, without hardened cap); and (2) the anterolateral part of the ventral postcleithrum extended anteriorly as a well-developed rod-like process, its tip close to the base of pelvic-fin soft ray 4 (vs. only weakly pointed, or irregular). Compared with Discotrema, Rhinolepadichthys gen. nov. is distinguished by the presence of a row of 8–12 large papillae on the inner surface of the upper and lower lips (vs. inner surface of lips smooth, without distinct papillae); the absence (vs. presence) of a well-developed lateral process on the pterotic immediately posterior to the opening of the otic canal; the presence (vs. absence) of gill rakers on the anterior edge of ceratobranchials 1–3; the presence (vs. absence) of gill rakers on the posterior edge of ceratobranchial 4; having the upper pharyngeal teeth arranged in a loose patch on the ventral surface of the pharyngobranchial 3 toothplate, with tooth tips directed posteroventrally (vs. arranged in a single row along posteroventral edge of the pharyngobranchial 3 toothplate, with tooth tips directed posteriorly); features of the adhesive disc, including outline of disc papillae roughly hexagonal or ovoid and with a flattened surface (vs. outline circular, at least some with raised, dome-like surface); the absence (vs. presence) of a deep cavity at the center of disc region C; the absence (vs. presence) of three paired and one median cluster of small papillae (reminiscent of bunches of grapes) across the surface of the adhesive disc; and having the ventral postcleithrum entire, not divided into two separate, articulating elements (vs. ventral postcleithrum divided into an anterior and posterior element, separated via a specialized joint). Reexamination of materials of the poorly known genus Unguitrema, considered a close relative of Discotrema, revealed no morphological differences between the two genera. Unguitrema therefore represents a junior synonym of Discotrema.

Keywords: Clingfishes, Indo-Pacific, morphology, taxonomy, Teleostei

Representatives of diademichthyine clingfishes.
A Rhinolepadichthys lineatus (Oman: J. Randall); B Rhinolepadichthys geminus (Anilao, Philippines: J. Eyre);
C Rhinolepadichthys geminus (Okinoerabu Islands, Amami Islands, Japan: K. Uehara); D Discotrema crinophilum (Amami-oshima Island, Amami Islands, Japan: KPM-NR 78755, K. Uchino);
E Lepadichthys frenatus (Lord Howe Island, Australia: J. Eyre); F Diademichthys lineatus (Lembeh Strait, Indonesia: KPM-NR 147468, K. Uchino).
All images except F with sides reversed.

Rhinolepadichthys gen. nov.

Included species: The genus contains the following four valid species, previously included in the “Lepadichthys” lineatus complex by Fujiwara and Motomura (2021): Rhinolepadichthys geminus (Fujiwara and Motomura, 2021) comb. nov., Rhinolepadichthys heemstraorum (Fujiwara and Motomura, 2021) comb. nov., Rhinolepadichthys lineatus (Briggs, 1966) comb. nov., and Rhinolepadichthys polyastrous (Fujiwara and Motomura, 2021) comb. nov.

Etymology: The suffix rhino-, meaning nose, in combination with Lepadichthys, a genus of the Diademichthyinae. In reference to the pointed snout in members of this genus, which distinguishes the new genus from Lepadichthys (sensu stricto). Gender masculine.

Discotrema Briggs, 1976

Included species: The genus contains the following four valid species, Discotrema crinophilum Briggs, 1976, Discotrema monogrammum Craig & Randall, 2008, Discotrema nigrum (Fricke, 2014), comb. nov. (validity tentative, see below), and Discotrema zonatum Craig & Randall, 2008.

Kyoji Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Motomura, Adam P. Summers and Kevin W. Conway. 2024. A New Generic Name for the “Lepadichthys” lineatus complex with A Rediagnosis of Discotrema, a senior synonym of Unguitrema, and Comments on their phylogenetic relationships (Gobiesocidae: Diademichthyinae). Vertebrate Zoology. 74: 279-301. DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e113955

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REGULAR ARTICLEGross morphology of the brain and some sense organs of subterranean pencil catfishes of the genus Ituglanis Costa and Bockmann, 1993 (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae), with a discussion on sensory compensation versus preadaptation in subterranean fishes

Pedro P. Rizzato, Maria Elina Bichuette
First published: 11 February 2024

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15676
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SHAREAbstractSubterranean organisms provide excellent opportunities to investigate morphological evolution, especially of sensory organs and structures and their processing areas in the central nervous system. We describe the gross morphology of the brain and some cephalic sensory organs (olfactory organ, eye, semicircular canals of the inner ear) and the swim bladder (a non-sensory accessory structure) of subterranean species of pencil catfishes of the genus Ituglanis Costa and Bockmann, 1993 (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) and compare them with an epigean species of the genus, Ituglanis goya Datovo, Aquino and Langeani, 2016. We compared qualitatively the size of the different brain regions and sense organs of the subterranean species with those of the epigean one, searching for modifications possibly associated with living in the subterranean environment. Our findings suggest that species of Ituglanis exhibit sensory characteristics that are preadaptive for the subterranean life, as only slight modifications were observed in the brains and sense organs of the subterranean species of the genus when compared with the epigean one. Because most subterranean fish species belong to lineages putatively preadapted for subterranean life, our results, discussed in the context of available information on the brain and sense organs of other subterranean species, help identify general trends for the evolution of the brain and sensory organs of subterranean fishes in general.

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Schindleria nana • A New extremely progenetic gobiid fish Species (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Schindleria nana
Ahnelt, Macek & Robitzch, 2024

DOI: 10.25225/jvb.23112

Abstract
Here, we describe a new species of Schindleria, Schindleria nana, from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The new species belongs to the long dorsal-fin type (LDF) of Schindleria and is the first very small (‘dwarf’) LDF species (< 13 mm TL) to be described. It is characterized by an elongate and narrow body; a dorsal fin longer than the anal fin (predorsal-fin length 63.3% of SL: preanal-fin length 72.1% of SL); a long, relatively narrow head (head width 46.2% of head length) with a straight profile; small and round eyes (24.9% of head length); a large postorbital distance (52% of head length); a narrow, slender pectoral radial plate (width at origin 46.4%, maximum width 57.0% of pectoral radial plate length); 16 dorsal-fin rays; 11-12 anal-fin rays; first anal-fin ray ventral to the sixth dorsal-fin ray; six procurrent rays gradually increasing in length, last ray elongated, twice the length of the penultimate ray; premaxilla with tiny, conical, densely set teeth; dentary with zero teeth in the holotype and with two teeth on the left dentary and five teeth on the right dentary in the adult paratype; females with few (approx. 4-7) but very large eggs (3.4-3.9% of SL); urogenital papilla inconspicuous, de facto just an urogenital opening; swim bladder not pigmented; black eyes; no other external pigmentation on the body.

KEYWORDS: Coral reefs, Indo-Pacific, Miniaturization, new species, progenesis, taxonomy

Holotype of Schindleria nana, AMS.I.23115-004, female, 9.0 mm SL; Australia, Queensland, Lizard Island.
an – anus, ug – urogenital opening. Black asterisk – position of first anal-fin ray, white asterisk – position of first dorsal-fin ray. Scale bar: 1 mm.

Schindleria nana

Diagnosis: The new species S. nana stands out from its congeners because it is the first small-sized species (< 10 mm SL) in the LDF species group and the first LDF Schindleria with only a few (4-7) and very large eggs (3.1-3.6% of SL) (Figs. 3, 4A). It differs from its congeners in the combination of the following characters: body elongated, slender, and not pigmented in preserved specimens; tail (postabdominal region) distinctly shorter than abdomen; origin of the dorsal fin distinctly anterior to origin of the anal fin (LDF type); predorsal-fin length 63.1-63.5% of SL; preanal-fin length 71.2-73.0% of SL; body depth at the origin of the anal-fin 5.9-6.6% of SL; head length 14.4-15.6% of SL; head depth 7.8-8.1% of SL; eye diameter 3.3-3.6% of SL and 23.1-26.1% of the head length; pectoral radial plate length 5.6-5.8% of SL; maximum width of the pectoral radial plate 3.2-3.3% of SL and 56.9-57.1% of pectoral radial plate length; depth of the hypural late 66.7% of the urostyle length; 16 dorsal-fin rays; 13 anal-fin rays, first anal-fin ray positioned below the 5-6th dorsal-fin ray; six procurrent rays; swim-bladder not pigmented; continuous row of small, conical teeth on premaxillary but zero teeth on the dentary of the holotype or five teeth (right) plus two isolated teeth (left) in the dentary of the paratype. ....

Etymology: The specific name ‘nana’ (from the Latin ‘nanus’ – dwarf) refers to the small size of this species.

Harald Ahnelt, Oliver Macek and Vanessa Robitzch. 2024. Schindleria nana, A New extremely progenetic gobiid fish Species (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. J. of Vertebrate Biology. 73: 23112.1-17. DOI: 10.25225/jvb.23112

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Increasing the species diversity of the monotypic genus Pariolius Cope 1872 (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) after more than 150 years

PISCESENDEMICFRESHWATERMORPHOLOGYSPECIES DELIMITATIONSTAXONOMY

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AbstractPariolius is a heptapterid genus represented by P. armillatus that is distributed along the upper Amazon River basin. A taxonomic integrative revision of Pariolius from Colombian Rivers revealed two new species. Several approaches as morphological, morphometric, meristic, osteology and molecular data were used to distinguish between Pariolius species. The two new species are distinguished from congeners by the caudal-fin shape and numbers of rays, colorations patterns and several morphometric characters. The two new species of Pariolius are restricted to tributaries of the Upper Orinoco and Upper Negro rivers in Colombia.

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Chiloglanis carnatus • Hidden in the Riffles: A New Suckermouth Catfish (Siluriformes: Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from the middle Zambezi River system, Zimbabwe

Chiloglanis carnatus Mutizwa, Bragança & Chakona,

in Mutizwa, Kadye, Bragança, Bere et Chakona, 2024.
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.114679

Abstract
The recent surge in the discovery of hidden diversity within rheophilic taxa, particularly in West and East Africa, prompted a closer examination of the extent to which the current taxonomy may obscure the diversity of riffle-dwelling suckermouth catfishes in the genus Chiloglanis in southern Africa. Currently, the region comprises eight valid species within this genus. Seven of them have relatively narrow geographic distribution ranges except for C. neumanni, which is considered to be widely distributed, occurring from the Buzi River system in the south, and its northern limit being the eastward draining river systems in Tanzania. Recent surveys of the middle Zambezi River system revealed Chiloglanis specimens that were distinguishable from the known species of the genus from southern Africa. Integration of molecular and morphological data indicated that these specimens from the Mukwadzi River represent a new species to science, herein described as Chiloglanis carnatus Mutizwa, Bragança & Chakona, sp. nov. This species is readily distinguished from its southern African congeners by the possession of a distinctive extended dermal tissue covering the base of the dorsal fin and the possession of ten mandibular teeth (vs 8, 12, or 14 in the other taxa). Results from this study add to the growing evidence of a high level of undocumented diversity within riffle-dwelling taxa in southern Africa.

Key words: Diversity, freshwater, integrative taxonomy, rheophilic taxa, southern Africa

Holotype of Chiloglanis carnatus sp. nov., SAIAB 236631 male (A–E) and
female paratype specimen SAIAB 211346 (F–K).
Scale bars: 1 cm.

 Chiloglanis carnatus Mutizwa, Bragança & Chakona, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Chiloglanis carnatus sp. nov. is readily distinguished from its congeners in southern Africa (i.e. C. anoterus, C. bifurcus, C. emarginatus, C. fasciatus, C. paratus, C. pretoriae and C. swierstrai) by the presence of a dorsal fin that has a basal portion covered by a fleshy skin, a character which is absent in the other species. Chiloglanis carnatus possesses ten closely packed mandibular teeth, that further distinguishes it from C. fasciatus that has eight closely packed mandibular teeth; C. bifurcus and C. emarginatus that have ...

Etymology: The specific epithet carnatus means fleshy, referring to the dermal tissue covering the base of the dorsal fin of some of the larger specimens of this species and the general robust body structure of this species compared to its regional congeners.

Tadiwa I. Mutizwa, Wilbert T. Kadye, Pedro H. N. Bragança, Taurai Bere and Albert Chakona. 2024. Hidden in the Riffles: A New Suckermouth Catfish (Mochokidae, Chiloglanis) from the middle Zambezi River system, Zimbabwe. ZooKeys. 1197: 57-91. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.114679

A review of the Heteroclinus heptaeolus complex (Pisces: Blennioidei: Clinidae), with three new species and discussion of use of proportions in taxonomic studies

PISCESFISHBLENNIIFORMESICHTHYOLOGYTAXONOMYPROPORTIONSWEEDFISH

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AbstractThe present paper reviews the Heteroclinus heptaeolus complex known only from temperate regions of Australia. Five species are recognised, with three of the species described as new, H. colemani, a deep bodied species often found around red algae, H. whitleyi, with two disjunct populations and a species very close to and sympatric with H. heptaeolus (Ogilby), H. longicauda, a slender species, lacking an orbital tentacle. In addition, Heteroclinus wilsoni (Lucas) is recognised as a distinct species and a neotype is selected. The species are separated on the bases of live coloration, pectoral ray, dorsal spine and anal ray counts, gill raker counts, development of orbital tentacle, first dorsal fin height and body depth. Analysis of measurements indicates that proportions commonly used to separate species are often unreliable, because of high variation and significant changes with size. Proportions were found to not be good estimates of the slope of the regression line of various characters with the standard length.

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Serrasalmus magallanesi • A New Species of Piranha (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae: Serrasalmus) from the Upper Madeira River System, Amazon Basin, Bolivia

Serrasalmus magallanesi
Gallo-Cardozo, Maldonado, Careaga & Carvajal-Vallejos, 2024

DOI: 10.1134/S0032945224700036
facebook.com/FlavioGalloCardozo

Abstract
A new species of piranha, in the genus Serrasalmus (Characiformes, Serrasalmidae), is described from tributaries of the upper Madeira River drainage (Bolivian Amazon Basin). This new species exhibits a similar caudal-fin color like that observed in S. hollandi, and review of the literature suggested that former studies have misidentified these two species. The new species can be diagnosed morphologically from other congeners, but genetic variation of the COI sequence data showed little difference (~1%) from similar, morphologically recognized species. Since Serrasalmus species are widespread and morphologically difficult to identify, a key for identifying Bolivian species of this genus is presented.

Keywords: COI, morphology, osteology, taxonomy


Serrasalmus magallanesi, New Species

Etymology. Serrasalmus magallanesi sp. nov. is named in honor and memoriam of Frank Magallanes, in recognition of his permanent collaboration with ichthyologists and Serrasalmus fans, mainly through his website OPEFE (https://www.opefe.com). Magallanes passed away in May 2022.

F. Gallo-Cardozo, M. Maldonado, M. Careaga and F. M. Carvajal-Vallejos. 2024. A New Species of Piranha (Serrasalmus, Serrasalmidae) from the Upper Madeira River System, Amazon Basin, Bolivia.  Journal of Ichthyology. DOI: 10.1134/S0032945224700036
  facebook.com/FlavioGalloCardozo/posts/7723189084379968

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Monotocheirodon duda • A New characid Species with remarkable sexual dimorphism (Characiformes: Characidae: Stevardiinae) from the upper Guayabero River, Orinoco Basin, Colombia

Monotocheirodon duda
Carvalho, Thomaz, Urbano-Bonilla & Prada-Pedreros, 2024

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15738

Abstract
A new species of characid with remarkable sexual characteristics is described from the upper Guayabero River drainage from the Orinoco basin in Colombia. The new species is included in the genus Monotocheirodon by sharing most of the previously proposed diagnostic features of this genus. It differs from all Stevardiinae by the combination, in adult males, of an enlarged urogenital papilla in contact with the first anal-fin unbranched ray and a highly modified anal fin with enlarged and distally elongated first and second branched anal-fin rays, forming a gonopodium-like structure. In addition, it differs from congeners by the presence of an adipose fin, an incomplete lateral line, an ascending process of the premaxilla dorsally oriented, and a long snout. The new species was discovered from a poorly sampled region in Colombia and is an unexpected new record given its disjunct geographic distribution from other species of the genus. Monotocheirodon species were previously known from piedmont drainages in Bolivia and Peru. The conservation status of the new species is herein categorized following IUCN criteria.

Keywords: endemism, insemination, Monotocheirodon, sexual characters, South America, species diversity

Lateral view of live specimens of Monotocheirodon duda showing live colouration. Above a male and below a female specimen. Specimens not cataloged.

Monotocheirodon duda, new species

Diagnosis: The new species differs from all Stevardiinae species by the combined presence in adult males of an enlarged urogenital papilla (length about one-third to half of the first unbranched ray), which is in contact with the first anal-fin unbranched ray and a highly modified anal fin, with enlarged (anteroposteriorly) and distally elongated first and second branched anal-fin rays, forming a gonopodium-like structure (Figure 2). The new species differs from all other species of Monotocheirodon by the presence of an adipose fin (Figure 1, vs. absent); lateral line incomplete, pored scales not reaching the caudal fin (vs. lateral line complete); ascending process of the premaxilla dorsally directed (Figure 3, vs. strongly bent posteroventrally); and a longer snout that occupies about a fourth of the head length (HL), between 23.1% and 30.0% of HL (vs. short snout, <20% of the HL).

Etymology: Monotocheiron duda is named after the river where the new species was captured, mostly tributaries to the Duda River or captured in the Duda River itself (type locality). In Spanish, the epithet specific “duda” means doubt, which also refers to its presumed placement into the genus Monotocheirodon, an assumption that needs further evaluation.

Tiago P. Carvalho, Andréa Tonolli Thomaz, Alexander Urbano-Bonilla and Saúl Prada-Pedreros. 2024. A New characid Species with remarkable sexual dimorphism (Characiformes: Characidae: Stevardiinae) from the upper Guayabero River, Orinoco basin, Colombia. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15738

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Descriptions of two new species of the botiid genus Leptobotia Bleeker, 1870 (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from South China

Dong-Ming Guo, Liang Cao, E. Zhang
First published: 06 March 2023

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15347
Citations: 1
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SHAREAbstractENTHIS LINK GOES TO A ENGLISH SECTION ZHTHIS LINK GOES TO A ENGLISH SECTIONTwo new species of Leptobotia are here described as L. rotundilobus from the Xin'an-Jiang of the upper Qiantang-Jiang basin in both Anhui and Zhejiang Provinces and the Cao'e-Jiang in Zhejiang Province, and L. paucipinna from the Qing-Jiang of the middle Chang-Jiang basin in Hubei Province, South China. Both have a plain brown body as found in L. bellacauda Bohlen & Šlechtová, 2016, L. microphthalma Fu & Ye, 1983, L. posterodorsalis Chen & Lan, 1992 and L. tientainensis (Wu, 1930). The two new species are distinct from these species in vertebral counts, further from L. posterodorsalis in vent placement and further from the other three species in pectoral-fin length. Both differ in caudal-fin coloration and shape, and dorsal-fin location and coloration, and also in internal morphology. Their validity is confirmed by their own monophyly recovered in a phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cyt b and COI genes.

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Lepadichthys geminus, L. heemstraorum & L. polyastrous • Review of the Lepadichthys lineatus complex (Gobiesocidae: Diademichthyinae) with Descriptions of Three New Species

Lepadichthys geminus
Fujiwara & Motomura, 2022

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14919
twitter.com/kadai_museum

Abstract
The Lepadichthys lineatus complex (Gobiesocidae: Diademichthyinae) is defined by three unique characters within Lepadichthys: (a) upper-jaw lip fused with snout skin, usually lacking a distinct groove between the dorsal lip margin and snout (if present, very weak, restricted to posterior portion of jaw); (b) snout tip well extended, distinctly beyond lower-jaw tip; and (c) inner surface of both lips with oral papillae. A taxonomic review of the complex recognized four valid species: Lepadichthys geminus sp. nov. (southern Japan and Indonesia), Lepadichthys heemstraorum sp. nov. (southwestern Indian Ocean), Lepadichthys polyastrous sp. nov. (southwestern Indian Ocean) and L. lineatus Briggs, 1966 (Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Seychelles and Sri Lanka). L. geminus and L. lineatus are distinct from L. heemstraorum and L. polyastrous in having a circular (vs. elliptical) disc and more posteriorly located anus [L. geminus and L. lineatus with disc length and width 15.0–18.7 (mean 16.9) and 12.9–16.5 (14.6) % LS, respectively, and length to width ratio 1.03–1.25 cf. L. heemstraorum and L. polyastrous, 17.0–21.5 (18.9) and 11.6–15.2 (13.0) % LS, respectively, and 1.26–1.61; pre-anus length and disc to anus length 65.1–73.6 (68.7) and 25.7–31.6 (28.6) % LS, respectively vs. 60.2–68.3 (65.3) and 21.6–28.9 (25.5) % LS, respectively]. Body depth (as % of LS) is also useful to distinguish L. geminus and L. polyastrous from L. heemstraorum and L. lineatus [viz., 12.7–16.1 (14.4) in L. geminus and 10.8–14.9 (13.1) in L. polyastrous vs. 15.0–17.1 (15.9) in L. heemstraorum and 14.6–18.9 (16.8) in L. lineatus]. L. geminus differs distinctly from other species in the complex as follows: snout tip directed upward, usually on same horizontal level with lower margin of eye lens (lateral view) (vs. directed somewhat downward, horizontal level usually between lower margins of eye and eye lens in L. heemstraorum and L. lineatus, lower margin of eye in L. polyastrous); and lower abdomen with two yellow stripes (vs. a single stripe along ventral midline in L. polyastrous and L. lineatus, unknown in L. heemstraorum). L. polyastrous has unique patterns of yellow dots on the dorsal and ventral body surfaces, forming c. six to eight and three to five longitudinal rows, respectively [vs. usually forming c. three to five longitudinal rows and a single broken line, respectively, in L. geminus and L. lineatus; yellow dots usually absent in L. heemstraorum]. A poorly known species, Lepadichthys caritus Briggs, 1969, is regarded as a junior synonym of L. lineatus.

Fresh holotype of Lepadichthys geminus sp. nov. (KAUM–I. 145214, 22.3 mm LS, Okinoerabu Island, Amami Islands, Japan).

The Lepadichthys lineatus complex

Lepadichthys geminus sp. nov.
New English name: Pacific Doubleline Clingfish;
standard Japanese name: Tasuji-umishida-ubauo

Etymology. The specific name “geminus” is derived from Latin, meaning “twin” or “double,” in reference to the two yellow stripes under the abdomen and the close morphological similarity of the new species to L. lineatus, with which it had previously been identified.

Lepadichthys heemstraorum sp. nov.
New English name: Heemstra's Clingfish

Etymology. The specific name “heemstraorum” is in honour of an esteemed ichthyologist, the late Dr Phil Heemstra, who with his wife Elaine Heemstra collected type specimens of L. heemstraorum and L. polyastrous.

Lepadichthys polyastrous sp. nov.
New English name: Starry Clingfish

Etymology. The specific name “polyastrous,” a combination of the New Greek “polys” and “astrous,” means “many stars,” in reference to the many characteristic yellow dots on the body.

Lepadichthys lineatus Briggs 1966
English name: Doubleline Clingfish

Kyoji Fujiwara and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2022. Review of the Lepadichthys lineatus complex (Gobiesocidae: Diademichthyinae) with Descriptions of Three New Species. Journal of Fish Biology. 100(1); 62-81. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14919
twitter.com/kadai_museum /status/1451554505875550215

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Bashimyzon cheni, a new genus and species of sucker loach (Teleostei, Gastromyzontidae) from South China
Xiong Gong, E ZhangAbstractBashimyzon, new genus, is here established for Erromyzon damingshanensis, and a new species of the genus is described from the You-Jiang of the Pearl River (=Zhu-Jiang in mandarin Chinese) basin in Guangxi Province, South China. This new genus has a small gill opening above the pectoral-fin base and short pectoral fins extending backwards short of pelvic-fin insertions, both characters combined to separate it from all currently-recognized gastromyzontid genera except Erromyzon and Protomyzon, but differs from the two genera in having a larger gap between the posterior edge of eye and the vertical through the pectoral-fin insertion and very small fleshy lobes posterior to the maxillary-barbel bases. It is further distinct from its most similar genus Erromyzon in having a relatively larger gill opening, fewer branched pectoral-fin rays folded against body, and more posteriorly placed pectoral fins with a shorter fin base. Bashimyzon cheni, new species, and B. damingshanensis, the single congeneric species, differ in number of lateral-line pored scales, body coloration, and cephalic contour, and also in substantial genetic divergence.

LINK doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.116535

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Curculionichthys monolechis • A New Species of Curculionichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Saramacca and Marowijne River Basins, Suriname and French Guiana

Curculionichthys monolechis
de Morais, Gamarra & Reis, 2024

DOI: 10.1643/i2023051
twitter.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract
A new species of Curculionichthys is described from the Saramacca and Marowijne (=Maroni) River basins in Suriname and French Guiana, eastern Guiana Shield. The new species possesses five of the seven diagnostic characteristics of the genus with the most remarkable morphological trait that distinguishes it from congeners being the presence of a single rostral plate. A genetic comparison with C. karipuna, the geographically closest species, showed a minimal distance of 5% in gene coI between individuals of the two species. The geographic distribution further extends the distribution of the genus across the Guiana Shield and represents the first species of the genus described from outside Brazil.

Curculionichthys monolechis, live coloration. Saut Tampock, Tampock River basin, Maroni drainage, French Guiana. Specimen not preserved.
Image from Le Bail et al. (2000).
twitter.com/IchsAndHerps

Curculionichthys monolechis, new species

Etymology.— Curculionichthys monolechis is from the Greek (monos), one, single, and (lekos), plate, in reference to the single rostral plate. A noun in apposition.

Andressa de Morais, Suelen P. Gamarra, Roberto E. Reis. 2024. A New Species of Curculionichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Saramacca and Marowijne River Basins, Suriname and French Guiana. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 112(1):60-68. DOI: 10.1643/i2023051
twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1765758157169586419

Uma nova espécie de Curculionichthys é descrita das bacias dos rios Saramacca e Marowijne (=Maroni), no leste do Escudo das Guianas, no Suriname e Guiana Francesa. A nova espécie possui cinco das sete características diagnosticas do gênero, sendo a característica morfológica mais marcante que a distingue das demais congêneres a presença de placa rostral única. A comparação genética com C. karipuna, a espécie geograficamente mais próxima, mostrou uma distância mínima de 5% entre os indivíduos das duas espécies. A distribuição geográfica da espécie estende a ocorrência do gênero no Escudo das Guianas e representa a primeira espécie descrita de fora do Brasil.

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Cosmoselachus mehlingi • A New operculate symmoriiform chondrichthyan (Symmoriiformes: Falcatidae) from the Late Mississippian Fayetteville Shale, Arkansashale (Arkansas, United States)

Cosmoselachus mehlingi
Bronson, Pradel, Denton & Maisey, 2024

  sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/geodiversitas/46/4
twitter.com/AMNH
  twitter.com/Kimi_Chap

We describe a new genus of symmoriiform chondrichthyan from the Late Mississippian Fayetteville Shale of Arkansas, United States, and include this fossil in a phylogenetic analysis of chondrichthyans. This taxon possesses elongate cartilaginous rays extending from the gill arches, forming an operculate structure that covers at least two of the branchial arches farther posteriorly. Although presence of a ‘hyoid operculum’ has been postulated in at least two unrelated Paleozoic sharks (e.g., Triodus, Tristychius), subsequent investigations failed to corroborate those claims. The new fossil therefore provides the first evidence of an endoskeletal operculum formed by elongate, fused pharyngeal arch rays in a chondrichthyan.

KEYWORDS: Chondrichthyes, Symmoriiformes, operculum, CT scanning, phylogeny, new genus, new species

An artist’s reconstruction of the new shark-like species Cosmoselachus mehlingi.
amnh.org

Class CHONDRICHTHYES Huxley, 1880
Order SYMMORIIFORMES Maisey, 2007

Family Falcatidae Zangerl, 1990

Genus Cosmoselachus n. gen.

Cosmoselachus mehlingi

Etymology: Cosmoselachus mehlingi n. gen., n. sp. is named in honor of American Museum of Natural History Senior Museum Specialist Carl Mehling, nickname “Cosm”, therefore “Cosm” -oselachus, in recognition of his contributions toward the acquisition and identification of numerous fossil chondrichthyans, as well as his indefatigable enthusiasm for all unusual vertebrates and many years of service to paleontology.

Allison W. Bronson, Alan Pradel, John S. S. Denton and John G. Maisey. 2024. A New operculate symmoriiform chondrichthyan from the Late Mississippian Fayetteville Shale (Arkansas, United States). GEODIVERSITAS. 46(4); 101-117.
  sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/geodiversitas/46/4
  twitter.com/AMNH/status/1765859348192915697
  twitter.com/Kimi_Chap/status/1765729274294645095.

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Garra hexagonarostris, a new labeonine fish (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Chindwin basin, Manipur, Northeast India, and a critical review on the taxonomic status of G. minimus, G. alticaputus, G. nigricauda, G. kimini, and G. tyao

PISCESNEW SPECIESHEXAGON-SHAPED PROBOSCISCONICAL TUBERCLECHAKPI RIVEREASTERN HIMALAYA

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AbstractGarra hexagonarostris, a new member of the ‘proboscis species group’, is described from the Chakpi River of Chindwin basin in Manipur, India. The new species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: a prominent hexagon-shaped unilobed proboscis with five large-sized conical tubercles on anterior margin, and three or four medium-sized conical tubercles on anteroventral region; transverse lobe with 13−35 small- to medium-sized conical tubercles; lateral surface of snout swollen with 8−18 small- to medium-sized conical tubercles; 31−32 lateral-line scales including three pored scales on caudal fin; and a large arch-shaped black spot on each side of opercle, immediately anterior to upper angle of gill opening. The taxonomic status of several species of Garra from Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, is reviewed and accordingly Garra minimus is considered as a junior synonym of G. quadratirostris; G. nigricauda as a junior synonym of G. arunachalensis; G. alticaputus and G. kimini as junior synonyms of G. birostris; and G. tyao as a junior synonym of G. rakhinica.

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ISSUE: VOL. 5415 NO. 3: 22 FEB. 2024
TYPE: ARTICLE
PUBLISHED: 2024-02-22
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5415.3.6
PAGE RANGE: 466-476
ABSTRACT VIEWS: 8
PDF DOWNLOADED: 2
Luciobarbus lydianus and L. kottelati, two synonyms of L. graecus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

PISCESAEGEAN BASINCOIFRESHWATER FISHMORPHOLOGYTAXONOMYWEST ASIA

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AbstractThe Aegean Luciobarbus graecus, L. lydianus, and L. kottelati were described based on morphological characters. However, re-examination of fresh material from the three species revealed greater intraspecific variability in morphological character states, and wider overlaps in all postulated diagnostic traits than initially documented. Consequently, it is not possible to identify and distinguish these three species based solely on morphological characteristics. As they also share identical COI barcode sequences, these species are now considered conspecifics, and L. lydianus and L. kottelati are treated as junior synonyms of L. graecus. The distribution of L. graecus remains a biogeographical puzzle, and it cannot be excluded that this could be partly human-mediated. Population-level genomic studies, particularly those focusing on phylogeography and population genetics, may help clarify mechanisms underlying contemporary distribution of this species.

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Channa rakhinica, C. rubora, C. coccinea & C. pyrophthalmus • Four New Species of Channa (Teleostei: Labyrinthici: Channidae) from Myanmar

Channa pyrophthalmus,
Channa rakhinica,
Channa coccinea
Britz, Tan & Lukas, 2024

Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 72

Abstract
We describe four new species of Channa from Myanmar, all members of the Gachua group. Channa rakhinica, new species, is a species endemic to west-flowing streams on the western slope of the Rakhine Yoma in Rakhine State; C. rubora, new species, occurs in mountain streams south of Mogaung, Kachin State; C. coccinea, new species, co-occurs with C. burmanica in streams north of Putao, also Kachin State, at the foothills of the Himalayas; and C. pyrophthalmus, new species, is found in streams in Tanintharyi Region at the southernmost tip of Myanmar, bordering Thailand. All four species are readily diagnosed by their colour pattern from other Gachua group taxa. They show genetic distances of 3.5–19.9% in the COI barcoding gene to other Myanmar members of the Gachua group.

Key words. snakehead fishes, Channoidei, Indo-Burman ranges, Tenasserim ranges, Himalayan foothills

Channa rakhinica, paratype, colouration in life, BMNH 2019.10.16.269–275, not measured, ca. 110 mm SL.
Channa rubora, paratype, colouration in life, Myanmar, Kachin State, unnamed stream south of Mogaung,BMNH 2019.10.16.195–206, not measured, ca. 90 mm SL.

Channa rakhinica, new species

Diagnosis. A member of the Gachua group readily distinguished from other Myanmar members by its colour pattern in life including reddish cheek, series of up to 5 semicircular concentric maroon pectoral bands wider than interbands, series of 6–7 saddle-like blotches, orange subdistal and white distal rim on dorsal- and caudal fins (vs. different colour pattern). It is further distinguished from C. stewartii by fewer dorsal-fin rays (34–38 vs. 39–41), and generally fewer anal-fin rays (23–25, rarely 22 or 26 vs. 26–27) and from C. burmanica by presence of pelvic fins (vs. absence). It also differs substantially from all Myanmar Gachua group snakeheads by a genetic distance of 12.9–18.5% in the COI gene.

Etymology. The species name is derived from the name of the area where it occurs, the Rakhine Yoma in western Myanmar, an adjective.

Remarks. This species has been traded as an ornamental fish since at least 2012 under the name “Channa sp. mimetic pulchra” and has been referred to as Channa sp. Rakhine Yoma in Conte-Grand et al. (2017) and Rüber et al. (2020). Aquarium reports suggest that this is a mouthbrooding species.

Channa rubora, new species

Diagnosis. A member of the Gachua group distinguished from all other Myanmar members except C. ornatipinnis, C. pulchra, and C. stewartii by the presence of numerous black spots on the head and body (vs absence). It differs from the latter by the size of the spots (tiny, a quarter of pupil size vs. almost pupil size or larger) and by its unique fin colouration in life, consisting of a pectoral fin with orange fin rays, a bluish proximal blotch and 3–6 brown distal semicircular concentric bands, of dorsal-, anal- and caudal-fins with a blue middle section of the fin membranes margined by a proximal dark brown and distal bright orange rim in the dorsal and caudal fins and white rim in the anal fin (vs different colour pattern). It also differs substantially from all Myanmar Gachua group snakeheads by a genetic distance of 11.6–19.3% in the COI gene.

Etymology. The species name, rubora, a noun in apposition, is derived from the Latin nouns ‘rubor’ for redness, and ‘ora’ for rim. The name was inspired by the orange-red rim of the dorsal and caudal fins.

Remarks. This species has been traded as an ornamental fish since at least 2012 under the name “Channa sp. red fin” and has been referred to as Channa sp. Mogaung in Conte-Grand et al. (2017) and Rüber et al. (2020). Aquarium reports suggest that this is a mouthbrooding species, in which larvae and small juveniles are of a yellow colour. Among the Gachua group species in Myanmar, C. rubora is readily distinguished from all other species by its colour pattern, specifically the numerous tiny spots on the head and flanks. It is also clearly distinguished from C. burmanica by presence of pelvic fins (vs. absence). From the other three species described in this paper, C. coccinea, C. pyrophthalmus, and C. rakhinica, C. rubora also differs in lacking caniniform teeth on the palatine and dentary.

Channa coccinea, colouration in life, ZRC 64932, 120.5 mm SL; Myanmar, Kachin State, unnamed stream near Putao.
Channa pyrophthalmus, colouration in life, ZRC 64934, 121.3 mm SL; Myanmar, Tanintharyi Region, Lon Phaw, tributary of Kra Buri.

Channa coccinea, new species

Diagnosis. Channa coccinea can be distinguished from all other Myanmar species of the Gachua group by its colour pattern consisting of oblique reddish saddle-like markings and lines (vs. different colour pattern). It can be distinguished from C. burmanica, which occurs in the same area, by presence of pelvic fins (vs absence). It also differs from all Myanmar Gachua group snakeheads by a genetic distance of 3.5–19.9% in the COI gene.

Distribution. The new species was found in streams near Putao, Kachin State, northern Myanmar.

Etymology. The species name is derived from the Latin adjective ‘coccineus’, -a , -um, red, alluding to the reddish markings on the head and sides of the body.

Remarks. This species has been traded as an ornamental fish since early 2022 under the name “Channa sp. ignis”. Its reproductive mode is still unknown, but it is likely a mouthbrooder.

Channa pyrophthalmus, new species (Figs. 14–16)

Diagnosis. Channa pyrophthalmus is distinguished from other Myanmar species of the Gachua group by the colour pattern of its head consisting of a bright orange suborbital patch combined with steel blue lips. It is further distinguished from them by generally having fewer dorsal- (32–34 vs. 34–40) and anal-fin rays (20–22 vs. 22–27) and vertebrae (40–41 vs. 41–48). It also differs substantially from all Myanmar Gachua group snakeheads by a genetic distance of 10.1–18.8% in the COI gene.

Distribution. The new species is known from the area around Lon Phaw, Kra Buri River drainage, southern Tanintharyi Region, close to the border with Thailand.

Etymology. The species name is derived from the Greek words πῦρ (pyr), fire, and ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmos), eye. It was inspired by the bright orange area under the eye, a colour reminiscent of that of glowing embers. Used as a noun in apposition.

Remarks. This species has been traded as an ornamental fish since 2009 under the name “Channa sp. ice & fire” or “Channa sp. fire and ice” and has been referred to as Channa sp. Tenasserim in Conte-Grand et al. (2017) and Rüber et al. (2020). Aquarium reports suggest that this is a mouthbrooding species. Among the Gachua group species in Myanmar, C. pyrophthalmus is readily distinguished from all other species by its colour pattern which includes a bright orange are around the eye combined with light blue lips and throat and a light blue margin of the anterior infraorbitals. Among Myanmar Gachua group snakehead fishes, it has the lowest dorsal- (32–34) and anal-fin ray (20–22), as well as vertebral counts (40–41).

Ralf Britz, Tan Heok Hui and Lukas. 2024. Four New Species of Channa from Myanmar (Teleostei, Labyrinthici, Channidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 72; Pp. 1–25.

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ISSUE: VOL. 5403 NO. 3: 22 JAN. 2024
TYPE: CORRESPONDENCE
PUBLISHED: 2024-01-22
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5403.3.10
PAGE RANGE: 396-400
ABSTRACT VIEWS: 1
PDF DOWNLOADED: 0

Range extension of the Honduran endemic killifish Tlaloc portillorum (Matamoros & Schaefer 2010) (Cyprinodontiformes: Profundulidae): new records from the upper reaches of the Patuca and Choluteca Rivers

PISCESCYPRINODONTIFORMESPROFUNDULIDAETLALOC PORTILLORUMPATUCA AND CHOLUTECA RIVERS

NO FURTHER INFORMATION AT THE MOMENT

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Redescription and first Japanese seamount record of Stethopristes eos (Zeiformes; Parazenidae)

PISCESKAGARIBI-MATODAINEW STANDARD JAPANESE NAMETELEOSTEIDEEP-SEAMARINE PROTECTED AREA

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AbstractDuring a biodiversity survey conducted in 2020, focusing on seamounts located in the southern region of Japan, specifically designated as marine protected areas, a single specimen of Stethopristes eos Gilbert, 1905 measuring 124.2 mm in standard length was obtained via the use of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The collection occurred at a depth of 519 meters on the Ritto Seamount, located along the western Mariana Ridge. However, this species is poorly known, with only a limited dataset available concerning its morphology. In this study, we present a comprehensive redescription of the species, utilizing information obtained from the type specimens and a newly discovered specimen from Japanese waters. The Japanese specimen constitutes the first recorded occurrence of this species within the western Pacific Ocean. As part of this redescription, we suggest new standard Japanese names for both the genus and species.
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ISSUE: VOL. 5399 NO. 2: 11 JAN. 2024
TYPE: ARTICLE
PUBLISHED: 2024-01-11
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5399.2.7
PAGE RANGE: 181-189
ABSTRACT VIEWS: 203
PDF DOWNLOADED: 6

Description of a rock-dwelling cichlid that re-invaded the sand substrate in Lake Malaŵi, Africa

PISCESMBUNASAND-DWELLING CICHLIDPSEUDOTROPHEUSLIKOMA ISLAND

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AbstractPseudotropheus Regan had been a catch-all genus for many of the rock-dwelling cichlids of Lake Malaŵi, known as mbuna, for over half a century. Although many of the species previously assigned to this genus have since been allocated to other genera there are still about a dozen species in the genus that do not appear to be closely related to its type species, P. williamsi, but for which no better placement could be found. Pseudotropheus livingstonii (Boulenger) is one such species and the new species described herein appears to be closely related and has for that reason been temporarily assigned to Pseudotropheus. Pseudotropheus likomae n. sp. from Likoma Island can be diagnosed from all other Pseudotropheus spp., by having five or fewer distinct vertical bars below the dorsal fin and two horizontal stripes in mature individuals.
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Luciogobius griseus • A New subtropical Species of Goby of the Genus Luciogobius (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from southwestern Japan

Luciogobius griseus
Koreeda, Maeda & Motomura, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5361.3.5
kagoshima-u.ac.jp

Abstract
Luciogobius griseus n. sp., belonging to the Luciogobius platycephalus complex, is described on the basis of 40 specimens from the Nansei Islands, southwestern Japan (subtropical area). The new species is generally found in intertidal gravel sediments subjected to freshwater runoff from springs on coastal lines or river mouths and is characterized by the following combination of characters: total second dorsal-fin rays 9–12 (modally 11); total anal-fin rays usually 12–14 (modally 13); pectoral-fin rays 12–15 (modally 13); vertebrae 17 or 18 + 23 or 24 = 40–42 (18 + 23 = 41); uppermost 2–4 (2–3) rays on pectoral fin free; 8–12 pectoral-fin rays branched (uppermost free rays and sometimes lowermost ray unbranched); pectoral-fin membrane not strongly concave anteriorly (except for free rays); pelvic fins united, forming a disk; head relatively short, 13.9–20.8% of standard length (SL); relatively short pre-pelvic fin, length 14.4–22.1% of SL; relatively long pre-dorsal fin, length 68.9–72.9% of SL; relatively long pre-anal fin, length 63.5–67.7% of SL; relatively short pelvic fin, length 2.8–4.7% of SL; distance between posterior end of pelvic fin and anus relatively long, 32.0–36.4% of SL (aforementioned morphometrics each distinguishing L. griseus n. sp. from other species in the L. platycephalus complex); and fresh specimens with greenish dark brown or gray body. A key to the L. platycephalus complex is provided, together with limited descriptions and remarks on the other two members of the complex.

Keywords: Pisces, actinopterygii, teleostei, Nansei Islands, osumi Line

Reo Koreeda, Ken Maeda and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2023. A New subtropical Species of Goby of the Genus Luciogobius (Gobiidae) from southwestern Japan. Zootaxa. 5361(3); 390-408. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5361.3.5

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SSUE: VOL. 5399 NO. 1: 10 JAN. 2024
TYPE: ARTICLE
PUBLISHED: 2024-01-10
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5399.1.3
PAGE RANGE: 37-51
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The first record of Egglestonichthys bombylios (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from China with its first fresh colouration information

PISCESEGGLESTONE’S BUMBLEBEE GOBYFIRST RECORDMORPHOLOGYMITOCHONDRIAL GENOMEFUJIANZHEJIANGSOUTH CHINA SEA

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AbstractDuring bottom trawl surveys carried out between 2013–2021, 52 specimens (33.8–54.0 mm SL) of Egglestone’s bumblebee goby Egglestonichthys bombylios were collected at a depth of 1.5–15 m from Dongshan Bay, Sanmen Bay, and Niushan Island, China. They represent the first records of this species from China. A full description, including fresh colouration of the species is provided as it is poorly known. The individuals collected in China agree with most morphological features of the holotype, except for the pelvic fin fraenum that was not observed or appears to be absent in most specimens. A strong relationship between E. bombylios, Larsonella pumilus, and the genus Priolepis is herein demonstrated by the mitochondrial genome sequences of E. bombylios and twenty closely related species. This study enriches the existing genetic data of the so-called Priolepis lineage and provides useful insights into the phylogenetic relationships across species of the genera Egglestonichthys, Priolepis, and Larsonella.

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Cracking the glass-perchlet code: Integrative taxonomy uncovers high species-level diversity within the glass-perchlet genus Ambassis (Ambassidae) in tropical AsiaSiti Zafirah Ghazali, Sébastien Lavoué, Norli Fauzani Mohd Abu Hassan Alshari, Danial Hariz Zainal Abidin, Jamsari Amirul Firdaus Jamaluddin, Min Pau Tan, Siti Azizah Mohd Nor
First published: 11 December 2023

https://doi.org/10.1111/zsc.12640
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SHAREAbstractGlass-perchlets of the genus Ambassis (Teleostei; Ambassidae) form an important component of the brackish and marine coastal fish communities of tropical Asia. However, their species-level diversity is still poorly documented because of the absence of recent taxonomic revisions in this region and the limited availability of specimens for research. In addition, long-standing taxonomic and nomenclatural issues complicate the studies of this genus. Herein, we examine the diversity of Ambassis in Peninsular Malaysia using an integrative taxonomic approach and a large set of recently collected specimens from this region. Our initial morphological observations of 260 specimens revealed the presence of eight species, identified as Ambassis dussumieri, Ambassis interrupta, Ambassis kopsii, Ambassis macracanthus, Ambassis nalua, Ambassis octava, Ambassis urotaenia and Ambassis vachellii. We then sequenced the barcode fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for 122 of our specimens, representing all eight morpho-species. Automatic species delimitation methods recovered nine Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) because A. interrupta is made of two MOTUs. Morphological re-examination within A. interrupta detected variation at one character, congruent with molecular delimitation. Overall, our integrative approach unveiled rich species-level diversity within the genus Ambassis in Peninsular Malaysia, with the presence of nine species. Further comparisons between our COI dataset and the COI sequences archived in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) from specimens of Ambassis broadly collected in tropical Asian regions, indicated regional-scale hidden diversity and identification conflicts, triggering the need for a complete taxonomic revision of this genus.

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Fishes of the highlands and escarpments of Angola and Namibia PH Skelton
URL: https://www.nje.org.na/.../nje/article/view/volume8-skelton Published online: 15th December 2023

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A taxonomic review of the Neotropical electric fish Rhamphichthys (Gymnotiformes: Rhamphichthyidae)

AUTHORSHIP SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

AbstractThe species diversity and taxonomy of Rhamphichthys is reviewed and seven species are considered valid: Rhamphichthys apurensis from the Orinoco and Cuyuni river basins; R. drepanium from the Amazon and Orinoco river basins; R. hahni from the Paraná-Paraguay River system; R. heleios and R. lineatus from the Amazon River basin; R. pantherinus from theupper Orinoco, Essequibo, Amazon and coastal rivers of North Brazil,and R. rostratus from the upper Orinoco, Amazon and coastal rivers of Guianas. Based on the examination of specimens from nominal species, from across their geographic ranges, including specimen types, the previous synonymization of four species (R. blochii, R. reinhardti, R. schomburgki, and R. schneideri)with R. rostratus,and R. marmoratus with R. pantherinus is confirmed. Two other nominal species, R. atlanticus and R. longior, are proposed as junior synonyms of R. pantherinus.Species are redescribed and diagnosed based on color pattern, morphometric, meristic, and internal anatomy characters.Distribution maps and an identification key based on the examination of a comprehensive list of materials are also provided

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doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0012

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Parascolopsis akatamae • A New Species of Dwarf Monocle Bream (Perciformes: Nemipteridae) from the Indo-West Pacific, with Redescription of closely related Species P. eriomma

[A] Parascolopsis akatamae n. sp. Miyamoto, McMahan & Kaneko, 2020
[B] P. eriomma (Jordan & Richardson, 1909)

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4881.1.6

Abstract
A new species of dwarf monocle bream, Parascolopsis akatamae n. sp., is described from the Indo-West Pacific. The new species is distinguished from all other species of Parascolopsis in having 16–19 gill rakers on the first arch, length of forked part of caudal fin 5.8–6.5 times in standard length, eye diameter 1.3–1.8 times in length of the longest dorsal-fin spine, and a pale yellow stripe present from lower edge of the eye to posterior edge of the preopercle. Parascolopsis eriomma (Jordan & Richardson, 1909) is morphologically very similar to the new species and the two have been confused with each other for a long time. Therefore, we redescribe P. eriomma based on the holotype and newly collected specimens. In addition, we found that patterns of biofluorescence emission for both species are clearly different. This suggests that their biofluorescence patterns may function in distinguishing each other.

Keywords: Pisces, Actinopterygii, Taxonomy, biofluorescence

Parascolopsis akatamae n. sp. (A) and P. eriomma (B–C).
A) fresh specimen, OCF-P4098, holotype, 160.5 mm SL, Okinawa-jima Island, Japan;
B) fresh specimen, OCF-P4097, 154.4 mm SL, Okinawa-jima Island, Japan;
C) preserved specimen, FMNH 52247, holotype, 190.9 mm SL, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Fresh specimens of Parascolopsis akatamae n. sp. (A–D) and P. eriomma (E–F) at different growth stages.
A) OCF-P4119, 98.3 mm SL, Okinawa-jima Island, Japan; B) OCF-P4071, 140.1 mm SL, Okinawa-jima Island, Japan; C) OCF-P4123, 179.7 mm SL, Okinawa-jima Island, Japan; D) OCF-P4089, 252.7 mm SL, Ishigaki-jima Island, Japan;
E) OCF-P4212, 139.6 mm SL, Okinawa-jima Island, Japan; F) OCF-P3889, 172.8 mm SL, Okinawa-jima Island, Japan.

Parascolopsis akatamae n. sp.
[English name: Rosy dwarf monocle bream;
Standard Japanese name: Aka-tamagashira]

Diagnosis. Distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: gill rakers on first arch 16–19; caudal fin lightly forked, length of forked part of caudal fin 5.8–6.5 times in SL (Figs. 1A, 2A–D, 3A); eye diameter 1.3–1.8 times in length of longest dorsal-fin spine (Fig. 3B); pale yellow stripe present from lower edge of the eye to posterior edge of the preopercle (Figs. 1A, 2A–D); strong biofluorescence emission observed on isthmus and branchiostegal membrane (Fig. 4A–C) (see paragraph of biofluorescence emission patterns).

Etymology. Parascolopsis akatamae n. sp. has long been confused with P. eriomma. P. akatamae is more widely distributed than P. eriomma (Fig. 5), and more common at least in Japan and Taiwan (Hung et al. 2016; this study). Therefore, the English name “Rosy dwarf monocle bream” and Japanese name “Aka-tamagashira” previously used for P. eriomma more appropriately applies to the new species to avoid unnecessary confusion. The specific epithet “akatamae” is derived from the local name in Japan of the type locality.

Parascolopsis eriomma (Jordan & Richardson, 1909)
[New English name: Swallowtail dwarf monocle bream;
New standard Japanese name: Ennbi-aka-tamagashira]

Etymology. Previously, the English name “Rosy dwarf monocle bream” and Japanese name “Aka-tamagashi-ra” were used for P. eriomma. However, this study revealed that previously recognized P. eriomma included P. akatamae n. sp. This species is more narrowly distributed than P. akatamae (Fig. 5) and very rare at least in Japan and Taiwan (Hung et al. 2016; this study). Therefore, the English name “Rosy dwarf monocle bream” and Japanese name “Aka-tamagashira,” which were previously used for P. eriomma, were applied to P. akatamae, and a new English name, “Swallowtail dwarf monocle bream” and new standard Japanese name, “Ennbi-aka-tamagashira” have been applied to this P. eriomma. The Japanese “Ennbi” means tail of swallow and is derived from shape of the caudal fin of the species.

Biofluorescence emission patterns of Parascolopsis akatamae n. sp. (A–C, OCF-P4098, holotype, 160.5 mm SL) and P. eriomma (D–F, OCF-P4097, 154.4 mm SL).
A,D) lateral view, under white light; B,E) lateral view, under blue light; C,F) ventral view, under blue light.

Kei Miyamoto, Caleb D. McMahan and Atsushi Kaneko. 2020. Parascolopsis akatamae, A New Species of Dwarf Monocle Bream (Perciformes: Nemipteridae) from the Indo-West Pacific, with Redescription of closely related Species P. eriomma. Zootaxa. 4881(1); 91–103. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4881.1.6
twitter.com/gobysimon/status/1331311975188602883

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Balitora anlongensis, the first cavefish species of the genus Balitora (Teleostei, Balitoridae) from Guizhou Province, southwest China
Tao Luo, Zhi-Xia Chen, Xin-Rui Zhao, Jing Yu, Chang-Ting Lan, Jia-Jun Zhou, Ning Xiao, Jiang ZhouAbstractThis work describes a new species, Balitora anlongensis sp. nov., collected from a cave at Xinglong Town, Anlong County, Guzihou, China. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes show that the new species represents an independent evolutionary lineage with large genetic differences, 7.1%–12.0% in mitochondrial gene cytochrome b and 9.2%–12.1% in cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, from congeners. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from the 18 species currently assigned to the genus Balitora by a combination of characters, most clearly by having two pairs of maxillary barbels; 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays; 5½ branched anal-fin rays; pectoral fin not reaching pelvic fin origin; dorsal-fin origin in front of pelvic fin origin; eye small (eye diameter approximately equal to outer maxillary barbel length); and fins lacking pigment in live fish. The new species represents the first record of Balitora inhabiting caves in China and increases the number of species in the genus Balitora in its present concept from 18 to 19. The study suggests that more evidence is needed to further clarify the taxonomic composition of the genus Balitora.
Key wordsNanpanjiang River, stone loach, taxonomy, phylogeny
IntroductionThe karst region of southwest China is well known as a distinctive center and hotspot of biodiversity (Myers et al. 2000). Distinctive karst habitats have created varied natural landscapes and organisms, such as cave river ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. Cavefishes are typical cave organisms (Niemiller et al. 2019). In China, there are approximately 170 endemic species of cavefishes belonging to two orders (Cypriniformes and Siluriformes) and four families (Cyprinidae, Nemacheilidae, Cobitidae, and Amblycipitidae) (Ma et al. 2019). In previous reports, cavefishes were mainly recorded in the Cyprinidae (83 species), Nemacheilidae (77 species), and Cobitidae (eight species) (Ma et al. 2019) (Suppl. material 1). New discoveries may be possible at the family, genus, and species level, considering that past surveys and reports of cavefishes have mainly focused on Guangxi and Yunnan provinces, China (Ma et al. 2019).
The genus Balitora, Gray, 1830 was established with Balitora brucei as the type species, originally placed in the Cobitidae (Gray, 1830), and is now placed within the Balitoridae (Fricke et al. 2023). Hemimyzon Regan, 1911 and Sinohomaloptera Fang, 1930, which are taxonomically closely related to Balitora, were established using H. formosanum and S. kwangsiensis, respectively, as the type species. The genus Balitora has long been the subject of taxonomic controversy, with different taxonomic schemes proposed based on morphological differences. Chen (1978) recognized one pair of maxillary barbels as a character that distinguishes Balitora from other genera. Later, several new Balitora species were reported, including B. pengi Huang, 1982, B. tchangi Zheng, 1982, B. nujiangensis Zhang & Zheng, 1983, and B. elongata Chen & Li, 1985 (Zheng et al. 1982; Zheng and Zhang 1983; Li and Chen 1985), which are currently placed in the genus Hemimyzon (Kottelat and Chu 1988). Kottelat and Chu (1988) and Kottelat (1988) reviewed the genus and considered Sinohomaloptera to be a synonym of Balitora as having one or two pairs of maxillary barbels. Based on three or more unbranched pelvic fin rays, B. pengi, B. tchangi, B. nujiangensis, and B. elongata were placed in Hemimyzon, while species with two branched pelvic fin rays were placed in Balitora, namely B. lancangjiangensis (Zheng, 1980), B. kwangsiensis (Fang, 1930), and B. longibarbata (Chen, 1982) (Kottelat and Chu 1988). Chen (1990) accepted this suggestion for a taxonomic revision of the species distributed in Yunnan. However, the suggestion of Kottelat and Chu (1988) was not adopted by Chinese scholars, and species were still placed in Balitora based on the number of maxillary barbel, and Sinohomaloptera was considered valid (Chen and Tang 2000; Jiang et al. 2016). Nevertheless, previous morphology-based studies have not resolved the phylogenetic relationships between Balitora, Hemimyzon and Sinohomaloptera due to a lack of molecular evidence.
Few molecular markers have been used to assess the phylogeny of the genus Balitora. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed by Šlechtová et al. (2007) based on the nuclear gene RAG1 showed that a species identified as Balitora sp. cf. burmanica showed that the genus Balitora is nested within the genus Homaloptera. The phylogeny of Liu et al. (2012a) based on mitochondrial (COI and ND4+ND5) and nuclear genes (RH1, RAG1, EGR2B, and IRBP), on the other hand, supports the view that Balitora (S. kwangsiensis) is close to Sinogastromyzon. Kumkar et al. (2016a) used two mitochondria (COI and Cyt b) to show for the first time phylogenetically that Balitora is not a monophyletic, but can be divided into three major clades. Keskar et al. (2018) then supported Balitora as a sister clade of Lepidocephalichthys based on mitochondrial COI and Cyt b. Tao et al. (2019) recovered Balitora (only B. elongata) as a sister clade of Sinohomaloptera (only S. kwangsiensis) based on a large-scale phylogeny of one mitochondrial and 14 nuclear genes. More recently, a phylogeny based on the mitochondrial genome (only B. ludongensis Liu & Chen, 2012) strongly support Balitora being close to ((Jinshaia + Lepturichthys) + Sinogastromyzon) (Shao et al. 2020). Based on the above various studies, it can be concluded that the phylogenetic position of the genus Balitora is unclear and may not be monophyletic.
To date, the classification of the genus remains controversial, mainly because of the lack of clear phylogenetic relationships and stable morphological characters among Balitora, Hemimyzon, and Sinohomaloptera (Table 1). In this study, we followed the latest taxonomic scheme after a comprehensive review, and Balitora was recorded with 19 species (Table 1), of which ten species are distributed in China, namely B. brucei Gray, 1830, B. burmanica Hora, 1932, B. elongata, B. kwangsiensis, B. lancangjiangensis, B. longibarbata, B. ludongensis, B. nantingensis Chen, Cui & Yang, 2005, B. meridionalis Kottelat, 1988, and B. tchangi (Liu et al. 2012b; Jiang et al. 2016) (Table 1). However, because this work did not have access to the original data for the four species (B. haithanhi, B. nigrocorpa, B. vanlani, and B. vanlongi) described by Nguyen (2005), as well as because B. haithanhi Nguyen, 2005, B. nigrocorpa Nguyen, 2005, and B. vanlani Nguyen, 2005 were used as synonyms of B. kwangsiensis and B. vanlongi was used as a synonym of B. lancangjiangensis (Kottelat 2012, 2013), considering that there are no significant morphological differences between them, together with the fact that these four species are from Vietnam, they are unlikely to be conspecific (Bhoite et al. 2012). Thus, these four species were excluded from the diagnosis of the new species (Conway and Mayden 2010; Bhoite et al. 2012; Liu et al. 2012a). To date, no cave species have been discovered within the genus Balitora.

Link to full paper zookeys.pensoft.net/article/108545/

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Phylogenomics and Morphology of the African Fish Genus Brycinus with Revalidation of Brachyalestes and Description of a New Species from the Congo Basin (Teleostei: Alestidae)
Melanie L. J. Stiassny, Cooper Keane, José J. M. M. Mbimbi, Bruno F. Melo
Author Affiliations +
Ichthyology & Herpetology, 111(4):597-611 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2023033

AbstractA time-calibrated phylogeny, based on nuclear ultraconserved elements and including representatives of all major alestid lineages, strongly supports two distantly related clades within the currently accepted concept of Brycinus. The first, which includes the type species of the genus, B. macrolepidotus (herein Brycinus), and a second, composed of taxa previously referred to as the B. nurse group (herein Brachyalestes), are both resolved as monophyletic. These results provide strong evidence for the restriction of the genus Brycinus to nine species, and for the revalidation of the genus Brachyalestes to accommodate 20 valid species. Within Brachyalestes, a new species from the Lulua River basin, initially misidentified as Brycinus kingsleyae, is described and resolved as sister to the widespread, central Congolese lowland species, Brachyalestes bimaculatus. Within Brachyalestes, a subclade mostly restricted to the Central Congo basin is estimated to have undergone diversification within the last 10 million years, suggesting that Late Neogene riverine reorganization likely influenced their allopatric speciation. The split of the new species, endemic to high elevation tributaries of the Lulua River, from its lowland sister species, Brachyalestes bimaculatus, suggests a Late Miocene/Early Pliocene colonization into the upland river ecosystems of the Katanga plateau in the southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Two new remarkable and endangered catfish species of the genus Cambeva (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from southern Brazil

Wilson J.E.M. CostaLaboratory of Systematics and Evolution of Teleost Fishes, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Caixa Postal 68049, CEP 21941-971, Rio de Janeiro, Brazilhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-0428-638X
Caio R.M. FeltrinAv. Municipal, 45, Siderópolis, CEP 88860-000, Santa Catarina, Brazilhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1609-7295
Axel M. KatzLaboratory of Systematics and Evolution of Teleost Fishes, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Caixa Postal 68049, CEP 21941-971, Rio de Janeiro, Brazilhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-2933-7163

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.794.1661
Keywords: comparative morphology, mountain biodiversity, osteology, Rio Uruguai basinABSTRACTDuring a field inventory directed at trichomycterine habitats, two new species of the genus Cambeva, C. alphabelardense sp. nov. and C. betabelardense sp. nov., were found in the Rio Chapecó drainage, an area under high environmental decline due to intensive soya monoculture. These species share a peculiar head morphology and some unique osteological features, besides having a size that is smaller than in any other congener, being herein considered to be more closely related to each other than to other taxa. They differ from each other by several characters, including head shape, fin morphology, number of jaw teeth and opercular odontodes, and mesethmoid and metapterygoid shape. Furthermore, they were found in the same area, but in distinct biotopes, with one species found buried in the remnants of tree ferns and other plants on the stream bottom, restricted to a small residual fragment of the original forest, and the other species inhabiting a stream with gravel and small stones on the bottom. Field studies indicate that these species are threatened with extinction. Robust phylogenetic studies are still necessary to test relationship hypotheses involving the new taxa here described.

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Triplophysa cehengensis, T. rongduensis, etc. • Four New hypogean Species of the Genus Triplophysa (Cypriniformes:, Nemacheilidae) from Guizhou Province, Southwest China, based on molecular and morphological data

Triplophysa cehengensis Luo, Mao, Zhao, Xiao & Zhou,
T. rongduensis Mao, Zhao, Yu, Xiao & Zhou,
T. panzhouensis Yu, Luo, Lan, Xiao & Zhou,
T. anlongensis Song, Luo, Lan, Zhao, Xiao & Zhou,

in Luo, Mao, Lan, Song, Zhao, Yu, Wang, Xiao, Zhou et Zhou, 2023.
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1185.105499

Abstract
Recently described cave species of the genus Triplophysa have been discovered in southwestern China, suggesting that the diversity of the genus is severely underestimated and that there may be many undescribed species. In this work, four new species of the genus Triplophysa are described from southwestern Guizhou Province, China, namely Triplophysa cehengensis Luo, Mao, Zhao, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. and Triplophysa rongduensis Mao, Zhao, Yu, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. from Rongdu Town, Ceheng County, Guizhou, Triplophysa panzhouensis Yu, Luo, Lan, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. from Hongguo Town, Panzhou City, Guizhou, and Triplophysa anlongensis Song, Luo, Lan, Zhao, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov. from Xinglong Town, Anlong County, Guizhou. These four new species can be distinguished from all recognized congeners by a combination of morphological characteristics and significant genetic divergences. The discovery of these species increases the number of known cave species within the genus Triplophysa to 39, making the genus the second most diverse group of cave fishes in China after the golden-line fish genus Sinocyclocheilus. Based on the non-monophyletic relationships of the different watershed systems in the phylogenetic tree, this study also discusses the use of cave species of the genus Triplophysa to determine the possible historical connectivity of river systems.

Key words: Diversity, karst cave, morphology, new species, taxonomy, Triplophysa

Triplophysa cehengensis sp. nov. in life
A holotype GZNU20230214010 B paratype GZNU20230214011.

Triplophysa rongduensis sp. nov. in life, paratype GZNU20230106001
A left side view B right side view.

 Triplophysa cehengensis Luo, Mao, Zhao, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet cehengensis is in reference to the type locality of the new species: Longjing Village, Rongdu Town, Ceheng County. We propose the common English name “Ceheng high-plateau loach” and the Chinese name “Cè Hēng Gāo Yuán Qīu (册亨高原鳅)”.

 Triplophysa rongduensis Mao, Zhao, Yu, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet rongduensis is in reference to the type locality of the new species: Rongdu Town, Ceheng County, Guizhou Province, China. We propose the common English name “Rongdu high-plateau loach” and the Chinese name “Rǒng Dù Gāo Yuán Qīu (冗渡高原鳅).”

Triplophysa panzhouensis sp. nov. in life, paratype GZNU20230115001
A left side view B right side view.
Triplophysa anlongensis sp. nov. in life, paratype GZNU20230215022
A left side view B right side view.
 Triplophysa panzhouensis Yu, Luo, Lan, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet panzhouensis is in reference to the type locality of the new species: Hongguo Town, Panzhou City, Guizhou Province, China. We propose the common English name “Panzhou high-plateau loach” and the Chinese name “Pán Zhõu Gāo Yuán Qīu (盘州高原鳅).”

 Triplophysa anlongensis Lan, Song, Luo, Zhao, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet anlongensis is in reference to the type locality of the new species: NaNao Village, Xinglong Town, Anlong County, Guizhou Province, China. We propose the common English name “Anlong high-plateau loach” and the Chinese name “ān lóng Gāo Yuán Qīu (安龙高原鳅).”

Tao Luo, Ming-Le Mao, Chang-Ting Lan, Ling-Xing Song, Xin-Rui Zhao, Jing Yu, Xing-Liang Wang, Ning Xiao, Jia-Jun Zhou and Jiang Zhou. 2023. Four New hypogean Species of the Genus Triplophysa (Osteichthyes, Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from Guizhou Province, Southwest China, based on molecular and morphological data. ZooKeys. 1185: 43-81. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1185.105499

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A new subtropical species of goby of the genus Luciogobius (Gobiidae) from southwestern Japan

PISCESACTINOPTERYGIITELEOSTEINANSEI ISLANDSOSUMI LINE

PDF(14.98MB)

AbstractLuciogobius griseus n. sp., belonging to the Luciogobius platycephalus complex, is described on the basis of 40 specimens from the Nansei Islands, southwestern Japan (subtropical area). The new species is generally found in intertidal gravel sediments subjected to freshwater runoff from springs on coastal lines or river mouths and is characterized by the following combination of characters: total second dorsal-fin rays 9–12 (modally 11); total anal-fin rays usually 12–14 (modally 13); pectoral-fin rays 12–15 (modally 13); vertebrae 17 or 18 + 23 or 24 = 40–42 (18 + 23 = 41); uppermost 2–4 (2–3) rays on pectoral fin free; 8–12 pectoral-fin rays branched (uppermost free rays and sometimes lowermost ray unbranched); pectoral-fin membrane not strongly concave anteriorly (except for free rays); pelvic fins united, forming a disk; head relatively short, 13.9–20.8% of standard length (SL); relatively short pre-pelvic fin, length 14.4–22.1% of SL; relatively long pre-dorsal fin, length 68.9–72.9% of SL; relatively long pre-anal fin, length 63.5–67.7% of SL; relatively short pelvic fin, length 2.8–4.7% of SL; distance between posterior end of pelvic fin and anus relatively long, 32.0–36.4% of SL (aforementioned morphometrics each distinguishing L. griseus n. sp. from other species in the L. platycephalus complex); and fresh specimens with greenish dark brown or gray body. A key to the L. platycephalus complex is provided, together with limited descriptions and remarks on the other two members of the complex.

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Phylogenomics of the narrowly endemic Eurycheilichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): Sympatric Species with Non-sister Relationships suggest mainly Allopatric Speciation

Armored catfishes of the genus Eurycheilichthys

in Delapieve, Rocha & Reis, 2023.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107970

Highlights
• Phylogenomic inference for Eurycheilichthys based on ddRAD sequence data.
• Monophyly of most, but not all, morphospecies corroborated by genome-wide data.
• Most sympatric species are not sister lineages, suggesting allopatric diversification and secondary contact.
• Higher diversity among lineages in the Taquari-Antas basin indicates a more dynamic landscape.
• Eastern clade species should be target by future studies to assess the presence of cryptic species or hybridization.

Abstract
Armored catfishes of the genus Eurycheilichthys are endemic to Southern Brazil and Misiones (Argentina) comprising nine species of small size, with a high degree of sympatry and species diversity distributed in two river basins. Here we use new genome-wide data to infer a species phylogeny and test species boundaries for this poorly known group. We estimate 1) the phylogenetic relationships of the species of Eurycheilichthys based on 29,350 loci in 65 individuals of nine species plus outgroups, and 2) the population structure and differentiation based on 43,712 loci and 62 individuals to estimate how geography may have acted on speciation and formation of the sympatric species groups. Analyses support the monophyly of the genus and suggest two species-inclusive clades (East and West) with high support and very recently diverged species. Western clade contains E. limulus (from upper Jacuí River basin) that is sister to Western species of the Taquari-Antas basin plus E. paucidens. The Eastern clade contains E. pantherinus (from Uruguay River basin) sister to the Eastern species of the Taquari-Antas basin E. coryphaenus, plus the central-distributed species E. planus and E. vacariensis, and the more widely-distributed species E. luisae. Eurycheilichthys luisae is not monophyletic and may contain one or more cryptic species or hybrid individuals. A stronger diversity on structure of lineages on the Taquari-Antas, when compared to upper Uruguay and Jacuí River basins, and the fact that most of the sympatrically distributed taxa have non-sister relationships suggest a scenario of mainly allopatric speciation and may indicate a more dynamic landscape with headwater capture events among these tributaries.

Keywords: Neotropics, Biodiversity, Cascudinhos, ddRADseq, Phylogenetics

Maria Laura S. Delapieve, Luiz A. Rocha and Roberto E. Reis. 2023. Phylogenomics of the narrowly endemic Eurycheilichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): Sympatric Species with Non-sister Relationships suggest mainly Allopatric Speciation. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 190, 107970. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107970

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Ophichthus naevius • A New Snake Eel Species of the Genus Ophichthus (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from the southeast Coast of India, Bay of Bengal with Taxonomic Account of Ophichthus chilkensis

Ophichthus naevius
Kodeeswaran, Kathirvelpandian, Mohapatra, Thangappan Kumar & Sarkar, 2023

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15617
twitter.com/ParamasivamKod1

Abstract
A new species of the ophichthid eel of the family Ophichthidae is described based on five specimens collected from the Mudasalodai fish landing centre, Off Cuddalore coast, southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal. Ophichthus naevius sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having a unique colour pattern: dorsal body with dense of numerous dark spots or patches, ventral body pale yellowish green, dorsal fin origin just before pectoral fin tip, vertebral formula: 12–14/52–53/134–138, teeth on jaw uniserial and pointed. The study also reports the range extension and molecular evidence of Ophichthus chilkensis from south India. Molecular analyses were done for both species and their phylogenetic relationship suggests that the new species exhibit 10.2% genetic divergence with its' congener, O. sangjuensis followed by O. brevicaudatus (10.4%), and Ophichthus sp.1 (11.8%) also forms closest clade in both BI and ML Tree. Similarly, according to the topology of ML tree, the species O. chilkensis forms clade with Ophichthus sp. 5, O. remiger, O. frontalis, Ophichthus sp. 6 and O. rex. and suggests that would be the genetically closest congener.

Keywords: Molecular analyses, new species, Taxonomy

Ophichthus naevius sp. nov.

Paramasivam Kodeeswaran, Ayyathurai Kathirvelpandian, Anil Mohapatra, Thipramalai Thangappan Pillai Ajith Kumar and Uttam Kumar Sarkar. 2023. A New Snake Eel Species of the Genus Ophichthus (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from the southeast Coast of India, Bay of Bengal with Taxonomic Account of Ophichthus chilkensis. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15617
twitter.com/ParamasivamKod1/status/1725420202308112754

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Balitora anlongensis • the First Cavefish Species of the Genus Balitora (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) from Guizhou Province, southwest China

Balitora anlongensis Luo, Chen, Zhao, Yu, Lan & Zhou,

in Luo, Chen, Zhao, Yu, Lan, Zhou, Xiao et Zhou, 2023.
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1185.108545

Abstract
This work describes a new species, Balitora anlongensis sp. nov., collected from a cave at Xinglong Town, Anlong County, Guzihou, China. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes show that the new species represents an independent evolutionary lineage with large genetic differences, 7.1%–12.0% in mitochondrial gene cytochrome b and 9.2%–12.1% in cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, from congeners. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from the 18 species currently assigned to the genus Balitora by a combination of characters, most clearly by having two pairs of maxillary barbels; 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays; 5½ branched anal-fin rays; pectoral fin not reaching pelvic fin origin; dorsal-fin origin in front of pelvic fin origin; eye small (eye diameter approximately equal to outer maxillary barbel length); and fins lacking pigment in live fish. The new species represents the first record of Balitora inhabiting caves in China and increases the number of species in the genus Balitora in its present concept from 18 to 19. The study suggests that more evidence is needed to further clarify the taxonomic composition of the genus Balitora.

Key words: Nanpanjiang River, stone loach, taxonomy, phylogeny

Morphological characters of holotype GZNU20230215007 of Balitora anlongensis sp. nov. in preservative (10% formalin)
A lateral view B dorsal view C ventral view D ventral side view of head, and E dorsal side view of head. Photos from Tao Luo. Abbreviations: M, maxillary barbels; AN, anterior nostril.

Balitora anlongensis sp. nov. in life, paratypes GZNU20230106001 (photos A and B) and GZNU20230215014 (photo C)
A right-side view B ventral side view, and C dorsal view.
Photographs A, B were shot indoors at ~ 9:00 p.m. Photo C was taken in the cave at ~ 15:00 noon.

 Balitora anlongensis Luo, Chen, Zhao, Yu, Lan & Zhou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Balitora anlongensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) two pairs of maxillary barbels; (2) dorsal fin rays iii, 8½; (3) pectoral fin viii, 11; (4) pelvic fin rays ii, 9; (5) anal fin rays iii, 5½; (6) lateral-line scales 66–68; (7) tip of pectoral fin not reaching to the pelvic fin origin; (8) dorsal fin origin anterior to the pelvic fin origin; (9) tip of the pelvic fin reaching to the anus; (10) eyes small, eye diameter equal to outer maxillary barbel length; (11) six to seven indistinctly separated transversely oval blotches on the dorsal side; and (12) each fin transparent and unpigmented in life.

Etymology: The specific epithet “anlongensis” is in reference to the type locality of the new species: NaNao Village, Xinglong Town, Anlong County, Guizhou Province, China. We propose the common English name “Anlong stone loach” and the Chinese name “ān lóng Pá Qīu (安龙爬鳅)”.

Tao Luo, Zhi-Xia Chen, Xin-Rui Zhao, Jing Yu, Chang-Ting Lan, Jia-Jun Zhou, Ning Xiao and Jiang Zhou. 2023. Balitora anlongensis, the First Cavefish Species of the Genus Balitora (Teleostei, Balitoridae) from Guizhou Province, southwest China. ZooKeys. 1185: 21-42. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1185.108545

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Hyphessobrycon cantoi • A New Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes: Characidae) of the Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus species-group from the lower Amazon Basin, Brazil

Hyphessobrycon cantoi
Faria, Guimarães, Rodrigues, Oliveira & Lima, 2021

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2020-0102

ABSTRACT
A new species of Hyphessobrycon belonging to the Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus species-group from the lower rio Tapajós, state of Pará, Brazil, is described. The new species is allocated into the Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus species-group due to its color pattern, composed by an anteriorly well-defined, horizontally elongated humeral blotch that becomes diffuse and blurred posteriorly, where it overlaps with a conspicuous midlateral dark stripe that becomes blurred towards the caudal peduncle and the presence, in living specimens, of a tricolored longitudinal pattern composed by a dorsal red or reddish longitudinal stripe, a middle iridescent, golden or silvery longitudinal stripe, and a more ventrally-lying longitudinal dark pattern composed by the humeral blotch and dark midlateral stripe. It can be distinguished from all other species of the group by possessing humeral blotch with a straight or slightly rounded ventral profile, lacking a ventral expansion present in all other species of the group. The new species is also distinguished from Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus by a 9.6% genetic distance in the cytochrome c oxidase I gene. The little morphological distinction of the new species when compared with its most similar congener, H. heterorhabdus, indicates that the new species is one of the first truly cryptic fish species described from the Amazon basin.

Keywords: Biodiversity; Cryptic Species; DNA Barcoding; Rio Amazonas; Rio Tapajós.

Hyphessobrycon cantoi.
Living specimen, Brazil, Pará, Santarém, stream tributary of lago Maicá (not preserved).

Hyphessobrycon cantoi, new species

Diagnosis. Hyphessobrycon cantoi can be distinguished from all congeners, except H. amapaensis, H. ericae, H. heterorhabdus, H. sateremawe and H. wosiackii, by the presence of an elongated, anteriorly well-defined humeral blotch that becomes progressively diffuse and blurred posteriorly, overlapping with a midlateral dark stripe. Hyphessobrycon cantoi can be distinguished from H. ericae and H. wosiackii by lacking a caudal peduncle blotch (vs. presence of a caudal peduncle blotch). Hyphessobrycon cantoi can be distinguished from H. amapaensis, H. heterorhabdus and H. sateremawe by lacking a ventral extension of the humeral blotch (vs. ventral extension of the humeral blotch present, although absence of ventral extension may occurs in specimens of H. amapaensis). Hyphessobrycon cantoi can be further distinguished from H. amapaensis by presenting a conspicuous midlateral dark stripe (vs. inconspicuous midlateral dark stripe) and by possessing a relatively thin red longitudinal stripe (vs. midlateral red stripe very thick and conspicuous). Hyphessobrycon cantoi can be also further distinguished from H. sateremawe by presenting a humeral blotch narrower, occupying vertical height equivalent to less than one scale row to middle of body (vs. humeral blotch and continuous midlateral stripe broad, occupying vertical height equivalent of two scale rows to middle of body). Hyphessobrycon cantoi is also distinguished from H. heterorhabdus by >9% of genetic distance in the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. Hyphessobrycon cantoi can be distinguished from H. heterorhabdus by 53-79 mutations and from H. ericae by 87 mutations in the COI gene (S3).

Etymology. The specific name is a homage to André Luiz C. Canto, curator of the fish collection of the Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará (UFOPA), in recognition of his contribution to the knowledge of the fishes from the rio Tapajós basin. A genitive noun.

Tiago C. Faria, Karen L. A. Guimarães, Luís R. R. Rodrigues, Claudio Oliveira and Flávio C.T. Lima. 2021. A New Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes: Characidae) of the Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus species-group from the lower Amazon Basin, Brazil. Neotrop. ichthyol. 19(1); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2020-0102

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Amblyceps crassioris • A New sisoroid Catfish (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from Odisha, India

Amblyceps crassioris
Vijayakrishnan & Jayasimhan, 2023

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15599
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Abstract
Amblyceps crassioris, a new species of amblycipitid catfish, is described from the Mahanadi River basin in Odisha, India. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners in having a combination of the following characters: a deeply forked caudal fin, centrally projecting hooks on proximal lepidotrichia of median caudal-fin rays absent, jaws equal in length, lateral line absent, body depth at anus 15.1%–19.5% standard length (SL), caudal peduncle depth 13.0%–18.3% SL, adipose-fin base length 21.1%–27.1% SL, eye diameter 7.35%–14.1% head length and 38 total vertebrae.

Keywords: biogeography, cryptic diversity, Eastern Ghats, Mahanadi River, Sisoroidea

Cleared and stained caudal fin of Amblyceps sp.
(a) Amblyceps crassioris, paratype, showing absence of centrally projecting hooks (b) Amblyceps tenuisipinis showing poorly formed centrally projecting hooks and (c) Amblyceps arunachalense (Photo Credit : Achom Darshan) showing well-developed hooks on the proximal lepidotrichia of median caudal-fin rays.
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Amblyceps crassioris, a new species

Amblyceps crassioris habitat
photo by Abhisek Mishra

Balaji Vijayakrishnan and Praveenraj Jayasimhan. 2023. Amblyceps crassioris, A New sisoroid Catfish from Odisha, India (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae). Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15599
facebook.com/Meenkaran/posts/781103777364380
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Resolving Phylogenetic Relationships and Taxonomic Revision in the Pseudogastromyzon Genus (Cypriniformes: Gastromyzonidae): Molecular and Morphological Evidence for A New Genus, Labigastromyzon

in J. Chen, Y. Chen, Tang, Lei, Yan et Song, 2023.

DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12761
Researchgate.net/publication/373874401

Abstract
The Pseudogastromyzon genus, consisting of species predominantly distributed throughout southeastern China, has garnered increasing market attention in recent years due to its ornamental appeal. However, the overlapping diagnostic attributes render the commonly accepted criteria for interspecific identification unreliable, leaving the phylogenetic relationships among Pseudogastromyzon species unexplored. In the present study, we undertake molecular phylogenetic and morphological examinations of the Pseudogastromyzon genus. Our phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genes distinctly segregated Pseudogastromyzon species into two clades: the Pseudogastromyzon clade and the Labigastromyzon clade. A subsequent morphological assessment revealed that the primary dermal ridge (specifically, the second ridge) within the labial adhesive apparatus serves as an effective and precise interspecific diagnostic characteristic. Moreover, the distributional ranges of Pseudogastromyzon and Labigastromyzon are markedly distinct, exhibiting only a narrow area of overlap. Considering the morphological heterogeneity of the labial adhesive apparatus and the substantial division within the molecular phylogeny, we advocate for the elevation of the Labigastromyzon subgenus to the status of a separate genus. Consequently, we have ascertained the validity of the Pseudogastromyzon and Labigastromyzon species, yielding a total of six valid species. To facilitate future research, we present comprehensive descriptions of the redefined species and introduce novel identification keys.

Keywords: Labigastromyzon, mitochondrial genome, phylogeny, Pseudogastromyzon, taxonomy

Jingchen CHEN, Yiyu CHEN, Wenqiao TANG, Haotian LEI, Jinquan YAN and Xiaojing SONG. 2023. Resolving Phylogenetic Relationships and Taxonomic Revision in the Pseudogastromyzon (Cypriniformes, Gastromyzonidae) Genus: Molecular and Morphological Evidence for A New Genus, Labigastromyzon. Integrative Zoology. DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12761
Researchgate.net/publication/373874401_phylogenetic_relationships_and_taxonomic_revision_in_Pseudogastromyzon_et_Labigastromyzon

This research elucidates the marked geographical delineation between Pseudogastromyzon and Labigastromyzon genera, with a limited overlapping region. The evolution of labial structures from elementary to intricate morphologies aligns with mitochondrial genome phylogenetics. Notably, the labial adhesive apparatus in Pseudogastromyzon exhibits unimodal and bimodal morphotypes, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of species identification within this genus.

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Latest paper on the gymnotiform fauna of the triple border of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru!

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A new species of armored catfish of the genus Scobinancistrus (Loricariidae: Hypostominae) from the Xingu River basin, BrazilAUTHORSHIP SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

AbstractA new species of Scobinancistrus from the Xingu River, Brazil, is described. It can be distinguished from its congeners by color pattern and a combination of non-exclusive characters: overall body covered by large yellow spaced blotches over a dark background (vs. small round and densely packed spots over light or dark background in S. pariolispos and S. aureatus); lack of orange to yellow/orange distal band on dorsal and caudal fins (vs. presence in S. aureatus), dorsal fin not reaching adipose-fin supporting plate when adpressed (vs. reaching the adipose-fin plate in S. pariolispos and S. aureatus). The new species is only known from a portion of the middle Xingu River, ranging from the Volta Grande do Xingu, an area under a strong anthropic impact due to the construction of the Belo Monte dam, to near the Iriri River confluence with the Xingu River. Aspects concerning the species’ threats and its conservation status are discussed.

Links for full paper https://ni.bio.br/1982-0224-2023-0038/… https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0038

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Libys callolepis • The First Jurassic Coelacanth from Switzerland

Libys callolepis
Ferrante, Menkveld-Gfeller & Cavin, 2022

DOI: 10.1186/s13358-022-00257-z
Researchgate.net/publication/363791599
  twitter.com/Lionel_Cavin

Abstract
Coelacanths form a clade of sarcopterygian fish represented today by a single genus, Latimeria. The fossil record of the group, which dates back to the Early Devonian, is sparse. In Switzerland, only Triassic sites in the east and southeast of the country have yielded fossils of coelacanths. Here, we describe and study the very first coelacanth of the Jurassic period (Toarcian stage) from Switzerland. The unique specimen, represented by a sub-complete individual, possesses morphological characteristics allowing assignment to the genus Libys (e.g., sensory canals opening through a large groove crossed by pillars), a marine coelacanth previously known only in the Late Jurassic of Germany. Morphological characters are different enough from the type species, Libys polypterus, to erect a new species of Libys named Libys callolepis sp. nov. The presence of Libys callolepis sp. nov. in Lower Jurassic beds extends the stratigraphic range of the genus Libys by about 34 million years, but without increasing considerably its geographic distribution. Belonging to the modern family Latimeriidae, the occurrence of Libys callolepis sp. nov. heralds a long period, up to the present day, of coelacanth genera with very long stratigraphic range and reduced morphological disparity, which have earned them the nickname of ‘living fossils’.

Keywords: Sarcopterygii, Actinistia, Libys, New species, Mesozoic, Toarcian, Morphology

Skeleton of Libys callolepis sp. nov. on the part (holotype, NMBE 5034073).
A Photos with osteological details: 1, denticles on the proximal fin rays of the caudal fin. 2, Postparietal shield with the otic sensory canal opening as a deep groove crossed by pillars (white arrowhead). 3, Posterior parietal and the supraorbitals with their pillars (white arrowhead). 4, Consolidated snout with the anterior opening for the rostral organ (white arrowhead). 5, Teeth on the prearticular. B Semi-interpretative line drawing of the specimen

Libys callolepis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Libys species with the postparietal shield about half the length of the parietonasal shield (the parietonasal is then proportionally shorter than in the type species). The teeth covering the prearticular are very small, and rounded and smooth. Between 41–47 neural arches. Fin rays are slender than in the type species and then not expanded. The scales are strongly ornamented with irregularly sized and elongated round-to-ovoid ridges disposed along a longitudinal axis.

Etymology: From the ancient Greek καλός, kalós, (‘beautiful’, ‘nice’) and λεπίς, lepís, (‘scale’) in reference to the nicely ornamented scales of the species, which differentiates it from the type species.

Holotype and only known specimen: NMBE 5034072 and 5034073, a sub-complete specimen preserved in right lateral view as part and counterpart. Most of the bones, including the scales on the body, are preserved in anatomical position and only the bones of the cheek and the jaw are missing. The specimen is kept in the collections of the Natural History Museum Bern (Canton of Bern, Switzerland).

Horizon and type locality: Toarcian (Lower Jurassic), Creux de l’Ours section, locality of Les Pueys near the Teysachaux summit (Canton of Fribourg, Switzerland).

Skeleton of  Libys callolepis sp. nov. on the counterpart (holotype, NMBE 5034072).
A Photos with osteological details: 1, articular head of the scapulocoracoid. 2, Scales on the flank immediately beneath the first anterior dorsal fin. 3, Scales of the lateral line showing the ornamental pattern with the larger central tubercles (white arrowheads point, showed only on one scale). 4, Scales on the ventral flank from the pelvic to the anal fin. 5, Axial mesomere (white arrowhead) surrounded by some fin rays of the anal fin. 6, Axial mesomeres (white arrowhead) partially covered by sediment in the pelvic fin. B Semi-interpretative line drawing of the specimen

Christophe Ferrante, Ursula Menkveld-Gfeller and Lionel Cavin. 2022. The First Jurassic Coelacanth from Switzerland. Swiss Journal of Palaeontology. 141: 15. DOI: 10.1186/s13358-022-00257-z
Researchgate.net/publication/363791599_The_first_Jurassic_coelacanth_from_Switzerland
  twitter.com/Lionel_Cavin/status/1575729513513684993

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Labeo mbimbii & L. manasseeae • Two New Labeo (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae: Labeoninae) Endemic to the Lulua River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kasai Ecoregion); a Hotspot of Fish Diversity in the Congo Basin

Labeo mbimbii & L. manasseeae
Liyandja & Stiassny, 2023

DOI: 10.1206/3999.1
URI: hdl.handle.net/2246/7321
Researchgate.net/publication/370855834
Abstract
Labeo mbimbii, n. sp., and Labeo manasseeae, n. sp., two small-bodied Labeo species, are described from the lower and middle reaches of the Lulua River (Kasai ecoregion, Congo basin) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two new species are members of the L. forskalii species group and are genetically distinct from all other species of that clade. Morphologically they can be distinguished from central African L. forskalii group congeners except L. dhonti, L. lukulae, L. luluae, L. parvus, L. quadribarbis, and L. simpsoni in the possession of 29 or fewer (vs. 30 or more) vertebrae and from those congeners by a wider interpectoral, among other features.

The two new species are endemic to the Lulua River and, although overlapping in geographical range and most meristic and morphometric measures, are readily differentiated by differing numbers of fully developed supraneural bones, predorsal vertebrae, snout morphology, and additional osteological features. The description of these two species brings the total of Labeo species endemic to the Lulua basin to three. The third endemic species, L. luluae, was previously known only from the juvenile holotype, but numerous additional specimens have now been identified. The cooccurrence of 14 Labeo species in the Lulua River, three of which are endemic, highlights this system as a hotspot of Labeo diversity in the Congo basin and across the continent.

Keywords: Labeo mbimbii, Labeo manasseeae, Labeo, Classification, Cyprinida, Congo (Democratic Republic), Congo, Classification, Fishes

Labeo mbimbii, n. sp. Holotype (AMNH 277862, AMCC 249232):
A. lateral view, immediately postmortem; B. in preservation, lateral view; C. ventral view; and D. dorsal view. Scale bar = 1 cm.
Labeo manasseeae, n. sp. Holotype (AMNH 269110, AMCC 249240):
A. immediately postmortem; B. in preservation, lateral view; C. ventral view; and D. dorsal view. Scale bar = 1 cm

Labeo mbimbii, n. sp.
Labeo manasseeae, n. sp.

Tobit L.D. Liyandja and Melanie L.J. Stiassny. 2023. Description of Two New Labeo (Labeoninae; Cyprinidae) Endemic to the Lulua River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kasai Ecoregion); a Hotspot of Fish Diversity in the Congo Basin. American Museum Novitates. (3999); 1-22. DOI: 10.1206/3999.1 URI: hdl.handle.net/2246/7321
Researchgate.net/publication/370855834_Description_of_two_new_Labeo_endemic_to_the_Lulua_River_in_DR_Congo

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A new species of Trimma of the T. taylori species group (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Red Sea, Indian Ocean

PISCESTAXONOMYPYGMYGOBYCORAL REEF GOBIESSAUDI ARABIACORAL ECOSYSTEMS

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AbstractA new species of Trimma is described from the Red Sea along the Saudi Arabian coast. Specimens and/or photographs of this species are available from the Egyptian Red Sea to Eritrea. These specimens, formerly identified as T. taylori, differ from all other samples from the Indo-Pacific currently identified as T. taylori in having 9 and 8–9 dorsal- and anal-fin rays respectively (vs. usually 10 and 10 rays), 13 pectoral-fin rays (vs. usually 14 rays), and cycloid scales covering the entire predorsal region from the upper base of the pectoral fin anterior to a convex line posterodorsally to just lateral to the base of the sixth first dorsal-fin spine (vs. predorsal region mostly or entirely covered with ctenoid scales). In addition, specimens from the Red Sea form a monophyletic lineage in a Maximum Likelihood analysis of the COI gene. In this tree, the new species is the sister group to a clade composed of three lineages. One is composed of specimens from the Maldives, which is the sister group of a single available specimen from the Seychelles. These two together are the sister group of specimens of a widespread western Pacific clade.

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Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

RESEARCH ARTICLE
Open Access

Alternative conservation outcomes from aquatic fauna translocations: Losing and saving the Running River rainbowfish

Karl Moy, Jason Schaffer, Michael P. Hammer, Catherine R. M. Attard, Luciano B. Beheregaray, Richard Duncan, Mark Lintermans, Culum Brown, Peter J. Unmack
First published: 16 October 2023

https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4023
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The translocation of species outside their natural range is a threat to aquatic biodiversity globally, especially freshwater fishes, as most are not only susceptible to predation and competition but readily hybridize with congeners.
Running River rainbowfish (RRR, Melanotaenia sp.) is a narrow-ranged, small-bodied freshwater fish that recently became threatened and was subsequently listed as Critically Endangered, owing to introgressive hybridization and competition following the translocation of a congeneric species, the eastern rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida).
To conserve RRR, wild fish were taken into captivity, genetically confirmed as pure representatives, and successfully bred. As the threat of introgression with translocated eastern rainbowfish could not be mitigated, a plan was devised to translocate captive raised RRR into unoccupied habitats within their native catchment, upstream of natural barriers. The translocation plan involved careful site selection and habitat assessment, predator training (exposure to predators prior to release), soft release (with a gradual transition from captivity to nature), and post-release monitoring, and this approach was ultimately successful.
Two populations of RRR were established in two previously unoccupied streams above waterfalls with a combined stream length of 18 km. Post-release monitoring was affected by floods and low sample sizes, but suggested that predation and time of release are important factors to consider in similar conservation recovery programmes for small-bodied, short-lived fishes.

1 INTRODUCTIONThe translocation of alien species is a major threat to many ecosystems worldwide (Vitousek et al., 1997; Clavero & García-Berthou, 2005; Gallardo et al., 2016). Globally, the rate of translocations has been increasing (Seebens et al., 2017), with alien species currently present on every continent (Prins & Gordon, 2014). Although there has been considerable research examining the adverse effects of alien species (McNeely, 2001; Prins & Gordon, 2014), translocations can also be an effective tool for conservation and management (Minckley, 1995; Tuberville et al., 2005; IUCN/SSC, 2013). Translocation has become a key tool for conserving freshwater fishes, using both wild and captive-bred fishes (Minckley, 1995; Lintermans, 2013a; Lintermans et al., 2015). When referring to different types of conservation translocations, this article follows the definitions provided by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN/SSC, 2013).
Most early conservation translocations of fish have involved large-bodied threatened species that were often potential angling targets (Minckley & Deacon, 1991; Lintermans et al., 2015). However, the practice has also been applied to smaller threatened fishes (Minckley & Deacon, 1991; Hammer et al., 2013; Lintermans et al., 2015; Tatár et al., 2016). The continued existence of certain species, such as the Pedder galaxias (Galaxias pedderensis) is solely the result of conservation translocations (Chilcott et al., 2013), whereas the conservation status of several Critically Endangered species, such as the red-finned blue-eye (Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis; Kerezsy & Fensham, 2013) and several other galaxiid species (Koster, 2003; Hardie, Barmuta & White, 2006; Ayres, Nicol & Raadik, 2012) have benefited substantially from translocations.
A review of factors influencing the success of freshwater fish reintroductions reported that second to addressing the cause of initial decline, habitat-related factors were the greatest predictors of reintroduction success (Cochran-Biederman et al., 2015). The importance of suitable habitat in determining the success or failure of conservation introductions is echoed by studies of invasive fish species, which have found that if the habitat characteristics of the receiving environment are suitable then an invasion is likely to succeed, regardless of other factors (Moyle & Light, 1996a; Moyle & Light, 1996b; Harris, 2013). That an introduction is likely to fail in the absence of suitable habitat seems straightforward; however, some reintroductions may fail even in the presence of adequate habitat (Barlow, Hogan & Rodger, 1987; Leggett & Merrick, 1997).
Out of all failed conservation translocations of fish, 71% used captive-reared fish (Cochran-Biederman et al., 2015). Captive-reared fish are often raised under conditions that are vastly different from the environment into which they are released (Brown, Davidson & Laland, 2003). Consequently, captive-reared fish often exhibit behaviours that are detrimental to their survival in the wild, and as a result often suffer from high mortality rates once released (Brown & Day, 2002; Ebner, Thiem & Lintermans, 2007; Sparrevohn & Støttrup, 2007), which is a prevalent problem across fauna groups (Berger-Tal, Blumstein & Swaisgood, 2020). The behavioural impacts of captive rearing have been known for some time (Brown & Day, 2002), with captive-reared fish showing deficiencies in key behaviours such as predator recognition and avoidance (Alvarez & Nicieza, 2003; Ebner, Thiem & Lintermans, 2007) and foraging skills (Brown & Laland, 2002; Brown, Davidson & Laland, 2003). Studies on the success of conservation introductions of freshwater fishes within Australia (Ebner, Thiem & Lintermans, 2007; Ebner, Johnston & Lintermans, 2009; Brown et al., 2012) and abroad (Alvarez & Nicieza, 2003) suggest that predation and competition are likely to play a major role in translocation success. Brown, Davidson & Laland (2003) showed that environmental enrichment and exposure to live foods resulted in fish being better able to handle novel prey items. Meanwhile, several studies have shown that repeated exposure to predators, or their stimulus (e.g. scent or pictures), will improve the predator avoidance behaviours of captive-bred fish (Brown, 2003a; Vilhunen, 2006; Hutchison et al., 2012; Abudayah & Mathis, 2016). As a result, research and implementation of environmental enrichment and predator training of captive-reared fish is becoming more commonplace (Vilhunen, 2006; Hammer et al., 2012; Roberts et al., 2014; Lintermans et al., 2015).
Most research investigating methods to improve the survival of captive-reared fishes has taken place overseas, although some recent research has been conducted in Australia (Hutchison et al., 2012). In both cases, the research investigating introduction success has focused almost entirely on large-bodied, predatory, recreationally important species, such as brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (Brown & Smith, 1998; Alvarez & Nicieza, 2003; Brockmark, Adriaenssens & Johnsson, 2010), or percichthyids (Ebner, Thiem & Lintermans, 2007; Ebner & Thiem, 2009; Hutchison et al., 2012). However, of the 17 Australian species used in conservation introductions documented by Lintermans et al. (2015), 10 were small-bodied species. Small-bodied species usually have vastly different requirements compared with large-bodied species, and a conservation measure that works well for large species may not be as effective for smaller species (e.g. growing them to a large size to prevent predation).
1.1 Study organism backgroundThe extinctions and declines of native fishes resulting from hybridization with alien species have been well documented throughout Europe and North America (Hitt et al., 2003; Rosenfield & Kodric-Brown, 2003; Meldgaard et al., 2007; Ludwig et al., 2009). Compared with other countries, introgressive hybridization with alien species has not typically been considered a threat to Australia’s native biodiversity (Hitt et al., 2003; Meldgaard et al., 2007; Ludwig et al., 2009) because most alien species have originated from other continents with biota that are taxonomically distant (Lintermans, 2013a). However, high levels of genetic structuring between populations as well as many new cryptic species were identified by recent broadscale genetic studies of Australian freshwater fishes (Hammer et al., 2007; Raadik, 2014; Shelley et al., 2018). Accordingly, introgressive hybridization caused by translocations of ‘native’ species outside their natural range, or from one part of a species range to another, has more recently been recognized as a threat to conservation for Australian freshwater fishes (Lintermans et al., 2005; Harris, 2013; Couch et al., 2016).
Endemic to Australia and New Guinea, the family Melanotaeniidae, or rainbowfishes, contains more than 110 species with multiple undescribed taxa (Unmack, Allen & Johnson, 2013). The genus Melanotaenia is by far the most numerous and widespread in Australia, occurring throughout the northern half of the continent and into south-eastern regions (Unmack, Allen & Johnson, 2013). There are several ‘lineages’ within the genus, and species within the same lineage rarely co-occur (Unmack, Allen & Johnson, 2013). In 2016, the Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) listed four Melanotaenia species as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered, owing to introgressive hybridization with a widespread member of the genus (Lintermans, 2016), with a subsequent International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessment confirming their threatened status (Hammer, Unmack & Brown, 2019b).
One of the species listed by the ASFB and the IUCN was the Running River rainbowfish (RRR Melanotaenia sp.). This species was first recorded in 1981 as a phenotypically unique population of rainbowfish from the usual native eastern rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida splendida) found in most rivers in the region (Martin & Barclay, 2016). Further collections across the region suggested that there was a complex of different rainbowfish populations, the taxonomy of which was unclear (Martin & Barclay, 2016). As part of a broader rainbowfish research project, fieldwork was conducted across the Burdekin River basin in August 2015 to try to resolve the taxonomic status of the various rainbowfish populations native to the region. During this fieldwork it was discovered that eastern rainbowfish had colonized the reach of Running River containing RRR, as well as being established in large numbers further upstream at Hidden Valley (Unmack & Hammer, 2015), an area previously lacking any rainbowfish (Martin & Barclay, 2016). It is unclear whether this represents a new translocation, or whether it represents downstream dispersal from earlier recorded translocated populations above Paluma Dam (although recent searches above Paluma Dam have failed to find any rainbowfish) (Martin & Barclay, 2016). Subsequent genetic and morphological examination supports the recognition of RRR as a separate species (P. Unmack, M. Hammer, G. Allen, unpublished data). As currently recognized, RRR is restricted to 13 km of Running River between two gorges (Figure 1). Running River is a major tributary to the Burdekin River, one of Australia’s larger river basins, situated on the north-eastern coast of Queensland (Pusey, Arthington & Read, 1998). The lower gorge prevents the upstream movement of eastern rainbowfish, whereas the upper gorge prevents the movement of RRR further upstream.

FIGURE 1
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Map of the study area showing the location of Puzzle and Deception creeks and their positions relative to Running River and its gorges. Purple arrows indicate the range of Running River rainbowfish, whereas orange arrows indicate the range of the eastern rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida). Created by AWC Spatial Officer Tani Cooper, and used with permission from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.Once eastern rainbowfish had been detected in Running River above the upper gorge in 2015 it was realized that RRR was at risk of extinction via hybridization, as no members of the Australis lineage (Unmack, Allen & Johnson, 2013) of rainbowfishes are ever found in sympatry. At this point it was apparent that this population was distinct and worth conserving, but its taxonomic status would not be clear until genetic work had been conducted. Initially, 52 live wild fish were collected and then brought back to the University of Canberra as an insurance population. As this research lacked any formal funding, crowdfunding was initiated via the University of Canberra Foundation to cover the costs of genotyping potential broodstock, and keeping, breeding, and shipping the fish, and used internal University of Canberra funding to fund a postgraduate research project. Funds were sought by directly contacting various aquarium societies, primarily from North America, Australia, and Europe, as well as being solicited from members of the Australia New Guinea Fishes Association during presentations and in their journal Fishes of Sahul. In addition, we put out calls for donations via social media in various Australian native fish-related Facebook groups and in the aquarium magazine Amazonas. There is tremendous worldwide interest in rainbowfishes from aquarium hobbyists, as they are brightly coloured and easy to keep and breed. Many aquarium hobbyists, clubs, and businesses have a strong conservation ethos and are enthusiastic about supporting projects like ours by donating money. Once preliminary data on the taxonomy of rainbowfishes in the Burdekin River basin had been collected it became clear that RRR was a unique taxon from the Australis lineage and action was needed to save it.
The only conservation options available for RRR were either to hold the fish in captivity for the long term or to find locations where they could be translocated to, as it would take a massive effort to remove the eastern rainbowfish from upper Running River and then restore RRR in their native range. Maintaining the species in wild habitats was the most feasible option, thus the next challenge was to determine whether any suitable sites for translocation might exist.
The eastern rainbowfish is a capable disperser, occupying most habitats throughout its range, unless there are significant barriers to prevent movement, and thus finding habitats where it is absent is unusual. The region around Running River is seasonally arid and most small creeks in the region do not hold water permanently. The middle to lower section of Running River has two larger tributaries, Deception Creek and Puzzle Creek, which are located on Mount Zero–Taravale (Figure 1), covered by two pastoral leases owned and managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC, a not-for-profit conservation organization). Both creeks have sections that flow through gorges or rocky reaches that hold permanent water, and both were reported to have fishes of unknown species present (T. White, manager of the AWC Mount Zero–Taravale Sanctuary). Both creeks were sampled in February 2016, with Deception Creek having a large population of spangled perch (Leipotherapon unicolor), as well as a few purple spotted gudgeon (Mogurnda sp.), whereas Puzzle Creek had the same species, but the uppermost section above a waterfall only contained an abundant population of purple spotted gudgeon. Deception Creek flows into Running River below the lower gorge, with eastern rainbowfish native to its lower reaches. One medium-sized waterfall was located on Deception Creek approximately 12 km upstream from the confluence with Running River. Puzzle Creek flows into Running River in the middle of the upper gorge, which historically probably lacked rainbowfish; in addition, it has several major waterfalls of 10–20 m in height present along its course. As both creeks lacked rainbowfish they were considered suitable long-term translocation sites. This was an extraordinarily fortuitous situation given the lack of permanent streams in the area and the lack of eastern rainbowfish in both these streams. Any translocations into other rivers would have had impacts on native rainbowfish populations located in downstream reaches, whereas the eastern rainbowfish in lower Running River already had a potential influx of RRR from upstream.
As small-bodied freshwater fishes commonly have a high risk of extinction (Reynolds, Webb & Hawkins, 2005; Olden, Hogan & Zanden, 2007; Kopf, Shaw & Humphries, 2017; Lintermans et al., 2020), there is a need for a better understanding of the factors influencing, and methods for improving, the survival of captive-bred small-bodied freshwater fishes once released, to reduce the chance of failure. One example of this type of failure is the previous attempts to return Melanotaenia eachamensis (Lake Eacham rainbowfish) to Lake Eacham after they were extirpated owing to the introduction of other fishes (Barlow, Hogan & Rodger, 1987). A captive breeding programme was established (Barlow, Hogan & Rodger, 1987) that produced 3,000 fish, which were then released into the lake; however, subsequent surveys failed to detect any survivors (Brown et al., 2012). Subsequent research showed that captive rainbowfish can behave very differently from wild fish (Brown & Warburton, 1997; Brown & Warburton, 1999a; Kydd & Brown, 2009). This highlights the complexity that can be involved in obtaining successful reintroduction outcomes.
The main goals of the present study were to initiate a conservation programme for a recently recognized, undescribed, small-bodied rainbowfish, the Running River rainbowfish (RRR, Melanotaenia sp.). This was achieved through the design and implementation of a conservation strategy that used captive breeding and translocations to conserve the species and to evaluate the success of the strategy to inform future efforts. The study also documented the history of the species, the discovery of the translocation of eastern rainbowfish, and how crowdfunding was used to support the project. This article reports on the results of experiments conducted to examine the role of predator training on translocation success. However, these can be difficult to assess because of the limited replication, small sample sizes, and perturbations caused by weather events.
2 METHODS2.1 Captive breedingIn 2015, 52 RRR were collected from Running River and transported to the University of Canberra. Broodstock were genotyped using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on DNA from fin clips and compared with wild fish that had been collected and preserved in liquid nitrogen in 1997 (18 years earlier), to ensure genetic purity. These fish were set up as 26 breeding pairs and used as broodstock for Deception Creek releases. In February 2016 additional wild fish were collected, with 32 fish genotyped and added as broodstock for Puzzle Creek releases. Fish were spawned in 17 groups of two males and two females. Some breeding groups had extra individuals added such that half the breeding groups consisted of five, six, or seven individuals. From these 26 pairs the target was to produce 110 offspring from each breeding group to ensure that each group made an equal contribution to the next generation. A target of 260 offspring was set for the 17 breeding groups. Approximately 6,900 fish were produced at the University of Canberra, 2,700 in the first round of breeding for Deception Creek and 4,200 in the second round of breeding for Puzzle Creek. Eggs were collected on synthetic wool mops placed into breeding tanks. After 2 days of spawning, the mops were transferred to small fish tanks (40 × 20 × 20 cm) and the juvenile fish were raised for approximately 2 months before being transferred to larger tanks (91 × 35 × 45 cm). Breeding and rearing tanks had painted sides and bottom and a sponge filter. Larvae were started on a diet of live vinegar eels (Turbatrix aceti), and as they grew larger moved onto a diet of juvenile brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) over the course of about a week, together with commercial flake food.
Once large enough for transport, the fish were air-freighted to James Cook University (JCU) Townsville and distributed evenly into 10 outdoor rearing ponds (108 cm in diameter and 36 cm deep, 330 L) to grow out. At JCU, the fish were fed with commercially available flake food three times a day and a mixture of frozen brine shrimp and blood worms (Chironomidae) once a day. All rearing ponds contained several large river stones and plastic mesh 50 × 100 cm with holes of 2.5 cm in diameter, which was contorted into different shapes and added to provide cover. This was to encourage natural behaviours such as using cover to escape threats, establishing and holding territories, and foraging, which have previously been found to result in improved survival rates (Brown, Davidson & Laland, 2003; Roberts et al., 2014). Although there were differences in the shape and size of the rocks, all the ponds were arranged in a similar pattern.
2.2 Predator trainingRelease sites in Deception Creek were known to contain a potential predator, the spangled perch. To test the impact of predator training, half of the rearing ponds were exposed to an adult spangled perch of approximately 15 cm in length placed in a 25 × 25 cm ‘mesh box’ made from plastic 2.5-cm mesh within the outdoor pond. RRR were able to swim freely in and out of the mesh box. In addition to providing the predator, a cutaneous alarm cue was also provided, which is often released when the skin of a fish is damaged and can be used in associative learning (Brown, 2003b; Brown & Chivers, 2007; Abudayah & Mathis, 2016). To obtain this alarm cue one RRR was euthanized (with an overdose of clove oil) per week of training, crushed up, mixed with water, and sieved to remove larger fragments. This solution was then frozen in an ice-cube tray and one cube was added at the same time as the spangled perch in the hope that juvenile RRR would associate the olfactory cue of dead or injured conspecifics with the stimulus of a spangled perch. The spangled perch was left in the rearing pond for 15 min per day for 7 days immediately before the fish were released into the wild.
2.3 Release sitesDeception Creek, which flows into Running River just below the lowermost gorge, and Puzzle Creek, which flows into Running River just above the uppermost gorge, were identified as the best potential translocation sites (Figure 1). Both creeks contained barriers to the upstream dispersal of rainbowfish (Figure 1) and already had resident fish fauna, meaning that the potential impacts on invertebrates and frogs of introducing a new fish species was minimal. Throughout most of the year Deception Creek consists of disconnected pools without flow, whereas Puzzle Creek flows for most of the year but with reduced/disconnected pools during periods of low rainfall. Purple spotted gudgeon was found in both creeks, whereas spangled perch was found throughout Deception Creek and in reaches below the release sites in Puzzle Creek. Although both species have the potential to prey upon small fishes, spangled perch grows to a much larger size than purple spotted gudgeon and are more active hunters (Pusey, Kennard & Arthington, 2004). Therefore, as the predation pressure on small fishes in Deception Creek was likely to be higher than that in Puzzle Creek, releases into Deception Creek were used to assess the effect of predator training on translocation success.
In an attempt to isolate the effects of predator training, the release sites within Deception Creek were paired based on similarities between habitat variables, with one site randomly selected to receive trained fish and with the other site receiving untrained fish. Puzzle Creek release sites were also assessed, but owing to the lower number of accessible pools, habitat assessments were only used to identify suitable release sites. The habitat variables examined were pool length, average pool width, substrate composition, average depth, deepest point, and riparian cover. Pool length was measured from the uppermost water edge to the farthest downstream water edge. Average pool width was calculated by taking three measurements at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the total length of the pool using a tape measure. A transect comprising five sample points was taken along each width measurement at 0% (+25 cm), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (−25 cm) of the channel width. At each sample point, depth, substrate composition, macrophyte cover, and leaf litter were measured. Macrophyte cover, substrate, and leaf litter were all considered independent of one another. Macrophyte cover was defined as all emergent and submerged vegetation within the quadrat. Riparian cover was defined as the percentage of the bank covered by vegetation. Riparian cover was estimated by eye to the nearest 5%, whereas depth was measured using a metal ruler. All other variables were measured using a 50 × 50 cm quadrat.
Release pools were paired based on similar size, riparian cover, and substrate, in that order, with one pool randomly assigned to trained or untrained fish. As there were limits to the number of fish that could be produced, the 2,500 that were bred were divided into groups of 250 for release. This number was chosen to balance the number of release sites against the number of fish in each release.
2.4 Release and monitoringTen releases of 250 fish were performed across 10 release sites in Deception Creek between 2 November 2016 and 13 January 2017. Releases were made in groups of 250 to provide five replicates of each treatment (trained and untrained), as grow-out facilities consisted of 10 ponds. At release, the fish were approximately 3 cm in total length, on average, but varied from approximately 2 to 5 cm. Deception Creek releases occurred once every week or so; however, there was no assigned order for which releases happened when, owing to logistical constraints regarding predator avoidance training. Fish were transported from rearing ponds at JCU to their release sites in 20-L plastic buckets. Buckets were filled to one-third full and water was dosed with sea salt at 2.6 g L−1 and API Stress Coat® (Mars Fishcare, Inc., Chalfont, PA, USA), dosed at 0.8 ml L−1. Fish were delivered to their release site on the same day as collection from the rearing ponds in all but one case, which was hampered by heavy rainfall. In this instance, fish were held in buckets for 2 days with a daily water change, before delivery to their release site. Fish were held instream at the release site overnight in a holding net with dimensions of 1 × 1 × 1 m made from shade cloth and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. This allowed the fish to acclimatize to water conditions without any predation pressure. The following day the fish were released into the pool by gently up-ending the holding net.
After release, snorkel surveys were used to estimate the abundance of spangled perch and RRR in each pool. Snorkel surveys were chosen as the survey method needed to be non-destructive and non-intrusive. A small pilot study was conducted early on, comparing the detection rates among snorkel surveys, bait traps, and baited remote underwater video; however, the latter two methods did not detect a single RRR (K. Moy, unpublished data). Owing to logistical constraints, surveys occurred somewhat opportunistically. However, at least one survey was undertaken in the first week following release and this was often followed by other surveys up to 56 days after release. Forty-one surveys across five untrained and two trained release sites were made between 2 November 2016 and 5 January 2017. A large rainfall event (over 200 ml across 4 days at the nearest rainfall gauge) occurred in early January 2017, which caused flooding and restored flow to the channel, reconnecting the release pools before the predator training experiment in Deception Creek could be completed. This prevented any survey data being collected for the final three releases, which were all of trained fish. Snorkel surveys consisted of three passes: along the left bank, then the right bank, and with a final pass down the centre of the pool. The researcher kept a steady pace to prevent any double counting of fish, and on a waterproof notepad recorded a tally of the total number seen as well as the maximum seen at any one time, with a separate count for larvae. Spangled perch were also recorded in this way to estimate predator density. Follow-up surveys were undertaken for all sites in Deception Creek in May and October 2017.
After the first field season, the extent of fish occurrence throughout each drainage was mapped by walking along the creek, upstream and downstream from the uppermost and lowermost pools, respectively, and stopping at each pool encountered for 5 min to observe the presence or absence of rainbowfish. If no rainbowfish were observed within 5 min, the researcher moved to a different region of the pool and continued to observe for a further 5 min. If no rainbowfish were observed, the next pool downstream or upstream was also checked. This was repeated until three pools in a row were found without rainbowfish. This was carried out for Deception Creek in May and October 2017 and in April 2018. An attempt was made to map the extent of RRR in Deception Creek after the large rainfall event in early January 2017, following the same protocol above, but was hampered by low visibility owing to the increased turbidity.
Four releases, each consisting of 375 untrained fish, were made into four sites across Puzzle Creek in May 2017 in the same manner as those made into Deception Creek. Although the fish released into Puzzle Creek were the same size as those released into Deception Creek, only 1,500 of the originally intended 4,000 fish were released because of attrition in the rearing ponds. Owing to funding and weather constraints on fieldwork, no monitoring was undertaken in the weeks immediately after release for the Puzzle Creek releases. The planned monitoring of Puzzle Creek in October 2017 was prevented by a large rainfall event, but a survey of all release sites following the same protocol described above took place in May 2018. Distribution mapping for Puzzle Creek took place in May 2018 following the same protocol used for Deception Creek. Research was conducted under the University of Canberra Animal Ethics Committee approval CEAE 16-03.
2.5 AnalysisTwo-sample Student’s t-tests were used to test for differences in abundance in Deception Creek following release for trained versus untrained fish sites, paired by habitat variables, whereas an independent-samples Student’s t-test was used to look for differences in density between releases made before and after flooding. For observations not made in the month immediately after release, measures of abundance from the surveys were converted into measures of density by dividing the abundance by the length of the pool. Two-sample Student’s t-tests were used to determine differences in density between trained and untrained release sites within Deception Creek from data collected during May and October (approximately 6 and 8 months from release).
3 RESULTS3.1 CrowdfundingA total of AU$26,465 was raised from donations made by individuals (AU$4,435), companies (AU$1,150), and aquarium clubs (AU$20,880), with donations received from Australia, USA, Canada, Switzerland, and Germany. The largest donation was AU$10,000 from the Aquarium Society of Victoria. Most donations from aquarium clubs were solicited through personal contacts. Without these funds the project would have been impossible and RRR would be close to extinction. Crowdfunding covered all of the DNA sequencing costs, fish food, and live fish shipping, which cost approximately AU$12,000 in total. The bulk of the remaining funds were used over subsequent years to continue monitoring the wild and translocated populations, including further genetic monitoring.
3.2 HabitatIn October 2016, release sites in Deception Creek varied between 100 and 280 m in length and between 8 and 14 m in width. The average depth varied between 42 and 113 cm, whereas the deepest points ranged from 1.65 to 3.00 m. Riparian cover ranged from 60% to 99%. Substrate was dominated by sand (45%–95%), followed by boulder (0%–26%), bedrock (0%–24%), and cobble (0%–17%). On average, aquatic plants (macrophytes and charophytes) covered approximately 40% of the substrate, whereas leaf litter covered approximately 25% of the substrate. Release sites within Puzzle Creek were between 150 and 265 m in length and between 9.9 and 22.4 m in width, with the average depth ranging between 84 and 125 cm, and with the deepest points ranging from 1.70 to 2.75 m. Riparian cover varied between 95% and 80%, whereas the average substrate was dominated by sand (40%–60%), followed by bedrock (3%–43%), cobble (7%–32%), and boulder (2%–7%). On average, aquatic macrophytes and charophytes covered 20% of the substrate, whereas leaf litter covered 20% of the substrate.
3.3 Predator effectsThere was no significant difference in abundance or density of adult fish between trained and untrained release sites at any point after release (Table 1). Of the seven releases in Deception Creek before flooding, fish failed to become established at only one site following the release of untrained fish. This site was surveyed five times from 2–31 days after release without a single RRR observed, and was similar to other sites in every way. At the remaining sites the abundance of released fish appeared to decline continuously over the 56-day monitoring period for both treatments at sites where samples were collected for more than 2 weeks following release (Figure 2). However, linear regression analysis did not provide statistical support for this decline (t = 0.27, P = 0.788), although this could have been the result of the low detection power caused by small sample sizes and variation in detectability. Increasing numbers of detected fish at some sites over the first few days after release (Figure 2) were probably the result of fish becoming more familiar with their new environment.
TABLE 1. Statistical output comparing trained and untrained releases of fish. A Welch’s t-test (W) compared the total observed abundance at 2–3 weeks from release, whereas a paired Student’s t-test (P) compared the density of adults at 6 and 11 months from release. The standard error (SE) was calculated from 11 abundance observations between two sites that all fell within 4 days of one another, converted to a percentage and then applied to all samples.
t-testTrained ± SE)Untrained ± SETPdfAdults
2–3 weeksW85.7 ± 18.8538.25 ± 8.42−1.600.2601.85
6 monthsP1.3 ± 0.301.86 ± 0.41−2.140.1004
11 monthsP2.0 ± 0.451.58 ± 0.35−0.650.5544
Juveniles
6 monthsP0.2 ± 0.040.36 ± 0.07−1.220.2914
11 monthsP1.3 ± 0.281.06 ± 0.21−0.670.5424
All rainbowfish
6 monthsP1.5 ± 0.442.22 ± 0.49−2.880.0454
11 monthsP3.1 ± 0.622.97 ± 0.590.110.9204

FIGURE 2
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Abundance of released Running River rainbowfish over time during the first field season in Deception Creek for trained and untrained fish. Different markers represent different release sites. Note, the number of released fish cannot increase, as fish were only released once into each site.Regression analysis found no significant link between predator density and RRR abundance or density for any survey season (Table 2). This was the case even when the analysis was broken up into different size classes for both RRR and spangled perch. Although these results were not statistically significant, there was a positive correlation between adult RRR density and the density of all spangled perch (Appendix S1).
TABLE 2. Statistical output from linear regression analysis testing predator density as a predictor of rainbowfish abundance in the first month, and density at 6 and 11 months after release.
TPRdf2–3 weeks0.5270.621−0.1375
6 months−0.0140.989−0.1258
11 months1.5450.1610.1338Fry of RRR were detected within the first field season at four sites (two trained and two untrained) 30–40 days after release. In May 2017, both juveniles and adults that were too small to have been the released fish were detected at all sites. When the total density of RRR – including fry and juveniles – was compared, untrained release sites had significantly higher densities than trained release sites at 6 months after release, but at no other time (Table 1). No significant difference in RRR density was found between releases that took place before or after the flooding that occurred between the May (t = −1.91, P = 0.09) and October (t = 0.557, P = 0.59) surveys.
Unfortunately, only one survey of Puzzle Creek was made after release, as all other attempts were prevented by heavy rain and flooding. Flooding occurred between the release and the survey, and as a result the data from the Puzzle Creek survey were not analysed.
Anecdotal observations in Deception Creek made in the hours and days immediately after release suggest that there may have been some behavioural differences between trained and untrained fish. In both pre-flood releases, the trained fish shoaled together close to the point of release and found a shallow, sandy area out of the reach of larger spangled perch and remained there for around 6 days before dispersing more widely. In contrast, untrained fish were often observed swimming near the surface in open water and swimming towards the spangled perch, which were trying to eat them, before eventually finding shallow areas in which to hide.
3.4 DispersalWhen flooding occurred in Deception Creek the RRR moved between release sites, invalidating any comparisons between treatment pools. Ten days after flooding in Deception Creek, one individual RRR was recorded in an ephemeral gully stream 660 m upstream from Deception Creek and approximately 24 m higher in elevation than the nearest release site. The movements of fish from their uppermost and lowermost release sites in both systems are summarized in Table 3. The population in Deception Creek spread upstream and downstream much faster than the fish in Puzzle Creek (Table 3). In 1 year, RRR from Puzzle Creek dispersed a total of 460 m upstream, 200 m less than the distance covered by a fish from Deception Creek in 10 days. In Deception Creek there was a large increase in the distance spread downstream between October 2017 and April 2018 (Table 3). The maximum distance of spread downstream in Deception Creek in April 2018 could not be determined because of time constraints and limited access to that portion of the creek.
TABLE 3. Upstream and downstream movements of Running River rainbowfish from their release sites in Deception and Puzzle creeks over time.
Time since releaseDistance (elevation)
UpstreamDownstreamDeception Creek May 20176 months1.9 km (31 m)1.3 km (46 m)
Deception Creek October 201711 months2.4 km (39 m)2.7 km (62 m)
Deception Creek April 201817 months2.5 km (41 m)>6.3 km (>171 m)
Puzzle Creek May 201812 months0.46 km (9 m)1.33 km (30 m)4 DISCUSSION4.1 SummaryThis study documents efforts to conserve a Critically Endangered species threatened by the establishment of an alien species. This was achieved by translocating captive-bred offspring to two unoccupied creeks isolated by large waterfalls. The conservation actions to save the RRR were an outstanding success, given that they persist in the wild adjacent to their native range, and the research and monitoring accompanying the translocation releases aims to draw lessons on techniques and habitat selection for similar future projects. Additionally, it provides insights into the rate that rainbowfish may spread through a system.
4.2 Predator trainingAlthough the small sample sizes in this experiment meant that only major differences could be detected, the data presented here do not support the hypothesis that predator training (exposure to predators prior to release) or predation pressure influenced the introduction success in RRR. Although the only unsuccessful release was of untrained fish, all other releases of untrained fish were successful, suggesting that predator-naive fish are still capable of becoming established in the right circumstances. As rainbowfish are known to use social learning (Brown & Warburton, 1999b), and as experienced fish from other releases were observed at post-flood release sites, it is likely that post-flood releases were less affected by predation encounters than pre-flood releases. Introductions into Puzzle Creek were made during a high-flow event and yet still established a sustaining population, so it is likely that the post-flood releases in Deception Creek survived to reproduction. Few released fish, if any, were present at release sites 6 months later, as most fish observed were smaller than the individuals released, and thus it was likely that most of the fish observed were spawned in the wild. Therefore, owing to the high fecundity of rainbowfishes (Milton & Arthington, 1984; Pusey et al., 2001), differences in rainbowfish density would not be expected at 6 or 11 months after the releases. As the rainfall, flow regime, habitat, vegetation, and resident fish biota of Puzzle Creek were different from that of Deception Creek, and Puzzle Creek was only surveyed once, the conclusions that can be drawn from this translocation are limited. It can, however, be said that predation and competition with purple spotted gudgeon and flooding during introduction did not prevent RRR from becoming established.
Although unquantified, the anecdotal observations made in the hours and days immediately after the Deception Creek releases followed the findings of Brown & Warburton (1999a), where naive rainbowfish were less able to evade danger than experienced ones. One reason that predation may not have had a significant impact is that neither spangled perch nor purple spotted gudgeon are primarily piscivorous (Pusey, Kennard & Arthington, 2004). The presence of a more specialized piscivore, such as the mouth almighty (Glossamia aprion), might have produced a different outcome. The mouth almighty has been implicated in the extirpation of the Lake Eacham rainbowfish (M. eachamensis) from Lake Eacham (Barlow, Hogan & Rodger, 1987), and it is not unreasonable that a similarly proficient piscivore could have adverse impacts on an introduction of small-bodied fish if they did not possess the ability to recognize or escape predators (Brown & Warburton, 1997).
4.3 Translocation successThe RRR releases were an uncommon success for Australian freshwater fish conservation translocations, which could be explained by several factors that were likely to be working in unison. First, eggs were observed within the overnight instream holding pen at some sites before the fish were released the following morning. The use of well-conditioned, sexually mature fish under conditions favourable for spawning allows them to do so on the first day, which has obvious benefits when trying to establish a new population. Second, the fish were given a soft release (with a gradual transition from captivity to nature) to allow them to adjust to the water parameters of the receiving site and recover from handling or transport stress. It has been known for some time that handling and transport not only causes stress and in turn reduced survival rates in fishes, but that the effects can linger for some time afterwards (Hattingh, Le Roux Fourie & van Vuren, 1975; Iversen, Finstad & Nilssen, 1998). However, the approach is not commonly used in fish releases and may therefore be one area in which future fish releases could improve. This soft-release approach had the added effect of allowing fish to reproduce in a protected area for a short time.
4.4 DispersalAlthough there is a paucity of information regarding the movements of Australian small-bodied freshwater fishes, studies on ephemeral waterholes (Kerezsy et al., 2013) and genetics (Unmack, Allen & Johnson, 2013) suggest that some of these species are capable of dispersing great distances. The study of dispersal in small-bodied fishes has often been hampered by their size and the consequent limitations in employing individually tagged fish (Allan et al., 2018). However, these releases in a stream of low turbidity, where snorkelling could be used as a monitoring method, provided a unique opportunity to understand the rate at which rainbowfishes may spread throughout a previously unoccupied waterway. Puzzle Creek flows more frequently than Deception Creek, suggesting that expansion throughout Puzzle Creek could occur much faster. Although fewer fish were stocked into Puzzle Creek, the fecundity of the species should have counteracted any effect that this may have had on dispersal, meaning it was reasonable to assume that RRR would spread through Puzzle Creek at a similar if not faster rate. Contrary to what might have been expected, the RRR dispersed throughout Deception Creek faster than Puzzle Creek.
One possible explanation is that although the same number of fish per pool were released into Puzzle Creek, these pools were much larger and better connected than those in Deception Creek, resulting in lower densities of adult fish. This may have been exacerbated by flooding at the time of release, which may have encouraged dispersal. Some locations that fish dispersed to will not provide long-term habitat during dry periods, and it is almost certain that many fish died after dispersal in Deception Creek, as many individuals were observed occupying more temporary habitats (e.g. the individuals observed within the ephemeral gully). In Deception Creek, however, opportunities to disperse were less frequent and were initially limited, restricting released fish to their release sites where they increased in population size, thereby increasing the success of subsequent dispersal. The site fidelity of translocated individuals is consistently lower than that of wild individuals across most faunal groups (Clarke & Schedvin, 1997; Tuberville et al., 2005), including fish (Ebner & Thiem, 2009). Immediate dispersal from the point of release may increase the likelihood of translocation failure, as individuals may disperse to suboptimal habitats, encounter predators in unfamiliar environments, become so thinly distributed that Allee effects increase, and so forth. In some instances, ‘penning’, whereby translocated organisms are kept in pens at the release site for several days or weeks before being allowed to roam free, has been an effective method of increasing site fidelity and the overall success of establishment (Tuberville et al., 2005). It is possible that during periods of low flow, disconnected pools acted in a similar fashion, forcing fish to develop some site fidelity with their new habitat and allowing them to increase in number, thereby increasing the number of fish that dispersed when it became possible to do so.
4.5 Lessons learnedTranslocations are becoming an increasingly important conservation tool the world over, especially for small-bodied fishes. The findings of this study are discussed in the context of Australia; however, the issues faced here are likely to be relevant globally. Despite its importance in formulating effective conservation translocation plans, there are few studies incorporating robust follow-up monitoring on Australian native fish releases (Lintermans, 2013b) or survival in the weeks immediately after release. A recent review of threatened species monitoring in Australia found significant deficiencies for all vertebrate faunal groups (Scheele et al., 2019), as well as for freshwater fishes specifically (Lintermans & Robinson, 2018). In the present study, monitoring showed that the failed release had failed within 2 days of the release. External factors and small sample sizes that are typical of conservation translocations make it difficult to assess adequately the effect of predator training on post-release survival. Our anecdotal observations of different behaviours immediately after release suggest that this would be a fruitful area for further investigation (Berger-Tal, Blumstein & Swaisgood, 2020). Given the length of time required to examine long-term survival, we recommend that future studies focus on behavioural deficiencies occurring in the immediate period after release. Owing to its low cost and support from laboratory-based experiments (Vilhunen, 2006; Hutchison et al., 2012), we recommend the continued implementation of predator training in release programmes.
Anecdotal observations from successful releases indicated that the captive-reared fish introduced to Deception Creek gradually decreased in abundance over time. Natural processes such as predation and finding suitable resources, combined with the behavioural deficiencies of captive-reared fish, made such declines likely. However, upon release the fish were able to reproduce during periods of low flow and elevated temperatures, which are ideal spawning conditions for the other rainbowfish species in northern Queensland (Pusey et al., 2001), allowing the population to grow quickly and overcome initial declines. This suggests that the time of year that a release takes place may play an important role in determining whether or not it is successful. Owing to constraints on funding and time, it was not possible to obtain detailed information on the initial population growth for fish in Puzzle Creek in the first months after release. In contrast to Deception Creek, fish were released into Puzzle Creek at a time when conditions were not ideal for reproduction (e.g. with cooler temperatures, going into winter), and yet this still resulted in the successful establishment of a new population, highlighting that ideal conditions are not always necessary for establishment, at least in rainbowfishes.
Successful conservation introductions of Australian small-bodied freshwater fishes often take place in areas with no potential predators or competitors present, often to avoid non-native species that could prevent them from becoming established (Ayres, Nicol & Raadik, 2012; Chilcott et al., 2013). One of the main reasons for this is that predation or competition from alien species is often seen as a major cause of the decline of a species (Cadwallader, 1996; Lintermans, 2000; Morgan et al., 2003), and therefore conservation introductions are unlikely to succeed in locations where these alien predators or competitors are still present. Although negative interactions with alien species are the leading cause of decline in animal species globally (Clavero & García-Berthou, 2005; Bellard, Cassey & Blackburn, 2016; Allek et al., 2018), conservation introductions of RRR have shown that a complete lack of other species is not required. Studies on captive-reared fish have shown a rapid loss of behavioural traits, such as a loss of predator recognition (Alvarez & Nicieza, 2003) and a reduced competitive ability (Rhodes & Quinn, 1998), suggesting that the recovery or adequate conservation of a species will be detrimentally affected if the species is maintained away from all predators and competitors. We would suggest that when conservation introductions are required, and predation is not an overwhelming threat (e.g. when suitable shelter from predators is available), effort should be made to include a mix of predator-free and predator/competitor-present release sites or a staged release similar to that described by Robinson & Ward (2011).
Conservation translocations for RRR contrast with those of larger-bodied, long-lived species. Unlike releases for larger species (Minckley, 1995; Harig, Fausch & Young, 2000; Ebner, Johnston & Lintermans, 2009; Lintermans, 2013c), it was possible to determine whether or not these releases were successful over a much shorter time period, much like other small-bodied fish translocations (Minckley, 1995). This can probably be explained by two factors: first, the RRR were released into habitats free of the cause of decline (introgression/hybridization); and second, like most small-bodied species RRR reach maturity at a much younger age (e.g. 1 year in rainbowfish; Milton & Arthington, 1984), compared with large-bodied species (e.g. 3–4 years in the Macquarie perch, Macquaria australasica; Appleford, Anderson & Gooley, 1998). This means that released fish can reproduce in a relatively short period of time, so even if released fish exhibit behavioural deficiencies that inhibit long-term survival, wild-spawned fish free of these deficiencies will rapidly be present (Alvarez & Nicieza, 2003). However, it is also worth noting that a shorter lifespan poses an extra risk. Although it has already been noted that the conservation benefits of captive maintenance for a species may be limited (Philippart, 1995; Snyder et al., 1996; Araki, Cooper & Blouin, 2007; Attard et al., 2016), the short lifespans and generation times of most small-bodied species mean that the adverse effects of captive maintenance will take effect more quickly, and that stochastic events such as a reproductive failure can extinguish annual species rapidly.
This research has established two factors important for the continued management and conservation of small-bodied fish species: (i) that they may easily establish new populations when the dominant threat is removed and suitable habitat is available; and (ii) that conservation translocations for small-bodied fish species can be carried out on a moderately sized budget of AU$10,000–20,000. Most small-bodied species are less likely to be intentionally translocated outside their natural range, compared with large-bodied species (Rahel, 2004; Hunt & Jones, 2017), and are more likely to enter a new area through other pathways such as bait-bucket translocations and stocking contamination (Ludwig & Leitch, 1996; Lintermans, 2004; Rahel, 2004). Given the number of widespread species complexes of small-bodied species in Australia (Page, Sharma & Hughes, 2004; Hammer et al., 2007; Raadik, 2014; Hammer et al., 2019a), the chance of an accidental translocation resulting in establishment, hybridization, and subsequent introgression is quite high. However, the ease with which populations may be established is also beneficial for the establishment of refuge populations used for conservation, assuming suitable refuge habitat is available.
Rainbowfish species with broad distributions (e.g. the eastern rainbowfish and the western rainbowfish) possess many traits that allow them to establish new populations quickly, and as a result the number of rainbowfish species threatened by translocation is likely to increase in the future. Many small-bodied species in Australia are likely to face the same challenges. To date, Australia can claim that it has experienced very few freshwater fish extinctions, with the limited examples being of undescribed taxa (Unmack, 2001; Faulks, Gilligan & Beheregaray, 2010), but this is unlikely to remain the case in the future unless appropriate management measures are taken. To prevent future declines and extinctions, careful management and continued robust monitoring will be required. The establishment of conservation populations for small-bodied species should be more easily achieved, as they are easier to breed or translocate and have early maturity, but this effort requires a small but important investment of funds towards the conservation of smaller native fish.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWe have been fortunate to draw on a wide variety of support to help make this project possible. First, none of this would have been possible without the incredible generosity from rainbowfish people around the world; the support from everyone for the crowdfunding portion of the project has been amazing. The non-profit Australian Wildlife Conservancy provided extensive access, accommodation, and assistance, which was essential; thanks specifically to Tim and Bree White, Eridani Mulder, and John Kanowski. In the race to save this fish from extinction, Diversity Arrays Technology, based at the University of Canberra, have provided all the genetic data on their fast track to provide information as quickly as possible. The project has benefited greatly from our research team examining broader rainbowfish systematic research: Keith Martin (who was the initial cause of all this, with his incessant poking around in nooks and crannies for interesting rainbowfishes), Mark Adams, and Gerry Allen. Many others provided valuable contributions. From the University of Canberra: Michael Jones, Rod Yeo, Arthur Georges, and Bernd Gruber. From James Cook University: Damien Burrows. From Flinders University: ‘Yuma’ Sandoval-Castillo. From Queensland Fisheries: Steven Brooks. Open access publishing facilitated by University of Canberra, as part of the Wiley - University of Canberra agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians.
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Rineloricaria cachivera • A New Species of rheophilic Armored Catfish of Rineloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Vaupés River, Amazonas Basin, Colombia

Rineloricaria cachivera
Urbano-Bonilla, Londoño-Burbano & Carvalho, 2023

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15500

Abstract
A new rheophilic species of the genus Rineloricaria is described for the Amazon basin in Colombia. Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp. differs from its congeners by having anterior to the first predorsal plate, an inconspicuous saddle-like mark; the presence of dark, diffuse blotches, present as unified dark colouration along most of the dorsal portion of the head, without bands or spots on the head; a long snout that occupies more than half the head length (HL), between 58.0% and 66.3% HL; a naked portion on the cleithral area from the border of lower lip reaching the origin of pectoral fin; and by having five series of lateral plates in longitudinal rows below the dorsal fin. The new species is morphologically similar to Rineloricaria daraha; however, it can be distinguished by the presence of six branched pectoral fin rays (vs. seven) and the lower lip surface with short thick papillae (vs. long finger papillae). An identification key to the Rineloricaria species of the Amazon River basin in Colombia is provided. The new species is herein categorized as Least Concern, following the IUCN criteria.

Keywords: endemism, Loricariinae, river, rapids, species, diversity, taxonomy

Paratypes of Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp.
(a) Unpreserved specimen, río Vaupés at Resguardo Trubón. (b-c) MPUJ 14481, 114.4 mm standard length (LS), río Vaupés at Laguna Arcoiris small rocky bottom isolated lagoon from the river, Comunidad de Matapí, Mitú, Vaupés, Colombia.

Habitat of Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp.
(a) Tapira-Llerao sacred rock, (b) Raudal the Tapira-Llerao (Holotype) upstream of the Matapi indigenous community, (c) Laguna Arcoiris “small lagoon isolated from the raudal La Mojarra (paratype) upstream from the indigenous community of Matapi, (d) Raudal in the indigenous community of Trubón (paratype), and (e, f) petroglyphs in the cachiveras of the Vaupés River “Sacred sites” upstream of the Matapí indigenous community.

Rineloricaria cachivera new species

Etymology: The specific name cachivera refers to a flow of water that runs violently between the rocks. In the cosmology of the indigenous peoples of the Vaupés, the waters of its rivers are inhabited by various supernatural creatures that must be venerated, consulted, and appeased in the rituals of the shamans; these creatures live and guard mainly the cachiveras of the rivers where humans are more fragile and face the greatest danger (Schultes & Raffauf, 2004) (e.g., Figure 4e,f). The species was named in memory of Javier Alejandro Maldonado-Ocampo “Nano,” who collected the new species in the cachivera of “Trubón” and “La Mojarra”; in the latter, on March 2, 2019, Nano stayed forever swimming in peace and happy with the rheophilic fish of the cachiveras of the Vaupés River.

Alexander Urbano-Bonilla, Alejandro Londoño-Burbano and Tiago P. Carvalho. 2023. A New Species of rheophilic Armored Catfish of Rineloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Vaupés River, Amazonas Basin, Colombia. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15500
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Opistognathus ctenion (Perciformes, Opistognathidae): a new jawfish from southern Japan
Kyoji Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Motomura, Gento ShinoharaAbstractOpistognathus ctenion sp. nov. (Perciformes: Opistognathidae) is described on the basis of three specimens (17.3–30.6 mm in standard length) collected from the Osumi and Ryukyu islands, southern Japan in depths of 35–57 m. Although most similar to Opistognathus triops, recently described from Tonga and Vanuatu, the new species differs in mandibular pore arrangement, dorsal- and caudal-fin coloration, fewer gill rakers, and lacks blotches or stripes on the snout, suborbital region and both jaws.
Key wordsActinopterygii, dredge, new species, Osumi Islands, Ryukyu Islands, taxonomy
IntroductionOpistognathus Cuvier, 1816 is the most speciose genus of jawfishes (Perciformes: Opistognathidae), being distributed worldwide in tropical and temperate regions, except for the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea (Smith-Vaniz 2023); most species of Opistognathus occur in the Indo-West Pacific. A recent review of the genus by Smith-Vaniz (2023) recognized 60 valid species, 18 being new, and additional new species of Opistognathus were predicted. To date, valid species of Opistognathus total 91 overall (Smith-Vaniz 2023).
Examination of specimens in the Kagoshima University Museum, Japan (KAUM) and the National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan (NSMT) revealed an unidentified species of Opistognathus, collected in 35–57 m depth off the Osumi and Ryukyu islands, southern Japan. In common with the majority of species of Opistognathus, the number of known examples of the present species is small, due to difficulties in collecting, attributed to their small body size and cryptic habitat [for details see Smith-Vaniz (2023)]. Notwithstanding, the species is clearly distinct, having a unique combination of meristic characters and fresh coloration, and is here formally described as a new to science.
Material and methodsMorphological observationCounts and measurements followed Smith-Vaniz (2023). Standard length (SL) was measured to the nearest 0.1 mm. Other measurements were made to the nearest 0.01 mm using needle-point calipers under a dissecting microscope (ZEISS Stemi DV4). Counts of vertebrae and fin rays, plus dorsal- and anal-fin pterygiophores, were examined from radiographs. Further osteological characters were investigated by computed tomography (CT) scanning using inspeXio SMX-225CR FPD HR Plus (Shimadzu, Kyoto) at 100 kV and 120 μA at a resolution of 18 μm, and three-dimensional reconstruction images produced by the rendering software VGSTUDIO MAX ver. 3.3 (Volume Graphics, Nagoya).
Preparation of figuresPhotographs of preserved specimens were taken with a Nikon D850 camera using an internal focus bracketing function; sets of multifocal images were then collated into a composite image, using Adobe Photoshop. The distribution map was prepared using GMT ver. 5.3.1, with data from GSHHG (Wessel and Smith 1996). The names and grouping of islands in southern Japan (belonging to Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures) follow Motomura and Matsunuma (2022: fig. 5.2).
Comparative dataMorphological characters of comparative species of Opistognathus are cited from Smith-Vaniz (2023).
Results and discussion Opistognathus ctenion sp. nov.https://zoobank.org/66D79DFB-6CAA-4E18-A766-B2F117333C13
Figs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; Table 1 New English name: Japanese Whitespotted Jawfish New standard Japanese name: Shiratama-agoamadaiType materialHolotype. KAUM–I. 174226, 30.6 mm SL, off Mage-shima Island, Osumi Islands, Kagoshima, Japan, 35 m depth, dredge, 29 Sept. 2022, K. Kubota. Paratypes. KAUM–I. 174227, 26.2 mm SL, collected with holotype; NSMT-P 130174, 17.3 mm SL, southwest of Nagannu Island, Kerama Islands, southern Ryukyu Islands, Okinawa, Japan (26°14′33"N, 127°31′19"E–26°14′30"N, 127°31′24"E), 53–57 m depth, dredge operated by R/V Toyoshio-maru (Hiroshima University), 19 May 2017, G. Shinohara.
DiagnosisA species of Opistognathus distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: posterior end of upper jaw rigid, without flexible lamina; dorsal-fin rays XI, 16–18; anterior dorsal-fin spines very stout and straight, and their distal ends not transversely forked; anal-fin rays II, 17; gill rakers 6 or 7 + 13 or 14 = 20 or 21; vertebrae 10 + 22 = 32; longitudinal scale rows c. 40–50; lateral line terminating below 4th–6th soft ray of dorsal fin; 4th and 5th mandibular pore positions usually included 2 and 6–7 pores, respectively; body scales absent anterior to vertical below 4th or 5th dorsal-fin spine; vomerine teeth 2; body reddish-brown with 3 or 4 longitudinal rows of c. 8–10 whitish blotches; cheek and opercle with five or six whitish blotches; snout, suborbital region, and both jaws without blotches or stripes; spinous dorsal fin with ocellus between 2nd to 5th spines; dorsal-fin soft-rayed portion with two reddish-orange stripes; pectoral-fin base with one or two whitish blotches; caudal fin uniformly faint orange or reddish-yellow.
DescriptionGeneral appearance of type specimens as in Figs 1, 2 and 3. Lateral line system and osteological features of the holotype are given in Figs 4 and 5, respectively. Lateral line system and scale descriptions based on KAUM–I. 174226, 174227 (not available for NSMT-P 130174 due to poor specimen condition). Counts and measurements of type specimens are given in Table 1.
Table 1.
Download as
CSV

XLSXCounts and measurements of Opistognathus ctenion.

HolotypeParatypeParatype
KAUM–I. 174226KAUM–I. 174227NSMT-P 130174
Standard length (mm; SL)30.626.217.3
Counts
Dorsal-fin raysXI, 16XI, 18XI, 18
Anal-fin raysII, 17II, 17II, 17
Total pectoral-fin rays19 (left) / 19 (right)19 / 1919 / –
Pelvic-fin raysI, 5I, 5I, 5
Procurrent caudal-fin rays5 + 55 + 5–
Branched caudal-fin rays12––
Segmented caudal-fin rays8 + 8 = 168 + 8 = 168 + 8 = 16
Longitudinal scale rowsc. 40–50c. 40–50–
Vertebrae10 + 22 = 3210 + 22 = 3210 + 22 = 32
Gill rakers7 + 13 / 7 + 14 = 20 / 216 + 14 / 6 + 14 = 20 / 20– / 7 + 14 = 21
Measurements (% SL)
Pre-dorsal-fin length32.332.535.1
Pre-anal-fin length63.359.765.1
Dorsal-fin base length62.963.559.8
Anal-fin base length34.337.034.2
Pelvic-fin length22.621.121.7
Caudal-fin length20.923.222.2
Body depth15.316.010.3
Caudal-peduncle depth7.98.06.5
Head length32.331.934.3
Postorbital length19.820.519.1
Upper-jaw length17.417.217.4
Postorbital-jaw length6.85.54.3
Orbit diameter10.010.511.2
As % of head length
Postorbital length61.364.255.6
Upper-jaw length53.953.850.8
Postorbital-jaw length21.217.312.5
Orbit diameter30.932.832.7– indicates no data due to poor condition.

Figure 1. Holotype of Opistognathus ctenion (KAUM–I. 174226, 30.6 mm SL, off Mage-shima island, Osumi Islands, Kagoshima, Japan) A fresh and B preserved specimens photographed by KAUM and K. Fujiwara, respectively C X-ray image, photographed by K. Fujiwara.

Figure 2. Fresh coloration of two paratypes (A, C KAUM–I. 174226, 30.6 mm SL B, D KAUM–I. 174227, 26.2 mm SL) of Opistognathus ctenion, photographed by KAUM A, B lateral views C, D dorsal views.

Figure 3. Small paratype of Opistognathus ctenion (NSMT-P 130174, 17.3 mm SL) A fresh and B preserved specimens, photographed by G. Shinohara and K. Fujiwara, respectively.

Figure 4. Head of holotype of Opistognathus ctenion (KAUM–I. 174226, 30.6 mm SL), showing cephalic sensory pores (left column cyanine blue stain; right column solid yellow). Photographed by K. Fujiwara.

Figure 5. Three-dimensional reconstruction of head and anterior body in Opistognathus ctenion (KAUM–I. 174226, 30.6 mm SL), based on CT scanning. Photographed by G. Shinohara and K. Fujiwara. Abbreviations: ACh, anterior ceratohyal; Ana, anguloarticular; Bh, basihyal; Br, branchiostegal rays; Bsph, basisphenoid; Cl, cleithrum; Cor, coracoid; De, dentary; DHh, dorsal hypohyal; DPcl, dorsal postcleithrum; Ect, ectopterygoid; Ent, entopterygoid; Epoc, epiotic; Exoc, exoccipital; Fr, frontal; Hy, hyomandibular; Ih, interhyal, IO1 to IO5, 1st to 5th infraorbitals, respectively; Iop, interopercle; LE, lateral ethmoid; Met, metapterygoid; Mx, maxilla; Na, nasal; Op, opercle; Pa, parietal; Pal, palatine; PecR, pectoral radial; Pmx, premaxilla; Pop, preopercle; Psph, parasphenoid; Pt, posttemporal; Pte, pterotic; Q, quadrate; Ra, retroarticular; Sc, scapula; Scl, supracleithrum; Smx, supramaxilla; Soc, supraoccipital; Sop, subopercle; Sph, sphenotic; Ste, supratemporal; Sym, symplectic; Ur, urohyal; V1, 1st vertebral centrum; Vo, vomer; and VPcl, ventral postcleithrum. Asterisks indicate poorly resolved features.
Head and body. Body elongate, compressed anteriorly, progressively more compressed posteriorly. Anus situated just before anal-fin origin. Head cylindrical, its profile rounded. Eyes somewhat large, located dorsolaterally. Anterior nostril a short membranous tube with a tiny tentacle on posterior rim, when depressed not reaching posterior nostril; situated about mid-way between posterior nostril and dorsal margin of upper lip. Posterior nostril opening elliptical. Mouth terminal, obliquely inclined anterodorsally, forming angle of c. 20° with body axis. Anterior tip of upper jaw slightly before vertical through lower-jaw tip. Posterior margins of preopercle and opercle indistinct, covered with skin and generally rounded with slightly elongated flap on upper part, respectively. Gill opening wide, its uppermost point slightly below horizontal through dorsal margin of orbit in lateral view.
Lateral line system. Cephalic sensory pores moderately developed, covering most of head except for lower part of cheek and area adjacent to dorsal-fin origin. Mandibular pore positions 1 and 2 each with a single similarly-sized pore; position 3 with a single pore (largest size of mandibular pores); positions 4 and 5 with 1 (only left side of KAUM–I. 174227) or 2 and 6 or 7 pores, respectively. Lateral-line pores moderate, mostly in single series above and below embedded lateral-line tubes. Lateral line ending below 4th (KAUM–I. 174226) or 6th (KAUM–I. 174226) soft rays of dorsal-fin rays.
Scales. Scales mostly missing, scaled area and scale counts estimated from scale pockets. Lateral surface of body and belly scaled, except above and slightly below lateral line, area anterior to vertical below 4th (KAUM–I. 174227) or 5th (KAUM–I. 174226) dorsal-fin spine, pectoral-fin base, and chest. Head region and bases of vertical fins completely naked.
Fins. Dorsal fin moderately low, its profile relatively uniform except for anterior part and slightly notched junction of spinous and segmented rays; 1st dorsal-fin spine distinctly short, its base located between uppermost point of gill opening and posteriormost tip of flap on opercle; all dorsal rays branched distally. Anal fin of similar height to dorsal fin, its origin vertically level with base of 1st (KAUM–I. 174226) or 2nd (KAUM–I. 174227, NSMT-P 130174) dorsal-fin soft ray; last anal-fin ray close to caudal-fin base and vertically level with last dorsal-fin ray; all fin rays branched distally. Pelvic-fin origin anterior to vertical through dorsal-fin origin; first ray of pelvic fin robust, not tightly bound to second ray; membrane between first and second rays incised distally; second ray longest, innermost 3 rays branched. Pectoral-fin base below 2nd and 3rd dorsal-fin spine bases. Caudal fin rounded posteriorly.
Osteological features. Nasal short, tube-like. Vomer rhombic, with two tiny conical teeth anteriorly. Lateral ethmoid somewhat broad, articulating with 1st infraorbital and palatine ventrally. Palatine robust anteriorly, tapering posteriorly, without teeth. Infraorbitals relatively slender, comprising 5 elements, including dermosphenotic; 1st infraorbital longest, 3rd with suborbital shelf, 5th (= dermosphenotic) firmly attached to sphenotic. Basisphenoid crescentic. Frontal tapering anteriorly, 6 large dorsal openings for sensory canal from anteriormost tip to lateral aspect. Left and right parietals separated by supraoccipital. Anterior and posterior tips of supraoccipital strongly pointed. Sphenotic not expanded. Supratemporals associated with parietal and pterotic.
Premaxilla with a single row of conical teeth, except for posterior end. Maxilla long, posteriorly broadly expanded with slightly rounded corners. Supramaxilla small, on upper posterior end of maxilla. Dentary with a single row of conical teeth; 5 large ventral openings (including on posterior tip) from mandibular sensory canal. Anguloarticular large, its anterior projection fitting into dentary notch; coronoid process strongly pointed, directed anterodorsally. Retroarticular small, on ventroposterior corner of anguloarticular. Hyomandibular broadly attached to sphenotic and pterotic. Ectopterygoid and symplectic slender. Entopterygoid forming a large shelf. Metapterygoid and quadrate present but poorly resolved, Opercle with 2 strong and 1 weak ridge. Preopercle with 5 large openings from preopercular sensory canal. Subopercle small, its anterior tip pointed. Interopercle triangular, size similar to subopercle. Six long recurved branchiostegal rays.
Posttemporal L-shaped, forked, dorsal limb articulating with epiotic, an opening on posterior corner. Supracleithrum rod-like. Cleithrum with a large dorsal blade, receiving supracleithrum. Dorsal postcleithrum rectangular, articulating with cleithrum and scapula. Ventral postcleithrum long, narrow. Scapula widely separated from coracoid. Pectoral-fin radials comprising 4 elements, lowermost distinctly largest. Supraneural bone absent. Anterior dorsal- and anal fin interdigitation patterns //1/1+1/1/ and //1+1/1/1/1/, respectively.
ColorationFresh coloration of holotype and KAUM–I. 174227. Head ground color reddish-brown dorsally, reddish-white ventrally. Iris generally reddish-brown, except for whitish area ventrally, with four faint dark red lines radiating from pupil. Two faint dark-red oblique lines, extending from just behind eye to middle of nape and upper part of cheek, respectively. Five or six whitish blotches on cheek and opercle. Floor of mouth entirely white No blotches or stripes on snout, suborbital region, and both jaws. Body reddish-brown, with 3 or 4 longitudinal rows of c. 8–10 whitish blotches of size distinctly smaller than blotches on head region; upper one or two rows and anterior part of lower two rows of blotches somewhat indistinct. Two whitish blotches on pectoral-fin base, lower blotch distinctly the larger. Dorsal- and anal-fin bases edged with dark reddish-brown, anterior edge of former extending slightly below lateral line (sometimes interrupted by body ground color). Spinous dorsal fin greenish- or yellowish-brown; an ocellus between 2nd to 5th spines, 4–6 white spots forming a longitudinal row just behind ocellus. Soft-rayed part of dorsal fin and anal fin hyaline or faint reddish-brown, with two and one reddish-orange stripes, respectively; upper stripe of former through distal edge, remaining stripes at c. 1/3 height of both fins. Pelvic-fin rays whitish and membrane hyaline with melanophores. Pectoral and caudal fins uniformly faint orange or reddish-yellow.
Fresh coloration of NSMT-P 130174. Generally similar to other type specimens, with the following differences. Head and body yellow. Whitish blotches on body more distinct. A whitish blotch on pectoral-fin base. Vertical fins faintly yellow (details of pigmentation patterns not visible), an ocellus on spinous dorsal fin. Pelvic fins white.
Color in alcohol. Head and body generally blackish-gray. Ventral part of head and belly white. Whitish blotches on cheek, opercle, and pectoral-fin base (in fresh condition) faded, traces of blotches on body represented by non-pigmented areas. Spinous dorsal fin generally blackish-gray, an ocellus apparent (with hyaline white edge), but longitudinal row of white spots faded. Soft-rayed part of dorsal and anal fins hyaline, reddish-orange stripes (in fresh condition) retained as blackish-gray stripes. Pelvic-fin rays white, membrane hyaline with melanophores. Pectoral and caudal fins uniformly translucent white.
Distribution and habitatCurrently known only from the Osumi and Ryukyu islands, southern Japan in depths of 35–57 m (Fig. 6). The Ryukyu specimen (NSMT-P 130174) was collected from a sandy gravel bottom.

Figure 6. Distributional records of Opistognathus ctenion.
EtymologyThe specific name is a noun in apposition derived from the Greek diminutive κτενίον, meaning “a small comb”. It refers to the low gill raker numbers in the new species, one of the lowest recorded for Indo-Pacific species of Opistognathus (see below).
ComparisonsOpistognathus ctenion keys out to couplet 25 in Smith-Vaniz’s (2023) key to species of Opistognathus (including all valid species known from the Indo-West Pacific to date). The new species is most similar to the allopatric Opistognathus triops Smith-Vaniz, 2023 in having the following characters: posterior end of upper jaw rigid, without flexible lamina; dorsal-fin rays XI, 16–18; anal-fin rays II, 17; vertebrae 10 + 22 = 32; longitudinal scale rows c. 40–50; body scales absent anterior to vertical below 4th or 5th dorsal-fin spine; vomerine teeth 2; lateral line terminating below 4th–6th soft ray of dorsal fin; and spinous dorsal fin with an ocellus between 2nd to 5th spines. However, O. ctenion differs distinctly from O. triops in having fewer gill rakers (6 or 7 + 13 or 14 = 20 or 21 in O. ctenion vs 8 or 9 + 16–18 = 24–27 in O. triops), usually 2 and 6 or 7 pores included in the 4th and 5th mandibular pore positions, respectively (vs 1 and 2–4 pores, respectively), two reddish-orange stripes on the soft-rayed part of the dorsal fin (vs three broken brown stripes), a uniformly faint orange or reddish-yellow caudal fin (vs hyaline with three brown bars), and no blotches or stripes on the snout, suborbital region, and both jaws (vs 4 or 5 brown lines radiating from orbit). In addition, O. ctenion apparently occupies a slightly deeper water habitat than O. triops (currently known from 35–57 m depth vs 12–32 m depth).
The total of 20 or 21 gill rakers in O. ctenion is one of the lowest among the Indo-Pacific species of Opistognathus, with only two species sharing similar counts [viz., Opistognathus albomaculatus Smith-Vaniz, 2023 with 19–22 gill rakers; and Opistognathus reticulatus (McKay, 1969) with 21–23; see Smith-Vaniz (2023: table 12)]. Although O. ctenion is unlikely to be misidentified as O. reticulatus due to significant differences in body color, it is somewhat similar to O. albomaculatus in sharing whitish blotches on the body. However, the former can be easily distinguished from O. albomaculatus by the ocellus on the spinous dorsal fin (vs a striped pattern in O. albomaculatus). Dorsal- and anal-fin ray, and caudal vertebral numbers, as well as vomerine teeth condition, are also useful for distinguishing between the two species (viz., XI, 16–18 and II, 17, respectively in O. ctenion vs X, 19–21 and II, 18–20 in O. albomaculatus; 22 vs 23–25; and two teeth present vs teeth absent).
AcknowledgmentsWe are especially grateful to K. Kubota (Kagoshima University), S. Ohtsuka and Y. Kondo (Hiroshima University), Captain K. Nakaguchi and the crew of the R/V Toyoshio-maru for their assistance in collecting the specimens of the new species; S. Nomura, T. Kutsuna and Y. Shigeta (NSMT) for their efforts on proper maintenance of micro-CT scanner and software in Research Wing, Tsukuba District; G. S. Hardy (Ngunguru, New Zealand) for reading the manuscript and providing help with English; W. Smith-Vaniz (Florida Museum of Natural History) for reading the manuscript and providing valuable comments.
Additional informationConflict of interestThe authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
Ethical statementNo ethical statement was reported.
FundingThis study was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science for JSPS Fellows to KF (PD: 22J01404); JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers 20H03311 and 21H03651, the JSPS Core-to-Core CREPSUM JPJSCCB20200009, and the “Establishment of Glocal Research and Education Network in the Amami Islands” project of Kagoshima University adopted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan to HM; and the Integrated Research Program “Geological, Biological, and Anthropological Histories in Relation to the Kuroshio Current” of the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba (2016–2021) and JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP21K01009 to GS.
Author contributionsK.F. was responsible for the study design, generation and analysis of the data, and wrote the original draft manuscript. H.M. and G.S. were responsible for field work, generation and analysis of data, and review and editing of the manuscript. All authors read the manuscript and approved the final version.
Author ORCIDsKyoji Fujiwara https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7577-8333
Hiroyuki Motomura https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7448-2482
Gento Shinohara https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8071-9239
Data availabilityAll of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text.
References

Cuvier G (1816) Le Règne Animal distribué d’après son organisation pour servir de base à l’histoire naturelle des animaux et d’introduction à l’anatomie comparée. Les reptiles, Les poissons, Les mollusques et Les annélides. 1st edn. Vol. 2. Chez Deterville, Paris, [xviii +] 532 pp. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/1848835#page/7/mode/1up

McKay RJ (1969) The genus Tandya in Western Australia, with a description of a new opisthognathid fish, Tandya reticulata sp. nov. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 52: 1–2. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/173687#page/1/mode/1up

Motomura H, Matsunuma M (2022) Fish diversity along the Kuroshio Current. In: Kai Y, Motomura H, Matsuura K (Eds) Fish diversity of Japan. Evolution, Zoogeography, and Conservation. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd., Singapore, 63–78. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-7427-3_5

Smith-Vaniz WF (2023) Review of Indo-West Pacific jawfishes (Opistognathus: Opistognathidae), with descriptions of 18 new species. Zootaxa 5252(1): 1–180. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5252.1.1

Wessel P, Smith WHF (1996) A global self-consistent, hierarchical, high-resolution shoreline database. Journal of Geophysical Research 101(B4): 8741–8743. https://doi.org/10.1029/96JB00104

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Varicus roatanensis

Varicus prometheus

Two new species of Varicus from Caribbean deep reefs, with comments on the related genus Pinnichthys (Teleostei, Gobiidae, Gobiosomatini, Nes subgroup)

Katlyn M. Fuentes, Carole C. Baldwin, D. Ross Robertson, Claudia C. Lardizábal, Luke TornabeneAbstractTropical deep reefs (~40–300 m) are diverse ecosystems that serve as habitats for diverse communities of reef-associated fishes. Deep-reef fish communities are taxonomically and ecologically distinct from those on shallow reefs, but like those on shallow reefs, they are home to a species-rich assemblage of small, cryptobenthic reef fishes, including many species from the family Gobiidae (gobies). Here we describe two new species of deep-reef gobies, Varicus prometheus sp. nov. and V. roatanensis sp. nov., that were collected using the submersible Idabel from rariphotic reefs off the island of Roatan (Honduras) in the Caribbean. The new species are the 11th and 12th species of the genus Varicus, and their placement in the genus is supported by morphological data and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Additionally, we also collected new specimens of the closely-related genus and species Pinnichthys aimoriensis during submersible collections off the islands of Bonaire and St. Eustatius (Netherland Antilles) and included them in this study to expand the current description of that species and document its range extension from Brazil into the Caribbean. Collectively, the two new species of Varicus and new records of P. aimoriensis add to our growing knowledge of cryptobenthic fish diversity on deep reefs of the Caribbean.

full paper at:- zookeys.pensoft.net/article/107551/

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A new species of rheophilic armored catfish of Rineloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Vaupés River, Amazonas basin, Colombia

Alexander Urbano-Bonilla, Alejandro Londoño-Burbano, Tiago P. Carvalho
First published: 10 July 2023

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15500
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SHAREAbstractA new rheophilic species of the genus Rineloricaria is described for the Amazon basin in Colombia. Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp. differs from its congeners by having anterior to the first predorsal plate, an inconspicuous saddle-like mark; the presence of dark, diffuse blotches, present as unified dark colouration along most of the dorsal portion of the head, without bands or spots on the head; a long snout that occupies more than half the head length (HL), between 58.0% and 66.3% HL; a naked portion on the cleithral area from the border of lower lip reaching the origin of pectoral fin; and by having five series of lateral plates in longitudinal rows below the dorsal fin. The new species is morphologically similar to Rineloricaria daraha; however, it can be distinguished by the presence of six branched pectoral fin rays (vs. seven) and the lower lip surface with short thick papillae (vs. long finger papillae). An identification key to the Rineloricaria species of the Amazon River basin in Colombia is provided. The new species is herein categorized as Least Concern, following the IUCN criteria.
1 INTRODUCTIONThe armored catfish Rineloricaria Bleeker, 1862, has 71 valid species, being the richest genus in the family Loricariidae (Fricke et al., 2023). The genus is diagnosed by a combination of characteristics such as the presence of postorbital notch; lower lip with short round papillae; premaxilla with 7 to 15 teeth on each ramus; dentary teeth strong, deeply bicuspidate, and larger than premaxillary; colouration of the dorsal region with dark-brown bars or blotches; abdomen with a conspicuous polygonal pre-anal plate, usually bordered by three other large trapezoidal plates (Fichberg & Chamon, 2008) and some features of sexual dimorphism, which are traits not always present in the individuals available for examination (Londoño-Burbano & Urbano-Bonilla, 2018). Progress has been made in the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships between Rineloricaria species (Covain & Fisch-Muller, 2007), and it is now demonstrated to be a monophyletic group based on molecular data (Costa-Silva et al., 2015; Covain et al., 2016) with wide interspecies morphological variation (e.g., body color and shape, arrangement of abdominal plates, shape of head, and distribution of hypertrophied odontodes; Vera-Alcaraz et al., 2012).
The wide distribution of Rineloricaria in the main Neotropical basins and environments reflects the diversity and morphological adaptations of its species (van der Sleen & Albert, 2017; Vera-Alcaraz et al., 2012). Some species occur in small drainages of slow to moderate-flowing waters, associated with sand, vegetation, and organic matter; others are rheophilic inhabiting fast-flowing rivers associated with rocks (Costa-Silva et al., 2021; Lima et al., 2005; Londoño-Burbano & Urbano-Bonilla, 2018; Rapp Py-Daniel & Fichberg, 2008; Rodriguez & Reis, 2008). Rheophilic environments have driven the evolution of armored catfish lineages in the family Loricariidae (Lujan & Conway, 2015); the rheophilic species of Rineloricaria exhibit consistent ecomorphological patterns and that is evidenced in the shape of the body, mouth, and buccal papillae (Bressman et al., 2020).
In Colombia, 11 species are present in different hydrographic basins: Pacific and Caribbean: Rineloricaria jubata (Boulenger 1902); Pacific: Rineloricaria sneiderni (Fowler 1944); Caribbean Rineloricaria rupestris (Schultz 1944) and Magdalena-Cauca and Caribbean: Rineloricaria magdalenae (Steindachner 1879); Orinoco: Rineloricaria eigenmanni (Pellegrin 1908) and Rineloricaria formosa Isbrücker & Nijssen 1979; Amazonas: Rineloricaria castroi Isbrücker & Nijssen 1984, Rineloricaria daraha Rapp Py-Daniel & Fichberg, 2008, Rineloricaria phoxocephala (Eigenmann & Eigenmann 1889), Rineloricaria lanceolata (Günther 1868) and Rineloricaria jurupari Londoño-Burbano & Urbano-Bonilla, 2018 (DoNascimiento et al., 2021). The diversity of species in Colombia may have been underestimated due to a lack of data and sampling, especially in the Amazon basin (Jézéquel, Tedesco, Bigorne, et al., 2020a). Of the main rivers that drain to the Amazon (e.g., in Colombia: Caquetá, Putumayo, Apaporis, and Vaupés), the Vaupés is located in a Miocene Andean tectonic upheaval known as the Vaupés Arch (10 Ma), which acts as a semi-permeable barrier for the dispersal of fish (Winemiler & Willis, 2011) dividing the Amazon and Orinoco basins (Mora et al., 2010). Located on its border with Brazil, this river has numerous rocky rapids (locally known as “Cachiveras,” or “Raudales”) along its course that serve as a habitat and act as hydrogeographic barriers for fish. In the exploration of these environments, a new species of the genus Rineloricaria was identified, and it is described herein. Additionally, an updated identification key for species present at the Colombian Amazon is provided.
2 MATERIALS AND METHODSFish collection follows animal care guidelines provided by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (2013) -https://www.asih.org/resources. The biological material of MPUJ collected in this expedition in the río Vaupés went through a process of amnesty by the Instituto de Investigación Alexander von Humboldt under Colombian law “article 6 of law 1955 of 2019.” Fishes were captured using hand-nets or hand-captured by active snorkeling dives in polls or rapids of the Vaupés River. Specimens were photographed in life following the scientific documentation protocols of Photafish (Garcia-Melo et al., 2019). The holotype was also photographed in the laboratory following similar protocols. When the collected specimens were euthanized, doses of 0.3 mL/0.25 L of clove oil were added (Syzygium aromaticum; Lucena et al., 2013) before fixation. Fishes were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and later preserved in 70% ethanol for storage. Counts and measurements were made on the left side of specimens when possible, using digital calipers to the nearest 0.1 mm. Measurement, plate series count, and nomenclature followed Vera-Alcaraz et al. (2012). The terms “main cusp” and “lateral cusp” follow Muller and Weber (1992). Institutional acronyms follow Sabaj (2020). Characteristics used to diagnose the new species from species that are not included in the item “Additional specimens examined” were analysed and compared using original and subsequent descriptions of each species. In the description, counts are followed by their frequency in parentheses, and an asterisk (*) indicates the count of the holotype. Conservation Assessment Tool-GeoCAT was used to assess the geographic range of the taxon in two approaches: (i) extent of occurrence (EOO) and (ii) area of occupancy (AOO). Both metrics are part of the IUCN Red List categories and criteria (IUCN Subcommittee on Standards and Petitions, 2022). This study adjusted the grid to 1 km2, following the criteria of Bachman et al. (2011) for aquatic ecosystems.
3 RESULTS3.1 R. cachivera new speciesurn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7E3CCD7A-6118-4D3C-ADD1-F89A06ADF735.
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:FA5DEFCE-5666-46DD-9D3E-1F6E8E138668.
(Figures 1 and 2; and Table 1).

FIGURE 1
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Holotype of Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp., MPUJ 14451, 122.8 mm standard length (LS), río Vaupés upstream Cachivera Tapira-llerao, Comunidad de Matapí, Mitú, Vaupés, Colombia.

FIGURE 2
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Paratypes of Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp. (a) Unpreserved specimen, río Vaupés at Resguardo Trubón. (b-c) MPUJ 14481, 114.4 mm standard length (LS), río Vaupés at Laguna Arcoiris small rocky bottom isolated lagoon from the river, Comunidad de Matapí, Mitú, Vaupés, Colombia.
TABLE 1. Morphometric data of holotype (H) and paratypes of Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp. (n = 4 including the holotype).
HolotypeMinimumMaximumMeanS.D.Standard length122.877.2122.8107.2-
Percentage of standard length
Head length24.721.925.124.11.48
Predorsal length37.137.137.837.40.33
Postdorsal length62.262.265.463.91.30
Prepectoral length22.421.322.421.80.48
Postpectoral length82.180.284.382.31.66
Prepelvic length36.036.036.736.30.28
Postpelvic length65.565.466.765.80.61
Pre-anal length50.950.051.450.90.62
Postanal length50.347.250.349.21.41
Unbranched dorsal-fin ray19.417.020.919.41.67
Unbranched pectoral-fin ray17.717.820.619.01.18
Unbranched pelvic-fin ray18.318.319.318.90.42
Unbranched anal-fin ray17.717.720.619.41.26
Thoracic length16.715.818.016.70.92
Abdominal length17.016.217.817.10.71
Cleithral width19.619.620.619.90.47
Depth at dorsal-fin origin13.311.314.412.61.45
Width at anal-fin origin14.713.115.014.20.89
Caudal peduncle depth1.51.41.71.50.11
Caudal peduncle width2.72.73.23.00.24
Percentage of head length
Snout length58.058.066.360.43.96
Eye diameter10.210.213.011.21.22
Maximum orbital diameter14.513.218.315.22.19
Interorbital width25.023.329.025.42.47
Internarial width9.69.615.411.82.73
Head depth44.836.251.543.26.54
Head width76.473.593.581.58.82
Free maxillary barbel5.65.38.36.61.42
Ventrorostral length9.98.310.59.60.94
Lower lip length22.420.123.721.81.57

Abbreviation: S.D., standard deviation.

3.2 HolotypeMPUJ 14451, 122.8 mm standard length (LS), Colombia, Vaupés Department, Mitú municipality, Negro River drainage, río Vaupés upstream Cachivera Tapira-llerao, Comunidad de Matapí, 1° 4′ 49.63″ N, 69° 22′ 20.82″ W, 143 m a.s.l., coll, J. A. Maldonado-Ocampo et al., February 28, 2019.
3.3 ParatypesMPUJ 14375, 114.5, mm LS. Colombia, Vaupés Department, Mitú municipality, Negro River drainage, río Vaupés at Resguardo Trubón, 1° 12′ 8.38″ N, 70° 2′ 20.67″ W, 176 m a.s.l., coll, J. A. Maldonado-Ocampo et al., February 22, 2019. MPUJ 14481, 114.4 mm LS, Colombia, Vaupés Department, Mitú municipality, Negro River drainage, río Vaupés, Laguna Arcoiris small rocky bottom isolated lagoon from the river, Comunidad de Matapí, 1° 4′ 48.30″ 14495, 77.2 mm LS Colombia, Vaupés Department, Mitú municipality, Negro River drainage, río Vaupés at Comunidad de Matapí, 1° 4′ 49.16″ N, 69° 21′ 50.44″ W, 119 m a.s.l., coll, J. A. Maldonado-Ocampo et al., March 2, 2019.
3.4 DiagnosisThe new species differs from all its congeners by the following combination of characters: presence of a transverse dorsal band that is not well defined and is curved, similar to that band observed on anterior border of snout, anterior to the first predorsal plate (vs. transversal band absent; when present, first dorsal transversal band well defined, straight, not curved); presence of dark, diffuse blotches, present as unified dark colouration along most of dorsal portion of head, without bands or spots on head (vs. absence of dark, diffuse blotches, present as unified dark colouration along most of dorsal portion of head, without bands or spots on head); a long snout that occupies more than half the HL, between 58.0% and 66.3% HL (vs. short snout, occupying half or less than half of HL, usually less than 56% HL; except in R. daraha, R. lanceolata, R. malabarbai Rodriguez & Reis, 2008, Rineloricaria microlepidogaster [Regan 1904], and Rineloricaria osvaldoi Fichberg & Chamon, 2008); and naked portion on the cleithral region from border of lower lip reaching origin of pectoral fin (vs. naked portion of cleithral region not reaching origin of pectoral fin, beyond pectoral-fin origin, or portion totally covered by plates). Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp. is further distinguished by having five series of lateral plates in longitudinal rows below the dorsal fin (vs. four series of lateral plates in longitudinal rows below the dorsal fin in R. aurata (Knaack 2002), Rineloricaria beni (Pearson 1924), Rineloricaria cadeae (Hensel 1868), R. castroi, Rineloricaria catamarcensis (Berg 1895), Rineloricaria cubatonis (Steindachner 1907), Rineloricaria felipponei (Fowler 1943), Rineloricaria henselli (Steindachner 1907), R. jurupari, R. lanceolata, Rineloricaria langei Ingenito, Ghazzi, Duboc & Abilhoa 2008, Rineloricaria lima (Kner 1853), Rineloricaria longicauda Reis 1983, Rineloricaria magdalenae, Rineloricaria microlepidota (Steindachner 1907), Rineloricaria misionera Rodriguez & Miquelarena, 2005, Rineloricaria nigricauda (Regan 1904), Rineloricaria pareiacantha Mirande & Koerber 2015, Rineloricaria parva (Boulenger 1895), Rineloricaria quadrensis Reis 1983, Rineloricaria sanga Ghazzi 2008, Rineloricaria setepovos Ghazzi 2008, Rineloricaria sneiderni, Rineloricaria stellata Ghazzi 2008, Rineloricaria thrissoceps (Fowler 1943), Rineloricaria uracantha (Kner 1863), and Rineloricaria wolfei Fowler 1940). The new species is morphologically similar to R. daraha, a congener distributed in the río Negro basin (Brazil and Colombia); however, it can be easily distinguished by the presence of six branched pectoral fin rays (vs. seven) and the lower lip surface with short thick papillae (vs. long papillae).
3.5 DescriptionMorphometric data in Table 1. Largest specimen reaching 122.8 mm LS. Snout straight in lateral view, slightly raised on its tip. Dorsal profile straight to slightly convex from orbits to nuchal plate, and straight from dorsal origin to base of caudal-fin origin. Ventral profile of head straight; convex from anterior abdominal plates to anal-fin base, straight from that point to caudal-fin origin. Body and head wide, widening strongly at about origin of first infraorbital. Posterior portion of body with a noticeable narrowing at about half length of caudal peduncle. Five plates in infraorbital series, with sensory pores exposed ventrally. Snout tip with large oval naked area, but not extending laterally surpassing sensorial pore of first infraorbital. Poorly developed odontodes on head and trunk. Dorsum of head smooth, not presenting ridges on head and predorsal plates. Posterior margin of parieto-supraoccipital triangular. Dorsal margin of orbit not raised; postorbital notch shallow, not well developed. Eye large, round to slightly oval horizontally. Lower lip large, almost reaching anterior limit of abdominal plates, with lower border covered by 10 to 12 fringes on margin of each lobe. Round papillae covering lower lip, increasing in size toward dentary ramii, a line of more developed papillae near line with maxillary barbel. Teeth bicuspid, long, main cusp greater and wider than lateral, dentary teeth larger than premaxillary teeth, main cusp about twice length of lateral cusp. Premaxilla with 6(3*) or 8(1) teeth; dentary with 5(1*), 6(1), 7(1), 8(1) teeth. Five lateral plate series. Median lateral plates 27(2), or 28(2*). Lateral line complete. Lateral abdominal plates 9(2), 10(1), or 11(1*). Central abdominal plates well developed, slightly smaller anteriorly, having about 4–5 rows irregularly distributed. Abdominal plates covering entire abdomen, without naked areas. Posterior abdominal plates surrounding a well-defined pre-anal area, with three plates surrounding anus, one anterior and two lateral. Anterior margin of anterior abdominal plates slightly rounded or concave on its central portion. Dorsal fin I,7(4), dorsal-fin spinelet present, locking mechanism not functional; tip of depressed unbranched ray reaching fourth or fifth plate posterior to dorsal-fin base; tip of depressed last branched ray reaching third or fourth plate; distal margin falcate with unbranched and first branched rays longer than remaining, dorsal-fin base occupying 4(4) plates; pectoral fin I,6(4); tip of depressed unbranched ray reaching and slightly surpassing dorsal-fin origin; distal margin truncate. Pelvic fin i,5 (4), depressed unbranched ray slightly surpassing anal-fin origin. Anal fin i,5(4), with tip of depressed unbranched ray reaching sixth plate posterior to its base, depressed last branched ray reaching third or fourth plate posterior to its base; anal-fin base with three plates; distal margin truncate. Caudal fin emarginate, i,10,i (3) and i,9,i(2*); dorsal principal ray extended as long filament, filament about 2−4 times length of lower unbranched one (Figure 2a).
3.6 ColourationOverall ground colouration yellowish, presenting dark-brown portions, especially on dorsal surface (Figure 1). Dorsal surface of body mostly yellowish contrasting with darker saddle-like pigmentation areas, ventral portion of body lighter. Dorsal body with five wide saddle-like dark marks; first one at base of dorsal fin, second starting just posterior to end of adnate last branched dorsal-fin ray and three marks between adnate end of anal fin and caudal peduncle. Lighter areas between dark saddles presenting dark scattered spots. Posterior region of parieto-supraoccipital darker with an inconspicuous saddle-like mark; ventral surface of head light yellowish with dark spots on cheek plates and snout area. Dark-brown irregular spots covering the lateral margin of abdomen, the remaining portion with yellow ground colouration (Figures 1 and 2). All fins with a dark band occupying almost their entire surfaces. Colouration in life similar as in preserved specimens except for brighter yellowish ground colouration (Figure 2).
3.7 Sexual dimorphismIn adult males, the first ray (unbranched) of pelvic fins has an extension equal in width to the rest of the ray; it is filament-shaped but very thick (Figure 2a; this individual was lost in the expedition accident and the photograph).
3.8 Distribution, habitat, and physicochemistry of waterRineloricaria cachivera n. sp. is known from four localities in the middle Vaupés River, downstream from the municipality of Mitú in Colombia (Figures 3 and 4a–d). With dark waters, little transparency (Secci disk values: x˙116 ± 11.31 S.D. and x˙122.50 ± 10.61 S.D.), and deep zones in the area of the rapids (up to 18.6 m). The mean values with standard deviation (mean ± S.D.) of the temperature (28.15 ± 0.21°C–29.65 ± 0.21°C), dissolved oxygen in the water (7.63 mg/L ± 0.25) and the surface (6.41 mg/L ± 0.01) are variable. In subaquatic dives with a diving mask, the specimens were collected by hand. In these rheophilic environments that are characterized by having aquatic plants (Podostemaceae) attached to the rocks, some fish were observed in low abundance (Leporinus fasciatus [Bloch, 1794], Characidium declivirostre Steindachner, 1915, Ancistrus patronus de Souza, Taphorn & Armbruster, 2019, and Hemiancistrus sp.), living in sympatry with R. Cachivera n. sp.

FIGURE 3
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Geographic distribution of Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp. in the middle río Vaupés. Black star refers to the type locality, and white circles are the paratypes. The green line highlights the Amazon basin, and the red symbols on the detailed map refer to the rapids on the río Vaupés.

FIGURE 4
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Habitat of Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp. (a) Tapira-Llerao sacred rock, (b) Raudal the Tapira-Llerao (Holotype) upstream of the Matapi indigenous community, (c) Laguna Arcoiris “small lagoon isolated from the raudal La Mojarra (paratype) upstream from the indigenous community of Matapi, (d) Raudal in the indigenous community of Trubón (paratype), and (e, f) petroglyphs in the cachiveras of the Vaupés River “Sacred sites” upstream of the Matapí indigenous community.3.9 Conservation assessmentRineloricaria cachivera n. sp. is currently known from four localities in the middle river Vaupes basin, and despite the small known distribution area (i.e., EOO: 51.752 km2/AOO: 4.000 km2), no significant threats to the species were detected. For this reason, R. cachivera can be preliminarily categorized as Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN categories and criteria (IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2022).
3.10 EtymologyThe specific name cachivera refers to a flow of water that runs violently between the rocks. In the cosmology of the indigenous peoples of the Vaupés, the waters of its rivers are inhabited by various supernatural creatures that must be venerated, consulted, and appeased in the rituals of the shamans; these creatures live and guard mainly the cachiveras of the rivers where humans are more fragile and face the greatest danger (Schultes & Raffauf, 2004) (e.g., Figure 4e,f). The species was named in memory of Javier Alejandro Maldonado-Ocampo “Nano,” who collected the new species in the cachivera of “Trubón” and “La Mojarra”; in the latter, on March 2, 2019, Nano stayed forever swimming in peace and happy with the rheophilic fish of the cachiveras of the Vaupés River.
3.11 Key to the Rineloricaria species of the Amazon River basin in Colombia1 Abdomen covered by brown dark spots; presence of dorsolateral stripes on both sides of the head.………2.
1' Abdomen without blotches and/or spots; absence of dorsolateral stripes on both sides of the head.………3.
2 Four or five premaxillary teeth; anterior abdominal plates the same size and equally numerous as central abdominal plates; anterior dorsal portion of body dark without transverse bands; two or three dark-brown narrow transverse bars restricted to the caudal peduncle.………R. jurupari (Londoño-Burbano & Urbano-Bonilla, 2018).
2' Five to eight premaxillary teeth; anterior abdominal plates smaller and more numerous than central abdominal plates; anterior dorsal portion of body with transverse band; five or six dark-brown broad transverse bars on caudal peduncle and predorsal region.………R. lanceolata (Günther, 1868).
3 Shallow posterior orbital notch; all fins (pectoral, pelvic, anal, and caudal) without a color pattern of “dark and light,” with spot occupying almost entire fin; pre-anal plate, with three polygonal scutes, of which the median one is the same size than those at either side; five series of lateral plates in longitudinal rows below the dorsal fin (Figure 5b) ………4.

FIGURE 5
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Series of lateral plates in longitudinal rows below the dorsal fin: (D) dorsal; (M-D) mid-dorsal; (M) median; (M-V) mid-ventral and (V) ventral; (LAP) lateral abdominal plates.3' Conspicuous posterior orbital notch; all fins (pectoral, pelvic, anal, and caudal) with a color pattern of “dark and light” vertical stripes; pre-anal plate, with three polygonal scutes, of which the median one is much smaller than those at either side; four series of lateral plates in longitudinal rows below the dorsal fin (Figure 5a) ………R. castroi (Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1984).
4 Six branched pectoral fin rays and lower lip surface button-like papillae.………5.
4' Seven branched pectoral fin rays and lower lip surface long finger papillae.………R. daraha (Rapp Py-Daniel & Fichberg, 2008).
5 Five dark-brown broad transverse bars on caudal peduncle and predorsal region; eye large, round to slightly oval horizontally and shallow postorbital notch; pre-anal plate with three plates surrounding the anus, one anterior and two lateral.………R. cachivera n. sp.
5' Six dark-brown broad transverse bars on caudal peduncle and predorsal region; eye large, round to slightly oval horizontally and conspicuous orbital notch; pre-anal plate, preceded by three polygonal scutes, of which the median one is much smaller than those at either side.………R. phoxocephala (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889).
4 DISCUSSIONRineloricaria has not been the subject of a complete taxonomic study (neither taxonomy alpha, nor integrative taxonomy) that could offer a delimitation between valid species, and offer updated diagnostic characters for each of the species. The only phylogenetic analysis using morphological evidence, including a significant number of valid species, is the unpublished study by Fichberg (2008); even though the author found the genus as a monophyletic assemblage, the delimitation of the species remains a problem. On the contrary, Costa-Silva et al. (2015) published a work aiming at delimiting species of the genus using molecular evidence, through the COI marker. The authors found that using different species delimitation methods, different outcomes regarding the number of species were found (i.e., lineages). This result reflects what has been happening to the taxonomy of the genus, in that descriptions of new species are published often, and it appears that there is a hidden diversity of the genus, in diverse environments, far from being discovered, fully known, or understood. Finally, Covain et al. (2016) published the most comprehensive phylogenetic analysis, through molecular evidence, regarding the genus, including representatives from its entire distribution, from the trans-Andean regions to the southeast of South America, Shields, and the Amazonian region. The authors in fact divided the genus into different groups, mostly finding a component of geographic distribution for the monophyletic assemblages present within Rineloricaria. As a result, they maintained the genus as a single monophyletic unit, did not split it into different genera, and moreover synonymized several genera to Rineloricaria (i.e., Fonchiiichthys Isbrücker & Michels, 2001; Hemiloricaria Bleeker, 1862; Ixinandria Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1979; and Lelliela Isbrücker, 2001), showing how complex the level of diversity is within the genus at the phylogenetic level. The study by Covain et al. (2016) is an excellent contribution to the delimitation of the different clades found within Rineloricaria for morphological characterization. Thus, the use of molecular evidence could be the first step toward an understanding of the diversity of Rineloricaria, and the number of valid species, which is increasing, could be at least delimited at the molecular level to allow a more approachable morphological work (Costa-Silva et al., 2015).
Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp. is a clear case of the diversity of environments in which species of the genus can be found. The Vaupés River in its headwaters (i.e., Itilla and Unilla rivers) is borne in outcrops of the Craton and crosses very old rocks of the Precambrian age (Botero & Serrano, 2019). Its dark-colored waters (black-brown), acidic, with a large number of humic acids, and poor in dissolved inorganic substances, explain the low levels of nutrients (Cabalzar & Lima, 2005). The substrate is mainly sand (with beaches in the low water period) and rock (Bogotá-Gregory et al., 2022); the latter, in rocky outcrops that give way to innumerable cachiveras that serve as habitat and act as a natural barrier for fish dispersal (Lima et al., 2005). Few species belonging to Rineloricaria are found in environments with such characteristics, and one example is R. daraha, present in the Negro River basin in localities both in Brazil and Colombia. These species are not sympatric; however, they are similar morphologically and can be differentiated by the presence of six branched pectoral fin rays (vs. seven), dark spots along the dorsal portion of the body (vs. dark spots restricted to the head), and the lower lip surface with short thick papillae (vs. long finger papillae). There is also an important similarity between both species, and that is related to their rheophilic nature and the environments in which they are found. Both appear to be adapted to turbulent waters and are capable of supporting strong currents, which contain grazeable aquatic plants, algae, and invertebrates found in the holes between and on the surface of waterfall rocks (Bogotá-Gregory et al., 2016) as resources for the species. These characteristics seem to be reflected in the morphology of both species, mainly regarding head morphology. Both species have an elongated head, with a long snout, and slender bodies, especially when compared to some congeners with stockier bodies (e.g., R. misionera, R. osvaldoi Fichberg & Chamon, 2008, R. rodriguezae Costa-Silva, Oliveira & Silva 2021, Rineloricaria steinbachi [Regan 1906], Rineloricaria zawadzkii Costa-Silva, Silva & Oliveira 2022, and most southeastern and southern distributed species of the genus).
In rheophilic environments, in addition to the morphology of the head and body, loricariids develop wide mouths and thick lips with well-developed papillae that increase friction and prevent drag by the water current (Gradwell, 1971; Ono, 1980). In the lips, collagen is supposed to work to reinforce the oral suction cups and reduce slippage; furthermore, its content correlates with the substrate and the flow of water; species that live on rocky substrates and torrential water current species have larger lips, with high collagen content (Bressman et al., 2020). The Andes mountain range with its water network having innumerable rapids promoted the evolution of oral characteristics (wide mouths and thick lips with well-developed papillae) that can be observed in other genera of loricariids with restricted distribution: Andeancistrus Lujan, Meza-Vargas & Barriga Salazar 2015, Cordylancistrus Isbrücker 1980, Chaetostoma Tschudi 1846, Dolichancistrus Isbrücker 1980, Fonchiiloricaria Rodriguez, Ortega & Covain 2011, and Transancistrus Lujan, Meza-Vargas & Barriga Salazar 2015. In the genus Rineloricaria the size of the mouth, papillae, and distribution range may vary significantly (Fricke et al., 2022; van der Sleen & Albert, 2017). This is evident in some cis- and trans-Andean species, where head shape, mouth size (length/width), maxillary barbels, labial papillae, and fringes on its edge are varied and may reflect adaptations to their environment (Figure 6a–i). The species that inhabit either the rocky rapids of the Paraná sedimentary basin (Costa-Silva et al., 2021) or in drainages of the Guiana Shield in the rapids of the Vaupés-Negro River (Rapp Py-Daniel & Fichberg, 2008), including R. cachivera n. sp., R. jurupari and R. daraha, have wide and high mouths, with thick lips and well-developed papillae that may explain their rheophilic nature (Figure 6a–c), compared to species with a smaller mouth, and which have greater environmental plasticity and distribution (Figure 6d–f,i). Rapids, in addition to promoting endemism and morphological specialization of fish, limit gene flow (Lima et al., 2005; Lujan & Conway, 2015; Torrente-Vilara et al., 2011). The species adapted to these environments have restricted distributions (Bressman et al., 2020) such as R. jurupari that lives in the headwaters of the Vaupes, that is, in the Itilla and Unilla rivers (Londoño-Burbano & Urbano-Bonilla, 2018). In the middle part, R. cachivera n. sp. seems to be exclusive to the rapids of the Vaupés River, and from its type locality we recorded it to occur ~138 km upstream in the same type of environments (Figure 3). Another endemic species is R. daraha; although with a greater distribution in the basin (>700 km), it has only been recorded in rheophilic environments, that is, in the Cachiveras-Cachoeiras of the Vaupés River in Brazil and Colombia (Bogotá-Gregory et al., 2016; Rapp Py-Daniel & Fichberg, 2008). In the Amazon basin, areas of endemism have been identified (Jézéquel, Tedesco, Darwall, et al., 2020b) as basic units of analysis in historical biogeography (Morrone, 2014) and useful in conservation biology (Löwenberg-Neto & de Carvalho, 2004). The Vaupés-Negro basin, in addition to being diverse in fish, exhibits a high degree of endemism (Jézéquel, Tedesco, Darwall, et al., 2020b); consequently, identifying new species (e.g., R. jurupari and R. cachivera n. sp.) or ecosystems (e.g., Raudales-Cachiveras-Cachoeiras) as “possible” conservation targets has proven to be an effective tool for the implementation of comprehensive conservation strategies in the Amazon Colombian (Portocarrero-Aya & Cowx, 2016).

FIGURE 6
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Shape of the head, size of the mouth (length/width), maxillary barbels, labial papillae, and fringes on its edge in some Rineloricaria species. Amazon basin: (a) Rineloricaria cachivera n. sp., 114.5 mm standard length (LS) (paratype: MPUJ 14375); (b) Rineloricaria jurupari, 87.2 mm LS (holotype: MPUJ12520); (c) Rineloricaria daraha, 170 mm LS (CZUT-IC 3621); (d) Rineloricaria castroi, 109 mm LS (MPUJ 14147); Orinoco basin: (e) Rineloricaria eigenmanni, 91.7 mm LS (MPUJ 13281); (f) Rineloricaria formosa, 127.4 mm LS (MPUJ 3249); (g) Rineloricaria sp., “Orinoco,” 89.1 mm LS (MPUJ 2908); (h) Pacific and Caribbean basins: Rineloricaria jubata, 78.2 mm LS (MPUJ 11151); (i) Magdalena-Cauca and Caribbean basin: Rineloricaria magdalenae, 94.5 mm LS (MPUJ 7940). The line = 10 mm.The known diversity of Rineloricaria is growing fast, and with 71 valid species, this diversity is likely to increase. Currently, there are 11 valid species reported for Colombia, with 5 species present in the Colombian Amazon: R. castroi, R. daraha, R. phoxocephala, R. lanceolata, and R. jurupari (DoNascimiento et al., 2022), R. cachivera n. sp. being the sixth valid species recorded for the region. Of those species, one was recently recorded for Colombia (R. daraha by Bogotá-Gregory et al., 2016), and another was recently described (R. jurupari, by Londoño-Burbano & Urbano-Bonilla, 2018), summing up the species described here, that is three species recorded in less than 10 years for the same basin (i.e., Vaupés River). Furthermore, R. lanceolata is a species currently recognized as widespread along the Amazonas River basin (including the upper, middle, and lower portions of the basin, in localities of Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru); however, from this wide distribution, a cryptic component could be present in the species. It is important to address such issues within the species as it is likely to result in several cryptic, undescribed species, and to delimit R. lanceolata to a more restricted distribution, with a better delimitation of the species (both morphological and molecular), and to understand and better describe the already great richness of Rineloricaria. This single example shows how complex the genus can be (the most diverse within Loricariinae) and adds a new component to tackle when studying its species, and the possibility of the presence of cryptic species, not only in R. lanceolata, but also for other species considered as widespread.
The description of R. cachivera n. sp. as the fourth species distributed in the Vaupés River reveals the underestimation of the diversity of Rineloricaria, which is already high as mentioned earlier. A revisionary study of the genus, delimiting the poorly characterized type species of the genus, R. lima, examination of type series and topotypic material of all valid species, and inclusion of both morphological and molecular evidence, is needed.
5 SPECIMENS EXAMINEDAll the material was examined in Londoño-Burbano and Urbano-Bonilla (2018).
6 ADDITIONAL SPECIMENS EXAMINED6.1 Rineloricaria darahaCZUT-IC 3620, Vaupés, Mpio. Yavarate, Río Papuri, comunidad de Piracuara, 0° 4′ 0″ N, 69° 33′ 28″ W; CZUT-IC 3621, Colombia, Vaupés, Mpio. Yavarate, Río Papuri, comunidad de Piracuara, 0° 4′ 11″ N, 69° 28′ 16″ W; CZUT-IC 4954, Colombia, Vaupés, Mitú, Isla Roca, 1° 11′ 29″ N, 70° 17′ 19″ W.
6.2 Rineloricaria eigenmanniMPUJ, 3281, 6, Colombia, Vichada, Puerto Carreño, Isla Santa helena, Río Orinoco, 5° 59′ 42″ N, 67° 25′ 34″ W, 17/04/2007. Col. González J.
6.3 Rineloricaria formosaZSM 25821, paratypes, 2alc, Venezuela, Orinoco River basin, Atabapo River near San Fernando 4° 03′ 0.00″ N, 67° 42′ 0.00″ W, 05/02/1973. Col: H.J. Köpcke & M. Jeschke. MPUJ 3249, 2, Colombia, Vichada, Puerto Carreño, Brazuelo Río Bita, directo al Orinoco, 6° 10′ 46″ N, 67° 38′ 0.15″ W, 10/10/2007. Col. González J.
6.4 Rineloricaria jubataBMNH 1902.5.27.45, lectotype of Loricaria jubata, Ecuador, Durango. BMNH 1901.3.29.74–76, paralectotypes, 3alc, same data as lectotype. MPUJ 11152, 1, Colombia, Valle del Cauca, Buenaventura, Corregimiento de Sabaletas, confluencia del rio Sabaletas con Río Anchicaya, 3° 44′ 23.1″ N, 76° 58′ 0.00″ W, 12/10/2014. Jorge E. García-Melo.
6.5 Rineloricaria lanceolataBMNH 1867.6.13.79, holotype of Loricaria lanceolata, Peru, Xeberos. MZUSP 81422, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, Açaí stream, near São Pedro community, 0° 16′ 0″ N, 69° 58′ 0″ W; MZUSP 81379, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, Onça stream, Onça Igarapé community, 0° 13′ 52″ N, 69° 51′ 4,9″ W; MZUSP 81439, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, Caruru community, corridor above Caruru waterfall, 0° 16′ 29″ N, 69° 54′ 54″ W.
6.6 Rineloricaria magdalenaeNMW 45080, lectotype of Loricaria magdalenae, Colombia, Magdalena River basin; NMW 45800, paralectotypes, 6alc, same data as lectotype. MPUJ 7940, 3, Colombia, Antioquia, El Bagre, Quebrada El Guamo, 7° 54′ 48″ N, 74° 46′ 440″ W, 31/05/2015. Col. Jhon E. Zamudio.
Rineloricaria sp. “Orinoco”
MPUJ 2908, 3, Colombia, Meta, San Martin, Caño Camoa, 3° 39′ 47″ N, 76° 36′ 33″ W, 26/08/2017. Col. Saúl Prada-Pedreros.
6.7 Rineloricaria sp.MZUSP 64690, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, São Pedro community, 0° 15′ 41″ N, 69° 57′ 23″ W; MZUSP 66145, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, Açaí stream, tributary of Tiquié River, near São Pedro community (opposite margin), 0° 15′ 41″ N, 69° 57′ 23″ W; MZUSP 81159, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, between Caruru and Boca de Sal communities, 0° 16′ 0″ N, 69° 54′ 0″ W; MZUSP 81240, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, Açaí stream, near former São Pedro community; MZUSP 81345, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, São Pedro community, Umari Norte stream, from Caruru to Cachoeira da Abelha waterfall, 0° 16′ 0″ N, 69° 58′ 0″ W; MZUSP 81417, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, Açaí stream, near São Pedro community, 0° 16′ 0″ N, 69° 58′ 0″ W; MZUSP 81501, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, São Pedro community, 0° 16′ 4″ N, 69° 58′ 21″ W; MZUSP 85099, Brazil, Amazonas, Negro River basin, Tiquié River, lower portion of Supiã stream, below Comprida waterfall, 0° 15′ N, 70° 01′ W; ZSM 27058, 4alc, Brazil, Pará, Guamá River near Ourem, Atlantic slope, 10/1988. Col: R. Stawikowski & U. Schliewen.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONSInitial study design, specimen collection, and processing (A.U.B.). All authors participated equally in collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in the preparation of the manuscript.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTSWe want to thank the support of several people from the communities of the region: William González-Torres and Arturo Hernández (Trubón community, Cubeo ethnic group), Emilio Marquez and Anderson Marquez (Villa Fátima community, Guanano ethnic group); Adelmo Santa Cruz (Nana community, Guanano ethnic group); Jaider Ramírez-Samaniego (Macucú community, Desano ethnic group), Julio V. Vélez and Silvio Vélez (Matapi community, Desano ethnic group). To Alejandro Campuzano (Fundación Conservando), Luis F. Jaramillo-Hurtado (SINCHI), and Mariana A. Moscoso (Ictiología y Cultura) for their technical support. Sandra Bibiana Correa (Mississippi State University) for her technical support and for providing data on the physicochemical aspects of water. A.U.-B. thanks the Catalog of the Fishes of Colombia, grant BID-CA2020-030-USE by GBIF, for allowing visits to some museums in the country and especially thanks curators or administrators for their unconditional support: Carlos A. García-Alzate (UARC-IC), Francisco A. Villa-Navarro (CZUT), Lauren Raz, Henry Agudelo-Zamora (ICN-MHN), Saúl Prada-Pedreros (MPUJ), Fernando Sarmiento Parra, and Julieth Stella Cárdenas Hincapié (MLS). A.L.-B. thanks James Maclaine (BMNH), Anja Palandačić (NMW), Ulrich Schliewen, Robin Böhmer, and Patricia Schulze (ZSM) for hospitality and assistance during visits to collections under their care, and Marcelo R. Britto (MNRJ) for technical and logistic support at MNRJ, where the manuscript was partially completed. Thanks to Omar Melo for help with the photographs of the holotype; Camila Castellanos, for the photo of R. daraha (Figure 6c); and Jorge García-Melo for taking photographs of live specimens in the field. Please visit the visual catalog of Colombian fish “https://cavfish.unibague.edu.co/”. Financial support was given by Pontificia Universidad Javeriana with the “Carta Encíclica Laudato Si” grant in the project entitled “Ictiología y Cultura: Aproximación biológica y cultural a los datos obtenidos en la expedición en las cachiveras del río Vaupés” (#20112). A.L.-B. was supported by a postdoctoral fellowship from FAPERJ Pós-Doutorado Nota 10 (05/2019 - E-
26/202.356/2019).

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Oreonectes damingshanensis • A New Species of Stream Fish (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from Guangxi, Southwest China

Oreonectes damingshanensis Yu, Luo, Lan, Xiao & Zhou,

in Yu, Luo, Lan, Zhou, Deng, Xiao et Zhou. 2023.
Damingshan Mountains Loach | 大明山岭鳅 || DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1180.104645

Abstract
In this work, a new species of the genus Oreonectes is described, named Oreonectes damingshanensis Yu, Luo, Lan, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov., collected from the Damingshan Mountains of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Phylogenetic trees constructed based on the mitochondrial Cyt b showed that the new species represents an independent evolutionary lineage, with uncorrected genetic distances (p-distance) from congeners ranging from 6.1% to 8.9%. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from five other species of the genus by a combination of characters. The discovery of this new species raises the number of known species of Oreonectes from five to six. Our study suggests that O. platycephalus may be a complex containing multiple species and that previously recorded areas need to be further delimited and reevaluated.

Key words: Morphology, new species, Oreonectes platycephalus complex, phylogeny, taxonomy

Live paratype of Oreonectes damingshanensis sp. nov.

Oreonectes damingshanensis Yu, Luo, Lan, Xiao & Zhou, sp. nov.

Oreonectes platycephalus (Günther, 1868): Wang 2022 (Guangxi, China); Luo et al. 2023 (Damingshan Mountains, Shanglin County, Guangxi, China).

Diagnosis: Oreonectes damingshanensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Oreonectes based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following characteristics, which are diagnostic for this genus: (1) anterior and posterior nostrils narrowly separated; (2) lips smooth, with furrows; (3) barbel-like elongation of anterior nostrils longer than depth of nostril tube; and (4) caudal fin rounded, dorsal fin with 6 or 7 branched rays (Du et al. 2023).

Etymology: The species epithet damingshanensis refers to the type locality, located within the Damingshan Mountains, Guangxi, China. The suggested English name is the Damingshan Mountains loach, and the Chinese name is Dà Míng Shān Lıˇng Qiū (大明山岭鳅).

Jing Yu, Tao Luo, Chang-Ting Lan, Jia-Jun Zhou, Huai-Qing Deng, Ning Xiao and Jiang Zhou. 2023. Oreonectes damingshanensis (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae), A New Species of Stream Fish from Guangxi, Southwest China. ZooKeys. 1180: 81-104. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1180.104645

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Paracheilinus amanda • Review of Australian Species of Paracheilinus Fourmanoir (Teleostei: Labridae), with Description of A New Species from the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea

(A1-A2) Paracheilinus amanda, new species;
(B) P. carpenteri, (C) P. flavianalis,
(D) P. mccoskeri, (E) P. rubricaudalis.
in Tea & Walsh. 2023.
DOI: 10.1643/i2023019
twitter.com/FishGuyKai
Photographs by H. H. Tan (A1); T. Yamazumi (A2); T. Cameron (B); V. Chalias (C); T. Kawamoto (D); and N. DeLoach (E).

Abstract
Australian species of the cirrhilabrin labrid genus Paracheilinus are reviewed. Four species of Paracheilinus are reported from Australian waters: P. amanda, new species, from Flora, Holmes, and Osprey Reefs, Coral Sea, off northeast Queensland, and Harrier Reef, Great Barrier Reef; P. filamentosus from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef; P. flavianalis from Evans and Flinders Shoals, Timor Sea, off northeast Darwin, Northern Territory, and Ashmore, Scott, Seringapatam, and Hibernia Reefs in the north-western shelf of Western Australia; and P. nursalim from Flinders Shoal, Timor Sea, off northern Darwin, Northern Territory. Paracheilinus amanda, new species, has previously been confused for P. rubricaudalis from Melanesia, but molecular analysis of mitochondrial COI recovers both species as reciprocally monophyletic lineages, differing from each other by 1–1.2% in genetic distance. They further differ in aspects of live coloration of terminal phase (TP) males. Both species are allopatric and do not overlap in distribution. The new species is described on the basis of six specimens: the holotype and two paratypes from Harrier Reef, Great Barrier Reef, one paratype from Flora Reef, Coral Sea, and from two paratypes collected off Hula in southern Papua New Guinea, along the north-western margin of the Coral Sea. The discovery of P. nursalim in Australia represents a new and significant range extension from previous locality records of West Papua and Ambon Bay. Paracheilinus is rediagnosed, and keys, diagnoses, photographs, and Australian distribution records are presented for all species herein.

Paracheilinus amanda, new species, aquarium specimen from Harrier Reef, the Great Barrier Reef. Specimen not retained. Photograph by K. Endoh.

A selection of Paracheilinus in life.
(A1) Paracheilinus amanda, new species, ZRC 64175, male paratype, 47.6 mm SL, off Hula, southern Papua New Guinea, Coral Sea; (A2) P. amanda, new species, underwater photograph from Osprey Reef, Coral Sea;
(B) P. carpenteri, underwater photograph from Mabini, Batangas, Philippines. Note the darkened posterior dorsal- and caudal-fin bases and the presence of a second stripe behind the pectoral fin; (C) P. flavianalis, underwater photograph from Bali, Indonesia;
(D) P. mccoskeri, underwater photograph from Khao Lak, Thailand; (E) P. rubricaudalis, underwater photograph from Mborokua, Solomon Islands. Note the reduced markings on caudal fin.
Photographs by H. H. Tan (A1); T. Yamazumi (A2); T. Cameron (B); V. Chalias (C); T. Kawamoto (D); and N. DeLoach (E).

Paracheilinus filamentosus, images of live and preserved specimens.
(A) Male in resting colors, underwater photograph from Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; (B) flashing male in nuptial colors, underwater photograph from Nggatokae, western Solomon Islands; (C) flashing male in nuptial colors, underwater photograph from the Solomon Islands; (D) AMS I.17479-001, 51.7 mm SL, male paratype, Tassafaronga Point, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Note purple spines and rays in preservation; (E) harem comprising one TP male (middle) and several females and immature males, underwater photograph from Lovukol, central Solomon Islands.
Photographs by M. Rosenstein (A–C, E) and Y. K. Tea (D).

Select individuals of Paracheilinus flavianalis demonstrating variability in the number of dorsal-fin filaments, coloration of anal fin, and spot band pattern on the anal fin.
(A) Underwater photograph from Triton Bay, Indonesia; (B) underwater photograph from Wakatobi, Sulawesi, Indonesia; (C–D) underwater photographs from Bali, Indonesia.
Photographs by R. Smith (A); J. Castellano (B); W. Osborn (C); and R. H. Kuiter (D).

Yi-Kai Tea and Fenton Walsh. 2023. Review of Australian Species of Paracheilinus Fourmanoir (Teleostei: Labridae), with Description of A New Species from the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 111(3); 397-415. DOI: 10.1643/i2023019
twitter.com/FishGuyKai/status/1702273836182602205
twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1702346910223204656

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Opistognathus ctenion • A New Jawfish (Perciformes: Opistognathidae) from southern Japan

Opistognathus ctenion
Fujiwara, Motomura & Shinohara, 2023

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1179.109813

Abstract
Opistognathus ctenion sp. nov. (Perciformes: Opistognathidae) is described on the basis of three specimens (17.3–30.6 mm in standard length) collected from the Osumi and Ryukyu islands, southern Japan in depths of 35–57 m. Although most similar to Opistognathus triops, recently described from Tonga and Vanuatu, the new species differs in mandibular pore arrangement, dorsal- and caudal-fin coloration, fewer gill rakers, and lacks blotches or stripes on the snout, suborbital region and both jaws.

Key words: Actinopterygii, dredge, new species, Osumi Islands, Ryukyu Islands, taxonomy

Opistognathus ctenion Fresh coloration of two paratypes
A, C KAUM–I. 174226, 30.6 mm SL; B, D KAUM–I. 174227, 26.2 mm SL
A, B lateral views; C, D dorsal views.
photographed by KAUM

 Opistognathus ctenion sp. nov.
New English name: Japanese White spotted Jawfish
New standard Japanese name: Shiratama-agoamadai

Diagnosis: A species of Opistognathus distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: posterior end of upper jaw rigid, without flexible lamina; dorsal-fin rays XI, 16–18; anterior dorsal-fin spines very stout and straight, and their distal ends not transversely forked; anal-fin rays II, 17; gill rakers 6 or 7 + 13 or 14 = 20 or 21; vertebrae 10 + 22 = 32; longitudinal scale rows c. 40–50; lateral line terminating below 4th–6th soft ray of dorsal fin; 4th and 5th mandibular pore positions usually included 2 and 6–7 pores, respectively; body scales absent anterior to vertical below 4th or 5th dorsal-fin spine; vomerine teeth 2; body reddish-brown with 3 or 4 longitudinal rows of c. 8–10 whitish blotches; cheek and opercle with five or six whitish blotches; snout, suborbital region, and both jaws without blotches or stripes; spinous dorsal fin with ocellus between 2nd to 5th spines; dorsal-fin soft-rayed portion with two reddish-orange stripes; pectoral-fin base with one or two whitish blotches; caudal fin uniformly faint orange or reddish-yellow.

Etymology: The specific name is a noun in apposition derived from the Greek diminutive κτενίον, meaning “a small comb”. It refers to the low gill raker numbers in the new species, one of the lowest recorded for Indo-Pacific species of Opistognathus (see below).

Distributional records of Opistognathus ctenion.

Kyoji Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Motomura and Gento Shinohara. 2023. Opistognathus ctenion (Perciformes, Opistognathidae): A New Jawfish from southern Japan. ZooKeys. 1179: 353-364. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1179.109813

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Generic reassignment of Centropristis fuscula Poey, 1861 (Teleostei: Serranidae), with re-description of the species and comments on its geographical range and sexual system

PISCESBRAZILWESTERN ATLANTICSERRANINAEDEEP ROCKY BOTTOMSIDENTIFICATION KEY

PDF(9.26MB)

AbstractCentropristes fusculus Poey, 1861 historically has variously and somewhat perplexingly been assigned to Centropristis Cuvier, 1829, Prionodes Jenyns, 1840, and Serranus Cuvier, 1816. Here, we provide evidence from comparisons of morphology, ecology, and sexual systems for its inclusion in Serranus and redescribe the species based on the holotype and 60 specimens from Brazil, the Caribbean, the United States, and Uruguay. Serranus fusculus is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, a sexual system that is relevant to its generic placement. The inclusion of Serranus fusculus in the genus Serranus increases to 33 the number of currently valid Serranus species, of which two are found in the Western Indian Ocean, six in the eastern Pacific and 25 in the Atlantic Ocean (15 restricted to the western Atlantic and 10 to the eastern and Central Atlantic). An identification key to western Atlantic species of the genus is provided.
full papaer at:- www.mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5346.1.3

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New species of Farlowella (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio Tapajós basin, Pará, BrazilManuela Dopazo1 , Wolmar B. Wosiacki2 and Marcelo R. Britto1
PDF: EN XML: EN | Cite this article
Abstract

A new species of stick-catfish Farlowella is described from streams of the lower rio Tapajós drainage, in Pará State, northern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by a naked gular region (vs. gular region with plates) and from most congeners by the presence of five lateral series of plate rows on anterior region of body (vs. four). The new species shows variation in the series of abdominal plates and a discussion on the variation of abdominal plates within Farlowella is made and comments on synapomorphic characters in Farlowellini.
Keywords: Amazon, Armored catfish, Biodiversity,Loricariinae,Taxonomy.
Introduction
The genus Farlowella Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889 is a component of the freshwater fish fauna of the Neotropics. With 32 valid species, Farlowella is the second-most species-rich genus of Loricariinae, a sub-family comprised of 262 valid species in 31 genera (Delgadillo et al., 2021; Londoño-Burbano, Reis, 2021; Fricke et al., 2023). Farlowella representatives are widely distributed in the main cis-Andean South America river drainages and trans-Andean Maracaibo and Magdalena river basins (Terán et al., 2019). They are easily distinguished by having a pronounced rostrum, a thin, elongated, brown body with two longitudinal bands that extend from the tip of the rostrum to the caudal peduncle (Covain, Fisch-Muller, 2007), resembling dry twigs or sticks, which justifies the popular name stick catfishes.
The first taxonomic study was the description of the genus Acestra by Kner (1853), with the first species described: Acestra acus and A. oxyrryncha, but without designating the type species of the genus, until A. acus was determined by Bleeker (1862). However, Acestra was already occupied in Hemiptera (Dallas, 1852) and the name Farlowella was then replaced by Eigenmann, Eigenmann (1889). From the end of the 19th century, several species were described, totaling 37 names that remained for almost a century, when Retzer, Page (1996) revised the genus based on characters of external morphology. This was the last revision of its species, as well as the first exclusive hypothesis of the phylogenetic relationships of the genus. In that study, the authors performed a phylogenetic analysis with morphological data including only one external group, Aposturisoma myriodon Isbrücker, Britski, Nijssen & Ortega, 1983 (= Farlowella myriodon), that was used to root the tree; the monophyly of the genus, and species relationships were not actually tested. The authors also proposed six species groups and six species were considered as incertae sedis.
Recently, Londoño-Burbano, Reis (2021), based on combined molecular and morphological phylogenetic analysis, formally recognized Aposturisoma myriodon as a member of Farlowella to assign the monophyly of the genus. Although A. myriodon is phenotypically different from Farlowella, this configuration had already been recovered by Covain et al. (2016). Based on the review of Farlowella material deposited in different collections and on the examination of material collected in the river near the confluence with rio Tapajós, in its lower portion, we identified a new species of Farlowella, which is described herein.

Full paper @ ni.bio.br/v21n1/

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Iniistius bakunawa • A New Species of Razor Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) from the Philippines and Western Australia

Iniistius bakunawa
Sorgon, Tea, Meren & Nañola, 2023

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71
Eclipse-spot Razor Wrasse || twitter.com/FishGuyKai

Abstract.
Iniistius bakunawa, new species, is described on the basis of nine specimens consisting of the holotype and six paratypes collected from fish markets in the islands of Panay, Cebu, Bohol, and Jolo in the Philippines, and two paratypes from the Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia. The new species is distinctive in having a pale yellowish to jade green body with a large concentric black and white ellipsoid ocellus on the posteriormost edge of its dorsal fin. Aside from live colouration details, the new species is readily diagnosed from congeners in having the following combination of characters: 7 horizontal rows of scales on cheek; gill rakers 4–6 + 8–11 = 12–17; gill rakers short, bearing teeth; and tubed lateral line scales 23–26. Assignment of the new species to the genus Iniistius is accompanied with a brief discussion of the currently inadequate diagnosis of the genus from Xyrichtys.

Key words. coral reefs, fish markets, Labridae, Novaculini, taxonomy, systematics

Iniistius bakunawa, new species, KAUM-I. 80684, paratype, 172.0 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines. Freshly dead specimen showing colouration in life
Photograph by H. Motomura

Iniistius bakunawa, new species, A–C, freshly dead specimens showing colouration in life; and D–F, X-rays.
A, USNM 435404, paratype, 162.4 mm SL, Cebu Island, Philippines; B, USNM 437745, paratype, 155.1 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines; C, USNM 437747, paratype, 158.8 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines;
D, CSIRO H 1488-1, paratype, 129.8 mm SL, off northwest Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia; E, CSIRO H 1506-1, paratype, 144.5 mm SL, off northern Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia; F, KAUM-I. 80684, paratype, 172.0 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines.
Photographs by J.T. Williams. X-rays provided by K. Parkinson.

Iniistius bakunawa, new species
Eclipse-spot Razor Wrasse

Iniistius sp. (Fukui, 2017): 184 (colour photograph of specimen from Panay Island, Philippines [reproduced here in Fig. 1A; KAUM-I. 80684]).

Diagnosis. A species of Iniistius distinct from all congeners based on the following combination of characters and live colouration details: 7 horizontal rows of scales on cheek; gill rakers 4–6 + 8–11 = 12–17; gill rakers short, bearing teeth; pored lateral line scales 19–20 + 4–6 = 23–26; 2 scales dorsoanteriorly on opercle; body yellowish to jade green; posteriormost dorsal fin with a large black centred white ellipsoid ocellus.

Etymology. The specific epithet is given after Bakunawa, a serpentine or draconic figure in Visayan mythology believed to be responsible for causing an eclipse by devouring the moon. The common name is given after the black centred white ellipsoidal ocellus on the posterior dorsal fin. The name bakunawa is treated as a noun in apposition.
Species of Iniistius are known by a variety of common names, including razor wrasse, cleaver wrasse, and razorfish. The first two names are sometimes used for other novaculin species in the genera Novaculops and Xyrichtys, whereas razorfish is sometimes used for Centriscus and Aeoliscus (Sygnathiformes; Centriscidae; also known as shrimpfish). To maintain consistent terminology with other members of the Novaculini and to avoid confusion with the Centriscidae, we recommend razor wrasse as the preferred common name when referring to species in the genus Iniistius.

Kent Elson S. Sorgon, Yi-Kai Tea, Jasmin C. Meren and Cleto L. Nañola Jr. 2023. Iniistius bakunawa, A New Species of Razor Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) from the Philippines and Western Australia. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71; 511–519.
twitter.com/FishGuyKai/status/1698616150752727488

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Callogobius williamsi, a new species of goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Marquesas Islands, with notes on the status of all nominal Callogobius species

PISCESGOBIIFORMESFRENCH POLYNESIATYPE SPECIMENSTAXONOMYSYSTEMATICS

PDF(6.45MB)

AbstractCallogobius williamsi new species is described from the 32.9 mm SL holotype and 29 paratypes (6.9–32.5 mm SL) from the Marquesas Islands, South Pacific Ocean. Callogobius williamsi is distinguished from all other known Callogobius species by the following combination of characters: scales mostly cycloid, ctenoid scales, if present, restricted to the mid-lateral caudal peduncle, 23–26 (mode 25) scales in lateral series, preopercular papillae row (Row 20) absent, and the interorbital canal with pores B′, D, and F′ present. Callogobius williamsi belongs to a group of 23 nominal species (the hasseltii group) that are hypothesized to be monophyletic based on the shared presence of narrow and closely spaced dorsal processes of the cleithrum and an elongate caudal fin (greater than head length in specimens over 20 mm SL). Following the species description is a discussion of the status of all nominal species of Callogobius including a table that provides provisional status for all species correctly assigned to the genus.

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Betta andrei • A New Species of Black Water Fighting Fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Singkep Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia

Betta andrei
Tan, 2023
a, B. waseri, d, B. spilotogena and j, B. andrei.

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71

Abstract
A new species of Betta from the B. waseri group is described based on a single specimen from Singkep Island. It appears to be closely allied to B. spilotogena. Betta andrei, new species, differs from B. spilotogena in having a different throat pattern, comprised of a black lower jaw, continuous with a large pitcher-like pattern on throat, ending with a protruding segment on buccal membrane (vs. isolated teardrop shaped black mark on throat); opercle uniform brown with dark brown spots along posterior margin; faint black transverse bars on the dorsal- and caudal-fin interradial membranes; absence of a dark distal border on anal fin.

Keywords. Betta, new species, Indonesia, peat swamp, biodiversity

Betta andrei, ZRC 64279, 50.7 mm SL:
topmost – live fish; second from top – freshly preserved fish with white background; third from top – freshly preserved fish with black background; bottom – radiograph.

Composite of head region of Betta andrei (ZRC 64279, 50.7 mm SL),
showing oblique (top) and ventral (bottom) views.

Betta andrei, new species

Diagnosis. Betta andrei can be distinguished from other members of the B. waseri group in having the following combination of characters: black lower jaw, continuous with large black pitcher-shaped mark on throat, ending with a protrusion on buccal membrane (see Figs. 2–3); opercle uniform brown with dark brown mottling along posterior margin, operculum without lower distal margin black; faint black transverse bars on the dorsal and caudal fin interradial membranes; absence of a dark distal border on anal fin.

Etymology. This species is named for Andre Chandra, an intrepid fish collector and enthusiast, who rendered much assistance to the author in procuring specimens and information; fishy discussions and good meals. A noun in the genitive.

Stream in which the holotype of Betta andrei was collected (Photograph: Andre Chandra).
Schematic diagrams of throat pattern of the Betta waseri group in chronological order of discovery: a, B. waseri, b, B. hipposideros, c, B. tomi, d, B. spilotogena, e, B. chloropharynx, f, B. renata, g, B. pi, h, B. pardalotos, i, B. omega, and j, Betta andrei.

Tan Heok Hui. 2023. A New Species of Black Water Fighting Fish from Singkep Island (Teleostei: Osphronemidae). RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71: 491–495.

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Rhyacoglanis beninei • Description and Phylogenetic Position of A New Species of Rhyacoglanis (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) from the Jamanxim River Basin

Rhyacoglanis beninei
Crispim-Rodrigues, Silva, Shibatta, Kuranaka & Oliveira, 2023

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0051
Abstract
In this study, a new species of Rhyacoglanis is described from the Jamanxim River basin, Tapajós River basin. The new species differs from congeners based on the combination of the following diagnostic characters: two oblique dark bands formed by an agglomerate of melanophores on the predorsal region; dorsal confluence between the dark subdorsal and subadipose bands in large juveniles and adults; ventral confluence between the dark subadipose and caudal peduncle bands; body without conspicuous dark brown spots; complete dark band on caudal peduncle; body with three dark bands; a thin dark caudal-fin band; pectoral-fin spine with anterior serrae distributed along the entire margin; the posterior tip of the post-cleithral process reaching vertical through the base of the dorsal-fin spine; and hypural 5 free of hypural 3 and 4 and pointed caudal-fin lobes. Additionally, our molecular phylogenetic results using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) corroborate the new species as Rhyacoglanis and sister to an undescribed species of Rhyacoglanis from the Xingu River basin. Moreover, as pointed out in previous studies, we confirm Cruciglanis as a sister group to Pseudopimelodus plus Rhyacoglanis.

Keywords: Amazon basin; Bumblebee catfishes; Phylogenomic; South America region; Pseudopimelodinae

Rhyacoglanis beninei, holotype, MZUSP 127014, 59.1 mm SL, from córrego Jussara, an affluent of Jamanxim River, Tapajós River basin. Scale bar = 10 mm.

A. Habitat of Rhyacoglanis beninei in córrego Jussara;
B. A rock where specimens of R. beninei were associated;
C. Paratype of R. beninei just after capture.
Photos: Gabriel S. Costa e Silva.

Rhyacoglanis beninei, new species

Diagnosis. Rhyacoglanis beninei can be diagnosed from all congeners by two oblique dorsal dark brown bars on the predorsal region (Fig. 2) (vs. absent). Additionally, R. beninei is distinguished from some congeners by having a dorsal confluence between the dark subdorsal and subadipose bands in large juveniles and adults (> 28 mm SL) (vs. lack dorsal confluence in R. paranensis, R. annulatus, R. varii, and R. rapppydanielae); ventral confluence between the dark subadipose and caudal peduncle bands (vs. lack ventral confluence in R. annulatus, R. epiblepsis, R. paranensis, R. seminiger, and R. rapppydanielae); body without conspicuous dark brown spots (vs. conspicuous dark brown spots in R. epiblepsis and R. rapppydanielae); complete dark band on caudal peduncle (vs. caudal peduncle-band with a unpigmented central region in R. annulatus); body with three dark bands (vs. two dark bands in R. seminiger); a thin dark caudal-fin bands (vs. large caudal-fin bands in R. paranensis and R. epiblepsis); pectoral-fin spine with anterior serrae distributed along the entire margin (restricted to the proximal half in R. pulcher and R. seminiger); posterior tip of the post-cleithral process reaching vertical through the base of the dorsal-fin spine (vs. not reaching in R. epiblepsis and R. rapppydanielae); hypural 5 free of hypural 3 and 4 (vs. hypurals 4 and 5 fused in R. rapppydanielae); pointed caudal-fin lobes (vs. rounded lobes in R. epiblepsis).

Etymology. Rhyacoglanis beninei is named in honor of Ricardo Cardoso Benine, Professor at Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, in recognition of his dedication and remarkable contributions to the knowledge of Neotropical freshwater fishes.

Pigmentation of oblique dark bars in the predorsal region of  Rhyacoglanis beninei.
A. MZUEL 23049, 29.6 mm SL; B. LBP 32145, 32.9 mm SL; C. LBP 32145, 37.3 mm SL; D. MZUEL 23049, 42.6 mm SL; E. LBP 32145, 50.2 mm SL. Scale bars = 10 mm.

Variation pattern of dark body bands in  Rhyacoglanis beninei.
A. MZUEL 23049, 42.6 mm SL; B. LBP 32145, 29.8 mm SL; C. LBP 32163, 27.0 mm SL; D. LBP 32163, 42.9 mm SL. Scale bars = 10 mm.

Jefferson Luan Crispim-Rodrigues, Gabriel de Souza da Costa e Silva, Oscar Akio Shibatta, Mariana Kuranaka and Claudio Oliveira. 2023. Description and Phylogenetic Position of A New Species of Rhyacoglanis (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) from the Jamanxim River Basin.  Neotrop. ichthyol. 21(3); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0051

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Trophic ecology of the African riverine elephant fishes (Mormyridae)Gina Maria Sommer, Samuel Didier Njom, Adrian Indermaur, Arnold Roger Bitja Nyom, Petra Horká, Jaroslav Kukla, Zuzana Musilova
doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.06.07.543841
This article is a preprint and has not been certified by peer review [what does this mean?].
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AbstractMultiple species of the elephant fishes (Mormyridae) commonly coexist in sympatry in most African tropical rivers and lakes. In this study, we investigated the trophic ecology and potential trophic niche partitioning of eleven mormyrid fish species from the Sanaga River system (Cameroon) using the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen of muscles and of trophic prey samples. Albeit mormyrids mainly feed on invertebrates, we found differences in isotope signals and the trophic niche partitioning in the studied species. We further show that species with elongated snout tend to show higher carbon and nitrogen isotope signals, suggesting a potential role of snout shape in their trophic preferences. Furthermore, we found significant differences in isotopic signatures within the Mormyrus genus, highlighting ecological niche diversification among three closely related species. We also report on different isotopic signals between seasons of the year in four species, possibly caused by species migration and/or anthropogenic agricultural activities. Overall, our research presents robust evidence of the trophic niche partitioning within the entire mormyrid species community, shedding light on the enigmatic evolutionary history of these fascinating African fishes.
Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.

Copyright
The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 International license.

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Moenkhausia guaruba • A New Species of Moenkhausia (Characiformes: Characidae) from rio Braço Norte, rio Tapajós Basin, with Comments on the Fish Endemism of Serra do Cachimbo Plateau

Moenkhausia guaruba
de Lima, Vita, Dutra, Ohara & Pastana, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5330.4.6
  Researchgate.net/publication/373171540
facebook.com/MuriloPastana

Abstract
A new species of Moenkhausia is described from the rio Braço Norte, a tributary of Rio Teles Pires draining the Serra do Cachimbo, rio Tapajós basin, Pará, Brazil. The new species is diagnosed from all congeners, except M. moisae and M. pirauba, by having a high number of scales in the longitudinal series (43–46 vs. 23–41 in other Moenkhausia species). It can also be distinguished from the aforementioned species based on the combination of the following characters: a single humeral blotch, 21–25 branched anal-fin rays, and a round and symmetrical caudal blotch not continuous anteriorly with the dark midlateral stripe. The new tetra herein described represents an additional, possibly endemic, taxon from the headwaters draining from Serra do Cachimbo, in the Brazilian Shield.

Keywords: Pisces, Amazon Basin, Neotropical fishes, taxonomy, Moenkhausia moisae, Moenkhausia pirauba

Live specimen of Moenkhausia guaruba, MZUSP 119389, paratype, SL uncertain,
Brazil, Pará, Novo Progresso, rio Braço Norte, rio Tapajós basin.

Moenkhausia guaruba, new species

Diagnosis. Moenkhausia guaruba is distinguished from its congeners, except Moenkhausia moisae Géry, Planquette & Le Bail 1995 and Moenkhausia pirauba Zanata, Birindelli & Moreira 2010 by having a higher numberof scales in the longitudinal series (43–46 vs. 23–41 in other Moenkhausia species). The new species differs fromM. moisae by having fewer branched anal-fin rays (21–25, modal 23 vs. 25–29, modal 27 in M. moisae; Fig. 2),a complete and regularly arranged series of predorsal scales (vs. irregular arranged of scales at predorsal region),and by having a single, vertically elongated and relatively wide humeral blotch (vs. two humeral blotches in M.moisae; see Discussion for further details). Moenkhausia guaruba differs from M. pirauba by having a conspicuous,rounded, and symmetrical dark blotch located at the posterior limit of the caudal peduncle and base of caudal-fin rays (vs. caudal blotch horizontally elongated, asymmetrical, continuous anteriorly with midlateral stripe andextending posteriorly to margins of four or five middle caudal-fin rays in M. pirauba), and a thin longitudinal lineformed by dark pigmentation running along horizontal septum of body (vs. dark longitudinal line wide, forming anelongated blotch at caudal peduncle in M. pirauba).

Etymology. The specific name guaruba refers to the Brazilian popular name for Guaruba guarouba Gmelin1788, also known as the Golden Parakeet, a medium-sized golden-yellow Neotropical parrot native to the Brazilian Amazon domain. The name alludes to the intense yellow present on all fins of the new species. A noun inapposition.

Type locality of Moenkhausia guaruba at upper rio Braço Norte at Serra do Cachimbo, tributary of rio Teles Pires, rio Tapajós basin, Pará State, Brazil:
(a) waterfall upstream, substrate composed mainly by rocks; (b) sandy beach downstream to the waterfall.

Arthur de Lima, George Vita, Guilherme M. Dutra, William M. Ohara and Murilo N. L. Pastana. 2023. A New Moenkhausia (Characiformes: Characidae) from rio Braço Norte, rio Tapajós Basin, with Comments on the Fish Endemism of Serra do Cachimbo Plateau.  Zootaxa. 5330(4); 586-596. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5330.4.6
Researchgate.net/publication/373171540_A_new_Moenkhausia_from_rio_Braco_Norte_rio_Tapajos_basin
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Ophiocara gigas & O. macrostoma • The Genus Ophiocara (Gobiiformes: Butidae) in Japan, with Descriptions of Two New Species

Ophiocara ophicephalus (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1837)

Ophiocara gigas
Ophiocara macrostoma
Kobayashi & Sato, 2023

DOI: 10.1007/s10228-023-00919-z
twitter.com/agoblind

Abstract
A taxonomic review of the genus Ophiocara Gill 1863 in Japan resulted in a revised diagnosis for Ophiocara ophicephalus (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes 1837) and descriptions of two new species, Ophiocara gigas and Ophiocara macrostoma, from the Ryukyu Archipelago. The three species are genetically isolated based on the mitochondrial COI region, being distinguished from each other and other congeners by differing combinations of opercular scale morphology, upper jaw length, caudal fin length, and coloration: Ophiocara ophicephalus is characterized by having ctenoid scales on the operculum and distinct silver or white spots on the head, body, and dorsal and caudal fins, and in juveniles the absence of bright markings on the lower part of the caudal fin base; O. gigas by two broad beige bands on the body, black spots scattered on the trunk, and in juveniles the presence of three bright markings on the caudal fin base; and O. macrostoma by a uniformly dark caudal fin, elongated upper jaw in adults (16.0–17.5% of standard length), and in juveniles the presence of two narrow bright bands on the body and three bright markings on the caudal fin base. One of two distinct color patterns, previously thought to represent intraspecific dimorphism of O. ophicephalus, is now considered characteristic of the new species O. gigas. The three species also exhibited distinct habitats, salinity preference, and maximum body length.

Keywords: Ophiocara gigas, Ophiocara macrostoma, Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Mangrove

Ophiocara ophicephalus (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes 1837)
(English name: Spangled Gudgeon;
standard Japanese name: Hoshi-madara-haze)

Distribution. Ophiocara ophicephalus is distributed within the Indo-Pacific region, reliable records including Japan (Ryukyu Archipelago: Yakushima, Tanegashima, Okinawa, Kume, Miyako, Irabu, Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Yonaguni islands), Taiwan, the Philippines (Guimaras, Nabunot, Cebu, and Basilan islands), Palau, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia (Borneo and Tioman islands), Indonesia (Java, Bali, Ceram, and Sulawesi islands), Australia (northern Australia and Lizard Island), the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia.

Ophiocara gigas sp. nov.
(New English name: Giant Mud-gudgeon;
new standard Japanese name: Kumo-madara-haze)

Etymology. The specific name “gigas” refers to the adult maximum size in this species, being greater than those of congeners.

Distribution. Ophiocara gigas is distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, reliable records being known from Japan (Ryukyu Archipelago: Amami-oshima, Okinawa, Zamami, Kume, Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Yonaguni islands), the Philippines (Luzon Island), Palau, Micronesia, Indonesia (Peling Island off eastern Sulawesi, and Western Papua), the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. This species might be recorded from Papua New Guinea (New Ireland) (see discussion).

Ophiocara macrostoma sp. nov.
(New English name: Dark-fin Gudgeon;
new standard Japanese name: Yami-madara-haze)

Etymology. The specific name “macrostoma” refers to the large mouth and relatively long jaw in this species.

Distribution. Ophiocara macrostoma is currently known only from Yakushima, Tanegashima, Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Yonaguni islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan.

Hirozumi Kobayashi and Mao Sato. 2023. The Genus Ophiocara (Teleostei: Butidae) in Japan, with Descriptions of Two New Species. Ichthyological Research. DOI: 10.1007/s10228-023-00919-z
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Description of a new species of Schizodon (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the upper rio Tapajós basin, Brazil

PISCESSYSTEMATICSTAXONOMYANOSTOMOIDEASCHIZODON FASCIATUSSCHIZODON TRIVITTATUS

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AbstractA new species of Schizodon with five dark transverse blotches on the body and a large black blotch at the end of the caudal peduncle is described from the rio Arinos, upper rio Tapajós basin, in the Brazilian Amazon. The new species shares a color pattern composed by transverse brown bars and a caudal fin blotch with Schizodon fasciatus and S. trivittatus but possess twelve rows of scales around the caudal peduncle, a unique character among the species of genus.

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New species of Monomitopus (Ophidiidae) from Hawaiʻi, with the description of a larval coiling behavior

PISCESBLACKWATERCOIIANNIELLO’S COILINTEGRATIVE TAXONOMYMONOMITOPUS AGASSIZII

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AbstractIn 1985, Carter and Cohen noted that there are several yet-to-be described species of Monomitopus (Ophidiidae), including one from Hawaiʻi. Recently, blackwater divers collected a larval fish off Kona, Hawaiʻi, similar to the previously described larvae of M. kumae, but DNA sequence data from the larva does not match any of the six previously sequenced species within the genus. Within the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History Ichthyology Collection, we find a single unidentified adult specimen of Monomitopus collected North of Maui, Hawaiʻi in 1972 whose fin-ray and vertebral/myomere counts overlap those of the larval specimen. We describe this new Hawaiian species of Monomitopus based on larval and adult characters. Additionally, blackwater photographs of several species of Monomitopus show the larvae coiled into a tight ball, a novel behavior to be observed in cusk-eels. We describe this behavior, highlighting the importance of blackwater photography in advancing our understanding of marine larval fish biology.

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 Pliocene goodeid from MexicoA Pliocene goodeid fish of the Paleolake Amajac, Sanctórum, Hidalgo, Mexico

Carmen Caballero-Viñas, Jesús Alvarado-Ortega, and Kleyton Magno Cantalice Severiano
Article number: 26.2.a30
https://doi.org/10.26879/1259
Copyright Paleontological Society, August 2023
Author biographies
Plain-language and multi-lingual abstracts
PDF version
Submission: 16 December 2022. Acceptance: 24 July 2023.
ABSTRACTThe splitfin fossil species Paleocharacodon guzmanae gen. and sp. nov. is erected based on the osteological study of 14 fossil male and female specimens recovered in the Pliocene deposits of the Paleolake Amajac, in Sanctórum, Hidalgo, Mexico. This new cyprinodontiform fish exhibits the diagnostic features of the family Goodeidae and subfamily Goodeinae; like all the goodeids, its premaxilla has a straight distal end, and its premaxillary ascending process is small; and, like the goodeines, this new species was viviparous, its first anal fin ray is rudimentary, and the males show an andropodium. Although P. guzmanae displays numerous primitive features, it is not possible to place it in any of the goodeine tribes, which currently are vaguely defined by osteological features. This new species seems to be closely related to Characodon; both share a peculiar osteological character; the articular facet for the quadrate is a donut-like structure, in which the retroarticular forms the central region, and a couple of semicircular anguloarticular processes form the surrounding part. This species differs from other goodeids mainly in two features; it has a posttemporal bone with small anteroventral processes, and the openings of its supraorbital canal show the formula1-2a, 2b-3a, 3b-4a, 4b-5a, and 5b-7. The discovery of this extinct goodeid species in the great Pánuco-Salado Basin on the eastern slope of Mexican territory represents an unexpected historical element.

Full paper at:-palaeo-electronica.org/content/current-in-press-articles/3919-pliocene-goodeid-from-mexico
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New occurrences of the endangered Notholebias minimus (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) in coastal plains of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: populations features and conservation

AUTHORSHIP SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

AbstractNotholebias minimus is an endangered annual killifish endemic to the coastal plains of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This study aimed to present new occurrences in the Atlantic Forest biome, provide unprecedented population features (body and egg size, fecundity, sexual ratio, and length-weight relationship – LWR), and compare changes in land use and coverage between 1985 and 2021 in biotopes located inside and outside protected areas. Three new occurrence localities were found in shallow temporary wetlands with acidic pH (6.4 ± 0.2) and low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (2.0 ± 0.9 mg/L). Males and females total length ranged from 11.1 to 31 mm and 11 to 26 mm, respectively. Batch fecundity ranged from 18 to 40 oocytes (24.8 ± 8.8), corresponding to oocytes with sizes between 800–1,006 µm (905 ± 56). Males were significantly larger than females (W = 2193.5, p = 0.0067), but both sexes occurred in similar proportions (p = 0.472). LWR showed positive allometry (b = 3.18). Biotopes located within protected areas exhibited higher conservation. Our discoveries expand the knowledge about habitat and population features of N. minimus and reinforce the importance of establishing protected areas for the conservation of annual fish biotopes.
Keywords:
Annual fish; Atlantic Forest biome; Conservation units; Killifish; Threatened fauna
ResumoNotholebias minimus é um peixe anual ameaçado de extinção, endêmico das planícies costeiras do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Neste estudo, objetivamos apresentar novas ocorrências no bioma Mata Atlântica, fornecer características populacionais inéditas (tamanho do corpo e dos ovos, fecundidade, proporção sexual e relação peso-comprimento), e comparar mudanças no uso e cobertura do solo entre 1985 e 2021 em biótopos localizados dentro e fora de unidades de conservação. Registramos três novos locais em áreas úmidas temporárias rasas com pH ácido (6,4 ± 0,2) e baixas concentrações de oxigênio dissolvido (2,0 ± 0,9 mg/L). O comprimento total de machos e fêmeas variou de 11,1 a 31 mm e de 11 a 26 mm, respectivamente. A fecundidade do lote variou entre 18–40 oócitos (24,8 ± 8,8), correspondendo a diâmetros entre 800–1.006 µm (905 ± 56). Os machos foram significativamente maiores que as fêmeas (W = 2193,5; p = 0,0067), mas ocorreram em proporções similares (p = 0,472). A relação peso-comprimento detectou alometria positiva (b = 3,18). Biótopos localizados dentro de áreas protegidas exibiram maior preservação ambiental. Nossas descobertas ampliam o conhecimento sobre as características do habitat e da população de N. minimus e reforçam a importância do estabelecimento de áreas protegidas para a conservação dos biótopos dos peixes anuais.
Palavras-chave:
Bioma Mata Atlântica; Fauna ameaçada; Peixes anuais; Peixes das nuvens; Unidades de conservação
INTRODUCTIONRivulidae (Cyprinodontiformes) is the ninth most specious fish family in the world with about 473 valid species (Fricke et al., 2023), occurring between southern Florida and southeast of the province of Buenos Aires (Costa, 2011; Calviño et al., 2016; Loureiro et al., 2018). Brazil is home to the largest component of this rich fish family, with at least 314 species distributed across all national biomes. This high richness is proportional to the anthropic threats. Rivulidae is the family with the highest number of endangered species among all vertebrates that occur in Brazil (ICMBio, 2022). Habitat loss and fragmentation are the main threats to rivulids (Costa, 2009). Wetlands have been drastically destroyed, both in agricultural areas and in areas undergoing urbanization, through deforestation, drainage, and landfills (Abrantes et al., 2020; Castro, Polaz, 2020; Guedes t al., 2020; Drawert, 2022). Despite this, research, funding agencies, policy, and freshwater conservation have historically neglected wetlands and focused on larger water bodies and flagship species (Guedes et al., 2023).
Rivulidae is commonly subdivided into two major groups: annual/seasonal vs. non-annual/perennial, according to the presence or absence of resistant eggs capable of carrying out a complex process of embryonic diapause during the life cycle (Loureiro et al., 2018). Embryonic diapause allows species to live in hydrologically ephemeral habitats, such as temporary wetlands, where eggs are able to remain buried in dry substrate for months waiting for environmental triggers for hatching (Furness, 2016; Ishimatsu et al., 2018). This uniqueness makes annual species “invisible” during a considerable part of their life cycle, making it difficult to map species distribution areas.
The coastal plains of the State of Rio de Janeiro, located in south-eastern Brazil, are important hotspots of annual fish diversity (Costa, 2012). Among these endemic species, the genus NotholebiasCosta, 2008 stands out including four valid species: Notholebias minimus (Myers, 1942), N. cruzi (Costa, 1988), N. fractifasciatus (Costa, 1988), and N. vermiculatusCosta Amorim, 2013. All of these species are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome and are threatened with extinction (ICMBio, 2018, 2022). There are significant gaps in knowledge regarding the distribution, habitats, life history, and ecology of Notholebias species, as well as for most annual fish. These gaps are aggravated when considering the high number of endangered species, which should reflect a greater effort in and ex situ studies to support conservation strategies. To reduce these knowledge bottlenecks, this study has as main aims (i) to present new occurrence sites of N. minimus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome, (ii) to provide unprecedented population features (individual size, fecundity and egg size, sex ratio, and length-weight ratio), and (iii) to compare anthropic impacts on land use and cover between 1985 and 2021 in temporary wetlands located inside and outside protected areas, which pose a threat to the conservation of this species.
MATERIAL AND METHODSSampling. Fish samplings were conducted between February and December 2022 at 23 sites distributed in five localities in the coastal drainages of Sepetiba Bay and Lagoon System of Jacarepaguá (municipalities of Seropédica and Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro; Tab. 1). Three localities were visited for the first time during this study: Brisas APA (Área Proteção Ambiental das Brisas), UFRRJ (Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro), and Chaperó (Chaperó solar power plant). Two other localities with previously known distribution of N. minimus were revisited: PMN Bosque da Barra (Parque Natural Municipal Bosque da Barra) and REBIO Guaratiba (Reserva Biológica Estadual de Guaratiba). The climate is seasonal tropical, with rainy summers and dry winters (Aw climate, according to the Köppen – Geiger classification). Fish were collected with immersion nets (hand nets with an oval shape, 50 x 40 cm, 1 mm of panel mesh size). After capture, they were anesthetized with hydrochloride benzocaine (50 mg/l), euthanized and fixed in 10% formalin in situ. In the laboratory, the fish were measured (precision 0.01 cm), weighed (precision 0.001 g), and after 48 h, preserved in 70% ethanol. Biometric analyses were conducted on the same day as the capture to avoid biases associated with specimen fixation/preservation. In order to reduce the impacts of sampling on fish populations, approximately 75% of specimens were returned alive to the pools after being counted (abundance). Fish were identified and sexed according to Costa ( 1988, 2008, 2009). Vouchers were deposited in the Ichthyological Collection of the Laboratório de Ecologia de Peixes of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (LEP–UFRRJ 2588–2593) and are available for online consultation via Global Biodiversity Information Facility – GBIF ( Araújo et al., 2023 ). Additional records were obtained from the bibliography (Costa, Amorim, 2013; Costa, 2016) and online fish collections database search at Sistema de Informação sobre a Biodiversidade Brasileira – SiBBr (www.sibbr.gov.br), SpeciesLink (www.splink.org.br), and GBIF (www.gbif.org).

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TABLE 1 |
Localities, number, and date (month/year) of samplings conducted in attempts to capture Notholebias minimus in coastal drainages of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Brisas APA = Área de Proteção Ambiental das Brisas; PNM Bosque da Barra = Parque Natural Municipal Bosque da Barra; REBIO Guaratiba = Reserva Biológica Estadual de Guaratiba; UFRRJ = Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro.
To assess fecundity, ovaries from spawning females (N = 5) were removed from the visceral cavity, weighted, and kept in Gilson’s solution until a complete detachment of oocytes from epithelial and ovarian walls. Eggs were counted and measured (diameter, in μm) in a microscope LEICA TL5000 Ergo. Microanatomy of the zona pellucida was examined under scanning electron microscopy Hitachi TM1000. The bath fecundity (BF), i.e., the number of eggs produced in a single spawning batch, was established from the counting of vitellogenic oocytes (Rizzo, Bazzoli, 2020). The relative fecundity (RF) was determined by the number of vitellogenic oocytes per body size unit (1 cm).
Physical and chemical water characteristics such as temperature (°C), dissolved oxygen (mg/L), redox potential (mV), pH, electrical conductivity (μS/cm), and turbidity (FTU) were measured using a multiprobe model Hanna HI9829. Depth (cm) was measured using centimeter rulers and a digital probe (SpeedTech SM-5) at the center of the temporary wetland (equidistant from opposite shores). Each environmental variable (physical, chemical, and depth) had the average value calculated from three replicates. The measurements were taken at two sites belonging to the same sampling locality (Chaperó, codes 11–12; Tab. 2) during the dry (June) and rainy season (December) of 2022. Therefore, the environmental data presented here may not fully express the range of variability among different occurrence habitats of the species; however, they certainly provide useful evidence of the environmental characteristics to which annual fish are exposed.
Land use and cover. To assess changes in the landscape in the fish occurrence areas, buffers were established with a radius of 250 m from the centroids of the water body where fish were caught, totaling an analyzed area of ~ 0.1963 km2. In these areas, land use and cover matrices for the years 1985 and 2021 were acquired through the Mapbiomas project (v. 7.0, https://mapbiomas.org). The classification was based on annual mosaics of Landsat satellite images, and the image classification process was carried out automatically through the use of decision tree algorithms of the Random Forest type (Souza et al., 2020). The classification was carried out pixel by pixel, the minimum mapped unit was equivalent to 900 m2 (30 x 30 m). A customized Spatial Reference System (SRS) was used to calculate the areas based on the Albers Projection, with parameters provided by the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). The different classes of land use and cover were grouped into two categories: natural (e.g., Forest formation, Wetlands) and anthropic (e.g., Urban Infrastructure, Pasture and Agriculture), and the rate (%) of progression or regression of anthropic cover (between 1985 and 2021) was compared between areas with different territorial policies (protected vs. unprotected areas). We included in our analyses 11 out of the 13 records (6 protected/conservation units; 5 unprotected areas) presented in Tab. 2. In two instances (codes: 10 and 13; 11 and 12; Tab. 2), the distance between the sites was less than 500 m, and to avoid buffer overlap and spatial redundancy in our analyses, we considered only one location. To address potential temporal biases of protected areas created after 1985, we observed if there were conspicuous changes in land use and cover between 1985 and the year of establishment of the protected area. We noticed that the land use and land cover matrices were similar between our lower limit (1985) and the date of creation of the conservation units. Therefore, we conducted our analyses by maintaining a standardized temporal scope of comparison of 36 years (1985–2021) for all 11 locations. All geoprocessing analyses, such as creating buffers, reprojections, transforming raster’s into polygons, calculating areas of land use and cover classes, overlays, and layer sampling were performed using QGIS software v. 3.10 A Coruña (QGIS Development Team, 2022).
Statistical analyses. A Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test was performed to compare the differences in the total body length (TL) between males and females. A possible bias in the population sex ratio was assessed by comparing the expected rate of 1:1, and tested with a chi-square test (χ2), with a 95% of the significance level. The length-weight (W = a × TLb) relationships (LWR) based on measurements of 43 individuals (males + females) was estimated by linear regression on the transformed equation: log (W) = log (a) + b log (TL) (Le Cren, 1951), where W is the body weight (g), TL is the total length (cm), a is the y-intercept, and b is the slope (Froese, 2006). All statistical analyses were conducted in an R environment (R Development Core Team, 2022).
RESULTSThree new localities of occurrence of Notholebias minimus were discovered in coastal plains draining into the Sepetiba Bay, State of the Rio de Janeiro (Tab. 2; Fig. 1). Two of the new records occurred in the Seropédica Municipality: (i) inside the campus of the UFRRJ (22°46’38.4”S 43°41’03.4”W; Tab. 2, cod. 8 and 9); and (ii) on land scheduled to receive the installation of the Chaperó solar power plant (22°48’31.0”S 43°45’51.0”W; Tab. 2, codes 11–12). The third new record occurred in the Rio de Janeiro Municipality, in the Brisas APA (22°59’29.5”S 43°39’06.8”W; Tab. 2, codes 10 and 13). In these localities, a total of 156 individuals of N. minimus (70 males, 84 females, and two juveniles with undefined sex; Fig. 2) were sampled. Two localities with the previously known distribution of the species were also revisited (code 3, REBIO de Guaratiba; code 13, PNM Bosque da Barra), however, the species was not recaptured there. Among the 23 sites inspected during the study period (Tab. 1), N. minimus was recorded in only six sites (Tab. 2). Other localities shown in Tab. 2 and Fig. 1, and not mentioned here, were not inspected.

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TABLE 2 |
Records of Notholebias minimus in different areas (AP – protected/conservation units; UN – unprotected) in coastal drainages in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Year of establishment of the protect area also indicated. APA Tabebuias = Área de Proteção Ambiental das Tabebuias; Brisas APA = Área de Proteção Ambiental das Brisas; FLONA Mário Xavier = Floresta Nacional Mário Xavier; PNM Bosque da Barra = Parque Natural Municipal Bosque da Barra; REBIO Guaratiba = Reserva Biológica Estadual de Guaratiba. ZUEC-PIS, Coleção de Peixes do Museu de Zoologia of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas; MNRJ, Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro; UFRJ, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - Instituto de Biologia; LEP-UFRRJ, Coleção Ictioló gica do Laboratório de Ecologia de Peixes of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro. *New records presented in this study.

FIGURE 1 |
Map of occurrences of Notholebias minimus in coastal plains of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Black triangles indicate the new records in this study. Black dots, records from previous studies (e.g., Costa, Amorim, 2013; Costa, 2016). Occurrence references (codes) are available in Tab. 2.

FIGURE 2 |
Males of Notholebias minimus captured in (A) Área de Proteção Ambiental das Brisas, Rio de Janeiro Municipality, and (B) in the campus of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ (Seropédica Municipality). Scale bar = 4 mm.

Notholebias minimus was recorded in temporary pools typical of annual killifishes, including unshaded (Fig. 3A–B) and shaded swamps in the interior/edges of small forest fragments. Floating macrophytes were present only in unshaded swamps (Fig. 3A). For the Chaperó locality, depth (cm) varied between the dry (average ± s.d., 33 ± 19 cm) and wet (85 ± 21 cm) seasons, with swamps reaching up to 105 cm in depth (Tab. 3). Physical and chemical water characteristics indicate a pH with an acidity tendency (minimum-maximum, 6.25–6.76) and low oxygen concentrations (1.1–3.8 mg/ L; Tab. 3). Other non-annual fish species occurred in sympatry with N. minimus, such as Trichopodus trichopterus (Pallas, 1770) in the Brisas APA; Phalloceros anisophallos Lucinda, 2008, Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus Ellis, 1911, and Deuterodon hastatus (Myers, 1928) in the Seropédica Municipality (Chaperó and UFRRJ localities).

FIGURE 3 |
Temporary wetlands in the Guandu River Hydrographic Region (coastal drainages of the Sepetiba Bay, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) with new occurrences of Notholebias minimus. A–B. Swamps of open vegetation in Chaperó locality, C–D. Swamps in forest fragments in the campus of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, and in the Área de Proteção Ambiental das Brisas, respectively.

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TABLE 3 |
Physical and chemical water characteristics in the temporary wetlands associated with captures of Notholebias minimus in the Chaperó locality (codes 11-12; Tab. 2), during the dry (June) and wet (December) seasons of 2022. Minimum– maximum (mean ± standard deviation).
The chi-square test did not show significant differences in the sex ratio (1.1 female: 1 male), with both sexes being captured in similar proportions (χ2 = 0.516, p = 0.472). The body size ranged from 11.1 to 31 mm (mean ± s.d., 19.1 ± 3.9 mm TL) and 11 to 26 mm (17.5 ± 3.0 mm TL), for males and females respectively. The mean body size of males was significantly larger than females (W = 2193.5, p = 0.0067). The length-weight relationship (LWR) with sexes pooled was determined by the following equation fitted to a potential curve: Wt = 0.0099 × TL 3.18 (N = 43; Fig. 4). This equation corresponds to the logarithmic form, ln W = 4.61 + 3.18 × ln L (R2= 0.92). Notholebias minimus exhibits positive allometric growth with an exponent parameter (b) equal to 3.18 (2.89–3.46; 95% confidence interval). The total number of oocytes present in the gonads (regardless of the stage of development) of females ranged from 35 to 63 (mean 50 ± 12.3 s.d). The bath fecundity (only vitellogenic oocytes) ranged from 18 to 40 (24.8 ± 8.8), corresponding to oocytes diameter ranging from 800 to 1,006 µm (905 ± 56 µm). Relative fecundity (eggs per body size unit – 1 cm) ranged from 8.1 to 16.6 (10.9 ± 3.3). Oocytes in advanced stages of development have mushroom-like projections and polygonal grooves in the zona pellucida (Fig. 5).
Seven different classes of land use and cover were mapped in adjacent areas (radius 250 m) of N. minimus occurrences (Fig. 6). The main impacts in the species occurrence areas were mosaic of land use (28.2%; areas of agricultural use where it was not possible to distinguish between pasture and agriculture), pasture (21.7%), urban area (4.8%) and other non-vegetated areas (3.2%; areas of non-permeable surfaces such as infrastructure or mining). The locations within conservation units exhibited greater relative coverage of natural matrices (total 48%; wooded sandbank vegetation 18.9%, forest formation 14.7%, and wetlands 14.2%) compared to unprotected sites (total 29.4%; wooded sandbank vegetation 0.26%, forest formation 11.7%, and wetlands 17.2%). Protected and unprotected areas also showed opposite temporal trends (1985–2021) of changes in the landscape, while unprotected areas showed an expansion of 4% of anthropic matrices, in protected areas there was a restoration of 7.3% of natural matrices (Fig. 6).

FIGURE 4 |
Length-weight relationship of Notholebias minimus (N = 43).

FIGURE 5 |
Unfertilized eggs of Notholebias minimus, evidencing mushroom-like projections and polygonal grooves in the zona pellucida. Scale bar = 100 µm.

FIGURE 6 |
Land use and cover (%) in 11 different localities (Protected/Conservation Units vs. Unprotected) and periods (1985–2021) at areas (buffer 250 m) of occurrence of Notholebias minimus.

DISCUSSIONNotholebias minimus has a remarkably wide geographic distribution compared with other species of the genus Notholebias. Records of this species include the basins of the rivers Guandu, Guarda, Portinho, and drainages of the Lagoon System of Jacarepaguá (Costa, 1988; Costa, Amorim, 2013). This contrasts with the other species of the genus, which have lesser wide distribution and are restricted to the surroundings of the type localities (Costa, 1988; Costa, Amorim, 2013; ICMBio, 2018). There are alternative historical scenarios for the modern distribution patterns of Rivulidae (e.g., Garcia et al., 2012; Costa et al., 2017; Loureiro et al., 2018), and at smaller spatial scales, there is evidence that some species could be dispersed by rearrangements of river drainages, large floods or even endozoochory (Costa, 2013; Silva et al., 2019). Therefore, the explanation for the current distribution of Notholebias species is not trivial and deserves further specific studies, as they may encompass unique phylogeographic patterns.
The new biotopes were located inside shaded forest fragments and in swamps of open vegetation exposed to the sun, typical of Notholebias spp., which may still include sandy coastal areas covered by bush, grass and open woodland vegetation located up to 100 m from the sea (Costa, 1988). The water in temporary pools at Chaperó locality showed an acidity tendency and low oxygen concentrations, typical environmental conditions of temporary wetlands (Bidwell, 2013,). Overall, annual killifish have evolved to withstand significant daily and seasonal environmental changes, including variations in temperature, oxygen concentration, salinity, pH, and water availability, that approach the limits of vertebrate survival (Podrabsky et al., 2016; Polačik, Podbrabsky, 2016; Ishimatsuet al., 2018). The co-occurrence between N. minimus and other non-annual species (T. trichopterus, P. anisophallos, H. bifasciatus, D. hastatus) indicates a periodic connection of the temporary wetlands with adjacent perennial water bodies. Sympatry between Notholebias and other annual and non-annual species is common (Costa, 1988; ICMBio, 2018) and indicates that these species are able to complete their life cycle and maintain viable populations even under periodic competition or predation.
Notholebias minimus showed a positive allometric growth (b = 3.18), with comparatively more gain in weight than in length (Froese, 2006). However, no previous references were found for the LWR of N. minimus and other species of Notholebias, what prevents comparisons of our results with other studies. Males of N. minimus are larger than females, corroborating the pattern of sexual dimorphism commonly observed in other species of Rivulidae (e.g., Arenzon et al., 2001; Lanés et al., 2012; Guedes et al., 2020). Preparation for reproduction can cause oxidative stress and affect maternal self-maintenance (Godoy et al., 2020) and consequently the somatic growth of females. Differences in body size mediate the coexistence of annual fish in temporary pools by mitigating intra and interspecific competition (Arenzon et al., 2001; Volcan et al., 2019). Therefore, intraspecific differences observed in body size between males and females may be associated with different reproductive energy costs, in addition to playing an important role in population coexistence.
A reduced batch fecundity (24.8 ± 8.8 eggs) was found for N. minimus, as well as for other annual species such as Cynopoecilus melanotaenia (Regan, 1912) (19 ± 26 eggs; Gonçalves et al., 2011), Austrolebias nigrofasciatus Costa & Cheffe, 2001 (21.5 ± 12 eggs; Volcan et al., 2011), and Leptopanchax opalescens (Myers, 1942) (27 ± 7.0 eggs; Guedes et al., 2023). However, the eggs are relatively large (maximum 1.006 μm) when weighted by the spatial limitations imposed by the coelomic cavity in this species of reduced body size (< 4 cm). According to the optimal egg size theory, populations evolve a particular egg size that balances the tradeoff between egg size and fecundity to maximize reproductive yield (Smith, Fretwell, 1974). Therefore, larger eggs come at a cost of reducing the number of eggs, which is in accordance with the findings of this study. Annual species have smaller eggs when compared to non-annual species of the family Rivulidae (Guedes et al., 2023). This may be associated with the extreme tolerance of embryos to hypoxia due to the process of embryonic diapause, which culminates in developmental arrest, metabolic depression, and G1 cell cycle arrest (Podrabsky et al., 2016). For species without embryonic diapause, the optimal investment in offspring size increases as environmental quality decreases (Rollinson, Hutchings, 2013; Riesch et al., 2014; Santi et al., 2021). The zona pellucida of mature eggs of N. minimus featured mushroom-like projections similar to other species in the genera Leptopanchax and Notholebias (Costa, Leal, 2009; Thompson et al., 2017). Wourms, Sheldon (1976) hypothesized that these projections are a chorionic respiratory system since there is a network of channels leading to hollow spikes that may function as egg-like aeropiles, similar to insect eggs. This may be an adaptation for annual fishes since a thick, hard, and consequently poorly oxygen-permeable zona pellucida may be necessary to prevent desiccation (Thompson et al., 2017).
Notholebias minimus is currently found in five conservation units in the State of Rio de Janeiro, including the unpublished record in the Brisas APA presented here. However, other species such as Notholebias vermiculatus and N. fractifasciatus do not occur in protected areas (ICMBio, 2018). Notholebias cruzi whose type locality is outside a conservation unit, had its biotopes destroyed due to urban expansion and has not been found since 2002, and may be extinct (Costa, 2012; Lira, 2021). Biotopes of N. minimus located inside conservation units show great natural cover and environmental restoration trends between 1985 and 2021. On the other hand, locations without any protection show greater coverage of anthropic matrices (pasture, urban area) and a loss of temporary wetlands between 1985 and 2021. These results show the important role played by protected areas in the conservation of biotopes. However, even the protected areas showed high coverage (52%) of anthropic matrices, which may reflect the type of territorial policy, since part of these units are for sustainable use and consequently have fewer restrictions on land use (SNUC, 2000), and/or historical deforestation prior to 1985, since the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome is historically impacted (Joly et al., 2014; Egler et al., 2020).
The wide geographic distribution of N. minimus, combined with records in conservation units, places this species in a more favorable conservation position when compared to other species of the genus Notholebias. Our findings reveal that biotopes located within protected areas show a trend of restoration between 1985–2021, with an advancement of natural matrices. Conversely, biotopes found in unprotected areas show an opposite trend, with an increase in anthropogenic impacts on land use and coverage. However, it is crucial to maintain continuous monitoring of the biotopes, both inside and outside protected areas, to ensure the successful preservation of these endangered fish. In conclusion, our findings expand the knowledge of the habitats and population structure of N. minimus, and reinforce the importance of establishing protected areas for the conservation and restoration of annual fish biotopes.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThis research was funded by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – CNPq (Proc. #140512/2022–5; 305712/2020–9; 306792/2021–4), Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa no Estado do Rio de Janeiro – FAPERJ (Proc. E–26/200.897/2021; E–26/202.483/2021), Fundo Brasileiro para a Biodiversidade – FUNBIO Conservando o Futuro, and Instituto HUMANIZE (Proc. # 028/2023). Special thanks to Yuri Borba for photographing the fish and habitat at Área de Proteção Ambiental das Brisas.
REFERENCES

Astyanax apiaka • A New Species of Astyanax (Characiformes: Characidae) from the rio Apiacás, rio Teles Pires Basin, Mato Grosso, BrazilBrazil

Astyanax apiaka
Ferreira, Lima, Ribeiro, Flausino, Machado & Mirande, 2023

DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2022-0153
Researchgate.net/publication/369917162

Abstract
A new species of Astyanax Baird & Girard, 1854 is described from the rio Apiacás, a tributary of the rio Teles Pires, rio Tapajós basin, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The new taxon can be distinguished from all congeners, except those belonging to the Astyanax bimaculatus species group and to the Astyanax orthodus species group, by the presence of a horizontally elongated to rounded humeral blotch. The new taxon can be readily distinguished from all species belonging to the A. bimaculatus species group and to the A. orthodus species group by presenting a distinct morphology in premaxillary and dentary teeth with conspicuous diastema (a teeth gap) between them. We also present a hypothesis about the phylogenetic relationships of the new taxon within Astyanax.

Key words: taxonomy, Stethaprioninae, Gymnocharacini, Astyanax apiaka, rio Tapajós basin, Neotropical region

Astyanax apiaka, uncatalogued specimen photographed alive during field work. Lateral view, left side.

Astyanax apiaka, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name honors the Apiaká, an indigenous group, which inhabits the region where the new species was collected, and also the eponymous river from where the species is endemic. A noun in apposition.

Rio Cabeça de Boi, a tributary of the rio Apiacás, rio Teles Pires basin, Brazil, type-locality of Astyanax apiaka.

Katiane M. Ferreira, Flávio C. T. Lima, Alexande C. Ribeiro, Nelson Flausino Jr., Francisco A. Machado and Juan Marcos Mirande. 2023. A New Species of Astyanax (Characiformes, Characidae) from the rio Apiacás, rio Teles Pires Basin, with a discussion on its phylogenetic position. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 101(2). DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2022-0153
Researchgate.net/publication/369917162_A_new_species_of_Astyanax_from_the_rio_Apiacas_rio_Teles_Pires_basin

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Chiloglanis fortuitus

Chlioglanis frodobragginsi

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31 July 2023

Two New Species of Suckermouth Catfishes (Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from Upper Guinean Forest Streams in West Africa
Ray C. Schmidt, Pedro H. N. Bragança, John P. Friel, Frank Pezold, Denis Tweddle, Henry L. Bart Jr.
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Ichthyology & Herpetology, 111(3):376-389 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2022067

AbstractSuckermouth catfishes of the genus Chiloglanis are found throughout tropical Africa. Recent studies highlighted the diversity within this genus remains incompletely documented and nearly 20 new species have been described in the past ten years. Here we describe two new species of Chiloglanis from streams in the Upper Guinean Forest. Chiloglanis fortuitus, new species, is only known from one specimen collected in the St. John River drainage in Liberia and is readily distinguished from other species of Chiloglanis by the number of mandibular teeth and the length of the barbels associated with the oral disc. Chiloglanis frodobagginsi, new species, from the upper Niger River was previously considered to be a disjunct population of C. micropogon. A combination of several characters diagnoses C. frodobagginsi, new species, from topotypic C. micropogon in the Lualaba River (Congo River basin) and from Central African populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon in the Benue, Ndian, and Cross River drainages. The biogeographical implications of the recognition of C. frodobagginsi, new species, the likelihood of finding additional diversity in the streams of the Upper Guinean Forests, and the taxonomy of C. micropogon and C. batesii are also discussed.
There are currently 63 species of suckermouth catfishes in the genus Chiloglanis (Mochokidae) generally associated with flowing waters throughout tropical Africa (Fricke et al., 2022). Several species were described in recent years (Friel and Vigliotta, 2011; Schmidt et al., 2015, 2017; Schmidt and Barrientos, 2019; Kashindye et al., 2021) and many more taxa remain to be formally described (Morris et al., 2016; Chakona et al., 2018; Watson, 2020; Ward, 2021). Though superficially similar in morphology, these species have many informative diagnostic characters associated with their teeth, oral disc morphology, barbels, and spine and fin-ray lengths. Thus, many species originally considered to be widely distributed can clearly be separated into different species by carefully examining these characters.
This research on the Upper Guinean species of Chiloglanis started by looking at the morphological and molecular variation within the previously reported widespread species Chiloglanis occidentalis in streams of the Upper Guinean Forest. A molecular analysis revealed the presence of distinct lineages/species within C. occidentalis, many of which were endemic to individual river basins (Schmidt et al., 2016). These species broadly formed two groups: one group with generally shorter dorsal spines, pectoral spines, and maxillary barbels, and the other with longer dorsal and pectoral spines, and longer maxillary barbels. Within the region, endemic species belonging to both groups co-occur (sympatry) in several drainages in southeastern Guinea, seemingly using different microhabitats. The same study also showed that populations of another species, C. aff. micropogon, in the upper Niger River drainage in Guinea were genetically distinct from topotypic populations of C. micropogon in the Lualaba River (Congo River drainage) with 3.6% divergence in cytochrome b and 6.2% divergence in growth hormone intron 2 (Schmidt et al., 2016). In another paper on the diversity of Chiloglanis in the Upper Guinean Forests, when examining and selecting the type series for C. tweddlei, one specimen clearly stood out morphologically (Schmidt et al., 2017). This specimen superficially resembled members of the group with shorter spines and barbels, but it had more mandibular teeth than any other species of Chiloglanis in the region.
The present study aimed to examine the morphological variation among populations of C. micropogon and C. aff. micropogon to determine if the populations in the upper Niger River deserved specific recognition. Further, the unique specimen collected in the St. John River drainage was reexamined and the presence of other specimens of this unique morphotype in ichthyological collections investigated. The results of this study support the recognition of these two populations as distinct species of Chiloglanis which are described herein: C. frodobagginsi, new species, from the upper Niger River previously identified as C. aff. micropogon, and C. fortuitus, new species, from the St. John River drainage. We also discuss the variation within populations of C. micropogon in Central Africa and highlight areas where further collection efforts are needed.
MATERIALS AND METHODSSpecimens of Chiloglanis and other taxa were collected during several expeditions in Guinea and Liberia. Three of these expeditions occurred during 2003, and the most recent collections took place in 2012 (Liberia) and 2013 (Guinea; Fig. 1). Specimens from these expeditions are cataloged at several institutions with the bulk of the material residing in AMNH, AUM, CUMV, SAIAB, and TU (acronyms according to Sabaj, 2020). Comparative material from the Lualaba River (type locality of C. micropogon) and populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon in the Benue River, Cross River, and Ndian River drainages were also included in the analysis. Measurements were taken to 0.1 mm with a digital caliper and a stereo microscope equipped with an ocular micrometer. Morphometric measurements and meristic counts follow Schmidt et al. (2017) modified from Skelton and White (1980) and Friel and Vigliotta (2011). The holotype of C. micropogon was examined during a previous study, but a full suite of measurements was not collected. Sex of type specimens was determined by external examination of genital papillae following Friel and Vigliotta (2011). Measurements collected from the unique specimen from the St. John River drainage were included with the measurements from the short-spine taxa obtained in a previous study (Schmidt et al., 2017). A principal component analysis (PCA) using the covariance matrix of log-transformed measurements and descriptive statistics was completed in MYSTAT (SYSTAT Software Inc.). Body shape variation within principal components strongly correlated to size for populations of C. micropogon (e.g., PC1) was assessed through reduced-major axis (RMA) regression lines in the SMATR package in R (Warton et al., 2006).
Fig. 1Localities of species of Chiloglanis discussed in this study. Rivers of the Upper Guinean Forests enlarged from outlined region in the inset map of West and Central Africa. River drainages outlined in white lines. White circles are localities where no Chiloglanis were collected. Locations of Chiloglanis frodobagginsi (black circles), holotype of C. frodobagginsi (black star), type locality of Chiloglanis fortuitus (black triangle), and comparative Chiloglanis micropogon and Chiloglanis cf. micropogon (black squares).

RESULTSMorphological comparisons of populations of Chiloglanis.--A PCA of 45 morphometric measurements of C. fortuitus, new species, and 113 specimens of short-spine taxa shows C. fortuitus, new species, as distinct from the other taxa in the region (Fig. 2). Premaxillary tooth length and the length of the maxillary, medial, and lateral mandibular barbels contribute to the variation observed in PC2. These barbels are longer in C. fortuitus, new species, than in the other short-spine taxa, although with just one specimen of C. fortuitus, new species, it isn't possible to investigate these characters further.
Fig. 2Plots of PC1 to PC2 (A) and PC2 to PC3 (B) from principal component analysis of 45 log-transformed measurements from 114 specimens of the short-spine taxa from the Upper Guinean Forests. Holotype of Chiloglanis fortuitus denoted by star.

The morphological comparison of C. frodobagginsi, new species, and C. micropogon included 35 measurements and eight meristics from 50 specimens. Measurements shown to be sexually dimorphic (e.g., fin lengths and length of postcleithral process) were not included in the analysis (Supplemental Table A; see Data Accessibility). Plots of principal components 1 and 2 clearly separate C. frodobagginsi, new species, from C. micropogon in the Lualaba River (Fig. 3A). Populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon from the Benue, Ndian, and Cross River drainages are also distinct from topotypic C. micropogon and C. frodobagginsi, new species. Occipital shield width, mandibular tooth row width, maxillary barbel length, and distance between dorsal and adipose fins contribute to variation observed in PC2 (Supplemental Table B; see Data Accessibility). In plots of PC2 to PC3, populations of C. micropogon from the Lualaba River and C. frodobagginsi, new species, are still distinct (Fig. 3B). The populations in the Moa River are also largely distinct from Niger River C. frodobagginsi, new species (Fig. 3A, B). These two specimens are only 19.4 and 20.1 mm SL so additional specimens from this population are needed to better understand the variation observed.
Fig. 3Plots of PC1 to PC2 from principal component analysis of 35 log-transformed measurements from 47 specimens (A) and PC2 to PC3 (B). The holotype of Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is noted by the black star. Refer to Supplemental Table B (see Data Accessibility) for component loading values.

The first principal component was positively correlated with standard length (Pearson's correlation = 0.99). The RMA regression of PC1 to the log-transformed standard length (not shown) shows that the slopes of populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon, C. micropogon, and C. frodobagginsi, new species, are equal (P = 0.14) and that there is no difference in the elevation (i.e., the y-intercept) for each group (P = 0.39). When examining just the population of C. micropogon and C. frodobagginsi, new species, there is a difference in the elevation between the two (P = 0.04). Examining individual measurements and counts does give a sense of how the allometric trajectory of some of these traits differ in C. frodobagginsi, new species, and C. micropogon (Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility). The distance between the dorsal fin and adipose fin as a percentage of standard length has equal slopes (P = 0.164), but they have significantly different elevations (P = 0.0036; Fig. 4A). The number of premaxillary teeth plotted against log-transformed standard length for each species also clearly shows that these two species are distinct (Fig. 4B).
Fig. 4Reduced-major axis regression of distance from dorsal fin to adipose fin (as a percentage of standard length) on log-transformed standard length (A). Reduced-major axis regression of log-transformed total number of premaxillary teeth on log-transformed standard length (B). Chiloglanis frodobagginsi (open circle), Chiloglanis frodobagginsi from the Moa River (filled circle), Chiloglanis micropogon (open square), and holotype of C. frodobagginsi (black star).

Chiloglanis fortuitus, Schmidt, Bragança, and Tweddle, new species
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:5DAB9826-ADEE-42B5-84A8-934D5CCF4511
Figure 5, Table 1

Holotype.--SAIAB 202292, 35.0 mm SL, Liberia, St. John River drainage, Nimba County, Dayea River, above Yekepa, 7.579333°N, 8.516889°W, D. Tweddle, 30 March 2012. Diagnosis.--Chiloglanis fortuitus is distinguished from all known species of Chiloglanis, including all species in the Upper Guinean Forest, except C. disneyi, C. microps, C. niger, and C. orthodontus, in having 18 mandibular teeth in the functional row (vs. 6–15 teeth; Table 1). Chiloglanis fortuitus is easily distinguished from C. disneyi, C. microps, and C. niger in having longer mandibular barbels whereas these are absent or reduced in the latter species. Chiloglanis fortuitus is distinguished from C. orthodontus in having a more robust oral disc and its length equal to its width versus length much shorter than width (Friel and Vigliotta, 2011). Chiloglanis fortuitus is further distinguished from C. orthodontus in having a longer dorsal spine (12.8 versus 4.1–7.8 % SL) and shorter maxillary barbels (7.2 versus 9.4–14.8 % SL).
Description.--Morphometric measurements and meristics for holotype summarized in Table 1. Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views (Fig. 5) illustrate body shape, fin shape and placement, oral disc size and shape, and maxillary and mandibular barbel lengths.
Moderate-sized Chiloglanis, maximum standard length observed 35.0 mm in one male specimen. Body dorsally depressed anteriorly and laterally compressed posteriorly. Pre-dorsal convex, sloping ventrally towards posterior nares, pre-orbital convex. Post-dorsal body sloping ventrally towards caudal fin. Post-anal profile concave, pre-anal profile horizontal. Small unculiferous tubercles present on body, concentrations of tubercles higher near head. Lateral line complete, arising at level of orbit and sloping ventrally to midlateral alongside of body towards caudal peduncle. Urogenital papillae presumed sexually dimorphic; males with elongated urogenital papilla.
Head depressed. Gill membranes broadly united. Gill openings restricted, opening near pectoral-fin origin to horizontal level of orbit. Occipital-nuchal shield covered and visible through skin. Eye moderate in size, located post mid-head length, horizontal axis longest, without free margins. Anterior and posterior nares equidistant, positioned mid-snout. Naris with raised rims, posterior naris with elongated anterior flap.
Mouth inferior, upper and lower lips united to form oral disc. Oral disc moderate in size, length equaling width and covered in papillae. Barbels in three pairs; maxillary barbel originating from posterolateral region of disc, unbranched, moderate in length, 7% of SL. Lateral and medial mandibular barbels moderate, incorporated into lower lip and positioned on both sides of midline cleft on posterior margin of oral disc. Lateral barbel 5% of SL, less than twice length of medial barbel. Primary maxillary teeth “S” shaped with exposed brown tips. 72 teeth in four scattered rows on ovoid tooth pads. Secondary premaxillary teeth scattered on posterior surface of premaxillae. Tertiary teeth small and needle-like, near midline of dorsal edge of tooth plate. Mandibular teeth in one to two rows, “S” shaped and grouped near midline. Functional (anterior) row with 18 brown-tipped teeth.
Dorsal-fin origin just posterior to anterior third of body. Dorsal fin with small spinelet, spine, and four rays. Dorsal spine moderate to short in length, reaching 13% of SL. Adipose fin medium length, reaching 17% of SL; margin convex with small notch posteriorly. Caudal fin forked with rounded lobes, lower lobe longer than upper lobe, count i, 7, 8, i. Anal-fin origin posterior to origin of adipose fin, margin convex, count iii, 6. Pelvic-fin origin at vertical between dorsal and adipose fins, margin convex, reaching beyond anal-fin origin, count i, 6. Pectoral fin with smooth spine, reaching 16% of SL, count I, 7. Postcleithral process in holotype short and pointed.
Coloration.--Coloration of preserved specimen in Figure 5. In dorsal view, dark brown with mottled areas of medium brown. Lighter areas between nares and orbits, at origin of dorsal fin, at origin and terminus of adipose fin, and at caudal peduncle. In lateral view, specimen with yellow-buff color with overlying medium and dark brown blotches. Dark area more prevalent dorsal to midline, extending ventrally at origins of pelvic and anal fins. Dark brown melanophores scattered across body, more readily visible ventral to midline, prominent on sides of belly. Ventral surface yellow-buff colored with few melanophores scattered near pelvic and anal fins. Oral disc and barbels cream colored.
Pectoral and dorsal spines pigmented distally, rays cream to translucent. Dorsal base of pectoral fin lightly marked by triangular area of dark brown melanophores, band of melanophores at mid-length. Dorsal fin with area of melanophores near base and mid-length. Anal fin with melanophores at base and mid-length. Pelvic fin cream with few melanophores at base and band at mid-length. Adipose fin cream to translucent with dark brown markings from region just posterior of origin to its posterior third. Caudal fin cream to translucent with dark brown areas near base, mid-length, and distal end on upper and lower lobes; lighter areas forming circular marking on upper and lower lobes.
Etymology.--The specific epithet is “fortuitus,” referring to the fortuitous aspect of collecting this one specimen at the type locality. The collector, D. Tweddle, sampled fishes at 36 localities in the upper St. John River drainage in Liberia and collected 69 specimens of Chiloglanis at ten of these localities. Additionally, the lot that contained C. fortuitus was one of the three lots borrowed by the lead author to aid with the description of C. tweddlei (Schmidt et al., 2017). The discovery and formal description of C. fortuitus is fortuitous in several aspects.
Distribution.--Chiloglanis fortuitus is only known from the type locality in the Dayea River above Yekepa in Nimba County, Liberia (Supplemental Fig. B; see Data Accessibility). The site looked natural, yet it had been severely impacted many years earlier by the iron ore mine upstream. It was fast flowing, of uniform depth with a bottom of gravel with small rocks, with very little natural structure (e.g., woody debris and large boulders) likely due to previous mining activities. It is interesting that this species was not collected at the other ten localities in the region that contained C. tweddlei. As with other members of Chiloglanis that are found in streams in the Upper Guinea Forests, when two species co-occur within a drainage, they usually utilize different microhabitats (Schmidt et al., 2017). Additional collection efforts in the upper St. John River drainage in Guinea and Liberia may yield additional specimens and populations of C. fortuitus.
Remarks.--Species descriptions based on a single specimen are not ideal though in this case it is warranted. This species is morphologically distinct from congeners in the region (Fig. 2), and the number of mandibular teeth and morphology of the oral disc and barbels, characters used in the taxonomy of species of Chiloglanis, clearly separate it from all other known species of Chiloglanis. In sampling fishes at 36 localities, the collector was only able to get one specimen of C. fortuitus. Another lot from the St. John River drainage, USNM 193949, collected in the 1950s, contained 17 specimens all of which were determined to be C. tweddlei. This species is seemingly rare within the drainage and we don't know when, or even if, additional specimens of C. fortuitus will be collected. Additionally, this area is under intense pressures from the mining industry and all species present face an uncertain future. Indeed, the type specimen was collected in a stream that had previously been disturbed by iron ore mining. Formally describing this species is an important step in recognizing and conserving the freshwater biodiversity in the Upper Guinean Forests.
Chiloglanis fortuitus resembles species of Chiloglanis that are in the short-spine group referenced in Schmidt et al. (2016, 2017). The discovery of this new species within the St. John River suggests that additional species of Chiloglanis, and other taxa, remain to be discovered and described from the region. This is especially likely for rivers in the region (e.g., Rokel, Jong, Sewa, and Mano) where collections of freshwater taxa are still lacking. While collecting this specimen was fortuitous, depositing the specimen and the others collected during an environmental impact assessment into natural history collections is what allowed this species to be discovered and described. Other new species have been collected and formerly described from similar surveys in the region (Pezold et al., 2016, 2020). We encourage practitioners in this field to continue the practice of depositing specimens collected during assessments in natural history collections so that the specimens will be available to researchers.

Fig. 5Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views of the holotype of Chiloglanis fortuitus, SAIAB 202292, 35.0 mm SL, Liberia, St. John River drainage, Nimba County, Dayea River, above Yekepa, 7.579333°N, 8.516889°W. Scale bar equals 2 mm. Photographs by P. H. N. Bragança.

Table 1Morphometric measurements and meristics for holotype of Chiloglanis fortuitus. Standard length expressed in mm. All other measurements expressed in percent SL.

Chiloglanis frodobagginsi, Schmidt, Friel, Bart, and Pezold, new species
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:02157426-E35A-4ABB-BEF4-85047A68B5C8
Figure 6, Table 2

Chiloglanis batesii.--Paugy and Roberts, 1992 (in part): 502–511; Paugy and Roberts, 2003 (in part): 197–207.
Chiloglanis micropogon.--Daget, 1954 (in part): 307–308; Daget, 1959 (in part): 682–683; Daget, 1962 (in part): 115.
Chiloglanis cf. micropogon.--Schmidt et al., 2016: 201–204.
Chiloglanis sp. aff. micropogon.--Schmidt et al., 2017: 301–336.
Holotype.--TU 203552, 24.1 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River, North of Faranah, on road N29, 10.28382°N, 10.76925°W, 2013 Guinea expedition team, 29 January 2013.
Paratypes.--AMNH 263794, 4, 23.1–25.7 mm SL, AUM 59751, 8, CUMV 97679, 8, TU 203527, 4, 24.8–25.3 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Mafou River, on road N2 ∼80 km South of Faranah, 9.53072°N, 10.40199°W, 2013 Guinea expedition team, 28 January 2013; AUM 59554, 19, CUMV 97678, 18, TU 203348, 19, 20.6–24.1 mm SL, FLMNH 249106, 5, 20.0–24.6 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Tinkisso River, below Tinkisso Dam, 10.72793°N, 11.16855°W, 2013 Guinea expedition team, 12 January 2013; CUMV 97680, 6, TU 204171, 4, 19.2–24.3 mm SL, collected with holotype; SAIAB 203746, 9, 19.9–23.3 mm SL, USNM 437542, 9, 22.1–38.1 mm SL, Niger River drainage, Tinkisso River, at dam, 10.72°N 11.17°W, B. Samoura and others, 7 April 2003; TU 204157, 1, 20.4 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Tinkisso River, at dam, 10.72793°N 11.16855°W, F. Pezold and others, 18 January 2003.
Non-type material examined.--AMNH 264623, 1, 26.3 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Tinkisso River, at Toumania, 10.57902°N, 10.47273°W, F. Pezold and others, 16 May 2003; CUMV 98653, 1, 19.4 mm SL, TU 204170, 1, 20.1 mm SL, Guinea, Moa River drainage, Masseni River, about 3 miles north of Konesseridou, 8.7204°N, 9.52436°W, 2013 Guinea expedition team, 26 January 2013; MRAC 2016.029.P.52-63, 12, 20.0–27.0 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Tinkisso River, at Bissikrima, 10.83°N, 10.92°W, B. Samoura and others, 8 April 2003; USNM 437545, 5, 22.2–23.5 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Niger River, north of Faranah, F. Pezold and others, 26 May 2003.
Diagnosis.--Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is distinguished from all known species of Chiloglanis in the Upper Guinean Forests, and most of the other described species (except C. disneyi, C. harbinger, C. marlieri, C. micropogon, C. microps, C. mongoensis, and C. niger) by the very reduced, or absent, mandibular barbels on the oral disc. Chiloglanis frodobagginsi can be distinguished from C. disneyi, C. harbinger, C. marlieri, C. microps, C. mongoensis, and C. niger in having fewer mandibular teeth in one row (10–12 versus 16–20, 26–30, 26–28, 16–18, 28, and 16–20 respectively). Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is distinguished from C. batesii in having two prominent papillae on the roof of the oral cavity; versus the absence of papillae in C. batesii. This species is further distinguished from C. batesii in having shorter and more blunt mandibular teeth arranged in bunched rows; versus sharper, more elongate, and disordered mandibular teeth. Chiloglanis frodobagginsi also has a fleshy unpapillated ridge posterior to the mandibular teeth versus several large papillae in C. batesii (Friel and Vigliotta, 2011).
A unique combination of characters distinguishes C. frodobagginsi from the closely related C. micropogon and C. cf. micropogon from Central Africa. As compared to C. micropogon from the Lualaba River, C. frodobagginsi has a larger eye diameter (4.2–6.5 versus 4.7–5.5 % SL; Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility), longer maxillary barbels (3.8–7.2 versus 3.4–6.5 % SL; Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility), a narrower mandibular tooth row (1.6–2.8 versus 2.4–3.1 % SL; Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility), a longer distance between dorsal fin and adipose fin (14.4–21.5 versus 14.9–18.8 % SL; Fig. 4A), and a shorter anal-fin base length (8.0–10.8 versus 9.7–12.7 % SL; Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility). Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is further distinguished from C. micropogon in having fewer premaxillary teeth (36–70 versus 62–103) scattered in three rows versus four (Fig. 4B; Table 2). While the ranges of these measurements and counts overlap, these distinctions hold true when comparing similar sized species (Fig. 4; Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility). Compared to Chiloglanis cf. micropogon from the Benue, Ndian, and Cross River basins Chiloglanis frodobagginsi has a narrower occipital shield (3.0–4.0 versus 4.0–5.4 % SL), a shorter dorsal fin to adipose fin distance (14.5–21.5 versus 19.3–24.2), and a narrower mandibular tooth row (1.6–2.8 versus 1.8–3.2 % SL).
Description.--Morphometric measurements and meristics for holotype and 21 paratypes summarized in Table 2. Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views (Fig. 6) illustrate body shape, fin shape and placement, oral disc size and shape, and maxillary and mandibular barbel lengths.
Small to moderate-sized Chiloglanis, maximum standard length 38.1 mm. Body dorsally depressed anteriorly and laterally compressed posteriorly. Pre-dorsal convex, sloping ventrally towards posterior nares, pre-orbital convex, sharply angling towards tip of snout pre-nares. Post-dorsal body sloping ventrally towards caudal fin. Post-anal profile shallowly concave, pre-anal profile horizontal to slightly convex. Small unculiferous tubercles present on body, concentrations of tubercles higher near head. Lateral line complete, arising at dorsal level of orbit and sloping ventrally to midlateral alongside of body towards caudal peduncle. Urogenital papillae sexually dimorphic; males with elongated urogenital papillae, females with reduced papillae, separated from anus by shallow invagination.
Head depressed. Gill membranes broadly united. Gill openings restricted, opening near pectoral-fin origin to horizontal level of mid-orbit. Occipital-nuchal shield covered and visible through skin. Eye moderate in size, located post mid-head length, horizontal axis longest, without free margins. Anterior naris set farther apart than posterior naris, positioned mid-snout. Nares with raised rims, posterior naris with elongated anterior flap.
Mouth inferior, upper and lower lips united to form oral disc. Oral disc moderate in size, slightly wider than long and covered in papillae. Maxillary barbel originating from posterolateral region of disc, unbranched, moderate in length, reaching 7% of SL. Lateral and medial mandibular barbels absent or very reduced. Two prominent papillae on roof of oral cavity. Primary maxillary teeth “S” shaped with exposed brown tips. 36–70 teeth in three scattered rows on ovoid tooth pads. Secondary premaxillary teeth scattered on posterior surface of premaxillae. Tertiary teeth small and needle-like, near midline of dorsal edge of toothplate. Mandibular teeth in one to two rows, curved and bunched near midline. Functional (anterior) row with 12 brown-tipped teeth. Distinct, slightly concave rectangular fleshy ridge posterior to mandibular teeth.
Dorsal-fin origin just posterior to anterior third of body. Dorsal fin with small spinelet, spine, and five to six rays. Dorsal spine medium to short in length, reaching 13% of SL. Adipose fin medium length, reaching 19.6% of SL; margin convex. Caudal fin forked with rounded lobes, lower lobe longer than upper lobe, count i, 7, 8, i, no sexual dimorphism observed in examined specimens. Anal-fin origin posterior to origin of adipose fin, margin convex, count iii, 5–7. Pelvic-fin origin at vertical between dorsal and adipose fin, margins convex, reaching beyond anal-fin origin, count i, 6. Pectoral fin with smooth spine, reaching 15.6% of SL, count I, 8–9. Postcleithral process shorter and bluntly pointed, no sexual dimorphism noted in specimens examined.
Coloration.--Typical coloration of preserved specimens in Figure 6. In dorsal view, specimens medium brown with mottled areas of light brown. Lighter areas on tip of snout anterior to nares, at origin of dorsal fin, at origin and terminus of adipose fin, and on caudal peduncle. White or cream unculiferous tubercles scattered across body, more concentrated near head. In lateral view, specimens with yellow-buff color with overlying medium brown blotches. Dark area more prevalent dorsal to midline, but extending ventrally at origin of pelvic and anal fins. Dark brown melanophores scattered across body, more readily visible ventral to midline, absent on belly. Ventral surface yellow-buff colored with few melanophores scattered near anus and origin of anal fin. Oral disc and barbels cream colored.
Pectoral and dorsal spines pigmented distally and rays cream to translucent. Dorsal base of pectoral fin lightly marked by triangular area of dark brown melanophores, band of melanophores at mid-length. Dorsal fin with area of melanophores near base and mid-length. Anal fin with melanophores at mid-length. Pelvic fin cream with few melanophores at base and band at mid-length. Adipose fin cream to translucent with dark brown markings at origin. Caudal fin cream to translucent with dark brown areas near base and at mid-length.
Etymology.--Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is named after another diminutive traveler, Frodo Baggins, a fictional character well known from J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series. Roughly 3,000 miles (4,800 km) separate C. frodobagginsi in the upper Niger River drainage and C. micropogon, the sister species, found in the Congo River basin. Another seemingly closely related species, Chiloglanis cf. micropogon, is found in the southern Benue drainage and in several small coastal rivers about 3,000 km from the upper Niger River drainage (e.g., Cross and Ndian Rivers). It is unclear whether these species are descended from a more widespread species, or the result of dispersal from the Congo River basin into the Niger River drainage, via the Benue River, and then up to the headwaters of the Niger River. This was an incredible journey for such a small and seemingly non-vagile fish.
Distribution.--Chiloglanis frodobagginsi occurs in the upper Niger River drainage in Guinea and further downstream in the Niger River near Bamako (Fig. 1; Daget, 1959). This species was collected in several tributaries to the Niger River in Guinea and also collected in the upper reaches of the Moa River drainage (Masseni River), a coastal river drainage. Only two specimens were collected in the Moa River drainage and no tissues were retained. Given that most species of Chiloglanis in the region are restricted to individual river drainages and since the Moa River drainage is on the other (i.e., west) side of the Guinean Range from the Niger River drainage, this population may be a distinct species. For this reason, these specimens were not included in the type material for C. frodobagginsi. In the Tinkisso River, C. frodobagginsi was collected below the waterfall over small gravel in the middle of the channel. Chiloglanis waterloti is also found in the Tinkisso River, but this species is usually associated with woody debris or large rocks.
Remarks.--The affinity between Chiloglanis frodobagginsi and C. micropogon was first reported in research on fishes in the upper Niger River drainage (Daget, 1954, 1959). The large distance between the populations in the upper Niger River and the Lualaba River (Congo River drainage) warranted further examinations of these specimens (Daget, 1959). Daget sent specimens from the upper Niger River to Max Poll for comparison to those that Poll described as C. micropogon from the Congo River drainage (Poll, 1952; Daget, 1959). Poll noted some variation between the different populations, but it wasn't enough to readily distinguish one from the other (Daget, 1959). Daget also noted their diminutive size and rarity relative to the co-occurring specimens of C. waterloti (Daget, 1954). Herein we noted another aspect of these specimens that wasn't directly noted: the apparent lack of an elongated upper caudal-fin lobe and an elongate and spatulate postcleithral process in males. An examination of the type specimen of C. micropogon and the sketch of the holotype clearly shows an elongated upper caudal-fin lobe (Poll, 1952, fig. 3, page 228). The larger specimens collected in recent expeditions were mostly females, and none of the males collected showed an elongated upper caudal-fin lobe. More specimens of C. frodobagginsi are needed to better understand if this species also displays those sexually dimorphic characteristics, or if the lack of sexual differentiation can be a useful trait in distinguishing both species. Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is also genetically distinct from C. micropogon with a divergence observed of 3.6% in cytochrome b and 6.2% in Growth Hormone intron 2 (Schmidt et al., 2016).
Populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon in the Benue, Cross, and Ndian Rivers have only been relatively recently collected (e.g., in the 1970s and 1980s) and were unknown to Daget and Poll at the time of their comparisons of upper Niger and Lualaba River specimens. In examining these specimens, they clearly concur with C. micropogon, but also differ in some respects (Fig. 3). Some specimens showed the sexual dimorphism attributed to C. micropogon (e.g., an elongated upper caudal-fin lobe and an elongated and spatulate postcleithral process), but most of the specimens examined did not have these traits. Many of these collections and subsequent identifications took place before many of the species in the region were described (Roberts, 1989) and cataloged under superficially similar species names C. niger and C. disneyi. Additional populations from the Benue and the smaller coastal drainages in Central Africa are needed to fully resolve the relationships within the C. micropogon complex.

Fig. 6Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views of Chiloglanis frodobagginsi holotype, TU 203552, 24.1 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Niger River, North of Faranah, on road N29, 10.28382°N, 10.76925°W. Scale bar equals 2 mm. Photographs by S. Raredon.

Table 2Morphometric measurements and meristics for Chiloglanis frodobagginsi (n = 22; holotype and 21 paratypes) and topotypic Chiloglanis micropogon (n = 10). Standard length expressed in mm. All other measurements expressed in percent SL. Meristic data for holotype are identified by an asterisk (*).
DISCUSSIONThe two new species of Chiloglanis described herein provide further evidence that the Upper Guinean Forests support a wealth of biodiversity. Chiloglanis fortuitus was collected during an environmental assessment in the upper St. John River drainage in Liberia. This one specimen was serendipitously borrowed when examining type material for the description of the co-occurring C. tweddlei. The presence of multiple species within these forested streams suggests many more species remain to be discovered and formally described. Many of the streams that originate on the western slope of the Guinean Range remain relatively unexplored. As anthropogenic pressures increase in the region, it is critical that these rivers are surveyed so that this biodiversity can be documented before it is lost (Lalèyè et al., 2021).
Chiloglanis micropogon was, until recently, considered a synonym of Chiloglanis batesii (Roberts, 1989; Friel and Vigliotta, 2011). Roberts considered C. batesii to be one of the most widespread species of Chiloglanis occurring from the upper Niger River drainage to the Congo River basin, and throughout Central Africa (Roberts, 1989). Friel and Vigliotta (2011) recognized C. micropogon as a distinct taxon based on several different characters. Papillae on the roof of the oral cavity are present in C. micropogon but absent in C. batesii. These papillae are also present in the holotype of C. frodobagginsi (Fig. 6). There were also several oral disc characters mentioned (e.g., fleshy ridge posterior to mandibular teeth) that distinguished C. micropogon and C. batesii (Friel and Vigliotta, 2011). Chiloglanis batesii was likely described from Nyong River drainage in southern Cameroon (Boulenger, 1904). Populations of Chiloglanis, reported as C. batesii or C. micropogon, from the Nyong River to the Niger River need to be examined in more detail to determine the distributions of these species. Populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon from the Benue, Ndian, and Cross River basins appear to be distinct from topotypic C. micropogon, but additional specimens are needed from the region for confirmation (Fig. 3; Supplemental Table C; see Data Accessibility).
Understanding the diversity of Chiloglanis in the region is complicated by the presence of several species that are superficially similar to C. micropogon and C. batesii, especially smaller individuals. Chiloglanis niger also has reduced/absent mandibular barbels and around 12 mandibular teeth. The smaller individuals examined are very similar to C. micropogon, but are readily distinguished by the straight, robust mandibular teeth and smaller eye, relative to similar-sized C. micropogon. Small specimens of C. disneyi can also superficially resemble C. micropogon, but this species usually has many more mandibular teeth (16–20 versus 12) and has small mandibular barbels. Most of these species were described around the same time as several major collecting expeditions in the region (Teugels et al., 1992), and many of the specimens were deposited as Chiloglanis sp. or incorrectly placed into one of the newly described species. Sexual dimorphism in these species is also seemingly variable. One smaller male specimen of C. cf. micropogon from the Benue River clearly has an elongate and spatulate postcleithral process and elongated upper caudal-fin lobe. Another specimen, determined to be C. niger, has an elongated upper caudal-fin lobe but not an elongate postcleithral process. Another issue is the relative lack of material from the region. Many lots only contain one or a few specimens and some of those are damaged. It seems that many of these fishes are relatively rare (but may be locally abundant) and are often not sampled if electrofishers are not utilized. Examining the remaining cataloged material from this region should clarify some of these issues, but additional collecting in Cameroon and surrounding areas is also needed.
The biogeographical implications of the close relationship between the Upper Guinean Forest C. frodobagginsi and the Congolese C. micropogon are also quite interesting. A previous study (Schmidt et al., 2016) appears to offer the first molecular evidence of a recent connection between the fish fauna in the Congo River basin and the Niger River drainage. This past connection was hypothesized based on several presumptive shared taxa that occur within the Congo, Chad, and Niger River drainages (e.g., Campylomormyrus tamandua; Lévêque, 1997). Lévêque (1997) hypothesized that fishes from the Congo River first entered the Chad basin and then gained access to the Niger River drainage through the Gauthiot Falls in the upper Benue River. The presence of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon in the Benue River drainage also supports the hypothesis that this river served as a dispersal corridor for fishes in the region. These fishes could have then spread throughout the Niger River drainage, and subsequent climatic changes may have restricted them to well-watered regions within the watershed. The headwater streams of the Niger River drainage in Guinea have likely served as refugia where forests, and more importantly water, have persisted during climatic fluctuations (Mayr and O'Hara, 1986). Other fishes that are thought to occur within the Congo and Niger drainages should be investigated to see if similar patterns exist.
The presence of C. frodobagginsi in the upper Moa River also provides further evidence for headwater capture in the region. The diversity within these forested streams that arise along the Guinean Range has likely been fueled by recurring headwater capture events in the region. This would allow for species to geodisperse (vicariance) into neighboring drainages and diversify. If enough time passes before another headwater capture event, or the headwater capture event is across the Guinean Range versus alongside of it, a second or third species can become established in the system. In the Moa River system, there are three species of Chiloglanis, and within the Loffa and St. John River drainages there are two species present (Schmidt et al., 2017). These mechanisms that have probably promoted diversification within Chiloglanis have likely also promoted diversification within the mountain catfishes (Amphilius) and African small barbs (Enteromius; Schmidt and Pezold, 2011; Schmidt, 2014; Schmidt et al., 2019). Similarly, it seems that the diversity in other co-occurring groups of fishes is also vastly underestimated and needs to be investigated further.
MATERIAL EXAMINEDChiloglanis micropogon: Democratic Republic of the Congo: Congo River drainage: CUMV 97580, 10 of 101, 18.6–22.0 mm SL, Lualaba River, at main portion of Wagenia Falls, 0.49413°N, 25.20701°E; MRAC 91479, holotype, 49 mm SL, Nzokwe River, affluent of Ulindi River, Territory Kabare, 2.92°S, 28.53°E, G. Marlier, 20 May 1949.
Chiloglanis cf. micropogon: Nigeria: Benue River drainage: USNM 338276, 2, 21.3–28.0 mm SL, Mayo Santo (Fulani) or River Shuntan, small stream inflow to main river near Gashaka Camp. This eventually drains to the River Taraba which joins the River Benue, 7.3806°N, 11.4736°E. Cameroon: Cross River drainage: USNM 304265, 3, 22.4–26.3 mm SL, collecting points upper tributaries of Munaya, near Baro Village, northern Korup, Bake River below Nere Bifa Falls, 5.833°N, 9.1722°E; USNM 304331, 5, 22.3–36.3 mm SL, Akpa-Yafe System, streams and rivers of southwest Korup, Akpasang River at crossing point nearest end of ‘P’ (transect), 5.01°N, 8.75°E; Ndian River drainage: USNM 303409, 44, 25.7–27.4 mm SL, streams and rivers of southeast boundary of Korup, main Ndian River at bridge crossing into Korup, 4.9833°N, 8.85°E; USNM 303624, 1, 39.7 mm SL, streams and rivers of southeast boundary of Korup, Owaye River just north of Mana River, Korup ‘buffer zone A,’ 5.1°N, 8.9833°E.
Chiloglanis niger: Cameroon: Benue River drainage: USNM 280387, 1, 54.7 mm SL, Northwest Province, Fujua, fast flowing stream with rocky bottom, 6.28333°N, 10.28333°E (georeferenced); USNM 338335, 1, 38.9 mm SL, Mayo Dundere, the upper reaches of the Mayo Gashaka/Mayo Korngal. This eventually drains to the River Taraba which joins the River Benue, 7.0306°N, 11.5667°E; USNM 338717, 1, 41.7 mm SL, Mayo Katan, at the crossing point with a dirt road. This stream eventually drains to the River Taraba which joins the River Benue, 7.1639°N, 11.3917°E.
Chiloglanis tweddlei: Liberia: St. John River drainage: SAIAB 188313, 3, Nimba County, Kahn River upstream, 7.589167°N, 8.568611°W; SAIAB 188352, 1, Nimba County, Bold River, 7.50444°N, 8.58944°W; SAIAB 188448, 1, Nimba County, Yiti River, main road, 7.4875°N, 8.615278°W; SAIAB 188466, 3, Nimba County, Dehn River, at Lugbei, 7.608611°N, 8.622778°W; SAIAB 188551, 8, Nimba County, Yiti River, 7.516111°N, 8.704167°W; SAIAB 188582, 10, Nimba County, Yiti River upstream, 7.510278°N, 8.749167°W; SAIAB 188608, 1, Nimba County, Bee River, at Saniquellie, 7.369556°N, 8.697278°W; SAIAB 188639, 3, Nimba County, Tributary of Vellie River, 7.5755°N, 8.657722°W; USNM 193949, 17, Bong County, Gbarngy District, streams and tributary to St. John River.
DATA ACCESSIBILITYSupplemental material is available at https://www.ichthyologyandherpetology.org/i2022067. Unless an alternative copyright or statement noting that a figure is reprinted from a previous source is noted in a figure caption, the published images and illustrations in this article are licensed by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists for use if the use includes a citation to the original source (American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, the DOI of the Ichthyology & Herpetology article, and any individual image credits listed in the figure caption) in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution CC BY License. ZooBank publication urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub: AA5998FE-9F91-46B2-AB49-B8EDE9B6E4DA.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTSFunding for the 2003 expeditions was provided from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund administered by Conservation International, the HHMI/ULM Undergraduate Science Education Program, and by OISE 0080699 to FP. Funding for the 2013 expedition provided from the All Cypriniformes Species Inventory (ACSII, NSF DEB #1023403). We thank S. Diallo, B. Coulibaly (deceased), M. Diop, B. Samoura, B. Kaba, M. Camara, and members of the 2002–2003 ULM Guinea expeditions for assistance in the field. The 2013 expedition included J. W. Armbruster, H. L. Bart, S. Diallo, T. Diallo, J. P. Friel, M. M. Hayes, M. Magase, and M. Sou. Comparative material was generously provided by C. Dillman (CUMV) and D. Pitassy (USNM). J. Mann (TU) loaned and shipped the specimens of C. frodobagginsi to RCS so that this description could be completed, T. Vigliotta (AMNH) shared the images of the holotype of C. micropogon, and R. Robins (FLMNH) assisted in cataloging type material. Many thanks to the collections staff at SAIAB and USNM who provided PHNB and RCS with material while institutions had restricted access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sandra Raredon (USNM) photographed the type material of C. frodobagginsi and generously worked during restricted conditions due to the pandemic.
© 2023 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists

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Ray C. Schmidt, Pedro H. N. Bragança, John P. Friel, Frank Pezold, Denis Tweddle, and Henry L. Bart Jr. "Two New Species of Suckermouth Catfishes (Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from Upper Guinean Forest Streams in West Africa," Ichthyology & Herpetology 111(3), 376-389, (31 July 2023). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2022067
Received: 18 August 2022; Accepted: 1 May 2023; Published: 31 July 2023
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31 July 2023Two New Species of Suckermouth Catfishes (Mochokidae: Chiloglanis) from Upper Guinean Forest Streams in West Africa
Ray C. Schmidt, Pedro H. N. Bragança, John P. Friel, Frank Pezold, Denis Tweddle, Henry L. Bart Jr.
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Ichthyology & Herpetology, 111(3):376-389 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2022067

AbstractSuckermouth catfishes of the genus Chiloglanis are found throughout tropical Africa. Recent studies highlighted the diversity within this genus remains incompletely documented and nearly 20 new species have been described in the past ten years. Here we describe two new species of Chiloglanis from streams in the Upper Guinean Forest. Chiloglanis fortuitus, new species, is only known from one specimen collected in the St. John River drainage in Liberia and is readily distinguished from other species of Chiloglanis by the number of mandibular teeth and the length of the barbels associated with the oral disc. Chiloglanis frodobagginsi, new species, from the upper Niger River was previously considered to be a disjunct population of C. micropogon. A combination of several characters diagnoses C. frodobagginsi, new species, from topotypic C. micropogon in the Lualaba River (Congo River basin) and from Central African populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon in the Benue, Ndian, and Cross River drainages. The biogeographical implications of the recognition of C. frodobagginsi, new species, the likelihood of finding additional diversity in the streams of the Upper Guinean Forests, and the taxonomy of C. micropogon and C. batesii are also discussed.
There are currently 63 species of suckermouth catfishes in the genus Chiloglanis (Mochokidae) generally associated with flowing waters throughout tropical Africa (Fricke et al., 2022). Several species were described in recent years (Friel and Vigliotta, 2011; Schmidt et al., 2015, 2017; Schmidt and Barrientos, 2019; Kashindye et al., 2021) and many more taxa remain to be formally described (Morris et al., 2016; Chakona et al., 2018; Watson, 2020; Ward, 2021). Though superficially similar in morphology, these species have many informative diagnostic characters associated with their teeth, oral disc morphology, barbels, and spine and fin-ray lengths. Thus, many species originally considered to be widely distributed can clearly be separated into different species by carefully examining these characters.
This research on the Upper Guinean species of Chiloglanis started by looking at the morphological and molecular variation within the previously reported widespread species Chiloglanis occidentalis in streams of the Upper Guinean Forest. A molecular analysis revealed the presence of distinct lineages/species within C. occidentalis, many of which were endemic to individual river basins (Schmidt et al., 2016). These species broadly formed two groups: one group with generally shorter dorsal spines, pectoral spines, and maxillary barbels, and the other with longer dorsal and pectoral spines, and longer maxillary barbels. Within the region, endemic species belonging to both groups co-occur (sympatry) in several drainages in southeastern Guinea, seemingly using different microhabitats. The same study also showed that populations of another species, C. aff. micropogon, in the upper Niger River drainage in Guinea were genetically distinct from topotypic populations of C. micropogon in the Lualaba River (Congo River drainage) with 3.6% divergence in cytochrome b and 6.2% divergence in growth hormone intron 2 (Schmidt et al., 2016). In another paper on the diversity of Chiloglanis in the Upper Guinean Forests, when examining and selecting the type series for C. tweddlei, one specimen clearly stood out morphologically (Schmidt et al., 2017). This specimen superficially resembled members of the group with shorter spines and barbels, but it had more mandibular teeth than any other species of Chiloglanis in the region.
The present study aimed to examine the morphological variation among populations of C. micropogon and C. aff. micropogon to determine if the populations in the upper Niger River deserved specific recognition. Further, the unique specimen collected in the St. John River drainage was reexamined and the presence of other specimens of this unique morphotype in ichthyological collections investigated. The results of this study support the recognition of these two populations as distinct species of Chiloglanis which are described herein: C. frodobagginsi, new species, from the upper Niger River previously identified as C. aff. micropogon, and C. fortuitus, new species, from the St. John River drainage. We also discuss the variation within populations of C. micropogon in Central Africa and highlight areas where further collection efforts are needed.
MATERIALS AND METHODSSpecimens of Chiloglanis and other taxa were collected during several expeditions in Guinea and Liberia. Three of these expeditions occurred during 2003, and the most recent collections took place in 2012 (Liberia) and 2013 (Guinea; Fig. 1). Specimens from these expeditions are cataloged at several institutions with the bulk of the material residing in AMNH, AUM, CUMV, SAIAB, and TU (acronyms according to Sabaj, 2020). Comparative material from the Lualaba River (type locality of C. micropogon) and populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon in the Benue River, Cross River, and Ndian River drainages were also included in the analysis. Measurements were taken to 0.1 mm with a digital caliper and a stereo microscope equipped with an ocular micrometer. Morphometric measurements and meristic counts follow Schmidt et al. (2017) modified from Skelton and White (1980) and Friel and Vigliotta (2011). The holotype of C. micropogon was examined during a previous study, but a full suite of measurements was not collected. Sex of type specimens was determined by external examination of genital papillae following Friel and Vigliotta (2011). Measurements collected from the unique specimen from the St. John River drainage were included with the measurements from the short-spine taxa obtained in a previous study (Schmidt et al., 2017). A principal component analysis (PCA) using the covariance matrix of log-transformed measurements and descriptive statistics was completed in MYSTAT (SYSTAT Software Inc.). Body shape variation within principal components strongly correlated to size for populations of C. micropogon (e.g., PC1) was assessed through reduced-major axis (RMA) regression lines in the SMATR package in R (Warton et al., 2006).
Fig. 1Localities of species of Chiloglanis discussed in this study. Rivers of the Upper Guinean Forests enlarged from outlined region in the inset map of West and Central Africa. River drainages outlined in white lines. White circles are localities where no Chiloglanis were collected. Locations of Chiloglanis frodobagginsi (black circles), holotype of C. frodobagginsi (black star), type locality of Chiloglanis fortuitus (black triangle), and comparative Chiloglanis micropogon and Chiloglanis cf. micropogon (black squares).

RESULTSMorphological comparisons of populations of Chiloglanis.--A PCA of 45 morphometric measurements of C. fortuitus, new species, and 113 specimens of short-spine taxa shows C. fortuitus, new species, as distinct from the other taxa in the region (Fig. 2). Premaxillary tooth length and the length of the maxillary, medial, and lateral mandibular barbels contribute to the variation observed in PC2. These barbels are longer in C. fortuitus, new species, than in the other short-spine taxa, although with just one specimen of C. fortuitus, new species, it isn't possible to investigate these characters further.
Fig. 2Plots of PC1 to PC2 (A) and PC2 to PC3 (B) from principal component analysis of 45 log-transformed measurements from 114 specimens of the short-spine taxa from the Upper Guinean Forests. Holotype of Chiloglanis fortuitus denoted by star.

The morphological comparison of C. frodobagginsi, new species, and C. micropogon included 35 measurements and eight meristics from 50 specimens. Measurements shown to be sexually dimorphic (e.g., fin lengths and length of postcleithral process) were not included in the analysis (Supplemental Table A; see Data Accessibility). Plots of principal components 1 and 2 clearly separate C. frodobagginsi, new species, from C. micropogon in the Lualaba River (Fig. 3A). Populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon from the Benue, Ndian, and Cross River drainages are also distinct from topotypic C. micropogon and C. frodobagginsi, new species. Occipital shield width, mandibular tooth row width, maxillary barbel length, and distance between dorsal and adipose fins contribute to variation observed in PC2 (Supplemental Table B; see Data Accessibility). In plots of PC2 to PC3, populations of C. micropogon from the Lualaba River and C. frodobagginsi, new species, are still distinct (Fig. 3B). The populations in the Moa River are also largely distinct from Niger River C. frodobagginsi, new species (Fig. 3A, B). These two specimens are only 19.4 and 20.1 mm SL so additional specimens from this population are needed to better understand the variation observed.
Fig. 3Plots of PC1 to PC2 from principal component analysis of 35 log-transformed measurements from 47 specimens (A) and PC2 to PC3 (B). The holotype of Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is noted by the black star. Refer to Supplemental Table B (see Data Accessibility) for component loading values.

The first principal component was positively correlated with standard length (Pearson's correlation = 0.99). The RMA regression of PC1 to the log-transformed standard length (not shown) shows that the slopes of populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon, C. micropogon, and C. frodobagginsi, new species, are equal (P = 0.14) and that there is no difference in the elevation (i.e., the y-intercept) for each group (P = 0.39). When examining just the population of C. micropogon and C. frodobagginsi, new species, there is a difference in the elevation between the two (P = 0.04). Examining individual measurements and counts does give a sense of how the allometric trajectory of some of these traits differ in C. frodobagginsi, new species, and C. micropogon (Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility). The distance between the dorsal fin and adipose fin as a percentage of standard length has equal slopes (P = 0.164), but they have significantly different elevations (P = 0.0036; Fig. 4A). The number of premaxillary teeth plotted against log-transformed standard length for each species also clearly shows that these two species are distinct (Fig. 4B).
Fig. 4Reduced-major axis regression of distance from dorsal fin to adipose fin (as a percentage of standard length) on log-transformed standard length (A). Reduced-major axis regression of log-transformed total number of premaxillary teeth on log-transformed standard length (B). Chiloglanis frodobagginsi (open circle), Chiloglanis frodobagginsi from the Moa River (filled circle), Chiloglanis micropogon (open square), and holotype of C. frodobagginsi (black star).

Chiloglanis fortuitus, Schmidt, Bragança, and Tweddle, new species
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:5DAB9826-ADEE-42B5-84A8-934D5CCF4511
Figure 5, Table 1

Holotype.--SAIAB 202292, 35.0 mm SL, Liberia, St. John River drainage, Nimba County, Dayea River, above Yekepa, 7.579333°N, 8.516889°W, D. Tweddle, 30 March 2012. Diagnosis.--Chiloglanis fortuitus is distinguished from all known species of Chiloglanis, including all species in the Upper Guinean Forest, except C. disneyi, C. microps, C. niger, and C. orthodontus, in having 18 mandibular teeth in the functional row (vs. 6–15 teeth; Table 1). Chiloglanis fortuitus is easily distinguished from C. disneyi, C. microps, and C. niger in having longer mandibular barbels whereas these are absent or reduced in the latter species. Chiloglanis fortuitus is distinguished from C. orthodontus in having a more robust oral disc and its length equal to its width versus length much shorter than width (Friel and Vigliotta, 2011). Chiloglanis fortuitus is further distinguished from C. orthodontus in having a longer dorsal spine (12.8 versus 4.1–7.8 % SL) and shorter maxillary barbels (7.2 versus 9.4–14.8 % SL).
Description.--Morphometric measurements and meristics for holotype summarized in Table 1. Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views (Fig. 5) illustrate body shape, fin shape and placement, oral disc size and shape, and maxillary and mandibular barbel lengths.
Moderate-sized Chiloglanis, maximum standard length observed 35.0 mm in one male specimen. Body dorsally depressed anteriorly and laterally compressed posteriorly. Pre-dorsal convex, sloping ventrally towards posterior nares, pre-orbital convex. Post-dorsal body sloping ventrally towards caudal fin. Post-anal profile concave, pre-anal profile horizontal. Small unculiferous tubercles present on body, concentrations of tubercles higher near head. Lateral line complete, arising at level of orbit and sloping ventrally to midlateral alongside of body towards caudal peduncle. Urogenital papillae presumed sexually dimorphic; males with elongated urogenital papilla.
Head depressed. Gill membranes broadly united. Gill openings restricted, opening near pectoral-fin origin to horizontal level of orbit. Occipital-nuchal shield covered and visible through skin. Eye moderate in size, located post mid-head length, horizontal axis longest, without free margins. Anterior and posterior nares equidistant, positioned mid-snout. Naris with raised rims, posterior naris with elongated anterior flap.
Mouth inferior, upper and lower lips united to form oral disc. Oral disc moderate in size, length equaling width and covered in papillae. Barbels in three pairs; maxillary barbel originating from posterolateral region of disc, unbranched, moderate in length, 7% of SL. Lateral and medial mandibular barbels moderate, incorporated into lower lip and positioned on both sides of midline cleft on posterior margin of oral disc. Lateral barbel 5% of SL, less than twice length of medial barbel. Primary maxillary teeth “S” shaped with exposed brown tips. 72 teeth in four scattered rows on ovoid tooth pads. Secondary premaxillary teeth scattered on posterior surface of premaxillae. Tertiary teeth small and needle-like, near midline of dorsal edge of tooth plate. Mandibular teeth in one to two rows, “S” shaped and grouped near midline. Functional (anterior) row with 18 brown-tipped teeth.
Dorsal-fin origin just posterior to anterior third of body. Dorsal fin with small spinelet, spine, and four rays. Dorsal spine moderate to short in length, reaching 13% of SL. Adipose fin medium length, reaching 17% of SL; margin convex with small notch posteriorly. Caudal fin forked with rounded lobes, lower lobe longer than upper lobe, count i, 7, 8, i. Anal-fin origin posterior to origin of adipose fin, margin convex, count iii, 6. Pelvic-fin origin at vertical between dorsal and adipose fins, margin convex, reaching beyond anal-fin origin, count i, 6. Pectoral fin with smooth spine, reaching 16% of SL, count I, 7. Postcleithral process in holotype short and pointed.
Coloration.--Coloration of preserved specimen in Figure 5. In dorsal view, dark brown with mottled areas of medium brown. Lighter areas between nares and orbits, at origin of dorsal fin, at origin and terminus of adipose fin, and at caudal peduncle. In lateral view, specimen with yellow-buff color with overlying medium and dark brown blotches. Dark area more prevalent dorsal to midline, extending ventrally at origins of pelvic and anal fins. Dark brown melanophores scattered across body, more readily visible ventral to midline, prominent on sides of belly. Ventral surface yellow-buff colored with few melanophores scattered near pelvic and anal fins. Oral disc and barbels cream colored.
Pectoral and dorsal spines pigmented distally, rays cream to translucent. Dorsal base of pectoral fin lightly marked by triangular area of dark brown melanophores, band of melanophores at mid-length. Dorsal fin with area of melanophores near base and mid-length. Anal fin with melanophores at base and mid-length. Pelvic fin cream with few melanophores at base and band at mid-length. Adipose fin cream to translucent with dark brown markings from region just posterior of origin to its posterior third. Caudal fin cream to translucent with dark brown areas near base, mid-length, and distal end on upper and lower lobes; lighter areas forming circular marking on upper and lower lobes.
Etymology.--The specific epithet is “fortuitus,” referring to the fortuitous aspect of collecting this one specimen at the type locality. The collector, D. Tweddle, sampled fishes at 36 localities in the upper St. John River drainage in Liberia and collected 69 specimens of Chiloglanis at ten of these localities. Additionally, the lot that contained C. fortuitus was one of the three lots borrowed by the lead author to aid with the description of C. tweddlei (Schmidt et al., 2017). The discovery and formal description of C. fortuitus is fortuitous in several aspects.
Distribution.--Chiloglanis fortuitus is only known from the type locality in the Dayea River above Yekepa in Nimba County, Liberia (Supplemental Fig. B; see Data Accessibility). The site looked natural, yet it had been severely impacted many years earlier by the iron ore mine upstream. It was fast flowing, of uniform depth with a bottom of gravel with small rocks, with very little natural structure (e.g., woody debris and large boulders) likely due to previous mining activities. It is interesting that this species was not collected at the other ten localities in the region that contained C. tweddlei. As with other members of Chiloglanis that are found in streams in the Upper Guinea Forests, when two species co-occur within a drainage, they usually utilize different microhabitats (Schmidt et al., 2017). Additional collection efforts in the upper St. John River drainage in Guinea and Liberia may yield additional specimens and populations of C. fortuitus.
Remarks.--Species descriptions based on a single specimen are not ideal though in this case it is warranted. This species is morphologically distinct from congeners in the region (Fig. 2), and the number of mandibular teeth and morphology of the oral disc and barbels, characters used in the taxonomy of species of Chiloglanis, clearly separate it from all other known species of Chiloglanis. In sampling fishes at 36 localities, the collector was only able to get one specimen of C. fortuitus. Another lot from the St. John River drainage, USNM 193949, collected in the 1950s, contained 17 specimens all of which were determined to be C. tweddlei. This species is seemingly rare within the drainage and we don't know when, or even if, additional specimens of C. fortuitus will be collected. Additionally, this area is under intense pressures from the mining industry and all species present face an uncertain future. Indeed, the type specimen was collected in a stream that had previously been disturbed by iron ore mining. Formally describing this species is an important step in recognizing and conserving the freshwater biodiversity in the Upper Guinean Forests.
Chiloglanis fortuitus resembles species of Chiloglanis that are in the short-spine group referenced in Schmidt et al. (2016, 2017). The discovery of this new species within the St. John River suggests that additional species of Chiloglanis, and other taxa, remain to be discovered and described from the region. This is especially likely for rivers in the region (e.g., Rokel, Jong, Sewa, and Mano) where collections of freshwater taxa are still lacking. While collecting this specimen was fortuitous, depositing the specimen and the others collected during an environmental impact assessment into natural history collections is what allowed this species to be discovered and described. Other new species have been collected and formerly described from similar surveys in the region (Pezold et al., 2016, 2020). We encourage practitioners in this field to continue the practice of depositing specimens collected during assessments in natural history collections so that the specimens will be available to researchers.

Chiloglanis batesii.--Paugy and Roberts, 1992 (in part): 502–511; Paugy and Roberts, 2003 (in part): 197–207.
Chiloglanis micropogon.--Daget, 1954 (in part): 307–308; Daget, 1959 (in part): 682–683; Daget, 1962 (in part): 115.
Chiloglanis cf. micropogon.--Schmidt et al., 2016: 201–204.
Chiloglanis sp. aff. micropogon.--Schmidt et al., 2017: 301–336.
Holotype.--TU 203552, 24.1 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River, North of Faranah, on road N29, 10.28382°N, 10.76925°W, 2013 Guinea expedition team, 29 January 2013.
Paratypes.--AMNH 263794, 4, 23.1–25.7 mm SL, AUM 59751, 8, CUMV 97679, 8, TU 203527, 4, 24.8–25.3 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Mafou River, on road N2 ∼80 km South of Faranah, 9.53072°N, 10.40199°W, 2013 Guinea expedition team, 28 January 2013; AUM 59554, 19, CUMV 97678, 18, TU 203348, 19, 20.6–24.1 mm SL, FLMNH 249106, 5, 20.0–24.6 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Tinkisso River, below Tinkisso Dam, 10.72793°N, 11.16855°W, 2013 Guinea expedition team, 12 January 2013; CUMV 97680, 6, TU 204171, 4, 19.2–24.3 mm SL, collected with holotype; SAIAB 203746, 9, 19.9–23.3 mm SL, USNM 437542, 9, 22.1–38.1 mm SL, Niger River drainage, Tinkisso River, at dam, 10.72°N 11.17°W, B. Samoura and others, 7 April 2003; TU 204157, 1, 20.4 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Tinkisso River, at dam, 10.72793°N 11.16855°W, F. Pezold and others, 18 January 2003.
Non-type material examined.--AMNH 264623, 1, 26.3 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Tinkisso River, at Toumania, 10.57902°N, 10.47273°W, F. Pezold and others, 16 May 2003; CUMV 98653, 1, 19.4 mm SL, TU 204170, 1, 20.1 mm SL, Guinea, Moa River drainage, Masseni River, about 3 miles north of Konesseridou, 8.7204°N, 9.52436°W, 2013 Guinea expedition team, 26 January 2013; MRAC 2016.029.P.52-63, 12, 20.0–27.0 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Tinkisso River, at Bissikrima, 10.83°N, 10.92°W, B. Samoura and others, 8 April 2003; USNM 437545, 5, 22.2–23.5 mm SL, Guinea, Niger River drainage, Niger River, north of Faranah, F. Pezold and others, 26 May 2003.
Diagnosis.--Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is distinguished from all known species of Chiloglanis in the Upper Guinean Forests, and most of the other described species (except C. disneyi, C. harbinger, C. marlieri, C. micropogon, C. microps, C. mongoensis, and C. niger) by the very reduced, or absent, mandibular barbels on the oral disc. Chiloglanis frodobagginsi can be distinguished from C. disneyi, C. harbinger, C. marlieri, C. microps, C. mongoensis, and C. niger in having fewer mandibular teeth in one row (10–12 versus 16–20, 26–30, 26–28, 16–18, 28, and 16–20 respectively). Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is distinguished from C. batesii in having two prominent papillae on the roof of the oral cavity; versus the absence of papillae in C. batesii. This species is further distinguished from C. batesii in having shorter and more blunt mandibular teeth arranged in bunched rows; versus sharper, more elongate, and disordered mandibular teeth. Chiloglanis frodobagginsi also has a fleshy unpapillated ridge posterior to the mandibular teeth versus several large papillae in C. batesii (Friel and Vigliotta, 2011).
A unique combination of characters distinguishes C. frodobagginsi from the closely related C. micropogon and C. cf. micropogon from Central Africa. As compared to C. micropogon from the Lualaba River, C. frodobagginsi has a larger eye diameter (4.2–6.5 versus 4.7–5.5 % SL; Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility), longer maxillary barbels (3.8–7.2 versus 3.4–6.5 % SL; Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility), a narrower mandibular tooth row (1.6–2.8 versus 2.4–3.1 % SL; Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility), a longer distance between dorsal fin and adipose fin (14.4–21.5 versus 14.9–18.8 % SL; Fig. 4A), and a shorter anal-fin base length (8.0–10.8 versus 9.7–12.7 % SL; Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility). Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is further distinguished from C. micropogon in having fewer premaxillary teeth (36–70 versus 62–103) scattered in three rows versus four (Fig. 4B; Table 2). While the ranges of these measurements and counts overlap, these distinctions hold true when comparing similar sized species (Fig. 4; Supplemental Fig. A; see Data Accessibility). Compared to Chiloglanis cf. micropogon from the Benue, Ndian, and Cross River basins Chiloglanis frodobagginsi has a narrower occipital shield (3.0–4.0 versus 4.0–5.4 % SL), a shorter dorsal fin to adipose fin distance (14.5–21.5 versus 19.3–24.2), and a narrower mandibular tooth row (1.6–2.8 versus 1.8–3.2 % SL).
Description.--Morphometric measurements and meristics for holotype and 21 paratypes summarized in Table 2. Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views (Fig. 6) illustrate body shape, fin shape and placement, oral disc size and shape, and maxillary and mandibular barbel lengths.
Small to moderate-sized Chiloglanis, maximum standard length 38.1 mm. Body dorsally depressed anteriorly and laterally compressed posteriorly. Pre-dorsal convex, sloping ventrally towards posterior nares, pre-orbital convex, sharply angling towards tip of snout pre-nares. Post-dorsal body sloping ventrally towards caudal fin. Post-anal profile shallowly concave, pre-anal profile horizontal to slightly convex. Small unculiferous tubercles present on body, concentrations of tubercles higher near head. Lateral line complete, arising at dorsal level of orbit and sloping ventrally to midlateral alongside of body towards caudal peduncle. Urogenital papillae sexually dimorphic; males with elongated urogenital papillae, females with reduced papillae, separated from anus by shallow invagination.
Head depressed. Gill membranes broadly united. Gill openings restricted, opening near pectoral-fin origin to horizontal level of mid-orbit. Occipital-nuchal shield covered and visible through skin. Eye moderate in size, located post mid-head length, horizontal axis longest, without free margins. Anterior naris set farther apart than posterior naris, positioned mid-snout. Nares with raised rims, posterior naris with elongated anterior flap.
Mouth inferior, upper and lower lips united to form oral disc. Oral disc moderate in size, slightly wider than long and covered in papillae. Maxillary barbel originating from posterolateral region of disc, unbranched, moderate in length, reaching 7% of SL. Lateral and medial mandibular barbels absent or very reduced. Two prominent papillae on roof of oral cavity. Primary maxillary teeth “S” shaped with exposed brown tips. 36–70 teeth in three scattered rows on ovoid tooth pads. Secondary premaxillary teeth scattered on posterior surface of premaxillae. Tertiary teeth small and needle-like, near midline of dorsal edge of toothplate. Mandibular teeth in one to two rows, curved and bunched near midline. Functional (anterior) row with 12 brown-tipped teeth. Distinct, slightly concave rectangular fleshy ridge posterior to mandibular teeth.
Dorsal-fin origin just posterior to anterior third of body. Dorsal fin with small spinelet, spine, and five to six rays. Dorsal spine medium to short in length, reaching 13% of SL. Adipose fin medium length, reaching 19.6% of SL; margin convex. Caudal fin forked with rounded lobes, lower lobe longer than upper lobe, count i, 7, 8, i, no sexual dimorphism observed in examined specimens. Anal-fin origin posterior to origin of adipose fin, margin convex, count iii, 5–7. Pelvic-fin origin at vertical between dorsal and adipose fin, margins convex, reaching beyond anal-fin origin, count i, 6. Pectoral fin with smooth spine, reaching 15.6% of SL, count I, 8–9. Postcleithral process shorter and bluntly pointed, no sexual dimorphism noted in specimens examined.
Coloration.--Typical coloration of preserved specimens in Figure 6. In dorsal view, specimens medium brown with mottled areas of light brown. Lighter areas on tip of snout anterior to nares, at origin of dorsal fin, at origin and terminus of adipose fin, and on caudal peduncle. White or cream unculiferous tubercles scattered across body, more concentrated near head. In lateral view, specimens with yellow-buff color with overlying medium brown blotches. Dark area more prevalent dorsal to midline, but extending ventrally at origin of pelvic and anal fins. Dark brown melanophores scattered across body, more readily visible ventral to midline, absent on belly. Ventral surface yellow-buff colored with few melanophores scattered near anus and origin of anal fin. Oral disc and barbels cream colored.
Pectoral and dorsal spines pigmented distally and rays cream to translucent. Dorsal base of pectoral fin lightly marked by triangular area of dark brown melanophores, band of melanophores at mid-length. Dorsal fin with area of melanophores near base and mid-length. Anal fin with melanophores at mid-length. Pelvic fin cream with few melanophores at base and band at mid-length. Adipose fin cream to translucent with dark brown markings at origin. Caudal fin cream to translucent with dark brown areas near base and at mid-length.
Etymology.--Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is named after another diminutive traveler, Frodo Baggins, a fictional character well known from J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series. Roughly 3,000 miles (4,800 km) separate C. frodobagginsi in the upper Niger River drainage and C. micropogon, the sister species, found in the Congo River basin. Another seemingly closely related species, Chiloglanis cf. micropogon, is found in the southern Benue drainage and in several small coastal rivers about 3,000 km from the upper Niger River drainage (e.g., Cross and Ndian Rivers). It is unclear whether these species are descended from a more widespread species, or the result of dispersal from the Congo River basin into the Niger River drainage, via the Benue River, and then up to the headwaters of the Niger River. This was an incredible journey for such a small and seemingly non-vagile fish.
Distribution.--Chiloglanis frodobagginsi occurs in the upper Niger River drainage in Guinea and further downstream in the Niger River near Bamako (Fig. 1; Daget, 1959). This species was collected in several tributaries to the Niger River in Guinea and also collected in the upper reaches of the Moa River drainage (Masseni River), a coastal river drainage. Only two specimens were collected in the Moa River drainage and no tissues were retained. Given that most species of Chiloglanis in the region are restricted to individual river drainages and since the Moa River drainage is on the other (i.e., west) side of the Guinean Range from the Niger River drainage, this population may be a distinct species. For this reason, these specimens were not included in the type material for C. frodobagginsi. In the Tinkisso River, C. frodobagginsi was collected below the waterfall over small gravel in the middle of the channel. Chiloglanis waterloti is also found in the Tinkisso River, but this species is usually associated with woody debris or large rocks.
Remarks.--The affinity between Chiloglanis frodobagginsi and C. micropogon was first reported in research on fishes in the upper Niger River drainage (Daget, 1954, 1959). The large distance between the populations in the upper Niger River and the Lualaba River (Congo River drainage) warranted further examinations of these specimens (Daget, 1959). Daget sent specimens from the upper Niger River to Max Poll for comparison to those that Poll described as C. micropogon from the Congo River drainage (Poll, 1952; Daget, 1959). Poll noted some variation between the different populations, but it wasn't enough to readily distinguish one from the other (Daget, 1959). Daget also noted their diminutive size and rarity relative to the co-occurring specimens of C. waterloti (Daget, 1954). Herein we noted another aspect of these specimens that wasn't directly noted: the apparent lack of an elongated upper caudal-fin lobe and an elongate and spatulate postcleithral process in males. An examination of the type specimen of C. micropogon and the sketch of the holotype clearly shows an elongated upper caudal-fin lobe (Poll, 1952, fig. 3, page 228). The larger specimens collected in recent expeditions were mostly females, and none of the males collected showed an elongated upper caudal-fin lobe. More specimens of C. frodobagginsi are needed to better understand if this species also displays those sexually dimorphic characteristics, or if the lack of sexual differentiation can be a useful trait in distinguishing both species. Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is also genetically distinct from C. micropogon with a divergence observed of 3.6% in cytochrome b and 6.2% in Growth Hormone intron 2 (Schmidt et al., 2016).
Populations of Chiloglanis cf. micropogon in the Benue, Cross, and Ndian Rivers have only been relatively recently collected (e.g., in the 1970s and 1980s) and were unknown to Daget and Poll at the time of their comparisons of upper Niger and Lualaba River specimens. In examining these specimens, they clearly concur with C. micropogon, but also differ in some respects (Fig. 3). Some specimens showed the sexual dimorphism attributed to C. micropogon (e.g., an elongated upper caudal-fin lobe and an elongated and spatulate postcleithral process), but most of the specimens examined did not have these traits. Many of these collections and subsequent identifications took place before many of the species in the region were described (Roberts, 1989) and cataloged under superficially similar species names C. niger and C. disneyi. Additional populations from the Benue and the smaller coastal drainages in Central Africa are needed to fully resolve the relationships within the C. micropogon complex.

DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5318.4.5
PAGE RANGE: 515-530
ABSTRACT VIEWS: 72
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A new species Lethrinops chilingali (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from a Lake Malawi satellite lake, believed to be extinct in the wild.

ACARIAFRICAN CICHLIDHAPLOCHROMINELAKE CHILINGALIMORPHOLOGY

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AbstractA new species of cichlid fish, Lethrinops chilingali is described from specimens collected from Lake Chilingali, near Nkhotakota, Malawi. It is assigned to the genus Lethrinops based on the form of the lower jaw dental arcade and by the absence of traits diagnostic of the phenotypically similar Ctenopharynx, Taeniolethrinops and Tramitichromis. It also lacks the enlarged cephalic lateral line canal pores found in species of Alticorpus and Aulonocara. The presence of a broken horizontal stripe on the flanks of females and immature/non-territorial males of Lethrinops chilingali distinguishes them from all congeners, including Lethrinops lethrinus, in which the stripe is typically continuous. Lethrinops chilingali also has a relatively shorter snout, shorter lachrymal bone and less ventrally positioned mouth than Lethrinops lethrinus. It appears likely that Lethrinops chilingali is now extinct in the wild, as this narrow endemic species has not been positively recorded in the natural environment since 2009. Breeding populations remain in captivity.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5315.6.5
A new species of cirri-bearing eel of the genus Cirrhimuraena (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from the coastal Bay of Bengal, India

PISCESFISHNEW SPECIESODISHA FRINGED-LIP EELPALUR CANAL

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AbstractA new species of cirri-bearing ophichthidae eel Cirrhimuraena odishaensis sp. nov. is described here, on the basis of two specimens collected from the Palur canal and Talasari fish landing centre in Odisha, India. The distinguishing characters of Cirrhimuraena odishaensis sp. nov. that separate it from its congeners include the presence of a single row of mandibular teeth, origin of the dorsal fin directly above the midpoint of pectoral fin, vertebral counts (pre-dorsal 10, pre-anal 46–47, and total 160–162), and number of cirri (13) on the upper jaw. Morphologically Cirrhimuraena odishaensis shows close affinity with Cirrhimuraena yuanding and Cirrhimuraena orientalis. The new species differs from C. yuanding by origin of dorsal fin, number of intermaxillary and maxillary teeth, and length of head. The new species differs from C. orientalis with relatively higher vertebrae.
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Squatina leae • Revision of the Western Indian Ocean Angel Sharks, Genus Squatina (Squatiniformes: Squatinidae), with Description of A New Species and Redescription of the African Angel Shark Squatina africana Regan, 1908

Squatina leae
Weigmann, Vaz, Akhilesh, Leeney & Naylor, 2023

DOI: 10.3390/biology12070975

Abstract
Sampling efforts on the Saya de Malha Bank (part of the Mascarene Plateau, western Indian Ocean) unveiled three unusual small juvenile angel shark specimens, that were a much paler color than the only known western Indian Ocean species, Squatina africana Regan, 1908. However, it took many years before further specimens, including adults of both sexes, and tissue samples were collected. The present manuscript contains a redescription of S. africana based on the holotype and additional material, as well as the formal description of the new species of Squatina. All specimens of the new species, hereafter referred to as Squatina leae sp. nov., were collected in the western Indian Ocean off southwestern India and on the Mascarene Plateau at depths of 100–500 m. The new species differs from S. africana in a number of characteristics including its coloration when fresh, smaller size at birth, size at maturity, and adult size, genetic composition, and distribution. Taxonomic characteristics include differences in the morphology of the pectoral skeleton and posterior nasal flap, denticle arrangement and morphology, vertebral counts, trunk width, pectoral–pelvic space, and clasper size. A key to the species of Squatina in the Indian Ocean is provided.

Keywords: Chondrichthyes; Elasmobranchii; angel sharks; systematics; taxonomy; diversity; morphology; PCA; mCT scans; genetics; NADH2; CO1

Squatina leae sp. nov., holotype, CMFRI GA. 15.2.5.4, adult male, 671 mm TL, in (a) dorsolateral, (b) dorsal, and (c) ventral views in fresh condition.
Photographs kindly provided by P. U. Zacharia (ICAR-CMFRI).
Scale bar: 5 cm.

Squatina leae sp. nov., holotype, CMFRI GA. 15.2.5.4, adult male, 671 mm TL, head in (a) dorsal and (b) ventral views, (c) clasper region in dorsal view, (d) anterior pectoral-fin margin in dorsofrontal view, (e) dorsal fins in dorsal view, and (f) caudal fin in dorsolateral view.
Photographs (a–d,f) kindly provided by P. U. Zacharia (ICAR-CMFRI) show the holotype in fresh condition, photograph (e) shows the holotype in preserved condition.

Family Squatinidae Bonaparte, 1838
Genus Squatina Duméril, 1806

Squatina leae sp. nov.
English name: Lea’s angel shark
Spanish name: Angelote de Lea
German name: Leas Engelhai

Diagnosis. A small angel shark species (maximum size 870 mm TL) with the following characteristics: dorsal coloration conspicuously bright, beige to light grayish-brown, with many light yellowish flecks on trunk, and pectoral and pelvic fins, as well as countless densely set, minute dark spots, partially forming pseudocelli, all over the dorsal surface; no median row of scute-like denticles on trunk; anterior nasal flap with two lateral, elongate barbels and a medial rectangular barbel, all with ventral margins slightly fringed to almost smooth; concave between eyes; posterior nasal flap with an additional barblet; pectoral-pelvic space 10.0–14.9% TL; pectoral-fin apex angular; pelvic-fin free rear tips not reaching level of first dorsal-fin origin; tail moderately long, its length from cloaca 50.2–58.5% TL; pectoral fins moderately long, length 31.1–35.2% TL; dorsal fins not lobe-like; first dorsal-fin base somewhat longer than second dorsal-fin base; caudal fin of adults with angular apices; monospondylous centra 43–46; diplospondylous precaudal centra 55–58; total precaudal centra 100–104; total vertebral centra 130–136; and pectoral-fin skeleton with propterygium articulating with four radials.

Geographic distribution—The new species is currently known from the western Indian Ocean on the Mascarene Plateau and off southwestern India in 100–500 m depths (Figure 10).

Etymology--The name is dedicated to the memory of Lea-Marie Cordt, the late sister of the first author’s fiancée.

Squatina leae sp. nov., paratypes ZMH 26097, juvenile male, 298 mm TL fresh (in dorsal view) and ZMH 26098, juvenile male, 259 mm TL fresh (in ventral view) taken directly after catching.
The photograph was taken and kindly provided by Matthias F. W. Stehmann.
Scale bar: 5 cm.

Conclusions:
The recognition of a new species, Squatina leae sp. nov., with the redescription of S. africana, clarifies the taxonomic status and distribution of these two western Indian Ocean angel shark species. This is essential for improved data collection and research and for more effective conservation and management policy decisions. Accordingly, this information must be incorporated into future conservation and management plans of sharks in the western Indian Ocean. The current lack of conservation plans at all scales in this ocean area, as well as the need for more research, will likely jeopardize the populations of western Indian Ocean angel sharks in the future.

Simon Weigmann, Diego F. B. Vaz, K. V. Akhilesh, Ruth H. Leeney and Gavin J. P. Naylor. 2023. Revision of the Western Indian Ocean Angel Sharks, Genus Squatina (Squatiniformes, Squatinidae), with Description of a New Species and Redescription of the African Angel Shark Squatina africana Regan, 1908. Biology. 12(7), 975. DOI: 10.3390/biology12070975

Simple Summary: Angel sharks (genus Squatina) are small- to medium-sized sharks with flattened bodies, that live on the seafloor. Until now, 23 valid species of angel sharks have been identified around the world, of which over half are thought to be facing a moderate to severe risk of extinction. Several juvenile angel sharks were collected by researchers working on the Mascarene Plateau, an elevated area of seabed in the Indian Ocean, in 1988 and 1989. They appeared different in coloration and in body shape and structure to a species known from East Africa and Madagascar, the African angel shark. Additional angel sharks were caught off the western coast of India in 2016 and in the central western Indian Ocean in 2017, including adult individuals. Information on body measurements and skeleton structure were collected, and genetic analyses were also conducted on these sharks and on museum specimens previously identified as African angel sharks. The results indicated that the specimens collected from the Mascarene Plateau and off southwestern India were a species that is new to science. It is genetically and morphologically distinct from the African angel shark; is smaller when born and when fully grown; and lives in a distinctly different area. The newly described species has been named Lea’s angel shark.

Squatina leae
Weigmann, Vaz, Akhilesh, Leeney & Naylor, 2023

DOI: 10.3390/biology12070975

Abstract
Sampling efforts on the Saya de Malha Bank (part of the Mascarene Plateau, western Indian Ocean) unveiled three unusual small juvenile angel shark specimens, that were a much paler color than the only known western Indian Ocean species, Squatina africana Regan, 1908. However, it took many years before further specimens, including adults of both sexes, and tissue samples were collected. The present manuscript contains a redescription of S. africana based on the holotype and additional material, as well as the formal description of the new species of Squatina. All specimens of the new species, hereafter referred to as Squatina leae sp. nov., were collected in the western Indian Ocean off southwestern India and on the Mascarene Plateau at depths of 100–500 m. The new species differs from S. africana in a number of characteristics including its coloration when fresh, smaller size at birth, size at maturity, and adult size, genetic composition, and distribution. Taxonomic characteristics include differences in the morphology of the pectoral skeleton and posterior nasal flap, denticle arrangement and morphology, vertebral counts, trunk width, pectoral–pelvic space, and clasper size. A key to the species of Squatina in the Indian Ocean is provided.

Keywords: Chondrichthyes; Elasmobranchii; angel sharks; systematics; taxonomy; diversity; morphology; PCA; mCT scans; genetics; NADH2; CO1

Squatina leae sp. nov., holotype, CMFRI GA. 15.2.5.4, adult male, 671 mm TL, in (a) dorsolateral, (b) dorsal, and (c) ventral views in fresh condition.
Photographs kindly provided by P. U. Zacharia (ICAR-CMFRI).
Scale bar: 5 cm.

Squatina leae sp. nov., holotype, CMFRI GA. 15.2.5.4, adult male, 671 mm TL, head in (a) dorsal and (b) ventral views, (c) clasper region in dorsal view, (d) anterior pectoral-fin margin in dorsofrontal view, (e) dorsal fins in dorsal view, and (f) caudal fin in dorsolateral view.
Photographs (a–d,f) kindly provided by P. U. Zacharia (ICAR-CMFRI) show the holotype in fresh condition, photograph (e) shows the holotype in preserved condition.

Family Squatinidae Bonaparte, 1838
Genus Squatina Duméril, 1806

Squatina leae sp. nov.
English name: Lea’s angel shark
Spanish name: Angelote de Lea
German name: Leas Engelhai

Diagnosis. A small angel shark species (maximum size 870 mm TL) with the following characteristics: dorsal coloration conspicuously bright, beige to light grayish-brown, with many light yellowish flecks on trunk, and pectoral and pelvic fins, as well as countless densely set, minute dark spots, partially forming pseudocelli, all over the dorsal surface; no median row of scute-like denticles on trunk; anterior nasal flap with two lateral, elongate barbels and a medial rectangular barbel, all with ventral margins slightly fringed to almost smooth; concave between eyes; posterior nasal flap with an additional barblet; pectoral-pelvic space 10.0–14.9% TL; pectoral-fin apex angular; pelvic-fin free rear tips not reaching level of first dorsal-fin origin; tail moderately long, its length from cloaca 50.2–58.5% TL; pectoral fins moderately long, length 31.1–35.2% TL; dorsal fins not lobe-like; first dorsal-fin base somewhat longer than second dorsal-fin base; caudal fin of adults with angular apices; monospondylous centra 43–46; diplospondylous precaudal centra 55–58; total precaudal centra 100–104; total vertebral centra 130–136; and pectoral-fin skeleton with propterygium articulating with four radials.

Geographic distribution—The new species is currently known from the western Indian Ocean on the Mascarene Plateau and off southwestern India in 100–500 m depths (Figure 10).

Etymology--The name is dedicated to the memory of Lea-Marie Cordt, the late sister of the first author’s fiancée.

Squatina leae sp. nov., paratypes ZMH 26097, juvenile male, 298 mm TL fresh (in dorsal view) and ZMH 26098, juvenile male, 259 mm TL fresh (in ventral view) taken directly after catching.
The photograph was taken and kindly provided by Matthias F. W. Stehmann.
Scale bar: 5 cm.

Conclusions:
The recognition of a new species, Squatina leae sp. nov., with the redescription of S. africana, clarifies the taxonomic status and distribution of these two western Indian Ocean angel shark species. This is essential for improved data collection and research and for more effective conservation and management policy decisions. Accordingly, this information must be incorporated into future conservation and management plans of sharks in the western Indian Ocean. The current lack of conservation plans at all scales in this ocean area, as well as the need for more research, will likely jeopardize the populations of western Indian Ocean angel sharks in the future.

Simon Weigmann, Diego F. B. Vaz, K. V. Akhilesh, Ruth H. Leeney and Gavin J. P. Naylor. 2023. Revision of the Western Indian Ocean Angel Sharks, Genus Squatina (Squatiniformes, Squatinidae), with Description of a New Species and Redescription of the African Angel Shark Squatina africana Regan, 1908. Biology. 12(7), 975. DOI: 10.3390/biology12070975

Simple Summary: Angel sharks (genus Squatina) are small- to medium-sized sharks with flattened bodies, that live on the seafloor. Until now, 23 valid species of angel sharks have been identified around the world, of which over half are thought to be facing a moderate to severe risk of extinction. Several juvenile angel sharks were collected by researchers working on the Mascarene Plateau, an elevated area of seabed in the Indian Ocean, in 1988 and 1989. They appeared different in coloration and in body shape and structure to a species known from East Africa and Madagascar, the African angel shark. Additional angel sharks were caught off the western coast of India in 2016 and in the central western Indian Ocean in 2017, including adult individuals. Information on body measurements and skeleton structure were collected, and genetic analyses were also conducted on these sharks and on museum specimens previously identified as African angel sharks. The results indicated that the specimens collected from the Mascarene Plateau and off southwestern India were a species that is new to science. It is genetically and morphologically distinct from the African angel shark; is smaller when born and when fully grown; and lives in a distinctly different area. The newly described species has been named Lea’s angel shark.

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Heterodontus marshallae • Species in Disguise: A New Species of Hornshark (Heterodontiformes: Heterodontidae) from Northern Australia

Heterodontus marshallae
White, Mollen, O’Neill, Yang & Naylor, 2023

Painted Hornshark || DOI: 10.3390/d15070849
twitter.com/WillWhiteSharks

Abstract
A new species of hornshark is described from northwestern Australia based on six whole specimens and a single egg case. Heterodontus marshallae n. sp. was previously considered to be conspecific with H. zebra from the Western Pacific. The new species differs from H. zebra in the sequence of its NADH2 gene, several morphological characters, egg case morphology and key coloration features. Despite the coloration being similar between H. marshallae n. sp. and H. zebra, i.e., pale background with 22 dark brown bands and saddles, they differ consistently in two key aspects. Firstly, the snout of H. marshallae n. sp. has a dark semicircular bar, usually bifurcated for most of its length vs. a pointed, triangular shaped dark marking in H. zebra. Secondly, H. zebra has a dark bar originating below the posterior gill slits and extending onto anterior pectoral fin, which is absent in H. marshallae n. sp. The Heterodontus marshallae n. sp. is endemic to northwestern Australia and occurs in deeper waters (125–229 m) than H. zebra (0–143 m).

Keywords: Heterodontus; taxonomy; species complex; egg case; morphology; genetics

Holotype of Heterodontus marshallae n. sp. (WAM P.35408-007, adolescent male, 541 mm TL), fresh: (a) dorsal view; (b) lateral view.

Lateral view of female paratypes of Heterodontus marshallae n. sp., fresh:
(a) WAM P.26193-010, juvenile, 355 mm TL;
(b) CSIRO H 6581-01, 580 mm TL (image flipped, right side of specimen shown).

Heterodontus marshallae n. sp.

Diagnosis: A small species of hornshark with the following combination of characters: colour pattern consisting of 22 dark bands and saddles; snout with a semicircular dark bar, usually bifurcated for most of its length; no dark bar below posterior gill slits extending onto anterior pectoral fin; anal fin well separated from caudal fin (anal-caudal space 11.0–13.5% TL); ventral lobe of caudal fin prominent (lower postventral margin 4.7–6.1% TL); dorsal spines long (exposed first dorsal spine length 3.9–4.5% TL); dorsal fins taller in juveniles than adults; symphyseal and anterior teeth pointed, lateral teeth molariform with a longitudinal keel; 20–22 tooth files in upper jaw, 17–19 in lower jaw; total vertebral centra 106–112, precaudal centra 70–76, monospondylous centra 33–37; egg case with narrow, curved, screw-like keels with 1.5 rotations from anterior to posterior margins.

Etymology:
The specific name is in honour of Dr. Lindsay Marshall (www.stickfigurefish.com.au (accessed 10 May 2023)), a scientific illustrator and elasmobranch scientist who expertly painted all the sharks and rays of the world for the Chondrichthyan Tree of Life Project.
The vernacular name proposed is painted hornshark, in allusion to not only the beautiful coloration of the species but also to its namesake, who has painted all the hornsharks in amazing detail.

Egg case of: (a) Heterodontus marshallae n. sp., preserved (paratype, NTM S.18275-001); (b) H. zebra, preserved (KAUM-I. 69456); (c) H. portusjacksoni, preserved (CSIRO H 8732-02).

William T. White, Frederik H. Mollen, Helen L. O’Neill, Lei Yang and Gavin J. P. Naylor. 2023. Species in Disguise: A New Species of Hornshark from Northern Australia (Heterodontiformes: Heterodontidae). Diversity. 15(7), 849. DOI: 10.3390/d15070849
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Connectivity, Species Diversity and Conservation Biology of Chondrichthyes)
twitter.com/WillWhiteSharks/status/1679337718546075650

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Cryptocoryne vinzelii (Araceae) • A New Species of Water Trumpet from Basilan Island, Philippines [Discovery through Citizen Science II]

Cryptocoryne vinzelii Naive,

in Naive, Duhaylungsod et Jacobsen, 2023.
taiwania.NTU .edu.tw/abstract/1938
facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice
twitter.com/orchidARCIIae

Abstract
A new Sulu Archipelago endemic species, Cryptocoryne vinzelii, is herein described and illustrated discovered by a citizen scientist in the island of Basilan. A detailed description, colour plates, phenology, distribution and a provisional conservation status are presented. With the recent discovery of a new species, the biodiversity of the Philippines has expanded, revealing a total of 10 distinct Cryptocoryne taxa, of which nine are known to be endemic. This new finding underscores the country's remarkable ecological richness and highlights the importance of citizen science in preserving and studying its unique flora.

Keyword: Aroid, critically endangered, Cryptocoryne palawanensis, Cryptocoryne pygmaea, Sulu Archipelago, BARMM

Cryptocoryne vinzelii Naive
A. Spathe B. Spadix C. Detail of limb D. Infructescence.
Photos from A.B. Duhaylungsod & MAK Naive 137 prepared by: MAK Naive.

In situ photograph of Cryptocoryne vinzelii showing its habit.
Photo by: AB Duhaylungsod.

Cryotocoryne vinzelii Naive, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This new species resembles Cryptocoryne palawanensis Bastmeijer, N.Jacobsen & Naive (Naive et al., 2022b) but differs significantly in having these following characters: smaller, broader, robust leaves; 4– 7 mm long peduncle; erect, wide opened, upright limb; and up to 40 male flowers

Etymology: Named after the son of the citizen scientist (2nd author) who discovered the species, Vinzel D. Duhaylungsod.

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Alvin B. Duhaylungsod and Niels Jacobsen. 2023. Discovery through Citizen Science II: Cryptocoryne vinzelii (Araceae), A New Species of Water Trumpet from Basilan Island, Philippines. Taiwania. 68(3); 294-297. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2023.68.294
taiwania.NTU .edu.tw/abstract/1938
facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/3403827936505678
twitter.com/orchidARCIIae/status/1677959422650490881

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New, Huge Cavefish Species, Neolissochilus pnar, Described
www.reef2rainforest.com/2023/07/06/new-huge-cavefish-species-neolissochilus-pnar-described/

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5315.1.6

Glyptothorax viridis, a new species of catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from Manipur, India

PISCESGLYPTOTHORAX VIRIDISNEW SPECIESCHAKPI RIVERCHINDWIN DRAINAGEINDO-BURMARHEOPHILIC SISORID

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AbstractGlyptothorax viridis, new species, is described from the Dujang, a hill stream tributary of the Chakpi River, Chindwin drainage in Manipur, India. It is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: presence of plicae on paired fins; thoracic adhesive apparatus with a deep, cone-shaped median depression opening caudally; a slender pelvic fin reaching the anal fin, and tuberculated skin with three stripes on the body.
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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5315.1.2

Glyptothorax vatandousti, a new species of torrent catfish from the upper Karkheh drainage in Iran (Teleostei: Sisoridae)

PISCESBARCODINGFRESHWATER FISHTAXONOMYWESTERN ASIA

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AbstractGlyptothorax vatandousti, new species, from the upper Karkheh drainage, a tributary of the Iranian Tigris, is distinguished from its congeners in the Persian Gulf basin by having the flank with a fine, pale-brown mottled pattern overlaid by small and large, blackish or dark-brown blotches, deep caudal-peduncle (its depth 1.1–1.3 times in length), and without, or with a pale-brown triangle-shaped blotch in front of dorsal-fin origin.

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A new species of Parauchenoglanis (Auchenoglanididae: Siluriformes) from the Upper Lualaba River (Upper Congo), with further evidence of hidden species diversity within the genusYonela Sithole, Tobias Musschoot, Charlotte E. T. Huyghe, Albert Chakona, Emmanuel J. W. M. N. Vreven
First published: 11 April 2023

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15309urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:762B314B-31FF-4715-A186-86A14BAD2A4B
Albert Chakona and Emmanuel J. W. M. N. Vreven made an equal contribution to this work.

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SHAREAbstractParauchenoglanis zebratus sp. nov. is a new species endemic to the Upper Lualaba in the Upper Congo Basin. It is distinguished from all its congeners known from the Congo Basin and adjacent basins by the presence of (1) distinctive dark-brown or black vertical bars on the lateral side of the body, at least for specimens about ≥120 mm LS, (2) a broad and triangular humeral process embedded under the skin and (3) a well-serrated pectoral-fin spine. Genetic analysis based on mtDNA COI sequences confirmed the genetic distinctiveness (2.8%–13.6% K2P genetic divergence) of P. zebratus sp. nov. from congeners within the Congo and adjacent river basins. The study also revealed additional undocumented diversity within P. ngamensis, P. pantherinus, P. punctatus and P. balayi, indicating the need for further in-depth alpha-taxonomic attention to provide more accurate species delimitations for this genus. The discovery of yet another new species endemic to the Upper Lualaba, and this well outside the currently established protected areas, highlights the critical need for further assessments to accurately document the species diversity to guide freshwater conservation prioritisation and biodiversity management in this region.

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Molecular species delimitation and description of a new species of Phenacogaster (Teleostei, Characidae) from the southern Amazon basin

Camila S. Souza, George M. T. Mattox, George Vita, Luz E. Ochoa, Bruno F. Melo, Claudio OliveiraAbstractPhenacogaster is the most species-rich genus of the subfamily Characinae with 23 valid species broadly distributed in riverine systems of South America. Despite the taxonomic diversity of the genus, little has been advanced about its molecular diversity. A recent molecular phylogeny indicated the presence of undescribed species within Phenacogaster that is formally described here. We sampled 73 specimens of Phenacogaster and sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in order to undertake species delimitation analyses and evaluate their intra- and interspecific genetic diversity. The results show the presence of 14 species, 13 of which are valid and one undescribed. The new species is known from the tributaries of the Xingu basin, the Rio das Mortes of the Araguaia basin, and the Rio Teles Pires of the Tapajós basin. It is distinguished by the incomplete lateral line, position of the humeral blotch near the pseudotympanum, and shape of the caudal-peduncle blotch. Meristic data and genetic differentiation relative to other Phenacogaster species represent strong evidence for the recognition of the new species and highlight the occurrence of an additional lineage of P. franciscoensis.
KeywordsBiodiversity, Characinae, mitochondrial DNA, Neotropical freshwater fishes, Phenacogasterini
IntroductionThe Neotropical fish subfamily Characinae encompasses small- to medium-sized tetras found across South America and in Panama and Costa Rica (Lucena and Menezes 2003; Mattox et al. 2018). Most members of this subfamily have the anterodorsal region of the body with a gibbosity (except for Acestrocephalus Eigenmann, 1910 and Phenacogaster Eigenmann, 1907) and diverse trophic strategies, including carnivory, omnivory, and lepidophagy (Géry 1977; Sazima 1984). The subfamily sensu Souza et al. (2022) currently comprises 85 valid species distributed among seven genera: Acanthocharax Eigenmann, 1912, Acestrocephalus, Charax Scopoli, 1777, Cynopotamus Valenciennes, 1850, Galeocharax Fowler, 1910, Phenacogaster, and Roeboides Günther, 1864. Phenacogaster stands out as the largest and most taxonomically complex genus within Characinae, with 23 species distributed across cis-Andean South American riverine habitats (Fricke et al. 2023). They are small fishes measuring up to 6 cm standard length (SL) and are often known as “lambaris”, “glass tetras”, “mojaritas”, and “yaya” (Lucena and Malabarba 2010).
Relative to other Characinae genera, Phenacogaster possesses two longitudinal series of elongate and imbricated scales producing a zigzag pattern in a flat preventral region, as well as the outer premaxillary tooth row divided into a medial and a lateral section separated by a diastema (Eigenmann 1917; Malabarba and Lucena 1995; Mattox and Toledo-Piza 2012). Lucena and Malabarba (2010) presented the most comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus with descriptions of nine species of Phenacogaster, nearly doubling the species diversity, and an identification key for the species, with the exception of the so-called Phenacogaster pectinata complex with P. pectinata (Cope, 1870), P. microstictus Eigenmann, 1909, P. beni Eigenmann, 1911 and P. suborbitalis (Ahl, 1936). Recently, three more species from the Brazilian Shield have been described: P. naevata Antonetti, Lucena & Lucena, 2018; P. eurytaenia Antonetti, Lucena & Lucena, 2018 from the Tocantins basin (Antonetti et al. 2018); and P. julliae Lucena & Lucena, 2019 from the Rio São Francisco (Lucena and Lucena 2019).
No study has been conducted to assess the interspecific genetic diversity of Phenacogaster, although species delimitation methods have been used for such purposes in other Characidae (Rossini et al. 2016; García-Melo et al. 2019; Brito et al. 2021; Malabarba et al. 2021; Mattox et al. 2023). A recent molecular phylogeny of Characinae revealed the presence of the two clades in Phenacogaster, the P. pectinata clade and the P. franciscoensis clade, as well as an undescribed species of Phenacogaster from the Xingu basin (Souza et al. 2022). To further investigate this question, we used mitochondrial data and species delimitation techniques to estimate intra- and interspecific genetic diversity within the genus. The results confirmed the presence of a new species in the upper Rio Xingu of the Amazonian Brazilian Shield, which is formally described in this paper.
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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5311.3.3
Species of Garra (Cyprinidae: Labeoninae) in the Salween River basin with description of an enigmatic new species from the Ataran River drainage of Thailand and Myanmar

PISCESACTINOPTERYGIITELEOSTPHYLOGENETICSZAMI RIVER

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Garra panitvongi
Tangjitjaroen, Randall, Tongnunui, Boyd & Page, 2023

ปลาเลียหินหางแดง | Redtail Garra || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5311.3.3
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Abstract
Garra panitvongi, new species, is described from the Ataran River drainage, Salween River basin, of southeastern Myanmar and western Thailand. It is the sixth species of Garra known from the Salween River basin and is readily distinguished from all congeners by the red-orange color of the body and caudal fin, and a pointed proboscis with a blue stripe on each side from the anterior margin of the orbit to the tip of the proboscis and with the stripes forming a V-shape. Garra panitvongi is known in the aquarium trade as the Redtail Garra. Descriptive information is provided on poorly known species of Garra in the Salween River basin, and Garra nujiangensis is transferred to Ageneiogarra.

Key words: Actinopterygii, teleost, phylogenetics, Zami River

Garra panitvongi, THNHM-F021641, 67.8 mm SL, holotype;
Thailand: Zami River basin: Kanchanaburi Province: Kasat River, 5.5 km NE Ban Thi Rai Pa [village], ..., 4 February 2020.
Upper live, lower preserved.

(A) Type locality of Garra panitvongi and (B) G. panitvongi in Kasat River, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.
Photos in B by Nonn Panitvong.

Garra panitvongi, new species
Redtail Garra, ปลาเลียหินหางแดง

Diagnosis. Garra panitvongi is easily distinguished from all other species of Garra by the red-orange color of the caudal fin and posterior one-fourth of the body (Fig. 3), and a pointed proboscis with a blue stripe on each side from the anterior margin of the orbit to the tip of the proboscis and with the stripes forming a V-shape (Fig. 4). It further differs from G. notata and G. salweenica, the only other species of Garra in the Salween River basin with a proboscis, by lacking conspicuous black spots at the base of the dorsal fin and large black spots or bands on the caudal fin. It further differs from G. salweenica in having fewer pectoral rays (14–15 vs.17–18).

Etymology. The specific name panitvongi, a noun in genitive case, is applied in recognition of the tremendous contributions made by Dr. Nonn Panitvong to our knowledge of fishes of Thailand, in particular through his book, “A Photographic Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Thailand” (Panitvong 2020). facebook.com/ThaiFishBook

Weerapongse Tangjitjaroen, Zachary S. Randall, Sampan Tongnunui, David A. Boyd and Lawrence M. Page. 2023. Species of Garra (Cyprinidae: Labeoninae) in the Salween River Basin with Description of An Enigmatic New Species from the Ataran River Drainage of Thailand and Myanmar. Zootaxa. 5311(3); 375-392. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5311.3.3
facebook.com/ThaiFishBook/posts/715195443950985
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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5311.3.2
A revision of the gudgeon genus Hypseleotris (Gobiiformes: Gobioidei: Eleotridae) of northwest Australia, describing three new species and synonymizing the genus Kimberleyeleotris

PISCESELEOTRIDAERANGE-RESTRICTEDFRESHWATERBIODIVERSITYTAXONOMYSYSTEMATICS

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AbstractSpecies within the northwest Australian clade of Hypseleotris (six species) and the genus Kimberleyeleotris (two species) are reviewed following the recording of new populations in the region and a molecular study of the group that identified three undescribed candidate species. Based on the analysis of extensive morphological and nuclear and mitochondrial molecular datasets, Kimberleyeleotris is here formally synonymised with Hypseleotris. Furthermore, three species from the Kimberley region, Western Australia, are described to science: Hypseleotris maranda sp. nov., Hypseleotris wunduwala sp. nov., and Hypseleotris garawudjirri sp. nov. The presence of, or number of scales across the head and body, the pattern of sensory papillae on the head, fin ray counts, dorsal and anal fin colouration (particularly in breeding males), and body depth, can be used to distinguish the members of the northwest Australia lineage. Furthermore, the newly described species were genetically separated from all northwest Australian congeners by K2P distances ranging from 7.8–11.3% based on the CO1 gene, and 7.7–16.3 % based on the entire mitochondrial genome. Two of the new species, H. maranda sp. nov. and H. wunduwala sp. nov., have extremely narrow ranges being found in single sub-catchments of the Roe and King Edward Rivers respectively. On the other hand, H. garawudjirri sp. nov. is moderately widespread, being found across the Charnley, Calder, and Sale rivers. While the conservation risk to H. maranda sp. nov. and H. wunduwala sp. nov. is inherently high due to their small range, there are currently no obvious local threatening processes to either of these species given their remote locations that are little impacted by human activities.
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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5311.1.4
Two new freshwater blennies from the Eastern Mediterranean basin (Teleostei: Blenniidae)

PISCESCOI BARCODE REGIONCEYHAN DRAINAGESEYHAN DRAINAGEMOLECULAR DISTANCE

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AbstractTwo new species of Salariopsis are described from the Eastern Mediterranean basin. Salariopsis burcuae, new species, from the Bay of Antalya east to the Jordan, is characterised by having a short cirrus, usually not overlapping the 9th circum-orbital sensory pore, and many tiny black dots on the cheek not organised in rows or bands. The new species shows a 4.1% K2P sequence divergence on the cytochrome-c-oxidase subunit 1 (COI) barcoding region from its closest relative, S. fluviatilis. Salariopsis renatorum, new species, from the upper Ceyhan drainage and a coastal stream in Arsuz, is distinguished by having an unbranched supraocular tentacle, black lateral line pores, a short snout, and no black dots on the upper part of the flank and on the cheek. It is also distinguished from its geographically closest congener, S. burcuae, by a molecular distance of 8.8% K2P in its COI barcode region.

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Pseudolaguvia permaris • A New Catfish (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from the Eastern Ghats of India

Pseudolaguvia permaris
Vijayakrishnan, Praveenraj & Mishra, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5297.2.6
twitter.com/Meenkaran1

Abstract
Pseudolaguvia permaris, a new sisorid catfish is described from the Mahanadi River basin in Odisha, India. The new species can be distinguished from congeners in having the following combination of characters: serrated anterior margin of dorsal-fin spine, thoracic adhesive apparatus not extending beyond base of last pectoral-fin ray, caudal peduncle depth 8.6–10.2% SL, body depth at anus 15.3–20.2% SL, adipose-fin base length 13.6–18.1% SL, dorsal to adipose distance 11.4–14.4% SL, length of pectoral-fin spine 19.3–28.0% SL, length of dorsal-fin spine 16.5–20.4% SL, head width 21.6–25.9% SL and indistinct, creamish bands on the body.

Keywords: Pisces, Siluriformes, Sisoroidea, Odisha, Mahanadi River, biogeography

Balaji Vijayakrishnan, Jayasimhan Praveenraj and Abhisek Mishra. 2023. Pseudolaguvia permaris, A New Catfish from the Eastern Ghats of India (Teleostei: Sisoridae). Zootaxa. 5297(2); 271-281. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5297.2.6
twitter.com/Meenkaran1/status/1669724664455626753

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Labeo mbimbii,

Description of Two New Labeo (Labeoninae; Cyprinidae) Endemic to the Lulua River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kasai Ecoregion); a Hotspot of Fish Diversity in the Congo Basin
Tobit L.D. Liyandja, Melanie L.J. Stiassny
Author Affiliations +
American Museum Novitates, 2023(3999):1-22 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1206/3999.1

AbstractLabeo mbimbii, n. sp., and Labeo manasseeae, n. sp., two small-bodied Labeo species, are described from the lower and middle reaches of the Lulua River (Kasai ecoregion, Congo basin) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two new species are members of the L. forskalii species group and are genetically distinct from all other species of that clade. Morphologically they can be distinguished from central African L. forskalii group congeners except L. dhonti, L. lukulae, L. luluae, L. parvus, L. quadribarbis, and L. simpsoni in the possession of 29 or fewer (vs. 30 or more) vertebrae and from those congeners by a wider interpectoral, among other features.
The two new species are endemic to the Lulua River and, although overlapping in geographical range and most meristic and morphometric measures, are readily differentiated by differing numbers of fully developed supraneural bones, predorsal vertebrae, snout morphology, and additional osteological features. The description of these two species brings the total of Labeo species endemic to the Lulua basin to three. The third endemic species, L. luluae, was previously known only from the juvenile holotype, but numerous additional specimens have now been identified. The cooccurrence of 14 Labeo species in the Lulua River, three of which are endemic, highlights this system as a hotspot of Labeo diversity in the Congo basin and across the continent.

Citation Download Citation
Tobit L.D. Liyandja and Melanie L.J. Stiassny "Description of Two New Labeo (Labeoninae; Cyprinidae) Endemic to the Lulua River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kasai Ecoregion); a Hotspot of Fish Diversity in the Congo Basin," American Museum Novitates 2023(3999), 1-22, (18 May 2023). https://doi.org/10.1206/3999.1
Published: 18 May 2023

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Original Paper
Published: 09 June 2023

Age-dependent winner–loser effects in a mangrove rivulus fish, Kryptolebias marmoratus

Animal Cognition (2023)Cite this article

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AbstractThe outcomes of recent fights can provide individuals information about their relative fighting ability and affect their contest decisions (winner–loser effects). Most studies investigate the presence/absence of the effects in populations/species, but here we examine how they vary between individuals of a species in response to age-dependent growth rate. Many animals’ fighting ability is highly dependent on body size, so rapid growth makes information from previous fights unreliable. Furthermore, fast-growing individuals are often at earlier developmental stages and are relatively smaller and weaker than most other individuals but are growing larger and stronger quickly. We therefore predicted winner-loser effects to be less detectable in individuals with high than low growth rates and to decay more quickly. Fast-growing individuals should also display stronger winner than loser effects, because a victory when small indicates a strength which will grow, whereas a loss might soon become irrelevant. We tested these predictions using naïve individuals of a mangrove killifish, Kryptolebias marmoratus, in different growth stages. Measures of contest intensity revealed winner/loser effects only for slow-growth individuals. Both fast- and slow-growth fish with a winning experience won more of the subsequent non-escalated contests than those with a losing experience; in fast-growth individuals this effect disappeared in 3 days, but in slow-growth fish it did not. Fast-growth individuals also displayed winner effects but not loser effects. The fish therefore responded to their contest experiences in a way which reflected value of the information from these experiences to them, consistent with our predictions.

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A new Coelorinchus from the western Indian Ocean with comments on the C. tokiensis group of species (Teleostei: Gadiformes: Macrouridae)

PISCESTAXONOMYMORPHOLOGYDEEP-SEA BENTHIC FISHINDO-PACIFIC

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AbstractA new species, Coelorinchus zinjianus sp. nov., is described from the western Indian Ocean off Madagascar. In many respects, the new species is similar to C. quadricristatus but differs from that species in details of scale spinulation, mouth coloration (pale vs. dark), size of external light organ, and some other proportions. Together with C. flabellispinis and C. trunovi, these species form the flabellispinis species group, which is restricted to the northern and western Indian Ocean and is similar in most respects to the West-Pacific tokiensis group, but differs in the size and shape of the terminal snout scute (long and pointed, diamond-shaped vs. small and blunt) and apparently attaining a smaller adult size (< 45–55 cm TL vs. > 80–90 cm TL, depending on the species).

mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5301.1.7

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Phenacogaster lucenae • Molecular Species Delimitation and Description of A New Species of Phenacogaster (Characiformes: Characidae) from the southern Amazon Basin

Phenacogaster lucenae
Souza, Mattox, Vita, Ochoa, Melo & Oliveira, 2023

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1164.102436

Abstract
Phenacogaster is the most species-rich genus of the subfamily Characinae with 23 valid species broadly distributed in riverine systems of South America. Despite the taxonomic diversity of the genus, little has been advanced about its molecular diversity. A recent molecular phylogeny indicated the presence of undescribed species within Phenacogaster that is formally described here. We sampled 73 specimens of Phenacogaster and sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in order to undertake species delimitation analyses and evaluate their intra- and interspecific genetic diversity. The results show the presence of 14 species, 13 of which are valid and one undescribed. The new species is known from the tributaries of the Xingu basin, the Rio das Mortes of the Araguaia basin, and the Rio Teles Pires of the Tapajós basin. It is distinguished by the incomplete lateral line, position of the humeral blotch near the pseudotympanum, and shape of the caudal-peduncle blotch. Meristic data and genetic differentiation relative to other Phenacogaster species represent strong evidence for the recognition of the new species and highlight the occurrence of an additional lineage of P. franciscoensis.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Characinae, mitochondrial DNA, Neotropical freshwater fishes, Phenacogasterini

Phenacogaster lucenae
A MZUSP 126754, holotype, 26.7 mm SL, Brazil, Pará, Novo Progresso, Xingu basin, stream affluent of Rio Curuá
B LBP 30738, paratype, 38.1 mm SL, Brazil, Mato Grosso, Primavera do Leste, Xingu basin, Rio Culuene, Córrego Xavante
C LBP 25217, paratype, 30.6 mm SL, Brazil, Pará, Altamira, Xingu basin, Rio Treze de Maio.

 Phenacogaster lucenae sp. nov.
Phenacogaster sp. Xingu: Souza et al. 2022: 9, figs 3, 5
[molecular phylogeny; cited in figures also as Phenacogaster sp. Xingu].

Diagnosis: Phenacogaster lucenae is distinguished from all congeners except P. tegata (Eigenmann, 1911), P. carteri (Norman, 1934), P. napoatilis Lucena & Malabarba, 2010, and P. capitulata Lucena & Malabarba, 2010 by having an incomplete lateral line (vs. complete lateral line). It differs from P. tegata by the presence of a round or slightly longitudinal oval humeral blotch near the pseudotympanum and distant from the vertical through dorsal-fin origin (vs. humeral blotch longitudinally elongated distant from pseudotympanum, closer to vertical through dorsal-fin origin). The new species differs from P. carteri by having a humeral blotch in males and females (vs. absence of humeral blotch in both sexes) and from P. napoatilis and P. capitulata by having a humeral blotch in both sexes (vs. absence of humeral blotch in males). In addition to the incomplete lateral line (vs. complete), P. lucenae differs from P. retropinna Lucena & Malabarba, 2010 by the anal-fin origin at vertical through base of first or second dorsal-fin branched ray (vs. anal-fin origin located posteriorly to that point), and from P. ojitata Lucena & Malabarba, 2010 by the round caudal peduncle blotch slightly reaching over the middle caudal-fin rays (vs. a diamond-shaped caudal peduncle blotch and further extending over the middle caudal-fin rays).

Etymology: Phenacogaster lucenae is named in honor of Dr. Zilda Margarete Seixas de Lucena, an eminent ichthyologist who has significantly contributed to our knowledge of Phenacogaster taxonomy. A noun in genitive case.

Camila S. Souza, George M. T. Mattox, George Vita, Luz E. Ochoa, Bruno F. Melo and Claudio Oliveira. 2023. Molecular Species Delimitation and Description of A New Species of Phenacogaster (Teleostei, Characidae) from the southern Amazon Basin. ZooKeys. 1164: 1-21. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1164.102436

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Kryptolebias genome of three species

IntroductionKryptolebias is a killifish genus (family Rivulidae) composed of seven currently valid species (Berbel-Filho et al. 2022), although the number of species in the genus is likely to change as some taxonomic debates are still ongoing (Berbel-Filho et al. 2022; Huber 2016). Phylogenetic analyses have indicated the presence of two distinct monophyletic clades within Kryptolebias, one of them composed of narrowly distributed freshwater species living in temporary streams and pools in South America: K. campelloi (Costa 1990) from North Brazil; K. sepia Vermeulen & Hrbek 2005 from Suriname; K. gracilis Costa 2007, and K. brasiliensis (Valenciennes 1821) from Southeast Brazil. The other clade is composed of three species living in mangrove forests along the tropical and subtropical western Atlantic basin, the ‘mangrove killifish clade’: K. marmoratus (Poey 1880), K. hermaphroditus sensu Costa 2011, and K. ocellatus (sensu Costa 2011) (Berbel-Filho et al. 2022; Costa, Lima, and Bartolette 2010; Murphy, Thomerson, and Collier 1999; Tatarenkov et al. 2009, 2017).
Kryptolebias is a remarkable genus in many aspects. For instance, K. marmoratus and K. hermaphroditus sensu Costa 2011 are the only two vertebrates known to be capable of self-fertilization (Berbel-Filho et al. 2022), whereas K. ocellatus (sensu Costa 2011) is a hermaphroditic but obligate outcrossing species (Berbel-Filho et al. 2020). This variation in mating systems makes Kryptolebias a unique vertebrate system for investigating the genomic, physiological, and behavioral changes involved in the transition from outcrossing to selfing. In addition, K. marmoratus, the most well-studied Kryptolebias species, is considered a highly amphibious fish (Turko, Rossi, and Wright 2021), with extreme physiological and behavioral adaptations to live out of water, in some cases for months (Taylor 1990). The amphibious nature of K. marmoratus is also likely to be valid for other Kryptolebias species, providing unique opportunities for studying the phenotypic and genomic changes involved in the transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats.
To avoid long-term taxonomic confusion, we would like to provide some background on the taxonomic status of K. ocellatus (Sensu Costa 2011), whose genome was sequenced here. Due to morphological similarities and syntopy between species, the taxonomic status of the mangrove killifish clade has been historically confusing, particularly in Southeast Brazil. Briefly, Rivulus ocellatus was initially described by Hensel (1868) using a single specimen from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Later, Seegers (1984) suggested the existence of two syntopic species in Rio de Janeiro: the hermaphroditic R. ocellatus as in Hensel (1868), and a yet undescribed species composed of hermaphrodites and males, named R. caudomarginatus. After taxonomic revision of the family Rivulidae, Costa (2004) reclassified some previously known Rivulus species (Rivulus brasiliensis, R. campelloi, R. caudomarginatus, R. ocellatus, and R. marmoratus) into a new genus called Kryptolebias. After morphological evaluation of the K. ocellatus holotype by Costa (2011) argued that the species originally described by Hensel as K. ocellatus was in fact K. caudomarginatus (as in Seegers (1984)). Therefore, K. caudomarginatus has become a junior synonym for K. ocellatus. The other syntopic species composed of selfing hermaphrodites was then named as K. hermaphroditus (Costa 2011). However, discussions on the taxonomic nomenclature of these mangrove killifish species are still ongoing (Huber 2016). This taxonomic connudrum is likely to be fully resolved only when the genetic data of the formalin-fixed K. ocellatus holotype, initially described by Hensel (1868), is available. For the genome generated here, we used the currently valid taxonomic classification, with the selfing species occurring from the Caribbean to Southeast Brazil, named K. hermaphroditus sensu Costa 2011, and the androdioceous outcrossing from South and Southeast Brazil, K. ocellatus (sensu Costa 2011) (Berbel-Filho et al. 2020, 2022).
Here we provide whole genome sequencing data for the mangrove killifish K. ocellatus (sensu Costa 2011) (Fig. 1a), and two freshwater Kryptolebias species: K. brasiliensis and K. gracilis (Fig. 1b and c, respectively). Although Kryptolebias ocellatus has no current classification of its conservation status, K. brasiliensis and K. gracilis are categorized as endangered and critically endangered species, respectively, by the Brazilian list of threatened fish species (MMA 2022).
biodiversitygenomes.scholasticahq.com/article/77448-the-complete-genome-sequences-of-three-species-from-the-killifish-genus-kryptolebias-rivulidae-cyprinodontiformes
biodiversitygenomes.scholasticahq.com/article/77448-the-complete-genome-sequences-of-three-species-from-the-killifish-genus-kryptolebias-rivulidae-cyprinodontiformes

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Encheloclarias kelioides)

Fish species thought extinct discovered in small Singapore swamp, many miles from where it was last seen

The last time the Keli bladefin catfish (Encheloclarias kelioides) was seen was 1993, approximately 300 km from the site of this discovery.

The finding extends the range of the species considerably, and highlights the importance of small remnant forest fragments as harbours for biodiversity.

The discovery confirms the species as currently the only freshwater fish species in Singapore listed globally as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

© National Parks Board
Until recently……the air-breathing catfish (Encheloclarias kelioides) had only ever been seen and recorded twice: once way back in 1934, and again in 1993. With much of the species’ eastern Peninsular Malaysia peat swamp habitats having been drained to make way for palm oil plantations, the catfish was listed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) in 1996. But in August 2022, researchers were baffled when a specimen turned up in a trap set by students researching crabs in Singapore’s Nee Soon Swamp Forest. Incredibly, it was the elusive Encheloclarias kelioides, discovered for the first time many miles from where it had previously been recorded.
Dr Tan Heok Hui, a Singaporean ichthyologist based at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, was one of the researchers who confirmed the identity of this surprising discovery. He said, “Encheloclarias has never been recorded in Singapore, and Encheloclarias kelioides is a really rare species that has previously only been recorded from peat swamp habitat. Singapore doesn’t have real peat swamp – the specimen was found in more like a mature acid swamp forest – so the discovery is pretty remarkable. It has rewritten our knowledge of Encheloclarias. When it first made its way to me, I thought, you’ve got to be kidding, this has to be a practical joke!”.
The Encheloclarias kelioides individuals caught were accidental bycatch from traps that had been set by Tan Zhi Wan, Research Assistant at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and Elysia Toh, Research Associate at Yale-NUS College as part of their research into semi- terrestrial crabs. Nobody was actively looking for Encheloclarias, and it was just pure luck that they recognised them as being different from any catfish known from that region. They had no permit to take the fish from the Nee Soon reserve, but before they returned the individuals to the water, they took photos to send to the experts.

© Tan Heok Hui
Dr Tan was one of the ichthyologists who received the photos……and he immediately recognised the images as being Encheloclarias. A month later, Dr Tan, Tan Zhi Wan and Elysia Toh visited the same area of the Nee Soon Swamp Forest where the individuals were previously found, set similar traps and left them overnight. When they checked the traps the next day, the fish was there. Dr Tan said, “It gave me the impression that we were really lucky”.
The discovery represents a range extension for the species, which was previously understood to be restricted to peat swamps in eastern Peninsular Malaysia and possibly central Sumatra (the specimen found there has not been confirmed as Encheloclarias kelioides) (Tan, Zhi Wan et al, 2023).
The Bebar drainage where the species was spotted……in 1993 is around 300 km from Nee Soon. So how did the species end up 300 km from where it was last seen three decades ago? Over many millennia, Tan said, “Southeast Asia experienced floodings and drying outs from rising and lowering of the sea level. The Gulf of Thailand actually once drained to one major river, and Singapore and part of Malaysia would have been part of that. They were once connected”.
Finding Encheloclarias kelioides in the Nee Soon Swamp Forest is significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it proves that the species is not extinct. Secondly, this represents a range extension for the species of hundreds of kilometres. And thirdly, it helps confirm the Nee Soon Swamp Forest as an area of global conservation importance. While small, at approximately 5km 2 , it is the last remaining fragment of primary freshwater swamp forest in Singapore and is lush with biodiversity, harbouring more than half of the native freshwater fish species in Singapore, with some species being restricted only to this forest (Ho et al., 2016; Li et al., 2016; Tan et al., 2020). Furthermore, it is protected under Singapore law: with the public needing a permit to enter and no threat of development, it has become a secure refuge for wildlife.
Given that species of the genus Encheloclarias are acid-water specialists, this discovery highlights the significance of the Nee Soon Swamp Forest and the importance of conserving this habitat as a stronghold of uncommon and stenotopic freshwater fauna in Singapore (Ng & Lim, 1992; Cai et al., 2018; Clews et al., 2018;).

© Tan Zhi Wan
According to Dr. Tan……to ensure Encheloclarias kelioides is protected from extinction, Singapore needs to keep doing what it has been doing, i.e. keep Nee Soon swamp protected. And there should be, “Proper baseline surveys and monitoring programmes by local experts, proper and fair legislation, and enforcements if people break the laws”.
He conceded that conserving the Encheloclarias genus could be a bit more tricky: “When wetlands are protected, they are never protected for the freshwater inhabitants but for birds mostly, and enigmatic animals like orangutans. Seldom fishes, which is sad. To get funding to do these surveys is not easy, and most of the local conservationists are not really trained to recognise the fish. Also, I’ve been to protected areas where you can catch fish and eat them. You can’t catch a bird or a mammal but there are different standards with fish, which is often viewed as a cheap source of protein”.
In light of the new discovery, Dr Tan together with the rest of the team, including Associate Professor Darren Yeo of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Dr Cai Yixiong, Senior Manager at the National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board (NParks), Tan Zhi Wan and Elysia Toh recommend the species’ IUCN Red List assessment status to be revised to Critically Endangered and consider its national conservation status in Singapore to be Critically Endangered.
The discovery occurred a few months before……the planned release of an ‘The Strategic Framework to Accelerate Urgent Conservation Action for ASAP Freshwater Fishes in Southeast Asia’, a collaboration between the IUCN Species Survival Commission Asian Species Action Partnership, SHOAL, and Mandai Nature, that provides a strategic framework to accelerate urgent conservation action for the most threatened freshwater fish species in Asia. The Strategic Framework is due for release this spring.
The study on the discovery of several specimens of Encheloclarias kelioides in Nee Soon Swamp Forest was co-authored by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and NParks, which is the lead agency for greenery, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife and animal health, welfare and management in Singapore, and responsible for enhancing and managing the urban ecosystems there.

© Tan Heok Hui
In a statement…Mr Ryan Lee, Group Director, National Biodiversity Centre, NParks, said, “The presence of these specimens in Nee Soon Swamp Forest within the Central Catchment Nature Reserve suggests the importance of small forest fragments as habitats for biodiversity including cryptic species. The Central Catchment Nature Reserve is one of four gazetted nature reserves in Singapore, which are legally protected areas of rich biodiversity that are representative sites of key indigenous ecosystems. Hence, there are restrictions on the activities that can be carried out in these areas, as well as access to certain sites, to safeguard the native flora and fauna.
“As such, minimal change to the existing freshwater swamp conditions are possible factors that could have allowed Encheloclarias kelioides to survive. It is reasonable to expect that more freshwater fish species may be discovered here in the future.
“NParks will continue to work with researchers to better understand the abundance and distribution range of Encheloclarias kelioides in Singapore, as well as the role these native catfish play in the freshwater ecosystem. This discovery highlights the significance of Nee Soon Swamp Forest as a stronghold of uncommon and specialised freshwater fauna in Singapore. As part of our efforts under the Nature Conservation Masterplan, NParks will continue to conserve Singapore’s key habitats, through the safeguarding and strengthening of Singapore’s core biodiversity areas, including our nature reserves. In addition, we will continue to conserve more native plant and animal species. These efforts will continue to allow our native biodiversity to thrive, allowing us to achieve our vision of becoming a City in Nature”.
The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is currently celebrating its eighth birthday, and Encheloclarias had been displayed in the museum as part of the anniversary celebrations.
The species does not currently have a common name. Dr Tan suggested it could be called the Keli bladefin catfish: bladefin catfish is the common name for all Encheloclarias, and in Malay, Clarias catfish are known as Ikan Keli.

shoalconservation.org/keli-bladefin-catfish/

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Melanostomias dio • A New Species of the Dragonfish Genus Melanostomias (Stomiiformes: Stomiidae: Melanostomiinae) from the Western Tropical Atlantic

Melanostomias dio
Villarins, Fischer, Prokofiev & Mincarone, 2023

DOI: 10.1643/i2022082
twitter.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract
A new species of the scaleless black dragonfish genus Melanostomias is described based on a single specimen (180 mm SL) collected off the northern Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (Brazil), western Tropical Atlantic. It differs from its congeners in having a unique barbel morphology, which ends in a bulb with two opposite slender terminal appendages. In addition, the occurrences of Melanostomias melanops and M. valdiviae are confirmed in Brazilian waters based on examination of new material. An overview analysis of the distribution and meristic variation of the species within the genus is also provided.

Melanostomias dio, holotype, NPM 4606, 180 mm SL,
off northern Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil.
Scale bar = 10 mm.

Melanostomias dio, new species
Horns-up Dragonfish

Etymology.--The specific name honors the late Ronald James Padavona, professionally known as Ronnie James Dio, one of the greatest and most influential heavy metal vocalists of all time. Among his many contributions to the metal culture, Dio popularized the hand gesture commonly referred to as horns up, which resembles the shape of the terminal bulb on the chin barbel of the new species.

Bárbara Teixeira Villarins, Luciano Gomes Fischer, Artem Mikhailovich Prokofiev and Michael Maia Mincarone. 2023. A New Species of the Dragonfish Genus Melanostomias (Stomiidae: Melanostomiinae) from the Western Tropical Atlantic. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 111(2); 254-263. DOI: 10.1643/i2022082
twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1660652365320531971

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Listrura gyrinura sp. nov.
http://zoobank.org/act: F68F2A3E-B5F7-418E-BFA6-EA6752BAB543
( Figures 1–3a–c View Figure 1 View Figure 2 View Figure 3 ; Table 1 View Table 1 )
Holotype
UFRJ 6927 , 39.9 mm SL; Brazil: Santa Catarina State: Municipality of Paulo Lopes: village of Sertão do Campo : stream tributary to Rio da Madre , 27.920°S, 48.692°W; C.R.M. Feltrin and F.R. Colonetti, 10 July 2020.
GoogleMapsParatypes
UFRJ 6928, 10, 27.6–41.6 mm SL; UFRJ 6929, 4 (C&S), 29.7–38.4 mm SL; CICCAA 02658, 5, 29.7–37.0 mm SL; collected with holotype.
Diagnosis
Listrura gyrinura is distinguished from all congeners, except L. depinnai and L. urussanga , by having a deep caudal peduncle,deeper than the preanal region of the body, as the result of an expanded skin fold involving procurrent caudal-fin rays (vs caudal peduncle slender, its depth about equal to preanal depth). Listrura gyrinura is distinguished from L. depinnai and L. urussanga by having more vertebrae (51 or 52 vs 45 or 46 in L. depinnai and 48 or 49 in L. urussanga ), absence of a process on the dorsal surface of the autopalatine articular facet for the mesethmoid (vs presence),and by the mesethmoid cornu being slightly posteriorly folded (vs straight). Listrura gyrinura also differs from L. depinnai by the presence of a dorsal fin (vs absence), and from L. urussanga by having the dorsal-fin origin at a vertical between the centra of the 31st to 33rd vertebrae (vs between centra of the 29th and 30th vertebrae), anal-fin origin at a vertical between the centra of the 32nd and 33rd vertebrae (vs between the centra of the 30th and 31st vertebrae), absence of a ventral projection on the hyomandibula articular facet for the opercle (vs presence), and a shorter parhypural posterior process, its length about half or slightly less of the length between the anterior margin of the parurohyal head and the proximal limit of the posterior process (vs about equal to that length). Listrura gyrinura is also distinguished from L. boticario and L. camposae by having more ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays (31–36, vs 28 in L. boticario and 26–28 in L. camposae ).
Description
Morphometric data appear in Table 1 View Table 1 . Body slender, subcylindrical anteriorly, compressed posteriorly. Greatest body depth approximately at middle region of caudal peduncle. Dorsal and ventral profiles slightly convex, slightly expanded on caudal peduncle. Skin papillae minute. Anus and urogenital papilla slightly anterior to anal fin base. Head trapezoidal in dorsal view. Anterior profile of head straight in dorsal view. Eye small, dorsally positioned in head, just anterior to midway between snout and posterior limit of head. Posterior nostril located nearer to orbit than to anterior nostril. Barbels long, reaching basal portion of first pectoral-fin ray. Mouth subterminal. Jaw teeth pointed, arranged in two rows; total premaxillary teeth 18–23, outer row 7–10, inner row 11–13; total dentary teeth 15–18, outer row 6–7, inner row 7–11. Branchial membrane attached to isthmus only at its anterior point. Branchiostegal rays 5–7.
Dorsal and anal fins minute; total dorsal-fin rays 6–8 (i–ii + V–VI), total anal-fin rays 8 (ii–iii + 5–6); dorsal-fin origin at vertical slightly posterior to anal-fin base, between centra of 31st to 33rd vertebrae; anal-fin origin at vertical through centrum of 32nd or 33rd vertebra. Pectoral fin narrow, total pectoral-fin rays 3 (III), first ray well developed, second and third rays rudimentary, second ray half first ray length or less, third ray slightly shorter than second ray. Pelvic fin and girdle absent. Caudal fin spatula-shaped, narrowing posteriorly; dorsal and ventral procurrent rays anteriorly extending to area close to dorsal- and anal-fin base, respectively; total principal caudal-fin rays 12 or 13 (I–II + 7–9 + II–III), total dorsal procurrent rays 33–38 (xxxii–xxxvii + I–II), total ventral procurrent rays 31–36 (xxx–xxxiv + I–III). Vertebrae 51–52. Ribs 2 or 3. Single dorsal hypural plate, corresponding to hypurals 3–5; single ventral hypural plate corresponding to hypurals 1–2 and parhypural.
Latero-sensory system
Cephalic sensory canal minute, restricted to short postorbital canal with 2 pores just above opercular patch of odontodes, connected to short lateral line of body, with 1 pore just posterior to pectoral-fin base.
Osteology ( Figure 3a–c View Figure 3 )
Mesethmoid thin, posteriorly widening, with distinctive lateral expansion; cornu narrow and slightly posteriorly folded. Antorbital pentagonal; sesamoid supraorbital minute. Premaxilla sub-triangular in dorsal view, with narrow lateral extremity. Maxilla moderate in length, slightly longer than premaxilla length. Autopalatine sub-rectangular in dorsal view, compact, lateral and medial margins slightly concave; autopalatine posterolateral process minute, with narrow process dorso-medially directed; articular facet for mesethmoid wide, without distinctive dorsal process. Metapterygoid minute. Quadrate slender, dorsal process narrow, without posterior outgrowth. Hyomandibula long, with anterior outgrowth anteriorly terminating in sharp tip; articular facet for opercle robust, without distinctive ventral expansion. Opercle slender, transverse length of odontode patch about three quarters of transverse length of interopercular odontode patch; interopercle compact, with minute postero-dorsal process; opercular odontodes 5–7, interopercular odontodes 8–10; odontodes pointed, nearly straight. Preopercle narrow and long. Parurohyal slender, lateral process narrow and pointed, latero-posteriorly directed; parurohyal head small, with prominent anterolateral paired process; middle foramen small and rounded; posterior process short, its length about half or slightly less of length between anterior margin of parurohyal head and proximal limit of posterior process.
Colouration in alcohol
Dorsum and dorsal portion of flank and head light brownish grey, with brown chromatophores irregularly arranged, often forming small irregularly shaped spots, darker on flank longitudinal midline; on head, brown chromatophores extending over base of barbels; unpigmented area below orbit. Venter and ventral portion of flank and head greyish white, often with brown chromatophores irregularly arranged on posterior region of flank, sometimes a few brown chromatophores on ventral portion of head and venter. Fins hyaline with brown chromatophores forming minute spots.
Distribution, habitat and conservation
Listrura gyrinura is only known from the type locality, a clear-water stream tributary to the Rio da Madre, a small isolated coastal river basin ( Figure 4 View Figure 4 ). It was found close to the leaf litter over gravel sediment on the stream bottom ( Figure 5a View Figure 5 ). The habitat of this species may be considered highly endangered by mining activities that use explosives. About 100 m below the type locality, the stream is highly impacted by both mining sediments and rice planting.
Etymology
From the Greek gyrinus (tadpole) and ura (tail), referring to the shape of the caudal fin and caudal peduncle of the new species, similar to that occurring in tadpoles.

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A new species of mailed catfish of genus Rhadinoloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Loricariinae) from Rio Negro basin, BrazilJefferson L. Crispim-Rodrigues, Maxwell J. Bernt, Brandon T. Waltz, Gabriel S. C. Silva, Ricardo C. Benine, Claudio Oliveira, Raphaël Covain, Fábio F. Roxo
First published: 11 May 2023

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15402urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6DF2C3BD-F256-4530-9620-482D87E980F8.

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SHAREAbstractDuring a recent collection expedition to the Rio Negro, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, eight individuals of an unknown species were collected, with a combination of characteristics that placed the species in the genus Rhadinoloricaria. Furthermore, the presence of two autapomorphic characteristics, including numerous elongated papillae on the lower lip and unbranched barbelets on the margin of lower lip, suggests that it is a new species. From morphological and phylogenetic analyses, including the sequencing of specific genes to calculate the maximum likelihood analyses, coupled with osteological computed tomography (CT) scan analyses, the authors corroborated that the specimens represent a new species of Rhadinoloricaria, described in the present study.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5278.1.4
PUBLISHED: 2023-05-04

Okamejei picta sp. nov., a new rajid skate from the South China Sea (Rajiformes: Rajidae)

PISCESCHONDRICHTHYESRAJIFORMESGENUS OKAMEJEITAXONOMYBIODIVERSITY

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AbstractA new species of Okamejei is described based on two adult males collected from deep waters in the South China Sea. The new species, Okamejei picta sp. nov., is readily distinguished from most other congeners in having densely scattered black spots on dorsal disc. Okamejei hollandi and O. mengae is quite similar to the new species by their spot patterns on dorsal disc, but the new species differs from the former by a combination of characters: a yellowish brown dorsal surface densely covered with small, circular to irregular-shaped black spots; blotches on dorsal disc indistinct; posterior ocellus absent; ventral disc white; disc length 45.0–47.7% TL; distance between cloaca to caudal-fin tip 53.6–55.1% TL; trunk centra 31; total basal radials 73–76, morphology of clasper terminal skeleton, and lacking component funnel at the clasper end.

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Corydoras maclurei • A New Species of Corydoras (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the rio Madre de Dios Basin, Peruvian Amazon, with Comments on Corydoras aeneus Identity

Corydoras maclurei
Tencatt, de Carvalho Gomes & Evers, 2023

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0023

Abstract
A new species of Corydoras is described from tributaries to the rio Araza, an affluent of the rio Inambari, itself a tributary to the rio Madre de Dios, rio Madeira basin in the Peruvian Amazon. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following features: (I) absence of contact between the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital and the nuchal plate, (II) a single, large conspicuous dark brown or black blotch on anterodorsal portion of flank; blotch somewhat rounded to roughly diamond shaped, and (III) absence of dark blotches on fins. General comments on the identity of Corydoras aeneus are also provided.

Keywords: Corydoradinae; Corydoras sp. CW16; Osteology; Rio Madeira basin; Taxonomy

Corydoras maclurei, holotype, MUSM 70671, 37.0 mm SL,
Camanti District, Quispicanchi Province, Cusco Region, Peru, small stream tributary to the rio Araza, a bigger affluent of the rio Inambari, itself a tributary to the rio Madre de Dios, rio Madeira basin.

Uncatalogued aquarium specimens of Corydoras maclurei (not measured) showing variations of the color pattern in life:
specimens can variably present greyish orange (A) or reddish orange (B) ground color of body. In C, the detail of a conspicuously reddish orange dorsal fin. Anterior portion of first dorsolateral body plate typically with orange (D) or yellow (E) bright patch. Photographs (D) and (E) by Ian Fuller.

Uncatalogued aquarium specimen of Corydoras maclurei (A) showing its typical color pattern in life (lateral view),
collected in its type-locality (B), a small stream tributary to the rio Araza, rio Madre de Dios basin, rio Madeira basin in Peru.

Corydoras maclurei, new species

Diagnosis. Corydoras maclurei can be distinguished from its congeners, except for C. difluviatilis Britto & Castro, 2002, C. flaveolus Ihering, 1911, C. gladysae, C. gracilis Nijssen & Isbrücker, 1976, C. hastatus Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888, C. hephaestus Ohara, Tencatt & Britto, 2016, C. latus, C. melanotaenia Regan, 1912, C. micracanthus Regan, 1912, C. nanus, C. petracinii, C pygmaeus Knaack, 1966, and C. undulatus Regan, 1912, by the absence of contact between the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital and the nuchal plate (vs. bones in contact). The new species can be distinguished from C. difluviatilis, C. flaveolus, C. gladysae, C. gracilis, C. hastatus, C. hephaestus, C. latus, C. melanotaenia, C. micracanthus, C. nanus, C. petracinii, C pygmaeus, and C. undulatus by having just a single, large conspicuous dark brown or black blotch on anterodorsal portion of flank; ...

Etymology: Corydoras maclurei is named in honor of Robert “Rob” McLure, dear friend and renowned Corydoradinae breeder. Rob has been the main English-language reviewer of the first author’s publications, in addition to providing valuable information and live photos of several species of Corydoradinae. A genitive noun.

Luiz Fernando Caserta Tencatt, Vandergleison de Carvalho Gomes and Hans-Georg Evers. 2023. A New Species of Corydoras (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the rio Madre de Dios Basin, Peruvian Amazon, with Comments on Corydoras aeneus Identity. Neotrop. ichthyol. 21 (2); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2023-0023

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A new species of barred Sternopygus (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the Orinoco RiverKevin T. Torgersen1 , Aleidy M. Galindo-Cuervo2, Roberto E. Reis2 and James S. Albert1
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Abstract

A new species of Sternopygus is described from the Orinoco River of Venezuela using traditional methods of morphometrics and meristics, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging for osteological analysis. The new species is readily separated from all congeners in having broad, vertical pigment bars that extend from the mid-dorsum to the ventral margin of the pterygiophores. A similar color pattern, characterized by subtle differences in the densities and sizes of chromatophores, is also present in juveniles of S. obtusirostris from the Amazon River, juveniles of S. sabaji from rivers of the Guiana Shield, and S. astrabes from clearwater and blackwater terra firme streams of lowlands around the Guiana Shield. The new species further differs from other congeners in the Orinoco basin by having a reduced humeral pigment blotch with poorly defined margins, a proportionally smaller head, a longer body cavity, a more slender body shape in lateral profile, and in having vertical pigment bars that extend ventrally to the pterygiophores (vs. pigment saddles not reaching the pterygiophores). The description of this species raises to three the number of Sternopygus species in the Orinoco basin, and to 11 the total number of Sternopygus species.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Computed tomography, Knifefish, Morphometrics, Taxonomy.
Introduction
With more than 1,000 described fish species, the Orinoco basin is one of the world’s hotspots of freshwater fish biodiversity (Lasso et al., 2004, 2011, 2016; Albert et al., 2011, 2020). Gymnotiform electric fishes (also called knifefishes) are an important component of the taxonomic and functional diversity of the Orinoco fauna (Lundberg et al., 1987; Albert, Crampton, 2005). Taxonomic knowledge of gymnotiform diversity in the Orinoco River has increased dramatically since the 1980s (e.g., Mago-Leccia, Zaret, 1978; Mago-Leccia et al., 1985, 1994; Lundberg, Stager, 1985; Lundberg, Mago-Leccia, 1986; de Santana, Crampton, 2011; Crampton et al., 2016). The results of these and other studies have more than tripled the number of described gymnotiform species known from the Orinoco basin from 20 to 65 over a period of 35 years (Machado-Allison, 1987; Maldonado-Ocampo, Albert, 2003; Van der Sleen, Albert, 2017; Peixoto, Waltz, 2017). These recent advances in our knowledge of gymnotiform species richness and species limits have improved our understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes (Marrero, Winemiller, 1993; Barbarino Duque, Winemiller, 2003; Winemiller, 2004; Lovejoy et al., 2010).
“Longtail electric fishes” of the genus Sternopygus Müller & Troschel, 1846 are widely distributed across the lowland river basins (<250 m elevation) of the humid Neotropics, from northern Argentina to Panama (Hulen et al., 2005; Waltz, Albert, 2017). Currently, 10 Sternopygus species are recognized as valid (Tab. 1; Hulen et al., 2005; Torgersen, Albert, 2022). However, differences in morphology (Albert, Fink, 1996), karyotypes (Santos Silva et al., 2008), and gene sequences (Maldonado-Ocampo, 2011) indicate that museum collections contain additional undescribed species. Only two Sternopygus species are known from the Orinoco basin: S. macrurus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (type locality unknown but in “Brazil”), and S. astrabes Mago-Leccia, 1994, which was described from a clearwater tributary of the upper Orinoco River. Sternopygus macrurus exhibits the broadest geographic distribution of all nominal gymnotiform species, with specimens ascribed to this species recorded from Pacific slope basins of Colombia to the Pampas of Argentina (Eigenmann, Ward, 1905; Eigenmann, Allen, 1942; Albert, Fink, 1996). Sternopygus macrurus is also thought to be among the most ecologically tolerant of all gymnotiform species, inhabiting water bodies of varying water chemistry (clearwater, blackwater, whitewater) and flow (riffles and runs) in lowland forests, seasonal floodplains, and even estuarine environments (Crampton, 1996, 1998a,b; Fernandes, 1999; Marceniuk et al., 2017). Due to its widespread distribution, unknown type locality, and conserved morphology, S. macrurus has long been a “wastebasket” taxon into which many specimens in museum collections have been ascribed.
TABLE 1 | Summary of all valid species of Sternopygus with information regarding primary type specimens and locality drainage for each species. Country of collection of primary types given in parenthesis.
Species
Holotype
Type drainage (Country)

Sternopygus aequilabiatus (Humboldt, 1805)
Whereabouts unknown
Magdalena (Colombia)

Sternopygus arenatus Eydoux & Souleyet, 1841
MNHN 0000-3809 (2 syntypes)
Guayaquil (Ecuador)

Sternopygus astrabes Mago-Leccia, 1994
MBUCV-V-14182
Orinoco (Venezuela)

Sternopygus branco Crampton, Hulen & Albert, 2004
MCP 32451
Amazonas (Brazil)

Sternopygus dariensis Meek & Hildebrand, 1913
FMNH 8949
Tuira (Panama)

Sternopygus macrurus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
ZMB 8701 (syntype, stuffed)
Unknown (Brazil)

Sternopygus obtusirostris Steindachner, 1881
MCZ 9413 (lectotype)
Amazonas (Brazil)

Sternopygus pejeraton Schultz, 1949
USNM 121752
Maracaibo (Venezuela)

Sternopygus sabaji Torgersen & Albert, 2022
ANSP 208090
Maroni (Suriname)

Sternopygus n. sp. (in this study)
ANSP 209718
Orinoco (Venezuela)

Sternopygus xingu Albert & Fink, 1996
MZUSP 48374
Xingu (Brazil)

Fishes ascribed to Sternopygus can be diagnosed from all other sternopygids by the following characters: (1) relatively larger gape (Mago-Leccia, 1978); (2) large branchial opening (Mago-Leccia, 1978); (3) long, evenly curved maxilla; (4) anterior process of maxilla extends as a narrow hook-like process (Lundberg, Mago-Leccia, 1986); (5) dorsal portion of ventral ethmoid elongate (Albert, Fink, 1996); (6) post-temporal fossa present between pterotic and epioccipital bones (Lundberg, Mago-Leccia, 1986); (7) gill rakers composed of three bony elements, the middle one with 3–10 small teeth (Mago-Leccia, 1978); (8) gill rakers not attached to branchial arches (Albert, Fink, 1996); (9) gap between parapophyses of second vertebra; (10) unossified post cleithrum (Albert, Fink, 1996); (11) long body cavity, with 18–30 precaudal vertebrae (Albert, Fink, 1996); (12) long anal fin with 170–340 rays, (13) unbranched anal-fin rays (Fink, Fink, 1981); (14) developmental origin of adult electric organ from both hypaxial and epaxial muscles (Unguez, Zakon, 1998; Albert, 2001); (15) absence of jamming avoidance response (Heiligenberg, 1991; Albert, 2001); (16) presence of a ‘medial cephalic fold’ (Triques, 2000), defined as a ridge of ectodermal tissue extending from the ventral limit of the opercular opening anteromedially to the branchial isthmus. Most Sternopygus species attain medium to large body sizes (40–50 cm Total Length (TL)), except the more diminutive S. astrabes which grows to about 20 cm TL. Most Sternopygus species are nocturnal predators of small animals (e.g., insect larvae, crustaceans) and occur in multiple habitats, including small streams, river margins, and deep river channels(Crampton et al., 2004a; Crampton, 2007, 2011; Brejão et al., 2013).
Most Sternopygus species share a similar color pattern with a base color composed of small, densely arranged gray chromatophores. Some species have a dark humeral blotch with variable contrast to the background coloration, and a distinctive yellow or white longitudinal stripe extending between the hypaxial and pterygiophore muscles on the posterior third of the body. These aspects of coloration are variable within and among nominal species and are sometimes absent, with some specimens ranging in color from deep black to pinkish white. At least three valid Sternopygus species possess a distinctive color pattern composed of 1–4 broad, dark vertical bars or saddles across the dorsal midline at some stage in their ontogeny: S. astrabes, S. obtusirostris Steindachner, 1881, S. sabaji Torgersen & Albert, 2022 (Fig. 1; Mago-Leccia, 1994; Crampton et al., 2004b; Torgersen, Albert, 2022). The monophyly, species limits, variation, and species richness of species with broad vertical pigment bars or saddles remains poorly understood and these topics are not addressed here.

FIGURE 1 | Four species of barred Sternopygus. A. Sternopygus astrabes, ANSP 162663 (189 mm TL); B. Sternopygus n. sp., ANSP 160357 (284 mm TL, paratype); C. Juvenile Sternopygus sabaji, ANSP 189018 (146 mm TL); D. Juvenile Sternopygus obtusirostris, INPA 15787 (180 mm TL), photo taken at night from Crampton et al. (2004b). Dark outlines added to bars/saddles in all photos for emphasis. Scale bars = 1 cm.
Here we describe a new species of barred Sternopygus from the lower Orinoco basin of Venezuela, bringingthe total number of species in the genus to 11, the number of species known in the Orinoco basin to three, the number of species in the Guiana Shield region to four, and the number of Sternopygus species possessing dark vertical bars to four.

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Original Article • Neotrop. ichthyol. 21 (1) • 2023 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2022-0097 COPYOriginal Article • Neotrop. ichthyol. 21 (1) • 2023 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2022-0097 COPY

New species of Farlowella (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio Tapajós basin, Pará, Brazil

Manuela Dopazo Wolmar B. WosiackiMarcelo R. BrittoABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractA new species of stick-catfish Farlowella is described from streams of the lower rio Tapajós drainage, in Pará State, northern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by a naked gular region (vs. gular region with plates) and from most congeners by the presence of five lateral series of plate rows on anterior region of body (vs. four). The new species shows variation in the series of abdominal plates and a discussion on the variation of abdominal plates within Farlowella is made and comments on synapomorphic characters in Farlowellini.
Keywords:
Amazon; Armored catfish; Biodiversity; Loricariinae; Taxonomy
ResumoUma nova espécie de cascudo-graveto Farlowella é descrita de pequenos igarapés do baixo rio Tapajós, no Estado do Pará, norte do Brasil. A nova espécie é distinta de todas as suas congêneres por uma região gular nua (vs. região gular com placas) e de muitas congêneres pela presença de cinco fileiras de placas laterais na região anterior do corpo (vs. quatro). A nova espécie apresenta variação na série de placas abdominais e é feita uma discussão sobre a variação das placas abdominais dentro de Farlowella e comentários sobre caracteres sinapomórficos em Farlowellini.
Palavras-chave:
Amazônia; Biodiversidade; Cascudo; Loricariinae; Taxonomia
INTRODUCTIONThe genus FarlowellaEigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889 is a component of the freshwater fish fauna of the Neotropics. With 32 valid species, Farlowella is the second-most species-rich genus of Loricariinae, a sub-family comprised of 262 valid species in 31 genera (Delgadillo et al., 2021; Londoño-Burbano, Reis, 2021; Fricke et al., 2023). Farlowella representatives are widely distributed in the main cis-Andean South America river drainages and trans-Andean Maracaibo and Magdalena river basins (Terán et al., 2019). They are easily distinguished by having a pronounced rostrum, a thin, elongated, brown body with two longitudinal bands that extend from the tip of the rostrum to the caudal peduncle (Covain, Fisch-Muller, 2007), resembling dry twigs or sticks, which justifies the popular name stick catfishes.
The first taxonomic study was the description of the genus Acestra by Kner, (1853), with the first species described: Acestra acus and A. oxyrryncha, but without designating the type species of the genus, until A. acus was determined by Bleeker, (1862). However, Acestra was already occupied in Hemiptera (Dallas, 1852) and the name Farlowella was then replaced by Eigenmann, Eigenmann, (1889). From the end of the 19th century, several species were described, totaling 37 names that remained for almost a century, when Retzer, Page (1996) revised the genus based on characters of external morphology. This was the last revision of its species, as well as the first exclusive hypothesis of the phylogenetic relationships of the genus. In that study, the authors performed a phylogenetic analysis with morphological data including only one external group, Aposturisoma myriodon Isbrücker, Britski, Nijssen & Ortega, 1983 (= Farlowella myriodon), that was used to root the tree; the monophyly of the genus, and species relationships were not actually tested. The authors also proposed six species groups and six species were considered as incertae sedis.
Recently, Londoño-Burbano, Reis (2021), based on combined molecular and morphological phylogenetic analysis, formally recognized Aposturisoma myriodon as a member of Farlowella to assign the monophyly of the genus. Although A. myriodon is phenotypically different from Farlowella, this configuration had already been recovered by Covain et al., (2016). Based on the review of Farlowella material deposited in different collections and on the examination of material collected in the river near the confluence with rio Tapajós, in its lower portion, we identified a new species of Farlowella, which is described herein.
MATERIAL AND METHODSMeasurements were taken point to point with digital calipers. Measurements are expressed as percents of the standard length (SL), except subunits of head, which are expressed as percents of the head length (HL). Measurements follow Boeseman, (1971), except measurement of distance from pectoral-fin origin to pelvic-fin origin that follow Retzer, Page (1996), plus minimum width of snout (minimum width at the tip of snout) (Fig. 1A), distance between cleithral processes (between the humeral processes of the cleithrum) (Fig. 1B) and maximum width of snout (maximum width in transverse line from the posterior edge of the ventral plate before mouth) (Fig. 1C). Counts and nomenclature of lateral plate series follow Ballen et al., (2016a). Osteological nomenclature follows Paixão, Toledo-Piza, (2009), except for parieto-supraoccipital instead of supraoccipital (Arratia, Gayet, 1995), pterotic-extraescapular instead of pterotic-supracleithrum (Slobodian, Pastana, 2018). Vertebral counts include only free centra, with the compound caudal centrum (preural 1+ ural 1) counted as a single element. Cleared and stained (cs) specimens were prepared according to the methods of Taylor, Van Dyke, (1985). Numbers in parentheses following meristic counts correspond to number of specimens having that count, and those indicated by an asterisk (*) belong to the holotype. Map was generated in the QGIS 3.14.16 program. Institutional abbreviations follow Sabaj, (2022). The estimated Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupation (AOO) of the species was calculated using the web portal of the Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool (GeoCAT: http://geocat.kew.org/) and the categories and criteria of conservation status of species followed IUCN (IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2022).

FIGURE 1 |
Additional measures used in this study. A. Minimum width of snout; B. Distance between cleithral processes; and C. Maximum width of snout.

RESULTSFarlowella wuyjugu, new species
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:FA22FB00-B26F-45C0-A121-2BD8FB00B523
(Figs. 2–3; Tab. 1)
Holotype. MPEG 26178, 143.4 mm SL, Brazil, Pará State, Juruti municipality, lower rio Tapajós, rio Amazon basin, igarapé Rio Branco, 02°20’58.6”S 56°01’26.4”W, 27 Nov 2012, M. B. Mendonça.
Paratypes. All from Brazil, Pará State, Juruti municipality, rio Arapiuns basin, lower rio Tapajós, rio Amazon basin. INPA 59894, 2, 124.8–128.9 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’44.5”S 56°11’37.3”W, 8 Sep 2002, W. B. Wosiacki. MNRJ 53691, 2, 127.3–130.9 mm SL, same locality as INPA 59894. MPEG 10062, 5, 112.0–121.6 mm SL, same locality as INPA 59894, 3 Mar 2006, L. F. A. Montag. MPEG 12865, 5, 90.9–123.2 mm SL, same locality as INPA 59894, 11 Dec 2006, L. F. A. Montag & A. Hercos. MPEG 15900, 12, 2 cs, 97.6–136.5 mm SL, same locality as INPA 59894, 8 Sep 2002, W. B. Wosiacki. MPEG 10857, 5, 111.7–128.2 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’52”S 55°54’10.8”W, 19 Aug 2006, A. Hercos. MPEG 32191, 4, 94.3–133.9 mm SL, same locality as MPEG 10857, 14 Sep 2014, M. B. Mendonça. MPEG 12684, 5, 1 cs, 122.8–144.7 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’50.7”S 55°50’13.8”W, 14 Dec 2006, L. F. A. Montag.
Non-types. All from Brazil, Pará State, Juruti municipality, rio Arapiuns basin, lower rio Tapajós, rio Amazon basin. MPEG 10055, 4, 102.9–124.3 mm SL, MPEG 10062, 13, 70.0–109.7 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02º36’44.5”S 56º11’37.3”W, 3 Mar 2006, L. F. A. Montag. MPEG 10851, 1, 119.2 mm SL, MPEG 10852, 3, 79.5–116.1 mm SL, MPEG 10853, 1, 121.9 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’50.7”S 55°54’13.8”W, 19 Aug 2006, A. Hercos. MPEG 10855, 4, 46.7–88.7 mm SL, MPEG 10856, 7, 54.2–108.4 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’44.5”S 56°11’35.5”W, 17 Aug 2006, A. Hercos. MPEG 10857, 11, 65.1–145.8 mm SL, MPEG 10858, 2, 106.2–112.8 mm SL, MPEG 10859, 4, 64.4–128.3 mm SL, MPEG 10861, 1, 113.7 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’50.7”S 55°54’13.8”W, 19 Aug 2006, A. Hercos. MPEG 10860, 1, 128.6 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’44.5”S 56°11’35.5”W, 17 Aug 2006, A. Hercos. MPEG 10862, 3, 49.6–54.6 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’50.7”S 55°54’13.8”W, 19 Aug 2006, A. Hercos. MPEG 10956, 1, 26.2 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of rio Branco, 02°36’44.5”S 56°11’35.5”W, 17 Aug 2006, A. Hercos. MPEG 12491, 4, 18.6–45.8 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, 02°36’44.8”S 56°11’37.3”W, 9 Sep 2002, W. B. Wosiacki. MPEG 12865, 4, 69.8–93.4 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02º36’44.5”S 56º11’37.3”W, 11 Dec 2006, L. F. A. Montag & A. Hercos. MPEG 13040, 2, 35.7–38.4 mm SL, MPEG 13043, 2, 20.6–30 mm SL, MPEG 13050, 2, 11.0–118.4 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’50.7”S 55°54’13.8”W, 19 Aug 2006, L. F. A. Montag. MPEG 13041, 1, 56.3 mm SL, MPEG 13044, 5, 56.8–93.2 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’44.5”S 56°11’35.5”W, 12 Dec 2006, L. F. A. Montag. MPEG 13042, 3, 48.1–45.5 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’50.7”S 55°54’13.8”W, 14 Dec 2006, L. F. A. Montag. MPEG 13045, 1, 92.7 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’50.7”S 55°54’13.8”W, 14 Dec 2006, L. F. A. Montag. MPEG 13046, 1, 101.7 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’50.7”S 55°54’13.8”W, 15 Dec 2006, L. F. A. Montag. MPEG 13048, 5, 50.2–80.8 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’44.5”S 56°11’35.5”W, 11 Dec 2006, L. F. A. Montag. MPEG 13731, 2, 63.9–69.4 mm SL, MPEG 14143, 7, 61.9–136.5 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’50.7”S 55°54’13.8”W, 15 May 2007, A. Hercos. MPEG 14271, 1, 42.8 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’44.5”S 56°11’35.5”W, 27 Nov 2007, A. Hercos. MPEG 14711, 13, 46.2–126.3 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’44.5”S 56°11’35.5”W, 11 May 2007, A. Hercos. MPEG 15900, 8, 56.6–95.8 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’44.5”S 56°11’37.3”W, 8 Sep 2002, W. B. Wosiacki. MPEG 16955, 1, 120.7 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’33.2”S 56°11’33.4”W, 19 Feb 2008, W. B. Wosiacki. MPEG 26172, 13, 71.8–129.8 mm SL, MPEG 26173, 4, 61.5–94.5 mm SL, MPEG 26333, 1, 86.4 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’45.8”S 56°11’36.8”W, 28 Nov 2012, M. B. Mendonça. MPEG 26179,19, 43.5–156.4 mm SL, igarapé Rio Branco, 02°20’58.6”S 56°01’26.4”W, 27 Nov 2012, M. B. Mendonça. MPEG 29996, 2, 112.7–117.4 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’45.8”S 56°11’36.8”W, 6 Dec 2013, M. B. Mendonça. MPEG 26997, 9, 100.5–129.9 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’45.8”S 56°11’36.8”W, 7 Dec 2013, M. B. Mendonça. MPEG 26998, 1, 88.9 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’52”S 55°54’10.8”W, 11 Dec 2013, M. B. Mendonça. MPEG 26999, 5, 51.9–138.1 mm SL, igarapé Rio Branco, 02°20’58.6”S 56°01’26.4”W, 12 Dec 2012, M. B. Mendonça. MPEG 32191, 4, 93.7–136.6 mm SL, MPEG 32192, 2, 55.6–115.1 mm SL, igarapé São Francisco, 02°34’52”S 55°54’10.8”W, 19 Sep 2014, M. B. Mendonça. MPEG 32193, 15, 32.9–124.2 mm SL, MPEG 32194, 14, 61.4–127.3 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’45.8”S 56°11’36.8”W, 22 Sep 2014, M. B. Mendonça. MPEG 32195, 1, 135.1 mm SL, igarapé Rio Branco, 02°20’58.6”S 56°01’26.4”W, 18 Sep 2014, M. B. Mendonça. MPEG 32507, 72.4–113.1 mm S, MPEG 32508, 11, 49.0–116.5 mm SL, igarapé Mutum, affluent of rio Aruã, tributary of Rio Branco, 02°36’45.8”S 56°11’36.8”W, 20 Mar 2015, M. B. Mendonça.

FIGURE 2 |
Dorsal, lateral and ventral view of Farlowella wuyjugu, holotype, 143.4 mm SL, MPEG 26178, Brazil, Pará State, Juruti municipality, igarapé Rio Branco, lower rio Tapajós, rio Amazon basin.

Diagnosis.Farlowella wuyjugu can be diagnosed from its congeners by lack of plates in gular region (vs. gular plates present) (Fig. 3). The new species can be distinguished from its congeners, except Farlowella altocorpus Retzer, 2006, F. azpelicuetae Terán, Ballen, Alonso, Aguilera & Mirande, 2019, F. gianetii Ballen, Pastana & Peixoto, 2016, F. gracilis Regan, 1904, F. guarani Delgadillo, Maldonado & Carvajal-Vallejos, 2021, F. hasemani Eigenmann & Vance, 1917, F. isbrueckeri Retzer & Page, 1997, F. jauruensis Eigenmann & Vance, 1917, F. myriodon, F. nattereri Steindachner, 1910, and F. odontotumulusRetzer & Page, 1997, by having five lateral series of plate rows on anterior region of body (vs. four). Additionally, F. wuyjugu differs from F. altocorpus and F. azpelicuatae by having a smaller body width at dorsal origin (4.3–5.5 vs. 6.4–8.1% SL); from F. gianetti by number of caudal-fin rays (i,11,i or i,12,i vs. i,10,i); from F. gracilis by having head triangular in dorsal view (vs. head square); from F. guarani by interorbital width (12.0–16.0 vs. 28.6–44% HL) and eye diameter (3.6–5.8 vs. 6.6–13.3% HL); from F. hasemani by all fin rays uniformly pigmented (vs. fin rays not pigmented); from F. isbruckeri and F. odontotumulus by having the ventromedian row of anterior plates keeled (vs. ventromedian row of anterior plates unkeeled); from F. jauruensis by having five branched pelvic-fin rays (vs. four branched pelvic-fin rays); from F. myriodon by having dark brown lateral stripe on each side of snout (vs. absence of such stripe, snout completely dark); and from F. nattereri by having a short pectoral fin, not reaching the pelvic-fin base (vs. long pectoral fin, reaching the pelvic-fin base).

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TABLE 1 |
Morphometrics of Farlowella wuyjugu, new species. Values as percents of standard length (SL) and head length (HL) for holotype and 38 paratypes. n = number of specimens, SD = Standard deviation.
Description. Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views of holotype in Fig. 2. Morphometric and meristic data for holotype and paratypes summarized in Tab. 1. Body slender and very elongated, completely covered by dermal plates, except in gular portion. Head triangular and elongate in dorsal and ventral views. Rostrum slender and flat in ventral view. Orbit circular, dorsolaterally placed, visible in dorsal view and not visible in ventral view. Preorbital ridge present. Mouth ventral. Dorsal profile of head concave from snout tip to anterior margin of nares, relatively straight to convex from point to posterior margin of nares to posterior margin of parieto-supraoccipital and slightly concave to dorsal-fin origin. Posterior profile of margin of dorsal-fin origin slightly concave and straight profile to end of caudal peduncle. Ventral profile slightly straight from tip of snout to anal-fin origin, slightly concave in anal-fin base and straight profile to end of caudal peduncle.
Mouth ovoid, lower lip longer than upper lip; wide oval papillae on upper lip and round papillae on lower lip, decreasing in size from oral aperture to lip margin; lip margin papillose. Bicuspid slender teeth, each premaxilla with 22(2), 23*(1), 29(1), 31(1), 33(1), 36(1), 37(3), 39(1), 40(2), 41(1), 42(3), 43(2), 44(1), 46(3), 47(4), 48(4), 49(4), 51(2), 53(1) or 55(1) teeth and each dentary with 18*(3), 22(1), 23(1), 26(2), 28(1), 29(2), 30(2), 32(3), 33(3), 34(1), 35(4), 36(3), 37(1), 38(4), 39(2), 40(2), 41(1), 42(1) or 43(2) teeth; premaxilla larger than dentary. Two maxillary barbels small and projecting slightly from mouth margin.
Five lateral plate rows on body, with 31(6), 32*(30) or 33(3) dorsal plates; 6(1), 7*(5), 8(23) or 9(10) dorsomedian plates; 7(1), 8*(5), 9(20) or 10(13) median plates; 14*(7), 15(27) or 16(5) ventromedian plates; 35(3), 36(7), 37*(15), 38(9), 39(3) or 40(2) ventral plates; 5(14), 6*(18), 7(6) or 8(1) dorsomedian+median plates; 18(12), 19(20) or 20*(7) coalescent plates; 8*(39) predorsal plates; 23(6), 24*(30) or 25(3) postdorsal plates; 20(2), 21(14), 22*(21), 23(1) or 24(1) postanal plates; 2 plates at the base of caudal fin and one preanal plate. Abdomen covered with two lateral rows with 6(6), 7*(19), 8(11), 9(2), 11(1) lateral abdominal plates (left) and 6(10), 7*(14), 8(8) or 9(7) lateral abdominal plates (right), and one midabdominal incomplete (23)* row or when complete (16) row with 2(1), 3(2), 4*(2), 5(1), 6(5), 7(7), 8(7), 9(3), 10(3), 11(2), 12(3), 13(2) or 16(1) midabdominal plates.
Lateral line complete; reaching up to last caudal peduncle coalesced plate. Preopercular canal passing through infraorbital six with two pores. Terminal exit of parietal branch in frontal bone curved. Canal-bearing cheek plate in ventral position. Nasal slightly curved in anterior portion with pore opening laterally.
Pectoral-fin rays i,6*(39); posterior margin slightly concave; unbranched ray longest. Dorsal-fin rays i,6*(39); posterior margin straight to slightly concave; three* or four plates along its base; unbranched ray longest. Pelvic-fin rays i,5*(39); posterior margin straight; unbranched ray longest. Anal-fin rays i,5*(39); posterior margin straight to slightly concave; unbranched ray longest; three* or four plates along its base. Caudal-fin rays i,11,i(2) or i,12,i*(37); posterior margin deeply concave; dorsal and ventral lobes similar in size; filaments on upper and lower unbranched rays. All fin rays with odontodes; more developed odontodes on unbranched first ray.
Mesethmoid long; lateral expansion of anterior portion absent; mesethmoid ventral posterior process present. Nasal rectangular irregular bone curved laterally. Frontal wide, occluded from dorsal border of orbit. Orbit anteriorly delimited by dermal plate, dorsally by frontal bone, dorsolaterally by sphenotic, and ventrally by infraorbital series. Sphenotic quadrate in shape, contacting frontal bone anterolaterally, parieto-supraoccipital dorsally, infraorbital six ventrally, and pterotic-extrascapular posteriorly. Pterotic-extrascapular with large perforations. Parieto-supraoccipital wide and oval, contacting first predorsal plate posteriorly. Anterior contact of hyomandibula with metapterygoid and quadrate, and ventral with preopercle. Symphyseal cartilage between quadrate and hyomandibula. Anterior margin of quadrate articulation with anguloarticular. Dentary almost twice the size of anguloarticular. Autopalatine irregular, rod-like shape. Anterior margin of autopalatine articulation with maxilla and posterior contact posteriorly with vomer and metapterygoid. Preopercle long and partially exposed; anterior process reaching at least half of quadrate length. Suspensorium rectangular in overall shape. Three branchiostegal rays. Hypohyal anterior border straight, without anterior projection. Urohyal triangular and posterior margin rounded, with medial foramen. Anterohyal and posterohyal partially separated by cartilage. Anterior margin of anterohyal greatly expanded. Basibranchial 2, 3 and 4 present; basibranchial 2 and 3 elongated; basibranchial 2 equal to basibranchial 3; basibranchial 2 and 3 ossified and basibranchial 4 cartilaginous. Two hypobranchials; hypobranchial 1 ossified and hypobranchial 2 cartilaginous. Four epibranchials with similar size. Five ceratobranchials; ceratobranchial 1 with accessory flange; ceratobranchial 5 triangular; ceratobranchial teeth restricted to mesial area of plate. Upper pharyngeal plate club-shaped, completely covered with fine teeth. Vertebral count 39(1) and 40(1); five thin pleural ribs directly attached to centra 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12(1) and four thin pleural ribs directly attached to centra 9, 10, 11 and 12(1); parapophysis of complex vertebra well developed (two specimens).

FIGURE 3 |
Gular region and variation of abdominal plates in specimens, ventral view of Farlowella wuyjugu. A. MPEG 26178, 143.4 mm SL; B. INPA 59894, 128.9 mm SL; C. MPEG 12684, 125 mm SL.

Coloration in alcohol. Ground color of dorsum and head pale or dark brown. Light brown color with diffuse and scattered dark brown spots on predorsal portion, from tip of parieto-supraoccipital and extending to all plates. Five to six rounded spots between the second and third infraorbital, extending to opercle. One dark brown lateral stripe on each side, that runs from snout to caudal peduncle. Ventral portion of head brown; yellow between lower lip and anterior portion of anal fin. Dorsal profile in posterior portion of anal fin light brown with diffuse and scattered dark brown spots along the plates, same to dorsal portion, more delimited in some individuals. Upper lip with scattered chromatophores. Pectoral, dorsal, pelvic, and anal fin rays with hyaline membranes and pigmented brown rays, sometimes forming dark bands. First rays markedly dark. Caudal fin almost completely dark brown, membranes and rays pigmented, in some individuals with area of hyaline membrane (Fig. 4).

FIGURE 4 |
Caudal fin coloration of Farlowella wuyjugu. MPEG 31191, 119.9 mm SL.

Geographical distribution.Farlowella wuyjugu is known only from small, forest creeks near Juruti, Pará State, tributaries of rio Arapiuns, rio Tapajós in its lower portion, rio Amazon basin, Brazil (Fig. 5).

FIGURE 5 |
Geographic distribution of Farlowella wuyjugu in lower rio Tapajós. Star = holotype; circles = paratypes localities.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the combination of the words Wuy jugu, which is the self-denomination of indigenous people known in Brazil as Munduruku. This ethnic group is part of the Tupi trunk and they are located in different regions and territories in the states of Pará, Amazonas, and Mato Grosso. In the region of the lower Tapajós River, in recent years some communities in the process of their ethnic identity have recognized themselves as Munduruku (Ramos, 2022). A noun in apposittion.
Conservation status.Farlowella wuyjugu is known from four collection stations [igarapé Rio Branco (Fig. 6), igarapé Mutum, and igarapé São Francisco] in Juruti municipality, Pará State, Brazil. Using the GeoCAT we calculate the extent of occurrence (EOO) of the species in 4,921 km2, suggesting a threatened category of Endangered (EN). Farlowella wuyjugu is sampled in few localities in the Juruti municipality, impacted by a large bauxite extraction project, deteriorating their habitats. Following the recommendations by the IUCN (IUCN Standards and Petitions Committee, 2022), F. wuyjugu should be categorized as Nearly Threatened (NT), following criterions B2:EN (EOO < 5,000 km2), b(iii) (decline of quality of habitat by bauxite extraction).

FIGURE 6 |
Igarapé Rio Branco, type-locality of Farlowella wuyjugu.

Variation of abdominal plates within Farlowellawuyjugu. Abdominal plates are usually termed as lateral abdominal plates, which are transversely elongated plates between the pectoral-fin axilla and the pelvic-fin insertion, and midabdominal plates, which cover the abdomen between the lateral ones (Londoño-Burbano, Reis, 2021). The midabdominal plates, in Farlowella, can be absent or present and when present can be incomplete or complete. Ballen et al., (2016b) described Falowella mitoupiboBallen, Urbano-Bonilla & Zamudio, 2016 and proposed as diagnostic for the species an incomplete median disjunct row of abdominal plates, divided at the center by plates belonging to the lateral rows of abdominal plates (vs. two or three complete rows of abdominal plates or an incomplete median row of one or two plates anteriorly that never reach to the level of the prepelvic plate). Although the authors proposed this character as a diagnosis for the species, in recent examinations of the type material of F. mitoupibo, it was possible to observe two completes rows of abdominal plates in one specimen (M. Dopazo, pers. obs.). Farlowella wuyjugu have midabdominal plates and can be an incomplete or complete midabdominal series (Fig. 3). An incomplete midabdominal series can be a disjunct row as described for F. mitoupibo or an incomplete median row of plates anteriorly that do not reach to the level of the prepelvic plate (Figs. 3A, B). Retzer, Page (1996) proposed the number of rows of abdominal plates as a diagnostic character to differentiate species group of Farlowella: two rows (F. acus (Kner, 1853) group and F. amazonumGünther, 1864 group) and three rows (F. curtirostra Myers, 1942 group, F. mariaelene Martín Salazar, 1964 group, F. nattereri group, F. knerii (Steindachner, 1882) group and unassigned species group). Although Retzer, Page (1996) proposed the number of rows of abdominal plates as a diagnostic character to differentiate species groups of Farlowella, both states were found in F. wuyjugu and F. mitoupibo, rendering that character not be useful to differentiate groups because they are variable within Farlowella species. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus (including the species described here) is being carried out and aims to test if these characters (proposed by Retzer, Page, 1996) are in fact phylogenetically informative.
DISCUSSIONLondoño-Burbano, Reis (2021) recovered the tribe Farlowellini Fowler, 1958 including five genera, Lamontichthys Miranda Ribeiro, 1939, Pterosturisoma Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1978, Sturisoma Swainson, 1838, Sturisomatichthys Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1979 and Farlowella Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889. The authors defined two exclusive synapomorphies for the tribe: (1) nuchal plate articulated to lateral plates (char 175) and (2) the presence of gular plates (char 179). According to Londoño-Burbano, Reis (2021), gular plates are large, polygonal dermal plates covering the ventral surface of the head behind the lower lip. Character 175 was observed in F. wuyjugu, however, character 179 is not applicable to the new species because of the lack of gular plates. Almost twenty years after the publication of the study by Retzer, Page (1996). Farlowella was proposed as a monophyletic group by Londoño-Burbano, Reis (2021) with 11 morphological and 38 molecular synapomorphies. Of the eleven morphological synapomorphies, four were considered exclusive for the genus: (1) number of branchiostegal rays fewer than four (char 109); (2) straight and upright lamina on neural spine on the sixth vertebra for articulation with ventral surface of parieto-supraoccipital (char 114); (3) absence of pleural rib associated to the seventh vertebra (char 117); (4) short anteriormost paraneural spines (char 129). These character states were all observed in F. wuyjugu supporting the species as a member of the genus. Despite the high number of morphological characters and the number of terminals used in the analysis by the authors, there are many high homoplastic characters and not useful for a diagnosis at the species level.
Other Farlowella species are also identified for the rio Tapajós basin (F. gr. amazonum, F. cf. oxyrryncha, F. schreitmuelleri Arnold, 1936, and F. sp.; M. Dopazo, pers. obs.). Species with type locality in or near the region are F. amazonum (Santarém, Pará State), F. gladiolusGünther, 1864 (rio Cupari, rio Tapajós basin, Amazon River drainage, Pará State), and F. schreitmuelleri (lower Amazon River basin, Santarém, Pará State), but they differ from F. wuyjugu mainly by the number of lateral series of plate rows on anterior region of body (four vs. five). Farlowella amazonum and F. gladiolus were described in the same work by Günther, (1864). In the review of the genus by Retzer, Page (1996), F. gladiolus was placed in the synonymy with F. amazonum, however, Covain et al., (2016) recognized the former as a valid species. There are several taxonomic issues regarding the validity of Farlowella species and their delimitation. These questions are being addressed in an ongoing taxonomic review (by MD and MRB) of the genus. Our description of F. wuyjugu contributes to the knowledge of the rio Arapiuns and to the understanding of the ichthyofauna of the rio Tapajós basin.
Comparative material examined.Farlowella acus: Colombia: MPUJ 2834, 1, 183.6 mm SL; MPUJ 2842, 1, 133.3 mm SL; MPUJ 2955, 1, 50.1 mm SL: MPUJ 7320,1 124.1 mm SL; MPUJ 9287, 1, 122.5 mm SL; MPUJ 10915, 1, 116.9 mm SL; MPUJ 11158, 1, 130.4 mm SL; MPUJ 13270, 1, 38.6 mm SL: MPUJ 16876, 1, 76 mm SL; Venezuela: ANSP 130038, 20, 90.6–149.7 mm SL; MZUSP 147, 2, 108.4–123.8 mm SL; Farlowella cf. altocorpus: Brazil: INPA 3034, 49, 64.2–155.6 mm SL; INPA 3035, 16, 58–148.6 mm SL; Farlowella amazonum: Brazil: LIA 7233, 1, 84.7 mm SL; LIA 7235, 64.8–198.5 mm SL; LIA 7236, 4, 69.2–92,5 mm SL; LBP 4344, 1, 82.9 mm SL; LBP 10860, 3, 111.0–144.7 mm SL; LBP 11118, 1, 132.2 mm SL; LBP 12117, 5, 47.4–147.2 mm SL; LBP 15179, 1, 82.9 mm SL; LBP 17994, 3, 70.7–121.81 mm SL; LBP 20432, 1, 110.1 mm SL; LBP 20964, 2, 67.5–113.1 mm SL; LBP 21208, 4, 69.5–121.7 mm SL; LBP 21230, 1, 142.1 mm SL; LBP 22348, 13, 54.9–203.6 mm SL; LBP 22488, 1, 169.2 mm SL; MCP 44240, 6, 163.8–190.7 mm SL; MCP 50059, 83.6–176.4 mm SL; MNRJ 762, 3, 130.1–161.2 mm SL; MNRJ 35534, 15, 79.9–166.1 mm SL, 3 cs; MNRJ 35535, 3, 176.3–161.3 mm SL; MNRJ 35536, 2, 76.3–176.8 mm SL; MNRJ 35537, 2, 99.7–179.9 mm SL; MNRJ 39040, 8, 52.1–73.7 mm SL; MNRJ 39249, 1, 66.6 mm SL; MNRJ 39270, 6, 34.4–66.8 mm SL; MPEG 3072, 2, 71,7–146.2 mm SL; MPEG 9008, 4, 147–182.3 mm SL; MPEG 13290, 5, 157.9–180.3 mm SL; MPEG 17077, 1, 50.8 mm SL; MPEG 19827, 1, 182.2 mm SL; MPEG 19945, 1, 123.8 mm SL; MPEG 23942, 2, 139–175.4 mm SL; MPEG 23726, 2, 166.4–172.5 mm SL; MPEG 24470, 1, 129.2 mm SL; MPEG 24471, 2, 166.3–74 mm SL; MPEG 30598, 5, 118.3–151.1 mm SL; MPEG 30931, 1, 104.2 mm SL; MPEG 30936, 1, 109.7 mm SL; MZUSP 23416, 5, 35.9–139.2 mm SL; MZUSP 27717, 1, 115.8 mm SL; MZUSP 121244, 1, 207.0 mm SL; UFRGS 21710, 1, 80.5 mm SL; Peru: ANSP 191818, 2, 172.7–179.6 mm SL; ANSP 199910, 1, 146.1 mm SL; Farlowella azpelicuetae: Argentina: MZUSP 123935, paratype, 80.8 mm SL; MZUSP 123936, 2, paratypes, 79.8–165.9 mm SL; Farlowella gianetti: Brazil: MZUSP 95564, holotype, 114.4 mm SL; MZUSP 97022, paratypes, 94.1–118.6 mm SL; Farlowella cf. hahni: Brazil: MZUEL 9037, 5, 56.6–131 mm SL; MZUEL 9669, 1, 47.2 mm SL; NUP 374, 6, 78.1–161.7 mm SL; NUP 818, 5, 127.6–140 mm SL; NUP 819, 10, 89.3–156.2 mm SL; NUP 1450, 1, 111.7 mm SL; NUP 1496, 5, 95.7–177.8 mm SL; NUP 2849, 1, 128.4 mm SL; NUP 4029, 2, 151.1–162.2 mm SL; NUP 4525, 1, 130.7 mm SL; NUP 4728, 5, 129.4–148 mm SL; NUP 7867, 2, 134.7–140.3 mm SL; NUP 11443, 1, 109.5 mm SL; NUP 13303, 2, 103.2–129.7 mm SL; NUP 14747, 1, 125.6 mm SL; NUP 16978, 2, 133.8–149.8 mm SL; Farlowella hasemani: Brazil: INPA 3912, 190.8 mm SL; Farlowella henriquei: Brazil: INPA 3012, 2, 68.8–111 mm SL; INPA 3030, 1, 170.3 mm SL; INPA 3911, 147.9–153.1 mm SL; INPA 3913, 1, 180.7; INPA 34545, 3, 83.6–160.5 mm SL; MZUSP 2159, holotype, 165.7 mm SL; Farlowella isbruckeri: Brazil: MZUSP 27704, paratype, 134.8 mm SL; Farlowella jauruensis: Brazil: MZUSP 59457, 2, 58.3–57.3 mm SL; MZUSP 58485, 1, 77.2 mm SL; MZUSP 115560, 1, 81.4 mm SL; Farlowella knerii: Ecuador: ANSP 130435, 2, 21.4–73.3 mm SL; ANSP 130436, 1, 123.3 mm SL; Farlowella latisoma: Brazil: MNRJ 761, holotype, 179.3 mm SL, synonymy of Farlowella schreitmuelleri; Farlowella mariaelenae: Venezuela: ROM 94123, 2, 67.2–81.8 mm SL; Farlowella mitoupibo: Colombia: MPUJ 8481, holotype, 203.7 mm SL; MPUJ 8479, 1, paratype, 112.6 mm SL; MPUJ 8480, paratype, 5, 65.7–170 mm SL; MPUJ 8482, paratype, 109.4 mm SL; MPUJ 8483, paratype, 1, 163.1 mm SL; MPUJ 8484, paratype, 1, 112.5 mm SL; Farlowella myriodon: Peru: MZUSP 15328, holotype, 154 mm SL; MZUSP 15332, paratype, 134.2 mm SL; MZUSP 15342, paratype, 92.6 mm SL; Farlowella nattereri: Brazil: LBP 10568, 3, 80.7–92.4 mm SL; LBP 18192, 6, 47.5–117.5 mm SL; LBP 18526, 1, 189.9 mm SL; LBP 18580, 3, 102.9–164.5 mm SL; LBP 26628, 7, 185.0–208.6 mm SL; MNRJ 3732, 2, 166.9–168.2 mm SL; MNRJ 37080, 1, 135.7 mm SL; UFRO–ICT 6731, 2, 96.4–104.6 mm SL; UFRGS 26186, 1, 147.7 mm SL; Colombia: ROM 107219, 3, 90.3–213 mm SL; Peru: LBP 22594, 1, 132.3 mm SL; ROM 64063, 6, 42.9–129.8 mm SL; Farlowella aff. nattereri: Brazil: INPA 1637, 1, 117.8 mm SL; INPA 1963, 2, 78.7–146.1 mm SL; INPA 2017, 1, 87.5 mm SL; INPA 2808, 1, 171.8 mm SL; INPA 3916, 1, 95 mm SL; INPA 4839, 1, 184.5 mm SL; INPA 12945, 1, 162.5 mm SL; INPA 16763, 1, 52 mm SL; INPA 43891, 1, 199.1 mm SL; Guyana: INPA 58225, 2, 135.6–52.7 mm SL; ROM 97162, 1, 112.3 mm SL; Farlowella oliveirae Miranda Ribeiro, 1939: MNRJ 757, holotype, 111.8 mm SL, synonymy of Farlowella amazonum; Farlowella aff. oxyrryncha: Brazil: INPA 12940, 6, 61–155.2 mm SL; INPA 12941, 1, 60.5 mm SL; INPA 29869, 5, 29.9–105.1 mm SL; INPA 31038, 1, 100.3 mm SL; MZUEL 6713, 1, 103 mm SL; Farlowella cf. oxyrryncha: Brazil: INPA 1645,1, 86.4 mm SL; INPA 8159, 3, 61.9–151.6 mm SL; INPA 10371, 21, 72.33–188 mm SL; INPA 12964, 1, 56.3 mm SL; INPA 14001, 1, 159.2; INPA 20796, 1, 134.4 mm SL; INPA 27505, 21, 23.9–129.3 mm SL; INPA 37694, 1, 75 mm SL; INPA 53229, 1, 199.8 mm SL; INPA 54977, 1, 110 mm SL; INPA 58662, 1, 170.5 mm SL; MCP 32735, 1, 83 mm SL; MCP 36623, 7, 51.6–112.7 mm SL; MCP 46138, 1, 103 mm SL; MPEG 13083, 3, 116.4–127 mm SL; MPEG 28662, 5, 73.7–178.5 mm SL; MPEG 30901, 1, 103.7 mm SL; UFRGS 12165, 4, 105,5–97.7 mm SL; UFRGS 12325, 5, 49.8–133.6 mm SL; UFRGS 21842, 1, 100.3 mm SL; MNRJ 23380, 1, 115.4 mm SL; MZUSP 22919, 6, 47.7–101.8 mm SL; MZUSP 96753, 8, 55.9–101 mm SL; MZUSP 125342, 10, 69.2–195 mm SL; Farlowella paraguayensis Retzer & Page, 1997: Brazil: INPA 567, 5, 72.3–122.1 mm SL; INPA 2829, 4, 65.1–135 mm SL; INPA 2830, 6, 70.5–153.2; INPA 3919, 12, 56.5–88.7 mm SL; INPA 12999, 4, 59.8–110.7 mm SL; MNRJ 760, 1, 162.0 mm SL; MNRJ 46680, 2, 117.8–118.3 mm SL; MZUSP 47243, 8, paratypes, 122.5–134.4 mm SL; NUP 15010, 8, 51.7–95.8 mm SL; NUP 21531, 5, 56.3–101 mm SL; ZUFMS 1292, 2, 134.6–143.3 mm SL; ZUFMS 1426, 3, 112.9–122.3 mm SL; ZUFMS 4373, 3, 113.7–128.4 mm SL; ZUFMS 5950, 4, 74.2–122.9 mm SL; Farlowella pleurotaenia Miranda Ribeiro, 1939: Brazil: MNRJ 758, holotype, 99.6 mm SL, synonymy of Farlowella amazonum; Farlowella rugosa Boeseman, 1971: Brazil: IEPA 3886, 1, 187.2 mm SL; IEPA 3916, 1, 113.6 mm SL; Guyana: ROM 64797, 1, 143.5 mm SL; ROM 85790, 3, 73.9–87.4 mm SL; ROM 85916, 1, 73.7 mm SL; ROM 85922, 2, 81.9–143.1 mm SL; ROM 86116, 2, 63.5–65 mm SL; Suriname: ROM 98122, 1, 90.64 mm SL; Farlowella schreitmuelleri: Brazil: IEPA 2708, 1, 59 mm SL; IEPA 4644, 1, 66.9 mm SL; IEPA 4708, 1, 63.1 mm SL, IEPA 4724, 2, 80.1–121.8 mm SL; IEPA 4727, 6, 63.3–120.6 mm SL; INPA 3917, 1, 82.8 mm SL; INPA 3918, 1, 76.2 mm SL; INPA 6777, 9, 63.1–104.7 mm SL; INPA 6978, 3, 67.6–111.3 mm SL; INPA 7069, 1, 76 mm SL; INPA 8209, 1, 75.8 mm SL; INPA 24914, 11, 78.8–125.4 mm SL; INPA 29109, 2, 55.3–66.5 mm SL; INPA 44877, 5, 66.2–111 mm SL; INPA 44493, 1, 110.1 mm SL; INPA 44662, 1, 71.4 mm SL; INPA 45127, 2, 99.4–113.3 mm SL; INPA 45891, 13, 59.5–115.4 mm SL; INPA 46005, 1, 98.6 mm SL; INPA 46027, 1, 119.7 mm SL; MZUSP 101583, 2, 91.6–132 mm SL; MZUSP 101828, 1, 93.1 mm SL; UNT 488, 3, 106.5–140.7 mm SL; UNT 488, 3, 106.5–140.7 mm SL; Farlowella smithi Fowler, 1913: Brazil: UFRGS 25175, 3, 60.9–71.8 mm SL; UFRO–ICT 507, 3, 64.8–89.9 mm SL; UFRO–ICT 24122, 3, 70.3–88.9 mm SL; MZUSP 73593, 14, 56.9–85.8 mm SL; Farlowella vittata Myers, 1942: Colombia: LBP 18722, 2, 51.9–130.6 mm SL; MPUJ 8349, 8, 37.4–124.4 mm SL; MPUJ 8353, 2, 54.3–75.1 mm SL; MPUJ 8357, 7, 78.9–128.3 mm SL; Venezuela: LBP 2307, 1, 87.4 mm SL; LBP 9950, 2, 51.6–123.4 mm SL; ROM 88294, 6, 90.4–77.5 mm SL; ROM 94407, 3, 62–136.3 mm SL.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSWe are grateful to Mariangeles Arce and Mark Sabaj (ANSP); Cecile Gama (IEPA); Lucia Rapp Py-Daniel, Renildo Oliveira and Vitoria Pereira (INPA); Claudio Oliveira (LBP); Isaac Cabral and Leandro Sousa (LIA); Carlos Lucena (MCP); Alberto Akama and Angelo Dourado (MPEG); Alejandra Rodríguez, Tiago Carvalho and Saul Prada (MPUJ); Alessio Datovo, Guilherme Dutra, Mario de Pinna and Michel Gianeti (MZUSP); Carla Pavanelli and Marli Campos (NUPELIA); Marg Zur and Nathan Lujan (ROM); Fernando Jerep and José Birindelli (UEL); Juliana Wingert and Luiz Malabarba (UFRGS); Aline Andriolo and Carolina Doria (UFRO); Carine Chamon, Everton Oliveira and Paulo Lucinda (UNT); Francisco Severo Neto and Thomaz Sinani (ZUFMS) for loan material and assistance during visits of the first author to collections under their care. Alejandro Londoño-Burbano (MNRJ) for comments and discussion about the Loricariinae and generous contributions to this manuscript. Roberto Reis (MCP), Jonathan Armbruster (AUM) and an anonymous reviewer provided useful comments that helped improve the manuscript. Lucas Garcia (MNRJ) for the drawing of Fig. 1. Igor Souto-Santos (MNRJ) for helping with photos for Figs. 2, 3 and 4. Guilherme Dutra (MZUSP) for the photograph of the type locality. MD is supported from Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/PROEX 88887.335793/2019–00). MRB and WBW are supported by grants from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, processes #311294/2021–9 and #307988/2021–0).
Manuela DopazoWolmar B. WosiackiMarcelo R. BrittoABOUT THE AUTHORS

A new species of miniature 𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 (subgenus 𝑂𝑤𝑖𝑦𝑒𝑦𝑒) killifish has been described as 𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑑𝑘𝑜𝑤𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑖, from the rio Vaupés, eastern Colombia.

Three different phenotypes of this new species are discussed in the paper, green, orange, and red. The author of the paper also reviews the species within the 𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖 group. Photos by Vasco Gomes - Killifilia.
Paywall - https://www.killi-data.org/series-kd-2023-Vermeulen.php
Vermeulen, F.B.M., Killi-Data Series 2023: 100-115. https://www.killi-data.org/series-kd-2023-Vermeulen.php
𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁
This article describes 𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑑𝑘𝑜𝑤𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑖 n. spec. from Mitú, a small village along the headwaters of the Vaupés River, eastern Colombia, based on external and internal anatomical-morphological characteristics. This species belongs to the subgenus 𝑂𝑤𝑖𝑦𝑒𝑦𝑒, member of the 𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖 species group. The Vaupés River is an important source of the Rio Negro, a tributary of the Amazon River.
The new species belongs to a group of miniature 𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 but differs from its group members by body and fin coloration, body pattern, and to some extent, fin shape. Unlike its group members, which occur only in shallow water bodies such as swamps filled with leaf litter, this species is also found on the banks of small creeks and the mouths of larger creeks, where there is a moderate current. They seek shelter and reproduce in thick layers of leaf litter on the creek banks. Current members of the 𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖 species group and of the 𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑠 species group are discussed and comparted.
𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁
𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 (𝑂𝑤𝑖𝑦𝑒𝑦𝑒) 𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑑𝑘𝑜𝑤𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑖 green phenotype. Photos by Vasco Gomes. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087533316521
𝑅𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 (𝑂𝑤𝑖𝑦𝑒𝑦𝑒) 𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑑𝑘𝑜𝑤𝑠𝑘𝑖𝑖 orange phenotype. Photos by Vasco Gomes. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087533316521
Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published in the Killi-Data Series (2023). https://www.killi-data.org/index.php
#NewSpeciesAlert #NewFishSpecies #NewSpecies #Taxonomy #Biodiversity #Ichthyology #Aquarium #AquariumHobby #Fishkeeping #Fishkeeper #Aquarist #Killifish #Killifishes #Rivulus #Owiyeye #VaupésRiver #Columbia #Rivulidae

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Foxaspis novemura • Postcranial Disparity of galeaspids (Galeaspida) and the Evolution of Swimming Speeds in Stem-gnathostomes

Foxaspis novemura
Gai, Lin, Shan, Ferrón & Donoghue, 2023

DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad050
Researchgate.net/publication/368895582

Abstract
Galeaspids are extinct jawless relatives of living jawed vertebrates whose contribution to understanding the evolutionary assembly of the gnathostome bodyplan has been limited by absence of postcranial remains. Here, we describe Foxaspis novemura gen. et sp. nov., based on complete articulated remains from a newly discovered Konservat-Lagerstätte in the Early Devonian (Pragian, ∼410 Ma) of Guangxi, South China. F. novemura had a broad, circular dorso-ventrally compressed headshield, slender trunk and strongly asymmetrical hypochordal tail fin comprised of nine ray-like scale-covered digitations. This tail morphology contrasts with the symmetrical hypochordal tail fin of Tujiaaspis vividus, evidencing disparity in galeaspid postcranial anatomy. Analysis of swimming speed reveals galeaspids as moderately fast swimmers, capable of achieving greater cruising swimming speeds than their more derived jawless and jawed relatives. Our analyses reject the hypothesis of a driven trend towards increasingly active food acquisition which has been invoked to characterize early vertebrate evolution.

Keywords: Galeaspida, jawed vertebrates, evolution, functional morphology, phylogenetics, modelling

Class Galeaspida Tarlo, 1967
Order Polybranchiaspidiformes Liu, 1965

Family Duyunolepididae P'an et Wang, 1978

Genus Foxaspis gen. nov.

Foxaspis novemura gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. After the nine-tailed fox, a creature spoken of in the ancient Chinese mythological bestiary, the Shan-hai Ching (Classic of Mountains and Seas) which is a compilation of mythic geography and myth. Latin novem meaning nine; Latin -ura, meaning tail.

Holotype. A complete headshield articulated with body and tail V30958.1a,bpreserved together with a complete arthrodiran fish (Fig.1A,B).

Locality and horizon. Tongmu Town, Jinxiu County, Laibin City, Guangxi ZhuangAutonomous Region, China, the Xiaoshan Formation, Pragian, Early Devonian (Supplementary Fig. 1).

Zhikun Gai, Xianghong Lin, Xianren Shan, Humberto G. Ferrón and Philip C. J. Donoghue. 2023. Postcranial Disparity of galeaspids and the Evolution of Swimming Speeds in Stem-gnathostomes. National Science Review. nwad050. DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad050
Researchgate.net/publication/368895582_Postcranial_disparity_of_galeaspids_and_the_evolution_of_swimming_speeds_in_stem-gnathostomes

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Phoxinus abanticus, a new species from the Lake Abant drainage in Türkiye (Teleostei: Leuciscidae)Davut Turan, Esra Bayçelebi, Müfit Özuluğ, Özcan Gaygusuz, İsmail Aksu
First published: 21 March 2023

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15371urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:07548D6E-7D49-45D1-BA93-A92C4E2D792A.

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SHAREAbstractPhoxinus abanticus, a new species, is described from the Lake Abant basin. It is distinguished from Phoxinus species in Türkiye and adjacent waters by the presence of fewer lateral line scales (60–69, vs. 75–91 in Phoxinus colchicus, 75–90 in Phoxinus strandjae); a deeper caudal peduncle (caudal peduncle depth: 1.8–2.3 times in length, vs. 2.4–2.9 in P. colchicus; 2.5–3.2 in P. strandjae); the absence of scales in the breast of males (vs. present); and ventral body reddish in nuptial colouration pattern for male (vs. brackish). The new species, P. abanticus, is also distinguished from its closest relative, P. strandjae, by a minimum of 3.40% genetic distance in the mtDNA cytochrome b (cyt b) gene.

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Species-Level Recognition and Redescription of the Kentucky Arrow Darter, Etheostoma spilotum Gilbert (Percidae: Litocara)

in Thomas, Blanton, Ghezelayagh & Near, 2023
DOI: 10.3374/014.064.0103
  twitter.com/TJNear

Abstract
The Kentucky Arrow Darter, Etheostoma spilotum, endemic to the upper Kentucky River basin of eastern Kentucky, is redescribed and recognized as a distinct species closely related to E. sagitta in the upper Cumberland River basin and E. nianguae in the Osage River drainage (Missouri River basin). Originally described as a subspecies of E. nianguae, it was later considered a full species and then a subspecies of E. sagitta, based on close geographic proximity to Cumberland basin populations and overlapping meristic variation interpreted as character intergradation. We present meristic, morphometric, and genetic data that support species-level recognition of E. spilotum. It differs from E. sagitta by lower counts of total and pored lateral scales, lower counts of caudal peduncle scales, fewer second dorsal-fin rays, and fewer pectoral-fin rays. Interspecific divergence of E. spilotum and E. sagitta is further demonstrated through analyses of variation in the mitochondrial nd2 gene and species delimitation using genome-wide double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing. Although allopatrically distributed, both species inhabit upland headwater streams on the Cumberland Plateau and have similar life history characteristics. Endemism, fragmented distributions, and low densities and genetic diversity within populations make these species extremely vulnerable to anthropogenic activities. Etheostoma spilotum was federally listed as threatened in 2016 due to degradation of stream habitat and water quality in the upper Kentucky basin that has eliminated the species from a significant portion of its range.

KEYWORDS: Arrow Darter, Cumberland Plateau, taxonomy, species delimitation, subspecies

Matthew R. Thomas, Rebecca E. Blanton, Ava Ghezelayagh and Thomas J. Near. 2023. Species-Level Recognition and Redescription of the Kentucky Arrow Darter, Etheostoma spilotum Gilbert (Percidae: Litocara). Bulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History. 64(1); 39-80. DOI: 10.3374/014.064.0103
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Etheostoma xanthovum • A New Species of Spottail Darter (Percidae: Etheostomatinae: Etheostoma) Endemic to the Clarks River in Kentucky and Tennessee

[A] Etheostoma xanthovum
Wood, Harrington, Alley, Thomas, Simmons & Near, 2023

[C] E. oophylax,
[D] E. chienense
DOI: 10.3374/014.064.0102
twitter.com/TJNear

Abstract
Etheostoma xanthovum, the Clarks Darter, is described as a new species endemic to the Clarks River drainage in Kentucky and Tennessee, USA. Etheostoma xanthovum was previously recognized as Etheostoma oophylax based on morphological characters. Subsequent to the description of E. oophylax, molecular phylogenetic analyses consistently resolved specimens from the Clarks River drainage and E. chienense as sister species, which together formed a sister clade to all other sampled populations of E. oophylax. Our analyses of morphological trait data, mitochondrial DNA, and genomic sampling using double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing support the distinctiveness of E. xanthovum. Morphologically, E. xanthovum differs slightly from E. oophylax in the modal number of dorsal fin rays (12 versus 11) and in the average number of scale rows around the caudal peduncle (21.8 versus 20.4). Etheostoma xanthovum does not share mitochondrial DNA haplotypes with E. oophylax or E. chienense. Phylogenomic analysis of an average of 28,448 double digest restriction-site associated DNA loci per sampled specimen resolves E. xanthovum and E. chienense as sister species, and assessment of genomic divergence supports the hypothesis that each of these two species represents a distinct and independently evolving lineage. In addition, we report a range extension of E. oophylax in the Obion River drainage, a direct tributary of the Mississippi River.

KEYWORDS: species delimitation, phylogeny, Teleostei
This new species was thought to be a population of the Guardian Darter, E. oophylax (C) but is the sister lineage of the endangered Relict Darter, E. chienense (D)

Julia E. Wood, Richard C. Harrington, Zachariah D. Alley, Matthew R. Thomas, Jeffrey W. Simmons and Thomas J. Near. 2023. A New Species of Spottail Darter Endemic to the Clarks River in Kentucky and Tennessee (Percidae: Etheostomatinae: Etheostoma). Bulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History. 64(1); 11-37. DOI: 10.3374/014.064.0102
twitter.com/TJNear/status/1643209745224925185

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A new lacustrine ricefish from central Sulawesi, with a redescription of Oryzias marmoratus (Teleostei: Adrianichthyidae)

Ichthyological Research (2023)Cite this article

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AbstractOryzias loxolepis, new species, is described from Lake Towuti in the Malili Lake system, central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Historically this new species has been confused with Oryzias marmoratus (Aurich 1935), which we redescribe. While both species share dark brown blotches on a grayish-brown trunk, O. loxolepis differs from O. marmoratus in having 11 abdominal vertebrae, 12 or 13 transverse scales, a shorter caudal peduncle, terminal mouth, reduced nuchal concavity, slanted trunk scales, and a rounded male dorsal fin. Oryzias loxolepis can be also distinguished from Oryzias profundicola Kottelat 1990, another sympatric congener in Lake Towuti, in having a longer snout in both sexes, in males in having a larger head and eyes, and a black margined dorsal fin, and in females in having a shallower body depth at the anal- and dorsal-fin origins. A phylogenetic analysis based on genome-wide single nucleotide variants reveals O. loxolepis to be a sister taxon to O. profundicola rather than O. marmoratus. The identities of specimens historically referred to “O. marmoratus” in previous genetic studies are re-evaluated.
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Chromatic polymorphism in Trichomycterus albinotatus (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae), a mountain catfish from south-eastern Brazil and the role of colouration characters in trichomycterine taxonomy

Wilson J. E. M. Costa, José Leonardo O. Mattos, Pedro F. Amorim, Beatrizz O. Mesquita, Axel M. KatzAbstractColouration is an important tool for systematists inferring species limits and phylogenetic relationships of teleost fishes, but the use of colouration variation in trichomycterine catfish systematics has generated some controversy. We first report and describe the occurrence of four, geographically disjunct colour morphs in Trichomycterus albinotatus, endemic to south-eastern Brazil, as well as ontogenetic colouration change in each morph. A phylogenetic analysis using a cytb fragment (1098 bp) for 23 specimens representing all colour morphs and four outgroups did not support any correlation between colour morphs and lineages, with different colour morphs sharing identical haplotypes. This study indicated that young adult specimens found in lighter habitats had white and brown to black spots on the flank, whereas similar-sized specimens inhabiting darker habitats had white spots inconspicuous or absent and dark brown or black spots expanded. Individuals above about 65 mm SL of all populations had flank white marks less conspicuous or absent and cryptic habits during daylight, contrasting with smaller individuals with white marks and actively swimming above the substrate. Literature data indicate that ontogenetic colouration and habit changes occur in different trichomycterid lineages. Our data thus show that colouration may be problematic in taxonomical studies, although often being consistently used to diagnose species and clades. We conclude that colouration should not be discarded a priori as evidence of trichomycterine relationships and species limits, but should be used with caution in systematic studies, being necessary additional evidence, such as osteological characters or molecular data.

Link for full papaer doi.org/10.3897/zse.99.98341

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Uropterygius cyamommatus, a new moray eel (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) from anchialine caves in Christmas Island, Australia, and Panglao Island, the Philippines

Wen-Chien Huang1,2, Te-Yu Liao3 & Heok Hui Tan4*

Abstract. Uropterygius cyamommatus, new species, is described based on nine specimens from limestone anchialine caves in Christmas Island and Panglao Island. This species is a small-sized, elongated moray eel belonging to the uniform brown-coloured species group of the genus. It differs from all congeners of Uropterygius in having very small eyes (3.0–4.6% of head length), a relatively long tail (56.3–61.1% of total length), and a comparatively large number of vertebrae (total vertebrae 141–149). The new species represents the first-recorded moray eel that inhabits anchialine caves. Key words. eastern Indian Ocean, Elopomorpha, Uropterygiinae, western Pacific Ocean RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 71: 268–278 Date of publication: 29 March 2023 DOI: 10.26107/RBZ-2023-0021 http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:887FBA2D-60F5-4CEE-B5F0-047EE6B9709D © National University of Singapore ISSN 2345-7600 (electronic) | ISSN 0217-2445 (print) INTRODUCTION Nelson (1966) divided the family Muraenidae into two subfamilies, Muraeninae and Uropterygiinae, according to the absence and presence of hypobranchial in the former and the latter, respectively. More morphological characteristics were subsequently defined for recognising Uropterygiinae, in which the very short dorsal and anal fins that are restricted to the posterior portion of the caudal region are the most used diagnostic characters (Böhlke et al., 1989). Most moray eels in the subfamily Uropterygiinae are small-sized species (< 80 cm) that reclusively inhabit shallow waters (< 60 metres), and they usually possess either a reticulate (comprised of pale snowflake-like blotches) or uniform brown colouration pattern, leading to much difficulty in identification and a highly underestimated diversity (Smith et al., 2019). Compared to 188 valid species (22 were newly described in the last decade) in the subfamily Muraeninae, there are only 36 species within the Uropterygiinae, and it has been more than ten years since the most recent species was described (Reece et al., 2010; Fricke et al., 2022). Uropterygius Rüppell, 1838 is the largest genus of the Uropterygiinae which contains 21 valid species (Smith, 2012). Among them, five species exhibit very si
full paper at:- lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RBZ-2023-0021.pdf

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Glyptothorax irroratus, a new species of rheophilic catfish from the Mekong River drainage (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Sisoridae)Heok Hee Ng
&
Maurice Kottelat

Pages 358-371 | Received 04 Aug 2022, Accepted 25 Feb 2023, Published online: 29 Mar 2023

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https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2023.2186278

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ABSTRACTGlyptothorax irroratus, a new species of sisorid catfish from the Mekong River drainage in Laos and China, is described. It differs from its Indochinese congeners in having both large and small tubercles arranged irregularly on the lateral surfaces of the body and by combinations of colour pattern, morphometry (with particular regards to the eye, body depth, adipose fin and caudal peduncle) and thoracic adhesive apparatus morphology.
http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1031A8CE-F51D-4954-A812-14EE132371BA
KEYWORDS:

Previous article View issue table of contentsNext articleAcknowledgementsWe are grateful to the curators and collection managers of the institutions whose material we examined in this study for permission to examine material under their care. We also thank Wansheng Jiang for sharing data on Chinese Glyptothorax, and Walter Rainboth for permission to use the base map in Figure 4. Most material of the new species was collected by MK as a by-product of surveys for various hydropower projects between 1996 and 2018, with the assistance of numerous company staff, fishermen, villagers, boat operators, drivers, etc. MK thanks Thavone Phommavong for his valuable and persistent help and companionship in the field over the last 10 years.
Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Supplementary materialSupplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2023.2186278
Additional informationFundingThe authors reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

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Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis • A New Short Brown Unpatterned Moray Eel (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) from the southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal

Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis
Kodeeswaran, Kantharajan, Mohapatra, Ajith Kumar & Sarkar, 2023

DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.100461

Abstract
Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis sp. nov., a new species of short brown unpatterned moray, is described, based on four specimens ranging from 272–487 mm total length collected from the trawl bycatch landings at Mudasalodai fish landing centre, off Cuddalore coast, Tamil Nadu, southeast coast of India. The new species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: origin of dorsal fin at middle of rictus and gill opening, anus just before mid-body, series of lines of small dark spots present on head and a single line of black spot-on mid-line of body, jaw pores with white rim, anal-fin margin whitish, 3 pre-dorsal vertebrae, 56–59 pre-anal vertebrae and 139–150 total vertebrae. The new species differs from its known Indian water congeners by having series of lines of small dark spots present on the head and a single line of black spots on the mid-line of the body (vs. absent in all the three congeners in India), serrated teeth (vs. smooth), jaw pores with white rim (vs. black to brown in others) and higher vertebral count (139–150 vs. 134–138 in others). Our morphological and molecular analyses show that the new species forms a distinct clade from its congeners and these data support the status as a new species.

Key Words: Elopomorpha, molecular analyses, Tamil Nadu, unpatterned moray

Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis sp. nov.
holotype, NBFGR/MURGTAM, 487.8 mm TL, fresh colouration, collected from Mudasalodai fish landing centre, off Cuddalore, Bay of Bengal.

Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis sp. nov.
Proposed common name: Tamil Nadu brown moray

Diagnosis: A new species of a short brown unpatterned moray eel with the following combination of characters: series of lines of small dark spots present on head and a single line of black spots on mid-line of body, origin of dorsal fin at middle of rictus and gill opening, anus just before mid-body, pre-anal length 45.7–47.4% TL, snout blunt and very short, 6.5–7.7 mm in HL, eye small, teeth serrated, uniserial, ethomovomerine teeth five on each side with one tooth on mid-point, vomerine with eight teeth in a series, jaw pores with white rim, anal-fin margin whitish, 3 pre-dorsal vertebrae, 56–59 pre-anal vertebrae, 139–150 total vertebrae.

Distribution: Indian Ocean: off Cuddalore Coast, Bay of Bengal, southeast coast of India. The species were collected at a depth of about 25–30 metres.

Etymology: The species is named “tamilnaduensis” with reference to the state Tamil Nadu from where it was collected.

Paramasivam Kodeeswaran, Ganesan Kantharajan, Anil Mohapatra, T. T. Ajith Kumar and Uttam Kumar Sarkar. 2023. A New Short Brown Unpatterned Moray Eel (Anguilliformes, Muraenidae) from the southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 99(1): 253-260. DOI: 10.3897/zse.99.100461

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5252.1.1
PUBLISHED: 2023-03-08
Review of Indo-West Pacific jawfishes (Opistognathus: Opistognathidae), with descriptions of 18 new species

WILLIAM F. SMITH-VANIZ+

TAXONOMYZOOGEOGRAPHYENDEMISMBEHAVIOROPISTOGNATHIDAE

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AbstractSixty species of jawfishes (Opistognathus) from the Indo-West Pacific are reported in an updated review, including descriptions of 18 new species: Opistognathus albomaculatus n.sp., O. asper n.sp., O. aurolineatus n.sp., O. bathyphilus n.sp., O. biporus n.sp., O. challenger n.sp., O. erdmanni n.sp., O. flavidus n.sp., O. helvolus n.sp., O. hyalinus n.sp., O. megalops n.sp., O. microspilus n.sp., O. nigripinnis n.sp., O. parvus n.sp., O. pholeter n.sp., O. triops n.sp., O. vigilax n.sp., and O. wassi n.sp.. Species accounts are provided for each species, including illustrations or color photographs, complete synonymies, specimens examined (or appropriate citation if previously published in detail), diagnosis, comparisons, etymology, and distribution maps. Geographic range extensions are reported for a number of species. An identification key is given for all species and frequency tables of important characters are also provided. The taxonomic status of Opistognathus inornatus and O. rosenbergii annulatus are discussed in detail but not completely resolved pending unavailable molecular data. Geographic variation is also described for Opistognathus adelus, O. albomaculatus n.sp., O. castelnaui, O. margaretae, O. variabilis, and O. vigilax n.sp. Many species are known only from holotypes and others from single localities, indicating how much more remains to be known about these jawfishes

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Nemateleotris lavandula • Synopsis of the ptereleotrine Goby Genus Nemateleotris (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae), with Description of A New Species from the western and central Pacific Ocean

A, N. helfrichi, underwater photograph from Rarotonga, Cook Islands; B, Nemateleotris lavandula, new species, underwater photograph from Siaes Tunnel, Palau;
C, head profiles of N. helfrichi (left) and N. lavandula, new species, (right) showing difference in colouration of the head and maxilla; D, N. magnifica, underwater photograph from Bali;
E–F, N. decora, showing variability in colouration of the anterior body, underwater photograph from Fiji and the Maldives (the latter = N. exquisita sensu Randall & Connell, 2013) respectively.

Tea & Larson, 2023
RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71;
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Photographs by: A, P.Jaletzky; B, R. Spangler; C, Y.K. Tea; D, V. Chalias; E, J. Heard; F, M. Harada.

Abstract
Nemateleotris lavandula, new species, is described on the basis of the holotype from Augulupelu Reef, Palau, and twelve paratypes from across the western and central Pacific Ocean, including Fiji, Guam, Japan, and the Marshall Islands. The new species was previously confused with Nemateleotris helfrichi, but molecular analysis of mitochondrial COI reveals a difference of 1% in sequence data between both species, in addition to differences in morphometric measurements, live, and preserved colouration details. Both species are allopatric and do not overlap in distribution. The new species is readily separated from all congeners based on the following combination of characters: body lavender to lilac in life; maxilla unmarked, bright yellow in life; caudal fin truncate to weakly emarginate, unmarked, pale yellowish green in life; and snout, lower jaw, preopercle, and postorbital region bright yellow in life. We comment on the relationships among species of Nemateleotris, the taxonomic status of N. exquisita, and the doubtful identity of Zagadkogobius ourlazon. A revised key to species of Nemateleotris is provided.

Key words. dartfish, mesophotic, gobioid, Ptereleotrinae, Microdesminae

head profiles of N. helfrichi (left) and N. lavandula, new species, (right)
showing difference in colouration of the head and maxilla

A–C, Nemateleotris helfrichi; D–F, Nemateleotris lavandula, new species.
A, BPBM 11595, holotype, 43.3 mm SL, Tahiti, Society Islands; B, USNM 410981, 35.6 mm SL, Moorea, Society Islands, French Polynesia; C, ZRC 61811, 62.4 mm SL, aquarium specimen from the Cook Islands;
D, BPBM 10153, paratype (also paratype of N. helfrichi), 30.9 mm SL, Rigili Islet, Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands; E–F, ZRC 62990, paratypes, 36.1 mm SL and 29.8 mm SL respectively, aquarium specimens from Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, Micronesia.
Photographs by: A, C, D, J.E. Randall; B, J.T. Williams; E, F, H.H. Tan.

Nemateleotris lavandula, new species
Lavender-blushed Dartfish

Diagnosis. Nemateleotris lavandula is most similar to N. helfrichi, sharing with it the following combination of characters and live colouration details to the exclusion of all other Nemateleotris: caudal fin truncate to weakly emarginate; dorsoposterior ctenoid scales with fewer than 10 ctenii; elevated portion of first dorsal fin blue on anterior edge; median fins pale yellowish green, caudal fin without any markings, outermost edge of second dorsal and anal fin tipped with a yellow or orange spot, one in each interradial membrane space; body lavender to lilac in life; pelvic fins black-tipped; dorsal edge of iris with a black mark at 1 o’clock position, sometimes continuing onto interorbital space as a short streak. It is readily separated from N. helfrichi and all other congeners based on the following: maxilla unmarked (bright yellow in life, pale tan in preservation); and snout, lower jaw, preopercle, and postorbital region bright yellow in life.

Etymology. The species is named lavandula, after the genus of Lavandula flowering plants which includes the ornamental herb lavender, in reference to its beautiful colouration in life. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

Species of Nemateleotris and their putative hybrids.
A, N. helfrichi, underwater photograph from Rarotonga, Cook Islands; B, N. lavandula, new species, underwater photograph from Siaes Tunnel, Palau;
C, head profiles of N. helfrichi (left) and N. lavandula, new species, (right) showing difference in colouration of the head and maxilla; D, N. magnifica, underwater photograph from Bali;
E–F, N. decora, showing variability in colouration of the anterior body, underwater photograph from Fiji and the Maldives (the latter = N. exquisita sensu Randall & Connell, 2013) respectively;
G, putative N. magnifica × N. decora, underwater photograph from Izu Peninsula, Japan; H, putative N. magnifica × N. lavandula, new species, underwater photograph from Okinoerabu Island, Japan.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5254.4.2
PUBLISHED: 2023-03-14
Glyptothorax sardashtensis, a new species of torrent catfish from the upper Lesser Zab drainage in Iran (Teleostei: Sisoridae)

PISCESCYTOCHROME C OXIDASE IFRESHWATER FISHMIDDLE EASTTAXONOMY

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AbstractGlyptothorax sardashtensis, new species, from the upper Lesser Zab in Iran, is distinguished from its congeners in the Persian Gulf basin by: a plain flank without black or brown blotches; a wide and round anterior margin of the medial pit in the thoracic adhesive apparatus; few, short median striae in the thoracic adhesive apparatus; three yellowish blotches arranged in a crescent-shaped arch on the nuchal plate in front of the dorsal-fin origin; no tubercles on the head and flank; and a short adipose fin. The new species is also distinguished by a minimum K2P sequence divergence of 2.16% in the mtDNA-COI barcode region from G. daemon and G. galaxias, its closest relatives. Glyptothorax kurdistanicus is re-discovered close to its type locality.

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Euchiloglanis nami • A New Species of Euchiloglanis Regan, 1907 (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from Vietnam

Euchiloglanis nami
Tran, Nguyen, Dang, Nguyen & Nguyen, 2023

  Acta-Zoologica-Bulgarica.eu

Abstract
A new species of sisorid catfish of the genus Euchiloglanis is described from the Gam River, a tributary of the Red River in northern Vietnam. Euchiloglanis nami sp. n. differs from all the species placed in Euchiloglanis and Chimarrichthys by having elongated papilae on the ventral part of maxillary barbell. Euchiloglanis nami is distinguished from E. longibarbatus by having a wider premaxillary tooth band without indentation and the tip of the maxillary barbell reaching pectoral fin origin. The new species differs from E. davidi and E. kishinouyei by the depth of the caudal peduncle equal to 20.26–27.40 % of the caudalpeduncle length. It also differs from E. dorsoarcus by the anal-fin position being closer to the caudal-fin base than to the pelvic fin. From E. phongthoensis, it differs by the distance from the adipose-fin origin to the dorsal-fin insertion close to 50 % of the length of the adipose-fin base. In addition, E. nami differs from E. longus by having a wider premaxillary tooth band without indentation, shorter caudal peduncle (20.7 % SL), higher caudal peduncle depth (5.0 % SL), shorter distance between dorsal-fin insertion to adiposefin origin (14.8 % SL), shorter distance from snout to adipose-fin origin (57.4 % SL), shorter pelvic fins length (15.9 % SL) reaching the anus or a little beyond anus, longer adipose-fin base length (33.2 % SL) and narrower interorbital width (24.6 % SL). The new species is the first record of the genus Euchiloglanis in the Gam-Lo River system and is the third species in the genus from Vietnam.

Key words: Euchiloglanis nami sp. n., new species, Glyptosterminae, Black River, Gam River

Euchiloglanis nami sp. n., HNUE-F00283, holotype, 142.3 mm SL; Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park; Cao Bang Prov., Vietnam. Dorsal, ventral and lateral views. Scale bar 10 mm.

Euchiloglanis nami sp. n., HNUE-F00283, holotype, 142.3 mm SL; Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park; Cao Bang Prov., Vietnam. Dorsal, ventral and lateral views. Scale bar 10 mm.
Ventral profile of the head part of the holotype.
Ventral view of premaxillary tooth band of Euchiloglanis nami
collected from the Gam River of the Red River, northern Vietnam.

Euchiloglanis nami sp. n.

Diagnosis. Euchiloglanis nami sp. n. can be distinguished from congeners by the following unique combination of characteristics: D. i, 6; A. i, 4; P. i, 15–16; C. 16; wider premaxillary tooth band without indentation (Fig. 4); elongate and threadlike maxillary barbell with pointed tip reaching to pectoral fin origin; elongated papilae ventral part of maxillary barbell; anal-fin origin closer to caudalfin base than to pelvic-fin insertion; distance from adipose-fin origin to dorsal-fin insertion close to 50% of length of adipose-fin base; depth of caudal peduncle equal to 20.26–27.40% of length of caudal peduncle; shorter dorsal-fin insertion to adipose-fin origin (12.05–15.90% SL); shorter caudal-fin length (11.53–13.42% SL); longer adipose-fin base length (31.81–35.74% SL); adipose fin not connected with caudal-fin base; pelvic fins reaching anus or a little beyond anus; narrower interorbital width (20.97– 29.45% HL).

Etymology. The specific name is in honour of the young ichthyologist and our best friend Mr. Chu Hoang Nam. The species name is a noun in genitive case.

Hau Duc Tran, Duc Huu Nguyen, Huong Thanh Thi Dang, Huy Quang Nguyen and Nga Thi Nguyen. 2023. A New Species of Euchiloglanis Regan, 1907 (Actinopterygii: Sisoridae) from Vietnam. ACTA ZOOLOGICA BULGARICA [Acta Zool. Bulg.]. in press
  https://Acta-Zoologica-Bulgarica.eu/articles
acta-zoologica-bulgarica.eu/2023/002608

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Aborichthys uniobarensis • A New Species of River Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, Indiaia

Aborichthys uniobarensis
Nanda, Machahary, Tamang & Das. 2021

www.AJCB.in
facebook.com/DNGCZoology
Researchgate.net/publication/352984320

ABSTRACT
A new species of nemacheilid loach, Aborichthys uniobarensis, is described from the Senkhi stream, upper Brahmaputra basin in Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. Aborichthys uniobarensis is distinguished from all congeners by the presence of 6–14 fused oblique bars along the dorso-lateral margin of the body, 21–28 oblique bars along the flank, vent closer to the snout tip than to the caudal fin base and caudal fin oval shaped with upper half more extended than lower.

Key words: Cypriniformes, Eastern Himalaya, Brahmaputra River, Northeastern, India

Aborichthys uniobarensis sp. nov., EBRC/ZSI/F 12607, holotype (male), 83.9 mm;
a, lateral, b, dorsal, and c, ventral views

Aborichthys uniobarensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Aborichthys uniobarensis is diagnosed from all congeners by the presence of 6–14 fused oblique bars along the dorso-lateral margin of the body (vs. rarely fused). Further, it chiefly differs from all congeners by the following combination of characters: 21–28 oblique bars on the body, dorsal and ventral adipose crests low, vent closer to the snout tip than to the caudal-fn base, caudal fin oval shaped with upper half more extended than lower, and comprised of two concentric black to light brown bars in male.

Etymology: The species name is from the Latin unio means ‘fuse or meet‘, and barensis refer to vertical oblique bars along the body, in allusion to most of the paired bars dorsally fused. A noun in apposition.

Prasanta Nanda, Krima Queen Machahary, Lakpa Tamang and Debangshu Narayan Das. 2021. Aborichthys uniobarensis, A New Species of River Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Asian Journal of Conservation Biology. 10(1); 3-9. DOI: 10.53562/ajcb.ASHI9566 www.AJCB.in/archive_july_21.php
https://doi.org/10.53562/ajcb.ASHI9566
facebook.com/DNGCZoology/posts/1359161704460360 Researchgate.net/publication/352984320_Aborichthys_uniobarensis_a_new_species_of_river_loach_from_Arunachal_Pradesh_India

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Hyneria udlezinye • A high Latitude Gondwanan Species of the Late Devonian tristichopterid Hyneria (Osteichthyes: Sarcopterygii) from South Africa

Hyneria udlezinye
Gess & Ahlberg, 2023

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281333
Painting by Maggie Newman

Abstract
We describe the largest bony fish in the Late Devonian (late Famennian) fossil assemblage from Waterloo Farm near Makhanda/Grahamstown, South Africa. It is a giant member of the extinct clade Tristichopteridae (Sarcopterygii: Tetrapodomorpha) and most closely resembles Hyneria lindae from the late Famennian Catskill Formation of Pennsylvania, USA. Notwithstanding the overall similarity, it can be distinguished from H. lindae on a number of morphological points and is accordingly described as a new species, Hyneria udlezinye sp. nov. The preserved material comprises most of the dermal skull, lower jaw, gill cover and shoulder girdle. The cranial endoskeleton appears to have been unossified and is not preserved, apart from a fragment of the hyoid arch adhering to a subopercular, but the postcranial endoskeleton is represented by an ulnare, some semi-articulated neural spines, and the basal plate of a median fin. The discovery of H. udlezinye shows that Hyneria is a cosmopolitan genus extending into the high latitudes of Gondwana, not a Euramerican endemic. It supports the contention that the derived clade of giant tristichopterids, which alongside Hyneria includes such genera as Eusthenodon, Edenopteron and Mandageria, originated in Gondwana.

Systematic palaeontology
OSTEICHTHYES Huxley, 1880
SARCOPTERYGII Romer, 1955

TETRAPODOMORPHA Ahlberg, 1989
TRISTICHOPTERIDAE Cope, 1889

Diagnosis— Tetrapodomorph sarcopterygians with postspiracular bone present, vomers with long caudal process clasping the parasphenoid, circular scales with a median boss, and an elongate body with a trifurcate or rhombic caudal fin (modified from [3]).

HYNERIA Thomson, 1968

Type species— Hyneria lindae Thomson, 1968; Hyner, Pennsylvania, USA.

AM6540b and AM6528a, the two main blocks of the holotype of Hyneria udlezinye.
Each block also has a counterpart (not illustrated). A, AM6540b. Unlabelled bones all belong to a single large individual of the arthrodire placoderm Groenlandaspis riniensis [Long, et al. 1997]. B, AM6528a. This block also carries a jugal of the tetrapod Umzantsia amazana [Gess & Ahlberg, 2018] and a paranuchal of a small individual of Groenlandaspis riniensis.

Skull reconstruction of Hyneria udlezinye.
Dorsal (A) and lateral (B) views, drawn from photographs of a three-dimensional model, scaled to the size of the holotype.
Abbreviations: An, anocleithrum; Ang, angular; Cl, clavicle; Cle, cleithrum; De, dentary; It, intertemporal; Ju, jugal; La, lacrimal; M.Pr, median postrostral; Mx, maxilla; Op, opercular; Pa, parietal; Pi, pineal; Po, postorbital; Pop, preopercular; Pospl, postsplenial; Pp-St-Ta, postparietal, supratemporal and tabular (sutures not visible); Qj, qudratojugal; Sop, subopercular; Sq, squamosal; Sur, surangular.

Hyneria udlezinye sp. nov.
"Probable eusthenopterid" [Gess & Hiller, 1995]
"Close to Eusthenodon" [Anderson, et al., 1999]
"Similar to Hyneria" [Gess & Coates, 2008]
"cf Hyneria" [Gess, 2011]
"Hyneria-like" [Gess & Whitfield, 2020]

Diagnosis--A very large tristichopterid, closely resembling Hyneria lindae but differing from it in the following respects: postparietal shield widening more strongly from anterior to posterior; lateral corner of tabular weakly developed; preopercular and lacrimal proportionally deeper; denticulated field on parasphenoid extends further anteriorly; subopercular more shallow; dentary fangs proportionately larger.

Etymology— an apposition, from isiXhosa ‘udlezinye’, meaning ‘one who eats others’, referring to the inferred predatory lifestyle of the species. IsiXhosa is the widely spoken indigenous language of south-eastern South Africa where the fossil locality is located.

Life reconstruction of the non-marine component of the Waterloo Farm biota. Hyneria udlezinye is shown together with the tetrapods Umzantsia amazana and Tutusius umlambo [Gess & Ahlberg, 2018], the placoderms Groenlandaspis riniensis and Bothriolepis africana [Long, et al., 1997], the coelacanth Serenichthys kowiensis [Gess & Coates, 2015], the lungfish Isityumzi mlomomde [Gess & Clemen, 2019], and a cyrtoctenid eurypterid.
Painting by Maggie Newman, copyright R. W. Gess.

Conclusion:
The largest osteichthyan member of the Waterloo Farm vertebrate assemblage, a predatory sarcopterygian with a probable maximum length of nearly three metres, proves to be a new species of the genus Hyneria. This genus is otherwise only recorded from the late Famennian Catskill Formation of Pennsylvania. The new species, Hyneria udlezinye, differs from the type species Hyneria lindae in a number of minor but securely attested proportional characters relating to the skull roof, cheek, lower jaw and operculum. Hyneria now joins Eusthenodon and Langlieria as one of the derived, late, giant tristichopterids known from both Euramerica and Gondwana. The other confirmed members of this clade (Mandageria, Cabonnichthys and Edenopteron) are exclusively known from Gondwana. This strongly supports the contention that this clade represents a Gondwanan radiation [Olive, et al. 2020].

Hyneria udlezinye is the first tristichopterid to be recorded from a high palaeolatitude, all other members of the group coming from palaeoequatorial to mid-palaeolatitude localities. All previously recorded Gondwanan members of the derived tristichopterid clade come from Australia, leading Olive et al. [2020] to argue for an Australian origin for this clade. The new evidence from Waterloo Farm, however, suggests that a more general Gondwanan origin for this clade is highly likely. This once again demonstrates how inferences about biogeographical patterns have historically been skewed by a paucity of data from high-palaeolatitude localities. Such data can only come from Gondwana, as no continents extended into northern high latitudes during the Devonian. The Waterloo Farm lagerstätte provides a unique window into an almost unknown part of the Late Devonian world.

Robert W. Gess and Per E. Ahlberg. 2023. A high Latitude Gondwanan Species of the Late Devonian tristichopterid Hyneria (Osteichthyes: Sarcopterygii). PLoS ONE. 18(2): e0281333. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281333

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Phylogenetic Relationships of the North American Catfishes (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae): Investigating the Origins and Parallel Evolution of the Troglodytic Species

Noturus, Prietella, Pylodictis, Satan, Trogloglanis, Ameiurus, Ictalurus
Phylogeographic sketch of extant Ictaluridae based on relationships supported in this study

in Janzen, Pérez-Rodríguez, Domínguez-Domínguez, Hendrickson, Sabaj & Blouin-Demers, 2023.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107746
Photos by D.A. Hendrickson, J. Krejca, Zara Environmental LLC., M.H. Sabaj, G.W. Sneegas and M.R. Thomas.

Highlights:
• The known cave species of Ictaluridae currently form a polyphyletic clade.
• A minimum of two cave invasions occurred by surface-dwelling ancestors.
• Two sister cave species likely resulted from subterranean dispersal between caves.
• Transient connectivity of aquifers acted as a sufficient barrier for speciation.
• Prietella species do not form a sister pair, indicating a need for reclassification.

Abstract
Insular habitats have played an important role in developing evolutionary theory, including natural selection and island biogeography. Caves are insular habitats that place extreme selective pressures on organisms due to the absence of light and food scarcity. Therefore, cave organisms present an excellent opportunity for studying colonization and speciation in response to the unique abiotic conditions that require extreme adaptations. One vertebrate family, the North American catfishes (Ictaluridae), includes four troglodytic species that inhabit the karst region bordering the western Gulf of Mexico. The phylogenetic relationships of these species have been contentious, and conflicting hypotheses have been proposed to explain their origins. The purpose of our study was to construct a time-calibrated phylogeny of Ictaluridae using first-occurrence fossil data and the largest molecular dataset on the group to date. We test the hypothesis that troglodytic ictalurids have evolved in parallel, thus resulting from repeated cave colonization events. We found that Prietella lundbergi is sister to surface-dwelling Ictalurus and that Prietella phreatophila + Trogloglanis pattersoni are sister to surface-dwelling Ameiurus, suggesting that ictalurids colonized subterranean habitats at least twice in evolutionary history. The sister relationship between Prietella phreatophila and Trogloglanis pattersoni may indicate that these two species diverged from a common ancestor following a subterranean dispersal event between Texas and Coahuila aquifers. We recovered Prietella as a polyphyletic genus and recommend P. lundbergi be removed from this genus. With respect to Ameiurus, we found evidence for a potentially undescribed species sister to A. platycephalus, which warrants further investigation of Atlantic and Gulf slope Ameiurus species. In Ictalurus, we identified shallow divergence between I. dugesii and I. ochoterenai, I. australis and I. mexicanus, and I. furcatus and I. meridionalis, indicating a need to reexamine the validity of each species. Lastly, we propose minor revisions to the intrageneric classification of Noturus including the restriction of subgenus Schilbeodes to N. gyrinus (type species), N. lachneri, N. leptacanthus, and N. nocturnus.

Keywords: Aquifer, Biogeography, Hypogean, Insular habitats, Speciation, Time-calibrated phylogeny

Phylogeographic sketch of extant Ictaluridae based on relationships supported in this study (solid lines) or inferred from previous ones (dashed line).
Branch lengths proportional to those in Fig. 2; circles denote common ancestor of respective genus. Distribution maps of epigean genera (gray) and hypogean species (red) derived from Burr et al. (2020).
Photos by D.A. Hendrickson (Prietella lundbergi), J. Krejca, Zara Environmental LLC. (Prietella phreatophila), M.H. Sabaj (Noturus, Pylodictis), G.W. Sneegas (Satan, Trogloglanis) and M.R. Thomas (Ameiurus, Ictalurus).

Francesco H. Janzen, Rodolfo Pérez-Rodríguez, Omar Domínguez-Domínguez, Dean A. Hendrickson, Mark H. Sabaj and Gabriel Blouin-Demers. 2023. Phylogenetic Relationships of the North American Catfishes (Ictaluridae, Siluriformes): Investigating the Origins and Parallel Evolution of the Troglodytic Species. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 107746. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107746

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Systematics and Phylogenetic Interrelationships of the Enigmatic Late Jurassic Shark Protospinax annectans Woodward, 1918 with Comments on the Shark–Ray Sister Group Relationship

Protospinax annectans Woodward, 1918

in Jambura, Villalobos-Segura, Türtscher, Begat, ... et Kriwet, 2023.
DOI: 10.3390/d15030311

Abstract
The Late Jurassic elasmobranch Protospinax annectans is often regarded as a key species to our understanding of crown group elasmobranch interrelationships and the evolutionary history of this group. However, since its first description more than 100 years ago, its phylogenetic position within the Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) has proven controversial, and a closer relationship between Protospinax and each of the posited superorders (Batomorphii, Squalomorphii, and Galeomorphii) has been proposed over the time. Here we revise this controversial taxon based on new holomorphic specimens from the Late Jurassic Konservat-Lagerstätte of the Solnhofen Archipelago in Bavaria (Germany) and review its skeletal morphology, systematics, and phylogenetic interrelationships. A data matrix with 224 morphological characters was compiled and analyzed under a molecular backbone constraint. Our results indicate a close relationship between Protospinax, angel sharks (Squatiniformes), and saw sharks (Pristiophoriformes). However, the revision of our morphological data matrix within a molecular framework highlights the lack of morphological characters defining certain groups, especially sharks of the order Squaliformes, hampering the phylogenetic resolution of Protospinax annectans with certainty. Furthermore, the monophyly of modern sharks retrieved by molecular studies is only weakly supported by morphological data, stressing the need for more characters to align morphological and molecular studies in the future.

Keywords: phylogenetics; elasmobranch evolution; calibration fossil; molecular backbone constraint; hypnosqualea; Mesozoic; Solnhofen Archipelago; Konservat-Lagerstätte

New fossil skeletal material of Protospinax annectans Woodward, 1918 examined in this study.
(A) PBP-SOL-8007; (B) MB 14-12-22-1; (C) UMN uncatalogued; (D) JME-SOS 3386; (E,F) FSM 727.
Abbreviations: bp, basal plate; dfs, dorsal fin spine; sne, supraneuralia; vc, vertebral column.

Environmental reconstruction of the Tithonian (Late Jurassic) Solnhofen Archipelago, showing Protospinax annectans in association with the Late Jurassic ray Asterodermus platypterus.

Patrick L. Jambura, Eduardo Villalobos-Segura, Julia Türtscher, Arnaud Begat, Manuel Andreas Staggl, Sebastian Stumpf, René Kindlimann, Stefanie Klug, Frederic Lacombat, Burkhard Pohl, John G. Maisey, Gavin J. P. Naylor and Jürgen Kriwet. 2023. Systematics and Phylogenetic Interrelationships of the Enigmatic Late Jurassic Shark Protospinax annectans Woodward, 1918 with Comments on the Shark–Ray Sister Group Relationship. Diversity. 15(3); 311. DOI: 10.3390/d15030311
(the Special Issue: Evolution and Diversity of Fishes in Deep Time)

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Nemacheilus pullus, a new species of loach from central Laos (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)

Maurice Kottelat

Abstract.

Nemacheilus pullus, new species, is described from the Nam Ngiep and Nam Xan watersheds, Mekong drainage, in central Laos. It was earlier misidentified as N. platiceps. It is distinguished from congeners in having an incomplete lateral line, with 23–57 pores, reaching between verticals of pelvic-fin origin and of anus; anterior nare at tip of a short tube; body plain yellowish grey in life in adults; a conspicuous suborbital flap in males; small tubercles on anterior pectoral-fin rays and on flank. It was found in habitats with moderate flow, usually small streams, on mud to stone bottoms. An informal platiceps group is recognised, including N. platiceps, N. cac

website DOI: 10.26107/RBZ-2023-0009
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New species of Rhyacoglanis (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) from the upper rio Tocantins basin

Oscar Akio ShibattaLenice Souza-ShibattaABOUT THE AUTHORSAbstractA new species of Rhyacoglanis from the upper rio Tocantins basin is described based on morphological and molecular data. The new species differs from the congeners by its color pattern, caudal fin shape, hypural bones fusion pattern, pectoral-fin spine shape, and barcode sequence of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). In this study, two putative monophyletic groups of Rhyacoglanis are proposed based on morphology, one consisting of species with a short post-cleithral process and caudal fin with rounded lobes, Rhyacoglanis epiblepsis and R. rapppydanielae, and the other with a longer post-cleithral process and caudal fin with pointed lobes, R. annulatus, R. paranensis, R. pulcher, R. seminiger, and the new species described herein.
Keywords:
Biodiversity; Bumblebee catfish; Ostariophysi; Systematics; Taxonomy
INTRODUCTIONPseudopimelodidae Fernández-Yépez & Antón, 1966 is a small family of Neotropical catfishes with 54 known species (Shibatta et al., 2021a,b). It comprises six genera, distributed in the subfamilies Pseudopimelodinae (CruciglanisOrtega-Lara & Lehmann, 2006, Pseudopimelodus Bleeker, 1858, and Rhyacoglanis Shibatta & Vari, 2017) and Batrocoglaninae (Batrochoglanis Gill, 1858, Lophiosilurus Steindachner, 1876, and Microglanis Eigenmann, 1912) (Shibatta et al., 2021; Silva et al., 2021).
Rhyacoglanis comprises six species: R. annulatus Shibatta & Vari, 2017; R. epiblepsis Shibatta & Vari, 2017; R. paranensis Shibatta & Vari, 2017; R. pulcher (Boulenger, 1887); R. rapppydanielae Shibatta, Rocha & Oliveira, 2021, and R. seminiger Shibatta & Vari, 2017. The genus can be identified by the following morphological characters: small size (maximum known size of 89.2 mm standard length – SL), premaxillary dentigerous plate posterolaterally pointed, lateral line elongated, lateral region of the head with rounded shape depigmented area, body with dark brown vertical bars, and caudal fin with dark brown band usually confluent midlaterally with the dark brown bar on the caudal peduncle (Shibatta, Vari, 2017). The monophyly of Rhyacoglanis is corroborated by morphological and molecular analyses (Shibatta, Vari, 2017; Shibatta et al., 2021; Silva et al., 2021).
Rhyacoglanis is distributed in the Amazon, Orinoco, Paraná, Paraguay, and lower rio Tocantins basins (Shibatta, Vari, 2017; Shibatta et al., 2021). Microglanis maculatus Shibatta, 2014 is the only species of Pseudopimelodidae described from the upper rio Tocantins basin. This region is considered highly endemic and has 27 (52.9%) of the 51 threatened fish species in the entire rio Tocantins-Araguaia basin (Chamon et al., 2022). The new species of Rhyacoglanis described herein reinforces the endemicity of fishes in the basin.

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Ophichthys terricolus, a new species of hypogean swamp eel from Cachar, Assam (Teleostei: Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae)
Reihe: Ichthyological Exploration of FreshwatersReceived 8 December 2022
Revised 10 January 2023
Accepted 28 January 2023
Published 16 February 2023
ZooBank LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FE426F8B-F0BE-4112-98BE-500A1547C872
German National Library URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023021616584314426720
DOI: 10.23788/IEF-1189
Ophichthys terricolus, a new species of hypogean swamp eel from Cachar, Assam (Teleostei: Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae) Ralf Britz*, **, Ariane Standing**, David J. Gower** and Rachunliu G. Kamei**, *** A new species of swamp eel, Ophichthys terricolus, is described from Assam, India. The new species closely resembles the common Ophichthys cuchia but differs from this species by having fewer abdominal vertebrae (79-80 vs. 95-100), a longer preanal and shorter postanal region, and a wider and higher posterior part of the body. Introduction Swamp eels of the family Synbranchidae are a small group of eel-like percomorphs with currently at least 24 valid species, distributed in South and Central America, West Africa, large parts of Asia, as well as Australia (Rosen & Greenwood, 1976; Bailey & Gans, 1998; Gopi, 2002; Favorito et al., 2005; Kottelat, 2013; Britz et al., 2011, 2016, 2018, 2020a, 2020b, 2021, 2022). Swamp eels are peculiar among teleosts because they lack pectoral, pelvic, dorsal, anal, and usually also caudal fins (Rosen & Greenwood, 1976). Synbranchids also have highly vascularised accessory air-breathing organs in combination with strikingly modified vascular systems to exploit atmospheric oxygen (Hyrtl, 1858; Liem, 1961; Samuel, 1963; Rosen & Greenwood, 1976). To date, 11 species of synbranchids have been recorded from India, of which six are restricted to the Western Ghats area of southern India, four occur only in the north of the country (Britz et al., 2018, 2020b), and one, the brackish water Ophisternon bengalense, along coastal areas of India. Among these, the northern Indian species Ophichthys cuchia has a wide distribution ranging from Pakistan, through northern India, the North Eastern Region (NER) of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh to Myanmar (Rosen & Greenwood, 1976; Menon, 1999). This species has recently established non-native reproducing populations in the USA (Jordan et al., 2020; Best et al., 2022). Ichthyologists traditionally search for fishes using nets, and not through soil-digging surveys, but in the recent past, burrowing, semi-terrestrial synbranchid eels have been found by herpeto- *

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Checklist of the Fishes of the Kundelungu National Park (Upper Congo Basin, DR Congo): Species Diversity and Endemicity of a Poorly Known Ichthyofauna
by
Emmanuel Abwe
1,2,3,
Jos Snoeks
3,4,
Bauchet Katemo Manda
1,3,
Pacifique Kiwele Mutambala
1,
Lewis Ngoy Kalumba
1,
Pedro H. N. Bragança
3

Abstract

The fish diversity of the Kundelungu National Park (KNP), one of the seven national parks of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has never been thoroughly studied. This first checklist is presented based on a literature compilation and the study of historical (1939–1969) and recent collections (2012–2017). A total of 96 taxa are reported, including 64 native described species, one introduced species (Poecilia reticulata), 13 new species that await formal description and 18 possibly new species that require further investigation to verify their status. These taxa represent 39 genera and 17 families from the KNP including its Buffer Zone (BZ). Only six taxa, including five endemics, are known from the Core Zone on the Kundelungu Plateau (1300–1700 m alt.). At lower altitudes (800–1100 m), in the Annex Zone, 71 taxa, including 17 endemics, were found. Finally, 50 taxa, including 13 endemics and one introduced species, are known from its BZ. The fish fauna of the KNP is threatened by overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and habitat degradation due to mining pollution, and deforestation for agriculture on the river banks. The present study provides the much needed baseline data for the protection and conservation planning of this fish fauna, for which conservation suggestions are formulated.
Keywords:
anthropogenic impacts; Endemism; Kundelungu Plateau; new species

1. IntroductionThe Kundelungu National Park (KNP) was created in 1970 to protect its abundant large mammal wildlife [1,2]. The park is located in the Haut Katanga Province, in the south-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). The protected area was extended from 2200 km2 to 7600 km2 in 1975, and now encompasses 2200 km2 of Core Zone (CZ), located entirely on the Kundelungu Plateau (KP) and its immediate buttress region, and an Annex Zone (AZ) of 5400 km2 covering most of the middle Lufira River Valley. These two zones correspond to the KNP sensu stricto; here referred to as KNP. However, the KNP is surrounded by a poorly defined Buffer Zone (BZ), which may extend at some places up to about 50 km beyond the outer limit of the two previous zones [1,2] (Figure 1). These three distinct protection/conservation zones together are referred to as the KNP sensu lato (s.l.). Towards its north-western border, the KNP is connected to the Upemba National Park via the Lubudi-Sampwe hunting area [2], and together they form the Upemba-Kundelungu Complex [3].

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Checklist of the fish fauna of the Munim River Basin, Maranhão, north-eastern Brazil

Lucas O. Vieira, Diego S. Campos, Rafael F. Oliveira, Josie South, Marcony S. P. Coelho, Maurício J. S. Paiva, Pedro H. N. Bragança, Erick C. Guimarães, Axel M. Katz, Pâmella S. Brito, Jadson P. Santos, Felipe P. OttoniAbstractBackgroundThe Maranhão State harbours great fish diversity, but some areas are still undersampled or little known, such as the Munim River Basin in the northeast of the State. This lack of knowledge is critical when considering anthropogenic impacts on riverine systems especially in the face of major habitat destruction. These pressing threats mean that a comprehensive understanding of diversity is critical and fish checklists extremely relevant. Therefore, the present study provides a checklist of the fish species found in the Munim River Basin, Maranhão State, north-eastern Brazil, based on collected specimens.
New informationA total of 123 species were recorded for the Munim River Basin, with only two non-native species, Oreochromis niloticus and Colossoma macropomum, showing that the fish assemblage has relatively high ecological integrity. In addition, 29 species could not be identified at the species level, indicating the presence of species that are probably new to science in the Basin. A predominance of species belonging to the fish orders Characiformes and Siluriformes, with Characidae being recovered as the most species-rich family (21 species) agrees with the general pattern for river basins in the Neotropical Region. The total fish diversity was estimated by extensive fieldwork, including several sampling gears, carried out in different seasons (dry and rainy) and exploring different environments with both daily and nocturnal sampling, from the Basin's source to its mouth. A total of 84 sites were sampled between 2010 and 2022, resulting in 12 years of fieldwork. Fish assemblages were distinct in the Estuary and Upper river basin sections and more similar in the Lower and Middle sections indicating environmental filtering processes. Species were weakly nested across basin sections, but unique species were found in each section (per Simpsons Index). High variability of species richness in the Middle river basin section is likely due to microhabitat heterogeneity supporting specialist fish communities.

bit.ly/3EbOYl4
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Two new species of miniature tetras of the fish genus Priocharax from the Rio Juruá drainage, Acre, Brazil (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae)

Authors: George M.T. Mattox https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4748-472X [email protected], Ralf Britz, Camila S. Souza, André L.S. Casas, Flávio C.T. Lima, and Claudio OliveiraAUTHORS INFO & AFFILIATIONS
Publication: Canadian Journal of Zoology
10 February 2023
https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2022-0136
Data is empt
Canadian Journal of Zoology
AbstractTwo new miniature tetra species of the Neotropical characid genus Priocharax Weitzman and Vari, 1987 are described, raising the known species diversity to seven. Both species occur in the Rio Juruá system, Cruzeiro do Sul municipality, Acre State, Brazil. Priocharax toledopizae sp. nov. occurs in streams flowing to the lower Rio Moa, a tributary of Rio Juruá, and is distinguished from congeners by a combination of presence of claustrum and infraorbitals 1 and 2, absence of infraorbital 3, and presence of five branched pelvic-fin rays. Priocharax marupiara sp. nov. is known from Igarapé Canela Fina, tributary of Rio Juruá, and is diagnosed by a combination of fewer maxillary teeth (21–27 vs. 27–58 in remaining species), fewer branched anal-fin rays (18–23 vs. 22–27 in two species) and colour pattern. Both species differ from each other in the general body shape: Priocharax toledopizae is more robust with deep body and Priocharax marupiara more elongate. DNA barcode data support the specific distinctness of the two new species and that of the other five species in the genus. We describe a remarkable sexual dimorphism of the pelvic girdle of Priocharax toledopizae in which the pelvic musculature is enlarged forming a pedicel for the fin in mature males. Most localities where these species were found suffer from significant degradation mainly due to litter accumulation and suppression of the riparian forest, raising concerns about their conservation status.Get full access to this articleView all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
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Acanthopagrus oconnorae • A New Species of Seabream (Perciformes: Sparidae) from the Red Sea

Acanthopagrus oconnorae Pombo-Ayora and Peinemann,

in Pombo-Ayora, Peinemann, Williams, He, Lin, Iwatsuki, Bradley & Berumen, 2022.
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15147
Researchgate.net/publication/361611221

Abstract
A new species of sparid fish, Acanthopagrus oconnorae, is described based on 11 specimens collected in the shallow (0–1 m depth) mangrove-adjacent sandflats of Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: second anal-fin spine 12.8%–16.6% of standard length (SL); 3½ scale rows between the fifth dorsal-fin spine and lateral line; suborbital width 5.7%–6.7% of SL; eyes positioned at the anterior edge of the head, often forming a weakly convex break in an otherwise gently curved head profile, when viewed laterally; caudal fin light yellow with black posterior margin (approximately half of fin); anal fin dusky grey, with posterior one-fifth of the fin light yellow; black streaks on inter-radial membranes of anal fin absent. The most similar species to A. oconnorae is Acanthopagrus vagus, which differs by the presence of a w-shaped anterior edge of the scaled predorsal area, a more acute snout and black streaks on the inter-radial membranes of the anal fin. Phylogenetic placement and species delimitation of A. oconnorae are discussed based on COI, CytB and 16S sequences. It is hypothesized that ecology and behaviour explain how this species avoided detection despite its likely occurrence in coastal areas of the Red Sea with historically high fishing pressure.

Keywords: biodiversity, new species, phylogeny, Red Sea, seabream, Sparidae, taxonomy

(a) Freshly collected holotype of Acanthopagrus oconnorae sp. nov., CAS-ICH 247294, 222.7 mm SL (standard length), from the central Saudi Arabian Red Sea.
(b) Holotype of A. oconnorae sp. nov. after preservation in formalin. The posterior margin of the preopercle and opercle turns darkish or blackish, and yellowish portions of pectoral, anal and pelvic fins turn hyaline after preservation.
Photos: L. Pombo-Ayora

Species of Acanthopagrus similar to Acanthopagrus oconnorae currently known from the Western Indian Ocean region.
(a) Acanthopagrus oconnorae sp. nov. [CAS-ICH 247299, 185.8 mm SL (standard length), Thuwal, Red Sea]. (b) Acanthopagrus sheim (168.3 SL, Dammam fish market). (c) Acanthopagrus vagus (200 mm SL, Kosi Bay, South Africa; specimen not retained). Note the differences in the colouration of the dorsal fin and anal fin. See Table 2 for detailed morphometric comparisons.
Photos: (a, b) L. Pombo-Ayora, (c) Bruce Mann

Acanthopagrus oconnorae Pombo-Ayora and Peinemann, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A. oconnorae is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: dorsal fin XI, 11; anal fin III, 8; 4½ scale rows above lateral line; 3½ scale rows between fifth dorsal-fin spine and lateral line; suborbital width 6%–7% of SL; body moderately deep (40%–45% of SL); head length 29%–32% of SL; second anal-fin spine 13%–17% of SL; anal fin yellowish grey or dusky grey, with posterior one-fifth of the fin light yellow; black streaks on inter-radial membranes of anal fin absent; caudal fin light yellow with a broad black posterior margin (approximately half of the fin); vertical bands on body absent or weak (four horizontal scale rows wide, if present); conspicuous black spot on the upper base of pectoral fin; diffuse black blotch at the origin of lateral line covering the upper part of the cleithrum (Figure 4).

Distribution and habitat: Currently this species is known from the mangrove-adjacent sandflats and mangrove-encircled pools of Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, in the central Red Sea. All specimens were caught in very close proximity to the mangrove habitat. All the trapped specimens were captured on sandflat shelves with very shallow water (maximum 1 m depth at high tide) near coastal stands of mangroves (Avicennia marina). Individuals of A. oconnorae appear to commonly utilize a specific type of habitat, co-occurring with A. berda, R. haffara, Pomadasys argenteus, Gerres longirostris, Monodactylus argenteus, Albula glossodonta and Crenimugil crenilabis.

Etymology: A. oconnorae is named in honour of Winefride Bradley (née O'Connor), botanist, on the occasion of her 90th birthday. D.D.C.B., her son, first noted several of the distinctive features of this fish in specimens caught while leisure fishing, and he provided a caudal-fin clipping for initial genetic analysis. D.D.C.B. collected the first specimen (CAS-ICH 247295) analysed in this study.

Common name: The following common name is proposed: Bev Bradley's Bream, after D.D.C.B.'s wife, Mrs. Beverley Bradley.

Lucía Pombo-Ayora, Viktor N. Peinemann, Collin T. Williams, Song He, Yu Jia Lin, Yukio Iwatsuki, Donal D. C. Bradley and Michael L. Berumen. 2022. Acanthopagrus oconnorae, A New Species of Seabream (Sparidae) from the Red Sea. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15147
Researchgate.net/publication/361611221_Acanthopagrus_oconnorae_a_new_species_of_Sparidae_from_the_Red_Sea

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Parotocinclus pukuixe • A New Species of Parotocinclus (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the rio Pardo basin, Bahia State, Brazil, with comments on the sexually dimorphic traits of the nares and olfactory lamellae

Parotocinclus pukuixe
Silva-Junior and Angela M. Zanata. 2022

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15235
  Researchgate.net/publication/364156336

Abstract
A new species of Parotocinclus is described from lower rio Pardo basin, Bahia, Brazil. The new species differs from the majority of its congeners by the presence of a rudimentary or vestigial adipose fin, restricted to one to three small unpaired plates on the typical location of the fin. The new species differs from congeners that lack a well-developed adipose fin, and also from various other congeners, by a series of features including the absence of unicuspid accessory teeth and abdomen completely covered by plates similar in size. Additionally, mature males of the new species possess hypertrophied and a higher number of olfactory lamellae, when compared to similar-sized or even larger females. Hypertrophied and higher number of olfactory lamellae in males is shared with the congeners from the north-eastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion examined to the feature.

Keywords: Cascudinho, north-eastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion, sexual dimorphism, Siluriformes, taxonomy

Parotocinclus pukuixe, holotype. MZUSP 126858, 36.4 mm LS, female,
Brazil, Bahia State, Camacan, Fazenda Tupinambá, rio Braço do Sul, tributary of rio Panelão, ..., 200 m a.s.l., 18 Out 2013, A. M. Zanata, T. Ramos, L. Oliveira & T. Duarte

Parotocinclus pukuixe, new species

Etmology: The specific name derives from the word ‘pukuixê’, from the Pataxohã language used by the native Pataxó Indigenous tribe. The Pataxó tribe historically occupies the south and extreme south coastal areas of Bahia State. Pukuixê means ‘the first’ and is used herein in allusion to the species being the first of the genus having the rio Pardo as its type locality. A noun in apposition.

Dario E. Silva-Junior and Angela M. Zanata. 2022. A New Species of Parotocinclus (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the rio Pardo basin, Bahia State, Brazil, with comments on the sexually dimorphic traits of the nares and olfactory lamellae.  Journal of Fish Biology. 101(6); 1582-1590. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15235
  Researchgate.net/publication/364156336_A_new_species_of_Parotocinclus_from_the_rio_Pardo_basin_Bahia_State_Brazil

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27 December 2022Two new hypogean species of Triplophysa (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the River Yangtze drainage in Guizhou, China
Fei Liu, Zhi-Xuan Zeng, Zheng Gong
Author Affiliations +
J. of Vertebrate Biology, 71(22062):22062.1-14 (2022). https://doi.org/10.25225/jvb.22062

AbstractTwo hypogean species of genus Triplophysa are herein described from two subterranean tributaries of the River Yangtze drainage in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China. Triplophysa wudangensis, new species, can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: eye reduced, with diameter 5.1-6.5% HL; interorbital width 33.1-35.8% HL; body scaleless; lateral line complete; posterior chamber of air bladder degenerated; anterior nostril with elongated barbel-like tip; distal margin of dorsal fin truncate; dorsal fin with 7, anal fin with 5, and caudal fin with 14 branched fin rays; vertebrae 4 + 34. Triplophysa qingzhenensis, new species, can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: eye reduced, with diameter 2.1-4.4% HL; interorbital width 25.1-30.4% HL; body scaleless; lateral line complete; posterior chamber of air bladder degenerated; anterior nostril with elongated barbel-like tip; distal margin of dorsal fin truncate; dorsal fin with 7-8, anal fin with 5, and caudal fin with 14 branched fin rays; vertebrae 4 + 36. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supported the validity of these two new species and indicated their close relationship with Triplophysa rosa.
IntroductionThe genus Triplophysa Rendahl is a large group of loaches in the family Nemacheilidae of order Cypriniformes, which comprises over 180 valid species or subspecies distributed in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent regions (Zhu 1989, Eschmeyer et al. 2022). Species of Triplophysa are further subdivided into two groups based on their living habits and life-history traits: the epigean group and the hypogean group. Till now, 33 hypogean species of Triplophysa have been described, mainly found in the limestone caves or underground rivers of karst areas in southwestern China (Lan et al. 2013, Zhang et al. 2020, Chen et al. 2021, Deng et al. 2022). Meanwhile, the monophyly of both ecological groups of Triplophysa was also supported by recent phylogenetic analyses (Chen & Peng 2019, Chen et al. 2021).
Guizhou Province is located in southwestern China and has been recognised as a hotspot for cavefishes (Zhao & Zhang 2009). Nine hypogean species related to Triplophysa have been described in Guizhou Province, of which six are now valid, namely T. nasobarbatula Wang & Li, 2001 and T. zhenfengensis Wang & Li, 2001, T. longliensis Ren, Yang & Chen, 2012, T. guizhouensis Wu, He, Yang & Du, 2018, T. baotianensis Li, Liu, Li & Li, 2018, T. sanduensis Chen & Peng, 2019. Notably, all of the known Triplophysa species from Guizhou were captured from the River Pearl drainage. In addition, a recent ichthyological survey yielded two hypogean species of Triplophysa from the River Wujiang, a tributary of the upper River Yangtze in Guizhou Province, which could not be assigned to any of the other recorded species and are herein described as new species.

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Coradion calendula, a new butterflyfish from Australia (Teleostei: Chaetodontidae). Matsunuma, Mizuki; Matsumoto, Tatsuya; Motomura, Hiroyuki; Seah, Ying Giat; Jaafar, Tun Nurul Aimi Mat
The new butterflyfish, Coradion calendula, is described on the basis of 44 specimens collected off Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and north Queensland, Australia. The new species is most similar to Coradion chrysozonus, with which it shares IX dorsal-fin spines, a single ocellated spot on the soft-rayed portion of the dorsal-fin, and a single dark band on the frontal surface of the thorax. The new species is distinguished from C. chrysozonus by slightly higher ranges of dorsal-fin soft rays 28–32, mode 29 (vs. 27–30, mode 28) and anal-fin soft rays 20–22, mode 21 (vs. 18–21, mode 20); an orange band on the caudal peduncle in fresh specimens (lost after preservation) with a saddle-like blackish dorsal streak (vs. a broad brown -to-black circumpeduncular band in both fresh and preserved specimens); a sharply pointed pelvic fin with an almost straight posterior contour when spread (vs. a rounded pelvic fin with an expanded posterior contour); and a dark band on each interopercle joining on the ventral midline, with their anterior margins forming a sharply pointed “V” in ventral view (vs. separated by a relatively wide interspace). Despite well-defined morphological and coloration differences, the mtDNA difference between the two species was relatively low, 0.8–1.9% (mean 1.3%) and 2.9–7.5% (mean 4.8%) pairwise sequence difference in COI and control region genes, respectively. Morphological and color-pattern characters and mtDNA lineage were not concordant in some specimens from northern Australia, where the two species overlap, suggesting that the two species hybridize at their common biogeographic borders.

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On Sunday 11th June the Ryedale A.S. will be holding an Open Event in the Main Hall of Pickering Memorial Hall, N. Yorks., YO18 8AA. We have the hire from 9.00a.m to 3.00p.m.
The Event will take the form of a Mini-Open Show and Sales Tables.
The Show will consist of 10 Classes covering the full range of coldwater and tropical freshwater fishes. YAAS rules and standards apply. Entry fee 20p per exhibit.
The Sales Tables are for spare fish and aquatic items only. Should you wish to register a table, at a fee of £10, please message me ASAP.
Further details to follow.
Looking forward to your company..

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The world’s largest cave fish from Meghalaya, Northeast India, is a new species, Neolissochilus pnar (Cyprinidae, Torinae)

Neelesh Dahanukar, Remya L. Sundar, Duwaki Rangad, Graham Proudlove, Rajeev RaghavanAbstractThe world’s largest subterranean fish was discovered in 2019, and was tentatively identified as a troglomorphic form of the golden mahseer, Tor putitora. Detailed analyses of its morphometric and meristic data, and results from molecular analyses now reveal that it is a new species of the genus Neolissochilus, the sister taxon of Tor. We formally describe the new species as Neolissochilus pnar, honouring the tribal communities of East Jaintia hills in Meghalaya, Northeast India, from where it was discovered. Neolissochilus pnar possesses a number of characters unique among species of Neolissochilus, with the exception of the similarly subterranean N. subterraneus from Thailand. The unique characters that diagnose N. pnar from all epigean congeners comprise highly reduced eye size to complete absence of externally visible eyes, complete lack of pigmentation, long maxillary barbels, long pectoral-fin rays, and scalation pattern. Neolissochilus pnar is distinguished from the hypogean N. subterraneus, the type locality of which is a limestone cave ~2000 kms away in Central Thailand, by a lesser pre-pelvic length (47.8–49.4 vs. 50.5–55.3 %SL), a shorter caudal peduncle (16.1–16.8 vs. 17.8–23.7 %SL), and shorter dorsal fin (17.4–20.8 vs. 21.5–26.3 %SL). In addition, Neolissochilus pnar is also genetically and morphologically distinct from its close congeners with a raw genetic divergence of 1.1–2.7% in the COI gene with putative topotype of N. hexastichus and 2.1–2.6% with putative topotype of N. hexagonolepis.

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Kyonemichthys rumengani (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) is Sister Taxon to the Pipefish Genus Urocampus: Genetic and Morphological Evidence

Kyonemichthys rumengani Gomon, 2007

in Hanahara, Tanimoto & Shirakawa, 2022.
DOI: 10.12782/specdiv.27.293
twitter.com/Species_Divers

Abstract
A single female specimen (25.6 mm in standard length) of the thread-like Indo-Pacific pygmy syngnathid Kyonemichthys rumengani Gomon, 2007 was collected from fringing reef at eight meters depth from Okinawa Island in the Ryukyu Archipelago of southern Japan. It represents the first specimen of this species to be housed in a museum fish collection in Japan, where for the first time it is available for molecular analysis. We assessed the morphological hypothesis that previously suggested Kyonemichthys Gomon, 2007 is allied with the Indo-Pacific pygmy pipehorse genera Acentronura Kaup, 1853 and Idiotropiscis Whitley, 1947 based on similar characteristics of the head angled slightly ventrally from the abdominal axis, dermal appendages, and flexible tail lacking a caudal fin. However, Kyonemichthys differs from these genera in having a dorsal-fin origin on the tail versus the trunk, a characteristic shared by two Indo-Pacific pipefish genera: the morphologically similar Urocampus Günther, 1870 and the distinct worm-like Siokunichthys Herald, 1953. We therefore investigated the evolutionary relationships of K. rumengani within Syngnathidae based on the genetic divergence of the mitochondrial CO1 gene (uncorrected p-distances) and a phylogenetic hypothesis generated from the analysis of three partial mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S, and CO1). Genetic analyses demonstrated that Kyonemichthys and Urocampus are closely related and form a strongly supported clade that excludes the phylogenetically distant Acentronura, Idiotropiscis, and Siokunichthys. Furthermore, morphological comparisons of K. rumengani with members of Urocampus revealed numerous synapomorphies distinct from the pygmy pipehorses, including meristic characters, trunk and tail ridge configurations, placement of dorsal fin on the tail, and shape of the prehensile tail. Therefore, based on the genetic and morphological characteristics, we suggest that Kyonemichthys is sister to Urocampus and is allied with pipefishes rather than with pygmy pipehorses. In addition, the Japanese standard name “Hari-youji” was proposed for K. rumengani.

Keywords: marine fish, pygmy pipehorse, CO1, phylogeny, taxonomy, Indo-Pacific

Photograph of preserved specimen of Kyonemichthys rumengani (OCF-P 10439, 25.6mm SL) collected from Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands.

Aquarium photograph of Kyonemichthys rumengani (OCF-P 10439, 25.6mm SL).

Kyonemichthys rumengani Gomon, 2007
[New standard Japanese name: Hari-youji]

Nozomi Hanahara, Miyako Tanimoto and Naoki Shirakawa. 2022. Kyonemichthys rumengani (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) is Sister Taxon to the Pipefish Genus Urocampus: Genetic and Morphological Evidence. Species Diversity. 27(2); 293-299. DOI: 10.12782/specdiv.27.293
twitter.com/Species_Divers /status/1580838206064693249

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ESR
Endangered Species Research

ESR 50:17-30 (2023) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01216
Estimating the population size and habitat quality of the Endangered fish Tlaloc hildebrandi in Mexico

Miriam Soria-Barreto1,2, Alfonso A. González-Díaz2,*, Rocío Rodiles-Hernández2, Claudia Patricia Ornelas-García3
1Cátedra CONACYT - El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, CP 29290, Chiapas, Mexico
2Colección de Peces, Departamento de Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, CP 29290, Chiapas, Mexico
3Colección Nacional de Peces, Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Ciudad de México, CP 04510, Mexico
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
ABSTRACT: The Chiapas killifish Tlaloc hildebrandi is an Endangered and endemic fish that inhabits wetlands, mountain streams, and rivers in Chiapas, Mexico. This species is considered vulnerable due to accelerated human population growth in its distribution range and the species’ low genetic diversity. To evaluate the conservation status of the species, we assessed habitat quality and estimated the population size of the remnant populations in the Amarillo River subbasin using the capture-mark-recapture technique. Our results showed substantial levels of habitat perturbation in the Amarillo River subbasin, including water pollution with a high presence of coliforms, the presence of exotic species, and modified habitat quality, which has resulted in a decrease in population sizes and the extirpation of certain populations. Our estimates of the population sizes of T. hildebrandi based on the Jolly-Seber model showed dramatically low population sizes, ranging from 93 to 208 fish across sites. Gross population sizes varied temporally, and the location of these populations in isolated sites may increase demographic stochasticity. To preserve some of these populations, urgent conservation and management activities must be implemented. We suggest the establishment of conservation areas for the species in the Fogótico River (which has the best water quality and habitat conditions) and habitat restoration in the protected areas of La Kisst and María Eugenia Mountain Wetlands, where populations of T. hildebrandi could be reintroduced. Finally, we propose the implementation of ex situ conservation programs to maintain genetic diversity and prevent local extinctions of the most vulnerable populations.

Endangered Species Research

ESR 50:17-30 (2023) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01216
Estimating the population size and habitat quality of the Endangered fish Tlaloc hildebrandi in Mexico
Miriam Soria-Barreto1,2, Alfonso A. González-Díaz2,*, Rocío Rodiles-Hernández2, Claudia Patricia Ornelas-García3
1Cátedra CONACYT - El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, CP 29290, Chiapas, Mexico
2Colección de Peces, Departamento de Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, CP 29290, Chiapas, Mexico
3Colección Nacional de Peces, Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Ciudad de México, CP 04510, Mexico
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
ABSTRACT: The Chiapas killifish Tlaloc hildebrandi is an Endangered and endemic fish that inhabits wetlands, mountain streams, and rivers in Chiapas, Mexico. This species is considered vulnerable due to accelerated human population growth in its distribution range and the species’ low genetic diversity. To evaluate the conservation status of the species, we assessed habitat quality and estimated the population size of the remnant populations in the Amarillo River subbasin using the capture-mark-recapture technique. Our results showed substantial levels of habitat perturbation in the Amarillo River subbasin, including water pollution with a high presence of coliforms, the presence of exotic species, and modified habitat quality, which has resulted in a decrease in population sizes and the extirpation of certain populations. Our estimates of the population sizes of T. hildebrandi based on the Jolly-Seber model showed dramatically low population sizes, ranging from 93 to 208 fish across sites. Gross population sizes varied temporally, and the location of these populations in isolated sites may increase demographic stochasticity. To preserve some of these populations, urgent conservation and management activities must be implemented. We suggest the establishment of conservation areas for the species in the Fogótico River (which has the best water quality and habitat conditions) and habitat restoration in the protected areas of La Kisst and María Eugenia Mountain Wetlands, where populations of T. hildebrandi could be reintroduced. Finally, we propose the implementation of ex situ conservation programs to maintain genetic diversity and prevent local extinctions of the most vulnerable populations.

Cryptocoryne esquerionii (Araceae) • A remarkable New Species discovered by A Citizen Scientist in Zamboanga Peninsula, southwestern Philippines

Cryptocoryne esquerionii Naive & Wongso,

in Naive, Reagan, Wongso & Jacobsen, 2023.
DOI: 10.1111/njb.03892
facebook.com/ArciiNaive

Abstract
A species new to science, Cryptocoryne esquerionii Naive & Wongso from the island of Mindanao is herein described and illustrated. It differs significantly from all other Cryptocoryne species by its yellow, colliculate spathe with a long acuminate apex. A detailed description, colour plates, phenology, geographical distribution information and a provisional conservation status are provided. The discovery of this new endemic species further highlights the importance of the citizen science in exploring and conserving the Philippine biodiversity.

Keywords: aroids, Cryptocoryne, Mindanao, Philippines, Zamboanga del Norte

Cryptocoryne esquerionii Naive & Wongso

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Joseph T. Villanueva Reagan, Suwidji Wongso and Niels Jacobsen. 2023. Cryptocoryne esquerionii (Araceae), A remarkable New Species discovered by A Citizen Scientist in Zamboanga Peninsula, southwestern Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. e03892. DOI: 10.1111/njb.03892
facebook.com/ArciiNaive/posts/882120626270888

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Horaglanis populi • Evolution in the Dark: Unexpected Genetic Diversity and Morphological Stasis in the Blind, Aquifer-dwelling Catfish Horaglanis (Siluriformes: Clariidae)

Horaglanis populi
Raghavan, Sundar, Arjun, Britz & Dahanukar, 2023

DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e98367
twitter.com/LabRajeev

Abstract
The lateritic aquifers of the southern Indian state of Kerala harbour a unique assemblage of enigmatic stygobitic fishes which are encountered very rarely, only when they surface during the digging and cleaning of homestead wells. Here, we focus on one of the most unusual members of this group, the catfish Horaglanis, a genus of rarely-collected, tiny, blind, pigment less, and strictly aquifer-residing species. A six-year exploratory and citizen-science backed survey supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis reveals novel insights into the diversity, distribution and population structure of Horaglanis. The genus is characterized by high levels of intraspecific and interspecific genetic divergence, with phylogenetically distinct species recovered above a 7.0% genetic-distance threshold in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene. Contrasting with this deep genetic divergence, however, is a remarkable stasis in external morphology. We identify and describe a new cryptic species, Horaglanis populi, a lineage that is the sister group of all currently known species. All four species are represented by multiple haplotypes. Mismatch distribution reveals that populations have not experienced recent expansions.

Keywords: Cryptic species, groundwater, Kerala, molecular ecology, stygobitic, subterranean

A Horaglanis populi in life. B Typical laterite rock showing tiny pores. C Homestead lateritic dug-out well in Kerala – habitat of Horaglanis.

Horaglanis populi holotype (KUFOS.F.2022.101, 32.5 mm standard length) in A life and B–F immediately after preservation.
A, B Lateral view; C ventral view; D dorsal view; E lateral view of head; F ventral view of head.

Horaglanis populi, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A species of Horaglanis as evidenced by the absence of eyes and pigment, a blood-red body in life, a highly reduced pectoral fin in which only a shortened spine is present, an elongate body with long dorsal and anal fins extending to the base of the caudal peduncle, and four pairs of well-developed barbels. Genetically, Horaglanis populi forms a distinct clade, the sister group to the other three congeners (Fig. 2), from which it differs by a genetic uncorrected p distance of 13.8–17.4% in the COI gene, and between 12.3–14.0% in the cyt b gene. Specifically, H. populi differs from all three known species in the barcoding gene (Supplementary Table S4) in positions 106 (C vs. T), 115 (T vs. C), 142 (T vs. C), 171 (G vs. A), 183 (T vs. C), 216 (A vs. C or T), 234 (C vs. T), 237 (G vs. A), 265 (T vs. G), 270 (C vs. A), 312 (A vs. C or T), 324 (A vs. C), 325 (T vs. C) 330 (G. vs. A or T), 350 (G vs. T), 363 (T vs. G), 421 (C vs. G), 448 (C vs. T), 481 (G vs. T), 489 (C vs. T), 496 (A vs. G), 517 (c vs. T), 528 (G vs. T), 533 (G vs. A), 538 (A vs. C), 539 (A vs. G), 542 (T vs. C), 565 (T vs. A), 576 (G vs. T or C), 597 (A vs. C), 618 (C vs. T), 633 (G vs. A) and 636 (C vs. T).

Etymology: The species name populi, genitive of the Latin noun populus = people, honours the invaluable contributions made by interested members of the public in the southern Indian state of Kerala, helping to document the biodiversity of subterranean and groundwater systems, including the discovery of this new species.

Rajeev Raghavan, Remya L. Sundar, C.P. Arjun, Ralf Britz and Neelesh Dahanukar. 2023. Evolution in the Dark: Unexpected Genetic Diversity and Morphological Stasis in the Blind, Aquifer-dwelling Catfish Horaglanis. Vertebrate Zoology. 73: 57-74. DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e98367
twitter.com/LabRajeev/status/1618264051393650693

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Pyrolycus jaco • A New Deep-sea Eelpout of the Genus Pyrolycus (Teleostei: Zoarcidae) associated with A Hydrothermal Seep on the Pacific Margin of Costa Rica

Pyrolycus jaco
Frable, Seid, Bronson & Møller, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5230.1.5

Abstract
A new species of the zoarcid genus Pyrolycus Machida & Hashimoto, 2002, Pyrolycus jaco sp. nov., is described from a hydrothermal seep environment named Jacó Scar in the eastern Pacific of Costa Rica. Four specimens were collected in 2018 between 1746–1795 m among tubeworm colonies around the seep. The new species is differentiated from its two western Pacific congeners by having a shorter head, snout, jaw, and pectoral fins. It is further diagnosed by having three postorbital pores and two occipital pores. Molecular sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene are provided and are the first for the genus. The character states indicating miniaturization in this species are discussed. This is the first vertebrate species known from this composite reducing ecosystem and is the fourth hydrothermally-associated zoarcid from the eastern Pacific.

Key words: Jacó Scar, Lycodinae, methane seep, Reducing ecosystem, Zoarcoidei

Holotype of Pyrolycus jaco sp. nov., SIO 20-41, 107+ mm SL, Jacó Scar, Costa Rica
A) freshly collected; B) in preservation, note caudal region removed by collectors; C) superimposition of radiograph over fresh image to estimate vertebral count. Scale bar= 20 mm.

Live images of Pyrolycus jaco sp. nov., not collected, living among Lamellibrachia barhami and Escarpia spicata colonies.
Photo credit: ROV SuBastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Pyrolycus jaco sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A species of Pyrolycus differentiated from its congeners with the following combination of characters: five suborbital bones (vs. six) with 5 pores, occipital pores 2, postorbital pores 3, vertebrae 23 + ~57 = ~80, vomerine and palatine teeth present, total gill rakers 2–3+13–15= 16–17, pectoral fin rays 14–15, upper jaw short 33.9–42.4% HL and snout short 21.3–24.3% HL. It is specifically separated from Pyrolycus moelleri in having fewer precaudal vertebrae and total vertebrae, palatine teeth present (vs. absent), three postorbital pores (vs. two) and 14–15 pectoral-fin rays (vs. 13–14). And from P. manusanus by having two occipital pores (1-0-1 vs. one, 0-1-0), more gill rakers, fewer vomerine teeth, more palatine teeth, fewer pectoral-fin rays, a larger eye diameter, and a narrower gill slit.

Etymology. Named for the type locality and only known habitat, the Jacó Scar site on the Pacific Costa Rica margin, which itself is named in honor of the nearby coastal district of Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Name treated as an appositional noun.

Habitat and distribution. Specimens were collected or observed in association with colonies of the tubeworms Lamellibrachia barhami and Escarpia spicata at depths of 1604–1854 m exclusively at Jacó Scar.

Benjamin W. Frable, Charlotte A. Seid, Allison W. Bronson and Peter Rask Møller. 2023. A New Deep-sea Eelpout of the Genus Pyrolycus (Teleostei: Zoarcidae) associated with A Hydrothermal Seep on the Pacific Margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa. 5230(); 79-89. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5230.1.5

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Sinocyclocheilus longicornus (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), a new species of microphthalmic hypogean fish from Guizhou, Southwest China
Cheng Xu, Tao Luo, Jia-Jun Zhou, Li Wu, Xin-Rui Zhao, Hong-Fu Yang, Ning Xiao, Jiang Zhou

Full paper at:- bit.ly/3wcWLL2

AbstractSinocyclocheilus longicornus sp. nov. is described from the Pearl River basin in Hongguo Town, Panzhou City, Guizhou Province, Southwest China. Based on the presence of the long horn-like structure on the back of the head, Sinocyclocheilus longicornus sp. nov. is assigned to the Sinocyclocheilus angularis species group. Sinocyclocheilus longicornus sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of morphological characters: (1) presence of a single, relatively long horn-like structure on the back of the head; (2) pigmentation absent; (3) reduced eyes; (4) dorsal-fin rays, ii, 7; (5) pectoral-fin rays, i, 13; (6) anal-fin rays, iii, 5; (7) pelvic-fin rays, i, 7; (8) lateral line pores 38–49; (9) gill rakers well developed, nine on first gill arch; and (10) tip of adpressed pelvic fin not reaching anus.
Keywordscave fish, morphology, taxonomy, phylogeny
IntroductionThe golden-line fish genus Sinocyclocheilus Fang, 1936, is endemic to China, and is mainly distributed in the karst areas of Southwest China, including Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Hubei provinces (Zhao and Zhang 2009; Jiang et al. 2019). The narrow distribution, morphological similarities, and morphological adaptations to cave environments, such as the degeneration or loss of eyes and body scales, have made classification of the genus difficult and often controversial (Chu and Cui 1985; Shan and Yue 1994; Wang et al. 1995; Wang and Chen 1998; Wang et al. 1999; Wang and Chen 2000; Xiao et al. 2005; Mao et al. 2021, 2022; Wen et al. 2022). A phylogenetic study based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (Cyt b) showed that all members of Sinocyclocheilus clustered as a monophyletic group, divided into four species groups, namely the S. jii, S. angularis, S. cyphotergous, and S. tingi groups (Zhao and Zhang 2009). However, phylogenetic studies based on restriction site–associated DNA sequencing and mitochondrial genome reconstruction suggest that the S. angularis and S. cyphotergous species groups are not monophyletic (Xiang 2014; Liu 2018; Mao et al. 2021, 2022; Wen et al. 2022). Sinocyclocheilus comprises 76 valid species, of which 71 species are grouped into five species groups (Table 1).
Table 1.
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XLSXList of 76 currently recognized species of the genus Sinocyclocheilus endemic to China and references. Recognized species modified from Jiang et al. (2019).

IDSpeciesSpecies groupProvinceRiverReference
1S. altishoulderus (Li & Lan, 1992)S. angularis groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverLi and Lan 1992
2S. anatirostris Lin & Luo, 1986S. angularis groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverLin and Luo 1986
3S. angularis Zheng & Wang, 1990S. angularis groupGuizhouBeipanjiang RiverZheng and Wang 1990
4S. aquihornes Li & Yang, 2007S. angularis groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi et al. 2007
5S. bicornutus Wang & Liao, 1997S. angularis groupGuizhouBeipanjiang RiverWang and Liao 1997
6S. brevibarbatus Zhao, Lan & Zhang, 2009S. angularis groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverZhao et al. 2009
7S. broadihornes Li & Mao, 2007S. angularis groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi and Mao 2007
8S. convexiforeheadus Li, Yang & Li, 2017S. angularis groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverYang et al. 2017
9S. hyalinus Chen & Yang, 1994S. angularis groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverChen et al. 1994
10S. jiuxuensis Li & Lan, 2003S. angularis groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverLi et al. 2003c
11S. flexuosdorsalis Zhu & Zhu, 2012S. angularis groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverZhu and Zhu 2012
12S. furcodorsalis Chen, Yang & Lan, 1997S. angularis groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverChen et al. 1997
13S. mashanensis Wu, Liao & Li, 2010S. angularis groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverWu et al. 2010
14S. rhinocerous Li & Tao, 1994S. angularis groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi and Tao 1994
15S. simengensis Li, Wu, Li & Lan, 2018S. angularis groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverWu et al. 2018
16S. tianeensis Li, Xiao & Luo, 2003S. angularis groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverLi et al. 2003d
17S. tianlinensis Zhou, Zhang, He & Zhou, 2004S. angularis groupGuangxiNanpanjiang RiverZhou et al. 2004
18S. tileihornes Mao, Lu & Li, 2003S. angularis groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverMao et al. 2003
19S. zhenfengensis Liu, Deng, Ma, Xiao & Zhou, 2018S. angularis groupGuizhouBeipanjiang RiverLiu et al. 2018
20S. anshuiensis Gan, Wu, Wei & Yang, 2013S. microphthalmus groupGuizhouHongshuihe RiverGan et al. 2013
21S. microphthalmus Li, 1989S. microphthalmus groupGuizhouHongshuihe RiverLi 1989
22S. aluensis Li & Xiao, 2005S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi et al. 2005; Zhao and Zhang 2013
23S. angustiporus Zheng & Xie, 1985S. tingi groupGuizhou; YunnanBeipanjiang River; Nanpanjiang RiverZheng and Xie 1985
24S. anophthalmus Chen & Chu, 1988S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverChen et al. 1988a Zhao and Zhang 2009
25S. grahami (Regan, 1904)S. tingi groupYunnanJinshajiang RiverRegan 1904; Zhao and Zhang 2009
26S. guishanensis Li, 2003S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi et al. 2003a
27S. huaningensis Li, 1998S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi et al. 1998
28S. huizeensis Cheng, Pan, Chen, Li, Ma & Yang, 2015S. tingi groupYunnanNiulanjiang RiverCheng et al. 2015
29S. bannaensis Li, Li & Chen, 2019S. tingi groupYunnanLuosuojiang RiverLi et al. 2019
30S. maculatus Li, 2000S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverZhao and Zhang 2009
31S. maitianheensis Li,1992S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi 1992
32S. malacopterus Chu & Cui, 1985S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverChu and Cui 1985
33S. longifinus Li, 1998S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi et al. 1998
34S. longshanensis Li & Wu, 2018S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi et al. 2018
35S. macrocephalus Li,1985S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi 1985
36S. lateristriatus Li,1992S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi 1992
37S. purpureus Li, 1985S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi 1985
38S. qiubeiensis Li, 2002S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi et al. 2002b
39S. qujingensis Li, Mao & Lu, 2002S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi et al. 2002c
40S. robustus Chen & Zhao, 1988S. tingi groupGuizhouNanpanjiang RiverChen et al. 1988b
41S. wumengshanensis Li, Mao, Lu & Yan, 2003S. tingi groupYunnanPanlonghe RiverLi et al. 2003a
42S. xichouensis Pan, Li, Yang & Chen, 2013S. tingi groupYunnanPanlonghe RiverPan et al. 2013
43S. tingi Fang, 1936S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverFang, 1936; Zhao and Zhang 2009
44S. yangzongensis Chu & Chen, 1977S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverWu 1977; Zhao and Zhang 2009
45S. yimenensis Li & Xiao, 2005S. tingi groupYunnanYuanjiang RiverLi et al. 2005
46S. oxycephalus Li, 1985S. tingi groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi 1985
47S. brevis Lan & Chen, 1992S. cyphotergous groupGuangxiLiujiang RiverChen and Lan 1992
48S. cyphotergous (Dai, 1988)S. cyphotergous groupGuizhouHongshuihe RiverDai 1988; Huang et al. 2017
49S. donglanensis Zhao, Watanabe & Zhang, 2006S. cyphotergous groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverZhao et al. 2006
50S. dongtangensis Zhou, Liu & Wang, 2011S. cyphotergous groupGuizhouLiujiang RiverZhou et al. 2011
51S. huanjiangensis Wu, Gan & Li, 2010S. cyphotergous groupGuangxiLiujiang RiverWu et al. 2010
52S. hugeibarbus Li, Ran & Chen, 2003S. cyphotergous groupGuizhouLiujiang RiverLi et al. 2003b
53S. gracilicaudatus Zhao & Zhang, 2014S. cyphotergous groupGuangxiLiujiang RiverWang et al. 2014
54S. lingyunensis Li, Xiao & Lu, 2000S. cyphotergous groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverLi et al. 2000
55S. longibarbatus Wang & Chen, 1989S. cyphotergous groupGuizhou; GuangxiLiujiang RiverWang and Chen 1989
56S. luopingensis Li & Tao, 2002S. cyphotergous groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi et al. 2002a
57S. macrolepis Wang & Chen, 1989S. cyphotergous groupGuizhou; GuangxiLiujiang RiverWang and Chen 1989
58S. macrophthalmus Zhang & Zhao, 2001S. cyphotergous groupGuangxiHongshuihe RiverZhang and Zhao 2001
59S. macroscalus Li, 1992S. cyphotergous groupYunnanNanpanjiang RiverLi 1992
60S. multipunctatus (Pellegrin, 1931)S. cyphotergous groupGuizhou; GuangxiWujiang River; Liujiang River; Hongshuihe RiverPellegrin 1931; Zhao and Zhang 2009
61S. punctatus Lan & Yang, 2017S. cyphotergous groupGuizhou; GuangxiLiujiang River; Hongshuihe RiverLan et al. 2017
62S. ronganensis Luo, Huang & Wen, 2016S. cyphotergous groupGuangxiLiujiang RiverLuo et al. 2016
63S. xunlensis Lan, Zhan & Zhang, 2004S. cyphotergous groupGuangxiLiujiang RiverLan et al. 2004
64S. yaolanensis Zhou, Li & Hou, 2009S. cyphotergous groupGuizhouLiujiang RiverZhou et al. 2009
65S. yishanensis Li & Lan, 1992S. cyphotergous groupGuangxiLiujiang RiverLi and Lan 1992
66S. sanxiaensis Jiang, Li, Yang & Chang, 2019S. cyphotergous groupHubeiYangtze RiverJiang et al. 2019
67S. brevifinus Li, Li & Mayden, 2014S. jii groupGuangxiHejiang RiverLi et al. 2014
68S. guanyangensis Chen, Peng & Zhang, 2016S. jii groupGuangxiGuijiang RiverChen et al. 2016
69S. guilinensis Ji, 1985S. jii groupGuangxiGuijiang RiverZhou 1985; Zhao and Zhang 2009
70S. huangtianensis Zhu, Zhu & Lan, 2011S. jii groupGuangxiHejiang RiverZhu et al. 2011
71S. jii Zhang & Dai, 1992S. jii groupGuangxiGuijiang RiverZhang and Dai 1992
72S. gracilis Li, 2014No assignmentGuangxiGuijiang RiverLi and Li 2014
73S. pingshanensis Li, Li, Lan & Wu, 2018No assignmentGuangxiLiujiang RiverWu et al. 2018
74S. wenshanensis Li,Yang, Li & Chen, 2018No assignmentYunnanPanlonghe RiverYang et al. 2018
75S. wui Li & An, 2013No assignmentYunnanMingyihe RiverLi and An 2013
76S. luolouensis Lan, 2013No assignmentGuangxiHongshuihe RiverLan et al. 2013Species of Sinocyclocheilus have variably developed eyes and horn-like structures on the back of the head. Eye morphology includes normal, microphthalmic, and anophthalmic conditions (Mao et al. 2021). Normal-eyed and microphthalmic species are distributed from eastern Guangxi through southern Guizhou to eastern Yunnan, and eyeless species are mainly distributed in the Hongshuihe river basin in northern Guangxi and the Nanpanjiang river basin in eastern Yunnan (Mao et al. 2021). It may be absent, short, long, or single and forked. The horn-like structure is present mainly in species of the S. angularis and S. microphthalmus species groups (Zhao and Zhang 2009; Mao et al. 2021; Wen et al. 2022). These horned species are distributed in the Nanpanjiang, Beipanjiang, and Hongshuihe river basins of the upper Pearl River.

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New meeting venue for Southend, Leigh & District Aquarist Society

Our first meeting at new venue went well -don`t have to walk for miles to get to old hall -that`s if you can find parking that not in the next county! Loads of space within a few yards of the venue!
Still got to get organised and figure out what to do with all the books in our old cupboard.
Next meeting will be the second Tuesday in February, the 14th at 8.00pm

The address is:- Benfleet Cricket & Social Club, Manor Road,Benfleet, SS7 4PA
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The First BLA event of the year is being held in Bristol at the Hengrove Community Hall.
This is to be the first of 4 events the BLA will be organising for 2023.
Bristol is a venue we haven’t been to for a very long time.
We are comining to Bristol as it has the benefit of the M4 and M5 motorways, this makes it more accessible for those who wish to attend from the London areas, Wales, the South west, and the Midlands areas.
Put the date in your diary
April 23rd 2023
Hengrove Community Centre
Fortfield Road
Bristol
BS14 9NX

Further events being planned are: -
Basingstoke - June 18th 2023
Carlisle - July 2023 (date TBC)
Midland area - Autumn 2023 (date TBC)
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Knodus ytuanama • A New Rheophilic Species of Knodus Eigenmann (Characiformes: Characidae: Stevardiinae) from the upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Chapada dos Parecis, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Knodus ytuanama
Ferreira & Ohara, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5227.3.5
Researchgate.net/publication/366920030

Abstract
Knodus ytuanama, new species, is described from the upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós drainage, Amazon basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The new species differs from its congeners by presenting the interradial membranes of the caudal fin thickened, forming folds, and also differs from most congeners by the presence of a dark, wide midlateral stripe extending from the posterior margin of opercle to the middle caudal-fin rays, the absence of a humeral blotch in adults, and by having four rows of scales between the lateral line and the pelvic-fin origin, among another features. We also provide a discussion on the presence of membranous flaps on the fins as an adaptation for living in fast-water environments in Knodus ytuanama n. sp. as well as in a congener, K. tiquiensis.

Key words: Knodus tiquiensis, Diapomini, Amazon Basin, rheophily

Knodus ytuanama, holotype, CPUFMT 7756, 81.2 mm SL:
Brazil, Mato Grosso, Comodoro, rio Mutum.

Knodus ytuanama INPA 59847, paratypes, 83.2 mm SL (upper) and 75.7 mm SL (lower), immediately after capture.

Knodus ytuanama, new species

Etymology. The specific epithet ytuanama derives from the Tupi language, from the words ytu, waterfall, andanama, friend, and it refers to the fast-flowing habitat of the new species. A noun in apposition.

Type locality of Knodus ytuanama, rio Mutum near road BR-174, affluent of upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Comodoro, Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Katiane M. Ferreira and Willian Massaharu Ohara. 2022. A New Rheophilic Species of Knodus Eigenmann (Characiformes: Characidae: Stevardiinae) from the upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Chapada dos Parecis, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Zootaxa. 5227(3); 365-377
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5227.3.5
Researchgate.net/publication/366920030_A_new_species_of_Knodus_from_the_upper_rio_Juruena_Mato_Grosso_Brazil

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14 December 2022

Synchiropus flavistrigatus, a new species of dragonet from the tropical eastern Atlantic (Teleostei: Callionymidae)
Ronald Fricke, Francesc Ordines, Sergio Ramírez-Amaro
Author Affiliations +
Integrative Systematics: Stuttgart Contributions to Natural History, 5(2): (2022). https://doi.org/10.18476/2022.874590

AbstractA new species of dragonet, Synchiropus flavistrigatus sp. n. from the eastern tropical Atlantic, is described on the basis of 15 specimens. The new species is characterised within the subgenus Yerutius Whitley, 1931 by having 8 rays in the second dorsal fin (the last divided at its base), 8 anal-fin rays (the last divided at its base), 20–21 pectoral-fin rays, a single upper unbranched pectoral-fin ray, 1–2 curved dorsal points on the upper margin of the preopercular spine (additional to the main tip), length of first spine of first dorsal fin in male 12.8–15.9% of standard length, in female 14.5–15.4%; caudal-fin length in male 27.7–32.2% of standard length, in female 25.5–27.9%; length of last ray of second dorsal fin in male 18.2–21.6% of standard length; length of last ray of anal fin in male 14.6–17.1% of standard length, in female 13.5–15.1%; second dorsal fin and caudal fin with oblique yellow bars in both sexes; anal fin with a distal dark streak in both sexes. We also provide molecular information, based on two mitochondrial fragments (COI and 12s rRNA), that clearly supports the morphological results confirming that S. flavistrigatus sp. n. corresponds to a new species, distinct from S. phaeton (Günther, 1861). The new species is compared with other species of the subgenus.
Eine neue Leierfischart, Synchiropus flavistrigatus sp. n. aus dem tropischen Ostatlantik, wird anhand von 15 Exemplaren beschrieben. Die neue wird innerhalb der Untergattung Yerutius Whitley, 1931 durch folgende Merkmale charakterisiert: 8 Strahlen in der zweiten Rückenflosse (der letzte an der Basis geteilt), 8 Strahlen in der Afterflosse (der letzte an der Basis geteilt), 20–21 Brustflossenstrahlen, ein einziger Brustflossenstrahl oben unverzweigt, 1–2 gebogene Spitzen auf der dorsalen Seite des Präoperkulardorns (zusätzlich zur Hauptspitze), Länge des ersten Strahls der ersten Rückenflosse beim Männchen 12.8–15.9% der Standardlänge, beim Weibchen 14.5–15.4%; Schwanzflossenlänge beim Männchen 27.7–32.2% der Standardlänge, beim Weibchen 25.5–27.9%; Länge des letzten Strahls der zweiten Rückenflosse beim Männchen 18.2–21.6% der Standardlänge; Länge des letzten Strahls der Afterflosse beim Männchen 14.6–17.1% der Standardlänge, beim Weibchen 13.5–15.1%; zweite Rückenflosse und Schwanzflosse bei beiden Geschlechtern mit gelben Schrägstreifen; Afterflosse bei beiden Geschlechtern distal mit einem dunklen Streifen. Eine molekulare Untersuchung basierend auf zwei mitochondrialen Fragmenten (COI und 12s rRNA) unterstützt die morphologischen Befunde und bestätigt, daß es sich bei S. flavistrigatus sp. n. um eine neue Art handelt, die sich von S. phaeton (Günther, 1861) deutlich unterscheidet. Die neue Art wird mit anderen Arten der Untergattung verglichen.
IntroductionDragonets of the family Callionymidae (Pisces: Teleostei) are a group of benthic living fishes occurring in the upper 900 metres of all temperate, subtropical and tropical oceans of the world, with a few species found in estuarine and freshwater habitats. They are characterised by a depressed body, a triangular head when seen from above, large eyes situated dorsally on the head, the presence of a preopercular spine bearing additional points and/or serrae, gill opening reduced to a small pore, swimbladder absent, two dorsal fins, the first with thin, flexible spines, the second with soft rays, and jugular pelvic fins which are separated from each other but each connected with the pectoral-fin base by a membrane.
The Indo-Pacific species of the family were revised by Fricke (1983a), who distinguished 126 valid species from the area. Fricke (2002), in a checklist of the callionymid fishes of the world, listed a total of 182 valid species in 10 genera. Subsequently, 16 additional species and one new genus were described [Callionymus kanakorum Fricke, 2006 and Protogrammus antipodum Fricke, 2006 from New Caledonia (Fricke 2006), the genus Tonlesapia with Tonlesapia tsukawakii Motomura & Mukai, 2006 from Cambodia (Motomura & Mukai 2006), T. amnica Ng & Rainboth, 2011 from Vietnam (Ng & Rainboth 2011), Synchiropus tudorjonesi Allen & Erdmann, 2012 from Papua, Indonesia (Allen & Erdmann 2012), Callionymus profundus Fricke & Golani, 2013 from the northern Red Sea (Fricke & GOLANI 2013), Callionymus madangensis Fricke, 2014 from Papua New Guinea (Fricke 2014), Diplogrammus paucispinis Fricke & Bogorodsky in Fricke, Bogorodsky & Mal, 2014 from the eastern Red Sea (Fricke et al. 2014a), Callionymus omanensis Fricke, Jawad & Al-Mamry, 2014 from the northwestern Indian Ocean (Fricke et al. 2014b), Protogrammus alboranensis Fricke, Ordines, Farias & García-Ruiz, 2016 from the southwestern Mediterranean Sea (Farias et al. 2016), Callionymus alisae Fricke, 2016 from New Ireland (Fricke 2016a), Callionymus petersi Fricke, 2016 from New Ireland (Fricke 2016b), Synchiropus novaehiberniensis Fricke, 2016 from New Ireland (Fricke 2016c), Synchiropus sycorax Tea & Gill, 2016 from the Philippines (Tea & Gill 2016), Callionymus boucheti Fricke, 2017 from New Ireland (Fricke 2017), Callionymus vietnamensis Fricke & Vo, 2018 from Vietnam (Fricke & VO 2018)]; Synchiropus apricus (McCulloch, 1926) was removed from the synonymy of Synchiropus phasis (Günther, 1880) by Gomon & Yearsley (2008), and Eleutherochir mccaddeni Fowler, 1941 was removed from the synonymy of E. opercularis (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1837) by Yoshigou et al. (2006), bringing the worldwide total to 201 species in the family (Fricke et al. 2022a).
The genus Yerutius Whitley, 1931 was originally described by Whitley (1931: 115) based on Callionymus apricus McCulloch, 1926 as the type species (by original designation). The type species was synonymised with Synchiropus phasis (Günther, 1880) by Fricke (1983a: 572; 2002: 63), but removed from synonymy and resurrected by Gomon & Yearsley (2008) (see above). Species of Yerutius were classified by Nakabo (1982) in the genus Foetorepus Whitley, 1931.
Fricke (1981: 26) defined the subgenus Synchiropus (Yerutius) within the genus Synchiropus Gill, 1859, which equalled part of the genus Foetorepus (not Whitley, 1931) of Nakabo (1982), and included two species, S. phasis (Günther, 1880) (Fricke 1981) from southern Australia and New Zealand and S. atrilabiatus (Garman, 1899) from the eastern Pacific. Fricke (2002: 102) distinguished seven species in this subgenus, also including Synchiropus agassizii (Goode & Bean, 1888) from the western Atlantic, S. dagmarae Fricke, 1985 from the southwestern Atlantic, S. goodenbeani (Nakabo & Hartel, 1999) from the northwestern Atlantic, S. phaeton (Günther, 1861) from the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean and S. valdiviae (Trunov, 1981) from Walvis Ridge, southeastern Atlantic.
Species of the complex live on deep soft bottoms; they usually do not bury in the substrate but are well camouflaged due to their cryptic colouration. Callionymid fishes typically occur in harem groups, with one male controlling a larger home range and living together with several females. Spawning usually takes place around dusk; the courting pair ascends and releases the eggs well above the ground, following a complex courtship behaviour where the spreading of the first dorsal fin or flashing blue ‘lights’ (iridescent blue spots) are frequent motor patterns. The eggs and larvae are pelagic; during transition into juveniles they shift to a benthic lifestyle (Fricke et al. 2014b).
In a revision of the Synchiropus agassizii species complex, Fricke (1985: 247) noted that the tropical West African form of S. phaeton seemed different and might be based on a different taxon, but that its formal recognition and description would have needed more material. During the cruise Bissau 2019 in November/December 2019, several specimens of this new species were collected, as well as two additional specimens collected in Angola by Research Vessel “Dr. Fridtjof Nansen” in 2003; the new species is described, and the subgeneric complex reviewed, in the present paper.

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Conjectures and refutations: Species diversity and phylogeny of Australoheros from coastal rivers of southern South America (Teleostei: Cichlidae)

Carlos A. Santos de Lucena,
Sven Kullander ,
Michael Norén,
Bárbara Calegari

Published: December 9, 2022
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261027

AbstractMorphological and genetic analyses of species of Australoheros focusing on those distributed in coastal rivers from the Rio de La Plata north to the Rio Buranhém, support recognition of 17 valid species in the genus. Eight species are represented in coastal rivers: A acaroides, A. facetus, A. ipatinguensis, A. oblongus, A. ribeirae, and A. sanguineus are validated from earlier descriptions. Australoheros mboapari is a new species from the Rio Taquari in the Rio Jacuí drainage. Australoheros ricani is a new species from the upper Rio Jacuí. Specimens from the Rio Yaguarón and Rio Tacuary, affluents of Laguna Merín, and tributaries of the Rio Negro, tributary of the Rio Uruguay are assigned to A. minuano pending critical data on specimens from the type locality of A. minuano. Australoheros taura is a junior synonym of A. acaroides. Australoheros autrani, A. saquarema, A. capixaba, A. macaensis, A. perdi, and A. muriae are junior synonyms of A. ipatinguensis. Heros autochthon, A. mattosi, A. macacuensis, A. montanus, A. tavaresi, A. paraibae, and A. barbosae, are junior synonyms of A. oblongus. Heros jenynsii is a junior synonym of A. facetus.
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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5219.4.2
PUBLISHED: 2022-12-12
A new species of Hypostomus Lacepède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Mearim River basin, northeastern Brazil

PISCESARMORED CATFISHHYPOSTOMINAEICHTHYOLOGYMARANHÃOTAXONOMY

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AbstractHypostomus krikati sp. n. is described from the Mearim River basin, state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. This new species shares all the diagnostic features defining the Hypostomus plecostomus super-group. Three species of the H. plecostomus super-group are geographically close to the species described here (Hypostomus jaguribensis, H. pusarum and H. papariae). Hypostomus krikati sp. n. is easily distinguised from them by having conspicuous keels along the lateral series of plates. There are other species geographically close to H. krikati sp. n. that do not belong to the H. plecostomus super-group (H. johnii, H. velhomonge and H. velhochico). Hypostomus krikati sp. n. differs from these species by having a lower number of teeth, conspicuous keels along the lateral series of plates, abdominal region totally covered by plates, dark spots horizontally not aligned along lateral series of plates, and large-sized adults. The recently described species for the Maranhão hydrographic systems, as well as the new species here described reinforce the hypothesis that the Maranhão hydrographic systems may present a high level of endemism for freshwater fishes.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5219.2.5
PUBLISHED: 2022-12-08
Exostoma dhritiae, a new sisorid catfish (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from the Brahmaputra River drainage, Arunachal Pradesh, India

PISCESSISORIDAEEXOSTOMASIANG RIVERBRAHMAPUTRA DRAINAGE

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AbstractA new species of sisorid catfish of the genus Exostoma is described from the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. The new species, Exostoma dhritiae, can be distinguished from congeners by the condition of the posterior extremity of the adipose-fin base, the degree of tuberculation on the dorsal surface of the head, and the shape of striae on the anterolateral surface of lips. Further, it is distinguished by the morphometric data for the body depth at the anus, maxillary barbel length, adipose fin base length, caudal peduncle length, caudal peduncle depth and the number of branched pectoral-fin rays. It is the twentieth reported species of Exostoma.

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KILLI - DATA SERIES, 2022, Vermeulen, description Rivulus adrianae

Killi-Data Series 2022 [20 pages, as a print, ISBN 978-2-9547546-2-8, as a PDF document, ISBN 978-2-9547546-3-5]
Killi-Data Series 2022, 4-19, 10 figs.
Rivulus adrianae, a new species of the aplocheiloid killifish genus Rivulus (s.l.), (Cyprinodontiformes; Rivulidae), from Sipaliwini River, Courantyne River basin, Sipaliwini District, South-Western Suriname.
Vermeulen, F.B.M.
Abstract :
A new species in the family Rivulidae, Rivulus adrianae, is described from a small creek, tributary of the Sipaliwini River, drainage of the Courantyne River in remote Southwestern Suriname. The new species differs from other group members by the bright gold markings on the lateral sides and the absence of the ocellus in males and females. Rivulus adrianae n. sp. also differs by the lack of a longitudinal striped pattern of red spots, typical of most congeners.
zoobank.org:pub:94C825D4-0718-498D-AB14-C3310C42E51C

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The Complete Genome Sequences of 38 Species of Elephantfishes (Mormyridae, Osteoglossiformes)Rose Peterson ,John Sullivan ,Stacy Pirro
mormyridaegenome
•https://doi.org/10.56179/001c.56077 biogenomes
Peterson, Rose, John Sullivan, and Stacy Pirro. 2022. “The Complete Genome Sequences of 38 Species of Elephantfishes (Mormyridae, Osteoglossiformes).” Biodiversity Genomes, November. https://doi.org/10.56179/001c.56077.
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AbstractWe present the complete genome sequences of 38 species of elephantfishes from 20 genera. Illumina sequencing was performed on genetic material from single wild-caught individuals. The reads were assembled using a de novo method followed by a finishing step. The raw and assembled data is publicly available via Genbank.
IntroductionThe Mormyridae are a family of weakly electric freshwater fish found over most of Africa, with the exception of the Sahara, northernmost Mahgreb and southernmost Cape provinces. They are an important food source in Africa’s inland regions where they are often the most abundant fish available (Sullivan and Lavoué 2022).
Elephantfishes possess organs that generate weak electric fields, and electroreceptors that can sense nearby objects and prey as distortions to their self-produced detect the electric fields generated by prey in low visibility conditions (Carlson et al. 2019).
We present the complete genome sequences of 38 species of elephantfishes from 20 genera. Tissue samples were obtained from preserved museum specimens.
MethodsDNA extraction was performed using the Qiagen DNAeasy genomic extraction kit using the standard process. A paired-end sequencing library was constructed using the Illumina TruSeq kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The library was sequenced on an Illumina Hi-Seq platform in paired-end, 2 × 150 bp format. The resulting fastq files were trimmed of adapter/primer sequence and low-quality regions with Trimmomatic v0.33 (Bolger, Lohse, and Usadel 2014). The trimmed sequence was assembled by SPAdes v2.5 (Bankevich et al. 2012) followed by a finishing step using Zanfona (Kieras, O’Neill, and Pirro 2021).
Results and Data AvailabilityAll data, including raw reads and assembled genome sequence, is available via Genbank.

taxnamespecimen_voucherraw_read_datagenomeBoulengeromyrus knoepffleriCUMV 81643-2254SRR8717394JABJVO000000000
Brevimyrus nigerCUMV 94596SRR8717240JAABNY000000000
Brienomyrus brachyistiusCUMV 89979SRR8717393JAODOV000000000
Brienomyrus longianalisAMNH 257030SRR8717273JABJVP000000000
Campylomormyrus numeniusCUMV 97364SRR8717166JAODOW000000000
Campylomormyrus tamanduaCUMV 87879SRR8717220JABJVQ000000000
Cryptomyrus ogoouensisCUMV 98155SRR8717184JAOYFF000000000
Cyphomyrus discorhynchusCUMV 82809SRR8717165JABJVS000000000
Cyphomyrus wilverthiAMNH 253525SRR8717167JAODKV000000000
Genyomyrus donnyiCUMV 96735SRR8794244JAODJT000000000
Gnathonemus echidnorhynchusCUMV 96186SRR8794645 JAODJU000000000
Gnathonemus longibarbisCUMV 90412SRR8794644JAODJV000000000
Hippopotamyrus longilateralisSAIAB 78793SRR9215643JAOXXE000000000
Hippopotamyrus pictusCUMV 94598SRR8793730JAODLC000000000
Hyperopisus bebeCUMV 91467SRR8794911JAODJW000000000
Isichthys henryiCUMV 84650-2051SRR8794571 JAODJX000000000
Ivindomyrus marcheiCUMV 83105SRR8794910JAODJY000000000
Ivindomyrus opdenboschiCUMV 83107SRR8795503JAODJZ000000000
Marcusenius schilthuisiaeCUMV 87790SRR8794570JAODKA000000000
Marcusenius ussheriCUMV 97730SRR8794646JAODKB000000000
Mormyrops attenuatusCUMV 88155SRR8844661JAODKC000000000
Mormyrops boulengeriCUMV 87730SRR8844538JAODLD000000000
Mormyrops zanclirostrisCUMV 96834SRR8844858JAODKD000000000
Mormyrus hasselquistiiCUMV 94650SRR9055927JAODKE000000000
Mormyrus iriodesAMNH 263510SRR9056052JAAGVU000000000
Mormyrus lacerdaSAIAB 87199SRR9215603 JAABNX000000000
Mormyrus proboscirostrisCUMV 96245SRR8844651JAODKF000000000
Myomyrus macropsAMNH 231025SRR6399006JAODKG000000000
Myomyrus pharaoCUMV 96474SRR9214507JAODKH000000000
Paramormyrops hopkinsiCUMV 89281-5497SRR9214432JAODKI000000000
Petrocephalus microphthalmusCUMV 97508SRR6399355JAODKK000000000
Petrocephalus schoutedeniCUMV 97510SRR9214420JAODKL000000000
Petrocephalus sullivaniCUMV 79700SRR6410432JAODKM000000000
Petrocephalus zakoniCUMV 87787SRR9214598 JAODKN000000000
Pollimyrus isidoriCUMV 97714SRR9215378JABFDZ000000000
Pollimyrus plagiostomaCUMV 96188SRR9214508JABFEA000000000
Stomatorhinus ivindoensisCUMV 92286SRR9214431JABFEB000000000
Stomatorhinus walkeriCUMV 95160SRR9214424JAODUD000000000DiscussionThese published data have already been used in recent publications on mormyrid phylogenomics and taxonomy (Peterson et al. 2022; Sullivan et al. 2022) and will serve a resource for future studies of this group of fishes.

FundingFunding was provided by Iridian Genomes, grant# IRGEN_RG_2021-1345 Genomic Studies of Eukaryotic Taxa.
Submitted: November 21, 2022 EDT
Accepted: November 21, 2022 EDT
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Clarias monsembulai • A New Species of Air-Breathing Catfish (Siluriformes: Clariidae: Clarias) from Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo

  B, Clarias monsembulai Bernt & Stiassny, 2022
A, Clarias buthupogon Sauvage, 1879

DOI: 10.1206/3990.1
  digitallibrary.AMNH.org

Abstract
A new species of air-breathing catfish, Clarias monsembulai, is described from Congo River tributaries within and bordering the Salonga National Park (Democratic Republic of the Congo). The new taxon is recognized by its exceptionally long, white barbels, which lend a superficial resemblance to Clarias buthupogon, from which it differs in characters of the cleithrum and pigmentation patterning. We suggest placement of this species into the subgenus Clarioides but note the current dearth of morphological data to unite members of this group. We additionally discuss the validity of the subspecies Clarias angolensis macronema.

Lateral view of Clarias monsembulai new species, holotype AMNH 244176, 226 mm SL. Luilaka River at Ilenge, Salonga National Park. Scale bar = 1 cm.

Exposed cleithrum (demarcated by dashed line) of A, Clarias buthupogon, AMNH 227571, 162 mm SL and B, Clarias monsembulai, AMNH 244162, 183 mm SL. Scale bar = 1 cm

Clarias monsembulai, new species

Diagnosis: Clarias monsembulai can be distinguished from all congeners, with the exception of C. buthupogon, by its exceptionally long maxillary barbels (60% of standard length or greater) vs. maxillary barbels less than 60% SL (usually considerably less). It differs from C. buthupogon in the absence of fine, pale spots over the surface of the body and by an exposed bony surface of the cleithrum reaching 14%–20% of head length (vs. cleithrum deeply imbedded in soft tissue with only a narrow bony ridge visible externally). Clarias monsembulai can be further differentiated from C. angolensis, the species with which it shares closest phenotypic similarity, by longer nasal barbels (37%–51% SL vs. 22%–34% SL), longer internal mandibular barbels (29–37% SL vs. 16–27% SL), longer external mandibular barbels (45%–57% SL vs. 24%–40% SL); and by the coloration of maxillary barbels which are white or cream-colored distally over more than half of their length (vs. brown or gray over more than half their length).

Distribution: The species is currently known only from the Momboyo, Luilaka, Salonga, and Yenge river systems within the Cuvette Centrale of the middle Congo River Basin (fig. 6). However additional collecting throughout the region will likely extend this range (E. Decru, personal commun.).

Etymology: Named in honor of Raoul Monsembula Iyaba (professor of biology, University of Kinshasa) for collecting the type series of this species, and in recognition of his substantial contributions to central African ichthyology.

Maxwell J. Bernt and Melanie L.J. Stiassny. 2022. A New Species of Air-Breathing Catfish (Clariidae: Clarias) from Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. American Museum Novitates, (3990); 1-20. DOI: 10.1206/3990.1
  digitallibrary.AMNH.org/handle/2246/7304
greenpeace.org/africa/en/press/52281/say-hi-to-clarias-monsembulai-new-fish-species-discovered-in-the-congo-river

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Nemacheilus cacao • A New Species of Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the middle Mekong Basin in Laos

Nemacheilus cacao
Bohlen, Kottelat & Šlechtová, 2022

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 70
LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg

Abstract
Nemacheilus cacao, new species, is described from the middle Mekong basin in Laos. It differs from all other species of Nemacheilus by having an incomplete lateral line; and adult males having a plain grey-brown body and head (except ventral side), and with extensive tuberculation on the flank, on the dorsal side of the pectoral fin and on the head and nape. The phylogenetic position of N. cacao in the Selangoricus clade of Nemacheilus, as a sister species to N. platiceps, is supported by the presence of bars on the body in juveniles and females as well as by genetic data.

Key words. Cobitoidea, taxonomy, Khammouan, Nam Thorn, Xe Bangfai

Live specimen of Nemacheilus cacao, new species, ZRC 62554, paratype, male, 61.5 mm SL;
Laos: Khamouane province: Thakkhet district: small tributary of Nam Thorn at cave Tham Nang Eng
(Photo: J. Kühne).

Nemacheilus cacao, new species,
ZRC 62554, paratype, male, 61.5 mm SL.
ZRC 62553, holotype, 56.9 mm SL: mouth in ventral view,
left suborbital flap in lateral view.
Nemacheilus cacao, new species

Diagnosis. Nemacheilus cacao is distinguished from all other species of the genus except N. platiceps in having an incomplete lateral line reaching between verticals of pelvicfin origin and of anus, with 33–49 pores (vs. complete). Nemacheilus cacao is most easily distinguished from N. platiceps by its colour pattern, with a uniform dark brown body in adult males. In contrast, N. platiceps has 12–16 narrow bars on the flank, clearly distinct at all sizes and both sexes. In addition, N. cacao is distinguished from N. platiceps by males having: a conspicuous suborbital flap (vs. poorly developed); dorsal surface of first 3–7 pectoral-fin rays covered by densely-set small tubercles; flank with a patch of scales each with a small tubercle (vs. absence of tubercles on pectoral fin and flanks).

Etymology. From Theobroma cacao, the cacao tree whose seeds are used to produce chocolate; itself derived from kakawa in some ancient Mesoamerican language (Kaufman & Justeson, 2007). A reference to the chocolate brown colour of large males. A noun in apposition, indeclinable

Jörg Bohlen, Maurice Kottelat and Vendula Šlechtová. 2022. Nemacheilus cacao, A New Species of Loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from the middle Mekong Basin in Laos. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 70; 511–518.
LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg/publications/raffles-bulletin-of-zoology/volumes/volume-70

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Harttia canastra • A New Species of Harttia (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rio São Francisco Basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Harttia canastra
Caldas, Cherobim & Langeani, 2022

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2022-0051

Abstract
The genus Harttia belongs to the subfamily Loricariinae and has to date 27 described species, distributed in the drainages of Guiana Shield, Amazon and southeastern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of: canal plate present; abdominal plates absent; trapezoid preanal plates; males with elongated and conspicuous odontodes on the first pectoral-fin ray and on the lateral region of the head, close to the canal plate; and dorsal-fin spinelet present. An identification key for the species of the rio São Francisco basin and a comparison between the new taxon and all other species of the genus are presented.

Keywords: Brazilian Crystalline Shield; Brazilian Plateau; Identification key; Streams; Waterfalls.

Harttia canastra, LIRP 651, male, holotype, 99.2 mm SL, Brazil, Minas Gerais State, rio São Francisco, São Roque de Minas municipality, Fazenda Casca D’Anta.
A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view; C. Ventral view.

Harttia canastra, DZSJRP 20172, female, paratype, 80.9 mm SL, São José do Barreiro, riacho Grande, road Vargem Bonita to São José do Barreiro, towards Cachoeira Casca D’Anta.
A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view; C. Ventral view.

Harttia canastra, new species

Diagnosis. The naked abdomen between pectoral- and pelvic-fin girdles readily discriminates Harttia canastra from Harttia absaberi Oyakawa, Fichberg & Langeani, 2013, H. dissidens Rapp Py-Daniel & Oliveira, 2001, H. duriventris Rapp Py-Daniel & Oliveira, 2001, H. fluminensis, H. fowleri (Pellegrin, 1908), H. longipinna, H. panara Oyakawa, Fichberg & Rapp Py-Daniel, 2018, H. punctata Rapp Py-Daniel & Oliveira, 2001, H. rhombocephala, H. rondoni Oyakawa, Fichberg & Rapp Py-Daniel, 2018, H. surinamensis Boeseman, 1971, H. trombetensis Rapp Py-Daniel & Oliveira, 2001, H. tuna, and H. villasboas Oyakawa, Fichberg & Rapp Py-Daniel, 2018 (vs. abdomen partially or completely covered by plates; Figs. 3B,C). Harttia canastra can be distinguished from H. carvalhoi Miranda Ribeiro, 1939, H. garavelloi Oyakawa, 1993, H. intermontana Oliveira & Oyakawa, 2019, H. kronei Miranda Ribeiro, 1908, H. leiopleura, and H. novalimensis by having preanal plates (vs. preanal plates absent; Figs. 3A,D,E). Furthermore, Harttia canastra can be distinguished from H. torrenticola by having two to four large trapezoidal preanal plates and dorsal-fin spinelet present (vs. two to four circular preanal plates and dorsal-fin spinelet absent; Fig. 3F). It differs from Harttia gracilis Oyakawa, 1993 in that its lower and upper caudal rays are of same size (vs. upper ray slightly longer than the lower one). Harttia canastra can be distinguished from H. guianensis Rapp Py-Daniel & Oliveira, 2001, H. loricariformis Steindachner, 1877, and H. uatumensis Rapp Py-Daniel & Oliveira, 2001 by the presence of the dorsal-fin spinelet and by the hypertrophy of odontodes in the lateral region of the head, close to the canal plate, and in the unbranched pectoral fin ray in adult males (vs. absence of the dorsal-fin spinelet and males without hypertrophied odontodes). Distinguished from Harttia depressa by body depth 40.0–66.7% and head depth 35.7–52.6% of HL (vs. extremely depressed body and head, respectively 27.0–33.3% and 31.2–35.7% of HL). It differs from H. merevari by having anterior region of head more rounded, darker coloration and adult males with hypertrophied odontodes (vs. anterior region of head more triangular, light or dark yellow with many spots and males without hypertrophied odontodes). Finally, in relation to the other species of the rio São Francisco basin, H. canastra is distinguished from H. longipinna by the absence of plates in the abdominal region between pectoral- and pelvic-fin girdles and by the equivalent anal-fin length both in males and females (respectively 11.7–18.2% and 11.7–18.7% of SL; vs. partially covered abdomen and anal-fin length longer in males than in females (respectively 20.0–25.0% and 13.9–16.1% of SL; Fig. 3B); from H. leiopleura and H. novalimensis for presenting preanal plates (vs. preanal plates absent; Figs. 3D,E); and from H. torrenticola by having two large preanal trapezoidal plates (vs. two to four circular minute preanal plates; Fig. 3F) and the dorsal-fin spinelet (vs. dorsal-fin spinelet absent).

Etymology. The name “canastra” refers to the Serra da Canastra, a mountain range located in the center-south of the state of Minas Gerais, which houses the headwaters of the rio São Francisco, where most of the specimens were collected. A noun in apposition.

Laís Caldas, Arieli Matheus Cherobim and Francisco Langeani. 2022. A New Species of Harttia from the rio São Francisco basin (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). Neotrop. ichthyol. 20(4); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2022-0051

Resumo: O gênero Harttia pertence à subfamília Loricariinae e possui 27 espécies descritas, distribuídas nas drenagens do Escudo das Guianas, Amazônica e do sudeste brasileiro. A nova espécie distingue-se das congêneres pela combinação de: placa do canal presente; placas abdominais ausentes; placas pré-anais trapezóides; machos com odontódeos alongados e conspícuos no primeiro raio da nadadeira peitoral e na região lateral da cabeça, próximo a placa do canal; e spinelet da nadadeira dorsal presente. Apresenta-se uma chave de identificação para as espécies da bacia do rio São Francisco e a comparação com todas as demais espécies do gênero.
Palavras-chave: Cachoeiras; Chave de identificação; Escudo Cristalino Brasileiro; Planalto Brasileiro; Riachos

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Oxyurichthys omanensis • A New Eyebrow Goby (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Oman

Oxyurichthys omanensis
Zarei, Al Jufaili & Esmaeili, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5182.4.3

Abstract
Oxyurichthys omanensis sp. nov. is described as a new gobiid species from a mudflat/estuary habitat in northern Oman. The new species is diagnosed among all currently recognised congeners by the following combination of character states: elongate tentacle on dorsoposterior surface of the eye; nape with well-developed membranous crest; nape scaled to above anterior half of opercle along sides with naked median along membranous crest, scales never reaching to above preopercle; opercle and pectoral base naked; scales ctenoid laterally on trunk posterior to base of second dorsal fin 3rd element; lateral scale rows 51–58, usually 51–56; transverse forward scale rows 23–29, usually 24–28; transverse rearward scale rows 14–16, usually 14–15; upper lip usually constricted at premaxillary symphysis; infraorbital transverse papillae row 2 reaching eye margin dorsally and markedly short of longitudinal row d ventrally; additional short transverse papillae rows between rows 2 and 3i present; dark saddle present over caudal peduncle; snout length 34.9–45.4% HL; second dorsal-fin longest ray 1.1–1.6 head depth; pelvic fin always reaching or passing anal-fin origin. The K2P genetic distances (%) in the mtDNA COI barcode region between O. omanensis and the other Oxyurichthys species were all high (11.2–30.6%) with the K2P nearest neighbor distance of 11.2% to O. cornutus and O. ophthalmonema.

Keywords: Pisces, Endemic, Gobioidei, Gobionellinae, Systematics, DNA Barcoding, Oman Sea basin

Live specimens of Oxyurichthys omanensis collected from Yeti, northern Oman.
Upper) ZM-CBSU S105-1, 54.5 mm SL, male, paratype;
lower) ZM-CBSU S105-3, 61.9 mm SL, male, paratype.

Oxyurichthys omanensis sp. nov.

Fatah Zarei, Saud M. Al Jufaili and Hamid Reza Esmaeili. 2022. Oxyurichthys omanensis sp. nov., A New Eyebrow Goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Oman. Zootaxa. 5182(4);361-376. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5182.4.3

An enigmatic interstitial trichomycterine catfish from south-eastern Brazil found at about 1000 km away from its sister group (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae

)Author links open overlay panelWilson J.E.M.CostaaWagner M.S.SampaiobPatríciaGiongobFrederico B.de AlmeidacValter M.Azevedo-SantosdAxel M.Katza

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2022.02.007 Get rights and contentAbstractDuring recent field studies in the upper Rio Paraná basin, south-eastern Brazil, a small undescribed trichomycterine catfish with interstitial habits was found. The combination of morphological character states exhibited by this species did not allow placement to any genus from eastern South America. A multigene phylogeny here performed strongly supported the new taxon as sister to Scleronema. Due to the confusing generic classification of the Trichomycterinae, the new taxon is formally placed in a new subgenus of Scleronema (Plesioscleronema subgen. nov.), instead of in a new monotypic genus. The inclusion of the new taxon in Scleronema implicated in a review of generic diagnostic morphological characters. Two apomorphic character states were found to be useful to diagnose Scleronema in this broader sense: presence of a skin flap on the posterior margin of the opercle and a unique frontal bone morphology. Scleronema auromaculatum spec. nov. differs from other trichomycterines by a unique morphology of the area involving the postero-dorsal portion of the quadrate and the adjacent region of the hyomandibula, the uroneural separated by the dorsal hypural plate by an interspace, and a widened hemal spine of the preural centre 2. The about 1000 km gap between the area where the new species was collected and the nearest collecting site of its sister group is probably a consequence of both anthropic environmental degradation and the specialised interstitial habits in this fish group, making it difficult to be found in ichthyological inventories.
IntroductionNeotropical freshwater fishes have been a focus of continued studies since the 17th century as a consequence of the enormous diversity present in the group (Vari & Malabarba 1998). However, species of fishes adapted to live in unusual habitats have been discovered and described only after recent studies directed to sample these habitats. For example, numerous species with interstitial habits belonging to different South American families of teleost fishes were recently described (e.g. Costa & Katz 2021a). Interstitial habits are found among most lineages of trichomycterid catfishes (Schaefer et al., 2005; Costa et al., 2020a), including the Trichomycterinae, a subfamily with over 260 species (Costa 2021).
Trichomycterines occur in a large array of aquatic ecosystems of the Neotropical region, between Costa Rica in southern Central America and Argentinean Patagonia in southern South America (Costa et al., 2021a). Studies on trichomycterines have been highly constrained by the confusing generic classification of the subfamily and low samples of species endemic to western South America in broad phylogenetic studies (Ochoa et al., 2017 2020; Katz et al., 2018; Costa et al., 2021a, b; Fernández et al., 2021). An exception is a trichomycterine clade endemic to eastern South America, which have been more studied, with representative samples of all lineages included in phylogenetic studies and explicit generic classification proposals based on monophyly (Katz et al., 2018; Costa et al., 2020b 2021a, b; Donin et al., 2020; Costa & Katz 2021b). This clade comprises the genera Cambeva Katz, Barbosa, Mattos & Costa, 2018, Scleronema Eigenmann, 1917, and Trichomycterus Valenciennes, 1832 (hereafter CST-clade).
Three specimens of a small new trichomycterine species, 30.2–36.8 mm standard length (SL), not obviously referable to any trichomycterine genus known to occur in eastern South America, were collected during a recent field inventory (February–August 2021) in the Rio Paranaíba drainage, upper Rio Paraná basin, south-eastern Brazil. These specimens had a prominent skin fold along the dorsal margin of the caudal peduncle that is only present in some species of Cambeva, Cambeva concolor (Costa 1992) and Cambeva variegata (Costa 1992) (Costa 1992), and in all species of Scleronema, suggesting that the new species belong to the clade comprising Cambeva and Scleronema (Katz et al., 2018). With a more detailed examination, it was possible to see the presence of a small skin flap on the posterior portion of the opercle that is diagnostic for Scleronema (Eigenmann 1917; Ferrer & Malabarba 2020), thus suggesting that the new species is closer to Scleronema than to Cambeva. However, the new taxon does not have several apomorphic conditions of the external morphology that occur in all species of Scleronema, such as the presence of a broad maxillary barbel base with a longitudinal skin fold, short barbels with the nasal barbel reaching the orbit or an area just posterior to it, and the first pectoral-fin ray shorter than adjacent rays without a terminal filament. In the new taxon, the basal part of the maxillary barbel is not widened and lacks a skin fold, the nasal barbel is long, nearly reaching the opercular patch of odontodes, and the first pectoral-fin ray is longer than the adjacent rays, terminating in a short filamentous tip (e.g. Arratia 1990; Ferrer & Malabarba 2020). After preparing specimens of the new species for osteological examination, it was clear that it also does not have the two synapomorphies proposed by Ferrer & Malabarba (2020) to diagnose Scleronema. In addition, the locality where the new species was found is about 1,000 km from the nearest locality recorded for Scleronema, in a highland region at about 970 m asl. Species of Scleronema occurs in a broad South American subtropical region comprising southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and northeastern Argentina, always found in lowland rivers and streams (Ferrer & Malabarba 2020).
New collecting efforts to find additional specimens of the undescribed taxon in the same area were made on 3 November 2021. Even with intensive efforts for about 3 h, only five specimens 25.1–34.2 mm SL were found, all buried in gravel substrate. Field data thus indicated that this species is rare at its only known locality and that the species has interstitial habits. These additional specimens, including the first one fixed in alcohol for DNA studies, have allowed us to search for the phylogenetic relationships of this species. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are: to perform a multigene phylogenetic analysis to infer the phylogenetic position of the new enigmatic taxon among trichomycterines; to compare morphological features of the new taxon with other trichomycterines in order of to check additional morphological evidence supporting its phylogenetic positioning; and to provide a formal description for the new species.

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Review of the spotted lizard loaches, Pseudohomaloptera (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) with a re-description of Pseudohomaloptera sexmaculata and description of a new species from Sumatra

Zachary S. Randall,Gabriel A. Somarriba,Sampan Tongnunui,Lawrence M. Page
First published: 23 October 2022

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15255Zoobank links: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:70D61B77-C346-4D0B-BCE4-EBE049436824
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:78C5F0EF-0525-494F-8A98-405157CCD81C
Funding information: Rules of Life, Grant/Award Number: NSF 1839915; Planetary Biodiversity Inventory, Grant/Award Number: DEB-0315963; oVert, Grant/Award Number: NSF DBI 1701714; NSF Advancing Digitization of Biodiversity Collections, Grant/Award Numbers: DBI 1547229, EF 1115210

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SHAREAbstractA review of the six recognized species of Pseudohomaloptera is provided. Counts in the original description of Pseudohomaloptera sexmaculata Fowler (1934) were incorrect and led to confusion in identifying populations of Pseudohomaloptera in mainland Southeast Asia, and the species is re-described. The validity of Homaloptera septemmaculata Fowler (1934) is investigated and confirmed as a junior synonym of P. sexmaculata. P. sexmaculata and Pseudohomaloptera leonardi, similar morphologically and often misidentified, are widely distributed in mainland Southeast Asia, with P. sexmaculata in the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong and Pran Buri River basins, and P. leonardi in the Malay Peninsula and the Chao Phraya and Mekong River basins. Pseudohomaloptera yunnanensis and Pseudohomaloptera vulgaris have been reported from the Mekong basin of Thailand and Laos but appear to be restricted to Yunnan Province, China. A new species of Pseudohomaloptera is described from Sumatra. This is the southern-most species and first record for the genus from the Indonesian island. An identification key is provided for all species of the genus.
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A New Species of Silverside of the Genus Odontesthes (Atheriniformes: Atherinopsidae) with Hypertrophic Lips from a High-Altitude Basin in Southern Brazil

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Sternopygus sabaji • A New Species of Sternopygus (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the Atlantic Coast of the Guiana Shield

Sternopygus sabaji
Torgersen & Albert, 2022

DOI: 10.1643/i2022013
twitter.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract
Sternopygus sabaji, new species, is described from the Atlantic drainages of the Guiana Shield region of South America using traditional methods of morphometrics and meristics and microcomputed tomography (µCT) scans for osteological analysis. The new species is diagnosed from all other species of Sternopygus by the lack of dentition on the anteroventral surface of the endopterygoid and by the possession of a wider mouth. It further differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: reduced humeral spot with low-contrast and poorly defined margins, possession of a light-colored mid-lateral stripe along posterior portion of lateral line, possession of 1–3 dark saddle-like markings along dorsum of smaller individuals, and a relatively low precaudal vertebrae count. This work provides the first description of a species of Sternopygus that is endemic to the Guiana Shield, joining S. astrabes and S. macrurus in elevating the species richness of the clade in that region to three species and the total number of valid Sternopygus to ten species.

Sternopygus sabaji, holotype, ANSP 208090 (374 mm TL).
(A) Full body view; (B) closeup of head. Position of anus and urogenital papilla indicated by arrow.
Scale bar = 1 cm.

Paratype specimen of Sternopygus sabaji ANSP 189018 (146 mm TL).
(A) Specimen with live coloration, photo taken after collection in 2007.
(B) Same specimen with preserved coloration photographed in 2021.
Scale bar = 1 cm. Photo of specimen with live coloration by Mark Sabaj.

Sternopygus sabaji, new species

Etymology.--This species is named in honor of Dr. Mark Henry Sabaj, of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, for his many contributions to the exploration and understanding of Neotropical aquatic diversity. The authors also acknowledge his role in collecting and photographing the specimens of the type series and his help to the authors in obtaining specimen loans for this study.

Distribution.— Sternopygus sabaji is known from the Marowijne (Maroni) and Essequibo drainage basins where it is found sympatrically with S. macrurus and possibly another undescribed member of the genus (Fig. 10).

Kevin T. Torgersen and James S. Albert. 2022. A New Species of Sternopygus (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the Atlantic Coast of the Guiana Shield. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 110(4), 714-727. DOI: 10.1643/i2022013
twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1589645981225582592

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Pangasius icaria • A New Pangasius (Valenciennes, 1840) Species (Siluriformes: Pangasiidae), from the Cauvery River extends Distribution Range of the Genus up to South Western Ghats in peninsular India

Pangasius icaria
Ayyathurai, Kodeeswaran, Mohindra, Singh, Ravi, Kumar, Valaparambil, Thangappan, Jena & Lal, 2022

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14258

Abstract
A new species of the genus Pangasius, is described based on 17 specimens collected from the Cauvery River, India. It can be distinguished from its sister species from South and Southeast Asia, by its widely placed, small and rounded vomerine and palatine tooth plates, longer maxillary and mandibular barbels, greater vertebrae count 50 (vs. 44–48), and smaller caudal peduncle depth (6.5–8.2% SL vs. 9.89–13.09% SL). The tooth plates of the new species closely resembles that of Pangasius macronema but can be clearly distinguished from the latter by having lesser gill rakers (16–19 vs. 36–45); a smaller eye (2.4–4.4% SL vs. 5.2–9.6% SL); and larger adipose-fin base (1.5–2.9% SL vs. 0.1–1.2% SL). The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene sequence of the new species shows the genetic divergence of 3.5% and 5.1% from P. pangasius and P. silasi respectively, the two sister species found in South Asia and India. The species delimitation approaches, Poisson Tree Processes (PTP) and assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) clearly resolved that the P. icaria is distinct from its sister species. Phylogenetic position of the species with its sister species was evaluated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis. The discovery of this previously unknown species of genus Pangasius from the Cauvery River of peninsular India indicates important biogeographical insight that this genus migrated till the southern division of Western Ghats.

Pangasius icaria, holotype, NBFGR/ PANPTAM, 211.6 mm SL.
(A) Lateral; (B) dorsal; (C) ventral views
Tamil Nadu, Salem district, Mettur Dam, Cauvery River.

Pangasius icaria, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Pangasius icaria differs from all the sister species of south Asia by by the following combination of characters: a set of widely placed, small and rounded vomerine and palatine tooth plates, moderately rounded snout on dorsally viewed, maxillary barbel reaching beyond the base of the pectoral spine, eye diameter 2.4–4.4% SL, smaller-interorbital distance 10.1–12.4% SL, caudal peduncle depth 6.5–8.2% SL, filamentous first dorsal- and pectoral-fin ray, gill rakers 16–19, 50 vertebrae and a reddish dorsal-, anal- and pectoral-fin base.

Habitat and distribution. Presently known only from Cauvery River basin collected from two locations, at Mettur Dam, and in the upstream of Shivanasamudra Falls, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka. The species was collected using a gill net at a depth of 5–15 m during the discharge of water from the main dam (Fig. 6).

Etymology. The species is named after the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and used its abbreviated form. ICAR is the parent organization for NBFGR, which has conducted this research.

Conclusions:
A new species of the genus Pangasius is described that was collected from the Cauvery River, Tamil Nadu, India. This new discovery of P. icaria clearly highlights the native presence of genus Pangasius in peninsular India and is represented by two recorded divergent species. Future research and explorations are needed to ascertain the distributional range of this endemic species for devising conservation and management of the species and also to evaluate for its aquaculture utilization potential.

Kathirvelpandian P.V. Ayyathurai, Paramasivam Kodeeswaran, Vindhya Mohindra, Rajeev K. Singh, Charan Ravi, Rahul Kumar, BasheerSaidmuhammed Valaparambil, Ajith Kumar Thipramalai Thangappan, Joykrushna Jena and Kuldeep K. Lal. 2022. Description of A New Pangasius (Valenciennes, 1840) Species, from the Cauvery River extends Distribution Range of the Genus up to South Western Ghats in peninsular India. PeerJ. 10:e14258. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14258

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Hyporthodus griseofasciatus • A New Species of Deep-water Grouper (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) from the west coast of Australia

Hyporthodus griseofasciatus
Moore, Wakefield, DiBattista & Newman, 2022.

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15231
twitter.com/WestOzFish

Abstract
A new species of deep-water epinephelid fish is described from the west coast of Australia based on 14 specimens, 99–595 mm standard length. Hyporthodus griseofasciatus sp. nov. is endemic to Western Australia from Barrow Island to Two Peoples Bay in depths of 76–470 m. It has a series of eight grey bands alternating with eight brown bands along the body and the soft dorsal, soft anal and caudal fin margins are pale cream to white. It is distinguished from its nearest congener, H. ergastularius, by the presence of a star-like pattern of radiating lines on the head versus an overall brownish colour in the latter as well as significant differences in the quantitative analyses of 25 morphological characters. The two species have allopatric distributions on either side of the Australian continent. H. griseofasciatus is distinguished from H. octofasciatus by several grey bands being distinctly narrower than other grey bands (vs. all grey bands subequal in the latter) and the presence of broad white margins on the dorsal, caudal and anal fins (vs. narrow or absent in the latter). Some scale counts appear to also differ. Analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 sequences revealed reciprocally monophyletic clades with fixed differences and genetic distances typical of recently diverged species of fishes.

Keywords: barcod, eightbar, Epinephelus, ergastularius, greyband, octofasciatus, septemfasciatus

Hyporthodus griseofasciatus sp. nov.
Holotype WAM P.34486-001. 321 mm SL.
Two Peoples Bay canyon, WA, Australia, fresh.
twitter.com/WestOzFish

Hyporthodus griseofasciatus new species
New standard common name: Greybanded Grouper.

DIAGNOSIS: A species of Hyporthodus with dorsal-fin rays XI, 14; anal-fin rays III, 9; pectoral-fin rays 18–19; caudal-fin rounded (smaller specimens) to truncate (larger specimens); lateral-scale series 101–126; gill rakers 8–9+14–15 = 23–24; transverse scale rows below lateral line 24–36; circum-peduncular scales 39–51; H. griseofasciatus can be distinguished from H. octofasciatus by a body with seven broad equal-width dark-brown bands alternating with grey bands (may be faint) of unequal widths (equal widths in the latter), and from H. ergastularius by a head with five to eight dark-brown bands with grey interspaces appearing as a star radiating from the eye (overall brown in the latter); caudal, dorsal and anal fins often with a defined white margin.

ETYMOLOGY: The specific name griseofasciatus is derived from the Latin griseo (grey) and fasciata (band). Adjective, masculine. This reflects the unique vernacular name most frequently applied to this species by anglers in Western Australia, ‘greyband’, in reference to the grey colour of the pale bands. Although this descriptor is not diagnostic for the new species (most Hyporthodus species have grey bands), we have followed the naming guidelines of Yearsley et al. (2006), which clearly states that ‘historical names in regular use or widely accepted names’ and ‘a regional name where the species is most commonly encountered/caught’ have priority. The presence of multiple grey bands dictates the use of ‘greybanded’ rather than ‘greyband’ (Yearsley et al., 2006). The preference for ‘grouper’ rather than ‘cod’ as the common group name for Epinephelidae is consistent with Rees et al. (2018) and follows the group name guidelines of Yearsley et al. (2006).

Glenn I. Moore, Corey B. Wakefield, Joseph D. DiBattista and Stephen J. Newman. 2022. Hyporthodus griseofasciatus (Perciformes: Epinephelidae), A New Species of Deep-water Grouper from the west coast of Australia. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15231
twitter.com/WestOzFish /status/1590881447103328256

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𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑠 - A new species of the genus #𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑠 (Siluriformes: #Sisoridae) from #ArunachalPradesh, India. #TorrentCatfish #Sisorid #Catfishes PDF (ResearchGate) - https://bit.ly/3O5wAOD
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A taxonomic review of the vampire catfish genus Paracanthopoma Giltay, 1935 (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae), with descriptions of nine new species and a revised diagnosis of the genusAuthors

Mário de PinnaUniversidade de São Paulo, Museu de Zoologia. São Paulo, SP, Brasil.https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1711-4816
Fernando Cesar Paiva DagostaUniversidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais. Dourados, MS, Brasil.https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7163-296X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2022.62.072Keywords: Biodiversity, Evolution, Micropredation, Monophyly, ParasitismABSTRACTA taxonomic revision is presented of the genus Paracanthopoma, probably the least-known vandelliine genus at present. The work is based on most of the material available in museums worldwide and includes a major expansion in the knowledge about the genus. Paracanthopoma is circumscribed as a monophyletic group on the basis of nine putatively synapomorphic characters. Evidence is provided for Paracanthopoma and Paravandellia as sister groups and the two genera are comparatively diagnosed. A total of 13 species are recognized in Paracanthopoma, of which nine are new and one is transferred from Paravandellia: Pc. ahriman, new species, Pc. alleynei (Henschel et al., 2021), Pc. carrapata, new species, Pc. cangussu Henschel et al., 2021, Pc. capeta, new species, Pc. daemon, new species, Pc. irritans, new species, Pc. malevola, new species, Pc. parva Giltay, 1935, Pc. saci Dagosta & de Pinna, 2021, Pc. satanica, new species, Pc. truculenta, new species, and Pc. vampyra, new species. Different species display a high degree of phenotypic divergence and are diagnosed on the basis of traditional as well as new morphological characters of both external and internal anatomy. Geographical distributions are mapped for each species and an identification key is provided. Preliminary evidence suggests the existence of four main subclades within Paracanthopoma. The first one includes Pc. ahriman, Pc. cangussu, and Pc. irritans. A second subclade comprises Pc. carrapata, Pc. daemon, Pc. parva, and Pc. truculenta. A third clade includes Pc. malevola and Pc. satanica and a fourth comprises Pc. alleynei and Pc. vampyra. The last clade lacks some putative synapomorphies of all other members of Paracanthopoma and seems to be the sister group to the rest of the genus. Relationships of Pc. capeta and Pc. saci are not as clear, but some evidence exists for the former being related to the first subclade and the latter to the second subclade.
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4 November 2022

A New Species of Sternopygus (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the Atlantic Coast of the Guiana Shield
Kevin T. Torgersen, James S. Albert
Author Affiliations +
Ichthyology & Herpetology, 110(4):714-727 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2022013

AbstractSternopygus sabaji, new species, is described from the Atlantic drainages of the Guiana Shield region of South America using traditional methods of morphometrics and meristics and microcomputed tomography (µCT) scans for osteological analysis. The new species is diagnosed from all other species of Sternopygus by the lack of dentition on the anteroventral surface of the endopterygoid and by the possession of a wider mouth. It further differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: reduced humeral spot with low-contrast and poorly defined margins, possession of a light-colored mid-lateral stripe along posterior portion of lateral line, possession of 1–3 dark saddle-like markings along dorsum of smaller individuals, and a relatively low precaudal vertebrae count. This work provides the first description of a species of Sternopygus that is endemic to the Guiana Shield, joining S. astrabes and S. macrurus in elevating the species richness of the clade in that region to three species and the total number of valid Sternopygus to ten species.

© 2022 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
Citation Download Citation
Kevin T. Torgersen and James S. Albert "A New Species of Sternopygus (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the Atlantic Coast of the Guiana Shield," Ichthyology & Herpetology 110(4), 714-727, (4 November 2022). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2022013
Received: 21 January 2022; Accepted: 9 July 2022; Published: 4 November 2022

Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the cichlid genus Hemichromis (Teleostei, Cichliformes, Cichlidae), with description of a new genus and revalidation of H. angolensi
AbstractThe tribe Hemichromini is an early diverging, mainly Central and West African lineage within the species-rich African cichlid fishes (Cichliformes, Cichlidae) including two genera, Hemichromis Peters 1858 and the monotypic Anomalochromis Greenwood 1985. Though many of the species are popular aquarium fish, the number of hemichromine species is still a matter of debate with their phylogenetic relationships largely unknown. Based on DNA sequence data of two mitochondrial and two nuclear genes, we present the first comprehensive phylogeny of the Hemichromini. Using an integrative approach based on these DNA sequences data, morphometrics, meristics, and a qualitative assessment of body coloration, we revise the genus Hemichromis and discuss intrageneric relationships. Two major groups within the genus Hemichromis that diverged roughly 6–12 MYA are recognized, of which the first one represents Hemichromis sensu stricto, for the second one a new genus, Rubricatochromis, is described. Diversification with these two main groups started about 3–6 MYA, with different trajectories of colonization in the two groups. Hemichromis populations from the most southern (Cuanza, Zambezi, and Okavango) part of the genus’ distribution range constitute a well-supported clade distinct from all other members of Hemichromis, for which the taxon H. angolensis Steindachner, 1865 is confirmed.
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ADVANCES IN CICHLID RESEARCH V
Published: 27 October 2022

Unrecognized species diversity and endemism in the cichlid genus Bujurquina (Teleostei: Cichlidae) together with a molecular phylogeny document large-scale transformation of the western Amazonian river network and reveal complex paleogeography of the Ecuadorian Amazon

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AbstractBujurquina is the most widely distributed and species-rich genus of cichlids in the western Amazon of South America, yet beyond a few taxonomic studies remains almost completely unknown. We use a newly obtained collection of Bujurquina specimens which for the first time provides a representative sampling throughout its whole distribution area. Based on morphological and molecular data, we provide the first phylogenetic analyses of the genus, review the diversity of species in the genus and interpret its evolution with focus on the Bujurquina fauna of Ecuador. The Bujurquina fauna of Ecuador presently includes only two supposedly endemic species (B. zamorensis and B. pardus) plus based on some studies two to three Peruvian species, which we find to be erroneous. Our results identify in Ecuador at least 12 species, 11 of which are also identified in the molecular phylogeny. The large-scale phylogeny and biogeography of Bujurquina in the western Amazon are found to be in very good agreement with geological evolution of the western Amazon. Over the smaller scale of the Ecuadorian Amazon, our results for the first time reveal a complex paleogeography with a reconstructed river network reconfiguration.

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Taxonomic investigation of the zooplanktivorous Lake Malawi cichlids Copadichromis mloto (Iles) and C. virginalis (Iles)

Hydrobiologia (2022)Cite this article

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AbstractThe taxonomic status of the zooplanktivorous cichlids Copadichromis mloto and C. virginalis has been confused since their original descriptions by lles in 1960. Whilst two forms of C. virginalis, ‘Kaduna’ and ‘Kajose’, were distinguished in the type material, C. mloto has not been positively identified since its original description. Here we re-examined the types as well as 54 recently collected specimens from multiple sampling locations. Genome sequencing of 51 recent specimens revealed two closely related but reciprocally monophyletic clades. Geometric morphological analysis indicated that one clade morphologically encompasses the type specimens of C. virginalis identified by Iles as the Kaduna form, including the holotype, whilst the other clade encompasses not only the paratypes identified as the Kajose form, but also the type series of C. mloto. Given that all three forms in Iles’s type series are from the same locality, that there are no meristic or character states to differentiate them and that there are no records of adult male C. mloto in breeding colours, we conclude that the Kajose form previously identified as C. virginalis represents relatively deeper bodied sexually active or maturing individuals of C. mloto.
IntroductionThe Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlids represent the most species-rich vertebrate adaptive radiation known, comprising around 800 species (Konings, 2016) rapidly evolved from a common ancestor in a single lake (Malinsky et al., 2018; Svardal et al., 2020), and as such they represent a particularly difficult taxonomic challenge (Snoeks, 2004). The utaka are a group of zooplankton feeding cichlids that are both ecologically significant and commercially important as a food fish (Turner, 1996). Most utaka species are currently assigned to the genus Copadichromis, characterised by their relatively small, highly protrusible mouths and numerous long gill rakers (Eccles & Trewavas, 1989; Konings, 2016). They are generally silvery, countershaded and carry several dark spots on their flanks, although this is obscured in the reproductively active males that are conspicuously dark blue or black (Konings, 2016). A few species, known as ‘pure utaka’ lack flank spots entirely (Iles, 1960). The status of these has been confused for over 60 years, since the descriptions of Copadichromis mloto (Iles, 1960) and Copadichromis virginalis (Iles, 1960), both described from material collected at Nkhata Bay in the middle of the western shore of the lake. The former species was distinguished from the latter by its more slender build, but all other morphometric traits and all meristic counts overlapped (Iles, 1960). Whilst the original descriptions presented information on male breeding characteristics (often a key feature for discriminating closely related cichlid species) for C. virginalis, none were given for C. mloto which all appeared to be spent or reproductively inactive individuals. In the intervening years, no breeding adults of C. mloto were positively identified in collections, although Konings (2016) illustrated specimens proposed to be C. mloto that resemble those commonly assigned to C. virginalis in commercial trawl catches (Turner, 1996), but which had been assigned as C. mloto in earlier publications (e.g. Axelrod & Burgess, 1986). Further confusing matters, Iles’s original description of C. virginalis discussed two distinct sympatric forms which he recorded local fishermen referring to as ‘Kaduna’ (including the holotype) and ‘Kajose’ (included in the type series). Subsequent authors (e.g. Turner, 1996; Konings, 2016) suggested that these may be different species—a possibility tentatively discussed by Iles. In the course of a wider investigation of the Lake Malawi cichlid fauna, we were able to obtain a large number of specimens of ‘pure utaka’ from a number of locations in 2016–2017, which we used to investigate the status of C. mloto and C. virginalis using a phylogeny constructed from whole-genome sequences, coupled with geometric morphometric comparisons with Iles’ type material.
Methods and materialsThis study was based on the type material of Haplochromis mloto and H. virginalis examined and photographed in the Natural History Museum in London, along with 54 specimens collected from various locations around Lake Malawi in 2016–2017. The types of H. virginalis were classified by Iles into Kaduna and Kajose forms: these were separately catalogued: the holotype is a female Kaduna morph. During our examinations, external morphology suggested that two of the specimens were misclassified (perhaps through a mix-up by a later researcher), with the 88.3 mm SL individual in jar labelled as Kaduna looking more like a Kajose and the 96.5 mm SL Kajose looking more like a Kaduna. We used the re-classified identities in our analyses.
The freshly collected specimens were purchased from fishermen, and if not already dead, euthanised with anaesthetic overdose (clove oil); the right pectoral fin was cut off and placed in a vial of pure ethanol; the specimen pinned, labelled and photographed before being preserved in formalin after rigor mortis had set in, before being washed and preserved in ethanol. Morphometric analysis was based on digital analysis of the field photographs, along with photographs taken of the type material. Previous studies had examined meristics and morphological character states and did not find any diagnostic differences between the species (Iles, 1960; Eccles & Trewavas, 1989). Iles (1960) suggested that C. mloto had smaller teeth than similar species, but this was not supported by preliminary investigations—across species, large adult males were found to have strong simple teeth and whilst smaller fish had relatively smaller teeth, generally bicuspid in the outer row and tricuspid in the inner rows. This was not investigated further.
For geometric morphometric (GM) analysis, tpsUTIL (Rohlf, 2004) was used to build a file from scaled photographs, co-ordinates were recorded by tpsDig2 ver 2 (Rohlf, 2015) using the landmark tool, and provided with scale factors. We selected 15 homologous landmarks on the full specimen (Fig. 1). A CVS file containing the x and y coordinates of the landmarks for each specimen was then created and imported into MorphoJ (Klingenberg, 2011). Before Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was run on the geometric morphometric data, a generalised Procrustes analysis (GPA) was applied on the landmark data, to mathematically remove non-shape variation (Bookstein, 1989; Rohlf & Slice, 1990; Parés-Casanova et al., 2020). This was intended to eliminate morphological variation resulting from the size, position or orientation of the specimens. Then, a covariance matrix was generated from the resulting Procrustes shape coordinates and lastly the PCA was carried out. The resulting PC scores and centroid sizes were then imported into IBM SPSS Statistics 27, and One-Way Analysis of Variance used to test for group differences amongst component scores and centroid sizes (CS: a measure of overall body size) amongst the following 5 groups: types of H. mloto, types of H. virginalis (Kaduna), types of H. virginalis Kajose, sequenced C. mloto and sequenced C. virginalis. Post hoc tests (Tukey) were used to identify significant differences amongst groups, after simultaneous Bonferroni correction. Correlations between CS and PC scores were also calculated to aid interpretation.

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A new species of Sturisoma Swainson, 1838 (Loricariidae: Loricariinae) from the Madeira River basin, with a discussion of historical biogeography of western Amazonas and Paraguay River basinsAlejandro Londoño-Burbano,Marcelo R. Britto
First published: 18 October 2022

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15251This article has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Fish Biology and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/jfb.15251.

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SHAREAbstractA new loricariin species of Sturisoma is described from the Cautário, Guaporé, Mamoré, Machado and Soteiro rivers, Madeira River basin, in Bolivia and Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a middorsal longitudinal, thin dark brown stripe on caudal peduncle, extending from two or three plates posterior to dorsal-fin base, reaching origin of caudal fin, or one or two plates anterior to origin o caudal fin; small squarish anteriormost abdominal plates; and a middorsal longitudinal dark brown stripe from first pre-dorsal plate, to near the dorsal-fin origin. Furthermore, the new species is diagnosed from congeners by plate morphology, counts on the median series, coalescent plates, and ventrolateral thoracic plates, in addition to measurements related to body and head structures. An analysis of genetic distances using COI marker of the mitochondrial genome between the new species and several congeners is presented; in addition to a likelihood analysis to illustrate the position of the new taxon within Sturisoma. An identification key for species of the genus currently recorded at the upper Amazonas River basin is offered.

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𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑘𝑢𝑖𝑥𝑒, a new species of Oto catfish from the rio Pardo basin, Bahia State, Brazil is described in The Journal of Fish Biology.

This new species differs from the majority of other 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑠 by the presence of a rudimentary adipose fin.
Paywall - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jfb.15235
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲
A new species of 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑠 (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the rio Pardo basin, Bahia State, Brazil, with comments on sexually dimorphic traits of the nares and olfactory lamellae
𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Junior, D.E.S. and Zanata, A.M. (2022), A new species of 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑠 (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the rio Pardo basin, Bahia State, Brazil, with comments on sexually dimorphic traits of the nares and olfactory lamellae. J Fish Biol. Accepted Author Manuscript. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15235
𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁
A new species of 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑠 is described from lower rio Pardo basin, Bahia, Brazil.
The new species differs from the majority of its congeners by the presence of a rudimentary or vestigial adipose fin, restricted to 1–3 small unpaired plates on the typical location of the fin. The new species differs from congeners that lack a well-developed adipose fin, and also from various other congeners, by a series of features including the absence of unicuspid accessory teeth and abdomen completely covered by plates similar in size.
Additionally, mature males of the new species possess hypertrophied and higher number of olfactory lamellae, when compared to similar sized or even larger females. Hypertrophied and higher number of olfactory lamellae in males is shared with the congeners from the Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion examined to the feature.
𝗘𝘁𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆
The specific name derives from the word 'pukuixê', from the Pataxoha language used by the native Pataxo Indigenous tribe. The Pataxo tribe historically occupies the south and extreme south coastal areas of Bahia State. Pukuixê means 'the first' and is used herein in allusion to the species being the first of the genus having the rio Pardo as its type locality. A noun in apposition.
𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲
𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑝𝑢𝑘𝑢𝑖𝑥𝑒 sp. nov., holotype. MZUSP 126858, 36.4 mm LS, female, Brazil, Bahia State, Camacan, Fazenda Tupinambá, rio Braço do Sul, tributary of rio Panelao, rio Pardo basin, 18 Out 2013, A. M. Zanata, T. Ramos, L. Oliveira & T. Duar

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Garra rezai • A New Species (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Two widely disjunct Areas in the Tigris Drainage

Garra rezai
Mousavi-Sabet, Eagderi, Saemi-Komsari, Kaya & Freyhof, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5195.5.2
twitter.com/jorg_freyhof

Abstract
Garra rezai, new species, is described from the Chooman, a tributary of the Lesser Zab in Iran, and from headwaters of the Yanarsu, a tributary of the upper Tigris in Turkey. It is distinguished from its congeners in the Garra variabilis species group by having two pairs of barbels, a well-developed mental disc, 35–40 total scales along the lateral line, 15–19 scales along the predorsal midline, and 15–18 circumpeduncular scales. It is further characterised by having ten diagnostic nucleotide substitutions and the K2P genetic distances with the closest species i.e. G. klatti, G. kemali and G. variabilis as 11.9, 12.0, and 13.7%, respectively in the mtDNA COI barcode region.
Keywords: Pisces, Freshwater fish, Taxonomy, Cytochrome oxidase I, Middle East.

Garra rezai, new species

Hamed Mousavi-Sabet, Soheil Eagderi, Maryam Saemi-Komsari, Cüneyt Kaya and Jörg Freyhof. 2022. Garra rezai, A New Species from Two Widely Disjunct Areas in the Tigris Drainage (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Zootaxa. 5195(5); 419-436. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5195.5.2
twitter.com/jorg_freyhof/status/1580811828913111040
Researchgate.net/publication/364327436_Garra_rezai_a_new_species_from_the_Tigris_drainage

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Tujiaaspis vividus • Galeaspid Anatomy and the Origin of Vertebrate Paired Appendages

Tujiaaspis vividus
Gai, Li, Ferrón, Keating, Wang, Donoghue & Zhu, 2022

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04897-6

Abstract
Paired fins are a major innovation that evolved in the jawed vertebrate lineage after divergence from living jawless vertebrates. Extinct jawless armoured stem gnathostomes show a diversity of paired body-wall extensions, ranging from skeletal processes to simple flaps. By contrast, osteostracans (a sister group to jawed vertebrates) are interpreted to have the first true paired appendages in a pectoral position, with pelvic appendages evolving later in association with jaws. Here we show, on the basis of articulated remains of Tujiaaspis vividus from the Silurian period of China, that galeaspids (a sister group to both osteostracans and jawed vertebrates) possessed three unpaired dorsal fins, an approximately symmetrical hypochordal tail and a pair of continuous, branchial-to-caudal ventrolateral fins. The ventrolateral fins are similar to paired fin flaps in other stem gnathostomes, and specifically to the ventrolateral ridges of cephalaspid osteostracans that also possess differentiated pectoral fins. The ventrolateral fins are compatible with aspects of the fin-fold hypothesis for the origin of vertebrate paired appendages. Galeaspids have a precursor condition to osteostracans and jawed vertebrates in which paired fins arose initially as continuous pectoral–pelvic lateral fins that our computed fluid-dynamics experiments show passively generated lift. Only later in the stem lineage to osteostracans and jawed vertebrates did pectoral fins differentiate anteriorly. This later differentiation was followed by restriction of the remaining field of fin competence to a pelvic position, facilitating active propulsion and steering.

Systematic palaeontology
Class Galeaspida Tarlo, 1967
Order Eugaleaspidiformes Liu, 1980

Tujiaaspis vividus gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. The genus name tujia, Pinyin for the Tujia people, a minority ethnic group in China, in reference to the two fossil sites located in Xiangxi Tujia, Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, and Xiushan Tujia, Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing Municipality; aspis (Gr.), shield; and species name vividus (L.), spirited, full of life.

Holotype. A nearly complete fish accessioned as Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) V26668 (Fig. 1).

Zhikun Gai, Qiang Li, Humberto G. Ferrón, Joseph N. Keating, Junqing Wang, Philip C. J. Donoghue and Min Zhu. 2022. Galeaspid Anatomy and the Origin of Vertebrate Paired Appendages. Nature. 609, 959–963. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04897-6
bristol.ac.uk/biology/news/2022/dead-fish-breathes-new-life-into-the-evolutionary-origin-of-fins-and-limbs.html

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2022-0040

Taxonomy of the armored catfish genus Aspidoras (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) revisited, with the description of a new species Aspidoras aldebaram
Luiz Fernando Caserta TencattMarcelo R. BrittoIsaäc Jan Hendrik Isbrücker
Carla Simone PavanelliABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractAspidoras comprises 25 species currently considered as valid, being widely distributed in Brazil, occurring from the upper rio Paraná basin in São Paulo to coastal basins of Ceará. After Nijssen, Isbrücker’s review more than 40 years ago, no extensive work regarding the taxonomy of Aspidoras was conducted. Our paper presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus, based primarily on the extensive material that has been collected since then. Considering the new diagnosis plus the available phylogenetic data, A. pauciradiatus and A. virgulatus are transferred to Corydoras and Scleromystax, respectively. New synonymies are proposed: A. eurycephalus and A. taurus with A. albater; A. menezesi and A. spilotus with A. raimundi; and A. microgalaeus and A. marianae with A. poecilus. Additionally, a new species from the Araguaia and Paraguay river basins is described, which can be distinguished from its congeners by the morphology of its complex vertebra and infraorbital 1. Thereby, the number of valid species within Aspidoras was reduced from 25 to 18. Redescriptions for A. albater, A. belenos, A. depinnai, A. fuscoguttatus, A. lakoi, A. maculosus, A. poecilus, A. psammatides, A. raimundi, and A. velites are provided. An identification key to the species of Aspidoras is also provided.
Keywords:
Aspidoradini; Corydoradinae; Identification key; Osteology; Taxonomy
INTRODUCTIONThe Callichthyidae armoured catfishes can be promptly distinguished from all other Siluriformes by the presence of two longitudinal series of dermal plates on flanks (Reis, 2003). The family currently consists of around 200 valid species distributed in eight genera (Reis, 2003; Fricke et al., 2021). Aspidoras, its second largest genus, was described by Ihering, (1907) as a monotypic genus harboring the then newly described species, A. rochai. According to Ihering (1907:30) the genus is recognized by the presence of the following unique combination of features: (I) two pairs of dorsolateral body plates between the parieto-supraoccipital and dorsal-fin base; (II) parieto-supraoccipital nearly hexagonal, with poorly developed posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital; (III) head conspicuously deep, not depressed, rounded anteriorly and slightly laterally compressed; (IV) scapulocoracoid entirely covered by skin on ventral portion of the body; (V) barbels short, not reaching anteroventral limit of gill opening.
Gosline (1940), in his revisionary study of the Callichthyidae, proposed a new diagnosis for Aspidoras based on the presence of the following combination of features: (I) head compressed; (II) lower lip reverted, forming a single pair of barbels, besides the outer mental barbel; (III) outer mental barbel reaching region of anteroventral limit of gill opening; (IV) eye slightly elevated; (V) first infraorbital naked (likely meaning exposed); (VI) fontanel small, roundish, its size nearly equal to half of the bony orbit diameter; (VII) posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital short and broad; (VIII) dorsolateral body plates touching their counterparts between the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital and nuchal plate; (IX) region of pectoral girdle entirely covered by skin; (X) dorsal fin I,7, its base slightly shorter than distance between dorsal and adipose fins; and (XI) caudal fin forked (Gosline, 1940:10). Although 33 years had passed between the description of the genus and Gosline’s work, Aspidoras was still considered monotypic by the author. The description of the second species within the genus, Aspidoras lakoiMiranda Ribeiro, 1949, was published 42 years after Ihering’s work (1907). The designation of a lectotype for A. rochai came 62 years after its description (Britski, 1969:206).
Nijssen, Isbrücker (1976) presented the first comprehensive taxonomic review of Aspidoras, recognizing a total of 13 species. In addition to A. rochai and A. lakoi, nine species were then described, viz., A. albater, A. brunneus, A. carvalhoi, A. eurycephalus, A. fuscoguttatus, A. maculosus, A. menezesi, A. poecilus, and A. spilotus, and two species species previously assigned to Corydoras Lacepède, 1803, C. raimundiSteindachner, 1907 and C. pauciradiatusWeitzman, Nijssen, 1970, were transferred to Aspidoras. The authors also provided a new diagnosis for the genus (see Nijssen, Isbrücker, 1976:109), distinguishing Aspidoras from the other genera of Callichthyidae by the presence of two cranial fontanels, the posterior one in the parieto-supraoccipital and the anterior one between frontals (vs. a single fontanel).
Subsequent to Nijssen, Isbrücker’s (1980a) description of Aspidoras virgulatus, the taxonomy of the group was neglected for almost 20 years, until Britto, (1998) proposed two new species: A. belenos, from the rio Araguaia basin, and A. microgalaeus, from the rio Xingu basin. The descriptions showed a great improvement over the previous works, furnishing external morphology data plus osteological data, which were used in the diagnosis of both new species. The diagnosis of A. belenos was the first to include the morphology of an infraorbital bone, which has proven to be extremely useful for the recognition of species within Corydoradinae (e.g., Tencatt et al., 2013; Tencatt et al., 2014; Britto et al., 2016; Tencatt, Britto, 2016; Ohara et al., 2016; Tencatt et al., 2019). After Britto’s (1998) work, six species have been subsequently described in the last two decades, raising the total number of valid species of the genus to 25: A. depinnaiBritto, 2000, A. taurus Lima & Britto, 2001, A. velites Britto, Lima & Moreira, 2002, A. psammatides Britto, Lima & Santos, 2005, A. gabrieli Wosiacki, Pereira & Reis, 2014, A. marianae Leão, Britto & Wosiacki, 2015, A. kiriri Oliveira, Zanata, Tencatt & Britto, 2017, A. mephisto Tencatt & Bichuette, 2017, and A. azaghal Tencatt, Muriel-Cunha, Zuanon, Ferreira & Britto, 2020.
The phylogenetic relationships within Aspidoras are poorly known. Reis, (1998) provided the first phylogenetic information about Aspidoras, finding it monophyletic and as the sister group of a clade composed by Corydoras and Brochis Cope, 1871. The author also provided a diagnosis for the genus (Reis, 1998:161), which consisted in three features: (I) presence of fontanel on parieto-supraoccipital, (II) reduced ossified portion of pectoral- and dorsal-fin spines, and (III) absence of contact between nuchal plate and posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital. Britto, (2003), in his morphological phylogenetic analysis of the Corydoradinae, corroborated the monophyly of Aspidoras and proposed a new diagnosis for the genus based on the following synapomorphies: (I) posterior portion of mesethmoid wide, (II) frontal fontanel reduced, (III) supraoccipital fontanel present, (IV) opercle compact, and (V) ossified portion of pectoral spine strongly reduced, less than half the length of the first branched pectoral-fin ray. Additionally, Britto, (2003) noted that Aspidoras generally presents relatively smaller eyes in relation to the other Corydoradinae and, except for A. belenos, absence of contact between the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital and the nuchal plate.
Shimabukuro-Dias et al., (2004) published a phylogenetic study of the Callichthyidae based mainly on molecular data, but also combining their data with the morphological data provided by Reis, (1998). Their results showed Aspidoras species grouped into a paraphyletic clade including Scleromystax macropterus (Regan, 1913) in three of the six consensus trees. In contrast, the maximum-parsimony trees generated by weighing morphological data five times the molecular data, in which Aspidoras species formed a monophyletic clade sister to S. macropterus (same result found in one of the two maximum-likelihood consensus trees), and by weighing morphological data ten times the molecular data, grouping Aspidoras species in a monophyletic clade sister to the remaining Corydoradinae. The most recent phylogenetic hypothesis including Aspidoras was presented by Alexandrou et al., (2011). In their study, the genus was paraphyletic, with A. pauciradiatus within lineage 5, the ‘Corydoras elegans group’ clade (for further comments about this group see Tencatt, Pavanelli, 2015), and not lineage 2, the Aspidoras clade. The paraphyly of Aspidoras was also found in the unpublished phylogenetic hypothesis presented by Vera-Alcaraz, (2013), in which A. virgulatus appeared within the Scleromystax clade. However, despite the numerous attempts to diagnose the genus (Ihering, 1907; Gosline, 1940; Nijssen, Isbrücker, 1976; Reis, 1998; Britto, 2003; Vera-Alcaraz, 2013), the clear recognition of Aspidoras remains dubious and needs further investigation (Weitzman, Balph, 1979).
Considering that the diagnosis of Aspidoras remains unclear, and the unique available taxonomic review of the genus was published over 40 years ago (Nijssen, Isbrücker, 1976), based mainly on old and badly preserved specimens, in addition to the relatively large number of species described subsequent to that work, a new comprehensive taxonomic revision is necessary. After gathering an extensive material from many localities, it was possible to clearly delimit Aspidoras, validate most of its nominal species, and propose a new one, which is described herein. A new diagnosis for Aspidoras is proposed, as well as the reallocation of A. pauciradiatus to Corydoras and the transfer of A. virgulatus to Scleromystax. We also provide resdescriptions for A. albater, A. belenos, A. depinnai, A. fuscoguttatus, A. lakoi, A. maculosus, A. poecilus, A. psammatides, A. raimundi, and A. velites, along with an identification key to the species of Aspidoras (except for A. carvalhoi).

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2022-0049 COPYA new dwarf armored catfish Pareiorhaphis (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the Uruguai River basin, Southern BrazilEdson H. L. PereiraRoberto E. ReisABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractA new, very distinctive species of Pareiorhaphis is described from the rio Uruguai basin, in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. Pareiorhaphis pumila, new species, is a small bodied hypoptopomatine catfish with a maximum standard length barely reaching 50 mm. The specimens were captured from rock-bottomed habitats in various localities in the rio Ijuí basin. Despite occurring in rock-bottomed fast-flowing headwater stream tributaries as the other species of Pareiorhaphis, this is the first species collected also in the main channel of the middle stretch of a large tributary to the rio Uruguai. The new species is promptly diagnosed from all its congeners by the reduced number of anal-fin branched rays, possession of well-developed dorsal-fin spinelet, comparatively lower number of plates in median lateral series, and low number of teeth in each dentary. In addition, osteological features related to the caudal skeleton are also useful to distinguish the new species from most congeners.
Keywords:
Biodiversity; Cascudo; Neotropical; New species; Taxonomy
INTRODUCTIONPareiorhaphis Miranda Ribeiro, 1918 currently has 27 species distributed in coastal drainages of southern and eastern Brazil from the rio Maquiné in the Rio Grande do Sul State to the rio Paraguaçu in Bahia State, with additional species in the west-bound, headwaters of the Uruguai, Iguaçu, upper Paraná, and São Francisco rivers. The history of the genus Pareiorhaphis in the rio Uruguai basin begins with the description of Hemipsilichthys vestigipinnis Pereira & Reis, 1992, from a creek tributary to the rio Caveiras at the town of Painel, Santa Catarina State. Ten years later, H. eurycephalus Pereira & Reis, 2002 and H. hystrix Pereira & Reis, 2002 were also described from the upper Uruguai, the former from a creek tributary to the rio Canoas, near the Corvo Branco Range, Urubici, Santa Catarina State, and the later with a wider distribution in the middle and upper Uruguai, in both Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states. The genus Hemipsilichthys Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889 was later restricted to a few species by Pereira, (2005) and the species above were transferred to Pareiorhaphis. The genus was subsequently redefined by Pereira et al., (2007) and is currently diagnosed by one exclusive synapomorphy, the cheek canal plate firmly articulated to the preopercle, and several non-exclusive synapomophies related to ornamentation associated with secondary sexual dimorphism (Pereira, Reis, 2017).
Despite being aware of additional diversity in the Uruguai basin, after 2002 we concentrated efforts in discovering and reporting unknown species of Pareiorhaphis from coastal basins in eastern and southeastern Brazil. Extensive fieldwork in the rio Uruguai basin during the past two decades revealed additional specimens of those undescribed forms, allowing us to focus on the rio Uruguai again. The new species we describe here is a highly distinctive, dwarf Pareiorhaphis with a maximum standard length barely reaching 50 mm. The specimens were captured from fast flowing creeks in rock-bottomed habitats along the rio Ijuí basin, a tributary to the middle rio Uruguai.
MATERIAL AND METHODSCounts and measurements were taken according to Pereira et al., (2007). Procurrent caudal-fin rays and vertebrae were counted in three cleared and counterstained specimens (c&s) prepared according to Taylor, Van Dyke, (1985) procedure. Vertebral counts include five centra in the Weberian Apparatus and the fused ural + preural centra, which was counted as one element according to Lundberg, Baskin, (1969). Nomenclature and counts for body plates follow Schaefer, (1997). Morphometric features were obtained with digital calipers to the nearest 0.1 mm and were made from point to point under a stereomicroscope. Standard length (SL) is expressed in millimeters while other measurements are given as percent of standard length or head length (HL). In the list of type material, museum abbreviation and catalog number come first, followed by the number and SL range of specimens in that lot, indication of preparation type (alc for specimens preserved in 70% ethanol, and tis for tissue samples preserved in 99% ethanol at -20°C), the number and SL range of specimens measured for the morphometric comparisons in parentheses, locality, date of collection, and collectors. Seven lots attributable to the new species were considered non-paratypes yet were mapped to compose the species distribution.
Conservation status of the new species was evaluated according to the categories and criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee, 2022). The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) was calculated by the minimum convex polygon drawn around the micro-basins with species records, using Hydrosheds 8 level.
Comparative material of Pareiorhaphis species is listed in Pereira et al., (2012), with the addition of Pareiorhaphis lophia Pereira & Zanata, 2014, P. proskynita Pereira & Britto, 2012, P. garapia Pereira, Lehmann, Schvambach & Reis, 2015, P. vetula Pereira, Lehmann & Reis, 2016, P. lineata Pereira, Pessali, Andrade & Reis, 2017, P. stephana (Oliveira & Oyakawa, 1999), and P. mucurina Pereira, Pessali & Reis, 2018 (Pereira, Zanata, 2014; Pereira, Britto, 2012; Pereira et al., 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, respectively). Specimens examined belong to institution whose acronyms are listed in Sabaj, (2020).
RESULTSPareiorhaphis pumila, new species
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:34B30074-B394-4DE3-9FFB-32776CDD30FC

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A new species of Geophagus (Teleostei: Cichlidae): Naming a cichlid species widely known in the aquarium hobby as ‘Geophagus sp. Tapajos red head’Junior Chuctaya,Pedro Nitschke,Marcelo C. Andrade,Juliana Wingert,Luiz R. Malabarba
First published: 04 September 2022

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15207urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F8FBBFFC-311A-4B92-A3D8-7E4304FA282A
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:6722E480-1A67-405C-9D79-60890775B030
Funding information: Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Grant/Award Number: 141479/2017-5; Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Grant/Award Number: PNPD # 06/2017; United States Agency for International Development, Grant/Award Number: AID-OAA-A-11

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Check outAbstractA new species of Geophagus sensu stricto is described from the Tapajos River basin, Brazil, elevating the number of species of the genus to 21. The new species is of commercial importance and is known in the aquarist trade as Geophagus ‘red head’. The new species is diagnosed using an integrative approach, based on mitochondrial DNA analysis along with morphological evidence. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by the absence of markings on the head, the bar pattern composed by nine vertical bars on the flanks and the presence of distinct longitudinal bands in the caudal fin. Additionally, it shows a genetic distance of at least 2.0% in cytochrome b gene sequences from its closest congeners. Molecular analysis including most genera of Cichlidae from South America corroborates that the new species belongs to the group of Geophagus sensu stricto.

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Corydoras psamathos, new species
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29.4 mm SL, Brazil, Pará State, Novo Progresso Municipality, igarapé Santa Júlia, a tributary to the rio Jamanxim, rio Tapajós basin, 06°45’38”S 55°28’44”W, 10 Jul 2019, M. R. Britto, W. M. Ohara and L. F. C. Tencatt.
Paratypes. All from Brazil, Pará State, Novo Progresso Municipality, rio Jamanxim basin, rio Tapajós drainage, collected by M. R. Britto, W. M. Ohara and L. F. C. Tencatt. CITL 386, 3, 18.1–21.8 mm SL; INPA 59772, 1, 23.7 mm SL, rio Jamanxim, 07°03’52”S 55°26’28”W, 9 Jul 2019. CITL 387, 9 of 12, 19.3–29.6 mm SL, 3 cs of 12, 22.0–28.6 mm SL; INPA 59773, 2, 29.3–30.2 mm SL; MZUSP 126862, 10, 19.6–27.8 mm SL; NUP 23542, 10, 18.7–26.9 mm SL, collected with holotype.

FIGURE 11 |
Corydoras psamathos, holotype, MNRJ 53289, 29.4 mm SL, Novo Progresso Municipality, Pará State, Brazil, igarapé Santa Júlia, a tributary to the rio Jamanxim, rio Tapajós basin.

Diagnosis.Corydoras psamathos can be distinguished from its congeners, except for the species from the lineages 6, 7 and 9 sensuAlexandrou et al., (2011) plus C. difluviatilis, C. hastatus and C. pygmaeus, by having posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with most serrations directed towards the tip of the spine (vs. most serrations directed towards origin of spine); from C. difluviatilis and C. pygmaeus it differs by the presence of contact between nuchal plate and posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital (vs. absence of contact between nuchal plate and the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital); from C. hastatus by the absence of a large-sized dark blotch on caudal-fin base (vs. caudal-fin base region with a dark brown or black large blotch, roughly diamond-shaped or rhomboid, or arrow-shaped, typically bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by conspicuously light areas); from the species within lineage 7, it differs by having posterodorsal edge of infraorbital 2 only in contact with sphenotic (vs. in contact with sphenotic and pterotic-extrascapular); from the species of lineages 6 and 9, except for C. concolor Weitzman, 1961, C. esperanzae Castro, 1987, C. guianensis, C. polystictusRegan, 1912, and C. sanchesi Nijssen & Isbrücker, 1967, by the absence of conspicuous dark brown or black markings on body; dark markings, when present, diffuse (vs. presence of conspicuous small- to large- sized dark brown or black markings in at least some region of the body); from C. concolor, C. esperanzae, C. guianensis, C. polystictus, and C. sanchesi by having posterior laminar expansion of infraorbital 2 strongly reduced, nearly imperceptible in some specimens (vs. posterior laminar expansion at least poorly developed, but clearly more developed and perceptible), by the slender body (vs. more robust), and by the narrower frontal bone (vs. wider). The new species can be further distinguished from C. concolor and C. esperanzae by the presence of ventral surface of trunk only with small-sized, irregular platelets (vs. ventral surface of trunk entirely or almost entirely covered by larger coalescent platelets); from C. sanchesi by having anterior portion of dorsal fin with scattered dark brown or black chromatophores, not forming any conspicuous pattern (vs. anterior portion of dorsal fin typically with a conspicuous concentration of dark brown or black chromatophores, forming a dark patch); from C. polystictus by presenting dorsal surface of snout with numerous platelets bearing odontodes (vs. dorsal surface of snout lacking platelets).
Description. Morphometric data in Tab. 3. Head laterally compressed with convex dorsal profile, roughly triangular in dorsal view. Snout ranging from relatively short to moderately developed and generally smoothly rounded; slightly more rounded in some specimens. Head profile convex from tip of snout to anterior nares; ascending nearly straight or slightly convex from this point to dorsal-fin origin; region of frontal fontanel slightly concave in some specimens. Profile slightly convex along dorsal-fin base. Postdorsal-fin body profile slightly concave to adipose-fin spine, slightly concave from this point to caudal-fin base. Ventral profile of body nearly straight or slightly convex from isthmus to pectoral girdle, and slightly convex from this point until pelvic girdle. Profile nearly straight or slightly convex from pelvic girdle to base of first anal-fin ray, ascending slightly concave until caudal-fin base. Body roughly elliptical in cross section at pectoral girdle, gradually becoming more compressed toward caudal fin.
Eye rounded, located dorsolaterally on head. Orbit delimited anteriorly by lateral ethmoid, anterodorsally by frontal, posterodorsally by sphenotic, posteroventrally by infraorbital 2, and anteroventrally by infraorbital 1. Anterior and posterior nares close to each other, only separated by flap of skin. Anterior naris tubular. Posterior naris close to anterodorsal margin of orbit, separated from it by distance similar to naris diameter. Mouth small, subterminal, width similar to bony orbit diameter. Maxillary barbel ranging from short to moderate in size, not reaching to anteroventral limit of gill opening. Outer mental barbel slightly longer than maxillary barbel. Inner mental barbel fleshy, base of each counterpart slightly separated from each other. Small rounded papillae covering entire surface of all barbels, upper and lower lips, snout and isthmus.
Mesethmoid moderate in size, with anterior tip poorly developed, slightly smaller than 50% of bone length (see Britto, 2003:123, character 1, state 1; fig. 1B); posterior portion wide, partially exposed and bearing small odontodes. Nasal capsule delimited posteriorly and dorsally by frontal, anteriorly by mesethmoid, and ventrally and posteriorly by lateral ethmoid. Nasal slender, laterally curved, inner margin with poorly- to moderately-developed laminar expansion generally contacting frontal and mesethmoid; variably close but not in direct contact with mesethmoid; outer margin typically with strongly reduced laminar expansion. Lateral ethmoid slightly expanded anteriorly, with anterodorsal expansion relatively distant from nasal, and anterior margin contacting posterior portion of mesethmoid. Frontal elongated, narrow, width less than half of entire length; anterior projection short, size smaller than nasal length. Frontal fontanel large, slender, and somewhat ellipsoid; posterior tip extension slightly surpassing anterior margin of parieto-supraoccipital. Sphenotic somewhat trapezoid, contacting parieto-supraoccipital dorsally, pterotic-extrascapular posteriorly, second infraorbital posteroventrally and frontal anteriorly (Fig. 12A). Pterotic-extrascapular roughly pipe-shaped, with posteriormost portion contacting first lateral-line ossicle, posteroventral margin contacting cleithrum, and anteroventral margin contacting opercle; posterior expansion almost entirely covering lateral opening of swimbladder capsule, leaving slender area on its dorsal margin covered only by thick layer of skin. Parieto-supraoccipital wide, posterior process long and contacting nuchal plate; region of contact between posterior process and nuchal plate covered by thick layer of skin.
Two laminar infraorbitals with minute odontodes. Infraorbital 1 large, ventral laminar expansion ranging from poorly to moderately developed; anterior portion with laminar expansion moderately developed, reaching to middle portion of nasal capsule; inner laminar expansion poorly developed (Fig. 12A). Infraorbital 2 small, slender, with posterior laminar expansion strongly reduced, nearly imperceptible in some specimens; posteroventral margin contacting posterodorsal ridge of hyomandibula, posterodorsal edge contacting only sphenotic; inner laminar expansion ranging from strongly reduced to poorly developed (Fig. 12A). Posterodorsal ridge of hyomandibula close to its articulation with opercle relatively slender, exposed, and bearing small odontodes. Dorsal ridge of hyomandibula between pterotic-extrascapular and opercle typically covered by thick skin layer. Interopercle entirely covered by thick layer of skin; subtriangular, anterior projection ranging from moderately developed to relatively well developed. Preopercle elongated, relatively slender; minute odontodes on external surface. Opercle dorsoventrally elongated, with width similar to half of its entire length; free margin slightly convex, without serrations and covered by small odontodes.
Four branchiostegal rays decreasing in size posteriorly. Hypobranchial 1 deep; hypobranchial 2 somewhat triangular, tip ossified and directed towards anterior portion, posterior margin cartilaginous; ossified portion ranging from strongly reduced, with only region of tip ossified, to well developed, its size about twice of cartilaginous portion. Five ceratobranchials with expansions increasing posteriorly; ceratobranchial 1 with small process on anterior margin of mesial portion; ceratobranchial 3 typically notched on postero-lateral margin; ceratobranchial 5 toothed on posterodorsal surface, with 28 to 38(3) teeth aligned in one row. Four epibranchials with similar size; epibranchial 2 slightly larger than others, with small pointed process on laminar expansion of posterior margin; epibranchial 3 with mesially-curved uncinate process on laminar expansion of posterior margin. Two wide pharyngobranchials (3 and 4); pharyngobranchial 3 with slightly triangular to smoothly rounded laminar expansion on posterior margin. Upper tooth plate roughly oval, 34 to 43(3) teeth aligned in two rows on posteroventral surface; rows closely aligned.
Lateral-line canal reaching cephalic laterosensory system through pterotic-extrascapular, branching twice before reaching sphenotic: pterotic branch, with single pore, preoperculomandibular branch conspicuously reduced, with single pore opening at postotic main canal; postotic main canal widens just posterior to pterotic branch. Sensory canal continuing through pterotic-extrascapular, reaching sphenotic as temporal canal, which splits into two branches: one branch giving rise to infraorbital canal, other branch connecting to frontal through supraorbital canal, both with single pore. Supraorbital canal branched, running through nasal bone. Epiphyseal branch conspicuously reduced; pore opening close to supraorbital main canal, directed towards frontal fontanel. Nasal canal typically with three openings, first on posterior edge, second on posterolateral portion, generally fused with first pore, and third on anterior edge. Infraorbital canal running through entire infraorbital 2, extending to infraorbital 1 and generally opening into two pores. Preoperculomandibular branch giving rise to preoperculo-mandibular canal, which runs through entire preopercle with three openings, leading to pores 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
Dorsal fin subtriangular, generally located just posterior to second dorsolateral body plate. Dorsal-fin rays II,7*(1) or II,8(19), posterior margin of dorsal-fin spine with 10 to 16 strongly reduced to poorly-developed serrations; most serrations directed towards tip of spine; some serrations variably perpendicularly directed; serrations absent close to origin of spine; small odontodes on anterior and lateral surfaces of spine (Fig. 12B). Nuchal plate moderately developed, almost entirely exposed, with minute odontodes. Spinelet short; spine moderately developed, with adpressed distal tip slightly surpassing posterior origin of dorsal-fin base. Pectoral fin roughly triangular, its origin just posterior to gill opening. Pectoral-fin rays I,7*(5), I,7,I(3) or I,8(12), posterior margin of pectoral spine with 17 to 26 strongly reduced to moderately-developed serrations along its entire length; most serrations directed towards tip of spine; some serrations perpendicularly directed; small odontodes on anterior, dorsal and ventral surfaces of spine (Fig. 12C). Anteroventral portion of cleithrum exposed; posterolateral portion of scapulocoracoid moderately developed, exposed, with anterior portion slightly expanded anteriorly, not in contact with anteroventral portion of cleithrum; exposed areas bearing small odontodes. Opening of axillary gland sensuKiehl et al., (2006) located just posterior to pectoral-fin spine base. Pelvic fin oblong, located just below first or second ventrolateral body plate, and at vertical through first branched dorsal-fin ray. Pelvic-fin rays I,5*(20). Adipose fin roughly triangular, separated from base of last dorsal-fin ray by generally six dorsolateral body plates. Anal fin subtriangular, typically located just posterior to 12th or 13th ventrolateral body plates, and at vertical through adipose-fin spine base. Anal-fin rays ii,5(18), ii,5,i*(1), ii,7(1). Caudal fin bilobed, with dorsal and ventral lobes similar in size or dorsal lobe slightly larger than ventral lobe. Caudal-fin rays I,12,i*(20), generally five dorsal and ventral procurrent rays.
Typically, three laterosensory canals on trunk; first ossicle tubular, second ossicle laminar, both bearing small odontodes; third, encased in third dorsolateral body plates. Body plates with minute odontodes scattered over exposed area, with conspicuous line of odontodes confined to posterior margins. Dorsolateral body plates 23(2), 24*(15) or 25(3). Ventrolateral body plates 21(15) or 22*(5). Dorsolateral body plates along dorsal-fin base 6*(17) or 7(3). Dorsolateral body plates between adipose- and caudal-fin 7(2), 8*(17) or 9(1). Preadipose platelets 3*(14) or 4(6). Ventral surface of trunk between posteroventral margin of cleithrum and pelvic-fin origin laterally delimited only by first ventrolateral body plate; ventral portion of first ventrolateral body plate slightly expanded anteriorly. Small platelets covering base of caudal-fin rays. Small platelets disposed dorsally and ventrally between junctions of lateral plates on posterior portion of caudal peduncle. Anterior margin of orbit, above region of junction between frontal and lateral ethmoid, ventral margin of nasal capsule, above lateral ethmoid, and dorsal surface of snout with numerous small- to relatively large-sized platelets bearing odontodes; platelets on anterior margin of orbit and ventral margin of nasal capsule typically larger and coalescent. Ventral surface of trunk with scarce small-sized irregular platelets bearing odontodes; platelets more concentrated anteriorly and/or around pectoral-fin base.
Vertebral count 22(3); ribs 5(3); first pair conspicuously large, its middle portion closely connected to first ventrolateral body plate; its tip connected to anterior external process of basipterygium. Parapophysis of complex vertebra well developed.

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Corydoras thanatos, new species
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Corydoras CW146. —Lucanus, 2021:29 [AMAZONAS magazine, guide about Corydoras from Serra do Cachimbo].
Holotype. MNRJ 53287, 33.2 mm SL, Brazil, Pará State, Novo Progresso Municipality, stream with unknown name tributary to the rio Jamanxim, rio Tapajós basin, 08°23’06”S 55°19’43”W, 7 Jul 2019, M. R. Britto, W. M. Ohara and L. F. C. Tencatt.
Paratypes. All from Brazil, Pará State, Novo Progresso Municipality, rio Jamanxim basin, rio Tapajós drainage, collected by M. R. Britto, W. M. Ohara and L. F. C. Tencatt. CITL 382, 32, 12.6–18.5 mm SL, rio Jamanxim, 08°23’01”S 55°19’08”W, 7–8 Jul 2019. INPA 59776, 2, 12.9–14.2 mm SL; NUP 23540, 1, 33.2 mm SL, stream with unknown name, 08°23’33”S 55°22’36”W, 7–8 Jul 2019. CITL 383, 7 of 9, 15.0–37.0 mm SL, 2 cs of 9, 30.0–33.8 mm SL; INPA 59777, 3, 29.0–33.3 mm SL; INPA 59778, 1, 21.9 mm SL; MZUSP 126860, 7, 21.5–32.3 mm SL, collected with the holotype.

Corydoras thanatos, holotype, MNRJ 53287, 33.2 mm SL, Novo Progresso Municipality, Pará State, Brazil, stream with unknown name tributary to the rio Jamanxim, rio Tapajós basin.

Diagnosis.Corydoras thanatos can be distinguished from its congeners, except for the species from the lineages 6, 7 and 9 sensuAlexandrou et al., (2011) plus C. difluviatilis Britto & Castro, 2002, C. hastatus Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888, and C. pygmaeus Knaack, 1966, by having posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with most serrations directed towards the tip of the spine (vs. most serrations directed towards origin of spine); from C. difluviatilis and C. pygmaeus it differs by the presence of contact between nuchal plate and posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital (vs. absence of contact between nuchal plate and the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital); from C. hastatus by the absence of a large-sized dark blotch on caudal-fin base (vs. caudal-fin base region with a dark brown or black large blotch, roughly diamond-shaped or rhomboid, or arrow-shaped, typically bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by conspicuously light areas); it can be distinguished from the species within lineage 7 by having dark brown or black markings on fins, except for the pelvic fin (vs. all fins devoid of dark markings); it differs from the species within lineages 6 and 9, except for C. coppenamesisNijssen, 1970, C. lymnades Tencatt, Vera-Alcaraz, Britto & Pavanelli, 2013, C. garbei Ihering, 1911, and C. gosseiNijssen, 1972, by having anterior laminar expansion of infraorbital 1 strongly well developed, conspicuously expanded towards the anteroventral portion of snout, significantly covering its lateral surface (vs. anterior laminar expansion of infraorbital 1 ranging from poorly to well developed, not conspicuously expanded towards the anteroventral portion of snout, leaving most of its lateral surface exposed); the new species differs from C. gossei by presenting dark brown or black markings on head (vs. presence of pale yellow to white blotches on head); from C. lymnades by having a robust body (vs. slender); from C. coppenamesis, C. lymnades, and C. garbei by having flank midline covered by small-sized dark brown or black blotches; flank midline variably with distinct longitudinal series of blotches, generally more evident on posterior half of flank (vs. flank midline with longitudinal dark brown or black stripe in C. coppenamesis; with a distinct series of longitudinally aligned moderate- to large-sized dark brown or black blotches in C. lymnades and C. garbei).
Description. Morphometric data in Tab. 1. Head laterally compressed with convex dorsal profile, roughly triangular in dorsal view. Snout short, rounded. Head profile convex from tip of snout to anterior nares, ascending nearly straight or slightly convex from this point to dorsal-fin origin; interorbital region slightly concave in some specimens. Profile slightly convex along dorsal-fin base. Postdorsal-fin body profile slightly concave to adipose-fin spine, concave from this point to caudal-fin base. Ventral profile of body nearly straight or slightly convex from isthmus to pectoral girdle, and slightly convex from this point until pelvic girdle. Profile nearly straight or slightly convex from pelvic girdle to base of first anal-fin ray, ascending abruptly concave until caudal-fin base. Body roughly elliptical in cross section at pectoral girdle, gradually becoming more compressed toward caudal fin.
Eye rounded, located dorsolaterally on head. Orbit delimited anteriorly by lateral ethmoid, anterodorsally by frontal, posterodorsally by sphenotic, posteroventrally by infraorbital 2, and anteroventrally by infraorbital 1. Anterior and posterior nares close to each other, only separated by flap of skin. Anterior naris tubular. Posterior naris close to anterodorsal margin of orbit, separated from it by distance similar to naris diameter. Mouth small, subterminal, width similar to bony orbit diameter. Maxillary barbel moderate in size, not reaching anteroventral limit of gill opening. Outer mental barbel slightly longer than maxillary barbel. Inner mental barbel fleshy, base of each counterpart slightly separated from each other. Small rounded papillae covering entire surface of all barbels, upper and lower lips, snout and isthmus.
Mesethmoid moderate in size, with anterior tip poorly developed, smaller than 50% of bone length (see Britto, 2003:123, character 1, state 1; fig. 1B); posterior portion wide, partially exposed and bearing small odontodes. Nasal capsule delimited posteriorly and dorsally by frontal, anteriorly by mesethmoid, and ventrally and posteriorly by lateral ethmoid. Nasal relatively wide, laterally curved, inner margin with relatively well-developed laminar expansion contacting frontal and mesethmoid; outer margin with poorly-developed laminar expansion typically contacting lateral ethmoid. Lateral ethmoid moderately expanded anteriorly, with anterodorsal expansion contacting nasal, and anterior margin contacting posterior portion of mesethmoid. Frontal elongated, narrow, width less than half of entire length; anterior projection short, size clearly smaller than nasal length. Frontal fontanel large, slender, and somewhat ellipsoid; posterior tip extension slightly surpassing anterior margin of parieto-supraoccipital. Sphenotic somewhat trapezoid, contacting parieto-supraoccipital dorsally, pterotic-extrascapular posteriorly, second infraorbital posteroventrally and frontal anteriorly (Fig. 2A). Pterotic-extrascapular roughly pipe-shaped, with posteriormost portion contacting first lateral-line ossicle, posteroventral margin contacting cleithrum, and anteroventral margin contacting opercle and variably infraorbital 2; posterior expansion almost entirely covering lateral opening of swimbladder capsule, leaving slender area on its dorsal margin covered only by thick layer of skin. Parieto-supraoccipital wide, posterior process long and contacting nuchal plate; region of contact between posterior process and nuchal plate covered by thick layer of skin.
Two laminar infraorbitals with minute odontodes. Infraorbital 1 conspicuously large, ventral laminar expansion generally strongly well developed; some specimens with well-developed expansion; anterior portion with strongly well-developed laminar expansion, surpassing anterior margin of nasal capsule; inner laminar expansion moderately developed (Fig. 2A). Infraorbital 2 small, relatively slender, with posterior laminar expansion ranging from moderately to well developed; posteroventral margin contacting posterodorsal ridge of hyomandibula, posterodorsal edge contacting sphenotic and generally pterotic-extrascapular; posterodorsal edge not in contact with pterotic-extrascapular in some specimens; inner laminar expansion ranging from poorly- to moderately developed (Fig. 2A). Posterodorsal ridge of hyomandibula close to its articulation with opercle relatively slender, exposed, and bearing small odontodes. Dorsal ridge of hyomandibula between pterotic-extrascapular and opercle exposed and bearing odontodes. Interopercle partially covered by thick layer of skin, with posterior portion exposed and bearing odontodes; subtriangular, anterior projection ranging from moderately to well developed. Preopercle elongated, relatively slender; minute odontodes on external surface. Opercle dorsoventrally elongated; relatively compact in shape, with width equal to or slightly larger than half of its entire length; free margin slightly convex, without serrations and covered by small odontodes.
Four branchiostegal rays decreasing in size posteriorly. Hypobranchial 1 deep; hypobranchial 2 somewhat triangular, tip ossified and directed towards anterior portion, posterior margin cartilaginous; ossified portion well developed, its size about twice cartilaginous portion. Five ceratobranchials with expansions increasing posteriorly; ceratobranchial 1 with small process on anterior margin of mesial portion; ceratobranchial 3 with continuous laminar expansion on postero-lateral margin; ceratobranchial 5 toothed on posterodorsal surface, with 42 to 45(2) teeth aligned in one row. Four epibranchials with similar size; epibranchial 2 slightly larger than others, with small pointed process on laminar expansion of posterior margin; epibranchial 3 with mesially-curved uncinate process on laminar expansion of posterior margin. Two wide pharyngobranchials (3 and 4); pharyngobranchial 3 with small roughly triangular laminar expansion on posterior margin; rounded expansion in some specimens. Upper tooth plate roughly oval, 48 to 58(2) teeth aligned in two rows on posteroventral surface; rows closely aligned.
Lateral-line canal reaching cephalic laterosensory system through pterotic-extrascapular, branching twice before reaching sphenotic: pterotic branch, with single pore, preoperculomandibular branch conspicuously reduced, with single pore opening at postotic main canal; postotic main canal widens just posterior to pterotic branch. Sensory canal continuing through pterotic-extrascapula, reaching sphenotic as temporal canal, which splits into two branches: one branch giving rise to infraorbital canal, other branch connecting to frontal through supraorbital canal, both with single pore. Supraorbital canal branched, running through nasal bone. Epiphyseal branch conspicuously reduced; pore opening close to supraorbital main canal, directed towards frontal fontanel. Nasal canal with three openings, first on posterior edge, second on posterolateral portion and generally fused with first pore, and third on anterior edge. Infraorbital canal running through entire infraorbital 2, extending to infraorbital 1 and opening into two or three pores. Preoperculomandibular branch giving rise to preoperculo-mandibular canal, which runs through entire preopercle with three openings, leading to pores 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
Dorsal fin subtriangular, located just posterior to second or third dorsolateral body plate. Dorsal-fin rays II,8*(20), posterior margin of dorsal-fin spine with 20 to 24 ranging from strongly reduced to poorly-developed serrations; most serrations directed towards tip of spine; some serrations variably perpendicularly directed; serrations absent close to origin of spine; small odontodes on anterior and lateral surfaces of spine (Fig. 2B). Nuchal plate moderately developed, almost entirely exposed, with minute odontodes. Spinelet short; spine typically well developed, with adpressed distal tip surpassing posterior origin of dorsal-fin base. Pectoral fin roughly triangular, its origin just posterior to gill opening. Pectoral-fin rays I,6,i(1), I,7*(3), I,7,i(12), I,8(3) or I,9(1), posterior margin of pectoral spine with 25 to 28 poorly- to moderately-developed serrations along almost its entire length, absent close to origin of spine; most serrations directed towards tip of spine; some serrations perpendicularly directed; small odontodes on anterior, dorsal and ventral surfaces of spine (Fig. 2C). Anteroventral portion of cleithrum exposed; posterolateral portion of scapulocoracoid moderately developed, exposed, with anterior portion slightly expanded anteriorly, not in contact with anteroventral portion of cleithrum; exposed areas bearing small odontodes. Opening of axillary gland sensuKiehl et al., (2006) located just posterior to pectoral-fin spine base. Pelvic fin oblong, located just below first or second ventrolateral body plate, and at vertical through dorsal-fin spine or first branched dorsal-fin ray. Pelvic-fin rays i,5*(20). Adipose fin roughly triangular, separated from base of last dorsal-fin ray by six or seven dorsolateral body plates. Anal fin subtriangular, located just posterior to 12th or 13th ventrolateral body plates, and at vertical through adipose-fin spine base or region of preadipose platelets. Anal-fin rays i,4,ii(1), ii,5(16), i,6*(2) or ii,5,i(1). Caudal fin bilobed, with dorsal and ventral lobes similar in size or dorsal lobe slightly larger than ventral lobe. Caudal-fin rays i,11,i(1) or i,12,i*(19), generally four or five dorsal and ventral procurrent rays.
Two laterosensory canals on trunk; first ossicle tubular, second ossicle laminar, both bearing small odontodes. Body plates with minute odontodes scattered over exposed area, with conspicuous line of odontodes confined to posterior margins. Dorsolateral body plates 22(1) or 23*(19). Ventrolateral body plates 20*(17) or 21(3). Dorsolateral body plates along dorsal-fin base 6*(20). Dorsolateral body plates between adipose- and caudal-fin 6(1), 7*(16) or 8(3). Preadipose platelets 2(9) or 3*(11). Ventral surface of trunk between posteroventral margin of cleithrum and pelvic-fin origin laterally delimited only by first ventrolateral body plate; ventral portion of first ventrolateral body plate ranging from slightly to moderately expanded anteriorly. Small platelets covering base of caudal-fin rays. Small platelets disposed dorsally and ventrally between junctions of lateral plates on posterior portion of caudal peduncle. Anterior margin of orbit, above region of junction between frontal and lateral ethmoid, region around nasal capsule, on region above lateral ethmoid, and dorsal, lateral and variably ventrolateral portions of snout with small- to relatively large-sized platelets bearing odontodes; platelets on snout conspicuously more concentrated above mesethmoid. Ventral surface of trunk with numerous small- to relatively large-sized irregular platelets bearing odontodes; region around pectoral-fin origin typically with larger platelets.
Vertebral count 21(2); ribs 5(2); first pair conspicuously large, its middle portion closely connected to first ventrolateral body plate; its tip connected to anterior external process of basipterygium. Parapophysis of complex vertebra well developed.

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Corydoras hypnos, new species
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Holotype. MNRJ 53288, 31.7 mm SL, Brazil, Pará State, Novo Progresso Municipality, rio Jamanxim, a tributary to the rio Tapajós, 08°23’00”S 55°19’08”W, 8 Jul 2019, M. R. Britto, W. M. Ohara and L. F. C. Tencatt.
Paratypes. All from Brazil, Pará State, Novo Progresso Municipality, rio Jamanxim basin, rio Tapajós drainage, collected by M. R. Britto, W. M. Ohara and L. F. C. Tencatt. CITL 384, 2, 20.9–26.3 mm SL, stream with unknown name, 08°23’06”S 55°19’43”W, 7 Jul 2019. INPA 59775, 3, 22.2–27.2 mm SL, same locality as holotype, 7 Jul 2019. INPA 59774, 2, 22.6–28.2 mm SL, same locality as holotype, 11 Jul 2019. CITL 385, 11 of 13, 17.6–25.7 mm SL, 2 cs of 13, 26.6–32.0 mm SL; MZUSP 126861, 12, 13.2–24.7 mm SL; NUP 23541, 11, 18.9–26.1 mm SL, collected with the holotype.

Corydoras hypnos, holotype, MNRJ 53288, 31.7 mm SL, Brazil, Pará State, Novo Progresso Municipality, rio Jamanxim, a tributary to the rio Tapajós basin.

Diagnosis.Corydoras hypnos can be distinguished from its congeners, except for the species from the lineages 6, 7 and 9 sensuAlexandrou et al., (2011) plus C. difluviatilis, C. hastatus, and C. pygmaeus, by having posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with most serrations directed towards the tip of the spine (vs. most serrations directed towards origin of spine); from C. difluviatilis and C. pygmaeus it differs by the presence of contact between nuchal plate and posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital (vs. absence of contact between nuchal plate and the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital); from C. hastatus by the absence of a large-sized dark blotch on caudal-fin base (vs. caudal-fin base region with a dark brown or black large blotch, roughly diamond-shaped or rhomboid, or arrow-shaped, typically bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by conspicuously light areas); it can be distinguished from the species within lineage 7 by having dark brown or black markings on fins, except for the pectoral and pelvic fins (vs. fins devoid of conspicuous dark markings); it differs from the species within lineages 6 and 9, except for C. benattii, C. eversi Tencatt & Britto, 2016, C. froehlichi Tencatt, Britto & Pavanelli, 2016, C. granti Tencatt, Lima & Britto, 2019, C. gryphus Tencatt, Britto & Pavanelli, 2014, C. psamathos, and C. thanatos, by having dorsal surface of snout with numerous platelets bearing odontodes (vs. dorsal surface of snout lacking platelets); from C. benattii and C. froehlichi by having moderately- to relatively well-developed and smoothly rounded snout (vs. conspicuously short and rounded snout); from C. eversi and C. granti, it can be distinguished by having ventral surface of trunk only with small-sized, non-coalescent platelets (vs. ventral surface of trunk entirely or partially covered by moderate- to relatively large-sized, coalescent platelets); from C. gryphus by having midline of flank with longitudinal series of dark brown or black blotches, when present, diffuse (vs. midline of flank with a longitudinal series of four to six conspicuous dark brown or black blotches), and mesethmoid partially exposed (vs. entirely covered by thick layer of skin); from C. psamathos by the presence of conspicuous dark brown or black markings at least in dorsal and caudal fins (vs. absence of conspicuous dark brown or black markings on body; dark markings, when present, diffuse); from C. thanatos by having anterior laminar expansion moderately developed, poorly expanded towards the anteroventral portion of snout, leaving most of its lateral surface exposed (vs. anterior laminar expansion of infraorbital 1 strongly well developed, conspicuously expanded towards the anteroventral portion of snout, significantly covering its lateral surface).
Description. Morphometric data in Tab. 2. Head laterally compressed with convex dorsal profile, roughly triangular in dorsal view. Snout ranging from moderately to relatively well developed and smoothly rounded. Head profile convex from tip of snout to anterior nares; ascending nearly straight or slightly convex from this point to dorsal-fin origin; region of frontal or parieto-supraoccipital slightly concave in some specimens. Profile slightly convex along dorsal-fin base. Postdorsal-fin body profile slightly concave to adipose-fin spine, slightly concave from this point to caudal-fin base. Ventral profile of body nearly straight or slightly convex from isthmus to pectoral girdle, and slightly convex from this point until pelvic girdle. Profile nearly straight or slightly convex from pelvic girdle to base of first anal-fin ray, ascending slightly concave until caudal-fin base. Body roughly elliptical in cross section at pectoral girdle, gradually becoming more compressed toward caudal fin.
Eye rounded, located dorsolaterally on head. Orbit delimited anteriorly by lateral ethmoid, anterodorsally by frontal, posterodorsally by sphenotic, posteroventrally by infraorbital 2, and anteroventrally by infraorbital 1. Anterior and posterior nares close to each other, only separated by flap of skin. Anterior naris tubular. Posterior naris close to anterodorsal margin of orbit, separated from it by distance similar to naris diameter. Mouth small, subterminal, width similar to bony orbit diameter. Maxillary barbel ranging from short to moderate in size, not reaching to anteroventral limit of gill opening. Outer mental barbel slightly longer than maxillary barbel. Inner mental barbel fleshy, base of each counterpart slightly separated from each other. Small rounded papillae covering entire surface of all barbels, upper and lower lips, snout and isthmus.
Mesethmoid moderate in size, with anterior tip poorly developed, slightly smaller than 50% of bone length (see Britto, 2003:123, character 1, state 1; fig. 1B); posterior portion wide, partially exposed and bearing small odontodes. Nasal capsule delimited posteriorly and dorsally by frontal, anteriorly by mesethmoid, and ventrally and posteriorly by lateral ethmoid. Nasal slender, laterally curved, inner margin with poorly- to moderately-developed laminar expansion generally contacting frontal and mesethmoid; variably close but not in direct contact with mesethmoid; outer margin with poorly-developed to strongly reduced laminar expansion. Lateral ethmoid slightly expanded anteriorly, with anterodorsal expansion relatively distant from nasal, and anterior margin contacting posterior portion of mesethmoid. Frontal elongated, narrow, width less than half of entire length; anterior projection short, size smaller than nasal length. Frontal fontanel large, slender, and somewhat ellipsoid; posterior tip extension slightly surpassing anterior margin of parieto-supraoccipital. Sphenotic somewhat trapezoid, contacting parieto-supraoccipital dorsally, pterotic-extrascapular posteriorly, second infraorbital posteroventrally and frontal anteriorly (Fig. 8A). Pterotic-extrascapular roughly pipe-shaped, with posteriormost portion contacting first lateral-line ossicle, posteroventral margin contacting cleithrum, and anteroventral margin contacting opercle; posterior expansion almost entirely covering lateral opening of swimbladder capsule, leaving slender area on its dorsal margin covered only by thick layer of skin. Parieto-supraoccipital wide, posterior process long and contacting nuchal plate; region of contact between posterior process and nuchal plate covered by thick layer of skin.
Two laminar infraorbitals with minute odontodes. Infraorbital 1 large, ventral laminar expansion ranging from poorly to moderately developed; anterior portion with laminar expansion moderately developed, reaching to middle portion of nasal capsule; inner laminar expansion poorly developed (Fig. 8A). Infraorbital 2 small, slender, with posterior laminar expansion ranging from strongly reduced to poorly developed; posteroventral margin contacting posterodorsal ridge of hyomandibula, posterodorsal edge contacting only sphenotic; inner laminar expansion ranging from strongly reduced to poorly developed (Fig. 8A). Posterodorsal ridge of hyomandibula close to its articulation with opercle relatively slender, exposed, and bearing small odontodes. Dorsal ridge of hyomandibula between pterotic-extrascapular and opercle typically covered by thin skin layer. Interopercle entirely covered by thick layer of skin or almost entirely covered by thick layer of skin, with posterior portion exposed, and typically bearing small odontodes; subtriangular, anterior projection moderately developed. Preopercle elongated, relatively slender; minute odontodes on external surface. Opercle dorsoventrally elongated, with width slightly smaller or similar to half of its entire length; free margin slightly convex, without serrations and covered by small odontodes.
Four branchiostegal rays decreasing in size posteriorly. Hypobranchial 1 deep; hypobranchial 2 somewhat triangular, tip ossified and directed towards anterior portion, posterior margin cartilaginous; ossified portion well developed, its size about twice or triple of cartilaginous portion. Five ceratobranchials with expansions increasing posteriorly; ceratobranchial 1 with small process on anterior margin of mesial portion; ceratobranchial 3 notched on postero-lateral margin; variably with continuous laminar expansion on postero-lateral margin; ceratobranchial 5 toothed on posterodorsal surface, with 34 to 37(3) teeth aligned in one row. Four epibranchials with similar size; epibranchial 2 slightly larger than others, with small pointed process on laminar expansion of posterior margin; epibranchial 3 with mesially-curved uncinate process on laminar expansion of posterior margin. Two wide pharyngobranchials (3 and 4); pharyngobranchial 3 with smoothly rounded to nearly straight laminar expansion on posterior margin. Upper tooth plate roughly oval, 40 to 53(3) teeth aligned in two rows on posteroventral surface; rows closely aligned.
Lateral-line canal reaching cephalic laterosensory system through pterotic-extrascapular, branching twice before reaching sphenotic: pterotic branch, with single pore, preoperculomandibular branch conspicuously reduced, with single pore opening at postotic main canal; postotic main canal widens just posterior to pterotic branch. Sensory canal continuing through pterotic-extrascapular, reaching sphenotic as temporal canal, which splits into two branches: one branch giving rise to infraorbital canal, other branch connecting to frontal through supraorbital canal, both with single pore. Supraorbital canal branched, running through nasal bone. Epiphyseal branch conspicuously reduced; pore opening close to supraorbital main canal, directed towards frontal fontanel. Nasal canal with three openings, first on posterior edge, second on posterolateral portion, generally fused with first pore, and third on anterior edge. Infraorbital canal running through entire infraorbital 2, extending to infraorbital 1 and opening into two or three pores. Preoperculomandibular branch giving rise to preoperculo-mandibular canal, which runs through entire preopercle with three openings, leading to pores 3, 4, and 5, respectively; pore 3 variably opening at posterodorsal ridge of hyomandibula.
Dorsal fin subtriangular, located just posterior to second or third dorsolateral body plate. Dorsal-fin rays II,8*(19), II,9(1), posterior margin of dorsal-fin spine with 16 to 17 strongly reduced to poorly-developed serrations; most serrations directed towards tip of spine; some serrations variably perpendicularly directed; serrations absent close to origin of spine; small odontodes on anterior and lateral surfaces of spine (Fig. 8B). Nuchal plate moderately developed, almost entirely exposed, with minute odontodes. Spinelet short; spine moderately developed, with adpressed distal tip slightly surpassing posterior origin of dorsal-fin base. Pectoral fin roughly triangular, its origin just posterior to gill opening. Pectoral-fin rays I,7(3), I,7,i(1) or I,8*(16), posterior margin of pectoral spine with 20 to 32 strongly reduced to moderately-developed serrations along its entire length; most serrations directed towards tip of spine; some serrations perpendicularly directed or directed towards origin of spine; serrations variably bifid; small odontodes on anterior, dorsal and ventral surfaces of spine (Fig. 8C). Anteroventral portion of cleithrum exposed; posterolateral portion of scapulocoracoid moderately developed, exposed, with anterior portion slightly expanded anteriorly, not in contact with anteroventral portion of cleithrum; exposed areas bearing small odontodes. Opening of axillary gland sensuKiehl et al., (2006) located just posterior to pectoral-fin spine base. Pelvic fin oblong, located just below first or second ventrolateral body plate, and at vertical through first branched dorsal-fin ray. Pelvic-fin rays i,5*(20). Adipose fin roughly triangular, separated from base of last dorsal-fin ray by generally six dorsolateral body plates. Anal fin subtriangular, typically located just posterior to 12th ventrolateral body plates, and at vertical through adipose-fin spine base or region of preadipose platelets. Anal-fin rays ii,5(19) or ii,6(1). Caudal fin bilobed, with dorsal and ventral lobes similar in size or dorsal lobe slightly larger than ventral lobe. Caudal-fin rays i,12,i*(20), generally four or five dorsal and ventral procurrent rays.
Typically, three laterosensory canals on trunk; first ossicle tubular, second ossicle laminar, both bearing small odontodes; third, encased in third dorsolateral body plates. Body plates with minute odontodes scattered over exposed area, with conspicuous line of odontodes confined to posterior margins. Dorsolateral body plates 23(17) or 24*(3). Ventrolateral body plates 20(13) or 21*(7). Dorsolateral body plates along dorsal-fin base 6*(18) or 7(2). Dorsolateral body plates between adipose- and caudal-fin 7(18) or 8*(2). Preadipose platelets 3*(6) or 4(14). Ventral surface of trunk between posteroventral margin of cleithrum and pelvic-fin origin laterally delimited only by first ventrolateral body plate; ventral portion of first ventrolateral body plate slightly expanded anteriorly. Small platelets covering base of caudal-fin rays. Small platelets disposed dorsally and ventrally between junctions of lateral plates on posterior portion of caudal peduncle. Anterior margin of orbit, above region of junction between frontal and lateral ethmoid, ventral margin of nasal capsule, above lateral ethmoid, and dorsal surface of snout with numerous small- to relatively large-sized platelets bearing odontodes; platelets on anterior margin of orbit and ventral margin of nasal capsule typically larger and coalescent. Ventral surface of trunk with scarce to relatively numerous small-sized irregular platelets bearing odontodes; platelets more concentrated anteriorly and/or around pectoral-fin base.
Vertebral count 21(3); ribs 5(3); first pair conspicuously large, its middle portion closely connected to first ventrolateral body plate; its tip connected to anterior external process of basipterygium. Parapophysis of complex vertebra well developed.

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Corydoras hypnos, new species
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:841242F8-3AE8-4166-A0EA-D76D63340BCE

Holotype. MNRJ 53288, 31.7 mm SL, Brazil, Pará State, Novo Progresso Municipality, rio Jamanxim, a tributary to the rio Tapajós, 08°23’00”S 55°19’08”W, 8 Jul 2019, M. R. Britto, W. M. Ohara and L. F. C. Tencatt.
Paratypes. All from Brazil, Pará State, Novo Progresso Municipality, rio Jamanxim basin, rio Tapajós drainage, collected by M. R. Britto, W. M. Ohara and L. F. C. Tencatt. CITL 384, 2, 20.9–26.3 mm SL, stream with unknown name, 08°23’06”S 55°19’43”W, 7 Jul 2019. INPA 59775, 3, 22.2–27.2 mm SL, same locality as holotype, 7 Jul 2019. INPA 59774, 2, 22.6–28.2 mm SL, same locality as holotype, 11 Jul 2019. CITL 385, 11 of 13, 17.6–25.7 mm SL, 2 cs of 13, 26.6–32.0 mm SL; MZUSP 126861, 12, 13.2–24.7 mm SL; NUP 23541, 11, 18.9–26.1 mm SL, collected with the holotype.

FIGURE 7 |
Corydoras hypnos, holotype, MNRJ 53288, 31.7 mm SL, Brazil, Pará State, Novo Progresso Municipality, rio Jamanxim, a tributary to the rio Tapajós basin.

Diagnosis.Corydoras hypnos can be distinguished from its congeners, except for the species from the lineages 6, 7 and 9 sensuAlexandrou et al., (2011) plus C. difluviatilis, C. hastatus, and C. pygmaeus, by having posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with most serrations directed towards the tip of the spine (vs. most serrations directed towards origin of spine); from C. difluviatilis and C. pygmaeus it differs by the presence of contact between nuchal plate and posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital (vs. absence of contact between nuchal plate and the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital); from C. hastatus by the absence of a large-sized dark blotch on caudal-fin base (vs. caudal-fin base region with a dark brown or black large blotch, roughly diamond-shaped or rhomboid, or arrow-shaped, typically bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by conspicuously light areas); it can be distinguished from the species within lineage 7 by having dark brown or black markings on fins, except for the pectoral and pelvic fins (vs. fins devoid of conspicuous dark markings); it differs from the species within lineages 6 and 9, except for C. benattii, C. eversi Tencatt & Britto, 2016, C. froehlichi Tencatt, Britto & Pavanelli, 2016, C. granti Tencatt, Lima & Britto, 2019, C. gryphus Tencatt, Britto & Pavanelli, 2014, C. psamathos, and C. thanatos, by having dorsal surface of snout with numerous platelets bearing odontodes (vs. dorsal surface of snout lacking platelets); from C. benattii and C. froehlichi by having moderately- to relatively well-developed and smoothly rounded snout (vs. conspicuously short and rounded snout); from C. eversi and C. granti, it can be distinguished by having ventral surface of trunk only with small-sized, non-coalescent platelets (vs. ventral surface of trunk entirely or partially covered by moderate- to relatively large-sized, coalescent platelets); from C. gryphus by having midline of flank with longitudinal series of dark brown or black blotches, when present, diffuse (vs. midline of flank with a longitudinal series of four to six conspicuous dark brown or black blotches), and mesethmoid partially exposed (vs. entirely covered by thick layer of skin); from C. psamathos by the presence of conspicuous dark brown or black markings at least in dorsal and caudal fins (vs. absence of conspicuous dark brown or black markings on body; dark markings, when present, diffuse); from C. thanatos by having anterior laminar expansion moderately developed, poorly expanded towards the anteroventral portion of snout, leaving most of its lateral surface exposed (vs. anterior laminar expansion of infraorbital 1 strongly well developed, conspicuously expanded towards the anteroventral portion of snout, significantly covering its lateral surface).
Description. Morphometric data in Tab. 2. Head laterally compressed with convex dorsal profile, roughly triangular in dorsal view. Snout ranging from moderately to relatively well developed and smoothly rounded. Head profile convex from tip of snout to anterior nares; ascending nearly straight or slightly convex from this point to dorsal-fin origin; region of frontal or parieto-supraoccipital slightly concave in some specimens. Profile slightly convex along dorsal-fin base. Postdorsal-fin body profile slightly concave to adipose-fin spine, slightly concave from this point to caudal-fin base. Ventral profile of body nearly straight or slightly convex from isthmus to pectoral girdle, and slightly convex from this point until pelvic girdle. Profile nearly straight or slightly convex from pelvic girdle to base of first anal-fin ray, ascending slightly concave until caudal-fin base. Body roughly elliptical in cross section at pectoral girdle, gradually becoming more compressed toward caudal fin.
Eye rounded, located dorsolaterally on head. Orbit delimited anteriorly by lateral ethmoid, anterodorsally by frontal, posterodorsally by sphenotic, posteroventrally by infraorbital 2, and anteroventrally by infraorbital 1. Anterior and posterior nares close to each other, only separated by flap of skin. Anterior naris tubular. Posterior naris close to anterodorsal margin of orbit, separated from it by distance similar to naris diameter. Mouth small, subterminal, width similar to bony orbit diameter. Maxillary barbel ranging from short to moderate in size, not reaching to anteroventral limit of gill opening. Outer mental barbel slightly longer than maxillary barbel. Inner mental barbel fleshy, base of each counterpart slightly separated from each other. Small rounded papillae covering entire surface of all barbels, upper and lower lips, snout and isthmus.
Mesethmoid moderate in size, with anterior tip poorly developed, slightly smaller than 50% of bone length (see Britto, 2003:123, character 1, state 1; fig. 1B); posterior portion wide, partially exposed and bearing small odontodes. Nasal capsule delimited posteriorly and dorsally by frontal, anteriorly by mesethmoid, and ventrally and posteriorly by lateral ethmoid. Nasal slender, laterally curved, inner margin with poorly- to moderately-developed laminar expansion generally contacting frontal and mesethmoid; variably close but not in direct contact with mesethmoid; outer margin with poorly-developed to strongly reduced laminar expansion. Lateral ethmoid slightly expanded anteriorly, with anterodorsal expansion relatively distant from nasal, and anterior margin contacting posterior portion of mesethmoid. Frontal elongated, narrow, width less than half of entire length; anterior projection short, size smaller than nasal length. Frontal fontanel large, slender, and somewhat ellipsoid; posterior tip extension slightly surpassing anterior margin of parieto-supraoccipital. Sphenotic somewhat trapezoid, contacting parieto-supraoccipital dorsally, pterotic-extrascapular posteriorly, second infraorbital posteroventrally and frontal anteriorly (Fig. 8A). Pterotic-extrascapular roughly pipe-shaped, with posteriormost portion contacting first lateral-line ossicle, posteroventral margin contacting cleithrum, and anteroventral margin contacting opercle; posterior expansion almost entirely covering lateral opening of swimbladder capsule, leaving slender area on its dorsal margin covered only by thick layer of skin. Parieto-supraoccipital wide, posterior process long and contacting nuchal plate; region of contact between posterior process and nuchal plate covered by thick layer of skin.
Two laminar infraorbitals with minute odontodes. Infraorbital 1 large, ventral laminar expansion ranging from poorly to moderately developed; anterior portion with laminar expansion moderately developed, reaching to middle portion of nasal capsule; inner laminar expansion poorly developed (Fig. 8A). Infraorbital 2 small, slender, with posterior laminar expansion ranging from strongly reduced to poorly developed; posteroventral margin contacting posterodorsal ridge of hyomandibula, posterodorsal edge contacting only sphenotic; inner laminar expansion ranging from strongly reduced to poorly developed (Fig. 8A). Posterodorsal ridge of hyomandibula close to its articulation with opercle relatively slender, exposed, and bearing small odontodes. Dorsal ridge of hyomandibula between pterotic-extrascapular and opercle typically covered by thin skin layer. Interopercle entirely covered by thick layer of skin or almost entirely covered by thick layer of skin, with posterior portion exposed, and typically bearing small odontodes; subtriangular, anterior projection moderately developed. Preopercle elongated, relatively slender; minute odontodes on external surface. Opercle dorsoventrally elongated, with width slightly smaller or similar to half of its entire length; free margin slightly convex, without serrations and covered by small odontodes.
Four branchiostegal rays decreasing in size posteriorly. Hypobranchial 1 deep; hypobranchial 2 somewhat triangular, tip ossified and directed towards anterior portion, posterior margin cartilaginous; ossified portion well developed, its size about twice or triple of cartilaginous portion. Five ceratobranchials with expansions increasing posteriorly; ceratobranchial 1 with small process on anterior margin of mesial portion; ceratobranchial 3 notched on postero-lateral margin; variably with continuous laminar expansion on postero-lateral margin; ceratobranchial 5 toothed on posterodorsal surface, with 34 to 37(3) teeth aligned in one row. Four epibranchials with similar size; epibranchial 2 slightly larger than others, with small pointed process on laminar expansion of posterior margin; epibranchial 3 with mesially-curved uncinate process on laminar expansion of posterior margin. Two wide pharyngobranchials (3 and 4); pharyngobranchial 3 with smoothly rounded to nearly straight laminar expansion on posterior margin. Upper tooth plate roughly oval, 40 to 53(3) teeth aligned in two rows on posteroventral surface; rows closely aligned.
Lateral-line canal reaching cephalic laterosensory system through pterotic-extrascapular, branching twice before reaching sphenotic: pterotic branch, with single pore, preoperculomandibular branch conspicuously reduced, with single pore opening at postotic main canal; postotic main canal widens just posterior to pterotic branch. Sensory canal continuing through pterotic-extrascapular, reaching sphenotic as temporal canal, which splits into two branches: one branch giving rise to infraorbital canal, other branch connecting to frontal through supraorbital canal, both with single pore. Supraorbital canal branched, running through nasal bone. Epiphyseal branch conspicuously reduced; pore opening close to supraorbital main canal, directed towards frontal fontanel. Nasal canal with three openings, first on posterior edge, second on posterolateral portion, generally fused with first pore, and third on anterior edge. Infraorbital canal running through entire infraorbital 2, extending to infraorbital 1 and opening into two or three pores. Preoperculomandibular branch giving rise to preoperculo-mandibular canal, which runs through entire preopercle with three openings, leading to pores 3, 4, and 5, respectively; pore 3 variably opening at posterodorsal ridge of hyomandibula.
Dorsal fin subtriangular, located just posterior to second or third dorsolateral body plate. Dorsal-fin rays II,8*(19), II,9(1), posterior margin of dorsal-fin spine with 16 to 17 strongly reduced to poorly-developed serrations; most serrations directed towards tip of spine; some serrations variably perpendicularly directed; serrations absent close to origin of spine; small odontodes on anterior and lateral surfaces of spine (Fig. 8B). Nuchal plate moderately developed, almost entirely exposed, with minute odontodes. Spinelet short; spine moderately developed, with adpressed distal tip slightly surpassing posterior origin of dorsal-fin base. Pectoral fin roughly triangular, its origin just posterior to gill opening. Pectoral-fin rays I,7(3), I,7,i(1) or I,8*(16), posterior margin of pectoral spine with 20 to 32 strongly reduced to moderately-developed serrations along its entire length; most serrations directed towards tip of spine; some serrations perpendicularly directed or directed towards origin of spine; serrations variably bifid; small odontodes on anterior, dorsal and ventral surfaces of spine (Fig. 8C). Anteroventral portion of cleithrum exposed; posterolateral portion of scapulocoracoid moderately developed, exposed, with anterior portion slightly expanded anteriorly, not in contact with anteroventral portion of cleithrum; exposed areas bearing small odontodes. Opening of axillary gland sensuKiehl et al., (2006) located just posterior to pectoral-fin spine base. Pelvic fin oblong, located just below first or second ventrolateral body plate, and at vertical through first branched dorsal-fin ray. Pelvic-fin rays i,5*(20). Adipose fin roughly triangular, separated from base of last dorsal-fin ray by generally six dorsolateral body plates. Anal fin subtriangular, typically located just posterior to 12th ventrolateral body plates, and at vertical through adipose-fin spine base or region of preadipose platelets. Anal-fin rays ii,5(19) or ii,6(1). Caudal fin bilobed, with dorsal and ventral lobes similar in size or dorsal lobe slightly larger than ventral lobe. Caudal-fin rays i,12,i*(20), generally four or five dorsal and ventral procurrent rays.
Typically, three laterosensory canals on trunk; first ossicle tubular, second ossicle laminar, both bearing small odontodes; third, encased in third dorsolateral body plates. Body plates with minute odontodes scattered over exposed area, with conspicuous line of odontodes confined to posterior margins. Dorsolateral body plates 23(17) or 24*(3). Ventrolateral body plates 20(13) or 21*(7). Dorsolateral body plates along dorsal-fin base 6*(18) or 7(2). Dorsolateral body plates between adipose- and caudal-fin 7(18) or 8*(2). Preadipose platelets 3*(6) or 4(14). Ventral surface of trunk between posteroventral margin of cleithrum and pelvic-fin origin laterally delimited only by first ventrolateral body plate; ventral portion of first ventrolateral body plate slightly expanded anteriorly. Small platelets covering base of caudal-fin rays. Small platelets disposed dorsally and ventrally between junctions of lateral plates on posterior portion of caudal peduncle. Anterior margin of orbit, above region of junction between frontal and lateral ethmoid, ventral margin of nasal capsule, above lateral ethmoid, and dorsal surface of snout with numerous small- to relatively large-sized platelets bearing odontodes; platelets on anterior margin of orbit and ventral margin of nasal capsule typically larger and coalescent. Ventral surface of trunk with scarce to relatively numerous small-sized irregular platelets bearing odontodes; platelets more concentrated anteriorly and/or around pectoral-fin base.
Vertebral count 21(3); ribs 5(3); first pair conspicuously large, its middle portion closely connected to first ventrolateral body plate; its tip connected to anterior external process of basipterygium. Parapophysis of complex vertebra well developed.
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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5194.2.9
PUBLISHED: 2022-10-05
Pethia dikhuensis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), a new species from Nagaland, Northeast, India

PISCESBARBSCYPRINIFORMESPETHIA EXPLETIFORISDIKHU RIVERBRAHMAPUTRA RIVER

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AbstractA new species of Pethia from Nagaland, northeastern India is distinguished from all its congeners in the Ganges-Brahmaputra drainage, Kaladan drainage and the Chindwin- Ayeyarwady drainage by the following combination of characters: lateral line complete with 22–23 pored scales up to tail-fin base, 3rd and 4th lateral line scales with minute humeral spot, a large elliptical to rounded black blotch covering 16th to 18th, or 17th to 19th lateral-line scales; live male specimens with reddish-green body above lateral line and reddish-orange beneath; dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, anal and caudal fins reddish-orange; dorsal fin in both sexes with broad black submargin. Genetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase unit I (cox1) suggests that the species is distinct from other known species of Pethia for which data are available.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5190.4.6
PUBLISHED: 2022-09-30
DNA barcode data confirm the placement of subterranean Noemacheilus (Troglocobitis) starostini Parin 1983 in the genus Paracobitis (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae)

PISCESFRESHWATER FISHTAXONOMYCYTOCHROME OXIDASE IMIDDLE EAST

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AbstractDNA barcodes (COI) of Troglocobitis starostini, endemic to a single site in Turkmenistan, were analysed and put into the taxonomic context of the large group of nemacheilid loaches known from Western and Central Asia. All applied phylogenetic tree-based analyses place the species into the genus Paracobitis. This finding supports previous morphological studies. While the exact position of Troglocobitis starostini within Paracobitis was not resolved unambiguously, it was constantly recovered within Paracobitis, irrespective of the tree reconstruction method applied. With a minimum interspecific K2P distance of 7.19% P. persa was the closest hit in our dataset, which comprised a total of ten species of Paracobitis, which showed an average interspecific K2P distance of 5.43% (range 2.78–9.44%).

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5189.1.17
PUBLISHED: 2022-09-23
Four new species of the frogmouth genus Chaunax (Lophiiformes: Chaunacidae) from Taiwan and the Philippines

PISCESBIODIVERSITYSYSTEMATICSTAXONOMYANGLERFISHDEEP-SEA FISH

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AbstractFour new species of the genus Chaunax found in Taiwan and the Philippines are described. Chaunax albatrossae sp. nov. belongs to the C. abei species group and is distinct from its congeners in having a dark gray mouth cavity, a dark brown to black gill chamber and gill rakers and skin covered with only short, simple spinules. Three new species belong to the C. fimbriatus species group: Chaunax erythraeus sp. nov. is distinct in having a uniformly pinkish-red body and an entirely black gill chamber; Chaunax obscurus sp. nov. is distinct in having a dark gray mouth cavity and orange-red marbling on the dorsal surface that fades after fixation; and Chaunax viridiretis sp. nov. is distinguished by its green reticulate pattern with some small, bright-white patches on the dorsal surface. The diagnostic characters used to identify the chaunacids are summarized and a key to all Chaunax species found in Taiwan and adjacent waters is provided.

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Hemimyzon yushanensis, a new species of balitorid fish (Teleostei: Baltiordae) from southern Taiwan

PISCESHEMIMYZONNEW SPECIESBALITORIDAEFISH FAUNATAIWAN

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AbstractThe new balitorid fish was collected in the Kaoping river basin from southern Taiwan. The new balitorid, Hemimyzon yushanensis n. sp. can be well distinguished from other congeneric species by following combination of features: (1) dorsal fin rays 3 + 8; pectoral fin rays 11-13 + 9-11 (total 22-23; modally 22); (2) lateral-line scales 69-72 (modally 70); predorsal scales 25-30 (26-27); (3) pelvic fin moderate large, extending to rear vertical of dorsal fin; (4) the position of anus with larger distance of pelvic rear tip to anus about 1.2-1.7 times of that of anus to anal fin origin; and (5) specific coloration: predrorsal region and head with rounded creamy yellow spots, pectoral and pelvic fins with several small whitish spots on greenish brown background. The morphological comparison of congeners and diagnostic key of Taiwanese species would be also provided in this paper.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5189.1.18
PUBLISHED: 2022-09-23
A new cryptic species of the pineapple fish genus Monocentris (Family Monocentridae) from the western Pacific Ocean, with redescription of M. japonica (Houttuyn, 1782)

PISCESACTINOPTERYGIITRACHICHTHYIFORMESTAXONOMYDNA BARCODINGBIODIVERSITY

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AbstractA new pineapple fish is described based on 26 type and 80 non-type specimens collected from Taiwan, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Queensland, Australia. This new species is sympatric with and similar to Monocentris japonica but can be distinguished from the latter in having only 6 or 7 scales on the third scale row below the lateral line; excisura notched and a small pseudo-excisura present on the sagittal otolith; consistently greater head depth, body depth, postorbital length, dorsal-fin–pelvic-fin length, and dorsal-fin–pectoral-fin length in proportion to standard length. A detailed description and designation of neotype are provided for M. japonica. DNA barcoding analysis supports the distinction of the new species with an estimated average COI gene divergence of 3.6 % from M. japonica.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5189.1.12
PUBLISHED: 2022-09-23
Two new species of the snake eel genus Bascanichthys (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from the northwestern Pacific

PISCESICHTHYOLOGYTAXONOMYELOPOMORPHATAIWANRYUKYU ISLANDSESTUARY

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AbstractTwo new species of the elongate snake eel genus Bascanichthys are described from the northwestern Pacific. Bascanichthys kabeyawan sp. nov. is described based on a single specimen collected from estuary of southern Taiwan. It is characterized by having head 4.6% TL; tail 52.3% TL; body depth at gill opening 1.1% TL; predorsal-fin length 58.4% HL; snout length 10.9% HL; body bicolored, head without bands; lateral-line pores anterior to anus 104; vertebral formula 4-103-224. Bascanichthys ryukyuensis sp. nov. is described based on two specimens collected from the shallow water of Okinawa-jima Island, Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan. It is characterized by having head 3.7–4.3% TL; tail 43.3–44.2% TL; predorsal-fin length 40.7–45.4% HL; snout length 11.3–13.1% HL; body pale brown, head without distinct dark bands after preservation; lateral-line pores anterior to anus 114–118; total vertebrae 207–216, mean vertebral formula 2-116-212; and dorsal-fin origin before middle of head.

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A new species of gobiid fish Lentipes niasensis (Gobiidae: Sicydiinae) from Nias Island, Indonesia

PISCESLENTIPESNEW SPECIESTAXONOMYNIAS ISLANDINDONESIA

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AbstractA new species of goby of the subfamily Sicydiinae, Lentipes niasensis, is described from the stream of Humogo River, Nias Island, Indonesia. This species can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of features: (1) fin ray counts: D2 I/10; A I/10; P 17–18; D1 not connected to D2 in either sex. (2) squamation: LR 7–11; anterior half of body naked, lateral body scales present from 5–6th rays of second dorsal-fin to hypural, embedded in skin. (3) upper jaw teeth in male 14–19 and in female 33–38. (4) urogenital papilla in male slender and distally pointed, flanked by pair of associated fleshy lobes and not retractable into sheath–like groove. (5) distinctive colour pattern of male: upper lip greyish, red patches on the pectoral-fin base, on mid-body below origin of second dorsal-fin and at caudal peduncle.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5189.1.6
PUBLISHED: 2022-09-23
A new freshwater gobiid species of Rhinogobius Gill, 1859 (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from northern Taiwan

PISCESNEW GOBYFRESHWATER FISHRHINOGOBIUSFISH FAUNATAIWAN

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AbstractA new freshwater rhinogoby has been collected and surveyed from northern Taiwan. The new species, Rhinogobius yangminshanensis n. sp. with fluvial life history can be well distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of features: (1) fin rays: second dorsal fin rays I/9; anal fin rays I/8; pectoral fin rays modally 16; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 28–30 (modally 29); perdorsal scales 9–10 (modally 9); (4) vertebral count 27; (5) rear edge of mouth: merely extending to vertical of anterior margin of pupil in male and (6) specific colouration: lateral side with 6–7 longitudinal rows of bright orange to orange red spots in male which general size about 1/2 of pupil diameter. Cheek and opercle with 24–35 orange spots in male. Branchiostegal membrane with many minute orange spots in male. Caudal fin with distally orange zone in male with about 3 vertical rows of orange or orange red spots. First dorsal fin with broad orange band on distally 1/3 area. A middle black spot in abterior first dorsal fin. Pectoral fin with two rows red orange spots in male. The phylogenetic comparisons have revealed that the great mitogenetic differences of R. yangminshanensis with all other congeneric species and sister species would be R. rubromaculatus in Taiwan. A diagnostic key to all valid species of Rhinogobius from Taiwan is also provided.

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Description of three new species previously identified as Stolephorus bengalensis (Dutt & Babu Rao, 1959) or Stolephorus insularis Hardenberg, 1933 and a re-description of S. bengalensis (Chordata, Osteichthyes, Clupeiformes, Engraulidae)

Harutaka Hata, Sébastien Lavoué, Hiroyuki MotomuraAbstractExamination of numerous specimens characterised by predorsal scute, long maxilla, indented preopercle and pelvic scute lacking a spine and previously identified as Stolephorus bengalensis (Dutt & Babu Rao, 1959) or Stolephorus insularis Hardenberg, 1933, revealed four distinct species, true S. bengalensis (distributed from the Bay of Bengal to Pakistan) and three new species, viz., Stolephorus eldorado sp. nov. (Taiwan to Java, Indonesia), Stolephorus diabolus sp. nov. (Strait of Malacca, from Penang , Malaysia, to Singapore) and Stolephorus eclipsis sp. nov. (Bintan Island, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia). Characters separating the four species include numbers of gill rakers on each gill arch and vertebrae and pelvic fin and dorsal-fin ray lengths. Two molecular markers (mitochondrial cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase I genes) demonstrated the distinction of three of the species examined morphologically and enabled a reconstruction of their phylogenetic relationships. Each species was genetically divergent from the others by 3.5%–7.7% mean uncorrected distance in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene.
KeywordsActinopterygii, Clupeomorpha, phylogenetics, Stolephorus tri, taxonomy
IntroductionThe anchovy genus Stolephorus Lacepède, 1803 (Teleostei: Clupeiformes: Engraulidae), diagnosed by the presence of prepelvic scutes and an embedded urohyal and lack of postpelvic scutes, currently includes 37 valid species that preferentially inhabit marine and/or estuarine waters in the Indo-Pacific region (Wongratana 1983, 1987a, b; Whitehead et al. 1988; Wongratana et al. 1999; Kimura et al. 2009; Hata and Motomura 2018a, b, c, d, e, 2021a, b, c, 2022; Hata et al. 2019, 2020a, b, 2021; Gangan et al. 2020). Amongst them, species with a predorsal scute, paired dark lines on the dorsum behind the dorsal fin, a long maxilla (posterior tip well beyond the preopercle posterior margin), the preopercle posterior margin concave and pelvic scute without a posteriorly projecting spine (Fig. 1) are regarded as Stolephorus insularis Hardenberg, 1933 by Whitehead et al. (1988), who reviewed the genus. Hata et al. (2019) revised the taxonomy of seven nominal species of Stolephorus, treating Whitehead et al.’s (1988) S. insularis as Stolephorus bengalensis (Dutt & Babu Rao, 1959) and regarding the nominal species S. insularis as a junior synonym of Stolephorus tri (Bleeker, 1852). However, subsequent re-examination of specimens, identified as S. bengalensis, in fact revealed the presence of four species.

Figure 1. Diagnostic characters of species previously identified as Stolephorus bengalensis A lateral view of whole body B dorsal-fin origin (triangle indicates predorsal scute, located just anterior to dorsal-fin origin) C dorsal view of dorsum behind dorsal fin (triangle indicates paired dark lines) D lateral surface of head (triangle indicates posterior tip of maxilla, posteriorly well beyond posterior margin of pre-opercle) E pre-opercle with concave posterior margin (supramaxilla removed) and F ventral view of pelvic fin (triangle indicates pelvic scute, lacking spine) (A KAUM–I. 94521, paratype of S. eldorado sp. nov. in fresh condition, 43.4 mm SL, Ha Long Bay, northern Vietnam B, E, F KAUM–I. 113148, paratype of S. eldorado sp. nov., 55.3 mm SL, Ke-tzu-liao, south-western Taiwan C ZUMT 62056, paratype of S. diabolus sp. nov., 38.4 mm SL, Singapore D KAUM–I. 94509, paratype of S. eldorado sp. nov., 41.4 mm SL, Ha Long Bay, northern Vietnam) (B, D, E and F alizarin stain).
The aim of this study is to re-describe S. bengalensis and describe three new species of Stolephorus from specimens previously regarded as S. insularis or S. bengalensis. In addition to the morphological comparisons, complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences from 31 specimens were used to estimate the genetic distinction of three of the latter (the fourth species unavailable) plus one unidentified, but related species from Segara Anakan Lagoon, Central Java, Indonesia (Nuryanto et al. 2017).

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On the Identity of the Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata (Perciformes: Osphronemidae) with Notes on the Taxonomic Status of Trichopodus bejeus

Trichogaster fasciata Bloch & Schneider, 1801,
Trichogaster bejeus (Hamilton, 1822)

in Knight, Nallathambi, Vijayakrishnan & Jayasimhan, 2022.
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15191
facebook.com: Praveenraj Jayasimhan

Abstract
Based on its original description and putative topotypes, the identity of the banded gourami Trichogaster fasciata is resolved. Trichogaster lalia is a synonym of T. fasciata, and the name Trichogaster bejeus is applied to the species hitherto identified as T. fasciata. T. fasciata is distinguished from its congeners in the shape of caudal fin, colouration, lip morphology and meristic and mensural characters.

Keywords: Colisa gourami, Osphronemidae, taxonomy, Trichogaster fasciata, Trichogaster lalia, Trichogaster bejeus

Trichogaster fasciata
Trichogaster bejeus

J. D. Marcus Knight, Moulitharan Nallathambi, Balaji Vijayakrishnan and Praveenraj Jayasimhan. 2022. On the Identity of the Banded Gourami Trichogaster fasciata with Notes on the Taxonomic Status of Trichopodus bejeus (Teleostei: Perciformes: Osphronemidae). Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15191
facebook.com/PraveenRaj39750121/posts/5631892513515719

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A new species of deep-water Lethrinops (Cichlidae) from Lake Malawi ( Lethrinops atrilabris )

George F. Turner
First published: 04 September 2022

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15208
This article has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Fish Biology and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/jfb.15208.
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SHAREAbstractA new species of cichlid fish, Lethrinops atrilabris is described from specimens collected by trawling at a depth of around 90m off Monkey Bay, southern Lake Malawi. It is assigned to the genus Lethrinops on the basis of its vertical flank barring, lack of enlarged cephalic lateral line canal pores and the form of the lower jaw dental arcade. It can be distinguished from congeneric species by its male breeding dress of contrasting flank barring and dark ventral surface, most strikingly on the lips, throat and chest, its relatively small known maximum size (<75mm SL), large eyes (38-41% head length), laterally compressed body (depth 2.5-2.7 times max head width) and lower gillraker count (13-14).

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A new species of Geophagus (Teleostei: Cichlidae): naming a cichlid species widely known in the Aquarium hobby as “Geophagus sp. Tapajos Red head” (Geophagus sensu stricto)

Junior Chuctaya,Pedro Nitschke,Marcelo C. Andrade,Juliana Wingert,Luiz R. Malabarba
First published: 04 September 2022

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15207
This article has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Fish Biology and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/jfb.15207.
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SHAREABSTRACTA new species of Geophagus sensu stricto is described from the Tapajos River basin, Brazil, elevating the number of species of the genus to 21. The new species is of commercial importance and is known in the aquarist trade as Geophagus “red head”. The new species is diagnosed using an integrative approach, based on mitochondrial DNA analysis along with morphological evidence. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by the absence of markings on head, the bar pattern composed by nine vertical bars on flanks, and the presence of distinct longitudinal bands in the caudal fin. Additionally, it shows a genetic distance of at least 2.0% in cytochrome-b gene sequences from its closest congeners. Molecular analysis including most genera of Cichlidae from South America corroborates that the new species belongs to the group of Geophagus sensu stricto.

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31 August 2022

Environmental Factors in Spawning of Wild Devils Hole Pupfish Cyprinodon diabolis (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae)

Ambre L. Chaudoin, Olin G. Feuerbacher, Scott A. Bonar, Paul J. Barrett
Author Affiliations +
Ichthyology & Herpetology, 110(3):502-510 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2020053

AbstractThe sole wild population of the endangered Devils Hole Pupfish, Cyprinodon diabolis, has declined to fewer than 40 individuals twice since 2006, prompting increased recovery efforts. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Devils Hole Pupfish recovery plan stipulates two reproducing captive populations, though, historically, propagation efforts have yielded little success. To address information deficits in reproductive behavior and ecology, from February–December 2010 we investigated environmental factors associated with spawning activity of C. diabolis in Devils Hole, Nevada, USA. An underwater camera continuously monitored a portion of a shallow, submerged rock shelf used for spawning. Select biotic, abiotic, and physico-chemical parameters were monitored continuously throughout the year. Water level and precipitation data provided by the U.S. National Park Service identified disturbances from earthquake-induced seiches and storm-induced flash floods. Zero-inflated Poisson regression provided a model with 28% predictive power with algal cover, light energy, and seiches as the three strongest predictors among tested factors in spawning behavior of C. diabolis in the wild.

A new species of air-breathing catfish (Clariidae: Clarias) from Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo (American Museum novitates, no. 3990)

Bernt, Maxwell J.; Stiassny, Melanie L. J.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2246/7304
Date: 2022-08-30Abstract:A new species of air-breathing catfish, Clarias monsembulai, is described from Congo River tributaries within and bordering the Salonga National Park (Democratic Republic of the Congo). The new taxon is recognized by its exceptionally long, white barbels, which lend a superficial resemblance to Clarias buthupogon, from which it differs in characters of the cleithrum and pigmentation patterning. We suggest placement of this species into the subgenus Clarioides but note the current dearth of morphological data to unite members of this group. We additionally discuss the validity of the subspecies Clarias angolensis macronema.Show full item record

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NEWS RELEASE 16-AUG-2022Fish "chock-full" of antifreeze protein found in iceberg habitats off GreenlandSnailfish study reveals highest expression levels of antifreeze proteins ever reported, underscoring the importance of unique adaptation in sub-zero waters and hinting at shifting biodiversity as ice caps warm
Peer-Reviewed PublicationAMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

IMAGE: A JUVENILE LIPARIS GIBBUS IMAGED UNDER WHITE LIGHT view more
CREDIT: © J. SPARKS, D. GRUBER
New research based on an expedition to the icy waters off Greenland reveals soaring levels of antifreeze proteins in a species of tiny snailfish, underlying the importance of this unique adaptation to life in sub-zero temperatures. The study, led by scientists at the American Museum of Natural History and the City University of New York (CUNY), and published today in the journal Evolutionary Bioinformatics, also warns that warming oceanic temperatures in the Arctic could pose a threat to these highly specialized fishes.
“Similar to how antifreeze in your car keeps the water in your radiator from freezing in cold temperatures, some animals have evolved amazing machinery that prevent them from freezing, such as antifreeze proteins, which prevent ice crystals from forming,” said David Gruber, a research associate at the Museum and a distinguished biology professor at CUNY’s Baruch College. “We already knew that this tiny snailfish, which lives in extremely cold waters, produced antifreeze proteins, but we didn’t realize just how chock-full of those proteins it is—and the amount of effort it was putting into making these proteins.”
The icy waters of polar oceans are an extreme environment for marine life, limiting inhabitants to those with mechanisms to cope with freezing temperatures. Unlike some species of reptiles and insects, fishes cannot survive even partial freezing of their body fluids, so they depend on antifreeze proteins, made primarily in the liver, to prevent the formation of large ice grains inside their cells and body fluids. The ability of fishes to make these specialized proteins was discovered nearly 50 years ago, and scientists have since determined that antifreeze proteins are made from five different gene families.
Gruber and co-author John Sparks, a curator in the Museum’s Department of Ichthyology, decided to investigate the antifreeze proteins of the juvenile variegated snailfish, Liparis gibbus, after encountering a separate exceptional ability of the tiny fish—biofluorescence. In 2019, as part of a Constantine. S. Niarchos Expedition, Sparks and Gruber were exploring the iceberg habitats off the coast of Eastern Greenland when they found a juvenile variegated snailfish glowing in green and red. Biofluorescence, the ability to convert blue light into green, red, or yellow light, is rare among Arctic fishes—where there are prolonged periods of darkness—and the snailfish remains the only polar fish reported to biofluoresce.
Upon further investigation of the biofluorescent properties of snailfish, the researchers found two different types of gene families encoding for antifreeze proteins. The snailfish genes have the highest expression levels of antifreeze proteins ever observed, highlighting their importance to these animals’ survival and sending up a red flag about how they might fare in warming environmental conditions.
“Since the mid-20th century, temperatures have increased twice as fast in the Arctic as in mid-latitudes and some studies predict that if Arctic sea ice decline continues at this current rate, in the summer the Arctic Ocean will be mostly ice-free within the next three decades,” Sparks said. “Arctic seas do not support a high diversity of fish species, and our study hypothesizes that with increasingly warming oceanic temperatures, ice-dwelling specialists such as this snailfish may encounter increased competition by more temperate species that were previously unable to survive at these higher northern latitudes.”
Other authors on this study include John Burns, American Museum of Natural History and the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences; Jean Gaffney, CUNY; and Mercer Brugler, American Museum of Natural History and the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
This research was generously supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation through an AMNH Constantine S. Niarchos Expedition grant.
A video about the 2019 Constantine S. Niarchos Expedition that resulted in these findings can be viewed here.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (AMNH)
The American Museum of Natural History, founded in 1869, is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. The Museum encompasses more than 40 permanent exhibition halls, including those in the Rose Center for Earth and Space plus the Hayden Planetarium, as well as galleries for temporary exhibitions. The Museum’s scientists draw on a world-class research collection of more than 34 million artifacts and specimens, some of which are billions of years old, and on one of the largest natural history libraries in the world. Through its Richard Gilder Graduate School, the Museum grants the Ph.D. degree in Comparative Biology and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, the only such free-standing, degree-granting programs at any museum in the United States. The Museum’s website, digital videos, and apps for mobile devices bring its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs to millions more around the world. Visit amnh.org for more information.

JOURNALEvolutionary Bioinformatics

DOI10.1177/11769343221118347

METHOD OF RESEARCHObservational study

SUBJECT OF RESEARCHAnimals

ARTICLE TITLETranscriptomics of a Greenlandic Snailfish Reveals Exceptionally High Expression of Antifreeze Protein Transcripts

ARTICLE PUBLICATION DATE16-Aug-2022
Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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Observations on growth rate and allometry in the seasonal predatory killifish Nothobranchius ocellatus (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes)

PISCESTANZANIARUVU AND RUFIJI DRAINAGESMORPHOMETRYMATURATIONSTATISTICSHOLOTYPENEOTYPE

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AbstractDuring the course of a taxonomic study involving Nothobranchius ocellatus, a fast-growing seasonal killifish of predatory behaviour, important morphometric differences were observed between the original measurements of the lost holotype and the neotype and additional available material of the species. In a laboratory study, the total length (TL) of selected specimens was measured from hatching and, during the sub-adult to sexually mature young adult phase, from 37 to 84 days age, subjected to an additional suite of detailed morphometric measurements. Growth rate was relatively rapid and linear at 1.3–1.4 mm/day through the first phase to sexual maturity at 7–8 weeks, followed by a marked flattening of the growth curve with, from 14 weeks, rates of only about 1.0 mm/week in males and 0.6 mm/week in females. Under captive conditions, maximum TL for adult male specimens ranged from 101 to 116 mm and 88 to 102 mm for females. Analyses of the morphometric character measurements made during the 37–84 day development phase showed allometric shape changes, primarily seen in body depth, head length and several other measures of head features, proportions of caudal peduncle, and length of fin bases. These changes are most prominently seen in males and changes in head proportions are important in relation to the predatory behaviour of the species. Morphometric differences between the immature holotype and the newly available material, including the neotype, are consistent with allometric shape variation, particularly in males of this species. Considering the seasonal life cycle common to all Nothobranchius species, and similar growth patterns, it is likely that allometric growth has broad relevance within the genus, suggesting it is a factor that should be taken into account in taxonomic endeavours, especially when the number of study specimens is limited.

Mustura yangi

The Extinct Shark Otodus megalodon was A Transoceanic Superpredator: Inferences from 3D Modeling

Otodus megalodon

in Cooper, Hutchinson, Bernvi, et al. 2022.
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9424

Abstract
Although shark teeth are abundant in the fossil record, their bodies are rarely preserved. Thus, our understanding of the anatomy of the extinct Otodus megalodon remains rudimentary. We used an exceptionally well-preserved fossil to create the first three-dimensional model of the body of this giant shark and used it to infer its movement and feeding ecology. We estimate that an adult O. megalodon could cruise at faster absolute speeds than any shark species today and fully consume prey the size of modern apex predators. A dietary preference for large prey potentially enabled O. megalodon to minimize competition and provided a constant source of energy to fuel prolonged migrations without further feeding. Together, our results suggest that O. megalodon played an important ecological role as a transoceanic superpredator. Hence, its extinction likely had large impacts on global nutrient transfer and trophic food webs.

Jack A. Cooper, John R. Hutchinson, David C. Bernvi, Geremy Cliff, Rory P. Wilson, Matt L. Dicken, Jan Menzel, Stephen Wroe, et al. 2022. The Extinct Shark Otodus megalodon was A Transoceanic Superpredator: Inferences from 3D Modeling. SCIENCE ADVANCES. 8(33); DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9424
twitter.com/PimientoGroup/status/1559964642595803136

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Kaykay lafken • A New Pachycormiformes (Actinopterygii) from the Upper Jurassic of Gondwana sheds light on the Evolutionary History of the Group

Kaykay lafken
Gouiric-Cavalli & Arratia, 2022

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2022.2049382
twitter.com/JournalSystPal

Abstract
As part of the transition from Holostei to Teleostei, †Pachycormiformes represent a key group of fishes. However, the anatomy and phylogenetic relationships of the group in the context of the neopterygians are far from being understood. In this contribution we describe a new pachycormiform, †Kaykay lafken gen. et sp. nov., from the Upper Jurassic of Argentina. We made an exhaustive review of morphological characters of holostean and teleostean fishes and explore through a cladistic analysis the phylogenetic relationships of the new species. †Kaykay gen. nov. is retrieved among †Pachycormiformes as being the sister taxon of the macrocarnivorous clade composed of †Orthocormus and †Hypsocormus. Among †Pachycormiformes the pattern of relationships mostly agrees with previous hypotheses, although our study highlights the still poor knowledge of the anatomy of this group. According to our results †Saurostomus is the sister taxon of other toothed pachycormids. †Orthocormus species are recovered as a monophyletic group. The unsolved position of †Pachycormus and †Sauropsis might be a consequence of poor preservation, revealing a lack of understanding of their anatomy. Our phylogenetic analysis also confirms the rapid radiation of holosteans and teleosteomorphs in the Early Triassic and the radiation of pholidophoriforms in the Middle Triassic. †Aspidorhynchoidei radiate in the Early Jurassic. The large ghost ranges (e.g. between †Aspidorhynchoidei and Teleosteomorpha) evidence biases in the fossil record.

Keywords: anatomy, systematics, taxonomy, teleosteomorphs, phylogeny, South America

Kaykay lafken gen. et sp. nov.,

Soledad Gouiric-Cavalli and Gloria Arratia. 2021. A New †Pachycormiformes (Actinopterygii) from the Upper Jurassic of Gondwana sheds light on the Evolutionary History of the Group. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 19(21); 1517-1550 [29 Apr 2022] DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2022.2049382
twitter.com/JournalSystPal/status/1540255620363915265
www.conicet.gov.ar/reportan-el-hallazgo-de-un-nuevo-pez-perteneciente-a-un-grupo-extinto/
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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5175.2.6
PUBLISHED: 2022-08-16
A new species of spiny Rineloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Rio Paraíba do Sul basin and costal rivers from Rio de Janeiro State

PISCESBIODIVERSITYLORICARIINAEPARAIBA DO SULCATFISHODONTOID

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AbstractAlthough the genus Rineloricaria is widely distributed in the Neotropical region, its species usually occupy single drainages with high habitat fidelity. Rineloricaria species show evident sexual dimorphism with hypertrophied odontodes in sexually mature males. Here, we describe a new species of Rineloricaria present in the Rio Paraiba do Sul basin and coastal rivers in Rio de Janeiro State. The new species has extreme sexual dimorphism making possible to differentiate it from all congeners. The new species can also be separated from other sympatric species by morphometric characteristics and dermal plates pattern.

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Nothobranchius balamaensis (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae), a new species of annual killifish from northern Mozambique

PISCESCYPRINODONTIFORMESNOTHOBRANCHIIDAENEOGENE RIFTINGMOLECULAR PHYLOGENYNOTHOBRANCHIUS KIRKINOTHOBRANCHIUS WATTERSI

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AbstractA new seasonal killifish of the genus Nothobranchius is described from the Montepuez River system in northern Mozambique. The new species, Nothobranchius balamaensis Bragança & Chakona, is differentiated from congeners by its characteristic colour pattern and molecular data further support its taxonomic distinctiveness. Phylogenetic results based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes confirms N. balamaensis is closely related to N. kirki and N. wattersi; all three belonging to the Coastal-Inland Clade. The new species is most similar in colour pattern to N. kirki sharing the characteristic of a deep red-orange colouration in the basal, proximal, and medial zones of the caudal and anal fins that grades to orange in the distal zone. This is a key feature that distinguishes these two species from all other Nothobranchius. The main distinguishing features between the new species and N. kirki is the presence of a light blue to white band or series of irregular markings in the proximal zone of the anal fin in N. kirki, versus the absence of such a colour pattern element in N. balamaensis, as well as differences in the dorsal fin pattern. When compared to all population groups of N. wattersi, the colour pattern of N. balamaensis is distinctive. Nothobranchius balamaensis is a relatively slender member of the genus, a characteristic that clearly distinguishes it from both N. kirki and N. wattersi. Nothobranchius balamaensis is currently only known from a few specimens from the type locality.

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Species delineation and systematics of a hemiclonal hybrid complex in Australian freshwaters (Gobiiformes: Gobioidei: Eleotridae: Hypseleotris)Christine E. Thacker
,
Daniel L. Geiger
and
Peter J. Unmack
Published:27 July 2022https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220201

Full paper available on link.

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A new species of toothless, short dorsal-fin Schindleria (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from the Red Sea (Egypt)

Harald Ahnelt, Vanessa Robitzch, Mohamed Abu El-Regal
Abstract
We describe a new, tiny species of Schindleria from a reef lagoon in the Red Sea off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt. Schindleria edentata, new species, belongs to the short dorsal-fin type of Schindleria, with the dorsal and anal fins of about equal length. Schindleria edentata is characterized by an elongated but relatively deep body (body depth at anal-fin origin 10.8% of SL and at 4th anal-fin ray 10.9 % of SL); a short dorsal fin originating just slightly anterior to the anal fin (predorsal-fin length 60.9% of SL, pre-anal fin length 64.8% of SL); a stubby head with a steep frontal profile, a short snout (i.e., 23.1% of head length), and large eye (i.e., 27.7% of the head’s length); a long pectoral radial plate (length 7.6% of SL); four dorsal and four ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays increasing in length posteriorly; last procurrent ray simple without additional spine and, although the longest, not distinctly elongate; 15 dorsal-fin rays; 13 anal-fin rays; the base of the first anal-fin ray positioned below the base of the third dorsal-fin ray; upper and lower jaws toothless; in vivo with translucent body; eye black; swim bladder capped by a melanophore blotch; no pigmentation externally on body after preservation.
KeywordsGobiiformes, morphology, new species, paedomorphosis, progenesis
IntroductionThe genus Schindleria (Giltay, 1934) (Schindler’s fishes or infant fishes) has a large biogeographic range spanning the entire Indo-Pacific from remote South American islands to East and South African coasts, and from the Red Sea to Japan (summarized in Ahnelt and Sauberer 2020). Often found in and close to coral reef lagoons (Leis 1994; Watson 2000; Robitzch et al. 2021a), also offshore and deep-water records have been documented (Belyanina 1989; Parin 1991; Ahnelt and Sauberer 2020). Schindleria are not only among the smallest vertebrates (8 mm– 22 mm, average ca. 17 mm) but also mature rapidly. Some species reach maturity at an average of 37 days and may produce up to nine generations per year (Kon and Yoshino 2002).
Although individuals of Schindleria are likely among the most numerous fishes associated with coral reefs (Gosline and Brock 1960; Whittle 2003; Robitzch et al. 2021) these tiny gobioids are easily overlooked and frequently mistaken for larval fishes (Bogorodsky and Randall 2019; Robitzch et al. 2021a). Numerous records are based on a few specimens only (Ahnelt and Sauberer 2019, 2020; Robitzch et al. 2021b) and these were often collected as by-catch of other research surveys. Therefore, almost nothing is known about the biology and ecology of Schindleria (Robitzch et al. 2021a). To date, the sister group of Schindleria is still unknown and its position among gobioid fishes is still under debate (e.g., Ahnelt 2020; Abu El-Regal et al., 2021). Originally described as species of Hemirhamphus (Schindler 1930, 1931, 1932), these tiny fishes were reclassified as a new genus, Schindleria, and placed in a new family, Schindleriidae, by Giltay (1934) and demonstrated to belong to the Gobioidei by Johnson & Brothers (1993). However, in two molecular phylogenetic studies Schindleria was resolved within the family Gobiidae (Thacker 2009; Agorreta et al. 2013).
Eight nominal species of Schindleria have been described so far: S. brevipinguis Watson and Walker 2004, S. elongata Fricke and Abu El-Regal 2017, S. macrodentata Ahnelt and Sauberer 2018, S. multidentata Ahnelt 2020, S. nigropunctata Fricke and Abu El-Regal 2017, S. parva Abu El-Regal et al. 2021, S. pietschmanni (Schindler 1931), and S. praematura (Schindler 1930). Yet, this number of species underestimates their true diversity as over 25 unrecognized species of Schindleria were documented during two surveys on the Ryukyu, Ogasawara, and Palau Islands (Western Pacific), where nearly all of them are endemic to one of these islands (Kon et al., 2007, 2011). Based on short generation time and high levels of endemism Kon et al. (2007) suggested that large numbers of species throughout the entire range of the genus have remained undescribed.
Schindleria are extremely progenetic (Johnson and Brothers 1993) and are among the most short-lived vertebrates (Kon and Yoshino 2002, Zák et al. 2021). Adult Schindleria have a reduced larva-like, elongate, translucent, and scaleless body with a straight gut and a characteristic caudal complex (comprising two modified last vertebrae, an extremely elongate urostyle, and fused hypurals forming a triangular plate (Johnson & Brothers 1993) and a pair of elongated muscles on each side of the urostyle) (Ahnelt and Sauberer 2018). Many morphological characteristics important for species-level diagnoses in gobioid fishes, mainly involving features of the pelvic and first dorsal fins, are missing in Schindleria (Schindler 1932; Johnson and Brothers 1993). However, Schindleria species are morphologically more diverse than often assumed, having relatively few but distinct characters, which allow the identification of species (Watson and Walker 2004; Kon et al., 2010; Ahnelt and Sauberer 2018, Ahnelt 2020; Abu El-Regal et al. 2021; Robitzch et al. 2021b). For instance, the relative position of the dorsal and anal fins to each other, the number of their fin rays, the number of myomeres and vertebrae (Schindler 1930, 1931; Kon et al. 2007; Fricke and Abu El-Regal 2017a, b), the shape of the pectoral radial plate, the shape of the last procurrent caudal-fin rays, the shape of the lower jaw arch, and details of the dentition of the oral jaws (Ahnelt and Sauberer 2018; Ahnelt 2019, 2020) are helpful in diagnosing species.
In an attempt to group Schindleria specimens morphologically (Ahnelt 2019; Abu El-Regal et al. 2021), two characters seem most useful: (1) relative length of dorsal and anal fins (Ahnelt 2019, 2020) and (2) dentition (Watson and Walker 2004; Ahnelt 2020). The dentition of the jaws allows distinction of two main groups: species with jaw teeth and species that lack teeth in one or both jaws. In six out of the eight described species of Schindleria, teeth are present on both, the premaxilla and the dentary (Ahnelt 2020). Among the remaining two species of Schindleria, S. parva has a toothless dentary but a toothed premaxilla (Abu El-Regal et al. 2021) and S. brevipinguis lacks teeth in both jaws (Watson and Walker 2004). These two species share a very small size (<12 mm SL and <9 mm, respectively). In the present study we describe another tiny species of Schindleria with toothless jaws.

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Tempestichthys bettyae • A New Genus and Species of Ocean Sleeper (Gobiiformes: Thalasseleotrididae) from the central Coral Sea

Tempestichthys bettyae
Goatley & Tornabene, 2022

DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2090633
twitter.com/buzzgoatley

Abstract
The Thalasseleotrididae is a small family of exclusively marine gobioids. They form a sister taxon to the Gobiidae and Oxudercidae and are distinguished from most species in these families by having six branchiostegal rays and a membrane linking the hyoid arch to the first ceratobranchial. Here we use micro-CT informed morphological data and molecular phylogenetics to describe a new genus and species of thalasseleotridid discovered on a tropical oceanic coral reef in the central Coral Sea. Tempestichthys bettyae gen. et sp. nov. is the first tropical thalasseleotridid and differs from other members of the Thalasseleotrididae by having a T-shaped palatine and a distinctive shape and colouration. The three previously described thalasseleotridid species are endemic to temperate coastal waters of southern Australia and New Zealand and are all translucent brown with dorsoventrally compressed heads. However, Tempestichthys bettyae is laterally compressed with a pointed snout and is translucent white with opaque white and crimson red markings and a largely crimson iris. We discuss the unique characters of this new genus, including its distribution, form, colouration and diminutive size, and highlight the potential of there being undescribed diversity in the Thalasseleotrididae.

Key words: Australia, coral reef, cryptic, cryptobenthic fishes, Gobiidae, Gobioidei, morphology, osteology, phylogeny, tropical

Tempestichthys bettyae gen. et sp. nov.

Christopher H. R. Goatley and Luke Tornabene. 2022. Tempestichthys bettyae, A New Genus and Species of Ocean Sleeper (Gobiiformes, Thalasseleotrididae) from the central Coral Sea. Systematics and Biodiversity. 20(1); 1-15. DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2090633
twitter.com/buzzgoatley/status/1551664984282656768

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5168.3.8
PUBLISHED: 2022-07-22
A new species of the genus Achalinus (Squamata: Xenodermidae) from Son La Province, Vietnam

KARST FORESTMORPHOLOGYPHYLOGENYTAXONOMYVAN HO DISTRICTREPTILIA

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AbstractA new snake of the genus Achalinus Peters, 1869 is described based on an adult male specimen from Son La Province, Vietnam. Achalinus vanhoensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: 1) maxillary teeth 32; 2) suture between the internasals distinctly longer than that between the prefrontals; 3) loreal fused with prefrontal, prefrontals stretch towards the supralabials; 4) dorsal scales in 25–23–23 rows, keeled; 5) supralabials six (left) and seven (right); 6) infralabials six; 7) temporals 2+2, the two anterior temporals in broad contact with eye; 8) ventrals 176; 9) subcaudals 84, entire; 10) cloacal entire; 11) dorsum in preservative dark purple grey above; 12) venter somewhat lighter with yellow-edged scales in the chin region, including infralabials; 13) posterior edges of ventrals and subcaudals with yellow margin. In the molecular analysis, the new species is recovered as a sister taxon of Achalinus timi, a species endemic to Vietnam, and genetically the two species are around 5% divergent from each other based on a fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene. This discovery brings the number of Achalinus species known from Vietnam to nine.

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Re-description of the loach species Homatula variegata (Dabry de Thiersant, 1874) (Pisces: Nemacheilidae) from the middle Huang-He basin in Shaanxi Province of Central ChinaYi Liu,Liang Cao,E. Zhang
First published: 07 May 2022

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15080Funding information: Chinese Research Academy of Enviromental Sciences, Grant/Award Number: Y991041101

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SHAREAbstractDespite the wide recognition of Homatula variegata (Dabry de Thiersant, 1874) as a valid Chinese loach, its type locality, identity and distribution still remain contentious. A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene for samples from all known range of the species showed that three distinct species are involved. Morphological comparisons, coupled with examination on the types, confirmed that H. variegata s. str. is characterized by having a sparsely scaled predorsal body, an adipose crest along the dorsal midline of the caudal peduncle that extends forward to the vertical through the posterior end of the anal-fin base and a broadly rounded caudal fin. It is found merely in the Wei-He of the Huang-He basin. The Jinsha-Jiang population, previously misidentified as H. variegata, represents a distinct species, for which Homatula oxygnathra is the available name. Homatula laxiclathra, endemic to the Wei-He, is also a valid species distinct from H. variegata.

Volume101, Issue1
July 2022
Pages 154-167

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Astronotus mikoljii • A New Species of Astronotus (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from the Orinoco River and Gulf of Paria Basins, northern South America

Astronotus mikoljii
Lozano, Lasso-Alcalá, Bittencourt, Taphorn, Perez & Farias, 2022

Mikolji’s Oscar | Oscar de Mikolji || DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1113.81240

Abstract
Based on morphological and molecular analysis of Astronotus species, a new species is described from the Orinoco River and Gulf of Paria basins in Venezuela and Colombia. Morphologically, it differs from Astronotus crassipinnis and Astronotus ocellatus in pre-orbital depth, caudal peduncle depth, head width, and caudal peduncle length, with significant differences in average percentage values. Osteologically, it differs from the two described species by lacking a hypurapophysis on the parahypural bone (hypural complex) and having two or three supraneural bones. Another characteristic that helps diagnose the new species is the morphology of the sagitta otolith, which is oval with crenulated dorsal and ventral margins and a rounded posterior edge. Genetically, the new species is distinct from all the other lineages previously proposed for the genus, delimited by five single locus species delimitation methods, and also has unique diagnostic nucleotides. Phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of the new species as well as all other species/lineages. Astronotus species have considerable genetic, anatomical, and sagitta otolith shape differences, but have few significant traditional morphometric and meristic differences, because there is high variability in counts of spines, soft dorsal-fin rays, and lateral-line scales. It is clear that this new species is genetically and anatomically differentiated from all other species within the genus, and deserves recognition as a new valid species.

Keywords: DNA, fish, freshwater, morphometrics, osteology, sagitta otoliths, taxonomy

Astronotus mikoljii sp. nov., preserved holotype MCNG 56677 (240.12 mm SL),
Venezuela., Estado Apure, Municipio Pedro Camejo in a small stream tributary of Arauca River.
Photograph: Ivan Mikolji.

Astronotus mikoljii sp. nov.,
A live coloration of specimens collected with holotype
B Natural shallow pond and type locality in floodplain of Arauca River Venezuela.
Photographs: Ivan Mikolji.

 Astronotus mikoljii sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: two or three supraneural bones (Fig. 4) (vs. two); absence of the spinous process (hypurapophysis) on the anterosuperior border of the parahypural bone (hypural complex) in Astronotus mikoljii sp. nov. (vs. present in A. ocellatus and A. crassipinnis) (Fig. 5). The sagitta otolith in A. mikoljii sp. nov. is oval, with strongly crenulated ventral and dorsal margins (vs. elliptical and smooth-lobed margins in A. crassipinnis, and elliptical and smooth-dentate margins A. ocellatus); the rostrum is projected with an elongated process, in A. mikoljii sp. nov. (vs. rostrum process short in A. crassipinnis and A. ocellatus); the posterior region of the sagitta otolith is rounded in A. mikoljii sp. nov. (vs. straight or flat in A. crassipinnis and A. ocellatus) (Fig. 6). The aspect ratio of sagitta otoliths in A. mikoljii sp. nov. (AR = 0.665) is higher than that of A. ocellatus (AR = 0.606), and A. crassipinnis (AR = 0.585), and the differences are statistically significant at P < 0.05. The roundness index was highest in A. mikoljii sp. nov. (Rd = 0.597) vs. A. ocellatus (Rd = 0.545) and A. crassipinnis (Rd = 0.543) (P < 0.05). Also the morphometric index showed higher values in A. mikoljii sp. nov. compared to A. ocellatus (0.837 vs. 0.767) and A. crassipinnis (0.735) (Suppl. material 1: Table S2). The new species also is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of morphometric characters: the mean head length of A. mikoljii sp. nov. (36.72% SL) is longer than that of A. crassipinnis (35.01% SL), and also A. ocellatus (33.26% SL); the mean diameter of the orbit of A. mikoljii sp. nov. (9.06% SL) is greater than that of A. ocellatus (7.36%SL) and that of A. crassipinnis (7.73% SL); the mean pre-orbital depth of A. mikoljii sp. nov. (14.22% SL) is greater than that of A. crassipinnis (10.14% SL) but less than that of A. ocellatus (15.91% SL); the mean snout length of A. mikoljii sp. nov. (11.53% SL) is longer than that of A. crassipinnis (5.36% SL), and A. ocellatus (10.67% SL) (Tables 1, 2).

Etymology: The specific name is given to honor Mr. Ivan Mikolji, Venezuelan explorer, artist, author, underwater photographer, and audiovisual producer, in recognition for being a tireless and enthusiastic diffuser of the biodiversity and natural history of freshwater fishes, conservation of aquatic ecosystems of Venezuela and Colombia, and for logistic support for this work. Since 2020, Ivan Mikolji has been recognized as Associate Researcher of the Museo de Historia Natural La Salle, from the Fundación La Salle de Ciencias Naturales, in Caracas, Venezuela.

Common names: In Spanish and indigenous local languages, names which are known for Astronotus mikoljii sp. nov. in Venezuela are pavona, vieja, cupaneca, Oscar, mijsho (Kariña), boisikuajaba (Warao), hácho (Pumé = Yaruro), phadeewa, jadaewa (Ye’Kuana = Makiritare), perewa, parawa (Eñepá = Panare), yawirra (Kúrrim = Kurripako), kohukohurimï, kohokohorimï, owënawë kohoromï” (Yanomami = Yanomamï) (Barandiarán 1962; Mago 1967, 1970c; Novoa et al. 1982; Obregón et al. 1984; Román 1985; Novoa 1986; Román 1988; Bedoya 1992; Mattei-Müller et al. 1994; Lasso and Machado-Allison 2000; Mosonyi 2002; Machado-Allison 2003; Vispo and Knab-Vispo 2003; Mattei-Müller and Serowe 2007; Brito et al. 2011) and pavo real, carabazú, Oscar, mojarra, mojarra negra, eba (Puinave), Itapukunda (Kurripako), uan (Tucano) in Colombia (Sánchez 2008).
The suggested common name for this species in the aquarium hobby is “Mikolji’s Oscar” in English, “Oscar de Mikolji ‘’ in Spanish.

Alfredo Perez Lozano, Oscar M. Lasso-Alcalá, Pedro S. Bittencourt, Donald C. Taphorn, Nayibe Perez and Izeni Pires Farias. 2022. A New Species of Astronotus (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from the Orinoco River and Gulf of Paria Basins, northern South America. ZooKeys. 1113: 111-152. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1113.81240

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PDF( 5186 KB)Liobagrus chengduensis, a new species of torrent catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from the upper Changjiang River basin in southwest China
doi: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.114

Zhong-Guang Chen1 ,
Yan-Shu Guo2 ,
Jia-Yun Wu1 ,
An-Xiang Wen1 , ,

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A new seamoth species of Pegasus (Syngnathiformes: Pegasidae) from the East China Sea

doi: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2022.109

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A new genus of armored catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Greater Amazon, with a review of the species and description of five new species
Roberto E. Reis1 and Pablo Lehmann A.2

www.ni.bio.br/content/v20n2/1982-0224-2022-0002/1982-0224-ni-20-02-e220002.pdf

For the complete paper

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A new endemic species of pelvic-brooding ricefish (Beloniformes: Adrianichthyidae: (Oryzias kalimpaaensis) from Lake Kalimpa’a, Sulawesi, Indonesia

zoologicalbulletin.de/BzB_Volumes/Volume_71_1/077_mokodongan_20220630.pdf

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Ariosoma albimaculata • A New Congrid Eel (Anguilliformes: Congridae) from the southwest Coast of India, Arabian Sea

Ariosoma albimaculata
Kodeeswaran, Dhas, Kumar & Lal, 2022

DOI: 10.1007/s10228-022-00882-1

Abstract
Ariosoma albimaculata sp. nov. is described herein based on ten specimens [240–487 mm total length (TL)] collected from the deep-sea trawl landings at Colachel fishing harbour, off Kanyakumari, Arabian Sea, west coast of India. The new species is easily distinguished from all other congeners reported earlier, except its sympatric species, Ariosoma maurostigma Kodeeswaran, Mohapatra, Dhinakaran, Kumar and Lal 2022, having dark mark or streak present in the posterior-dorsal margin of eye orbit, but it readily differs from A. maurostigma with the presence of more total vertebrae (161–164 vs. 136–142 in A. maurostigma); more preanal vertebrae (66–68 vs. 47–51); occurrence of white spot or dot on just before the dorsal-fin origin (vs. absent in A. maurostigma); larger preanal length (49.7–55.7% TL vs. 44.0–48.8% TL); larger trunk length (30.4–33.3% TL vs. 23.5–30.2% TL); shorter tail length (44.6–48.2% TL vs. 47.8–54.6% TL). Further, A. albimaculata differs from its sister taxon A. maurostigma with a divergence of 8.1% and other congeners with the genetic distance of 15.0–28.8% in partial mitochondrial COI gene.

Keywords: Bathymyrinae, Arabian Sea, Systematics, New eel

Ariosoma albimaculata sp. nov., NBFGR/CONAALB, holotype, 487 mm TL,
mature female, fresh colouration

Ariosoma albimaculata sp. nov.
(New English name: White spotted stout conger)

Distribution. Indian Ocean: Off Kanyakumari, Arabian Sea.

Etymology. The species epithet “albimaculata” is derived from two Latin words albus = white and maculatus = spotted, denotes a white spot present on the dorsal-fin origin.

Paramasivam Kodeeswaran, Deepa Dhas, Thipramalai Thangappan Pillai Ajith Kumar and Kuldeep Kumar Lal. 2022. Description of A New Congrid Eel, Ariosoma albimaculata sp. nov. (Anguilliformes: Congridae), from the southwest coast of India, Arabian Sea. Ichthyological Research. DOI: 10.1007/s10228-022-00882-1 [06 July 2022]

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Dussumieria modakandai • Integrative Taxonomy–based Discovery of A New Species (Clupeiformes: Dussumieriidae) from India

Dussumieria modakandai
Singh, Jayakumar, Kumar, Murali, Mishra, Singh & Lal, 2022

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14943

Abstract
This study is based on integrative taxonomy and reports a new fish species Dussumieria modakandai sp. nov. from India. The new species differs from three valid species within the genus by a combination of characters such as longer maxilla (9.1%–9.9% standard length vs. 8.7% in Dussumieria elopsoides, 6.3%–8.5% in Dussumieria acuta) and one or two rows of small conical teeth on palatine (vs. several rows in D. elopsoides and Dussumieria albulina). It also differs by the absence of longitudinal striae on the posterior side of body scales (vs. presence in D. acuta and D. albulina) and the absence of parasphenoid teeth (vs. presence in D. acuta). The maxilla length of D. modakandai sp. nov. is greater than snout length, which distinguishes it from other congeners. The multivariate analysis of morphometric characters using PCA differentiated the new species from D. elopsoides and D. acuta samples collected in this study. The molecular analysis, based on cytochrome c oxidase I, distinguished the new species from D. acuta, D. albulina and D. elopsoides with a high genetic distance of 13.73%, 12.22% and 12.74%, respectively. The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree and automatic barcode gap discovery analysis showed the existence of six putative species in Dussumieria. Even the exhaustive sub-clade formation within species and high intra-species genetic distance in D. acuta (1.59) and D. modakandai (1.95) indicate the possibility of a few more cryptic species. This warrants comprehensive sample collection across the distribution range and integrative taxonomic study of the genus Dussumieria.

Keywords: barcode gap, cryptic species, genetic distance, morphometric character, PCA

Dussumieria modakandai sp. nov., NBFGR, holotype,
144.99 mm standard length (SL),
India, Tamil Nadu

Dussumieria modakandai sp. nov.
English name: Soft Rainbow Sardine

Etymology: The specific name of the new species D. modakandai sp. nov. is derived from two vernacular words in Tamil language, “moda” means “soft” and “kandai” means fish, jointly called soft fish. This is being used as an adjective here.

Mahender Singh, Thazhathe K. Teena Jayakumar, Thipramalai Thangappan A. Kumar, Sanjeev Murali, Akhilesh Mishra, Achal Singh and Kuldeep K. Lal. 2022. Integrative Taxonomy–based Discovery of Dussumieria modakandai sp. nov. from India. Journal of Fish Biology. 100(1); 268-278. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14943.

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www.scielo.br/j/ni/a/dGx5NWWPDmgjRwX3QFyb64m/?lang=en

A new genus of armored catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Greater Amazon, with a review of the species and description of five new species ==========================

Cobitis indus, a new spined loach from the Dalaman River in the Eastern Aegean Sea basin (Teleostei: Cobitidae)

PISCESFRESHWATER FISHTAXONOMYCYTOCHROME OXIDASE IMIDDLE EAST

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AbstractCobitis indus, new species, from the Dalaman River drainage, is distinguished from other Cobitis species in the eastern Aegean Sea basin by having two laminae circularis, a bifurcate suborbital spine, a narrow caudal peduncle, pigmentation zone 4 with 17–24 small blotches often fused into a stripe, pigmentation below Z4 usually absent, and one black, comma-shaped spot at the upper caudal-fin base. It is further distinguished from its closest relative, C. dorademiri, by having 13 diagnostic nucleotide substitutions in the mtDNA COI barcode region and a K2P nearest–neighbour distance of 2.3–2.7%. This is the fourth Cobitis species found in the Dalaman River drainage making this river the most species-rich in spined loaches in the Middle East.
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A new species of deep-sea grunt, Rhonciscus pauco (Lutjaniformes: Haemulidae), from Puerto Rico Research article
Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science
Biodiversity
Marine Biology
Taxonomy
Zoology
Jose Tavera 1, Michelle T. Schärer-Umpierre2, Arturo Acero P.3
Tweet Authors
Published June 2, 2022Author and article informationAbstract
A fourth species of the genus Rhonciscus (Lutjaniformes: Haemulidae) is described from various specimens collected by small-scale fishers from the insular upper slope of western Puerto Rico. The new species was molecularly recovered as sister to the Eastern Pacific R. branickii, to which it bears many morphological similarities. It is distinguished from other Rhonciscus species by the number of scale rows between the dorsal fin and the lateral line (7), larger and thus fewer scales along the lateral line (48–50), large eyes (9.4–10.4 times in SL), longer caudal peduncle (15.2–20% of SL), larger sized penultimate (14.7–19.1% in SL) and last (7.4–9.5% in SL) dorsal fin spines which translates to a less deeply notched dorsal fin, and its opalescent silver with golden specks live coloration. This grunt, only now recognized by ichthyologists, but well known by local fishers that target snappers and groupers between 200 and 500 m in depth, occurs in far deeper waters than any western Atlantic grunt.
Cite this as
Tavera J, Schärer-Umpierre MT, Acero P. A. 2022. A new species of deep-sea grunt, Rhonciscus pauco (Lutjaniformes: Haemulidae), from Puerto Rico. PeerJ 10:e13502 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13502

IntroductionThe family Haemulidae (together with the snappers, Lutjanidae) is one of the two clades grouped in the order Lutjaniformes Bleeker (Betancur et al., 2017), a tropical lineage that includes commercially important shore fishes. The number of recognized grunt species in two recent checklists varies between 134 and 136, grouped into two subfamilies (Nelson, Grande & Wilson, 2016; Fricke, Eschmeyer & Fong, 2021). Approximately 62 species of the subfamily Haemulinae inhabit New World waters, with the subfamily Plectorhinchinae restricted to African shores and to the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. The most recent revision by Tavera, Acero & Wainwright (2018) recognized 15 New World haemulid genera.
The genus Pomadasys Lacepède, 1802 (type species Sciaena argentea Forsskål, 1775) included several loosely related species from tropical and temperate seas. Species in this polyphyletic assemblage exhibit color and morphological convergence which has resulted in several of them being uncritically assigned to Pomadasys (Tavera et al., 2012). This genus was split into at least five lineages widely spread throughout the family phylogeny, one of which became the genus Rhonciscus (Tavera, Acero & Wainwright, 2018). Further revision is needed to clarify the systematics and taxonomy of the Pomadasys (sensu lato) polyphyletic assemblage.
As for the New World species, Jordan & Evermann (1896) described two genera, Rhencus (type species Pristipoma panamense Steindachner, 1876) and Rhonciscus (type species Pristipoma crocro Cuvier, 1830). These two genera were considered junior synonyms of Pomadasys until Tavera, Acero & Wainwright (2018) resurrected them. The genus Rhonciscus comprises rather elongate species found in marine and brackish waters, but also in rivers and freshwater streams. It presently includes three species, R. crocro, distributed from southern Florida (USA) to at least Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), in the western Atlantic (WA), and two Eastern Pacific (EP) species: R. branickii (Steindachner, 1879) from southern Baja California (Mexico) to Paita (Perú), and R. bayanus (Jordan & Evermann, 1898) from Mazatlán (Mexico) to Rio Tumbes, Perú. Both R. crocro and R. bayanus can be found in freshwater rivers or streams flowing into the ocean. A fourth, unrecognized Rhonciscus species is described based on 14 specimens captured by fishers off the west coast of Puerto Rico, WA.

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Phylogenetics of Archerfishes (Toxotidae) and Evolution of the Toxotid Shooting Apparatus
M G Girard, M P Davis, Tan H.H., D J Wedd, P Chakrabarty, W B Ludt, A P Summers, W L Smith
Integrative Organismal Biology, Volume 4, Issue 1, 2022, obac013, https://doi.org/10.1093/iob/obac013

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5162.2.2
PUBLISHED: 2022-07-06
A new species of six-gilled hagfish (Myxinidae: Eptatretus) from the Lakshadweep Sea

PISCESWADGE BANKWESTERN INDIAN OCEANEPTATRETUS WADGENSIS SP. NOV.MYXINIFORMESTAXONOMYMITOCHONDRIAL DNA

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AbstractA new species of hagfish, Eptatretus wadgensis sp. nov., is described from the Wadge Bank, Lakshadweep Sea, India, obtained from a depth of ~250–300 m through deep-sea trawling. It is diagnosed by having six pairs of gill pouches and gill apertures, 3/3 multicusp teeth, total slime pores 67–69, six branchial slime pores, and ventral aorta bifurcating at the 4th or between 4th and 5th gill pouch. The new species has significant morphological differences in total dental cusps, total slime pores, body proportions and the absence of the nasal-sinus papilla when compared to congeners and formed a distinct clade in phylogenetic reconstruction and a genetic distance of 3.41–4.00% when comparing K2P parameters with the nearest species. A key to the Eptatretus species of the Indian Ocean is provided.

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Description of a new species of miniature catfish of the genus Ammoglanis (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from rio Tapajós basin, BrazilAndré L. Colares CantoAlexandre P. HercosFrank Raynner V. RibeiroABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractA new species of Ammoglanis is described from the rio Aruri Grande, rio Jamanxim drainage, a right bank tributary to the middle rio Tapajós, Pará State, Brazil. The new species is identified and defined through morphological characters such as color pattern, consisting of eight or nine transverse dark bars regularly spaced along the dorsum; skeletal morphology; numbers of premaxillary teeth, vertebrae, and dorsal- and pectoral-fin rays; presence of cranial fontanel and two small, finger-like papillae on chin anterior to the gular apex. The new species probably is an additional example of endemism in the rio Tapajós basin.
Keywords:
Biodiversity; Freshwater fishes; Sarcoglanidinae; Taxonomy
INTRODUCTIONAmmoglanisCosta, 1994 is a genus of trichomycterid catfish (Sarcoglanidinae) described by Costa, (1994) to allocate A. diaphanusCosta, 1994 from the rio Araguaia basin. Subsequently, five species have been described in the genus: Ammoglanis pulex de Pinna & Winemiller, 2000 and A. natgeorum Henschel, Lujan & Baskin, 2020 from the río Orinoco basin, A. multidentatus Costa, Mattos & Santos, 2019 from coastal rivers of Bahia State in northeastern Brazil, and two other species from the rio Amazonas basin: Ammoglanis obliquus Henschel, Bragança, Rangel-Pereira & Costa, 2020 from the rio Preto da Eva drainage and A. amapaensis Mattos, Costa & Gama, 2008 from the Amapari, Araguari, and Jari river basins (Ferraris Jr., 2007; Mattos et al., 2008; Henschel et al., 2020a).
Ammoglanis species are miniature fishes that inhabit river and stream ecosystems dominated by sandy substrates (Costa, 1994; de Pinna, Winemiller, 2000; Henschel et al., 2020a). The genus was thus originally characterized by 1) a slender quadrate, greatest depth 30% of the length of its main axis; 2) an expanded anterior tip of interopercle, about 50% of the total length of the bone’s upper margin; 3) premaxilla posterior to mesethmoid cornu; 4) ventral mouth; 5) a short lateral process on the premaxilla, about 50% of the length of the premaxilla without process; and 6) absence of separate ossification of the anterior cartilage of palatine (Costa, 1994). However, among these characteristics, only the quadrate morphology is present in all species of the genus (Costa et al., 2019; Henschel et al., 2020a,b).
The objective of this paper is to describe a new species of Ammoglanis collected during recent ichthyofaunal surveys throughout the rio Jamanxim drainage, a right bank tributary to the middle rio Tapajós, Pará State, Brazil.

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Geophagus pyrineusi: a new species from the rio Teles Pires, rio Tapajós basin, Brazil (Cichliformes: Cichlidae: Geophagini)

PISCESALLOCHROMYCOLORATIONHOMOLOGYMELANOPHOREMORPHOLOGYONTOGENYPIGMENTATION

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AbstractGeophagus pyrineusi, new species, is described from the rio Teles Pires drainage, rio Tapajós basin, Brazil. The new species can be diagnosed from the majority of the congeners by presenting a complete infraorbital bar. Additionally, it differs from all other congeners by several coloration-related character states: flank bars 5 and 6–7 as dark as the infraorbital bar, and almost as dark as the midlateral spot; retention of dorsal melanophoric patch 6 as a distinct mark (not connected to any lateral melanophoric patch), and almost as dark as the midlateral spot in adults; retention of lateral melanophoric patch 1p and almost complete absence of dorsal- and caudal-fin color patterns in adults, among other characters.

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A New Species of Chaetostoma (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) Expands the Distribution of Rubbernose Plecos Eastward into the Lower Amazon Basin of Brazil

Vanessa Meza-Vargas1,2, Ba´rbara B. Calegari1,3, Nathan K. Lujan4 , Gustavo A. Ballen5,6, Osvaldo T. Oyakawa5 , Leandro M. Sousa7 , Lucia Rapp Py-Daniel ´ 8 , and Roberto E. Reis1 A new species of the rubbernose pleco genus Chaetostoma is described from the Maicuru and Seiko Rivers, a northern tributary of the lower Amazon River and a tributary of the lower Xingu River, respectively, both in Para´ State, Brazil. The new species is diagnosed from all congeners, except members of the Chaetostoma anale species group, by having an enlarged second unbranched anal-fin ray with posterior paired dermal flaps. Additionally, the new species is distinguished from its only other currently recognized congeners from rivers draining the Guiana Shield (C. jegui and C. vasquezi) by having a smaller opercle and a supraoccipital excrescence undeveloped, comprising a simple skin area present in juveniles and absent in adults. A revised multi-locus phylogeny for the species of Chaetostoma is presented, and the Chaetostoma anale species group is discussed and rearranged.

Full paper at:- static1.squarespace.com/static/570d1ea37da24f381ca53c95/t/62acc329543d0f5dfee57c08/1655489334407/14-IH-110-02-14_364..377.pdf

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Two new species of blackwater catfishes (Siluriformes: Siluridae and Clariidae) from the Natuna Archipelago, Indonesia

lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/.../10/2022/07/RBZ-2022-0020.pdfFull pdf of paper
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Combined phylogeny and new classification of catsharks (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii: Carcharhiniformes) photo -- 𝑆𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑜𝑟ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑟 - Chain catshark

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Karla D A Soares, Kleber Mathubara
Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Volume 195, Issue 3, July 2022, Pages 761–814, https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab108
Published:

03 March 2022
Article history

AbstractThis is the first study to combine morphological and molecular characters to infer the phylogenetic relationships among catsharks. All currently valid genera classified in the family Scyliorhinidae s.l. and representatives of other carcharhinoid families plus one lamnoid and two orectoloboids were included as terminal taxa. A total of 143 morphological characters and 44 NADH2 sequences were analysed. Parsimony analyses under different weighting schemes and strengths were used to generate hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships. The phylogenetic analysis of 78 terminal taxa, using the combined dataset and weighting each column separately (SEP; k = 3) resulted in one most-parsimonious cladogram of 4441 steps with the greatest internal resolution of clades and strongest support. The main changes in nomenclature and classification are the revised definition and scope of Scyliorhinidae, Apristurus and Pentanchus and the revalidation of Atelomycteridae. The monophyly of Pentanchidae is supported, as is that of most catshark genera. Two new subfamilies of the family Pentanchidae are defined: Halaelurinae subfam. nov. and Galeinae subfam. nov. Our analysis emphasizes the relevance of morphological characters in the inference of evolutionary history of carcharhinoids and sheds light on the taxonomic status of some genera in need of further exploration.

Atelomycteridae, Pentanchidae, Scyliorhinidae, total evidence
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Original Articles
© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Linnean Society of London. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]
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Liobagrus brevispina, a new species of torrent catfish (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from the upper Chang-Jiang basin, South ChinaRui-Xia Xie,Liang Cao,E Zhang
First published: 27 June 2022

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15109urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BAA963CF-EDE0-48C5-BB37-1FF6B9B43537
Funding information: the national natural sciences foundation of china, Grant/Award Number: NSFC No. 31572234; China West Normal University

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SHAREAbstractA new species of Liobagrus is unearthed in the Nan-Jiang flowing into the Jialing-Jiang of the upper Chang-Jiang basin in which currently recognized Chinese congeners have a concentrated distribution. This small-sized (less than 100.0 mm LS) torrent fish belongs to the species group defined by the presence of a smooth posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine and upper and lower jaws of equal length or a lower jaw slightly longer than the upper jaw in length. It is distinct from Liobagrus aequilabris and Liobagrus formosanus by the presence of a pectoral-fin spine extending short of (vs. beyond) the vertical through the dorsal-fin origin, maxillary barbels reaching the middle of the pectoral fin (vs. pectoral-fin insertion or slightly beyond), 17–19 anal-fin rays (vs. 15–16 in L. formosanus), 39–41 (vs. 35–37 in L. aequilabris) post-Weberian vertebrae and the pectoral-fin spine length 3.6%–7.4% of LS (vs. 7.6–10.5 in L. aequilabris). It differs from Liobagrus marginatoides by the presence of upper and lower jaws of equal length (vs. a lower jaw slightly longer than the upper jaw in length) and a rounded or unevenly rounded (vs. subtruncate) caudal fin. The validity of the new species is confirmed by its monophyly recovered in a cytochrome b gene-based phylogenetic analysis and its significant genetic distance with sampled congeneric species.

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www.isisn.org/BR-19-2-2022/974-990-19(2)2022BR22-103.pdf

Osteochilichthys elegans, a new cyprinid fish from Kerala, India

Mathews Plamoottil1 * 1Government College, Kottayam, Kerala- 686001, Indi

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𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑠 𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑦𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑖. A new #snailfish of the genus #𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑠 (#Cottoidei: #Liparidae) from the Pacific coast of southern Japan.
AbstractA new snailfish, Careproctus tomiyamai, is described on the basis of four specimens collected from Suruga Bay, Tosa Bay, and the Hyuga-nada Sea, southern Japan (600–808 m depth). It is distinguished from all currently recognized congeners by the following combination of characters: total vertebrae 56–58; dorsal-fin rays 51 or 52; anal-fin rays 44–46; pectoral-fin rays 30–32; pyloric caeca 9–13; body slender, maximum depth 15.6–22.8% standard length (SL); teeth on both jaws strongly trilobed; pectoral fin shallowly notched, longest lower lobe ray 9.8–14.3% SL [46.0–60.4% head length (HL)]; proximal pectoral radials 4 (3 + 1), upper portion of 1st and 3rd radials, and lower portion of 2nd radial notched; fenestrae in pectoral girdle 2, between scapula and 1st proximal radial, and 2nd and 3rd proximal radials; pelvic disk oval, wider than long, length 3.4–4.3% SL (14.2–19.3% HL), moderately to deeply cupped; peritoneum black in preserved specimens.

full paper at:- rdcu.be/cQgji

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Osteochilichthys elegans, a new cyprinid fish from Kerala, India Mathews Plamoottil1 * 1Government College, Kottayam, Kerala- 686001, India

*Correspondence: [email protected]; Received 01-02-2022, Revised: 20-03-2022, Accepted: 30-03-2022 e-Published: 11-04-2022 Osteochilichthys elegans, a new teleost fish, is described from Bhavani River at Palakkad district in Kerala, India. It is related to Osteochilichthys nashii, O. longidorsalis, O. brevidorsalis and O. thomassi. All these species have a deep and compressed body; 39- 43 lateral line scales and 10-11 branched rays in dorsal fin. The new species can be diagnosed from its congeners by the following combination of characters: body with upper lateral dusky green, lower lateral light yellow, ventral, anal fin and the distal border of dorsal fin reddish, 13-14 pre dorsal scales, 43- 44 lateral line scales, no mid lateral color band and lacking any color band on dorsal and anal fin. The new species is a very rare cyprinid fish residing in the mountain streams of Palakkad district in Kerala. It can also be used as an ornamental fish. The new fish is taxonomically analyzed and compared with its congeners. This study revealed that Gobio augraoides Jerdon (1849) and Osteochilichthys nashii Day (1868) are the one and the same species. As the name augraoides was designated earlier than nashii, the former name gets priority; therefore, Osteochilichthys nashii is now rechristened as Osteochilichthys augraoides. Keywords: Palakkad hill ranges, Taxonomy, Description, New Species, Osteochilus INTRODUCTION Heckel (1843) described the cyprinid genus Scaphiodon as a heterogeneous assemblage of diverse fish forms. Some of these fish have been occurring at the Sind hills and Panjab; others in the Western Ghats. The north Indian and south Indian species can easily be distinguished, with the former having 2 pairs of barbels, 9- 16 branched dorsal fin rays and the last unbranched ray osseous and posteriorly serrated, 7 branched rays on the anal fin and the possession of a furrow between occiput and origin of the dorsal fin (Berg, 1933); south Indian forms are characterised by having 11 (rarely 10) branched rays on the dorsal fin, 5 (rarely 6) branched rays on the anal fin, last unbranched ray on the dorsal fin is smooth and devoid of barbels. The north Indian species Scaphiodon watsoni has been renamed as Cyprinion watsoni and Scaphiodon irregularis is now treated as a synonym of C. watsoni. South Indian species of Scaphiodon were studied well by Hora (1942). After the detailed examination of specimens described from the Western Ghats, he created the taxon Osteochilichthys as a subgenus of the genus Osteochilus Gunther (1868) and inserted Scaphiodon nashii and S. thomassi in Osteochilichthys as they are characterised by weak, non - osseous last simple dorsal fin rays. The other Western Ghats species namely S. brevidorsalis was inserted in another genus Kantaka; the latter is characterised by bearing a strong osseous dorsal spine. Currently, all the above four species are inserted in the genus Osteochilichthys. Osteochilus malabaricus Day (1873) is not considered as a distinct species; it is now treated as a synonym of O. nashii. During 2019- 2020 this author visited and explored many difficult- to- reach areas of Palakkad district in Kerala for fish collection and taxonomic analysis. This led to the procurement of many rare teleost fish, especially several little-known cyprinids. Six specimens of Osteochilichthys were obtained from a freshwater stream during the survey. Careful analysis revealed that they differ from their congeners in many distinct ways. So they are described here as a new species, Osteochilichthys elegans. Mathews Plamoottil Osteochilichthys elegans, a new cyprinid fish Bioscience Research, 2022 volume 19(2): 974-990 975 Fig. 1. Osteochilichthys elegans, V/F/NERC/ZSI/5420, Holotype, 133.2 mm SL, Mannarkkad, 10.98°N 76.47°E Fig. 2 A fresh specimen of Osteochilichthys elegans, ZSI/ANRC/M/27755, Paratype, 126.6 mm SL, Mannarkkad, 10.98°N 76.47°E Fig. 3. A preserved specimen of Osteochilichthys elegans, ZSI/ANRC/M/27755, Paratype, 117.1 mm

full pdf www.isisn.org/BR-19-2-2022/974-990-19(2)2022BR22-103.pdf

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A review of the gobiid fish genus Aulopareia (Gobiidae: Gobiinae) with description of a new species Aulopareia vadosa from Kuwait and discussion of the status of Gobius cyanomos Bleeker

PISCESGOBIID FISHESACENTROGOBIUSYONGEICHTHYSINDO-PACIFIC

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AbstractThe tropical Indo-west Pacific gobiid fish genus Aulopareia Bleeker is reviewed, with all recognised species redescribed herein, apart from one uncertain species. Additionally, a new species from Kuwait is described (A. vadosa n. sp.). Of the 10 nominal species names usually assigned to this genus, only three appear to be valid Aulopareia (A. koumansi, A. ocellata and A. unicolor). From descriptions and illustrations, Acentrogobius microps Chu and Wu appears to be an Aulopareia but no material was available for study. The species that has been variously named as Acentrogobius cyanomos, Aulopareia cyanomos or Aulopareia spilopterus is redescribed. The status of two other species that may be related is also discussed: Gobius cyanoclavis Cantor and Gobius phaiomelas Bleeker. Aulopareia has been noted as being related to Parachaeturichthys.

mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5155.4.2 link

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A new Congrid eel, Rhynchoconger smithi sp. nov. (Anguilliformes: Congridae), from the Bay of Bengal, India

Anil Mohapatra,Hsuan-Ching Ho,Smrutirekha Acharya,Dipanjan Ray,Subhrendu Sekhar Mishra
First published: 04 March 2022

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15031
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SHAREAbstractA new Conger eel species is described based on four specimens collected from Petuaghat fishing harbour, West Bengal, India. The combination of morphological characters and molecular data are discordant with the seven congeners currently recognized. Rhynchoconger smithi sp. nov. can be distinguished by having head smaller than trunk; pre-anal length more than three times in total length; a small eye, diameter 2.0–2.2 in snout length; rictus ending at a vertical through posterior margin of pupil; ethmovomerine teeth patch small, with 58–74 blunt teeth arranged in seven to eight irregular rows; vomerine teeth patch small, with 18–28 granular teeth arranged in four to six irregular rows, distinctly separated by narrow spaces from the ethmovomerine and maxillary teeth; three supraorbital pores and one supra-temporal pore; and 159+ to 164 total vertebrae. Moreover, R. smithi differs significantly from four congeners, R. nitens, R. flavus, R. ectenurus and R. gracilior, with Kimura two-parameter (K2P) distances 14.6%–20.3%.

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Cyphocharax caboclo • Phylogenetic Evidence for the Cyphocharax saladensis Clade (Characiformes: Curimatidae) with Description of A New Species of Cyphocharax Endemic to the Upper Rio Paraguai Basin

Cyphocharax caboclo
Melo, Tencatt & Oliveira, 2022

DOI: 10.1643/i2021057
twitter.com/IchsAndHerps
Photographs by L. F. C. Tencatt.

Abstract
New genetic and morphological data support the recognition of a distinct monophyletic group, the Cyphocharax saladensis clade, which includes C. vanderi, C. saladensis, C. boiadeiro, and a new species. This four-species group can be recognized by modifications in the laterosensory system with instances of incomplete or interrupted poring, by the ontogenetic development of the lateral line with larger specimens having a more developed laterosensory system, and by the presence of a patch of dark pigmentation over the caudal peduncle. The new species is described from the upper Rio Correntes, an upland tributary of the upper Rio Paraguai in central Brazil and is diagnosed by the presence of a thin longitudinal black stripe, by the variable shapes of the dark blotches on the caudal peduncle, and by morphometric and meristic data. New mitochondrial data from paratypes provide clear evidence of genetic distinction between the new species and congeners, and additionally place it as the sister species to C. boiadeiro from the upper Rio Araguaia. Based on the updated molecular phylogeny and biogeographic information, we propose an evolutionary hypothesis with four events of river captures with subsequent allopatric speciation of the new species and C. boiadeiro in the Correntes and Araguaia systems. The new species is suggested to be categorized as Near Threatened, living in a strongly impacted region of the Brazilian Cerrado.

Cyphocharax caboclo, MNRJ 52506, holotype, 59.1 mm SL,
Brazil, Mato Grosso, Itiquira, Rio Correntes, upper Rio Paraguai basin.

Topotypes of Cyphocharax caboclo photographed alive, showing color pattern variation in lateral view (A–E). Smaller black dots randomly scattered on the body apparently caused by unknown parasites. Uncatalogued specimens ~40–50 mm SL.
Photographs by L. F. C. Tencatt.

Cyphocharax caboclo Melo, Tencatt, and Oliveira, new species

Etymology.--The specific epithet ‘‘caboclo’’ apparently derives from the Tupi, one of the most iconic Brazilian indigenous languages, caaboc (or caa´-boc), which means ‘‘the one removed from the woods.’’ The term is widely used in Brazil to designate a person born and raised in rural areas, generally connoting simplicity and kindness. The name honors the ‘‘caboclos’’ from all over Brazil. A noun in apposition.

Bruno F. Melo, Luiz F. C. Tencatt and Claudio Oliveira. 2022. Phylogenetic Evidence for the Cyphocharax saladensis Clade with Description of A New Species of Cyphocharax Endemic to the Upper Rio Paraguai Basin (Teleostei: Curimatidae). Ichthyology & Herpetology. 110(2); 327-339. DOI: 10.1643/i2021057 [31 May 2022]
twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1531707677558161408

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Cryptic Species of Freshwater Sculpin (Cottidae: Cottus) in California, USA

PISCESENDEMISMGENOMICSTAXONOMYSCORPAENIFORMESRIFFLE SCULPINPIT SCULPINMITOCHONDRIAL INTROGRESSIONCYTONUCLEAR DISCORDANCE

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AbstractThe Riffle Sculpin (Cottus gulosus) is a small, bottom-dwelling fish regarded as widespread in the cool-water streams that flow into California’s Central Valley and into streams of the central California coast. Using population genomics, supported by other genetic, distributional, and meristic studies, we demonstrate that C. gulosus consists of three cryptic species with four subspecies (five lineages), all but one entirely endemic to California:

Cottus pitensis, Pit Sculpin Bailey and Bond 1963
Cottus gulosus, Inland Riffle Sculpin (Girard 1854)

g. gulosus: San Joaquin Riffle Sculpin (Girard 1854), nominate subspecies
g. wintu: Sacramento Riffle Sculpin, Moyle and Campbell 2022, new subspecies

Cryptic Species of Freshwater Sculpin (Cottidae: Cottus) in California, USA

The three species are endemic to California watersheds although the range of C. pitensis extends into southeastern Oregon. All are confined to cool headwater streams or to rivers with cold water releases below dams. Their populations are increasingly isolated from one another because of anthropogenic changes to California’s river systems and some are threatened with extinction. Providing taxonomic recognition of the distinct forms will improve conservation efforts on their behalf. This study also demonstrates how genomics can be used to resolve situations where signals from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA are in conflict.

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Ponticola hircaniaensis sp. nov., a new and critically endangered gobiid species (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the southern Caspian Sea basin

PISCESFRESHWATER ENDEMICGOBIOIDEIHABITAT FRAGMENTATIONHYBRIDIZATIONIRANSYSTEMATICS

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AbstractPonticola hircaniaensis sp. nov. is described as a new gobiid species from the Kaboudval Stream, southern Caspian Sea basin. The new species is diagnosed among Caspian Sea basin Ponticola species by the following combination of characters: second dorsal-fin branched rays 14–16, anal-fin branched rays 10–12, scales in lateral series 52–59; lower jaw slightly, if at all, prognathous; head and body yellowish brown showing a reticulate brown pattern on a yellow background, first dorsal fin with a marginal bright orangish-yellow band and a dark anterior spot, upper part of pectoral-fin base with a distinct dark brown stripe; length of third spine in first dorsal fin 13.4–18.3 % of standard length (SL), second dorsal-fin spine length 11.1–13.8 % SL, caudal peduncle length and depth 16.4–20.1 % and 11.1–12.8 % SL, respectively, head depth at nape 70.9–81.0 % of head length (HL), and at eye 52.5–66.0 % HL; sagittal otolith dorsal rim with a broad concavity in the middle, dorsal depression absent or indistinct, sulcus length/sulcus height and sulcus height/otolith height ratios 1.47–1.82 and 0.34–0.40, respectively. It is also characterised by a K2P nearest neighbour distance of 5% to P. kessleri in the mtDNA COI barcode region. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses suggested extensive hybridization between P. hircaniaensis sp. nov. and P. gorlap at Kaboudval, providing evidence for the first record of hybridization in the Ponto-Caspian gobiids. Based on narrow geographic range isolated above the Zarrin Gol Dam (< 2 km2), extensive hybridization with P. gorlap, and other threats, the new species should be considered Critically Endangered.

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Luciogobius punctilineatus • A New Earthworm Goby (Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from southern Japan

Luciogobius punctilineatus
Koreeda & Motomura, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.2.2
kagoshima-u.ac.jp
Abstract
Luciogobius punctilineatus n. sp. is described on the basis of 21 type specimens from Kyushu, and the Koshiki and Osumi Islands, southern Japan. It is also found in Kochi Prefecture (Shikoku) and Amami-oshima island (Ryukyu Islands), Japan, confirmed by examination of non-type specimens. The genus Luciogobius includes 15 valid and several undescribed species, and most of them inhabit interstitial spaces of stones and gravel in the intertidal zone. The new species is characterized by the following combination of characters: total second dorsal-fin rays 10–12 (modally 11); total anal-fin rays 12–14 (13); pectoral-fin rays 8–12 (10); vertebrae 16–18 + 22–24 = 39–42 (17 + 23 = 40); pectoral-fin posterior margin slightly concave; pelvic fins united, forming a ventral disc; snout relatively short, length 3.1–4.3% of SL; anus to anal-fin origin (AAA) distance twice body depth at anus, 11.4–16.9% of SL; snout length less than 34.7% of AAA distance; pre-anus length less than 85.5% of pre-anal-fin length; single poorly defined black longitudinal line along mid-lateral body region from behind pectoral fin to caudal-fin base, indistinct anteriorly (line embedded, visible through semi-transparent muscle tissue in fresh or live specimens); black spots forming a single longitudinal row on mid-lateral body surface from behind pectoral fin to caudal-fin base (more distinct in preserved specimens).

Keywords: Pisces, taxonomy, Actinopterygii, Teleostei, Gobiidae, cryptic diversity

Reo Koreeda and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2022. Luciogobius punctilineatus n. sp., A New Earthworm Goby from southern Japan. Zootaxa. 5138(2); 137-151. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.2.2

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Roy Southend,Leigh & Ditrict Aquarist Society`s premier Show goer at the Bracknell Open Show last weekend, Also attended by Gary and Kevin. The Shows are at last back on after the Covid shut downs!

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Synbranchus of the Middle to Lower Xingu Basin, Brazil, with the description of a new rheophilic species, S. royal (Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae)

Mark Henry Sabaj, Mariangeles Arce H., Devon Donahue, Amanda Cramer, Leandro M. Sousa
Author Affiliations +
Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 166(1):1-23 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1635/053.166.0119

AbstractSynbranchus (swamp eel) specimens exhibiting remarkable variation were collected from different habitats during recent fieldwork in the Xingu Basin, Brazil. For this study, those specimens were first sorted into about six morphotypes based on external morphology, especially color pattern. Representatives of each morphotype and additional specimens extralimital to the Xingu Basin were then sequenced for three mitochondrial genes (ATPase 8/6, 16s, and Cytb) and one nuclear (Rag1). Molecular phylogenetic analyses using Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian methods supported the recognition of five distinct lineages of Synbranchus in the middle to lower Xingu Basin and up to 10 species-level lineages across all samples. Two of the Xingu lineages were subsequently identified as the nominal S. marmoratus and S. madeirae, and another two were provisionally treated as Synbranchus spp. 5 and 7. The fifth lineage is formally described here as Synbranchus royal, distinguished by its extremely pronounced nuchal hump with dorsal head profile distinctly concave and rising steeply from above middle of eye vs. nuchal region moderately bulbous with dorsal profile ascending more gradually, straight or with shallow concavity behind eye (S. marmoratus) or nuchal hump lacking, dorsal profile ascending modestly, straight to scarcely concave behind eye (S. lampreia and S. madeirae); and relatively deep body, maximum depth at middle of TL 4.7–5.4% TL (vs. 3.2–4.8% TL in congeners). Synbranchus royal and Synbranchus sp. 7 were found in rocky rapids of main channels of the middle Xingu on the Brazilian Shield uplands, a sharp departure from the lentic habitats commonly associated with synbranchid (swamp) eels.

©2022 by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Citation Download Citation
Mark Henry Sabaj, Mariangeles Arce H., Devon Donahue, Amanda Cramer, and Leandro M. Sousa "Synbranchus of the Middle to Lower Xingu Basin, Brazil, with the description of a new rheophilic species, S. royal (Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae)," Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 166(1), 1-23, (27 May 2022). https://doi.org/10.1635/053.166.0119
Received: 18 April 2022; Accepted: 27 April 2022; Published: 27 May 2022

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Rhonciscus pauco • A New Species of Deep-sea Grunt (Lutjaniformes: Haemulidae) from Puerto Rico

Rhonciscus pauco
Tavera, Schärer-Umpierre & Acero P., 2022

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13502

Abstract
A fourth species of the genus Rhonciscus (Lutjaniformes: Haemulidae) is described from various specimens collected by small-scale fishers from the insular upper slope of western Puerto Rico. The new species was molecularly recovered as sister to the Eastern Pacific R. branickii, to which it bears many morphological similarities. It is distinguished from other Rhonciscus species by the number of scale rows between the dorsal fin and the lateral line (7), larger and thus fewer scales along the lateral line (48–50), large eyes (9.4–10.4 times in SL), longer caudal peduncle (15.2–20% of SL), larger sized penultimate (14.7–19.1% in SL) and last (7.4–9.5% in SL) dorsal fin spines which translates to a less deeply notched dorsal fin, and its opalescent silver with golden specks live coloration. This grunt, only now recognized by ichthyologists, but well known by local fishers that target snappers and groupers between 200 and 500 m in depth, occurs in far deeper waters than any western Atlantic grunt.

Rhonciscus pauco, sp. nov. OMNH 86864, holotype, 266 mm SL,
from Tres Cerros, Rincón, Puerto Rico.

Rhonciscus pauco, sp. nov. Underwater photograph taken at 218 m depth in western Puerto Rico.
Image: NOAA NCCOS 2022.

Rhonciscus pauco sp. nov.
Opalescent Grunt
(Spanish name: Ronco opalescente)

Diagnosis. A species of the genus Rhonciscus with XIII, 12 (total 25) dorsal-fin rays; anal-fin rays III, 7; pectoral-fin rays 15–16, 17(1); rather elongate body, maximum depth 32–37.4% SL; convex predorsal profile; eye large, its diameter 9.4% to 10.4% SL; snout subequal to eye, its length 7.6% to 11.5% SL; very coarse serrations on angle of preopercular margin; pectoral fin long (28–32.5% SL) extending beyond the tip of pelvic fin, barely reaching anus; head length 30–37.3% SL; longest dorsal-fin spine (fifth) (12.1–19.1% SL); relatively long and much thicker second anal-fin spine (16.4–21.8% SL), long caudal peduncle (15.2–20% of SL), and a large size of the penultimate (14.7–19.1% in SL) and last dorsal-fin (7.4–9.5% in SL) spines which translate to a less deeply notched dorsal fin, eye diameter 0.5 to 0.6 times length of anal fin spine; maxilla reaching anterior border of pupil; seven scale rows between dorsal fin and lateral line; 48 to 50 lateral–line scales.

Distribution. Rhonciscus pauco is found on the deep shelf and upper slope of the western coast of the northeastern Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. We are uncertain of the species’ exact range, but fishers report capturing them exclusively in fine sediment habitats distributed between the municipalities of Rincón and Mayagüez, off western Puerto Rico (Fig. 1). No additional information is currently available.

Habitat. Collection depths range from 200–360 m in fine unconsolidated sediment or mud habitats (Fig. 5).

Etymology. The name pauco comes from the fisher’s nickname Paúco, Edwin Font, who already knew of this fish locally called burro or ronco (grunt). Mr. Font was the first to report and provided specimens to MS, although it is recognized by various fishers as a component of the deep-water catch in western Puerto Rico.

Jose Tavera, Michelle T. Schärer-Umpierre and Arturo Acero P. 2022. A New Species of Deep-sea Grunt, Rhonciscus pauco (Lutjaniformes: Haemulidae), from Puerto Rico. PeerJ. 10:e13502 . DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13502

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Original Article • Neotrop. ichthyol. 20 (02) • 2022 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0173
A new species of Knodus (Characiformes: Characidae), with deep genetic divergence, from the Mearim and Munim river basins, Northeastern Brazil, and evidence for hidden diversity in adjacent river basins
Rayane G. AguiarErick C. GuimarãesPâmella S. de BritoJadson P. SantosAxel M. KatzLuiz Jorge B. da S. DiasLuis Fernando Carvalho-CostaFelipe P. OttoniABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractA new species of Knodus from the Mearim and Munim River basins, Northeastern Brazil, is herein described based on integrative taxonomy, by using different molecular based species delimitation methods and independent approaches. The new species possesses the combination of character states that usually diagnoses the genus. The new species possesses a similar colour pattern to K. victoriae, which is also morphologically similar to it. The species described herein differs from K. victoriae by possessing more total vertebrae, more branched anal-fin rays, and fewer circumpeduncular scales. We also provide a detailed discussion of the morphological diagnostic features exhibited by Knodus species from adjacent river basins.
Keywords:
Cryptic species; Integrative Taxonomy; Stevardiinae

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Pteragogus turdus, a new species of wrasse (Perciformes: Labridae) from the Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Ichthyological Research (2022)Cite this article

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AbstractPteragogus turdus sp. nov. (Labridae) is described on the basis of 65 specimens (18.5–81.4 mm in standard length: SL) from the eastern Indian Ocean (Western Australia) and western Pacific Ocean. The new species is characterized by the following combination of characters: 10 dorsal-fin spines; 10–15 (modally 12, rarely 14 or 15) total gill rakers; dorsal profile of head straight; 10th dorsal-fin spine relatively short, its length 14.3–20.6% (mean 17.0%) of SL; longest pelvic-fin soft ray length 16.5–24.3% (20.4%) of SL; anterior two or three dorsal-fin spines with filamentous membrane tips in terminal phase males; anal-fin spines with relatively short filamentous membrane tips; anterior nostril with dark brown margin; three slightly curved bluish-gray vertical lines usually on cheek below eye when fresh; white stripe usually on head extending from snout tip to upper end of opercle through upper part of iris (distinct in life); large circular or elliptical dark brown blotch (subequal to eye size) margined with faint yellow or orange on upper opercle; a few small dark brown spots on mid-lateral surface of body; no black spots on abdomen; dark brown blotch on membrane between 1st and 2nd dorsal-fin spines (sometimes indistinct in life); dark brown spot usually below base of last dorsal-fin soft ray; pelvic fin generally pale reddish-white with a broad reddish-brown band medially.
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ecies of Microlepidogaster (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from rio Pardo, a coastal drainage in eastern Brazil

FERNANDA O. MARTINS+

PISCESBIODIVERSITYCASCUDINHOSFRESHWATER FISHNEOTROPICALTAXONOMYTELEOSTEI

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AbstractA new species of Microlepidogaster is described from rio Pardo drainage, a coastal basin in eastern Brazil. This species can be differentiated from its congeners by having the following unique features: 1) anterior portion of snout with a large odontode-free band extending laterally from the anterior tip of snout to the postrostral plate 2; 2) transverse process of second dorsal-fin pterygiophore exposed and bearing odontodes; and 3) exposed area of pectoral girdle extended to the mesial symphysis, with odontodes mainly distributed in the coracoid ventral expansion. The new species is further distinguished by several other morphological non-exclusive features. Recently, some Microlepidogaster species were reallocated to Rhinolekos. The taxonomic changes involving these genera is herein discussed.
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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5134.1.5
PUBLISHED: 2022-05-09
Neodontobutis lani, a new sleeper fish of the family Odontobutidae (Teleostei: Gobiiformes) from Guangxi, southern China

PISCESNEODONTOBUTISFRESHWATER SLEEPERSTHE XIJIANG RIVER

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AbstractA new species, Neodontobutis lani (Odontobutidae) is described from the Zuojiang River, a tributary of the Xijiang River of the Pearl River basin, at Longzhou Town, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Southern China. This species can be distinguished from other Neodontobutis species by following characters: anterior head flat, with interorbital width / eye diameter = 1.4–1.9 (vs. less than 1.4); several rows (vs. single row) of transforming ctenii on posterior edges of body scales; sensory papilla on lower jaw arranged in two oblong clusters (vs. two single lines). It can be distinguished from Odontobutis species by: separated right and left gill membrane (vs. joined); barbel-like projection present on sensory papillae. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of 2,076 nuclear coding loci indicates that N. lani is a sister species of N. hainanensis, the only Neodontobutis species that has been described from China.

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New species of driftwood catfish of Tatia (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from rio Tapajós, Brazil

Frank Raynner V. Ribeiro1 , Cárlison Silva-Oliveira2 , Alberto Conceição F. da Silva3 and André L. Colares Canto1
PDF: EN XML: EN | Cite this article
Abstract

A new species of Tatia is described from rio Tapajós, upstream of the rapids of São Luiz do Tapajós, Pará State, Brazil. The new species is identified and diagnosed from its congeners through morphological characteristics such as the absence of an adipose fin, which is shared with T. akroa and T. britskii; the composition of the cranial roof elements; the color pattern consisting of dorsolateral dark dots formed by both dermal and epidermal pigments; as well as several morphometric measures. The new species is a Centromochlinae fish that feeds on insects on the surface of the water at night and it is probably endemic to rio Tapajós basin.
Keywords: Amazonia, Biodiversity, Centromochlinae, Freshwater fishes, Taxonomy.

Introduction
Tatia Miranda Ribeiro, 1911 is the most species-rich genus in Centromochlinae with 27 valid species of small to medium-sized auchenipterid catfishes that commonly are no more than 200 mm in standard length. Its representatives are widely distributed throughout most of the cis-Andean River basins in South America, i.e., the Orinoco, Amazon, São Francisco, and upper Paraná rivers, along with coastal rivers in the north of the continent between the mouths of the Orinoco and Amazon rivers (Sarmento-Soares, Martins-Pinheiro, 2020; Souza et al., 2020; Fricke et al., 2021).
The taxonomy of Tatia, as well as that of Auchenipteridae, has changed substantially over the past two decades as studies of phylogenetic relationships among the species of Centromochlinae have been addressed (e.g., Calegari et al., 2019; Sarmento-Soares, Martins-Pinheiro, 2020). According to Sarmento-Soares, Martins-Pinheiro (2020), Tatia is a monophyletic group of auchenipterid catfish that is diagnosed by three autapomorphic and two non-exclusive features: anterior basibranchial cartilage narrow; coracoid process small, shorter than the pectoral-fin base; inclinator anales muscle in mature males that allow anal fin rotational movement to a transverse position; slit-like urogenital opening in females (shared with several Auchenipteridae); and modified anal-fin rays in mature males with the third unbranched and first branched rays converging to a pointed tip (shared with Gelanoglanis nanonocticolus Soares-Porto, Walsh, Nico & Netto, 1999).
Four species of Tatia are currently known to inhabit the rio Tapajós basin: T. brunnea Mees, 1974, T. intermedia (Steindachner, 1877), T. meridionalis (Sarmento-Soares, Cabeceira, Carvalho, Zuanon & Akama, 2013), and T. nigra Sarmento-Soares & Martins-Pinheiro, 2008 (Sarmento-Soares et al., 2013; Silva-Oliveira et al., 2016; Sarmento-Soares, Martins-Pinheiro, 2020). Specimens of a previously unknown species of Tatia, which is described herein, were collected during recent ichthyofaunal surveys undertaken throughout the rio Tapajós.

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𝐶𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑣𝑎 𝑔𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒

An endangered new catfish species of the genus Cambeva (Cambeva gamabelardense n. sp.) (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from the Rio Chapecó drainage, southern BrazilCosta, W. J. M., Feltrin, C. R. M., Katz, A. M.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2022.45.0123
RESUMNumerous species in fast–flowing streams of southern Brazil have not been described to date. As some of these species inhabit areas under pressure due to the ongoing, intense process of environmental degradation, formal descriptions are urgently needed so as to elaborate strategies for their conservation. We describe a new species, Cambeva gamabelardense n. sp., found in the middle Rio Chapecó drainage, Uruguay River basin, in an area where intense deforestation and soya plantation is endangering fish species. The new species is considered closely related to C. panthera, a species occurring in an isolated coastal basin about 380 km from the area inhabited by the new species, as the two species share a unique jaguar–like pattern on the flank. The new species differs from C. panthera by having shorter barbels, a different position of the origin of the dorsal–fin, more vertebrae, and osteological features that are unique among congeners.

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The trouts of the upper Kura and Aras rivers in Turkey, with description of three new species (Teleostei: Salmonidae)

PISCESANATOLIABIODIVERSITYCASPIAN SEA BASINFRESHWATER FISHSALMO CASPIUSTAXONOMY

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AbstractThe taxonomic status of the resident and anadromous trout species native to the Kura and Aras river drainages is evaluated, and three resident species are recognised in the upper reaches of Kura and Aras drainages in Turkey. Salmo murathani, new species, is described from slow flowing tributaries of the Aras River. It is distinguished by the general body color dark greyish in life; the numerous black spots on body, present on the back and on the middle and upper parts of the flank, and on the anterior part of the lower flank in males and females larger than about 230 mm SL; the number of black spots increases with size, in both males and females; and various meristic and morphometric characters. Salmo araxensis, new species, is described from fast flowing tributaries of the Aras River. It is distinguished by the general body color greyish to brownish in life; only few black spots on the body, restricted to the back and the upper part of the flank, their number not increasing with size in both sexes; and various meristic and morphometric characters. Salmo ardahanensis, new species, is described from head waters of the Kura River. It is distinguished by the general body color dark brownish in life; the roundish black spots on the body, scattered on the back, and the middle and upper parts of the flank in most specimens, rarely restricted to the back and the upper part of the flank; in females, the black spots are few, restricted to the back and the upper part of the flank; the number of black spots increases slightly with size in males; the adipose fin is large, almost reaching to caudal-fin base in males larger than about 170 mm SL; and various meristic and morphometric characters.

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Phylogenetic Evidence for the Cyphocharax saladensis Clade with Description of a New Species of Cyphocharax Endemic to the Upper Rio Paraguai Basin (Teleostei: Curimatidae) Bruno F. Melo1 , Luiz F. C. Tencatt2 , and Claudio Oliveira3

Photo Cyphocharax caboclo, MNRJ 52506, holotype, 59.1 mm SL, Brazil, Mato Grosso, Itiquira, Rio Correntes, upper Rio Paraguai basin.

10-ih-110-02-09_327..339.pdf
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Our second event of the year is taking place at the Kempshott Village hall, Basingstoke.
We are changing things slightly for this show, we are not selling tickets online and all payments will be made on admission. Admission is priced at £3.00 for BLA and AofA members and £5.00 for non-members. Included with admission is day membership to the event for its duration (To comply with FHI/DEFRA guidelines) and £5.00 of free raffle tickets.
There will be a livebearer show featuring 7 classes, Including awards for 'best in show' and a 'novice award'
If you would like to enter fish into show, details of classes, joining criteria and who to contact will be made available on this page, next week.
Letters are now available for the livebearer auction, if you wouild like an auction letter please contact Steve Oliver ([email protected]).
There will be a Raffle, Sales tables and there will be food and hot/cold drinks available.
look forward to seeing you all there.

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Phylogenetic relationships of a new catfish of the genus Trichomycterus (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from the Brazilian Cerrado, and the role of Cenozoic events in the diversification of mountain catfishes
Wilson J. E. M. Costa, José Leonardo O. Mattos, Wagner M. S. Sampaio, Patrícia Giongo, Frederico B. de Almeida, Axel M. KatzAbstractThe Brazilian Cerrado highlands shelter the headwaters of the three largest South American hydrographic basins, where a great species diversity is concentrated, but some biological groups are still insufficiently known. The focal taxa of this study are trichomycterid catfishes of the subgenus Cryptocambeva, genus Trichomycterus, endemic to mountain areas of south-eastern Brazil. The primary objective of this study is to test through a molecular phylogeny if a new species collected in streams of the upper Rio Paraná basin draining the Serra da Canastra is sister to T. macrotrichopterus, endemic to the upper Rio São Francisco at another facet of the Serra da Canastra, as suggested by morphological data. The analysis corroborated sister group relationships between these two species, besides supporting four main clades in Cryptocambeva, each of them endemic to distinct mountain regions. A time-calibrated analysis supported the divergence timing between the new species and T. macrotrichopterus at the Pliocene, which is chronologically compatible with the final period of intense fluvial configuration re-arrangement, when São Francisco headwater streams were captured by the Paraná basin. The new species herein described is similar to T. macrotrichopterus and distinguished from all other species of Cryptocambeva by having a long pectoral-fin filament. These two species are distinguished from each other by characteristics of the latero-sensory system, colour pattern and bone morphology.
Key Wordsmolecular systematics, mountain biodiversity, osteology, paleo-drainages, Rio Paraná basin
IntroductionStudies on the Cerrado biota have quickly increased since the 1980s (Oliveira and Marquis 2002). However, some groups are still insufficiently known, including mountain catfishes of the Trichomycterinae (hereafter trichomycterines), the largest subfamily of the Neotropical siluriform family Trichomycteridae (Katz et al. 2018; Costa and Katz 2021). Trichomycterines occur in all areas of the Cerrado, but they are particularly diverse in mountain ranges of south-eastern Brazil (Costa 1992; Triques and Vono 2004; Alencar and Costa 2006; Barbosa and Costa 2010; Costa and Katz 2021; Costa et al. 2021a, b).
The great trichomycterine species diversity concentrated in mountain ranges of south-eastern Brazil is probably a consequence of the past Cenozoic scenario, characterised by intense re-arrangements of the hydrographic systems due to generalised uplift during the Neogene (Riccomini et al. 2004; Valadão 2009). Events of drainage capture by neighbouring basins were frequent until the Pliocene (Rezende et al. 2018), probably shaping the distribution pattern of fish species (Costa and Katz 2021; Costa et al. 2022a, b).Substantial evidence supports the upper and middle sections of the Rio Grande drainage, presently a main tributary of the upper Rio Paraná basin, as being formerly connected to the Rio São Francisco basin, a configuration that was changed after the capture of the Rio Grande drainage by the Rio Paraná basin during the Middle Miocene (Rezende et al. 2018).
The main focus of this study is an undescribed species of Trichomycterus, subgenus Cryptocambeva Costa, 2021, from the upper Rio Araguari drainage, upper Rio Paraná basin. Cryptocambeva comprises 16 species and is diagnosable by a unique morphology of the latero-posterior portion of the neurocranium and adjacent posterior region, including a relatively small posttemporo-supracleithrum separated by large interspaces from adjacent bones, and a narrow and long lateral extremity of the pterotic, with its tip extending beyond the lateral margin of the neurocranium (Costa 2021). The new taxon here described exhibits a long pectoral-fin filament, suggesting it is closely related to T. macrotrichopterus Barbosa & Costa, 2010, the only other species of Cryptocambeva having a similar long filament (Barbosa and Costa 2010). More interestingly, these two species were only found in rivers drainages separated by the Serra da Canastra, a mountain range of about 3,000 km2 that is part of a series of mountain ranges situated between the upper Rio Paraná and upper Rio São Francisco basins. The northeastern facet of the Serra da Canastra is a major watershed divide between the headwaters of the Rio Araguari drainage, of the Rio Paranaíba drainage, upper Rio Paraná basin, where the new taxon was found, and the headwaters of the main course of the Rio São Francisco basin, where can be found the type locality of T. macrotrichopterus (Costa & Barbosa, 2010).
The primary objectives of this study are to perform a multigene phylogenetic analysis to test the phylogenetic positioning of the new taxon and to provide a formal description to it. The secondary objective is to conduct a dating analysis in order to establish if the estimated divergence timing for Cryptocambeva lineages from south-eastern Brazil is compatible with the available model for the temporal drainage network evolution.

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Deeply divergent freshwater fish species within a single river system in central Sulawesi- Oryzias. landangiensis.Highlights

•We discovered a ricefish species from a river in central Sulawesi.

•This river shares estuarine waters with another river where its sister species occurs.

•These two species are genetically isolated despite freshwater drainage connectivity.

•Coalescent-based demographic inference demonstrated that they are of lake-origin.

•They are probably relic species left in these rivers due to lost dispersal ability.

AbstractSulawesi is a biodiversity hotspot for ricefishes (Adrianichthyidae), with many species endemic to the central part of this island in single ancient lakes or lake systems. Frequent vicariance by lake fragmentation since the Pliocene may be largely responsible for diversification in this family. In this study, we demonstrate that not only lacustrine species but also riverine species in this area are also deeply divergent even within a single river system. A mitochondrial phylogeny revealed that a ricefish population newly discovered from Cerekang River is sister to Oryzias dopingdopingensis Mandagi, Mokodongan, Tanaka, & Yamahira, another riverine species endemic to Doping-doping River. However, the Cerekang Oryzias was genetically isolated from O. dopingdopingensis, despite that Cerekang River and Doping-doping River share a connection across estuarine waters. This separation was supported by phylogenomic trees and population genetic structure analyses based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. Coalescent-based demographic inference demonstrated that the ancestral population of these two riverine ricefishes had experienced a substantial population decrease and subsequently diverged into two sub-populations. Because the Cerekang Oryzias was also morphologically distinguished from O. dopingdopingensis, we described it as a new species, O. landangiensis. We infer that O. landangiensis and O. dopingdopingensis are of lake-origin and are relic species which were left in these rivers after the lake disappeared, and that they have lost their dispersal ability when inhabiting the ancient lake. The lost dispersal ability possibly contributed to the formation of the biodiversity hotspot for this fish group on this island.

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The B.L.A. had a livebearer Open show judged to FBAS rules inside their big Spring Auction on Sunday 24th April.
Heres some pics of some of the fish ,the winners,the auction / racking and the day....well done to the BLA for another successful event and now its BRACKNELL AQUARIST SOCIETY'S turn in 3 weeks to carry on the FBAS return to more shows hopefully.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5138.2.6
PUBLISHED: 2022-05-17
Silurichthys exortivus, a new catfish (Teleostei: Siluridae) from eastern Borneo, Indonesia

PISCESOSTARIOPHYSISILURIFORMESKALIMANTAN TIMUR

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AbstractSilurichthys exortivus, a new species of silurid catfish, is described from the Mahakam River drainage in eastern Borneo. The new species can be distinguished from congeners in lacking a dorsal fin, having 4 (vs. 6–7) principal rays on the upper caudal-fin lobe and a combination of: body depth at anus 14.0% SL, caudal peduncle depth 5.1% SL, pelvic fins absent, 54 anal-fin rays, caudal fin with asymmetrical lobes (upper lobe 1.1 times longer than lower), 48 vertebrae, 1 gill raker on the first branchial arch, and a mottled brown body. Based on the reduced number of principal caudal-fin rays, S. exortivus, S. ligneolus and S. sanguineus are hypothesized to form an exclusively Bornean clade.
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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5138.2.2
PUBLISHED: 2022-05-17
Luciogobius punctilineatus n. sp., a new earthworm goby from southern Japan

PISCESTAXONOMYACTINOPTERYGIITELEOSTEIGOBIIDAECRYPTIC DIVERSITY

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AbstractLuciogobius punctilineatus n. sp. is described on the basis of 21 type specimens from Kyushu, and the Koshiki and Osumi Islands, southern Japan. It is also found in Kochi Prefecture (Shikoku) and Amami-oshima island (Ryukyu Islands), Japan, confirmed by examination of non-type specimens. The genus Luciogobius includes 15 valid and several undescribed species, and most of them inhabit interstitial spaces of stones and gravel in the intertidal zone. The new species is characterized by the following combination of characters: total second dorsal-fin rays 10–12 (modally 11); total anal-fin rays 12–14 (13); pectoral-fin rays 8–12 (10); vertebrae 16–18 + 22–24 = 39–42 (17 + 23 = 40); pectoral-fin posterior margin slightly concave; pelvic fins united, forming a ventral disc; snout relatively short, length 3.1–4.3% of SL; anus to anal-fin origin (AAA) distance twice body depth at anus, 11.4–16.9% of SL; snout length less than 34.7% of AAA distance; pre-anus length less than 85.5% of pre-anal-fin length; single poorly defined black longitudinal line along mid-lateral body region from behind pectoral fin to caudal-fin base, indistinct anteriorly (line embedded, visible through semi-transparent muscle tissue in fresh or live specimens); black spots forming a single longitudinal row on mid-lateral body surface from behind pectoral fin to caudal-fin base (more distinct in preserved specimens).

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A new diminutive subterranean eel loach species of the genus Pangio (Teleostei: Cobitidae) from Southern India

PISCESFRESHWATER FISHGROUNDWATERTAXONOMYWESTERN GHATS

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AbstractA second subterranean species of Pangio is described from an old dug-out well in Kerala, Southern India. The new species, Pangio pathala is unique within the genus in possessing the highest number (27) of caudal vertebrae. Pangio pathala is distinguished from P. bhujia, the only subterranean Pangio species known so far, in having four pectoral-fin rays (vs. three), five anal-fin rays (vs. six), 67 vertebrae (40 abdominal and 27 caudal vertebrae) (vs. 62–63), and a raw genetic distance of 8.1–8.7% in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene. This paper also provides an additional record of Pangio bhujia from a location 40 km south of the type locality.

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Revision of the African cichlid fish genus Ctenochromis (Teleostei, Cichliformes), including a description of the new genus Shuja from Lake Tanganyika and the new species Ctenochromis scatebra from northern Tanzania
europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/view/1775Full paper

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Poecilocharax callipterus & P. rhizophilus • The Monophyly of Crenuchinae and Description of Two New Species of Poecilocharax (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) based on Phenotypic and Genotypic

Evidence
River microhabitat of Poecilocharax callipterus
Murilo N.L. Pastana & Willian M. Ohara
May 16, 2022
Media Photo/Video

Murilo N.L. Pastana & Willian M. Ohara

The recently described Poecilocharax callipterus, male above and female below. Notice the dimorphic coloration and dorsal- and anal-fin elongation. Males are reddish in color and slightly darker than females and have a conspicuously long filament on the dorsal and anal fins. Dimorphism is a term scientists use to describe the differences in appearance between males and females of the same species. Fish size ~3 centimeters.The river microhabitat (photo 1) where Poecilocharax callipterus (photo 2) was discovered. This species is found among vegetation accumulating along the riverbanks, such as the aquatic grass in the lower-left corner of the photo. P. callipterus lives in blackwater rivers, which are tinted by leaves and other organic matter that accumulate at the bottom of the river.
Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History researcher Murilo Pastana and his colleagues have discovered and described two new species of Amazonian fish—one with striking red-orange fins and the other so small it is technically considered a miniature fish species—in a paper published today, May 16, in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. Both species inhabit waters located at the bleeding edge of human encroachment into the Amazon rainforest roughly 25 miles north of the Brazilian city of Apuí.

Poecilocharax callipterus & P. rhizophilus • The Monophyly of Crenuchinae and Description of Two New Species of Poecilocharax (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) based on Phenotypic and Genotypic Evidence

Poecilocharax callipterus
Ohara, Pastana & Camelier, 2022

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac026
twitter.com/NMNH

Abstract
Crenuchinae is a subfamily of the fish family Crenuchidae distributed in the Amazon Basin with pronounced sexual dimorphism and exuberant colour patterns. Recent fieldwork in the tributaries of the Rio Aripuanã drainage, a large tributary of the Rio Madeira (Amazon Basin), resulted in the discovery of two distinctive, undescribed species of the crenuchin genus Poecilocharax, which are formally described herein, combining morphological and molecular data. These are the first representatives of Crenuchinae discovered after a gap of 57 years and the first records of Poecilocharax from the tributaries of the right bank of the Rio Amazonas draining the Brazilian crystalline shield. Based on a taxonomic review including all species of the subfamily, we provide an expanded morphological diagnosis for Crenuchinae. This now includes characteristics related to the lateral-line canals of head and body, the number of dorsal-fin rays and sexually dimorphic traits. In addition, we review previous characteristics used to diagnose Crenuchus and Poecilocharax, providing comments on their polarity and distribution across the subfamily. A dichotomous key is provided for the first time for species of Crenuchinae.

Amazon, COI gene, DNA, freshwater fishes, lateral line, phylogeny, taxonomy, tetras

Poecilocharax rhizophilus

Willian M. Ohara, Murilo Pastana and Priscila Camelier. 2022. The Monophyly of Crenuchinae and Description of Two New Species of Poecilocharax (Teleostei: Crenuchidae) based on Phenotypic and Genotypic Evidence. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlac026. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac026
twitter.com/NMNH/status/1526225093541642240

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5138.1.1
PUBLISHED: 2022-05-16
Dario tigris and Dario melanogrammus, two new species of miniature chameleon fishes from northern Myanmar (Teleostei: Badidae)

PISCESTAXONOMYMORPHOMETRICSCOISPECIES DELIMITATIONHIMALAYA BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTALLOPATRIC DISTRIBUTIONSEXUAL DICHROMATISM

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AbstractDario tigris, new species, is described from mountain streams south of Mogaung, in the Ayeyarwaddy River basin, Myanmar. It differs from congeneric species by its unique colour pattern, which consists of a series of eight straight vertical bars, the first two of which in males are ash-grey and the subsequent six are orange-red in life, combined with a series of small black spots arranged in three to four rows dorsolaterally on the head and nape. It differs further from its close relative Dario hysginon, with which it may occur syntopically, by fewer dorsal-fin spines (modally 14 vs modally 15), and fewer vertebrae (modally 12+12=24 vs modally 12+13= 25). Dario melanogrammus, new species, is another barred Dario from the Chindwin River basin. It differs from all other species of the genus by its zigzagging dark vertical bars; amongst Myanmar species, it can be further distinguished from D. hysginon and D. tigris by more vertebrae (modally 26 vs 25 in D. hysginon, and 24 in D. tigris).

References

Britz, R. (2010) A new earthworm eel of the genus Chaudhuria from the Ayeyarwaddy River drainage, Myanmar (Teleostei: Synbranchiformes: Chaudhuriidae). Zootaxa, 2571 (1), 62–68. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2571.1.4
Britz, R., Ali, A. & Philip, S. (2012) Dario urops, a new species of badid fish from the Western Ghats, southern India (Teleostei: Percomorpha: Badidae). Zootaxa, 3348 (1), 63–68. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3348.1.5
Britz, R. & Ali, A. (2015) Dario huli, a new species of badid from Karnataka, southern India (Teleostei: Percomorpha: Badidae). Zootaxa, 3911 (1), 139–144. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3911.1.9
Britz, R. & Kullander, S.O. (2013) Dario kajal, a new species of badid fish from Meghalaya, India (Teleostei: Badidae). Zootaxa, 3731 (3), 331–337. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3731.3.3
Britz, R., Anoop, V.K. & Dahanukar, N. (2018). Dario neela, a new species of badid fish from the Western Ghats of India (Teleostei: Percomorpha: Badidae). Zootaxa, 4429 (1), 141–148. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4429.1.6
Conte-Grand, C., Britz R., Dahanukar, N., Raghavan, R., Pethiyagoda, R., Tan, H.H., Hadiaty, R.K., Yaakob, N.S. & Rüber, L. (2017) Barcoding snakeheads (Teleostei, Channidae) revisited: Discovering greater species diversity and resolving perpetuated taxonomic confusions. PLoS ONE, 12 (9), e0184017. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184017
Gregory, J.W. (1925) The evolution of the river system of south-eastern Asia. The Scottish geographical magazine, 41, 129–141. https://doi.org/10.1080/00369222508734474
Kullander, S. O. & Britz R. (2002) Revision of the family Badidae (Teleostei: Perciformes), with descriptions of a new genus and ten new species. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 13, 295–372.
Kullander, S., Norén, M., Rahman, Md. M. & Mollah, A.R. (2019) Chameleonfishes in Bangladesh: hipshot taxonomy, sibling species, elusive species, and limit of species delimitation (Teleostei: Badidae). Zootaxa, 4586 (2), 301–337. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4586.2.7
Plinius Secundus Maior, G. (535–1538) Naturalis Historia. Aldus, Venetia, 314 + 303 + 195 pp., index.
Rüber, L., Britz, R., Kullander, S.O. & Zardoya, R. (2004) Evolutionary and biogeographic patterns of the Badidae (Teleostei: Perciformes) inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 32, 1010–1022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2004.04.020
Stamatakis, A. (2014) RAxML version 8: a tool for phylogenetic analysis and post-analysis of large phylogenies. Bioinformatics, 30, 1312–1313. [PMID: 24451623] https://doi.org/10.1093/bioinformatics/btu033
Swofford, D.L. (2002) Phylogenetic Analysis Using Parsimony (*and other methods). Version 4. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Massachusetts, 144 pp.
Taylor, W.R. & Van Dyke, G.G. (1985) Revised procedures for staining and clearing small fishes and other vertebrates for bone and cartilage study. Cybium, 9, 107–119.
Ward, R., Zemlak, T., Innes, B., Last, P. & Hebert, P. (2005) DNA barcoding Australia’s fish species. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 360, 1847–1857. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2005.1716
Weitzman, S.H. & Vari, R.P. (1988) Miniaturization in South American freshwater fishes; an overview and discussion. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 101, 444–465.

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“Tropical Truth”: A Fresh, Science-Based Look at Hawaii’s Aquarium Fishery12 May, 2022

“We’ve collected data for over 17 years from over 6,700 surveys and have found that aquarium fish populations are generally stable and increasing in West Hawai’i where, again, most of these aquarium fish are collected. The populations of Yellow Tang and Kole – which are the two most heavily collected species – are not declining. In recent years, they’ve both been increasing both in the protected areas and in open areas. […] If you define sustainable as the numbers remaining the same and/or increasing, then they’re sustainable.”
—Dr. Bruce Carlson,
former Waikiki Aquarium Director and Chief Science Officer at the Georgia Aquarium From CORAL Contributor Art Parola comes this news:
“A new website has been released to promote the efforts of the Hawaiian fishermen. There are some significant deadlines approaching in Hawaii, and it would be good to make people aware of this new resource.”

Randall Kosaki, Ph.D., NOAA scientistThe content has videos, graphics, and references that lend scientific support to the arguments that the aquarium fishery in the Hawaiian Islands has a track record of sustainability and not causing the loss marine biodiversity.
Among the biologists and fishery observers quoted are Dr. William Walsh (state fisheries biologist); Dr. Bruce Carlson (former director, Waikiki Aquarium); Ron Tubbs, Tony & Sally Nahacky (AQ collectors); Dr. Richard Pyle (Bishop Museum); Dr. Randall Kosaki (NOAA), and others.
Excerpt
“A picture of a fish is worth 1,000 words, but in many ways a live fish in an aquarium is worth 1,000 pictures. It really does compel people to care not just about that fish in the aquarium but the habitat that it came from.”
—Randall Kosaki, Ph.D., NOAA scientist

https://tropicaltruth.com/https://tropicaltruth.com/

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Original Article • Neotrop. ichthyol. 20 (02) • 2022 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0143 COPYNew species of Phenacorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Xingu River basinGabriel S. C. SilvaLuz E. OchoaÍthalo S. CastroABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractHeptapteridae is a diverse group of catfishes composed of 231 valid species endemic to the Neotropical region, recognized in two subfamilies: Rhamdiinae and Heptapterinae. Phenacorhamdia is a Heptapterinae member and currently has 13 valid species broadly distributed throughout the main river basins of South America. Here we described a new species of Phenacorhamdia from the Xingu River basin. Morphological data were obtained from 30 specimens under 23 morphometric measures and 6 meristic counts. The new species differs from congeners based on the exclusive combination of the following diagnostic characters: atypical mottled colored body and all fins with interradial membranes mottled pigmented; multicuspid teeth; maxillary barbel reaching pectoral-fin origin; lacking a short extension of the first pectoral-fin ray; caudal fin lobes extremely elongated and pointed; and 43−45 total vertebrae.
Keywords:
Amazon River basin; Brazilian Shield; Catfishes; Taxonomy
ResumoHeptapteridae é um grupo diverso de bagres neotropicais composto por 231 espécies válidas, endêmicas da região Neotropical, divididas em duas subfamílias: Rhamdiinae e Heptapterinae. Phenacorhamdia é um membro de Heptapterinae e atualmente possui 13 espécies válidas amplamente distribuídas pelos principais rios da América do Sul. Aqui nós descrevemos uma nova espécie de Phenacorhamdia da bacia do rio Xingu. Dados morfológicos foram obtidos de 30 espécimes, 23 medidas morfométricas e seis contagens merísticas. A nova espécie é diferenciada de suas congêneres com base na seguinte combinação de características: um atípico corpo manchado com as membranas interradiais de todas as nadadeiras manchadas; dentes multicuspidados; barbilhão maxilar atingindo a origem da nadadeira peitoral; ausência de uma curta extensão do primeiro raio da nadadeira peitoral; lóbulos da nadadeira caudal extremamente alongados e pontiagudos, e 43−45 vértebras.
Palavras-chave:
: Bacia do rio Amazonas; Bagres; Escudo Brasileiro; Taxonomia
INTRODUCTIONPhenacorhamdiaDahl, 1961 is a genus of Heptapteridae a Neotropical catfish family widely distributed from southern Mexico to Pampas of Argentina (Bockmann & Guazzelli, 2003). According to Britski, (1993) and Bockmann (1998:367), species of the genus are distinguished by having small eyes covered by integument, prognathous mouth, second pore of the nasal canal located far posterior to the anterior nostril, the epioccipital process prominent, and neural and hemal spines of posterior vertebrae inclined 30º or less. Phenacorhamdia was considered a junior synonym of Heptapterus Bleeker, 1858 by Mees, (1974). Still, posteriorly, Britski, (1993), in the description of Phenacorhamdia unifasciata recognized the genus as valid and proposed some morphological features as potentially diagnostic for the genus. The genus was recovered as a member of an unnamed monophyletic group composed of Chasmocranus Eigenmann, 1912, Pariolius Cope, 1872, and two undescribed genera in a phylogenetic analysis by Bockmann, (1998). Recently, in comprehensive Heptapteridae phylogeny based on UCEs, Silva et al., (2021) found two major subclades, classified as the subfamilies Rhamdiinae and Heptapterinae. Phenacorhamdia was recognized as a member of Heptapterinae and belonged to the large tribe Heptapterini, in the Clade 3, together with Pariolius and Cetopsorhamdia Eigenmann & Fisher, 1916.
Currently, Phenacorhamdia includes 13 valid species (Fricke et al., 2021) widespread in the South America river basins: P. anisura (Mees, 1987), P. macarenensisDahl, 1961, P. provenzanoi DoNascimiento & Milani, 2008, and P. taphorni DoNascimiento & Milani, 2008 occur throughout the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Colombia; P. tenuis (Mees, 1986) in the Guiana Shield; in the upper Amazon, P. boliviana (Pearson, 1924) occurs in the Madeira River basin in Bolivia and Brazil; P. nigrolineataZarske, 1998 in streams from Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia; in the Brazilian Shield, P. cabocla Rocha, Ramos & Ramos, 2018 in the Parnaíba River basin, P. somnians (Mees, 1974) in Araguaia River basin, P. hoehnei (Miranda Ribeiro, 1914) in Paraguay; and P. roxoi Silva, 2020, P. tenebrosa (Schubart, 1964), and P. unifasciataBritski, 1993 in the upper Paraná River basin. In addition, Silva et al., (2021) recognized four undescribed species of Phenacorhamdia occurring in the Amazon basin in the Brazilian Shield, from the Tocantins, Xingu, and Tapajós river basins. Below we described one of these species from the Xingu River basin.
MATERIAL AND METHODSMeasurements and counts were taken from the left side of specimens and made point to point to the nearest 0.1 mm with digital calipers. Measurements and abbreviations follow DoNascimiento, Milani, (2008). Morphometrics is given as percentages of standard length (SL), except for subunits of the head, which are expressed as percentages of head length (HL). Specimens were cleared and stained (c&s) according to Taylor, Van Dyke, (1985). The number of branchiostegals, gill rackers, vertebrae, ribs, and supporting elements of dorsal and anal fins positions were determined in cleared and stained specimens and radiographs. Vertebral counts include the first five vertebrae in the Weberian apparatus and the compound caudal centrum was counted as one. The osteology nomenclature follows Bockmann, Castro, (2010). Nomenclature for supraorbital and infraorbital sensory pores and lateral-lines canal and branches following Bockmann, Castro, (2010). Data on pectoral, anal, and caudal-fin rays, pleural ribs, and total vertebrae for Phenacorhamdia anisura, P. provenzanoi, P. tenuis, and P. taphorni were taken from DoNascimiento, Milani, (2008). Phenacorhamdia cabocla, P. macarenensis, and P. nigrolineata data were obtained from their original descriptions (Dahl, 1961; Zarske, 1998; Rocha et al., 2018) and for P. boliviana from images of the syntype, available at CAS Ichthyology Primary Types Imagebase website (http://research.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/types/Index.asp). Additional data were obtained from the BMNH (P. somnians) and MNRJ (P. hoehnei) images collections. Counts are given in parentheses, and an asterisk indicates the holotype. Institutional abbreviations follow Sabaj, (2020). Zoological nomenclature follows the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, 1999).
RESULTSPhenacorhamdia suia, new species
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:74342E2A-673C-405D-9CEA-46CC289C4C7E
(Figs. 1−3; Tab. 1)
Phenacorhamdia n. sp. 2. Xingu. --Silva et al., 2021: fig. 1 [phylogenetic relationships of Heptapteridae].
Holotype. MNRJ 24850, 81.8 mm SL, Brazil, Mato Grosso State, São Félix do Araguaia, Xingu River basin, Comandante Fontoura River basin, Santa Luzia stream, 11°19’30”S 52°17’06”W, 16 Jan 2002, P. Buckup, A. Aranda, F. Silva & C. Figueiredo.
Paratypes. All from Brazil, Xingu River basin. Mato Grosso State: LBP 15885, 1, 32.9 mm SL, Canarana, Tanguro River, Culuene River, 13º25’30.9”S 52º16’47.0”W, 1 Aug 2012, C. Oliveira, M. I. Taylor, G. J. Costa-Silva & J. H. M Martinez. LBP 15886, 6, 57.1−79.9 mm SL (2 c&s, 44.9−51.3 mm SL), Canarana, Tanguro River, Culuene River, 13º25’30.9”S 52º16’47.0”W, 1 Aug 2012, C. Oliveira, M. I. Taylor, G. J. Costa-Silva & J. H. M Martinez. LBP 15910, 1, 32.6 mm SL, Canarana, Coronél Vanick River, 13º31’34.1”S 52º43’52.5”W, 2 Aug 2012, C. Oliveira, M. I. Taylor, G. J. Costa-Silva & J. H. M Martinez. LBP 16013, 1, 37.1 mm SL, unnamed stream affluent of Culuene River, 13º27’26.9”S 53º09’36.6”W, 3 Aug 2012, Oliveira, M. I. Taylor & G. J. Costa-Silva. LBP 16014, 1, 47.8 mm SL, Gaúcha do Norte, Culuene River, 13º27’26.9”S 53º09’36.6”W, 3 Aug 2012, Oliveira, M. I. Taylor & G. J. Costa-Silva. LBP 16017, 1, 47.6 mm SL, Gaúcha do Norte, affluent of Culuene River, 13º26’32.8”S 53º08’45.1”W, 3 Aug 2012, Oliveira, M. I. Taylor & G. J. Costa-Silva. MZUSP 86862, 15, 23.2−44.9 mm SL, Ribeirão Cascalheira, Suiazinho River, 12º57’10.0”S 51º51’08.0”W, 16 Out 2004, O. T. Oyakawa, J. L. Birindelli & C. Oliveira. MZUSP 86875.0, 2, 24.5−26.4 mm SL, Canarana, Capim stream, 13º30’46.0”S 52º23’36”W, 17 Out 2004, C. Moreira, M. I. Landim, J. C. Nolasco & A. Datovo. MZUSP 86846, 1, 30.0 mm SL, Ribeirão Cascalheira, Turvo River, 13º13’28.0”S 51º55’50.0”W, 16 Out 2004, Axe team. Pará State: LBP 16703, 2, 31.4−35.7 mm SL, Vitória do Xingu, Fonte Boa stream, 02º58’12.3”S 52º05’11”W, C. Oliveira, R. Britzke & L. M. Souza.

FIGURE 1 |
Phenacorhamdia suia, MNRJ 24850, holotype, 81.8 mm SL, Brazil, Mato Grosso State, São Félix do Araguaia, upper Xingu River basin. Photographed by Dario Faustino-Fuster.

Diagnosis.Phenacorhamdia suia differs from all congeners by having an atypical mottled colored body (Figs. 1−2) (vs. uniformly counter-shaded, without mottled pattern; with a longitudinal dark brown stripe along the dorsal half of the body in P. unifasciata), and by having all fins with interradial membranes pigmented and mottled (vs. fins with interradial membranes hyaline). Additionally, P. suia differs from all congeners, except P. taphorni by having multicuspid teeth (vs. conical teeth) (Fig. 3). The new species differs from some of its congeners by maxillary barbel reaching pectoral-fin origin (vs. maxillary barbel reaching the end of adpressed pectoral fin in P. anisura, P. boliviana, P. nigrolineata, and P. tenebrosa; reaching half the length of pectoral fin in P. tenuis; surpassing pectoral fin in P. provenzanoi and P. taphorni; reaching pelvic-fin origin in P. macarenensis); lacking a short extension of the first pectoral-fin ray (vs. present in P. anisura, P. macarenensis, P. nigrolineata, P. provenzanoi, and P. taphorni), by caudal fin deeply forked with extremely elogated and pointed lobes (vs. moderately pointed in P. hoehnei; rounded in P. somnians); and by having 43−45 total vertebrae (vs. 39 in P. taphorni; 41 in P. hoehnei; 41−42 in P. tenebrosa; 46−47 P. unifasciata; 47−48 in P. provenzanoi; 53−55 in P. tenuis).

FIGURE 2 |
Phenacorhamdia suia, paratypes, LBP 15886: A. 79.9 mm SL; B. 65.7 mm SL; C. 56.0 mm SL. Photographed by Lais Reia.

Description. Morphometric data are summarized in Tab. 1. Small-sized Heptapteridae (largest specimen 81.8 mm SL). In dorsal view, body elongated progressively more compressed from dorsal-fin base to caudal peduncle. Greatest body width at cleithral region, progressively narrowing anteriorly towards snout tip and posteriorly towards caudal fin. In lateral view, body depressed and convex profile from the end of head to dorsal-fin origin; slightly convex from dorsal-fin origin to adipose-fin origin; straight from adipose-fin origin to caudal peduncle. In lateral view, ventral profile convex and descending from snout tip to opercular region; slightly convex from opercular region to pelvic-fin origin; straight from that point to anal-fin origin; slightly concave from that point to lower procurrent caudal-fin ray origin. Head depressed, dorsally covered by skin with small papillae. Snout short and rounded in dorsal view. Dorsal profile of head convex (in large specimens) or straight (in small specimens) from snout tip to the occipital region. Subcutaneous eyes, dorsally positioned, just anterior of the midpoint of head. Mouth gape slightly superior (prognathous). Premaxillary and dentary teeth arranged in a rectangular patch of several irregular rows. Distal portion of teeth flattened and multicuspid. Maxillary barbel reaching the base of first pectoral-fin ray, when adpressed. Outer mental barbel longer than inner barbel. Inner and outer mental barbels aligned. Outer mental barbels reaching posterior margin of branchiostegal membrane. Anterior and posterior nares tubular. Gill membranes free, supported by seven (2) branchiostegals and joined to isthmus only at anterior point. Five (2) gill rakers along the anterior border of the first ceratobranchial.

FIGURE 3 |
Left dentary of Phenacorhamdia suia, paratype, LBP 15886, 51.3 mm SL (c&s). A. Dorsal view of medial portion of dentary teeth (scale bar = 0.1 mm) and B. Dorsal view of entirely dentary teeth (scale bar = 0.5 mm).

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TABLE 1 |
Morphometric data for Phenacorhamdia suia. SD = standard deviation; N = number of specimens.
Laterosensory canal of the head with simple tubes ending in single pores. Supraorbital sensory canal usually with five branches and pores: s1, s2, s3, and s8. Supraorbital pore 1 medially adjacent to anterior nares. Supraorbital s2 and infraorbital i2 fused (forming complex s2+i2) at midway between anterior and posterior nares, s3 inside posterior nares, at the notch of the cutaneous membrane. s4, s5, and s6 pores absent. The s8 at the posterior surface of the frontal. Infraorbital laterosensory canal with six branches pores: i1, i2, i3, i4, i5, and i6, with i2 fused to s2. Infraorbital pore i1 adjacent to anterior nares, between nares and maxillary barbel; i2+s2 neared to anterior nares. Pore i3 laterally positioned at midway between anterior and posterior nares; i4 at vertical through anterior orbit; i5 posterior to eye. Pore i6 located posterior to pore i5, vertical through pm9. Preoperculo mandibular canal with 12 lateral-line branches and pores: pm1 in the medial portion of dentary; pm2, pm3, and pm4 aligned anteriorly to inner and outer mental barbel; pm5 dorsal to outer mental barbel base; pm6 just posterior to pm5; pm7 and pm8 at vertical through anterior and posterior orbit respectively. Four pores in the preopercle region: pm9, pm10, pm11+po1, and po2 (Fig. 4).

FIGURE 4 |
Lateral, dorsal and ventral view of head of Phenacorhamdia suia, LBP 15886, 79.9 mm SL, paratype, showing the cephalic laterosensory pores. Infraorbital pores (i1–i6); Preoperculomandibular pores (pm1–pm11); Postotic pores (po1–po2); Supraorbital pores (s1–s3, and s8).

Precaudal vertebrae 15*(3), caudal vertebrae 27*(1) or 30(2), totaling 43*(1) or 45(2) vertebrae. First hemal spine on vertebra 16*(1) or 17(2). Hemal spine of vertebrae 26*(1) or 27(2) to 31(2) or 32*(1) bifid (Fig. 5). Eight(2) or nine*(1) ribs (Fig. 6).

FIGURE 5 |
Lateral view of bifid hemal spines of vertebrae 27 to 31, located dorsally to anal-fin pterygiophores. Phenacorhamdia suia, paratype, LBP 15886 (1 c&s), 51.3 mm SL.

Pectoral fin with one unbranched and seven branched rays (30). Pelvic-fin origin at vertical through dorsal-fin origin and with i,5(30) rays. First pelvic-fin ray shortest, second and third branched rays longest. Dorsal fin with i,6(30) rays. Dorsal fin unbranched ray slightly convex. First basal radial inserted in the 13º vertebra, and last basal radial anterior to the neural spine of vertebra 18. Adipose fin long (15.3−22.5% SL). Anal fin with v,8*(7) or v,9(23) rays. Anal fin supported by 10 basal and 8 distal radials. Caudal skeleton composed of a plate formed by parhypural + hypurals 1 and 2 in the lower lobe, upper lobe plate formed by hypurals 3 and 4 fused, hypural 5 free, and a pleurostyle. Caudal fin forked with i,7*(3)+7,i*(1) or 8,i(2) principal rays. Caudal-fin lobes long, the ventral longer (27.6−35.6% SL) than dorsal lobe (25.8−32.1% SL). Twelve (2) to thirteen (2) procurrent rays in dorsal and ventral lobes.

FIGURE 6 |
Radiograph images of the holotype of Phenacorhamdia suia, MNRJ 24850, 81.8 mm SL. Lateral (top) and ventral (bottom) views.

Color in alcohol. Overall pigmentation mottled (with light brown background and irregular dark brown blotches formed by minutes and concentrated melanophores that overlap each other) (Figs. 1−2), becoming ventrally mostly unpigmented. Interradial membranes of all fins pigmented as the body.
Geographical distribution.Phenacorhamdiasuia is known from nine localities from the upper and lower Xingu River basins (Fig. 7). The type-locality is Santa Luzia stream, Comandante Fontoura River basin. Other sites are Culuene, Coronel Vanick, Suiazinho, Turvo Rivers, Capim and Fonte Boa streams, and two unnamed streams.

FIGURE 7 |
Geographic distribution of Phenacorhamdia suia in Brazilian Shield. Black star = holotype. Red circles = paratypes localities.

Etymology. The specific name “suia” refers to the Suias indigenous people who, since the 90’s, have stood out in the fight to protect the Suiá-Missu River environment and for recovery of their traditional lands outside the limits of Xingu park. A noun in apposition.
Conservation status.Phenacorhamdiasuia is a widely distributed species in the Xingu basin, known from nine localities; moreover, the areas where the specimens were collected are relatively well preserved. Because there is no imminent threat to the species, P. suia is recommended to be categorized as Least Concern (LC), according to the International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN) categories and criteria (IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee, 2019).
DISCUSSIONThe new species is unequivocally placed within Phenacorhamdia since it has five of the six synapomorphies for the genus proposed by Bockmann (1998:368): (1) posterior process of epioccipital prominent; (2) prognathous mouth; (3) neural and hemal spines of the posterior vertebrae inclined 30º or less; (4) eight branched rays in the lower lobe of the caudal fin; and (5) second pore of the supraorbital nasal canal located too far posteriorly from the anterior nostril. Phenacorhamdia suia lacks one synapomorphy: the first pectoral-fin ray is slightly longer than the second. Phenacorhamdia suia exhibits the first pectoral-fin ray shorter than the second ray. Additionally, the genus placement of P. suia is supported by the phylogenomic hypothesis of Heptapteridae based on the UCEs dataset proposed by Silva et al., (2021). In that study, P. suia (there named as Phenacorhamdia n. sp. 2. Xingu) was more related to typical species of Phenacorhamdia: P. roxoi, P. somnians, and three new species from Tapajós and Tocantins rivers of the Amazon basin.
Although Phenacorhamdia is recognized as a monophyletic group, different hypotheses of relationship at the intergeneric level have been proposed. Bockmann, (1998) proposed Phenacorhamdia as the sister group to Pariolius armillatus Cope, 1872 and a new genus, consisting of two species: Imparfinis microps Eigenmann & Fisher, 1916 and an undescribed form. In the last hypothesis, Chasmocranus Eigenmann, 1912 was in a basal position as the sister group of Phenacorhamdia (Pariolius (Imparfinis microps, undescribed species)). Subsequently, DoNascimiento, Milani, (2008) found morphological evidence of phylogenetic affinities of Phenacorhamdia with Chasmocranus, based on both genera share distinctive bifid hemal spines of the vertebrae immediately dorsal to the insertion of the anal-fin pterygiophores. In contrast with the last hypothesis, Silva et al., (2021) placed Phenacorhamdia as sister to Pariolius, suggesting the homoplasic evolution of single to bifid spines in Heptapteridae.
Phenacorhamdia suia has a peculiar tooth morphology with maxillary and dentary teeth with several tiny cusps (Fig. 3). This character was first reported by DoNascimiento, Milani, (2008) in P. taphorni and two undescribed species from the Paraná and Mamoré River basin, indicating a putative close relationship between the species mentioned above and P. suia. Although this character seems to be essential evidence to a putative natural group inside Phenacorhamdia, a phylogenetic study with a dense number of species is required to evaluate if the multicuspid teeth (primary homology) can be confirmed as a synapomorphic condition or if this character evolved several times independently.
The new species described here was collected in several localities of the upper Xingu River basin in Mato Grosso State (LBP 15910, 15885, 15886, 16014, 16017, 16013; MNRJ 24850; MZUSP 86862, 86875, 86846) and a single stream in the lower Xingu River basin, in Pará State (LBP 16703), far from the upper portion of the Xingu River (Fig. 4). Silva et al., (2021) analyzed both the samples from the upper (LBP 16017) and lower (LBP 16703) Xingu River in their phylogeny and confirmed that these specimens form a monophyletic group. Furthermore, the specimens from the lower portion have the same diagnostic characters found in the specimens from the upper portion.
Comparative material examined.Phenacorhamdia boliviana: Bolivia. CAS 63632, syntype, photo and x-ray, 47.0 mm SL. Brazil. LBP 12008, 1, 41.0 mm SL. Phenacorhamdia cabocla: Brazil. LBP 5550, 1, 40.0 mm SL. UFPB 10041, 1 c&s, 59.2 mm SL. Phenacorhamdia hoehnei: Brazil. MNRJ 787, lectotype, photo and x-ray, 29.7 mm SL. NUP 21562, 5, 37.3–70.2 mm SL, 1 c&s, 73.4 mm SL. ZUFMS 1969, 46.5–66.0 mm SL. Phenacorhamdia nigrolineata: Peru. MTD F 20728, holotype, photo and x-ray, 37.6 mm SL. MTD F 17472, paratype, photo and x-ray, 33.2 mm SL. Phenacorhamdia roxoi: Brazil. MZUSP 125819, holotype, 63.2 mm SL. LBP 1994, paratypes, 11, 24.1–83.7 mm SL, 3 c&s, 42.9–83.7 mm SL. Phenacorhamdia somnians: Brazil. BMNH 1971.7.29.4, holotype, photo and x-ray, 55.0 mm SL. LBP 2468, 45.8 mm SL. LBP 2474, 4, 35.8–47.6 mm SL. LBP 5717, 3, 55.0–46.2 mm SL. Phenacorhamdia tenebrosa: Brazil. LBP 29845, topotype, 20, 46.3–27.5 mm SL, 2 c&s, 37.6–38.6 mm SL. Phenacorhamdia unifasciata: Brazil. DZSJRP 14228, 4, 44.8–53.1 mm SL, 1 c&s, 54.0 mm SL.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThanks to colleagues for the loan of specimens and curatorial assistance: Carla S. Pavanelli, Marli Campos (NUP), Francisco Langeani (DZSJRP), and Francisco Severo Neto (ZUFMS); Lais Reia for helping with the figures; J. Maclaine (BMNH) for the images of the type and Dario Faustino-Fuster for the image of the holotype. We also thank the research support from FAPESP grant #2021/12979–8 (GSCS) and CNPq grant #140174/2018–4 (ISC).
REFERENCES

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Bockmann FA, Castro R. The blind catfish from the caves of Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae): description, anatomy, phylogenetic relationships, natural history, and biogeography. Neotrop Ichthyol. 2010; 8(4):673–706. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1679-62252010000400001
» https://doi.org/10.1590/S1679-62252010000400001
Bockmann FA, Guazzelli GM. Family Heptapteridae. In: Reis RE, Kullander SO, Ferraris CJ Jr, editors. Check list of the freshwater fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: Edipucrs; 2003. p.406–31.
Britski HA. Uma nova espécie de Phenacorhamdia da bacia do alto Paraná (Pisces, Siluriformes). Comun Mus Ciênc Tecnol PUCRS, Sér Zool. 1993; 6:41–50.
Dahl G. Nematognathous fishes collected during the Macarena Expedition, 1959. Noved Colomb. 1961; 1(6):483–514.
DoNascimiento C, Milani N. The Venezuelan species of Phenacorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae), with the description of two new species and a remarkable new tooth morphology for Siluriformes. P Acad Nat Sci Phila. 2008; 157(1):163–80. https://doi.org/10.1635/0097-3157(2008)157[163:TVSOPS]2.0.CO;2
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Fricke R, Eschmeyer W, Van der Laan R. Eschemeyer’s catalog of fishes: genera, species, references [Internet]. San Francisco: California Academy of Science; 2021. Available from: http://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/catalog/fishcatmain.asp
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International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). International code of zoological nomenclature. 4th ed. London: International trust for zoological nomenclature Natural History Museum [Internet]. London; 1999. Available from: https://www.iczn.org/the-code/the-international-code-of-zoological-nomenclature/the-code-online/
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Mees GF. The Auchenipteridae and Pimelodidae of Suriname (Pisces, Nematognathi). Zool Verh. 1974; 132:1–256.
Rocha YGPC, Ramos TPA, Ramos RTC Phenacorhamdia cabocla, a new heptapterid from the Parnaíba River basin, Northeastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae). Zootaxa. 2018; 4402(2):353–62. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4402.2.7
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Silva GSC, Roxo FF, Melo BF, Ochoa LE, Bockmann FA, Sabaj MH, Jerep FC, Foresti F, Benine RC, Oliveira C. Evolutionary history of Heptapteridae catfishes using ultraconserved elements (Teleostei, Siluriformes). Zool Scr. 2021; 50(5):543–54. https://doi.org/10.1111/zsc.12493
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Zarske A Phenacorhamdianigrolineata spec. nov., ein neuer Antennenwels aus dem Einzugsgebiet des Rio Ucayali in Peru (Teleostei: Silurifomes: Pimelodidae). Zoologische Abhandlungen Staatliches Museum für Tierkunde Dresden. 1998; 50(2):27–31.

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Preston and District Aquarist Society Auction 2/4
70 Stanifield Lane, Leyland, PR25 4GA, United Kingdom
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10 May 2022
A New Glyptosternine Catfish from Myanmar Glaridoglanis ramosa (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Sisoridae)
Heok Hee Ng, Maurice Kottelat
Author Affiliations +
Ichthyology & Herpetology, 110(2):262-267 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2021056

AbstractGlaridoglanis ramosa, new species, is described from a cryptorheic basin in northern Shan State, Myanmar. The new species can be distinguished from G. andersonii, the sole congener, in having fewer vertebrae (39–40 vs. 42–44), more branched pectoral-fin rays (13–14 vs. 8–10), a longer maxillary barbel (reaching beyond proximal half vs. not more than proximal third of first pectoral-fin element; 87–101% head length vs. 75–79), a shorter pelvic fin (10.8–16.3% standard length vs. 18.0–22.4) and dorsal-to-adipose distance (7.1–11.7% standard length vs. 17.5–20.0), absence (vs. presence) of a thin, pale midlateral stripe, and an adipose fin that is strongly incised (vs. without incision or with a weak incision) at the posterior extremity of its base. We also investigated the taxonomic status of Glyptosternon malaisei, and conclude that it is a junior subjective synonym of Glaridoglanis andersonii.

© 2022 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
Citation Download Citation
Heok Hee Ng and Maurice Kottelat "A New Glyptosternine Catfish from Myanmar (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Sisoridae)," Ichthyology & Herpetology 110(2), 262-267, (10 May 2022). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2021056
Received: 13 May 2021; Accepted: 6 October 2021; Published: 10 May 2022

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The Rapid Evolution of Lungfish Durophagy

Youngolepis praecursor Chang & Yu, 1981

in Cui, Friedman, Qiao, et al., 2022.
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30091-3
twitter.com/Friedman_Lab
artwork by Brian Choo

Abstract
Innovations relating to the consumption of hard prey are implicated in ecological shifts in marine ecosystems as early as the mid-Paleozoic. Lungfishes represent the first and longest-ranging lineage of durophagous vertebrates, but how and when the various feeding specializations of this group arose remain unclear. Two exceptionally preserved fossils of the Early Devonian lobe-finned fish Youngolepis reveal the origin of the specialized lungfish feeding mechanism. Youngolepis has a radically restructured palate, reorienting jaw muscles for optimal force transition, coupled with radiating entopterygoid tooth rows like those of lungfish toothplates. This triturating surface occurs in conjunction with marginal dentition and blunt coronoid fangs, suggesting a role in crushing rather than piercing prey. Bayesian tip-dating analyses incorporating these morphological data indicate that the complete suite of lungfish feeding specializations may have arisen in as little as 7 million years, representing one of the most striking episodes of innovation during the initial evolutionary radiations of bony fishes.

Xindong Cui, Matt Friedman, Tuo Qiao, Yilun Yu and Min Zhu. 2022. The Rapid Evolution of Lungfish Durophagy. Nature Communications. 13: 2390. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30091-3
twitter.com/Friedman_Lab/status/1521172479632461826
highlighting feeding innovations in Youngolepis, an Early Devonian stem lungfish from China (art: Brian Choo) @NatureComms @Friedman_Lab

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Biogeographic Reconstruction of the Migratory Neotropical Fish Family Prochilodontidae (Teleostei: Characiformes)

in Frable, Melo, Fontenelle, et al., 2022.
DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12531
twitter.com/JPF_ishes

Abstract
Geographically, widespread Neotropical fish lineages offer opportunities to reconstruct historical biogeography patterns and infer processes leading to modern ichthyological diversity and distribution. The characiform family Prochilodontidae is well suited for such reconstruction because their migrations limit population substructure within river systems. Therefore, their biogeographic history should match closely the history of connectivity among Neotropical river basins. Here, we combine a time-calibrated phylogeny with biogeographic model testing to recover the history of this family's diversification. Results support the Miocene rise of the Andean Eastern Cordillera as a dispersal barrier, but also indicate a much earlier Eocene origin of the trans-Andean genus Ichthyoelephas. Despite the early origin of the family and its three constituent genera, most prochilodontid lineages originated during the Miocene in Greater Amazonia, likely due to drainage reorganizations caused by Andean uplift. Subsequent speciation appears linked to interbasin exchanges and expansions of Amazonian lineages into Brazilian coastal systems. The modern richness of Prochilodus in easterly drainages appears to be relatively young, with only Prochilodus vimboides likely reaching that region prior to the late Miocene. The rise of the Vaupes Arch coincides with two splits between Orinocoan and Amazonian lineages circa 9 million years ago (Ma). However, two instances of later dispersal between these drainages reveal the permeability of the Vaupes Arch, suggesting that it may promote periodic speciation. This study illustrates how model-based biogeographic studies of widespread groups can reconstruct historic paths of dispersal and help reveal how landscape evolution promoted modern diversity patterns.

Keywords: Amazon, BioGeoBEARS, Eastern Cordillera, historical biogeography, Ostariophysi

Time-calibrated phylogeny and ancestral range evolution of Prochilodontidae estimated by BEAST and BioGeoBEARS.

Photos by A. Nobile (Prochilodus lineatus), B. Melo (Semaprochilodus insignis, P. nigricans1, P. rubrotaeniatus2), J. García-Melo (Ichthyoelephas longirostris), M. Sabaj (S. varii, P. magdalenae, P. nigricans2) and R. Castro (P. vimboides).

Benjamin W. Frable, Bruno F. Melo, João P. Fontenelle, Claudio Oliveira and Brian L. Sidlauskas. 2022. Biogeographic Reconstruction of the Migratory Neotropical Fish Family Prochilodontidae (Teleostei: Characiformes). Zoologica Scripta. DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12531
twitter.com/JPF_ishes/status/1502330451972796424

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Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters/IEF-1176/pp. 1-11 Published 22 April 2022 LSID: http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:88733E63-E35C-4173-96EC-9A1501116517 DOI: http://doi.org/10.23788/IEF-1176

Hypostomus fuscomaculatus (Teleostei: Loricariidae), a new armored catfish from the upper Rio Paraguay basin, Brazil

Cláudio Henrique Zawadzki* and Hugmar Pains da Silva** Since 1996, in field monitoring for the construction of the Manso Reservoir in the Rio Manso basin, a peculiar black-blotched morphotype of Hypostomus was found that differed from several congeners from the region. This species is already used to aquarium trade being labeled Hypostomus sp. L233. The aim of the present work is to describe L233 as a new species to science, Hypostomus fuscomaculatus. The new species is distinguished from congeners by having conspicuous, large (usually larger than eye diameter) and widely spaced black blotches on living specimens. In preserved specimens, the blotches usually fade to brown but keep still evident for a long time under proper fixation and storage. Other important diagnostic traits are the flattened head, large eyes, absence of keels on lateral series of plates, robust and moderate number of teeth, and plates covering most part of abdominal region. Introduction Loricariidae, with about 1020 valid species (Reis et al., 2003; Fricke et al., 2022), represents one of the largest fish families in the world. Six subfamilies of Loricariidae are currently recognized: Delturinae, Hypoptopomatinae, Hypostominae, Lithogeninae, Loricariinae, and Rhinelepinae (Reis et al., 2006; Chiachio et al., 2008; Lujan et al., 2015). The subfamily Hypostominae was surveyed by Lujan et al. (2015), who found Hypostomini nested within Ancistrini. Queiroz et al. (2020) in a multilocus phylogeny of Hypostomus confirmed the monophyly of the genus retrieving four wellsupported main lineages: H. auroguttatus, Hypostomus cochliodon, H. hemiurus, H. nematopterus, and H. plecostomus super-groups. Hypostomus with about 140 species (Zawadzki et al., 2019), is the most species-rich genus of this group and it is one of the largest genera in the Neotropical region. Species of Hypostomus occur almost everywhere in tropical East Andean and southern temperate regions of South America colonizing nearly any aquatic habitat, although preferring running waters (Montoya-Burgos, 2003). * Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Departamento de Biologia. Núcleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura (Nupélia), Av. Colombo – 5790, Bl. G90 – s. 18B, 87020-900, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected] (corresponding author) ** Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso. Departamento de Biologia e Zoologia. Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa – 2367, Bairro Boa Esperança, 78060-900, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters – ISSN 0936-9902 (print) © 2022 by Verlag Dr. Friedrich Pfeil, München, Germany www.pfeil-verlag.de

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Aetomylaeus wafickii • Resolution of the Aetomylaeus nichofii Species Complex (Myliobatiformes: Myliobatidae), with the Description of A New Eagle Ray Species from the northwest Indian Ocean and A Key to the Genus Aetomylaeus

Aetomylaeus wafickii
Jabado, Ebert & Al Dhaheri, 2022

Wafic’s Eagle Ray | لخمت وفيق || DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01234-4

Abstract
In recent years, the eagle ray family Myliobatidae has undergone major taxonomic revisions due to molecular and morphological findings. A new species of eagle ray, Aetomylaeus wafickii sp. nov., is described based on specimens collected from the Arabian Gulf, Northwest Indian Ocean. The new species externally most closely resembles A. caeruleofasciatus White, Last, & Baje, 2015 in White et al. 2016 and A. nichofii (Bloch & Schneider, 1801). It can be distinguished from these species by a combination of morphological and meristic characteristics including a higher number of transverse pale bluish to light grey bands on its dorsal surface (8–10 in Aetomylaeus wafickii sp. nov. vs 5–8 in A. caeruleofasciatus and A. nichofii), a higher number of tooth plate rows (13–15 vs 7), a shorter upper tooth plate width (3.1–4.3 vs 4.6–7.5%DW), and a shorter tail ((0.9–1.6) vs (1.4–1.8)) times disc width. Pelvic fin radial counts separate the new species from A. nichofii for males (14–16 vs 16–19) and females (16–19 vs 20–21). Geographically, it occurs from the southern Red Sea, eastwards to the Arabian Sea, and south to Sri Lanka, including in the Arabian Gulf. It appears to be frequently caught as bycatch in gillnets due to its habit of schooling, and is considered particularly susceptible to impacts from regional fisheries. Morphological and meristic findings complement prior molecular evidence documenting three species within the A. nichofii complex. A key to the genus Aetomylaeus is provided for the first time.

Keywords: Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranch, Batoid, United Arab Emirates, Arabian Gulf, New species

Aetomylaeus wafickii, sp. nov.
Wafic’s Eagle Ray
(Arabic name: Lukhmat Wafic – لخمت وفيق).

Etymology: The new species is named after Wafic Jabado, father of author Rima Jabado in recognition of his support for her work and the occasion of his 73rd birthday. The proposed common name is Wafic’s Eagle Ray.

Rima W. Jabado, David A. Ebert and Shaikha S. Al Dhaheri. 2022. Resolution of the Aetomylaeus nichofii Species Complex, with the Description of A New Eagle Ray Species from the northwest Indian Ocean and A Key to the Genus Aetomylaeus (Myliobatiformes: Myliobatidae). Marine Biodiversity. 52; 15. DOI: 10.1007/s12526-021-01234-4
Researchgate.net/publication/358537943_Resolution_of_the_Aetomylaeus_nichofii_species_complex
https://dubaigazette.com/ead-2/

The genus Pseudohemiodon (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) in Ecuador, with the description of a new species

PISCESAMAZON RIVERBIODIVERSITYCATFISHESFRESHWATER FISHESSOUTH AMERICATAXONOMYSYSTEMATIC

PDF(6M)

AbstractAt the Fish Collection of the Museo de la Escuela Politecnica Nacional (MEPN), Quito, the specimens of the genus Pseudohemiodon were revised and three species were identified. The three species inhabit the Amazon versant of Ecuador. Chronologically the species are: P. lamina (Günther 1868) originally described from Xeberos (Jeberos), Peru; P. apithanos Isbrücker & Nijssen 1978, originally described from the Conejo River, Putumayo River system, Ecuador, and a new species described herein. The new species was caught in the Aguarico River, Napo River system, and is represented by two small sized specimens. It is distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following characters: abdomen totally covered with small to medium-sized, irregularly shaped plates; absence of small plates, anterior to gill openings; eyes relatively small, and six to seven dark transverse bands, posterior to the dorsal-fin. Isbrücker & Nijssen (1978) indicate the presence of P. laticeps (Regan 1904) in Ecuador; however we didn’t find any specimen of this species. The specimens that could potentially be identified as P. laticeps are large sized specimens of P. apithanos. Some external morphological characters, morphometric and meristic data of analyzed specimens of P. apithanos and P. lamina are provided.

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Glyptothorax yuensis, a new species of sisorid catfish (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Myanmar

PISCESSILURIFORMESGLYPTOTHORAXNEW SPECIESCHINDWIN-IRRAWADDYMYANMAR

PDF(8M)

AbstractGlyptothorax yuensis, new species, is described from the Yu River, Sagaing division, Myanmar. It is characteristic in having a shallow adipose fin acutely incised at the posterior extremity of its base with an elongated pointed tip, adipose-fin base length 7.6–10.0 % SL; short nasal barbel, not extending to anterior margin of orbit; thoracic adhesive apparatus present with a conical-shaped median depression opening caudally, its length 11.7–13.0% SL and width 8.2–10.1% SL, anteromedial striae present; deep caudal peduncle, its depth 9.4–11.0 % SL; and two thin yellowish stripes on the body. A key to the species of the genus of Chindwin drainage is provided.

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Jiang, W., Ng, H.H., Yang, J. & Chen, X. (2011) Monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of the catfish genus Glyptothorax (Teleostei: Sisoridae) inferred from nuclear and mitochondrial gene sequences. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 61, 278–289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2011.06.018
Jiang, W., Ng, H.H., Yang, J. & Chen, X. (2012) A taxonomic review of the catfish identified as Glyptothorax zanaensis (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Sisoridae), with the descriptions of two new species. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 165, 363–389. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2011.00811.x
Kosygin, L., Singh, P. & Gurumayum, S.D. (2020) Glyptothorax giudikyensis, a new species of catfish (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Manipur, India. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, IEF-1136/, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.23788/IEF-1136
Lalramliana & Vanlalhriata, R. (2010) First record of sisorid catfish Glyptothorax indicus Talwar, 1991 (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Mizoram, India. Science Vision, 10 (4), 137–142.
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Ng, H.H., Jiang, W.S. & Chen, X.Y. (2012) Glyptothorax lanceatus, a new species of sisorid catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes) from southwestern China. Zootaxa, 3250 (1), 54–62. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3250.1.4
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More on the new Haplochromis species from Lake Edward

Haplochromis aquila, H. kimondo, H. rex, H. simba, etc. • From A Pair to A Dozen: The Piscivorous Species of Haplochromis (Cichlidae) from the Lake Edward System

Haplochromis rex, H. aquila,
Haplochromis simba, H. kimondo,
Haplochromis glaucus, H. falcatus,
Vranken, Van Steenberge, Heylen, Decru & Snoeks, 2022

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.815.1749
twitter.com/Phinnochromis

ABSTRACT
Piscivory is a common trophic niche among cichlids of the East African Great Lakes, including Lakes Edward and George. From these two lakes, we examined the taxonomic diversity of cichlid species with a piscivorous morphology. Prior to this study, two piscivorous species were formally described, Haplochromis squamipinnis and H. mentatus. We redescribe both species and describe an additional ten new species of Haplochromis with a piscivorous morphology: H. latifrons sp. nov., H. rex sp. nov., H. simba sp. nov., H. glaucus sp. nov., H. aquila sp. nov., H. kimondo sp. nov., H. falcatus sp. nov., H. curvidens sp. nov., H. pardus sp. nov., and H. quasimodo sp. nov. All twelve species differ in dominant male colour pattern (unknown for H. latifrons sp. nov. and H. curvidens sp. nov.) and morphological traits. The species can be divided into two morphological groups: the macrodontic piscivores and the microdontic piscivores. This division potentially reflects an ecological differentiation in habitat use, hunting technique, prey species, and prey size. We conclude that some 12–20% of the species from the cichlid assemblage of Lake Edward have a piscivorous morphology.

Keywords: Adaptive radiation, haplochromines, Harpagochromis, Prognathochromis, new species

Phylum Chordata Haeckel, 1874
Class Actinopterygii Klein, 1885
Order Cichliformes Betancur-R et al., 2013

Family Cichlidae Bonaparte, 1840
Subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae Fowler, 1934
Tribe Haplochromini Poll, 1986

Genus Haplochromis Hilgendorf, 1888
Haplochromis Hilgendorf, 1888: 76
(as a subgenus of Chromis Cuvier, 1814).

Haplochromis mentatus Regan, 1925

Etymology: Specific name not explained in original description, probably derived from the Latin ‘mentum’ for ‘chin’; probably referring to the protruding lower jaw (i.e., projecting lower jaw sensu Regan 1925).

Haplochromis squamipinnis Regan, 1921

Etymology: Specific name not explained in original description, from the Latin ‘squamus’ for ‘scale’, and ‘pinnis’ for ‘fin’; probably referring to minute scales on basal parts of dorsal and anal fins.

Haplochromis latifrons sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific name from Latin ‘latus’ for ‘wide’ and ‘frons’ for ‘forehead’; referring to very broad interorbital area for a piscivorous species.

Haplochromis rex sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific name from the Latin ‘rex’ for ‘king’ (one that holds a preeminent position); referring to very small eyes, deep cheeks, and strong jaws set with large and acute teeth indicating this piscivore has most specialised morphology among all piscivores from the Lake Edward system to hunt on large prey (Barel et al. 1977).

Haplochromis simba sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific name from Swahili ‘simba’ for ‘lion’; referring to yellow body, orange cheeks that resemble manes, and predatory morphology.

Haplochromis glaucus sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific name from the Latin ‘glaucus’ for ‘greyish blue’; referring to grey and light-blue colour pattern of all adult specimens.

Haplochromis aquila sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific name from the Latin ‘aquila’ for ‘eagle’; referring to predatory morphology and large eyes.

Haplochromis kimondo sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific name from the Swahili ‘kimondo’ for ‘meteor’; referring to blunt head, pyriform body with mid-lateral band, and yellow colouration of ventral part of body.

Haplochromis falcatus sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific name from the Latin ‘falcatus’ for ‘sickle-shaped’; referring to acutely pointed sickle-like outer oral teeth.

Haplochromis rex sp. nov. a. c–d. Photographs of freshly caught specimens. c. Holotype, a dominant male. d. A female (RMCA 2017.006.P.0355; 135.7 mm SL) to illustrate the live colour patterns.
Haplochromis simba sp. nov. c–d. Photographs of freshly caught specimens. c. Dominant male (RMCA 2016.035.P.0224; 97.9 mm SL). d. Female (RMCA 2018.008.P.0348; 109.0 mm SL) to illustrate the live colour patterns.
Haplochromis glaucus sp. nov. c–d. Photographs of freshly caught specimens. c. Dominant male, the holotype. d. Female (RMCA 2019.002.P.0017; 102.1 mm SL) to illustrate the live colour patterns.

Haplochromis aquila sp. nov. c–d. Photographs of freshly caught specimens. c. Dominant male, the holotype. d. Female (RMCA 2018.008.P.0352; 108.7 mm SL) to illustrate the live colour patterns.
Haplochromis kimondo sp. nov. c–d. Photographs of freshly caught specimens. c. Holotype, a dominant male. d. Female (RMCA 2018.008.P.0364; 128.1 mm SL) to illustrate the live colour patterns.
Haplochromis falcatus sp. nov. c–d. Photographs of freshly caught specimens. c. Dominant male (RMCA 2017.006.P.0416; 119.1 mm SL). d. Female (RMCA 2016.035.P.0257; 112.8 mm SL) to illustrate the live colour patterns.

Haplochromis curvidens sp. nov. c–d. Photographs of freshly caught specimens. c. Holotype, an adult male. d. Female (RMCA 2018.008.P.0340); 90.2 mm SL) to illustrate the live colour patterns.
Haplochromis quasimodo sp. nov. c–d. Photographs of freshly caught specimens. c. Dominant male (RMCA 2018.008.P(HP3072); 123.7 mm SL). d. Female (RMCA 2018.008.P(HP3064); 116.6 mm SL) to illustrate the live colour patterns.
Haplochromis squamipinnis Regan, 1921. c–d. Photographs of freshly caught specimens. c. Dominant male (RMCA 2016.035.P.0250; 169.7 mm SL). d. Female (RMCA 2016.035.P(HP823); 129.6 mm SL) to illustrate the live colour patterns.
The contrast was slightly enhanced.

Haplochromis curvidens sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific name from the Latin ‘curvus’ for ‘curvature’, and ‘dentatus’ for ‘tooth’; referring to strongly recurved oral teeth.

Haplochromis pardus sp. nov.

EtymologySpecific name from the Latin ‘pardus’ for ‘leopard’; referring to nearly uniform black to yellow-pink flanks with clear black blotches, i.e., interrupted horizontal and vertical stripes.

Haplochromis quasimodo sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific name from Quasimodo, hunchbacked character in Victor Hugo’s novel ‘Notre-Dame de Paris’ (1831); referring to rather shallow head and deep and rhomboid bodies of large specimens.

Nathan Vranken, Maarten Van Steenberge, Annelies Heylen, Eva Decru and Jos Snoeks. 2022. From A Pair to A Dozen: The Piscivorous Species of Haplochromis (Cichlidae) from the Lake Edward System. European Journal of Taxonomy. 815(1), 1-94. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2022.815.1749
  twitter.com/Phinnochromis/status/1517159969623207945

==========================

From a pair to a dozen: the piscivorous species of Haplochromis (Cichlidae) from the Lake Edward systemABSTRACTPiscivory is a common trophic niche among cichlids of the East African Great Lakes, including Lakes Edward and George. From these two lakes, we examined the taxonomic diversity of cichlid species with a piscivorous morphology. Prior to this study, two piscivorous species were formally described, Haplochromis squamipinnis and H. mentatus. We redescribe both species and describe an additional ten new species of Haplochromis with a piscivorous morphology: H. latifrons sp. nov., H. rex sp. nov., H. simba sp. nov., H. glaucus sp. nov., H. aquila sp. nov., H. kimondo sp. nov., H. falcatus sp. nov., H. curvidens sp. nov., H. pardus sp. nov., and H. quasimodo sp. nov. All twelve species differ in dominant male colour pattern (unknown for H. latifrons sp. nov. and H. curvidens sp. nov.) and morphological traits. The species can be divided into two morphological groups: the macrodontic piscivores and the microdontic piscivores. This division potentially reflects an ecological differentiation in habitat use, hunting technique, prey species, and prey size. We conclude that some 12–20% of the species from the cichlid assemblage of Lake Edward have a piscivorous morphology.

Full paper as a PDF at:- europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/view/1749/6615

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Astyanax varii • A New Species of Astyanax (Characiformes: Characidae) from the rio de Contas basin, Bahia, Brazil

Astyanax varii
Zanata, Burger, Vita & Camelier, 2019

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-20190061

ABSTRACT
A new species of Astyanax from tributaries of the rio de Contas, Bahia, Brazil, is described. The new species differs from congeners by having three horizontal series of scales from lateral line to pelvic-fin origin and the distal margin of third infraorbital distinctly separated from vertical and horizontal limbs of preopercle, leaving a broad area not covered by superficial bones. The new species further differs from most congeners by the presence of bony hooks on all fins of mature males. Particularly from congeners occurring in rivers of the Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion, it further differs by having the highest body depth just anterior to the dorsal-fin origin, 34-37 pored lateral line scales, a vertically elongated conspicuous dark humeral blotch reaching below the lateral line and a conspicuous dark wide midlateral stripe extending from the clear area on the rear of the humeral blotch to the end of middle caudal-fin rays and forming an inconspicuous blotch on caudal peduncle.

Keywords: Endemism; Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion; Sexual dimorphism; Taxonomy

Astyanax varii, Brazil, Bahia State:
(a) MZUSP 121062, holotype, 41.4 mm SL,Ubaitaba, lower rio de Contas basin, rio Coricó;
(b) live paratype, not catalogued.

Astyanax varii, new species

Astyanax sp. 6.-Camelier, Zanata (2014):686, tab. 1 [listed; species from the Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion].
Astyanax sp.-Barreto et al. (2018): 1158 [citation; co-occurence with Nematocharax varii].

Diagnosis. Astyanax varii can be distinguished from most congeners, except A. brachypterygium Bertaco & Malabarba, A. brucutu, A. cremnobates Bertaco & Malabarba, A. epiagos, A. eremus Ingenito & Duboc, A. gymnogenys Eigenmann, A. rupestris Zanata, Burger & Camelier, A. taeniatus (Jenyns), A. totae Haluch & Abilhoa, and A. varzeae Abilhoa & Duboc, by having the distal margin of third infraorbital distinctly separated from vertical and horizontal limbs of preopercle (Fig. 2), leaving a broad area without superficial bones (vs. margins of the third infraorbital close to the limbs of preopercle, with narrow or no space between the two bones). The new species differs from the aforementioned species by having three horizontal series of scales from the lateral line to the pelvic-fin origin (vs. four or more series of scales) and by having small bony hooks on all fins of mature males (vs. bony hooks absent or not present on all fins of mature males). Astyanax varii also differs from the species listed above by having highest body depth approximately at vertical through dorsal-fin origin (vs. body deepest on a vertical through middle or posterior portion of pectoral fin in A. brachypterygium, A. cremnobates, A. epiagos, A. eremus, A. gymnogenys, A. rupestris, A. totae, and A. varzeae), five horizontal series of scales from the dorsal-fin origin to the lateral line (vs. six or more in A. brachypterygium, A. brucutu, A. cremnobates, A. eremus, A. rupestris, A. totae, A. taeniatus, and A. varzeae), 14 horizontal scale rows around caudal peduncle (vs. 15 or more in A. brachypterygium, A. eremus, A. gymnogenys, and A. totae), and 34-37 pored lateral line scales (vs. 38 or more in A. eremus, A. gymnogenys, and A. taeniatus).

Etymology. The speciﬁc name varii is in honor to the ichthyologist Richard P. Vari for his friendship, mentoring, and outstanding contribution to the systematic of South American freshwater fishes.

Angela Maria Zanata, Rafael Burger, eorge Vita and Priscila Camelier. 2019. A New Species of Astyanax (Characiformes: Characidae) from the rio de Contas basin, Bahia, Brazil. Neotropical Ichthyology. 17(3) DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-20190061

Vanmanenia marmorata • A New Species of Loach (Teleostei: Gastromyzontidae) from the middle Chang-Jiang Basin in Guizhou Province, south China

Vanmanenia marmorata
Deng & Zhang, 2021

DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.9.e72432

Abstract
Background:
The gastromyzontid genus Vanmanenia was established by Hora in 1932, based on the type species Vanmanenia stenosoma. The genus is a loach group adapted to running waters of streams from southern China, northern Vietnam and Laos. Currently, 19 valid species of the genus have been recognised. The northernmost distribution of the genus is the Yangtze River (= Chang-Jiang in Chinese) Basin and five species (V. maculata, V. intermedia, V. stenosoma, V. pseudostriata and V. gymnetrus) have been reported from the Basin.
New information:
Vanmanenia marmorata, a new hillstream species of loach, is here described from the middle Chang-Jiang Basin in Guizhou Province, south China. It is distinguished from its congeners by having a combination of the following characters: three triangular-shaped rostral lobules; postdorsal saddles wider than interspaces; a more backwards-placed anus (the vent to anal distance 30.5–36.9% of the pelvic to anal distance); a larger gill opening with its upper extremity reaching the level of the middle of the orbit; anal-fin base length 5.6–6.4% of SL; caudal-peduncle length 11.6–12.9% of SL; prepelvic length 51.1–53.4% of SL. Its validity is also affirmed by its distinct cyt b gene sequence divergence with all sampled congeners and its monophyly recovered in a cyt b gene-based phylogenetic analysis.

Keywords: freshwater fish, new taxon, morphology, cyt b gene, phylogenetic analysis

Vanmanenia marmorata, IHB2017060069, holotype, 68.8 mm SL;
Guizhou Province: Jiangkou County.
Lateral (a),dorsal (b) and ventral(c) views of body.

Vanmanenia marmorata Deng & Zhang 2021, sp. n.

Diagnosis: Vanmanenia marmorata resembles the four species (V. caldwelli, V. maculata, V. intermedia and V. stenosoma) in having three triangular-shaped rostral lobules whose apical portions are in the barbel-like form, but not modified into secondary rostral barbels. It is distinct from these species in having postdorsal dark black saddles wider (vs. narrower) than their interspaces, further from V. caldwelli in having no longitudinal black stripe extending from the snout tip to the caudal-fin base along the lateral line on flank (vs. present) and a more backwards-placed anus [the vent to anal distance 30.5–36.9% (mean 34.6) vs. 60.0–70.3% (mean 68.5) of the pelvic to anal distance]; from V. maculata in having a dark black vermiculated mark (vs. large brown blotch; see Yi et al. 2014: Page 90, fig. 2) on the submargin of the gill cover and a more backwards-positioned anus [the vent to anal distance 30.5–36.9% (average 34.6) vs. 36.4–48.4% (average 43.0) of the pelvic to anal distance] (see Table 3); and from V. intermedia in having a larger gill opening with its upper extremity reaching the level of the middle of the orbit (vs. smaller, closer to the level of the lower margin of the orbit; see Deng and Zhang 2020 : Page 117: fig. 2), a shorter (vs. longer) anal-fin base [length 5.6–6.4 (mean 6.0) vs. 7.5–9.5 (mean 8.3) % of SL) and a longer (vs. shorter) caudal peduncle [length 11.6–12.9 (average 12.0) vs. 8.4–11.1 (average 9.9) % of SL]; and from V. stenosoma in having a longer (vs. shorter) caudal peduncle [length 11.6–12.9 (mean 12.0) vs. 9.0–11.1 (mean 10.0) % of SL] and a more forwards-positioned pelvic fin [prepelvic length 51.1–53.4 (mean 51.7) vs. 54.7–59.2 (mean 57.2) % SL].

Etymology: The specific epithet is from the Latin word marmor referring to the unique body colouration of irregular marbled markings.

Distribution: This new species is presently known from the upper reaches of the Chen-Shui, a stream tributary to the Yuan-Jiang of the Dongting Lake system in the middle Chang-Jiang Basin, at Jiangkou County, Guizhou Province, south China (Fig. 3). It inhabits fast-flowing waters with a gravelly and pebbly substrate (Fig. 4). Co-existing species are Discogobio yunnanensis (Regan, 1907), Onychostoma barbatum (Lin, 1931) and Rhinogobius cliffordpopei (Nichols, 1925).

Shuqing Deng and E. Zhang. 2021. Vanmanenia marmorata, A New Species of Loach (Teleostei: Gastromyzontidae) from the middle Chang-Jiang Basin in Guizhou Province, south China. Biodiversity Data Journal. 9: e72432. DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.9.e72432

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Revalidation of the Genus Ichthyocoris Bonaparte, 1840 (Blenniiformes: Blenniidae)

(A) Ichthyocoris atlantica, Morocco, Ouerrha River;
(B) I. economidisi, Greece, Lake Trichonis;
(C) I. fluviatilis, Spain, Jerea River (Ebro drainage).

in Duquenne-Delobel, Doadrio & Denys, 2022.
DOI: 10.3897/aiep.52.79458
(photos: I. Doadrio & R. Covain)

Abstract
Combtooth blennies belonging to the genus Salaria were known to have marine and freshwater species. However, recent molecular studies highlighted this genus as paraphyletic, clearly distinguishing both marine and freshwater species. In this paper, we revalidate the genus Ichthyocoris, which corresponds to the freshwater species: Ichthyocoris atlantica (Doadrio, Perea et Yahyaoui, 2011), new combination, Ichthyocoris economidisi (Kottelat, 2004), new combination, and Ichthyocoris fluviatilis (Asso y del Rio, 1801), new combination. It is distinguishable by the presence of brownish bars on the flanks not contrasted with black dots conferring a marble coat, a dorsal fin slightly notched between spined and soft rays (except for I. atlantica), 16–18 dorsal-fin soft rays, 16–20 anal-fin soft rays, 34–38 vertebrae, 8–9 circumorbital pores, 8–11 preopercular pores, and 3 supratemporal pores. The genus Salaria corresponds to the marine species Salaria basilisca (Valenciennes, 1836) and Salaria pavo (Risso, 1810).

Keywords: combtooth blennies, generic concept, integrative taxonomy, Salaria

Lateral view of Ichthyocoris spp.:
I. atlantica, MNCN 280135, 61 mm SL, Morocco, Ouerrha River (Sebou drainage) at Ouazzane
(A; photo credits: I. Doadrio);
I. economidisi, MHNG 2641.89, holotype, 60.8 mm SL, Greece, Lake Trichonis east of Panetolio
(B; photo credits: R. Covain);
I. fluviatilis, 89 mm SL, Spain, Jerea River (Ebro drainage) at Virués
(C; photo credits: I. Doadrio).

Family Blenniidae

Ichthyocoris Bonaparte, 1840
Type species: Salarias varus Risso, 1827.

Synonyms: Salariopsis Vecchioni, Ching, Marrone, Arculeo, Hundt et Simons, 2022

Included species:
Three species:
Ichthyocoris atlantica (Doadrio, Perea et Yahyaoui, 2011), new combination;
Ichthyocoris economidisi (Kottelat, 2004), new combination;
Ichthyocoris fluviatilis (Asso y del Rio, 1801), new combination.

Diagnosis: Ichthyocoris is distinguishable from Salaria by the presence of brownish bars on the flanks not contrasted with black dots conferring a marble coat (Fig. 1) (vs. brownish bars on the flanks very contrasted with blue stripes and dots conferring a marbled coat; Fig. 2); dorsal-fin slightly notched between spined and soft rays (Fig. 1) except for I. atlantica (vs. not notched; Fig. 2); 16–18 dorsal-fin soft rays (vs. 21–27); 16–20 anal-fin soft rays (vs. 20–28); 34–38 vertebrae (vs. 38–44); 8–9 circumorbital pores (vs. 6–7); 8–11 preopercular pores (vs. 6–8); 3 supratemporal pores (vs. 2) (Table 1).

Distribution: Ichthyocoris is present in drainages of the Mediterranean basin, in catchments of the Atlantic coast in Morocco and Spain as well as in the Black Sea.

Emma Duquenne-Delobel, Ignacio Doadrio and Gaël P. J. Denys. 2022. Revalidation of the Genus Ichthyocoris Bonaparte, 1840 (Actinopterygii: Blenniiformes: Blenniidae). Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria. 52(1): 35-41. DOI: 10.3897/aiep.52.79458

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Guigarra cailaoensis sp. nov., a new genus and species of Labeoninae, was collected from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. It differs from all other genera within Labeoninae by a unique combination of the following characters: (1) rostral cap smooth with posterior margin slightly serrated; (2) upper lip well developed and covering most of upper jaw; (3) gular disc present with crescentic torus, not forming horseshoe shape; (4) boundaries of torus, labrum, and pulvinus on gular disc inconspicuous; (5) posterior edge of labrum free, without notch. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of three gene datasets indicated that the new genus formed a monophyletic clade and was closely related to Discogobio and Discocheilus. Both morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses indicated that Guigarra cailaoensis sp. nov. differs from all known labeonin genera and is thus described here as a new genus and species.
Labeoninae is one of the most diverse subfamilies of Cyprinidae, comprising about 40 genera and 400 species, widely distributed from Asia to Africa (Yao et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2000). Most fish in this subfamily are specifically adapted to fast-flowing freshwater (Zhang et al., 2000), and therefore present highly divergent oromandibular structures, which are important for genus identification (Zhang et al., 2000; Zheng et al., 2012). To better understand its phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status, various studies on Labeoninae morphology and molecular phylogeny have been conducted, verifying its monophyly (Chen et al., 1984; Stiassny & Getahun, 2007; Tang et al., 2009; Yang & Mayden, 2010; Yang et al., 2012, Zheng et al., 2010; 2012; 2016). The phylogenetic relationships have been further clarified with increasing species sampled, Yang et al. (2012) dividing Labeoninae into four major clades. Subsequent studies on character evolution of Labeoninae based on molecular phylogeny have indicated that the oromandibular structures evolved in parallel several times (Zheng et al., 2012). As shown from molecular phylogeny, although morphological characters, especially oromandibular structures, cannot reflect genetic relationships, they can distinguish genera and species. (Zheng et al., 2012, 2016).
In the past few years, new freshwater fish species have been consistently described from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China, such as Lanlabeo duanensis (Yao et al., 2018). Recently, new specimens of Labeoninae with unique morphological characters were collected in this area. Both morphology and molecular phylogeny indicated that these specimens represented an undescribed genus and species, named Guigarra cailaoensis sp. nov., which is described herein.
Further details are provided in the Supplementary Materials and Methods. Counts and measurements followed Kottelat (2001), with some adjustments. Three genes (COI, cyt b, and Rag 1) were used to construct the phylogenetic tree in this study.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5128.1.2
PUBLISHED: 2022-04-19
Lacustricola margaritatus, a new species of lampeye from the Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga basins in eastern Africa (Cyprinodontiformes: Procatopodidae)

PISCESKENYA'LACUSTRICOLA' CENTRALISLACUSTRICOLA PUMILUSLAKE VICTORIA ECOREGIONTANZANIATAXONOMYUGANDA

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AbstractLacustricola margaritatus, a new species inhabiting small streams and swamps in the Lake Victoria basin in north-western Tanzania and southern Uganda, and the Lake Kyoga basin in central Uganda, is described. Lacustricola margaritatus is a small species with a moderately deep body, moderate dimorphism and pronounced dichromatism. It is distinguished from all other Procatopodidae by the following unique combination of characters: live male body colour pattern with vertically-elongated iridescent light blue patches at scale centres, forming a striped appearance of dotted longitudinal lines on the flanks, particularly evident in the two or three series below the mid-longitudinal line; male having deeply coloured unpaired fins with orange-brown in the proximal and median parts and a narrow black distal band; male with a yellow base along the pectoral fin; female with dark grey scale margins and dark grey patches on scales along mid-longitudinal series creating a narrow dark grey stripe; both sexes showing inconspicuous postopercular blotch; and in both sexes, the cephalic sensory system is entirely situated in open grooves at all levels. The new species has previously often been misidentified as L. pumilus, originally described as inhabiting the Lake Tanganyika basin in north-eastern Zambia, or 'L.' centralis, from the Lake Rukwa basin in south-western Tanzania. Lacustricola margaritatus differs from the above two species by morphometric and meristic characters, body and fin colouration, and in arrangement of the cephalic sensory system.

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Percina freemanorum • A New Species of Bridled Darter (Percidae: Etheostomatinae: Percina) Endemic to the Etowah River System in Georgia

Percina freemanorum Near & Dinkins,

in Near, MacGuigan, Boring, Simmons, ... et Dinkins, 2021
Etowah Bridled Darter || DOI: 10.3374/014.062.0102

Abstract
Percina freemanorum, the Etowah Bridled Darter, is described as a new species endemic to the Etowah River system in Georgia, specifically in Long Swamp Creek, Amicalola Creek, and the upper portion of the Etowah River. The earliest collection records for Percina freemanorum date to 1948 and in 2007 the species was delimited as populations of Percina kusha. Our investigation into the systematics of Percina kusha is motivated by the uncertain status of populations in the Coosawattee River system and observed morphological disparity in several meristic traits between populations in the Conasauga and Etowah River systems. Our analyses of morphological divergence, nuclear genotypes, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype networks confirm the distinctiveness of Percina freemanorum. Morphologically, Percina freemanorum is distinguished from Percina kusha through lower average numbers of lateral line scales (65.4 vs. 72.3); rows of transverse scales (18.0 vs. 21.4); scales around the caudal peduncle (22.1 vs. 24.9); and modally more pectoral fin rays (14 vs. 13). The two species are not reciprocally monophyletic in phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA sequences, but the two species do not share mtDNA haplotypes. Analysis of up to 158,000 double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing loci resolve each of the two species as reciprocally monophyletic and genomic clustering analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms identifies two genetic clusters that correspond to the morphologically delimited Percina freemanorum and Percina kusha.

KEYWORDS: Teleostei, species delimitation, ddRAD, phylogeography

Live holotype and allotype specimens of Percina freemanorum. Both specimens collected from Amicalola Creek, Dawson County, Georgia, USA, April 2020.
A. holotype, YPM ICH 034382, 68.0 mm standard length (SL) male.
B. allotype, YPM ICH 034383, 65.5 mm SL female.
Photographs by Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Percina freemanorum Near & Dinkins
Etowah Bridled Darter

Percina freemanorum type locality: Dawson County, Georgia, USA.
A. Amicalola Creek; B. Underwater, Amicalola Creek.
Photographs by Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Etymology. Percina freemanorum is named in honor of Mary C. Freeman and Byron (Bud) J. Freeman, who have made substantial contributions to the study of freshwater fishes in the southeastern United States. In particular, their work has shed light on and significantly aided in the conservation ofthe biodiverse rich Etowah Riversystem.

Thomas J. Near, Daniel J. MacGuigan, Emily L. Boring, Jeffrey W. Simmons, Brett Albanese, Benjamin P. Keck, Richard C. Harrington and Gerald R. Dinkins. 2021. A New Species of Bridled Darter Endemic to the Etowah River System in Georgia (Percidae: Etheostomatinae: Percina). Bulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History. 62(1); 15-42. DOI: 10.3374/014.062.0102
https://news.uga.edu/new-fish-species-named-for-uga-ecologists/
https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/78/2021/04/Near_et_al2021.pdf
Researchgate.net/publication/350558911_A_New_Species_of_Percina_Endemic_to_the_Etowah_River_System_in_Georgia

Review of the armoured catfish genus Hypostomus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Parnaíba River basin, Northeastern Brazil, with description of a new species

Silvia Yasmin Lustosa-CostaTelton Pedro Anselmo RamosCláudio Henrique ZawadzkiSergio Maia Queiroz LimaABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractThe species of Hypostomus from the Parnaíba River basin were reviewed through molecular and morphological analysis. Five species were found in the basin, including a new species herein described. The distribution of H. pusarum was expanded to this basin, and a closely related species was recorded (H. aff. pusarum), also the presence of H. johnii and H. vaillanti was confirmed. The new species is distinguished from most congeners by its large number of premaxillary and dentary teeth, a wide dental angle of 115° to 135°, presence of a rounded dark spots on a lighter background and anteromedial region of the abdomen depleted of plaques (vs. anteromedial region of the abdomen covered by platelets and odontodes in H. johnii, H. pusarum, H. aff. pusarum and H. vaillanti). Furthermore, an identification key of the species from the Maranhão-Piauí ecoregion and maps with the geographic distribution of these species are presented. The species of Hypostomus in the Parnaíba River basin have different geographic distributions, suggesting different niches or geographical barriers, providing an opportunity for ecological and evolutionary studies.

www.scielo.br/j/ni/a/8QdZZxdjvMLzT5ctZW7SKyz/

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Congochromis rotundiceps sp. nov., a new cichlid species (Actinopterygii: Cichlidae) from the Congo Drainage

PISCESCONGOCHROMISNEW SPECIESCENTRAL CONGO BASINMALEBO POOL

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AbstractA new dwarf cichlid, Congochromis rotundiceps sp. nov., (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) is described from the central Congo basin. It is a species of Congochromis based on the following characters: (1) four pores in the dentary laterosensory canal; (2) absence of a laterosensory canal in the angulo-articular, (3) six pores in the preopercle laterosensory canal; (4) a single tubular infraorbital bone behind the lachrymal; (5) 12 circumpeduncular scales; (6) jaw teeth comparatively robust, unicuspids, not closely spaced; and (7) presence of a small, supraneural bone. Congochromis rotundiceps sp. nov. is distinguished from all other Congochromis species by the combination of the following characters: (1) a larger eye diameter (31.4–35.1% HL), (2) a shorter snout length (29.8–32.7% HL), (3) a shorter upper lip length (29.2–32.0% HL), (4) a shorter lower lip length (26.2–33.6% HL), (5) a shorter lower lip width (27.7–31.2% HL), and (6) a shorter anal-fin length (15.3–16.97% SL). Diagnostic characters were extracted mainly from meristic counts and distance measurements from 326 chromidotilapiine cichlid specimens representing all chromidotilapiine genera and 40 described or undescribed species. The analysis of the complete meristic and distance measurements database allowed the diagnosis of C. rotundiceps sp. nov., but not for diagnostic separation of many other chromidotilapiine genera, species, and lineages. This result highlights the necessity to explore additional characters to elucidate chromidotilapiine cichlid taxonomy further.

References

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Boulenger, G. (1899) Matériaux pour la faune du Congo. Poissons nouveaux du Congo. Troisième Partie. Silures, Acanthoptérygiens, Mastacembles, Plectognathes. Annales du Musee du Congo (Ser. Zoology), (1/3), 39-58, pls. 20–29.
Boulenger, G. (1902) Contributions to the ichthyology of the Congo. II. On a collection of fishes from the Lindi River. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1902, 1 (pt 1), 265–271, pls. 28–30.
Daget, J. (1988) Thysochromis nom. nov. en remplacement de Thysia (Pisces, Cichlidae). Cybium, 12 (1), 97.
Greenwood, P. (1987) The genera of pelmatochromine fishes (Teleostei, Cichlidae). A phylogenetic review. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Zoology, 53, 139–203.
Hammer, Ø., Harper, D. & Ryan, P. (2001) PAST: Paleontological statistics software package for education and data analysis. Palaeontologia Electronica, 4 (1), 1–9.
Kocher, T. (2004) Adaptative evolution and explosive speciation: The cichlid fish model. Nature Reviews Genetics, 5, 288–298. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg1316
Lamboj, A. (1999) Cichlids of the biospere reservation of Dimonika (Mayombe, Congo) with description of two new Chromidotilapia species (Teleostei, Perciformes). Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ichthyologie, 1, 139–156.
Lamboj, A. & Snoeks, J. (2000) Divandu albimarginatus, a new genus and species of cichlid (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from Congo and Gabon, Central Africa. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 11 (4), 355–360.
Lamboj, A. (2003) Chromidotilapia melaniae and C. nana, two new cichlid species (Perciformes, Cichlidae) from Gabon, Central Africa. Zootaxa, 143, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.143.1.1
Lamboj, A. (2001) Revision des Chromidotilapia batesii/finleyi-Komplexes (Teleostei, Perciformes), mit der Beschreibungeiner neuen Gattung und dreier neuer Arten. Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft für Ichthyologie, 2, 11–47.
Lamboj, A. (2005) Nanochromis sabinae, a new cichlid species (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from the Upper Congo River area and northeast Gabon. Zootaxa, 827, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.827.1.1
Lamboj, A. (2009) A new dwarf cichlid genus and species (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from Guinea, West Africa. Zootaxa, 2173, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2173.1.4
Lamboj, A. (2012) A new species of the genus Congochromis (Cichlidae) from the Central Congo Basin. Cybium, 36 (2), 349–3.
Lamboj, A. & Schelly, R. (2006) Nanochromis teugelsi, a new cichlid species (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from the Kasai Region and central Congo basin. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 17 (3), 247–254.
Lamboj, A., Trummer, F. & Metscher, B. (2016) Wallaceochromis gen. nov, a new chromidotilapiine cichlid genus (Pisces: Perciformes) from West Africa. Zootaxa, 4144 (1), 124–130. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4144.1.8
Paulo, I. (1979) Eine neue Chromodotilapia-Art aus dem Bosumbwe-See/Ghana: Chromidotilapia bosumtwensis sp. n. (Pisces, Perciformes, Cichlidae). Deutsche Cichliden Gesellschaft-Info, 10, 167–174.
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Schwarzer, J., Lamboj, A., Langen, K., Misof, B. & Schliewen, U. (2015) Phylogeny and age of chromidotilapiine cichlids (Teleostei: Cichlidae). Hydrobiologia, 748, 185–199. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-014-1918-1
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A New Species with Two New Subspecies of Rhinogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Yaeyama Group, the Ryukyu Islands, Japan

Toshiyuki SUZUKI, Naoharu OSEKO, Yo Y. YAMASAKI, Seishi KIMURA, Koichi SHIBUKAWA
Author information
Keywords: description, fish taxonomy, freshwater resident, Rhinogobius sp. YB
RESEARCH REPORT / TECHNICAL REPORT FREE ACCESS
2022 Volume 2022 Issue 51 Pages 9-34
DOI https://doi.org/10.32225/bkpmnh.2022.51_9
Details
Download PDF (4625K)

AbstractA new freshwater species with two new subspecies of the gobiid fish genus Rhinogobius is described from the Yaeyama Group of the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. One of the subspecies, Rhinogobius aonumai aonumai (29 specimens, 35.9–70.5 mm SL) known only from Iriomote-jima Island, is distinguished from all congeneric species-group taxa (species and subspecies) by having the following combination of features: 9–15 predorsal scales; 32–37 longitudinal scales; 11+15–17=26–28 vertebrae (mode 27); anteriormost two pterygiophores (proximal radials) of the second dorsal fin mounted over the neural spine of 10th vertebra; fifth segmented pelvic-fin ray divided into 3–4 (usually four) branches at the position where proximal-most segment of each branch alignes transversely; yellow-colored body in freshly-collected; no dark spot on first dorsal fin; caudal fin with vertical rows of dark spots or forming dark zigzag bands. The other subspecies, Rhinogobius aonumai ishigakiensis (12 specimens, 33.3–56.5 mm SL) known only from Ishigaki-jima Island, is distinguished from all congeneric species-group taxa by having the following combination of features: 10–14 predorsal scales; 33–38 longitudinal scales; 10+16–18=26–28 vertebrae (mode 27); anteriormost two pterygiophores (proximal radials) of the second dorsal fin mounted over the neural spine of 9th vertebra; fifth segmented pelvicfin ray divided into 2–3 (usually two) branches at the position where the proximal-most segment of each branch alignes transversely; yellow-colored body in freshly-collected; no dark spot on first dorsal fin; caudal fin with dark zigzag bands on the caudal fin.

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A new species of the gudgeon genus Microphysogobio Mori, 1934 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Zhejiang Province, China

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𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑢𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑠𝑜, a new rheophilic cichlid, is described from the Masala Ma Soso Rapids, Léfini River, Central Congo basin. Sadly may already be extinct due to hydroelectric dam construction upstream.

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A new characin species 𝐻𝑦𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑏𝑟𝑦𝑐𝑜𝑛 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎

A link to full paper as a pdf bit.ly/3J9JmaI

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At our upcoming event, we are having a livebearer show consisting of 8 classes with a new novice class. Entries are free. If you are interested in showing, but do not have a show tank, please get in touch as we may have some spare show tanks to loan. We will be posting some tips and advice in our upcoming posts about showing your fish. Please contact Tim Edwards via email at: [email protected] if you would like to enter fish into the show.

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HTMLhttps://www.britishlivebearerassociation.co.uk/site/product/leicester-spring-auction/

Gobiobotia lii • A New Species of Gudgeon (Teleostei, Gobionidae) from the middle Chang-Jiang Basin, central China

Gobiobotia lii
Chen, Wang, Cao & Zhang, 2022

李氏鳅鮀 || DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.80547

Abstract
Gobiobotia lii is described from the Qi-Shui, a stream tributary on the northern bank of the middle Chang-Jiang mainstem in Hubei Province and Lake Dongting in Hunan Province, central China. The new species is distinguished from all other congeneric species by possessing a combination of the following characters: a naked region of the abdomen adjacent to the ventral mid-line extending to the vent and the vertebral count (4+31–32). The validity of G. lii is confirmed by its monophyletic nature recovered in a phylogenetic analysis, based on the cyt b gene and its significant sequence divergence with sampled congeneric species. Critical notes were given on the species recognition of historically documented eight-barbel gudgeons co-existing in Lake Dongting. Gobiobotia nicholsi Bănărescu & Nalbant, 1966 should be a valid species distinct from G. filifer (Garman, 1912) and both G. pappenheimi Kreyenberg, 1911 and G. boulengeri (=Xenophysogobio boulengeri (Tchang, 1929)) have an erroneous record from the Lake.

Key Words: cyt b gene, new taxon, morphology, species identification, taxonomy

Gobiobotia lii, holotype, IHB 202103051401, 48.6 mm SL,
P. R. China: Hubei Province: Qichun County: Xiangqiao Town: Chang-Jiang Basin, Qi-Shui.
photographed alive immediately upon capture.

 Gobiobotia lii sp. nov.
Gobiobotia pappenheimi Chen & Cao, 1977: 556 (Lake Dongting), Synonym

Diagnosis: Gobiobotia lii is distinct from all other congeneric species, except G. brevirostris Chen & Cao, 1977, G. homalopteroidea Rendahl, 1933, G. jiangxiensis Zhang & Liu, 1995 and G. pappenheimi Kreyenberg, 1911, in having a naked region of the abdomen adjacent to the ventral mid-line extending to or beyond the vent (vs. to or away from the pelvic-fin base) (Figs 2c, 3). It differs from these four species in having 4+31–32 (vs. 4+33–37) vertebrae. The new species shares with G. homalopteroidea and G. pappenheimi the presence of smaller eyes (diameter less than the interorbital width), maxillary barbels longer than the eye diameter and the third pair of longer mental barbels extending to the pectoral-fin insertion, these three characters separating them from G. brevirostris and G. jiangxiensis. The new species further differs from G. homalopteroidea in possessing a smaller (vs. larger) naked region of the abdomen adjacent to the ventral mid-line extending to the anus (vs. to the anal-fin origin) and the eye diameter 20.0–25.8% of HL (vs. 10.8–13.9%); and from G. pappenheimi in having pectoral fins extending away from (vs. beyond) the pelvic-fin insertion, the second branched pectoral-fin ray not prolonged (vs. prolonged) and a longer (vs. shorter) snout than the post-orbital length.

Etymology: The specific epithet is named after Shi-Zhen Li, a native of Qichun County where the holotype and partial paratypes were caught. Li was a well-known medical scientist in the Ming Dynasty, who compiled “Compendium of Materia Medica” (‘本草纲目’ in Chinese) - one of the most valuable pieces of literature of traditional Chinese medicine. He had a typical image as an old man with a long white dense beard, just like the eight-barbel gudgeon. The common Chinese name ‘李氏鳅鮀’ in here proposed for Gobiobotia lii.

Xiao Chen, Man Wang, Liang Cao and E. Zhang. 2022. Gobiobotia lii, A New Species of Gudgeon (Teleostei, Gobionidae) from the middle Chang-Jiang Basin, central China, with Notes on the Validity of G. nicholsi Bănărescu & Nalbant, 1966. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 98(1): 93-107. DOI: 10.3897/zse.98.80547

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Stunning new Pencil Fish

Aqua Journey Documents Nannostomus sp. ‘Super Red Cenepa’ in Hong Kong

www.reef2rainforest.com/2022/03/31/aqua-journey-documents-nannostomus-sp-super-red-cenepa-in-hong-kong/

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The pelvic-brooding ricefish Oryzias eversi – hardly known and already lost?

more at:- sulawesikeepers.org/the-pelvic-brooding-ricefish.../

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Mystus irulu, a new species of bagrid catfish from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India (Teleostei: Bagridae)

PISCESSILURIFORMESBAGRIDAEWESTERN GHATSNETRAVATHI RIVERKARNATAKA

PDF(3M)

AbstractMystus irulu, new species, is described from the Netravathi River system from the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It differs all South Asian congeners in having a uniformly black colour pattern, a long-based adipose fin reaching the base of the last dorsal-fin ray anteriorly, dorsal fin with convex dorsoposterior margin, and the following combination of characters: body depth at anus 19.9–22.3 % SL, dorsal-fin spine length 17.5–18.7 % SL, adipose-fin base 34.2–38.4 % SL, caudal peduncle depth 10.6–11.9 % SL and eye diameter 27.2–37.1 % HL.

References

Blyth, E. (1860) Report on some fishes received chiefly from the Sitang River and its tributary streams, Tenasserim Provinces. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, 29, 138–174.
Chakrabarty, P. & Ng, H.H. (2005) The identity of catfishes identified as Mystus cavasius (Hamilton, 1822) (Teleostei: Bagridae), with a description of a new species from Myanmar. Zootaxa, 1093 (1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1093.1.1
Darshan, A., Vishwanath, W., Mahanta, P.C. & Barat, A. (2011) Mystus ngasep, a new catfish species (Teleostei:Bagridae) from the headwaters of Chindwin drainage in Manipur, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 3, 2177–2183. https://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o2180.2177-83
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The emerald green tetra: a new restricted-range Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes: Characidae) from the upper rio Juruena, Chapada dos Parecis, Brazil

Fernando Cesar Paiva Dagosta1 , Thomaz Jefrey Seren1, Anderson Ferreira1 and Manoela Maria Ferreira Marinho2
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Abstract

A new species of Hyphessobrycon is described from the rio Mutum, a tributary of the rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Brazil. The new taxon can be distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a well-defined and relatively narrow dark midlateral stripe on body, extending from head to the middle caudal-fin rays, presence of a humeral blotch, distal profile of the anal fin falcate in males, 13–16 branched anal-fin rays (vs. 17–26), and 11 or 12 horizontal scale rows around caudal peduncle. The new species shows polymorphism regarding the presence of the adipose fin, and a discussion on this type of polymorphism across the family and its systematic implications is presented.
Keywords: Adipose fin, Amazon, Hyphessobrycon melanostichos, Tapajós, Taxonomy.

Introduction
Hyphessobrycon Durbin, 1908 is one of the most species-rich genera of the Characidae, currently with more than 160 valid species (Marinho et al., 2016; Carvalho et al., 2017; Pastana et al., 2017; Faria et al., 2020; Fricke et al., 2022). It is distributed from southern Mexico to the rio de La Plata in Argentina, but most species occur in the Cis-Andean region, mainly in the Amazon basin, where it is the second most rich genus (Dagosta, de Pinna, 2019). Besides being diverse in the number of species and in body shape diversity, the group is also plenty in color variation. It ranges from the flame-colored rosy-tetra clade to the elegant Hyphessobrycon loweae-group (sensu Ingenito et al., 2013), with elongate fins, or to the contrasting colored, dark banded species such as the Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus species-group (sensu Faria et al., 2021).
A new species was collected during an expedition to the headwaters of the upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, at Chapada dos Parecis, Brazil. The new species is remarkable in coloration and has been exported by aquarists under the name Hyphessobrycon melanostichos Carvalho & Bertaco, 2006. It ispopularly known as ‘emerald green tetra’. Additional specimens were recognized in the MZUSP collection and examined. The objective of the present work is to describe the new species and to evaluate its conservation status. Because the new taxon is polymorphic regarding the presence of adipose fin, we also discuss the application of this character in the systematic of characids.
Material and methods
Counts and measurements follow Fink, Weitzman (1974), except for not including eye-dorsal fin origin measurement and for number of horizontal scale rows below lateral line, which are counted to the pelvic-fin insertion, not including the small scale at pelvic-fin insertion, and with the addition of head depth, measured at vertical through the base of supraoccipital process. Standard length (SL) is given in millimeters (mm) and all other measurements are expressed as percentage of SL or of head length (HL) for subunits of head. In the description, counts are followed by their frequency of occurrence in parentheses, and an asterisk indicates the counts of the holotype. Number of maxillary tooth cusps, small dentary teeth, supraneurals, branchiostegal rays, gill rakers, vertebrae, unbranched anal-fin rays, and procurrent caudal-fin rays were obtained only from cleared and stained (c&s) specimens prepared according to Taylor, Van Dyke (1985). Vertebrae of the Weberian apparatus are counted as four elements and the compound caudal centra (PU1+U1) as a single element. Circuli and radii counts were taken from scale row immediately above the lateral line. The sex of specimens was confirmed by dissection and direct examination of the gonads. Diet was checked in 20 individuals from the type locality (22.3–35.0 mm SL). In the list of types and comparative material, catalog numbers are followed by the number of specimens in alcohol, their SL range, and if any, the number of c&s specimens and their respective SL range. Institutional abbreviations follow Sabaj (2020).
Results
Hyphessobrycon comodoro, new speciesurn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:2F8D142C-C2D3-4CB2-AD15-D746BB4F90E4
(Figs. 1–2; Tab. 1)
Holotype. MZUSP 125904, 29.6 mm SL. Brazil, Mato Grosso State, Municipality of Comodoro, lagoon at tributary of the rio Mutum, formed due to the construction of a road, tributary of rio Camararé, upper rio Juruena basin, rio Tapajós basin, 13°12’47.6”S 59°54’13.8”W, 567 m a.s.l., 19 Oct 2018, F. Dagosta, A. Ferreira & H. Lenza.
Paratypes. All from Brazil, Mato Grosso State, Municipality of Comodoro, rio Mutum drainage, upper rio Juruena basin. MZUSP 125215, 4 c&s, 211, 16.8–38.6 mm SL, UFPB 12086, 10, 24.0–31.2 mm SL, INPA 59651, 5, 26.2–31.1 mm SL, collected with holotype. MZUSP 115698, 22, 18.2–34.0 mm SL, rio Mutum at the Fazenda Mutum, at the bridge of the road between Comodoro and Vilhena, 13°05’09.2”S 59°53’33.8”W, 502 m a.s.l., 29 Aug 2013, O. Oyakawa, F. Dagosta, M. Marinho & P. Camelier. MZUSP 125217, 63, 13.9–32.1 mm SL, lagoon at tributary of the rio Mutum, formed due to the construction of a road, tributary of rio Camararé, upper rio Juruena basin, rio Tapajós basin, 13°13’23.2”S 59°54’41.8”W, 551 m a.s.l., 19 Oct 2018, F. Dagosta, A. Ferreira & H. Lenza. MZUSP 125221, 136, 14.3–29.7 mm SL, rio Mutum at the bridge of the road BR–364, 13°05’05.3”S 59°53’30.7”W, 504 m a.s.l., 20 Oct 2018, F. Dagosta, A. Ferreira & H. Lenza.
Diagnose. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners, except Hyphessobrycon. cachimbensis Travassos, 1964, H. cyanotaenia Zarske & Géry, 2006, H. fernandezi Fernández-Yépez, 1972, H. melanostichos, H. nigricinctus Zarske & Géry, 2004, H. paucilepis García-Alzate, Román-Valencia & Taphorn, 2008, H. petricolus Ohara, Lima & Barros, 2017, H. piranga Camelier, Dagosta & Marinho, 2018, H. psittacus Dagosta, Marinho, Camelier & Lima, 2016, H. scholzei Ahl, 1937, H. sovichthys Schultz, 1944, H. stegemanni Géry, 1961, H. taphorni García-Alzate, Román-Valencia & Ortega, 2013, H. tuyensis García-Alzate, Román-Valencia & Taphorn, 2008, and H. vilmae Géry, 1966 by the presence of a well-defined and relatively narrow dark midlateral stripe on body, extending from head to the middle caudal-fin rays (vs. well-defined longitudinal stripe absent, or stripe wider than the orbit, or stripe starting approximately vertically through the origin of the dorsal fin or stripe blurred posteriorly). The new species is distinguished from the aforementioned species, except H. cachimbensis, H. cyanotaenia, H. melanostichos, H. nigricinctus, and H. petricolus, by the possession of a humeral blotch (vs. humeral blotch absent). It is distinguished from H. cachimbensis and H. cyanotaenia by having the distal profile of the anal fin falcate in males (vs. approximately straight or convex) and from H. cachimbensis, H. petricolus, and H. nigricinctus by having 13–16 branched anal-fin rays (vs. 17–26).It can be further distinguished from H. cyanotaenia by lacking concentration of black pigmentation on longest rays of dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins (vs. pigmentation present).It is readily distinguished from H. melanostichos, the most similar congener, by having 11 or 12 horizontal scale rows around caudal peduncle (vs. 14), fewer branched pelvic-fin rays (6 vs. 7), humeral blotch wider than deep, with pigmentation much more intense than the dark midlateral band, with well-defined edges (vs. humeral blotch deeper than wide, with pigmentation similar to the dark midlateral band, without well-defined edges). Another useful character in distinguishing H. comodoro from H. melanostichos is the presence of 13–15, mode 14, rarely 16 (only 3 of 30 specimens), branched anal-fin rays (vs. 16–18, mode 16).
Description. Morphometric data in Tab. 1. Body compressed, moderately elongate. Greatest body depth at dorsal-fin origin. Dorsal profile of head convex from upper lip to vertical through posterior nostril; slightly convex from that point to base of supraoccipital spine Dorsal profile of body convex along predorsal region, slightly convex along dorsal-fin base, straight from terminus of dorsal-fin base to adipose-fin origin, and slightly concave to straight from that point to origin of anteriormost dorsal procurrent caudal-fin ray. Ventral profile of head and body convex from tip of lower lip to pelvic-fin origin, slightly concave between latter point to anal-fin origin, somewhat straight to convex (see Sexual Dimorphism section) along anal-fin base, and concave from the terminus of anal fin to origin of anteriormost ventral procurrent caudal-fin ray.

Holotype
n
Range
Mean
SD

Standard length (mm)
29.6
30
20.7–35
28.2
–

Percentage of standard length

Depth at dorsal-fin origin
36.3
30
30.6–37.9
34.4
1.8

Snout to dorsal-fin origin
54.2
30
53–57.7
55.6
1.1

Snout to pectoral-fin origin
28.5
30
27.4–31.5
29.3
1.1

Snout to pelvic-fin origin
52.8
30
49.5–56.3
52.8
1.5

Snout to anal-fin origin
70.0
30
66.8–74.2
70.4
1.7

Caudal-peduncle depth
13.6
30
10.5–13.7
12.5
0.7

Caudal-peduncle length
13.8
30
10.2–15
12.3
1.2

Pectoral-fin length
19.2
30
17.7–20.9
19.2
0.8

Pelvic-fin length
15.8
30
14.3–19
15.8
0.9

Dorsal-fin length
27.7
30
21.9–27.7
25.8
1.4

Dorsal-fin base length
14.0
30
11.7–16
13.6
1.1

Anal-fin length
20.3
30
17.2–22.3
20.0
1.3

Anal-fin base length
22.2
30
19.4–26.1
22.0
1.6

Head length
29.6
30
27.1–32
29.1
1.1

Percentage of head length

Horizontal eye diameter
34.8
30
30.6–41.1
36.2
2.3

Snout length
20.6
30
40.5–49.1
22.9
1.5

Interorbital width
26.2
30
20.5–31.7
27.2
1.8

Upper jaw length
41.1
30
24.4–25.9
44.8
1.9

TABLE 1 | Morphometric data of Hyphessobrycon comodoro. Range includes the holotype. SD = Standard deviation.
Jaws vertically aligned, mouth terminal. Premaxillary teeth in two distinct rows. Outer row with 2(1), 3*(21), or 4(9) tri- to pentacuspid teeth. Inner row with 5*(31) tri- to heptacuspid teeth. Posterior tip of maxilla at vertical through posterior half of second infraorbital. Maxilla with 1(2), 2*(28), or 3(1) conical to pentacuspid teeth. Dentary with 5*(31) larger penta- to heptacuspid teeth followed by series of 5 to 9 diminutive conical to tricuspid teeth. Central median cusp in all teeth longer than lateral cusps. Branchiostegal rays 4(4). Gill-rakers 8(2) or 9(2) in the lower and 7(1) or 8(3) in the upper branch.
Cycloid scales, with 5–7 radii from focus to posterior border, and conspicuous circulii anteriorly. Lateral line incomplete, with 6(1), 7(1), 8*(26), 9(2), or 10(1) perforated scales, and 29*(6), 30(16), or 31(7) total scales on longitudinal series. Longitudinal scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line 4(1) or 5*(30). Longitudinal scale rows between lateral line and pelvic-fin origin 3*(27) or 4(4). Scales along middorsal line between posterior tip of supraoccipital process and dorsal-fin origin 9*(13), 10(11), or 11(7). Horizontal scale rows around caudal peduncle 11(6) or 12*(25). Base of anteriormost anal-fin rays covered by series of 3 or 4 scales. Caudal fin not scaled.
Supraneurals 4(2) or 5(2). Dorsal-fin rays ii*(29), iii(2), 7(1), 8(10), or 9*(20). Base of last dorsal-fin ray at vertical anterior to anal fin. Pectoral-fin rays i*(31), 9(16), or 10*(15). Pelvic-fin rays i*(31), 6*(31). Adipose fin frequently present, of variable size, present in 27 specimens, absent in four specimens. Anal fin falcate, with iv*(4), 13(3), 14*(18), 15(7), or 16(3) branched rays. Principal caudal-fin rays i,9,8,i*(27), i,8,8,i(1), i,10,8,i(1), i,9,7,i(1); caudal fin forked, lobes somewhat pointed, of similar size. Dorsal procurrent caudal-fin rays 10(4); ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays 9(4). Total vertebrae 32(2) or 33(2): precaudal vertebrae 14(1) or 15(3) and caudal vertebrae 17(2) or 18(2).
Color in alcohol. Overall ground coloration of head and body beige (Fig. 1). Some specimens retaining guanine on opercular region. Dorsal portion of head and dorsal midline of body dark.A reticulated pattern on first three to four horizontal scale rows, formed by concentration of chromatophores on posterior margin of scales.Snout, jaws and 1st and 2nd infraorbitals with concentration of dark chromatophores, 3rd and 4th infraorbitals with scattered dark pigmentation and 5th and 6th infraorbitals densely pigmented with dark chromatophores, continuing with dark midlateral stripe. Roughly inverted teardrop-shaped humeral blotch formed by two layers of pigmentation. Superficial layer darker and conspicuous, overlapping midlateral stripe and encompassing approximately four scales horizontally and one or two vertically. Subjacent layer with scattered pigmentation encompassing approximately three scales vertically and forming a ventral projection to the humeral spot with diffuse borders. Dark midlateral stripe on body, extending from upper half of posterior portion of eye to tip of middle caudal-fin rays. Abdominal region with few scattered chromatophores. Sparse dark chromatophores above anal fin, mainly near anal-fin base. Caudal-peduncle blotch absent. Adipose fin with scattered dark chromatophores. All fins with dark chromatophores scattered along edge of lepidotrichia. Dorsal and anal fins with dark pigmentation on interadial membranes. Some specimens with sparse dark pigmentation on pelvic-fin interadial membranes.

FIGURE 1 | Hyphessobrycon comodoro, Brazil, Mato Grosso State, Municipality of Comodoro, rio Mutum, upper rio Juruena basin: A. Holotype, MZUSP 125904, 29.6 mm SL, male; B. Paratype, MZUSP 125215, 25.3 mm SL, female; C. Aquarium specimen, not measured or preserved.
Color in life. Middorsal area olive green (Figs. 1C, 2); abdominal region silvery to yellow, with some specimens with orange pigmentation in the ventral portion. Upper portion of eye yellow to red, upper-posterior region dark pigmented. First and second infraorbitals, maxilla, lower jaw, gular area and preopercle with yellow pigmentation and scattered orange chromatophores. Remaining infraorbitals mostly silvery and with sparse orange cromatophores. Some specimens with lower portion of opercle lacking guanine, exposing red branchial filaments inside branchial chamber. Bright green midlateral stripe above and below the dark midlateral stripe, thicker at region above anal-fin base. All fins vivid orange to red coloration, more intense in caudal and anal fins. Adipose fin pale hyaline to pale yellow.

FIGURE 2 | Live coloration of Hyphessobrycon comodoro, Brazil, Mato Grosso State, Municipality of Comodoro, rio Mutum, upper rio Juruena basin: A. Holotype, MZUSP 125904, 29.6 mm SL, male; B. Paratype, MZUSP 125215, 27.4 mm SL, male lacking adipose fin; C. Paratype, MZUSP 125215, 29.8 mm SL, female.
Sexual dimorphism. Males with anal-fin base slightly convex (vs. somewhat straight in females). Dark midlateral stripe in males wider and blurred (vs. midlateral stripe relatively narrow and with more defined edges in females), a type of sexual dichromatism involving the larger concentration of melanophore-based pigments in males (Pastana et al., 2017). Bony hooks on fins not present.
Geographical distribution. The new species is so far known from headwater of the rio Mutum, tributary of the rio Camararé, upper rio Juruena basin at Chapada dos Parecis, Mato Grosso State, Brazil (Fig. 3).

FIGURE 3 | Distribution of Hyphessobrycon comodoro in the upper rio Mutum, rio Juruena basin, Brazil. Red star (type locality), black dot (occurrence of other paratypes). Symbol can represent more than one collection event.
Ecological notes. Two collection sites of Hyphessobrycon comodoro are impoundments of tributaries of the rio Mutum formed by the road building (Fig. 4). In these habitats, the water is transparent, with maximum widths ranging 50–60 m and depth 0.3–2 m. The substrate is formed by sand, silt, and organic matter, with the presence of submerged aquatic macrophytes and large amounts of filamentous algae. The only other species collected syntopically was Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Spix & Agassiz, 1829), probably a predator of the new species. The streams that form the lagoons are small, 2–4 m wide and 0.5–2 m deep, with clear rapid waters and a bottom composed of sand and leaf litter. Local vegetation is composed of secondary forest. The other known locality lies at the rio Mutum itself, downstream to the other two. At that point, the new species occurs syntopically with Hyphessobrycon hexastichos Bertaco & Carvalho, 2005 and Hasemania nambiquara Bertaco & Malabarba, 2007. The diet was mainly composed of resources autochthonous (91.6% of the volume of food items), mainly vegetable fragments (57.7%) and aquatic insects (32.7%). The vegetable fragments were composed of aquatic macrophyte structures and aquatic insects (fragments of adults, larvae, and pupae of Diptera and larvae of Trichoptera, and Odonata).

FIGURE 4 | Lagoon at the rio Mutum headwater due to the construction of a road, tributary of rio Camararé, upper rio Juruena basin, rio Tapajós basin, Comodoro, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Specimens analyzed were sampled in a region under moderate anthropogenic pressure, which may influence the diet of fish species. Further, damming streams to road buildingchanges the taxonomic and functional of fish assemblages and limits the longitudinal dispersion (Brejão et al., 2020). The transformation from lotic to lentic environments, with an increase in the width of the canopy-opening channel, creates pelagic and benthic areas that allow the proliferation of macrophytes and algae (Brejão et al., 2020). Biological data taken from regions impacted by human action has high scientific value, but in the case of this species, it is crucial that data also be available from less impacted environments.
Etymology. The name comodoro is in reference to the Municipality of Comodoro, Mato Grosso State, where all the specimens were collected. It is also the name of a senior naval rank used in many navies, which inspired the municipality’s name. A noun in apposition.
Conservation status. Hyphessobrycon comodoro is endemic to Brazil and is a restricted-range species, a common pattern among endemic characids of the ‘Chapada dos Parecis’ biogeographic region (Dagosta et al., 2020). Despite such biogeographic region was considered by those authors as one of the Endemic Amazonian Fish Areas (EAFAs), i.e., regions that should be considered as conservation priorities in the basin by presenting imminent threats and a low cover of protected areas, the new species is endemic to one of the most preserved river basins draining the Cerrado biome – the rio Mutum drainage. Hyphessobrycon comodoro is so far known by three localities, but its EOO (Extent of occurrence) is likely underestimated since only the headwater of the rio Mutum basin was sampled. Most of the rio Mutum basin lies within the Nambikwara indigenous territory, where H. comodoro is likely to occur. Despite it has been exported in the aquarium trade it remains abundant in collection sites, which, as far as we know, are the same as those fished by the professional fishermen. Therefore, this species is assessed as Least Concern (LC) according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categories and criteria (IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee, 2019).
Discussion
The adipose fin is variably developed in Hyphessobrycon comodoro, with few specimens lacking it (4 out of 27). Among Characiformes, absence of adipose fin is relatively uncommon and occurs in species of different lineages of the order (Mirande, 2019; Mattox et al., 2020). Among more than 6,000 living Teleostei species bearing adipose fin (Stewart et al., 2014, 2019), Characiformes is the only order in which its developmental pattern differs. In the Characiformes, the adipose fin develops de novo, i.e., the fin appears after the reduction of the median larval finfold, whereas in the other orders, it develops by the retention of the larval finfold between the dorsal and caudal fin (Fuiman, 1983; Bender, Moritz, 2013; Marinho, 2017; Stewart et al., 2014, 2019).
Absence of adipose fin in Characiformes is more frequent among miniature to small-sized species and has long been related to miniaturization (Weitzman, Malabarba, 1999; Bührnheim et al., 2008), although large species may also lack it (e.g., Erythrinidae, Mattox et al., 2020). Its absence in miniature to small species is probable a consequence of truncation in their development during the evolution of small-body size, in which late-forming structures, such as the “de novo” formation of the adipose fin, are the first to be lost (Marinho, 2017). Besides, morphological variability of characters formed in late developmental stages is also associated with body-size reduction, resulting in intrapopulational variation of that structure (Hanken, Wake, 1993; Marinho et al., 2021). Intraspecific variation regarding presence/absence of adipose fin has been documented for miniature to small characids (Tab. 2) and are herein interpreted as a consequence of developmental truncation. Polymorphisms are not equivalent though. The frequency of the presence of adipose fin varies among species (Fig. 5), evidencing this is a very labile character for some taxa.
Species
Specimens with adipose fin
(%)
Specimens lacking adipose fin
(%)
References

Hyphessobrycon comodoro
194*
91.9
17
8.1
Present study, MZUSP 125215

Hyphessobrycon diastatos
294
99.7
1
0.3
Dagosta et al. (2014)

Hyphessobrycon eilyos
153
74.6
52
25
Lima, Moreira (2003)

Hyphessobrycon uaiso
512
99.8
1
0.2
Carvalho, Langeani (2013)

Hyphessobrycon negodagua
4
2.5
158
98
Lima, Gerhard (2001)

Hysteronotus megalostomus
2
1.8
112
98
Menezes et al. (2016)

Pristella crinogi
15*
45.5
18
55
Lima et al. (2021)

Hasemania nana
3
1.7
173
98
Géry (1977), Dagosta et al. (2014), MZUSP 38040

Xenurobrycon macropus
?
–
?
–
Géry (1977)

TABLE 2 | List of species of Characidae showing intraspecific variation in the absence/presence of the adipose fin. Counts with an asterisk include specimens with vestigial adipose fin.
Polymorphism regarding presence of adipose fin directly affect decisions on the systematic of characiforms, especially the family Characidae. This is because its absence or presence is still widely used to diagnose genera and/or species in the family. For example, Hasemania Ellis, 1911, was originally defined as “like a Hyphessobrycon, but without an adipose” (Ellis, 1911), despite species of both genera present intraespecific variation in this character (Tab. 2; Fig. 5), evidencing the fragility of such definition. Therefore, the use of such labile character in systematics needs to be made with caution. Polymorphism in the presence of adipose fin in Hyphessobrycon comodoro, along with the still poorly known interspecific relationships of large polyphyletic genera within Stethaprioninae (see Mirande, 2019) raise questions on the allocation of the new species in Hyphessobrycon. The monophyletic nature of the genus has long been disputed (Weitzman, Fink, 1983; Weitzman, Palmer, 1997; Mirande, 2010, 2019) and today, Hyphessobrycon is largely accepted as polyphyletic. However, some groups are likely monophyletic, such as the rosy-tetra clade (see Mirande, 2019). The evidence of monophyly of the rosy tetras has long been proposed, based in the unique coloration pattern shared by its species (Weitzman, Palmer, 1997), and was confirmed in recent cladistic works (e.g., Mirande, 2019). Unfortunately, only a restricted sample of Hyphessobrycon could be included, not representing the whole diversity of the genus. Therefore, still needing efforts to advance the knowledge of the phylogenetic relationships of the species now attributed to Hyphessobrycon. As consequence, the composition, and limits of Hyphessobrycon remain open to question. Despite generic allocation to be tentative, the new species can be distinguished from all remaining characids by the combination of a well-defined and relatively narrow dark midlateral stripe on body extending from the upper half of the posterior margin of the eye to the middle caudal-fin ray, orange fins, a total of 33–35 scales on the longitudinal series, in which only few of them are perforated.

FIGURE 5 | Lagoon at the rio Mutum headwater due to the construction of a road, tributary of rio Camararé, upper rio Juruena basin, rio Tapajós basin, Comodoro, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
It is premature to infer a close evolutionary relationship between the new species with other characids, but morphological features may indicate it is more closely related to species nowadays allocated in Hyphessobrycon. The new species share with H. cachimbensis, H. cyanotaenia, H. melanostichos, H. nigricinctus, and H. petricolus a similar coloration pattern, consisting of a conspicuous, relatively narrow dark midlateral stripe from head to middle caudal-fin ray and a humeral blotch. Except for H. nigricinctus which is restricted to the rio Madre de Dios, H. cachimbensis, H. comodoro, H. cyanotaenia, H. melanostichos, H. nigricinctus, and H. petricolus are all endemic from the Brazilian Shield, occurring in tributaries of the rio Madeira and rio Tapajós basins. Among these species, H. comodoro is particularly similar to H. melanostichos, sharing other coloration details such as the bright orange caudal fin in life, the dark midlateral stripe starting in the upper half of the posterior margin of the eye, with a green to bluish stripe above it and base of anal fin sexually dimorphic, convex in males. Besides very similar morphologically, H. comodoro and H. melanostichos occur very close to each other in neighboring tributaries of the rio Camararé, Juruena river basin. They also share the fact of having a very restricted known distribution, with H. melanostichos so far known only from the rio Doze de Outubro and H. comodoro from the rio Mutum. Populations of H. melanostichos from shield tributaries of the rio Madeira basin (e.g., rio Cabixi, rio Machado) are probably closely related undescribed species that are being studied (FCPD, pers. obs.).
The description of an additional new species already known worldwide in the aquarium trade reveals how scarce is the knowledge on the diversity of Neotropical freshwater fishes (Reis et al., 2016; Albert et al., 2020). Despite being widely sampled in the last decade, the Chapada dos Parecis still provides new and endemic taxa that reinforces the status of being a biogeographic region distinct from the rest of the Amazon basin (Dagosta, de Pinna, 2019; Dagosta et al., 2020).
Comparative material examined. Material examined is the same listed in Dagosta et al. (2016), with the addition of Hasemania nana: Brazil, Minas Gerais, Lagoa Santa, rio São Francisco basin, MZUSP 38040, 173, 15.6–23.6 mm SL.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to Humberto Lenza for his help during fieldwork and to Michel Gianetti (MZUSP) for curatorial assistance. The authors were indebted to Karolina Reis for her support in examining ichthyological material in MZUSP. We thank Fabiano Antunes, Márcia R. Russo, and Adnara R. Gomide for administrative support at Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD). Type series was collected at field expeditions partially funded by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP #2017/09321–5) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq # 405643/2018–7). Authors were supported by CNPq # 405643/2018–7, FCPD and MMFM by FAPESP # 2016/19075–9, and MMFM by FAPESP # 2018/11415–0.
References
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Authors
Fernando Cesar Paiva Dagosta1 ,  Thomaz Jefrey Seren1,  Anderson Ferreira1 and  Manoela Maria Ferreira Marinho2
[1]    Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e Ambientais, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Rodovia Dourados/Itahum, km 12, 79804–970 Dourados, MS, Brazil. (FCPD) [email protected] (corresponding author), (TJS) [email protected], (AF) [email protected].
[2]    Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Cidade Universitária, s/n, Castelo Branco, 58033–455 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. [email protected].
Authors Contribution
Fernando Cesar Paiva Dagosta: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Software, Supervision, Validation, Visualization, Writing-original draft, Writing-review and editing.
Thomaz Jefrey Seren: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Writing-original draft, Writing-review and editing.
Anderson Ferreira: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Writing-original draft, Writing-review and editing.
Manoela Maria Ferreira Marinho: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Supervision, Writing-original draft, Writing-review and editing.
Ethical Statement
Type series was collected under Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA License number 60634, 2017–2020).
Competing Interests
The authors declare no competing interests.

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A new species of Ancistrus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Tapajós and Xingu basins, Brazil

Emanuel B. Neuhaus1 , Marcelo R. Britto1, José Luís O. Birindelli2 and Leandro M. Sousa3
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Abstract

A new Ancistrus species is described from Tapajós and Xingu river basins. It is distinguished from its congeners by the singular body color pattern, consisting of dark vermiculated stripes almost all over the body, and also by combination of features as a narrow head, large internostril distance, and absence of rows of enlarged odontodes on the lateral plates. In addition, the new species is distinguished from congeners that inhabit the rio Tapajós basin by the presence of a fully-developed adipose fin (vs. adipose fin absent in Ancistrus parecis and A. tombador, and vestigial adipose fin or absent in A. krenakarore). It differs from A. ranunculus, also from the rio Xingu, by the color pattern, smaller body size, smaller gill opening, and narrower cleithral width. The new taxon adds a new record to the list of species shared among the Xingu and Tapajós basins.
Keywords: Amazon, Brazilian Shield, Bristlenose pleco, Hypostominae, Taxonomy.

Introduction
The genus Ancistrus Kner, 1854 includes 75 valid species (Fricke et al., 2021) distributed in South and Central Americas from Panama to Argentina, occurring in cis- and trans-Andean rivers. Among Loricariidae, the diversity of Ancistrus is only smaller than that of Hypostomus Lacepède, 1803. Ancistrus is easily distinguished from other loricariids by having naked snout margins (i.e., without plated snout, Figs. 1, 2) bearing fleshy expansions (tentacles). The genus Chaetostoma Tschudi, 1846 also has unplated snout, but differs from Ancistrus by the absence of fleshy tentacles and by having five plate rows at the narrowest part of the caudal peduncle (vs. three plate rows in Ancistrus). As for other highly diverse genera of Neotropical fish, the diversity of Ancistrus remains underestimated. In addition, more than half of valid species were described before 1950 in poorly-informative descriptions that leave doubt of the species delimitations. Consequently, there are a large number of possibly undescribed species, several of them highly appreciated in the ornamental fish trade. To overcome the taxonomic issues, aquarium fish hobbyists apply an alphanumeric code (the L-number system) to provisionally name the putative new species and morphotypes that appear in the hobby (Stawikowski, 1988).
Recent ichthyological surveys in the Brazilian Shield Amazon rivers captured several specimens of Ancistrus with a distinctive color pattern in the Tapajós and Xingu river basins. The specimens from the Xingu drainage are already known by aquarists by the code L159 (Stawikowski, 1994; Dignall, 2014). The present contribution aims to describe the new species, illustrating and diagnosing it, with comparisons to congeners.
Material and methods
Measurements were obtained with digital calipers to the nearest 0.1 mm. Measurements and counts were made only in the left side of the body, except when not possible, excluding the infraorbitals that were counted in both sides. Most morphometric data were taken following Fisch-Muller et al. (2001), and Armbruster (2003), in addition to nares-eye distance taken from posterior border of left naris to anterior border of left eye. Morphometrics are reported as percentages of standard length (SL), except for subunits of head which are reported as percentages of head length (HL). Plate terminology follows Schaefer (1997) and osteological nomenclature is according to Schaefer (1987), except for prefrontal plate used to name the plate which forms the posterolateral nostril margin and anterodorsal orbit margin (Schaefer, 1997), and compound pterotic used instead of pterotic-supracleithrum (Aquino, Schaefer, 2002). Terminology for snout areas of tentacles follows Sabaj et al. (1999). Some specimens were cleared and stained (cs) according to the protocol of Taylor, Van Dyke (1985). Meristic data follows Armbruster (2003) with addition of: complete series of mid-dorsal and mid-ventral plates; plates along dorsal-fin base: dorsal plates between dorsal-fin spine and the insertion of the last dorsal-fin branched ray; plates between end of the dorsal fin and adipose-fin origin: dorsal plates posterior to the insertion of the last dorsal-fin branched ray and adipose-spine origin; plates between adipose and caudal fins: dorsal plates between end of adipose-fin membrane and caudal fin; preanal plates: ventral plates before unbranched ray of anal fin; ventral plates between anal-fin base and caudal fin; vertebral count including those of the Weberian-complex and the counting the PU1+U2 as a single element; number of ribs; number of left and right infraorbitals; number of pterygiophores of the dorsal fin.
In the description, numbers between brackets represent the total number of specimens with those counts, whereas asterisks indicate counts of the holotype. Comparative data of Ancistrus caucanus Fowler, 1943, A. dolichopterus Kner, 1854, A. dubius Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889, A. eustictus (Fowler, 1945), A. hoplogenys (Günther, 1864), A. latifrons (Günther, 1869), and A. malacops (Cope, 1872) were obtained through their original descriptions and photographs of type-specimens available from Morris et al. (2006). Institutional abbreviations follow Sabaj (2020). Due to the wide distribution of the new species and consequent variation of diagnostic features, we restricted the type-series to specimens from the Teles Pires basin. Therefore, the non-type series embraces non-measured specimens, specimens in no good condition for reliable identification, live specimens and specimens from the Xingu basin.
Results
Ancistrus luzia, new species
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:31D5520F-B248-4226-8413-896A0535A341
(Figs. 1–3; Tab. 1)
Ancistrus L 159. ―Stawikowski, 1994:145 [DATZ magazine, new imports from Brazil, figs. 6 and 7].
Ancistrus sp. “lineolatus”. ―Ohara et al., 2017:259 [identification guidebook from Teles Pires].
Holotype. MNRJ 51458, male, 75.9 mm SL, Brazil, Mato Grosso, Guarantã do Norte, rio Teles Pires basin, unknown stream next to bridge on road about 8 km from the road BR-163, 09°47’15”S 54°57’33”W, 1 Oct 2008, M. R. Britto, J. Gomes, F. R. Carvalho & L. Fries.

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New Animal House set to Redefine Research and Education

Flinders University’s new animal house in the College of Science and Engineering set to redefine research and education for an astounding array of animals.
The state-of-the-art facility is the most diverse for biodiversity, conservation and research hub in the state. The unique design allows the space to be flexible and adaptable for a range of applications opening up opportunities for study and research alike.
Animal Facilities Coordinator Leslie Morrison was a big part of the planning of the new building and seeing it come to life has given immense satisfaction. “You feel it when you walk in the space. Positive. With the focus of the research, you know you’re doing good. You’re helping the animals.“
Beyond the benefits to the animals and to researchers, it also offers plenty to students. “For the students it’s going to be amazing. It’s somewhere they can come to work with a huge range of animals for biodiversity and conservation and really help make a difference.”
The aqua rooms will house rainbowfish and clownfish, amongst others, while the terrestrial room will host a number of reptiles from sleepy lizards, tawny dragons, pygmy bluetongues, gidgee skinks.
The facility will also play a pivotal role in research and husbandry of birds of prey, platypus and Port Jackson sharks.

Professor of Biology and Ecology, Mike Gardner, whose research centres on reptiles, already sees the benefits. “This new facility is proving to be essential for my research. It offers us the ability to control the environment in the rooms, so we can change the humidity and temperature to suit different scenarios we might be trying to play out. We also have the potential to control disease, we’re bringing in wild animals and this new facility allows us to keep them quarantined.”

Professor of Biodiversity Genomics, Luciano Beheregaray, who is conducting research on rainbowfish in the new building, is also glowing of the many upsides the site offers. “It’s very exciting to have this brand new facility because not only can we manage our research in ways we couldn’t do before – we have sophisticated equipment, great setup – but we can bring our students and show them exactly how the research is done. That produces a phenomenal opportunity for us to link the great research we do at Flinders with our teaching and improve the learning outcomes of our undergrads.
It’s no surprise the building is delivering for those already taking advantage of its benefits. Behind the spectacular frontage is well considered and crafted space, designed to maximise outcomes for all involved. It’s something Leslie Morrison and her team are very proud of.

“The room fit outs and environmental controls have been carefully considered and designed to suit our current and predicted animal teaching and research directions, rather than retrofitting existing rooms. We are now able to control temperature, lighting and humidity via an online Building Management System, including alarms to advise if there are any failures of the set parameters; allowing us to fine tune the husbandry requirements for the different types of animals we care for.
“An innovative water reticulation system has been designed to give enormous flexibility in how aquatic systems run – supporting a variety of experimental designs and efficiencies in husbandry.”
“There’s also a dedicated algae and invertebrate culture room with a Bioreactor shipped all the way from Canada, that can grow algal cultures in days that would otherwise take weeks, specific rooms for storage, laboratory work and insect breeding and an inspiring Education room for student engagement activities – shark dissections, presentations, animal adaptation workshops.”

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Natural heritage under threat of extinction saved by hobbyists

By Rosli Zakaria - March 22, 2022 @ 2:54pm
Betta Persephone is listed in the IUCN red list. - NSTP/ courtesy of Dr Zahar Azuar ZakariaMUAR: Six friends could have easily earned more than RM30,000 each, but their love of nature saw them forgo monetary profit and return their homebred endangered Betta Persephone specimens to the wild.
Betta Persephone is listed under the IUCN red list and is endemic to a small pocket of peat swamp in east Johor.
Under the tutelage of citizen scientist Mohd Ilham Norhakim Lokman, the six friends managed to save a few specimens in its natural habitat, which is an oil palm plantation.
The friends come from different backgrounds – a practising doctor, an engineer, a fishmonger, a matriculation student and an aquarium fish trader.

"It was a trial with no high hopes on the fish surviving outside its habitat. The water perimeter needs to be precise at ph3.6," Ilham Norhakim told the New Straits Times.
"We need to save this critically endangered species which can only be found in one location in the world and it is in Johor. Sadly, its habitat is now gone.
"It took us a while to get the right ex-situ environment in aquariums and we used polystyrene boxes placed under shady rambutan trees to breed the wild specimens," he said.
The project started in 2020 with 16 adult pairs scooped from its threatened natural habitat.
"The swamp would have been bulldozed and prepared for oil palm plantation had we come a couple of weeks later.
"It would have been a disaster for the Betta Persephone because it would become extinct with only pictures to view in journals," he added.
Ilham Norhakim said its rarity would push its prices high in the international aquarium fish trade and those with captive pairs could easily sell the fish to the highest bidder.
The fish is currently traded at RM200 per pair and he predicts the price will be much higher as it can no longer be found in its natural habitat.

Ilham Norhakim said the team's project had the support of the Johor Forestry Department, state Fisheries Department with primatologist Dr Abdul Latif Abu Bakar of University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia advising and the Muar District Office.
Abdul Latiff is an expert on biodiversity and conservation and has been working on genetics conservation of various fauna in Malaysia.
He is now investigating the genetic diversity and molecular systematics of the endangered Betta Persephone.
"The outcome from this study will be able to explain the unique evolutionary significance that can be found in Betta Persephone populations which will be used to aid management strategies for the species," he said.
Dr Zahar Azuar Zakaria, a doctor from Kemaman, said Malaysians should help protect all flora and fauna listed as endangered under the IUCN.
"Appreciation for our wildlife heritage must be taught in schools and this can be done by organising field trips and inviting experts to talk on the fragility of the environment," he said.

ar Azuar ZakariaBetta Persephone, he said, is like a rare jewel in the Malaysian heritage but because it is not commonly found in the fish trade, people tend to ignore its significance."Our team had the support from the Johor Forestry Department which identified a new protected environment for the home-bred Betta Persephone at the Johor State Park within the Air Hitam (North) Forest Reserve," he said.
Max Lau Wei Khang, an engineer from Penang, said flora and fauna are fighting a losing battle against development.
"Losing our heritage means we lose our identity. Betta Persephone is just one example because it is only found in Johor and as such, it is identifiable as a product of the State.
"It deserves to be elevated as a state fauna," he said.
The juvenile Betta Persephone was released recently by the team at its new habitat in a black water swamp in the Air Hitam (North) Forest Reserve.

found in the New Straits Times

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Secretive fish diversity: a new species of Listrura (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from a supposedly well-known river in South-eastern Brazil.

Villa-Verde,M. C. C. de Pinna,V. J. C. Reis,O. T. Oyakawa
First published: 18 March 2022

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15046This article has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Fish Biology and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/jfb.15046.

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SHAREAbstractThe trichomycterid catfish Listrura menezesi, new species, is described from a flooded area adjacent to Rio das Panelas, Rio São João basin, Cachoeiras de Macacu municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. It represents a most valuable remnant of Atlantic Forest biome that still resists devastation of Brazilian coastlands. Listrura menezesi can be distinguished from its congeners, except L. boticario and L. depinnai, by the absence of dorsal fin. It mainly differs from L. boticario and L. depinnai by a continuous midlateral dark stripe along the entire body (vs. discontinuous) and a longitudinal row of irregular dots along the dorsal limit of abdomen extending for nearly the entire body (vs. only on posterior half of body in L. boticario and pigmentation on anterior half of body not forming a distinct row in L. depinnai). Although the new species shares with L. boticario and L. depinnai the absence of dorsal fin, recent phylogenetic analyses show a close relationship between L. menezesi and L. macaensis, the latter having a dorsal fin. A putative apomorphic condition for this clade is presented: the abrupt widening on the mesethmoid axis starting posteriorly on horizontal through middle region of the autopalatine (vs. anteriorly, on horizontal through anterior region of the autopalatine). Listrura menezesi comes as an addition to the ichthyofauna of the Rio São João drainage, a region extensively sampled for the past 20 years and supposedly well-known. This paper also highlighting the vulnerability of this species and the possibility of its disappearance in the near future.

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A new species of Characidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the rio Doce basin, Brazil

Leonardo Oliveira-Silva1 , Sérgio A. dos Santos2, Maridiesse Morais Lopes3 and Angela Maria Zanata1
PDF: EN XML: EN | Cite this article
Abstract

A new species of Characidium is described from the tributaries of the upper and middle rio Doce basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from most congeners, except C. cricarense, C. hasemani, C. helmeri, C. kalunga, C. pterostictum, C. schubarti, C. summus, and C. travassosi by lacking scales in the area between the anterior limit of the isthmus and the anterior margin of cleithrum. The new species differs from the aforementioned species by a series of characters, including the presence of the adipose fin, 2–4 scales between the anus and anal fin, two rows of dentary teeth, presence of the parietal branch of the supraorbital canal, 4 scale rows above the lateral line, and absence of two conspicuous inclined dark bands on each caudal-fin lobe. The new species further differs from most congeners with an unscaled ventral surface of the isthmus by the presence of 33–34 pored scales on the lateral line and by the dark dashes on the caudal fin-rays not forming well-defined bands.
Keywords: Characidiinae, Endemism, Environmental alteration, Isthmus scaleless, Taxonomy.

Introduction
The rio Doce is a southeastern Brazilian river basin that runs through two biodiverse hotspots, the Atlantic Forest and the Brazilian Savanna (Myers et al., 2000). The surrounding areas of the river, as well as the basin itself, have suffered tremendous environmental destruction, such as riparian deforestation, mining disasters, dam building, loss of native fish species, and the introduction of at least 29 nonnative fish species (Vieira, 2010; Salvador et al., 2018). More dramatically, a tailings dam in this basin burst severely recently, spreading toxic mud along the main river course and affecting wild communities as well as local human populations (Fernandes et al., 2016; Neves et al., 2016). The historical environmental alteration impacting the rio Doce basin has been intensely discussed for decades (e.g., Vieira, 2010; Pinto-Coelho et al., 2008; Latini, Petrere 2004; Fragoso-Moura et al., 2016; Sales et al., 2018; Vergilio et al., 2021), and the effects of the tailings dam disaster on the fish community have been assessed recently (e.g., Gomes et al., 2019; Ferreira et al., 2020; Macêdo et al., 2020; Weber et al., 2020; Vergilio et al., 2021). At least 11 species of fishes occurring in the basin are categorized as endangered, four of them endemic (ICMBio, 2018).
In contrast to the well documented environmental alterations of the rio Doce, part of the basin’s biodiversity remains unknown (Sales et al., 2018). In the last two decades, 14 new species of fishes from the basin have been described, attesting broad advance in the knowledge of its fish fauna and resulting in more than 80 native species in the basin (Vieira, 2010; Salvador et al., 2018; Fricke et al., 2021). Recently, Sales et al. (2018) used genetic divergences to highlight the occurrence of hidden biodiversity within five genera of fish from the basin, along with cryptic and/or candidate species at least in four genera. Both cases implied the genus Characidium Reinhardt, 1867 as including unrecognized species.
Characidium includes 83 species of South American darters, distributed from eastern Panama to Argentina (Melo et al.,2021a; Fricke et al., 2021). The literature indicates that only the species C. cricarense Malanski, Sarmento-Soares, Silva-Malanski, Lopes, Ingenito & Buckup, 2019 has been confidently identified from the rio Doce. However, studies listing species in the basin include several candidate species in the genus: identified as C. cf. timbuiense, Characidium sp., Characidium sp. A, Characidium sp. B and Characidium sp. C (e.g., Alves et al.,2008; Vieira, 2010; Sales et al., 2018; Santos, Britto, 2021). This contribution describes formally one of these new Characidium, cited as Characidium sp. by Sales et al. (2018) and as Characidium sp. B by Santos, Britto (2021). This new taxon is apparently endemic to headwaters of tributaries in the upper and middle rio Doce basin.

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Phylogenetics of archerfishes (Toxotidae) and evolution of the toxotid shooting apparatus
M G Girard, M P Davis, H H Tan, D J Wedd, P Chakrabarty, W B Ludt, A P Summers, W L Smith
Integrative Organismal Biology, obac013, https://doi.org/10.1093/iob/obac013
Published:

21 March 2022

AbstractArcherfishes (Toxotidae) are variously found in the fresh- and brackish-water environments of Asia Pacific and are well known for their ability to shoot water at terrestrial prey. These shots of water are intended to strike their prey and cause it to fall into the water for capture and consumption. While this behavior is well known, there are competing hypotheses (blowpipe vs. pressure tank hypothesis) of how archerfishes shoot and which oral structures are involved. Current understanding of archerfish shooting structures is largely based on two species, Toxotes chatareus and T. jaculatrix. We do not know if all archerfishes possess the same oral structures to shoot water, if anatomical variation is present within these oral structures, or how these features have evolved. Additionally, there is little information on the evolution of the Toxotidae as a whole, with all previous systematic works focusing on the interrelationships of the family. We first investigate the limits of archerfish species using new and previously published genetic data. Our analyses highlight that the current taxonomy of archerfishes does not conform to the relationships we recover. Toxotes mekongensis and T. siamensis are placed in synonymy of T. chatareus, Toxotes carpentariensis is recognized as a species and removed from synonymy of T. chatareus, and the genus Protoxotes is recognized for T. lorentzi based on the results of our analyses. We then take an integrative approach, using a combined analysis of discrete hard- and soft-tissue morphological characters with genetic data, to construct a phylogeny of the Toxotidae. Using the resulting phylogenetic hypothesis, we then characterize the evolutionary history and anatomical variation within the archerfishes. We discuss the variation in the oral structures and the evolution of the mechanism with respect to the interrelationships of archerfishes, and find that the oral structures of archerfishes support the blowpipe hypothesis but soft-tissue oral structures may also play a role in shooting. Finally, by comparing the morphology of archerfishes to their sister group, we find that the Leptobramidae has relevant shooting features in the oral cavity, suggesting that some components of the archerfish shooting mechanism are examples of co-opted or exapted traits.

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Astyanax nobre • A New Small-sized Species of Astyanax (Characiformes: Characidae) from the upper rio Paraguai Basin, Brazil, with Discussion on Its Generic Allocation

Astyanax nobre
Dagosta & Marinho, 2022

ni.bio.br/1982-0224-2021-0127

Abstract
A new species of Astyanax is described from the rio Salobra, tributary of rio Cuiabá, rio Paraguai basin. The new taxon can be distinguished from its congeners by having a well-defined dark midlateral stripe on body extending from the posterior margin of the opercle to the base of middle caudal-fin rays and a single vertical elongate humeral blotch. Although the new species is described in Astyanax, some specimens present an incomplete or a discontinuous series of perforated scales in the lateral line. Therefore, a discussion on its generic allocation is presented. Comments on different patterns of coloration among dark-striped species of Astyanax are also provided. The discovery of a new species in an underwater tourist point relatively near a large urban center underscores that even fish species daily observed by hundreds of people in limpid waters may lack a formal taxonomic identity. Such finding also highlights how the megadiverse Brazilian freshwater ichthyofauna still needs efforts and investments to identify and describe new taxa.

Keywords: Lateral line, Nobres, Longitudinal stripe, Taxonomy, Tourist destination.

Underwater photographs of wild specimens of Astyanax nobre at its type locality Recanto Ecológico Lagoa Azul, Bom Jardim district, Municipality of Nobres, Mato Grosso State, rio Salobra drainage, rio Paraguai basin:
A. Pair of males; B. Pair of females. Details about differences between sexes can be found in Sexual dimorphism section.
Photo by M. Melo.

Astyanax nobre, new species

Diagnosis. Astyanax nobre can be distinguished from its congeners, except A. joaovitori Oliveira, Pavanelli & Bertaco, 2017 and A. scintillans Myers, 1928, by the presence of a well-defined, dark midlateral stripe on body extending from opercle to middle caudal-fin rays (vs. longitudinal stripe absent; stripe starting posterior the anterior humeral and never connected to it; stripe starting immediately posterior to the humeral blotch; narrower stripe starting at posterior margin of the opercle, becoming blurred posteriorly and not reaching the caudal fin). The new species can be clearly distinguished from A. scintillans by the presence of a vertical humeral blotch (vs. absence). Astyanax nobre can be distinguished from A. joaovitori by having the dark midlateral stripe ending at the base of the middle caudal-fin rays (vs. reaching the distal tip of the middle caudal-fin rays) and three scale series below the lateral line (vs. five or six). Another remarkable difference between these species is the body size. Astyanax nobre has mature individuals at about 25 mm SL and reaching up to 30 mm SL whereas A. joaovitori reaches a much larger body size, with up to 77 mm SL (see Oliveira et al., 2017). Astyanax nobre fits within the A. scabripinnis species complex sensu Bertaco, Lucena (2006). According to the authors, the group is characterized by species with body deepest and heaviest in area close to middle of pectoral fins, head heavy, snout short and abrupt by tapering, body depth smaller than 41% of SL (mean 30–33% of SL), reduced number of branched anal-fin rays (13–21, usually 17–18, rarely 22 or 23), presence of one or two humeral spots, and a dark, midlateral, body stripe extending to the tip of the middle caudal-fin rays. Except for the midlateral dark stripe that does not reach the tip of the middle caudal-fin rays, all characteristics are found in Astyanax nobre. According to Oliveira et al. (2017), it is impossible to infer about the dark midlateral stripe of A. scabripinnis (Jenyns, 1842) due to the loss of coloration in the holotype. Astyanax nobre differs from the holotype of A. scabripinnis by having 32–36 lateral line scales (vs. 38).

Type locality of Astyanax nobre, rio Salobra at Lago Azul, tributary of rio Cuiabá, rio Paraguai basin, ..., Nobres, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Photo by M. A. Junghans.
Distribution map of Astyanax nobre in the rio Salobra, upper rio Paraguai basin, Brazil. Brown star (type locality).

Geographical distribution. Astyanax nobre is so far known only from the rio Salobra, tributary of rio Cuiabá, rio Paraguai basin (Fig. 5).

Ecological notes. Astyanax nobre was collected in clear water river, with moderate water flow, over bottoms typically composed of rock and sand (Fig. 6). Vegetation includes areas with dense aquatic macrophytes and well preserved riparian forest. The species is one of the most abundant fish species in the locality. Individuals are very used to the human presence; frequently approaching the swimmers to nibble skin from the legs and arms.

Etymology. The specific name nobre refers to the municipality of Nobres (Mato Grosso State, Brazil) where the species occurs. Additionally, “nobre” means noble in Portuguese, in allusion to the beauty of the type locality and of being a noteworthy species of Astyanax. A noun in apposition.

Fernando C. P. Dagosta and Manoela M. F. Marinho. 2022. New Small-sized Species of Astyanax (Characiformes: Characidae) from the upper rio Paraguai Basin, Brazil, with Discussion on Its Generic Allocation. Neotropical Ichthyology. 20(1); e210127. DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0127 ni.bio.br/1982-0224-2021-0127

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Tembeassu titanicus • Systematics of Neotropical Electric Knifefish Tembeassu (Gymnotiformes, Apteronotidae)

Tembeassu titanicus
Peixoto, Campos-da-Paz, Menezes, De Santana, Triques & Datovo, 2022

DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2032460
twitter.com/Davidefishes

Abstract
A new species of the poorly known and critically endangered ghost knifefish Tembeassu is described from the upper Paraná and Araguari rivers, Brazil, using external anatomy and X-ray microcomputed tomography (µCT scan). Tembeassu titanicus sp. nov. is distinguished from its sole congener, T. marauna, by a unique set of morphometric and meristic characters, in addition to the absence of a tooth patch at the anterior portion of the roof of the oral cavity and the external corner of the mouth slightly passing the vertical through the posterior margin of the posterior nare. To test the monophyly of Tembeassu and reassess its phylogenetic position, a total-evidence approach was performed through a Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum-parsimony analysis (MP). Our results indicate that Tembeassu is monophyletic and the sister taxon of a clade formed by Apteronotus s.s., Megadontognathus, and Parapteronotus (BI); or as part of a large polytomy at the base of Apteronotidae (MP). Species of Tembeassu co-occur in the Paraná River basin, and the absence of the patch of accessory teeth in T. titanicus sp. nov. may indicate that this species accesses a different food resource, and also putatively occupies a different habitat than T. marauna. Comments on the evolution of the mandibular lobe in Gymnotiformes, dentition pattern in Tembeassu, and apteronotid diversity in the Paraná River are provided.

Keywords: Anatomy, Bayesian inference, new species, phylogeny, sympatry, taxonomy

Tembeassu titanicus sp. nov.

Luiz A. W. Peixoto, Ricardo Campos-da-Paz, Naércio A. Menezes, C. David De Santana, Mauro Triques and Aléssio Datovo. 2022. Systematics of Neotropical Electric Knifefish Tembeassu (Gymnotiformes, Apteronotidae). Systematics and Biodiversity. 20(1); 1-19. DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2032460
twitter.com/Davidefishes/status/1504430715244617729

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A new catfish of the genus Trichomycterus from the Rio Paraíba do Sul Basin, south-eastern Brazil,

a supposedly migrating species (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae)
Wilson J. E. M. Costa, Axel M. KatzAbstractA new species of the catfish genus Trichomycterus largoperculatus is described from the Rio Paraíba do Sul, south-eastern Brazil. This species exhibits some morphological character states that are unique amongst congeners, including a robust opercle and a long interopercle with numerous odontodes (50–60 opercular and 90–100 interopercular), a black bar on the basal portion of the caudal fin and a dark brown flank with a well delimited dorsal yellow stripe. It also exhibits some morphological traits that are uncommon amongst congeners, such as the presence of nine pectoral-fin rays. The presence of a shallow hyomandibular outgrowth and a ventrally expanded pre-opercular ventral flap suggests that this species is closely related to T. melanopygius, T. pradensis and T. tete. The new species also differs from T. melanopygius, T. pradensis and T. tete by having an emarginate caudal fin and a single median supra-orbital pore S6. Anecdotal evidence suggests that T. largoperculatus and T. pradensis have migratory habits, a condition not previously reported for eastern South American trichomycterines.

zse.pensoft.net/article/72392/

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biogeography of a hemiclonal hybrid system of native Australian freshwater fishes (Gobiiformes: Gobioidei:

LINK:-
bit.ly/3I1CQCe https://bit.ly/3I1CQCe

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Two new species of the Anablepsoides limoncochae species group (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from Rio Juruá drainage, Amazon basin, Brazil, pp. 27-36
Abstract
Two new species of the genus Anablepsoides belonging to the Anablepsoides limoncochae species group are herein described. Anablepsoides katukina n. sp. from the Rio Juruá drainage, Acre state and A. falconi n. sp. from the Rio Tarauacá drainage, a tributary of upper the Rio Juruá, both at Acre state, Amazon basin, Brazil. Anablepsoides katukina differs from the other species of the A. limoncochae species group by the color pattern of the males, with purplish blue body sides, presenting three interrupted red longitudinal lines, composed by small red dots. Anablepsoides falconi differs from the other species of the A. limoncochae species group by presenting a short, rounded, upturned snout, and fewer pectoral-fin rays than the remaining species assigned to the group.
from aqua-press.com
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Laimosemion anitae, a new species of Laimosemion genus, subgenus c (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from Rio Juruá drainage, Amazon Basin, Brazil

ROSSELLA · FEBRUARY 28, 2022
37 5.4K 18
by Dalton Tavares Bressane Nielsen, Jan Willem Hoetmer and Eric Vandekerkhove – aqua 28 (1) pp. 37-43
A new species of Laimosemion, belonging to the subgenus Owiyeye, is described: Laimosemion anitae n. sp. from the Rio Juruá, Amazon basin, Brazil. The new species differs from the other species of the group by an unique color pattern in males: overall background color of trunk and head orange-brown, sides of body with brown background and 4 thin light blue stripes from opecular region to the caudal peduncle. Laimosemion anitae is hypothesized to be closely related to L. leticia and L. ubim by sharing a similar color pattern in males and females.
Full Text | PDF (376 KB)

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Description of three new species of damselfish belonging to the Pomacentrus philippinus group (Pomacentridae) from Melanesia and the eastern and central Indian Ocean

ROSSELLA · FEBRUARY 28, 2022
1 5.2K 11
by Gerald R. Allen, Mark V. Erdmann and Ni Putu Dian Pertiwi – aqua 28 (1) pp. 1-26
Three new species of Pomacentrus, allied to P. philippinus, are described from the eastern Indian and western Pacific oceans. The current study, our third dealing with the P. philippinus group of species, concludes that it contains at least 10 allopatric species, which are mainly separable on the basis of colour pattern, slight meristic differences, and in most cases, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) evidence. Pomacentrus umbratilus n. sp. is described on the basis of 27 specimens, 15.0-80.5 mm SL from the East Andaman Sea. Although it is essentially identical in appearance to P. philippinus from the East Indian region (ranging north to Japan), mtDNA sequences reveal a significant level of divergence. Similarly, Pomacentrus novaeguineae n. sp., described on the basis of 14 specimens, 36.8-75.9 mm SL, from West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, shows significant divergence, although it is also similar to P. philippinus with regards to colour pattern. Concatenated mtDNA analysis indicates a close affinity with P. nigriradiatus from the southwestern Pacific (New Caledonia to Samoa), although colour patterns are clearly different and it seems likely they are relatively recent sibling species. Pomacentrus novaeguineae is also recorded from the Solomon Islands on the basis of underwater observations and photographs. Pomacentrus xanthocercus n. sp. is described from 21 specimens, 35.1-85.0 mm SL, collected at the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Diagnostic features include a lack of yellow on the posterior dorsal and anal fins, and vibrant shade of yellow on the caudal fin. In addition, the black colouration on the pectoral-fin base is not as intense as in East Indian members of the species group and sometimes does not cover the entire fin base. Concatenated mtDNA analysis indicates a divergence of 5.8 % between its closest relative, P. umbratilus.
Full Text | PDF (1,7 MB)

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Paleoschizothorax diluculum • A New Cyprinid (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Oligocene of Qaidam Basin, north-eastern Tibetan Plateau, and Its Implications

Paleoschizothorax diluculum
Yang, Liang, Cai, Gu, Han, Chen, Wang, Bao & Defei, 2022

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2021.2015470
Researchgate.net/publication/358207014

Abstract
The Qaidam Basin, lying in the north-eastern Tibetan Plateau, China, is key to understanding the Cenozoic climatic and biological changes that have occurred on the plateau; however, information from a palaeontological perspective on this Palaeogene basin is scant. Recently, fossil cyprinids were found in the middle portion of the Shangganchaigou Formation (= Upper Ganchaigou Formation; Oligocene) in the north-western Qaidam Basin. These share many osteological characters with barbines and ‘morphologically primitive clade schizothoracines’ (= primitive schizothoracines; i.e. Schizothorax and Aspiorhynchus), and they closely resemble the latter in the size and shape of the scales: body scales are small and oval; the number of lateral line scales exceeds 100; and the long-oval scales from the pre-anal region are very similar to the ‘anal scales’, which are unique to schizothoracines. Compared with another fossil fish, Paleoschizothorax qaidamensis, from the same formation, the major differences are: (1) the posterior part of the entopterygoid in the new material is normal and not expanded while that of P. qaidamensis is obviously expanded; and (2) the premaxilla process of maxilla is well developed in P. qaidamensis but weak in the new specimens. Therefore, they are described as a new species of the fossil genus Paleoschizothorax (subfamily Schizothoracinae): Paleoschizothorax diluculum sp. nov. A phylogenetic analysis, which included 13 extant genera and three fossil forms of barbines and schizothoracines and 70 morphological characters, also supports the close relationship between P. diluculum and primitive schizothoracines. A preliminary correlation analysis suggests that the degree of reduction of body scale size is negatively correlated with habitat mean temperatures among most Chinese cyprinids. Moreover, we speculate that the ‘primitive schizothoracines’ likely originated in the north-eastern–central Tibetan Plateau based on the fossil records and molecular phylogeny of the extant taxa.

Keywords: Tibetan Plateau, Qaidam Basin, fossil cyprinids, palaeoenvironment, Oligocene

Paleoschizothorax diluculum sp. nov.
A, holotype HTG18021a, head to right; B, counterpart HTG18021b, head to left;
C, opercle, HTG19001; D, cleithrum, HTG19007;
E, F, two entopterygoids, left, in lateral view, HTG19010 and HTG21023.
Scale bars: A, B = 10 mm; C-F = 5 mm.

Systematic palaeontology
Superorder Ostariophysi Sagemehl, 1885
Order Cypriniformes Bleeker, 1859/60

Family Cyprinidae Bonaparte, 1840
Subfamily Schizothoracinae Berg, 1912
(= Lineage Schizothoracini Howes, 1991)

Genus Paleoschizothorax Yang et al., 2018

Paleoschizothorax diluculum sp. nov.

Etymology. The species name ‘diluculum’, from the Latin, means first light of the day, referring to the expectation of more discoveries about the evolutionary implications of primitive schizothoracines.

Locality and horizon. Fossil locality HTG F27, about 15 km north-east of the town of Huatugou, north-western Qaidam Basin, China. Middle part of the Shangganchaigou Formation, Oligocene (Fig. 1).

Tao Yang, Weiyu Liang, Jiahao Cai, Haoran Gu, Lei Han, Hongyu Chen, Haojian Wang, Lin Bao and Defei. 2022. A New Cyprinid from the Oligocene of Qaidam Basin, north-eastern Tibetan Plateau, and Its Implications. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2021.2015470
Researchgate.net/publication/358207014_A_new_cyprinid_from_the_Oligocene_of_Qaidam_Basin_north-eastern_Tibetan_plateau
news.cn/english/20220308/701b8d11e0a54b23b57e6d88289bc7b2/c.html

Tao Yang, Li Zhang, Wenjia Li, et al. 2018. New schizothoracine from Oligocene of Qaidam Basin, northern Tibetan Plateau, China, and its significance. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 38, e1442840. DOI: 10.1080/ 02724634.2018.1442840
Researchgate.net/publication/324712770_New_schizothoracine_from_Oligocene_of_Qaidam_Basin_northern_Tibetan_Plateau_China_and_its_significance

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Amblyceps hmolaii • Integrative Taxonomy peeps A New Torrent Catfish Species of Genus Amblyceps (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) in Kaladan River of Mizoram, India

Amblyceps hmolaii
Singh, Lalronunga & Ramliana, 2022

DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07302-7
Researchgate.net/publication/359022986

Abstract
Background:
Explorations of the Kaladan River of Mizoram, India during the last decade have given a large number of new species. Integrative taxonomy, when used at the time of discovery of new species, can correlate the morphological characters with the species-specific DNA signatures and ameliorate the process of species identification. Based on this approach, Amblyceps hmolaii sp. nov., a new torrent catfish species is described from the Kaladan River drainage.

Methods and results:
The new species is distinguished from all twenty-two congeners by morphometric measurements and meristic counts. Sequence analysis of mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), generated in this study and those available in NCBI, separated A. hmolaii sp. nov. from seven species of Amblyceps. Analysis of COI sequences, with ABGD software to delimit the species, also provided eight stable groups corresponding to the eight species of Amblyceps. The new species was separated from its congeners with an average genetic distance of 11.77%. Maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree was constructed using the best fit nucleotide substitution model HKY + G + I.

Conclusion:
This study used all the twenty-two congeners in morphomeristic analysis and seven congeners in molecular analysis, for comparison with the new species. This approach unambiguously resolved the new species from other species of Amblyceps and created its species-specific DNA signatures. The discovery of new species even marked the first record of genus Amblyceps from the Kaladan drainage.

Keywords: Barcode gap, Cytochrome c oxidase I, Genetic distance, Morphometric characters, Phylogenetic tree

Amblyceps hmolaii sp. nov., ZSI FF 9059, holotype, 51.5 mm SL;
India: Mizoram: Kawlchaw River (Kaladan River drainage)

Class: Actinopterygii Klein 1885.
Order: Siluriformes Cuvier, 1817.

Family: Amblycipitidae Day 1873.

Genus: Amblyceps Blyth 1858.

Amblyceps hmolaii sp. nov.

Etymology: Named in honor of Hmolai, a famous Lakher chief of Lushai hills (present-day Mizoram state).

Mahender Singh, Samuel Lalronunga and Lal Ramliana. 2022. Integrative Taxonomy peeps A New Torrent Catfish Species of Genus Amblyceps (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) in Kaladan River of Mizoram, India. Molecular Biology Reports. DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07302-7
Researchgate.net/publication/359022986_Integrative_taxonomy_peeps_a_new_torrent_catfish_species_of_genus_Amblyceps_in_Kaladan_River_of_Mizoram_India

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Two new species of the codling fish genus Physiculus from Lakshadweep, India (Gadiformes: Moridae)

PISCESACTINOPTERYGIITELEOSTEITAXONOMYGADIFORMES

PDF(4M)

AbstractThe genus Physiculus is widespread in the Indo-Pacific with more than 32 valid species, and about 12 species were recorded only from the Indian Ocean. Two new species similar to each other are collected from the outer reef drop off of Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep, India, Arabian Sea and described. Physiculus indicus sp. nov. is characterised by its light organ situated at about the middle of pelvic-fin base and anus, a small light organ, a rather forward situated anus, no scales on the gular region, dorsal-fin rays 8‒9+56‒60, anal-fin rays 55‒60, and 52 vertebrae. This species differs from nearest congeners in lacking gular scales, anus situated closer to the light organ and slightly fewer total vertebrae. Physiculus lakshadeepa sp. nov. is characterised by a relatively high first dorsal fin (51.7‒62.8% HL) and a light organ situated at the middle of the pelvic-fin base and anus. It has a small light organ, a rather forward situated anus, no scales on the gular region, dorsal-fin rays 8‒9+51‒59, anal-fin rays 53‒59, and 49 vertebrae. Physiculus lakshadeepa differs from the nearest congeners in lacking gular scales, fewer anal-fin rays and fewer total vertebrae.

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Two new remarkable and endangered catfish species of the genus Cambeva (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from southern Brazil

Wilson J.E.M. CostaLaboratory of Systematics and Evolution of Teleost Fishes, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Caixa Postal 68049, CEP 21941-971, Rio de Janeiro, Brazilhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-0428-638X
Caio R.M. FeltrinAv. Municipal, 45, Siderópolis, CEP 88860-000, Santa Catarina, Brazilhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-1609-7295
Axel M. KatzLaboratory of Systematics and Evolution of Teleost Fishes, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Caixa Postal 68049, CEP 21941-971, Rio de Janeiro, Brazilhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-2933-7163

A Society for all Aquatic Fanatics in South Wales!
Fortnightly Meet-ups, Monthly Full Meetings, Swap-shops, Seasonal Auctions, Day Trips & Conventions, Guest Speakers, Cuttings & Culture Swaps
& So Much More!

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10th April 2022
West Lothian Aquarist Society Auction
The Tower Lounge,
Craigshill, Livingston
EH54 5DZ.
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Two new species of goby from the Philippines Rhinogobius estrellae and Rhingobius tandikan

Link to article news.mongabay.com/2022/02/one-fish-two-fish-new-goby-species-from-the-philippines-just-dropped/
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Feia seba, a new species of marine goby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea

ROSSELLA · JANUARY 1, 2020
0 2.9K 1
by Gerald R. Allen, Mark V. Erdmann and William M. Book – aqua 26 (1) – pp. 11-16
Abstract
Feia seba, n. sp. is described from a single male specimen, 12.8 mm SL, collected from a sandy-mud bottom habitat in 30 m depth at Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Diagnostic features include: lateral scales 32; predorsal scales 13; a few scales on upper operculum; pelvic frenum absent, basal membrane fully developed; papillae rows on chin parallel, not converging posteriorly; raised fleshy ridges associated with cephalic sensory papillae mainly confined to preopercular-mandibular series, those of opercle and cheek weakly developed; live coloration mainly reddish brown with widely-spaced, vertically elongate white markings below dorsal-fin base and on dorsal edge of caudal peduncle, also scattered white spots on cheek, opercle, and dorsum of head; dorsal and caudal fins dark brown with white markings.
Full Text | PDF (257 KB)

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Amblyceps motumensis, a new species of hillstream catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from eastern Himalaya, India

ROSSELLA · FEBRUARY 1, 2020
37 5.2K 18
by Santoshkumar Abujam, Lakpa Tamang, Gibji Nimasow and Debangshu Narayan Das – aqua 27 (4) pp. 137-148
Amblyceps motumensis, a new species of South Asian amblycipitid catfish, is described herein based on 3 gravid females (48.0-50.5 mm SL) from the upper Brahmaputra River drainage in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. The new species is readily distinguished from A. apangi, A. torrentis, A. cerinum, A. murraystuarti, A. yunnanensis, A. improcerum and A. laticeps in having the caudal fin deeply forked (vs. truncate or emarginate; weakly forked in A. improcerum and A. laticeps), the anus considerably closer to the anal fin (vs. pelvic-fin) origins, as a result tip of the last adpressed pelvic fin not exceeding (vs. exceeding) beyond anus. The new species is distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: jaws length equal, tip of adpressed dorsal fin not reaching vertical through pelvic-fin origin, pinnate like rays on the caudal fin procurrent and unbranched-principal rays present, but hooks on the lepidotrichia of the median rays absent, adipose fin incised posteriorly and not confluent with dorsal procurrent part of caudal fin.
Full Text | PDF (477 KB)

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The Real Devario browni from the Irrawaddy River Basin, and the new Devario ahlanderi (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Danioninae) from the Salween River Basin in Myanmar

Devario ahlanderi
Kullander & Norén, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5100.1.2

Abstract
Specimens of Devario from a tributary to the Salween River in Myanmar initially identified as Devario browni but with a different colour pattern, were subjected to a comparative morphological analysis with syntypes and other specimens of D. browni from near its putative type locality. The Salween sample was recognised as representing a distinct species, here named Devario ahlanderi. No significant morphometric differences were found between D. ahlanderi and D. browni. The type series of Devario ahlanderi differed from D. browni and most other species of Devario in the presence of 14 vs 12 circumpeduncular scale rows. Devario ahlanderi, D. browni, and D. fangae shared subadult colour pattern. Adult D. ahlanderi differed from adult D. browni in the trunk colour pattern, consisting of rows of dark blotches or short vertical bars. In D. browni, the flank colour pattern consisted of horizontal dark stripes, the middle of which (the P stripe) frequently diverged anteriorly, enclosing a small light blotch. Specimens previously reported as D. browni from the upper Salween River basin in Yunnan differed slightly in colour pattern, and may represent a distinct species. Devario ahlanderi shared spotted colour pattern with that of one ontogenetic state in D. kysonensis, except that a row of spots marking the P-1 stripe in D. kysonensis was absent in D. ahlanderi. The minimum genetic distance between D. ahlanderi and congeneric species varied from 2.1 to 5% in the mt-coI gene.

Key words: colour pattern, freshwater, morphology, South Asia, species discrimination, taxonomy

Devario browni (Regan, 1907)

Revised definition. Distinguished from all other species of Devario by the shape of the P stripe: gradually ex-panding posteroanteriorly, either forming a uniform brown blotch anteriorly, or P stripe diverging anteriorly, forming a brown blotch enclosing a small light spot or two contiguous small light spots.

Geographical distribution and habitat. The type locality of Devario browni is not known, but was probably near Lashio in the upper Irrawaddy River basin. Specimens from streams near Lashio were identified as D. browni (Appendix 1). Presence of D. browni in the upper Salween River basin in Yunnan was not confirmed. Devario shanensis was syntopic with D. browni near Lashio (Appendix 1).Other syntopic fish species were identified as Opsarius barnoides, Pethia stoliczkana, and Danio roseus.

Devario ahlanderi. All from Myanmar, Shan State, Salween River basin.
A, holotype, NRM 57999, adult female, 65.2 mm SL; stream close to Naung Al Village, about 6 miles (9 km) east of Kak-ku.
B, paratype, NRM 58062, adult male, 56.9 mm SL, same locality as holotype;
C, paratype, NRM 58061, adult female, 55.6 mm SL; small stream running under Naung Pic bridge near Naung Pic Village, on the way from Kak-ku to Taunggyi.

Devario ahlanderi, new species

Definition. Distinguished from all other species of Devario by the modification in adults of the anterior half of the P stripe into a series of short irregular bars or spots.

Explanation of the specific name: The specific name is a noun in the genitive case. The species is dedicated to Erik Åhlander, long time Senior Assistant in the ichthtyology and herpetology collection of the Swedish Museum of Natural History, and a key person in the successful development and operation of ichthyology at the NRM.

Sven Kullander and Michael Norén. 2022. The Real Devario browni from the Irrawaddy River basin, and the new Devario ahlanderi from the Salween River basin in Myanmar (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Danioninae). Zootaxa. 5100(1); 54-72. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5100.1.2

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5099.3.2
PUBLISHED: 2022-02-14
Mystus cyrusi, a new species of bagrid catfish (Teleostei: Bagridae) from Middle East

PISCESSILURIFORMESKOL RIVERDNA BARCODINGGENETIC DISTANCEMORPHOLOGYIRAN

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AbstractMystus cyrusi, new species, is described from the Kol River drainage which flows to the Straits of Hormuz in southern Iran. It is distinguished from its closest relative, Mystus pelusius from the Tigris-Euphrates River system by a combination of characters: The maxillary barbel short, not reaching to beyond pelvic fin (vs. extends as far as anal fin in some female M. pelusius), shorter adipose fin (30.8–37.4% SL) and with a steeper sloping at its origin vs. longer (37.6–45.6% SL) and with a more gently sloping in M. pelusius), greater head depth (16.64–21.9% SL vs. 12.6–16.59% SL in M. pelusius), greater caudal-peduncle depth (10.3–12.5% SL vs. 8.7–10.5% SL in M. pelusius) and fewer total gill rakers (12–14, mode 12) vs. (14–17 in M. pelusius). Mystus cyrusi is also well distinguished by molecular characters. Genetically, M. cyrusi shows the lowest genetic distance with M. pelusius (4.6%), and then with M. singaringan (11.6%), M. wolffii (13.1%), and M. bleekeri (13.4%) among the 21 studied species in their mtDNA sequences. Mystus cyrusi shows the highest genetic distance with M. montanus (26.5%).

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H.R. 4521 remains front and center on the PIJAC website as the situation continues to unfold.via PIJAC
February 12, 2022

Robert Likins III, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)“The threat to the responsible pet care community posed by amendments to the Lacey Act included in the COMPETES Act of 2021 (H.R.4521) is high. These changes to the Lacey Act’s shipment clause would create a negative ripple effect across the pet care community, affecting not only those that import and domestically transport companion animals, but also businesses that breed them domestically or provide products and services to care for pets. The proposed white list could also drastically alter the species available as companion animals. While similar changes have been proposed and successfully mitigated by the efforts of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and related groups in the past, this one has more traction than ever before. It is critical that the trade activate and engage with their federal elected officials to voice their opposition to these amendments, which, even if defeated this time, we expect to see again in the future.” – Bob Likins, Vice President, Government Affairs, PIJAC’

Editor’s Note: There is ongoing skepticism in private conversations and social media suggesting that the Lacey Act revisions were already stricken from the House bill that was passed, leading to a wide range of allegations or apathy. These concerns are bolstered by the fact that finding the actual Lacey Act amendments is extremely challenging, and there is still no final version of what was passed by the House available in one unified document to review.
But yes, with certainty, the amendment was made. Here’s where to find it:

H.R. 4521 on Congress.gov
Go to the ammendments tab
Navigate to H.Amdt.160
Click the text” tab on that page.
Note the “Amendment as Offered (02/02/2022)” and then click the link for H895-898
Then, finally, click BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2021; Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 21
Finally, search the page for “71102”, which is the Lacey Act section.

Additionally, it has come to our attention that the text is now viewable in the Congressional Record – Thanks Reefing Report.

Summary:
Amendments to the Lacey Act included in the COMPETES Act of 2021 (H.R.4521) legislation would make changes to the Lacey Act that would negatively impact the broader pet care community.
These amendments are alarming for the pet care community because they:

Expand the authority of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prevent interstate transport between states in the continental U.S. of species listed as injurious.
Create a whitelist of approved species that can be imported, where any animal not listed is treated as an injurious species by default and banned from importation into the U.S.
Grant the Secretary of the Interior powers to use an “emergency declaration” to prohibit importation of a species found to be injurious to humans, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, wildlife, or wildlife resources for up to 3 years. The “emergency declaration” would be effective immediately on publication in the Federal Register, unless extended up to 60 days.

How we got here:

MAR 9, 2021 – S.626 was introduced with language that would amend the current Lacey Act. This bill is in Committee in the Senate and awaiting a hearing.
JUN 8, 2021 – Senate passes S.1260, the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) with the intention of boosting US economic competitiveness with China.
JAN 25, 2022 – House introduces COMPETES Act (H.R.4521) as their “response” to USICA and includes many unrelated amendments. Legislative language from S.626 impacting the Lacey Act was added to the COMPETES Act along with several other amendments creating a larger omnibus bill. The amendments did not have an opportunity for a full debate in different committees before being sent to the House floor for a vote and passage.
FEB 4, 2022 – The House passes COMPETES Act along party lines with few exceptions, and the bill is now in the Senate where they will decide on whether to reconcile the two bills or take up the COMPETES Act.

Current status of COMPETES Act with amendments impacting Lacey:
The COMPETES Act is now in the Senate after passing the House on February 4, 2022. It remains unclear (as of February 8) whether the Senate will take up the House bill or opt to reconcile with their own bill that passed the Senate this past summer, USICA (S. 1260). Once the Senate makes its intentions clear, it will be much clearer where constituents in the pet care community can direct their emails, phone calls, and comments opposing amendments to the Lacey Act included in the COMPETES Act.
PIJAC is preparing for either eventuality and will issue an urgent call to action as soon as it is appropriate. Please be on the lookout for our email alert which will go out to our full membership and respond to it immediately as time will be of the essence.
If you are not yet a member of PIJAC and want to receive the action alert as well as be notified of updates on this and other legislation that could impact your pet business, please become a member today at pijac.org/join or email us at [email protected].

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Scomberoides pelagicus • A New Species of Queenfish (Carangiformes: Carangidae) from Indian Seas

Scomberoides pelagicus Abdussamad, Retheesh & Gopalakrishnan,

in Abdussamad, Gopalakrishnan, Mini, ... et Jacob, 2022
DOI: 10.22438/jeb/43/1/MRN-1975

Aim:
The study was carried out to ascertain whether morphotype of Scomberoides commersonnianus (Talang queenfish) existing along the Indian coast is a new species or not.

Methodology:
Talang queenfish and the morphotype were tested for their uniqueness using systematic and molecular tools. The morphometric and meristic details including otolith morphometry were analysed and compared for taxonomic divergence and Cytochrome Oxidase I and Cytochrome b gene sequences for quantifying genetic divergences.

Results:
The systematic analysis indicated significant morphometric differences between both. The otolith morphometry and phylogeny also confirmed the divergence between them, and qualified the morphotype as an independent species status and named Scomberoides pelagicus sp. nov.

Interpretation:
The new species is distinct by deep ovate body, concave dorsal head profile, anal fin origin anterior to second dorsal fin and pelvic to pectoral fin, helical arrangement of body scale and stout and less numerous gill rakers on the first gill arch. The phylogeny as on Cytochrome b and Cytochrome-Oxidase 1 sequences are very distinct, with 11.2% and 2.0% divergence respectively. Their known distributional range are peninsular region of Indian coast, Malaysian region of the South China Sea and Manila Bay, Philippines.

Key words: Deep bodied queenfish, Genetic divergence, Otolith morphometry, Phylogeny, Scomberoides pelagicus, Talang queenfish

Scomberoides pelagicus sp. nov. Abdussamad, Retheesh and Gopalakrishnan

E.M. Abdussamad, A. Gopalakrishnan, K.G. Mini, S. Sukumaran, P.R. Divya, T.B. Retheesh, A.A. Muhammed, N.V. Dipti, A.R. Akhil, T. Thomas and K.D. Jacob. 2022. Description of A New Species of Queenfish, Scomberoides pelagicus from Indian Seas. Journal of Environmental Biology. 43(1);105-114. DOI: 10.22438/jeb/43/1/MRN-1975

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A new species of Trimma (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the deep reefs of Palau, western Pacific Ocean

PISCESTAXONOMYPYGMYGOBYCORAL REEF GOBIESMESOPHOTIC CORAL ECOSYSTEMS

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AbstractA new species of Trimma is described from three specimens from deep reefs (91.4 m) at Uchelbeluu Reef, Palau, western Pacific Ocean. Trimma panemorfum n. sp. is characterized by a live colouration of a yellow to orange body with two light blue stripes, each with a ventral bar of the same colour from the anterior origin. The predorsal midline is scaled, opercular and cheek scales are absent, the middle 12–13 pectoral-fin rays are branched, the fifth pelvic-fin ray has two dichotomous branch points (total of four branch tips), the bony interorbital is 34–42% pupil width and does not extend ventrolaterally beyond the fifth papilla of row p, where the posterior interorbital trench is present as a slight groove or absent.

References

Colin, P. (2009) Marine Environments of Palau. Indo-Pacific Press, San Diego, 414 pp.
Hoese, D.F, Bogorodsky, S.V. & Mal, A.O. (2015) Description of a new species of Trimma (Perciformes, Gobiidae) from the Red Sea, with a discussion of the generic separation of Trimma and Priolepis, with discussion of sensory papillae terminology. Zootaxa, 4027 (4), 538–550. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4027.4.4
Jordan, D.S. & Seale, A. (1906) The fishes of Samoa. Description of the species found in the archipelago, with a provisional check-list of the fishes of Oceania. Bulletin of the Bureau of Fisheries, 25, 173–455 + 457–488 (index), pls. 33–53. [for 1905]
Pyle, R.L., Kosaki, R.K., Pinheiro, H.T., Rocha, L.A., Whitton, R.K. & Copus, J.M. (2019) Fishes: biodiversity. In: Loya, Y., Puglise, K.A. & Bridge, T.C.L. (Eds.), Mesophotic coral ecosystems. Springer, New York, New York, pp. 749–777.
Ratnasingham, S., & Hebert, P.D.N. (2013) A DNA-Based Registry for All Animal Species: The Barcode Index Number (BIN) System. PLoS ONE, 8 (8), e66213. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0066213
Winterbottom, R. (1995) Red Sea gobiid fishes of the genus Trimma, with the description of two new species. Revue Française d’aquariologie, 22, 93–98.
Winterbottom, R. (2006) Two new species of the gobiid fish Trimma from the coral reefs of western Pacific Ocean (Pisces; Perciformes; Gobioidei). Zootaxa, 1331 (1), 55–68. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1331.1.3
Winterbottom, R. (2011) Six new species of the genus Trimma (Percomorpha; Gobiidae) from the Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia. aqua, International Journal of Ichthyology 17 (3), 127–162.
Winterbottom, R. (2016) Trimma tevegae and T. caudomaculatum revisited and redescribed (Acanthopterygii, Gobiidae), with descriptions of three new similar species from the western Pacific. Zootaxa, 4144 (1), 1–53. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4144.1.1
Winterbottom, R. (2019) An illustrated key to the described valid species of Trimma (Teleostei: Gobiidae). Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, 34, 1–61. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3525430
Winterbottom, R. (2021) A new species of Trimma (Pisces: Gobiidae) from western Thailand, north-eastern Indian Ocean. Zootaxa, 4915 (2), 264–272. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4915.2.6
Winterbottom, R., Burridge, M., Erdmann, M.V., Hanner, R.H., Zur, M., Steinke, C., & Choffe, K. (2020) The cryptic cornucopia revisited—an extended analysis of the COI gene in the gobiid fish genus Trimma (Percomorpha; Gobiiformes). Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, 36, 91–132. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4403739
Winterbottom, R., Erdmann, M.V. & Cahyani, N.K.D. (2015) New species of Trimma (Actinopterygii, Gobiidae) from Indonesia, with comments on head papillae nomenclature. Zootaxa, 3973 (2), 201–226. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3973.2.1
Winterbottom, R., Hanner, R.H., Burridge, M. & Zur, M. (2014) A cornucopia of cryptic species—a DNA barcode analysis of the gobiid fish genus Trimma (Percomorpha, Gobiiformes). ZooKeys, 381, 79–111. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.381.6445
Winterbottom, R. & Hoese, D.F. (2015) A revision of the Australian species of Trimma (Actinopterygii: Gobiidae), with descriptions of six new species and redescriptions of twenty–three valid species. Zootaxa, 3934 (1), 1–102. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3934.1.1

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BKA West London Killifish Auction
3rd Molesey Scout Hut, Saint Peter's Road, West Molesey, Surrey KT8 2QE

BKA West London Killifish Auction

DetailsEvent by William King, Yonek Hleba and London Killikeepers
3rd Molesey Scout Hut, Saint Peter's Road, West Molesey, Surrey KT8 2QE
Duration: 4 hr 15 min
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
The British Killifish Association West London Group Spring Auction
Sunday April 3rd 2022
3rd Molesey Scout Hut, St Peter’s Road, West Molesey, Surrey, KT8 2QE
(Approx. 1.5 miles west of Hampton Court Station)
The Killifish auction will be split into two sections (Red and Blue) starting at 12 noon, separated by an auction of any other fish. Booking in from 10:45 am. Please use your initials to identify your auction sheet and lots. Only pairs or groups of fish, please. There will be a 10% commission.
There will also be an ‘odds and ends’ table for single or same-sex fish, plants, live food cultures, etc. (10% commission), a raffle and free refreshments.
Entrance Fee: £3 on the door
Facebook: https://bit.ly/westlondonkilliauction
BKA: https://killis.org.uk/wp/

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Parosphromenus juelinae

Parosphromenus kishii

Diagnoses of two new species of Parosphromenus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Bangka Island and Kalimantan, Indonesia

PISCESBIODIVERSITYCONSERVATIONCYTBMTDNAPHYLOGENYPOLYMORPHISMTAXONOMY

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AbstractWe describe two new species of Parosphromenus from Indonesia based on morphological and molecular diagnoses. Parosphromenus juelinae, sp. nov., occurs on Bangka Island. Its unpaired fin coloration is similar to that of P. deissneri, but it differs from the latter in having a rounded caudal fin with a non-filamentous branched median ray and a smaller anal fin. Although the new species has the same caudal fin structure as P. bintan, it can be distinguished from the latter by its distinct unpaired fin coloration and the intense red color on the body flanks. Parosphromenus juelinae sp. nov., is found only in a single river system in Kalimantan Tengah. It is distinguished from all other congeners by the unique coloration of its caudal fin. A phylogenetic tree based on the cytochrome b (cytb) gene indicates that the two new species are distinct monophyletic groups constituting distinct phylogenetic branches from their congeners. Cytochrome b Genetic distances between Parosphromenus juelinae, sp. nov., and Parosphromenus kishii, sp. nov., and the other taxa in the phylogenetic tree range from 2.44% to 19.52% and from 8.65% to 17.28%, respectively.

References

Armitage, D. (2002) Bettas & Co. von Bangka und Belitung. Das Aquarium, 397, 10–15.
Bleeker, P. (1859) Negende bijdrage tot de kennis der vischfauna van Banka. Natuurkundig Tijdschrift voor Nederlandsch Indië, 18, 359–378. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.144153
Brown, B. (1987) Special announcement—two new Anabantoid species. Aquarist and Pondkeeper, 1987, 34.
Cracraft, J. (1989) Speciation and Its Ontology: The Empirical Consequences of Alternative Species Concepts for Understanding Patterns and Processes of Differentiation. In: Daniel, O. & John, A.E. (Eds.), Speciation and Its Consequences, Sinauer, Sunderland, Massachusetts, pp. 28–59.
Klausewitz, W. (1955) See- und Süsswasserfische von Sumatra und Java. Senckenbergiana Biologica, 36, 309–323.
Kottelat, M. (1991) Notes on the taxonomy and distribution of some western Indonesian freshwater fishes, with diagnoses of a new genus and six new species (Pisces: Cyprinidae, Belontiidae, and Chaudhuriidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 2 (3), 273–287.
Kottelat, M. & Ng, P.K.L. (1998) Parosphromenus bintan, a new osphronemid fish from Bintan and Bangka islands, Indonesia, with redescription of P. deissneri. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 8 (3), 263–272.
Kottelat, M. & Ng, P.K.L. (2005) Diagnoses of six new species of Parosphromenus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Malay Peninsula and Borneo, with notes on other species. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement 13, 101–113.
Kumar, S., Stecher, G., Li, M., Knyaz, C. & Tamura, K. (2018) MEGA X: Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis across computing platforms. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 35, 1547–1549. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msy096
Linke, H. (2014) Labyrinth Fish World with 1768 selected photographs. Fish Magazine Taiwan, New Taipei City, 577 pp.
Mayden R.L. & Wood R.M. (1995) Systematics, species concepts, and the evolutionarily significant unit in biodiversity and conservation biology. American Fisheries Society Symposium, 17, 58–113.
Rüber, L., Britz, L., Tan, H.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Zardoyz, R. (2004) Evolution of Mouthbrooding and Life–history correlates in the fighting fish genus Betta. Evolution, 58, 799–813. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0014-3820.2004.tb00413.x
Schaller, D. (1985) Parosphromenus nagyi spec. nov., ein neuer Prachtgurami aus Malaysia (vorläufige Mitteilung). Die Aquarien- und Terrarien-Zeitschrift, 38, 301–303.
Schindler, I. & Linke, H. (2012) Two new species of the genus Parosphromenus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Sumatra. Vertebrate Zoology, 62 (3), 399–406.
Tan, H.H. & Ng, P.K.L. (2005) The labyrinth fishes (Teleostei: Anabantoidei, Channoidei) of Sumatra, Indonesia. Raffles Bulletin Zoology, Supplement 13, 115–138.
Tan, H.H. & Jongkar, G. (2020) Parosphromenus barbarae, a new species of Licorice Gourami from Sarawak, Borneo (Teleostei: Osphronemidae). Vertebrate Zoology, 70 (3), 349–356. https://doi.org/10.26049/VZ70-3-2020-07
Turner, G.F. (1999) What is a fish species? Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 9, 281–297. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008903228512
Tweedie, M. (1952) Notes on Malayan fresh–water fishes. 3, The Anabantoid fishes; 4, New and interesting records; 5, Malay names. Bulletin of the Raffles Museum, 24, 63–95.
Vierke, J. (1979) Ein neuer Labyrinthfisch von Borneo––Parosphromenus parvulus nov. spec. Das Aquarium, 13 (120), 247–250.
Vierke, J. (1981) Parosphromenus filamentosus n. sp. aus SO Borneo (Pisces: Belontiidae). Senckenbergiana Biologica, 61, 363–367.
Warren, M.L. (1992) Variation of the spotted sunfish, Lepomis punctatus complex (Centrarchidae): meristics, morphometrics, pigmentation and species limits. Bulletin of the Alabama Museum of Natural History, 12, 1–47.
Zhou, A.G., Xie, S., Wang, Z., Fan, L., Chen, Y., Ye, Q., Zeng, F. & Zou, J. (2019) Genetic diversity and geographic differentiation in Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) based on mitochondrial Cytb gene. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 51 (1), 359–362. https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/2019.51.1.sc2

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Editor’s Note: This is a fast-moving situation, and H.R. 4521 has reportedly been passed in the House on the morning of February 4th, 2022 (vote record here), with the problematic Lacey Act amendments in place. This article was published prior to that, and the progress of H.R. 4521 now depends on Senate actions.
via National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA)

Author Art Parolaby Art Parola
A last-minute amendment to the COMPETES Act, H.R. 4521, was slipped in, presumably to avoid attention and pushback from the millions of Americans who will be affected, and to bypass congressional hearings. The language creates a major change to the provisions of the Lacey Act that regulate species deemed by US Fish & Wildlife Service to be injurious. While promoted under the guise of protecting the country from invasive species, the true goal of the legislative change is to ban as much of the wildlife trade as possible. Many of the organizations pushing this change oppose keeping animals in zoos, public aquariums, research facilities, and sometimes even as pets. While these organizations do not have the public support to implement their agenda outright, they have been effective in hijacking otherwise legitimate initiatives to achieve their ideological goals quietly, piece by piece.
Currently, the Lacey Act allows US Fish & Wildlife Service to promulgate rules that list species that could be injurious “to human beings, to the interests of agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or to wildlife or the wildlife resources of the United States.” Every state in the US also has legal and regulatory mechanisms for banning species that could cause harm to native species and habitats. The current federal Lacey Act list, and most state lists, are often referred to as “Black Lists.” Any species on the list is prohibited, while any species not on the list is allowed to be imported into the respective jurisdiction, sometimes with stipulations such as permit or health certificate requirements. This method of regulation is often regarded as best regulatory practice because it allows jurisdictions to prevent unwanted environmental and health threats that are relevant to their region without being overly burdensome to organizations, businesses, and individuals.
The language in the COMPETES Act would change the Lacey Act list to what is often referred to as a “White List.” If the bill passes, only species that go through an administrative rulemaking process and are found not to be a risk or an injurious species would be allowed to be imported into the United States. Any species not listed would be presumed to be injurious and would be banned from import. All species would be in essence regarded as guilty until proven innocent.
There are multiple problems with taking this regulatory approach.
First, it is impossible to prove a negative. Meeting the burden of proof to show a species would not be injurious is onerous and will require significant time and financial resources. Navigating the petition and listing process will be next to impossible for the average person, not to mention the problems in overcoming any subsequent legal challenges to listings.
The Lacey Act is a federal law, meaning if a species could be injurious anywhere in the United States including its territories and possessions, it could be considered injurious. Due to the vast differences in climate and habitats, effectively regulating potentially invasive species in Ohio or Minnesota requires evaluating drastically different criteria than in Florida or Hawaii, or Puerto Rico. However, the Lacey Act is inflexible and leaves no room for more localized regulations. If a species could be a threat in south Florida, it is deemed to be a threat in Minnesota as well. Therefore, rules to prevent invasive species are most effective when implemented at the state level and not as a one size fits all approach for the entirety of the country.
“White Lists” also create enforcement problems. With a “Black List,” law enforcement primarily needs to be able to identify protected and banned species. Even in these cases, law enforcement can have difficulty and federal regulations ban imports of some species solely based on similarity of appearance to another protected or banned species. The only purpose of these bans are regulatory agencies perceive it would otherwise be difficult for law enforcement personnel to implement the law. This can lead to extremes. For example, Pennsylvania bans all crayfish species. This law is primarily an attempt to prevent invasions of rusty crayfish and a few other cold-water species that legitimately threaten native ecosystems. However, this also means the orange dwarf Mexican crayfish, a popular tropical aquarium species, is banned. An ecological risk screening by US Fish & Wildlife Service gives the species a climate match score of 0 (the lowest score possible and a key indicator that the species presents no invasion risk) for the entire state of Pennsylvania. There is also little to no risk of confusing an orange dwarf Mexican crayfish with species that would actually harm the state’s aquatic ecology. Despite no reasonable purpose for banning the species in Pennsylvania, keeping orange Mexican dwarf crayfish is a crime at the state level, and could even become a federal felony if prosecuted under criminal provisions of federal law pertaining to state, tribal, and foreign wildlife violations.

Mexican dwarf orange crayfish (Cambarellus patzcuarensis), a victim of wholesale banning of all crayfish in Pennsylvania despite presenting no risk of invasion within the state. Image credit: Brambo/ShutterstockWhile “Black Lists” create some regulatory difficulties such as this, these issues are exponentially aggravated when implementing a white list, as practical enforcement of a white list will require law enforcement officials to reliably identify every species, whether listed or not. This is impossible, as millions of species exist on planet earth. Therefore, it is likely species that present effectively no risk of actually being injurious would be excluded from the “White List” due to a perceived burden on law enforcement, whether reasonable or not. Even worse, these regulations would apply across the entire US and not be confined to any single state.
Not only do species identification issues lead to overarching bans on otherwise non-injurious species, but problems can arise even when species are completely legal. Customs officials and wildlife inspection agents at ports of entry are tasked with clearing shipments of wildlife imported from abroad. Often, getting the shipments cleared and to their final destination as quickly as possible is paramount for the health and welfare of the animals. Misidentifications and mistakes by inspectors can lead to holding and seizure of perfectly legal shipments, resulting in significant stress on the animals being transported. This already can be an issue within the current regulatory framework. But moving from a current Lacey Act “Black List” to a “White List” would result in even more instances of mistakenly held and seized shipments due to the increased complexity for custom officials and inspection agents. This will significantly increase the cost of enforcement and reduce animal welfare by potentially prolonging transit times.
The proposed legislation would not only significantly impact importation of animals into the United States, but also limit transportation of animals between states. Due to a 2017 D.C. Court of Appeals ruling, species listed as injurious under the Lacey Act can be moved across state lines in accordance with state laws (though many states already ban relevant Lacey Act “Black Listed” species that pose a threat to their native ecology considering their state’s respective climate and habitats).
The COMPETES Act would override the court ruling and outlaw interstate transport of all species considered injurious under the Lacey Act. Since every species not on the “White List” would be considered injurious, the proposed Lacey Act white list would not only prevent imports of most species into the US from abroad, but also ban movement between states. While animals possessed before the implementation of the white list would still likely be allowed to be kept under state law, unless the species is lucky enough to make it onto the proposed Lacey Act “White List,” transporting across state lines for any reason, whether because of a move, selling or gifting animals, or even taking an animal temporarily to another state for medical care (a common occurrence for fish, reptile, amphibian, and bird keepers, since finding a veterinarian specializing in treating non-mammals can sometimes be difficult) could result in federal prosecution.
Prosecution under the Lacey Act can be severe and heavy-handed. Each violation can be prosecuted as a federal felony with a maximum punishment of $20,000 and/or five years imprisonment. Additional civil penalties could also be levied.
Changes proposed in the COMPETE Act will affect bird keepers, reptile and amphibian enthusiasts, and any other organization, business, or person who works with non-native wildlife. The definition of “wildlife” covers almost every animal, no matter how many generations it may be removed from its wild counterparts, with very few exceptions aside from dogs and cats. The consequences for reptile and amphibian keepers, bird owners, aquarists, and other pet owners if the COMPETES Act passes will be severe. This means every reptile, amphibian, arachnid, bird, fish, coral, and invertebrate will be subject to the new restrictions, whether captive-bred, ranched, farmed, aquacultured, maricultured, or collected from a wild source or fishery. With more than 10,000 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, fish, corals, and invertebrates kept by hobbyists and in the trade, it is likely only a small fraction of species would initially be able to overcome the onerous listing process on the “White List.” The process of petitioning to add species to the “White List” will be costly and time-consuming, and likely be challenged in court by well-funded animal rights organizations, resulting in long and costly delays, if successful at all. Most species will likely be considered injurious without any reason other than an unsurmountable burden of proving otherwise. For species that do manage to make it onto the “White List,” prices will likely rise significantly. Undescribed and newly discovered species will almost certainly cease to exist in the American hobby and trade. Even domestic captive breeding, aquaculture, and fisheries will be severely curtailed as companies and individuals will, for the most part, be limited solely to the “White Listed” species. For all intents and purposes, this legislation will dramatically change the hobby and pet trade as we know it, resulting in significantly reduced availability of species, diminished interest in pet keeping, severe retraction in the size of the industry resulting in substantial job losses, both in the US and abroad, and an extreme reduction in the scientific, economic, cultural, educational, and conservation benefits of the bird, reptile, amphibian, and aquarium hobbies and trade.
Let your congress member know your views on this amendment to the COMPETES Act, H.R. 4521. To contact your US Representative, please visit the NAIATrust.org website, sign up here, and find your representative here and drop him or her a short note with your position.
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7 Comments

Nick Boris
February 04, 2022Maybe a bit of optimism here. The version of the bill referenced in this article (and on most congressional websites) is the original version from January 25th. The rules committee went through the amendment process and appears to have stricken all amendments to the Lacey Act.You can find the list of amendments here: https://rules.house.gov/bill/117/hr-4521. Line 252 withdrew Lacey Act amendments. Amendment 599 strikes the entire section.
“599 Version 1 Crawford (AR) Republican Late Strikes Sec. 71102 – Lacey Act amendments.”

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- Matt Pedersen
  February 04, 2022That was a late proposal, it does not appear to have been accepted. All reports are that the bill will head to the Senate with the Lacey Act provisions.
  
  reply
  - Matt Pedersen
    February 04, 2022(and for the record, I would love to be wrong about that, but I think it important to consider how quickly this came out of nowhere, and thus how quickly the entire aquarium hobby as we know it could be turned upside down).
    
    reply
    - Nick Boris
      February 04, 2022I hope you’re wrong too!
      I did speak with someone in my local rep’s office yesterday. She’s the one that alerted me to the Lacey Act amendments being withdrawn.
      From a realistic perspective, I have a hard time believing Congress would decimate an entire industry with a bill designed to help American business. Knocking every local fish store out of business seems like bad press.
      
      reply
      - Thomas Roewer
        February 04, 2022Do you have a link to the version of the bill that passed?
        
        reply
      - Matt Pedersen
        February 04, 2022Thomas, I don’t think that actually exists at the moment. What I can say is that this is what people are pointing to, which has the Lacey Act changes in place. The one proposal to remove that section is just that…a submission, but to the best of my knowledge was not adopted. I would love to say “here is the bill in the final form” and if I can find that, I will certainly add it. But for now, this is what we have: https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/BILLS-117HR4521RH-RCP117-31.pdf
        
        reply
mark
February 04, 2022it is unfair to ban fish and corals because you lack the funds or cannot come up with an oversite department to control over fishing or poching. legislation has the money to fund these departments and refuses to because there is of no financial interest to them. if you were talking about banning all guns or oil or gold then you would never hear about any of these things happenning.
Found in Coral Magazine

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ARTICLE
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5092.3.5
PUBLISHED: 2022-01-20
Scyliorhinus hachijoensis, a new species of catshark from the Izu Islands, Japan (Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae)

PISCESSCYLIORHINUS TORAZAMESCYLIORHINUS HACHIJOENSIS SP. NOV.CHONDRICHTHYESMORPHOLOGY

PDF(9M)

AbstractA new species of catshark genus Scyliorhinus, S. hachijoensis sp. nov., is described for the islands of Mikurajima, Hachijojima, and Torishima in southeastern Japan. Scyliorhinus hachijoensis has clasper hooks, which is a common feature in males of the most closely related species (S. torazame), but is distinguished by its coloration (presence of dark spots), the height of its anal fin (higher than the caudal peduncle), and the shape of pectoral and pelvic fins, and dermal denticles. Molecular data also corroborates the new species as a distinct and monophyletic taxon by nucleotide sequence analysis of three mitochondrial DNA regions.

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Squatina mapama • A New Cryptic Species of Angel Shark (Elasmobranchii: Squatiniformes: Squatinidae) from the southwestern Caribbean Sea

Squatina mapama
Long, Ebert, Tavera, Acero P. & Robertson, 2021

Small-crested Angelshark | angelote de cresta pequeña || DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5806693
  coralreeffish.com  STRI.SI.edu

Integrating both morphological and genetic data, we describe Squatina mapama, a new species of the angel shark genus Squatina, found on the upper continental slope off the Caribbean coast of Panamá. Distinguishing characters of S. mapama include a wider pectoral and pelvic span; a shorter head length; a narrower mouth; short fringed nasal flaps and barbels; a few large denticles on top of the head; a single dorsal midline row of slightly enlarged denticles from the level of the posterior insertion of the pelvic fin to the first dorsal fin and continuing past the first dorsal fin to the second dorsal-fin origin; and the presence of smaller scattered spots in males, which, in combination, allow separation of this new species from the closely related and sympatric species Squatina david. The new species can be distinguished from all other currently recognized Squatina species by meristic and morphometric measures, as well as by sequence differences in the mtDNA COI marker. Phylogenetic analysis shows Squatina mapama n. sp. to be a basal member of a small clade of western Atlantic Squatina species that includes Squatina occulta, Squatina guggenheim, and S. david, which likely evolved in the late Oligocene or Miocene period. We also report a western range extension of S. david from Colombia to the western Caribbean coast of Panamá.

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, fishes, Atlantic Ocean, Panama, phylogenetics, clades, DNA barcodes

Diagnosis. A Squatina species with a combination of: a single row of slightly enlarged dermal denticles along dorsal midline extending between level just anterior of posterior insertion of pelvic fins and anterior base of first dorsal fin and continuing rearwards along dorsal ridge of tail between first and second dorsal fins; a few large denticles on top of head; nasal flap squared with a fine fringe on ventral edge; two short lateral barbels bluntly rounded also with a fine fringed margin; males with a dorsal color pattern of small, scattered, dark spots distributed over a uniform light-brown background; pectoral-fin span 52.0–58.1% TL; pelvic-fin span 30.7–31.0 % TL; pre-pectoral-fin length 19.4–19.8% TL; trunk width 18.1–19.5% TL; head length 16.5–17.5% TL; spiracle length 2.2–2.3% TL; eye-to-spiracle length 2.2–5.0 % TL; mouth width 10.5–12.1% TL; nostril width 1.6–2.3% TL; snout-to-pectoral distance 19.4–19.8%; spiracle width 2.2–2.3% TL; pectoral-fin inner margins 17.5–18.3%.

Etymology. The specific epithet mapama refers to the acronym MAPAMA, the Ministerio de Agricultura y Pesca, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente, which is the Spanish governmental organization that operates the R/V Miguel Oliver. This name recognizes the support of MAPAMA for the research cruises to Central and South America that facilitated the capture of this angelshark, and other new species of deepwater fishes on both sides of the Central American isthmus (Vázquez et al. 2015, Concha et al. 2016, Robertson et al. 2017).
Suggested common name of Small-crested Angelshark or angelote de cresta pequeña is in reference to the short and narrow median line of small dermal denticles

Douglas J. Long, David A. Ebert, Jose Tavera, Arturo Acero P. and Ross Robertson. 2021. Squatina mapama n. sp., A New Cryptic Species of Angel Shark (Elasmobranchii: Squatinidae) from the southwestern Caribbean Sea Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, 38, 113-130. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5806693
coralreeffish.com/OSFweb/josf38h.html   coralreeffish.com/OSFweb/josf.html
  STRI.SI.edu/story/new-shark-species

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Triplophysa xuanweiensis sp. nov., a new blind loach
species from a cave in China (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae)
Triplophysa xuanweiensis sp. nov., a new blind loach species
from the family Nemacheilidae, is described based on
specimens collected from a subterranean river in Xuanwei
City, Yunnan Province, China. The new species can be
distinguished from all known congeners by a combination of
the following characters: eyes absent, dorsal-fin origin anterior
to pelvic-fin origin, tip of pelvic fin reaching anus, dorsal fin
with 7–8 branched rays, caudal fin forked with 16–18
branched rays, body scaleless and colorless, lateral line
complete, and posterior chamber of air bladder well developed
and connected to anterior chamber by long, slender tube.
Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on the
cytochrome b (cyt b) gene placed Triplophysa xuanweiensis
sp. nov. in a well-supported clade with seven other species of
the genus, and three specimens of the new species formed a
monophyletic group, consistent with morphological
comparisons.
Triplophysa Rendahl, 1933 is one of the largest genera in
Cypriniformes, containing 147 valid species (Froese & Pauly,
2021). Triplophysa species are distributed from the Qinghai-
Xizang Plateau into North China, Central Asia, and the
Himalayas (Li, 2018). Most fish in the genus inhabit high
plateau or mountainous areas, with some species also
exhibiting cave-dwelling behavior (Li, 2018; Ma et al., 2019).
Triplophysa is the largest genus of freshwater fish in China
and includes 102 species (Zhang et al., 2020). Up to now, all
identified cave-dwelling species of Triplophysa are reported
from China (Ma et al., 2019).
Caves are considered extreme environments for animals
due to the lack of sunlight. As such, cave-dwelling fish have
evolved a suite of morphological adaptations to cope with their
extreme environment. These troglomorphic traits include
reduction or loss of eyes, pigmentation, scales, and swim
bladders, as well as enhancement of mechano- and chemosensation
and elongation of fin rays (Zhao et al., 2011).
Cavefish can thus be assigned into two morphological types,
i.e., stygobite/typical and stygophile/atypical cavefish,
according to the presence of troglomorphic characters (Zhao
et al., 2011).
China has more than 148 cavefish species, half of which are
classified as stygobites (Ma et al., 2019). There are 198
stygobite species worldwide, which are found on every
continent but Antarctica (Niemiller et al., 2019). Nearly 40% of
the total number of stygobiotic species are found in China,
more than any other country (Ma et al., 2019; Niemiller et al.,
2019). These cavefish are mainly distributed in the South
China Karst region, which is the largest continuous karst area
and one of the most spectacular examples of humid tropical to
subtropical karst landscapes in the world (Zhao et al., 2011).
Caves are the dominant habitat in the region, harboring a
substantial diversity of organisms adapted to life underground,
including distinctive cavefish.
In April 2018, 16 specimens of an undescribed blind loach
were collected from a cave in Xinle Village, Tangtang Town,
Xuanwei City, Yunnan Province, China, which is
interconnected with the Beipan River system, a tributary of the
Hongshui River in the Pearl River drainage. After comparing
the morphological characters to all known closely-related
species, we determined the specimens to be a new species
within the genus Triplophysa.
Detailed information on comparative material is provided in
Supplementary Text. Counts and proportional measurements
followed Li (2018). All measurements were taken point-topoint
with digital calipers to 0.1 mm. Morphometric and
meristic data were tabulated and analyzed using Microsoft
Excel.
Total DNA was extracted from tissues using a TIANamp
Marine Animals DNA Kit (Tiangen, China) according to the
manufacturer’s protocols. A fragment of the mitochondrial
Received: 30 November 2021; Accepted: 24 January 2022; Online: 24
January 2022
Foundation items: This study was supported by the National Natural
Science Foundation of China (31972868)
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits unrestricted
non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright ©2022 Editorial Office of Zoological Research, Kunming
Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lu et al. Zool. Res. 2022, 43(2): 221−224
https://doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.310
gene coding for cyt b was amplified following the method
described by Huang et al. (2020). Polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) mixtures contained 5 μL of PCR buffer (×10), 5 μL of
2 mmol/L deoxynucleotide triphosphate (dNTP), 2.5 μL of
2 μmol/L primers, 0.5 μL of Taq DNA polymerase, 1.0 μL of
extracted DNA, and 36 μL of H2O. The PCR thermal cycle
profile included: 5 min at 94 °C, followed by 35 cycles of 45 s
at 94 °C, 30 s at 54 °C, 1 min at 72 °C, and final extension of
7 min at 72 °C.
The mitochondrial cyt b gene sequences of 15 other species
in the genus Barbatula Linck, 1 790 and Triplophysa were
obtained from GenBank (Supplementary Table S1). Alignment
of the mitochondrial cyt b sequences was performed using the
Clustal W algorithm in MEGA X (Kumar et al., 2018), along
with manual checks for inconsistencies. Phylogenetic
reconstructions were performed using maximum-likelihood
(ML) with the General Time Reversible model (Nei & Kumar,
2000), with 1 000 bootstrap replicates.
Taxonomy
Triplophysa xuanweiensis Lu, Li, Mao et Zhao, sp. nov.
(Figure 1A–F; Supplementary Table S2)
Holotype: ASIZB 223816, 68.6 mm standard length (SL),
Xinle Village, Tangtang Town, Xuanwei City, Yunnan
Province, China, Beipan River system, a tributary of the
Hongshui River; N26°32 ′44 ″, E104°08 ′01 ″, collected by Z.M.
Lu, W.N. Mao, W.J. Lü, G. Huang, T.K. Xu, April 2018.
Paratypes: ASIZB 223817-223831 (15 specimens), 21.7–85.5
mm SL; same collection information as holotype.
Diagnosis: The new species, along with Triplophysa
erythraea Liu & Huang, 2019, T. fengshanensis Lan, 2013, T.
rosa Chen & Yang, 2005, T. xiangxiensis (Yang, Yuan & Liao,
1986), T. anshuiensis Wu, Wei, Lan & Du, 2018, T. gejiuensis
(Chu & Chen, 1979), T. langpingensis Yang, 2013, T.
shilinensis (Chu & Yang, 1992), and T. qiubeiensis Li & Yang,
2008, differs from all other congeners by eyes absent (vs.
eyes present). Among these blind loaches, the new species
can be distinguished from T. erythraea and T. fengshanensis
by dorsal-fin origin anterior to pelvic-fin origin (vs. dorsal-fin
origin opposite to pelvic-fin origin), from T. rosa and T.
xiangxiensis by pectoral-fin not reaching pelvic-fin origin (vs.
pectoral-fin reaching or beyond pelvic-fin origin), from T.
anshuiensis by 16–18 branched caudal-fin rays (vs. 14), from
T. gejiuensis by pelvic fin reaching anus (vs. pelvic fin not
reaching anus), from T. langpingensis by adipose crest absent
(vs. adipose crest well developed), and from T. shilinensis and
T. qiubeiensis by posterior chamber of air bladder well
developed (vs. posterior chamber of air bladder degenerated).
Description: General body features in Figure 1A–D. Meristic
and morphometric data for new species and comparative
material are provided in Supplementary Table S2.
Body elongated and cylindrical, posterior portion gradually
compressed from dorsal fin to caudal-fin base. Dorsal profile
slightly convex from snout to dorsal-fin insertion, then straight
from posterior portion of dorsal-fin origin to caudal-fin base.
Ventral profile flat. Greatest body depth anterior of dorsal-fin
origin.
Head slightly depressed and flattened, width greater than
depth. Snout slightly pointed. Eyes absent. Anterior and
posterior nostrils adjacently located, anterior nostril forming
valve, end of valve elongated to form short barbel extending
beyond posterior margin of posterior nostrils, posterior nostril
round (Figure 1E). Mouth inferior and curved; mouth corner
situated below anterior nostril, lips thick, upper lip smooth,
lower lip with V-type median notch (Figure 1F). Three pairs of
barbels; inner rostral barbel shortest, ~8.2%–29.4% of head
length, outer rostral barbel longest, extending to mouth corner,
maxillary barbel length ~8.2%–46.0% of head length.
Dorsal fin emarginated, origin closer to tip of snout than to
caudal-fin base, anterior to vertical line at pelvic-fin origin; first
branched ray longest, slightly shorter than head length. Analfin
origin separated from anus by short distance, fin short with
5 branched rays. Pectoral fin moderately developed, tip
reaching mid-point between pectoral and pelvic fin origins.
Pelvic-fin origin posterior to dorsal-fin origin, vertically aligned
with second branched ray of dorsal fin, pelvic-fin tip reaching
to anus. Caudal fin forked, with 17–18 branched rays, upper
lobe slightly longer than lower one, tips blunt.
Body entirely smooth and scaleless. Lateral line complete
and straight, ending at caudal-fin base. Two air bladder
chambers, posterior chamber of air bladder well developed
and connected to anterior chamber by long, slender tube.
Coloration: Live fish semi-translucent and pale pink, without
skin pigment, all fins hyaline (Figure 1D). Whole body
yellowish white after fixation in alcohol, fins yellowish and
translucent.
Distribution: The new species is known only from a cave
located in Xinle Village, Tangtang Town, Xuanwei City, Beipan
River system, a tributary of the Hongshui River (Figure 1H).
Etymology: The species name is derived from the city,
Xuanwei, where the cave is located. The Chinese common
name for this species is “ 宣威盲高原鳅”, which means
Xuanwei blind high-plateau loach.
Genetic comparisons: ML phylogenetic analysis (Figure 1G)
based on the mitochondrial cyt b gene showed that
Triplophysa xuanweiensis sp. nov. and 10 other cavedwelling
species of Triplophysa formed a clade with 100%
bootstrap support, which was sister to the group composed of
four non-cave-dwelling species of Triplophysa. Three
specimens of the new species formed a monophyletic group,
consistent with morphological comparisons. Furthermore, the
interspecific genetic distances for cyt b between Triplophysa
xuanweiensis sp. nov. and its congeners were all greater than
12% (Supplementary Table S3). Therefore, we confirmed
Triplophysa xuanweiensis sp. nov. as a new species of the
genus Triplophysa.
Remarks: Li (2018) reviewed all nemacheilid cavefish from
China and placed Triplophysa dongganensis Yang, 2013, T.
huanjiangensis Yang, Wu & Lan, 2011, T. jiarongensis Lin, Li
& Song, 2012, T. lihuensis Wu, Yang & Lan, 2012, T.
lingyunensis (Liao, Wang & Luo, 1997), and T. longibarbatus
(Chen, Yang, Sket & Algancic, 1998) into the genus
Troglonectes, which was followed by Huang et al. (2020) and
Zhao et al. (2021). With the new species described herein,
Triplophysa currently contains 29 cave-dwelling species, 13 of
which are classified as stygophile/atypical type as they do not
show any troglomorphic traits, including T. baotianensis Li, Li,
222 www.zoores.ac.cn
Liu & Li, 2018, T. guizhouensis Wu, He, Yang & Du, 2018, T.
huapingensis Zheng, Yang & Chen, 2012, T. longipectoralis
Zheng, Du, Chen & Yang, 2009, T. longliensis Ren, Yang &
Chen, 2012, T. nandanensis Lan, Yang & Chen, 1995, T.
nasobarbatula Wang & Li, 2001, T. sanduensis Chen & Peng,
2019, T. tianxingensis Yang, Li & Chen, 2016, T. wulongensis
Chen, Sheraliev, Shu & Peng, 2021, T. xiangshuingensis Li,
2004, T. yunnanensis Yang, 1990, and T. zhenfengensis
Wang & Li, 2001. However, the new species can be assigned
to the stygobite/typical type based on a series of troglomorphic
characteristics, such as loss of eyes, pigmentation, and
scales.
There are 16 stygobite species of Triplophysa
(Supplementary Table S4): Triplophysa xuanweiensis sp.
nov., T. aluensis Li & Zhu, 2000, T. anshuiensis, T. erythraea,
T. fengshanensis, T. gejiuensis, T. langpingensis, T.
luochengensis Li, Lan Chen & Du, 2017, T. macrocephala
Yang, Wu & Yang, 2012, T. qiubeiensis, T. rosa, T.
shilinensis, T. tianeensis Li, Li, Lan & Du, 2004, T. tianlinensis
Li, Li, Lan & Du, 2017, T. xiangxiensis, and T. xichouensis Liu,
Pan, Yang & Chen, 2017. Among them, T. aluensis, T.
luochengensis, T. macrocephala, T. tianeensis, T. tianlinensis,
and T. xichouensis have small eyes or eye-dots. Therefore,
Triplophysa xuanweiensis sp. nov. can be easily
distinguished from the above species by its lack of eyes.
All remaining eyeless loaches, including the new species,
share the following morphological characters: lateral line
complete and body scaleless and colorless. However,
Triplophysa xuanweiensis sp. nov. differs from T. erythraea
and T. fengshanensis by dorsal-fin origin anterior to pelvic-fin
origin (vs. dorsal-fin origin opposite to pelvic-fin origin), from T.
erythraea by anal-fin origin separated from anus (vs. anal-fin
origin close to anus), and from T. fengshanensis by smooth
lips (vs. lips with shallow furrows). Triplophysa xuanweiensis
sp. nov. can be distinguished from T. rosa and T. xiangxiensis
by shorter pectoral fin (10.8%–21.7% of SL, not reaching
pelvic-fin origin vs. 24.7%–31.1% of SL, reaching pelvic-fin
origin, and 23.1%–35.5% of SL, extending beyond pelvic fin
origin, respectively). The new species can be distinguished
from T. anshuiensis, T. gejiuensis, T. langpingensis, and T.
shilinensis by anterior nostril not forming barbel-like tube (vs.
anterior nostril prolonged as barbel-like tube). The new
species can be further distinguished from T. anshuiensis by
16–18 branched caudal-fin rays (vs. 14), from T. gejiuensis by
compressed pelvic-fin tip reaching anus (vs. tip of compressed
pelvic fin not reaching anus), from T. langpingensis by adipose
crest absent (vs. adipose crests well developed on caudal
peduncle), and from T. shilinensis by developed posterior air
Figure 1 Photos, distribution, and phylogenetic position of Triplophysa xuanweiensis sp. nov.
A: Lateral view (holotype, 68.6 mm standard length). B: Ventral view. C: Dorsal view. D: Live fish. E: Lateral view of head. F: Dorsal view of head.
G: ML phylogenetic tree of Triplophysa species and two outgroup species of Barbatula using mitochondrial cyt b gene sequences ( “*”: Cavedwelling
species of Triplophysa). H: Type locality of Triplophysa xuanweiensis sp. nov.
Zoological Research 43(2): 221−224, 2022 223
bladder chamber (vs. posterior chamber degenerated).
Triplophysa qiubeiensis is the most similar species to
Triplophysa xuanweiensis sp. nov., and shares the following
characteristics: body elongated, scaleless and colorless, eye
absent, dorsal-fin origin anterior to pelvic-fin origin, tip of pelvic
fin reaching anus, and anus separated from anal-fin origin by
short distance. However, the new species differs from T.
qiubeiensis by having smooth lips (vs. lips with mastoids),
posterior chamber of air bladder well developed (vs.
degenerated), 10–12 branched pectoral-fin rays (vs. 8–9), 6–8
branched pelvic-fin rays (vs. 5), and 16–18 branched caudalfin
rays (vs. 15).
NOMENCLATURAL ACTS REGISTRATION
The electronic version of this article in portable document
format will represent a published work according to the
International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN),
and hence the new names contained in the electronic version
are effectively published under that Code from the electronic
edition alone (see Articles 8.5–8.6 of the Code). This
published work and the nomenclatural acts it contains have
been registered in ZooBank, the online registration system for
the ICZN. The ZooBank LSIDs (Life Science Identifiers) can
be resolved and the associated information can be viewed
through any standard web browser by appending the LSID to
the prefix http://zoobank.org/.
Publication LSID:
urn: lsid: zoobank.org: pub: 1C73EFC4-1820-4294-A2EC-
1DF5B4F99178
Triplophysa xuanweiensis LSID:
urn: lsid: zoobank.org: act: BFC02521-FF34-4871-BC56-
FE26C74A01FB
SCIENTIFIC FIELD SURVEY PERMISSION INFORMATION
All field collections followed the Implementation Rules of
Fisheries Law of the People’s Republic of China. All activities
followed the Laboratory Animal Guidelines for the Ethical
Review of Animal welfare (GB/T 35 892–2018).
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Supplementary data to this article can be found online.
COMPETING INTERESTS
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS
Y.H.Z. and W.N.M. designed the study. Z.M.L., W.N.M.,
W.J.L., G.H., and T.K.X. contributed to fieldwork and collected
data. X.J.L. and J.Q.H. performed data analyses. X.G.L.,
Z.M.L., and Y.H.Z. wrote the manuscript with input from
F.Q.Q., P.Y., and S.G.Y. Y.H.Z. revised the manuscript. All
authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Zong-Min Lu1,2,#, Xue-Jian Li1,3,#, Wen-Jian Lü4,#,
Jin-Qing Huang5, Tian-Ke Xu4, Gang Huang2,
Fen-Qiong Qian4, Peng Yang2, Shu-Guo Chen2,
Wei-Ning Mao2,*, Ya-Hui Zhao1,*
1 Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute
of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
2 Qujing Aquaculture Station, Qujing, Yunnan 655099, China
3 Shanghai Universities Key Laboratory of Marine Animal
Taxonomy and Evolution, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai
201306, China
4 Xuanwei Fisheries Management Station, Xuanwei, Yunnan
655499, China
5 School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guilin Medical University,
Guilin, Guangxi 541001, China
#Authors contributed equally to this work
*Corresponding authors, E-mail:[email protected];
[email protected]
REFERENCES
Froese R, Pauly D. 2021. (2021-08-28). FishBase. World Wide Web
electronic publication. www. fishbase. org, version (08/2021).
Huang JQ, Yang J, Wu ZQ, Zhao YH. 2020. Oreonectes guilinensis
(Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae), a new loach species from
Guangxi, China. Journal of Fish Biology, 96(1): 111−119.
Kumar S, Stecher G, Li M, Knyaz C, Tamura K. 2018. MEGA X: molecular
evolutionary genetics analysis across computing platforms. Molecular
Biology and Evolution, 35(6): 1547−1549.
Li XJ. 2018. Nemacheilidae Cavefishes of China—Taxonomy, Adaption and
Zoogeography. Master thesis, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai. (in
Chinese)
Ma L, Zhao YH, Yang JX. 2019. Cavefish of China. In: White WB, Culver
DC, Pipan T. Encyclopedia of Caves. 3rd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier,
237–254.
Nei M, Kumar S. 2000. Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics. New York:
Oxford University Press.
Niemiller ML, Bichuette ME, Chakrabarty P, Fenolio DB, Gluesenkamp AG,
Soares D, et al. 2019. Cavefishes. In: White WB, Culver DC, Pipan T.
Encyclopedia of Caves. 3rd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 227–236.
Zhang CG, Shao GZ, Wu HL, Zhao YH. 2020. Species Catalogue of China.
Vol. 2. Animals, Vertebrates (V), Fishes. Beijing: Science Press. (in
Chinese)
Zhao LX, Liu JH, Du LN, Luo FG. 2021. A new loach species of
Troglonectes (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Guangxi, China. Zoological
Research, 42(4): 423−427.
Zhao YH, Gozlan RE, Zhang CG. 2011. Out of sight out of mind: current
knowledge of Chinese cave fishes. Journal of Fish Biology, 79(6):
1545−1562.
224 www.zoores.ac.cn

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Utricularia sainthomia (Lentibulariaceae) • A New Remarkable Carnivorous Species from the Lateritic Plateau of northern Kerala, India

Utricularia sainthomia P.Biju, Josekutty, Janarth. & Augustine,

in Biju, Josekutty, Janarthanam & Jomy, 2020.
DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2020.30.02.02
facebook.com/335371220741671

Abstract
A new species of Lentibulariaceae, Utricularia sainthomia collected from the lateritic plateau of northern Kerala, India is described and illustrated. It is compared with similar species, U. malabarica Janarth. & A.N.Henry and U. lazulina P.Taylor based on vegetative, floral and seed morphology. A key to the violet flowered species in India are provided.

Keywords: New species, Utricularia, Utricularia sect. Oligocista.

Utricularia sainthomia P.Biju, Josekutty, Janarth. & Augustine:
a. Habit; b. Habitat; c. Rhizoids; d. Stamens; e. Pistil; f. Trap different views
(from Biju & Jomy 1008; photos by P. Biju).

Utricularia sainthomia P.Biju, Josekutty, Janarth. & Augustine, sp. nov.

This new species is morphologically similar to U. malabarica Janarth. & A.N.Henry and U. lazulina P.Taylor in its 3- nerved leaves, basifixed bracts, shorter peduncles, recurved fruiting pedicels (absent in U. lazulina), papillate calyx lobes and bigibbous corolla but differs in having large oblate traps (1.5–2.5 mm) with a lateral mouth, traps confined to the expanded portion of the leaves, 1.5–2.5 mm long nonglandular trap appendages, terete brownish green peduncles, papillate scales, bracts and bracteoles, broad obovate upper lip of corolla, deep violet lower lip of corolla, shallowly trilobed upper lobe of stigma, globular capsules, terminal hilum, elongated overlapping testa cells with raised anticlinal boundaries and periclinal walls transversely striated.

Etymology: The species is named after the educational institution Saint Thomas College, Pala, Kerala, India, where one of the authors pursuing research work.

Distribution: Endemic to the lateritic plateau in Kerala, India.

Biju P., Josekutty E.J., Janarthanam M.K. and A. Jomy. 2020. Utricularia sainthomia (Lentibulariaceae), A New Remarkable Carnivorous Species from the Lateritic Plateau of northern Kerala, India. Rheedea: Journal of Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy. DOI: 10.22244/rheedea.2020.30.02.02 rheedea.in/journal/IEmyDef7
facebook.com/335371220741671/photos/595433518068772

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Fundulus herminiamatildae: a new species of killifish (Teleostei: Fundulidae) from the upper Río Soto La Marina basin, Nuevo León, México
María Elena García-Ramírez, María De Lourdes Lozano-Vilano, Mauricio De La Maza Benignos

Abstract
Fundulus herminiamatildae sp. nov. Is endemic from the Marmolejo stream, a head water tributary of Río Soto La Marina basin, in the municipality of Aramberri, Nuevo León, México. Geologically, it is located in the Northeastern province of México, specifically in the Sierra Madre Oriental subprovince. The water temperatura is a determinant and important factor for the species differentiation. Its closest relative is F. philpisteri. Fundulus herminiamatildae is distinguished from other killifishes by a large number of conspicuous and simple lateral bars, body with high profile, and the following proportions in cephalic length: snout (2.5- 2.9, mean 2.7) eye diameter (4.1-4.9, mean 4.5), and Preorbital length (2.7-3.1, mean 2.9).

Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/aijb.v9n2a2

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Scyliorhinus hachijoensis • A New Species of Catshark (Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae) from the Izu Islands, Japan

Scyliorhinus hachijoensis
Ito, Fujii, Nohara & Tanaka, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5092.3.5

Abstract
A new species of catshark genus Scyliorhinus, S. hachijoensis sp. nov., is described for the islands of Mikurajima, Hachijojima, and Torishima in southeastern Japan. Scyliorhinus hachijoensis has clasper hooks, which is a common feature in males of the most closely related species (S. torazame), but is distinguished by its coloration (presence of dark spots), the height of its anal fin (higher than the caudal peduncle), and the shape of pectoral and pelvic fins, and dermal denticles. Molecular data also corroborates the new species as a distinct and monophyletic taxon by nucleotide sequence analysis of three mitochondrial DNA regions.

Key words: Scyliorhinus torazame, Scyliorhinus hachijoensis sp. nov., Chondrichthyes, morphology

Scyliorhinus hachijoensis, external morphology.
(A, B) NSMT-P 135960, male, 370 mm TL (off the east coast of Hachijojima Island).
(C, D) NSMT-P 135961, female, 322 mm TL (off the east coast of Hachijojima Island). Panels show
(A, C) dorsal and (B, D) lateral views of the specimens.
Scale bar = 30 mm.

Close-ups of the head of Scyliorhinus hachijoensis, NSMT-P 135960, male, 370 mm TL (off the east coast of Hachijojima Island).
Panels show (A) lateral, (B) dorsal, and (C) ventral views.
Scale bar = 20 mm.

Scyliorhinus hachijoensis sp. nov.

New English name: Cinder cloudy catshark;
New Japanese name: Fukami-torazame.

Diagnosis: A species of Scyliorhinus distinguished by its anterior nasal flaps not reaching the upper lip (vs. flaps reaching upper lip, and sometimes covering it, in S. canicula, S. cervigoni, S. comoroensis, S. duhamelii, S. garmani and S. stellaris); nasoral grooves absent and posterior nasal flaps situated posterior to excurrent apertures (vs. nasoral grooves prexents and posterior nasal flaps laterally situated in S. canicula and S. duhamelii); mouth length less than half of mouth width (vs. mouth length more than or equal half of mouth width except in S. torazame and S. ugoi); anal fin height more than caudal peduncle height (vs. less than caudal peduncle height in S.boa, S. duhamelii, S. torazame and S. torrei), and greater than or equal to half of mouth width (vs. less than half of mouth width in S. boa, S. capensis, S. duhamelii, S. haeckelii, S. hesperius, S.meadi, S. torazame, S. torrei and S. ugoi); saddles darker than the background color (vs. inconspicuous or absent in S. boa, S. cabofriensis, S. cervigoni, S. duhamelii, S. garmani and S. torrei, and dark lines in S. retifer); body grayish brown to dark brown with well-defined light spots and small dark spots (vs. spots absent in S. retifer, yellow to golden spots in S. capensis, light spots absent in S. cervigoni, S. garmani, S. meadi and S. retifer, and dark spots absent in S. capensis, S. comoroensis, S. hesperius, S. meadi, S. torazame and S. torrei); light spots spiracle-sized or larger (vs. predominantly smaller than spiracles in S. boa, S. cabofriensis, S. canicula, S. duhamelii, S. stellaris and S. ugoi); dark spots smaller than spiracles (vs. predominantly larger than spiracles in S. cervigoni, S. duhamelii, S. garmani, S. haeckelii and S. stellaris); number of monospondylous vertebrae 34–36 (vs. counts higher except in S. duhamelii, S. torazame and S. torrei); clasper with hooks (vs. absent in all other species except S. torazame); accessory terminal cartilage present (vs. absent in S. cabofriensis, S. cervigoni, S. comoroensis, S. duhamelii, S. haeckelii, S. stellaris, S. torrei and S. ugoi); egg case surface with irregularities (vs. smooth in all other species).

Distribution: This species was recorded from the waters around the Izu Islands, Japan (Fig. 7). All specimens were captured by longline fishing for Splendid alfonsino, at depths of ca. 100–200 m around Mikurajima Island, ca. 200–400 m around Hachijojima Island, and ca. 500–600 m around Torishima Island.

Etymology: The species name “hachijoensis” refers to the species’ main collection area, Hachijojima Island. The English name is derived from “Cinderella”, because the dark spots on the body surface are similar to black ashes “cinder”. The Japanese name “Fukami” means “deep sea”.

Egg cases of (A, B) Scyliorhinus hachijoensis and (C, D) S. torazame.
(A, C) Dorsal view, scale bar = 10 mm. (B, D) Close-up of surface.
Scale bar = 2 mm.

Nanami Ito, Miho Fujii, Kenji Nohara and Sho Tanaka. 2022. Scyliorhinus hachijoensis, A New Species of Catshark from the Izu Islands, Japan (Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae). Zootaxa. 5092(3); 331-349. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5092.3.5

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ARTICLE
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5082.3.6
PUBLISHED: 2021-12-17
Description of a new deep-water species of Heteroclinus (Pisces: Teleostei: Clinidae), from southern Australia

PISCESFISHBLENNIFORMESBLENNIOIDEIICHTHYOLOGYTAXONOMY

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AbstractHeteroclinus argyrospilos, n. sp. is described as a new species from specimens sampled by sled and dredge in 55–100 m off South Australia and Western Australia. The species has a strongly compressed body and spatulate orbital tentacle similar to some shallow water species, particularly those of the Heteroclinus heptaeolus complex, which is characterized by having three segmented dorsal-fin rays, with the last two rays widely separate from the first ray. It is distinct from other Australian clinids in having two segmented dorsal-fin rays, well separated from the last dorsal-fin spine and a reduced lateral line on the body. It is known from a greater depth than other members of the genus.

References

George, A. & Springer, V.G. (1980) Revision of the clinid fish tribe Ophiclinini, including five new species, and definition of the family Clinidae. Smithsonian Contributions in Zoology, 307, 1–31. https://doi.org/10.5479/si.00810282.307
Gill, A.C. & Pogonoski, J.J. (2016) Pseudotrichonotus belos new species, first record of the fish family Pseudotrichonotidae from Australia (Teleostei: Aulopiformes). Zootaxa, 4205 (2), 189–193. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4205.2.8
Gill, A.C., Pogonoski, J.J., Moore, G. & Johnson, J.W. (2021) Review of Australian species of Plectranthias Bleeker and Selenanthias Tanaka (Teleostei: Serranidae: Anthiadinae), with descriptions of four new species. Zootaxa, 4918 (1), 1–116. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4918.1.1
Hoese, D.F. (1976) A redescription of Heteroclinus adelaidae Castelnau (Pisces: Clinidae), with description of a related species. Australian Zoologist, 19 (1), 51–67.
Hoese, D.F. (2006) Families Tripterygiidae and Clinidae. In: Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (Eds.), Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Publishing Parts 1–3. ABRS & CSIRO, Collingwood, pp. 1517–1539.
Hoese, D.F. & Rennis, D.S. (2006) Description of a new species of Heteroclinus (Blennoidei: Clinidae) from southern Australia. Memoirs of Museum Victoria, 63 (1), 21–24. https://doi.org/10.24199/j.mmv.2006.63.4
Hoese, D.F., Gomon, M.F. & Rennis, D.S. (2008) Family Clinidae. In: Gomon, M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H. (Eds.), Fishes of Australia’s Southern Coast. Reed New Holland, Sydney, pp. 696–722.
Penrith, M.L. (1969) The systematics of the fishes of the Family Clinidae in South Africa. Annals of the South African Museum, 55 (1), 1–121.
Stephens, J.S. Jr. & Springer, V.G. (1974) Clinid fishes of Chile and Peru, with description of a new species, Myxodes ornatus, from Chile. Smithsonian Conbtributions in Zoology, 159, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.5479/si.00810282.159

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Two new species of Tanichthys (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from China
Fan Li, Te-Yu Liao, Jörg Bohlen, Zhi-Xin Shen, Liang-Jie Zhao, Shan Li
Author Affiliations +
J. of Vertebrate Biology, 71(21067):21067.1-13 (2022). https://doi.org/10.25225/jvb.21067

AbstractTanichthys albiventris, new species, from the River Jiangping in Dongxing City, Guangxi Province is distinguished from Tanichthys albonubes by the presence of a reddish-orange dorsal-fin margin (vs. white) and 9-10 (9 in mode) branched anal-fin rays (vs. 8 in mode). Tanichthys flavianalis, new species, from the River Jiuqu in Qionghai City, Hainan Province is distinguished from T. albiventris and T. albonubes by the presence of a golden anal-fin margin (vs. white) and 7 (rarely 6) branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. 6 in mode). In T. albiventris, T. albonubes, and T. flavianalis the black lateral stripe is located on the dorsal half of the flank, distinguishing them from Tanichthys kuehnei and Tanichthys micagemmae, in which it is mid-lateral. Tanichthys thabacensis is different from all other species of Tanichthys in the shape of the mouth and insertion of the anal fin; it is tentatively referred to as Aphyocypris.
IntroductionThe minnow genus Tanichthys Lin, 1932 are small freshwater fishes characterized by confluent narial openings, and the presence of cornified tubercles on the snout posterior to the premaxilla in adult males (Weitzman & Chan 1966, Freyhof & Herder 2001, Bohlen et al. 2019). This genus was placed either in the subfamily Leuciscinae (Chu 1935, Yang & Huang 1964), the subfamily Danioninae (Chen 1998, Nelson et al. 2016), or a sister group to the subfamily Acheilognathinae (Liao et al. 2011) under the family Cyprinidae. However, some molecular phylogenetic studies have elevated the family Cyprinidae to the superfamily Cyprinoidea, in which a new family Tanichthyidae was proposed to include Tanichthys (Chen & Mayden 2009, Mayden & Chen 2010).
Tanichthys comprises four species, including Tanichthys albonubes Lin, 1932 (white cloud mountain minnow), Tanichthys kuehnei Bohlen, Dvořák, Thang & Šlechtová, 2019, Tanichthys micagemmae Freyhof & Herder, 2001, and Tanichthys thacbaensis Nguyen & Ngô, 2001. Unlike the other three species restricted to specific river basins with a narrow geographic distribution in northern and central Vietnam, T. albonubes has a wide distribution ranging across several different basins (the River Pearl and several small coastal rivers) in southern China (including Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and Hong Kong) and northern Vietnam (Quang Ninh Province) (Weitzman & Chan 1966, Pan 1991, Chen 1998, Kottelat 2001, Yi et al. 2004, Chan & Chen 2009, Li & Li 2011, Zhao et al. 2018). Recent molecular studies indicated that each of the wild populations of T. albonubes was monophyletic with significant genetic differentiation among them (Luo et al. 2015, Zhao et al. 2018). They were further considered as different cryptic species (Li et al. 2020). Although several studies made comparisons based on limited morphological characters or colour patterns among some populations from China, and reported variation among different populations (Weitzman & Chan 1966, Yi et al. 2004, Chan & Chen 2009, Li & Li 2011, Li et al. 2020), none of them provided clear diagnostic characters for different populations/ cryptic species. It is apparent that the taxonomy of the T. albonubes species group remains unresolved.

Full paper link bioone.org/journals/journal-of-vertebrate-biology/volume-71/issue-21067/jvb.21067/Two-new-species-of-Tanichthys-Teleostei-Cypriniformes-from-China/10.25225/jvb.21067.full?tab=ArticleLink

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In 2022 the KFN Convention - Killi Fish Nederland will be held earlier in April and will take place in Asperen, at "Hotel Schildkamp", between April 8-10.
The organization has space for 528 couples or breeding groups and all fish should be registered by April 6 and should arrive at the Convention site by April 8 at 5 p.m.
- 1. the lecture by Jouke van der Zee. "There are far more species of killies in Africa than we think. "
- 2. the lecture by J. Set. "Some information on how to maintain and breed Lampeyes. "
For all additional information send an email to direct@apk. pt.

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5091.3.3
PUBLISHED: 2022-01-14
A new species of the waspfish genus Ocosia (Teleostei: Tetrarogidae) from the Coral Sea, with a key to species in the genus

PISCESOCOSIA APIAOCOSIA DORSOMACULATAMORPHOLOGYTAXONOMYDESCRIPTION

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AbstractThe new waspfish Ocosia dorsomaculata n. sp. (Tetrarogidae) is described, based on specimens from Australia (5) and New Caledonia (51). Although O. dorsomaculata and Ocosia apia Poss & Eschmeyer 1975 both share modally XVI, 8 dorsal-fin rays with a long second dorsal-fin spine, and presence of supraocular, lateral lacrimal, and suborbital spines, the former has modally 13 pectoral-fin rays (vs. usually 12 in the latter), a lower modal count of total gill rakers (10 vs. 16–18), greater upper-jaw length, greater third to sixth dorsal-fin spine lengths, the third dorsal-fin spine slightly shorter than the second dorsal-fin spine (vs. third spine markedly shorter than second spine), 1 or 2 prominent pale brown to dark brown blotches on the membrane between the fifth to eighth or sixth to ninth dorsal-fin spines (vs. 1 blotch on the membrane around the third dorsal-fin spine and 1 blotch on the membrane between the sixth to eighth dorsal-fin spines), and body with 11–15 longitudinal pale brown to dark brown bars along lateral line (vs. irregular brown specks). A key to the species of Ocosia is given.

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Improving zebrafish laboratory welfare and scientific research through understanding their natural history

Carole J. Lee,Gregory C. Paull,Charles R. Tyler
First published: 04 January 2022

https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12831
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SHAREABSTRACTGlobally, millions of zebrafish (Danio rerio) are used for scientific laboratory experiments for which researchers have a duty of care, with legal obligations to consider their welfare. Considering the growing use of the zebrafish as a vertebrate model for addressing a diverse range of scientific questions, optimising their laboratory conditions is of major importance for both welfare and improving scientific research. However, most guidelines for the care and breeding of zebrafish for research are concerned primarily with maximising production and minimising costs and pay little attention to the effects on welfare of the environments in which the fish are maintained, or how those conditions affect their scientific research. Here we review the physical and social conditions in which laboratory zebrafish are kept, identifying and drawing attention to factors likely to affect their welfare and experimental science. We also identify a fundamental lack knowledge of how zebrafish interact with many biotic and abiotic features in their natural environment to support ways to optimise zebrafish health and well-being in the laboratory, and in turn the quality of scientific data produced. We advocate that the conditions under which zebrafish are maintained need to become a more integral part of research and that we understand more fully how they influence experimental outcome and in turn interpretations of the data generated.
I INTRODUCTIONThere are several reasons why it is important to review the welfare of laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio Hamilton). First, researchers have a duty of care for laboratory animals and in many countries are legally obliged to consider their welfare when designing experiments (e.g. UK: Home Office, 2014a; European Union: Council of the European Union, 2010; USA: National Research Council, 2011; Australia: National Health and Medical Research Council, 2013). Second, awareness and support for better welfare of research animals is increasing in the public domain and research funders are now requesting high standards of welfare as a condition of receiving research funds (NC3Rs et al., 2015). A survey by Ipsos MORI in 2018 found that 59% of the public want to know more about work to improve the welfare of research animals, a rise of 5% since 2016 (Clemence, 2018). Thirdly, good animal welfare is linked to improved quality of science (Prescott & Lidster, 2017).
The zebrafish is a key experimental model and worldwide millions are used for studies spanning toxicology, drug discovery, and the study of human diseases, but a lack of defined conditions and standards for zebrafish care have resulted in the protocols for their housing and maintenance varying among laboratories (Alestrom et al., 2019). Advances in the science of zebrafish husbandry and management and more detailed reporting of maintenance conditions of experimental fish are needed to address this issue (reviewed by Lieggi et al. 2020). Most guidelines are concerned primarily with maximising production and minimising costs and pay less attention to how aspects of the laboratory environment affect welfare or the science that they support.
We identify the science behind the conditions in which laboratory zebrafish are often kept and aim to identify and draw attention to factors likely to affect their welfare. Understanding a species’ natural biology can help to guide good welfare practice (Howell & Cheyne, 2019) and here we draw on field observations and from experiments in mesocosms and laboratory tanks, to compare and contrast the physical and social environment experienced by wild zebrafish with those of laboratory-maintained fish. A variety of physiological and behavioural changes, including increased growth rate and reduced startle response, have been documented in zebrafish raised in a captive environment compared to fish collected from their natural habitat in India (Robison & Rowland, 2005). Captivity creates different fitness pressures compared to the fish's natural environment, potentially leading to differences in selection on various traits (Robison & Rowland, 2005). We use measures of physiology and behaviour to indicate factors likely to affect zebrafish welfare. We also identify gaps in knowledge and discrepancies among current regulatory and laboratory guidelines and illustrate some of the challenges and opportunities that confront researchers and facility managers for providing best welfare for zebrafish. We furthermore consider how these factors can affect the many fields of science that employ zebrafish as study models, including areas such as neuroscience where the recent discovery of astrocytes in zebrafish is predicted to open new research avenues into brain development, function and disease (Chen et al., 2020). Such research will likely be influenced by the environment in which the experimental fish are produced and tested. For example, temperature can affect the zebrafish nervous system, as evidenced by changes in the brain proteome and behaviour (Nonnis et al., 2021), and behavioural testing of isolated fish modifies their physiological, neuroendocrine and behavioural responses (Giacomini et al., 2015).
II WELFAREOptimising welfare, based on scientific evidence, is not always compatible with research methods or purpose. For example, some forms of environmental enrichment can improve welfare for some fish species (Näslund & Johnsson, 2014) but can potentially also alter features of an animal's physiology or behaviour (Killen et al., 2013), influencing research results. The benefits of refinements to housing or husbandry need to be measured against their costs and practicalities in order to make a convincing case for improvements that deliver higher welfare. This requires that welfare is quantified. Measures of fish welfare include survivorship, growth, health, reproductive performance, levels of blood/body cortisol, behaviour and affective states. These indicators of fish welfare (Table 1) along with how they are measured, examples of their use, and their advantages and disadvantages, are reviewed extensively elsewhere (Huntingford et al., 2006; Sadoul & Geffroy, 2019; Toni et al., 2019). Each of these methods reflects a particular aspect of welfare but none provide a complete evaluation, so multiple methods are often used (Huntingford & Kadri, 2008).

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/brv.12831Link to full paper:-
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The British Livebearer Association is planning a Livebearer show and auction on Sunday 26th June

at Kempshott village hall Basingstoke. This is still at the planning stage and nothing is confirmed yet.
We don’t want to clash with other shows which is the reason for publishing this date now.
(Black Mollies descended from fish bred by Ron Baldock of Strood AS)

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SUNDAY, 13 MARCH 2022 AT 12:00Preston and District Aquarist Society Auction 1/4
70 Stanifield Ln, Farington, Leyland PR25 4GA
More
About
Discussion

Interested
Going
InviteDetails
23 people responded
Event by Elliot Garstang and Preston and District Aquarist society
70 Stanifield Ln, Farington, Leyland PR25 4GA
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
Held at Farington Conservative Club
Sellers are required to book in a lot by contacting Elliot G, booking in starts from March 2nd.

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Open AccessArticleTaxonomy and Distribution of the Deep-Sea Batfish Genus Halieutopsis (Teleostei: Ogcocephalidae), with Descriptions of Five New Species †

by
Hsuan-Ching Ho
1,2,3
1
National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, Pingtung 944, Taiwan
2
Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Pingtung 944, Taiwan
3
Australian Museum, Sydney 2010, Australia
†
Publications: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C5CCDC55-4FC6-481C-B303-F5ECBE4CC2F6.
Academic Editors: Alexei M. Orlov and Francesco Tiralongo
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2022, 10(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse10010034 (registering DOI)
Received: 29 October 2021 / Revised: 14 December 2021 / Accepted: 20 December 2021 / Published: 30 December 2021
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deepwater Fishes)

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N.E.T.S. fish and plants only auction
6th March 2022
Everyone welcome buyers and sellers coming from all across the UK to support the biggest auction in the northeast.
SELLERS
Anyone welcome to sell the fish and plants only please ask how to do so if interested
15% commission took off anything sold
reserves recommended
pre booked lots adviced
dry good tables for £10
BUYERS
just turn up on the day and enjoy a massive selection of tropical and cold water fish plants and shrimps buyers don't pay commission the price you bid is the prize you pay. no registering.
So come along and buy or sell. DOORS OPEN AT 10am auction starts 11am
No dry goods will go through the auction dry goods tables are available for £10 any questions let me know
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BIODIVERSITAS ISSN: 1412-033X
Volume 22, Number 12, December 2021 E-ISSN: 2085-4722
Pages: 87-98 DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d221212

Heteropneustes fuscus (Siluriformes: Heteropneustidae), a new catfish species from Kerala, India

MATHEWS PLAMOOTTIL Department of Zoology, Government College. Kottayam, Kerala 686013, India. Tel/fax.: +91-944-7059690, email: [email protected]
Manuscript received: 30 September 2021. Revision accepted: 13 December 2021.
Abstract. Plamoottil M. 2021. Heteropneustes fuscus (Siluriformes: Heteropneustidae), a new catfish species from Kerala, India. Biodiversitas 22: 87-98. Heteropneustes fuscus, a new catfish species, is described from Kerala, India; it is a close congener of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794) described from Tranquebar in Tamil Nadu. Heteropneustes fuscus has been misidentified as H. fossilis until now, but it differs from Bloch's species in color and many other rigid taxonomic variables. The new species can be distinguished from its relative species in the following combination of characters: deep black body and fins, 4-5 branched dorsal-fin soft rays, 72-75 anal fin rays, 58-60 total vertebrae, 26-32 total gill rakers; deeper and wider body; deeper caudal peduncle; greater pre occipital and post occipital distances and longer anal fin. The new fish is edible and found in freshwater rivers, streams, ponds and paddy fields in Kerala. It is also cultivated in some artificial impoundments. Heteropneustes fuscus is compared with its congeners, scientifically named and taxonomically described.
Keywords: Biodiversity, description, Heteropneustes fossilis, scientific naming, taxonomy

Full pdf -- smujo.id/biodiv/article/view/9564/5417

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Heteropneustesfuscus(Siluriformes:Heteropneustidae),anewcatfishspeciesfromKerala,IndiaMATHEWSPLAMOOTTILDepartmentofZoology,GovernmentCollege.Kottayam,Kerala686013,India.Tel/fax.:+91-944-7059690,email:[email protected]Manuscriptreceived:30September2021.Revisionaccepted:13December2021.Abstract.PlamoottilM.2021.Heteropneustesfuscus(Siluriformes:Heteropneustidae),anewcatfishspeciesfromKerala,India.Biodiversitas22:87-98.Heteropneustesfuscus,anewcatfishspecies,isdescribedfromKerala,India;itisaclosecongenerofHeteropneustesfossilis(Bloch,1794)describedfromTranquebarinTamilNadu.HeteropneustesfuscushasbeenmisidentifiedasH.fossilisuntilnow,butitdiffersfromBloch'sspeciesincolorandmanyotherrigidtaxonomicvariables.Thenewspeciescanbedistinguishedfromitsrelativespeciesinthefollowingcombinationofcharacters:deepblackbodyandfins,4-5brancheddorsal-finsoftrays,72-75analfinrays,58-60totalvertebrae,26-32totalgillrakers;deeperandwiderbody;deepercaudalpeduncle;greaterpreoccipitalandpostoccipitaldistancesandlongeranalfin.Thenewfishisedibleandfoundinfreshwaterrivers,streams,pondsandpaddyfieldsinKerala.Itisalsocultivatedinsomeartificialimpoundments.Heteropneustesfuscusiscomparedwithitscongeners,scientificallynamedandtaxonomicallydescribed.Keywords:Biodiversity,description,Heteropneustesfossilis,scientificnaming,taxonomyINTRODUCTIONSpeciesofHeteropneustesMuller(Siluriformes:Heteropneustidae),theAsianstingingcatfishes,arecommerciallyimportantfreshwaterfishesdistributedthroughoutthesouthandsoutheastAsiancountries.Silurus(Bloch1794;Hamilton1822;Swainson1939),Saccobranchus(Valenciennes1840;Jerdon1849;Gunther1864)andClarisilurus(Fowler1937)arethediversenamesassignedtothegenusbyvarioustaxonomists.ThebodyofHeteropneustesiselongated,theheadisdepressedandcoveredwithosseousplatesandhasfourpairsofbarbels.Thebodyalsohasapairofaccessoryrespiratoryorgansintheformofairsacsextendingbackwardfromthegillchamberonbothsidesofthevertebralcolumn.Thedorsalfinissmallanddevoidofbonyspines;thepectoralspineisstrongandinternallyserratedandthecaudalfinisrounded(Nelson2006).Thestingingcatfishmostlyinhabitsrivers,swamps,ponds,marshlandsandmuddystreams(FroeseandPauly2018).Theyareextensivelyfishedandculturedbecauseoftheirnutritionalquality(SahaandGuha1939;Aloketal.1993),medicinalvalue(JhaandRayamajhi2010)andlow-fatcontent(Rahmanetal.1982).Theyarealsoimportantforresearchstudiesowingtothepossessionofaccessoryrespiratoryorgans(Burgess1989;Jha2009;Kasherwanietal.2009).Ratmuangkhwangetal.(2014)collectedmanyspecimensofHeteropneustesfromMyanmar,ThailandandIndia(WestBengal,Assam,TamilNaduandKerala)andconductedmoleculartaxonomicstudiesthatdemonstratedtheexistenceofthreedistinctcladesinHeteropneustesfossiliscomplexinsoutheastAsiaandnortheasternandsouthwesternIndiaandtreatedthemasseparatespecies.However,theycouldnotcollectH.fossilisfromTranquebar,itstypelocality.RecentlythisauthorcouldprocuresomespecimensofHeteropneustesspeciesfromPathanamthittaofKeralawhich,oncarefulexamination,disclosedmarkeddifferencesfromH.fossiliscollectedfromitstypelocalityandfromitsothercongeners.Itisdescribedhereasanewspecies,Heteropneustesfuscus.MATERIALSANDMETHODSInconnectionwiththeSERBMajorResearchProject(CRG)ofDST,GovtofIndia,thisauthorvisitedmanyareasofsouthIndiaforfishcollectionandtaxonomicanalysis.ThissurveyresultedintheprocurementofmanyrarefreshwaterfishesfromvariousaquaticbodiesofKerala,KarnatakaandTamilNadu.DifferentcolorvariantsofHeteropneusteswerecollectedfromvariouspartsofsouthIndia.Theblack-coloredHeteropneustesfromthePathanamthittadistrictshowedmarkeddifferencesfromitsoriginaldescription.Thisledtheauthortoconductmoretaxonomicalstudiesonthisblack-coloredstingingcatfish.Fivespecimensofthisfishwerecollected,duringmorninghours,usinggillnets,anesthetized,andfixedin10%formaldehydesolution;theywereexaminedandtaxonomicallyanalyzed;specimensofHeteropneustesfossilis,theclosecongener,werecollectedbytheauthorfromTranquebar,itstypelocality,andcomparedwiththenewspecies.Measurementsofpartsofthebodyandheadweretakenusingdialcalipers;meristiccountsweretakenusingamagnifyinglensandastereomicroscope;vertebralnumberswerecountedfromradiographs.Formeasurementsandcomparisons,Jayaram(2002)wasfollowed;measurementsandcountsweremadeontheleft

Squatina mapama n. sp., a new cryptic species of angel shark (Elasmobranchii: Squatinidae) from the southwestern Caribbean Sea. Long, Douglas J.; Ebert, David A.; Tavera, Jose; Acero P., Arturo; Robertson, D.R.
Integrating both morphological and genetic data, we describe Squatina mapama, a new species of the angel shark genus Squatina, found on the upper continental slope off the Caribbean coast of Panamá. Distinguishing characters of S. mapama include a wider pectoral and pelvic span; a shorter head length; a narrower mouth; short fringed nasal flaps and barbels; a few large denticles on top of the head; a single dorsal midline row of slightly enlarged denticles from the level of the posterior insertion of the pelvic fin to the first dorsal fin and continuing past the first dorsal fin to the second dorsal-fin origin; and the presence of smaller scattered spots in males, which, in combination, allow separation of this new species from the closely related and sympatric species Squatina david. The new species can be distinguished from all other currently recognized Squatina species by meristic and morphometric measures, as well as by sequence differences in the mtDNA COI marker. Phylogenetic analysis shows Squatina mapama n. sp. to be a basal member of a small clade of western Atlantic Squatina species that includes Squatina occulta, Squatina guggenheim, and S. david, which likely evolved in the late Oligocene or Miocene period. We also report a western range extension of S. david from Colombia to the western Caribbean coast of Panamá.

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Capoeta raghazensis, a new species of algae-scraping cyprinid from the Raghaz Canyon in Hormuz basin, southern Iran (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

Soheil EAGDERI, Hamed MOUSAVI-SABET
AbstractCapoeta raghazensis, new species, is described from the Raghaz Canyon, Hormuz basin, southern Iran. It is distinguished from its congeners in Iran by having one pair of barbels, a moderately ossified last unbranched dorsal-fin ray which smaller than head length; no black spots on head, body and dorsal fin; 69–77 lateral line scales; 11–13 scales between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line; 9–10 scales between anal-fin origin and lateral line; 11–14 total gill rakers, small barbels (7–13% HL), short head (20–24% SL), and short pectoral fin (10–15% SL).

Keywords
Hormuz basin, Freshwater, Iran, Taxonomy, Middle East.
Full Text:
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A phylogeny of the genus Limia (Teleostei: Poeciliidae) suggests a single-lake radiation nested in a Caribbean-wide allopatric speciation scenario

BMC Research Notes volume 14, Article number: 425 (2021) Cite this article

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AbstractObjectiveThe Caribbean is an important global biodiversity hotspot. Adaptive radiations there lead to many speciation events within a limited period and hence are particularly prominent biodiversity generators. A prime example are freshwater fish of the genus Limia, endemic to the Greater Antilles. Within Hispaniola, nine species have been described from a single isolated site, Lake Miragoâne, pointing towards extraordinary sympatric speciation. This study examines the evolutionary history of the Limia species in Lake Miragoâne, relative to their congeners throughout the Caribbean.
ResultsFor 12 Limia species, we obtained almost complete sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, a well-established marker for lower-level taxonomic relationships. We included sequences of six further Limia species from GenBank (total N = 18 species). Our phylogenies are in concordance with other published phylogenies of Limia. There is strong support that the species found in Lake Miragoâne in Haiti are monophyletic, confirming a recent local radiation. Within Lake Miragoâne, speciation is likely extremely recent, leading to incomplete lineage sorting in the mtDNA. Future studies using multiple unlinked genetic markers are needed to disentangle the relationships within the Lake Miragoâne clade.
IntroductionThe Caribbean is considered one of the most important global biodiversity hotspots [1]. The largest biodiversity is found in the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Puerto Rico) where a remarkable diversification is observed in freshwater fishes [2,3,4,5], amphibians [6, 7], reptiles [8, 9], invertebrates [10,11,12] and plants [13, 14], putatively driven by a complex geological history, environmental heterogeneity, and the tropical climate [15, 16].
Adaptive radiations typically occur when a set of open niches becomes available because of a key innovation or the arrival of a founder species, which subsequently differentiates to occupy these niches [17]. Many classical examples are linked to islands, as Darwin’s Finches on the Galapagos islands, all of which go back to a single ancestor [18,19,20]. Research on Darwin’s Finches also highlighted the role of hybridization in speciation [21]. Other well-explored radiations include Hawaiian silverswords [22,23,24] and Hawaiian honeycreepers [25]. In all these examples, molecular evidence has played an important role in understanding the evolutionary processes of speciation. Probably the best-known examples from the Caribbean region are Anolis lizards [26] and Eleutherodactylus frogs [27].
Poeciliidae are freshwater livebearing fishes that have experienced an enormous radiation in aquatic environments of the West Indies with three endemic genera (Girardinus, Quintana and Limia) distributed in the Antilles [3, 4, 28, 29]. The Caribbean is also the site of two lesser known radiations in isolated inland lakes, both of which involve fishes of the genus Cyprinodon [30,31,32,33]. These Caribbean fishes share many characteristics with the most prominent example of radiation in freshwater fishes, the cichlids in lakes of the Rift Valley of East Africa, where each lake has produced a distinct cichlid fauna [34,35,36]. One of the important drivers for speciation in these fishes seems to be feeding specializations [33, 37, 38]. Furthermore, as generally predicted from the theory of island biogeography [39] and recently empirically confirmed for island birds [40, 41], the number and diversity of species in both the Rift Valley lakes and Greater Antilles correlates with the size of the habitat.
Among livebearing fishes of the Greater Antilles, the origin of the different lineages and species composition within each genus may show peculiar patterns [39, 42]. Limia is part of the unique freshwater fish fauna of the Greater Antilles. It is found in most freshwater habitats in Hispaniola, ranging from hypersaline lagoons to relatively cool mountain streams [43, 44]. Limia species are generally feeding generalists [2, 45, 46]. Their distribution indicates a radiation on Hispaniola [2, 47], with 19 of the 23 known species found on this island [46, 48] (Additional file 1). By contrast, on Cuba, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman, only one species each is found [28, 44, 49]. Within Hispaniola, nine Limia species (L. fuscomaculata, L. garnieri, L. grossidens, L. immaculata, L. islai, L. mandibularis, L. miragoanensis, L. nigrofasciata, L. ornata) have been described from a single site, Lake Miragoâne. This lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Caribbean and is located in the southwestern part of Haiti. It comprises an isolated, endorheic drainage [50]. A Limia radiation there was hypothesized by Rivas [2] and has received renewed attention through the description of two new species from the lake [43, 45]. However, few studies have examined the evolutionary history of the fishes found in Lake Miragoâne.
Without specific attention to Lake Miragoâne, some studies of Limia have resolved the general phylogeny of the genus. Current literature suggests Limia to form a monophyletic group with the genera Pamphorichthys, Mollienesia, Micropoecilia, and Poecilia, with Limia as sister taxon to Poecilia [51,52,53]. Limia melanogaster is the most basal species, branching off early and colonizing Jamaica [2]. Limia melanogaster’s divergence was followed by the colonization of Hispaniola, where the species diverged into over 20 recognized species [44]. Nested within the species native to Hispaniola are L. vittata and L. caymanensis [2, 54] which are the only species native to their respective islands, Cuba and Grand Cayman [28, 44]. Most previous analyses target only a few species [52, 53, 55]. The most comprehensive phylogeny to date used nine species of Limia. Among them were only two native to Lake Miragoâne, Limia nigrofasciata and Limia islai [2, 44, 46], such that Riva’s hypothesis of a local radiation within Lake Miragoâne [1] could so far not been tested.
Our study comprises 18 out of 23 currently recognized species of Limia. It is particularly novel regarding its more comprehensive sampling of Lake Miragoâne, including five of its native species. We expected that if a local radiation event did occur in Lake Miragoâne, those species native to the lake should form a monophyletic clade.
Main textMaterials and methodsSamplingIngroup sampling consisted of 67 individuals representing 18 species of Limia (Additional files 2, 3). Twelve Limia species were obtained from wild-caught populations. Sequences from six Limia species were obtained from GenBank: L. garnieri, L. melanonotata, L. pauciradiata, L. rivasi, L. versicolor, and L. sulphurophila. Outgroup sampling consisted of eight individuals representing three species of Poecilia, the sister taxon to Limia [28, 44, 55]: P. dominicensis [45], P. hispaniolana [56], both endemic to Hispaniola, and P. mexicana from the Atlantic side of Mexico. We used four to five individuals per species, except in cases where sampling was limited.
Molecular methodsWe targeted the mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome b gene, a well-established marker for lower-level taxonomic relationships as in recent radiations (see [57] for a fish example) for which we obtained an almost complete sequence.
Genomic DNA was extracted from muscle tissue using a cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) protocol [58]. DNA concentration was measured using a NanoDrop ND-1000 and ranged from 2.7 to 120 ng/µl. Via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), we amplified 1127 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Primers and reaction profiles were modified from Hrbek et al. ([51]; Additional file 4). Except for L. vittata, P. dominicensis, and P. hispaniolana, the primer combinations L14725 and H15981 were used. 1 µl DNA isolate was used during amplification (increased to 2 µl if DNA concentration was below 20 ng/µl). PCR reactions contained 0.12 µl of 5 U/µl MyTaq mtDNA polymerase (Bioline), 0.5 µl of each 10 µM primer, 5 µl of 5 × MyTaq reaction buffer and HPLC H2O up to a final volume of 50 μl. PCR products were sequenced using Applied Biosystems™ BigDye™ Terminator v3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kits (ThermoFisher), purified with ExoSAP (Exonuclease I [59] and Antarctic Phosphatase [60]) according to manuals from New England Biolabs, and run on an Applied Biosystems™ 3500 sequencer.
Phylogenetic and haplotype network analysesSequences were manually edited and aligned with ClustalW in BioEdit v.7.2 [61, 62] and 1127 bp of cytochrome b were used in phylogenetic analyses. Potential mutation saturation was assessed with DAMBE [63]. We conducted Maximum Likelihood analyses using RAxML GUI v.2.0 [64, 65] and assessing clade support via 10,000 rapid bootstrap pseudoreplicates. Separately, we conducted Bayesian analyses in MrBayes v.3.2.7. [66], where we ran four Markov chains for 10,00,000 iterations, sampling every 1000 iterations, with three heated chains and one cold chain and default parameters unlinked across partitions. Convergence was assessed using Tracer v.1.7. All parameter estimates were verified to have been sampled sufficiently (ESS > 200). We removed the first 25% of our trees as burn-in, such that 3002 trees were retained. Nodes were considered with bootstrap support (BS) and Bayesian posterior probability (PP) greater than 70 and 0.95, respectively [67, 68]. A haplotype network was constructed within PopArt [69] using a median joining network [70]. Genetic distances between taxonomic groups were calculated in MEGA [71].
ResultsThere was no indication of mutation saturation in our data set (Additional file 5). Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian trees revealed nearly identical topologies for interspecific relationships (Fig. 1). In both trees, there is strong support that the species found in Lake Miragoâne in Haiti are monophyletic (BS = 97; PP = 1.0). However, within Lake Miragoâne, L. mandibularis is the only species resolved as a monophyletic group, while the phenotypically described species L. islai, L. immacualata, L. miragoanensis, and L. nigrofasciata form a polytomy.

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Systematics and Biodiversity Volume 19, 2021 - Issue 8
Museum specimens reveal a rare new characid fish genus, helping to refine the interrelationships of the Probolodini (Characidae: Stethaprioninae)Guilherme Frainer
,
Fernando R. Carvalho
,
VinÍCius A. Bertaco
&
Luiz R. Malabarba
Pages 1135-1148 | Published online: 17 Nov 2021

Download citation

https://doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2021.1986167

Abstract(Received 7 July 2021; accepted 23 September 2021) Two new characid fish species are described from the upper rio Tocantins basin, Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás State, Brazil. Both species were discovered among specimens in museum collections. Relationships of taxa were evaluated in a more comprehensive phylogenetic analysis utilizing the largest dataset available of molecular and morphological data for the family Characidae. The two species were recovered as sister species and described in a new genus, closely related to Erythrocharax and Phycocharax. Dinotopterygium gen. nov. is distinguished from all other characid genera by the unique combination of ten synapomorphies, including the unique anal-fin morphology with a small number of branched anal-fin rays (13-16). Dinotopterygium uniodon sp. nov. and D. diodon sp. nov. differ by the number of tooth series in the premaxillary bone (one or two) and number of tooth cusps (7 or 5). The additional phenotypic variation for a taxonomically informative character within the Characidae through the discovery of new forms has helped to refine the interrelationship of the tribe Probolodini (Characidae: Stethaprioninae). The discovery of these new and possibly critically endangered species emphasizes the importance of museum collections for understanding biodiversity past and present.
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E0FD8207-590B-4FF7-B9CA-FD481A7F8B0E
Key words:
Biodiversity Characidae Dinotopterygiummuseum collections phylogeny
Previous article View issue table of contents Next articleAcknowledgementsWe are grateful to Osvaldo Oyakawa, Alessio Datovo and Mario de Pinna (MZUSP) for selection and loan of specimens; to Fernando Dagosta (UFGD, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados) by conceding photos of D. diodon paratypes; to Centro de Microscopia Eletrônica, CME (UFRGS) for the SEM preparations. A special thanks to Juan Marcos Mirande (UEL-CONICET) for his assistance on the phylogenetic analysis.

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Barbodes sellifer & B. zakariaismaili • Two New Species of Barbodes (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Malay Peninsula and Comments on ‘Cryptic Species’ in the B. binotatus Group

Barbodes sellifer
Kottelat & Lim, 2021

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 69;

Abstract
Barbodes sellifer, new species, is described from Singapore, the southern Malay Peninsula and Riau (Sumatra). It is distinguished by having, among others, a large triangular to rectangular blotch between the dorsal fin and the midlateral row of scales (+1). Barbodes zakariaismaili, new species, is described from the Jelai watershed of the Pahang drainage. It is distinguished, among others, by having an elongated blotch on the anterior third of scale rows 0 and +1, and a narrow, faint bar between dorsal-fin origin and scale row +1. The existence of the supposed B. binotatus cryptic species is discussed; it does not satisfy any of the criteria under different concepts and this terminology should not be used. Among others, it is made of diagnosable units, and the morphological disparity among the supposed ‘cryptic’ taxa is not substantially lower than among non-‘cryptic’ relatives. It is simply a taxonomically difficult group.

Key words. Barbodes, Singapore, Malaysia, cryptic species

Fig. 3. Barbodes sellifer, new species, ZRC 21699, 42.4 mm SL; Malaysia: Terengganu: Sekayu. (Photograph by M. Kottelat).
Fig. 3. Barbodes sellifer, new species, about 60 mm SL; Singapore: Nee Soon swamp forest (type locality). Live specimen, in situ, January 2005, not preserved. (Photograph by Nick Baker).

Barbodes sellifer, new species

Diagnosis. Barbodes sellifer, new species, is distinguished from all other species that have been placed in the B. binotatus group by the presence in adults of a large triangular to rectangular blotch extending downwards from in front of and below the base of the dorsal fin in adults (sometimes incomplete or narrower); juveniles have a midlateral row of 3–5 black spots, with the second spot vertically elongated, contacting a small spot below branched dorsal-fin rays 1–2.

Etymology. Sellifer is a Latin adjective meaning ‘bearing a saddle’ (feminine: sellifera, neuter: selliferum).

The forest stream (a) inhabited by Barbodes sellifer, new species, in the type locality, Nee Soon swamp-forest in Singapore;
and a view from the surface (b) showing a congregation of many individuals of B. sellifer (with the distinct black subdorsal blotch) with a few Rasbora elegans (with the two black spots on the side).
(Photographs by K. K. P. Lim, March 2005).

Barbodes zakariaismaili, new species

Diagnosis. Barbodes zakariaismaili, new species, is distinguished from all other species of the B. binotatus group by its unique colour pattern in adults, including a faint longitudinally elongate blackish midlateral mark from the upper extremity of the gill opening to below the dorsal-fin origin; a black spot below the anterior part of the dorsal-fin base, extending downwards to the midlateral row as a narrow triangular mark; and a blackish spot at the end of the caudal peduncle. Other characters useful for identification, but not unique to the species, are: slender body (depth 2.9–3.1 times in SL); interobital area convex; eye not flush with dorsal profile, relatively small (4–5 times in head length, 1.5–1.9 times in interorbital distance); juveniles with a conspicuous reticulate pattern made of black pigments on scale pockets.

Etymology. The species is named for Mohd. Zakaria-Ismail in appreciation for his work on the fish fauna of Malaysia. A noun in the genitive, indeclinable.

Maurice Kottelat and Kelvin K. P. Lim. 2021. Two New Species of Barbodes from the Malay Peninsula and Comments on ‘Cryptic Species’ in the B. binotatus Group (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 69; 522–540.

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A new species of Satanoperca (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from the Rio Tocantins basin, Brazil

Renata Rúbia Ota1 , Gabriel de Carvalho Deprá1, Sven Kullander2, Weferson Júnio da Graça1,3,4 and Carla Simone Pavanelli 1,3
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Abstract

A new species of Satanoperca is described from the Rio Araguaia, Rio Tocantins basin, Brazil, and non-native records are available in the upper Rio Paraná basin. It differs from congeneric species by color pattern characters, such as head and flank marks. It is included in the Satanoperca jurupari species group, characterized by the absence of black rounded blotches on the flank, and low meristic values. A description of the ontogeny of melanophore marks of the S. jurupari species group revealed two different types of arrangement on the flank and numerous melanophore marks on the head. A discussion on morphologically diverse assemblages in the S. jurupari species group is also provided.
Keywords: Freshwater, Neotropical region, Non-native species, Pigmentation, Taxonomy.

IntroductionSatanoperca Günther, 1862 is a widely distributed genus in cis-Andean South America, comprising nine species distributed in two species groups sensu Willis et al. (2012). The S. daemon species-group includes S. acuticeps (Heckel, 1840), S. daemon (Heckel, 1840) and S. lilith Kullander & Ferreira, 1988 (considered as separated S. acuticeps and S. daemon species-groups by Kullander, Ferreira, 1988), and is characterized by the presence of black rounded blotches on the flank, and high meristic values. On the other hand, the S. jurupari species-group includes S. curupira Ota, Kullander, Deprá, da Graça & Pavanelli, 2018, S. jurupari (Heckel, 1840), S. leucosticta (Müller & Troschel, 1849), S. mapiritensis (Fernandéz-Yépez, 1950), S. pappaterra (Heckel, 1840), and S. rhynchitis Kullander, 2012 and is characterized by the absence of black rounded blotches on the flank, and low meristic values. Molecular phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of Satanoperca (e.g., López-Fernández et al., 2005, 2010; Ilves et al., 2017) and contained species groups (e.g., Willis et al., 2012).
Morphologically, among South American cichlids, Satanoperca is distinguished by a unique body shape with long snout and small mouth, and a unique combination of characters: absence of scales on dorsal- and anal-fin inter-radial membranes, ribs present on caudal vertebrae, post-abdominal extensions of swim bladder, presence of tooth plates on the ceratobranchial 4; scales on anterior half of cheek, a black blotch on the base of caudal-fin upper lobe, one or two rows of dentary teeth, three infraorbitals, equal number of abdominal and caudal vertebrae, or just one abdominal more, gill rakers attached to skin covering gill filaments, and supracleithrum frequently serrated (Kullander, 1986).
Studies on the Satanoperca jurupari species group revealed diverse assemblages, indicating the existence of new species (Kullander, Ferreira, 1988; Kullander, Nijssen, 1989; Kullander, 2012; Willis et al., 2012; Ota, 2013; Ota et al., 2018a). Despite meristic and morphometric data being conservative, the color pattern has been useful to diagnose species, especially head and flank marks (Ota et al., 2018a). Here we describe a new species in the S. jurupari species group, with meristic and morphometric data similar to other species in that group, but with a distinct color pattern. We also introduce a detailed analysis of juvenile color pattern and ontogenetic shifts in color pattern as a method of species discrimination in Satanoperca.

Full report at:- www.ni.bio.br/1982-0224-2021-0116/

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Original article • Neotrop. ichthyol. 19 (4) • 2021 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0113

A new species of Bryconops (Characiformes: Iguanodectidae) from Atlantic coastal drainages of Suriname and French Guiana

Cárlison Silva-OliveiraRafaela P. OtaMark H. SabajLúcia H. Rapp Py-DanielABOUT THE AUTHORS

ABSTRACT
A new species of Bryconops is described based on its unique caudal-fin color pattern, with a dark blotch occupying the mid-basal region of the caudal-fin dorsal lobe, and a combination of 29-32 branched anal-fin rays, 44-47 perforated scales in the lateral line, six rows of scales above the lateral line, and a deep body (30.3-31.7 % SL). The new species belongs to the subgenus Bryconops based on its edentulous and short maxilla, with the posterior extension of that bone not reaching the junction between the second and third infraorbitals. The new species was previously reported in the literature as B. caudomaculatus. However, these species differ from each other in morphometric and meristic characters, as well as in color pattern. Comments on distribution of Bryconops species in coastal drainages of Suriname and French Guiana additional support for biogeographic hypotheses in this area.
Keywords:
Bryconops caudomaculatus; Bryconops melanurus; Caudal-fin blotch; Maroni River; Taxonomy
RESUMOUma nova espécie de Bryconops é descrita com base no colorido único da nadadeira caudal, com uma mancha escura ocupando a região médio-basal do lobo superior da nadadeira caudal, e uma combinação de 29-32 raios ramificados na nadadeira anal, 44-47 escamas perfuradas na linha lateral, seis séries de escamas acima da linha lateral e corpo alto (30,3-31,7 % CP). A nova espécie pertence ao subgênero Bryconops com base na maxila edêntula e curta, com extensão posterior deste osso não atingindo a junção entre segundo e terceiro infraorbitais. A nova espécie foi reportada anteriormente na literatura como B. caudomaculatus. Contudo, essas espécies diferem uma da outra em caracteres merísticos e morfométricos, bem como no padrão de coloração. Comentários sobre a distribuição das espécies de Bryconops em drenagens costeiras do Suriname e Guiana Francesa fornecem suporte adicional para as hipóteses biogeográficas nesta área.
Palavras-chave:
Bryconops caudomaculatus; Bryconops melanurus; Mancha da nadadeira caudal; Rio Maroni; Taxonomia
INTRODUCTIONBryconops Kner, 1858 is the most diverse genus of the characiform family Iguanodectidae with 27 valid species (Silva-Oliveira et al., 2020). Species of Bryconops are distributed throughout the cis-Andean river basins of South America such as the Orinoco, Amazon (including Tocantins-Araguaia), Paraguay, and São Francisco, as well as smaller Atlantic coastal drainages from Venezuela to the Parnaíba River in Brazil (van der Sleen, Moreira, 2018; Silva-Oliveira, 2020; Fricke et al., 2021). Though interspecific relationships within Bryconops remain unclear, species are currently grouped into two subgenera: Bryconops and Creatochanes (see Chernoff, Machado-Allison, 1999).
Much progress has been made on the alpha taxonomy of Bryconops in recent years. Machado-Allison et al. (1993) reviewed species occurring mainly in the Orinoco basin. Their work facilitated a series of subsequent species descriptions such as: Bryconops humeralis Machado-Allison, Chernoff & Buckup, 1996; B. vibex Machado-Allison, Chernoff & Buckup, 1996; B. colaroja Chernoff & Machado-Allison, 1999; B. colanegra Chernoff & Machado-Allison, 1999; B. imitator Chernoff & Machado-Allison, 2002; B. collettei Chernoff & Machado-Allison, 2005, and B. magoiChernoff & Machado-Allison, 2005.
In the Amazon basin, nine species of Bryconops have been described in the past decade. Wingert, Malabarba (2011) described Bryconops piracolina from the rio Madeira basin; B. munduruku was described from the lower rio Tapajós (Silva-Oliveira et al., 2015), and B. tocantinensis from the upper rio Tocantins (Guedes et al., 2016). In 2018, two new species were described, B. chernoffi from the rio Maicurú (Silva-Oliveira et al., 2018), and B. sapezal from the upper rio Tapajós (Wingert et al., 2018). Finally, in the past two years four new species were discovered: Bryconops allisoni from the lower rio Tapajós (Silva-Oliveira et al., 2019a), B. rheoruber from the rio Xingu (Silva-Oliveira et al., 2019b), B. hexalepis (Guedes et al., 2019) from the upper rio Tocantins, and B. marabaixo from the rio Jarí (Silva-Oliveira et al., 2020).
Despite this progress, species-level diversity within the genus Bryconops remains underestimated. In his unpublished doctoral dissertation, Silva-Oliveira (2020) conducted a comprehensive taxonomic review of Bryconops and recognized more than a dozen undescribed species inhabiting cis-Andean basins. During the examination of extensive material of Bryconops, the senior author identified an undescribed species from Maroni River basin, the Atlantic coastal drainage separating Suriname from French Guiana and considered to be part of Greater Amazonia comprised by the Orinoco, Amazonas and Guianas drainages (sensuvan der Sleen, Albert, 2018). Thus, the goal of this paper is to describe this new species.

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Plasma energetic substrates and hepatic enzymes in the four-eyed fish Anableps anableps (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes) during the dry and rainy seasons in the Amazonian Island of Maracá, extreme north of Brazil

Maria Eduarda Gomes Guedes 1 and Tiago Gabriel Correia 1, 2
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Abstract

Anableps anableps is a viviparous teleost typical from Amazon Delta estuaries. It is representative of this biome in Maracá, which offers a potential for biomonitoring. The aim of this study is to apply different biomarkers to males and females of this species and verify possible seasonal influences on their physiology. To collect fish, three expeditions were carried out from the rainy season of April 2018 to the rainy season of February 2019. Biometric parameters and gonadosomatic (GSI), hepatosomatic (HSI), and viscerosomatic (VSI) indexes were calculated, and blood samples were taken to measure triglycerides, total proteins, glucose, and activity of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The GSI of males is higher in the rainy season and of females in the dry season. This is probably related to the embryogenesis process. Males show an increase in biomass during the dry season, a metabolic homogeneity, and females show an increase in plasma glucose, triglycerides, and ALT activity. The tested biomarkers are potential for biomonitoring, preliminarily suggesting that there is a seasonal asynchronism between males and females of A. anableps as for the allocation of energy resources at different times of their life cycle.
Keywords: Amapá, Delta, Fish transaminases, Tralhoto, Viviparity.

IntroductionCurrently, several types of anthropogenic threats are affecting aquatic ecosystems globally, including chemical pollutants, climate change, fishing, introduction of exotic species, human population growth, and pathogens (Häder et al., 2020). In this scenario, recent ecological disasters have occurred in the neotropical region and are especially marked in Brazil, among which the mining accident in Mariana (Foesch et al., 2020), fires in all biomes (da Silva Junior et al., 2020), and deforestation (for example in the Amazon River Basin region; Exbrayat et al., 2017), and river silting (Santos et al., 2020).
Some of these impacts occur in conservation and integral protection units, as an example, we mention the marine coastal island of Maracá. This island is susceptible to all the environmental threats mentioned above, since the Amazon Delta Estuary is vulnerable to multiple environmental and anthropogenic pressures (Mansur et al., 2016).
Therefore, the biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems is an important tool to allow an ecophysiological assessment of biodiversity and of landscape in face of unpredictable or unspecified environmental threats. It requires the verification and interpretation of biological and physiological responses of target organisms (Costa, Teixeira, 2014). One of the main challenges in implementing biomonitoring programs is the selection of a species or a taxonomic group to be considered as a bioindicator. This is a decisive factor in its applicability (Ruaro et al., 2016).
A sentinel species, that is, the one chosen for aquatic biomonitoring, must meet some premises: it must indicate environmental disturbances and be a good ecological and biodiversity indicator (Costa, Teixeira, 2014); at the same time, it should meet some additional postulates, such as relative abundance, ease of capture, sampling and maintenance in laboratory, representativeness of the studied site, long life cycles, and relevance in the food chain (Zhou et al., 2008). In addition, this species must also meet some ecotoxicological requirements and have a relative physiological sensitivity to environmental stressors, allowing the basal and primary detection of effects and impacts on the food chain.
In this context, Anableps anableps (Linnaeus, 1758) Cyprinodontiformes: Anablepidae, commonly known by its indigenous name (“tralhoto”), or four-eyed fish, is a viviparous teleost species. Therefore, it is a livebearer species, in which superfetation is relatively absent or unusual and sexual dimorphism is evident, as the male has a tubular gonopod (Turner, 1938; Knight et al., 1985). The genus Anableps has the largest representatives in this order. They are pelagic animals distributed in the equatorial portion of the neotropical region (Ikeda et al., 2005), which includes the Amazon River Delta, Brazil.
This species resides in estuaries and performs intertidal migration as a surface swimming species (Krumme et al., 2014); however, it does not migrate across long distances, being restricted to environments of low salinity (Watanabe et al., 2014). Since it is a brackish water fish and inhabits mangrove areas, this species has morphological and jaw adaptations that allow it to jump out of the water and capture prey on land, especially in mudbanks (Michel et al., 2015). For this reason, they are notoriously common on the island of Maracá. In water columns or in substrates, it feeds on detritus, red algae, insects, fish, and Grapsidae crabs (Brenner, Krume, 2007). Such a food plasticity reveals a generalist strategy (Figueiredo et al., 2019).
Cavalcante and coauthors (2012) report studies that show the ecological importance, the reproductive strategy, and the abundance of A. anableps as its main characteristics. Therefore, it can be considered as a potential bioindicator species, especially because of its low occurrence in anthropically impacted environments. In addition to an appropriate choice of the bioindicator species for biomonitoring, the selection of biomarkers that express the physiological condition and the health of an organism is essential for an ecophysiological prognosis of an ecosystem (Hook et al., 2014), as they are defined as biological, biochemical, physiological responses, among others, presented by organisms in face of an environmental stressor. Hence, it can be used as a tool to support ecological assessment programs (Milinkovitch et al., 2019).
In light of the above, from the perspective of conservation physiology, it is possible to predict changes and impacts on wild animal populations through physiological metrics and approaches in order to contribute to conservation outcomes and management programs (Madliger et al., 2016). Among such metrics, fish metabolism and energetic substrates stand out. A study comparing individuals of yellow perch Perca flavescens (Mitchill, 1814) captured in different seasons (spring and autumn) in six lakes in Québec-Canada found seasonal changes in condition factor, plasma fatty acids, and several liver and metabolic biomarkers (Levesque et al., 2002).
Another field studies compared females of Hoplias malabaricus (Bloch, 1794) (Gomes et al., 2015) and Astyanax fasciatus (currently Psalidon fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819)) (Tolussi et al., 2018) in a reservoir (reference area) with another reservoir impacted by domestic sewage, industrial effluents, deforestation, and soil occupation in four different seasons in state of São Paulo (Brazil), showed the applicability of plasma biomarkers, as well as body index markers, such as gonadosomatic (GSI), hepatosomatic (HSI), evidencing negative impacts on the physiology of these species due to the interaction between chemical contaminants and seasonal variations.
Energetic substrates, such as proteins, lipids and carbohydrates from plasma and tissues, and the body indexes mentioned above, have also been used as biomarkers in bioassays with fish exposed to metals, such as aluminum, and have been shown to be adequate when evidencing physiological impacts on reproduction, metabolism, and the endocrine system (Correia et al., 2010; Vieira et al., 2013). Also, for several decades many fish hepatic enzymes, such as transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, have been used to monitor ecosystems and water quality (Gill et al., 1990). Currently, studies on the same subject continue to be carried out and they have pointed out that these enzymes, considered as biomarkers, are powerful tools in environmental biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems (Ebrahimzadeh et al., 2021).
The present study aims to investigate in different seasons the metabolism of energy substrates and activity of liver enzymes in the plasma of males and females of A. anableps in the estuarine ecosystem of island of Maracá. The reasons for this study are that the island of Maracá encompasses an aquatic ecosystem susceptible to anthropic influences and abiotic seasonal variations, the potential of the A. anableps for the context presented here, and the fact that there is no information available on characteristics of the basic physiology of this species, except for some data on zootechnical parameters, feeding and eye physiology.

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A new sisorid catfish of the genus Pseudolaguvia (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Nagaland, north-eastern India

PISCESSILURIFORMESSISORIDAETSÜCHA RIVERBRAHMAPUTRA RIVERNAGALAND

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AbstractPseudolaguvia vespa, new species, is described from the Tsücha River, Mokokchung district, Nagaland, India. The new species can be distinguished from congeners in having the following combination of characters: length of dorsal-fin spine 12.3–16.8% SL, a smooth anterior edge of the dorsal-fin spine, caudal peduncle depth 9.0–10.5% SL, body depth at anus 15.6–17.7% SL, caudal fin length 20.7–24.5% SL, pectoral fin length 20.1–24.1% SL, interorbital distance 22.7–28.1% SL, thoracic adhesive apparatus extending to midway between base of last pectoral-fin ray and pelvic-fin origin, and live specimens with two irregular, chrome-yellow bands on the body.

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Phylogeographic pattern, genetic diversity, and evolutionary history of the enigmatic freshwater fish species Aulopyge huegelii (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae)Ivana Buj,Mia Knjaz,Marko Ćaleta,Zoran Marčić,Lucija Ivić,Lucija Onorato,Radek Šanda,Jasna Vukić,Sven Horvatić,Davor Zanella,Perica Mustafić
First published: 08 December 2021

https://doi.org/10.1111/jzs.12574Contributing authors: Ivana Buj ([email protected]), Mia Knjaz ([email protected]), Marko Ćaleta ([email protected]), Zoran Marčić ([email protected]), Lucija Ivić ([email protected]), Lucija Onorato ([email protected]), Radek Šanda ([email protected]), Jasna Vukić ([email protected]), Sven Horvatić ([email protected]) and Davor Zanella ([email protected])

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Abstract

The genus Aulopyge, represented by a single species, the Dalmatian barbelgudgeon, Aulopyge huegelii, is an endemic genus with very restricted distribution range comprising several rivers in southern Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this study, molecular genetic analyses based on three molecular markers (one nuclear and two mitochondrial) were performed to confirm the position of Aulopyge within Cyprinidae, obtain data on its evolutionary history, and describe its population genetic structure and diversity. Specimens of A. huegelii were obtained throughout the distribution range. Phylogenetic reconstruction corroborated the independent position of this species and its placement within the Barbinae subfamily. The evolutionary history of A. huegelii started already in the middle Oligocene, whereas intraspecific divergences that left a trace in its current genetic structure and diversity are of much younger origin, starting in the middle Pleistocene. Unlike in other cypriniform species and genera distributed in the Dinaric karst region, there is no significant structuring within A. huegelii, or distribution of haplotypes concordant with the geographic scale. Furthermore, low effective population sizes estimated for most populations and low genetic diversities within them raise strong concerns about the viability and future survival of this endemic species.

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Beyond waterfalls and dams: Riverscape genetics of two endemic mountain loaches in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspotArya Sidharthan,Neelesh Dahanukar,Remya Lathika Sundar,Kutty Ranjeet,Rajeev Raghavan
First published: 04 November 2021

https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.3885Funding information: Kerala State Biodiversity Board; Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies; Center for Aquatic Resource Management and Conservation (CARMAC)

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SHAREAbstractRiverscape genetics of fish, though extensively studied in temperate regions, have received limited interest in tropical rivers, especially in montane systems which not only harbour several endemic and threatened species, but are also subjected to extensive habitat modifications. We determine the population genetic structure of two endemic balitorid loaches (Bhavania australis and Travancoria elongata) in response to natural (25 m high waterfall) and artificial (23 m high and 290 m long hydropower dam) barriers in a small mountain riverscape in the Western Ghats Hotspot. Population genetics analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence showed low nucleotide diversity, haplotype diversity and genetic differentiation among populations, for both species, suggesting that barriers did not influence genetic structuring. Though migration analysis also revealed that barriers did not affect movement of the two species through the riverscape, patterns in mutation-scaled immigration rates and population sizes differed between the two species supporting our observation that they rarely co-exist in the same habitat, likely as an effect of competitive exclusion. Mismatch distribution and Bayesian skyline plot suggested recent expansion in the populations of B. australis and corresponding population decline in T. elongata in the last 100 years, which probably explains the widespread and abundant distribution of B. australis as opposed to the narrow endemism and rarity of T. elongata. Our results provide novel insights into the ecology of balitorid loaches and their response to riverine barriers in a tropical mountain landscape.

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ARTICLE
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5082.3.6
PUBLISHED: 2021-12-17
Description of a new deep-water species of Heteroclinus (Pisces: Teleostei: Clinidae), from southern Australia

PISCESFISHBLENNIFORMESBLENNIOIDEIICHTHYOLOGYTAXONOMY

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Description of a new species of Obliquogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Andaman Sea (northeastern Indian Ocean)

Kyoji Fujiwara1*, Peter N. Psomadakis2,3, Thet Yu Yu Swe4 & Hiroyuki Motomura5 Abstract. Obliquogobius eptactis, new species (Teleostei: Gobiidae) is described on the basis of four specimens (40.7–50.1 mm in standard length) collected by the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen from the Andaman Sea, off Myanmar, in depths of 181–184 m. The new species is characterised by the following combination of characters: 2nd dorsalfin rays I, 9 or 10; head somewhat large, length 32.9–34.4% of SL; lateral surface of nape scaled; postorbital pore G present (in anterior oculoscapular canal); gill opening relatively narrow, anteroventral point extending slightly forward to vertical level of preopercle margin; caudal fin dorsoventrally asymmetrical, rays in upper half much longer than those in lower half, giving obliquely pointed appearance; seven bright yellow bars (pale whitish in preserved specimens) on body, two under 1st dorsal-fin base, remainder under 2nd dorsal fin (from origin) and on caudal peduncle; dorsal fins pale brown with bright yellow barred pattern; 1st dorsal fin without broad black margin; pectoral fin bright yellow; three bright yellow vertical bars on upper part of caudal fin; distinct black spot on centre of caudal-fin base absent. Although the new species is similar to Obliquogobius yamadai Shibukawa & Aonuma, 2007, the former can be distinguished from the latter by having seven bright yellow bars on the body [vs. five bars (rarely six, including indistinct partial bar located above anus) in O. yamadai], a bright yellow barred pattern on the dorsal fins (vs. 1st and 2nd dorsal fins lacking barred patterns: 1st dorsal fin with distinct broad black margin, 2nd dorsal fin generally faint yellow), bright yellow pectoral fins (vs. translucent white or faint yellow), no distinct small black spot centrally on the caudal-fin base [vs. a small black spot (variable in size) with following indistinct yellow partial bar present], three bright yellow irregular vertical bars restricted to upper part of caudal fin (vs. three longitudinal yellow stripes on entire fin; stripes faded out soon after capture), and larger head, length 32.9–33.3 (vs. 28.3–32.2) and 34.4 (vs. 29.1–33.5) % of SL in males and females, respectively. Key words. Obliquogobius eptactis, Obliquogobius yamadai, deepwater goby, R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, trawl

Full paper at:-kcnhm.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/12/RBZ-2021-0070.pdf

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Paleontologists Take Fresh Look at Carboniferous Tetrapodomorph FishDec 14, 2021 by News Staff / Source
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Next »Paleontologists have used high-resolution micro-CT and synchrotron tomography to scan two well-preserved 3D specimens of the tetrapodomorph fish Cladarosymblema narrienense, an ancestor of the first land animals. They’ve updated the original description of the species and revealed never-before-seen details of its anatomy.
Cladarosymblema narrienense: (A) lateral head reconstruction of Cladarosymblema narrienense; color-coded as follows: dermal skull roof (dark blue), cheek (light blue), lower jaw (pale green), opercular series (purple), and pectoral (dark green); bones marked with ‘?’ remain unknown in this species; (B-E) micro-CT 3D rendering of all segmented bones in the holotype. Image credit: Clement et al., doi: 10.7717/peerj.12597.
Cladarosymblema narrienense lived in what is now Australia during the Carboniferous period, some 330 million years ago.
This fish was first described in 1995 from the Early Carboniferous Raymond Formation in Queensland on the basis of several well-preserved specimens.
Cladarosymblema narrienense was a member of Megalichthyidae, a group of tetrapodomorph fish that existed from the Devonian period to the Permian period, typically living in freshwater environments, and they were large, predatory animals.
“This fish from Queensland is one of the best preserved of its kind in the entire world, in perfect 3D shape, which is why we chose to work on it,” said Professor John Long, a paleontologist at Flinders University.
In the new study, Professor Long and colleagues studied two well-preserved specimens of Cladarosymblema narrienense.
They found evidence that this fish had a brain similar to its eventual terrestrial descendants, compared to the brains of other fishes which remained living in water.
They revealed and described never before seen morphological details of the gill arch skeleton, the shoulder girdle and the palate bones (the upper mouth roof area).
“This helps us to understand the functional morphology and relationships of Cladarosymblema,” said Dr. Alice Clement, a paleontologist at Flinders University.
“Additionally, a cranial endocast — mould of the internal cavity of this fish’s unusually large skull — gives clues as to the shape of the brain of this animal.”
“The area for the pituitary gland — the so-called the ‘master gland’ — is relatively large, suggesting a significant role in regulating various important endocrine glands.”
The results were published in the journal PeerJ.
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A.M. Clement et al. 2021. A fresh look at Cladarosymblema narrienense, a tetrapodomorph fish (Sarcopterygii: Megalichthyidae) from the Carboniferous of Australia, illuminated via X-ray tomography. PeerJ 9: e12597; doi: 10.7717/peerj.12597

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Review of threatened Malagasy freshwater fishes in zoos and aquaria: The necessity of an ex situ conservation network—A call for action

Laura Leiss,Anna Rauhaus,Andolalao Rakotoarison,Charles Fusari,Miguel Vences,Thomas Ziegler
First published: 06 December 2021

https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21661
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SHAREAbstractMadagascar's biota is characterized by an extraordinary species richness, with a high degree of endemism. The island's freshwater habitats harbor numerous micro-endemic species, restricted to particular regions and thus particularly at risk of extinction, due to deforestation, overfishing, and introduction of exotic species. The present study investigates for which threatened Malagasy freshwater fish species ex situ populations have already been established, as a baseline to prioritize actions to develop an effective ex situ conservation breeding network. Populations in zoos and aquaria were primarily determined using the Zoological Information System. Of 173 fish species recorded from Malagasy freshwater habitats, 123 exclusively inhabit freshwater; 79 of these are endemic to Madagascar, and 50 are classified as threatened. Our survey found 21 Malagasy freshwater fish species kept in zoos worldwide, of which 19 are endemic and threatened (22 if counting species kept by private breeders). Nine of the 19 Malagasy freshwater fish species kept in zoos have successfully reproduced within the 12 months preceding our survey. The ex situ conservation activities for threatened Malagasy freshwater fishes thus have not improved significantly since the strong start in the early 2000s. More than half of the 50 threatened endemic Malagasy freshwater fish species (viz. 31 species) are not kept ex situ, including 11 species ranked as Critically Endangered. Based on these findings we call for a better distribution of offspring among institutions, including private breeders in the framework of citizen conservation initiatives; a closer connection of ichthyological field research in Madagascar with conservation breeding efforts to set up ex situ populations—both in Madagascar and abroad—of species not yet kept in captivity; and the development of effective, integrated in situ and ex situ conservation strategies.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Of the 79 endemic Malagasy freshwater fish species 50 are ranked as threatened and only 19 kept in zoos worldwide.
We propose an ex situ conservation breeding network for threatened Malagasy freshwater fish species linked with in situ strategies.

Full article at:- onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/zoo.21661

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Schizodon trivittatus • Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Neotropical Headstanding Fish in Genus Schizodon (Characiformes: Anostomidae)

Schizodon trivittatus
Garavello, Ramirez, de Oliveira, Britski, Birindelli & Galetti, 2021

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0016
Abstract
Schizodon encompasses approximately 15 species of Neotropical headstanding fishes. Integrative taxonomy, combining molecular and morphometric analyses with traditional taxonomic methods, was used to investigate Schizodon vittatus and its potential new sister species. Molecular differences between the two species in the barcode are greater than intra-specific variation recovered in species of Schizodon, and the two species represent distinct lineages for approximately one million years. The two species are morphologically very similar, and the meristic data showed great overlap. Morphometric analyses also showed overlap among the putative species but indicated differences in caudal-peduncle depth, orbital diameter, and length of anal-fin rays. Color pattern seems to provide a clear diagnostic feature for the two species. Schizodon vittatus usually has four dark brown transversal bars on body, and its sister species has three conspicuous bars, with the fourth, if present, inconspicuous and dorsal to the lateral line. Schizodon vittatus is redescribed based on the type and recently collected specimens, its type locality is revisited, and its known distribution restricted to the Araguaia and Tocantins drainages. The new species, sister to S. vittatus, distributed in the Xingu and Tapajós drainages, is described. A key for the identification of the Amazon clade species of Schizodon is provided.

Keywords: Amazon; Identification key; Ostariophysi; Systematics; Taxonomy

Schizodon trivittatus, new species.
A. holotype, MZUSP 115362, 285.0 mm SL, Brazil, Mato Grosso, São José do Couto, Culuene river, Xingu River tributary;
B–C. LIA uncatalogued, Xingu river at Altamira, Pará.
Specimen A alcohol preserved, B–C photographed live
Scale bars = 10 mm.
(B, photo by José Birindelli; C, photo by Leandro Sousa).

Schizodon trivittatus, new species

Diagnosis. Schizodon trivittatus is distinguished from S. isognathus, S. jacuiensis, S. knerii, S. nasutus, S. platae, and S. scotorhabdotus, by having conspicuous dark transversal bars on the trunk formed by the epidermal and dermal pigment (vs. vertical bars absent or inconspicuous and formed exclusively by dermal pigment); from S. australis, S. borellii, S. corti, S. dissimilis, S. fasciatus, S. intermedius, by having a dark midlateral stripe on caudal peduncle (vs. caudal peduncle and base of median caudal-fin rays pale in S. borellii, S. dissimilis, S. intermedius, or a single rounded spot in S. australis, S. corti, S. fasciatus); and from S. vittatus by lacking a dark transversal bar ventral to the adipose fin or having an inconspicuous bar restricted to the region dorsal to the lateral line (vs. possessing a conspicuous dark transversal bar ventral to the adipose fin that extends ventral to the lateral line).

Geographical distribution. Schizodon trivittatus occurs widely in the Xingu and Tapajós drainages, including their tributaries, in Mato Grosso and Pará states, Brazil (Fig. 7).

Etymology. The name trivittatus is an adjective in allusion to the presence of three dark vertical bars on the trunk exhibited by the new species, its main diagnostic feature.

Júlio C. Garavello, Jorge L. Ramirez, Alexandre K. de Oliveira, Heraldo A. Britski, José L. O. Birindelli and Pedro M. Galetti Jr. 2021. Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Neotropical Headstanding Fish in Genus Schizodon (Characiformes: Anostomidae). Neotrop. ichthyol. 19(4); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0016
twitter.com/FishInTheNews/status/1470840090872139777

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A new species of Cambeva (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) from the Rio Iguaçu basin, Paraná State, Brazil and redescription of Cambeva stawiarski (Miranda Ribeiro 1968)

Renan B. dos Reis,Juliano Ferrer,Weferson J. da Graça
First published: 13 November 2021

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14947Funding information: Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Grant/Award Numbers: 132654/2019-9, 305200/2018-6; Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Grant/Award Number: 88887.463771/2019-00; Fundação Araucária, Grant/Award Number: 10558/2016

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SHAREAbstractThis work aimed to describe Cambeva cauim, sp. nov., endemic to the Rio Iguaçu basin, Brazil and redescribe Cambeva stawiarski using external and internal morphological data through the revision of specimens deposited in fish collections, including the type material. In this process, we have also added comments on the possible type locality of C. stawiarski. C. cauim, sp. nov. and C. stawiarski are mainly diagnosed by the anatomy and number of procurrent caudal-fin rays in addition to colouration and several meristic and morphometric characters. Both species are compared with other possibly related species and their synapomorphic characters are discussed. C. cauim, sp. nov. and C. stawiarski along with eight other congeners are endemic to the Rio Iguaçu basin, a high impacted freshwater region which could be considered as a biodiversity hotspot to the genus.

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Towards a complete classification of the Neotropical thorny catfishes (Siluriformes: Doradidae)

Mark Henry SabajMariangeles Arce H.ABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractWe propose a revised classification of Doradidae based on phylogenetic analyses of sequence data for one nuclear (rag1) and two mitochondrial (co1, 16s) genes, and corroborated by caudal-fin morphology. The molecular dataset comprises 174 doradid specimens representing all 31 valid genera, 83 of the 96 valid extant species and 17 species-level taxa that remain undescribed or nominally unassigned. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses of molecular data support six major lineages of doradids assigned here to three nominal subfamilies (Astrodoradinae, Doradinae, Wertheimerinae) and three new ones (Acanthodoradinae, Agamyxinae, Rhinodoradinae). The maximum parsimony topology of Doradidae was sensitive to ingroup density and outgroup age. With the exceptions of Astrodoradinae and Doradinae, each subfamily is diagnosed by caudal-fin characteristics. The highest degree of fusion among skeletal elements supporting the caudal fin is observed in Acanthodoradinae and Aspredinidae, lineages that are sister to the remaining doradids and aspredinoids (i.e., Auchenipteridae + Doradidae), respectively. Fusion among caudal-fin elements tends to be higher in taxa with rounded, truncate or emarginate tails and such taxa typically occupy shallow, lentic habitats with ample structure. Caudal-fin elements are more separated in taxa with moderately to deeply forked tails that occupy lotic habitats in medium to large river channels.

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Salaria fluviatilis

Fish inventory in 35 SWISS lakes completed

December 9, 2021,

In the "Projet Lac" research project, 35 lakes in the Alpine region were systematically examined for their fish populations for the first time: In Switzerland alone, 106 fish species were detected. With almost 20 percent of all known fish species in Europe, Switzerland is one of the hotspots for fish species diversity. The results are now the basis for measures for sustainable fishing and the protection of this still preserved diversity.

Original report

Alexander T., Seehausen O. (2021). Diversity, distribution and community composition of fish in perialpine lakes - "Projet Lac" synthesis report. Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology. 282 pages. ISBN 978-3-906484-76-1
List of the project and funding partners

Alexander, T.; Seehausen, O. (2021) Diversity, distribution and community composition of fish in perialpine lakes. "Projet Lac" synthesis report, 284 p, Institutional Repository
Between 2010 and 2020, it was time to take stock of the fish in many lakes on the edge of the Alps. As part of the "Projet Lac", a team of scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and the University of Bern carried out the first comprehensive and standardised surveys of fish populations in 35 large lakes on the edge of the Alps. The work was carried out together with the Bern Museum of Natural History, cantonal agencies and numerous other partners, and with the support of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). A huge amount of data on the species, their distribution and their distribution within the lakes was evaluated. The project has now been completed with the publication of the synthesis report.

Projet Lac uncovered some surprises from the depths of our lakes. This blenny cagnetta from Lake Maggiore has not yet been clearly identified.
New and rediscovered diversityOf a total of about 550 fish species now known in Europe, 106 were identified in the "Projet Lac". Although Switzerland accounts for only 0.4% of Europe's land area, it is home to almost 20% of the species. This makes it one of the regions in Europe with the highest diversity of fish species in freshwater. 15 (endemic) fish species, most of which are found only here, were identified and documented for the first time. In addition, five species were caught whose occurrence in Switzerland was previously unknown. Two species were found north of the Alps that were previously thought to occur only south of the Alps. And four fish species were rediscovered that were thought to be extinct, for example a char that lives at great depths in Lake Uri.

A shoal of minnows (Phoxinus septimaniae) in Lake Poschiavo.
From the shallow shore to the greatest depthsMost of the fish species found exclusively in the respective lake (endemic) were detected in open water and in very deep habitats of nutrient-poor lakes, for example the unique whitefish species in Lakes Brienz and Thun or a special bullhead that apparently still lives at depths of over 200 m in Lake Uri. In many nutrient-rich lakes, on the other hand, practically no fish were caught above 30 m depth - there is a lack of oxygen there in summer. In absolute terms, the researchers found the largest number of species in shallower shore areas and near river mouths, but these are mostly widespread species. For the fish evolution scientist Ole Seehausen, who led the project, this shows how enormously important diverse, near-natural habitats are for fish diversity in addition to high water quality - from the lakeshores to the greatest depths.

Two bullheads (Cottus gobio) from Lake Thun. One (left) lives close to the shore, in shallow water; the other (right) was found in Projet Lac still at a depth of over 200 m.
Whitefish and perch dominateWhereas in the large Alpine lakes such as Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz or Lake Thun the various whitefish species dominate in terms of number of fish and their biomass, at higher levels of the nutrient phosphorus it is rather the perch that dominate, together with roach, chub and common or southern rudd. An exception is Lake Maggiore, where the agone, a freshwater herring, dominates in open water, and the alpine lakes of Sils and Poschiavo, where non-native Arctic char and native and introduced, also non-native trout predominate.
Advice for fisheries and protection measuresThe present synthesis report on the project provides an overview of the state of fish species diversity and fish stocks in all the larger lakes of the western Alpine region. It brings together the results from individual lakes, and since they were collected using the same methodology everywhere, the work provides a basis for comparisons between lakes and for analysing larger contexts. "Above all, recommendations can now be derived for the preservation of the still preserved fish species diversity in the lakes and for sustainable lake fishing," says project leader Ole Seehausen. Also important for continuous monitoring and later comparisons is the scientific reference collection of all fish species from all lakes built up at the Natural History Museum in Bern. It is also accessible to the public in the new permanent exhibition "Wunderkammer".

Cover picture: Eawag, Ole Seehausen

Proportion of shores in near-natural (green) and in unnatural condition (red). Shoreline habitats with a diverse structure and as natural a habitat as possible are particularly important for aquatic species diversity. (Graphic: Eawag)

None too small for the large inventory: every fish from the systematic fisheries was measured, weighed and photographed. (Photo: Eawag, Stefan Kubli)

Such natural steep banks, here on Lake Brienz, provide habitats and refuges for numerous fish species. In Projet Lac, targeted fishing was also carried out here.
(Photo: Eawag, Stefan Kubli)

Researcher Carmela Dönz at work as part of the "Projet Lac".
Links

Project page Projet Lac

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Phylogeny of the Neotropical Pacman catfish genus Lophiosilurus (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae)Oscar A. ShibattaLucas R. JarduliVitor P. AbrahãoLenice Souza-ShibattaABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractLophiosilurus is a monotypic genus represented by L. alexandri, a species endemic to the São Francisco river basin, Brazil. In previous phylogenetic analyses, the genus has been recovered as the sister group of Cephalosilurus. However, few species of Cephalosilurus or few characters were included in those studies. Thus, the current study aims to test the monophyletic hypothesis of the genera Lophiosilurus and Cephalosilurus with a more comprehensive phylogenetic analysis, including all Cephalosilurus species and a representative number of characters. Phylogenetic analyses of 18 terminal taxa (15 ingroups and three outgroups) were conducted based on a combined 75 character matrix, including 70 discrete morphological characters concerning osteology and neuroanatomy, four continuous characters, and the geometric morphometry of the head. The monophyly of the family Pseudopimelodidae was highly supported, and Cephalosilurus is synonymized with Lophiosilurus. The recovered phylogeny of the genus was (L. albomarginatus (L. nigricaudus (L. apurensis (L. fowleri, L. alexandri)))).

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International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
2021, Vol. 9, Issue 6, Part C
A new species of leaf fish, Nandus banshlaii (Perciformes: Nandidae) from West Bengal, India

Author(s): R Kapuri, AK Sinha, P De, R Roy and S Bhakat

Abstract: Nandus banshlaii, sp. nov. described from the Banshlai River of West Bengal. This species is distinguished from all its congeners in having a golden brown body in live and a combination of characters like longest head and snout length (44.28% SL and 35.58% HL respectively) and from its two Indian congeners in containing largest eye diameter (22.22% HL), longest pre-dorsal length (47.16% SL), shortest pectoral fin length (14.60% SL) and smallest dorsal fin base length (45.53% SL).Like all three congeners of Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river basin of Gangetic delta it possess a dark spot on caudal peduncle.
To differentiate the present species from other two Indian congeners of Nandus, N. nandus and N. andrewi, PCA and heatmap is performed and a key of all three species is also provided.

DOI: 10.22271/fish.2021.v9.i6c.2600

Pages: 187-195 | 178 Views 31 Downloads

Download Full Article: Click Here

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Gobiomorphus dinae & G. mataraerore • Two New Cryptic Species of the Freshwater Fish Genus Gobiomorphus (Gobiiformes: Gobioidei: Eleotridae) in New Zealand

Gobiomorphus mataraerore
Thacker, Geiger & Shelley, 2021

DOI: 10.1080/00288330.2021.2007959
Photos by Stella McQueen.

ABSTRACT
We describe two new species in the genus Gobiomorphus, a radiation of fresh and brackish water gudgeons known from Australia and New Zealand. These species are a prominent component of New Zealand’s freshwater ichthyofauna and most are widely distributed throughout both the North and South Islands. Two of the inland species, G. breviceps and G. basalis, are composed of disjunct northern and southern populations that are distinguishable with molecular data. We examine individuals from across the ranges of both species, identify morphological differences between them, and describe two new species: Gobiomorphus dinae n. sp. (distinct from G. basalis) and Gobiomorphus mataraerore n. sp. (distinct from G. breviceps). Although the species are similar, they vary in dorsal spine count (G. dinae) and pectoral fin ray count (G. mataraerore). We provide mitochondrial COI sequences for each species pair to facilitate identifications by DNA barcoding. These species represent examples of divergence in allopatry, with diagnostic characters arising over the last 2−5 million years in the G. breviceps/G. mataraerore pair, and fewer than 2 million years in the G. basalis/G. dinae pair. We also designate a lectotype for G. basalis (the paralectotype is G. cotidianus) in order to clarify confusion surrounding the original syntypes.

KEYWORDS: Freshwater, amphidromy, endemic, gudgeon, Eleotridae, Gobiomorphus

Figure 1. Live colouration for Gobiomorphus basalis and Gobiomorphus dinae.
A. G. basalis male (Kirikiri stream, Coromandel). B. G. basalis female (Kirikiri stream, Coromandel).
C. Gobiomorphus dinae male (Turitea Stream, Manawatu). D. G. dinae female (Turitea Stream, Manawatu).
Photos of G. basalis by Rod Morris, photos of G. dinae by Stella McQueen.

Gobiomorphus dinae new species
Dinah’s bully

Diagnosis: Gobiomorphus dinae is distinguished from G. basalis (Cran’s bully) in that it has one fewer dorsal spine (G. basalis have VIII; G. dinae have VII), usually more pectoral rays (18–19 instead of 16–18), and by its geographic range. It is distinguishable from G. breviceps and G. mataraerore in having more pectoral fin rays (18–19 instead of 14–16), and from G. alpinus in having more dorsal spines (VII as opposed to VI). Gobiomorphus dinae differs from G. hubbsi, G. huttoni, and G. gobioides in lacking open sensory pores on the head. It may be difficult to distinguish Gobiomorphus dinae from the common bully, G. cotidianus. Gobiomorphus cotidianus is widespread on both the North and South Islands and occurs throughout its range in both landlocked and amphidromous forms (Michel et al. 2008). The amphidromous form may be distinguished from G. dinae in that amphidromous G. cotidianus have open sensory pores on the head, at minimum a pair of lateral pores adjacent to the rear margins of the eyes and sometimes also a pair of median interorbital pores. Gobiomorphus dinae lacks these pores. The landlocked form of G. cotidianus does not have open sensory pores on the head and generally has fewer dorsal scales on the nape than the amphidromous form, such that the nape scalation pattern may be equivalent to that seen in G. dinae. Gobiomorphus dinae usually has one fewer anal ray than G. cotidianus (usually I, 8–9 vs. usually I, 10), and generally has a blunter head and more vertically inclined mouth; the head of G. cotidianus is flatter and more wedge-shaped in lateral view, and the mouth is correspondingly less acutely inclined. Mitochondrial COI (barcode) sequence for G. dinae is available under GenBank accession number MZ891637, and for G. basalis under MZ891638.

Etymology: The specific epithet dinae honours Dinah Arndt, in recognition of her unstinting support of freshwater fish research and fieldwork across both Australia and New Zealand.

Gobiomorphus mataraerore new species
Kaharore bully

Diagnosis: Gobiomorphus mataraerore is distinguished from G. breviceps (Upland bully) in having one fewer pectoral ray (G. breviceps has 15–16; G. mataraerore has 14), usually fewer lateral scales (37–44 in G. mataraerore as opposed to 40–53 in G. breviceps), and by its geographic range. It is additionally distinguished from all other species in Gobiomorphus in having 14 pectoral rays (rather than 15–20 in the other species). Gobiomorphus mataraerore also differs from G. hubbsi, G. huttoni, G. gobioides and amphidromous G. cotidianus in lacking open sensory pores on the head. Mitochondrial COI (barcode) sequence for G. mataraerore is available under GenBank accession number MZ891639, and for G. breviceps under MZ891640.

Etymology: The specific name mataraerore is derived from the Maori words ‘mata’, meaning face (referring to the distinctive facial expression of Gobiomorphus fishes), and ‘rae’ meaning forehead (referring to the elongate forehead), and ‘rore’ in honour of the type locality that lies within the region traditionally referred to as Kaharore (a traditional bird snare). Noun in apposition.

Conclusion:
We describe two new species, Gobiomorphus dinae and G. mataraerore, each representing geographically isolated subpopulations of existing species. Gobiomorphus dinae is separated from G. basalis by the Taupo Volcanic Zone on the North Island, and G. mataraerore is separated from G. breviceps by the Southern Alps. Both species pairs are similar but distinguishable by fin ray counts. We additionally resolve confusion surrounding the syntypes of G. basalis: the two syntypes are different species, and we designate one as the lectotype of G. basalis and the other as a paralectotype identified as G. cotidianus.

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Beyond the point of no return? A comparison of genetic diversity in captive and wild populations of two nearly extinct species of Goodeid fish reveals that one is inbred in the wild

Heredity volume 98, pages360–367 (2007)Cite this article

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AbstractThe relative importance of genetic and non-genetic factors in extinction liability has been extensively debated. Here, we examine the levels of genetic variability at 13 (seven informative) loci in wild and captive populations of two endangered species of Mexican Goodeid fish, Ameca splendens and Zoogoneticus tequila. Allelic diversity was higher in the wild populations, and FIS lower. Values of θ (=4Neμ) were estimated using a coalescent approach. These implied that the effective population size of all captive populations of A. splendens were smaller than that of the wild population; qualitatively similar results were obtained using an analytical method based on within-population gene identity disequilibrium. However, the wild population of Z. tequila did not show a significantly greater estimate of θ. We used the Beaumont approach to infer population declines, and found that both species showed clear evidence of a decline in effective population size, although this was stronger and probably occurred over a longer period of time in Z. tequila than in A. splendens. The decline in Z. tequila probably occurred before captive populations were established. We discuss implications for the conservation of critically endangered populations.
Links to full paperswww.reversethered.org/stories/tequila-splitfin https://www.nature.com/articles/6800947

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Rhyacoglanis rapp-pydanielae • A New Species of Rhyacoglanis (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) from rio Tocantins basin, northern Brazill

Rhyacoglanis rapp-pydanielae
Shibatta, Rocha & de Oliveira, 2021

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0083
twitter.com/NeotropI

Abstract
A new species of Rhyacoglanis is described from the rapids of Jatobal, Pará State, Brazil. This species differs from the congeners by fusing hypurals 3, 4, and 5 (vs. hypural 5 free). It also differs from the other species, except for Rhyacoglanis epiblepsis, by the color pattern with numerous dark spots on the body, short post-cleithral process, rounded pectoral and caudal fins, and incomplete lateral line. This species is known only from the type locality, which is currently flooded by the Tucuruí reservoir.

Keywords: Biodiversity; Bumblebee catfish; Ostariophysi; Systematics; Taxonomy

Rhyacoglanis rapp-pydanielae, holotype, INPA 8060, 37.5 mm SL, rio Tocantins, state of Pará, Brazil.

Rhyacoglanis rapp-pydanielae, new species

Diagnosis. Rhyacoglanis rapp-pydanielae is diagnosed from congeners by presenting the hypural bones 3, 4, and 5 fused (vs. hypural 5 free; Fig. 5). The new species also differs from its congeners, except for Rhyacoglanis epiblepsis, by the short post-cleithral process, with only a tiny visible tip after the opercular membrane (vs. elongated, more than half length visible after opercular membrane; Fig. 2), body scattered with numerous dark brown spots of diameter approximately equal to that of the eye (vs. few dark brown spots or absent), rounded pectoral and caudal fins (vs. pointed fins), and incomplete long lateral line (vs. complete). Rhyacoglanis rapp-pydanielae is distinguished from R. epiblepsis by the more tapered shape of the caudal peduncle’s dark brown band and the thin caudal fin’s dark brown band.

Geographical distribution. Rhyacoglanis rapp-pydanielae is known only from the type locality, Jatobal rapids, lower rio Tocantins basin, Pará, Brazil (Fig. 6). Unfortunately, collectors did not determine the exact geographic localization. However, the coordinates 04º28’26.5”S 49º27’18.24”W were recovered with Google Maps to Jatobal, Goianésia do Pará municipality, state of Pará.

Etymology. The specific name rapp-pydanielae is a homage to the Brazilian ichthyologist Lucia H. Rapp Py-Daniel for her outstanding contribution to Neotropical fishes’ systematics. She is the founder and current curator of the fish collection at Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), whose scientific importance is recognized by the national and international communities.

Oscar A. Shibatta, Marcelo S. Rocha and Renildo R. de Oliveira. 2021. New species of Rhyacoglanis (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) from rio Tocantins basin, northern Brazil. Neotrop. ichthyol. 19(4); DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0083
twitter.com/NeotropI/status/1466560501664657414

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Reproductive cycle of native viviparous fish species (Actinopterygii: Cyprinodontiformes: Goodeidae) in a subtropical Mexican lake

Arely Ramírez-García1, Rodrigo Moncayo-Estrada2, Juan José González-Cárdenas3 and Omar Domínguez-Domínguez4
PDF: EN XML: EN | Cite this article
Abstract

Reproductive tactics and strategies contribute to the persistence and maintenance of long-term populations in fish species. Members of the subfamily Goodeinae are a group of small-bodied freshwater fish with specialized reproduction (viviparity-matrotrophy). They are found in the highlands of central Mexico, most of them endemic. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive investigation to evaluate the annual reproductive cycle of seven species of goodeines (splitfins). We carried out our study in the subtropical Lake Zacapu, Mexico, with bi-monthly sampling from May 2019 to March 2020. We obtain the fertility, size at first maturity (L50), sex ratio, and gonadosomatic index. Our result shows that populations of goodeines have high fertility compared to other populations of the same species in other aquatic systems and also to other species of goodein. We found that males mature at smaller sizes than females, the observed proportion of females was greater than males in all the goodeines. Lake Zacapu goodeines have two reproductive peaks, one in spring (April to June) and another in fall (September to November). These tactics (fertility rates, sex ratio, reproductive period) and strategies (viviparity-matrotrophy) favor reproductive success in this environmentally stable subtropical lake in the highlands of Mexico.
Keywords: Fertility, First sexual maturity, Goodeines, Lake Zacapu, Reproduction.

IntroductionReproductive strategies and tactics are important components in the life history of a species (Nikolsky, 1963; Balon, 1984; Snelson, 1989; Stearns, 1992). Reproductive strategies are specific adaptations such as distinct breeding systems (oviparity, viviparity, and ovoviviparity), sex-specific reproductive behaviors, and number of partners. Alternatively, reproductive tactics are linked life history traits that develop as adaptations towards environmental conditions and ecological niches (Murua, Saborido-Rey, 2003). Fishes exhibit a wide range of reproductive tactics such as variations in age of sexual maturity, fertility, and reproductive period (Wootton, Smith, 2014). The variety in reproductive characteristics that fishes exhibit has been argued as an evolutionary advantage in allowing exploitation of a huge range of niches, leading to fish being the most diverse group of vertebrates in the world (Wootton, Smith, 2014; Pérez-Rodríguez et al., 2015; Nelson et al., 2016).
The reproductive success is mainly related to age of sexual maturity, fertility, and sex ratio, and influence the population’s growth and dynamics. A population with successful reproductive tactics exhibits features such as a clear size structure (organisms of different sizes, from juveniles to mature adults), reproductive seasonality for best offspring survival, and individuals with a healthy body condition factor (Caddy, Agnew, 2004; Wootton, Smith, 2014). Reproductive tactics can help us understand when, where, and how the reproductive cycle of a species functions and determines how spatial and temporal environmental factors affect recruitment success and, consequently, population persistence (Balon, 1984; Pecquerie et al., 2009).
Among the most reproductively specialized groups of fishes, it is the subfamily Goodeinae (i.e., teleost fish endemic to Mexico known as splitfins) (Uribe et al., 2018). Specializations in this group include: modification of the anal fin (the gonopodium) in males, permitting internal fertilization (Turner et al., 1962); strong sexual selection, female choice related to male color patterns, fin size, courtship display, and body shape (Macías-García et al., 1994; Macías-García, Ramírez, 2005) and male choice influenced by female belly area, hue, and size (Méndez-Janovitz, Macías-García, 2017); and specialized embryonic development in the ovary whereby embryos develop a complex ribbon-like tissue, known as atrophotaenia, through which the interchange of nutrients and gases between the female and embryo takes place (Uribe et al., 2014; 2018). The Goodeinae includes around 40 species of small-bodied freshwater fishes found in the central Mexican highlands, most of them endemic or microendemic to a specific water body or spring (Domínguez-Domínguez et al., 2008; Lyons et al., 2019).
Within the freshwater ecosystems of central Mexico, Lake Zacapu is considered a hotspot of biodiversity, hosting two introduced and 11 native species of fish in its small area (15 ha) (Moncayo-Estrada, 1996; personal obs.). The introduced species (Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes, 1844) and Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758)) have been largely identified as a threat to native fish in other aquatic systems (Lowe et al., 2000; Cudmore et al., 2017; Gibson-Reinemer et al., 2017). Among the native species, there are seven goodeines: Catarina Allotoca (Allotoca zacapuensis Meyer, Radda & Domínguez-Domínguez, 2001),Bulldog Goodeid(Alloophorus robustus (Bean, 1892)), Blackfin Goodea(Goodea atripinnis Jordan, 1880),Olive Skiffia(Skiffia lermae Meek, 1902), Jeweled Splitfin(Xenotoca variata (Bean, 1887)),Picotee Splitfin (Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis (Bean, 1898)),and Highland Splitfin (Hubbsina turneri (de Buen, 1940)). Both A. zacapuensis and G. turneri are microendemic to the lake (Domínguez-Domínguez et al., 2008). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Mexican Federal laws, A. zacapuensis and G. turneri are Critically Endangered (CR), whilst the remaining five species are of conservation concern (NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2019; Lyons et al., 2019; IUCN, 2020). Despite the status the fishes have been poorly studied. Only the general biology of single species (Moncayo-Estrada, 2012), taxonomic studies of fish parasites (Martínez-Aquino et al., 2012), and biological integrity at a sub-basin level (Ramírez-Herrejón et al., 2012).
In addition, although Lake Zacapu is considered an environmentally stable water body because several springs feed the system, water is extracted for urban use, and most of its shoreline is occupied by the town of Zacapu. As such, the ecosystems of the lake are under threat due to pollution and a drop in water level. This is of particular concern as the lake acts as a refuge for several species that have disappeared from other water bodies (Domínguez-Domínguez et al., 2008).
This study aims to evaluate the reproductive cycle and to describe the annual variation of the sex ratio, size at first maturity, gonadosomatic index, fertility and condition factor in seven species of goodeines or splitfins inhabiting Lake Zacapu. According to the limnological characteristics prevailing at Lake Zacapu, we hypothesize that the native species present a combination of life-history traits (early maturity, high fertility rates, good condition) producing high reproductive success. The results of this study have important conservation implications and can be used to support specific conservation actions and management to maintain biological diversity in the lake and other small sub-tropical lake ecosystems in Mexico.

Full paper at:- www.ni.bio.br/1982-0224-2021-0105/ or https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0105

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Megaleporinus prochiloides new species from Bolivia, a close relative of Prochilodus and Ichthyoelephas

ROSSELLA · SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
0 4.8K 11
by Tyson R. Roberts – aqua 27 (3) pp. 103-112
The new species Megaleporinus prochiloides is based on an uncatalogued adult specimen from eastern Bolivia but otherwise without locality data in the teaching collection of the fish collection of the Museo de Historia Natural Noel Mercado Kempf in Santa Cruz, Bolivia (MNKP). It differs from all other species of Megaleporinus in having greatly enlarged mouth and lips strongly resembling those in Prochilodus and Ichthyoelephas. Its linearly striped coloration also occurs in all species of these genera without other distinctive coloration or marks on its head, body or fins. Juveniles are likely to have large midlateral dark spots on the posterior half of the body as in juvenile Megaleporinus macrolepidotus.
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from Aqua Press
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New species of Rineloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Paranaíba River basin, Brazil

PISCESALTO PARANÁLORICARIINAERINELORICARIA

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AbstractRineloricaria is a genus of armored catfish encompassing 67 valid species that are widely distributed throughout the Neotropical region. A new species of Rineloricaria is described from the Paranaíba River, Upper Paraná River basin, southeastern Brazil. Rineloricaria rodriquezae sp. n. is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: caudal-fin color pattern with basal dark spot and subterminal dark bar on branched rays interspersed with a hyaline area; five series of lateral plates with two keeled in the mid-dorsal series around the insertion of the first ray of dorsal fin; and unbranched caudal-fin ray extended as long filaments.

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0083 COPY

New species of Rhyacoglanis (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) from rio Tocantins basin, northern Brazil

Oscar A. ShibattaMarcelo S. RochaRenildo R. de OliveiraABOUT THE AUTHORSAbstractA new species of Rhyacoglanis is described from the rapids of Jatobal, Pará State, Brazil. This species differs from the congeners by fusing hypurals 3, 4, and 5 (vs. hypural 5 free). It also differs from the other species, except for Rhyacoglanis epiblepsis, by the color pattern with numerous dark spots on the body, short post-cleithral process, rounded pectoral and caudal fins, and incomplete lateral line. This species is known only from the type locality, which is currently flooded by the Tucuruí reservoir..

INTRODUCTIONRhyacoglanisShibatta & Vari, 2017, consists of five small bumblebee catfish species (Shibatta, Vari, 2017). They are easily recognized by the body’s color pattern that alternates dark brown bands on a yellowish background, grayish head with a light spot on the cheek, a dark stripe along the middle of the upper and lower caudal-fin lobes confluent with dark caudal peduncle blotch, lateral line elongated, and premaxillary tooth plate posterolaterally pointed.
Until the description of Rhyacoglanis by Shibatta, Vari, (2017), species of this genus had already been identified as Pseudopimelodus variolosusMiranda Ribeiro, 1914, Pseudopimelodus zungaro zungaro by Mees, 1974, and even as Microglanis sp. (Castro, 1999). However, the hypothesis of monophyly of the genus was presented by Shibatta, Vari, (2017), pointing out Rhyacoglanis as Pseudopimelodus sister group.
The genus is widely distributed in South America, occurring in the Orinoco, Amazonas, and Paraná-Paraguay river basins. Three species are known from the Amazon region: Rhyacoglanis pulcher (Boulenger, 1887) from the upper rio Amazonas, R. epiblepsis Shibatta & Vari, 2017 from rio Madeira, and R. seminiger Shibatta & Vari, 2017 from the upper rio Tapajós. The analysis of specimens from the lower rio Tocantins in Pará highlighted a new species from the rapids of Jatobal, a region flooded by the Tucuruí reservoir. This new species is described herein.

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Animal Genetics • Genet. Mol. Biol. 44 (4) • 2021 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4685-GMB-2020-0068 COPY

Reconstruction of the Doradinae (Siluriformes-Doradidae) ancestral diploid number and NOR pattern reveals new insights about the karyotypic diversification of the Neotropical thorny catfishes

Fábio H. Takagui[...]Lucia Giuliano-CaetanoABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractDoradinae (Siluriformes: Doradidae) is the most species-rich subfamily among thorny catfishes, encompassing over 77 valid species, found mainly in Amazon and Platina hydrographic basins. Here, we analyzed seven Doradinae species using combined methods (e.g., cytogenetic tools and Mesquite ancestral reconstruction software) in order to scrutinize the processes that mediated the karyotype diversification in this subfamily. Our ancestral reconstruction recovered that 2n=58 chromosomes and simple nucleolar organizer regions (NOR) are ancestral features only for Wertheimerinae and the most clades of Doradinae. Some exceptions were found in Trachydoras paraguayensis (2n=56), Trachydoras steindachneri (2n=60), Ossancora punctata (2n=66) and Platydoras hancockii whose karyotypes showed a multiple NOR system. The large thorny catfishes, such as Pterodoras granulosus, Oxydoras niger and Centrodoras brachiatus share several karyotype features, with subtle variations only regarding their heterochromatin distribution. On the other hand, a remarkable karyotypic variability has been reported in the fimbriate barbells thorny catfishes. These two contrasting karyoevolution trajectories emerged from a complex interaction between chromosome rearrangements (e.g., inversions and Robertsonian translocations) and mechanisms of heterochromatin dispersion. Moreover, we believe that biological features, such as microhabitats preferences, populational size, low vagility and migratory behavior played a key role during the origin and maintenance of chromosome diversity in Doradinae subfamily.
Keywords:
Karyotypic diversification; Cytotaxonomy; 5S rDNA; 18S rDNA; Heterochromatin
IntroductionCytogenetic studies have provided valuable information about the evolutionary trends and relationships in a range of vertebrate species, such as amphibians (Bruschi et al., 2019), reptiles (Viana et al., 2019, 2020), birds (Damas et al., 2019; Sigeman et al., 2019), mammals (Graphodastsky et al., 2011) and fish (Sember et al., 2018; Takagui et al., 2019). Different softwares for reconstruction of ancestral characters (e.g., Chromoevol, Mesquite) have been incorporated into cytogenetic analyses in recent years and provided a better understanding regarding the karyotype evolution in several organisms, as seen in plants (Burchardt et al., 2018), insects (Castillo et al., 2018; Micolino et al., 2019), birds (Damas et al., 2018) and mammals (Kim et al., 2017).
Despite the paucity of studies involving this kind of evolutionary approach in fish, analysis combining cytogenetic data and reconstruction of ancestral features have emerged in recent years (Cardoso et al., 2018; Terra et al., 2019). Therefore, these studies demonstrate the efficiency of combined analysis between robust phylogenetic relationships and pre-establishes chromosomal patterns in generating accurate estimates of ancestral chromosomal states in fish, especially in groups that possess a huge karyotype diversity, as for instance the Doradidae family.
Within Neotropical Siluriformes, Doradidae stands out as one of the most diverse and representative families, with over 96 species (Fricke et al., 2020), commonly known as thorny or spiny catfishes. They are a remarkable group, easily recognized by the presence of a single rows of scutes with thorns along the lateral line. Thorny catfishes are widely distributed across the largest hydrographic basins in South America, although the highest diversity is found in the Amazon and La Plata basins (Ferraris, 2007; Birindelli, 2014). The relationships among Doradidae species were already investigated through morphological and molecular data and the monophyly of this family as well as its subfamilies are usually corroborated by both approaches (Arce et al., 2013; Birindelli, 2014).
Doradidae is classified into three subfamilies: Wertheimerinae (3 species), Astrodoradinae (15 species), and Doradinae (78 species) (Fricke et al., 2020). The latter, represents the most diverse of all subfamilies and includes large species that are found mainly in the main channel of large rivers and exhibit migratory behavior during reproduction, represented by species as Pterodoras granulosus Valenciennes, 1821, Oxydoras niger Valenciennes, 1821, Centrodoras brachiatus Cope, 1872, Megalodoras uranoscopus Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888, Lithodoras dorsalis Bleeker, 1862 (Goulding, 1980; Agostinho et al., 2003; Birindelli and Sousa 2017). On the other hand, Doradinae also includes tiny species, characterized by the presence of fimbriate barbels, such as Hemidoras, Trachydoras, Ossancora and Tenellus (Sabaj, 2005; Arce et al., 2013; Birindelli, 2014; Birindelli and Sousa 2017). The latter group, which has a wide morphological variability and behavioral lability, not only includes sedentary species but also others with high vagility (Sabaj, 2005; Birindelli and Sousa, 2017).
Karyotype data is available solely for 19 out of the 96 Doradidae species, most of them having 58 chromosomes, except for Anadoras sp. “araguaia” and Trachydoras. paraguayensis Eigenmann & Ward 1907 (2n=56 chromosomes), and Ossancora punctata Kner, 1853 (2n=66 chromosomes), the highest diploid number in the family to date. Additionally, a considerable cytogenetic variability is also observed in the structural level (i.e., karyotype formulas, heterochromatin patterns and rDNA sites distribution), supernumerary chromosomes, as seen in Ossancora punctata, Pterodoras granulosus and Platydoras armatulus Valenciennes, 1840 and a unique ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system in Tenellus trimaculatus Boulenger, 1898 (Table 1). Thus, it is believed that the origin of the current karyotype diversity in Doradidae has been assigned to numerical (Robertsonian translocations), structural (pericentric inversions) and different mechanisms of repetitive DNA dispersion (Baumgärtner et al., 2018; Takagui et al., 2019).
To unravel the evolutionaty processes that drove the karyotype diversification of the Neotropical Doradidae and to better characterize its likely ancestral karyotype state, we applied an extensive suite of cytogenetic tools in a range of Doradinae subspecies, which allowed us to identify patterns of homologies and independent diversification in some particular clades of this subfamily. In addition, we also recovered ancestral features regarding the macro and micro karyotype structure based on a robust phylogeny, providing a better understanding about the karyotype evolution of the Neotropical thorny catfishes.

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Esomus nimasowi a new species of flying barb (Cypriniformes: Danionidae) from Assam north-eastern India

ROSSELLA · SEPTEMBER 28, 2020
37 4.8K 18
by Santoshkumar Abujam, Budhin Gogoi, Arup Nama Das, Debangshu Narayan Das & Shyama Prasad Biswas – aqua 27 (3) pp. 81-92
Esomus nimasowi, a new species of flying barb, is described from the Phongloso stream (a small tributary of the Kopili River) at Wasubil village in Dima Hasao district, Assam north-eastern India. The new species differs from its congeners including Esomus danrica, Esomus bengalensis and Esomus thermoicos in having a shorter maxillary barbel just reach 1/3rd of pectoral-fin length (vs. maxillary barbel very long, extending to mid of pectorals or ventral fin insertion or slightly beyond anal-fin origin); tip of pectoral fin just reach origin of pelvic fin when adpressed (vs. distinctly crossed beyond pelvic fin base). The new species can be distinguished from its congener except E. bangalensis by the absence (presence) of lateral line in E. danrica (incomplete) and in E. thermoicos (complete) and it also differs from its congeners except E. danrica in having lesser predorsal scales (15-16 vs. 17-20). Further, it differs from all congers by the unique combination of the following characters: pre-ventral length (48.6-54.6% SL), pre-anal length (70.2-75.1% SL), dorsal-fin length (21.0-23.4% SL), ventral-fin length (18.0-20.5% SL), length of ventral- fin base (3.2-4.2% SL), caudal peduncle depth (11.1-11.8% SL), pectoral fin to ventral fin distance (19.5-24.0% SL), eye diameter (24.8-29.2% SL), interorbital distance (31.7-41.6% SL), maxillary barbel (114.9-140.9% SL) and pectoral fin branched ray (i,8-9).
Full Text | PDF (337 KB)
from aquapress
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Oxynoemacheilus nasreddini • A New Nemacheilid Loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Central Anatolia

Oxynoemacheilus nasreddini
Yoğurtçuoğlu, Kaya & Freyhof, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4974.1.5

Abstract
Oxynoemacheilus nasreddini, new species, from Lake Akşehir, Eber, Eğirdir, and Ilgın basins in Central Anatolia is distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Central Anatolia by having irregularly shaped blotches on flank; 2–4 dark-brown bands on caudal fin; a slender body, and an emarginate caudal fin in which the shortest middle caudal-fin ray is 76–91% of the longest ray of the upper caudal-fin lobe. Molecular data suggest that the new species is closely related to O. mediterraneus from the Aksu and Köprüçay drainages. Although the two species are separated by only a minimum K2P distance of 1.2% in the mtDNA COI barcode region, they are well distinguished morphologically. The situation is complicated by loaches from Lake Eğirdir basin that are identified as O. nasreddini by their morphological character states but are only distinguished from O. mediterraneus by a minimum K2P distance of 0.2% in the mtDNA COI barcode region.

Keywords: Pisces, Freshwater fish, taxonomy, Middle East

Baran Yoğurtçuoğlu, Cüneyt Kaya and Jörg Freyhof. 2021. Oxynoemacheilus nasreddini, A New Nemacheilid Loach from Central Anatolia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Zootaxa. 4974(1); 135–150. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4974.1.5

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Eleotris (Teleostei: Eleotridae) from Indonesia with Description of Three New Species within the ‘melanosoma’ Neuromast Pattern Group

Eleotris sp.

in Mennesson, Keith, Sauri, Busson, ... et Hubert, 2021.
DOI: 10.2984/75.4.2
borea.MNHN.fr twitter.com/UMR_BOREA

Abstract
The species of Eleotris from Indonesia are reviewed and compared to the known species described from the area. Nine species are recognized including three new species in the ‘melanosoma’ neuromast pattern group. These are described using genetic and morpho-meristic approaches. The new species differ by a high percentage of genetic divergence in partial COI gene (652 bp) and by several characters including the number of pectoral fin rays, the number of scales in lateral, predorsal, forward and zigzag series. The main characteristics of the other known species in the area in the ‘melanosoma’ group, Eleotris melanosoma Bleeker, 1853 and Eleotris macrolepis (Bleeker, 1875), both belonging to this group, are given for comparison. A key for Eleotris species from Indonesia is provided.

Keywords: Eleotris, cryptic species, Indonesia

Marion I. Mennesson, Philippe Keith, Sopian Sauri, Frédéric Busson, Erwan Delrieu-Trottin, Gino Limmon, Tedjo Sukmono, Jiran, Renny Risdawati, Hadi Dahruddin and Nicolas Hubert. 2021. Eleotris (Teleostei: Eleotridae) from Indonesia with Description of Three New Species within the ‘melanosoma’ Neuromast Pattern Group. Pacific Science. 75(4); 469-495. DOI: 10.2984/75.4.2
twitter.com/UMR_BOREA /status/1463145321551302660

Eleotris sp.

in Mennesson, Keith, Sauri, Busson, ... et Hubert, 2021.
DOI: 10.2984/75.4.2
borea.MNHN.fr twitter.com/UMR_BOREA

Abstract
The species of Eleotris from Indonesia are reviewed and compared to the known species described from the area. Nine species are recognized including three new species in the ‘melanosoma’ neuromast pattern group. These are described using genetic and morpho-meristic approaches. The new species differ by a high percentage of genetic divergence in partial COI gene (652 bp) and by several characters including the number of pectoral fin rays, the number of scales in lateral, predorsal, forward and zigzag series. The main characteristics of the other known species in the area in the ‘melanosoma’ group, Eleotris melanosoma Bleeker, 1853 and Eleotris macrolepis (Bleeker, 1875), both belonging to this group, are given for comparison. A key for Eleotris species from Indonesia is provided.

Keywords: Eleotris, cryptic species, Indonesia

Marion I. Mennesson, Philippe Keith, Sopian Sauri, Frédéric Busson, Erwan Delrieu-Trottin, Gino Limmon, Tedjo Sukmono, Jiran, Renny Risdawati, Hadi Dahruddin and Nicolas Hubert. 2021. Eleotris (Teleostei: Eleotridae) from Indonesia with Description of Three New Species within the ‘melanosoma’ Neuromast Pattern Group. Pacific Science. 75(4); 469-495. DOI: 10.2984/75.4.2

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twitter.com/UMR_BOREA /status/1463145321551302660

Typhlachirus lipophthalmus, A Rare Eye-less Sole from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo (Teleostei: Soleidae)

  Typhlachirus lipophthalmus (Károli, 1882)
from Sungai Kuap (Sarawak River basin)

in Tan & Grinang, 2020.
DOI:  10.23788/IEF-1150

An example of the eye-less sole, Typhlachirus lipophthalmus, was collected from a tidal section of the Sadong River in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, in January 2018. It is apparently the second known record of this species since its description in 1882. A description based on selected meristic and morphometric data gathered from the specimen, supported by radiographs and photographs of it, as well as notes on its capture and habitat, are presented.

Fresh coloration of Typhlachirus lipophthalmus (right side), ZRC 59653. 61.2 mm SL, shortly after capture.

Live coloration of Typhlachirus lipophthalmus (ca. 15 cm total length) from Sungai Kuap (Sarawak River basin), showing both right (pigmented) and left side of the fish [copyright Chien Lee, first published in Atack (2006)].

Typhlachirus lipophthalmus (Károli, 1882)

Distribution. Typhlachirus lipophthalmus is presently known only from Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, having been recorded from the lower reaches of Sungai Sadong of the Sadong River basin (Tan & Grinang, 2018 and present study) and from Sungai Kuap of the Sarawak River basin (Atack, 2006). The range of Typhlachirus lipophthalmus is expected to be wider, pending further surveys of estuarine habitats in Borneo. See Figure 7 for the distribution of all three species of Typhlachirus.

Tan Heok Hui and Jongkar Grinang. 2020. Typhlachirus lipophthalmus, A Rare Eye-less Sole from Borneo (Teleostei: Soleidae). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. IEF-1150. DOI:  10.23788/IEF-1150
pfeil-verlag.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IEF-1150-www.pdf

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Oxynoemacheilus isauricus • A New Nemacheilid Loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Central Anatolia

Oxynoemacheilus isauricus
Yoğurtçuoğlu, Kaya, Ozulug & Freyhof, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4975.2.7
twitter.com/yokbaran

Abstract
Oxynoemacheilus isauricus, new species, from the Lakes Beyşehir and Suğla basins in Central Anatolia is distinguished from all other species of the O. angorae group by having a very slender caudal peduncle (its depth 2.2–2.6 times in its length). The new species is further distinguished by having a short head (head length 21–24% SL), and a midlateral series of irregularly shaped blotches on the flank. Oxynoemacheilus isauricus is also distinguished by a minimum K2P sequence divergence of 7.5% and 8.0% in the mtDNA-COI barcode region from O. eregliensis and O. atili, its closest relatives.

Keywords: Pisces, Cytochrome oxidase I, Freshwater fish, Lake Beyşehir, Middle East, Taxonomy

Baran Yoğurtçuoğlu, Cüneyt Kaya, Müfit Ozulug and Jörg Freyhof. 2021. Oxynoemacheilus isauricus, A New Nemacheilid Loach from Central Anatolia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Zootaxa. 4975(2); 369–378. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4975.2.7
Researchgate.net/publication/351825529_Oxynoemacheilus_isauricus_a_new_nemacheilid_loach_from_Central_Anatolia
twitter.com/yokbaran/status/1397098300898217985

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Redescription of the Fijian dwarfgoby Eviota cometa (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

Greenfield, David W.; Erdmann, Mark V.
The holotype and paratypes of the dwarfgoby Eviota cometa Jewett & Lachner, 1983 were described from the Fiji Islands, but, unfortunately, non-type specimens of another closely related species from Fiji and other central and western Pacific localities were also included in the description, resulting in ongoing confusion over the identity of E. cometa. This second species, frequently illustrated in the literature as E. cometa, was recently described as Eviota oculineata Tornabene, Greenfield & Erdmann, 2021. Eviota cometa is redescribed here using only material collected from Fiji. Eviota cometa is distinguished from the other species by having thin red diagonal bars crossing the caudal fin in life; a solid dark-reddish iris; a two-part, black, basicaudal spot over the preural centrum; usually 16 or 17 pectoral-fin rays; and a dorsal/anal fin-ray formula of 9/8. The species is known only from Fiji and Tonga.

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A new sqeaker catfish - Synodontis abditus 

Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters/IEF-1170/pp. 1-14 Published 5 November 2021 LSID: http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C0521C3A-12B0-4B7E-A8C4-3C65A7F8EB7E DOI: http://doi.org/10.23788/IEF-1170 Synodontis abditus (Teleostei: Mochokidae), a new squeaker catfish from the Ogooué basin, Gabon David De Weirdt*, Charlotte E. T. Huyghe*, ** and Emmanuel J. W. M. N. Vreven*, *** Synodontis abditus, new species, is described from the Ivindo and the Ngounié rivers, respectively a right and a left bank affluent of the Ogooué River (Gabon) in the Lower Guinea (LG) ichthyofaunal province. The new species is readily distinguished from all its congeners from the LG ichthyofaunal province by: the lack of serrations on the anterior side of the dorsal spine; 63-76 mandibular teeth; and 16-28 serrations on the posterior side of the pectoral spine. This discovery illustrates the importance of submitting collections to thorough alpha-taxonomic research in order to screen them for harbouring hidden species richness. The type locality of S. abditus is the stretch of the Loa Loa Rapids on the Ivindo River, which border the Ivindo National Park. In contrast, the other sub-basin where the new species has been found, the Ngounié River, is currently not near to any Protected Area (PA). Nevertheless, the main anthropogenic threats for these sub-basins are deforestation, over-fishing and pollution from nearby towns and iron-ore mining activities. As such, the discovery of yet another Synodontis species, endemic to the LG ichthyofaunal province, further stresses the need and importance for the installation of a well-documented, and extended network of PAs for the effective protection of the Ogooué basin ichthyofauna in particular and its freshwater fauna at large. Synodontis abditus nouvelle espèce est décrite de l’Ivindo et de la Ngounié, respectivement affluent de rive droite et de rive gauche du fleuve Ogooué (Gabon) dans la province ichtyofaunique de la Basse Guinée (BG). La nouvelle espèce se distingue aisément de tous ses congénères de la province ichtyofaunique de la BG par: l’absence de dentelures sur la face antérieure de l’épine dorsale; 63 à 76 dents mandibulaires; et 16 à 28 dentelures sur la face postérieure de l’épine pectorale. Cette découverte illustre l’importance de soumettre les collections à une recherche alpha-taxonomique approfondie afin de les cribler pour héberger une richesse d’espèces cachée. La localité type de S. abditus est le tronçon des rapides Loa Loa sur la rivière Ivindo et qui bordent le Parc National d’Ivindo. Par contre, l’autre sous-bassin où la nouvelle espèce a été trouvée, la rivière Ngounié, se trouve à proximité d’aucune aire protégée (AP). Néanoins, les principales menaces anthropiques pour ces sous-bassins sont la déforestation, la surpêche et la pollution à partir des villes voisines et les activités d’extraction de minerai de fer. En tant que tel, la découverte d’une autre espèce endémique de Synodontis de la province ichtyofaunique de la BG souligne encore la nécessité et l’importance de l’installation d’un réseau bien documenté et étendu d’APs pour la protection efficace de l’ichtyofaune du bassin de l’Ogooué en particulier et de sa faune d’eau douce en général

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Review of the Indo-Pacific scorpaenoid genus Plectrogenium Gilbert 1905 (Plectrogeniidae) with descriptions of eight new species

Ichthyological Research (2021)Cite this article

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AbstractA taxonomic review of Plectrogenium (Teleostei: Plectrogeniidae) disclosed 10 valid species, eight being new (most previously identified as P. nanum Gilbert 1905): P. nanum (Hawaiian Islands); P. barsukovi Mandrytsa 1992 [Nazca Ridge (southeastern Pacific Ocean)]; P. capricornis sp. nov. (New Caledonia); P. kamoharai sp. nov. (Japan and Taiwan); P. kanayamai sp. nov. [Emperor Seamount Chain, Kyushu-Palau Ridge (northwest Pacific), and Taiwan]; P. longipinnis sp. nov. (Marquesas Islands); P. megalops sp. nov. (Solomon Islands); P. occidentalis sp. nov. (Madagascar); P. rubricauda sp. nov. (Japan); and P. serratum sp. nov. (Vanuatu). Each species can be distinguished from the others by a combination of morphological characters, including number of pectoral-fin rays, head spine and squamation characteristics, body proportions, and coloration. Plectrogenium nanum and P. barsukovi are briefly redescribed on the basis of their primary types. A key to the species of Plectrogenium is provided.

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Mawsonia sp. • The First late Cretaceous Mawsoniid Coelacanth (Sarcopterygii: Actinistia) from North America: Evidence of A Lineage of Extinct ‘Living Fossils’

Reconstruction of Mawsonia sp. roaming in the brackish or fresh water costal environment of Texas during the Cenomanian.

in Cavin, Toriño, Van Vranken, ... et Winkler, 2021.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259292
twitter.com/PabloTorino4
Original artwork by Zubin Erik Dutta.Abstract
Today, the only living genus of coelacanth, Latimeria is represented by two species along the eastern coast of Africa and in Indonesia. This sarcopterygian fish is nicknamed a "living fossil", in particular because of its slow evolution. The large geographical distribution of Latimeria may be a reason for the great resilience to extinction of this lineage, but the lack of fossil records for this genus prevents us from testing this hypothesis. Here we describe isolated bones (right angular, incomplete basisphenoid, fragments of parasphenoid and pterygoid) found in the Cenomanian Woodbine Formation in northeast Texas that are referred to the mawsoniid coelacanth Mawsonia sp. In order to assess the impact of this discovery on the alleged characteristic of "living fossils" in general and of coelacanths in particular: 1) we compared the average time duration of genera of ray-finned fish and coelacanth in the fossil record; 2) we compared the biogeographic signal from Mawsonia with the signal from the rest of the vertebrate assemblage of the Woodbine formation; and 3) we compared these life traits with those of Latimeria. The stratigraphical range of Mawsonia is at least 50 million years. Since Mawsonia was a fresh, brackish water fish with probably a low ability to cross large sea barriers and because most of the continental components of the Woodbine Fm vertebrate assemblage exhibit Laurasian affinities, it is proposed that the Mawsonia’s occurrence in North America is more likely the result of a vicariant event linked to the break-up of Pangea rather than the result of a dispersal from Gondwana. The link between a wide geographic distribution and the resilience to extinction demonstrated here for Mawsonia is a clue that a similar situation existed for Latimeria, which allowed this genus to live for tens of millions of years.

Systematic paleontology
Actinistia Cope, 1871.
Latimerioidei Schultze, 1993.
Mawsoniidae Schultze, 1993.

Genus Mawsonia Woodward in Mawson and Woodward, 1907

Mawsonia sp.

‘Mid’-Cretaceous paleogeographical map of western Laurasia and western Gondwana showing biogeographical affinities of vertebrates from the woodbine formation (red circle).
Brown areas indicates continental vertebrates and the blue areas indicate brackish and marine vertebrates. Orange dots indicate approximate locations of records of Mawsonia.

Comparison of the geographical distributions of the two extant Latimeria species and their supposedly common ancestor 30 to 40 million years ago (left) with those of Mawsonia in the mid-cretaceous, about 100 million years ago and in the Late Jurassic–basal Cretaceous, about 145 million years ago (right).

Lionel Cavin, Pablo Toriño, Nathan Van Vranken, Bradley Carter, Michael J. Polcyn, Dale Winkler. 2021. The First late Cretaceous Mawsoniid Coelacanth (Sarcopterygii: Actinistia) from North America: Evidence of A Lineage of Extinct ‘Living Fossils’ PLoS ONE. 16(11): e0259292. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259292
twitter.com/PabloTorino4/status/1458976004886732805

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Molecular Phylogeny and Phylogeography of the Freshwater Fish Genus Pethia (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in Sri Lanka

in Sudasinghe, Ranasinghe, Herath, ... et Meegaskumbura, 2021.
DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01923-5
Researchgate.net/publication/356120472

Abstract
Background:
Sri Lanka is a continental island separated from India by the Palk Strait, a shallow-shelf sea, which was emergent during periods of lowered sea level. Its biodiversity is concentrated in its perhumid south-western ‘wet zone’. The island’s freshwater fishes are dominated by the Cyprinidae, characterized by small diversifications of species derived from dispersals from India. These include five diminutive, endemic species of Pethia (P. bandula, P. cumingii, P. melanomaculata, P. nigrofasciata, P. reval), whose evolutionary history remains poorly understood. Here, based on comprehensive geographic sampling, we explore the phylogeny, phylogeography and morphological diversity of the genus in Sri Lanka.

Results:
The phylogenetic analyses, based on mitochondrial and nuclear loci, recover Sri Lankan Pethia as polyphyletic. The reciprocal monophyly of P. bandula and P. nigrofasciata, and P. cumingii and P. reval, is not supported. Pethia nigrofasciata, P. cumingii, and P. reval show strong phylogeographic structure in the wet zone, compared with P. melanomaculata, which ranges across the dry and intermediate zones. Translocated populations of P. nigrofasciata and P. reval in the Central Hills likely originate from multiple sources. Morphological analyses reveal populations of P. nigrofasciata proximal to P. bandula, a narrow-range endemic, to have a mix of characters between the two species. Similarly, populations of P. cumingii in the Kalu basin possess orange fins, a state between the red-finned P. reval from Kelani to Deduru and yellow-finned P. cumingii from Bentara to Gin basins.

Conclusions:
Polyphyly in Sri Lankan Pethia suggests two or three colonizations from mainland India. Strong phylogeographic structure in P. nigrofasciata, P. cumingii and P. reval, compared with P. melanomaculata, supports a model wherein the topographically complex wet zone harbors greater genetic diversity than the topographically uniform dry-zone. Mixed morphological characters between P. bandula and P. nigrofasciata, and P. cumingii and P. reval, and their unresolved phylogenies, may suggest recent speciation scenarios with incomplete lineage sorting, or hybridization.

Keywords: Smiliogastrinae, Morphology, Barb, Biodiversity hotspot, India

Conclusions:
Despite Pethia being a widespread freshwater fish genus in South Asia, most studies so far have focused on taxonomy, with little or no emphasis on geographic sampling focusing on phylogeographic work. We focus on phylogeny, phylogeography, using nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA markers, and compare these results with morphology of the group. Polyphyly in Sri Lankan Pethia suggests two or three colonizations from mainland India. Strong phylogeographic structure suggests that the topographically complex wet zone harbors greater genetic diversity than the more uniform dry-zone. Mixed morphological characters between some of the taxa, and their unresolved phylogenies, may suggest recent speciation events with incomplete lineage sorting, or hybridization. The knowledge generated will not only form a foundation for systematics work, but also will help in understanding the processes of speciation and patterns of distribution, allowing for informed conservation of this charismatic group of fishes.

Hiranya Sudasinghe, Tharindu Ranasinghe, Jayampathi Herath, Kumudu Wijesooriya, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Lukas Rüber and Madhava Meegaskumbura. 2021. Molecular Phylogeny and Phylogeography of the Freshwater-fish Genus Pethia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in Sri Lanka. BMC Ecology and Evolution. 21: 203. DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01923-5
Researchgate.net/publication/356120472_phylogeny_and_phylogeography_of_Pethia
facebook.com/tharindu2010ac/posts/5267718599921144

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Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters/IEF-1142/pp. 1-11 Published 5 November 2021 LSID: http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:DCF1D31D-2B80-4C47-A3B2-F9C0A4996F8B DOI: http://doi.org/10.23788/IEF-1142 Homatula dotui, a new cave loach from Central Vietnam (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) Dinh Tao Nguyen*, ***, Hua Wu*, Liang Cao** and E Zhang** Homatula dotui, new species, is described from a cave in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Central Vietnam. This troglobitic loach is the first species of Homatula found in Vietnam and the first subterranean species of the genus. It differs from all congeners by a whitish or pinkish body in life, no scales, incomplete lateral line with 4-5 pores, reduced eyes, and the number of dorsal-fin rays and vertebrae. * School of Life Science, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei Province, P. R. China. E-mail: [email protected] ** Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 7 Donghu South Road, Wuhan 430072, Hubei Province, P.R. China. Email: [email protected] *** Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, No. 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Hanoi City, Vietnam. E-mail: [email protected] Introduction The nemacheilid genus Homatula was believed to be endemic to China and actually comprises a total of 18 species known from the upper Mekong River (=Lancang-Jiang in Chinese), Red River (=Yuan-Jiang), Pear River (=Zhu-Jiang), midupper Yangtze River (=Chang-Jiang) drainages, and the Wei-He, a tributary of the Yellow River (=Huang-He) drainage (Li et al., 2019). By the end of the last century, seven species of the genus had been placed in Paracobitis, which is a West Asian genus (Kottelat, 1990; Bânârescu & Nalbant, 1995; Nalbant & Bianco, 1998; Freyhof et al., 2014). These species are: P. anguillioides, P. acuticephala, P. oligolepis, P. erhaiensis, P. potanini, P. variegata and P. wujiangensis. Min et al. (2010) described P. nanpanjiangensis, an additional species from the Chinese Yunnan Province. Hu & Zhang (2010) described Homatula pycnolepis from Yunnan Province and revalidated H. berezowskii from Sichuan Province, South China. Another eight species of Homatula have since been described from China: H. laxiclathra (Gu & Zhang, 2012), H. disparizona (Min et al., 2013), H. change (Endruweit, 2015), H. wenshanensis (Yang et al., 2017), H. coccinocola (Endruweit et al., 2018), and H. anteridorsalis, H. cryptoclathrata and H. nigra (Li et al., 2019). Nguyen (2005) described two Vietnamese loaches in the genus Paracobitis (namely P. hagiangensis and P. phongthoensis). Paracobitis hagiangensis is a valid species in Schistura while P. phongthoensis is a junior synonym of S. caudofurca (Kottelat, 2012a, 2013; Endruweit, 2014). Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters – ISSN 0936-9902 (print) © 2021 by Verlag Dr. Friedrich Pfeil, München, Germany www.pfeil-verlag.de 2 The Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology conducted several expeditions into caves of the karstic areas of Central Vietnam between 2011 and 2015. These expeditions yielded two specimens of subterranean loaches representatives of an undescribed species of the genus Homatula. The purpose of this work is to describe and name this new species. Material and methods Morphological analysis. Fishes were caught by a hand-net. Meristic and morphometric methods follow Kottelat (1990). Measurements were taken point to point using a calliper and recorded to the nearest 0.1 mm. Dorsal, caudal and anal-fin rays were counted from radiographs and pectoral and pelvic-fin rays under a binocular stereomicroscope. Vertebrae were counted from radiographs following Roberts (1989). The number of caudal vertebrae corresponds to the number of centrae bearing a haemal spine, including the urostyle that is counted as one vertebra. Eye diameter was measured horizontally, body depth at dorsal-fin origin, and head length (HL) from the tip of the snout to the posteriormost margin of the operculum excluding the opercular membrane. Data for Homatula wujiangensis were taken from Ding & Deng (1990), H. maolanensis from Ran et al. (2006), H. posterodorsalus from Li et al. (2006), H. nanpanjiangensis from Min et al. (2010), H. disparizona from Min et al. (2013), H. change from Endruweit (2015), H. wenshanensis from Yang et al. (2017) and H. coccinocola from Endruweit et al. (2018). Table 1. List of cyt b gene sequences produced in this study and downloaded from GenBank with information on drainage and country of origin. Species Province/Country Drainage Source Accession # Homatula dotui Quang Binh, Vietnam Gianh This study OK230029 Homatula dotui Quang Binh, Vietnam Gianh This study OK230030 Homatula potanini Sichuan, China Jinsha Min et al., 2012 JF340395 Homatula potanini Sichuan, China Jinsha Min et al., 2012 JF340393 Homatula potanini Sichuan, China Jinsha Min et al., 2012 JF340391 Homatula potanini Sichuan, China Jinsha Min et al., 2012 JF340388 Homatula pycnolepis Yunnan, China Lancang Min et al., 2012 HM010541 Homatula pycnolepis Yunnan, China Nu Yue et al., 2013 KF041000 Homatula pycnolepis Yunnan, China Nu Min et al., 2012 HM010567 Homatula pycnolepis Yunnan, China Lancang Min et al., 2012 HM010549 Homatula anguillioides Yunnan, China Lancang Min et al., 2012 HM010582 Homatula wuliangensis Yunnan, China Lancang Min et al., 2012 HM010517 Homatula longidorsalis Yunnan, China Jinsha Min et al., 2012 HM010550 Homatula longidorsalis Yunnan, China Jinsha Min et al., 2012 HM010522 Homatula longidorsalis Yunnan, China Nanpan Min et al., 2012 HM010519 Homatula acuticephala Yunnan, China Lancang Min et al., 2012 HM010527 Homatula variegata Yunnan, China Jinsha Min et al., 2012 HM010520 Homatula variegata Yunnan, China Jinsha Min et al., 2012 HM010493 Homatula variegata Yunnan, China Jinsha Min et al., 2012 HM010489 Schistura callichroma Yunnan, China Babian Min et al., 2012 JN837652 Schistura caudofurca Yunnan, China Babian Min et al., 2012 JN837651 Schistura latifasciata Yunnan, China Lancang Min et al., 2012 JN837653 Schistura longa Yunnan, China Nu Tang et al., 2006 JF340408 Schistura poculi Thailand Mae Min et al., 2012 JF340407 Schistura desmotes Chiangmai, Thailand Chao Phraya Havird et al., 2010 GQ174368 Schistura fasciolata Yunnan, China – Min et al., 2012 HM010565 Schistura bucculenta Yunnan, China – Min et al., 2012 JN837654 Schistura cryptofasciata Yunnan, China Salween Min et al., 2012 JF340401 Schistura sikmaiensis Yunnan, China Irrawaddy Min et al., 2012 JF340405 Schistura amplizona Yunnan, China Mekong Min et al., 2012 JN837656 Schistura macrotaenia Yunnan, China Nanqi Min et al., 2012 JN837655 Schistura shuangjiangensis Yunnan, China Lancang Min et al., 2012 JF340404 Nguyen et al.: H.

SUNDAY, 17 APRIL 2022 AT 20:00Birmingham Aquatic Club Online Fish Show

Birmingham Aquatic Club Online Fish Show
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Event by Birmingham Aquatic Club
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
The club has decided to host another online fish show for 2022! Everyone is welcome to take part. There are award cards for first, second and third place for each class. There will be a medal and award card for best in showThere are different judges for each class. Winners will be announced via Facebook live at 8pm and all award cards will be laminated and posted via Royal Mail. Entries close on the 11th April. We need a 20 - 40 second video of your fish with good lighting in a show/display tank featuring your entry number which you will be given on payment of entry fees.
The classes to enter are:
Betta splenden - Class A
Livebearer - Class B
Fancy Goldfish - Class C
It is £1 per entry and all money raised goes back into the club so we can continue to meet our goals and objectives. More details on how to enter will be coming soon!

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A review of the conservation status of seasonal Nothobranchius fishes (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes), a genus with a high level of threat, inhabiting ephemeral wetland habitats in AfricaBéla Nagy,Brian R. Watters
First published: 03 November 2021

https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3741
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The small and colourful Nothobranchius fishes inhabit ephemeral habitats in freshwater wetlands of Africa and have extreme life-history adaptations that allow their eggs to survive the periodic drying up of the seasonal natural habitats. They are subject to high levels of threat, with 72% of the 94 assessed species falling into one of the threatened Red List categories, as a consequence of habitat degradation of seasonal wetlands. There is, therefore, a need to conserve ephemeral waters for species that rely on the seasonality of habitats.
Extinction risk factors for all species of the genus were entirely reworked with IUCN Red List assessments, whereas first-time assessments were established for species that had previously not been evaluated. These fishes complete their seasonal life cycle in ephemeral natural habitats and this makes them highly vulnerable, as such wetland habitats are often degraded owing to multiple interacting human-induced stressors and threats, including cultivation of wetlands for agriculture, abstraction of water, expansion of urban areas and pollution load.
A fine-scale classification scheme based on habitat type was used for each site to identify ecological characteristics and the pattern of threats. The classification scheme is based on a primary subdivision of natural habitats compared with those modified by human activities, with further subdivision within the two fundamental groupings. Out of the 478 analysed habitat site observations by the authors, 46% were affected by human activities.
Recommended conservation actions include: conducting surveys to better understand habitat trends and threats; establishing protected areas and effectively allocating resources to preserve wetland habitats; managing protection of the structural integrity of the habitats throughout the seasonal phases of wet and dry seasons; and raising awareness of the importance of healthy wetland systems and the value of the unique seasonal freshwater biodiversity.

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Cirrhilabrus apterygia • Redescription of Conniella apterygia Allen and Its Reassignment in the Genus Cirrhilabrus Temminck & Schlegel (Teleostei: Labridae), with Comments on Cirrhilabrin Pelvic Morphology

Cirrhilabrus apterygia (Allen, 1983)

in Tea, Allen, ... et Frable, 2021.
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5061.3.5
twitter.com/FishGuyKai

Abstract
Conniella apterygia is redescribed from re-examination of the holotype, two paratypes, and six additional specimens. The genus is closely allied to Cirrhilabrus, sharing similarities in general morphological and meristic details, but is separated from Cirrhilabrus and most other labrid fishes in lacking pelvic fins and a pelvic girdle. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have provided strong evidence for the deep nesting of Conniella within Cirrhilabrus, contradicting its generic validity and suggesting that the loss of pelvic elements is autapomorphic. Consequently, the species is redescribed and assigned to the genus Cirrhilabrus, as Cirrhilabrus apterygia new combination. The pelvic morphologies of related cirrhilabrin labrids are discussed, and a new synapomorphy is identified for Paracheilinus.

Key words: coral-reef fishes; taxonomy; ichthyology; apomorphy; fairy wrasse; morphology

Cirrhilabrus apterygia, underwater photograph from Rowley Shoals, Western Australia.
(A–C) Males and females in loose groups; (D) juvenile, approximately 35 mm total length.
Note mixed aggregations of Pseudanthias engelhardi and Chrysiptera caeruleolineata in (A). Note individual showing ventral stripes from isthmus to anal-fin origin in (B).
Photographs by R.H. Kuiter (A, B, D) and G.R. Allen (C).

Cirrhilabrus apterygia (Allen, 1983), new combination
Connie’s Wrasse
Other names: Mutant Wrasse; Rowley Shoals Wrasse

Diagnosis. A species of Cirrhilabrus distinguished from all other congeners based on the following combination of colouration and morphological characters: absence of pelvic fins and pelvic girdle; lateral line with 21–26 pored scales (16–17 in the dorsoanterior series, 5–9 in the posterior peduncular series); caudal fin rhomboidal to lanceolate in males; both sexes with eight to ten stripes, purple in life and in preservation; preopercle purple in preservation.

Etymology. Allen (1983) named the species apterygia, meaning “without fins,” in reference to the distinctive lack of pelvic fins and associated elements. To be treated as a noun in apposition. We retain the use of Connie’s Wrasse as the preferred common name, after Connie Lagos Allen, wife of the second author, for whom the junior synonym Conniella was named. The species is also commonly referred to as the mutant wrasse, alluding to its atypical pelvic morphology, as well as the eponymous Rowley Shoals Wrasse, after its type locality.

A selection of cirrhilabrin labrids with horizontal striped patterns.
(A) Cirrhilabrus apterygia, underwater photograph from Rowley Shoals; (B) Cirrhilabrus earlei, underwater photograph from Koror, Palau;
(C) Cirrhilabrus marjorie, underwater photograph from Vanua Levu, Fiji; (D) Pseudocheilinus octotaenia, underwater photograph from Levuka, Fiji.
Photographs by R.H. Kuiter (A); K. Nishiyama (B); and M. Rosenstein (C–D).

Yi-Kai Tea, Gerald R. Allen, Christopher H. R. Goatley, Anthony C. Gill and Benjamin W. Frable. 2021. Redescription of Conniella apterygia Allen and Its Reassignment in the Genus Cirrhilabrus Temminck and Schlegel (Teleostei: Labridae), with Comments on Cirrhilabrin Pelvic Morphology. Zootaxa. 5061(3);493-509. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5061.3.5
twitter.com/FishGuyKai/status/1456391937359900678

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Chromis sahulensis

Chromis nitida,

Two new species of Chromis (Teleostei: Pomacentridae) from northwestern Australia and the southwestern Pacific Ocean, previously part of C. fumea (Tanaka, 1917) Allen, Gerald R.; Allen, Mark G.
The common coral-reef damselfish, Chromis fumea (Tanaka, 1917) was previously reported as widely distributed in the western Pacific Ocean and northwestern Australia, with disjunct populations in the northwestern Pacific, Western Australia, and the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The present investigation reveals the nominal species is composed of three distinct species, including two new species described herein, forming an anti-tropical species complex with Chromis nitida, from the Great Barrier Reef of Australia to southern New South Wales. The true C. fumea is mainly restricted to Japan and Taiwan, with vagrants ranging southward to Malaysia; it is characterized by a larger body size, a graded color pattern on the body, a small white spot at the base of the last dorsal-fin rays, and black upper and lower margins on the caudal fin. Chromis nitida is sharply bicolored with a black band from the eye to the tip of the soft dorsal fin and no posterior white spot. Chromis norfolkensis, n. sp. is described from 8 specimens, 47.5–83.3 mm SL, collected in the southwestern Pacific Ocean at Norfolk Island, northern New Zealand, and Chesterfield Bank, Coral Sea, with underwater photographic records from New South Wales and New Caledonia. It usually has more gill rakers than C. fumea, and the color pattern in life is diagnostic: adults are brownish above and whitish below, the transition relatively abrupt with a diagonal demarcation from the eye to a conspicuous small, rounded, white spot at the base of the last dorsal-fin rays; both the outer portion of the dorsal fin and the upper and lower margins of the caudal fin have prominent broad black bands with a bright blue-white edge. Chromis sahulensis, n. sp. is a smaller species, described from 86 specimens, 15.3–58.3 mm SL, from northwestern Australia. It has more gill rakers than C. fumea, and the color pattern is diagnostic: yellowish brown dorsally grading to paler grey-brown on the sides, with the white spot at the base of the last dorsal-fin rays more saddle-like and farther onto the upper caudal peduncle, and brownish bands along the upper and lower margins of the caudal fin. The mtDNA COI barcode sequence of C. sahulensis is 3.8% divergent from C. fumea from Taiwan and 5.15% from C. nitida from Queensland.

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Full access at:- sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2021v43a28.pdf

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Join Mars Fishcare and the API® brand for a free webinar presented by Gary Jones on understanding and treating fish disease with the help of API products.

Join us November 11th at 2:00 p.m. EST

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And soon gone? Coral reefs disappearing in many areas.14 Oct, 2021

Acropora corals shedding their zooxanthellae during 2016 bleaching even in the Maldives, Indian Ocean. Credit: The Ocean Agency / Ocean Image BankEarth has lost 14 percent of its coral reef cover in the last decade, according to the largest analysis of coral reef health ever undertaken, largely a consequence of rising sea-surface water temperatures.
Key findings:

Large-scale coral bleaching events are the greatest disturbance to the world’s coral reefs. The 1998 event alone killed eight percent of the world’s coral, which is the equivalent of about 6,500 square kilometers of coral. The greatest impacts of this mass bleaching event were seen in the Indian Ocean, Japan, and the Caribbean, with smaller impacts observed in the Red Sea, The Gulf, the northern Pacific in Hawaii and the Caroline Islands, and the southern Pacific in Samoa and New Caledonia.
Between 2009 and 2018, the world lost about 14 percent of the coral on its coral reefs, which equates to around 11,700 square kilometers of coral, more than all the living coral in Australia.
Reef algae, which grows during periods of stress, has increased by 20 percent over the past decade.
Prior to this, on average there was twice as much coral on the world’s reefs as algae.
Coral reefs in East Asia’s Coral Triangle, which is the center of coral reef biodiversity and accounts for more than 30 percent of the world’s reefs, have been less impacted by rising sea surface temperatures. Despite some declines in hard coral during the last decade, on average, these reefs have more coral today than in 1983 when the first data from this region were collected.
Almost invariably, sharp declines in coral cover corresponded with rapid increases in sea surface temperatures, indicating their vulnerability to spikes, which is a phenomenon that is likely to happen more frequently as the planet continues to warm.

The GCRMN 2020 Report is now available for free download. See below.The “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2020” report, draws on data:

spanning 40 years
in 73 countries
across 12,000 sites
collected by more than 300 scientists
through 2 million individual observations.

Corals reefs across the world are under relentless stress from warming caused by climate change and other local pressures such as overfishing, unsustainable coastal development, and declining water quality. An irrevocable loss of coral reefs would be catastrophic.
Although reefs cover only 0.2 percent of the ocean floor they are home to at least a quarter of all marine species, providing critical habitat and a fundamental source of protein, as well as life-saving medicines. It is estimated that hundreds of millions of people around the world depend on them for food, jobs, and protection from storms and erosion.

Acropora colony bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef, 2017. Credit: The Ocean Agency / Ocean Image BankSome Good News
However, the report also found that many of the world’s coral reefs remain resilient and can recover if conditions allow, providing hope for the long-term health of coral reefs if immediate steps are taken to stabilize emissions to curb future warming.
Dr. Paul Hardisty, CEO of the Australian Institute of Marine Science: “This study is the most detailed analysis to date on the state of the world’s coral reefs, and the news is mixed. There are clearly unsettling trends toward coral loss, and we can expect these to continue as warming persists. Despite this, some reefs have shown a remarkable ability to bounce back, which offers hope for the future recovery of degraded reefs. A clear message from the study is that climate change is the biggest threat to the world’s reefs, and we must all do our part by urgently curbing global greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating local pressures.”
The analysis which examined 10 coral reef-bearing regions around the world(1) showed that coral bleaching events caused by elevated sea surface temperatures (SSTs) were the main driver of coral loss, including an acute event in 1998 that is estimated to have killed eight percent of the world’s corals, which, to put this in context, is more than all the coral that is currently living on reefs in the Caribbean or the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions. The longer-term decline seen during the last decade coincided with persistent elevated SSTs.
The analysis investigates changes in the cover of both live hard coral and algae. Live hard coral cover is a scientifically based indicator of coral reef health, while increases in algae are a widely accepted signal of stress to reefs. Since 1978, when the first data used in the report were collected, there has been a 9 percent decline in the amount of hard coral worldwide. Between 2010 and 2019, the amount of algae has increased by 20 percent, corresponding with declines in hard coral cover. This progressive transition from coral to algae-dominated reef communities reduces the complex habitat that is essential to support high levels of biodiversity.
The report also highlighted that although during the last decade the interval between mass coral bleaching events has been insufficient to allow coral reefs to fully recover, some recovery was observed in 2019 with coral reefs regaining 2% of the coral cover. This indicates that coral reefs are still resilient and if pressures on these critical ecosystems ease, then they have the capacity to recover, potentially within a decade, to the healthy, flourishing reefs that were prevalent pre-1998.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which provided financial, technical, and communication support to the report: “Since 2009 we have lost more coral, worldwide, than all the living coral in Australia. We are running out of time: we can reverse losses, but we have to act now. At the upcoming climate conference in Glasgow and biodiversity conference in Kunming, decision-makers have an opportunity to show leadership and save our reefs, but only if they are willing to take bold steps. We must not leave future generations to inherit a world without coral.”

Australia, Caribbean, Brazil, East Asian Seas, Eastern Tropical Pacific, Pacific, South Asia, Western Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and the ROPME Sea Area.

CREDITS
Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)
Download reports: Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)
https://gcrmn.net/2020-report/

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Cetopsorhamdia hidalgoi • A New Species of Cetopsorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Upper Amazon River Basin

Cetopsorhamdia hidalgoi
Faustino-Fuster & de Souza, 2021

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14914
instagram.com/LesleydeSouza

Abstract
A new species of Cetopsorhamdia is described from material collected on rapid inventories and ichthyological expeditions in the Amazon region of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The new species can be differentiated from all other species of Cetopsorhamdia by the colouration pattern on fins, number of vertebrae, number of ribs, level insertion of dorsal fin, number of rays on dorsal and pectoral fin, osteological characters and several other morphometric characters. The new species is distributed along tributaries of the upper Amazon River basin in Peru, Colombia and Ecuador.

Keywords: fresh water, Neotropical, taxonomy, three-barbel catfish

Cetopsorhamdia hidalgoi. MUSM 69550, holotype, 30.7 mm LS, Peru, Loreto, Requena, Tapiche River tributary to Ucayali River basin.
(a) Lateral view, (b) dorsal view and (c) ventral view. Black arrow indicates the urogenital papillae.
Scale bar = 1 cm

Cetopsorhamdia hidalgoi new species

Etymology: Named in honour of the authors’ colleague and friend Max Hidalgo, professor, and curator of the Ichthyology Department at the Museo de Historia Natural in the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (MUSM) for his devotion and dedication to Peru Ichthyology. Hidalgo collected the holotype, in addition to many specimens of the type series on expeditions including several rapid inventories in Peru that have led to the creation of multiple conservation areas.

Geographic distribution: C. hidalgoi is known from the Ucayali, Marañón, Napo and Orteguaza rivers tributaries of the Upper Amazon River in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia and from the Madre de Dios River tributary of the Madeira River basin in Peru (Figure 6).

Ecology: Found in clearwater streams with modest flow, substrate often with submerged leaves and sand.

Dario R. Faustino-Fuster and Lesley S. de Souza. 2021. A New Species of Cetopsorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Upper Amazon River basin. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14914
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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5060.1.3
PUBLISHED: 2021-10-28
Diagnoses of two new species of Parosphromenus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Bangka Island and Kalimantan, Indonesia

PISCESBIODIVERSITYCONSERVATIONCYTBMTDNAPHYLOGENYPOLYMORPHISMTAXONOMY

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AbstractWe describe two new species of Parosphromenus from Indonesia based on morphological and molecular diagnoses. Parosphromenus juelinae, sp. nov., occurs on Bangka Island. Its unpaired fin coloration is similar to that of P. deissneri, but it differs from the latter in having a rounded caudal fin with a non-filamentous branched median ray and a smaller anal fin. Although the new species has the same caudal fin structure as P. bintan, it can be distinguished from the latter by its distinct unpaired fin coloration and the intense red color on the body flanks. Parosphromenus kishii, sp. nov., is found only in a single river system in Kalimantan Tengah. It is distinguished from all other congeners by the unique coloration of its caudal fin. A phylogenetic tree based on the cytochrome b (cytb) gene indicates that the two new species are distinct monophyletic groups constituting distinct phylogenetic branches from their congeners. Cytochrome b Genetic distances between Parosphromenus juelinae, sp. nov., and Parosphromenus kishii, sp. nov., and the other taxa in the phylogenetic tree range from 2.44% to 19.52% and from 8.65% to 17.28%, respectively.

References

Armitage, D. (2002) Bettas & Co. von Bangka und Belitung. Das Aquarium, 397, 10–15.
Bleeker, P. (1859) Negende bijdrage tot de kennis der vischfauna van Banka. Natuurkundig Tijdschrift voor Nederlandsch Indië, 18, 359–378. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.144153
Brown, B. (1987) Special announcement—two new Anabantoid species. Aquarist and Pondkeeper, 1987, 34.
Cracraft, J. (1989) Speciation and Its Ontology: The Empirical Consequences of Alternative Species Concepts for Understanding Patterns and Processes of Differentiation. In: Daniel, O. & John, A.E. (Eds.), Speciation and Its Consequences, Sinauer, Sunderland, Massachusetts, pp. 28–59.
Klausewitz, W. (1955) See- und Süsswasserfische von Sumatra und Java. Senckenbergiana Biologica, 36, 309–323.
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Kottelat, M. & Ng, P.K.L. (1998) Parosphromenus bintan, a new osphronemid fish from Bintan and Bangka islands, Indonesia, with redescription of P. deissneri. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 8 (3), 263–272.
Kottelat, M. & Ng, P.K.L. (2005) Diagnoses of six new species of Parosphromenus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Malay Peninsula and Borneo, with notes on other species. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement 13, 101–113.
Kumar, S., Stecher, G., Li, M., Knyaz, C. & Tamura, K. (2018) MEGA X: Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis across computing platforms. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 35, 1547–1549. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msy096
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Schindler, I. & Linke, H. (2012) Two new species of the genus Parosphromenus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Sumatra. Vertebrate Zoology, 62 (3), 399–406.
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Astyanax pardensis (Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Characidae), New Species from Das Contas and Pardo Rivers Basins, Bahia, Brazil

Salgado FLK* Sector of Ichthyology, National Museum/UFRJ, Brazil *Corresponding author: Fernando Luiz Kilesse Salgado, Fish Ecology Laboratory, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, CEP 23890-000, Seropédica, Brazil, Tel: flksalgado@yahoo. com.br Research Article Volume 4 Issue 5 Received Date: October 06, 2021 Published Date: October 14, 2021 DOI: 10.23880/izab-16000330 Abstract Astyanax pardensis sp. n. was described for the basins of the Contas and Pardo rivers. This species belongs to the complex of species related to A. fasciatus, differing from A. brevimanus, A. costaricensis, A. cuvieri, A. fulgens, A. jequitinhonhae, A. mexicanus, A. oerstedii, A. panamensis, A. rutilus and A. viejita for number of precaudal vertebrae (16 vs. ≥ 17). Differs from A. fasciatus and all other species A. fasciatus complex by shape in zig-and-zag of first portion of longitudinal band. It is also distinguished from A. jequitinhonhae for shape of the mandible (rounded vs. acuminate). Keywords: New Species; Astyanax Fasciatus Complex; Das Contas; Pardo Basins.

Full paper at:- https://medwinpublishers.com/IZAB/astyanax-pardensis-ostariophysi-characiformes-characidae-new-species-from-das-contas-and-pardo-rivers-basins-bahia-brazil.pdf

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Plectranthias kojii sp. nov., a new perchlet (Perciformes: Serranidae: Anthiinae) from Okinawa, Japan

Ichthyological Research (2021)Cite this article

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AbstractPlectranthias kojii sp. nov. (Perciformes: Serranidae) is described from a single specimen [49.4 mm in standard length (SL)] collected from 150 m depth off Hamahiga-jima Island, near Okinawa-jima Island, Japan. Although the new species is most similar to Plectranthias ryukyuensis Wada, Suzuki, Senou and Motomura 2020, morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding of the former clearly differed from those of congeners. Plectranthias kojii is distinguished from P. ryukyuensis by the following combination of characters: 12 or 13 pectoral-fin rays; 10 scale rows below the lateral line; 2 supraneurals, small head (length 42.5% SL) with rounded upper profile; slightly convex in postorbital region; small eye (diameter 11.9% SL); the anterodorsal margin not protruding above the dorsal head profile; caudal fin slightly convex; fourth dorsal-fin spine long (length 20.0% SL); pre-pelvic-fin short (length 34.8% SL); pectoral fin short (length 37.0% SL); pelvic-fin spine long (length 19.6% SL); body with an arched orange band from bases of 7th to 9th dorsal-fin spines to middle of caudal-fin base; and yellowish-orange spots and blotches on the snout, cheek, jaws, nape, and spinous portion of the dorsal fin.
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A New Species of Killifish of the Genus Profundulus (Atherinomorpha: Profundulidae) from the Upper Reaches of the Papaloapan River in the Mexican State of Oaxaca
Sara E. Dominguez-Cisneros, Ernesto Velázquez-Velázquez, Caleb D. McMahan, Wilfredo A. Matamoros
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Ichthyology & Herpetology, 109(4):949-957 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2020156

AbstractProfundulus adani, new species, is described from the upper reaches of the Papaloapan River in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The uniqueness of this new species is supported by morphological and molecular evidence. A combination of color patterns and counts separate P. adani, new species, from its congeners. Profundulus adani, new species, is distinguished from all congeners by the absence of a humeral spot in individuals larger than 45 mm SL. It can further be distinguished from P. balsanus, P. chimalapensis, P. kreiseri, P. oaxacae, P. parentiae, and P. punctatus based on the absence of series of dark dots on the sides of the body. Profundulus adani, new species, shows a faded dark band that extends from the tip of the operculum to the end of the caudal peduncle; this band is absent in P. balsanus and P. parentiae. The new species is described using specimens collected in the upper reaches of the Papaloapan River in the Mexican state of Oaxaca; geographically this represents a significant range expansion and extends the Atlantic slope northernmost limit of the Profundulidae.

© 2021 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
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Sara E. Dominguez-Cisneros, Ernesto Velázquez-Velázquez, Caleb D. McMahan, and Wilfredo A. Matamoros "A New Species of Killifish of the Genus Profundulus (Atherinomorpha: Profundulidae) from the Upper Reaches of the Papaloapan River in the Mexican State of Oaxaca," Ichthyology & Herpetology 109(4), 949-957, (22 October 2021). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2020156
Received: 3 December 2020; Accepted: 17 May 2021; Published: 22 October 2021

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New Records and Redescription of Labracinus atrofasciatus (Herre, 1933) (Teleostei: Pseudochromidae)

Labracinus atrofasciatus (Herre, 1933)

in Gill, Sorgon, Brun & Tea, 2021.
RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 69

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Abstract
The pseudochromid Labracinus atrofasciatus (Herre, 1933) is redescribed based on examination of the holotype from Culion, Calamian Islands, and three newly acquired non-type specimens from a fish landing site in Barangay Sandoval, Municipality of Taytay, northern Palawan, Philippines. Prior to this, the species was known only from the holotype; from a photograph of a putative female taken in Lajo Island, Busuanga, Calamian Islands; and from observations at Lajo Island and Tangat Island, Calamian Islands. The new specimens from Macuao Island appear to be males, and their live colouration is reported here for the first time. We also briefly comment on the restricted distribution of other pseudochromids and coral-reef fishes in the Palawan region of the Philippines.

Key words. dottyback, Philippines, endemic, Palawan, Calamian Islands, Culion, Taytay

Freshly dead Labracinus atrofasciatus specimens from Macuao Island, northern Palawan, Philippines.
A, PNM 15645, 146.5 mm SL; B, PNM 15646, 142.0 mm SL; C, AMS I.49470-001, 134.4 mm SL.
Photographs by V. Brun (A) and K. E. S. Sorgon (B, C).

Two specimens of Labracinus atrofasciatus (approximately 150 and 190 mm TL) amongst catch of other reef fishes at a fish landing site in Barangay Sandoval, Municipality of Taytay, northern Palawan, Philippines. Specimens not retained.
Photograph by V. Brun.

Labracinus atrofasciatus (Herre, 1933)
Black-barred dottyback

Diagnosis. Labracinus atrofasciatus differs from congeners in having a series of narrow, dark blue to black oblique bars on the body. It also differs in having relatively high numbers of horizontal scale rows above the anal-fin origin (24–27 + 1 + 4–5 = 30–33), pseudobranch filaments (22–24), and circumpeduncular scales (30–32).

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘atrum’, black, and ‘fascia’, band, in reference to the striking markings on the body of this species. Labracinus atrofasciatus is known locally as ‘akot’ in Cuyonon, a language spoken mostly in Cuyo Islands and coastal areas of Palawan in the Philippines, where it shares the local name with the congeneric L. cyclophthalmus.

Habitat and distribution. We extend the known distribution of L. atrofasciatus from Culion in the Calamian Islands southward to Taytay, Palawan (Fig. 4A). ...

Map of the Philippines, showing distribution records for selected species of pseudochromids endemic to the Calamian Islands and Palawan regions.
A, Labracinus atrofasciatus, photograph of PNM 15645; B, Pseudochromis colei, photograph of aquarium specimen (not retained);
C, P. eichleri, photograph of AMS I.45651-001 (paratype); D, Manonichthys scintilla, photograph of USNM 382744 (paratype).
Photographs by V. Brun (A), Y. K. Tea (B), G. R. Allen (C), and J. T. Williams (D).

A, putative female of Labracinus atrofasciatus, in situ photograph taken in Lajo Island, Palawan, Philippines;
B, holotype of L. atrofasciatus, CAS-SU 25518, 105.5 mm SL holotype (image adapted from Gill, 2004). Note the posterior dorsal-fin spot and faint vertical bars in both specimens.
Photographs by G. R. Allen & M. V. Erdmann (A) and P. Crabb (B).

Anthony C. Gill, Kent Elson S. Sorgon, Victor Brun and Yi-Kai Tea. 2021. New Records and Redescription of Labracinus atrofasciatus (Herre, 1933) (Teleostei: Pseudochromidae). RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 69; 438–447.
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A new species of Cetopsorhamdia ℎ𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑙𝑔𝑜𝑖 (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Upper Amazon River basin

Dario R. Faustino-Fuster,Lesley S. de Souza,
First published: 23 September 2021

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14914Funding information: Smithsonian Institution

AbstractA new species of Cetopsorhamdia is described from material collected on rapid inventories and ichthyological expeditions in the Amazon region of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The new species can be differentiated from all other species of Cetopsorhamdia by the colouration pattern on fins, number of vertebrae, number of ribs, level insertion of dorsal fin, number of rays on dorsal and pectoral fin, osteological characters and several other morphometric characters. The new species is distributed along tributaries of the upper Amazon River basin in Peru, Colombia and Ecuador.

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Contribution to the trout of Euphrates River, with description of a new species, (Salmo baliki,) and range extension of Salmo munzuricus (Salmoniformes, Salmonidae)
Davut Turan, İsmail Aksu, Münevver Oral, Cüneyt Kaya, Esra BayçelebiAbstractIn an effort to reveal the Euphrates trout taxonomy, the Karasu River, which is one of the eastern drainages of the river, was investigated and three independent populations were identified. Result revealed that two populations belonged to Salmo munzuricus, which was known only in Munzur River, while the other population belonged to an unnamed species. Salmo baliki, a new species, is described from the Murat River, a drainage of Euphrates River. It differs from Salmo species in adjacent water by the combination of the following characters: a grayish body; commonly one, rarely two pale black spots behind eye and on cheek; two to seven black spots on opercle; a few black spots on back and upper part of flank, missing on predorsal area; few to numerous large irregular-shaped red spots in median, upper and lower part of flank, surrounded by a large irregular-shaped white ring; the number of black and red spots not increasing in parallel with size; maxilla short and narrow; adipose-fin medium size, no or rarely one or two red spot its posterior edge; 107–118 lateral line scales; 24–28 scales rows between dorsal-in origin and lateral line; 18–22 scale rows between lateral line and anal–fin origin; maxilla length 7.7–9.1% SL in males, 8.2–9.6 in females. Finally, the genetic study of the Cyt b mitochondrial gene confirmed the morphological data, suggesting the separation of S. baliki from other Salmo species.
Key WordsAnatolia, cytochrome b, freshwater fish, Salmo, taxonomy

IntroductionAnatolia has a high level of species richness and endemism, thus it has been classified as a European biodiversity “hot-spot” (Kosswig 1955; Şekercioğlu et al. 2011), which has also positively reflected in salmonid biodiversity (Bardakçı et al. 2006). Salmo trutta L. 1758 is the most widely distributed freshwater fish native to the Palearctic region. Its natural habitat extends from Northeast Russia and Norway, southward to the Atlas Mountains, also, from the spring waters of the Aral Sea to Iceland (Bernatchez 2001; Lobón-Cerviá 2018 and references there in). Initially, all Anatolian trout had been grouped within the S. trutta or its subspecies (e.g. Kuru 1975; Geldiay and Balık 2007). Further studies based on morphology (Turan et al. 2012, 2014a, 2014b, 2017; Turan and Bayçelebi 2020) and genetic-aided morphology (Turan et al. 2010, 2011, 2020) of Anatolian trout have revealed a much more complex species structure. Overall, fourteen species have been identified in Anatolia within the last decade. Based on our current knowledge, the upper Euphrates River is one of the most species-rich areas for the genus Salmo genus including four well-described species: Salmo euphrataeus Turan, Kottelat & Engin, 2014 from the streams Şenyurt, Kuzgun, Rizekent, Ağırcık and Sırlı, northern Euphrates; S. okumusi Turan, Kottelat & Engin, 2014 from the streams Göksu, Gökpınar and Sürgü, western Euphrates; S. munzuricus Turan, Kottelat & Kaya, 2017 from the stream Munzur, northwestern Euphrates; S. fahrettini Turan, Kalaycı, Bektaş, Kaya & Bayçelebi, 2020 from the streams Ömertepe suyu and Tekke, northern Euphrates.
Traditionally, five major evolutionary lineages of brown trout were described based on their origin, and phylogenetic; including the AD (Adriatic origin), AT (Atlantic), DA (Danubian), MA (Marmaratus) and ME (Mediterranean) (Bernatchez 2001). Further investigations identified new lineages as Duero from Spain (DU; Suárez et al. 2001), TI from Turkey (Tigris; Sušnik et al. 2005; Bardakçı et al. 2006), Dades from Morocco (Snoj et al. 2011) and from Northern Africa (Tougard et al. 2018). Additional molecular studies have placed the trout species from the Euphrates River drainages in the Danubian (S. euphrataeus and S. fahrettini), and the Adriatic (S. okumusi and S. munzuricus) lineages providing the significant species diversity in the Euphrates.
In the scope of this study, three additional trout populations in the Murat River were determined. To reveal the taxonomic status of these novel populations, morphologic and molecular studies were carried out to compare them with the previously identified species in the adjacent waters. Our studies demonstrated that two of these populations belonged to the S. munzuricus, which was previously known from a single locality, while the other population belongs to an unnamed species within the Adriatic lineage.

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Glyptothorax rupiri • A New Species of Glyptothorax (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from the Brahmaputra River Basin, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Glyptothorax rupiri
Kosygin, Singh & Rath, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5023.2.4

Abstract
Glyptothorax rupiri, a new sisorid catfish, is described from the Brahmaputra River basin in Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India. It differs from its congeners in the Indian subcontinent by the following combination of characters: the presence of plicae on the ventral surface of the pectoral spine and first pelvic-fin ray; a posteriorly serrated dorsal-fin spine, its length 11.3–12.2% SL; body depth at anus 11.2–13.4% SL; a thoracic adhesive apparatus longer than broad, with a V-shaped median depression which opens posteriorly; an arrow-shaped anterior nuchal plate element; adipose-fin base length 10.9–12.6% SL; nasal barbel not reaching anterior orbital margin; 14–18 serrae on posterior margin of the pectoral-fin spine; body with two longitudinal pale-cream stripes; densely tuberculated skin; and the presence of numerous tubercles on the dorsal surface of pectoral and pelvic-fin rays.

Keywords: Pisces, Sisoridae, Glyptothorax rupiri, new species, India

Laishram Kosygin, Pratima Singh and Shibananda Rath. 2021. A New Species of Glyptothorax (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from the Brahmaputra River Basin, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Zootaxa. 5023(2); 239-250. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5023.2.4
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OI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5052.3.7
PUBLISHED: 2021-10-15
Descriptions of two new shell-dwelling species of Metriaclima (Cichlidae) from Lake Malaŵi, Africa

PISCESSHELL-DWELLING CICHLIDSGASTROPOD SHELLS

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AbstractMetriaclima is the most speciose genus of rock-dwelling fishes (mbuna) found in Lake Malaŵi with 32 described species and with about 40 recognized forms that still await formal description. The genus is comprised of many geographically narrow populations restricted to specific habitat landmarks, such as reefs or islands. A few species have taken to the open sandy habitat where empty gastropod shells provide shelter. Two species of such shell-dwellers are here described as new. A combination of a black submarginal band in the dorsal and anal fins and five or fewer bars on the flank distinguishes Metriaclima ngarae sp. n. and M. gallireyae sp. n. from all other species of Metriaclima. Metriaclima ngarae sp. n. differs from M. gallireyae by a greater interorbital width and by a greater ratio of the snout length in the distance between snout tip and pelvic fin origin. Adult males of M. gallireyae have a blue-brown overall coloration obscuring the bar pattern on the flank while males of M. ngarae and those of the closely related M. lanisticola retain the bar pattern and have a coloration very similar to that of females.

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Two new species of the hillstream loach genus Indoreonectes from the northern Western Ghats of India (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)

Pradeep Kumkar, Manoj Pise, Pankaj A. Gorule, Chandani R. Verma, Lukáš KalousAbstractThe hill stream loach genus Indoreonectes is endemic to peninsular India south of the Satpura hill ranges and is represented by three species I. evezardi, I. keralensis and I. telanganaensis. Indoreonectes evezardi has been suggested as a species complex based on recent genetic studies; however, due to lack of type material the species delimitation has been difficult. Here we redescribe I. evezardi collected from its type locality and describe two new species from the northern Western Ghats of India. Indoreonectes neeleshi, described from Mula River tributary of Godavari river system, can be diagnosed from all its congeners based on a combination of characters: inner rostral barbel reaching middle of nostril; maxillary barbel reaching midway between eye and posterior border of operculum; dorsal hump behind nape; bars on lateral side of the body wider than inter-bar space; total vertebrae 35 and dorsal fin insertion between 13th and 14th abdominal vertebrae. Indoreonectes rajeevi, described from Hiranyakeshi River of the Krishna river system, differs from all its congeners based on a combination of characters: inner rostral barbel reaching anterior margin of eye; maxillary barbel reaching posterior border of operculum; conspicuous black markings on lower lip, dorsal hump absent; total vertebrae 36 and dorsal fin insertion between 12th and 13th abdominal vertebrae. Further, I. neeleshi differs from its congeners by the raw genetic distance of 6.8–14.4% for the cox1 gene and 5.7–16.2% for the cytb gene, while I. rajeevi differs from its congeners by the raw genetic distance of 10.9–14.0% for the cox1 gene and 11.8–15.8% for the cytb gene.
KeywordsBiodiversity hotspot, Godavari river system, Krishna river system, Maharashtra

IntroductionThe genus Indoreonectes Rita, Bănărescu and Nalbant of hill stream loaches (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) was initially proposed as a subgenus of Oreonectes Günther, while describing O. (Indoreonectes) keralensis Rita and Nalbant (Rita et al. 1978). Kottelat (1990a, 1990b, 2012) and Prokofiev (2010) considered Indoreonectes as a valid genus endemic to Peninsular India. The genus is diagnosed based on following combination of characters following Rita et al. (1978) and, Bănărescu and Nalbant (1995): nostrils close to each other, posterior one distant from eye; lateral line present, short; length of nasal barbels variable; free posterior part of air bladder rudimentary; bars on side of body. Currently, the genus is represented by three species, I. evezardi (Day, 1872), I. keralensis (Rita and Nalbant, 1978) and I. telanganaensis (Prasad, Srinivasulu, Srinivasulu, Anoop and Dahanukar, 2020).
Indoreonectes evezardi has been considered to be a widely distributed species in peninsular India north of the Palghat Gap, occurring in the east-flowing Krishna, Godavari and Cauvery river systems in addition to several west-flowing rivers in Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat states, while I. keralensis is restricted to river systems south of the Palghat gap, particularly the Periyar, Pampa, Muvattupuzha, and Meenachil rivers of Western Ghats of Kerala (Rita et al. 1978; Menon 1987; Kottelat 1990b; Rema Devi et al. 2002, 2013; Dahanukar et al. 2004; Kazi et al. 2018; Raghavan and Ali 2011). The recently described species I. telanganaensis is currently known only from its type locality, a seasonal stream of the Godavari River within the Kawal Tiger Reserve, Mancheriyal District, Telangana State (Prasad et al. 2020).
Based on extensive genetic sampling from the northern Western Ghats, Keskar et al. (2018) suggested that the wide-ranging taxon Indoreonectes evezardi is a species complex with several undescribed species. However, lack of type material for I. evezardi (see for detailed discussion, Prasad et al. 2020: 344) has made it difficult to diagnose species in the I. evezardi complex. Although Prasad et al. (2020) recognized this issue and provided photographs of I. evezardi from its type locality, they did not redescribe the species in detail.
In the current study we redescribe Indoreonectes evezardi from its type locality using fresh collections and specimens studied by Prasad et al. (2020). Further, we describe two new species from the I. evezardi complex from the Mula River, a tributary of the Godavari river system and from the Hiranyakeshi River, part of the Krishna river system.

from Vertebrate Zoology

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KILLI - DATA SERIES, 2021, Huber, Rivulus collieri n.sp.

Killi-Data Series 2021 [as a print, ISBN 979-10-93353-12-8, as a PDF document, ISBN 979-10-93353-13-5]
Killi-Data Series 2021: 4-11.
A new but since long misidentified species, Rivulus collieri n. sp., from Peruvian Amazon (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulidae).
Huber, J.H.
Abstract : Rivulus collieri n. sp., from Amazonian Peru, near town Iquitos, is described following a since-long-known misidentification as Rivulus ornatus Garman, 1895, first published by Mecca (and kept by subsequent authors) following an aquarium trade import with unknown then strongly erroneous origin. The new species is easily diagnosed from its congeners by altogether its smaller size (max. 35 mm T.L.), its very low Dorsal fin ray counts, with a not very low Anal fin ray count, its very high D/A ratio (but Dorsal fin origin, not behind Anal fin ending), its strong dichromatism (with female strongly subdued), its long (but not extremely long) and oval Caudal fin in male. It is very similar and closely related to twin-looking species, Rivulus speciosus Fels & Rham, 1982, but male live color pattern on sides is reversed from speciosus and it is distinctive by karyotype. The status and plausible identification of Rivulus ornatus Garman, 1895 is discussed pending necessary live collection of topotypes.

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Three new species of freshwater goby fish found in Japan and the Philippines

Highlights

Scientists have discovered three new species of goby fish, two found in Okinawa and a third from Palawan in the Philippines
Each species has a similar body form to known species, Lentipes armatus, but the males of each species display unique color patterns with red markings
The species found in Okinawa have been named Lentipes kijimuna and Lentipes bunagaya, inspired by the red-colored wood spirits, Kijimuna and Bunagaya, from Okinawan folk mythology
The third species has been named Lentipes palawanirufus which translates as “red Lentipes goby of Palawan”.
DNA analysis split the four gobies into four distinct lineages that diverged recently
The unique color patterns of the males may play an important role in maintaining the separate lineages through their courtship behavior towards females

Full report can be read at:- www.oist.jp/news-center/press-releases/three-new-species-freshwater-goby-fish-found-japan-and-philippines?fbclid=IwAR0G11opPb8kIMBPvIFvZreFJg0Zm_7xH4ABfibn2abKfsb7iKz33bKEoPQ

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SUNDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2021 AT 13:00Auction
Bradford Academy
Auction to be held on Sunday the 14th November 2021
Auction lots can be booked in from the 14th October.

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Psilorhynchus magnaoculus, a new species of torrent minnow (Teleostei: Psilorhynchidae) from Myanmar
Bungdon Shangningam *, Laishram Kosygin
Affiliations

Zoological Survey of India, Freshwater Fish Section, 27 J.L Nehru Road, Kolkata – 700016, India

DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v121/i3/2021/158157
Abstract
Psilorhynchus magnaoculus sp. nov. (Teleostei: Psilorhynchidae) is described from the Yu River, Sagaing region, Myanmar. The new species is distinctive in having a squarish snout, a large eye, contributing 42.6−43.6 per cent of head length, almost equal to the length of snout and a notch on the ethmoid region of the snout.

Keywords
Freshwater Fish, Myanmar, New Torrent minnow, Yu River

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from records of the Zoological Society of India

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Garra jaldhakaensis, a new cyprinid fish (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from West Bengal, India
Laishram Kosygin *, Bungdon Shangningam , Pratima Singh , Ujjal Das
Affiliations

Zoological Survey of India, Freshwater Fish Section, 27 J.L. Nehru Road, Kolkata − 700016, West Bengal, India

DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v121/i3/2021/158415
Abstract
Garra jaldhakaensis sp. nov. (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) is described from the Jaldhaka River, Kalimpong district, West Bengal, India. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners in the Indian sub-continent in having a combination of the following characters: a prominent thick unilobed proboscis, protruding downward above the transverse groove; 10–11 predorsal scales, 33 lateral line scales and 16 circumpeduncular scales.

Keywords
Brahmaputra Basin, Cyprinidae, India, New Species

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from records of the Zoological Society of India

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Esomus nimasowi, a new species of flying barb (Cypriniformes: Danionidae) from Assam, north-eastern India,
Abstract
Esomus nimasowi, a new species of flying barb, is described from the Phongloso stream (a small tributary of the Kopili River) at Wasubil village in Dima Hasao district, Assam north-eastern India. The new species differs from its congeners including Esomus danrica, Esomus bengalensis and Esomus thermoicos in having a shorter maxillary barbel just reach 1/3rd of pectoral-fin length (vs. maxillary barbel very long, extending to mid of pectorals or ventral fin insertion or slightly beyond anal-fin origin); tip of pectoral fin just reach origin of pelvic fin when adpressed (vs. distinctly crossed beyond pelvic fin base). The new species can be distinguished from its congener except E. bangalensis by the absence (presence) of lateral line in E. danrica (incomplete) and in E. thermoicos (complete) and it also differs from its congeners except E. danrica in having lesser predorsal scales (15-16 vs. 17-20). Further, it differs from all congers by the unique combination of the following characters: pre-ventral length (48.6-54.6% SL), pre-anal length (70.2-75.1% SL), dorsal-fin length (21.0-23.4% SL), ventral-fin length (18.0-20.5% SL), length of ventral- fin base (3.2-4.2% SL), caudal peduncle depth (11.1-11.8% SL), pectoral fin to ventral fin distance (19.5-24.0% SL), eye diameter (24.8-29.2% SL), interorbital distance (31.7-41.6% SL), maxillary barbel (114.9-140.9% SL) and pectoral fin branched ray (i,8-9).
from Aqua press

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Laimosemion gili (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Cynolebiidae), a new miniature species from the Rio Negro basin, Brazil,
Abstract
Laimosemion gili is described from the Rio Preto drainage, Rio Negro basin, Amazonas state, Brazil. The new species was found in a small creek called Garukana, within a tropical rainforest in the vicinity of Campinas do Rio Preto. This miniature species is considered to be a member of the subgenus Owiyeye, which is diagnosed by a unique frontal squamation. Laimosemion gili can be distinguished from all other species of the genus by the unique colour pattern, having a metallic blue stripe starting midbody which reaches the origin of the caudal fin. The new species is apparently related to L. romeri, sharing with this latter species a broad black stripe on flanks in males, but is easily distinguished by some other morphological characters.
PDF (438 KB)

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Rakthamichthys mumba, a new species of Hypogean eel (Teleostei: Synbranchidae) from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,
Abstract
Rakthamichthys mumba a new species of synbranchid, hypogean, eel is described from Mumbai City, Maharashtra, India, based on morphological and genetic analysis. It differs from all other species of the genus Rakthamichthys by a combination of characters viz., absence of eyes, jaws equal in forward extent, gill aperture crescentric shaped, cephalic-lateralis system distinct with prominent cephalic pores and a vertebral count of 164 (80-83 preanal + 81-84 caudal vertebrae). The new species differs from a pair-wise sequence of 21.6-22.8% in the COI gene sequence from other members of the genus Rakthamichthys.

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A new species of trout (Teleostei: Salmonidae) from the southern drainage of the Sea of Marmara. Year 2021 , Volume 6, Issue 2, 232 - 239, 30.06.2021Associate Professor. David TURAN Sadi AKSU
https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.903810SelfA new species, Salmo duhani, is described from the southern Marmara Sea drainage of Turkey. The difference of the species from other Salmo species distributed in nearby basins: the maxilla is short (8-10% SB); head length is short (24-28 % SB); number of ligne lateral scales 115-121; the number of scales between the lateral ligne and the beginning of the dorsal fin is 26-29; the number of scales between the lateral ligne and the beginning of the anal fin is 20-23; the number of scales between the lateral ligne and the beginning of the adipose fin is 15-17; the number of gill spines on the outside of the first gill arch is 17-19; All individuals have large and rectangular 10-13 par along the lateral line.
KeywordsAnatolia , biodiversity , inland fish , Salmo , taxonomy
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𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑚, a new species described in Nature journal,
as scientists discover that some groups kept as a "model species" for research were not 𝐷. 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑎, but an undescribed species. This may also have implications for identifying 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 species kept in the hobby.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-97600-0
𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 are tiny, transparent fishes that mature at sizes between 10–15 mm, and represent some of the most extreme cases of vertebrate progenesis known to date. 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑚 has one of the smallest adult brains among vertebrates has become a promising new model species for neurophysiological studies.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲
The emerging vertebrate model species for neurophysiological studies is 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑚, new species (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Britz, R., Conway, K.W. & Rüber, L. The emerging vertebrate model species for neurophysiological studies is 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑚, new species (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Sci Rep 11, 18942 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97600-0
𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁
The four described species of 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 are tiny, transparent fishes that mature at sizes between 10–15 mm, and represent some of the most extreme cases of vertebrate progenesis known to date. The miniature adult size and larval appearance of 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎, combined with a diverse behavioral repertoire linked to sound production by males, have established 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 as an important model for neurophysiological studies. The external similarity between the different species of 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 has offered an important challenge to taxonomic identification using traditional external characters, leading to confusion over the identity of the model species.
Using combined morphological and molecular taxonomic approaches, we show here that the most extensively studied species of 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 is not 𝐷. 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑎, but represents an undescribed species, 𝐷. 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑚 𝑛. 𝑠𝑝. that is externally almost identical to 𝐷. 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑎, but differs trenchantly in several internal characters.
Molecular analyses confirm the distinctiveness of 𝐷. 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑚 and 𝐷. 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑎 and suggest that the two species are not even sister taxa. Analysis of the evolution of sexual dimorphisms associated with the Weberian apparatus reveals significant increases in complexity from the simpler condition found in 𝐷. 𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎, to most complex conditions in 𝐷. 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑚, 𝐷. 𝑚𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎 and 𝐷. 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑎.
𝗘𝘁𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆
The species name 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑚, Latin for brain, a noun in apposition, makes reference to the fact that this fish with one of the smallest adult brains among vertebrates has become a promising new model species for neurophysiological studies.
𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲
𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑚. ( a ) male (ca. 10 mm SL) and ( b ) female (ca. 12 mm SL) in life, not preserved; note yellowish chromatophores dorsally on head, melanophores scattered in rows on body in both sexes, and eggs covered by large melanophores in female. Copyright paper authors.

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Against the Odds: Hybrid Zones between Mangrove Killifish Species with Different Mating Systems
Waldir M. Berbel-Filho
1,2,*,
Andrey Tatarenkov
3,
George Pacheco
4,
Helder M. V. Espírito-Santo
5,
Mateus G. Lira
6,
Carlos Garcia de Leaniz
2,
John C. Avise
3,
Sergio M. Q. Lima
6,
Carlos M. Rodríguez-López
7 and
Sofia Consuegra
2,*
1
Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
2
Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK
3
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
4
Section for Evolutionary Genomics, The GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark
5
Núcleo de Ecologia Aquática e Pesca da Amazônia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Pará, Brazil
6
Laboratório de Ictiologia Sistemática e Evolutiva, Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Natal 59078-900, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
7
Environmental Epigenetics and Genetics Group, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Academic Editor: Malgorzata Pilot
Genes 2021, 12(10), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12101486 (registering DOI)
Received: 16 August 2021 / Revised: 21 September 2021 / Accepted: 22 September 2021 / Published: 24 September 2021
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolutionary Consequences of Hybridisation in==========================

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Cylix tupareomanaia • A New Genus and Species of Pygmy Pipehorse (Teleostei, Syngnathidae) from Taitokerau Northland, Aotearoa New Zealand, with a Redescription of Acentronura Kaup, 1853 and Idiotropiscis Whitley, 1947

Cylix tupareomanaia Short, Trnski, & Ngātiwai,

in Short & Trnski, 2021.
DOI: 10.1643/i2020136

Abstract
Cylix tupareomanaia, new genus and species, is described from three specimens (35.5–55.5 mm SL), collected from rocky reefs at 12–17 m depth from Taitokerau Northland, New Zealand. The new taxon shares morphological synapomorphies with the superficially similar Australian endemic Idiotropiscis and Indo-Pacific Acentronura, including head angled ventrally approximately 25° from the principal body axis, enclosed brood pouch, brood pouch plates, prehensile tail, and absence of caudal fin. Cylix tupareomanaia, new genus and species, however, is distinguishable from all other members of the Syngnathidae by the following combination of bony autapomorphic characters: a cup-like crest present anterodorsally on the supraoccipital; and large conspicuous midventral conical spines on the cleithral symphysis and first trunk ring between the pectoral-fin bases. The new species can be further differentiated by genetic divergence in the mitochondrial COX1 gene from Acentronura breviperula, A. tentaculata, Idiotropiscis australe, and I. lumnitzeri (estimated uncorrected p-distances of 19.5%, 20.4%, 17.9%, and 18.4%, respectively). A phylogenetic hypothesis from the analysis of two nuclear loci, 18S and TMO-4C4, supports the placement of C. tupareomanaia, new genus and species, as the sister taxon to a clade comprising the genera Acentronura and Idiotropiscis. Cylix tupareomanaia, new genus and species, represents the eighth member within the pygmy pipehorse clade to be described from the Indo-Pacific and the first new genus and species of syngnathid to be reported from New Zealand since 1921.

Cylix tupareomanaia.
(A) AIM MA122274, female, holotype shortly after death, 31.4 mm SL; Waiatapaua Bay, Whangaruru, Northland, New Zealand (photograph © Auckland Museum).
(B) NMNZ P.056154, female, paratype, shortly after death, 35.5 mm SL; Cavalli Islands, Northland, New Zealand (photograph © Irene Middleton).

Cylix tupareomanaia.
(A) AIM MA122274, female, preserved holotype, 31.4 mm SL; Waiatapaua Bay, Whangaruru, Northland, New Zealand (photograph © Auckland Museum).
(B) NMNZ P.056154, female, preserved paratype, 35.5 mm SL; Cavalli Islands, Northland, New Zealand (photograph © Auckland Museum).
(C) NMNZ P.046322, male, preserved paratype, 55.5 mm SL; east of Oturori Rock, Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand (photograph Graham Short).

µCT scan of Cylix tupareomanaia, NMNZ P.046322, male, paratype, 55.5 mm SL.
(A, B) Anterolateral view of the head highlighting the bifurcated and cup-like crest present on the supraoccipital, continuous cleithral ring, and the strongly elevated ventrolateral bulge of the pectoral-fin base.
(C) Anterodorsal aspect of the neurocranium highlighting the bifurcated and cup-like pentamerous bony crest present on the supraoccipital.
Abbreviations: FS, frontal spine; PFB, pectoral-fin base; SC, supraoccipital crest; SCL, supracleithrum.

Cylix tupareomanaia in situ.
(A) AIM MA122274, female, holotype, Waiatapaua Bay, Whangaruru, Northland, New Zealand, 12 m depth (photograph © Shane Housham). (B) Waiatapaua Bay, Whangaruru, Northland, New Zealand, 12 m depth (photograph © Shane Housham).
(C) Waiatapaua Bay, Whangaruru, Northland, New Zealand, 12 m depth (photograph © Richard Smith). (D) Waiatapaua Bay, Whangaruru, Northland, New Zealand, 12 m depth (photograph © Irene Middleton).
(E) Waiatapaua Bay, Whangaruru, Northland, New Zealand, 12 m depth (photograph © Irene Middleton). (F) Poor Knights Islands, Northland, New Zealand, at 10 m depth (photograph © Kent Erickson).

Cylix, new genus
Type species.--Cylix tupareomanaia, new species.

Diagnosis.--A genus of the Syngnathidae that shares numerous morphological synapomorphies with Acentronura and Idiotropiscis, including head angled ventrally approximately 25° from the principal body axis, enclosed brood pouch, brood pouch plates, prehensile tail, and absence of caudal fin. However, Cylix tupareomanaia, new species, differs from all other genera by unique anatomical features of the head, including: a distinct, cup-like crest present anterodorsally on the supraoccipital; and large and conspicuous medioventral conical spines on the cleithral symphysis and the first trunk ring between the pectoral-fin bases. It differs further in having the following combination of morphological characters: prominent supraoccipital; continuous cleithrum; prominent supracleithrum; anterior nuchal plate absent; posterior nuchal plate present with bony dorsomedial crest; large gap present between the supraoccipital and posterior nuchal plate; one to three dorsal spines at midline of snout, posteriormost of these spines large; one large double and rugose lateral head spine present below the cup-like supraoccipital crest; three small blunt lateral head spines on operculum; rim of orbit elevated dorsolaterally and strongly ventrally; two spines on cleithral ring; large rugose spine anterior to ventral third of pectoral-fin base; moderate-sized spine at ventral extent of head; small spine present posterolateral to the pelvic-fin base; four subdorsal spines, forming a square, the dorsal two enlarged.

Etymology.--The generic name Cylix is derived from the Greek kylix, meaning cup or chalice, in reference to the cup-like crest present on the head. Gender masculine.

Cylix tupareomanaia Short, Trnski, and Ngātiwai, new species

Common Names: Māori—Tu pare o manaia,
English—Manaia Pygmy Pipehorse

Hippocampus jugumus: Kuiter, 2009: 93, figs. A, B (Poor Knights Islands, New Zealand).
Acentronura australe: Stewart, 2015: 1053, fig. 148.1 (Bay of Islands, New Zealand).
Idiotropiscis aotearoa: Perkins, 2017 (Whangaruru, New Zealand; http://www.inspiredtodive.com/photo-blog/introducing-idiotropiscis-aotearoa).

Etymology.--The species epithet tupareomanaia is a neologism gifted by kaumātua (tribal elders) of Ngātiwai and references Home Point adjacent to the type locality, referred to by Ngātiwai as Tu Pare o Huia, meaning “the plume of the huia”; the huia was a bird that became extinct in the early 20th century. Tu Pare o Manaia translates as “the garland of the Manaia.” The pare, or garland, references the pentamerous head crest of the new species, and Manaia is the Māori name for a seahorse, and is also an ancestor that appears as a stylized figure used in Māori carvings representing a guardian.

Graham A. Short and Thomas Trnski. 2021. A New Genus and Species of Pygmy Pipehorse from Taitokerau Northland, Aotearoa New Zealand, with a Redescription of Acentronura Kaup, 1853 and Idiotropiscis Whitley, 1947 (Teleostei, Syngnathidae). Ichthyology & Herpetology. 109(3); 806-835 . DOI: 10.1643/i2020136

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Mustura subhashi

Description of a new species of Mustura Kottelat (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from the Brahmaputra drainage, India

Hrishikesh Choudhury,Rajdeep Das,Ratul Ch. Bharali,Kangkan Sarma,Lalit K. Tyagi,Kuldeep K. Lal,Dandadhar Sarma,
First published: 23 March 2021

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14736LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9AB2DB0A-5B11-4FCB-AD52-44B3BC147A14
Funding information: ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Grant/Award Number: G/S-NE-NETWORK/2015

Abstract
, new species, is described from the Dikal River, a north bank tributary of the Brahmaputra drainage in Arunachal Pradesh. It is distinguished from all its congeners by having a colour pattern of 14–23 dark-greyish black to dark brown irregular bars on a greyish to pale beige body; pre-dorsal bars thin, numerous, wider than interspaces, weakly contrasted, uniting dorsally at lateral one-third or midway on flank to form thicker bars, coalescing further at lateral one-fifth and continuous on dorsum with contralateral bars; bars below dorsal fin exhibiting similar condition but slightly wider than pre-dorsal bars; post-dorsal bars thicker than anterior bars, wider than interspaces, sharply contrasted, rarely coalescing on flank; and a short bar along the caudal mid-line, rarely forming a blotch. Based on re-examination of the type specimens and additional materials, Mustura dikrongensis is confirmed as a species belonging to Mustura, and M. harkishorei is not sufficiently diagnosed from 'Nemacheilus' corica.

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Four new species of 𝐶𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑠 from the Department of Santander, Colombia
bit.ly/3EkvhX1for Full report
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Osteodiscus abyssicola, a new snailfish (Cottoidei: Liparidae) collected off the Pacific coast of northern Japan

PISCESACTINOPTERYGIINEW SPECIESOSTEODISCUS CASCADIAEOSTEODISCUS ANDRIASHEVIOSTEODISCUS RHEPOSTOMIAS

PDF(2M)

AbstractThe snailfish Osteodiscus abyssicola sp. nov. is described from a single specimen collected off the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, northern Japan, at a depth of 4,671–4,744 m. It is distinguished from all currently recognized congeners by the following combination of characters: vertebrae 49; dorsal-fin rays 44; anal-fin rays 39; principal caudal-fin rays 8; pyloric caeca 5; mouth horizontal; teeth on both jaws simple and sharp, without cusps; upper and lower jaw symphyses without diastema; cephalic pore sizes moderate, similar to or slightly larger than nostril; gill slit extending ventrally to 2nd pectoral-fin ray base; pectoral fin notched; mandibular symphysis to center of anus 101.6% head length (HL); posterior edge of pelvic disk to center of anus 15.5% HL; epural 1, reduced; epipleural ribs absent. An emended diagnosis and key to the species of Osteodiscus are provided.

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Hypergastromyzon revisited, with descriptions of a new genus and two new species (Teleostei: Gastromyzontidae)

Tan Heok Hui Abstract. The genus Hypergastromyzon is revised based on fresh topotypic specimens and two other locations in Borneo. Hypergastromyzon humilis is redescribed, along with descriptions of H. abditus, new species, from upper Katingan basin; and H. sambas, new species, from upper Sambas basin. A new genus, Engkaria, is erected to accommodate H. eubranchus. Engkaria differs from Hypergastromyzon in having very distinct sexual characters where males have heavy tuberculation over the opercle and modified pectoral-fin rays, the pelvic fins are not completely fused, and other characters. Engkaria eubranchus is redescribed based on a series of fresh specimens. An artificial key is provided for all species of Hypergastromyzon.
nus.edu/3jSPrii Full paper

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Barbodes pyrpholeos • A New Species, the First Cave-dwelling Cyprinid Fish (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in the Philippines, with Redescription of B. montanoi

Barbodes pyrpholeos
Tan & Husana, 2021

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 69;

Abstract
Barbodes pyrpholeos, new species, is the first cave-dwelling cyprinid fish reported from the Philippines. It is described from karst systems in Mindanao. It is distinguished from other congeners by having a poorly pigmented body with reddish fins in combination with a smooth dorsal-fin spine without serrations, and several additional morphological characters. It differs from the Indonesian troglobitic congener Barbodes microps by the presence of eyes, and a narrower body amongst other characters. Barbodes montanoi, a putative close relative of the new species, is redescribed based on recently collected material.

Key words. troglobite, Cyprinidae, biodiversity, new species, Southeast Asia

Fig. 1. Barbodes pyrpholeos, in situ photograph of an immature fish near lower part of second author’s leg, about 60 mm SL, Ugnop Cave system.

(Photographs by Daniel Edison M. Husana)

Diagnosis. Barbodes pyrpholeos can be differentiated from all congeners by the following unique combination of characters: body with little brown pigment, appearing white or pinkish in life; unpaired fins with posterior half bright orangey-red in life, anterior half of unpaired fins and paired fins hyaline; eyes present and pigmented, possibly still functional. All other congeners (except the cave-dwelling B. microps) having body with black blotches, bars, stripes, dots, and triangular markings; body and fins appear pigmentless in B. microps (information on colours in life not available). Barbodes pyrpholeos can be further differentiated from B. microps (some data obtained from Haryono, 2006) in having the following characters: eye present, though variable in size (based on available material only) vs. eye absent or represented by a small, possibly non-functional eye in some individuals of B. microps; more dorsal-fin rays (8–9½, vs. 8); greater mean head length (32.3% SL, vs. 30.8%); lower mean predorsal length (55.1% SL, vs. 57.5%); lower mean body depth at anus (20.6% SL, vs. 36.5%); lower mean caudal peduncle depth (12.4% SL, vs. 14.7%); larger eye diameter (14.9–22.3, mean 17.3% HL, vs. 10.2–17.9, mean 14.9, when present).

Distribution. Known only from karstic cave systems in Mindanao Island, the Philippines.

Field notes. See Larson & Husana (2018: 98, fig. 1) and Husana (2020) for view of the habitat and syntopic species. Barbodes pyrpholeos was originally discovered by Arnel Pasilan (Prosperidad Mountaineering Club) during their earlier exploration, and brought to the attention of the second author.

Etymology. The species name is a combination of the Greek words pyr, meaning fire, and pholeos, meaning cave, in reference to the fiery red fins of this cave-dwelling species. Used as a noun in apposition.

Tan Heok Hui and Daniel Edison M. Husana. 2021. Barbodes pyrpholeos, New Species, the First Cave-dwelling Cyprinid fish in the Philippines, with Redescription of B. montanoi (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 69; 309–323. DOI: 10.26107/RBZ-2021-0054

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Phylogenomics of the Bumblebee Catfishes (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) using ultraconserved elements

Representatives of genera of Pseudopimelodidae:
Microglanis (a, b); Batrochoglanis (c, d); Cephalosilurus (e, g);
Lophiosilurus (f, h); Pseudopimelodus (i, k); and Rhyacoglanis (j, l)

in Silva, Melo, Roxo, ... et Oliveira, 2021.
DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12513
twitter.com/BrunFMelo

Abstract
Neotropical catfishes of the family Pseudopimelodidae comprise 53 species allocated to seven genera widely distributed in South America from northwestern Colombia and Venezuela to Argentina and Uruguay. Intergeneric relationships based on morphology-based phylogenies are conflicting, and the interspecific relationships remain incipient. We conducted the first molecular phylogeny of the family by analyzing sequence data from ultraconserved elements (UCEs) of the genome for 33 specimens of Pseudopimelodidae and 19 related taxa. Phylogenetic relationships were accessed by concatenated matrices using Bayesian inference and, maximum likelihood, and the coalescent approach by a species tree analysis. The phylogeny with 868 UCE loci and 906,689 bp strongly support the monophyly of Pseudopimelodidae, and the arrangement of two major subclades herein classified as subfamilies Pseudopimelodinae and the newly proposed Batrochoglaninae. Pseudopimelodinae is composed by Cruciglanis sister to Pseudopimelodus and Rhyacoglanis, whereas the new subfamily Batrochoglaninae is composed by Cephalosilurus and Lophiosilurus as sister to Batrochoglanis and Microglanis. Pseudopimelodinae is supported by five morphological synapomorphies and Batrochoglaninae supported by three such synapomorphies. The results of this study will surely guide future research aiming to delimit and describe species within the monophyletic groups.

Representatives of genera of Pseudopimelodidae:
Microglanis (a, b); Batrochoglanis (c, d); Cephalosilurus (e, g); Lophiosilurus (f, h); Pseudopimelodus (i, k); and Rhyacoglanis (j, l)

CONCLUSIONS:
This study represents the most taxon-rich phylogenetic analysis of Pseudopimelodidae to date with representatives of all genera and 36% of the species diversity. Our results support the recognition of two major clades at the subfamilial level, Pseudopimelodinae and Batrochoglaninae. Although our analysis provides strong support for intergeneric relationships, an increased species-level coverage is needed to test the monophyly of Pseudopimelodus and to better delimit widely distributed taxa such as B. villosus, M. cottoides, and M. poecilus. The relationships will guide future research aiming to delimit species in well-resolved monophyletic groups as defined herein.

Gabriel S. C. Silva, Bruno F. Melo, Fábio F. Roxo, Luz E. Ochoa, Oscar A. Shibatta, Mark H. Sabaj and Claudio Oliveira. 2021. Phylogenomics of the Bumblebee Catfishes (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) using ultraconserved elements. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12513
  twitter.com/BrunFMelo/status/1420891201218228229
  twitter.com/FishInTheNews/status/1421404031994540033

Kiss Your Cardinal Tetras and Cherry Shrimp Goodbye, Winnipeg!
Aquarists and a wide range of fellow pet enthusiasts are caught up in a massive proposal that aims to ban most freshwater and marine aquarium fish, all aquarium invertebrates, along with a wide swath of other pets. If Winnipeg's proposals are adopted in their current form, January 2022 will see the end of aquarium keeping as we know it in this large Canadian city.

Concerned aquarists only have through September 6th to submit comments regarding the proposals, which some have framed as the "tip of the iceberg" that could impact all Canadian aquarists.

Learn about the proposed new laws, and how to comment...

How Did Winnipeg's Aquarists Wind Up In The Crosshairs?
The city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada has not responded to inquiries seeking explanations behind the massive proposals to ban most pets in the City. However, investigating the story of Winnipeg’s proposals to ban most aquarium life led us down a path that potentially exposes the greater agenda behind the City’s proposals, and the City itself is possibly largely unaware.

If the ubiquitous, harmless, and highly domesticated Ball Python can find itself the target of a ban (along with all but three species of snakes), it pays to understand what is behind these proposals. It's a tale of misinformation and propaganda that aquarists must come to grips with, as they too are now being targeted by anti-pet activists and lobbying.

Winnipeg today, Toronto tomorrow? Everywhere else sometime soon? Aquarium hobbyists must be prepared.

Dive into the depths of misinformation behind Winnipeg's proposals...
Newsletter Sponsor - Zoo Med

Found in Amazonas magazine

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Newly published open-access research looks at the phylogeography, genetic diversity and conservation of the Gold Nugget Pleco 𝐵𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑠 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 L018 (and cohorts L081, L085, L177, LDA060) from the Xingu River and its major tributaries, the Bacajá and Iriri.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0256677
With discussion on the conservation of this iconic catfish and threats posed to maintaining genetic diversity and their natural range.
"Conservation strategies for 𝐵. 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 must take this phylogeographic pattern into account. The building and operation of the Belo Monte hydropower plant have significantly impacted the availability and connectivity of rocky rapids in the Volta Grande stretch of the Xingu channel and will likely reduce levels of genetic diversity and gene flow among resident populations.
Furthermore, the ornamental fish trade of loricariids such as 𝐵. 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 should be monitored to avoid overfishing at sensitive localities."
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲
Phylogeography of 𝐵𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑠 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), a rheophilic catfish endemic to the Xingu River basin in eastern Amazonia
𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Magalhães KX, Silva RDFd, Sawakuchi AO, Gonçalves AP, Gomes GFE, Muriel-Cunha J, et al. (2021) Phylogeography of 𝐵𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑠 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), a rheophilic catfish endemic to the Xingu River basin in eastern Amazonia. PLoS ONE 16(8): e0256677. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256677
𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁
𝐵𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑠 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 (Loricariidae) is an endemic fish species from the Xingu River basin with its life history in the shallow rapid waters flowing over bedrock substrates. In order to investigate the genetic diversity and demographic history of 𝐵. 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 we analyzed sequence data for one mitochondrial gene (Cyt b) and introns 1 and 5 of nuclear genes Prolactin (Prl) and Ribosomal Protein L3 (RPL3). The analyses contain 358 specimens of 𝐵. 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 from 39 localities distributed throughout its range. The number of genetically diverged groups was estimated using Bayesian inference on Cyt b haplotypes. Haplotype networks, AMOVA and pairwise fixation index was used to evaluate population structure and gene flow.
Historical demography was inferred through neutrality tests and the Extended Bayesian Skyline Plot (EBSP) method. Five longitudinally distributed Cyt b haplogroups for 𝐵. 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 were identified in the Xingu River and its major tributaries, the Bacajá and Iriri. The demographic analysis suggests that rapids habitats have expanded in the Iriri and Lower Xingu rivers since 200 ka (thousand years) ago. This expansion is possibly related to an increase in water discharge as a consequence of higher rainfall across eastern Amazonia.
Conversely, this climate shift also would have promoted zones of sediment trapping and reduction of rocky habitats in the Xingu River channel upstream of the Iriri River mouth. Populations of 𝐵. 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 showed strong genetic structure along the free-flowing river channels of the Xingu and its major tributaries, the Bacajá and Iriri.
The recent impoundment of the Middle Xingu channel for the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam may isolate populations at the downstream limit of the species distribution. Therefore, future conservation plans must consider the genetic diversity of 𝐵. 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠 throughout its range.
Photo: Copyright paper authors. Different color patterns present in 𝐵𝑎𝑟𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑠 𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑢𝑠. Photographs of live specimens taken right after collection. Not all color morphs are represented in the figure.

full paper is at:-doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256677

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Winnipeg Considers Banning Many Aquarium Fish (and many other pets, too!)

25 Aug, 2021

On August 10th, 2021, Winnipeg, Canada, unveiled a proposal to massively overhaul the city’s pet ownership rules, including restrictions on the ownership of “exotic pets” ranging from birds and small mammals to reptiles and fish.Winnipeg is the largest city in the Canadian province of Manitoba, with a population of approximately 0.75 million people (749,534 per the UN in 2017). It is also home to at least 25 pet and aquarium shops, both chain stores and independent pet retailers.
Winnipeg has announced a sweeping series of proposed rules that, if enacted, would ban the ownership of many types of aquarium life (both fish and invertebrates) along with many other pets under the City’s Responsible Pet Ownership By-Law.
The purpose of the existing by-law is to “regulate the presence of wild and domesticated animals within the City, their activities and the activities of their owners.” The current and active city ordinance, introduced in 2013, makes no mention of fish in any form, but this may be about to change.

Kiss your Cardinal Tetras goodbye, Winnipeg aquarists, as most available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught. An aquascape like this entry in the 2018 Minnesota Aquarium Society fish show just won’t be possible in the Canadian city, should the proposed new rules come into effect. Image credit: Matt PedersenAs of August 10th, 2021, the City of Winnipeg is proposing wide-ranging yet vague new rules that will impact anyone involved with aquarium keeping, as well as anyone keeping anything other than dogs and cats. The project is called the Responsible Pet Ownership By-Law Review. The proposal can be viewe d here, or downloaded from our server here.
The proposed bans could put many pet retailers out of business, countless numbers of people out of work, create criminals out of otherwise law-abiding pet owners, potentially outlaw most captive-breeding of exotic animals, and could serve as the blueprint for similar bans elsewhere.
Everything other than cats and dogs appears to fall under the proposed umbrella of “exotic animals”; fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, etc.
The city proposes that these changes are needed by raising the following allegations, which they frame as “issues”:

Exotic animals are either poached from the wild or born in captivity
Exotic animals have little quality of life in captivity
There are currently no limits like dogs and cats, which can lead to hoarding
Stray exotic animals require law enforcement resources

To paraphrase, Winnipeg’s proposals have the following stated goals:

Reduce the types and amounts of exotic animals allowed as pets. Limit species kept to “allowable animals” (a whitelist). Previously legal animals can be grandfathered. No traveling shows using limited animals. If rehomed, the animals must leave Winnipeg. Owners of grandfathered animals are prohibited from breeding them.
Limit each household to five animals per animal ‘family’. This limit is separate to the pre-existing limit set for dogs and cats. For example, one household could own/harbour five snakes, five lizards, and five birds.

The city’s proposed list of “allowable animals” would restrict pet ownership to the following notable “exotics”:

Allowed small mammals are limited to European Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Gerbils, Hamsters, Rates, Mice, and rather unexpected inclusions of Common Degu and Bushy-tail Jird
Allows only 11 species of lizards
Allows only 3 species of snake (Milk Snake, Common King Snake, Corn Snake)
Allows birds including 28 species of finches and sparrows, 3 species of doves, along with Cockatiels and Parakeets (Budgies)
Bans all amphibians, citing the concern of chytrid.
Bans all invertebrates, except for “Feeder crickets, mealworms, other worms, flies”

Goodbye, Goniopora: Whether wild, maricultured, farmed, fragged at home, it won’t matter for Winnipeg reef aquarists and vendors—all aquatic invertebrates will be banned. Image by Matt Pedersen, captured at MACNA 2019.Winnipeg Proposes to Ban Most Aquarium Life
Examining the bans that will impact fish, the rules propose that “commonly-traded, ornamental fishes are allowed,” however, the following ornamental fishes will be prohibited:

Wild-caught saltwater fish
Wild-caught freshwater fish
Venomous fish or other fish that pose a medically significant risk to human health or safety
Fish species that are known to be wide-ranging and/or migratory and that require very large “species” [aquariums/tanks?] in captivity
Large fish that reach an adult length of 14 inches or more, whether or not a specific fish has reached the length [Note: Goldfish and Koi are exempted from this rule]
All aquatic invertebrates are banned

Send In The Clowns—because marine aquarists in Winnipeg won’t have many options left if they are limited to only captive-bred marine fish. While all the producers of captive-bred marine fish are making great strides are diversifying the species of fish that are available, only several dozen species are available in the United States in any given year, and probably fewer abroad. You can also take away all the corals in this image of an ORA display tank at the 2018 MACNA, because corals would be off-limits. Image credit: Matt PedersenIn effect, most “commonly-traded ornamental fishes” will be banned by these rules. Consider the following:

Wild-caught saltwater fish still make up the vast majority of all specimens and species in the aquarium trade. Additionally, we are not aware of any commercial marine ornamental aquaculture facilities in Canada, so this likely limits the availabililty of marine aquarium fish to imported, captive-propagated fishes only.
Wild-caught freshwater fish remain a vital part of the the aquarium trade, and while limited, documented-sustainable collection programs such as Project Piaba are actually beneficial to the area where these fish originate. Once again, Canada has no commercial scale ornamental freshwater fish farming that we are aware of, leaving only imports and home-grown, hobbyist-sourced fish. While Winnipeg is just one Canadian city, there is a thriving freshwater fish community, with many notable aquarists calling the region home.
In the case overall only allowing for captive-bred fish, the question must be raised: How is the city of Winnipeg going to police this? How is the city going to certify that a fish is captive-bred vs. wild-caught?
The very vague exclusions of “venemous fish” could be construed to ban anything from saltwater lionfishes to the rather innocuous Corydoras catfishes, which ironically possess rather benign but venemous spines. It’s impossible to know what constitutes other species that are “medically significant”…will pufferfishes be banned as pets because of their tetrodotoxin, which is only medically significant if somoene eats the fish? To point out the truly foolish nature of such open-ended yet vague rules; as it reads, it could possibly still be legal to own and keep the deadly Blue-Ring Octopus at home.
The proposal to ban “wide-ranging and/or migratory” species is equally vague. For example, one could argue that the freshwater gobies of the genus Rhinogobius and their relatives, with their diadromous lifestyles, would fall under this ban, even if they were in the trade from some future captive-breeding operation.
The ban on large fish prohibits any fish that has an adult length of 14 inches (35.5 cm). While a rule prohibiting “monster fishes” can make some sense on the surface, a few quick examples show the error in thinking.
- While many marine angelfishes would be banned because they are not captive-bred, there are some like the Maculosus or Map Angelfish, Pomacanthus maculosus, that are aquacutlured. The speices can reach a maximum adult size of 20 inches (50 cm), although this is more the exception than the rule. Despite being a hardy aquarium captive, and available as captive-bred, it would be banned from ownership at any size because of it’s potential size.
- Consider the bichirs, where many are now captive-bred. They would still be prohibited from ownership, given that the most common species reach adult lengths of 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm).
- No reasons are given for this arbitrary “potential maximum size” limit, nor is consideration given to the fact that aquarists can and do successfully keep these larger fishes as a matter of routine, and aquariums and indoor ponds of several hundreds or thousands of gallons are all within the reach of a private home aquarist willing to make the investment.
The ban on all aquatic invertebrates is highly ill-informed. The proposal states, “Scientific research regarding the husbandry and welfare needs of most invertebrates, both terrestrial and aquatic, is lacking. As well significant conservation concerns are associated with a number of invertebrates, such as certain tarantula species, that are extracted from the wild for pet trade.” The trade in wild and maricutlured corals, for example, is legitimate and legal, and in many cases well regulated through CITES. To suggest that the “husbandry and welfare needs” of corals are not understood demonstrates a profound lack of basic research behind these proposals.

Corydoras sterbai brandish bright orange spines on their pectoral fins, capable of delivering a painful, venomous sting to would-be predators and careless aquarists. Would Winnipeg’s venomous animal ban prohibit ownership of ubiquitous aquarium fishes that are, generally speaking, quite benign? Image credit Ron Kuenitz/ShutterstockWe must also address the city’s larger, blanket allegations surrounding exotic animals, as enumerated at the start of the article.

The allegation precludes (overlooks or omits) the reality that there is a legitmate, regulated trade in wild-collected animals for the pet trade, including sustainable-collection programs that may actually help preserve wild places. The implication is that “wild-harvest” can only be bad.
The allegation for “quality of life” is arbitrary and vauge, and at best debatable, but at worse, dangerously anthropomorphizes to make an emotional arguement with no basis in scientific fact or underestanding.
The allegation implies and passes judgement that there is a problem with a reptile breeder or aquarist who may have more than just a few individual animals, making the false equivalency to large domesticated pets like dogs or cats.
The city should disclose exactly the number of incidents of stray exotic animals…perhaps saltwater fish…and the burden they have placed on law enforcement.
Whitelists are inherentily overly restrictive and inflexible, and when combined with incredibly vauge, open-ended bans, the system crumbles. It relies heavily on intention leaves a whole host of open ended questions that ultimately may fall to descretionary if not arbitrary enforcement. In other cases, it creates conflict within the rules itself. When it comes to something like wild-caught aquarium fish, which would be “grandfathered” in, the rule then to prohibits breeding them. This eliminates one of the possible future sources for “captive-bred” fishes, which are permissible. It eliminates the ability for Winnipeg residents to even try to create a captive-bred source for fish within their city, using the existing, legally owned fish they already have.
Placing posessions limits on exotics creates a false equivaliency between a small reptile and a dog or cat. These limits also outlaw the breeding of most any exotic animals in the city of Winnipeg, whether intentional or not. It is notable that fish are not called out, another area that creates a vague, open-ended rule. We’re hesitant to even point out that fihs aren’t listed, for concerns that such an oversight could be “remedied” by lawmakers.

A freshwater aquarium fish species like this Tramitichromis intermedius from Lake Malawi would fall into a very gray area under Winnipeg’s proposals. Available in the aquarium trade both from captive-bred and wild-caught imports, one must ask how anyone could even make a determination of the origins of an individual fish, nevermind that such records could be easily falsified as the species is not under any trade monitoring or restrictions at this time. Image by Matt Pedersen, taken at the 2018 Minnesota Aquarium Society fish show.Pet Keepers Fire Back
Proposals to ban many commonly-kept pets are being met with strong opposition.
PIJAC issued an official statement on Friday, August 20th, in support of widely agreeable revisions to dog ownership laws, but chastising pretty much everything else.
“The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council stands with PIJAC Canada in supporting the proposed changes to the Winnipeg, Manitoba, Responsible Pet Ownership bylaws that lift dog breed restrictions, while opposing those that would ban many commonly-owned specialty pets including certain bird breeds, small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. This misguided action would only force prospective pet owners to the unscrupulous and illegal black market, endangering pets and owners alike by eliminating highly regulated and legal sources for these companion animals. We urge Winnipeg’s lawmakers to instead focus on enhancing responsible pet ownership educational programs and on protecting both animals and humans by stopping the illegal pet trade.”

Quentin HarmsQuentin Harms, a local reef aquarist and the entrepreneur behind Northern Aquariums, has grave concerns not only for Winnipeg pet owners but all within the region. “With Winnipeg being the hub for the airlines, is that even going to be possible to import [prohibited animals] within the city limits and then transport them to outside the limits?
“I’m concerned that these bans would devastate the hobby’s growth. I’m scared the hobby will entirely die. The [trade in] wild-caught fish, in my opinion, is part of a healthy ecosystem within reasonable numbers.”
Kyle Neufeld, Horticultural Award Program Chair for The Aquarium Society of Winnipeg, noted in public comments that despite the City’s suggestion that they had contacted stakeholders when drafting these proposed new rules, the Aquarium Society of Winnipeg had not been contacted by the City. Neufeld shared several concerns over the propose new rules. “I am quite disturbed by the severity of these proposed bylaws. Currently, I have not seen any repetitive, or major animal welfare issues regarding specialty pets, or as the city refers to them—’exotic animals’—being brought forward in the local media. There was one case of an escaped corn snake, which would fall into the allowable species list of the proposed bylaws anyways.

Kyle Neufeld“This pales in comparison to the sheer volume of escaped and feral cats in the city. The lack of supporting evidence to justify the need for such extreme changes to the bylaw, or to support that these changes are a tested effective approach to solve such a matter are also extremely concerning.
“The resulting financial impact local pet-related businesses will feel won’t be easy. There are whole departments at current large Canadian-based pet supply stores in Winnipeg that will likely have to lay off employees and downsize the sales of care supplies for specialty pets such as fish and reptiles. And all that without any evidence to support there will be any measurable benefit to animal welfare. I find it all quite concerning. Especially that somebody in the position to propose a bylaw change would not have these considerations in mind. I can only hope that City councilors can realize what I have after reviewing the proposed bylaws, and they disregard the unprecedented proposed bylaws regarding an ‘allowable animals list’, and only go ahead with the new changes removing breed-specific bans for canines”
Pet Retailers Facing Uncertainty

Located in Winnipeg, the marine aquarium retail store Into The Blue opened its doors in 2015.Lyndon Jameson and his twin brother Derrick Jameson are the co-owners of Winnipeg marine aquarium retailer Into The Blue. The company is now in its 6th year of business, with 9 employees. Prior to opening the store, Lyndon and Derrick were both trained biologists with a focus on ecology and worked for a fisheries consultant company before they ventured into business to open the store.
Speaking with Lyndon, it’s clear that they would be forced to close their business, and leave 11 people looking for new lines of work, should the current proposals come into effect. Lyndon Jameson shared a lengthy rebuttal of the City’s proposals, which Into The Blue vows to fight.
“Banning a variety of animals for the fear of depletion of wild populations is not the best practice. [It will likely not] stop the animals from being removed from the wild. It would just likely lead to higher proportions being taken without proper monitoring/control and concern for sustainability. Our business prides itself in ensuring that any aquatic species that are not captive-bred or aqua-cultured in captivity are collected from the wild with sustainable practices.
“Instead of banning wild-collected animals, the City should be ensuring that more businesses adhere to sustainable harvest practices and procure captive bred and/or aqua-cultured individuals when available. This would be a far better way to go about ensuring that depletion of wild populations does not occur.
“Banning a variety of animals for fear of improper housing is also not the correct way to address the problem. The vast majority of exotic pet owners do a ton of research into the proper care recommendations for their specific animal (typically prior to purchase as well) in order to ensure they are meeting and more likely exceeding the standards of care (i.e. ensuring they are meeting the 5 freedoms and typically exceeding the minimum cage size requirements by providing as much room as possible in their home for the animal to thrive).
“We can continue to further educate owners at the store and city level, and in addition, stores can ensure that every animal leaving their store is going to an aquarium set-up that will meet their needs by asking questions.

What size tank do you have?
How long has your tank been running?
What other fish are already in your tank?
How many fish do you have?
What kind of lighting does your tank have?
What kind of filtration system do you have?”

Jameson, as a retailer, feels that the City should “Ban the Bad Owner” instead of implementing any sort of blanket bans. a blanket ban. He points to the highly conflicting situation, equating these blanket bans on a wide range of pets no different than the blanket breed bans for dogs, which the city is currently considering repealing in this very same review process. “The ‘Dog Breed Specific Legislation’ By-Law changes that are being reviewed and has taken the onus off the breed and instead put it on individual dog behaviour (repeated problematic behaviours) and the owner (repeatedly having a “bad” dog).”

Lyndon (left) and Derrick Jameson, twin brothers and co-owners of Winnipeg’s Into The Blue, a reef and saltwater aquarium retailer.Into the Blue offered, and would welcome, further City involvement if there was truly a need. Jamenson’s counter-proposal invites government oversight. “All stores who sell exotic animals could be required to get an animal health inspection and facility inspection similar to the animal inspections that already occur at zoos, university animal holding facilities, and wildlife rehabilitation centres. Therefore, stores will have well-thought-out SOP’s to follow and adhere to in regards to animal care, and can maintain detailed care records, to allow for review of SOPs and adjust as needed, and as animal care standards evolve.” Jameson even proposes the idea of “Online Modules for Certification”, which could be used for prospective pet owners, shop employees, as well as for the training of inspectors who could, in Jameson’s proposals, could include “secret shoppers.”
What Does Winnipeg Say?
It’s worth noting that many of Jameson’s proposals have parallels in other cities, states, and countries. Whether any of these is needed in the first place, is a question the City and its residents must wrangle with.
We reached out to the City of Winnipeg to ask several questions, seeking background on how and why these proposed rules were developed, but the City has not responded at this time.
What’s Next?
From the Review Project’s Website:
The City is reaching out to stakeholder organizations to get feedback on the proposed updates to the by-law. The objectives are to:

Inform stakeholders about current pet ownership issues
Explain the need to update the by-law
Share proposed ideas
Gather feedback from stakeholders

Stakeholder feedback will be used to refine the proposed ideas, which will be presented to Council in winter 2021/22.
Anyone else who has questions or comments can get in touch through email [email protected] or Winnipeg residents can also contact the City by phone at 311.
What Can You Do?
If you’re a Winnipeg resident and you’re reading this, there is a good chance this rule-making will impact you if nothing is changed. It is unclear whether the City of Winnipeg even considers the residents who own exotic pets as “stakeholders”, but it is abundantly clear that you have a lot to lose.
Aquarists in the region are facing an uphill battle, given that the impacts of COVID-19 have all but shut down the organized aquarium hobby in many parts of the world. If you are not already involved with the organized aquarium hobby, we suggest trying to connect with the Aquarium Society of Winnipeg (Website, Facebook), and it would make sense to reach out to the Canadian Association of Aquarium Clubs on a more national level. Working together to formulate a unified response based on science and data may be the best way to protect the hobby we all participate in.
How Did Winnipeg’s Aquarists Wind Up In the Crosshairs?

Ball Python misinformation appears to be behind the City of Winnipeg’s propose ban of most every pet snake, allowing just three species to be kept. Learn more about the origins of such misinformation which is likely behind a growing call to ban most forms of aquarium keeping.You could stop reading here, but for those who want to dive deeper, investigating this story led us down a path that potentially exposes the greater agenda behind the City’s proposals, and the City itself is probably largely unaware. This is hardly the first time that anti-pet legislation or rules have been proposed. In fact, it happens rather routinely in the United States, which is one of the reasons USARK exists.

This article appeared in Coral Magazine

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This a joint event organised in partnership witht the British Killifish Association, the British Cichlid Association and our sister association the Fancy Guppies UK.

This is promising to be the best show you will attend this year

Tickets can be purchased through the link, please allow time for the booking page to load. https://killis.org.uk/wp/fishkeeping-extravaganza-2021/

More details will be posted as they become available

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Registration is OPEN for vendors for the Sept 19th MASI Fall Swap Meet ! We have 50+ tables full of locally and regionally raised Fish, plants, plus foods, decor, tanks and more !

If your interested in vending, just let me know. We still have almost 20 tables available, at 25.00 each. Electric access still available also !

300+ are expected to walk through, so don't miss out !

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A review of the Eviota zebrina complex, with descriptions of four new species (Teleostei, Gobiidae)
Luke Tornabene, David W. Greenfield, Mark V. ErdmannAbstractThe Eviota zebrina complex includes eight species of closely-related dwarfgobies, four of which are herein described as new. The complex is named for Eviota zebrina Lachner & Karnella, 1978, an Indian Ocean species with the holotype from the Seychelles Islands and also known from the Maldives, which was once thought to range into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea eastward to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Our analysis supports the recognition of four genetically distinct, geographically non-overlapping, species within what was previously called E. zebrina, with E. zebrina being restricted to the Indian Ocean, E. marerubrum sp. nov. described from the Red Sea, E. longirostris sp. nov. described from western New Guinea, and E. pseudozebrina sp. nov. described from Fiji. The caudal fin of all four of these species is crossed by oblique black bars in preservative, but these black bars are absent from the four other species included in the complex. Two of the other species within the complex, E. tetha and E. gunawanae are morphologically similar to each other in having the AITO cephalic-sensory pore positioned far forward and opening anteriorly. Eviota tetha is known from lagoonal environments in Cenderawasih Bay and Raja Ampat, West Papua, and E. gunawanae is known only from deeper reefs (35–60 m) from Fakfak Regency, West Papua. The final two species are E. cometa which is known from Fiji and Tonga and possesses red bars crossing the caudal fin (but lost in preservative) and a 9/8 dorsal/anal-fin formula, and E. oculineata sp. nov., which is described as new from New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and possesses an 8/7 dorsal/anal-fin formula and lacks red caudal bars. Eviota oculineata has been confused with E. cometa in the past.
Keywordscoral-reef fishes, dwarfgoby, Eviota cometa, gobies, ichthyology, taxonomy, systematics

IntroductionThe genus Eviota, commonly known as dwarfgobies, contains 124 species (Greenfield 2021; Greenfield and Erdmann 2021), making it one of the most speciose genera of marine fishes. Several putatively widespread species of Eviota displaying morphological variation have recently been shown to be complexes of distinct species that are often distinguishable by a combination of genetic differences, subtle morphological characters, and/or differences in live coloration (Greenfield and Tornabene 2014; Tornabene et al. 2015, 2016). Another example of this phenomenon is demonstrated by the Eviota zebrina complex, a group containing eight genetic lineages based on mtDNA, including the nominal species Eviota zebrina Lachner & Karnella, 1978, E. cometa Jewett & Lachner, 1983, E. gunawanae Greenfield et al., 2019, E. tetha Greenfield & Erdmann, 2014, and several undescribed species (Greenfield et al. 2019). All species in this complex possess: (i) unbranched pectoral-fin rays; (ii) reduced fifth pelvic-fin rays (absent or rudimentary to ~ 15% length of fourth ray); (iii) pore patterns lacking only the IT pores, or both the IT and nasal pores Figure 1); (iv) fourth pelvic-fin ray with only 3–7 branches; (v) a red or dark brown lateral stripe on the body (stripe faint in E. pseudozebrina sp. nov.) that terminates in distinct black spot on the base of the caudal fin that is sometimes bordered with yellow in life (spot faint in E. tetha). The combination of the lateral stripe and black caudal spot are present only in two other species, E. sebreei Jordan & Seale, 1906 and E. punyit Tornabene et al., 2016, both of which differ from the E. zebrina complex in having a pore pattern lacking the PITO pore, and in having a fourth pelvic-fin ray with many more branches (11–15 vs. 3–7).

https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/66675/element/2/110/

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Lethrinus mitchelli, a new species of emperor fish (Teleostei: Lethrinidae) from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea Allen, Gerald R.; Victor, Benjamin C.; Erdmann, Mark. V.

A new species of emperor fish, Lethrinus mitchelli, is described on the basis of three specimens, 109.4–111.3 mm SL, collected from 20 m at the East Cape region of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. It is similar to the sympatric relatives L. semicinctus and L. rubrioperculatus, but differs in color pattern and has a narrower cheek (cheek height 3.2–3.6 in head length vs. 2.4–2.9). Other diagnostic features include head length (2.7 in SL) greater than body depth (3.0–3.1 in SL); the snout excluding the lip 1.3–1.4 in cheek height; the snout profile nearly straight, without a prominent hump, and about 55° to the upper jaw; conical lateral jaw teeth; the interorbital area nearly flat or convex; the fourth dorsal-fin spine longest; lateral-line scales 47; transverse scale rows below and above the lateral line 15 and 4.5 rows; and a fully-scaled area adjacent to the prominent bony spine at the posteriormost margin of the opercle (excluding fleshy flap). The new species has a distinctive color pattern: brown dorsally, whitish ventrally, with a broad, brown, posteriorly tapering band on the midlateral body, partially split anteriorly by a relatively broad, ascending diagonal white band. Lethrinus mitchelli is 6.11% sequence divergent (pairwise) in the mtDNA COI marker from its nearest relative, L. semicinctus, also from the East Indies. A table of COI divergences among mtDNA lineages assigned to 27 of the 28 known species of Lethrinus shows a set of distinctly different lineages, from 3.32% to 20.85% divergent from each other (minimum interspecific distances).

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Evidence for genetic integration of mating behavior and morphology in a behaviorally plastic alternative reproductive tactic

Evolutionary Ecology (2021)Cite this article

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AbstractAlternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) often exhibit more than one mating behavior depending on social context (i.e., behavioral plasticity). It has been hypothesized that by constraining an ART from reaching optimal morphological states, intralocus tactical conflict could promote the maintenance of behavioral plasticity in ARTs, rather than the use of a fixed mating behavior to match an optimal morphological state. For selection on either behavior or morphology to influence one another, there would need to be genetic integration between these traits within the behaviorally plastic males. To examine this possibility, we compared the relationship between body shape, body size and propensity to use sneak-chase behavior across experienced wild-caught males and inexperienced lab reared males from the behaviorally plastic ART (sneaker males) of the swordtail fish Xiphophorus multilineatus. The smaller, more narrow-bodied sneaker males use both force copulatory sneak-chases and courtship behavior to access females, while the larger, deeper-bodied courter males are fixed in their use of courtship behavior. We detected similar relationships between body size and the propensity to use sneak-chase behavior within the sneaker males when they were alone with a female (no competitor present) for both experienced and inexperienced males, suggesting genetic integration between behavior and body size. Body shape, on the other hand, was more complex and suggested both genetic integration (more fusiform males from both groups were more likely to use sneak-chase), as well as learning depending on subtle differences in body shape. We discuss how intralocus tactical conflict on morphological traits that are genetically integrated with behaviors has the potential to maintain behavioral plasticity in the X. multilineatus sneaker males and influence the evolution of ARTs in general.

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Indoreonectes neeleshi & I. rajeevi • Two New Species of the Hillstream Loach Genus Indoreonectes (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from the northern Western Ghats of India

Indoreonectes evezardi (Day, 1872),
Indoreonectes neeleshi &
Indoreonectes rajeevi

Kumkar, Pise, Gorule, Verma & Kalous, 2021
DOI: 10.3897/vz.71.e62814

Abstract
The hill stream loach genus Indoreonectes is endemic to peninsular India south of the Satpura hill ranges and is represented by three species I. evezardi, I. keralensis and I. telanganaensis. Indoreonectes evezardi has been suggested as a species complex based on recent genetic studies; however, due to lack of type material the species delimitation has been difficult. Here we redescribe I. evezardi collected from its type locality and describe two new species from the northern Western Ghats of India. Indoreonectes neeleshi, described from Mula River tributary of Godavari river system, can be diagnosed from all its congeners based on a combination of characters: inner rostral barbel reaching middle of nostril; maxillary barbel reaching midway between eye and posterior border of operculum; dorsal hump behind nape; bars on lateral side of the body wider than inter-bar space; total vertebrae 35 and dorsal fin insertion between 13th and 14th abdominal vertebrae. Indoreonectes rajeevi, described from Hiranyakeshi River of the Krishna river system, differs from all its congeners based on a combination of characters: inner rostral barbel reaching anterior margin of eye; maxillary barbel reaching posterior border of operculum; conspicuous black markings on lower lip, dorsal hump absent; total vertebrae 36 and dorsal fin insertion between 12th and 13th abdominal vertebrae. Further, I. neeleshi differs from its congeners by the raw genetic distance of 6.8–14.4% for the cox1 gene and 5.7–16.2% for the cytb gene, while I. rajeevi differs from its congeners by the raw genetic distance of 10.9–14.0% for the cox1 gene and 11.8–15.8% for the cytb gene.

Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot, Godavari river system, Krishna river system, Maharashtra

Indoreonectes evezardi (BNHS FWF 1070, 33.5 mm SL), topotype,
collected from Kuran, Mutha River, Pune

Indoreonectes evezardi (Day, 1872)

Habitat and distribution: Indoreonectes evezardi was collected from fast-flowing clear streams with substrate consisting of rock, pebbles and sand. Co-occurring fish species include Paracanthocobitis mooreh, Schistura denisoni, Rasbora dandia and Devario malabaricus. Indoreonectes evezardi sensu stricto is currently known only from its type locality in Pune (see Keskar et al. 2018) from Mutha River a tributary of the east flowing Krishna river system, Maharashtra, India (Fig. 1).

Indoreonectes neeleshi holotype (BNHS FWF 1071, 38.54 mm SL).
Indoreonectes rajeevi holotype (BNHS FWF 1081, 45.76 mm SL).

Indoreonectes neeleshi sp. nov.
Common name: Neelesh’s hill stream loach

Diagnosis: Indoreonectes neeleshi can be distinguished from all congeners by having the lateral bars wider than inter-bar spaces (vs. narrower in I. evezardi, I. keralensis I. telanganaensis, and I. rajeevi). Further, Indoreonectes neeleshi can be distinguished from I. keralensis by having long nasal barbel reaching middle of eye (vs. short nasal barbel barely reaching anterior margin of eye); inner rostral barbel reaching middle of nostril (vs. reaching further posteriorly to anterior margin of eye); presence of dorsal hump behind nape (vs. absence); presence of a dark brown to black spot on base of first dorsal-fin ray and distinct spots on the dorsal side of head (vs. absence); caudal peduncle as deep as long (vs. longer than deep); spots on cheek below eye absent (vs. present). Indoreonectes neeleshi can be distinguished from I. evezardi by having caudal peduncle as deep as long (vs. deeper than long); caudal peduncle bar not divided (vs. divided into two spots). Indoreonectes neeleshi can be distinguished from I. telanganaensis by having inner rostral barbel reaching middle of nostril (vs. reaching further posteriorly to anterior margin of eye); spots on cheek below eye absent (vs. present). Indoreonectes neeleshi can be distinguished from I. rajeevi by having inner rostral barbel reaching middle of nostril (vs. reaching further posteriorly to anterior margin of eye); maxillary barbel not reaching posterior border of operculum (vs. reaching to posterior border of operculum); absence of conspicuous black marking on lower lip (vs. presence); presence of dorsal hump behind nape (vs. absence); dorsal-fin insertion between neural spines of 13th and 14th abdominal vertebrae (vs. between 12th and 13th abdominal vertebrae); caudal peduncle as deep as long (vs. slightly longer than deep); total vertebrae 35 (vs. 36).

Etymology: The species name honours Neelesh Dahanukar researcher from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, India, for his remarkable contributions to the understanding of the systematics and evolution of Indian freshwater fishes.

Habitat and Distribution: Indoreonectes neeleshi was found in a fast-flowing clear stream with a rocky substrate. Co-occurring fish species include Parapsilorhynchus sp. and the exotic Gambusia affinis. Currently, Indoreonectes neeleshi is known only from its type locality in the Mula tributary of East flowing Godavari River at Harishchandragad, Maharashtra, India (Fig. 1).

Indoreonectes rajeevi sp. nov.
Common name: Rajeev’s hill stream loach

Diagnosis:
Indoreonectes rajeevi can be distinguished from all congeners by having maxillary barbel reaching the posterior border of operculum (vs. not reaching); presence of conspicuous black marking on the lower lip of mouth (vs. absence).

Indoreonectes rajeevi is further distinguished from I. keralensis by having long nasal barbel reaching middle of eye (vs. short nasal barbel barely reaching anterior margin of eye); dorsal-fin origin vertical from pelvic-fin base ...

Etymology: The species name honours Rajeev Raghavan from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi, India, for his remarkable contributions to the understanding of the Systematics and Evolution of Indian freshwater fishes.

Habitat and Distribution: Indoreonectes rajeevi was found in a slow-flowing clear stream with boulders, pebbles and mud as major substratum. Co-occurring fish species includes Parapsilorhynchus sp., Schistura sp., Balitora laticauda, Rasbora dandia and Garra mullya. Currently, Indoreonectes rajeevi is known only from its type locality in the Hiranyakeshi tributary of east flowing Krishna River at Amboli, Maharashtra, India (Fig. 1).

Pradeep Kumkar, Manoj Pise, Pankaj A. Gorule, Chandani R. Verma and Lukáš Kalous. 2021. Two New Species of the Hillstream Loach Genus Indoreonectes from the northern Western Ghats of India (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 71: 517-533. DOI: 10.3897/vz.71.e62814

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Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus & C. chaliasi • Redescription of Cirrhilabrus solorensis Bleeker, with Description of Two New Species of Fairy Wrasses (Teleostei: Labridae: Cirrhilabrus)

Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus
Tea, Allen & Dailami, 2021

DOI: 10.1643/i2021022
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Abstract
The labrid fish Cirrhilabrus solorensis was first described in 1853 by Bleeker, based on specimens collected from the Indonesian island of Solor, off the eastern tip of Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Although sufficient at the time, Bleeker's description of the species was brief, resulting in subsequent taxonomic confusion concerning the true identity of this taxon. Presently, the name has been applied to several fishes with notable differences in coloration, particularly in the terminal males. On the basis of additional non-type material and photographic examination of Bleeker's holotype, we redescribe Cirrhilabrus solorensis and resolve the long-standing contention regarding its taxonomic identity. In doing so, we describe two species as new, Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, on the basis of the holotype and eight paratypes from Sulawesi and the surrounding islands of Banggai and Wakatobi, Indonesia, and Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species, described on the basis of the holotype and nine paratypes from Bali, Indonesia. These three species are closely related and, together with C. aurantidorsalis, C. cyanopleura, C. luteovittatus, C. randalli, and C. ryukyuensis, form a complex of species that differ from congeners in having the following combination of characters: caudal fin in males weakly rhomboidal; median fins hyaline with sinuous filigree in both sexes; body with scales edged in inky blue to indigo, their margins often patterned in an argyle motif; and osseus elements that preserve blue to blue-green in alcohol. We briefly discuss the phylogenetic relationships of species in this complex based on results of a companion study detailed elsewhere.

Cirrhilabrus solorensis, freshly euthanized and wild individuals showing coloration in life.
(A) BPBM 30166, 71 mm SL, male, Gili Ayer, Lombok, Indonesia;
(B) BPBM 32146, 75 mm SL, male, Maumere Bay, Flores, Indonesia; (
C) BPBM, 18612, 56 mm SL, male, Ambon Bay, Indonesia;
(D) a large harem of C. solorensis comprising both sexes, underwater photograph from Flores, Indonesia. Note extensive hard coral cover;
(E) Cirrhilabrus solorensis, male, underwater photograph from Flores, Indonesia.
Photographs by J. E. Randall (A–C) and R. Whitton (D, E).


Cirrhilabrus solorensis Bleeker, 1853
Solor Fairy Wrasse

Etymology.--Named after the type location of the species, Lawajong, Solor Island, Indonesia.

A selection of freshly euthanized and preserved species of Cirrhilabrus.
Cirrhilabrus solorensis, (A–B) NTM S.17835-002, 93.0 mm SL, male, Franklin Shoal Timor Sea;
(C) RMNH.PISC.6547 (holotype), 87.5 mm SL, male, Solor Island, Indonesia;

Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, (D) AMS I.49509-001, 55.0 mm SL, male, Kendari, Sulawesi;
(E) MZB 26051 (formerly WAM P.34500-001), 77.4 mm SL, male, Lintea Selatan Channel, Wakatobi Group, Banda Sea, Indonesia;
(F) WAM P.34500-001, 73.8 mm SL, male, Lintea Selatan Channel, Wakatobi Group, Banda Sea, Indonesia;

Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species, (G–H) MZB 26052 (holotype), 60.1 mm SL, male, Bali, Indonesia;
(I) WAM P.35201-001, 65.1 mm SL, male, Bali, Indonesia.

Photographs by M. Hammer (A–B), E. Dondorp (C), Y. K. Tea (D), G. R. Allen (E–F), H. H. Tan (G), and Y. K. Tea (H–I).

A selection of species of Cirrhilabrus in life.
(A) Cirrhilabrus solorensis, male, underwater photograph from Rinca, Indonesia;
(B) Cirrhilabrus solorensis, male, underwater photograph from Pura, Indonesia;
(C) Cirrhilabrus solorensis, underwater photograph from Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Note Pseudanthias tuka and live hard coral cover;
(D) Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, transitioning male, underwater photograph from Wakatobi, Sulawesi, Indonesia;
(E) Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, terminal male, aquarium specimen from Kendari, Sulawesi, Indonesia;
(F) Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, males and females, underwater photograph from Kendari, Sulawesi;
(G) Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species, young male, underwater photograph from Bali, Indonesia;
(H–I) Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species, terminal males and females, underwater photograph from Bali, Indonesia.

Photographs by F. Libert (A–B), S. Penisson (C), G. R. Allen (D), K. Kohen (E), V. Chalias (F), J. Heard (G), H. Chan (H), and V. Chalias (I).

Distribution records for species of the Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura complex.
Dashed line represents the Coral Triangle. Shaded regions (open circles) represent general distributional ranges. Closed circles represent locality records.
Photographs of C. ryukyuensis by S. Harazaki; C. aff. ryukyuensis by G. R. Allen; all others by Y. K. Tea.

Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species
Chin-strap Fairy Wrasse

Habitat and distribution.— Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus occurs primarily in eastern Sulawesi and the surrounding islands of Banggai and Wakatobi. Rare individuals have also been reported from Banda Neira. The species frequents shallow exposed rubble at depths between 5–20 m (Fig. 5F).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given after the brilliant teal to aquamarine males, an unusual color shared with no other species of Cirrhilabrus. The common name alludes to the chin-strapped appearance formed by the intensely pigmented opercular scales of the males.

Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species
Ruby-headed Fairy Wrasse

Habitat and distribution.— Cirrhilabrus chaliasi is known from Bali, Sumbawa, Lombok, Flores, Komodo, and Rinca. It is also reported from Wakatobi, Sulawesi, where it overlaps with C. aquamarinus, though this appears to be a rare distribution record. It frequents the same habitat as other species in its complex, consisting of rubble zones with sporadic coral cover at depths between 8–20 m.

Etymology.--The specific epithet is given in honour of Vincent Chalias, a skilled underwater photographer, field biologist, and proponent of coral and fish aquaculture in Bali. He greatly assisted in the description of the new species through his excellent underwater photographs and detailed field observations.

Yi-Kai Tea, Gerald R. Allen and Muhammad Dailami. 2021. Redescription of Cirrhilabrus solorensis Bleeker, with Description of Two New Species of Fairy Wrasses (Teleostei: Labridae: Cirrhilabrus). Ichthyology & Herpetology. 109(3); 669-684. DOI: 10.1643/i2021022
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Glaucostegus younholeei • A New Species of Giant Guitarfish (Rhinopristiformes: Glaucostegidae) from the northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Glaucostegus younholeei
Habib & Islam, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4995.1.7
twitter.com/HabibKaziAhsan

Abstract
A new species of giant guitarfish, Glaucostegus younholeei sp. nov., is described from 13 specimens, 730–933 mm total length, collected from fish landing center of Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation in Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh. The new species is distinguished from congeners in having the following combination of characters: Body brownish or greyish in color with a narrowly wedge-shaped disc, and long narrow bluntly pointed snout (angle 31–40°), and broad oblique nostrils with the narrow anterior opening. Nostrils about half of the mouth width, subequal (0.98–1.33) to internasal width; ~55–57 nasal lamellae; anterior nasal flaps slightly penetrating into internasal space, their interspace 2.20– 2.61 in length of the posterior nasal aperture. Orbit very small in adults, diameter 8.19–11.62 in preorbital length, 2.25–2.69 in interorbital space. Rostral ridges almost joined along their entire length; margin of cranium sharply demarcated before eyes. Spiracular folds very short and widely separated. Skin rough, densely covered with small denticles, more coarsely granular on the dorsal surface than ventrally, enlarged between orbits and in a distinct band between nape and first dorsal fin. Tail relatively longer, length 1.15–1.48 in disc length; dorsal fins narrowly spaced, interspace 1.32–2.11 in base length of the first dorsal fin. Clasper length in adult male 4.37–5.70 in total length. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA barcode sequences also shows the clear divergence of Glaucostegus younholeei from other congeneric species obtained from GenBank. A key is provided to the 8 known members including new species of the genus Glaucostegus.

Keywords: Pisces, Bangladeshi guitarfish, taxonomy, morphology, DNA Barcoding, Vulnerable

Glaucostegus younholeei sp. nov.,

Kazi Ahsan Habib and Md Jayedul Islam. 2021. Description of A New Species of Giant Guitarfish, Glaucostegus younholeei sp. nov. (Rhinopristiformes: Glaucostegidae) from the northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. Zootaxa. 4995(1); 129-146. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4995.1.7
Researchgate.net/publication/352817163_a_new_species_of_Glaucostegus_from_the_northern_Bay_of_Bengal_Bangladesh
twitter.com/HabibKaziAhsan/status/1410482809349689345

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Registration is OPEN for vendors for the Sept 19th MASI Fall Swap Meet !

We have 50+ tables full of locally and regionally raised Fish, plants, plus foods, decor, tanks and more !

If your interested in vending, just let me know. We still have almost 20 tables available, at 25.00 each. Electric access still available also !

300+ are expected to walk through, so don't miss out !

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The Birmingham Aquatic Club is hosting our second in person event of 2021.

Please come and join us for a fishkeeping afternoon. Everyone is welcome to attend and will be greeted with a warm welcome. If you are not a member, feel free to sign up for a membership at this event. We have hired a large private function room for this event. There will be a large fish auction, raffle, tombola, goody bags for members, hot and cold refreshments, the fishkeepers library scheme, free water testing, product reps, display tanks and much more! Don't forget to bring some bags if you plan on buying some fish. The club has an auction rack so you can have a good look at all the fish up for sale before bidding. The auction starts at 3.30pm.
If you want to auction any fish, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] so you can be given an auction reference for your lots
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Pseudanthias hangapiko • A New Anthiadine Serranid (Perciformes, Serranidae, Anthiadinae) from Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Pseudanthias hangapiko
Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Pérez-Matus & Rocha, 2021

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1054.64508
Abstract
Pseudanthias hangapiko sp. nov. (Teleostei, Serranidae, Anthiadinae) is herein described from three specimens collected from a depth of 83 m in a mesophotic coral ecosystem off Hanga Piko, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile. Pseudanthias hangapiko sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners in live coloration and by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays X, 17; anal-fin rays III, 8; pectoral-fin rays 16 (left side of one specimen 17); vertebrae 10+16; scales relatively large, two scales above lateral-line to base of fifth dorsal spine, and 16–17 circumpeduncular scales; gill rakers 11+23; and a slender body, with greatest body depth 3.6 (3.4–3.8) in SL. The most similar DNA barcodes (mitochondrial COI gene) are from Pseudanthias ventralis Randall, 1979 and Pseudanthias hawaiiensis Randall, 1979, with 16.8% and 17.0% uncorrected divergence, respectively. This fish is one of four new species that were documented from a pair of technical dives at a single location in Rapa Nui, emphasizing the high number of undescribed species likely still unknown in mesophotic coral ecosystems, especially in geographically remote locations. Pseudanthias hangapiko sp. nov. adds to the Rapa Nui ichthyofauna, which hosts the second-highest level of endemism in both shallow and deep-water fishes.

Keywords: Biodiversity, coral-reef twilight zone, ichthyology, island, mesophotic coral ecosystem, reef fish, taxonomy

Pseudanthias hangapiko sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The following combination of characters distinguishes Pseudanthias hangapiko sp. nov. from congeners: dorsal rays X, 17; anal rays III, 8; pectoral rays 16 (left side of one specimen 17); vertebrae 10+16; scales relatively large, two scales between lateral line and base of fifth dorsal spine, and 16 (17) circumpeduncular scales; gill rakers 11+22–23; body very slender and compressed, the greatest body depth 3.4–3.8 in SL; caudal peduncle short, its length 2.6–3.3 in HL; sexually dichromatic, with male coloration red dorsally, yellow laterally, silvery-pink on throat and belly; females pink, silvery-pink on operculum, throat and belly; both sexes dark red on top of head, along anterior two-thirds of dorsal fin base; both sexes with rows of irregularly-spaced metallic magenta spots laterally, and red dorsal and caudal fins with yellow highlights.

Etymology: The species is named for the location where it was collected, Hanga Piko, meaning “hidden bay” in the Rapa Nui language. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

Common name: Rapa Nui Fairy Basslet.

Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Tyler A. Y. Phelps, Alejandro Pérez-Matus and Luiz A. Rocha. 2021. Pseudanthias hangapiko, A New Anthiadine Serranid (Teleostei, Serranidae, Anthiadinae) from Rapa Nui (Easter Island). ZooKeys. 1054: 1-13. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1054.64508

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Coloconger maculatus sp. nov., a species of short-tail eel from eastern Taiwan (Anguilliformes: Colocongridae)

PISCESACTINOPTERYGIIELOPOMORPHATAXONOMYICHTHYOLOGY

AbstractA new species of Coloconger is described from a large female collected off eastern Taiwan. It can be distinguished from congeners by having a large black blotch on rear portion of tail; posterior end of tail white; and combination of characters: head small 15.7% TL; 4 supratemporal pores, middle 2 in pair; 7 supraorbital pores, 2 pores over posterior nostril; 12 or 14 infraorbital pores; 14 preoperculomandibular pores; 226 dorsal-fin rays and 122 anal-fin rays; preanal vertebrae 77 and total vertebrae 145; rictus through a vertical of posterior margin of pupil; snout shorter than eye diameter; distance between origins of pectoral and dorsal fins 69.4% pectoral-fin length; and body brownish gray dorsally, light gray ventrally, and dorsal fin dark gray. Data and variations of Coloconger japonicus found in Taiwan are provided and discussed.

References

Alcock, A.W. (1889) Natural history notes from H. M. Indian marine survey steamer `Investigator,' Commander Alfred Carpenter, R. N., D. S. O., commanding. No. 13. On the bathybial fishes of the Bay of Bengal and neighbouring waters, obtained during the seasons 1885‒1889. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Series 6, 4 (24), 450‒461. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222938909460563
Böhlke, E.B. (1989) Methods and terminology. In Böhlke, E.B. (Ed.), Fishes of the Western North Atlantic. Memoirs of the Sears Foundation for Marine Research, 1 (9), 1–7.
Castle, P.H.J. (1969) The eel genera Congrina and Coloconger off southern Mozambique and their larval forms. Special Publication, JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology, 6, 1‒12.
Chan, W.L. (1967) A new species of congrid eel from the South China Sea. Journal of Natural History, 1 (1), 97‒112. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222936700770661
Ho, H.-C., Smith, D.G., McCosker, J.E., Hibino, Y., Loh, K.-H., Tighe, K.A. & Shao, K.-T. (2015) Annotated checklist of eels (orders Anguilliformes and Saccopharyngiformes) from Taiwan. Zootaxa, 4060 (1), 140‒189. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4060.1.16
Kanazawa, R.H. (1957) A new species of eel, Coloconger meadi, and new records for the ateleopid fish, Ijimaia antellarum Howell Rivero, both from the Gulf of Mexico. Copeia, 1957 (3), 234‒235. https://doi.org/10.2307/1439373
Kanazawa, R.H. (1961) A new eel, Coloconger cadenati and a redescription of the heterocongrid eel, Taenioconger longissimus (Günther) both from the coast of Senegal. Bulletin de l'Institut Français d'Afrique Noire, Série A, Sciences Naturelles, 23 (1), 108‒115, pls. 1‒2.
Karrer, C. (1982) Anguilliformes du canal de Mozambique (Pisces, Teleostei). In: Collection Faunae Tropicale. No. XXIII. Office de la recherche scientifique et technique outre-mer, Paris, 115 pp.
López, J.A., Westneat, M.W. & Hanel, R. (2007) The phylogenetic affinities of the mysterious anguilliform genera Coloconger and Thalassenchelys as supported by mtDNA sequences. Copeia, 2007 (4), 959– 966. https://doi.org/10.1643/0045-8511(2007)7[959:TPAOTM]2.0.CO;2
Okamura, O. & Kitajima, T. (Eds.) (1984) Fishes of the Okinawa Trough and the adjacent waters. Vol. I. The intensive research of unexploited fishery resources on continental slopes. Japan Fisheries Resource Conservation Association, Tokyo, 414 pp.
Quéro, J.-C. (2001) Colocongridae (Pisces: Anguilliformes) de Nouvelle‒Calédonie (Pacifique sud-ouest). Description de Coloconger saldanhai sp. n. Boletim do Museu Municipal do Funchal, Supplement 6, 53‒64.
Shao, K.-T., Ho, H.-C., Lin, P.-L., Lee, P.-F., Lee, M.-Y., Tsai, C.-Y., Liao, Y.-C. & Lin, Y.-C. (2008) A checklist of the fishes of southern Taiwan, Northern South China Sea. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement 19, 233‒271.
da Silva, J.P.C.B., Datovo, A. & Johnson, G.D. (2019) Phylogenetic interrelationships of the eel families Derichthyidae and Colocongridae (Elopomorpha: Anguilliformes) based on the pectoral skeleton. Journal of Morphology, 280, 934–947. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.20991
Smith, D.G. (1989) Family Colocongridae. In Böhlke, E.B. (Ed.), Orders Anguilliformes and Saccopharyngiformes. Memoirs of the Sears Foundation for Marine Research, 1 (9), pp. 413–419. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvbcd0dm.14
Smith, D.G. (1999) Elopidae, Megalopidae, and most eel families. In: Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (Eds.), Species identification guide for fisheries purposes. The living marine resources of the western central Pacific. Batoid fishes, chimeras and bony fishes part 1 (Elopidae to Linophrynidae). Vol. 3. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, pp. 1398‒2068.
Tang, K.L. & Fielitz, C. (2013) Phylogeny of moray eels (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae), with a revised classification of true eels (Teleostei: Elopomorpha: Anguilliformes). Mitochondrial DNA, 24, 55–66. https://doi.org/10.3109/19401736.2012.710226

Moenkhausia cambacica • A New Species of Moenkhausia(Characiformes: Characidae) from the Madeira river basin, Brazil , with Comments on the Evolution and Development of the Lateral Line Trunk System in Characids

Moenkhausia cambaca
Marine, Ohara & Dagosta, 2021

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2020-0118

Abstract
A new species of Moenkhausiais described from the river Machado drainage, Amazon basin, Brazil. It is different from congeners by its color pattern, consisting of the concentration of chromatophores on the anterior portion of the body scales, the horizontally and longate blotch on the caudal peduncle, a bright golden coloration of the dorsal portion of the eye when, and a dark line crossing the eye horizontally. The new species has variable morphology regarding trunk lateral-line channels. Most fully grown individuals do not have enclosed bony tube in many lateral line scales, resembling early developmental stages of tube formation of other species. This paedomorphic condition is interpreted as a result of developmental truncation. Such evolutionary process may have been responsible for the presence of distinct levels of trunk lateral line reductions in small characids. Variation in this feature is common, even between the sides of the same individual. We reassert that the degree of trunk lateral-line tube development must be used with care in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies, because reductions in the laterosensory system may be parallel loss in the Characidae. We suggest the new species to be categorized Near Threatened due to the restricted geographical distribution and continuing decline in habitat quality.

Keywords: Developmental Truncation; Evolution; Intraspecific Variation; Paedomorphy; scale

Moenkhausia cambacica , new species

Diagnosis. Moenkhausia cambacica is distinguished from all congeners, except M. chlorophthalma Sousa, Netto-Ferreira & Birindelli, 2010, M. petymbuaba Lima & Birindelli, 2006, M. plumbea Sousa, Netto-Ferreira & Birindelli, 2010, and M. parecis Ohara & Birindelli, 2010, and M. parecis Ohara & Marinho, 2016 by the presence of a large dark blotch on each scale of the second to seventh longitudinal series of body which are formed by a higher concentration of chromatophores on the previous portion of scales (vs. pigmentation absent or, when present, concentrated at the middle or posterior margin of scales, forming stripes or a reticulate pattern). Moenkhausia cambacacan be distinguished from all the aforementioned species by having a conspicuous, well-defined, horizontally elongate blotch on the caudal peduncle, extending to the middle caudal-fin rays, not reaching the upper and lower edges of the caudal peduncle (vs. absent or poorly defined blotch, continuous with the longitudinal stripe of body in M. chlorophthalma, M. petymbuaba, and M. plumbea ; round blotch in M. parecis ). Additionally, it can be distinguished from M. petymbuaba by the absence of a conspicuous longitudinal black stripe on body (vs. black stripe present), from M. plumbea and M. chlorophthalma by the absence of a dark, diffuse, slightly concave midlateral stripe on body in live specimens (vs. dark stripe present), and from M. parecis by a shorter upper jaw length (41.5–48.8% HL vs. 50.6–55.0% HL ), and, in life, by having a bright golden coloration of the dorsal portion of the eye and a dark shaded line crossing the eye horizontally (vs. eye entirely bright blue, with no horizontal dark line).

Etymology. The specific name, cambacica , is after the one of the Brazilian popular name for Coereba flaveola (Linnaeus, 1758), the small neotropical bird whose coloration resembles that of the new species, which is bright yellow underparts, dark back coloration and a dark line crossing the region of the eye horizontally, contrasting with a light area above it. A noun in apposition.

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SUNDAY, 10 OCTOBER 2021 AT 10:00 UTC+01N.E.T.S. Charity Aquatics auction. (Fish+plants only)
The Teams Club

N.E.T.S. chairty Aquatics auction. (Fish+plants only)
Interested
Going
InviteDetails
208 people responded
Event by Paul Andy, Michael Dixon and Andrew Flinn
The Teams Club
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
Finally were back.
Time to have an auction.
10th of October fish and plants only. doors open 10am auction starts 11am sharp.
This could be subject to change with regards to the current covid situation.
We will be raising money for 2 charitys.
Charitys are still waiting to be confirmed.
Auction lots will be given on a raffle draw system. Please ask for details.
Dry goods tables available for £10
We will accept any donations of fish, dry good and aquatic related items for the first lot. (all money raised from this lot will go to the charitys )
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW BUT ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO INBOX ME
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Parotocinclus jacksoni, a new hypoptopomatine catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Rio Mamanguape basin, north-eastern Brazil

Telton P. A. Ramos, Silvia Y. Lustosa-Costa, Luciano de F. Barros-Neto, José E. L. Barbosa
First published: 16 July 2021

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14855

AbstractA new species of Parotocinclus is described from the Rio Mamanguape basin, in the State of Paraíba, north-eastern Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from all of its congeners, except for P. bahiensis, P. cesarpintoi, P. jumbo, P. nandae and P. spilosoma, by the presence of an abdomen covered by a few small and dispersed platelets (vs. an abdomen entirely covered by large plates in adult individuals or the absence of plates in that region). The new species differs from those mentioned above with respect to several features, such as an exposed pectoral girdle and supporting odontodes medially and laterally, the number of premaxillary and dentary teeth, odontodes covering only the lateral portion of the cleithrum and the absence of irregular golden lines on the head and body (colour in vivo). The new species was collected only in the upper and middle portions of the Rio Mamanguape basin, suggesting a geographic distribution restricted to the Caatinga biome.

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A New Species of the Loricariid Catfish Genus Loricariichthys (Teleostei: Siluriformes) from Eastern Brazil
Roberto E. Reis, Fábio Vieira, Edson H. L. Pereira
Author Affiliations +
Ichthyology & Herpetology, 109(2):557-566 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2020013

AbstractA new species of Loricariichthys is described from the Rio Itabapoana and Rio Itapemirim basins, two small, adjacent, yet independent, coastal drainages in south Espírito Santo State. Loricariichthys melanurus, new species, is distinguished from most congeners by the anterior margin of abdominal plates falling at or slightly ahead of the transverse line between the pectoral-fin spines, not reaching the level of the lower end of the gill slits, further on other features of external morphology. The new species can be differentiated from L. castaneus, the most similar and geographically closest species, by the possession of a conspicuous black marginal band at the distal portion of middle and lower caudal-fin rays and a darkened distal half of dorsal fin, which are absent in the former. Samples analyzed of the two species have a COI pairwise genetic distance of 4.6%. The paleodrainage reconstruction inferred for a sea-level-retreat of maximum glacial period of the Pleistocene suggests that neither the Itabapoana and Itapemirim Rivers, nor the other coastal rivers of eastern Brazil, where L. castaneus occurs, have been in contact during this period.

© 2021 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
Citation Download Citation
Roberto E. Reis, Fábio Vieira, and Edson H. L. Pereira "A New Species of the Loricariid Catfish Genus Loricariichthys (Teleostei: Siluriformes) from Eastern Brazil," Ichthyology & Herpetology 109(2), 557-566, (14 July 2021). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2020013
Received: 27 January 2020; Accepted: 17 January 2021; Published: 14 July 2021

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This is a joint event organised in partnership with the British Killifish Association, the British Cichlid Association and our sister association the Fancy Guppies UK.

This is promising to be the best show you will attend this year

Tickets can be purchased through the link, please allow time for the booking page to load. https://killis.org.uk/wp/fishkeeping-extravaganza-2021

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Moenkhausia andrica (Characiformes: Characidae): a new species from the rio Tapajós basin, Brazil, with minute fin hooklets in females

Lais Reia, Claudio Oliveira, Ricardo C. Benine
First published: 14 July 2021

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14847This article has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Fish Biology and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/jfb.14847.

AbstractA new species of Moenkhausia is described from the upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Brazil. It is distinguished from all congeners by the presence of minute bony hooks in all fins of both mature females and males and combination of the a prepelvic region flattened, dorsal portion of the humeral blotch extending two scales horizontally and vertically, lateral line with 28 to 32 scales, five scale series above and below lateral line; circumpeduncular scales 13−14, anal-fin rays 16−19, and dorsal portion of eyes blue in live specimens. The new species is also supported by high divergence in the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Discussions on the presence of minute fin bony hooks in both females and males, population variations, and late development of the lateral line in Moenkhausia andrica are provided.

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Badis kaladanensis, a new fish species (Teleostei: Badidae) from Mizoram, northeast India
Lal Ramliana,
Samuel Lalronunga,
Mahender Singh

Published: July 28, 2021
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246466

Abstract

Badis kaladanensis, a new percoid fish is described from the Kaladan basin of Mizoram, northeast India. It belongs to the Badis badis species group but can be easily distinguished from its congeners, except from B. kanabos and B. tuivaiei, in having a dark blotch on the dorsal fin between the base of 3rd to 5th spines. It is further distinguished from B. kanabos in having more scales in lateral row (27–30 vs. 25–26), more circumpeduncular scale rows (18–20 vs. 16–17) and smaller eye (7.5–8.9% SL vs. 9.5–12.7); and from B. tuivaiei in having fewer vertebrae (28–29 vs. 30–31) and more rakers on the first gill arch (9 vs. 6–8). The analysis of the mitochondrial DNA (coi and cytb) revealed the distinctness of B. kaladanensis from all other Badis species with the interspecific distance ranges from 5.4–20.4%. (coi) and 5.1–26.3% (cytb).

For full report go to :-doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246466

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Zoologischer Anzeiger Volume 294, September 2021, Pages 39-49
Oxynoemacheilus fatsaensis, a new nemacheilid loach from the Elekçi Stream in Northern Anatolia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)Author links open overlay panelSerkanSayguna SevanAğdamarb MüfitÖzuluğc

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2021.07.011 Get rights and contentAbstractWe report a new species, Oxynoemacheilus fatsaensis, from the Elekçi Stream, a small stream that flows to the Black Sea in Northern Turkey. It is distinguished from other Oxynoemacheilus species in the Black Sea, Upper Euphrates, and Kura-Aras River basins by having a suborbital groove in males, an axillary lobe at the pelvic-fin base, no dorsal adipose crest on the caudal peduncle, a deeply emarginate caudal fin, small inner and outer rostral barbels, and mottled flank pattern. Molecular data suggest that the new species is separated by a minimum p-distance of 3.3% from O. banarescui in the mitochondrial DNA COI barcode region.

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A new species of nine-spined stickleback, Pungitius modestus (Gasterosteiformes, Gasterosteidae), from northern Honshu, Japan

GASTEROSTEIDAENINE-SPINED STICKLEBACKNEW SPECIESYAMAGATA PREFECTURENORTHERN JAPANPISCES

AbstractA new species of nine-spined stickleback, Pungitius modestus, is described based on the holotype and 17 paratypes (38.7–51.7 mm standard length) collected from the inland area of Yamagata Prefecture, northern Honshu, Japan. The new species is distinguished from the other species of Pungitius by the following combination of characters: 30–32 small unconnected lateral plates; dorsal-fin rays VIII–X (usually IX)+9–11; anal-fin rays 7–10 (usually 8); pectoral-fin rays 10; a short spiny dorsal fin base (26.5%–29.8% SL); the first spiny dorsal fin spine behind the pectoral-fin base; a long pre-anal fin (59.9%–67.4% SL); the anal-fin spine below the 1st–3rd dorsal-fin rays; a short pelvic-fin spine (6.3%–9.1% SL); a short anal-fin spine (4.1%–6.0% SL); a long caudal peduncle (14.3%–19.7% SL); no body markings; membranes of the dorsal-fin spines dark brown with black pigments; the entire male body, and soft dorsal and anal fins, becoming black in the breeding season; the anteroventral process of the ectocoracoid present; and the dorsal extension of the ascending process of the pelvis level with the dorsal-most actinost.
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14 July 2021

A New Species of the Loricariid Catfish Genus Loricariichthys (Teleostei: Siluriformes) from Eastern Brazil.( Loricarichthys melanurus)
Roberto E. Reis, Fábio Vieira, Edson H. L. Pereira
Author Affiliations +
Ichthyology & Herpetology, 109(2):557-566 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2020013

AbstractA new species of Loricariichthys is described from the Rio Itabapoana and Rio Itapemirim basins, two small, adjacent, yet independent, coastal drainages in south Espírito Santo State. Loricariichthys melanurus, new species, is distinguished from most congeners by the anterior margin of abdominal plates falling at or slightly ahead of the transverse line between the pectoral-fin spines, not reaching the level of the lower end of the gill slits, further on other features of external morphology. The new species can be differentiated from L. castaneus, the most similar and geographically closest species, by the possession of a conspicuous black marginal band at the distal portion of middle and lower caudal-fin rays and a darkened distal half of dorsal fin, which are absent in the former. Samples analyzed of the two species have a COI pairwise genetic distance of 4.6%. The paleodrainage reconstruction inferred for a sea-level-retreat of maximum glacial period of the Pleistocene suggests that neither the Itabapoana and Itapemirim Rivers, nor the other coastal rivers of eastern Brazil, where L. castaneus occurs, have been in contact during this period.

© 2021 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
Citation Download Citation
Roberto E. Reis, Fábio Vieira, and Edson H. L. Pereira "A New Species of the Loricariid Catfish Genus Loricariichthys (Teleostei: Siluriformes) from Eastern Brazil," Ichthyology & Herpetology 109(2), 557-566, (14 July 2021). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2020013
Received: 27 January 2020; Accepted: 17 January 2021; Published: 14 July 202114 July 2021

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Hypostomus hermanni redescription and a new species Hypostomus robertsoni (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil

Angelica Corrêa Dias1 , and Cláudio Henrique Zawadzki2
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C5821725-E2DE-4258-80EB-7538804B4F14
PDF: EN XML: EN | Cite this article
Abstract

A redescription of Hypostomus hermanni is presented herein along with the description of a new species of Hypostomus, which is apparently endemic to the Ivaí River basin, a tributary of the Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil. Hypostomus hermanni is diagnosed from congeners mainly by having: usually large black blotches on body and fins; absence of keels on compound pterotic, on pre-dorsal plates, and on lateral series of bony plates; by having parieto-supraoccipital and predorsal region flat; and by having less than 46 teeth per each premaxilla or dentary ramus. The new species is distinguished from congeners mainly for lacking conspicuous blotches, parieto-supraoccipital non-carinate, and villiform bicuspid teeth.
Keywords: Armored catfishes, Hypostomini, Hypostominae, Neotropical fishes, Taxonomy.
IntroductionHypostomus Lacepède, 1803 is the richest genus of the subfamily Hypostominae, comprising about 140 valid species (Zawadzki et al., 2018) as well as the second largest genus within Siluriformes. Besides that, Hypostomus is one of the most diverse and complex genera of South American catfishes (Carvalho et al., 2010; Tencatt et al., 2014). Its representatives are mainly differentiated from other Hypostominae genera by lacking a strong eversible operculum, unexposed scapular bridge, and oval-shaped caudal peduncle (Weber, 2003). The same author suggested that through morphological and molecular shreds of evidence, one-third of the species of the genus were not yet described. Despite some recent descriptions of new species (Oliveira et al., 2020; Zawadzki et al., 2020), this scenario has not been substantially changed. Additionally, to the high diversity of Hypostomus, the briefness of the descriptions from the former centuries allied to the absence of knowledge of the distribution patterns of each species lead to a common high amount of misidentifications in literature, museums, and conservation status lists.
Ihering (1905) presented the original description of Hypostomus hermanni as Plecostomus hermanni, from the Piracicaba River, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, based solely on the analysis of the holotype, which was reported to have 240 mm in total length. In the original description, he reported traces of dark blotches on the upper surface of the head; however, he did not cite blotches being present on trunk or fins. The author also mentioned the dorsal fin with the posterior part of each interradial membrane dusky. Other important remarks of Ihering’s description was “snout moderately narrowed anteriorly; supraorbital edges not raised; parieto-supraoccipital nearly flat; temporal plates (compound pterotic) not carinate; scutes spinulose, not carinate; and a lower surface of head and abdomen in great part covered with small granular scales, with a naked area at the base of each ventral” (Ihering, 1905:560). However, the actual differentiation of H. hermanni from other congeners is commonly hampered by the relatively great ontogenetic and interspecific variation found in several species of the genus. Limits of a species sometimes superpose the limits of other species of the genus.
This scenario is especially seen in the Upper La Plata River basin. Some ancestral lineages of Hypostomus may have migrated to the basin to find an area relatively free from the competition of Amazonian algivorous/detritivorous fishes and this allowed them to experience adaptive radiation (Silva et al.,2016). Therefore, the high species diversity creates great difficulty for most ichthyologists to identify species of Hypostomus in this basin. Then, as important as revealing the new species, redescriptions with emphasis on the morphological variability along the distribution area of each valid species from the La Plata River basin are needed.
Herein, a redescription of H. hermanni is provided based on the analysis of the holotype, and based on the analysis of a great amount of recently collect material of H. hermanni including some specimens from its type-locality, the Piracicaba River. A morphologically similar species to H. hermanni was also found. This species seems to be restricted to Ivaí River basin, a subbasin of the Upper Paraná River basin. This new species, which is syntopic to H. hermanni in the Ivaí River, is described in the present work.
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A new reefgoby, Priolepis duostella (Perciformes: Gobiidae) collected from off Kashiwa-jima Island, Kochi, Japan

Ichthyological Research (2021)Cite this article

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AbstractPriolepis duostella sp. nov. (Perciformes: Gobiidae) is described based on a single specimen of 28.8 mm in standard length collected from an artificial reef released established for 2.5 years in ca. 100 m depth off Kashiwa-jima Island, Kochi, southern Japan. Within the three species grades of the genus, the new species is included in the “Priolepis profunda” grade, characterized by the presence of predorsal scales and well-developed transverse papillae rows on the cheek. The new species can be clearly distinguished from congeners by its distinctive coloration, including two black blotches, each crossed by a vertical white stripe, on the caudal fin, four white stripes on the head, and six white bars on body, the second bar curved, continuous with the anteriormost diagonal stripe on the first dorsal fin, the third bar bent at the middle, originating on the second dorsal-fin origin, and the fourth bar curved. Although most similar in coloration to Priolepis akihitoi Hoese and Larson 2010, the new species can be distinguished from the latter by the following: a large eye, its diameter 31.4% of head length (HL) (vs. 26.1–30.3), a wide interorbital space, its width 10.9% HL (vs. 5.3–7.8), six bars on the body, second to fourth curve or bent (vs. eight, all straight), black blotches on the lower caudal fin (vs. absent), and three anterior transverse interorbital papillae (ATI) (vs. one or two); and four or five posterior transverse interorbital papillae (PTI) (vs. one or two).
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Diversity of Loricariidae (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes) assemblages in two Conservation Areas of the Middle Xingu River, Brazilian Amazon, and their suitability for sustainable ornamental fisheries
Maria Dayanne Lima de Lucena1 , Tatiana da Silva Pereira1, 2 Alany Pedrosa Gonçalves3 Karina Dias Silva1, 2 and Leandro Melo de Sousa1, 2, 4
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Abstract

The Xingu River has one of the most diverse fish faunas in the Amazon region. Loricariidae stands out as the most diverse family in the basin, comprising more than 60 species distributed over 26 genera. Species of Loricariidae are some of the most economically valued in the ornamental market worldwide. The loss of fishing environments in Altamira region due to dam impacts is driving a shift of ornamental fishing to areas upstream, among which are included the Xingu River and Iriri River Extractive Reserve Areas. Thus, the objective of this work was to inventory fish species with ornamental potential in these extractive reserves to serve as a baseline to help guide the future management of ornamental fishing in those areas. Thirty-two species of Loricariidae were collected in these reserves through either free diving or diving with compressed air. The composition of species varied according to the sampling method and area. The majority of species found in the reserves are also found in the impacted areas of Belo Monte near Altamira. The study areas showed high diversity of fish species in rapids environments, suggesting that this area could serve as an additional source of income for the residents of these reserves.
Keywords: Conservation units, Fish diversity, Ornamental fishery, Sustainable management.
IntroductionThe Xingu River is notable for being the fourth biggest tributary in the Amazon Basin (Goulding et al., 2003) and having the most extensive network of rapids in the world (Sawakuchi et al., 2015). The richness of Xingu fishes is among the highest in the Amazon region, comprising approximately 502 species in the entire basin (Dagosta, de Pinna, 2019); 50 of which are endemic to the Xingu (Zuanon, 1999; Sabaj-Pérez, 2015).
Among the Xingu’s fishes, Loricariidae is one of the most diverse families, accounting for 60 species belonging to 26 genera (Camargo et al., 2012; Camargo et al., 2013), inhabiting the myriad rocky rapids, channels, islands, and different substrate matrices. Some Loricariidae species in the region are among the most important in the ornamental fish market; according to Araújo (2016), it is the group that attracts the most commercial interest in the region, being an important source of income for local fishermen.
Due to combinations of overharvesting for the ornamental fish trade and habitat destruction, some species of Loricariidae have become threatened (Batista et al., 2004; Roman, 2011). A complete understanding of the conservation status of many of the discussed species, though, is hindered by the fact that many species and/or phenotypically and genetically distinct populations have still not been described taxonomically and are poorly understood both biologically and ecologically. As a result, it has not been possible to establish guidelines for managing these economic resources (Torres et al., 2008).
The ornamental fish fishery in the Xingu River basin began in the late 1980s, when unemployed dredge miners started to use their diving equipment to capture fish associated to the bottom (Barthem, 2001). The ornamental fisheries on the Xingu River is focused mainly on Loricariidae, supported by the high species richness of this family on the basin (more than 60 species) and great demand for this family in the international aquarium market (Prang, 2007; Ramos et. al., 2015; Araújo et al., 2017). Prior to the implementation of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), the Xingu River Basin ornamental Loricariidae fishery extended from the mouth of Xingu River, at Porto de Moz, upstream to São Félix do Xingu in the middle Xingu River, in addition to the lower stretch of the Iriri River. Historically, the highest concentration of ornamental fishing was in the region of the Volta Grande do Xingu, near the city of Altamira. According to several studies as well as fishermen observations, loricariid diversity in the Xingu region has already been impacted by the completion and operation of the Belo Monte HPP. Many environments, including rapids, deeper channels, and floodplain habitats are being lost, and previously clean substrates required by loricariids are being covered in silt and sediment (Sabaj-Pérez, 2015; Sawakuchi et al., 2015; Lees et al., 2016).
The especially severe impact of Belo Monte on habitats from which ornamental fishes were collected in the Altamira region is forcing the ornamental fisheries to relocate upstream. According to de Francesco, Carneiro (2015), fisheries areas have already been displaced to further upstream from the main dam, causing territorial conflicts among fishermen. This situation, as well as an increase in local demand, are pushing fishermen into some Sustainable Use Conservation Areas (CA), specifically those upstream of the area affected by Belo Monte. Studies performed in two extractive reserves (RESEX in Portuguese) of the Xingu and Iriri Rivers have reported that residents and officials in these regions are concerned about the increased extractive pressure inside the reserves, specially by non-residents (ICMBio, 2010, 2012). The collection and commerce of natural goods on Sustainable Use Conservation Areas can be allowed, since management plans have been settled between the residents and the official regulatory agencies (Brasil, 2011). These plans are proven to be a good way to preserve a given area, as the local residents control who can or cannot harvest in the reserve. A mandatory step to begin the management plan discussions is to have a list of the species of the area. As such, the objective of this study was to inventory species of Loricariidae in the Xingu and Iriri River RESEXes. Although not a major study goal, we also explored potential influences of methods of collection and differences among Loricariidae composition on the two protected areas. This study thus establishes a baseline for further studies of the sustainable extraction of ornamental fishes in the in the Xingu and Iriri River RESEXes.

Material and methodsSampling sites. This research was undertaken in two Sustainable Use Conservation Areas (CA), both located in the Terra do Meio region, an area consisting of various protected areas between the Xingu and Iriri Rivers in the state of Pará, Brazil (Fig. 1). This region exhibits enormous environmental and social diversity and holds significant importance with respect to cultural heritage due to the presence of extractive, river-dependent, and indigenous populations (ICMBio, 2012).
Located in Pará, in the north of the Xingu River Basin, the Iriri River RESEX was established by Brazilian Federal Decree on June 5, 2006. It consists of roughly 398,000 hectares and has 285 residents, according to 2009 census (ICMBio, 2010).
The Xingu River RESEX is also located in Pará and was created by Brazilian Federal Decree on June 5, 2008. It has an area of approximately 303,841 hectares and 298 residents as of August 2011 (ICMBio, 2012).
The Iriri and the Xingu rivers drain the Brazilian Shield and are considered clear water rivers with rocky bottom and similar water parameters: pH 6.5-7.2, conductivity 20 µS, visibility varying from 0 (rainy season) to 3 m (dry season). The Iriri River at most parts is shallower than the Xingu River, leading to warmer temperatures (up to average 34°C compared to 32°C of Xingu in dry season).
Data collection and analysis. The collection and use of animals complied with Brazilian animal welfare laws, guidelines and policies as approved by SISBIO License #52313-1. Fishes were collected in 2016 over two different periods: the rainy season (January and February), and the dry season (August and September). The collections alternated between the reserves and lasted 17 days each; as such, there were two expeditions to each RESEX. Field collections were focused on the family Loricariidae, given its relevance to the fishermen of this region due to the high prices of these fishes on the ornamental market.

FIGURE 1 | Map of the collection areas in the Xingu and Iriri River Extractive Reserves.
The first collections took place in the rainy season. In every locality, two local fishermen collected ornamental fishes, using cast nets and compressed-air diving equipment. A total of 39 points were sampled in the Iriri RESEX and 40 in the Xingu RESEX in the rainy season. In the dry season, fishes were collected by free diving, with only cast nets and “vaquetas” (a wooden stick instrument, produced by the fishermen). Collections were performed by local fishermen who were at liberty to choose their collection points, thereby prioritizing local ecological knowledge. In the dry season, 14 and 23 points were sampled in the Iriri and Xingu River RESEXes, respectively.
Although collection methods differed between seasons, all dives were conducted in environments with rocky substrates and were standardized by time. Most dives lasted about one hour.
In the rainy season, collected fishes were packed in plastic bags, separated by sample, tagged, and afterward euthanised with clove oil and fixed in a 10% formaldehyde solution. In the dry season, most fishes were sorted and identified while still in the field, then released afterward. Some specimens were sacrificed and processed as in the rainy season. All voucher specimens are deposited at Laboratório de Ictiologia de Altamira (LIA) fish collection of the Federal University of Pará, Altamira Campus.
In the laboratory, fishes were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. Identifications were based on specific literature sources; whenever necessary, specialists for each group were consulted. The L-number code (a parataxonomical system coined by German magazine Deutsche Aquarien- und Terrarien-Zeitschrift – DATZ) was utilized to refer to undescribed morphospecies in some cases. Afterward, samples were separated into groups (for species and sample point), transferred to 70% alcohol, and catalogued.
In order to evaluate the specificity and fidelity of each species for each RESEX, an indicator value (IndVal) was calculated (Dufrêne, Legendre, 1997), with values varying from 0 to 100, where numbers closest to 100 meaning more specificity and fidelity to each variable.
After evaluating whether the composition of the species varied based on the collection method, a Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) was performed (Anderson, 2001), using a significance threshold of p = 0.05. An independent sample t-test was used to test for differences in the richness of the collected species by location and different collection methods utilized. To test for differences in species composition on the two reserves, a permutational multivariate dispersion test (PERMDISP) and a PERMANOVA were performed (Anderson, 2001), using a significance threshold of p = 0.05. In order to graphically visualize the differences in species composition, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed (Legendre, Legendre, 2012); a Hellinger transformation was overlaid using a Decostand function, in order to remove the arch effect in biotic communities (Legendre, Gallagher, 2001). All analyses were performed in the program R, using the packages Indcspecies (IndVal), Vegan with Adonis and Bray Curtis method (PERMANOVA), Betadisper (PERMDISP), and RDA (composition PCA) functions (R Core Team, 2016).

Results
In total, 6,059 individual fishes were collected, of which 3,232 were preserved and deposited in the LIA fish collection. The remaining fishes were returned alive to where they were collected as described above. The collected samples were assigned to 32 species or morphotypes of Loricariidae (Tab. 1).
TABLE 1 | List of registered species and number of collected specimens in the Xingu and Iriri River RESEXes.
Species/morphospecies
Voucher
Iriri River RESEX
Xingu River RESEX
Total

Rainy season
Dry season
Rainy season
Dry season
Ancistomus feldbergae (de Oliveira, Rapp Py-Daniel, Zuanon & Rocha, 2012)
LIA 6226
174
116

4
294

Ancistrus cf. ranunculus Muller, Rapp Py-Daniel & Zuanon, 1994 (L255)
LIA 3780

174
9
183

Ancistrus ranunculus Muller, Rapp Py-Daniel & Zuanon, 1994
LIA 3541
34
1

35

Ancistrus sp.1
LIA 3810

2

2

Ancistrus sp.2
LIA 6186
25

1
1
27

Ancistrus sp.3
LIA 3468
34
5
13
4
56

Ancistrus sp.4
LIA 3494
8

8

Ancistrus sp.5
LIA 6019

3
3

Ancistrus sp.6
LIA 3996

2

2

Aphanotorulus aff. emarginatus (Valenciennes, 1840)
LIA 3470
15

1
2
18

Baryancistrus aff. niveatus (Castelnau, 1855)
LIA 3562
45

15
3
63

Baryancistrus chrysolomus Rapp Py-Daniel, Zuanon & Ribeiro de Oliveira, 2011
LIA 3881
1

17
24
42

Baryancistrus xanthellus Rapp Py-Daniel, Zuanon & Ribeiro de Oliveira, 2011
LIA 3483
385
1087
33
522
2027

Farlowella amazonum (Günther, 1864)
LIA 6007
1
2

4
7

Hopliancistrus wolverine de Oliveira, Zuanon, Rapp Py-Daniel, Birindelli, & Sousa, 2021
LIA 3870
6
7
8
8
29

Hopliancistrus xikrin de Oliveira, Zuanon, Rapp Py-Daniel, Birindelli & Sousa, 2021
LIA 3495
4

1

5

Hypostomus gr. cochliodon Kner, 1854
LIA 6159

1
1

Hypostomus gr. plecostomus (Linnaeus, 1758)
LIA 3676
7
1
4

12

Leporacanthicus heterodon Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1989
LIA 3591
3
22

8
33

Panaque armbrusteri Lujan, Hidalgo & Stewart, 2010
LIA 6000
1
1

1
3

Parancistrus aurantiacus (Castelnau, 1855)
LIA 3515
205
61
235
103
604

Peckoltia sabaji Armbruster, 2003
LIA 3887
11

8
29
48

Peckoltia vittata (Steindachner, 1881)
LIA 3905
10

4
7
21

Pseudacanthicus pirarara Chamon & Sousa, 2016
LIA 3613
9
16
2
2
29

Pseudancistrus asurini Silva, Roxo & Oliveira, 2015
LIA 3612
21
30
35
60
146

Rineloricaria sp.
LIA 2555

1

1

Scobinancistrus aureatus Burgess, 1994
LIA 3627
6
19

22
47

Scobinancistrus pariolispos Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1989
LIA 3646
10
5
10
27
52

Scobinancistrus sp. L253
LIA 6040
8
7
1
22
38

Spatuloricaria tuira Fichberg, Oyakawa & de Pinna, 2014
LIA 3696
4
26
3
68
101

Spectracanthicus punctatissimus (Steindachner, 1881)
LIA 3476
377
166
86
395
1024

Spectracanthicus zuanoni Chamon & Rapp Py-Daniel, 2014
LIA 3505
191
86
280
541
1098

Overall Total

1595
1659
935
1870
6059

Out of the total, 24 species were found in both RESEXes, whereas only 3 and 5 were exclusive to the Iriri and Xingu River RESEXes, respectively (Fig. 2).
When comparing the two sampling methods, eleven species presented significant IndVal values for free diving (by apnea) while two species for air compressed diving (Tab. 2).
When taking into account drainage in the RESEXes, A. feldbergae, P. pirarara, A. ranunculus, and Ancistrus sp.4 were more representative of the Iriri River RESEX, reaching IndVal values of 85.3, 48.2, 30.7 and 30.7, respectively. On the other hand, the species that best represented the Xingu River RESEX were Ancistrus cf. ranunculus L255, P. sabaji, and B. chrysolomus, with values of up to 64.8, 40.9, and 33.1, respectively (Tab. 3).
In relation to the richness of the species, there were significant differences between the samples, both based on free diving (x = 8.48) and diving with compressed air (x = 5.71). On average, there was more variation when comparing the richness of three species using the free diving method (t = 5.88, df = 113, p < 0.01). However, species richness didn’t vary significantly between the reserves (t = 1.311, df = 113, p = 0.09).
The composition of species changed depending on the method of capture (R² = 0.09; p < 0.01) (Fig. 3). Ancistrus sp.5, Hypostomus gr. cochliodon, Rineloricaria sp. were only collected by free diving, whereas the Ancistrus sp.1, Ancistrus sp.4, Ancistrus sp.6, and Hopliancistrus xikrin were only collected using compressed-air diving equipment.

FIGURE 2 | Venn diagram showing the compositions of the Loricariidae species found in both extractive reserves.
TABLE 2 | Indicator value (IndVal) of the species for different sampling methods.
Species
Sampling method
IndVal
Mean
SD
p

Baryancistrus xanthellus
Free diving
90.4
17.62
3.28
0.0002

Spatuloricaria tuira
Free diving
80.8
0.86
2.34
0.0002

Pseudancistrus asurini
Free diving
73.7
1.26
1.97
0.0002

Scobinancistrus aureatus
Free diving
59.5
0.40
1.36
0.0002

Scobinancistrus pariolispos
Free diving
52.1
0.45
1.15
0.0036

Scobinancistrus sp. L253
Free diving
51.0
0.33
1.12
0.0016

Leporacanthicus heterodon
Free diving
50.8
0.28
1.41
0.0008

Pseudacanthicus pirarara
Free diving
45.8
0.25
0.77
0.0124

Peckoltia sabaji
Free diving
45.4
0.41
1.44
0.0064

Hopliancistrus wolverine
Free diving
43.3
0.25
0.66
0.0278

Farlowella amazonum
Free diving
35.4
0.06
0.27
0.0116

Baryancistrus aff. niveatus
Air Compressor
60.9
0.54
1.06
0.0004

Ancistrus cf. ranunculus L255
Air Compressor
50.4
1.59
4.05
0.0124

TABLE 3 | Indicator values (IndVal) of the species, taking into account drainage in the Xingu and Iriri River RESEXes.
Species
RESEX
IndVal
Mean
SD
p

Ancistomus feldbergae
Iriri
85.3
2.55
5.29
0.0002

Pseudacanthicus pirarara
Iriri
48.2
0.25
0.77
0.0010

Ancistrus ranunculus
Iriri
30.7
0.30
1.94
0.0234

Ancistrus sp.4
Iriri
30.7
0.06
0.34
0.0190

Ancistrus cf. ranunculus L255
Xingu
64.8
1.59
4.05
0.0002

Peckoltia sabaji
Xingu
40.9
0.41
1.44
0.0267

Baryancistrus chrysolomus
Xingu
33.1
0.36
2.35
0.0380

FIGURE 3 | Principal component analysis (PCA) for composition of ornamental fish species based on the method of capture (Hellinger transformation), considering the two extractive reserves.

FIGURE 4 | Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of fish composition in the drainages of both the Xingu and Iriri River RESEXes (Hellinger transformation). Only species names that made greatest contributions to compositional differences are shown.
The PERMDISP showed that the variation in composition within the reserves does not differ (F = 0.002; p = 0.974). However, the PERMANOVA analysis showed that the species composition was significantly different between the reserves (F = 10.381; p < 0.001). Spectracanthicus punctatissimus, B. xanthellus, and A. feldbergae from the Iriri River RESEX and Parancistrus aurantiacus, Ancistrus. cf. ranunculus L255 and S. zuanoni from the Xingu River RESEX made the greatest contributions to compositional differences found between the two reserves (Fig. 4).
DiscussionAccording to Herbert et al. (2010), freshwater biodiversity in protected areas in Brazil is still poorly understood, with very few studies addressing these areas. Until now, no research had been completed on the ichthyofauna of the Conservation Areas of Middle Xingu. Management plans for these CAs currently lack data on the diversity and richness of the ichthyofauna in rapids environments. However, they do contain statements from fishermen that ornamental fish species richness is high in the area, and that these species were regularly captured in these areas before the reserves were created (ICMBio, 2010, 2012).
In this study, 32 Loricariidae species were captured across the two reserves. This value represents approximately 60% of the total Loricariidae species already registered in the Xingu River Basin (Sabaj-Pérez, 2015). The majority of species found in both CAs are also found downstream in the Volta Grande area, which nowadays are experiencing severe alterations from the Belo Monte hydroelectric complex. Some species, however, are unique to the reserves, like Ancistrus cf. ranunculus L255, Ancistrus sp.2, Ancistrus sp.5, and Ancistrus sp.6. A study performed in the Madeira River indicated a diverse environment of 71 Loricariidae species (Torrente-Vilara et al., 2013). Meanwhile, Anjos et al. (2008), identified Loricariidae as the second richest family, at 11 total species, in a compositional study of fishes in the upper Purus River, specifically in two tributaries, the Caeté and Macapá rivers, in the state of Acre, Brazil. Ferreira et al. (2011) came to the same conclusion after recording 23 species in a survey of the Araguaia River, in Cantão State Park in Tocantins, near the border with Pará.
Of all the species in this study, 8 were registered for only one reserve or the other, with 3 for the Iriri River RESEX and 5 for the Xingu River RESEX. This fact highlights the importance of creating multiple conservation areas in sub-basins that are near each other, as not all species of a given region can be found in just one CA.
Few of the exclusive species have been taxonomically named yet, the majority of which might be new species without any scientific record. This precludes inferences on endemicity of these species to this region, but it does indicate the need to continue studying the area. However, given that the CAs are in different sub-basins, some of the species could, in fact, be exclusive to one reserve or the other. The Xingu River is known for its high rates of endemism (Sabaj-Pérez, 2015; Sawakuchi et al., 2015; Winemiller et al., 2016; Dagosta, de Pinna, 2019; Jézéquel et al., 2020). For example, Ancistrus cf. ranunculus L255 was collected only in the Xingu River RESEX, thereby reinforcing the results from previous, unpublished research that showed that this species has a limited distribution in the Xingu River upstream from its confluence with the Iriri River.
Despite of the strong selectivity towards Loricariidae during all sampling sessions, the composition of the captured species varies depending on the method used. According to Carvalho Júnior et al. (2009), diving with an air compressor allows for the capture of species that live at greater depths, regardless of the time of year. In addition, this method provides more diving time, which could lead to a greater number of collected species. Meanwhile, free diving allows for capturing species in shallower environments; these are performed preferentially in dry periods (Mesquita, Isaac-Nahum, 2015).
Contrary to what fishermen commonly argue, our study found a greater richness of species captured through free diving compared to compressed air dives. In this case, other factors might have impacted our results. For example, the free divers were residents of the area, meaning that they knew the region, whereas those who dived using compressed air were not from the reserves, but were knowledgeable, experienced fishermen who were selected due to their skills in diving with a compressor in another areas. In addition, the seasonal bias needs also to be accounted. Free diving was conducted mainly in the dry season and compressed air diving in the rainy season. Espírito-Santo et al. (2009) studied the Ducke Reserve, near the city of Manaus, Amazonas, and found that fish species richness and numbers of individuals captured were greater in the dry season, with a different composition and abundance observed depending on the season. Such results can also be found when considering river seasonality (Copatti et al., 2009). The rapids portions of the Xingu River diminish during dry periods, thereby comparably affecting the habitats of the studied species. This might lead to a greater abundance and richness of species concentrated in a smaller area. That being said, Loricariidae species are dependent on the substrate, given that all their food sources are from the flora and fauna found in this habitat (Reis et al., 2003; Lujan et al., 2012). Collection conditions in the rainy season are worse: the transparency of the water is severally reduced and because the capture of loricariids while diving is mostly visual, collections are negatively affected during this period. However, the comparison of efficiency of each sampling method was not a major goal of this study design and we suggest that a proper comparison (with delimited number of sampling and replicates by each method) should be the goal of a future study.
The reserves are located on different rivers, each one having a myriad of rapids and backwaters of their own, serving as geographical barriers that might limit migration and promote speciation. These geographical barriers, according to Silva et al. (2016), could be an important factor in determining the composition of the ichthyofauna. The Iriri River has a complex regional slope, in addition to the significant variations in water level across seasons (ICMBio, 2010). Furthermore, the Xingu River has morphological characteristics and a substrate composition that fundamentally affects its aquatic ecology and biodiversity (Sawakuchi et al., 2015). These local structural characteristics work together with regional and historical factors in determining how fish species congregate, meaning that different habitats can lead to different combinations (Súarez, 2008).
Furthermore, this study identified several species that are classified as vulnerable by the Brazil Red Book of Threatened Species of Fauna, such as S. aureatus and S. pariolispos (ICMBio, 2018). The presence of these species in protected areas demonstrates the importance of conducting an inventory of ichthyofauna such as the one we conducted here. Information about diversity of an area is required to make qualified decisions about the management of natural areas (Silveira et al., 2010). The detection of Scobinancistrus aureatus in the Iriri River RESEX is very interesting, as previous research had restricted its distribution to the middle and lower portions of the Xingu River (Camargo et al., 2004), and the species had only been found between Cachoeira do Espelho and the rapids of Belo Monte (Camargo et al., 2013). As such, this observation considerably increases the known distribution of this species and can contribute to new discussions about its conservation status.
Of the 32 Loricariidae species that were inventoried, 16 are already being sold in the ornamental market, with local market prices ranging from 0.20 to 100.00 Brazilian Reais per animal (Araújo, 2016), or 0.08 to 40.00 USD on 2015 currency. Nevertheless, few species fall in the higher part of this range (Gonçalves et al., 2009; Camargo et al., 2012). The environmental changes resulting from the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Plant have negatively affected many fishing areas that are important in the Volta Grande region and that sustained the ornamental fish market in Altamira and the region for decades. This loss of fishing areas near Altamira city is increasing the fishing pressures in protected areas upstream, with the RESEX regions being a new alternative for ornamental fisheries. However, these actions need to be closely monitored and a Management Plan must be created to regulate the use of the natural resources inside the reserves. The use of protected areas by non-resident fishermen can generate escalating conflicts and the reserve’s residents are seeking regulations that protect their rights to the use of this resource. We recommend that fishing areas should be delimited with participation of local villagers and be rotated to avoid overfishing inside the reserves. Exploitation of fisheries resources in the reserve areas should be for the residents only.
The income of the residents of these reserves is based on forest products, like Brazil nuts, latex, and fish for human consumption, among other goods. These products have a strong seasonal availability. Brazil nut, for example, are harvested during the rainy season, whereas fishing for food is more common in the dry season. Ornamental fishing could be another option to complement the incomes of the families who live in the reserves. Nonetheless, additional biological and ecological research is necessary, so that the life history and population dynamics of species within these CAs can be understood. This would allow these species to be managed sustainably, with as little an impact as possible on the fish population of the rapids of the region.
Protected areas have been a pillar of conservation throughout the world. However, their effectiveness and importance have not been adequately evaluated (Gaston et al., 2008). Our results contribute to the understanding of the extent to which protected areas could be essential to maintaining the ichthyofauna of the Xingu region, thereby, reinforcing the importance of creating different protected areas throughout the basin. Such reserves could help preserve the regions distinctive ichthyofauna by maintaining the species in these environments. Inventories such as conducted by this study are needed to provide a baseline understanding of diverse natural resources and help guide the development, delimitation, and management of Conservation Areas to protect those resources.

Acknowledgments
We thank the Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio) for their logistical and financial support during the sample collection process the Fundação Amazônia de Amparo a Estudos e Pesquisas (FAPESPA) for the master’s scholarship funding. In addition, we ackonwledge Paulo Trindade (UFPA, Belém), Nayana Marques (INPA), Madoka Ito (INPA), and Douglas Bastos (INPA) for their contributions to the collection process. The expeditions were partially financed by Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq 486376/2013-3). Finally, many thanks to the fishermen for their willingness to help collect the specimens and, finally, to the residents of the extractive reserves for welcoming us into their homes.
Diversity of Loricariidae (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes) assemblages in two Conservation Areas of the Middle Xingu River, Brazilian Amazon, and their suitability for sustainable ornamental fisheries
Maria Dayanne Lima de Lucena1 , Tatiana da Silva Pereira1, 2 Alany Pedrosa Gonçalves3 Karina Dias Silva1, 2 and Leandro Melo de Sousa1, 2, 4
PDF: EN XML: EN | Cite this article
Abstract

A new miniature species of Priocharax (Characiformes: Characidae) from the upper rio Ipixuna, Purus drainage, BrazilGeorge Mendes Taliaferro MattoxCamila da Silva de SouzaMônica Toledo-PizaClaudio OliveiraABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractA new species of miniature fish of the characid genus Priocharax is described from a small lake near the rio Ipixuna, rio Purus drainage, Amazonas State, Brazil. It is distinguished from all congeners except P. pygmaeus by the lower number of teeth on the maxilla and dentary. It differs from P. pygmaeus by the presence of two postcleithra and 22–27 branched anal-fin rays (vs absence and 19–22). The new species is further distinguished from other species of Priocharax by a combination of characters involving the number of pelvic-fin rays and branched anal-fin rays, the number of postcleithra, the shape of postcleithrum 3, and the absence of the claustrum. Molecular evidence based on COI sequences of all valid species of Priocharax also corroborates the validity of this new species.

Full paper at:- Neotrop. ichthyol. 19 (02) • 2021 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2021-0048

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Synanceia quinque, a new species of stonefish (Synanceiidae) from Borneo and Flores

Ichthyological Research (2021)Cite this article

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AbstractA new species of stonefish, Synanceia quinque (Synanceiidae) is described on the basis of two specimens (61.5–84.4 mm standard length) collected off Sabah (Borneo), Malaysia and Flores, Indonesia. The new species is characterized by 12 pectoral-fin rays, and is most similar to Synanceia alula Eschmeyer and Rama-Rao 1973 (11 pectoral-fin rays in the latter vs. 14 or more in other congeners). Other characters distinguishing S. quinque from S. alula include numbers of pelvic-fin rays [I, 5 in the former vs. I, 3 or 4 (usually I, 4) in the latter], gill rakers (0 + 4 or 5 vs. 0 or 1 + 7), and five preopercular spines/skin flaps (upper three spines relatively well developed, lower two rudimentary) (vs. four preopercle spines, fifth spine or skin flap absent). An updated key to species of Synanceia is provided.

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Aborichthys barapensis, a new species of river loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, the eastern Himalaya, IndiaArticle Sidebar
PDF/A HTML
Published: Jun 29, 2021
Updated: 2021-06-29
Versions:
2021-06-29 (2)
2021-06-26 (1)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.5989.13.7.18800-18808
Keywords:
Barap Stream northeastern India upper Brahmaputra River basinMain Article ContentP. Nanda
Department of Zoology
Lakpa Tamang
Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, 791112, India.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2552-062XAbstractA new species of nemachilid loach Aborichthys barapensis, is described based on two adult specimens (91 and 97 mm SL) from the Barap Stream (a tributary of the Brahmaputra River basin) in the southeastern most part of the state of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Myanmar. The new species is distinguished from its congeners in having a narrow black basicaudal bar without a black ocellus on the upper end (vs. present); and in having a very low dorsal and ventral adipose crests (vs. prominent; absent in A. waikhomi). The new species is further distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: body with 24–26 oblique bars along the flank; interspace narrower than bars on body; moderately rounded caudal fin with five distinct black to brown cross bars; vent closer to the caudal-fin base (44.1–45.1 % standard length) than to snout tip.
Article DetailsHow to Cite
Nanda, P. and Tamang, L. 2021. Aborichthys barapensis, a new species of river loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, the eastern Himalaya, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 13, 7 (Jun. 2021), 18800–18808. DOI:https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.5989.13.7.18800-18808.

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A new species of Hetereleotris (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Socotra Archipelago (north-western Indian Ocean), a rare case of a hole-associated adaptation in gobiid fishes

PISCESARABIAN SEAPHYLOGENETIC ANALYSISENDEMICSCRYPTOBENTHIC SPECIES

AbstractA new cryptobenthic gobiid species Hetereleotris nasoramosa sp. nov. is described based on the holotype and five paratypes collected from the north-eastern part of Socotra Island, Arabian Sea, from moderately large pieces of coral rocks with holes at depths of 8–11 m. Molecular phylogenetic analysis placed the new species within the genus Hetereleotris. Hetereleotris nasoramosa sp. nov., differs from all species of Hetereleotris in having developed tentacles extending from each anterior and posterior nostril and five transverse suborbital papillae rows (instead four or six in other species). The new species superficially resembles the recently described Red Sea endemic species Cerogobius petrophilus by having forward-set, elevated eyes, a short snout, a moderately large mouth, a relatively deep and short caudal peduncle, and developed tentacles on the head, but differs from it by the same characters of developed tentacles extending from each anterior and posterior nostril and five transverse suborbital papillae rows as from other Hetereleotris species. Both species also share a specific habitat preference for tight holes in rock covered by micro-algae. A full description of the species is provided as well as a revised key to the species of Hetereleotris.

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Aborichthys barapensis, a new species of river loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, the eastern Himalaya, IndiaArticle Sidebar
PDF/A HTML
Published: Jun 29, 2021
Updated: 2021-06-29
Versions:
2021-06-29 (2)
2021-06-26 (1)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.5989.13.7.18800-18808
Keywords:
Barap Stream northeastern India upper Brahmaputra River basinMain Article ContentP. Nanda
Department of Zoology
Lakpa Tamang
Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, 791112, India.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2552-062XAbstractA new species of nemachilid loach Aborichthys barapensis, is described based on two adult specimens (91 and 97 mm SL) from the Barap Stream (a tributary of the Brahmaputra River basin) in the southeastern most part of the state of Arunachal Pradesh bordering Myanmar. The new species is distinguished from its congeners in having a narrow black basicaudal bar without a black ocellus on the upper end (vs. present); and in having a very low dorsal and ventral adipose crests (vs. prominent; absent in A. waikhomi). The new species is further distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: body with 24–26 oblique bars along the flank; interspace narrower than bars on body; moderately rounded caudal fin with five distinct black to brown cross bars; vent closer to the caudal-fin base (44.1–45.1 % standard length) than to snout tip.
Article DetailsHow to Cite
Nanda, P. and Tamang, L. 2021. Aborichthys barapensis, a new species of river loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, the eastern Himalaya, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 13, 7 (Jun. 2021), 18800–18808. DOI:https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.5989.13.7.18800-18808.

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pml.ac.uk/News_and_media/News/PML_trials_pioneering_nature_based_solution_for_the_marine_plastic_crisis

PML_trials_pioneering_nature_based_solution_for_the_marine_plastic_crisis
Follow above link

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DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4996.2.6
PUBLISHED: 2021-07-05
Pseudobagarius eustictus, a new species of catfish from northern Laos (Siluriformes: Akysidae)

PISCESMEKONG RIVER DRAINAGESISOROIDEAOSTARIOPHYSI

AbstractPseudobagarius eustictus, new species, is described from the Nam Heung drainage (a tributary of the Mekong River) in northern Laos. It is distinguished from congeners in having a unique combination of the following characters: a weakly-produced snout in which the upper jaw extends only slightly beyond the margin of the lower jaw when viewed ventrally, 3 tubercles on the posterior margin of the pectoral spine, eye diameter 8% HL, head width 24.1% SL, dark yellow dorsal and lateral surfaces of the head, pectoral spine lacking elongate extensions, pectoral fin reaching the pelvic-fin base when adpressed against the body, dorsolateral surfaces of body without longitudinal series of prominent tubercles, body depth at anus 13.7% SL, length of adipose-fin base 17.7% SL, caudal-peduncle depth 7.0% SL, and 33 vertebrae.

References

Ballen, G.A. & de Pinna, M.C.C. (2021) A standardized terminology of spines in the order Siluriformes (Actinopterygii: Ostariophysi). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, zlab008. [published online] https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab008
Ferraris, C.J. (2007) Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes, Siluriformes) and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Zootaxa, 1418 (1), 1–628. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1418.1.1
Kottelat, M. (2001) Fishes of Laos. WHT Publications, Colombo, 198 pp.
Kottelat, M. (2013) The fishes of inland waters of Southeast Asia: a catalogue and core bibliography of the fishes known to occur in freshwaters, mangroves and estuaries. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement, 27, 1–663.
Ng, H.H. & Kottelat, M. (2013) Revision of the Asian catfish genus Hemibagrus Bleeker, 1862 (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Bagridae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 61, 205–291.
Sabaj, M.H. (2020) Codes for natural history collections in herpetology and ichthyology. Copeia, 108, 593–669. https://doi.org/10.1643/ASIHCODONS2020
Taki, Y. (1974) Fishes of the Lao Mekong basin. United States Agency for International Development Mission to Laos Agriculture Division, Vientiane, 232 pp.

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SUNDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2021 AT 13:00 UTC+01Catfish Study Group Show and Auction
Derwent Hall

Annual open show and auction of aquatic goods. Doors will open from 1100hrs, benching of show entries by 1230hrs, auction will start at 1300hrs. A canteen will serve hot and cold drinks and snacks. The show will be a reduced class show, further details to follow. Auction lots can be booked from 1st August and lot numbers will be drawn a week later, with initial draw preference for full CSG members. Additional details will be included on the CSG Facebook site, all arrangements subject to change depending on COVID restrictions. Show and auction will be run as per the rules of the CSG.

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Original article • Neotrop. ichthyol. 19 (02) • 2021 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2020-0152

A new species of Characidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil

Marcelo R. S. MeloBárbara B. BouquerelFlávia T. MasumotoRayane S. FrançaAndré L. Netto-FerreiraABOUT THE AUTHORS

AbstractA new species of Characidium is described from the tributaries of the rio Tocantinzinho, rio Tocantins basin, located in the southern portion of the Chapada dos Veadeiros, at about 1,200 meters of elevation, Goiás, Brazil. The new species can be diagnosed by an unusual combination of two apomorphic features present in distinct clades of Characidium, the presence of a scaleless isthmus in allied to with a single row of dentary teeth. Additionally, the new species has a unique color pattern of inconspicuous vertical bars disconnected from the dorsal midline, forming seven to nine square blotches along body sides, and the presence of a dark saddle-shaped mark at the dorsal-fin base. Osteologically, it can be diagnosed by having the first and second anal-fin proximal radials fused and contacting the third hemal spine, which is branched. The new species also has a peculiar, unusual variation of fin-ray counts among its congeners.
Keywords:
Cerrado; Characidium stigmosum; Endemism; Rio Tocantins basin; Taxonmy

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2020-0152

A new species of Characidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil

Marcelo R. S. MeloBárbara B. BouquerelFlávia T. MasumotoRayane S. FrançaAndré L. Netto-FerreiraABOUT THE AUTHORS Abstract
AbstractA new species of Characidium is described from the tributaries of the rio Tocantinzinho, rio Tocantins basin, located in the southern portion of the Chapada dos Veadeiros, at about 1,200 meters of elevation, Goiás, Brazil. The new species can be diagnosed by an unusual combination of two apomorphic features present in distinct clades of Characidium, the presence of a scaleless isthmus in allied to with a single row of dentary teeth. Additionally, the new species has a unique color pattern of inconspicuous vertical bars disconnected from the dorsal midline, forming seven to nine square blotches along body sides, and the presence of a dark saddle-shaped mark at the dorsal-fin base. Osteologically, it can be diagnosed by having the first and second anal-fin proximal radials fused and contacting the third hemal spine, which is branched. The new species also has a peculiar, unusual variation of fin-ray counts among its congeners.
Keywords:
Cerrado; Characidium stigmosum; Endemism; Rio Tocantins basin; Taxonomy

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A new psammophilous catfish of the genus Microcambeva watu
(Teleostei: Trichomycteridae) from the Rio Doce basin, southeastern Brazil.
Medeiros, Lucas S., Luisa M. Sarmento-Soares & Sergio M. Q. Lima. 2021.
Microcambeva watu Medeiros, Sarmento-Soares & Lima, 2021.
Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters/IEF-1147/pp. 1-13
http://doi.org/10.23788/IEF-1147 Note this link doesn`t work
Etymology. Watu is the Krenak’s name for the Rio Doce, meaning “sacred big river”. The Krenaks are an ethnic group that inhabits the Rio Doce region, at Aymorés, Minas Gerais State. They were named Botocudos by the Portuguese colonizers. In Krenak cosmogony, the natural elements, as rivers, mountains, trees, and caves have a mythological aspect, and one of the most important natural elements is the Watu, the Rio Doce (Reis & Genovez, 2013). This ethnic group was one of the most affected by the mining disaster in the basin in 2015 (Fiorott & Zaneti, 2017). The specific name, a noun in apposition, is in honor of the indigenous people who lives in the margins of the Rio Doce.
Fig: Microcambeva watu, MNRJ 51962, holotype, 25.7 mm SL; a, left lateral view; b, head, dorsal view; c, head,
ventral view; Brazil: Espírito Santo State, Rio Doce basin.

A new species of Moenkhausia (Characiformes: Characidae) from the rio Madeira basin, Brazil, with comments on the evolution and development of the trunk lateral line system in characids

Moenkhausia cambacica

AbstractA new species of Moenkhausia is described from the rio Machado drainage, Amazon basin, Brazil. It is diagnosed from congeners by its color pattern, consisting of the concentration of chromatophores on the anterior portion of body scales, the horizontally elongate blotch on caudal peduncle, a bright golden coloration of the dorsal portion of eye when alive, and a dark line crossing the eye horizontally. The new species has variable morphology regarding trunk lateral-line canals. Most fully grown individuals do not have enclosed bony tube in many lateral line scales, resembling early developmental stages of tube formation of other species. This paedomorphic condition is interpreted as a result of developmental truncation. Such evolutionary process may have been responsible for the presence of distinct levels of trunk lateral line reductions in small characids. Variation in this feature is common, even between the sides of the same individual. We reassert that the degree of trunk lateral-line tube development must be used with care in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies, because reductions in the laterosensory system may constitute parallel loss in the Characidae. We suggest the new species to be categorized Near Threatened due to the restricted geographical distribution and continuing decline in habitat quality.

https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2020-0118

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Corydoras bethanae • A New Arc-striped Species of Corydoras Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the Peruvian Amazon

A. Corydoras bethanae, female holotype, río Blanco, Department of Loreto, Peru.
B. Corydoras arcuatus unpreserved aquarium specimen.

Bentley, Grant & Tencatt, 2021
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4948.2.2
Researchgate.net/publication/350186091
Photos by Steven Grant & Hans-Georg Evers.

Abstract
A new Corydoras is described from the Blanco and Ucayali river basins in Peru. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by having the following features: (I) posterior margin of dorsal-fin spine with laminar serrations directed towards the origin of the spine; (II) a long, wide, arched, and continuous black stripe, which runs parallel to the dorsal profile of the body, extending at least from the region below anterior origin of dorsal fin to the anterior half of the ventral caudal-fin lobe; (III) a black stripe transversally crossing the eye, forming the typical mask-like blotch; mask clearly not fused to arched stripe in most specimens; some specimens with mask separated from arched stripe by a thin line around the suture between neurocranium (in the region composed by the posteroventral margin of parieto-supraoccipital plus the posterodorsal margin of the compound pterotic) and first dorsolateral body plate; (IV) posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with laminar serrations directed towards the origin of the spine; (V) pointed snout, presenting a long mesethmoid, with anterior tip larger than 50% of the entire length of the bone; and (V) ventral surface of trunk covered by small, non-coalescent platelets. A discussion on the possible positive adaptive value of the arc-striped color pattern is also provided.

Keywords: Pisces, Aposematism, Corydoradinae, mimicry, río Blanco, taxonomy

Rebecca Frances Bentley, Steven Grant and Luiz Fernando Caserta Tencatt. 2021. A New Arc-striped Species of Corydoras Lacépède, 1803 (Teleostei: Callichthyidae) from the Peruvian Amazon. Zootaxa. 4948(2); 184–200. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4948.2.2
Researchgate.net/publication/350186091_A_new_species_of_Corydoras_from_the_Peruvian_Amazon
facebook.com/FishoftheWorld/photos/4254167741270657

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Two new species of freshwater stingrays of the genus Paratrygon (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae) from the Orinoco basin, with comments on the taxonomy of Paratrygon aiereba
www.scielo.br/j/ni/a/MRzqZKT9Y5ycQgz4nPQ6yTy/?lang=en for full paper.

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Description of two new sand-dwelling gobies (Gobiidae: Hazeus) from the tropical western Pacific Ocean ROSSELLA · MAY 31, 2021
0 3.9K 11
by Gerald R. Allen and Mark V. Erdmann – aqua 27 (2) pp. 37-56
Two new species belonging to the gobiid genus Hazeus are described from sand-bottom habitats in the tropical western Pacific. Hazeus ammophilus n. sp. is described on the basis of 54 specimens, 11.6-33.4 mm SL from Papua New Guinea (Milne Bay Province) and Indonesia (West Papua Province and Anambas Islands, South China Sea). It also ranges to the Philippines and southern Japan, based on underwater photographs. Diagnostic features include: third or fourth dorsal spine longest, segmented dorsal and anal rays usually 10 (sometimes 9), pectoral rays 13-17 (usually 16); lateral scales 25-28 (usually 26); transverse-scales 7; predorsal scales 6-9 (usually 7, rarely 8-9); ctenoid scales covering body and nape, except cycloid, embedded scales on prepelvic area and pectoral-fin base; cheek and opercle naked; longitudinal pattern of cephalic sensory papillae; adult male in life blotchy golden brown with whitish to pale grey flecks on head and sides, midlateral row of five, large darkbrown spots; female with similar, but less vivid coloration, and lack double row of transverse brown streaks and brown outer margin on dorsal fins, instead with broad, submarginal whitish band. Hazeus profusus n. sp. is described on the basis of 35 specimens, 14.1-28.6 mm SL, from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Philippines, and Indonesia. Diagnostic features include third dorsal spine longest, segmented dorsal and anal rays usually 10 (sometimes 9), pectoral rays 16-18 (rarely 16); branched caudal-fin rays 12-13 (usually 12); lateral scales 24-26 (rarely 24); transverse scales 7; predorsal scales 6-8 (usually 7); ctenoid scales covering body and nape, except cycloid on prepelvic area, pectoral-fin base, and most of cheek; head completely scaled, ctenoid scales on opercle and posterior cheek; “mixed” pattern of cephalic sensory papillae including two primary longitudinal rows and several transverse rows; colour in life generally tan to whitish ventrally with 5-6 diffuse brown saddles dorsally on head and body, five large rectangular,dark-brown spots midlaterally on side of body, and numerous smaller dark-brown and white spots on dorsal half of head and body. The new taxa are compared with the six other species in the genus, some of which were previously assigned to Oplopomops and Opua, which are herein recognized as junior synonyms of Hazeus.
Full Text | PDF (1,6 MB)

from Aqua Press
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Two new catfish species from central Brazil comprising a new clade supported by molecular phylogeny and comparative osteology (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)Author links open overlay panelWilson J.E.M.Costa José Leonardo O.Mattos Axel M.Katz
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2021.05.008 Get rights and contentAbstractThe Trichomycterinae is a diversified catfish clade exhibiting numerous ecological specializations, thus offering fine opportunities for studies on vertebrate evolution, but insufficient knowledge on phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy impedes advanced evolutionary studies. Recent studies have contributed to a better taxonomical resolution of some trichomycterine groups, but several taxa remain poorly known, with taxonomical placement still undetermined. This study is directed to two similar undescribed species with unclear generic placement, collected in the savannahs of central Brazil, in the headwaters of the two most important South American river systems, the Amazon and Paraná basins central Brazil. A multigene phylogeny integrated to a comparative osteological analysis supports a clade, with the new species forming a subclade sister to a trichomycterine subclade endemic to southern South America. The comparative osteological analysis provided some characters from the jaw suspensorium, opercular series, branchial arches, neurocranium, and pectoral girdle that are useful to diagnose members of the clade. The two species may be distinguished by meristic data, morphometrics, osteology, and colour pattern. Following recent efforts for a better understanding about diversity and relationships of trichomycterines, the present study provides phylogenetic and morphological basis for the taxonomical resolution of this important trichomycterine clade. However, much more research is necessary to improve trichomycterine taxonomy, including further studies providing a proper generic classification encompassing the whole Trichomycterinae.

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Two new, remarkably coloured species of the Neotropical catfish genus Cetopsorhamdia Eigenmann & Fisher, 1916
(Siluriformes, Heptapteridae) from Chapada dos Parecis, western Brazil, with an assessment of the morphological characters
bearing on their phylogenetic relationships

https://www.revistas.usp.br/paz/article/view/185662/172138?fbclid=IwAR0V7DWv5miQOtLrbZE-Kt3ckw6YFD7t4mYVMZqgjMwoaFRRTECV3HILjRE

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Parotocinclus kwarup • A New Species of the Armored Catfish Parotocinclus (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the Upper Xingu River Basin, Brazil

Parotocinclus kwarup
Lehmann A. & Reis, 2021

DOI: 10.1643/i2021046
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Abstract
Parotocinclus kwarup, new species, is described as a new hypoptopomatine cascudinho from tributaries of the upper Xingu River in the Amazon basin of Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners in northeastern and southeastern Brazil by having the cheek canal plate elongated posteriorly on the ventral surface of the head and in contact with the cleithrum. Parotocinclus kwarup, new species, is diagnosed from other species of Parotocinclus in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Guianas watersheds by the number of oral teeth, the snout length, having odontodes on the ventral surface of the first pelvic-fin ray bent and pointing mesially, lacking a Y-shaped light marking dorsally on the head (from the posterodorsal margin of orbit to posterior parieto-supraoccipital tip), lacking premaxillary and dentary accessory teeth, and having an adipose fin. The extinction risk of the new species is preliminarily assessed as Least Concern based on its wide distribution area and its inferred presence in the large Xingu Indigenous Park.

Holotype of Parotocinclus kwarup, MZUSP 125830, 21.9 mm SL, female, Rio Couto de Magalha˜es near Vila São José do Couto, Campinápolis, MT, Brazil.

Parotocinclus kwarup, new species

Etymology.— Parotocinclus kwarup in named after the Kwarup (also known as Kuarup or Quarup), an annual ritual celebrated by the upper Xingu indigenous people in honor of their beloved dead, that originally aimed to bring them back to life. A noun in apposition. This name is in honor to the nearly 5,500 people belonging to 14 different ethnicities that currently live in the Xingu Indigenous Park, which plays an essential role in the conservation of this and other fish species.

Pablo Lehmann A. and Roberto E. Reis. 2021. A New Species of the Armored Catfish Parotocinclus (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the Upper Xingu River Basin, Brazil. Ichthyology & Herpetology, 109(2); 449-455. DOI: 10.1643/i2021046
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Aborichthys uniobarensis, a new species of river loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Full report will be found at:-
www.ajcb.in/journals/full_papers_july_2021/AJCB-Vol10-No1-63277_Nanda%20et%20al.pdf

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A new arc-striped species of Corydoras Lacépède, 1803 (Teleostei: Callichthyidae) from the Peruvian Amazon (Corydoras bethanae)

REBECCA FRANCES BENTLEY, STEVEN GRANT, LUIZ FERNANDO CASERTA TENCATT
Abstract
A new Corydoras is described from the Blanco and Ucayali river basins in Peru. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by having the following features: (I) posterior margin of dorsal-fin spine with laminar serrations directed towards the origin of the spine; (II) a long, wide, arched, and continuous black stripe, which runs parallel to the dorsal profile of the body, extending at least from the region below anterior origin of dorsal fin to the anterior half of the ventral caudal-fin lobe; (III) a black stripe transversally crossing the eye, forming the typical mask-like blotch; mask clearly not fused to arched stripe in most specimens; some specimens with mask separated from arched stripe by a thin line around the suture between neurocranium (in the region composed by the posteroventral margin of parieto-supraoccipital plus the posterodorsal margin of the compound pterotic) and first dorsolateral body plate; (IV) posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with laminar serrations directed towards the origin of the spine; (V) pointed snout, presenting a long mesethmoid, with anterior tip larger than 50% of the entire length of the bone; and (V) ventral surface of trunk covered by small, non-coalescent platelets. A discussion on the possible positive adaptive value of the arc-striped color pattern is also provided.

Keywords
Pisces, Aposematism, Corydoradinae, mimicry, río Blanco, taxonomy

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4948.2.2

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BIOTOPE AQUARIUM Project
30cd MtSSpogogaay fnsghat 1ore2amd:oom0di0 ·
Let's give our warm welcome to BAC2021 Judge in the category #CentralAmerica Juan Miguel Artigas Azas, well known as naturalist, author, Cichlidae expert and creator of The Cichlid Room Companion!
#biotope #biotopeaquarium #biotopeaquariumproject #biotopeaquariumcontest #bac2021 #bap #juanmiguelartigasazas #bin #bam #naturalhabitat #explorehabitat

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Pachycara angeloi • A New Eelpout (Perciformes: Zoarcidae) from Deep-sea Hydrothermal Vent Fields in the Indian Ocean

Pachycara angeloi
Thiel, Knebelsberger, Kihara & Gerdes, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4980.1.6

Abstract
A new species of eelpout genus Pachycara Zugmayer, 1911 is described based on five specimens caught at a depth of 2419–3275 m along the Central and Southeast Indian Ridges in the Indian Ocean. The specimens were collected during the INDEX cruises in 2016, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: scales and pelvic fins absent; lateral line configuration mediolateral; dorsal fin origin associated with vertebrae 7–9 with no free predorsal pterygiophores; vertebrae 27–28 + 57–59 = 85–87; dorsal-fin rays 78–80, anal-fin rays 58–62; pectoral fin rays 13–15. DNA sequences of a mitochondrial COI gene fragment showed low intra-specific variation ranging from 0–0.3 % sequence divergence and do not reflect different vent sites. This is the 29th species of Pachycara, which is the fifth to be described from specimens collected only from chemosynthetic environments and the sixth known from the Indian Ocean.

Keywords: Pisces, Lycodinae, DNA barcoding, Southern Central Indian Ridge, Northern Southeast Indian Ridge

Lateral view photographs of Pachycara angeloi sp. nov. in fresh condition
from Central Indian Ridge, Indian Ocean.
A: Holotype, ZMH 26363, Kairei Vent Field, male, 208 mm SL;
B: Paratype, SMF 38801, Edmond Vent Field, male, 244 mm SL

Ralf Thiel, Thomas Knebelsberger, Terue C. Kihara and Klaas Gerdes. 2021. Description of A New Eelpout Pachycara angeloi sp. nov. (Perciformes: Zoarcidae) from Deep-sea Hydrothermal Vent Fields in the Indian Ocean. Zootaxa. 4980(1); 99–112. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4980.1.6

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Two new annual fishes (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) unexpectedly discovered in the highlands of southern Brazil

LUIS ESTEBAN KRAUSE LANÉS, MATHEUS VIEIRA VOLCAN, LEONARDO MALTCHIK
Abstract
Two new species of Austrolebias are described based on specimens collected from temporary pools located in natural grassland landscape within the Araucaria Forest domain at exceptionally high altitudes (~1000 meters a.s.l.). Austrolebias botocudo sp. n. and Austrolebias nubium sp. n. occur, respectively, in drainages of upper rio Apuaê-Inhandava (upper rio Uruguay basin) and upper rio Taquari-Antas (upper rio Jacuí, Laguna dos Patos basin), in the Meridional Plateau of southern Brazil. Despite an intensive survey conducted in the area, only two populations of each species were recorded. Both new species occurs at altitudes that are among the higher recorded for species of the genus, and both are assigned to the subgenus Acrolebias. The new species described herein are easily distinguished for its congeners by the colour pattern of males, by presence of melanophores irregularly distributed in different parts of the body, contact organs cover the body and anal fins, position of fins related with vertebrae, by preopercular and mandibular series of neuromasts united, by a series of morphometric features and by larger maximum standard length. Austrolebias botocudo and A. nubium are distinguished from each other by colour pattern of males, length of contact organs in the flank and number of contact organs in scales of lateral line, dorsal profile of head, number of neuromasts in the preopercular + mandibular series, body depth in females, and by basihyal cartilage length. Additionally, we discuss the conservation status of the new species, and provided an identification key for the species of the subgenus Acrolebias.

Keywords
Pisces, Acrolebias, killifish, temporary wetlands, high-altitude grasslands

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4949.3.4.

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The British Cichlid Association are proud to announce that, in collaboration with The British Killifish Association, The British Livebearer Association and Fancy Guppies UK

there is the formation of a new Fishkeeping Extravaganza that will be held over the weekend of Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September 2021 at The Holiday Inn, Carter Lane East, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 2EH.

The event will consist of Fish shows, Auctions, Raffles, Trade Stands, Question and Answer sessions and Presentations from many leading scientists, collectors and fishkeepers who are at the forefront of the aquatic hobby. The BCA will also be holding a short thirty minute AGM at 10am on the Sunday morning before Tom Williams will give a presentation about the “Cichlids of Madagascar and their conservation” at approx. 10.30am. The BCA auction is on the Sunday afternoon so if you wish to enter lots contact Mark Breeze at [email protected] with details of your lots. The Guppy, Livebearer and Killifish Associations are also hosting auctions at the event. The whole ethos of the event will be loosely based upon fish conservation which the BCA supports with its regular donations to the Stuart Grant Conservation Fund.

4* double, twin and single Rooms are available within the Holiday Inn at discounted rates to BCA members until 30th June. There is also an evening carvery dinner on the Saturday evening if you wish to attend. Please contact Mark Breeze at [email protected] or Darren Evans at [email protected] for booking details and you will be given a link to a booking page.

The event is located only a stone’s throw away from Wharf Aquatics, 65-67 Wharf Road, Pinxton, Nottingham, NG16 6LH. Wharf, which is only a five mile or eight minute drive away from the event venue, are offering discounts to all those attending the event all weekend.

I hope to see as many of you as possible at the event.
Mark...

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Revalidation and Redescription of “Lacustricola” chobensis (Fowler, 1935) and Description of a New Miniature Species of “Lacustricola” from Southern Africa (Cyprinodontiformes: Procatopodidae)
Pedro Henrique Negreiros De Bragança, Paul Harvey Skelton, Roger Bills, Denis Tweddle, Albert Chakona
Author Affiliations +
Ichthyology & Herpetology, 109(1):123-137 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2020046

AbstractThe “Lacustricola” hutereaui species complex is herein defined by the possession of banded dorsal, anal, and caudal fins in males and also by the pointed premaxilla ascending process, in which the premaxilla medial surface is slightly convex. “Lacustricola” pygmaeus, new species, known from the Okavango, Cuando, and upper Zambezi Rivers, is distinguished from the other species belonging to the “L.” hutereaui species complex by the following exclusive character states: an inconspicuous reticulate pattern on scale margins (vs. conspicuous); banded anal, dorsal, and caudal fin in females (vs. hyaline); faint bands in the middle rays of caudal fin in males (vs. conspicuous bands); rounded caudal fin in males (vs. slender); bright green-blue color in some of the flank scales (vs. absent); quadrate posterior margin with a deep concavity (vs. convex or about straight); and first dorsal-fin ray inserted in a vertical to second and third anal-fin ray (vs. fourth to eighth). Additionally, other morphometric, meristic, and osteological characters in combination proved to be useful in distinguishing the new species. Through the analysis of type material and recently collected specimens, the little known species “L.” chobensis is considered as a valid species and redescribed. It is easily distinguished from the other species belonging to the “L.” hutereaui species complex by a combination of external morphology, osteology, and coloration pattern characters. Comprehensive information on the osteology and external morphology of topotypes of “L.” hutereaui are presented, and description of coloration in life is provided for specimens from the Ubangui River, in the Central African Republic.

© 2021 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
Citation Download Citation
Pedro Henrique Negreiros De Bragança, Paul Harvey Skelton, Roger Bills, Denis Tweddle, and Albert Chakona "Revalidation and Redescription of “Lacustricola” chobensis (Fowler, 1935) and Description of a New Miniature Species of “Lacustricola” from Southern Africa (Cyprinodontiformes: Procatopodidae)," Ichthyology & Herpetology 109(1), 123-137, (29 March 2021). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2020046
Received: 26 March 2020; Accepted: 2 October 2020; Published: 29 March 2021

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Oxynoemacheilus phasicus, a new nemacheilid loach from the eastern Black Sea basin with some remarks on other Caucasian Oxynoemacheilus (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)

JÖRG FREYHOF, CÜNEYT KAYA, GIORGI EPITASHVILI, MATTHIAS F. GEIGER
Abstract
Oxynoemacheilus phasicus, new species, is described from the Rioni and Enguri River drainages in Georgia. It is distinguished from other Oxynoemacheilus species in the O. brandtii group by a mottled or marbled flank pattern in adults, a slightly emarginate caudal fin, and a deep caudal peduncle. Molecular data suggest that the new species is characterized by a minimum K2P distance of 7.5% from O. brandtii from the Kura drainage in the mtDNA COI barcode region. Oxynoemacheilus brandtii and O. elsae are re-diagnosed. A very slender Oxynoemacheilus from the Aras drainage clusters as sister to O. elsae in our molecular analysis and not with O. brandtii from the Kura River. However, it is identified as O. brandtii as it is indistinguishable from this species in morphological characters.

Keywords
Pisces, Freshwater fish, Taxonomy, Cytochrome oxidase I, Middle East

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4952.1.8

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Liobagrus huaiheensis, a new species of torrent catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from the Huaihe River basin in Central China

ZHONGGUANG CHEN, JIAYUN WU, ANXIANG WEN
Abstract
Liobagrus huaiheensis, a new species of catfish, is described from the Shihe River, a tributary of the Huaihe River, in Henan Province, Central China. It shares a serrated posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine with L. marginatus, L. nigricauda, L. kingi, L. chenghaiensis, L. andersoni, L. mediadiposalis, L. obesus, L. somjinensis, and L. hyeongsanensis, but it is distinguished from these nine species by having combination of the following characters: 2–3 serrations on the posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine; 15–17 anal-fin rays; an upper jaw longer than lower one; a rounded caudal-fin with 50–55 rays; 35–37 post-Weberian vertebrae; anus close to pelvic-fin insertion and an adipose-fin posteriorly continuous with caudal-fin, with a marked incision at confluence.

Keywords
Pisces, Amblycipitidae, taxonomy, morphology, Henan Province

Full Text:
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4952.2.11

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Garra orontesi, a new species from the Orontes River drainage (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
ESRA BAYÇELEBİ, CÜNEYT KAYA, DAVUT TURAN, JÖRG FREYHOF
Abstract
Garra orontesi, new species, is described from the Orontes River drainage in the eastern Mediterranean Sea basin in Turkey and Syria. It is distinguished from its congeners in the Mediterranean Sea basin and adjacent Mesopotamia by possessing 17–21 gill rakers on the lower part of the first gill arch, the pelvic-fin origin usually below the second branched dorsal-fin ray, 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays, usually 2–3 scales between the tip of the pectoral and pelvic-fin origins, and no tubercles behind the upper posterior eye margin. It is also distinguished by a minimum K2P distance of 2.7% in its COI barcode region against G. rufa, and 3.9% against the geographically adjacent G. turcica.

Keywords
Pisces, Freshwater fish, Middle East, Levant, taxonomy

Full Text:
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4952.1.10

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A new species of driftwood catfish Centromochlus Kner, 1858 (Siluriformes, Auchenipteridae, Centromochlinae) from Tocantins-Araguaia River drainage

FERNANDA L. COELHO, CARINE C. CHAMON, LUISA M. SARMENTO-SOARES
Abstract
The genus Centromochlus includes eight catfish species in the Amazon and Orinoco river systems: C. schultzi from Xingu and Tocantins-Araguaia rivers; C. melanoleucus from Tapajós and Teles Pires rivers; C. macracanthus from Negro River; C. orca from Nhamundá River; C. heckelii and C. existimatus from Amazon and additionally at the Essequibo rivers; C. carolae and C. musaica from Orinoco River system. Recent field expeditions and collection examination revealed an undescribed species of Centromochlinae that has compatible features with Centromochlus. We herein describe a new species of Centromochlus from the Tocantins-Araguaia River drainage, diagnosed among most Centromochlinae by having a vermiculated color pattern on the dorsum and included in Centromochlus by sharing the derived features: ventrolateral position of eye socket; sphenotic notched for the exit of infraorbital canal; and posterior serrations along pectoral-fin spine numerous. The new species is diagnosed from congeners by having the pectoral-fin spine with dark bars, alternating with light bars (vs. pectoral-fin spine with light and uniform color in all Centromochlus); and it is further distinguished from its congeners (except C. carolae) by the ventral surface of head moderate to largely pigmented (vs. ventral surface of head unpigmented in C. heckelii, C. existimatus, C. orca, C. musaicus, C. schultzi, with few scattered dark chromatophores in C. macracanthus and C. melanoleucus; see diagnosis). A discussion about the systematics of the genus, plus the conservation status of the new species, and an identification key to species of Centromochlus, are also provided.

Keywords
Pisces, Neotropical, Taxonomy, Systematics, Doradoidea, Conservation

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4950.1
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Nothobranchius nikiforovi, a new species of seasonal killifish from the lower Matandu drainage in south-eastern coastal Tanzania (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae)

BÉLA NAGY, BRIAN R. WATTERS, ALEXANDRA A. RASPOPOVA
Abstract
Nothobranchius nikiforovi, a new species known from seasonal habitats in the lower Matandu drainage in south-eastern coastal Tanzania is described. It is distinguished from all other congeners, except N. eggersi, by males presenting two colour phenotypes: the blue phenotype having a bright iridescent light blue to blue-green body, with narrow red-brown scale margins creating irregular reticulated pattern, forming chevron-shaped crossbars on the posteroventral portion of body and light blue median fins with red-brown dotted pattern; the red phenotype has a dark red head, light blue dorsal and anal fins proximally and medially, dark red distally, with dark red stripes parallel to the fin rays, and a plain dark red caudal fin. Nothobranchius nikiforovi differs from N. eggersi by male colour pattern, the blue phenotypes having median fins with dark grey distal portion, some of the rays of dorsal and anal fins with white tips (vs. median fins with distinct slender white distal band), and the caudal fin lacking a spotted pattern (vs. dots arranged into irregular curved stripes); the red phenotype with golden stripe between the nape and dorsal-fin origin (vs. light-blue stripe), the dorsal and anal fins with a plain red distal portion and lacking a light distal band (vs. with distinct narrow white distal band), the pelvic fin lacking a distal band (vs. with distinct slender light blue to white distal band), and some morphometric differences. Phylogenetic analyses also support the genetic distinction of the new species from its closest known relative, N. eggersi, and confirm its position in the N. guentheri species group within the Adiniops subgenus.

Keywords
Acari, Adiniops subgenus, Coastal East Africa ecoregion, molecular phylogeny, Nothobranchius eggersi, taxonomy

Full Text:
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4950.1.5.

Descriptions of two new species of Callogobius (Gobiidae) found in Japan

Akihito &
Yuji Ikeda

Ichthyological Research (2021)Cite this article

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AbstractCallogobius albipunctatus sp. nov. and Callogobius dorsomaculatus sp. nov. are described from Japan. Both species are included in the sclateri group, characterized by elongate ctenii on the caudal fin base scales, the female urogenital papilla with two lateral projections, and the presence of cephalic sensory papillae Row 20 (preopercular row). Callogobius albipunctatus is characterized by cephalic sensory papillae Row 16 (transverse mandibular rows) comprising 10 papillae rows and a posteriormost single papilla, connected pelvic fins with a low frenum and concave posterior margin, cephalic sensory canal pores B'D(s)FH', 25–29 longitudinal row scales, 8–10 transverse row scales, and 7–11 predorsal scales, and C. dorsomaculatus by Row 16 comprising 11 papillae rows and a posteriormost single papilla, connected pelvic fins with a concave posterior margin but lacking a frenum, cephalic sensory canal pores B'C(s)D(s)EFH' or B'C(s)D(s)EFGH', 20–26 longitudinal row scales, 7–9 transverse row scales, and 6–10 predorsal scales. The cephalic sensory system in juvenile C. albipunctatus is described. Row 16, which is represented by three patterns within the genus, is redefined.
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References

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AcknowledgementsWe are grateful to Naomi Delventhal (Manitoba University, Canada) for useful information on Callogobius bifasciatus, C. clarki and C. winterbottomi, and her critical reading of the manuscript, Tetsuji Nakabo (Kyoto University) for his critical reading of the manuscript, Graham S. Hardy (Ngunguru, New Zealand) for helping with English, and Douglass F. Hoese (AMS) for useful information on Australian Callogobius and a paratype of C. swifti. We also thank M. Eric Anderson (SAIAB), Donugh Currie and Richard Winterbottom (ROM), late John E. Randall and Arnold Y. Suzumoto (BPBM) for the loan of specimens; Mark McGrouther, Amanda Hay and Kerryn Parkinson (AMS), Philippe Keith (MNHN), Gento Shinohara (NSMT), Ofer Gon, Nkosinathi Mazungula and Bafo Konqobe (SAIAB), Jeffrey T. Williams and Shirleen Smith (USNM) for the deposition of type specimens; Gerald R. Allen (WAM) for reexamining cephalic sensory canal pores of the holotype of C. swifti for responding to our request; Mark Allen (WAM) for taking photos of a paratype of C. swifti; Atsushi Ono (Diving Service Ono-nini), Takeshi Matsumoto (Yakushima Nature Activity Center), Kiyoshi Hagiwara (YCM), Toshihiko Yonezawa (The foundation of Kagoshima Environmental Research and Service), Kayo Sugiyama (Cabinet Office) and Masahiro Aizawa (formerly Imperial Household Agency) for helping collect specimens; Hiroshi Senou (KPM), Hiroaki Hayashi (volunteer stuff of KPM) and staff of the Iriomote Marine Research Station, Tokai University for their cooperation. We are also indebted to Masayoshi Hayashi and Munenori Kishida (Imperial Household Agency), Katsusuke Meguro (formerly Imperial Household Agency) for their helpful suggestions.
Author informationAffiliations

Emperor Emeritus’ Residence, 1-14-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 100-0074, Japan
Akihito
Imperial Household Agency, 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8111, Japan
Yuji Ikeda

Corresponding authorCorrespondence to Yuji Ikeda.
Additional informationPublisher's NoteSpringer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
This article was registered in the Official Registry of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as EA0C4A15-9A46-4973-9CDB-BC6E3B083E08.
This article was published as an Online First article on the online publication date shown on this page. The article should be cited by using the doi number.

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Lake Malawi cichlids latest check list.
malawicichlids.com/cichlid_checklist_2021-may-21.pdf
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Oxynoemacheilus sarus, a new nemacheilid loach from the lower Ceyhan and Seyhan in southern Anatolia (Teleostei: Nemacheilida
JÖRG FREYHOF, BARAN YOĞURTÇUOĞLU, CÜNEYT KAYA
Abstract
Oxynoemacheilus sarus, new species, is described from the lower Ceyhan and Seyhan drainages in southern Anatolia. It is distinguished from other Oxynoemacheilus species in Cilicia (including the Göksu, Seyhan and Ceyhan drainages) by possession of a series of irregularly shaped midlateral blotches, 3–5 dark-brown bands on the caudal fin, a complete lateral line, a forked caudal fin (shortest middle caudal-fin ray is 56–70% of longest ray of the upper caudal-fin lobe), the caudal peduncle depth 1.4–1.8 times in its length, and a suborbital groove in male individuals. The new species occurs in sympatry with superficially similar O. seyhanicola and O. evreni, and is distinguished by colour pattern as well as morphometric and molecular characters. Molecular data suggest that the closest relatives to the new species in our dataset are O. euphraticus and O. shehabi, which is characterised by a minimum K2P distance of 3.6% and 3.8%, respectively, in the COI mtDNA barcode region.

Keywords
Freshwater fish, taxonomy, Middle East, Turkey, Pisces

Full Text:
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4964.1.6

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Two new species of Hypostomus suckermouth armored catfishes (Teleostei: Loricariidae) from Central Brazil

Yan Felipe Figueira Soares

Pedro De Podestà Uchôa de Aquino

Justin C. Bagley

Francisco Langeani

Guarino R. Colli
First published: 06 May 2021

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14777
This article has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Fish Biology and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/jfb.14777.

Abstract We describe two new endemic Hypostomus species from central Brazil, which were previously identified as genetically distinct lineages in a recent genomic study that recommended their testing and potential description based on morphological data. A machine learning classification procedure (random forest) was used to investigate morphological variation and identify putatively diagnostic characters for these candidate species, and revealed that each is morphologically distinct. The new species Hypostomus cafuringa is characterized by small size, dark spots under a light background color, deeper caudal peduncle, and shorter first ray of the pectoral‐fin and base of the dorsal‐fin when compared to congeneric species from the region. Hypostomus cafuringa is known from the headwaters of the Maranhão River, upper Tocantins River basin, Distrito Federal, Brazil. The second new species, Hypostomus crulsi, is characterized as having dark spots under a light background color, absence of plates along the abdomen region, shorter first ray of the pelvic‐fin, shorter first ray of the pectoral‐fin, and smaller body size. Hypostomus crulsi is known from the headwaters of the São Bartolomeu River, upper Paraná River basin, Distrito Federal, Brazil. The rapid conversion of natural habitats for agricultural development and the isolation of protected areas represents a serious threat to the continued existence of these two newly described and endemic species, which warrant conservation assessment.

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“No longer shall we know our Maroon Clownfish as Premnas biaculeatus; the species is now, at least for the moment, re-christened Amphiprion biaculeatus….”
After 205 years, a Maroon Clownfish by any other name is still an anemonefish like no other…
A recent, expansive phylogenetic analysis of the damselfishes creates new genera and relegates others to the dustbin. The study, Systematics of Damselfishes, was authored by Kevin L. Tang (Associate Professor of Biology, University of Michigan-Flint), Melanie L. J. Stiassny (Axelrod Research Curator of Ichthyology at the American Museum of Natural History), Richard L. Mayden (Professor; W. S. Barnickle Endowed Chair of Natural Sciences, St. Louis University), and Robert DeSalle (Curator, Molecular Systematics at the American Museum of Natural History). It was published as an open-access article on May 5, 2021, in the journal Ichthyology & Herpetology.
One of the most notable changes: Premnas, the monotypic genus containing the charismatic Maroon Clownfish or Spinecheek Anemonefish, has finally fallen by the wayside. No longer shall we know our Maroon Clownfishes as Premnas biaculeatus; they are now, for the moment, all considered Amphiprion biaculeatus.
The pivotal text? “Based on the relationships presented herein, as well as the overwhelming consensus from past studies, we treat Premnas as a junior synonym of Amphiprion. Both genera are masculine in gender, so the species name remains unchanged in the new combination as Amphiprion biaculeatus.”

Inspiration for the opening artwork, this Maroon Clownfish or Spinecheek Anemonfish photographed in East Timor by Nick Hobgood shall henceforth be known as Amphiprion biaculeatus. CC BY-SA 3.0.Researcher Reactions
“I’m happy to see the change,” wrote zoologist Dr. Ben Titus, an authority on sea anemones and their clownfish symbionts. He continued to explain, “The most recent phylogenies show that biaculeatus, ocellaris, and percula form a small clade sister to the rest of the clownfishes. With the old taxonomy that makes Amphiprion a paraphyletic genus. If one of the primary goals of taxonomy and systematics is to circumscribe groups, then this is an important change.”
CORAL Editor Matt Pedersen found himself wondering, “What makes this particular research paper the definitive ‘end’ to Premnas?”
The paper itself cites many different sources that effectively waffle back and forth over the validity of the genus. for years. He put the question to reef fish taxonomist Yi-Kai Tea, “Why is this the paper that gets to abolish Premnas for good?”
“It’s not,” responded Tea in a rather surprising response. He explained, “But it is the most comprehensive revision at the family level, with the largest molecular dataset yet. So, if anything, this is about as formal as it gets.”
But could the genus Premnas ever be resurrected? Is there anything else that could come back and refute the genus move, or are we going to see this change adopted and endorsed by the scientific community as a whole?

Wild Amphriopon biculeatus displaying prominent cheek spine beneath the eye, a trait characteristic of the species but not seen in other anemonefishes in the same genus. Image: Denise Nielsen Tackett.“It’s not likely,” continued Tea. “Premnas has been refuted for ages. The justification for Premnas is based on a single character—the cheek spine.” (Editor: For this reason, the species is also sometimes dubbed the Spinecheek Anemonefish.)
“But, overwhelmingly, [Premnas] is nested in Amphiprion; DNA studies support this. So the cheek-spine character is just a derived trait unique to Amphiprion biaculeatus. We call that an autapomorphy. [It’s a physical, morphological characteristic that] doesn’t reflect relationships.”
So that settles it, for now! RIP Premnas: 1816-2021. You had a good run.

By Reef To Rainforest Media, LLC | CORAL Magazine | AMAZONAS Magazine | Microcosm Publishing
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Integrative taxonomy supports high species diversity of south-eastern Brazilian mountain catfishes of the T. reinhardti group (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)

Wilson J. E. M. Costa &Axel M. Katz
Published online: 09 Apr 2021

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https://doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2021.1900947

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AbstractThe mountain area between the Mantiqueira and Espinhaço ranges of south-eastern Brazil is of special interest for biologists by sheltering headwaters of two of the largest South American river basins, as well as comprising sections of two main world biodiversity hotspots. Mineral exploitation activities have caused great environmental impact, but biological inventories have demonstrated a rich biota with some organisms still poorly known. We herein analyse catfishes of the Trichomycterus reinhardti species group, endemic to this area. With the objective of inferring species limits, we combine morphological variation to unilocus coalescent methods of species delimitation using fragments of the mitochondrial genome (total of 1924 bp) for 38 individuals collected in 14 sites. The phylogenetic analysis supported a clade endemic to the Rio São Francisco basin and neighbouring Rio Doce headwaters, Espinhaço mountain range, and another one, endemic to the Rio Grande drainage, Rio Paraná basin, between Mantiqueira and Canastra mountain ranges. This biogeographic pattern may be explained by geological evidence indicating that the upper Rio Grande drainage was connected to the upper Rio São Francisco basin until the Middle Miocene, instead of being part of the Rio Paraná basin as today. The integrative analysis supported a total of 10 species, six of which are new and here described. Interestingly, the small areas inhabited by species here delimited are highly coincident with the distribution range of other mountain fish species. High level of local species endemism is possibly related to the uncommon regional relief, with small subdrainages crossed by transversal hills as a result of geological gaps, supporting a complex palaeogeographic scenario favouring isolation of taxa in small areas. Under a conservation perspective, these small areas of endemism for mountain fishes deserve special attention due to the process of environmental decline along centuries in the region.
http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:0E3981E9-D7A9-4C9B-B56A-85621F33A7CB
Key words:
Siluriformes mountain biodiversity neotropical river basins osteology species delimitation
Previous article View latest articles Next articleAcknowledgementsWe are grateful to M.A. Barbosa, C.P. Bove, P.H.N. Bragança, J.L.O. Mattos, F.P. Ottoni, F.S.R. Pereira and R.C. Rizzieri for assistance during field expeditions; to M. Britto (MNRJ/UFRJ) and A. Datovo (MZUSP) for the assistance during visits to their institutions and the loan of material; to S. Rodrigues (Associação para Proteção Ambiental do Vale do Mutuca - PROMUTUCA), for assistance during a field expedition. Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade gave permits for fish collections.
Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Supplemental materialSupplemental material for this article can be accessed online here: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2021.1900947.
Associate Editor: Kevin Conway
Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq; grant 307349/2015-2 to WJEMC and 153329/2015-7 to AMK). This study was also supported by CAPES (Finance Code 001) through Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética/UFRJ and Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Museu Nacional/UFRJ.

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The Glyptothorax Catfishes (Teleostei: Sisoridae) of the Euphrates and Tigris with the Description of A New Species

Glyptothorax kurdistanicus (Berg, 1931)

in Freyhof, Kaya, et al., 2021.
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4969.3.2
twitter.com/Jorg_Freyhof

Abstract
The Glyptothorax species inhabiting the Euphrates and Tigris drainages are reviewed and six species are recognised, one of which is described herein as new species. Glyptothorax armeniacus is endemic to headwater streams in the Euphrates drainage. Glyptothorax kurdistanicus is endemic to the upper Tigris downstream to the Lesser Zab drainage. Glyptothorax cous and G. steindachneri are riverine species widespread in both the Euphrates and Tigris drainages. Glyptothorax silviae is endemic to Iran. Glyptothorax daemon, new species, from the Greater Zab and Yanarsu in the upper Tigris drainage, is distinguished by having the thoracic adhesive apparatus strongly elevated, 1.1–1.2 times longer than wide, without tubercles on the head, well developed anteromedial striae, the medial pit without striae, and a short adipose fin. Glyptothorax daemon is separated into two mitochondrial lineages, externally indistinguishable and separated by a minimum K2P distance of 2.0% in the DNA barcode region. These lineages are paraphyletic in our analysis indicating past introgressive hybridisation with G. cous. All six species are diagnosed and all, except unstudied G. steindachneri, form distinct mitochondrial clades with between 1.2% and 3.4% minimum K2P distance between them. Species from the Euphrates and Tigris form a monophyletic mitochondrial group separated from 53 other Glyptothorax species studied from India and areas further east.

Keywords: Pisces, freshwater fish, taxonomy, Cytochrome oxidase I, Middle East

Glyptothorax kurdistanicus (Berg, 1931)

Jörg Freyhof, Cüneyt Kaya, Younis Sabir Abdullah and Matthias F. Geiger. 2021. The Glyptothorax Catfishes of the Euphrates and Tigris with the Description of A New Species (Teleostei: Sisoridae). Zootaxa. 4969(3); 453–491. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4969.3.2
twitter.com/Jorg_Freyhof/status/1392368835165138945
Researchgate.net/publication/351513534_Glyptothorax_of_the_Euphrates_and_Tigris

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New Species of Freshwater Fish Discovered: Fergana Stone Loach

May 11, 2021 by Sergio Prostak
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A team of ichthyologists from China’s Southwest University has discovered a new species of the loach genus Triplophysa living in a high-altitude stream in Fergana Valley of Central Asia.
Left lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of the Fergana stone loach (Triplophysa ferganaensis), female, 8.75 cm standard length, Yordon village, Fergana Region, Uzbekistan. Image credit: Sheraliev & Peng, doi: 10.1111/jfb.14764.
The genus Triplophysa is one of the largest genera in the stone loach family Nemacheilidae.
It includes over 150 recognized species, most of which are distributed on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau and in adjacent areas.
Triplophysa species exhibit strong sexual dimorphism: mature males have breeding tubercles, elevated skin on both sides of the head in paired patches stretching from the lower margin of the eyes to the base of the outer barbel, and a thickened pad on the dorsal surfaces of the widened pectoral-fin rays.
Furthermore, their nostrils are situated close together, part of the bladder capsule is bony, and the bony bladder is dumbbell-shaped.
“Triplophysa are highland fishes that evolved along with the intense orogeny since the Miocene,” said Bakhtiyor Sheraliev, a Ph.D. student in the Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development at the Southwest University School of Life Science.
“They are an ideal material for studying paleogeology and paleoclimate.”
Sheraliev and his colleague, Southwest University’s Professor Zuogang Peng, found a new Triplophysa species in the Shakhimardan stream in Yordon village, an exclave of Uzbekistan in Kyrgyzstan.
Named the Fergana stone loach (Triplophysa ferganaensis), the species is likely endemic to this high-altitude area.
It is threatened by spring flooding and overfishing, and cohabits with Schizothorax eurystomus, a typical high-altitude species of carp.
“The description of a new species of fish is a rare discovery in a region with a poor fish fauna, like Uzbekistan,” Sheraliev said.
“Specimens from the Triplophysa genus caught my attention during my fieldwork in Fergana Valley in 2019.”
“It was not possible to identify the sample at the species level on the site. At first, I thought I cannot identify them at the species level because of the complexity of Central Asian Triplophysa species taxonomy.”
“However, later long-term morphological and molecular analysis in the laboratory revealed that the specimens are of a new species that are not yet known to science.”
“The importance of our contribution is defined by the lack of taxonomic work on this taxon in the Central Asia area,” he added.
“In particular, no work on Triplophysa in the Syr Darya basin has been reported for the last seven decades. Thus, we hope our new finding fills some gaps.”
The team’s paper was published on April 26, 2021 in the Journal of Fish Biology.
_____
Bakhtiyor Sheraliev & Zuogang Peng. Triplophysa ferganaensis, a new loach species from Fergana Valley in Central Asia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Journal of Fish Biology, published online April 26, 2021; doi: 10.1111/jfb.14764

Tagged as
Central Asia Fergana stone loach Fergana Valley Fish Kyrgyzstan Loach Nemacheilidae Shakhimardan stream Stone loach Syr Darya Triplophysa Triplophysa ferganaensis Uzbekistan

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Reef-A-Palooza Orlando

DATE: May 15-16, 2021
VENUE: Caribe Royale Orlando8101 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
This May Reef-A-Palooza is going to celebrate its 7th year in Orlando. Join us May 15 & 16, 2021 at the beautiful Caribe Royale Orlando.

Immerse yourself with the latest products and hottest corals on the showroom floor and then head out to experience Orlando. Choose between all of Orlando’s top restaurants, nightlife spots, shopping districts, sporting events, museums, and performing arts.

Reef-A-Palooza can best be described as an indoor marketplace where sellers, exhibitors, and hobbyists of all types can buy, sell, trade, and showcase their products to the marine hobbyist community.

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Copperbands bred ! see

www.reef2rainforest.com/2021/05/04/captive-bred-copperband-butterflyfish-chelmon-rostratus/

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Research on Lake Victoria cichlids uncovers the processes of rapid species adaptation
Date:
May 7, 2021
Source:
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Summary:
New genetic analyses of cichlids in Lake Victoria highlight several candidate genes that may drive adaptive radiation and provide evidence for decisive selective events that cause particular genetic variants to quickly gain dominance within populations. These findings broaden scientific understanding of how new species arise.
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FULL STORY
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) have recently published the results of their investigations into adaptive radiation, which is when organisms rapidly evolve from an ancestral species into novel forms. Their genetic analyses of cichlids in Lake Victoria highlight several candidate genes that may drive adaptive radiation and provide evidence for decisive selective events that cause particular genetic variants to quickly gain dominance within populations. These findings broaden scientific understanding of how new species arise.
Biologists use the term adaptive radiation to describe a phenomenon in which new species rapidly evolve from an ancestral species, often in response to changes in the local environment that lead to new biological niches becoming available. To understand this process, biologists often turn to the cichlids of Lake Victoria, in which over 500 species of the fish have evolved over the past 14,600 years. As Professor Masato Nikaido of Tokyo Tech explains, "The level of genetic differentiation among species is considered very low due to the short period of time after these different species began evolving, and this limited genetic differentiation provides us with a great opportunity to find candidate genes that have contributed to adaptive radiation and the evolution of new species."
Past studies on Lake Victoria cichlids have shown that species living at different depths in the lake differ considerably with respect to the alleles for a gene that determines visual abilities. Spurred by this evidence, Professor Nikaido and his colleagues, including scientists from the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, wanted to learn more about the genetic processes underlying adaptation to different environmental conditions. They therefore analyzed the genomes of three species of Lake Victoria cichlids: Haplochromis chilotes and H. sauvagei, which inhabit only rocky shores, and Lithochromis rufus, which inhabits diverse lake-bottom environments, including rocky and sandy areas and areas with vegetation. Their findings are soon to appear in Molecular Biology and Evolution.
Comparisons of genomic data from these different species led to the identification of 678 different genes located within genomic regions that exhibited considerable between-species variation. The researchers saw these genes as potentially playing critical roles in adaptive radiation, and they identified 43 that were specific to H. chilotes, 54 that were specific to H. sauvagei, and 63 that were specific to L. rufus. Some of these genes were related to behavioral variables, such as circadian rhythms, locomotion, and the development of sensory systems.
The genomic analyses also revealed signs of what biologists call "selective sweep events," in which selective pressures cause a beneficial mutation to rapidly increase its frequency within a population and become present in all members of a species. Furthermore, many of the species-specific alleles appeared to have existed alongside several alternative alleles prior to the adaptive radiation that produced different species of fish.
In conclusion, these analyses of Lake Victoria cichlids offer novel insights into the genetic processes underlying adaptive radiation. As Professor Nikaido puts it, "Our analyses uncovered the processes of species-specific adaption of Lake Victoria cichlids and the complexity of the genomic substrate that facilitated this adaptation."
The evidence for species-specific genetic alleles being derived from preexisting genetic variation is a particularly interesting finding that may prove useful to biologists who wish to understand adaptive radiation processes in different environments.

Story Source:
Materials provided by Tokyo Institute of Technology. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference:

Haruna Nakamura, Mitsuto Aibara, Rei Kajitani, Hillary D J Mrosso, Semvua I Mzighani, Atsushi Toyoda, Takehiko Itoh, Norihiro Okada, Masato Nikaido. Genomic Signatures for Species-Specific Adaptation in Lake Victoria Cichlids Derived from Large-Scale Standing Genetic Variation. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 2021; DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab084

Cite This Page:

Tokyo Institute of Technology. "Research on Lake Victoria cichlids uncovers the processes of rapid species adaptation." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 May 2021. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210428133011.htm>.

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A new species of Microcharacidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Central Amazon, BrazilAuthors: L.S. Vieira [email protected] and A.L. Netto-FerreiraAUTHORS INFO & AFFILIATIONS
Publication: Canadian Journal of Zoology • 8 January 2021 • https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2020-0138
327

Canadian Journal of Zoology
Volume 99, Number 1
January 2021

AbstractA new species (Microcharacidium bombioides sp. nov.) of the genus Microcharacidium Buckup, 1993 is described from the Rio Negro, Rio Trombetas, Rio Tapajós, tributaries of the Rio Madeira, and the middle Rio Amazonas. The new species is promptly distinguished from all congeners (Microcharacidium eleotrioides (Géry, 1960), Microcharacidium gnomus Buckup, 1993, and Microcharacidium weitzmani Buckup, 1993) by the presence of 12 circumpeduncular scales, 19 precaudal vertebrae, and 7 dark bars on the flanks connected to their contralateral parts both dorsally and ventrally; 2 short, dark suborbital stripes; all teeth on both jaws conical; 10–11 total dorsal-fin rays; and 3–4 perforated lateral line scales. An updated identification key for the genus is provided and the affinities of the new species with other Microcharacidium are discussed.RésuméUne nouvelle espèce de poisson (Microcharacidium bombioides sp. nov.) du genre Microcharacidium Buckup, 1993 est décrite des rivières Negro, Trombetas et Tapajós, d’affluents de la rivière Madeira et du cours intermédiaire du fleuve Amazone. La nouvelle espèce se distingue rapidement de tous ses congénères (Microcharacidium eleotrioides (Géry, 1960), Microcharacidium gnomus Buckup, 1993 et Microcharacidium weitzmani Buckup, 1993) par la présence de 12 écailles circumpédonculaires, 19 vertèbres précaudales et 7 bandes foncées sur les flancs reliées dorsalement et ventralement, 2 courtes bandes suborbitales foncées, la forme conique de toutes les dents des deux mâchoires, de 10 à 11 rayons au total sur la nageoire dorsale et de 3 à 4 écailles perforées le long des lignes latérales. Une clé d’identification actualisée est présentée pour le genre et les affinités de la nouvelle espèce avec d’autres Microcharacidium sont abordées. [Traduit par la Rédaction]IntroductionThe genus Microcharacidium Buckup, 1993 currently includes three valid species of characidiins: Microcharacidium eleotrioides (Géry, 1960), Microcharacidium gnomus Buckup, 1993, and Microcharacidium weitzmani Buckup, 1993; all three are considered miniatures (sensu Weitzman and Vari 1988) with the maximum size of less than 26 mm standard length (Toledo-Piza et al. 2014). The genus is widely distributed throughout cis-Andean northern South America, with representatives occurring in the upper Orinoco, most of the Rio Amazonas basin, and adjacent coastal basins draining from the Guiana and Brazilian shields (Buckup 1993a, 2003; Ohara et al. 2013; Buckup and Van der Sleen 2017). The diagnostic features originally proposed for the genus recognition are (1) the presence of 17 principal caudal-fin rays; (2) constriction of the space between the pelvic bones; (3) fusion of postcleithra 1 and 2; and (4) the presence of a longitudinal stripe, which is broad and with well-defined edges, when compared representatives of other characidiin genera, and especially Characidium Reinhardt, 1867 (Buckup 1993b).
Zarske (1997) described a fourth species for the genus, “Microcharacidium” geryi, which was assigned to Microcharacidium based mainly on the absence of maxillary teeth and the reduced number of rays on the caudal and pectoral fins (17 caudal-fin rays and 8–9 pectoral-fin rays). However, the inclusion of that species in the genus was questioned by Buckup (2003), who considered M. geryi incertae sedis in Crenuchidae. Later, Melo et al. (2016) suggested relocating the species to Characidium, classification assumed since then.
The number of circumpeduncular scales is an important diagnostic character allowing for the prompt recognition of M. gnomus (14 scales) from M. eleotrioides and M. weitzmani (both with 10 scales), with the distinction between the latter two based mostly on the number of tooth cusps, and the number of scales of the lateral line series, among other characters (Buckup 1993b). During a revisionary study of the genus, an additional species with a color pattern resembling that of M. eleotrioides with 12 circumpeduncular scales and conical teeth was identified from the middle Rio Amazonas and its major tributaries in the central Amazon, and it is described herein. In addition, an updated identification key for the genus is provided and the affinities of the new species with other Microcharacidium are discussed.Materials and methodsCounts and measurements followed Buckup (1993b). Measurements were made under a stereoscopic microscope (Binocular Model; zoom 0.8× ∼ 5×, magnification 8× ∼ 50×, and 2 W transmitted and reflected LED illumination) with a scaled reticle. All measurements are presented as proportions of standard length (SL), except for subunits of the head, which are presented as proportions of the head length (HL). In the description, the values for each meristic data are followed by their frequency in parentheses with an asterisk indicating the values for the holotype. Counts of vertebrae, supraneurals, procurrent caudal-fin rays, branchiostegal rays, and teeth were taken from cleared and stained paratypes (C and S), prepared according to Taylor and Van Dyke (1985). The total number of vertebrae includes those of the Weberian Apparatus (counted as four elements) and the fused preural 1 (PU1+) with ural 1 (U1) of the caudal region as a single element. In the present contribution, bars are preferred over vertical bands (sensu Buckup 1993b) as a more widely employed term for vertically arranged color pattern elements in the Characiformes literature.
Institutional abbreviations are Academy of Natural Sciences of the Drexel University (ANSP), Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Museo de Biología de la Universidad Central de Venezuela (MBUCV), Natural History Museum of Geneva (MHNG), Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro (MNRJ), Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG), Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), and National Museum of Natural History/Smithsonian Institution (USNM).ResultsMicrocharacidium bombioides sp. nov.
Fig. 1; Table 1
Microcharacidium eleotrioides non-Géry, 1970 — Dias et al. 2010 (environmental impact study, inferred according to the distribution); Rodrigues-Filho et al. 2018 (ecological study, inferred according to the distribution).
Fig. 1.
Fig. 1. Microcharacidium bombioides sp. nov., holotype. UFRGS 28560, 15.7 mm SL, Brazil, Amazonas, Novo Airão, Rio Negro basin (02°37′17″S, 60°56′39″W), 07 Sep 2007, H.M.V. Espírito Santo.
Table 1.
Table 1. Morphometric data of Microcharacidium bombioides sp. nov. and 66 paratypes.zoobank lsid:urn:lsid:zoobank.org:ato:F2C9E68A-953C-48FC-B25E-4C75CD079AE9.holotype:UFRGS 28560, 15.7 mm SL, Brazil, Amazonas, Novo Airão, Rio Negro basin (02°37′17″S, 60°56′39″W), 07 Sep 2007, H.M.V. Espírito Santo.paratypes:All from Brazil, Rio Amazonas basin: ANSP 207545 (3, 11.4–15.0 mm SL), INPA 29389 (34, 11.0–15.5 mm SL), MNRJ 52125 (4, 12.7–16.1 mm SL), MZUSP 125821 (4, 10.6–15.4 mm SL), UFRGS 28565 (7, 12.0–16.2 mm SL) collected with the holotype; INPA 29912 (29, 10.0–13.5 mm SL), Amazonas, Manaus (03°06′07″S, 60°1′30″W), 11 Jul 2005, L.N. Carvalho; INPA 31722 (33, 10.0–15.5 mm SL), Amazonas, Itacoatiara (03°08′35″S, 58°26′39″W), 26 Jul 2007, M.S. Dias; INPA 32754 (7, 12.7–14.7 mm SL), Amazonas, Novo Airão (02°37′17″S, 60°56′39″W), 05 Apr 2008, M.S. Dias, R.G. Frederico; INPA 37394 (9, 13.5–15.1 mm SL), Amazonas, São Sebastião do Uatumã (02°34′17″S, 57°52′13″W), 23 Sep 2011, L. Rapp Py-Daniel et al.; MPEG 14585 (14.0 mm SL), Pará, Oriximiná, Rio Patauá (01°45′31″S, 56°21′40″W), 11 Jun 2007, L.F.A. Montag; MPEG 24056 (14, 10.0–12.8 mm SL), Pará, Santarém, Rio Maró, afluente do rio Arapiuns (03°10′32″S, 56°20′38″W), 17 Jun 2011, N. Benone; MPEG 24080 (13, 10.5–13.5 mm SL; 2 C and S), Pará, Santarém, Rio Maró, afluente do rio Arapiuns (03°10′56″S, 55°50′57″W), 17 Jun 2011, N. Benone; MPEG 26000 (4, 12.1–13.1 mm SL), Pará, Juruti, Igarapé da Ponte (02°10′48″S, 56°04′40″W), 29 Nov 2012, M. Mendonça; MPEG 30301 (5, 13.0–16.4 mm SL), Pará, Juruti, Igarapé Rio Branco (02°20′58″S, 56°01′26″W), 12 Dec 2013, M. Mendonça; MPEG 30303 (6, 10.6–12.6 mm SL), Pará, Juruti, Igarapé Café Torrado (02°18′02″S, 56°04′21″W), 12 Dec 2013, M. Mendonça; MPEG 32637 (11, 13.6–15.0 mm SL), Pará, Juruti, Igarapé Socó (02°27′31″S, 56°00′54″W), 22 Mar 2015, M. Mendonça; MPEG 32638 (7, 11.3–12.7 mm SL), Pará, Juruti, Igarapé São Francisco (02°34′52″S, 55°54′11″W), 26 Mar 2015, M. Mendonça; MPEG 32639 (32, 13.1–14.0 mm SL), Pará, Juruti, Igarapé Mutum (02°36′46″S, 56°11′37″W), 20 Mar 2015, M. Mendonça; UFRGS 28565 (7, 12.0–16.2 mm SL), Amazonas, Novo Airão (02°37′17″S, 60°56′39″W), 07 Sep 2007, H.M.V. Espírito Santo.diagnosis:Microcharacidium bombioides sp. nov. differs from all congeners by the presence of 12 circumpeduncular scales (compared with 10 in M. eleotrioides and M. weitzmani and 14 in M. gnomus), the presence of 19 precaudal vertebrae (compared with 16–17), and the presence of 7 dark bars on the body connected to their contralateral parts both dorsally and ventrally (compared with 8–9 not contacting their contralateral parts ventrally). The new species further differs from M. weitzmani and M. gnomus by the presence of two, short dark suborbital stripes (compared with a single suborbital stripe). Microcharacidium bombioides differs from M. eleotrioides by the having conical teeth on both jaws (compared with tricuspid teeth), and from M. gnomus by the presence of less total dorsal-fin rays (10–11 compared with 12) and the presence of less perforated scales in the lateral line series (3–5 compared with 7–11).

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Lanxangichthys alticephalus • A New Lepisosteiformes (Actinopterygii: Ginglymodi) from the Early Cretaceous of Laos and Thailand, Southeast Asia

Lanxangichthys alticephalus
Cavin, Deesri, Veran, Khentavong, Jintasakul, Chanthasit & Allain, 2019

DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2018.1426060
dinosauria.org

Abstract
A new genus and new species of ginglymodian is described from the Aptian Grès supérieurs Formation of the Savannakhet Basin, Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic), found at the Ban Lamthouay locality. The fish is known from a single isolated head, which shows enough diagnostic characters to characterize a new taxon. It represents the first named actinopterygian fish from the Mesozoic of Laos. Among the derived characters are a very short and deep head, a series of very deep anterior infraorbitals, and a mosaic arrangement of the suborbitals. Recognition of this new form led us to identify isolated bones previously found in the Thai Khok Kruat Formation in Thailand, a lateral equivalent of the Grès supérieurs Formation. Two localities, Ban Saphan Hin and Khok Pha Suam, have yielded remains, in particular bones of the skull roof and of the circumorbital series as well as a partial postcranial body, assignable, with caution, to the new genus. When included in a cladistic analysis, the new taxon is placed at the base of the lepisosteoid lineage, together with Isanichthys known from an older formation in Thailand. The phylogenetic pattern obtained differs in some details from previous analyses and points out the pivotal role that some taxa play in the reconstruction of the phylogenies of ginglymodians. This new taxon enriches the diverse Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous ginglymodian assemblage in South-east Asia, which surprisingly shows no evidence of teleosts.

Keywords: systematics, Holostei, Mesozoic, stratigraphy, freshwater environment

Holostei Müller, 1844 (sensu Grande 2010)
Ginglymodi Cope, 1872 (sensu Grande 2010)
Lepisosteiformes Hay, 1929 (sensu López-Arbarello 2012)

Genus Lanxangichthys gen. nov.

Type species. Lanxangichthys alticephalus gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis. As for the type and only species.

Derivation of name. From the Kingdom of Lan Xang, Kingdom of the ‘million elephants’ (1354–1070 BC), which covered the main part of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and of the Isan region in Thailand, the area where the genus is found; and ichthys, meaning fish in Greek.

Lanxangichthys alticephalus sp. nov.

Derivation of name. From the Latin altus, meaning high or deep, and cephalicus, meaning head, in reference to the deep head of the new species.

Locus typicus. Ban Lamthouay, Tang Vay District, Savannakhet Province, Laos.

. Phylogenetic relationships of Ginglymodi with the position of Lanxangichthys alticephalus gen. et sp. nov. (red).

cf. Lanxangichthys (Figs 4A–H, 5, 6)

Locality. Ban Sapan Hin, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.

Lanxangichthys sp. (Figs 4I, J, 6)

Locality. Khok Pha Suam, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand.

Conclusions:
Lanxangichthys alticephalus represents a new and strange ginglymodian and confirms the high diversity of this group during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous in South-east Asia. Although not related to each other, this species belongs to the ginglymodians with deep and short heads, which is a morphotype already present in the Triassic with the Chinese genera Luoxiongichthys and Kyphosichthys, for instance (Wen et al. 2012; Sun & Ni 2017). This morphotype corresponds to an effective and repeated mode of life, located at the opposite position to gars in body morphospace. The new taxon also provides interesting new data about the faunal connection that links the Gres superieurs and the Khok Kruat formations. Its inclusion in a phylogenetic analysis blurs slightly the signal obtained in previous analyses, but this is an interesting clue that the phylogenetic patterns formerly obtained are probably too simple. Lanxangichthys, together with other genera such as Isanichthys, Neosemionotus and Luoxiongichthys, may play a pivotal role in the understanding of the evolutionary history of this diverse group of fishes.

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Myroconger pietschi • A New Species of the Rare Genus Myroconger Günther, 1870 (Anguilliformes: Myrocongridae) from Brazilian Waters, Tropical western Atlantic

Myroconger pietschi
Espíndola, Caires, Tighe, De Pinna & De Melo, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4965.3.7
instagram.com/fishontherocks

Abstract
The family Myrocongridae comprises some of the rarest and least known benthopelagic eel species. It is composed of a single genus, Myroconger Günther, 1870, and five valid species: M. compressus Günther, 1870, from the Atlantic Ocean; M. gracilis Castle, 1991, M. prolixus Castle & Béarez, 1995, and M. nigrodentatus Castle & Béarez, 1995, from the Pacific Ocean; and M. seychellensis Karmovskaya, 2006, from the Indian Ocean. Herein, we report on an additional species from the Atlantic Ocean, Myroconger pietschi n. sp., based on a specimen obtained on the Aracati Bank, North Brazilian ridge, off Ceará State, western South Atlantic. Myroconger pietschi can be diagnosed by having 190 anal-fin rays, a short pectoral fin (16.6% HL), the posterior portion of the ethmovomerine teeth arranged in a single row, teeth on lower and upper pharyngeal tooth plate 24 and 27, and 10 branchiostegal rays.

Keywords: Pisces, CT-Scan, Deep Sea, Elopomorpha, North Brazilian ridge, Northeastern Brazil

Vinicius C. Espíndola, Rodrigo A. Caires, Kenneth A. Tighe, Mario C. C. De Pinna and Marcelo R. S. De Melo. 2021. A New Species of the Rare Genus Myroconger Günther, 1870 (Anguilliformes: Myrocongridae) from Brazilian Waters, Tropical western Atlantic. Zootaxa. 4965(3); 529–540. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4965.3.7
instagram.com/p/CORQJvJB_h- @fishontherocks

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Zebrus pallaoroi sp. nov.: a new species of goby (Actinopterygii: Gobiidae) from the Mediterranean Sea with a dna-based phylogenetic analysis of the Gobius-lineageIn: Contributions to Zoology
Authors: Marcelo Kovačić1, Radek Šanda2, Katarína Čekovská3, Tereza Soukupová3, and Jasna Vukić3
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Online Publication Date:
30 Mar 2021
In:
Advance Articles
Article Type:
Research Article
Pages:
1–33
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10018
Keywords:
cryptic species; cryptobenthic fishes; genetic diversity; Gobiinae; phylogeny; Zebrus pallaoroi sp. nov
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AbstractThe gobies (Gobiidae) are the most diverse fish family in the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, knowledge on their diversity, taxonomy, and phylogenetic relationships is still inadequate. The phylogenetic analyses reveal two genetically highly distinct clades among specimens identified as Zebrus zebrus. A new species, Zebrus pallaoroi sp. nov., is described based on an integrative approach. The neotype of Zebrus zebrus is designated. Genetic data confirm a pronounced level of divergence between Z. pallaoroi and Z. zebrus, with the mean genetic distance on cytochrome b being 18.1% and 1.07% on rhodopsin. Phylogenetic relationships within the Gobius-lineage were estimated on both markers. Morphologically, Z. pallaoroi is distinguished from the only congener Z. zebrus by having a snout longer than its eye, posterior nostril about 4/5–9/10 of the anterior nostril, eye diameter 4.3−4.7 in head length, ventrolateral head ridges transversally connected on the anterior side by a short transversal ridge, anterior membrane midline depth about 2/3 of the spinous ray, head canal pore α diameter about half of the distance between pore ρ and ρ1, suborbital sensory papillae row 5i going downwards to or near the level of row d, the distance between row 5i and row d absent or much smaller than the length of row 5i, and the body with ten to eleven vertical dark brown bands. Zebrus pallaoroi was recorded from the southern Adriatic, northern Ionian, and northern and western Aegean Seas, and is a cryptobenthic fish from very shallow waters.

Keywords: cryptic species; cryptobenthic fishes; genetic diversity; Gobiinae; phylogeny; Zebrus pallaoroi sp. novZoobank: http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3E49FAFC-8EDE-4627-9F26-B9F2C7F12A6B and http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:01212C4A-3C6A-48D1-8F0F-24E133039E60
IntroductionThe gobies (Gobiidae) are the most species-rich fish family (Fricke et al., 2020a), and one of the most evolutionary successful fish groups. It is also the most diverse fish family of the European seas (Miller, 1986). European gobies belong to three distinct evolutionary lineages; the Gobius-, Pomatoschistus-, and Aphia-lineages (Agorreta et al., 2013). However, knowledge on the diversity and taxonomy of European gobies is still inadequate, and the distribution of many species is not well known. New species are still being described from European seas, not only from bathyal depths (Kovačić et al., 2018, 2019b) and deeper shelves (Kovačić et al., 2016, 2017; Engin & Seyhan, 2017; Schliewen et al., 2019), but also from shallow coastal areas with depths of only a few meters (Kovačić & Šanda, 2016; Engin & Innal, 2017; Engin et al., 2018a). Six of these newly discovered species belong to the Pomatoschistus-lineage (Kovačić et al., 2016, 2017, 2018; Engin & Seyhan, 2017; Engin & Innal, 2017; Schliewen et al., 2019), while only two belong to the Gobius-lineage (Kovačić & Šanda, 2016; Kovačić et al., 2019b). One more gobiid species described from the Mediterranean Sea is, in fact, a Lessepsian migrant, curiously only discovered out of its native range (Engin et al., 2018a).
Cryptic diversity can be successfully revealed by genetic methods (Hebert et al., 2003), and the species-rich family Gobiidae has already shown a marked degree of cryptic diversity in studied examples (Victor, 2014). However, among European and Mediterranean marine gobiid species, there has been just one published example (Kovačić & Šanda, 2016) of a cryptic species hidden among morphologically similar, valid, and well-known species. The morphologically cryptic species, Gobius incognitus Kovačić & Šanda, 2016, was first detected among specimens originally identified as the well-known and common infralittoral Gobius bucchichi Steindachner, 1870, by detailed genetic investigations, and it turned out to be also well-diagnosable morphologically. Furthermore, Gobius incognitus was found to be widespread in the Mediterranean Sea, while the confirmed distribution of G. bucchichi is restricted only to the Adriatic and Ionian Seas (Kovačić & Šanda, 2016). The sand goby Pomatoschistus minutus (Pallas, 1770) is another European gobiid species known to show large genetic differences between populations, and which is expected to include cryptic species (Stefanni & Thorley, 2003; Stefanni et al., 2003; Gysels et al., 2004; Boissin et al., 2011). However, no morphological or taxonomical efforts have addressed this problem.
The genus Zebrus de Buen, 1930 was erected as a subgenus of Gobius to host small cryptobenthic Mediterranean gobies Gobius zebrus Risso, 1827 and Gobius thori de Buen, 1928, though the latter is now synonym of Thorogobius ephippiatus(Lowe, 1839) (de Buen, 1930; Miller, 1973). The subgenus Zebrus was first elevated to the rank of genus by Miller (1966), but without any data or explanation supporting this decision. Later, Miller (1977) provided the redescription of Zebrus as a monotypic genus and the redescription of the only species within it, Z. zebrus.
The phylogenetic analyses reported here reveal two genetically distinct clades among samples first identified as Z. zebrusby the valid diagnostic characters of this species (Miller, 1977; Miller, 1986). The aim of the present paper is to describe a new overlooked species based on its morphological and genetic differences from Z. zebrus, as well as to designate the neotype of Z. zebrus.
Materials and methodsMorphological methodsMorphometric methods, measurements, and definitions follow those used in Schliewen & Kovačić (2008). Measurements smaller than 20 mm were taken with interactively selected points in Olympus cellSens Entry 2.2 software using an Olympus SC180 camera and Olympus U-TV0.5XC-3 camera adapter on an Olympus SZX10 stereomicroscope. Specimens were repositioned for each measuriment in such a way that the plane in which the line segment lies is perpendicular to the objective to avoid parallax distortion of length. Measurements > 20 mm were taken by digital caliper (i.e., direct point to point measurements). Specimen length is presented as the standard length + caudal-fin length. Standard length (sl) is measured from the median anterior point of the upper lip to the base of the caudal fin (posterior end of the hypural plate). Morphometric data are given as a ratio in the text and as percentages of sl in the tables. Count of scales and fins follows Schliewen et al. (2018). Terminology of the lateral-line system follows Sanzo (1911) and Miller (1986). The term “ventrolateral head ridge” (Kovačić et al., 2019a) describes the ridge on the underside of the head formed by the ventral margin of the cheek and matches the “hypohyal ridge” of Miller & El-Tawil (1974). The type material and the comparative material were reversibly stained in a 2% solution of Cyanine Blue in distilled water (Saruwatari et al., 1997) for the positive data on morphometrics, fin counts, scales, head canals, and sensory papillae rows. The specimens were briefly air-dried and then incubated in the staining solution for 60 seconds. After examination, they were returned to the original preservative (70% ethanol) where they returned to the original state (i.e., completely lost any trace of the prior staining). The original preservative, having diluted stain from the specimens, was replaced with fresh ethanol after 24 hours. Digital X-ray radiographs of the Zebrus pallaoroi sp. nov type material and the comparative material of Z. zebrus and Millerigobius macrocephalus (Kolombatović, 1891) were taken from the left side using UltraFocus Digital Radiography System (Faxitron Bioptics, Arizona, USA), housed in the Zoological State Collection, Munich, Germany. The dorsal pterygiophore insertion pattern follows the terminology of Birdsong et al. (1988).
The type material and the comparative material used for morphology have been deposited in the National Museum, Prague (nmp), Czech Republic. Additional non-type material of the new species revealed by molecular methods that was used for molecular analyses and for geographic and ecological results was available as tissue only (nmp collection), and is listed in table S1.
Molecular methodsThe right pectoral fin was clipped and preserved in 96% ethanol for molecular analyses, while voucher specimens were labelled, preserved in 4% formaldehyde, and later transferred to 70% ethanol for permanent storage. Vouchers are deposited in the nmp. A list of the Zebrus and Millerigobius specimens included in the genetic analyses with all details is provided in table S1. Apart from Zebrus and Millerigobius, additional species were included in the molecular analyses to complement the phylogenetic datasets by including representatives of the European gobiid genera from the Gobius-lineage sensu Agorreta et al. (2013) to maximum extent (table 1). dna was extracted using a Geneaid® dna Isolation Kit. Samples were amplified for the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b using either primers ajg and H5 (Akihito et al., 2000) or GluF and ThrR (Machordom & Doadrio, 2001), and for the nuclear gene rhodopsin with primers RhodF and RhodR (Taylor & Hellberg, 2005). The polymerase chain reaction (pcr) was performed in 25 μl volume containing 12.5 μl of ppp Master Mix (TopBio), 9.7 μl of ultrapure H2O, 0.65 μl of each primer, and 2 μl of dna isolate. Amplification of cytochrome b was carried out according to the protocol described in Šanda et al. (2008). For rhodopsin, the pcr cycle consisted of an initial denaturation at 94°C for 5 min, followed by 35 cycles of denaturation, annealing, and elongation (94°C for 45 s, 53°C for 1 min, and 72°C for 2 min), and the final elongation at 72°C for 10 min. pcr products were purified with ExoSAP-IT and sequencing was performed by Macrogen Europe (Netherlands). For cytochrome b sequencing in Zebrus and Millerigobius, specific internal primers were designed: ZzebF1 (5’- GYG CCA CMG TYA TTA CTA ACC-3’) and ZzebR1 (5’- GAA KGG KAC TTT GTC GGA GT CG-3’), while the amplification primers were used for sequencing of other species. Rhodopsin was sequenced with newly designed internal primers RHSQF1 (5’- GCC TCC ACC TGG KTC ATG GC-3’) and RHSQR1 (5’- CAG GAA GCC GAT CAC CAT GA-3’).

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Four new species of Serranochromis (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from the Cuanza and Okavango river systems in Angola, including a preliminary key for the genus

JAY R. JR. STAUFFER, ROGER BILLS, PAUL H. SKELTON
Abstract
The present study describes Serranochromis alvum n. sp., Serranochromis swartzi n. sp., Serranochromis cuanza n. sp., and Serranochromis cacuchi n. sp. from Angolan tributaries of the Cuanza and Okavango systems in Angola. The presence of four or five scale rows between the posterior margin of the orbit and the ascending arm of the preoperculum, the presence of widely set unicuspid teeth on the jaws, widely separated gill rakers, and anal fins with egg ocelli place these four species in Serranochromis. The Serranochromis described herein are distinguishable based on a combination of morphological and meristic characters, as well as pigmentation patterns. The interorbital width (14.3–15.9 % HL) of S. alvum is narrower than that of S. swartzi (17.6–19.8), S. cuanza (16.3–18.0), and S. cacuchi (20.0–21.7). Moreover, the interorbital width of S. cacuchi is greater than the other three described species. Serranochromis swartzi has a smaller preorbital depth (16.2–18.9 % HL) and snout length (29.6–31.9 % HL) than Serranochromis cuanza (PD 19.1–22.2, SNL 35.2–39.6 % HL). Serranochromis alvum is known only from the type locality at Cuito-Cuanavale at the junction of the Cuito and Cuanavale rivers, tributary to the Okavango River in Angola. Serranochromis swartzi is known only from the type locality in the Cuanza River, Angola. Serranochromis cuanza is restricted to the Cuanza River, below Capanda Dam, Angola, while S. cacuchi is known only from the Cacuchi River, a tributary of the Cuchi-Cubango River in Angola. The limited distribution of all four species and the absence of many congeners suggest, that in addition to previous studies that invoked a lacustrine speciation model, vicariance through drainage isolation seems to have played an important role in driving speciation in this group. The minimum polygon clusters that are formed when the first principal components of the meristic data are plotted against the second sheared principal components of the morphometric data show separation of the four new species.

Keywords
Pisces, Blue-Headed Largemouth Bream, Red-flanked Largemouth Bream, Black-finned Largemouth Bream, Cacuchi Largemouth Bream, taxonomy

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4908.1.4

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Genomic consequences of domestication of the Siamese fighting fishYoung Mi Kwon, View ORCID ProfileNathan Vranken, Carla Hoge, Madison R Lichak, Kerel X Francis, Julia Camacho-Garcia, View ORCID ProfileIliana Bista, View ORCID ProfileJonathan Wood, View ORCID ProfileShane McCarthy, View ORCID ProfileWilliam Chow, Heok Hui Tan, View ORCID ProfileKerstin Howe, View ORCID ProfileSepalika Bandara, View ORCID ProfileJohannes von Lintig, Lukas Rüber, Richard Durbin, Hannes Svardal, Andres Bendesky
doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.29.442030
This article is a preprint and has not been certified by peer review [what does this mean?].AbstractSiamese fighting fish, commonly known as betta, are among the world's most popular and morphologically diverse pet fish, but the genetic processes leading to their domestication and phenotypic diversification are largely unknown. We assembled de novo the genome of a wild Betta splendens and whole-genome sequenced multiple individuals across five species within the B. splendens species complex, including wild populations and domesticated ornamental betta. Given our estimate of the mutation rate from pedigrees, our analyses suggest that betta were domesticated at least 1,000 years ago, centuries earlier than previously thought. Ornamental betta individuals have variable contributions from other Betta species and have also introgressed into wild populations of those species. We identify dmrt1 as the main sex determination gene in ornamental betta but not in wild B. splendens, and find evidence for recent directional selection at the X-allele of the locus. Furthermore, we find genes with signatures of recent, strong selection that have large effects on color in specific parts of the body, or the shape of individual fins, and are almost all unlinked. Our results demonstrate how simple genetic architectures paired with anatomical modularity can lead to vast phenotypic diversity generated during animal domestication, and set the stage for using betta as a modern system for evolutionary genetics.
Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.

Copyright
The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

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A new miniature Pristella (Actinopterygii: Characiformes: Characidae) with reversed sexual dimorphism from the rio Tocantins and rio São Francisco basins, BrazilAuthors: F.C.T. Lima [email protected], R.A. Caires, C.C. Conde-Saldaña, J.M. Mirande, and F.R. CarvalhoAUTHORS INFO & AFFILIATIONS
Publication: Canadian Journal of Zoology • 26 April 2021 • https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2020-0241
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Canadian Journal of Zoology

AbstractA new species of the genus Pristella Eigenmann, 1908 (Pristella crinogi sp. nov.) is described from the middle rio Tocantins and middle rio São Francisco basins, Brazil. The new species can be diagnosed from its two congeners, Pristella ariporo Conde-Saldaña, Albornoz-Garzón, García-Melo, Villa-Navarro, Mirande, and Lima, 2019 and Pristella maxillaris (Ulrey, 1894), by a combination of color pattern and teeth morphology characters. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus recovered P. crinogi as the sister taxa of P. ariporo. Pristella crinogi, along with P. ariporo, are the first characiform fishes, and one of the first bony fishes, to be reported as presenting a reversed sexual dimorphism, with females presenting a more developed color pattern than males. Comments on the miniaturization of the species, as well as remarks on the biogeography of the genus Pristella, are presented.

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Chondrostoma smyrnae • A New Nase (Cypriniformes, Leuciscidae) from the Tahtalı Reservoir Drainage in the Aegean Sea Basin

Chondrostoma smyrnae
Küçük, Çiftçi, Güçlü & Turan, 2021

DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.63691

Abstract
Chondrostoma smyrnae, a new species, from the Tahtalı reservoir drainage is distinguished by having a slightly arched lower jaw with a well-developed keratinised edge, a deep and cylindric body, a complete lateral line with 47–52+1 total scales, 8–9 scale rows between the lateral line and the dorsal-fin origin, 4 scale rows between the lateral line and the pelvic fin-origin, and 19–23 gill rakers on the first gill arch. Moreover, molecular analyses using full cyt b (1141 bp) and partial coI (652 bp) sequences of the mitochondrial genome from specimens of the new species, C. smyrnae and specimens belonging to other Chondrostoma species from central and western Anatolia demonstrated that the C. smyrnae is easily differentiated by their high pairwise genetic distances of cyt b and coI data set (>2.20 and 1.03%, respectively) and by their position in the phylogenetic trees obtained through Maximum Likelihood (ML) methodology.

Key Words: Cytochrome b, Cytochrome oxidase I, freshwater fish, taxonomy, Western Anatolia

Figure . a. Chondrostoma smyrnae, IFC-ESUF 03–1567, just after fixation form, 167 mm SL, Turkey: Tahtalı reservoir; b. IFC-ESUF 03–1566, holotype, 191 mm SL, Turkey: Tahtalı reservoir; c. IFC-ESUF 03–1567, paratype 205 mm SL, Turkey: Tahtalı reservoir;
d. Chondrostoma turnai, IFC-ESUF 03–1557, 197 mm SL, Turkey: Çine stream.

Chondrostoma smyrnae sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Chondrostoma smyrnae is distinguished from other species occur to adjacent basin by a cylindrical body (body width at dorsal-fin origin 16.8–19.3% SL, vs. 13.3–15.4 in C. turnai (Fig. 3d), 14.1–16.6 in C. meandrense, 12.0–16.3 in C. holmwoodii, 12.4–15.7 in C. fahirae, except C. beysehirense), a wider head (head width at anterior margin of eye 55–65% HL, vs. 42–54), by having less lateral line scales (48–53 vs. 60–67 in C. beysehirense, 60–66 in C. holmwoodii and 56–60 in meandrense, except C. turnai and C. fahirae). Chondrostoma smyrnae is further distinguished from C. turnai by the absence keel between pelvic fin-origin and anus (vs. present in specimens larger than 160 mm SL), a straight or slightly arched lower jaw (vs. arched), more total lateral line scales (48–53, vs. 44–51), and fewer gill rakers on first gill arch (19–23, vs. 22–27). Also, C. smyrnae further differs from C. turnai by the shape of jaws, hyomandibular, quadrate and the fifth brachial gill arc. In C. smyrnae, the dentary thick and coronoid process inclined forward (vs. thin and coronoid process nearly vertical); premaxilla very deep and posterior edge short (vs. slender and posterior edge long); hyomandibular long and narrow (vs. short and wide), the fifth brachial gill arc wide angle (vs. narrow angle) and pharyngeal teeth wide (vs. thin); outer margin of quadrate slightly pointed (vs. rounded) (Figs 4, 5).

Etymology: The species is named for Smyrna, the historic name of the city known today as Izmir. A noun in genitive, indeclinable.

Fahrettin Küçük, Yılmaz Çiftçi, Salim Serkan Güçlü and Davut Turan. 2021. Chondrostoma smyrnae, A New Nase from the Tahtalı Reservoir Drainage in the Aegean Sea Basin (Teleostei, Leuciscidae). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 97(1): 235-248. DOI: 10.3897/zse.97.63691

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Utricularia lihengiae (Lentibulariaceae) • A New Species from Northwest Yunnan, China

Utricularia lihengiae C. L. Long & Z. Cheng

in Cheng, Fang, Wang & Long, 2021.
李恒挖耳草 ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.177.63346

Abstract
Utricularia lihengiae, a new species from the Dulongjiang region of northwest Yunnan, China, is here described and illustrated. The new species belongs to the section Oligocista and is similar to U. bifida L. and U. scandens Benj., from which it can be easily distinguished by the dark purple stripe on the corolla. The new species also differs in its shorter inflorescence and the shape of the calyx lobes.

Keywords: Bladderwort, insectivorous plant, taxonomy, Yunnan Province

Utricularia lihengiae C. L. Long & Z. Cheng
A habitat B whole plant C traps and laminar leaves D leaf E calyx upper lobe F calyx lower lobe G bracts H–J frontal, dorsal and lateral view of the flower
(A–J Photos by Z. Cheng.).

Utricularia lihengiae C. L. Long & Z. Cheng, sp. nov.
“李恒挖耳草” (Li Heng Wa Er Cao)

Diagnosis: U. lihengiae is similar to U. bifida L. (1753: 18), but differs by the inflorescences 2–4 cm long (vs. mostly 10–20 cm long in U. bifida), calyx upper and lower with apex acuminate (vs. calyx upper lobe, apex obtuse, calyx lower lobe, apex rounded or very shortly bifid in U. bifida), 3–5 dark purple stripes on the upper corolla lip, 3 dark purple stripes on lower corolla lip (vs. absent in the upper and lower corolla lip in U. bifida); U. lihengiae is similar to U. scandens Benj. (1847: 309), but differs by the smaller inflorescence 2–4 cm long (vs. mostly 15–35 cm long in U. scandens), peduncle of U. lihengiae is erect (vs. peduncle usually twining in U. scandens), calyx lower lobe with apex acuminate (vs. calyx lower lobe with apex rounded or very shortly bifid in U. scandens), upper calyx lobe of U. lihengiae is shorter than upper corolla lip (vs. upper calyx lobe longer than upper corolla lip in U. scandens), 3–5 dark purple stripes on the upper corolla lip, 3 dark purple stripes on lower corolla lip (vs. absent in the upper and lower corolla lip in U. scandens).

Distribution and habitat: The only known locality of this taxon is in Dulongjiang Township, Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County, Northwest Yunnan, China. The site is located in an open area in a primeval forest dominated by Fagaceae, Magnoliaceae and Ericaceae. The observed population is very small, with fewer than 80 plants growing in the moss amongst damp grass on the roadside, accompanied by the moss Polytrichum commune Hedwig (1801: 88), as well as Vaccinium chaetothrix Sleumer (1941: 432), and Acorus tatarinowii Schott (1859: 101). The elevation is 2800–2900 metres above sea level. The climate here is rainy and humid, with rain falling for most of the year.

Etymology: Named in honor of Prof. Li Heng, a Chinese botanist who has made significant contributions to the knowledge of the flora of Dulongjiang region.

Zhuo Cheng, Qiong Fang, Fei Wang and Chun-Lin Long. 2021. Utricularia lihengiae (Lentibulariaceae), A New Species from Northwest Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 177: 17-24. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.177.63346

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Etelis boweni • A New Cryptic Deepwater Eteline Snapper (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) from the Indo‐Pacific

Etelis boweni
Andrews, Fernandez‐Silva, Randall & Ho, 2021

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14720
hawaii.edu
Photo: NOAA Fisheries

Abstract
A new species of Etelis is described based on 16 specimens collected from the Red Sea and Western Australia, with confirmed genetic records throughout the Indo‐West Pacific. It is similar to and was often misidentified as Etelis carbunculus Cuvier, with both species sharing the diagnostic character of low number of developed gill rakers. Nonetheless, the two species are genetically divergent and differ morphologically in adult body length; proportions of eye, snout, cheek and caudal fin; shape of head, opercular spine and sagittal otolith; and coloration of the tip of the upper caudal fin. Etelis boweni has a wide Indo‐west Pacific distribution that largely overlaps with E. carbunculus, and the two species are often caught on the same fishing line.

Keywords: Actinopterygii, cryptic species, ichthyology, Pisces, snappers, taxonomy

Etelis boweni sp. nov.
Bowen's Red Snapper, Giant Ruby Snapper

Etymology: The authors are grateful to name this fish after Dr. Brian W. Bowen of the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi, in recognition of his contributions to the field of Ichthyology, and in particular for his use of molecular genetic techniques in support of the taxonomy of fishes.

A picture of freshly caught specimen of Etelis boweni sp. nov. from East Bank, American Sāmoa in 2016, weight 31 kg, estimated >1 m total length.
Photo: NOAA Fisheries

Kimberly R. Andrews, Iria Fernandez‐Silva, John E. Randall and Hsuan‐Ching Ho. 2021. Etelis boweni sp. nov., A New Cryptic Deepwater Eteline Snapper from the Indo‐Pacific (Perciformes: Lutjanidae). Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14720
hawaii.edu/news/2021/04/16/newly-discovered-ehu
facebook.com/MNMRC/posts/4225631444122511
twitter.com/ToBoLab/status/1383178764356493312

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Due to ongoing pandemic concerns, MACNA will again be held as a virtual event in 2021,

with a plan to return to an in-person format in 2022.via Marine Aquarium Societies of North America (MASNA)
MACNA 2021 now virtual, MACNA in Atlanta, GA to be rescheduled, MACNA 2021 Sponsorships, Booths, & Tickets transferred to an in-person MACNA 2022.
Dear MACNA 2021 Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Guests,
Once again, the safety of the entire world, our nation, and our marine aquarium community is paramount to the MASNA Board and the MACNA 2021 committee. It is essential that we continue to limit our unnecessary travel to allow for the continued suppression of the spread of the pandemic.
As such, as the leading marine aquarium education organization in our science based community, we cannot in good conscience ask thousands of you to once again risk your lives and those of your loved ones to travel across the state, country, and world to Atlanta, Georgia later this summer.
After feedback from many of our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and meeting with both venues, we have decided that MACNA in Atlanta, GA will be rescheduled to a later date, and all MACNA 2021 booths and tickets will have their credit transferred to an in-person MACNA 2022.
MACNA 2022 will be publicly announced on April 19, 2021.
After the hugely successful virtual MACNA 2020 Phoenix Rising, and mini MACNA, the MACNA 2021 committee will be working in the coming weeks to put together a virtual program to be held during the same dates as MACNA 2021, September 3-5, so that we can still come together for the Education, Trade, and Community that so much of us need in this trying time.
We’d like to thank the marine aquarium industry & community for your support during these past months, and for helping us make this decision. MASNA is actively working with all parties in Atlanta to reschedule the facilities for a future date.
We encourage marine aquarium clubs to utilize our MASNA Speaks program in order to offset the cost of bringing MACNA quality speakers to their next virtual club meeting. Through our MASNA Speaks program, remote presentations are reimbursable up to $100, for speakers using on-line or teleconferencing delivery methods. More information can be found here: www.masna.org/club-resources/masna-speaks-2
Want to contact us with regards to MACNA? Use our contact form here: www.macna.org/contact-us
Want to make a tax deductible donation to MASNA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit? Find out more information here: www.macna.org/donate-to-masna
-MASNA Board of Directors

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Anablepsoides origuelai, a new species of the Anablepsoides ornatus species group (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from Rio Tapajós drainage, Amazon basin, Brazil

ROSSELLA · MARCH 22, 2021
0 3.6K 11
by Dalton Tavares Bressane Nielsen and Renato Pastor Veiga – aqua 27 (1) pp. 5-10
Anablepsoides origuelai, new species, is described from the Rio Tapajós drainage, near at its mouth at the Amazon River, Brazil. It was found in lentic portions of a tributary of rio Tapajós. The new species is a member of the Anablepsoides ornatus species group, which includes another five species, all occurring in the central portion of the Amazon basin. The new species differs from the other species of the Anablepsoides ornatus species group by presenting a similar orange color pattern in the dorsal and ventral portions of the caudal fin, less rays in the caudal fin and a lower number of vertebrae. The new species seems to be more closely related to A. ornatus, with which it shares a pattern of red dots distributed irregularly across the sides of the body.
Full Text | PDF (311 KB)

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The Birmingham Aquatic Club is proudly hosting an online fish show
on November 23rd 2020. This show is open to anybody who wants to take part and for this reason we have tried to keep things as simple as possible. Award cards, prizes and rosettes will be awarded to those that have placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each class. All those that are awarded a 1st place will then be judged overall for best in show. All award cards and rosettes will be posted out to the winners. Entries close on November 20th at 12pm. Winners will be announced via facebook live on November 23rd at 3PM.
To enter and find out more: https://birminghamaquaticclub.co.uk/online-fish-show

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Yunnanilus chuanheensis • A New Loach Species (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the upper Lixianjiang River in Yunnan, China

Yunnanilus chuanheensis
Jiang, Zhao, Du & Wang, 2021

川河云南鳅 || DOI:  10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.287

Abstract
A new loach species (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae: Yunnanilini), Yunnanilus chuanheensis sp. nov., was caught from Chuanhe in the upper reaches of the Lixianjiang River, a tributary of the Red River in Nanjian County, Yunnan Province, China. This species is a member of the traditional Y. pleurotaenia species group based on the presence of a lateral line and cephalic lateral-line canals. It can be distinguished from other species in the Y. pleurotaenia species group by the following characters: lips without papillae, anterior and posterior nostrils separated, whole body scaled, eye diameter smaller than interorbital width, outer gill raker absent on first gill arch, eye diameter greater than 18% of head length, 10–11 inner gill rakers on first gill arch, and lateral line not extending to vertical through dorsal fin insertion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Yunnanilus species recorded from the Red River drainage.

Keywords: Loach, New species, Nemacheilidae, Yunnanilus, Red River, Yunnan

Figure 1. Yunnanilus chuanheensis sp. nov.
Pictures show living (A) and preserved paratype (B, male, KIZ 2016007380);
living(C) and lateral, dorsal, ventral, and X-ray views of preserved holotype (D, female, KIZ 2016007379);
habitat photo of type locality at time of collection (E).

Yunnanilus chuanheensis sp. nov. Jiang, Zhao, Du & Wang

Diagnosis: The new species belongs to the Y. pleurotaenia species group and is distinguished from the Y. nigromaculatus species group based on lateral line and cephalic lateral-line canals present (vs. sensory canals absent). For the other species within the Y. pleurotaenia species group, Yunnanilus chuanheensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from: (1) Y. cruciatus and Y. pulcherrimus by papillae on lips absent (vs. present); (2) Y. jinxiensis by anterior and posterior nostril separated (vs. closely placed); (3) Y. analis, Y. beipanjiangensis, Y. chui, Y. discoloris, Y. elakatis, Y. forkicaudalis, Y. macrositanus, Y. nanpanjiangensis, Y. paludosus, and Y. sichuanensis by whole body scaled (vs. scaleless or only caudal peduncle scaled); (4) Y. jiuchiensis and Y. longibulla by eye diameter smaller than interorbital width (vs. larger); (5) Y. ganheensis, Y. macrolepis, and Y. spanisbripes by outer gill raker on first gill arch absent (vs. present); (6) Y. macrogaster by eye diameter greater than 18% of head length (vs. smaller than 12%); (7) Y. parvus by 10–11 inner gill rakers on first gill arch (vs. 8–9); and (8) Y. pleurotaenia by lateral line not extending to vertical through dorsal fin insertion (vs. extending to).

Distribution map of Yunnanilus chuanheensis sp. nov.

Distribution and habitat: Specimens were collected from Chuanhe in the upper reaches of the Lixianjiang River, a tributary of the Red River basin (Figure 1F). The type locality at the time of capture (dry season) consisted of clear and slow-flowing water, with a sand- and cobble-covered bottom and water depth mostly less than 1 m. The banks were fully covered with secondary forest, mostly shrubs (Figure 1E). Another Nemacheiline loach, Schistura fasciolata, was the only species collected syntopically with this new species.

Etymology: The name of the new species, chuanheensis, is derived from the Chinese name of the locality river, Chuanhe (川河), and therefore the Chinese name of this new species is "川河云南鳅".

phylogenetic position of Yunnanilus chuanheensis sp. nov.

Wan-Sheng Jiang, Ya-Peng Zhao, Li-Na Du and Mo Wang. 2021. Yunnanilus chuanheensis, A New Loach Species (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the upper Lixianjiang River in Yunnan, China. Zoological Research. 42(2); 241-245. DOI:  10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.287

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A Revision of the Gobiid fish Genus Pseudogobius (Gobiidae, Tridentigerinae), with Description of Seven New Species from Australia and South-east Asia

Pseudogobius eos
Larson & Hammer, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4961.1.1

Abstract
The tridentigerine genus Pseudogobius is widespread, from temperate to tropical areas of the Indo-west Pacific. A morphological review of the genus was carried out, with the initial focus on South-east Asian and Australian species. There are about 21 nominal species in the genus; however, the type specimens for some nominal species are missing. Our work recognises 15 valid species so far, including seven new species, which are described herein: Pseudogobius aquilonius n. sp., P. cinctus n. sp., P. eos n. sp., P. hoesei n. sp., P. jeffi n. sp., P. rhizophora n. sp. and P. verticalis n. sp. We also conclude that P. poicilosoma (Bleeker, 1849) is the senior synonym of P. javanicus (Bleeker, 1856). Pseudogobius poicilosoma, P. gastrospilos (Bleeker, 1853) and P. javanicus are accepted here as conspecific, although the types are in poor condition (note that all three names were given to specimens collected within close proximity to each other in coastal Java, Indonesia). A key to valid species is presented. The revision benefited from an adaptive feedback loop with companion genetic analyses, with the most comprehensive data available for the Australian region. Broader preliminary genetic data suggest the potential for recognition of additional cryptic species, with the current study providing a platform for future systematic work. Pseudogobius are a prominent part of estuarine biodiversity in the Indo-west Pacific, and this study helps to highlight the need to better understand the taxonomy and conservation requirements of cryptobenthic fishes.

Keywords: Pisces, Indo-west Pacific, morphology, estuarine, biodiversity

Helen K. Larson and Michael P. Hammer. 2021. A Revision of the Gobiid fish Genus Pseudogobius (Teleostei, Gobiidae, Tridentigerinae), with Description of Seven New Species from Australia and South-east Asia. Zootaxa. 4961(1); 1-85. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4961.1.1

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Corydoras fulleri (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae), a new catfish species from the rio Madeira basin, PeruL. F. C. Tencatt

S. A. dos santos

H.‐G. Evers

M. R. Britto
First published: 09 April 2021

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14750
This article has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Fish Biology and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as doi: 10.1111/jfb.14750.

AbstractA new long‐snouted Corydoras species is described from two tributaries of the río Manuripe and a tributary of the río Madre de Dios, rio Madeira basin, Peru. Corydoras fulleri can be distinguished from its congeners by having the following features: (I) branch of the temporal sensory canal at sphenotic, which gives rise to the supraorbital canal, with two pores; (III) upper tooth plate of branchial arch with three series of teeth; (III) area at the corner of the mouth, ventral to the maxillary barbel, with a small fleshy flap; (IV) two moderate‐sized dark brown or black blotches on caudal‐fin base, one on its lateral portion and another one on its dorsal portion, blotches variably diffuse and/or fused with each other; (V) absence of a dark brown or black stripe transversally crossing the orbit; (VI) a longitudinal dark brown or black stripe on postdorsal region of flank midline, variably fused with the lateral peduncular blotch, some specimens with slender, longitudinally elongated, dark brown or black blotch on flank midline, forming a dash‐like marking, stripe or dash‐like blotch diffuse in some specimens; and (VII) region around dorsal‐fin origin generally lacking dark brown or black blotch, or displaying diffuse blotch.

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TROPICAL FISH OPEN SHOW and Table top sale of Home bred fish on Sunday 15th of August 2021.
The new DURHAM AQUARIST SOCIETY may only be 5 of us but all of us are active and miss the fish shows and auctions of the North East way too much.
The will be held at the -Belmont hall -on Broom side lane ,Durham. This venue is very close to the A1.
There will be at least 40 classes of fish to view on the day. Exhibitors are invited from all over ,all will be warmly welcomed.
For best in show,best egg layer ,best live bearer,best catfish and best goldfish there will be prizes of external power filters.
With the total demise of the show and auction scene in the North East during the past 5 years and the fact that Stamps show is on its last legs and from what we hear may never happen again due to members health and ages ,we decided that something needs to be done.
3 of us are members of the old Washington fish club,so if you remember that event we will try to make it like one of those great days of their open shows.
Please message me for information or perhaps you want volunteer for helping on the day of the show.
Arni Basslet on Facebook

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Chimaera compacta • A New Species (Chondrichthyes: Chimaeridae) from southern Indian Ocean, and An Estimate of Phylogenetic Relationships within the Genus Chimaera

Chimaera compacta
Iglésias, Kemper & Naylor, 2021

DOI: 10.1007/s10228-021-00810-9
twitter.com/ISYEBsp

Abstract
Chimaera compacta sp. nov., a new species of shortnose chimaera (Holocephali: Chimaeriformes: Chimaeridae), is described from a single specimen collected at 595–655 m depth, off Amsterdam Island, in the southern Indian Ocean. The species is easily distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: massive head with short snout; stocky and relatively long trunk 44% BDL, short tail with second dorsal fin base 72% BDL; long pelvic fin anterior margin 26% BDL. Caudal fin dorsal origin slightly posterior to caudal fin ventral origin. Firm, non-deciduous skin; brown color with yellow blotches. Chimaera compacta sp. nov. is morphologically close to Chimaera lignaria Didier 2002 from New Zealand and Chimaera willwatchi Clerkin, Ebert and Kemper 2017 from south western Indian Ocean. The new species can be distinguished from other Chimaera species based on DNA sequences divergence of the COI and NADH2 genes. This species has a nucleotide sequence divergence (uncorrected p distances) for the studied genes of 4.2 and 4.1%, respectively, with its closest relatives. Phylogenetically, Chimaera compacta sp. nov. is nested within a well-supported group including Chimaera carophila Kemper, Ebert, Naylor and Didier 2014, Chimaera didierae Clerkin, Ebert and Kemper 2017, C. lignaria, Chimaera macrospina Didier, Last and White 2008, Chimaera notafricana Kemper, Ebert, Compagno and Didier 2010, Chimaera opalescens Luchetti, Iglésias and Sellos 2011, and C. willwatchi. It is the first Chimaeridae described for the Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.

Keywords: New species, Holocephali, DNA barcoding, Phylogeny, Saint-Paul and Amsterdam Islands

Chimaera compacta sp. nov.
(New English name: Stubby Chimaera;
new French name: Chimère trapue)

Etymology: The epithet compacta is from the Latin compactus (stocky, stubby) and refers to the stubby body, short tail and massive head characteristic of the species.

Samuel P. Iglésias, Jenny M. Kemper and Gavin J. P. Naylor. 2021. Chimaera compacta, A New Species from southern Indian Ocean, and An Estimate of Phylogenetic Relationships within the Genus Chimaera (Chondrichthyes: Chimaeridae). Ichthyological Research. DOI: 10.1007/s10228-021-00810-9
twitter.com/ISYEBsp/status/1377665843866255363

Channa kelaartii • A Valid Species of Dwarf Snakehead (Teleostei: Channidae) from Sri Lanka and southern peninsular India

Coloration of Channa kelaartii in life. All from Sri Lanka.

in Sudasinghe, Pethiyagoda, ... et Britz, 2020.
DOI: 10.26049/VZ70-2-2020-05
facebook.com/HiranyaSudasinghe
Abstract
The dwarf snakehead Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822) (type locality Bengal) has been reported from a vast range, from Iran to Taiwan, and northern India to Sri Lanka. Here, adopting an integrative taxonomic approach, we show that the Sri Lankan snakehead previously referred to as C. gachua is in fact a distinct species, for which the name C. kelaartii (Günther, 1861) is available. Widely distributed in streams and ponds throughout Sri Lanka's lowlands, and also recorded here from the east-flowing drainages of southern peninsular India, C. kelaartii is distinguished from all the other species of the C. gachua species group by the combination of head shape, dorsal-and anal-fin ray counts, scale counts, the presence of pelvic fins, and live adult coloration. Further, C. kelaartii is genetically distinct from topotypical C. gachua by an uncorrected pairwise distance of 7.9-8.8 % for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene.

Key words: Channa gachua, integrative taxonomy, DNA barcoding, biogeography, Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot.

Coloration of Channa kelaartii in life. All from Sri Lanka.
A, juvenile, DZ 4073, 26.7 mm SL, Deraniyagala, Kelani River;
B, subadult, ~ 40 mm SL, Wellawaya, Kirindi Oya;
C, subadult, ~45 mm SL, Peradeniya, Mahaweli River;
D, adult, ~ 70 mm SL, Gurulupotha, Mahaweli River;
E, adult, ~ 90 mm SL, southwestern Sri Lanka.

Channa kelaartii (Günther, 1861)

Diagnosis. Channa kelaartii is distinguished from the other members of the Gachua group by the following combination of characters: pelvic fin present; lateral head profile pointed anteriorly as in Figure 2A; adults usually possessing 2 – 4, rarely 5 or 6, brown concentric bands in the pectoral fin; 38 –43 lateral-line scales; 5 –½5+1+6½ scales in transverse line on body; 24–28 circumpeduncular scales; 31 –35 dorsal-fin rays; 19 – 23 anal-fin rays; 39 – 42 vertebrae; and live adult coloration as in Figure 3.

Habitat, distribution and natural history. Channa kelaartii is a widely distributed fsh in Sri Lanka (Fig. 5B), occurring mostly in lotic waters such as streams and rivers but also in lentic habitats such as pools and ditches in the lowlands. It is usually associated with submerged roots, leaf debris and marginal vegetation during daytime, with adults being solitary or occurring as pairs. During the night, individuals can be more easily observed in open waters. Channa kelaartii and C. orientalis do occur in close proximity in south-western Sri Lanka, where their ranges overlap; they are occasionally encountered in syntopy. Channa kelaartii occurs even in highly modifed habitats such as concretized drains and canals in urban areas. The highest elevation at which we recorded C. kelaartii in Sri Lanka was ca 700 m asl at Lunugala, but Deraniyagala (1929) reported it from Diyatalawa, ca 1200 m asl. Channa kelaartii is not endemic to Sri Lanka and is reported in this study also from east-fowing drainages of southern peninsular India (Fig. 5A).

Channa gachua. The type locality of Channa gachua was given by Hamilton (1822) simply as ‘ponds and ditches in Bengal’, a vast area that includes Bangladesh and much of the Indian state of West Bengal (the illustration that accompanied the original description is reproduced in colour in Britz, 2019).
....

Hiranya Sudasinghe, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Madhava Meegaskumbura, Kalana Maduwage and Ralf Britz. 2020. Channa kelaartii, A Valid Species of Dwarf Snakehead from Sri Lanka and southern peninsular India (Teleostei: Channidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 70(2); 157-170. DOI: 10.26049/VZ70-2-2020-05
facebook.com/HiranyaSudasinghe/posts/10219949443379349
Researchgate.net/publication/341001240_Channa_kelaartii_from_Sri_Lanka_and_peninsular_India

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Triplophysa wulongensis, a new species of cave-dwelling loach (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae) from Chongqing, Southwest China
Shijing Chen, Bakhtiyor Sheraliev, Lu Shu, Zuogang PengAbstractWe describe a new species of cave-dwelling loach, Triplophysa wulongensis sp. nov., based on specimens collected in a subterranean pool in a cave in Wulong County, Chongqing, Southwest China. The pool is connected to the Wujiang River drainage. Triplophysa wulongensis differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: eyes present, caudal fin with 18 branched rays; posterior chamber of the air bladder degenerate; stomach U-shaped; intestine without bends or loops immediately posterior to stomach; body smooth and scaleless, and lateral line complete. The mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence differs from those of other published sequences of species of Triplophysa by 14.9–24.9% in K2P distance. Phylogenetic analysis based on cytochrome b gene sequences recovered T. wulongensis as sister taxon to all other cave-dwelling species of Triplophysa.
KeywordsCavefish, cytb sequence, freshwater fish, ichthyology, phylogeny

IntroductionThe genus Triplophysa Rendahl, 1933, currently comprises approximately 160 valid species, most of which are known from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and to a lesser extent from Central Asia (Zhu 1989; Prokofiev 2010; Kottelat 2012; Fricke et al. 2020). Triplophysa is distinguished from other genera of Nemacheilidae by a marked sexual dimorphism, in which males have tubercle-bearing, elevated skin on the side of the head, and a thickened tuberculated pad on the dorsal surface of the thickened and widened rays of the pectoral fin. Species of Barbatula Linck, 1790 share the same sexual dimorphism, but Triplophysa can be distinguished from Barbatula by the closely situated nostrils (Bănărescu and Nalbant 1968; Prokofiev 2010; Yang et al. 2012; Liu et al. 2017).
To date, 33 cave-dwelling species of Triplophysa have been described from the karst areas of southern China where karst caves and subterranean streams are dominant geological features (Lan et al. 2013; Liu et al. 2017; Wu et al. 2018a). According to Lan et al. (2013), these species can be placed into three groups based on the state of the eyes, namely, eyes normal, reduced, or absent

zookeys.pensoft.net/article/61570/element/7/0/triplophysa/

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Revision of the Tubenose Poacher Genus Pallasina
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A new species of Diplotaxodon (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from Lake Malaŵi

JAY R JR. STAUFFER, ADRIANUS F. KONINGS
Abstract
A species of haplochromine cichlid fish of the genus Diplotaxodon Trewavas, endemic to Lake Malaŵi is described: Diplotaxodon dentatus, new species. All eight type specimens were trawled together off Thumbi East Island in the Southeastern arm of the lake at 73 meters in 1985. They were initially identified as D. argenteus because the teeth on the oral jaws were fully exposed with a closed mouth. The shorter snout length of D. dentatus (26.6–29.2 % HL) clearly separates it from D. argenteus (31.7–34.2 % HL). A plot of a principal components analysis further supports the separation of D. dentatus from D. argenteus.

Keywords
Pisces, Bentho-pelagic cichlids, Ndunduma, commercial fisheries

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4903.2.7

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Redescription of the Guiana Shield Darter Species Characidium crandellii and C. declivirostre

29 March 2021Redescription of the Guiana Shield Darter Species Characidium crandellii and C. declivirostre (Crenuchidae) with Descriptions of Two New Species
Jonathan W. Armbruster, Nathan K. Lujan, Devin D. Bloom
Author Affiliations +
Ichthyology & Herpetology, 109(1):102-122 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2019299

AbstractBased on collections made in the western Guiana Shield over the last 21 years, Characidium crandellii and C. declivirostre are redescribed and two similar species are described from Guyana. These species all have enlarged paired fins with three to four rays thickened ventrally on the pectoral fin and two rays thickened on the pelvic fin. The species can be separated from all other Characidium and Melanocharacidium by having the venter unscaled from the isthmus to the pelvic origin. Characidium crandellii is found in the Essequibo and Takutu River systems and in an isolated population above Tencua Falls in the Ventuari River and the upper Paragua River (Orinoco River basin). Characidium declivirostre is found throughout the right-bank, shield tributaries of the Orinoco River system and in the upper Negro River. Characidium duplicatum, new species, appears to be rare but widely distributed in the Essequibo River system. Characidium wangyapoik, new species, is only known from the upper Ireng River, Branco River basin, along the border between Brazil and Guyana.
Characidium is the most species-rich genus (70 species, Fricke et al., 2019) in the South American darter family Crenuchidae (Characiformes); it consists of small (generally less than 8 cm SL; although a 10.7 cm specimen is described here), benthic fishes found in rivers and streams throughout most of tropical South America and southern Panama. To date, the most extensive phylogenetic analysis of Characidium was Buckup (1993a), who developed a matrix of 64 morphological characters observed across a broad diversity of Characidium and its relatives. His analysis of this matrix found support for a clade comprising Characidium crandellii and C. declivirostre (Clade C3), both of which were described by Steindachner (1915). The sister relationship between these species was supported by three unique and two homoplastic synapomorphies: 1) scaleless area of isthmus extending posteroventrally between pectoral fins to pelvics (unique); 2) branchiostegal membranes united across the isthmus (unique); 3) dermal flaps around anterior and posterior nares independent but touching each other distally (unique); 4) posterior process of coracoid reduced to squarish protuberance (homoplastic); 5) basicaudal spot secondarily absent (homoplastic). Additionally, the species have thickened pads of tissue on the ventral side of the anterior pectoral and pelvic-fin rays (Fig. 1; Conway et al., 2012).
Fig. 1Thickened, keratinized pads on the undersurface of the anterior pectoral-fin rays of (A) Characidium wangyapoik, new species, CSBD F-3615, holotype, and (B) C. crandellii, AUM 67142. Photos by N. K. Lujan.

After nearly two decades collecting in rivers of the western Guiana Shield in Venezuela and Guyana, we have amassed over 300 specimens assignable to C. crandellii, C. declivirostre, and two undescribed, similar species (from the Ireng and Essequibo River basins), providing the justification and basis for this first taxonomic revision of the rheophilic Characidium of the Guiana Shield.
MATERIALS AND METHODSIn species location information, the total number of specimens analyzed (C. crandellii and C. declivirostre) or total number of specimens in the lot (new species) is indicated, followed in parentheses by the number used in standard morphometric (mo), meristic (me), geometric morphometric (gm), and cleared and stained (cs) analyses. Size ranges in mm standard length (SL) are for specimens analyzed (C. crandellii and C. declivirostre) or all specimens (types of new species).
Species were identified through a combination of standard morphometrics and meristics, geometric morphometrics, examination of color patterns, and geographic range. Taxonomic assessment began by first dividing each of the four identified morphotypes into separate basins and/or localities, and evaluating whether finer-scale taxonomic divisions were recognizable.
Standard morphometrics and meristics.--Measurements and meristics were preferentially taken on the left side of specimens (unless damaged) according to Buckup (1993b) using digital Mitutoyo calipers accurate to 0.1 mm. All raw count and measurement data are provided as supplemental material (see Data Accessibility).
Geometric morphometrics.--We photographed the right side of specimens in lateral view with a Canon Eos Rebel T3i digital camera with a 100 mm macro lens and an LED-illuminated light box. Specimens were mounted so that their flanks were parallel with the camera lens. Fifteen landmarks were placed on the photographs using Stereomorph (Olsen and Westneat, 2015; Fig. 2A). Stereomorph creates individual files for each specimen, and these are combined into a single tps file in R (R Core Team, 2013) using the writeLMToTPS command. The tps file was entered into MorphoJ (Klingenberg, 2011), a generalized Procrustes analysis (GPA) was performed, the data were checked for outliers (one improperly digitized specimen was removed), and a covariance matrix created, all using the Preliminaries menu of MorphoJ. We performed a PCA on the data to examine morphological differences between populations (Fig. 2B–D). Specimens in the PCA were initially separated and compared according to locality and morphotype. We additionally duplicated the analyses in geomorph (Adams et al., 2020) and ran an allometric correction using the procD.allometry command, but we do not present this analysis as it did not alter the results. Landmarks were defined as follows: 1) snout tip, 2) anterior edge of nares, 3) posterior edge of maxilla, 4) anterior margin of orbit along longest axis, 5) posterior margin of orbit along longest axis, 6) end of supraoccipital, 7) posteriormost extent of opercle, 8) insertion of first unbranched pectoral-fin ray, 9) insertion of first unbranched dorsal-fin ray, 10) insertion of last dorsal-fin ray, 11) insertion of first unbranched pelvic-fin ray, 12) anterior edge of adipose fin, 13) insertion of first unbranched anal-fin ray, 14) insertion of posteriormost anal-fin ray, and 15) end of caudal peduncle at lateral line. Photographs and tps files of AUM specimens examined are available via the AUM fish collection catalog search page available at http://aumnh.auburn.edu.
Fig. 2(A) Landmarks used in geometric morphometrics. Specimens were propped to maintain bodies orthogonal to the lens (Characidium declivirostre, AUM 36674, 44.0 mm SL); photo by J. W. Armbruster. (B) Wireframes of changes along PC1; gray is average shape and black is a shape that corresponds to a shape with +0.1 Procrustes units. (C) Wireframes of changes along PC2 colored as in B. (D) Results of PCA of geometric morphometrics; specimens of C. crandellii are split by basin with a syntype (Amazon basin) indicated in black.

RESULTSWe initially identified four morphotypes based on a combination of color pattern, meristics, and fin positions (see descriptions): one containing primary types and topotypes of C. declivirostre, one that was similar to type material of C. crandellii, one from the upper Ireng River that did not match any described species (described herein as C. wangyapoik, new species), and one that was patchily distributed throughout the Essequibo River system that also did not match any described species (described herein as C. duplicatum, new species). Separating the morphotypes by location did not reveal any differences in the geometric morphometric PCA, and all that is retained in Figure 2 are the basins for C. crandellii to demonstrate that the PCA was insufficient in finding differences between these populations and the type specimens.
The PCA showed extensive overlap between Characidium declivirostre, C. duplicatum, new species, and C. wangyapoik, new species, and slight overlap between Characidium declivirostre and C. wangyapoik, new species, with C. crandellii. PC1 (Fig. 2B) explained 37.0% of variation focused on differences in mouth position, dorsal-fin size, fin positioning, and angle of the ventral portion of the body posterior to the anal fin. Characidium crandellii was mostly separated from the other species along PC1, and this species tends to have the snout downturned, a longer dorsal-fin base, and the anal-fin base (between landmarks 14 and 15) forming a smaller angle than in other species and landmark 15 (end of caudal peduncle) more ventral (this is particularly true when compared to the largest C. wangyapoik, new species). In C. wangyapoik, new species, the angle of the ventral portion of the body posterior to the anal fin is more steeply angled, particularly in larger specimens, and the tip of the snout is more elevated. PC2 (Fig. 2C) explained 18.5% of the variation focused on differences in head length and anteroposterior position of the eye, with C. duplicatum, new species, and some C. crandellii having the highest values (longer head, more posteriorly positioned eye).
There is considerable allometry in eye size and other head measurements. Smaller individuals have relatively larger eyes when the ratio of orbital diameter vs. head length is plotted against SL (Fig. 3). This difference is also apparent when comparing Figures 4 and 5 of a larger vs. a smaller specimen of C. crandellii. An allometric correction on the geometric morphometric data did not significantly change the results, so only the standard PCA is presented.
Fig. 3Plot of the ratio of orbital diameter to head length versus standard length for all measured specimens of fast-water Characidium of the Guiana Shield showing allometry in eye size.

Fig. 4Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views of Characidium crandellii in life, potential nuptial male, AUM 67142, 106.9 mm SL; Ireng River population. Photos by N. K. Lujan.

Fig. 5Dorsal and lateral views of Characidium crandellii in life, common coloration, AUM 62874, 57.0 mm SL; Kuribrong River population. Photos by J. W. Armbruster.

Characidium crandellii Steindachner, 1915
Figures 1B, 4–6

Characidium crandellii Steindachner 1915: 32, Rio Miang, tributary Cotingo, Tacutu; Boa Vista, Rio Branco, Brazil.
Specimens examined.--Brazil: syntypes: NMW 62673, 5 (2gm), 69260, 2 (1gm), Amazon River basin, Rio Miang, tributary Cotingo, Tacutu; Boa Vista, Rio Branco, Brazil.
Guyana: AUM 28034, 3 (0mo/me, 3 gm), 26.8–33.3 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni, Essequibo River basin, Potaro River, Tumatumari cataract, S bank below old hydroelectric plant, 5.36333, –59.00111; AUM 28139, 1 (0), 24.4 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni, Essequibo River basin, Potaro River, Waratuk cataract, 5.25889, –59.40028; AUM 28184, 1 (1mo/me, 1gm), 37.1 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni, Essequibo River basin, Potaro River and tributaries, at Tukeit cataract, 4.99889, –59.53889; AUM 35582, 7 (2mo, 1me), 26.4–29.1 mm SL, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region 7), Mazaruni River basin, Whitewater Creek 6.8 km SW Bartica, 6.378, –58.67374; AUM 36957, 12 (1mo/me, 8gm), 25.1–45.2 mm SL, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10), Essequibo River basin, Essequibo River at Kurukupari, E bank, 4.66149, –58.67519; AUM 36958, 7 (0) 20.0–23.6 mm SL, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9), Amazon River basin, Pirara River, tributary of the Ireng River, 3.5 km NNW Pirara, 3.6487, –59.68897; AUM 36959, 1 (1mo/me, 1gm), 34.6 mm SL, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9), Amazon River basin, Moco-Moco River at Moco-Moco Hydro Power Station 18.8 km SE Lethem, 3.29672, –59.64466; AUM 36960, 5 (2mo/me, 2gm), 47.4–48.6 mm SL, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10), Essequibo River basin, Essequibo River at Kurukupari, E bank, 4.66149, –58.67519; AUM 45273, 1 (0), 30.0 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Essequibo River, side channel in rapids, 4.4215, –58.48623; AUM 45348, 1 (0), 23.7 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Essequibo River, side channel in rapids, 4.4215, –58.48623; AUM 45371, 4 (0mo/me, 4gm), 23.8–27.0 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Essequibo River, side channel in rapids, 4.4215, –58.48623; AUM 62834, 1 (0), Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Kuribrong River, in rapids at Grass Shoals, 5.40791, –59.53179; AUM 62874, 7 (0mo, 4me, 4gm), 37.2–43.8 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Kuribrong River, at Ram Sheep Rapids, 5.44236, –59.50201; AUM 62889, 1 (0), Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Grass Falls Creek [Kiwikparu Creek], just upstream from mouth of Kuribrong River, 5.4065, –59.53361; AUM 62898, 76 (8mo, 6me, 24gm, 6cs), 41.7–56.5 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Grass Falls Creek [Kiwikparu Creek], near top of falls, 5.40532, –59.5439; AUM 63165, 2 (0), 23.1–24.3 mm SL, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9), Amazon River basin, Ireng River, 6.9 km WSW Karasabai, 4.01957, –59.6017; AUM 67037, 3 (2mo, 3me, 3gm, 1cs), 47.4–72.5 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Amazon River basin, Ireng River, at Orinduik Falls, between upper and lower falls, 4.72536, –60.03852, 2 January 2016; AUM 67142, 1 (1mo, 1me, 1gm), 106.9 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Amazon River basin, Ireng River, shoals at mouth of Monkey Creek, Kaibarupai, 5.04398, –59.97717, 9 January 2016; ROM 91332, 3 (0), Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Sheetrock Creek at crossing of Wailang-Powis tractor trail, 5.47473, –59.43770; ROM 91410, 1 (0), Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Mikobe Creek approximately 0.5 km upstream from mouth, at rapids beyond first rapid blocking upstream boat movement, 5.41396, –59.47025, October 201; ROM 110044, 2 (0), Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Sheetrock Creek at crossing of road between Wailang and Mona Falls, 5.47494, –59.43769; ROM 101902, 1 (0), Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region 7), Mazaruni River basin, no common locality given, 6.13585, –60.0745.
Venezuela: AUM 39466, 1 (1mo, 1me, 1gm), 49.4 mm SL, Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Ventuari, above Salto Tencua, 58 km ESE of San Juan de Manapiare, 5.04777, –65.61583; AMNH 91171, 21 (0mo/me, 10gm), Bolivar, Orinoco River basin, Río Carapo, at third rapids above camp along left bank, 5.71333, –63.53333 (coordinates per Armbruster and Taphorn, 2013).
Diagnosis.--Characidium crandellii can be distinguished from all crenuchids except C. declivirostre, C. duplicatum, new species, and C. wangyapoik, new species, by having the venter without scales from the isthmus to the pelvic girdle (vs. maximally to pectoral-fin insertion) and from most species of Characidium by having a very large pectoral fin with the first four unbranched pectoral-fin rays thickened, and the first pectoral-fin ray bent at an oblique angle (vs. pectoral-fin rays not thickened and first ray either straight or slightly convex). Characidium crandellii can be distinguished from C. declivirostre, C. duplicatum, new species, and C. wangyapoik, new species, by having the dorsal fin strongly falcate or concave (vs. largely rectangular with slightly convex edge); dorsal fin with a terminal hyaline band followed by a wide, dark band approximately 25% or greater the width of the fin, another wide hyaline band ∼50% of the width of the fin, and a basal, dark band with all dark colors present on rays and membranes (vs. two or more thin dark bands much less than 25% of fin width, spots forming bands present only on fin rays); by having the pectoral fin either uniformly dark or with a lighter middle (vs. having spots forming two or more bands), by having the adipose fin inserted directly above insertion of the posteriormost anal-fin ray or slightly behind (vs. over the middle of the anal-fin base), by having 12 circumpeduncular scales (vs. 10), having dentary and premaxillary teeth wide and tri- to pentacuspid (central cusp longest; vs. teeth narrow and peg-like, and maximally tricuspid with only the central cusp well developed), by many teeth (.5) in the posterior dentary row (vs. usually zero but up to two total); and by an anal–apex length/SL ratio of 89.4–94.0 (vs. 93.9–100.3); from C. declivirostre and C. wangyapoik, new species, by having four branched pectoral-fin rays (vs. 3) and a preanal length/SL ratio of 72.9–76.6 (vs. 76.9–82.3); and from C. duplicatum, new species, by having one anterior branched pelvic-fin ray and ray count of i,6,i (vs. two, and ray count of ii,5,i). In addition, infraorbitals 3–4 are reduced to just ossification around the infraorbital canal in C. crandellii, while there is some laminar bone dorsal and ventral to the canal in C. declivirostre, C. duplicatum, new species, and C. wangyapoik, new species.
Description.--Measurements (Table 1) and meristics (reported below) based on 20 specimens. Dorsal profile of body convex arc from tip of snout to posterior end of dorsal fin (highest point of arc at dorsal-fin origin); body then relatively straight and angled ventrally to adipose fin, then shallowly concave to caudal fin. Ventral profile straight to anal fin, then concave arc to caudal fin. Body depth greatest at dorsal-fin origin and least at middle of caudal peduncle. Body oval in cross section anteriorly with ventral surface flattened and oval with dorsal and ventral surfaces somewhat flattened on caudal peduncle. Eye diameter 45.8–97.3% snout length, decreasing with SL (Fig. 3); oval, angled with anterior vertex ventral to posterior vertex; dorsal rim of orbit slightly higher than interorbital surface. Snout broadly rounded. Gill membranes united across isthmus. Tubercles absent.
Scales cycloid, mostly smooth, some with numerous (∼20–30) weak, parallel striae. Lateral line complete with anterior segments within each scale occupying approximately one-third length of each scale and pores visible laterally, vs. posterior segments occupying less than one-quarter length of each scale and pores covered by previous scale; 30 (2), 31 (3), 32 (8), 33 (6), or 36 (1) lateral-line scales; lateral-line scales distinctly smaller anteriorly; naked area located between anterior lateral-line scales and pectoral-fin base; lateral line continues onto scales covering caudal base. 4 (12) or 5 (8) scales above lateral line, 1 (2) or 2 (18) scales below lateral line, 12 circumpeduncular scales. Scales covering anterior 20% of caudal fin. 8 (2), 9 (6), 10 (9), or 11 (3) predorsal scales. Venter unscaled on isthmus and posteriorly to about 2 scales before pelvic-fin origin.
Dorsal fin with 2 unbranched and 8 (9) or 9 (11) branched rays (ii,8–9); first unbranched ray about half length of second; first branched ray longest with shortest ray in middle making fin falcate. Pectoral fin with 4 unbranched and 11 (11) or 12 (9) branched rays (iv,11–12); unbranched rays and first unbranched ray with thick pads of tissue anteriorly; first unbranched ray strongly bent in middle to form oblique angle; first branched ray longest and last shortest; pectoral fin oriented obliquely on body with insertion of posteriormost fin ray located posterodorsally to origin. Pelvic fin with 1 leading unbranched ray, 6 branched rays, and 1 posterior unbranched ray (i,6,i); first branched ray longest; 2 or 3 pelvic axillary scales present with complex covering about half of pelvic-fin base. Anal fin with 2 unbranched rays and 5 (4) or 6 (16) branched rays (ii,5–6); first unbranched ray approximately one-third length of second, closely adhered; fin falcate with first unbranched ray longest and last shortest. Caudal fin with 1 unbranched and 9 (17) or 10 (3) branched rays in upper lobe and 7 (6), 8 (12), or 9 (2) branched and 1 unbranched ray in lower lobe (i,9–10,7–9,i); forked with upper and lower lobes equal. Adipose fin present with base centered on vertical over last ray of anal fin. Rays of paired, dorsal, and anal fins with thick flaps of skin dorsally (paired fins) and laterally (dorsal and anal fins) that overlap successive rays in folded fin; flaps widest and longest anteriorly, decreasing in size and width posteriorly and usually absent on posterior rays.
Teeth tri- to pentacuspid, wide with edges sharp. 5 (3), 6 (6), 7 (8), or 8 (3) premaxillary teeth. 5 (1), 6 (1), 7 (4), 8 (3), 9 (5), 10 (2), 11 (2), or 12 (2) teeth in outer dentary row. Inner dentary row made up of many small, unicuspid teeth. Ectopterygoid with 2 rows of approximately 8–10 minute teeth per row.
Branchiostegal rays 4; 1 ray attached to posterior ceratohyal; 3 rays attached to anterior ceratohyal. Gill rakers 3–5 on dorsal limb, 1 on angle, 7–8 on ventral limb of anterior branchial arch. One supraorbital present; moderately crescent shaped with ventral edge almost straight; from dorsal midpoint of orbit to dorsal ∼1/4–1/3 anterior scleral ossicle; one individual had the posterior portion of each supraorbital present as three separate ossifications in addition to main anterior ossification. All elements of infraorbital series, except infraorbital 1, without laminar component; infraorbitals 3–4 no more than ossification around canal. Parietal branch of supraorbital sensory canal extending to middle or about 3/4 of parietal. Parietal fontanel variable from tiny triangle at posterior borders of parietals to narrow opening at posterior borders of parietals that widens in posterior ∼1/3 of parietals then narrows to contact with frontals. Frontal foramina above supraorbital canal 4, wide, circular.
Total number of vertebrae 35 (2), 36 (2), 37 (2). Vertebral centra 2+3 fused, without ventral processes. Rib of centrum 4 distally expanded, extending anteriorly toward lateral process of centrum 2. Posterior chamber of swim bladder absent. Supraneurals between neural spine of fourth centrum and anterior dorsal-fin pterygiophore 4 (4), 5 (1). Epurals 2. Uroneural present, about 60% as long as urostyle.
Coloration in life.--(Figs. 4, 5) Background color generally light tan on body to yellow on fins occasionally with some green iridescence. Background color of largest specimen (AUM 67142) golden with gold filling lighter areas of fins and gold present on ventral surface (although lighter) from anterior of the pelvic fins to caudal peduncle. Dark midlateral stripe generally present from opercle to caudal fin; scales within stripe darkest in their centers making stripe appear to be made out of chevrons with distal portions of some of these chevrons bleeding into scales above and below (darker above than below); stripe widens to large spot on caudal peduncle. About seven dorsal saddles present, first two in nuchal area, third below anterior portion of dorsal fin, fourth and fifth in interdorsal area, and sixth and seventh between adipose and caudal fin. Scales in lighter areas between saddles have posterior halves dark with darker colors dorsally. Irregular blotches present below lateral stripe and often contiguous with dorsal saddles. Light areas of body rich tan above midlateral stripe and pale yellow below; tan above stripe fades to pale yellow posteriorly. Head with mottled dark patch above roof of cranium, dark line behind the eye, dark line leading from near snout tip to posterior of eye, mottling dorsally on the snout with pale yellow spot located anterodorsally to eye, and lighter areas of the cheek and opercle speckled with melanophores. All fins gray at distal margins and yellow proximally; gray and yellow portions bleed into one another along fin rays. Membranes and some parts of rays between gray and yellow regions dark; most intense dark marks on dorsal fin, ventral portion of caudal fin, and at bases of pectoral and adipose fins. Unbranched pectoral and pelvic rays (and less so following branched rays) with darkest colors centrally along rays and increasing distally, with anterior margins gray and posterior margins yellow. Ventrally, colors more muted; thickened, unbranched and anterior branched rays of pectoral and pelvic fins light gray. Dark areas located at bases of all fins. Largest specimen (AUM 67142) differs from this general pattern in that light areas golden and dark areas more intense, lateral stripe absent, and iris brick red (vs. reddish but mottled with black).
Coloration in alcohol.--Similar to color in life, but dark areas more intense and wider and light areas light gray or tan.
Distribution.--Characidium crandellii has been found mostly in the upper Branco River (Amazon River) basins of Brazil and Guyana and the middle and lower Essequibo River of Guyana (Fig. 6). The type locality is a tributary of the Cotinga River (tributary of the Takutu/Branco) in the vicinity of Boa Vista (Fig. 6). We have examined two collections of the species from the Orinoco River basin. One specimen is from above Tencua Falls (Salto Tencua), the first major barrier to navigation and a major faunal break between the middle and upper Ventuari River (Lujan et al., 2018), and the other collection is from south of Tepuy Guaiquinima in the Paragua/Caroni River basin, also above a series of rapids, including Uraima Falls located just north of the tepui. The Tencua specimen differs from other C. crandellii sensu stricto by having a series of small, vertical spots below the midline and just posterior to the pectoral fin and only the faint remnant of a lateral stripe. The Río Paragua specimens appear more similar to the specimens from the Amazon and Essequibo than to the Tencua specimen.
Remarks.--One specimen from the Ireng River (AUM 67142; 106.9 mm SL; Fig. 4) is the largest specimen of Characidium ever examined and far larger than any other specimens. Its golden color seems to suggest that it is a nuptial male, but we did not confirm with dissection because the specimen is unique.

Fig. 6Distribution of Characidium crandellii, type locality indicated with T.

Table 1Morphometrics for Characidium crandellii and C. declivirostre (n = 20 each).

Characidium declivirostre Steindachner, 1915
Figures 2A, 7–9

Characidium declivirostre Steindachner 1915: 31, Río Coquenan, tributary of Río Caroni, Venezuela. Melanocharacidium pectorale (sic).--Conway et al., 2012: figs. 6C, D, H, and J, and other mentions [fin pad description].
Specimens examined.--Venezuela: AMNH 91168, 1 (0), Bolivar, Orinoco River basin, Río Carapo, at first rapids along right bank, 5.69750, –63.54167 (coordinates per Armbruster and Taphorn, 2013); AMNH 91169, 4 (0), Bolivar, Orinoco River basin, Río Carapo, at third rapids above camp along left bank, 5.71333, –63.53333 (coordinates per Armbruster and Taphorn, 2013); AMNH 91170, 17 (0), Río Paragua, at Gusano Rapids, ca. 1–1.5 hours upriver from Río Carapo mouth, ∼5.5037, –63.5941 (coordinates placed at first large rapids complex upstream of Río Carapo, 1 March 1990; AMNH 232950, 8 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Cuao at Guacamaya Raudal, 13 km upstream from Raudal del Danto, 5.12861, –67.52556; AMNH 232982, 2 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Cuao at Raudal Piapoco, 21.5 km upstream from Raudal del Danto, 5.18250, –67.51361; AMNH 233000, 26 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Cuao, Raudal Cielo, west side of Isla del Cielo, 15 minutes by foot from SAS-01-04 basecamp, 7 March 2001; AMNH 233025, 1 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Cuao at Raudal Pauji, W side of Isla del Cielo, ca. 10 minutes by boat downstream from SAS-01-04 basecamp, 5.14861, –67.53639; AMNH 233084, 14 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Caño Pawa ca. 30 minutes by foot upstream from mouth into Río Cuao, ca. 30 minutes downstream from Puerto Nuevo, 5.29194. –67.32889; AUM 22310, 1 (0), Bolivar, Orinoco River basin, Río Chaviripa, at base of falls, ca. 2 km SE Caicara-Puerto Ayacucho Rd., 7.11389, –66.47306; AUM 22318, 1 (0mo/me, 1gm), 34.9 mm SL, Bolivar, Orinoco River basin, Tributary of Río Caripo, ca. 16 km ESE Los Pijiguaos, Caicara-Puerto Ayacucho Rd., 6.57361, –66.93417; AUM 36625, 4 (3mo/me, 4gm), 43.4–50.2 mm SL, Bolivar, Orinoco River basin, Río San Ignacio, km 258, 5.01015, –61.13694; AUM 36638, 8 (3mo/3me, 4gm), 37.0–56.2 mm SL, Bolivar, Orinoco River basin, tributary to Río Yuruani, km 255, 5.01888, –61.11447; AUM 36660, 2 (0), 41.7–45.7 mm SL, Bolivar, Orinoco River basin, Río Samey, 57.5 km WSW of Santa Elena, 6 km S. of El Piaje, on foot path, 4.42296, –61.59586; AUM 36674, 7 (2mo/me, 7gm), 33.0–47.5 mm SL, Bolivar, Orinoco River basin, Río Mapuari, km 268, 38 km N of Santa Elena, 4.94401, –61.12099; AUM 37137, 2 (0), 29.6–32.7 mm SL, Bolivar, Orinoco River basin, Río Paragua, 66.9 km SSW of La Paragua, at Uraima Falls, 6.30117, –63.62427; AUM 39296, 5 (0), 19.1–20.5 mm SL, Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Manapiare, 14.5 km NW of San Juan de Manapiare, 5.42863, –66.13616; AUM 39468, 2 (0mo/me, 2gm), 34.5–36.3 mm SL, Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Ventuari, above Salto Tencua, 58 km ESE of San Juan de Manapiare, 5.04777, –65.61583; AUM 39539, 1 (0mo/me, 1gm), 38.6 mm SL, Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Ventuari, at Raudales Tencua, 56 km ESE of San Juan de Manapiare, 5.04968, –65.62722; AUM 39601, 1 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Manapiare, 17 km NW of San Juan de Manapiare, 5.44198, –66.1507; AUM 40191, 44 (6mo/me, 20gm, 4cs), 18.4–57.2 mm SL, Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, tributary to Orinoco, 30 km S of Puerto Ayacucho, 5.38659, –67.61556; AUM 43381, 3 (0mo/me, 1gm), 58.4 mm SL, Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Iguapo, 12.6 km ENE of La Esmeralda, 3.19988, –65.43582, 7 March 2005; AUM 43461, 1 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Casiquiare, bedrock in stream, 73 km NE of San Carlos de Río Negro, 2.35258, –66.57521; AUM 43497, 6 (0), Amazonas, Amazon River basin, Río Siapa, raudales, 154 km E of San Carlos de Río Negro, 1.60339, –65.71587; AUM 43519, 1 (1mo/me, 1gm), 58.7 mm SL, Amazonas, Amazon River basin, Caño Aracamoní, 156 km ESE of San Carlos de Río Negro, 1.55669, –65.72533; AUM 43924, 11 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Iguapo, 12.8 km ENE of Esmeralda, 3.19544, –65.43908; AUM 43943, 1 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Caño Tama Tama, 31 km WNW of Esmeralda, 3.21294, –65.82502; AUM 44072, 1 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Orinoco, Punto de Maraya, 80.8 km E of San Fernando de Atabapo, Isla Maraya, 4.02303, –66.97189; AUM 53418, 1 (0mo/me, 1gm), 53.9 mm SL, Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Cano Pasa, 98 km S of the Puerto Ayacucho airport, 5.06119, –67.77957; AUM 54195, 1 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Cataniapo, at Gavilan community, 5.54902, –67.38808; AUM 54207, 26 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Cataniapo, at Sardi community, 5.53375, –67.37395; AUM 56680, 27 (5mo/me, 11gm, 2cs), 50.5–55.5 mm SL, Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Río Cuao, at Raudales Danto, 69.3 km S of Puerto Ayacucho, 5.04409, –67.56045; AUM 56762, 2 (0), Amazonas, Orinoco River basin, Caño Soromoni, 11.8 km WNW of La Esmeralda, 3.1938, –65.65197; NMW 62442, 4 (3gm), syntypes, Orinoco River basin, Río Coquenan, tributary of Río Caroni.
Diagnosis.--Characidium declivirostre can be distinguished from all crenuchids except C. crandellii, C. duplicatum, new species, and C. wangyapoik, new species, by having venter without scales from isthmus to pelvic girdle (vs. maximally to insertion of posteriormost pectoral-fin ray) and from most species of Characidium by having a very large pectoral fin with first three, unbranched pectoral-fin rays thickened, and first pectoral-fin ray bent at an oblique angle (vs. pectoral-fin rays not thickened and first ray either straight or slightly curved). Characidium declivirostre differs from C. crandellii and C. duplicatum, new species, by having three unbranched pectoral rays (vs. four); from C. crandellii by having ten circumpeduncular scales (vs. 12), by having two or more thin dark bands consisting of spots on rays in the dorsal and pectoral fins (vs. a median wide dark band with pigment concentrated on membranes in the dorsal fin and the pectoral fin either entirely dark or dark with a lighter middle), by having an almost square dorsal fin with slightly concave distal edge (vs. falcate), by having the adipose fin above the middle of the anal-fin base (vs. anterior edge of the adipose fin above or behind a vertical through the insertion of the posterior most anal-fin ray), by having dentary and premaxillary teeth narrow and peg-like, and maximally tricuspid with only the central cusp well developed (vs. wide and tri- to pentacuspid, central cusp longest), by having zero to two (total) teeth in the second dentary row (vs. 8 or more), by a preanal length/SL ratio of 76.9–80.6% (vs. 72.9–76.6%), and an anal–apex length/SL ratio of 93.9–97.8% (vs. 89.4–94.0%); from C. duplicatum, new species, by having one leading unbranched pelvic ray (vs. two); and from C. wangyapoik, new species, by having the ventral portion of the flanks with less than ten almost square blotches (vs. 10 or more narrow bars), by having lateral-line canals at least 33% of scale length and pores not covered by preceding scales (vs. lateral-line canals very short in scale, less than 25%, and pores covered by preceding scales).
Description.--Measurements (Table 1) and meristics (reported below) based on 20 specimens. Dorsal profile of body forms convex arc from tip of snout to adipose fin (slight change in conformation at insertion of posteriormost dorsal-fin ray) then concave arc to caudal fin. Ventral profile straight to anal fin, then concave arc to caudal fin. Body depth greatest at dorsal-fin origin and least at middle of caudal peduncle. Body oval in cross section anteriorly (flattened ventrally) and oval with dorsal and ventral surfaces somewhat flattened on caudal peduncle. Eye 57.6–78.8% snout length, decreasing in size with SL (Fig. 3), oval, angled with anterior vertex ventral to posterior vertex; dorsal rim of orbit slightly higher than interorbital surface. Snout pointed. Gill membranes united across isthmus. Tubercles present in both sexes, distributed dorsally on head and anterodorsal scales.
Scales cycloid, generally flat with about 6 striae in first postdorsal scale. Lateral line complete with canal in scales running approximately 33% of scales and pores visible laterally just posterior to previous scales; 30 (1), 31 (13), 32 (3), 33 (2), or 35 (1) lateral-line scales; lateral-line scales distinctly smaller anteriorly; naked area between anterior lateral-line scales and pectoral-fin base; lateral line continues onto scales covering caudal base. 3 (3) or 4 (17) scales above lateral line and 2 scales below lateral line, 10 circumpeduncular scales. Scales covering anterior 20% of caudal fin. 8 (10), 9 (9), or 10 (1) predorsal scales. Venter unscaled on isthmus and posteriorly to about two to three scales anterior to pelvic-fin origin.
Dorsal fin with 2 unbranched and 9 branched rays (ii,9); first unbranched ray about one-half length of second, closely adhered; first branched ray longest and last shortest; fin roughly rectangular. Pectoral fin with 3 unbranched and 9 (1), 10 (17), or 11 (2) branched rays (iii,9–11); unbranched rays and first branched ray with thick pads of tissue anteriorly; first unbranched ray forming curve; first branched ray longest and last shortest; pectoral fin oriented obliquely on body with insertion of posteriormost ray located posterodorsally to origin. Pelvic fin with 1 leading unbranched ray, 6 branched rays, and 1 posterior unbranched ray (i,6,i); first branched ray longest; 2 to 3 pelvic axillary scales present with complex covering approximately half of pelvic-fin base. Anal fin with 2 unbranched rays and 5 (15) or 6 (5) branched rays (ii,5–6); first unbranched ray approximately one-third length of second, closely adhered; fin margin almost straight with second unbranched or first branched ray longest; anal fin fits into space made available by steep, concave profile of venter starting at anal-fin origin. Caudal fin with 1 unbranched and 9 branched rays in upper lobe and 7 (1) or 8 (19) branched and one unbranched ray in lower lobe (i,9,7–8,i); forked with upper and lower lobes coequal. Adipose fin present with base centered on vertical through middle of anal-fin base. Rays of paired, dorsal, and anal fins with thick flaps of skin dorsally (paired fins) and laterally (dorsal and anal fins) that overlap successive rays of adpressed fin; flaps widest and longest anteriorly, decreasing in size and width posteriorly and often absent on middle and posterior rays.
Teeth tricuspid, narrow and peg-like with median cusp round and lateral cusps poorly developed. 5 (1), 6 (9), 7 (3), 8 (4), 9 (2), or 10 (1) premaxillary teeth. 6 (2), 7 (1), 8 (6), 9 (3), 10 (3), 11 (1), or 12 (4) teeth in outer dentary row. Inner dentary row made up of many small, unicuspid teeth; teeth may be absent or not readily visible in smaller specimens. Ectopterygoid usually with 2 rows of approximately 10 (lateral) and 5–10 (medial) minute teeth, some specimens having only lateral row.
Branchiostegal rays 4, 1 attached to posterior ceratohyal, 3 attached to anterior ceratohyal. Gill rakers 1–3 on dorsal limb, 1 on angle, 6–7 on ventral limb of anterior branchial arch. 1 supraorbital present; crescent shaped; from dorsal midpoint of orbit to dorsal 1/3 of anterior scleral ossicle. All elements of infraorbital series, except infraorbital 1, without laminar component. Parietal branch of supraorbital sensory canal extending to middle of parietal. Parietal fontanel reduced to tiny triangle at posterior borders of parietals. Frontal foramina above supraorbital canal 3 wide, circular.
Total number of vertebrae 33 (1), 34 (1), 35 (2), 36 (2). Vertebral centra 2–4 fused, without ventral processes. Rib of centrum 4 distally expanded, extending anteriorly toward lateral process of centrum 2. Posterior chamber of swim bladder extremely reduced, about length of one vertebral centrum. Supraneurals between neural spine of fourth centrum and anterior dorsal-fin pterygiophore 4 (3), 5 (3). Epurals 2 (1), 3 (5). Uroneural present, about 50% as long as urostyle.
Coloration in life.--(Fig. 7) Base color tan with very slight yellow tinge (particularly on head and fins). Dorsal surface with six saddles considerably darker than light intervening regions (light regions from head to dorsal fin have spots centrally [dorsoventrally] and distally [anteroposteriorly] located on scales); first dorsal saddle located on nape, second anterior to dorsal-fin origin, third directly under dorsal fin, fourth in interdorsal region, fifth posterior to adipose-fin base, and sixth at end of caudal peduncle and continuing on to scales covering base of caudal fin. Faint lateral stripe made of spotted scales present along lateral line (spots always located along center lines, but may be posterior on scale (anterior body), central on scales (middle body), or anterior on scales (posterior body); lateral stripe covers lateral-line scales and one row above. Approximately 8 roughly square blotches located below lateral line (usually 2–2.5 scale rows wide, but some blotches smaller, particularly in smaller specimens). These blotches terminate in lateral stripe. Faint, iridescent yellow-green area noticeable above pectoral-fin base.
Head mottled with dark patches on tan to yellow background. Dark patch located on center of opercle, patch fading anteriorly; posterodorsal corner of opercle tan. Large, diffuse, dark blotches present below and behind eye. Wide stripe present from eye to snout. Dark bands present between orbits and down snout. Amount of melanin on head variable, some individuals with large light gray to yellow patches and some almost entirely dark gray.
Dorsal fin with alternating dark and light bands; bands better developed anteriorly. Distal band dark, pigment concentrated on rays. Second band gray (membranes) and tan (rays). Third band black, pigment concentrated on membranes. Fourth band wide gray (membranes) and tan (rays) band. Fifth (most proximal) band black, band covering rays and membranes. Pectoral fin with yellow to gray base color with dark spots centered on rays in two to three distal and one basal band; bands irregular; some spots bleeding onto membranes; ventrally, pectoral-fin colors more diffuse, generally gray with fleshy pads of unbranched and first branched rays almost white. Pelvic fin colored similarly to pectoral with single median band including melanophores on interradial membranes, and diffuse dark band at base of fin. Anal fin as pelvic fin, but no basal band, and band much wider anteriorly. Adipose fin yellow to gray proximally and dark distally with dark color confluent with saddle below it. Base color of caudal fin dark with pigment particularly concentrated at branching points of lepidotrichia; 2 yellow spots present at base (just above and below midline); dorsal and ventral spots may bleed into one another across center; rest of fin with large yellow blotches.
Coloration in alcohol.--(Fig. 8) As in life but yellows and grays change to tan to light brown, spots on scales less distinct and numerous, and iridescence absent. Juveniles colored similarly to adults, but may have more and narrower ventral blotches, generally lighter in color overall. Some populations considerably lighter with greater contrast between light and dark areas, narrower bands, and smaller spots on fins.
Distribution.--(Fig. 9) Characidium declivirostre is known from throughout the Orinoco River basin and the upper Negro River basin. The type locality is the Río Coquenán (also spelled Kukenan), a tributary of the upper Caroni River in Venezuela, We collected and examined material from near this locality (AUM 37137). Its range likely also includes left-bank clear or blackwater tributaries of the Orinoco River in Colombia and rivers draining the southern slope of the western Guiana Shield in Brazil. Our collections of this species were mostly from bedrock shoals in medium to large-sized streams.
Remarks.--In their investigation of the microanatomy of paired-fin pads in ostariophysan fishes, Conway et al. (2012: figs. 6C, D, H, and J) described the pectoral- and pelvic-fin pads of this species (AUM 40191, misidentified therein as Melanocharacidium pectorale). The pads were described as Type I pads where the epidermis is thickened without contribution from the subepidermal layers. They found the epidermis to be thicker ventrally than dorsally (60 vs. 30 µm), the subdermal layer thicker dorsally than ventrally (30 vs. 10 µm), keratinized unculi present on the ventral surfaces of the fin-ray pads, and alarm substance cells and mucocytes present and common on dorsal and ventral surfaces except the ventral surfaces of the pads.

Fig. 7Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views of Characidium declivirostre in life, AUM 56680, 55.5 mm SL; Raudales Danto, Río Cuao, Amazonas, Venezuela. Photos by N. K. Lujan.

Fig. 9Distributions of Characidium declivirostre, C. duplicatum, new species, and C. wangyapoik, new species. Type localities indicated by T's (approximated for C. declivirostre).

Fig. 8Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views of a specimen of Characidium declivirostre from the same stream as the type locality, AUM 36625, 50.1 mm SL. Scale = 1 cm. Photos by J. W. Armbruster.

Characidium duplicatum, new species
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:11B1C6B7-9273-4C91-959A31FDF3C0797B
Figure 10

Leptocharacidium sp.--Hardman et al., 2002: 235 [locality record].
Holotype.--CSBD F-3614 (ex AUM 62835), 1 (1mo/me, 1gm), 39.4 mm SL, Guyana, Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni), Potaro-Essequibo River basin, Kuribrong River, in rapids at Grass Shoals, 05.40791, –059.53179, J. W. Armbruster, D. C. Werneke, E. A. Liverpool, D. P. Fernandes, D. C. Taphorn, 12 March 2014.
Paratypes.--Guyana: AUM 28124, 1 (1mo/me), 25.2 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Potaro River, Amatuk cataract and beach just below cataract, 5.30389, –59.31111, L. M. Page, J. W. Armbruster, M. H. Sabaj, M. Hardman, J. H. Knouft, W. S. Prince, 25 October 1998; AUM 28135, 5 (5mo/me, 5gm, 1cs), 19.6–22.6 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Potaro River, Waratuk cataract, 5.25889, –59.40028, L. M. Page, J. W. Armbruster, M. H. Sabaj, M. Hardman, J. H. Knouft, W. S. Prince, 26 October 1998; AUM 62835, 1 (1mo/me, 1gm), 38.9 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Kuribrong River, in rapids at Grass Shoals, 5.40791, –59.53179, J. W. Armbruster, D. C. Werneke, E. A. Liverpool, D. P. Fernandes, D. C. Taphorn, 12 March 2014; AUM 72308, 1 (0mo, 1me, 1gm), 29.9 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Kuribrong River, at Ram Sheep Rapids, 5.44236, –59.50201, D. C. Taphorn, J. W. Armbruster, D. C. Werneke, E. A. Liverpool, D. P. Fernandes, M. Benjamin, 13 March 2014; ROM 61496, 13 (5mo/me, 7gm), 19.5–28.9 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Potaro River, Amatuk Falls, side channel of Potaro River near portage, 5.30421, –59.31051, E. Holm, 2 October 1990; ROM 110060, 1 (1mo/me, 1 gm), 36.2 mm SL, Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Essequibo River basin, Sheetrock Creek at crossing of road between Wailang and Mona Falls, 5.47494, –59.43769, N. K. Lujan, E. Liverpool, D. Gordon, M. Benjamen, L. Ziccardi, O. Williams, 29 April 2013.
Other specimens examined.--Guyana: AUM 38991, 1 (1mo/me, 1gm), 25.2 mm SL, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9), Essequibo River basin, Essequibo River at Kassi-Attae Rapids, 5.5 km SE mouth of Kuyuwini River, 2.22654, –58.29379, J. W. Armbruster, M. H. Sabaj, M. Hardman, D. Arjoon, N. K. Lujan, L. S. de Souza, 10 November 2003; AUM 39024, 7 (6mo, 7me, 6gm, 1cs), 25.0–30.0 mm SL, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9), Essequibo River basin, Essequibo River at Yukanopito Falls, 44.5 km SW mouth of Kuyuwini River, 1.91461, –58.52046, J. W. Armbruster, M. H. Sabaj, M. Hardman, D. Arjoon, N. K. Lujan, L. S. de Souza, 9 November 2003.
Diagnosis.--Characidium duplicatum can be distinguished from all other crenuchids except Leptocharacidium by having two anterior unbranched pelvic rays, and from all crenuchids except C. crandellii, C. declivirostre, and C. wangyapoik, new species, by having venter without scales from the isthmus to pelvic girdle (vs. maximally to posteriormost pectoral-fin ray insertion), and from most species of Characidium by having a very large pectoral fin with first four unbranched pectoral-fin rays thickened, and first pectoral-fin ray bent at oblique angle (vs. pectoral-fin rays not thickened and first ray either straight or slightly convex). Characidium duplicatum further differs from C. declivirostre and C. wangyapoik, new species, by having four unbranched pectoral-fin rays (vs. three); from C. crandellii by having nine branched pectoral-fin rays (vs. 10–11); pelvic fin ii,5,i (vs. i,6,i), by having ten circumpeduncular scales (vs. 12), by having two or more thin dark bands consisting of spots on dorsal- and pectoral-fin rays (vs. a median wide dark band with pigment concentrated on dorsal- and pectoral-fin membranes, membranes either entirely dark or lighter at center), by having an almost square dorsal fin with slightly concave distal margin (vs. falcate), by having adipose fin above middle of anal-fin base (vs. origin of adipose fin above or behind vertical through posteriormost anal-fin ray insertion), by having dentary and premaxillary teeth narrow, peg-like, maximally tricuspid with only central cusp well developed (vs. wide and tri- to pentacuspid, central cusp longest), by having no teeth in the second dentary row (vs. 8 or more), and by an anal–apex length/SL ratio of 94.5–100.0% (vs. 89.4–94.0%). In addition, the anterior border of the pectoral girdle is convex such that it is deepest at the midline in C. duplicatum, while the anterior border is slightly notched (deepest lateral of midline) in C. declivirostre and C. wangyapoik, new species, and deeply notched in C. crandellii.
Description.--Measurements based on 20 specimens (Table 2); meristics based on 23 specimens. Dorsal profile of body convex arc from tip of snout to posterior end of supraoccipital, then beginning steeper and longer concave arc from supraoccipital to end of dorsal fin (highest point of arc at dorsal-fin origin); body then relatively straight and angled ventrally to end of caudal peduncle. Ventral profile straight to end of pelvic base, rises slightly to anal fin, then concave arc to caudal fin. Body deepest at dorsal-fin origin and shallowest at middle of caudal peduncle. Body oval in cross section anteriorly and oval with dorsal and ventral surfaces somewhat flattened on caudal peduncle. Eye diameter 78.8–118.0% snout length, decreasing in size with SL (Fig. 3), oval, angled with anterior vertex ventral to posterior vertex; dorsal rim of orbit significantly higher than interorbital surface. Snout broadly rounded. Gill membranes united across isthmus, but width of membrane greater in larger specimens. Tubercles absent.
Scales cycloid with approximately 10 parallel striae in first postdorsal scale. Lateral line complete with canal in most scales occupying approximately 33–50% of scales and pores exposed just posterior to previous scale (some scales with pore at or near posterior end of scale); 28 (1), 29 (10), 30 (3), or 31 (3) lateral-line scales; lateral-line scales distinctly smaller anteriorly; naked area between anterior lateral-line scales and pectoral-fin base; lateral line continues onto scales covering caudal-fin base. 4 scales above lateral line and 1 (3) or 2 (14) scales below lateral line, 10 circumpeduncular scales. Scales covering anterior 20% of caudal fin. 8 (5), 9 (9), 10 (2), or 11 (1) predorsal scales. Venter unscaled on isthmus and posteriorly to approximately 2 scales before pelvic-fin origin.
Dorsal fin with 2 unbranched and 8 (1), 9 (20) or 10 (2) branched rays (ii,8–10); first unbranched ray slightly less than one-half length of second, closely adhered; first branched ray longest and antepenultimate shortest, making fin slightly concave. Pectoral fin with 4 unbranched and 8 (2), 9 (19), or 10 (2) branched rays (iv,8–10); unbranched rays with thick pads of tissue anteriorly; first unbranched ray strongly curved posteriorly; fourth unbranched ray longest and last branched ray shortest; pectoral fin oriented obliquely on body with posteriormost insertion located dorsal to origin. Pelvic fin with 2 leading unbranched rays, 5 branched rays, and 1 posterior unbranched ray (ii,5,i); second branched ray longest; 2 to 3 pelvic axillary scales present with complex covering ∼half of pelvic-fin base. Anal fin with 2 unbranched rays and 3 (1) or 5 (22) branched rays (ii,3 or 5); first unbranched ray less than 1/3 length of second, closely adhered; fin slightly falcate with second branched ray longest, first unbranched ray considerably shorter, rays then becoming shorter to last; anal fin fits into concavity made by steep, concave margin of ventral profile starting at anal-fin origin. Caudal fin with 1 unbranched and 10 (22) branched rays in upper lobe and 9 (22) branched and 1 unbranched ray in lower lobe (i,10,9,i; one specimen had caudal fin too damaged to count rays); forked with upper and lower lobes equal. Adipose fin present with base centered on vertical over middle of anal-fin base. Rays of paired, dorsal, and anal fins with thick flaps of skin dorsally (paired fins) and laterally (dorsal and anal fins) that overlap successive rays of adpressed fin; flaps widest and longest anteriorly, decreasing in size and width posteriorly, sometimes absent on posterior rays.
Teeth tricuspid, narrow and peg-like with median cusp round and lateral cusps poorly developed. 5 (3), 6 (14), or 7 (6) premaxillary teeth. 3 (1), 5 (4), 6 (6), 7 (10), 8 (1), or 9 (1) teeth in outer dentary row. No teeth observed on inner dentary row. Ectopterygoid with single row of approximately 10 minute teeth.
Branchiostegal rays 4; 1 ray attached to posterior ceratohyal; 3 rays attached to anterior ceratohyal. Gill rakers 1–3 on dorsal limb, 1 on angle, 3–5 on ventral limb of anterior branchial arch. One supraorbital present; approximately crescent shaped with ventral side almost straight; from dorsal midpoint of orbit to dorsal ∼1/3 of anterior scleral ossicle. All elements of infraorbital series, except infraorbital 1, without laminar component. Parietal branch of supraorbital sensory canal extending to middle of parietal. Parietal fontanel absent; however, parietals do not meet along midline, perhaps due to small size of cleared and stained specimens. Frontal foramina above supraorbital canal 3 wide, circular.
Total number of vertebrae 33 (2). Vertebral centra 2–4 fused, without ventral processes. Rib of centrum 4 distally expanded, extending anteriorly toward lateral process of centrum 2. Swim bladder was not examined. Supraneurals between neural spine of fourth centrum and anterior dorsal-fin pterygiophore 4(2). Epurals 3(2). Uroneural present, about 3/4 as long as urostyle.
Color in life.--(Fig. 10) Body with yellow base color dorsally fading to gray ventrally. Dorsal surface covered with eight dark saddles, first on posterior of head, three between head and dorsal-fin origin (middle band lighter), one under dorsal fin, one between dorsal and adipose fins, one beginning under posterior half of adipose and continuing on caudal peduncle, and one at end of the caudal peduncle. Lighter spaces between saddles with yellow pigment covered by brown dorsally. Lateral stripe faintly visible, formed by scales in stripe with spot of color that leaves anterior edges of scales yellow-gray. Scales with spots covering all except anterior edge of scales present in all regions of body; spots more distinct on caudal peduncle. Several long wide blotches below lateral line with those between posteriormost pectoral-fin ray insertion and anal-fin origin most distinct. Dorsal fin with two distalmost bands formed from spots on rays with interspaces on rays yellow and fin membranes gray; proximal band of dorsal fin similar to others, but anterior end of band with large spot that covers both rays and membranes. Pectoral fin with three bands consisting of spots on branched rays; unbranched rays with central column of black surrounded by gray; interradial membranes gray; large dark spot present above most of pectoral fin and yellow spot present just above pectoral-fin origin; anterior base of pectoral fin to opercle gray with some patches of black melanophores. Pelvic fin colored similar to dorsal fin but with two bands; base of pelvic fin yellow. Anal fin with one medial dark band made of spots centered on rays and bleeding into interradial membranes; rest of anal fin gray. Adipose fin with yellow-gray base and dark tip contiguous with dorsal saddles below. Caudal fin with mostly gray membranes and alternating dark and yellow patches; dark patches longer than yellow patches on central rays and distally on all rays; dorsal- and ventral-most three or four rays with two to three large yellow spots surrounded by black; yellows and blacks fading distally. Head mostly mottled with black and dusky yellow; black interorbital bar present, continuing ventrally along anterior border of eye; large, dark crescent anterior of eye with small connection to interorbital bar; large black spot below eye that widens and fades ventrally; large dark spot on opercle, preopercle, and posterior infraorbitals. Some iridescent green and yellow spots present posterior to eye.
Color in alcohol.--(Fig. 10) Similar to life except with iridescence absent and grays and yellows converted to tan. Holotype and specimen collected with it (AUM 62835) considerably darker than all other specimens.
Distribution.--(Fig. 9) Found throughout the Essequibo River basin, but has been rarely encountered during our surveys. Most locations are in the lower Potaro and Kuribrong, but two localities are in the upper Essequibo upstream of the mouth of the Kuyuwini River.
Remarks.--Because Characidium duplicatum is distributed in both the lower and upper Essequibo with no collections in between, we excluded the upper Essequibo localities from the type series to be more certain that the types contain a single species.
Although similar to Characidium declivirostre in color pattern, C. duplicatum has extra unbranched pectoral and leading pelvic rays. The fourth unbranched pectoral and second unbranched pelvic rays are more similar in appearance to the first unbranched rays than to other branched rays, suggesting that the extra unbranched fin rays were gained via conversion of anterior branched rays. This is further supported by the fact that the pectoral and pelvic fins have the same total number of rays (usually 13 and 8, respectively) in C. duplicatum and C. declivirostre. The fourth unbranched pectoral ray and second unbranched pelvic rays are also the longest in their respective fins, while the first branched ray is the longest in C. declivirostre and C. wangyapoik, new species. The only other crenuchid with two unbranched pelvic rays is Leptocharacidium omospilus.
Etymology.--Duplicatum is Latin for double and is a neuter adjective. In reference to the presence of two unbranched anal-fin rays.

Fig. 10Lateral view (top) of Characidium duplicatum, new species, in life and dorsal, lateral, and ventral views after preservation, CSBD F-3614, holotype, 39.4 mm SL. Photos by J. W. Armbruster.

Table 2Morphometrics for Characidium duplicatum, new species (n = 20), and C. wangyapoik, new species (n = 21).

Characidium wangyapoik, new species
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:1EBB34BE-431E-4D03-A343-6E8132EE810C
Figures 1A, 11–12

Characidium n. sp. ‘Ireng'.—Lujan et al., 2020: 1216 [locality information].
Holotype.--CSBD F-3615 (ex AUM 67118), 1 (1mo/me, 1gm), 72.6 mm SL, Guyana (border with Brazil), Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Amazon River basin, Ireng River, first shoal upriver from split with Sukwabi Creek, 5.07711, –59.97423, N. K. Lujan, J. W. Armbruster, D. C. Werneke, M. Ram, 8 January 2016.
Paratypes.--All specimens Guyana (border with Brazil), Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8), Amazon River basin, Ireng River basin (known as the Rio Mau in Brazil): ANSP 207526, 3 (1mo/me, 3gm), 42.6–56.8 mm SL, AUM 67036, 26 (5mo/me, 26gm, 4cs), 22.0–59.9 mm SL, CSBD F-3616, 3 (1mo/me, 3gm), 37.7–52.2 mm SL, INPA ICT-059496, 3 (0mo/me, 3gm), 52.6–54.6 mm SL, ROM 111286, 3 (0mo/me, 3gm), 47.7–53.8 mm SL, Ireng River, at Orinduik Falls, between upper and lower falls, 4.72536, –60.03852, D. C. Werneke, J. W. Armbruster, N. K. Lujan, M. Ram, 2 January 2016; AUM 67046, 16 (0), 17.8–46.4 mm SL, Ireng River, below lower Orinduik Falls, 4.71898, –60.03507, N. K. Lujan, J. W. Armbruster, D. C. Werneke, M. Ram, 3 January 2016; AUM 67068, 18 (0), 25.2–43.5 mm SL, Ireng River, at Branana Rapids, shoals downstream of Orinduik Falls, 4.67585, –60.06046, D. C. Werneke, J. W. Armbruster, D. I. Brooks, M. Ram, 4 January 2016; AUM 67076, 4 (0), 36.0–40.4 mm SL, Ireng River, at Orinduik Falls, between upper and lower falls, 4.72536, –60.03852, D. C. Werneke, J. W. Armbruster, D. I. Brooks, M. Ram, N. K. Lujan, 4 January 2016; AUM 67077, 20 (0mo/me, 13gm), 31.8–51.9 mm SL, Ireng River, at Orinduik Falls, around halfway between upper and lower falls, 4.72176, –60.03703, D. C. Werneke, J. W. Armbruster, D. I. Brooks, M. Ram, N. K. Lujan, 4 January 2016; AUM 67094, 1 (0), 30.2 mm SL, Ireng River, just above Orinduik Falls, 4.72798, –60.03597, N. K. Lujan, J. W. Armbruster, D. C. Werneke, D. I. Brooks, M. Ram, 5 January 2016; AUM 67118, 14 (4mo/me, 7gm, 2cs), 49.4–76.1 mm SL, INPA ICT-059497, 2 (1mo/me, 2gm), 60.6–62.6 mm SL, first shoal upriver from split with Sukwabi Creek, 5.07711, –59.97423, N. K. Lujan, J. W. Armbruster, D. C. Werneke, M. Ram, 8 January 2016; AUM 67143, 6 (0mo/me, 6gm), 44.8–67.7 mm SL, Ireng River, shoals at mouth of Monkey Creek, Kaibarupai, 5.04398, –59.97717, N. K. Lujan, J. W. Armbruster, D. C. Werneke, 9 January 2016; AUM 67181, 9 (3mo/me, 9gm), 49.1–68.8 mm SL, ROM 111287, 2 (2mo/me, 2gm), 60.6–61.3 mm SL, Ireng River, shoals at mouth of Monkey Creek, Kaibarupai, 5.04398, –59.97717, J. W. Armbruster, N. K. Lujan, D. I. Brooks, 12 January 2016; AUM 67189, 2 (0mo/me, 2gm), Sukwabi Creek, East Fork, downstream of Wotowanda Falls, 5.08867, –59.96952, J. W. Armbruster, N. K. Lujan, D. I. Brooks, D. C. Werneke, P. Peters, R. Daniel, local fishermen, 13 January 2016; AUM 67196, 12 (0mo/me, 11gm), 28.1–67.9 mm SL, Ireng River, downstream of Kaibarupai, 5.02404, –59.97763, D. C. Werneke, J. W. Armbruster, N. K. Lujan, M. Ram, D. I. Brooks, 14 January 2016; AUM 67199, 2 (0), 19.7–23.2 mm SL, Ireng River, at Sand Hill shoals, 4.96554, –59.99411, D. C. Werneke, J. W. Armbruster, N. K. Lujan, M. Ram, D. I. Brooks, 14 January 2016; AUM 67204, 12 (5mo/me), 17.1–72.0 mm SL, Ireng River, at Waipa Landing, 4.93345, –59.99514, D. C. Werneke, J. W. Armbruster, N. K. Lujan, M. Ram, D. I. Brooks, 14 January 2016.
Diagnosis.--Characidium wangyapoik can be distinguished from all crenuchids except C. crandellii, C. declivirostre, and C. duplicatum by having venter without scales from the isthmus to the pelvic girdle (vs. maximally to pectoral insertion) and from most species of Characidium by having a very large pectoral fin with first three unbranched pectoral-fin rays thickened and first pectoral-fin ray bent at an oblique angle (vs. pectoral-fin rays not thickened and first pectoral-fin ray either straight or slightly convex). Characidium wangyapoik differs from C. crandellii, C. declivirostre, and C. duplicatum by having at least the ventral region of flank with thin bars becoming contiguous across body at larger sizes (vs. ventral area with almost square blotches), having lateral-line canal in most of scales very short (∼25% of scale length), and having canal pores covered by preceding scales (vs. canal at least 33% of scale length and pores not covered by preceding scales); from C. crandellii by having 10 circumpeduncular scales (vs. 12), having two or more thin dark bands consisting of spots on rays in dorsal and pectoral fins (vs. a median wide dark band with pigment concentrated on membranes in dorsal fin and pectoral fin either entirely dark or dark with lighter middle), having an almost square dorsal fin with slightly concave distal margin (vs. falcate), having adipose fin located above middle of anal-fin base (vs. anterior edge of adipose fin at or behind vertical through posteriormost anal-fin insertion), by having dentary and premaxillary teeth narrow, peg-like, and maximally tricuspid with only central cusp well developed (vs. wide and tri- to pentacuspid, central cusp longest), by having zero to two (total) teeth in second dentary row (vs. 8 or more); by a preanal length/SL ratio of 77.4–82.3% (vs. 72.9–76.6%), and anal–apex length/SL ratio of 94.6–100.3% (vs. 89.4–94.0%); from C. declivirostre by having the flanks with 10 or more narrow bars (vs. less than 10 almost square blotches); and from C. duplicatum by having one leading unbranched pelvic ray (vs. two). Characidium wangyapoik is most similar in color to C. amaila from the upper Kuribrong River, but it has bands in the dorsal and pectoral fins (vs. no bands in C. amaila) and the unbranched pectoral-fin rays are greatly thickened (vs. only slightly thickened).
Description.--Measurements based on 21 specimens (Table 2); meristics based on 20 specimens (reported below). Dorsal profile of body forms convex arc from tip of snout to posterior end of supraoccipital, then becomes steeper and longer convex arc from supraoccipital to end of dorsal fin (highest point of arc at dorsal-fin origin); dorsal profile relatively straight and ventrally angled from dorsal fin to adipose fin, then forming concave arc to caudal fin. Ventral profile straight to anal fin, then forming concave arc to caudal fin. Body depth greatest at dorsal origin and least at middle of caudal peduncle. Body oval in cross section anteriorly (flattened ventrally) and oval with dorsal and ventral surfaces somewhat flattened on caudal peduncle. Eye diameter 52.5–69.0% snout length, decreasing in size with SL (Fig. 3), oval, angled with anterior vertex ventral to posterior vertex; dorsal rim of orbit slightly higher than interorbital surface. Snout broadly rounded. Gill membranes united across isthmus. Tubercles present in both sexes dorsally on head and anterodorsal scales.
Scales cycloid with most scales having 10–30 short, parallel striae (most on first postdorsal scale). Lateral line complete with canal occupying approximately 1/4 of scale length and pores covered by previous scales; 30 (1), 31 (4), 32 (12), or 33 (3) lateral-line scales; lateral-line scales distinctly smaller anteriorly; naked area between anterior lateral-line scales and pectoral-fin base; lateral line continues onto scales covering caudal base. 4 scales above lateral line and 2 scales below lateral line; 10 circumpeduncular scales. Scales covering anterior 1/5 of caudal fin. 7 (2), 8 (14), or 9 (4) predorsal scales. Venter unscaled on isthmus and posteriorly to 4 to 5 scales anterior to pelvic-fin origin.
Dorsal fin with 2 unbranched and 8 (1) or 9 (19) branched rays (ii,8–9); first unbranched ray about 1/3 length of second; first unbranched ray longest and last shortest; fin roughly rectangular. Pectoral fin with 3 unbranched and 10 (19) or 11 (1) branched rays (iii,10–11); unbranched rays and first branched ray with thick pads of tissue anteriorly; first unbranched ray strongly curved; first branched ray longest and last shortest; pectoral fin oriented obliquely on body with posteriormost insertion located posterodorsally to origin. Pelvic fin with 1 leading unbranched ray, 6 (19) or 7 (1) branched rays, and 1 posterior unbranched ray (i,6–7,i); first branched ray longest; 2 to 3 pelvic axillary scales present with complex covering ∼half of pelvic-fin base. Anal fin with 2 unbranched rays and 5 branched rays (ii,5); first unbranched ray slightly less than 1/3 length of second, closely adhered; fin margin curved with second unbranched ray longest and last branched ray shortest. Caudal fin with 1 unbranched and 8 (4) or 9 (16) branched rays in upper lobe and 8 (16), or 9 (4) branched and 1 unbranched ray in lower lobe (i,8–9,8–9,i); forked with upper and lower lobes coequal. Adipose fin present with base centered on vertical through middle of anal-fin base. Rays of paired, dorsal, and anal fins with thick flaps of skin dorsally (paired fins) and laterally (dorsal and anal fins) that overlap successive rays in adpressed fins; flaps widest and longest anteriorly, decreasing in size and width posteriorly, flaps usually absent on posterior rays.
Teeth tricuspid, narrow and peg-like with median cusp round and lateral cusps poorly developed. 6 (4), 7 (12), or 8 (4) premaxillary teeth. 9 (3), 10 (6), 11 (6), 12 (4), or 14 (1) teeth in outer dentary row. Inner dentary row comprising many small, unicuspid teeth; teeth may be poorly visible or absent in smaller specimens. Ectopterygoid with two rows of approximately 10 (lateral) and 5–10 (medial) minute teeth.
Branchiostegal rays 4; 1 ray attached to posterior ceratohyal; 3 rays attached to anterior ceratohyal. Gill rakers 2–3 on dorsal limb, 1 on angle, 6–7 on ventral limb of anterior branchial arch. One supraorbital present; crescent shaped; from dorsal midpoint of orbit to dorsal ∼1/4 of anterior scleral ossicle. All elements of infraorbital series, except infraorbital 1, without laminar component. Parietal branch of supraorbital sensory canal extending less than 1/4 into parietal. Parietal fontanel reduced to tiny triangle at posterior borders of parietals, almost absent in some; smallest specimens with gap between parietals. Frontal foramina above supraorbital canal 3–4 with some posterior foramina sometimes combined, wide, circular.
Total number of vertebrae 33 (3). Vertebral centra 2–4 fused, without ventral processes. Rib of centrum 4 distally expanded, extending anteriorly toward lateral process of centrum 2. Posterior chamber of swim bladder extremely reduced, about length of one vertebral centrum. Supraneurals between neural spine of fourth centrum and anterior dorsal-fin pterygiophore 4 (4), 5 (1). Epurals 3 (5). Uroneural present, about 1/2 as long as urostyle.
Coloration in life.--(Fig. 11) Base color tan with slight yellow tinge (particularly on head, fins, and dorsally). Dorsal surface with many (∼10) diffuse saddles that seem to subdivide in larger specimens. Faint stripe present along lateral line. Numerous narrow bars below lateral line (1–1.5 scale rows wide). These may extend above lateral line and join with dorsal saddles (particularly in larger specimens). Color generally concentrated on scales with each scale having lighter edges, but either anterior or posterior edges may be light. Ventral surface gray with ventral bars almost meeting midventrally. Iridescent yellow-green stripe noticeable in some specimens between midlateral stripe and dorsal surface; stripe located below dark pigment and fades at insertion of posteriormost dorsal-fin ray.
Head with dorsal saddle that extends to near ventral margin of opercle (posterior margin of opercle gray to yellow). Large dark blotches present below and behind eye. Wide stripe present from eye to snout. Dark bands present between orbits and down snout. Amount of melanin on head varies, some individuals with large gray to yellow patches and some almost entirely dark. Iridescent green spot present in some specimens located dorsal to postorbital dark spot.
Dorsal fin with dark distal margin, gray band that changes to yellow proximally, then black band made of spots on rays that covers ∼1/4 width of fin (interradial membranes gray along band), then narrow gray to yellow band, and finally proximal black band made of roughly triangular spots with longest edges along anterior margins of rays and sloping posteroventrally to posterior margin of rays (interradial membranes gray to yellow); all bands more diffuse anteriorly. Pectoral fin with gray distal margin changing to yellow proximally; dark spots present in two bands distally; distalmost dark band with spots only on rays, but some spots bleed onto membranes in proximal band; dark band at base of pectoral fin may be present; pectoral-fin colors more diffuse ventrally, generally gray with fleshy pads of unbranched and first branched rays almost white. Pelvic fin colored similarly to pectoral with single median band that includes melanophores on interradial membranes and band at base of fin. Anal fin as pelvic fin, but no basal band. Adipose fin yellow to gray proximally and dark distally with dark color confluent with saddle below it. Base color of caudal fin dark with pigment concentrated at junctions of lepidotrichia; two yellow spots present at base (just above and just below midline), single median spot located along midline just after proximal spots, rest of fin with large yellow blotches proximally and large gray blotches distally (gray blotches may fade into base color).
Coloration in alcohol.--(Fig. 12) As in life but yellows and grays become tan and iridescence is lost.
Distribution.--(Fig. 9) Characidium wangyapoik is only known from the upper Ireng River basin (Amazon River) along the Brazil/Guyana border (known as the Rio Mau in Brazil). Specimens were collected from below Orinduik Falls to the upper falls on the Ireng and its equal tributary, the Sukwabi River, but not above the Uluk Tuwuk or Wotawanda falls of the upper Ireng and Sukwabi Rivers (see Lujan et al., 2020, for a more detailed map and description of this area).
Etymology.--Wangyapoik is the Patamona word for the species, and it is used as a noun in apposition. Wang means ‘honey' and yapoik means ‘seated,’ perhaps in reference to the yellowish color. The Patamona also refer to the species by the English common name of “fallsfish.”

Fig. 11Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views of Characidium wangyapoik, new species, in life, CSBD F-3615, holotype, 72.6 mm SL. Photos by N. K. Lujan.

Fig. 12Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views of Characidium wangyapoik, new species, after preservation, CSBD F-3615, holotype, 72.6 mm SL; Kuribrong River population. Photos by J. W. Armbruster.

KEY TO SPECIES OF THE FAST-WATER CHARACIDIUM OF THE GUIANA SHIELD1a. Twelve circumpeduncular scales. Dorsal fin falcate with a medial dark band and terminal white band (Figs. 4, 5). Origin of adipose fin centered at vertical above insertion of posteriormost anal-fin ray (Figs. 4, 5). Pectoral fin uniformly dark or peripherally dark with lighter center. Proximal dentary and premaxillary teeth wide and tri- to pentacuspid (central cusp longest)Characidium crandellii
1b. Ten circumpeduncular scales. Dorsal fin only slightly concave along distal margin and with two or more thin dark bands (Figs. 7, 8, 10–12). Origin of adipose fin at vertical over center of anal-fin base or more anterior. Pectoral fin light with at least one (usually two or three) dark bands made of separate elongate spots (Figs. 7, 8, 10–12). Proximal dentary and premaxillary teeth narrow, peg-like, tricuspid, but only central cusp conspicuous2
2a. Pelvic fin with two unbranched rays. Pectoral fin with four unbranched rays (Fig. 1B)C. duplicatum, new species
2b. Pelvic fin with one unbranched ray. Pectoral fin with three unbranched rays (Fig. 1A)3
3a. Dorsal coloration consisting of prominent saddles that extend to a faint midlateral stripe that may appear as a series of blotches (stripe most prominent in preserved specimens). No accessory bars between saddles. Ventral portion of sides with few, rectangular to square blotches that do not extend dorsal to midlateral stripe (Figs. 7, 8)C. declivirostre
3b. Dorsal saddles not prominent in adults, and usually confluent with thin bands from below midlateral stripe, which is usually demarcated by a faint stripe made of zig-zag lines with the stripe most prominent in smaller individuals. Thin bars also present in lighter interspaces between saddles, some of which extend below midlateral stripe (Figs. 11, 12). Ventral portion of sides with numerous narrow bars that extend above midlateral stripe (in juveniles, only some bars may continue dorsal to midlateral stripe; Figs. 11, 12)C. wangyapoik, new species
DISCUSSIONLike their North American namesakes (Welsh and Perry, 1998), South American darters seem to partition benthic habitats by water speed and associated sediment types; with some species inhabiting slow-flowing, sandy habitats, or even backwaters, while others occur largely on bedrock in fast-flowing water (Leitão and Buckup, 2014). Benthic, rheophilic fishes have many adaptations to maintain position in swift currents (Lujan and Conway, 2015). One such adaptation in darters and various similar fishes in streams throughout the world (Conway et al., 2012; Lujan and Conway, 2015) is having large, angled pectoral fins that generate downforce from water flowing over them. These fins often have ventral pads of tissue that help to resist abrasion and increase adhesion via microscopic keratinous structures known as unculi. In their review of paired-fin pads across the Ostariophysi, Conway et al. (2012) examined C. declivirostre (misidentified as Melanocharacidium pectorale) and described it as having Type I pads (thickening of the epidermis with no contribution from subepidermal layers) on the first three pectoral-fin rays and first two pelvic-fin rays. The epidermis was thicker ventrally, the subdermis thicker dorsally, unicellular, rearward-facing unculi present on the ventral surfaces of the pads, and alarm substance cells and mucocytes present and common dorsally and present ventrally only on areas without the pads.
Fast-water specialist fishes seem to be particularly diverse in rivers draining the Guiana Shield, which are naturally low in sediment, have abundant bedrock shoals and rapids, and a complex history of geological uplift and erosion (Lujan and Armbruster, 2011; Lujan et al., 2013; Lehmberg et al., 2018). Characidium crandellii was described from the Branco River, a tributary of the Negro River, and C. declivirostre was described from the Caroni River, a tributary of the Orinoco River. Although the type localities of the two species are relatively close in linear distance (south and north of the Pakaraima Mountains near the Brazil/Venezuela border), they are quite far from each other in terms of the modern Orinoco and Negro River channels, which only connect via the Casiquiare Canal. However, a hypothesized paleo-river, the proto-Berbice, may have once united these type localities in a single river basin that drained into the Caribbean Sea through the current mouth of the Berbice River as recently as the Pleistocene (McConnell, 1959; Gibbs and Barron, 1983; Lujan and Armbruster, 2011). This paleo-river likely contributed to the disjunct distributions of species or species groups distributed throughout the highlands of the western Guiana Shield (Lujan et al., 2018). Characidium crandellii is an excellent example of such taxa, along with the loricariid species Ancistrus saudades (Souza et al., 2019) and the genus Exastilithoxus (Lujan et al., 2018) whose disjunct distributions suggest that some portion of the upper Ventuari River above Tencua Falls and upper courses of other south bank Orinoco tributaries such as the Paragua River once flowed in the opposite direction, forming headwaters of the proto-Berbice. A series of transcurrent faults run approximately east-west in Bolivar and Amazonas, Venezuela. Although these faults formed in the early Precambrian, they were rejuvenated in the late Mesozoic (de Loczy, 1973; Gibbs and Barron, 1983). Fish distributions suggest a recent switch of the upper courses of south bank Orinoco tributaries from the proto-Berbice perhaps due to tilting along these transcurrent faults. It is notable that despite fairly heavy sampling of south-bank Orinoco tributaries, C. crandellii is only found in the headwaters of those tributaries that have been proposed to have switched between the proto-Berbice and Orinoco. The Ventuari specimen of C. crandellii looks a little different than other specimens suggesting that isolation may be leading to speciation; however, one specimen is not enough to draw conclusions, and the Paragua specimens appear identical to other specimens in the range. All Orinoco specimens have shapes that fall within the main cluster of C. crandellii (Fig. 3). A more thorough test of the proto-Berbice hypothesis for these species' distributions will require material from intervening sites in the Uraricoera River drainage in northernmost Brazil—a river that remains largely unsampled by ichthyologists.
Buckup (1993b) described two species of Melanocharacidium that have a similar coloration and morphology to C. crandellii, C. declivirostre, C. duplicatum, and C. wangyapoik: M. depressum and M. pectorale (clade Me2 in Buckup, 1993a). These species of Melanocharacidium have the anterior pectoral- and pelvic-fin rays less thickened than that of the aforementioned Characidium, and they have a venter lacking scales from the isthmus to just posterior of the pectoral-fin base (vs. nearly to pelvic-fin origin). Buckup (1993a, 1993b) diagnosed Melanocharacidium based on several characteristics including loss of the supraorbital, presence of three supraneurals, and the supracleithrum posteriorly arched. Characidium crandellii, C. declivirostre, C. duplicatum, and C. wangyapoik lack all of the synapomorphies of Melanocharacidium with the exception of a lack of maxillary teeth, which was homoplastic in Buckup's analysis (Buckup included C. crandellii and C. declivirostre in his analysis, and we confirmed his characters in our specimens and the new species).
In addition, Buckup (1993a, 1993b) recognized a convergence between C. declivirostre and M. depressum and M. pectorale in fusion of the vertebrae of the Weberian apparatus, with M. depressum and M. pectorale having all four vertebrae fused and C. declivirostre having the third and fourth and maybe the second fused (we confirmed that vertebrae 2–4 are fused). Characidium duplicatum and C. wangyapoik also share the fusion of vertebrae 2–4 with C. declivirostre. In addition, Buckup describes the presence of a ventral lamellar process of the homolog of the pleural rib of vertebra 4 extending below the tripus to articulate with the homolog of the lateral process of vertebra 2 to form an osseus wall covering the anterior wall of the swim bladder as characters to diagnose the clade of M. depressum + M. pectorale. Characidium declivirostre, C. duplicatum, and C. wangyapoik also appear to have the osseus wall, and this was very similar to what we saw in a specimen of M. pectorale (AUM 40995).
DATA ACCESSIBILITYSupplemental material is available at https://www.ichthyologyandherpetology.org/i2019299. Unless otherwise indicated in the figure caption, the published images and illustrations in this article are licensed by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists for use if the use includes a citation to the original source in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution CC BY License. ZooBank publication urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:24A53251-5BE2-4F5E-8666-9CBA2AA644A5.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTSWe would like to thank O. Leon Mata, in memoriam (Curator of Fishes, Museo de Ciencias Naturales de la UNELLEZ, Guanare, Venezuela) and D. Taphorn (UNELLEZ) for facilitating field work in Venezuela, and E. Liverpool (University of Guyana), O. Williams (Guyana Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs), D. Taphorn (UNELLEZ), L. Page (University of Florida), A. Williams (World Wildlife Fund Guianas), C. Hutchinson (WWF Guianas), and D. Fernandes (Guyana Protected Areas Commission) for facilitating field work in Guyana. We especially thank the Patamona community of Kaibarupai for hosting our expedition to the upper Ireng River and sharing their knowledge and skills in the field. We also thank the collection managers E. Holm (ROM), M. Burridge (ROM), D. Stacey (ROM), M. Sabaj (ANSP), B. Brown (in memoriam, AMNH), and R. Arrindell (AMNH) for facilitating visits to their collections and sharing specimens via loans. We especially thank all of the people who aided us in the field and deposited specimens in collections including: D. Abraham, C. Allison, M. Arce, D. Arjoon, J. Baskin, M. Benjamin, R. Betancur, J. Birindelli, T. Carvalho, C. Chin, J. Correia, R. Daniel, L. de Souza, K. Dookram, J. Evans, D. Fernandes, C. Ferraris, D. Gordon, M. Grant, M. Hardman, J. Hartsell, D. Hemraj, J. Knouft, E. Liverpool, H. López-Fernández, S. Lord, A. Luna, V. Meza, T. Pera, P. Peters, W. Prince, F. Provenzano, M. Ram, E. Richmond, R. Royero-I., M. Sabaj, S. Schaefer, D. Taphorn, J. Thomas, M. Thomas, D. Werneke, T. Wesley, A. Yarumore, and L. Ziccardi. This project was supported by NSF grants DEB-0107751 and DEB-0315963, National Geographic CRE grants to JWA and NKL (8721-09), and a Coypu Foundation grant to NKL and JWA and funding from the WWF-Guianas and the Inter-American Development Bank. Salary support for NKL was provided by a Gerstner Fellowship from the American Museum of Natural History.

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© 2021 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
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Jonathan W. Armbruster, Nathan K. Lujan, and Devin D. Bloom "Redescription of the Guiana Shield Darter Species Characidium crandellii and C. declivirostre (Crenuchidae) with Descriptions of Two New Species," Ichthyology & Herpetology 109(1), 102-122, (29 March 2021). https://doi.org/10.1643/i2019299
Received: 9 October 2019; Accepted: 16 September 2020; Published: 29 March 2021
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Evolution in Sinocyclocheilus Cavefish is marked by Rate Shifts, Reversals, and Origin of Novel Traits

Sinocyclocheilus spp.

in Mao, Liu, Meegaskumbura, ... et al., 2021.
DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01776-y
twitter.com/Meegaskumbura

Abstract
Background:
Natural model systems are indispensable for exploring adaptations in response to environmental pressures. Sinocyclocheilus of China, the most diverse cavefish clade in the world (75 species), provide unique opportunities to understand recurrent evolution of stereotypic traits (such as eye loss and sensory expansion) in the context of a deep and diverse phylogenetic group. However, they remain poorly understood in terms of their morphological evolution. Therefore, we explore key patterns of morphological evolution, habitat utilization and geographic distribution in these fishes.

Results:
We constructed phylogenies and categorized 49 species based on eye-related condition (Blind, Micro-eyed, and Normal-eyed), habitat types (Troglobitic—cave-restricted; Troglophilic—cave-associated; Surface—outside caves) and existence of horns. Geometric-morphometric analyses show Normal-eyed morphs with fusiform shapes segregating from Blind/Micro-eyed deeper bodied morphs along the first principal-component axis; second axis accounts for shape complexity related to horns. The body shapes showed a significant association with eye-related condition and horn, but not habitat types. Ancestral reconstructions suggest at least three independent origins of Blind morphs, each with different levels of modification in relation to their ancestral Normal-eyed morphs; Sinocyclocheilus are also pre-adapted for cave dwelling. Our geophylogeny shows an east-to-west diversification spanning Pliocene and Pleistocene, with early-diversifying Troglobitic species dominating subterranean habitats of karstic plains whereas predominantly Surface forms inhabit hills to the west. Evolutionary rates analyses suggest that lineages leading to Blind morphs were characterized by significant rate shifts, such as a slowdown in body size evolution and a 5–20 fold increase in rate of eye regression, possibly explained by limited resource availability. Body size and eye size have undergone reversals, but not horns, a trait entailing considerable time to form.

Conclusions:
Sinocyclocheilus occupied cave habitats in response to drying associated with aridification of China during late Miocene and the Pliocene. The prominent cave-adaptations (eye-regression, horn-evolution) occur in clades associated with the extensive subterranean cave system in Guangxi and Guizhou provinces. Integration of morphology, phylogeny, rate analyses, molecular-dating and distribution show not only several remarkable patterns of evolution, but also interesting exceptions to these patterns signifying the diversification of Sinocyclocheilus as an invaluable model system to explore evolutionary novelty.

Keywords: Phylomorphospace, Evolutionary convergence, Blind fish, Troglobitic, Geophylogeny

Ting-Ru Mao, Ye-Wei Liu, Madhava Meegaskumbura, Jian Yang, Gajaba Ellepola, Gayani Senevirathne, Cheng-Hai Fu, Joshua B. Gross and Marcio R. Pie. 2021. Evolution in Sinocyclocheilus Cavefish is marked by Rate Shifts, Reversals, and Origin of Novel Traits.
BMC Ecology and Evolution. 21, 45. DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01776-y
twitter.com/Meegaskumbura/status/1373097731032453125

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Oxynoemacheilus amanos • A New Nemacheilid Loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from the Orontes River Drainage

Oxynoemacheilus amanos
Kaya, Yoğurtçuoğlu & Freyhof, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4938.5.3
twitter.com/Jorg_Freyhof

Abstract
Oxynoemacheilus amanos, new species, is described from İncesu spring in the upper Hupnik drainage, a northern tributary of the lower Orontes in Turkey. It is distinguished from the other Oxynoemacheilus species in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea basin by possession of an incomplete lateral line with 23–45 pores, terminating between the vertical through the dorsal fin origin and the anus, 10–13 pores in the infraorbital canal, a deeply emarginate caudal fin, no suborbital groove in the male, and a series of irregularly shaped and set dark-brown bars on the flank, not connected to saddles on the back.

Keywords: Pisces, Freshwater fish, taxonomy, Middle East, Amanos mountains, Hatay

Cüneyt Kaya, Baran Yoğurtçuoğlu and Jörg Freyhof. 2021. Oxynoemacheilus amanos, A New Nemacheilid Loach from the Orontes River Drainage (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Zootaxa. 4938(5); 559–570. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4938.5.3
twitter.com/Jorg_Freyhof/status/1367023964539793412

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Brachyhypopomus degy • A New Species of Amazonian Bluntnose Knifefish Brachyhypopomus (Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae), with Comments on Its Phylogenetic Position

Brachyhypopomus degy
Dutra, Peixoto, Ochoa, Ohara, de Santana, Menezes & Datovo, 2021

DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2021.1877844
twitter.com/DavideFishes
Abstract
A new species of the bluntnose knifefish genus Brachyhypopomus Mago-Leccia is described from headwaters of upper Rio Juruena, and upper Rio Machado, Amazon basin, Brazil. The new species differs from all congeners by the absence of a small independent ossification of the Weberian complex located posterodorsally to the supraoccipital. It can be additionally distinguished from its congeners by a set of characters in combination that includes: absence of accessory electric organ over the opercular region, absence of a prominent pale uninterrupted middorsal stripe on body, presence of scales on the entire middorsal region of body, dorsal rami of the recurrent branch of anterior lateral-line nerve not externally visible, presence of a dark suborbital stripe, and possession of 8–10 scale rows above the lateral line. The phylogenetic position of the new species is inferred by its inclusion in a total-evidence matrix with data from morphology, mitochondrial genes, and nuclear genes of all species. The new species is apparently restricted to upland tributaries of the Chapada dos Parecis, more than 500 m high. Comments on the occurrence of fish species in multiple independent basins at Chapada dos Parecis are also provided.

Key words: Bayesian inference, biodiversity, electric fishes, maximum parsimony, neotropical fauna, taxonomy

Brachyhypopomus degy

Guilherme Moreira Dutra, Luiz Antônio Wanderley Peixoto, Luz Eneida Ochoa, Willian Massaharu Ohara, Carlos David de Santana, Naércio Aquino Menezes and Aléssio Datovo. 2021. A New Species of Amazonian Bluntnose Knifefish Brachyhypopomus (Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae), with Comments on Its Phylogenetic Position. Systematics and Biodiversity. DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2021.1877844
twitter.com/DavideFishes/status/1366898192663654404

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Event by British Livebearer Association

Holiday Inn South Normanton M1, JCT.28

18 Sep at 09:00 UTC+01 – 19 Sep at 18:00 UTC+01

Price: free · Duration: 1 day

Public · Anyone on or off Facebook

The BLA in conjunction with the British Killifish Association, The British Cichlid Association and the Fancy Guppies UK are holding a Joint show which will be spectacular

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Strophidon tetraporus • A Review of the Genus Strophidon (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae), with Description of A New Species

Strophidon tetraporus  Huang & Liao

in Huang, Mohapatra, ... et Liao, 2020.
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14514
  facebook.com: 黃文謙

  Abstract
Strophidon McClelland is a muraenid genus with characteristic appearance of a very elongated body, a large mouth cleft and anteriorly placed eyes. The nomenclature and taxonomic history of species within Strophidon are contentious and its members are easily misidentified. In the present study, species of the genus Strophidon are revised based on morphological and molecular data, and five species are considered valid, including S. dawydoffi Prokofiev, S. dorsalis (Seale), S. sathete (Hamilton), S. ui Tanaka and a new species, S. tetraporus. Strophidon tetraporus sp. nov. is described based on 15 specimens from Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam with the unique characteristic of the constant presence of the fourth infraorbital pore among species of Strophidon. The intraspecific variation of vertebral formula within S. dorsalis is discussed based on molecular data. Muraena macrurus Bleeker and Thyrsoidea longissima Kaup are synonyms of S. sathete that can be distinguished from the most similar congener S. ui by a longer tail, smaller eyes and more inner maxillary and inner dentary teeth. A key to identify species of Strophidon is provided. The distribution and maximum size of each species are also re‐evaluated.

Keywords: Muraenidae, new species, phylogeny, redescription, Strophidon, taxonomy

Genus Strophidon McClelland 1844

Strophidon dorsalis (Seale, 1917)

Strophidon sathete (Hamilton, 1822)

Strophidon ui Tanaka, 1918

Strophidon tetraporus sp. nov. Huang & Liao

Common name: Four Pores Slender Giant Moray

Etymology: Name from Greek words tetra (four) and póros (pore), in reference to the uniquely constant presence of the fourth infraorbital pore in this species of Strophidon. A noun in apposition.

Wen‐Chien Huang, Anil Mohapatra, Pham The Thu, Hong‐Ming Chen and Te‐Yu Liao. 2020. A Review of the Genus Strophidon (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae), with Description of A New Species. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14514
  facebook.com/100001798487931/posts/4569890516414186

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Island Colonization by A ‘Rheophilic’ Fish: the Phylogeography of Garra ceylonensis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in Sri Lanka

Garra ceylonensis

in Sudasinghe, Dahanukar, Raghavan, ... et Meegaskumbura, 2021.

DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa221
twitter.com/HiranyaSud

Abstract
Despite exhibiting multiple morphological adaptations to living in swiftly flowing water (rheophily), Garra ceylonensis is one of the most widely distributed freshwater fish in Sri Lanka. It is thus an ideal organism to reconstruct the evolutionary history of a widespread, yet morphologically specialized, freshwater fish in a tropical-island setting. We analysed the phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationships of G. ceylonensis based on two mitochondrial and one nuclear genes. G. ceylonensis is shown to be monophyletic, with a sister-group relationship to the Indian species Garra mullya. Our results suggest a single colonization of Sri Lanka by ancestral Garra, in the late Pliocene. This suggests that the Palk Isthmus, which was exposed for most of the Pleistocene, had a hydroclimate unsuited to the dispersal of fishes such as Garra. G. ceylonensis exhibits strong phylogeographic structure: six subclades are distributed as genetically distinct populations in clusters of contiguous river basins, albeit with two exceptions. Our data reveal one or more Pleistocene extirpation events, evidently driven by aridification, with relict populations subsequently re-colonizing the island. The phylogeographic structure of G. ceylonensis suggests inter-basin dispersal largely through headwater capture, likely facilitated by free-swimming post-larvae. The Peninsular-Indian species G. mullya comprises two genetically distinct parapatric clades, which may represent distinct species.

Keywords: biogeography, dispersal, freshwater fish, Labeoninae, phylogeny, Pleistocene, torrent fish

Garra ceylonensis Bleeker, 1863

Hiranya Sudasinghe, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rajeev Raghavan, Tharani Senavirathna, Dipeshwari J Shewale, Mandar S Paingankar, Anjalie Amarasinghe, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Lukas Rüber and Madhava Meegaskumbura. 2021. Island Colonization by A ‘Rheophilic’ Fish: the Phylogeography of Garra ceylonensis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in Sri Lanka. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. blaa221. DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa221
twitter.com/HiranyaSud/status/1359782960258514944

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Coralliozetus clausus • A New Species of Tube Blenny (Blenniiformes: Chaenopsidae) endemic to Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Coralliozetus clausus Hastings, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4926.2.10
facebook.com/ScrippsOcean
scripps.UCSD.edu

Abstract
Coralliozetus clausus, a new species of chaenopsid blenny, endemic to Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, is described. This small species, not exceeding 15 mm SL, is a short-bodied member of the genus along with Coralliozetus cardonae (Caribbean), Coralliozetus angelicus, and Coralliozetus springeri (both eastern Pacific). It differs from its closest relative, C. springeri, known from mainland waters from Costa Rica to Ecuador, in having a single tiny supraorbital cirrus and dark dots on the operculum and branchiostegal membrane of males while C. springeri has paired supraorbital cirri (one of which is substantial in size) and no dots on the operculum. Although two other species of Coralliozetus have been reported from Isla del Coco, this appears to be only member of the genus present on the island. It is the second chaenopsid endemic to Isla del Coco and brings the number of cryptobenthic fishes endemic to Isla del Coco to twelve.

Keywords: Pisces, Chaenopsidae, Coralliozetus, tube blennies, Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, island endemic, small body size

Philip A. Hastings. 2021. The Pandemic Blenny, Coralliozetus clausus, A New Species of Tube Blenny endemic to Isla del Coco, Costa Rica (Teleostei: Chaenopsidae). Zootaxa. 4926(2); 296–300. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4926.2.10
facebook.com/ScrippsOcean/photos/10157840317831711
scripps.UCSD.edu/news/pandemic-blenny-new-fish-discovered-scripps-scientist

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.

Review of the Batfish Genus Malthopsis (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae) from Australia , with Descriptions of Five New Species

Malthopsis oculata, M. bulla &  M. mcgroutheri;
Malthopsis apis &  M. tetrabulla

Ho & Last, 2021
DOI: 10.5343/bms.2020.0037
  twitter.com/BullMarSci

Abstract
A taxonomic review of the batfish genus Malthopsis in the Australian waters is provided. Eleven valid species are recognized in this study: Malthopsis gigas Ho and Shao, 2010, Malthopsis parva Ho, Roberts and Shao, 2013, Malthopsis asperata Ho, Roberts and Shao, 2013, Malthopsis lutea Alcock, 1891, Malthopsis mitrigera Gilbert and Cramer, 1897, Malthopsis provocator Whitley, 1961, and an additional five species new to science. Four of these new species, Malthopsis apis sp. nov., Malthopsis bulla sp. nov., Malthopsis oculata sp. nov., and Malthopsis tetrabulla sp. nov. belong to a species group lacking spinules on the interspaces between bucklers of the ventral surface, whereas Malthopsis mcgroutheri sp. nov. belongs to another species group characterized by having spinules on the interspaces between bucklers of the ventral surface. Four other taxa were identified during this study that may be undescribed but require further investigation. The Australian endemic species M. provocator, formerly considered to be a synonym of Malthopsis kobayashii Tanaka, 1916, is resurrected herein and two widespread species, M. asperata and M. lutea, are newly recorded from Australia. A key to all Australian species is provided.

Hsuan-Ching Ho and Peter Last. 2021. Review of the Batfish Genus Malthopsis from Australia (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae), with Descriptions of Five New Species.  Bulletin of Marine Science. 97(1); 165-218. DOI: 10.5343/bms.2020.0037
  twitter.com/BullMarSci/status/1358872049054277634

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Bagarius vegrandis | ปลาแค้วัว • A New Species of Sisorid Catfish from Indochina (Siluriformes: Sisoridae), with Notes on the Identity of Bagarius bagarius

Bagarius vegrandis
Ng & Kottelat, 2021

ปลาแค้วัว || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4926.1.9
photo: Nonn Panitvong facebook.com/ThaiFishBook

Abstract
Bagarius vegrandis, new species, is described from the Chao Phraya and Mekong river drainages. It differs from congeners in having a small maximum body size (to 220 mm SL vs. 520–1400 mm SL) and the adipose-fin origin markedly posterior to (vs. at vertical through or very slightly posterior to) the anal-fin origin. It further differs from congeners in having the following unique combination of characters: ovoid unculiferous plaques on dorsal surface of head, lateral margin of frontal not significantly deflected dorsally, eye diameter 11–15% HL, interorbital distance 23–28% HL, head width 18.3–22.3% SL, head depth 11.1–14.1% SL, filamentous extensions to first pectoral-fin element reaching to anus, dorsal spine width 10.6–13.9 times in its length, body depth at anus 8.7–12.0% SL, neural spines of the 4–6 vertebrae immediately anterior to adipose fin distally flattened but not forming series of prominent bumps along dorsal midline, length of adipose-fin base 10.8–13.0% SL, caudal-peduncle length 19.0–22.4% SL, caudal-peduncle depth 3.2–4.2% SL, 19–20 preanal vertebrae, and 39–40 total vertebrae. Bagarius bagarius (Hamilton, 1822) is demonstrated to be a species restricted to the Indian subcontinent (with Bagrus yarrelli Sykes, 1839, Pimelodus platespogon Valenciennes, in Jacquemont, 1839 and Pimelodus carnaticus Jerdon, 1849 as junior subjective synonyms) and Bagarius lica Volz, 1903 resurrected from synonymy with B. yarrelli as a valid species from Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Pisces, taxonomy, morphology, species delimitation, Southeast Asia

Bagarius vegrandis Ng & Kottelat, 2021
photo: Nonn Panitvong
facebook.com/ThaiFishBook

Heok Hee Ng and Maurice Kottelat. 2021. Description of Bagarius vegrandis, A New Species of Sisorid Catfish from Indochina (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes), with Notes on the Identity of Bagarius bagarius. Zootaxa. 4926(1); 134–146. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4926.1.9
facebook.com/ThaiFishBook/posts/696209067710481

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Phylogenetic Position and Relationships of Mountain Loaches (Teleostei: Balitoridae) of the Western Ghats as revealed by CO1 Sequences

in Sidharthan, Raghavan, Anoop, et al., 2021.
DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4926.1.5
  facebook.com: Rajeev Raghavan

Abstract
The teleostean family Balitoridae comprises small-sized freshwater fishes adapted to swift-flowing torrential mountain streams in South and South-East Asia. Little is known about their molecular phylogenetics and evolutionary biogeography, and much of the scientific literature that references them is focused on morphological taxonomy. In this paper, we generate CO1 sequences for the endemic balitorid lineages of the Western Ghats (WG) Hotspot in India, particularly for the endemic genera, Bhavania, Ghatsa and Travancoria. Integration of these data into a phylogeny revealed that the endemic WG genera together form a well-supported monophyletic clade that shows, subject to our limited taxon sampling, a sister-group relationship to the Southeast Asian genus Pseudohomaloptera. Three WG endemic species of the genus Balitora, namely B. chipkali, B. jalpalli and B. laticauda, though morphologically distinct, have low genetic divergence and barcode gap, suggestive of recent speciation. Interestingly, a fourth WG endemic, B. mysorensis, formed a clade with two species of Balitora from Eastern-Himalaya and Indo-Burma. We also show that all available CO1 sequences assigned to WG endemic balitorid genera in GenBank are misidentifications, and provide diagnostic characters for the accurate identification of these taxa in the future.

Keywords: Pisces, freshwater fish, hill-stream loaches, mitochondrial DNA, peninsular India

Arya Sidharthan, Rajeev Raghavan, V. K. Anoop, Unmesh Katwate and Neelesh Dahanukar. 2021. Phylogenetic Position and Relationships of Mountain Loaches (Teleostei: Balitoridae) of the Western Ghats as revealed by CO1 Sequences.  Zootaxa. 4926(1); 79–92. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4926.1.5
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  twitter.com/LabRajeev/status/1353234098249031681

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Review of the hagfishes (Myxinidae) from the Galapagos Islands, with descriptions of four new species and their phylogenetic relationships
M M Mincarone, D Plachetzki, C L McCord, T M Winegard, B Fernholm, C J Gonzalez, D S Fudge
Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, zlaa178, https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa178
Published:

AbstractHagfishes are an ancient group of benthic marine craniates that are found in deep or cold waters around the world. Among the 83 valid species, four are described from the Galapagos Islands: Eptatretus bobwisneri, E. grouseri, E. mccoskeri and Rubicundus lakeside. During a recent expedition to the archipelago, six species of hagfishes were collected, including four undescribed species of the genera Eptatretus (Eptatretus goslinei sp. nov.) and Myxine (Myxine greggi sp. nov., M. martinii sp. nov. and M. phantasma sp. nov.). In this paper, we provide a review of the eight species of hagfishes from the Galapagos Islands, including new diagnoses and an identification key for all species. Myxine phantasma is remarkable in that it is the only species of Myxine known to completely lack melanin-based pigments. Our species delineations were based on both morphological and molecular analyses. A phylogenetic hypothesis based on molecular data suggests that Galapagos hagfishes arose from multiple independent colonisations of the islands from as many as five different ancestral lineages. The large number of endemic hagfishes in the geologically young Galapagos Islands suggests that there is much global hagfish diversity yet to be discovered.

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2021 American Cichlid Association Convention in St Louis, MO, July 23-25!
Cichlid enthusiasts of all ages and experience will be there for all things Cichlid, fishy talk and fellowship and have access to world class speakers, manufacturer & vendor booths, an ACA hospitality suite and fish being sold throughout the event. Everyone is bringing their newest acquisitions, spawned and ready to distribute!
Party with your Buddies and go home with new fish! This event features a slate of 5 special speakers, an extra special vendor room, a tank rental room and a hopping hospitality room. Attendee room sales, found throughout the venue, will be intense. The ACA will not have a Show but the Convention will finish with a large Cichlid only auction!
In 2021 make up for staying at home in 2020! https://convention.cichlid.org/ Use the convention website for Convention & Vendor registration, additional details and offers.
MORE DETAILS AVAILABLE on the WEBSITE
*** In the case the pandemic is still ongoing, refunds WILL be issued for those registered. ****

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Rakthamichthys gen. nov. • Osteology of ‘Monopterus’ roseni with the Description of A New Genus (Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae), and Comments on the Generic Assignment of the Amphipnous Group Species

Rakthamichthys digressus (Gopi. 2002)

in Britz, Dahanukar, Standing, Philip, Kumar & Raghavan, 2020.

DOI: 10.23788/IEF-1163
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We provide a detailed description of the head and shoulder girdle osteology of the holotype of the synbranchid ‘Monopterus’ roseni Bailey & Gans. Collected from a well in Kerala, this subterranean synbranchid shows a number of unique and highly derived characters in the gill arch skeleton. In ‘Monopterus’ roseni, basibranchial 2 does not articulate with basibranchial 1, but is situated more posteriorly between the proximal ends of hypobranchials 2, with which it articulates; and ceratobranchial 2 does not articulate with hypobranchial 2, but is offset posteriorly so that the distal tip of hypobranchial 2 is situated in between the proximal ends of ceratobranchial 1 and 2. Based on these striking osteological differences and a combination of additional diagnostic characters, we erect the new genus Rakthamichthys with the type species Monopterus roseni. We also include the other two southern Indian subterranean species formerly referred to as M. indicus Eapen (= M. eapeni Talwar) and M. digressus Gopi in the new genus Rakthamichthys along with the northeast Indian M. rongsaw Britz, Sykes, Gower & Kamei. Rakthamichthys also differs genetically from the other Asian genera of synbranchids, Monopterus and Ophichthys, by an uncorrected p-distance of 18.9-23.9 % in the cox1 barcoding gene. We further resurrect the genus name Typhlosynbranchus Pellegrin for the two West African species ‘M.’ boueti and ‘M.’ luticolus.

Rakthamichthys roseni (Bailey & Gans 1998)

Rakthamichthys digressus (Gopi. 2002)

Ralf Britz, Neelesh Dahanukar, Ariane Standing, Siby Philip, Biju Kumar and Rajeev Raghavan. 2020. Osteology of ‘Monopterus’ roseni with the Description of Rakthamichthys, New Genus, and Comments on the Generic Assignment of the Amphipnous Group Species (Teleostei: Synbranchiformes). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. IEF-1163; 1-16. DOI: 10.23788/IEF-1163
pfeil-verlag.de/publikationen/osteology-of-monopterus-roseni-with-the-description-of-rakthamichthys-new-genus-and-comments-on-the-generic-assignment-of-the-amphipnous-group-species

facebook.com/RajeevRaghavan98/posts/10157306987080938
Researchgate.net/publication/347975439_Rakthamichthys_new_genus

Swamp eel: Blood-red subterranean dweller is newest fish genus discovered
phys.org/news/2021-01-swamp-eel-blood-red-subterranean-dweller.html

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Narcetes shonanmaruae • Discovery of A Colossal Slickhead (Alepocephaliformes: Alepocephalidae): An Active-swimming Top Predator in the Deep Waters of Suruga Bay, Japan

Narcetes shonanmaruae Poulsen, Ida, Kawato & Fujiwara

in Fujiwara, Kawato, Poulsen, ... et Tsuchida, 2021.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80203-6

Abstract
A novel species of the family Alepocephalidae (slickheads), Narcetes shonanmaruae, is described based on four specimens collected at depths greater than 2171 m in Suruga Bay, Japan. Compared to other alepocephalids, this species is colossal (reaching ca. 140 cm in total length and 25 kg in body weight) and possesses a unique combination of morphological characters comprising anal fin entirely behind the dorsal fin, multiserial teeth on jaws, more scale rows than congeners, precaudal vertebrae less than 30, seven branchiostegal rays, two epurals, and head smaller than those of relatives. Mitogenomic analyses also support the novelty of this large deep-sea slickhead. Although most slickheads are benthopelagic or mesopelagic feeders of gelatinous zooplankton, behavioural observations and dietary analyses indicate that the new species is piscivorous. In addition, a stable nitrogen isotope analysis of specific amino acids showed that N. shonanmaruae occupies one of the highest trophic positions reported from marine environments to date. Video footage recorded using a baited camera deployed at a depth of 2572 m in Suruga Bay revealed the active swimming behaviour of this slickhead. The scavenging ability and broad gape of N. shonanmaruae might be correlated with its colossal body size and relatively high trophic position.

Systematics
Family Alepocephalidae Bonaparte, 1846.

Genus Narcetes Alcock, 1890.

Narcetes shonanmaruae sp. nov. Poulsen, Ida, Kawato & Fujiwara
(proposed English name: Yokozuna Slickhead,
proposed Japanese name: Yokozuna Iwashi).

Species diagnosis: Anal fin entirely behind the dorsal fin. Teeth on premaxillary, maxillary, and dentary multiserial. Predorsal scale rows greater than 70. Longitudinal scale rows greater than 110. Dorsal to lateral line scale row greater than 15. Anal to lateral line scale rows greater than 17. Branchiostegal rays 7. Dorsal-fin rays less than 15. Precaudal vertebrae less than 30. Epurals 2. Lengths of head, snout, upper and lower jaws, orbit diameter, dorsal and anal fin bases relatively short against standard length (SL).

Remarks: Narcetes shonanmaruae sp. nov. is similar to N. erimelas in anal fin position being entirely behind the dorsal fin. However, our species differs from all the other Narcetes species based on the following morphological characters: length of dorsal fin base less than 13% SL; upper jaw length less than 14% SL; lower jaw length less than 15% SL; number of dorsal-fin rays less than 15; number of predorsal scale rows greater than 70; number of dorsal to lateral line scale rows greater than 16; number of anal to lateral line scale rows greater than 17.

Etymology: The species epithet shonanmaruae is a feminine noun in Latin, referring to the ship ‘Shonan maru’ from which the type materials were caught, honouring the vessel’s considerable contribution to deep-sea fish research in the area. The proposed Japanese vernacular name is ‘Yokozuna Iwashi’. This species belongs to the family Alepocephalidae, which is referred to as ‘Sekitori Iwashi’ in Japanese: ‘Sekitori’ meaning a sumo wrestler and ‘Iwashi’ meaning a sardine, thereby implying a massive sardine. The term ‘Yokozuna’ refers to the highest rank in sumo wrestling in Japan. Accordingly, we propose the name ‘Yokozuna Iwashi’ as being indicative of the large body size and the high trophic position of the newly described species. English vernacular name: Yokozuna Slickhead.

Distribution: Currently only known from Suruga Bay at depths deeper than 2100 m

Yoshihiro Fujiwara, Masaru Kawato, Jan Yde Poulsen, Hitoshi Ida, Yoshito Chikaraishi, Naohiko Ohkouchi, Kazumasa Oguri, Shinpei Gotoh, Genki Ozawa, Sho Tanaka, Masaki Miya, Tetsuya Sado, Katsunori Kimoto, Takashi Toyofuku and Shinji Tsuchida. 2021. Discovery of A Colossal Slickhead (Alepocephaliformes: Alepocephalidae): An Active-swimming Top Predator in the Deep Waters of Suruga Bay, Japan. Scientific Reports. 11, 2490. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80203-6

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Two new species of the spiny percheel genus Mastacembelus (Synbranchiformes, Mastacembelidae) with low numbers of dorsal fin spines from the Congo basin,
Abstract
Two new species of African Mastacembelus are described with unusually low counts of dorsal fin spines. Until now the African species of spiny eels with the fewest dorsal fin spines are M. paucispinis Boulenger 1899, from mainstream rapids of the Lower Congo River, with 6-10 dorsal fin spines, well-developed eyes but obsolescent coloration, and M. sexdecimspinus (Roberts and Travers 1986) from high gradient rapids of Cross River, near Widekum, Cameroon, with 15-16 dorsal fin spines and well-developed coloration. The new species are M. ubangipaucispinis from mainstream rapids of the Ubangi River in the Congo basin, with 10 dorsal fin spines and well developed distinctive color pattern (similar to the obsolescent color pattern of M. paucispinis), and M. kadeiensis, from the Kadei River, Congo basin, Central African Republic, with 19 dorsal fin spines and a distinctive color pattern. The rest of African Mastacembelus have 21-40 dorsal fin spines and a different color pattern from the two new species. Mastacembelus ubangipaucispinis shows similarities with M. paucispinis, differing mainly in well-developed (versus poorly developed but otherwise similar) color pattern and in having fewer dorsal fin rays, 101 versus 115-123. Mastacembelus kadeiensis is perhaps most similar to M. sexdecimspinus and somewhat less closely to M. ubangipaucispinis and M. paucispinis. The holotype of Mastacembelus frenatus Boulenger 1901 from Lake Tanganyika reportedly has only 18 dorsal fin spines but coloration unlike M. kadeiensis. A radiograph reveals that it actually has 26 dorsal fin spines.
Full Text | PDF (128 KB)

Mastacembelus ubangipaucispinis n. sp., holotype, NRM 64699, 207 mm. a. lateral view; b. dorsal view; c. ventral view; d. radiograph lateral view.

from Aqua International

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Nothobranchius elucens • A New Species of Seasonal Killifish (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae) from the upper Nile drainage in Uganda

Nothobranchius elucens

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4915.1.10

Abstract
Nothobranchius elucens, new species, from a seasonal habitat in the Aringa system of the Achwa River in the upper Nile drainage in northern Uganda, is described. It belongs to the N. rubroreticulatus species group, whose members are characterised by male coloration of anal and caudal fins with slender light blue subdistal band and slender dark distal band. Nothobranchius elucens is distinguished from all other members of the genus by the following characters in males: body colouration golden-grey with brown scale margins creating irregular vertical stripes on trunk; anal fin yellow with brown spots proximally, with slender brown median band, followed by a slender light blue subdistal band and a slender black distal band; caudal fin brown proximally and medially, followed by a slender light blue subdistal band and a slender black distal band; dorsal fin golden with irregular brown stripes and narrow light blue subdistal band and with narrow black distal band. Furthermore, it differs from the closest known relative, N. taiti, also by the morphometric characters of having a smaller head length of 29.5–33.1 % SL; smaller prepectoral length of 31.2–33.9 % SL; greater head depth of 81–87 % HL; greater interorbital width of 43–49 % HL; and greater caudal peduncle length of 145–152 in % of its depth.

Keywords: Pisces, Achwa River drainage, Madi Opei area, upper Nile ecoregion

Nothobranchius elucens, new species

Béla Nagy. 2021. Nothobranchius elucens, A New Species of Seasonal Killifish from the upper Nile drainage in Uganda (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae). Zootaxa. 4915(1); 133–147. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4915.1.10

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Sillago nigrofasciata • A New Species of Sillago (Perciformes, Sillaginidae) from the southern Coast of China

Sillago nigrofasciata
Xiao, Yu, Song & Gao, 2021

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1011.57302

Abstract
A new Sillago species, the black-banded sillago, Sillago nigrofasciata sp. nov., is described based on 302 specimens sampled from the southern coast of China. Morphological comparisons have been conducted between the new species and ten other Sillago species. The results show that the new species is characterized by a black mid-lateral band below the lateral line when fresh; other characteristics are similar to those of Sillago sihama but subtle differences exist on the swim bladder between Sillago nigrofasciata sp. nov. and S. sihama. A detailed description and illustrations are provided for the new species. The validity of this new species is also supported by a genetic comparison using sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene.

Keywords: DNA barcoding, molecular phylogenetic analyses, morphology, swim bladder, taxonomy

Family Sillaginidae Richardson, 1846
Sillago Cuvier, 1817

Sillago nigrofasciata sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name nigrofasciata is a compound adjective derived from the Latin words referring to the wide mid-lateral black longitudinal band of this species, a diagnostic character of the species.

Diagnosis: Relatively large body and usually with a wide mid-lateral black stripe from opercular to caudal peduncle; dorsal-fin rays X–XII (mostly XI), I+20–22, soft anal fin rays 20–22; scales in lateral line 67–75, scales above lateral line 4–6; gill rakers 2–4+5–8; vertebra: abdominal 14 or 15 (mostly 14), modified 3–7 (mostly 4 or 5), caudal 13–18, and total 34 or 35 (mostly 34) (Table 3). Swim bladder with two posterior extensions, the origin of the duct-like process at the terminus of swim bladder and start at the joint of roots of two posterior extensions (Fig. 4).

Habitat: Habitat is similar to S. sihama in nearshore areas and frequently entering estuaries for considerable periods, it is common along the beaches, sand bars, and mangrove creeks with sandy substrates. Depths ranging from 0 to 20 m, and frequently captured by trawling vessels.

Distribution: Sillago nigrofasciata sp. nov. was only found along the southern coast of China including the coastal waters of the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Actually, its distribution range is similar to that of S. sihama in China (Fig. 1).

Jia-Guang Xiao, Zheng-Sen Yu, Na Song and Tian-Xiang Gao. 2021. Description of A New Species, Sillago nigrofasciata sp. nov. (Perciformes, Sillaginidae) from the southern Coast of China. ZooKeys. 1011: 85-100. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1011.57302

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Schistura hiranyakeshi • A New Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Maharashtra, Northern Western Ghats, India

Schistura hiranyakeshi
Praveenraj, Thackeray & Balasubramanian 2020

Schistura hiranyakeshi, a new species of loach is described from Hiranyakeshi River, Amboli, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. It is unique among congeners from peninsular, northeastern, and central India, and Sri Lanka in having an incomplete lateral line with 6-7 pores and ending at a point vertical at half the length of the adpressed pectoral fin; dorsal fin and caudal fin devoid of spots or blotches; body with 9-10 bars that are wider or almost equal in width to the interspaces; dorsal fin, anal fin and sub-dorsal bars with a unique crimson color in adult males; lower lip with a black mark on each side of the median interruption in live and preserved specimens; and no suborbital flap or axillary pelvic lobe.

Schistura hiranyakeshi

named after the Hiranyakeshi River drainage in Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra, India, where type locality (a temple pond fed by a natural spring from a laterite cave system) is situated; also, in Sanskrit, hiranyakeshi means “golden hair,” alluding to the golden-yellow coloration and body of adult specimens

Jayasimhan Praveenraj, Tejas Thackeray and Shankar Balasubramanian. 2020. Schistura hiranyakeshi A New Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Maharashtra, Northern Western Ghats, India. aqua - Int. Journal Ichthyol. 26(2)
https://aqua-aquapress.com/product/aqua-262_schistura-hiranyakeshi/
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twitter.com/ranjeetnature/status/1316935857723637760
facebook.com/meenkaran/posts/3361462350636110

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GloFish Introduces Bettas to Fluorescent Fish Offerings

Premium male GloFish® Betta in Electric Green®. Image from Spectrum Brands, Inc.
via Spectrum Brands, Inc.
GloFish® LLC is welcoming a new species to its ever-expanding family of fluorescent fish with GloFish Betta. The Electric Green® GloFish Betta species is the first to debut within the betta category, introducing GloFish to a new audience, and will be available alongside a unique array of kits, species-specific food, water care, and decor.
GloFish Bettas offer a unique addition to the world of betta fish. While nearly identical in behavior to traditional domesticated bettas, GloFish Bettas produce a fluorescent protein that allows them to fluoresce under blue LED lights. And under white LED lights, their color is just as striking.
The Electric Green GloFish Betta livestock portfolio is comprised of:

Premium Male Betta – Full-grown male betta with impressive fins
Standard Male Betta – Young male with potential for fins to mature throughout its lifespan
Female Betta – As colorful as GloFish® male bettas, females are less aggressive than their male counterparts and can be kept with other female bettas, GloFish Tetras, Barbs, Danios and Sharks as well as other tropical fish.

Standard male GloFish Betta in Electric Green. Image from Spectrum Brands, Inc.
“Over the last several years, we have seen the popularity of GloFish grow, and we are thrilled to add to our livestock portfolio and introduce GloFish Bettas to the market, bringing the brand to an entirely new audience,” said Eric Kenney, Vice President, Marketing & Product Development at Spectrum Brands Global Pet Care Division. “Aside from offering eye-catching color hues, with more to come down the road, GloFish Bettas are easy to care for and fascinating to watch, making them an exciting addition to our portfolio.”
In addition to the livestock offerings, the brand is also introducing an assortment of products to elevate the aquatic experience, including 1.5 and 3 gallon Betta Aquarium Kits, Betta Flakes, Betta Water Conditioner and Betta Water Balance – with additional launches, including plants and other aquarium décor, later this year.
For more information on GloFish® products, visit www.glofish.com.

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International Betta Congress Issues GloFish Betta Policy

The International Betta Congress (IBC) is a worldwide union of Betta-lovers and breeders. It was founded in the United States in 1966 by Dr. Gene Lucas (known as the father of the IBC) and others as a non-profit organization with the goal of promoting bettas and researching them.
via International Betta Congress (IBC)
Official Notice from the Judging Board
05 February 2020
With the advent of GloFish® Bettas coming into the market the IBC is issuing an official policy as to the use of GloFish® Bettas in the IBC and for IBC Shows. Below is the official policy of the use of GloFish®
Electric Green® GloFish® male betta. Image from 5-D Tropicals.
GLOFISH® FLUORESCENT FISH LICENSE NOTICE
GloFish® fluorescent ornamental fish are intended solely for visual enjoyment as aquarium fish by end-users who have purchased these fish through authorized channels, and not for commercial reproduction. Please note the following important information:
These fish are the subject of various intellectual property rights owned or controlled by GloFish LLC, both in the U.S. and internationally.
GloFish® is a trademark owned by GloFish LLC (Registration No. 3,056,697) and cannot be used in connection with the promotion or sale of any ornamental fish other than authentic GloFish® fluorescent fish, which are exclusively produced by Segrest Farms, Inc. and 5-D Tropical, Inc. for sale on behalf of GloFish LLC.
GloFish® fluorescent fish are covered under one or more of the following United States Patent Numbers: 7,834,239; 7,858,844; 7,700,825; 7,135,613; 7,442,522; 7,537,915; 7,150,979; 7,166,444, 8,153,858; 8,232,450; 8,232,451; 8,378,169; 8,581,023; 8,581,024; 8,581,025; 8,975,467; 8,727,554; and 8,987,546, as well as other pending applications.
Intentional breeding and/or any sale, barter, or trade, of any offspring of GloFish® fluorescent ornamental fish is strictly prohibited.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, production of these fish is permitted for educational use by teachers and students in bona fide educational institutions, provided, however, that any sale, barter, or trade, of the offspring from such reproduction of these fish is strictly prohibited.
Any bag, container, or aquarium holding GloFish® fluorescent fish for resale, other than bags provided to end-users, will be marked with either “GloFish® fluorescent fish”, or “GloFish®”, along with the name of the specific line(s) being held (i.e., Starfire Red®, Electric Green®, Sunburst Orange®, etc.). The IBC will honor all agreements that exist with the GloFish® Betta an end-users. As such.

GloFish® Bettas are only allowed to be shown in the purchased fish category
GloFish® Bettas shown in any other class will be automatically disqualified as it is a violation of the user agreement on reproducing the Glo Betta
GloFish® Bettas are not to be auctioned off at any IBC event so that the IBC does not unintentionally violate the sales policy on Glo Bettas.
The agreements with the GloFish® Betta manufactures will be honored, and no classes will ever be constructed for GloFish® Bettas unless that class is constructed under the Purchased fish Category at the discretion of the IBC Judging Board.

We at the IBC hope you do understand and honor these agreements. Infractions will be dealt with in an appropriate manner as outlined in the IBC Handbook as needed by the Judging Board and the Executive Board.
Gerald Griffin
Judging Board Chair

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First Captive Breeding of the “Freshwater” Top Hat Blenny

The Top Hat Blenny, Omobranchus fasciolatoceps, is an inshore species often marketed to freshwater aquarists. This image by Mike Jacobs, courtesy of Nautilus Wholesale.
This latest captive-breeding accomplishment highlights an interesting and occasionally-seen fish that is usually imported and distributed as part of the freshwater aquarium trade.
The Top Hat Blenny, Omobranchus fasciolatoceps, is one of a few species of blenniid fishes that are sometimes marketed to aquarium keepers as “Freshwater Blennies.” This native of Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the overall southern China coast is found in estuaries and the ocean shallows near shore. It reaches a modest 3 inch (8 cm) length and is likely tolerant of a wide range of temperatures; Fishbase goes so far as to consider this a “temperate” species. Not overly aggressive but certainly not timid or passive, the species will likely be a fascinating aquarium inhabitant. Its fleshy crest and zebra-striped face make this substrate dweller all the more appealing. Blennies are known as fish with personalities, and the Top Hat Blenny certainly lives up to that expectation.
Early Research
Earlier larval research published in 1999 successfully demonstrated the successful larval rearing of the Omobranchus faciolatoceps in a laboratory setting. Takamitsu Kawaguchi, Hiroshi Kohno, Kiyoshi Fujita, and Yasuhiko Taki collected clutches of wild eggs, which were then subsequently hatched and reared in “50% seawater” at temperatures of 77–86F (25–30C). Nannochloropsis algae, rotifers (Branchionus plicatilus), and brine shrimp (Artemia salina) were used in the larval rearing process. The researchers’ findings were published in the journal Ichthyological Research, June 1999, and are currently available for online reading.
Of note, the eggs are laid in concealed places (caves, holes, oyster shells) and are apparently guarded by the male blenny in the wild. The eggs hatch into larvae that are approximately 3 mm in body length (BL). Flexion starts at just over 5 mm BL and is completed by the time the larvae have reached 7 mm BL. At a length of just under 10 mm BL, the larvae are fully-finned they and transition into the juvenile stage. By around 18 mm BL (roughly 0.75 inches), the fish show color patterning.
A Captive-Bred First
Over 20 years later, Pei-Sheng Chiu, an assistant researcher at the Mariculture Research Center, Fisheries Research Institute, Taiwan, has revisited the species and taken the breeding of Top Hat Blennies one step further. Chiu found the missing element that defines a “captive-bred” fish, successfully spawning the species in an aquarium and rearing the larvae through to the juvenile stage. As such, we would argue that this marks the first true successful captive breeding of the species.
Chiu noted that he believes all the specimens in the Taiwanese aquarium trade are wild-caught. He clearly conveyed that, “This species is a marine fish, which should ideally breed in seawater, but it can be kept in freshwater and brackish water. Broodstock can spawn in seawater, brackish water, and freshwater, but the hatchability of fertilized eggs was significantly lower in freshwater.”
Through personal conversation, Chiu helped fill in some of the gaps from prior research. There may be some dimorphism and dichromatism in O. faciolatoceps; Chiu’s broodstock pair clearly shows the female as smaller and more colorful. Males do undergo a color change during courtship.
Broodstock pair, with male on left and smaller, more colorful female on right. Image credit: Pei-Sheng Chiu

Egg of the Top Hat Blenny, near hatching. Image credit Pei-Sheng Chiu
The time from spawn to hatch has not been disclosed.
Larval Top Hat Blennies. Image credit Pei-Sheng Chiu

A fully formed juvenile Tophat Blenny. Image credit Pei-Sheng Chiu
Chiu reported that rotifers were used as the first food (in this instance, Brachionus ibericus), and that “the feeding method is similar to most clownfish.” Growout times were not disclosed.
A juvenile Tophat Blenny with coloration more developed. Image credit Pei-Sheng Chiu

Dozens of captive-bred Top Hat Blennies. Image credit Pei-Sheng Chiu
What’s Next?
Chiu’s documentation and formalized findings will be submitted to a scientific journal for publication in Taiwan. Outwardly, these reports suggest that the Top Hat Blenny may make a great candidate for home-based breeding efforts. This also lends support to the general suitability of this species for aquarium-keeping, adding yet another good candidate species to the niche “brackish fish” market. The fish may be able to thrive at any salinity.
Joe Hiduke, Sales Manager for Nautilus Wholesale, agrees. “They’ve always done great for me; seem to be very hardy. We keep them around 5ppt for salinity. I got a handful to our salt supplier, and they did well in full saltwater too.”
A closer look at the juvenile captive-bred Tophat Blennies. Image credit Pei-Sheng Chiu
Other species of Omobranchus may be encountered in the aquarium trade, including the Brachiosaurus Blenny, Omobranchus anolius, which is exported from Australia on occasion and marketed as a marine offering, or the Zebra Blenny, Omobranchus zebra, being marketed as a freshwater or brackish species, exported from India. All these species are found in near-shore habitats (mudflats, mangrove estuaries, bays, rocky shorelines), and as such may all have some tolerance of varying salinity levels. They might also share similar reproductive strategies and breeding requirements. Clearly, this is a genus ripe for further investigation by aquarists!

References
Pei-Sheng Chiu’s initial announcement on Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/Marinebreeding/permalink/2639558366330141/
Kawaguchi, T., Kohno, H., Fujita, K. et al. Early morphological development of Omobranchus fasciolatoceps and O. punctatus (Blenniidae: Omobranchini) reared in an aquarium. Ichthyological Research 46, 163–170 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02675434

from Reef To Rainforest
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New Species of Hill-Stream Betta

Male (top) and female Betta nuluhon. Image from Kamal, Tan, and Ng 2020.
There is a new Betta known to science! Authors Kamal, Tan, and Ng (2020) recently described a new species of hill-stream Betta native to Malaysia in the journal Zootaxa.
To some, the thought of a typical fighting fish habitat produces imagery of slow-moving perhaps even stagnant waters. But this is not the case for the newly described Betta nuluhon. Discovered in the Malaysian state of Sabah, B. nuluhon was once thought to be a variety of B. chini, a resident of lowland peat-swamps in western Sabah. The new species, however, was located in the hill streams of the Crocker mountain range (exact coordinates were not provided to prevent illegal collection). The specific epithet is based on the indigenous Kaduzandusun word for “hill”.
Physical description
Betta nuluhon are brown to dark brown with body scales rimmed with bright blue. A dark stripe extends from the upper jaw through the eye to the opercle edge, a dark suborbital stripe and a chin bar are present. The body consists of a yellow dorsal region, black lateral regions, and a reddish ventral region. Male B. nuluhon may exhibit a greenish-blue iridescence on the opercle. The dorsal fin is brown with 4 to 6 traverse bars, the caudal fin has 12 to 16 dark transverse bars, the anal fin is plain with a reddish-brown margin, and the pelvic fin has a whitish second filamentous ray. The fish examined for this study had standard lengths from 39.8 to 62.6 mm.
Betta nuluhon, 50 mm SL male. Image from Kamal, Tan, and Ng 2020.
Ecology
Specimens were collected inside the Crocker Range Forest Reserve in a shallow clear-water stream that had overhanging riparian vegetation and a combination of pebble, sand, and silty substrate. At the time of collection, the water had a temperature of 75°F (24°C), a pH of 6.57, and a dissolved oxygen concentration of 6.25 mg/L. Also present in the collection locale were giant mottle eels (Anguilla marmorata), Bornean spotted barbs (Barbodes sealei), Nematabramis borneensis, Tor tambra, and Gastromyzon introrsus.
Like other members of the Betta akarensis species-group, B. nuluhon are male oral mouthbrooders.
A comparison of a 58.6 mm SL male B. chini (top) to that of a 62.6 mm SL male B. nuluhon. Image from Kamal, Tan, and Ng 2020.
Reference:
Kamal, N.S.S., H.H. Tan, and C.K.C. NG. 2020. Betta nuluhon, a new species of fighting fish from western Sabah, Malaysia (Teleostei: Osphronemidae). Zootaxa 4819 (1): 187–194.
Article Abstract:
Betta nuluhon, a newly described species, is from a hill stream habitat in western Sabah. This species is allied to both B. chini and B. balunga, and differs from the rest of its congeners in the B. akarensis group by having the following combination of characteristics: yellow iris when live; mature males with greenish-blue iridescence on opercle when live; mature fish with distinct transverse bars on caudal fin; slender body (body depth 22.1–25.2 % SL); belly area with faint reticulated pattern (scales posteriorly rimmed with black); absence of tiny black spots on anal fin; lateral scales 29–31 (mode 30); predorsal scales 20–21 (mode 20). Notes on a fresh series of B. chini are also provided.

from Reef to Rainforest.
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Following the Mangroves: diversification in the banded lampeye Aplocheilichthys spilauchen (Duméril, 1861) (Cyprinodontiformes: Procatopodidae) along the Atlantic coast of Africa

P. H. N. Bragança,
J. Van der Zee,
A. Chakona,
R. C. Schmidt &
M. L. J. Stiassny

Hydrobiologia (2021)Cite this article

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AbstractAvailable ecological information, an extensive distributional range, conflicting osteological data, and a proposed early Miocene origin provide the impetus for the present study which investigates genetic structuring, biogeographic, and phylogenetic relationships within the Aplocheilichthys spilauchen lineage. Through the analysis of the mitochondrial gene COI, species delimitation methods (ABGD, GB, GMYC, bPTP) were applied, recognizing 6–7 OTUs with absolute pairwise genetic distances ranging between 8 and 22%. The onset of diversification is estimated to be within the middle Miocene and both dispersal and vicariance-shaped A. spilauchen diversity and distribution, as suggested by time-calibrated and ancestral range reconstruction (S-DIVA) analyses. We report for the first time, a pattern of diversification within a lineage of brackish water fish that is concordant with the historical distribution of coastal mangroves forests, shaped by a series of historical events that likely affected forest cover since the middle Miocene (e.g. major climate shifts and sea-level fluctuations, onset of the modern Congo River outlet, increased volcanism in the Cameroon Volcanic Line).
IntroductionMangrove forests are among the most dynamic habitats in tropical and subtropical intertidal zones, where they are limited to low-lying coastal areas with constant input of freshwater (Kathiresan & Bingham, 2001; Duke, 2017). Along the African Atlantic coast, the latitudinal extent of mangroves is constrained by two cold sea currents, the Benguela Current in the south, flowing northwards from South Africa to Angola, and the Canary Current flowing southwards from Morocco to Senegal (Saenger & Bellan, 1995) (Fig. 1). The presence and extent of mangrove stands in Africa are directly related to humidity, rainfall, and coastal relief and are known to have undergone extensive expansions and contractions in both range and abundance over time (Saenger & Bellan, 1995). Indeed, the study of mangrove cover is a primary source of information for modelling impacts of climate change (Alongi, 2015), as well as for palaeoclimatic reconstructions based on historical data from mangrove pollens (Bonefille et al., 1982; Leroy & Dupont, 1994; Scourse et al., 2005; Durogbo et al., 2010; Adeonipekun et al., 2016; Vallé et al., 2017).
Fig. 1
Map of West and West-Central Africa with mangrove distribution (light green) and Aplocheilichthys spilauchen sampling sites (black dots) indicated. AC Angola Current, AR Atlantic Rise (red), BC Benguela Current, CC Canary Current, CVL Cameroon Volcanic Line (yellow bar), FP Freshwater plume (blue), GC Guinea Current, GGC Gulf of Guinea Current, SEC South Equatorial Current. Arrows indicate currents direction

Full size imageThe Atlantic coast of Africa has an extremely narrow continental shelf, resulting in mangrove expansion during high sea level but contraction during low sea level (Saenger & Bellan, 1995; Scourse et al., 2005). In a high sea-level scenario, mangroves expand over new floodplains along the lower sections of rivers newly under tidal influence and salinity. In the opposite low sea-level scenario, fewer surfaces are exposed and mangroves recede to the newly reduced tidal zone, with the original stands replaced by other vegetation types. This is in contrast to regions with wide continental shelves, such as in Southeast Asia where significant mangrove expansion is related to low sea level, as shallow shelf areas previously covered by saltwater are exposed to tidal influence and freshwater inputs (Luther & Greenberg, 2009). A similar pattern is seen along the Brazilian coast, also with a wide continental shelf, where during periods of low sea level, many brackish water palaeochannels form and connect adjacent river drainages providing ideal conditions for mangrove expansion (Thomaz et al., 2015; Thomaz & Knowles, 2018). Similar to the described mangrove dynamics, the distribution of brackish water fishes is also highly dependent on freshwater inputs from effluent river systems and sea-level variations (Saenger & Bellan, 1995; Kathiresan & Bingham, 2001; Duke, 2017). Such alternating expansion and contraction dynamics can reveal interesting historical information when analysed in phylogenetic and temporal contexts, and this is particularly the case for taxa inhabiting regions known for major shifts in river outflows, climatic instability, sea level changes, and tectonic activity such as along the African Atlantic coast (Giresse, 2005; Goudie, 2005; Runge, 2007; Flugel et al., 2015).
Among the procatopodids, a cyprinodontoid group comprising mainly freshwater fishes endemic to Africa, the banded lampeye, Aplocheilichthys spilauchen (Duméril, 1861), is one of the few brackish water species and is a dominant species in mangrove habitats along the tropical and subtropical zones of the Atlantic coast (Fig. 1). Similar to other procatopodids and many other cyprinodontoids, A. spilauchen is known for a well-developed swimming capability (vagility) when compared to members of the Aplocheiloidei that in Africa are represented by the Nothobranchiidae (Huber, 1999). The latter is found mostly in shallow freshwater habitats, and some taxa even exhibit a seasonal life cycle (e.g. Nothobranchius), thus, presenting a completely different response to climatic and biogeographic processes. A river or an increase in the input of freshwater into an estuarine region likely represents range expansion opportunities for cyprinodontoid taxa, whereas for aplocheiloids, they more likely act as barriers (Bartáková et al., 2015).
Although A. spilauchen has also occasionally been collected from inland freshwater habitats, it primarily has a coastal distributional range, which closely mirrors the area covered by Atlantic coast mangrove forests, from the Senegal River to the Kwanza River in Angola (Wildekamp, 1995; Saenger & Bellan, 1995; Feka & Morrison, 2017) (Fig. 1). Aplocheilichthys spilauchen is currently recognized as the sole member of Aplocheilichthys and was the first African lampeye to be described (as Poecilia spilauchen), based on specimens from the Ogowe River in Gabon by Duméril (1861). It is readily distinguished from all other procatopodids by the presence of a combination of vertical grey banding along the flanks and dorsal, anal, and caudal fin in males and attainment of large body size (Fig. 2). Adults routinely reach up to 7.0 cm standard length while other procatopodids rarely exceed 4.0 cm standard length (Wildekamp, 1995). Likely, due to this distinctive pigmentation patterning and its presence in mangroves and other brackish water habitats, it has been assumed that A. spilauchen is a widely distributed species. Two other species, A. typus Bleeker, 1863 probably from Ghanaian coastal regions (Wildekamp, 1995), and A. bensonii (Peters, 1864) from Liberia were described but promptly synonymized with A. spilauchen by Günther (1866). A third species, A. tschiloangensis Ahl, 1928, described from the Tschiloango River in Cabinda, an Angolan territory north to the Congo River outlet, is now also considered a synonym of A. spilauchen (Huber, 1982; Wildekamp et al., 1986).
Fig. 2
Males of A. spilauchen from localities along the Atlantic coast of Africa: a UFRJ 4150, 37.6 mm SL, Sangrougrou River, Senegal; b AMNH 275472, 51.0 mm SL, Farmoriah River, Guinea; c AMNH 59382, 52.8 mm SL, Freetown, Sierra Leone; d UFRJ 11487, 44.8 mm SL, Assimie, Ivory Coast; e MRAC 73–08-P-135–138, 41.0 mm SL, Ebrie Lagoon, Ivory Coast; f AMNH 226603, 46.4 mm SL, coastal Benin; g UFRJ 11484, 42.3 mm SL, coastal Nigeria (aquarium import); h MRAC 143378–387, 64.7 mm SL, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea; i MRAC 73–39-P-2168–179, 41.4 mm SL, mouth of Mirupururu River, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea; j AMNH 258331, 45.5 mm SL, mouth of Kouilou River, Republic of Congo; k AMNH 238526, 31.0 mm SL, Boma estuary, lower Congo River, Congo DRC; l SAIAB 84605, 40.0 mm SL, Dondo, Kwanza River, Angola

Full size imageInvestigating seasonal variations in mangrove fish communities in Nigeria, Wright (1986) found that A. spilauchen was the dominant species, both in numbers and biomass and that its reproductive cycle was dependent upon freshwater inputs. Okyere (2012), in a study evaluating the use of A. spilauchen for mosquito larvae control along the Ghanaian coast, found that the species exhibited a low resilience to salinity increase, tolerating only a maximum of 4‰ salinity (Okyere, 2012). Both ecological studies suggest a dependence on freshwater in shaping the niche requirements and distribution of the species. Osteological information available for A. spilauchen reveals some inconsistencies regarding the configuration of the hypural plate supporting the caudal fin, usually an invariant feature among procatopodid species. The plate was considered as completely fused (Parenti, 1981), separated (Ghedotti, 2000), or bearing a small gap close to the compound caudal centrum (Costa, 2012).
Recently, in the first molecular dated analysis focused on the Procatopodidae, A. spilauchen was resolved as the sole member of a lineage sister to all other procatopodids, except Plataplochilus Ahl, 1928 (Bragança & Costa, 2019). Through the inclusion of two fossil calibrations in the sister families Valenciidae and Aphaniidae, it was estimated that A. spilauchen split from the remaining procatopodids in the early Miocene (around 23 mya). Considering the diversification patterns seen in all other procatopodid lineages, which intensified during the middle/late Miocene and Pliocene, the presumed lack of diversification within the A. spilauchen lineage is worthy of investigation.
Available ecological information (Wright, 1986; Okyere, 2012), conflicting osteological data (Parenti, 1981; Ghedotti, 1998, 2000; Costa, 2012) and a proposed early Miocene origin for the A. spilauchen lineage (Bragança & Costa, 2019) provide the impetus for the present study which aims to (1) investigate cryptic diversity within the A. spilauchen lineage through the application of both distance and coalescent species delimitation methods, (2) examine connectivity or genetic structuring between haplotypes, (3) estimate the divergence times for identified lineages, (4) perform ancestral area reconstructions, and (5) interpret the resulting temporal and biogeographic patterns in view of the current knowledge of the main historical events that have affected the African landscape and influenced Atlantic mangroves and coastal habitats.
Material and methodsSpecimen preservation and fixationSamples were collected using a variety of fishing techniques, and specimens were euthanized with clove oil or MS-222 anaesthetic solutions, in accordance with recommended guidelines for the use of fishes in research (Bennett et al., 2016). A small piece of muscle tissue or fin was taken from the right side of each specimen, or the entire fish was preserved in 95% ethanol in the field. The samples were stored at low temperatures at each of the following institutions: (1) NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB), Makhanda (Grahamstown), South Africa; (2) Ichthyological Collection of the Biology Institute of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; (3) Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA), Tervuren, Belgium; (4) American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), New York, USA; (5) National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, USA and (6) Oregon State University (OS), Corvallis, USA.
Taxon samplingSamples of newly generated and published sequences of the mitochondrial gene COI (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) with a total of 679 bp from eight populations of A. spilauchen from across its geographical range were included in the analysis (Fig. 1). The present dataset includes samples from the (1) Kwanza and Lucala rivers in Angola (n = 7); (2) lower Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (n = 2); (3) Kouilou River in the Republic of Congo (n = 2); (4) Ngounie River (Ogowe River drainage) and Komo river in Gabon (n = 3); (5) Ntem River in Equatorial Guinea (n = 3); (6) Aquarium import specimens from coastal Nigeria (n = 2); (7) Kakum River in Ghana (n = 3) and (8) Forecariah River at Conakry, Guinea (n = 2). Following Bragança & Costa (2019), three species were selected as outgroups: Plataplochilus miltotaenia Lambert, 1963 and P. pulcher Lambert, 1967, representing the first diverging lineage of the Procatopodidae and ‘Poropanchax’ normani (Ahl, 1928), representing the remaining procatopodid lineages sister to Aplocheilichthys. The generic name of ‘Poropanchax’ normani is between quotation mark to indicate that the species is not a member of Poropanchax sensu stricto as revealed in Bragança & Costa (2019), and awaits future taxonomic and nomenclatural resolution. A list of all included specimens and their respective catalogue numbers, localities, and GenBank Accession numbers are provided in Table 1. Other specimens, not included in the molecular analyses but photographed to illustrate pigmentation and body shape variation in different populations along the African coast, are shown in Fig. 2. The catalogue number and locality information of the specimens in Fig. 2 are listed in Online Resource 1.
Table 1 Species localities and Genbank and Bold Accession numbers: numbers in bold refer to sequences developed in the present study
Full size tableDNA extraction and sequencingDNA was extracted from preserved tissues using the salting out method (Sunnucks et al., 1996), or the DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit (Qiagen, Hilden) following the manufacturer’s standard protocol for animal tissue isolation. A fragment of the mitochondrial gene COI (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) was amplified with universal primers LCO1490 and HCO 2198 and published protocols (Folmer et al., 1994). PCR products were purified with Exosap (Applied Biosystems), cycle sequenced using BigDye Cycle Sequencing Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA) and sequenced at the NRF-SAIAB using an ABI 3730xl DNA Analyzer (Applied Biosystems), or by Macrogen, South Korea.
Phylogenetic analyses, COI codon partitioning and evolution modelsPhylogenetic analyses included newly generated and published sequences of the mitochondrial gene COI from A. spilauchen specimens from along the western coastal plains and mangroves of the Atlantic coast (see Table 1). Our COI alignment did not have frameshifts, indels or premature stop-codons, which are indicative of pseudogenes. The best models of evolution for each codon position for the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses were determined in PartitionFinder2 (Lanfear et al., 2016). The partitioned ML analysis was completed with GARLI (Zwickl, 2006), and bootstrap support was assessed from a majority rule consensus tree generated in Mesquite (Maddison & Maddison, 2019) from 1000 trees. The partitioned BI analysis was performed with MrBayes version 3.2 (Ronquist et al., 2012), and posterior probabilities were assessed with 5 million generations, sampling trees every 1000 generations. The first 25% of trees were discarded as burn-in. Both the ML and BI analyses were performed on the CIPRES Science Portal (Miller et al., 2010). The models of evolution implemented for each codon position in the ML and BI analyses were TRNEF + I + G, F81 + I, and TIM + G and SYM + G, F81 + I, and GTR + G, respectively.
For the species delimitation methods (described below), an ultrametric tree including only unique haplotypes (n = 15) as required by the GMYC method was performed in Beast 1.8.2 (Drummond et al., 2012), and the parameters were defined as follows: an uncorrelated relaxed clock model with a lognormal distribution (Drummond, et al., 2006), with 10 million generations with a sampling frequency of 1000. The value of parameters of the analyses, convergence of the MCMC chains, sample size and the stationary phase of chains were evaluated using Tracer 1.6 (Rambaut et al., 2014). A Birth and Death Incomplete Sampling speciation process for the tree prior (Stadler, 2009), indicated for datasets with incomplete sampling, was used, and the analysis included only ‘Poropanchax’ normani as outgroup. For this analysis, the evolution model HKY + G was inferred in JModeltest (Darriba et al., 2012) for the entire COI gene. Saturation levels were checked in Dambe5 (Xia, 2013), according to the algorithm proposed by Xia et al. (2003).
Species delimitationFour species delimitation methods were applied to investigate the diversity within A. spilauchen. The traditional barcoding genetic distance method (GD) (Herbert et al., 2003) and the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) (Puillandre et al., 2012), both relying on genetic distances between haplotypes, and the General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) (Fujisawa & Barraclough, 2013) and Bayesian implementation of the Poisson Tree Processes (bPTP) (Zhang et al., 2013), both coalescence approaches.
For the GD method, we used the Kimura-2-parameters model (K2P) (Kimura, 1980) to estimate the pairwise genetic distances between the different A. spilauchen populations in MEGA 7 software (Kumar et al., 2016). Haplotypes with a genetic divergence higher than 3% were considered as belonging to distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) following the expected pattern for genetic divergence between fish species (Ward, 2009). ABGD also relies on genetic distances to identify the threshold between interspecific (speciation) and intraspecific (populational) processes within the dataset (Puillandre et al., 2012). The main difference between GD and ABGD is that the ABGD allows a more refined search; once the estimated genetic divergence between groups (putative species) is calculated, it is recursively applied to the previously delimited groups until no more putative OTUs are recognized. The ABGD result is presented relative to a spectrum of P values (prior intraspecific values) in which a 0.001 value assumes a minimum intraspecific variability, and a 0.1 value assumes a maximum intraspecific variability. The different results relative to each significant P value intervals are presented, and to identify which P value interval best describes the diversity within the dataset, a congruence with other methods is expected and/or a support from traditional morphological alpha taxonomy. The ABGD analysis was performed in the ABGD server website (https://bioinfo.mnhn.fr/abi/public/abgd/abgdweb.html) following the default parameters.
The coalescence species delimitation method, GMYC (Fujisawa & Barraclough, 2013), requires an ultrametric tree to distinguish between intraspecific (coalescent) and interspecific (speciation) threshold patterns, because it relies on branch length differences to define OTUs. The bPTP coalescent method (Zhang et al., 2013), in contrast to GMYC, relies on the number of nucleotide substitutions between haplotypes to resolve intraspecific and interspecific patterns. When performing bPTP, two results are provided, the BI and the ML solutions, and in each, the recognized OTUs are depicted graphically in a tree. The same reduced dataset tree as for GMYC was used when performing bPTP. The GMYC analysis was performed on the Exelixis Lab's server https://species.h-its.org/gmyc/ following default parameters, and the bPTP was performed on the Exelixis Lab's server https://species.h-its.org/ptp/ following default parameters except for a 20% burn-in.
Haplotype networkThe haplotype network was inferred, using the Minimum Spanning Network method (Kruskal, 1956) in PopART 1.7 (Leigh & Bryant, 2015), including only A. spilauchen haplotypes. The following eight geographic areas/drainages were delimited: (A = Gabon, B = Angola, C = Guinea, D = Kouilou, E = Lower Congo, F = Nigeria, G = Ghana, H = Equatorial Guinea). These areas were delimited based on the presence or absence of connectivity between haplotypes as suggested by the genetic divergence and species delimitation results. Therefore, the area ‘Angola’ includes all haplotypes from the Kwanza and Lucala rivers, the latter being one of the main tributaries of the lower Kwanza River. The area ‘Gabon’ includes all haplotypes from the Ngounie River, a tributary of the lower Ogowe River, and from the Komo River.
Time-calibrated analysisThe time-calibrated analysis was constructed in BEAST v.1.8.2 (Drummond et al., 2012), including all sequences available, and an uncorrelated relaxed clock model with a lognormal distribution (Drummond et al., 2006). Bayesian Inference was performed with 50 million generations with a sampling frequency of 1000. The values of parameters of the analysis, convergence of the MCMC chains, sample size, and the stationary phase of chains were evaluated using Tracer 1.6 (Rambaut et al., 2014). The same Birth and Death Incomplete Sampling speciation process was selected for the tree prior (Stadler, 2009). Since no fossil procatopodids are currently known three relevant calibration points based on the age estimates from Bragança & Costa (2019) were selected. These secondary calibrations correspond to (1) the Procatopodidae basal node (prior setting: normal distribution, mean = 30.1, standard deviation = 1.3); (2) the node representing the split between the A. spilauchen clade and ‘Poropanchax’ normani (prior setting: normal distribution, mean = 23.1, standard deviation = 1.5); and (3) the node representing Plataplochilus diversification (prior setting: normal distribution, mean = 3.2, standard deviation = 0.9). A normal distribution prior was selected for the secondary calibration points as recommended by Ho (2007) and Ho & Phillips (2009). At the end of the analysis, a burn-in of 25% of the retained trees was performed in TreeAnnotator.
Ancestral area reconstructionThe ancestral area reconstruction method, S-DIVA (Statistical Dispersal-Vicariance Analysis) (Yu et al., 2010), was performed in RASP 3.2 (Yu et al., 2015) to reconstruct the expected ancestral areas during A. spilauchen diversification. S-DIVA is an event-based method that incorporates statistical uncertainty into both phylogenetic and ancestral state reconstructions and assumes vicariance as the most probable event to explain biogeographical evolution within a group, attributing higher costs for dispersal and extinction events. For the S-DIVA analysis, both extinctions and reconstructions were considered, and at each node, the frequency of alternative ancestral area reconstructions generated for each tree in the dataset is shown. The analysis was performed on the resulting trees from the time-calibrated analysis from Beast 1.8.2 (Drummond et al., 2012), and the condensed tree was defined as the summary tree from that same analysis. Prior to the analysis, the outgroups were removed in RASP 3.2, and a post-burning of 12,500 trees was carried out. The maximum number of areas included in ancestral distributions was set to 3, but based on current knowledge from ecology, distribution, and genetic divergence between populations, only ancestral distributions between contiguous areas were allowed.
ResultsPhylogenetic analysis (Online Resource 2)ML and the BI analyses recovered the same topology with most nodes receiving posterior probability values > 95 and bootstrap values > 80, except for nodes representing the most recent divergences (Online Resource 2). An early divergence of Plataplochilus species and a sister group relationship between the A. spilauchen lineage and ‘Poropanchax’ normani were recovered with strong support. Within Aplocheilichthys, a sister group relationship between haplotypes from Ghana and Guinea was supported with a high posterior probability but a comparatively lower bootstrap value (Online Resource 2). Haplotypes from Gabon were resolved as sister to all remaining haplotypes with high support. Another node, also strongly supported, represents the split between Nigerian + Equatorial Guinean haplotypes from those from Kouilou, lower Congo, and Angola. A sister group relationship between Nigerian and Equatorial Guinean haplotypes was supported by maximum values in both analyses. The node-grouping haplotypes from Kouilou, lower Congo and Angola were supported with high posterior probability but a comparatively lower bootstrap value. However, within that clade, all nodes received lower support values, except the node representing the split between Kouilou haplotypes and those from lower Congo and Angola, which received strong support.
Species delimitation (Fig. 3)Fig. 3
Ultrametric tree and OTUs delimited by each species delimitation method (represented by different colours). Numbers indicate posterior probability values

Full size imageBoth genetic distance methods provided similar results, but as expected, with a decrease in intraspecific variability value (P value) in ABGD more OTUs were delineated. The ABDG result with a P value between 0.0129 and 0.0599 recovered the same six OTUs as delimited by the GD method: (1) Ghana, (2) Guinea, (3) Gabon, (4) Nigeria, (5) Equatorial Guinea, (6) Kouilou + lower Congo + Angola, whereas one more OTU was identified between P values of 0.0046 and 0.0077, with the Kouilou lineage considered as distinct from a lower Congo + Angola OTU. The absolute pairwise genetic distances for the OTUs identified based on the GD method range from 8 to 22%, which are considerably higher than the heuristic standard threshold of 2–3% commonly applied to recognize species limits (Table 2). The highest genetic distance (22%) was between specimens from Guinea and Equatorial Guinea while the lowest (2%) was recorded for specimens from Kouilou, lower Congo and Angola.
Table 2 Genetic distance within A. spilauchen haplotypes conducted using the K2-parameter model in MEGA 7
Full size tableThe Bayesian ultrametric tree (Fig. 3) had the same topology as the phylogenetic analyses (Online Resource 2), with most nodes supporting putative OTUs with maximum posterior probability values. There was concordance of the six OTUs defined by ABGD (P value between 0.0129 and 0.0599), GD, GMYC and the bPTP ML solution result, while bPTP BI solution returned the same seven OTUs as ABGD when assuming the lowest P values. We considered the six OTUs defined by the traditional barcoding, the ABGD including P values between 0.0129 and 0.0599, the GMYC and the bPTP ML solution as putative species but defer making any taxonomic changes pending a detailed osteological and morphometric study (see Discussion).
Haplotype network (Fig. 4b)Fig. 4
a Map showing the sampled localities and the male colouration in life at each site; b mitochondrial gene COI Minimum Spanning haplotype Network for A. spilauchen haplotypes. The number of nucleotide changes is indicated in parentheses

Full size imageA minimum spanning network portraying genealogical relationships among haplotypes revealed considerable divergence between geographically separated populations within A. spilauchen. In most cases, the number of nucleotide substitutions separating populations was extremely high ranging from a minimum of 43 up to 133. The only exception to this being among haplotypes from the neighbouring Kouilou, lower Congo, and Angolan populations which form a cluster with a maximum of 12 nucleotide changes separating Kouilou haplotypes from the Angolan and lower Congo haplotypes.
Time-calibrated analysis (Fig. 5)Fig. 5
Time-calibrated phylogeny of the Procatopodidae and A. spilauchen obtained from the Bayesian dating analysis in BEASTv.1.8. Bars represent maximum and minimum date estimates for each node (values in brackets), and the numbers are nodes divergence mean ages. The colours in the time bar are a reference to the proposed time extension of main palaeogeographic and palaeoclimatic events during A. spilauchen evolution: the green bar represents the Miocene Climatic Optimum; the red bar represents the Miocene Climatic Transition; the orange bar represents the late Miocene aridification; the brown bar represents the Pliocene–Pleistocene climatic instability; the blue bar represents the onset of the modern Congo River outlet and the black bar represents an increase in the volcanic activity of the CVL

Full size imageAs expected, given a single marker dataset and uncertainties inherent in the use of secondary calibrations, most nodes on our time tree have 95% HPD values spanning large time intervals, and there is no question that considerable uncertainty persists regarding the precision of the resultant dating scheme. Nonetheless, despite these caveats, our scheme does provide a broad estimate of comparative divergence times among geographically disparate populations of A. spilauchen (Fig. 5). Based on the current analysis, the onset of diversification within the A. spilauchen lineage began during the Middle Miocene (14.8 mya, 95% HPD 8.6–20.7 mya), represented by the split of a west African lineage comprising specimens from Ghana and Guinea. These two lineages subsequently diverged during the late Pliocene (3.5 mya, 95% HPD 0.6–8.7 mya). A split between specimens from Gabon and all the remaining populations occurred during the late Miocene (9.5 mya, 95% HPD 4.8–14.9 mya). This was followed by another in the transition between the late Miocene and the Pliocene (5.6 mya, 95% HPD 2.3–9.5 mya), in which two clades diverged, one including specimens from Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea and the other those from the Kouilou, lower Congo and Angola. Later, the lineage including Nigerian and Equatorial Guinean specimens diverged at the onset of the Pleistocene (2.5 mya, 95% HPD 0.8–5.0 mya). The remaining lineage diversification time estimates are extremely recent ranging from around 1 mya to the near present.
Ancestral area reconstruction (Fig. 6)Fig. 6
S-DIVA Ancestral area reconstructions of A. spilauchen, and input chronogram resultant from BEASTv.1.8 dated analysis. Colours for each designated area are presented in legend box

Full size imageBiogeographic ancestral area reconstruction inferred the current distribution pattern of A. spilauchen lineages to have likely resulted from repeated dispersal and vicariance events (Fig. 6). S-DIVA postulates 6 dispersal, 6 vicariance, and 1 extinction event. The root node, corresponding to the onset of diversification of the A. spilauchen lineage, estimated the areas FGH (Ghana, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea) and CFG (Guinea, Ghana, and Nigeria), as equally most probable ancestral areas (49% probability). From this root node, a vicariance event is suggested between areas AFH (Gabon, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea) and CG (Guinea and Ghana). At the node corresponding to the split between Guinean and Ghanaian haplotypes, the ancestral area CG was recovered (96% probability), and a vicariance event was suggested as the cause of the split between the two areas. The ancestral area AFH was identified for the node in which the Gabon haplotypes split from the remaining haplotypes (95% probability), and it is possible to identify a duplication event (within area speciation) in area A (Gabon) followed by a vicariance event in which one lineage is restricted to Gabon and the other present in area AFH. The area AFH was considered as the ancestral area for the node in which Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea haplotypes split from the Kouilou, lower Congo and Angolan haplotypes (93% probability). Vicariance was recovered as the explanation for the split between areas FH (Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea) and ADE (Gabon, Kouilou, and lower Congo). The ancestral area FH was estimated for the node in which Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea haplotypes split (96% probability), caused by a vicariance event. For the node which corresponds to the split between Kouilou haplotypes and Angola + lower Congo haplotypes, the ancestral area ADE (Gabon, Kouilou, and lower Congo) (93% probability) was estimated, followed by an extinction event in area A (Gabon), a dispersion to area B (Angola) and finally a vicariance event between areas BE (Angola and lower Congo) and D (Kouilou). For the split between Angola and lower Congo haplotypes, the ancestral area BE was delimited (100% probability) and considered to be the result of a vicariance event.
DiscussionPrior to the current study, A. spilauchen had been considered to be widely distributed with a range extending along much of coastal west and west-central Africa. This was based on the assumption that a higher salinity tolerance, relative to that of other procatopodids, would have allowed the species to maintain population connectivity across this extensive geographical range. In addition, an apparent lack of variability in pigmentation patterning between individuals from geographically disparate populations supported a widespread species hypothesis, which in turn resulted in no further investigation of morphological differences between them. Unfortunately, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has prevented us from undertaking a morphological investigation to accompany the present study. Loan of museum materials is currently not possible, and we are unable to examine the type specimens of three previously synonymized taxa, A. typus (Ghana), A. bensonii (Liberia) and A. tschiloangensis (Cabinda, Angola), or investigate potential osteological (Parenti, 1981; Ghedotti, 2000; Costa, 2012) or morphometric variation among populations. Further investigation of potential phenotypic differentiation between the molecular lineages identified here is necessary prior to formalizing any taxonomic conclusions, and consequently, we must defer such actions to a future contribution.
The present study has, however, uncovered considerable structuring and genetic divergences between populations that are frequently 4–11 times higher than the traditionally employed sequence divergence heuristic threshold of 2–3% for teleostean conspecifics (e.g. Pereira et al., 2013; Decru et al., 2016; Iyiola et al., 2018; Arroyave et al., 2019) (Fig. 4b, Table 2). Here, we focus our discussion on the potential drivers of diversification and mechanisms that are likely to have shaped the contemporary distributions of lineages within this complex.
The onset of A. spilauchen diversification coincides with one of the main climatic shifts during the Neogene (Fig. 5). Initially, a period known as the Middle Miocene Optimum (between 16 and 14.8 mya) was warm and humid with high precipitation. This was followed by the Middle Miocene Climatic Transition (14.8–12.9 mya) which was much dryer leading to a significant drop in sea levels and increased aridification across the African continent (Flower & Kennett, 1994; Kender et al., 2009, 2014; Herold et al., 2011; Frigola et al., 2018). During the Middle Miocene Optimum, a moist and warm climate promoted the expansion of tropical vegetation, which covered most of the continent expanding even to high latitudes (Lovett, 1993; Maley, 1996; Plana, 2004; Stanley et al., 2005; Frigola et al., 2018). During this time, sea level rise likely engendered mangrove expansion throughout the Atlantic coast, and consequently potential expansion of an ancestral range for A. spilauchen. Our ancestral area analysis estimates an expansion from an area that corresponds to the present-day Ghanaian, Nigerian and Equatorial Guinean coastlines to adjacent Gabon to the south and Guinea to the west (Fig. 6). During the Middle Miocene Climatic Transition, this area experienced a marked contraction of mangrove habitats isolating Aplocheilichthys lineages in the westernmost coastal regions of Guinea and Ghana, and another in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon (Fig. 6).
Studies on the evolution of the Congo River drainage (Beadle, 1981; Burke, 1996; Giresse, 2005; Goudie, 2005; Stankiewicz & de Wit, 2006; Runge, 2007), deposition patterns in the Congo deep sea fan (Lavier et al, 2001; Leturmy et al., 2003; Lucazeau et al., 2003; Anka & Séranne, 2004; Anka et al., 2009; Savoye et al., 2009) and freshwater fish diversification in the basin (Goodier et al., 2011; Schwarzer et al., 2011; Alter et al., 2015, 2017; Arroyave et al., 2020; Stiassny & Alter, in press) reveal a complex geologic history for the most diverse river basin in Africa. In the western basin, sedimentary studies suggest a protracted history of shifting and intermittent outflow of the Congo River into the Atlantic during the Cenozoic. Although a final consensus has yet to be reached, a single high-energy capture event is now generally considered to have established the current Congo outlet to the Atlantic shortly after the Miocene-Pliocene transition. A Pliocene capture (5.3–2.6 mya) is supported by an increase in sediment deposition in the Congo fan and by tectonic activity along the Atlantic Rise during that time (Lavier et al., 2001; Leturmy et al., 2003; Lucazeau et al., 2003; Anka & Séranne, 2004; Anka et al., 2009; Savoye et al., 2009). High humidity during this period is also suggested by palynological data and probably these events facilitated a range expansion from Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon southwards to the regions in and around the newly formed lower Congo estuary at the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola (Fig. 6). Recent data on the extent of the Congo River plume and its influence on sea surface salinity and temperature over expansive coastal regions (Materia et al., 2012; Denamiel et al., 2013; Chao et al., 2015) highlights the importance of the origin of the present-day Congo River outlet for the expansion of mangroves throughout the region. During wet seasons, the Congo plume connects with the Niger River plume, and a lower salinity is recorded for the entire Gulf of Guinea up to and including the region around the Congo outlet.
West African aridification during the Pliocene (5.3–2.6 mya) is documented by both palynological and sediment data sampled from ocean drilling sites along the coast (Bonnefille et al., 1982; Leroy & Dupont, 1994; Vallé et al., 2017). Study of sedimentological sequences reveals a significant reduction in river discharge and an increase in wind borne grass pollen, both indicative of an arid climate. In addition, a concomitant reduction in mangrove pollen (Rhizophora spp.) suggests that aridification resulted in mangrove reduction and fragmentation. The late Pliocene aridification likely facilitated two vicariance events observed in our study: one between the Ghanaian and Guinean lineages and the other between the Nigerian and Equatorial Guinean lineages. Studies at sites close to Cape Blanc in Mauritania and just south of the mouth of the Senegal River found similar patterns, indicating an onset of aridification around 3.4 mya (Bonnefille et al., 1982; Leroy & Dupont, 1994). A similar study at a site near the Comoé River outlet, identified aridification in north western Africa between 3.5 and 2.9 mya (Vallé et al., 2017), a timing consistent with the proposed date for the split between Ghanaian and Guinean lineages (3.5 mya) estimated in the present study (Fig. 5)).
Other sites with detailed palynological information are near the Niger Delta, where a pronounced aridification with an increase in wind borne grass pollen and marked reduction of Rhizophora pollen is recorded between 2.7 and 2.0 mya (Durugbo et al., 2010; Adeonipekun et al., 2016). These dates are also consistent with the findings of the present study where the split between Nigerian and Equatorial Guinean lineages is estimated to have occurred around 2.5 mya (95% HPD 0.8–5.0 mya) (Fig. 5). Vicariance between Nigerian and Equatorial Guinean lineages may also be related to increased activity of the Cameroon Volcanic Line, a chain of mountains and volcanos that extends from the Cameroonian Highlands to the volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea (Deruelle et al., 1991; Marzoli et al., 2000; Burke, 2001). Bioko Island is located about 60 km from the mainland and experienced volcanic activity during the same period with volcanism of Cameroon and Manengouba mounts (around 3.0–1.0 mya) near the coast (Deruelle et al., 1991; Marzoli et al., 2000). Volcanism during low sea level would have had major impacts on water chemistry, temperature and coastal sedimentation directly impacting mangrove cover throughout the region. Recently, a comprehensive study of population connectivity of the mangrove, Rhizophora racemosa, around the Cameroonian and Equatorial Guinean coastline found high levels of genetic structuring related to the volcanic activity of Bioko Island and the Bioko-Cameroon land bridge formation (Ngeve et al., 2016). Here, we suggest that volcanism and the land bridge formation likely also affected A. spilauchen and resulted in the disruption of connectivity (gene flow) between Nigerian and Equatorial Guinean lineages.
The late Pleistocene-Holocene is known for considerable climate instability (Marius & Lucas, 1991; Scourse et al., 2005; Malounguila-Nganga et al., 2017; Maley et al., 2017; Molliex et al., 2019). Although our sampling of A. spilauchen from the southern extent of its range is limited, ancestral area reconstruction posits two additional vicariance events among haplotypes in the Kouilou, lower Congo and Angolan cluster during this timeframe (Fig. 6). Our results indicate a recent divergence and differentiation of the Kouilou haplotypes from the lower Congo and Angolan cluster. However, the low levels of genetic divergence detected, when compared to the significant genetic divergence between the other A. spilauchen populations, suggest the possibility of a continued gene flow between all of these populations (Fig. 4b, Table 2). A recent, and ongoing, connection is suggested by the influence of the Congo River freshwater plume, which is periodically carried south by the Angola current (Kopte et al., 2017), reaching beyond the Nyanga and Kwanza river ouflows (Denamiel et al., 2013). Similarly, an increase in mangrove vegetation persisting since the last deglaciation is evidenced by pollen data from the mouth of Congo (Scourse et al., 2005). Considerably denser population sampling of A. spilauchen throughout this southern region will be necessary to resolve this issue.
ConclusionDespite relatively limited sampling, the applications of species delimitation, phylogeographic, and phylogenetic methods reveal a pattern of genetic differentiation within A. spilauchen that is concordant with a series of historical events recorded since the Middle Miocene. Our study highlights extremely low connectivity between most populations and a time-calibrated phylogeographic pattern that lends support to the novel hypothesis that a major driver of diversification within the lineage has been the shifting dynamics of coastal mangrove forest cover over time. We report, for the first time, a pattern of diversification within a lineage of brackish water fish that is concordant with the historical distribution of coastal mangroves forests, the predominant brackish water habitat of the focal species throughout its range.
From a conservation perspective, these results are of considerable significance since many brackish environments, particularly the mangrove forests, are highly threatened by coastal development and the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons along the African Atlantic coastline (Alongi, 2015; Feka & Morrison, 2017). It has been estimated that mangroves are disappearing at a rate of 1–2% per year, suggesting the complete disappearance of these societally and biologically important ecosystems within the century (Alongi, 2015). The unexpected diversity observed in the A. spilauchen complex suggests that many of the other taxa that share a similar distribution associated with the same dynamic mangrove habitats may hide a significant, but currently undocumented, diversity under threat. Before formal taxonomic and nomenclatural changes can be undertaken, morphological analyses of the distinct populations (OTUs) identified herein are needed, and conservation assessments for each are critical as many of these potential new species are likely highly threatened by ongoing coastal development throughout the region.
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AcknowledgmentsOur thanks to J. Snoeks and M. Parrent (RMCA), T. Vigliotta, R. Arrindell and C. Lewis (AMNH), W. Costa (UFRJ), B. Sidlauskas and P. Konstantinidis (OS), J. Williams and D. Pitassy (USNM), I. Okyere (University of Cape Coast, Ghana), J. Cutler (University of California, Santa Cruz, USA) and J. Hervé Mve Beh (Libreville, Gabon) for the donation or loan of specimens and tissue samples. We thank A. Katz (UFRJ) R. Bills (SAIAB) and K. Bernotas (AMNH) for photographing preserved specimens, and C. Aubin (Périgueux, France), L. Chirio (Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo), L. Kent (Seattle, USA), P. Venstermans (Zwijndrecht, Belgium), and R.B. Tate (Witrivier, South Africa) for providing pictures of live specimens. We gratefully acknowledge P. Amorim and J. Mattos (UFRJ) and T. Ntokoane (SAIAB) for assistance in the Molecular Laboratory, and for the use of equipment provided by the UFRJ Ichthyology Laboratory and the NRF-SAIAB Molecular Genetic Laboratory. Partial funding for this project was provided by the National Geographic Society (#WW-055R-17) and Randolph-Macon College, and the Axelrod Curatorship of the American Museum of Natural History.
Author informationAffiliations

South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Private Bag 1015, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
P. H. N. Bragança & A. Chakona
Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
A. Chakona
Section of Vertebrates, Ichthyology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium
J. Van der Zee
Biology Department, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, 23005, USA
R. C. Schmidt
Division of Fishes, Smithsonian Research Associate, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, 20560, USA
R. C. Schmidt
Department of Ichthyology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY, 10024, USA
M. L. J. Stiassny

ContributionsAll authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by P. Bragança and R. Schmidt. Figures were prepared by M. Stiassny and P. Bragança. The first draft of the manuscript was written by P. Bragança, and all authors commented and provided changes on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Corresponding authorCorrespondence to P. H. N. Bragança.
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Handling editor: Christian Sturmbauer
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About this articleCite this articleBragança, P.H.N., Van der Zee, J., Chakona, A. et al. Following the Mangroves: diversification in the banded lampeye Aplocheilichthys spilauchen (Duméril, 1861) (Cyprinodontiformes: Procatopodidae) along the Atlantic coast of Africa. Hydrobiologia (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-020-04497-3
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Received19 September 2020
Revised28 November 2020
Accepted15 December 2020
Published03 January 2021
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-020-04497-3

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Keywords

Brackish water killifish
Mangrove dynamics
Miocene climatic shift
Species delimitation

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Systematics and Taxonomy of Chapalichthys (Cyprinodontiformes:
Goodeidae), a Small Genus of Live-Bearers from Central Mexico
Kyle R. Piller1, Devin D. Bloom2, John Lyons3, and Norman Mercado-Silva4
Kyle R. Piller1, Devin D. Bloom2, John Lyons3, and Norman Mercado-Silva4

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Nemipterus elaine • A New Species of Nemipterus (Pisces: Nemipteridae) from the Western Indian Ocean

Nemipterus elaine
Russell & Gouws, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.4.7

Abstract
A new species of threadfin bream, Nemipterus elaine, from the Western Indian Ocean is described. The new species is known so far only from off the coast of southern Mozambique, and appears most closely related morphologically and genetically to N. randalli Russell, 1986, but differs in having shorter pectoral and pelvic fins, and the upper caudal lobe produced to form a short, bright yellow filament (a long red trailing filament present in N. randalli). A key to the species of Nemipterus in the Western Indian Ocean is provided.

Keywords: Pisces, Nemipteridae, Nemipterus elaine n.sp., Mozambique, Western Indian Ocean

Nemipterus elaine

Barry C. Russell and Gavin Gouws. 2020. A New Species of Nemipterus (Pisces: Nemipteridae) from the Western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa. 4895(4); 573–580. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.4.7

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Channa aristonei a new species

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UK Government papers relating to Import & export of Ornamental fishes can be found at:- www.gov.uk/government/publications/fish-health-certificates
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Catfishes of the Genus Sperata (Pisces: Bagridae) in India

Sperata in India

in Kumar, Charan, Krishnaprasoon & Basheer, 2020.
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14590
  facebook.com/meenkaran

Abstract
DNA barcode data of the South Asian bagrid catfish genus Sperata indicate the presence of at least five species in the Indian subcontinent. Those results, which are supported by morphological data, show a marked increase in species diversity from the recent taxonomic and fishery literature, although each of the five species had been previously named. Two species are restricted to rivers of peninsular India south of the Godavari: Sperata aorides from the Cauvery river basin and S. seenghala from the Krishna river basin. Most literature records of S. seenghala from the Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna river basins likely refer to S. lamarrii, a species which appears to also be present in the Indus river basin. Some genetic data reported as S. seenghala from the Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna river basins refer to S. aorella. S. aor is widespread in the Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Surma river basins in India and Bangladesh, extending southwards to the Godavari river.

Keywords: Cauvery, fisheries, Ganges, ichthyology, Krishna, taxonomy, zoogeography



Sperata aorides (Jerdon)

Sperata lamarrii (Valenciennes)

Sperata seenghala (Sykes)

Sperata aor (Hamilton)

Sperata aorella (Blyth)

CONCLUSION:
The results of our investigation suggest there are at least five valid species of Sperata in the Indian subcontinent. S. aorides is endemic to the Cauvery river basin and S. seenghala is probably endemic to the Krishna river basin. Records of S. seenghala from the Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna river basins likely refer to S. lamarrii, a species which appears to also be present in the Indus river basin. Additionally, some reports of S. seenghala from the Ganges‐Brahmaputra‐Meghna river basins definitely refer to S. aorella. Neither S. lamarrii nor S. aor appear to be present in peninsular India south of the Godavari, and investigations into reports of S. aor and S. seenghala from river basins removed from their original descriptions may yield additional species. Proper taxonomic identification of species within the genus is critical given the importance of this genus to fisheries and attempts to introduce them to aquaculture.

Rahul Girish Kumar, Ravi Charan, Nadumury Pradeep Krishnaprasoon and Valaparambil Saidumohammad Basheer. 2020. Catfishes of the Genus Sperata (Pisces: Bagridae) in India.
Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14590
facebook.com/meenkaran/posts/3466219466827064

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Microcambeva bendego • A New Catfish Species of Microcambeva Costa & Bockmann 1994 (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from A Coastal Basin in Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil

Microcambeva bendego
de Medeiros, Moreira, de Pinna & Lima, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.6

Abstract
Microcambeva bendego, a small psammophilous catfish species, is described from the rio Guapi-Macacu basin at Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro State, an Atlantic Forest remnant. This coastal drainage has been explored by several naturalists and fish researchers since the 19th century. It is a drainage with remarkably high endemism and species richness, and some recently-described and threatened species. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by two distinctive characters: long finger-like projections in the branchial isthmus and a large opercular patch of odontodes with 19 odontodes. Due to the paucity of specimens (n=3) osteological features of the new species were accessed by CT-Scan images of the holotype. Microcambeva bendego shares putative synapomorphies with two congeners, M. ribeirae and M. filamentosa, such as the fusion of supraorbital pore s6, the absence of ossification in the anterior autopalatine cartilage, the presence of an elongated and wide posterior process of the autopalatine, and a concavity on the dorsal process of the opercle. Those characters suggest that M. bendego is more closely related to those two species from the rio Ribeira de Iguape basin than to other congeners. The biogeography and conservation status of M. bendego are also discussed.

Keywords: Pisces, Taxonomy, Microcambevinae, Fluminense ecoregion, Atlantic Forest, Guanabara bay, CT-Scan

Figure 1. Microcambeva bendego, new species, holotype, MNRJ 52042, 28.1 mm SL.
Rio Guapiaçu, near Cachoeiras de Macacu, rio Guapi-Macacu basin, Guapimirim Municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil.
a. lateral view; b. dorsal view; c. ventral view. Scale: 10 mm.

Lucas Silva de Medeiros, Cristiano Rangel Moreira, Mario de Pinna and Sergio M. Q. Lima. 2020. A New Catfish Species of Microcambeva Costa & Bockmann 1994 (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from A Coastal Basin in Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. Zootaxa. 4895(1); 111–123. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4895.1.6
Researchgate.net/publication/346988544_A_new_catfish_species_of_Microcambeva_from_a_coastal_basin_in_Rio_de_Janeiro_State_sout
heastern_Brazil

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Species Delimitation Reveals An Underestimated Diversity of Andean Catfishes of the Family Astroblepidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes)

A. Astroblepus ardiladuartei, B. A. cachara,
C. A. caquetae, D. A. curitiensis,
E. A. homodon, F. A. gr. grixalvii,
G. A. itae, H. A. latidens, I. A. onzagaensis, J. A. pradai.

in Ochoa, Melo, García-Melo, et al., 2020.
DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2020-0048

Catfishes of the family Astroblepidae form a group composed by 82 valid species of the genus Astroblepus inhabiting high-gradient streams and rivers throughout tropical portions of the Andean Cordillera. Little has been advanced in the systematics and biodiversity of astroblepids other than an unpublished thesis, a single regional multilocus study and isolated species descriptions. Here, we examined 208 specimens of Astroblepus that apparently belong to 16 valid species from several piedmont rivers from northern Colombia to southern Peru. Using three single-locus approaches for species delimitation in combination with a species tree analysis estimated from three mitochondrial genes, we identified a total of 25 well-delimited lineages including eight valid and 17 potential undescribed species distributed in two monophyletic groups: the Central Andes Clade, which contains 14 lineages from piedmont rivers of the Peruvian Amazon, and the Northern Andes Clade with 11 lineages from trans- and cis-Andean rivers of Colombia and Ecuador, including the Orinoco, Amazon, and Magdalena-Cauca basins and Pacific coastal drainages. Results of species delimitation methods highlight several taxonomical incongruences in recently described species denoting potential synonymies.

Keywords: Andes, Catfishes, Delimitation, Ostariophysi, Systematics, Taxonomy.

Species of Astroblepus included in this study,
A. A. ardiladuartei (LBP 26696 topotype live, 4.54 mm SL), B. A. cachara (LBP 26712 topotype live, 4.23 mm SL), C. A. caquetae (CZUT-IC 18464 topotype of museum, 7.84 mm SL), D. A. curitiensis (LBP 97118 topotype live, 5.92 mm SL),
E. A. homodon (CZUT-IC 18390, 6.15 mm SL), F. A. gr. grixalvii (LBP24242 topotype live, 11.70 mm SL); F’. A. gr. grixalvii (CZUT-IC 18498 specimen of Magdalena basin 6,01 mm SL); F”. A. gr. grixalvii (CZUT-IC 18320 specimen of Cauca basin, 15.25 mm SL),
G. A. itae (topotype live, 3.58 mm SL), H. A. latidens (topotype live, 13.40 mm SL), I. A. onzagaensis (topotype live, 7.82 mm SL), J. A. pradai (topotype live, 4.53 mm SL),
K. A. trifasciatus (topotype of museum, 9.65 mm SL), K’. A. trifasciatus (topotype of museum, 9.01 mm SL), L. A. aff. trifasciatus (specimen of Magdalena basin, 7.94 mm SL), M. A. verai (topotype live, 3.51 mm SL).

Luz E. Ochoa, Bruno F. Melo, Jorge E. García-Melo, Javier A. Maldonado-Ocampo, Camila S. Souza, Juan G. Albornoz-Garzón, Cristhian C. Conde-Saldaña, Francisco Villa-Navarro, Armando Ortega-Lara and Claudio Oliveira. 2020. Species Delimitation Reveals An Underestimated Diversity of Andean Catfishes of the Family Astroblepidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes). Neotropical Ichthyology. 18(4), e200048. DOI: 10.1590/1982-0224-2020-0048

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Betta nuluhon, a new species of fighting fish from western Sabah, Malaysia (Teleostei: Osphronemidae)
N. S. S. KAMAL, H. H. TAN, CASEY K. C. NG
Abstract
Betta nuluhon, new species, is described from a hill stream habitat in western Sabah. This species is allied to both B. chini and B. balunga, and differs from rest of its congeners in the B. akarensis group in having the following combination of characters: yellow iris when live; mature males with greenish-blue iridescence on opercle when live; mature fish with distinct transverse bars on caudal fin; slender body (body depth 22.1–25.2 % SL); belly area with faint reticulate pattern (scales posteriorly rimmed with black); absence of tiny black spots on anal fin; lateral scales 29–31 (mode 30); predorsal scales 20–21 (mode 20). Notes on a fresh series of B. chini are also provided.

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Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, Volume 30 (2020)May 14, 2020 / 0 Comments / in Biology IEF IEF… Black-and-white figures, 13 tables PDF Stauffer, Jay R., Jr .: Description of three species of Salvelinus (Teleostei: Salmonidae) from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA 97-110 PDF Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, .

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A new species of Corcyrogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Île de Ngor, Senegal

MARCELO KOVAČIĆ, PETER WIRTZ, ULRICH K. SCHLIEWEN
Abstract
Corcyrogobius pulcher sp. nov. is described from off Île de Ngor, Dakar, Senegal. Corcyrogobius pulcher is distinguished from its two congeners by having the rear edge of the jaws ending posteriorly below mideye, second dorsal fin I/9, pectoral fin rays 17, pelvic fins oval or truncated posteriorly, scales in lateral series 26–27, anterior oculoscapular head canal with pore β, suborbital row b of sensory papillae anteriorly beginning below vertical of posterior edge of eye, dark vertical caudal bar, branchiostegal membrane without intense dark spot, cheek with two oblique whitish stripes, the first going from the eye downwards and forward to the posterior jaws, the second on the preopercular, alternating with brown oblique stripe going from behind the eye downwards and forward across the cheek. Furthermore, mitochondrial COI-barcoding data unambiguously support the species-level distinctiveness of the three Corcyrogobius species. A key to the species of Corcyrogobius is provided.

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Upeneus floros, a new goatfish from South Africa and Mozambique, with updated taxonomic accounts for U. guttatus and U. pori and a key to Western Indian Ocean Upeneus species (Mullidae)
FRANZ UIBLEIN, GAVIN GOUWS, MARK LISHER, BERNARDINO S. MALAUENE
Abstract
The highly diverse goatfish genus Upeneus (Mullidae) requires enhanced attention regarding the possible occurrence of undescribed species in insufficiently explored regions. This study focuses on the South-Western Indian Ocean region (SWIO), and on the so-called japonicus-group, a taxonomic species group of Upeneus. Based on in-situ observations and collections in Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the Floros goatfish, U. floros n. sp., is described. Detailed comparative studies of colour patterns and morphological characters of all other 13 japonicus-group species were undertaken as well as COI barcoding. The new species occurs in the coastal area between Angoche, N Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal and partly overlaps in distribution with two similar species, U. guttatus, widely distributed in the Indo-W Pacific, and U. saiab, assumed to be endemic in a small area off Angoche. Two additional japonicus-group species occurring in the SWIO, U. seychellensis from the Seychelles Bank and U. pori from the Mediterranean Sea (as Lessepsian migrant), Northern Red Sea and Madagascar, were also compared. Because specimens as well as in-situ photographs of U. floros have been erroneously identified as either U. guttatus or U. pori during previous studies, updated taxonomic accounts and diagnoses are provided for these species taking size-related and population differences into account. For U. pori, of which a single preserved specimen from SW Madagascar was known so far, a new record from NE Madagascar is reported based on three specimens and a fresh-colour photo. Upeneus floros can be distinguished from U. guttatus and U. pori by a combination of three characters: head length, first dorsal-fin height and number of gill rakers. Upeneus guttatus can be distinguished from the other two species by disproportionally higher anterior dorsal-fin spines vs. a proportional decrease of dorsal-fin spines in height, barbels mostly yellow vs. white or creamy-white, and slightly fewer pectoral-fin rays. COI barcoding detected a clear distinction between U. guttatus and U. floros and U. pori, respectively, but no significant divergence between the two latter species. COI barcoding also failed to differentiate several other Upeneus species which are clearly distinguished morphologically. Possible interrelationships between species distribution patterns and physical oceanography are discussed. An identification key for the 22 WIO Upeneus species is provided.

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A new rheophilic South American darter (Crenuchidae: Characidium) from the rio Juruena basin, Brazil, with comments on morphological adaptations to life in fast‐flowing watersAngela M. Zanata

Willian M. Ohara

Osvaldo T. Oyakawa

Fernando C. P. Dagosta
First published: 06 August 2020

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14485Funding information: South American Characiformes Inventory, Grant/Award Number: FAPESP 2011/50282‐7; Diversidade e Evolução de Gymnotiformes (Teleostei, Ostariophysi), Grant/Award Number: 2016/19075‐9; FAPESP, Grant/Award Number: 2017/09321‐5; Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – CNPq, Grant/Award Number: 309993/2016‐4; FAPESP, Grant/Award Number: 2013/22473‐8; FAPESP 2016/07246‐3 and by – CNPq, Grant/Award Number: 405643/2018‐7

AbstractCharacidium iaquira, a new species from the upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Brazil, is described. The new species can be promptly distinguished from all congeners by having a unique v‐shaped dark mark lying along the caudal‐fin extension, in medium‐ and large‐sized specimens, and a remarkable iridescent green colouration in life. Characidium iaquira is closely related to Characidium crandellii and Characidium declivirostre by sharing unambiguous synapomorphies such as branchiostegal membranes united to each other across the isthmus, a scaleless area extending from the isthmus to the pectoral girdle, and dermal flaps surrounding anterior and posterior naris independent, but touching each other distally. Morphological specializations of the paired fins in the three riffle‐dwellers species are discussed, including the wing‐like shape, robustness, and inclination of the pectoral fin.

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Lepadichthys conwayi • A New Species of Lepadichthys (Teleostei, Gobiesocidae) from the Central South Pacific and Comments on the Taxonomic Status of Lepadichthys springeri Briggs, 2001

Lepadichthys conwayi
Fujiwara & Motomura, 2020

DOI: 10.1643/CI2020036

Abstract
Lepadichthys conwayi, new species, is described on the basis of 42 specimens (13.0–42.0 mm in standard length [SL]) collected from the central South Pacific and characterized by the following combination of characters: head sensory canal pores well developed, including 2 nasal, lacrimal and postorbital, and 3 preopercular pores; 13–16 (modally 15, rarely 16) dorsal-fin rays; 11–14 (12, rarely 14) anal-fin rays; 27–30 (28) pectoral-fin rays; 8 or 9 (9), 8–11 (9), and 8–11 (9) gill rakers on first to third arches, respectively; upper end of gill membrane level with base of 7th to 10th (usually 9th) pectoral-fin ray in lateral view; disc length and width 15.0–17.1 (mean 16.0) and 11.1–16.1 (13.9) % SL, respectively, disc length plus disc width 27.8–33.2 (30.0) % SL; dorsal and anal fins with very weak membranous connections to (rarely separated from) caudal fin, posteriormost points of membranes usually just short of or just reaching vertical through caudal-fin base, otherwise very slightly beyond fin base; dorsal- and anal-caudal membrane lengths 3.4–7.1 (4.8) and 3.0–6.0 (4.8) % of caudal-fin length, respectively; black stripe on snout tip through eye to posterior region of head. In addition, examination of the type specimens of Lepadichthys springeri Briggs, 2001 revealed them to be conspecific with L. misakius (Tanaka, 1908), a valid species recently resurrected from the synonymy of L. frenatus Waite, 1904. Accordingly, L. springeri is regarded as a junior synonym of L. misakius.

Fresh coloration of Lepadichthys conwayi, new species.
(A) USNM 423325, holotype, 39.3 mm SL, Raivavae Island, Austral Islands;
(B) USNM 404728, paratype, 33.2 mm SL, Totegegie Island, Gambier Islands;
(C) USNM 422862, paratype, 26.4 mm SL, same as holotype;
(D) USNM 423420, paratype, 37.8 mm SL, Tubuai Island, Austral Islands;
(E) USNM 423414, paratype, 31.3 mm SL, same as USNM 423420.
(A–C) Lateral views. (D) Dorsal view. (E) Ventral view.
Photos by J. Williams.

Lepadichthys conwayi, new species
Conway’s Clingfish

Distribution.--Currently known only from the Cook Islands, the Austral and Gambier Islands (French Polynesia), and Pitcairn Islands in the central South Pacific (Fig. 8).

Etymology.--The specific name conwayi is in recognition of Dr. Kevin Conway for his recent contributions to the systematics of clingfishes. The name is used as a noun in the genitive case.

Kyoji Fujiwara and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2020. A New Species of Lepadichthys from the Central South Pacific and Comments on the Taxonomic Status of Lepadichthys springeri Briggs, 2001 (Gobiesocidae). Copeia. 108(4); 833-846. DOI: 10.1643/CI2020036.

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A new livebearing fish of the genus Limia (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from Lake Miragoane, HaitiRodet Rodriguez‐Silva

Pablo F. Weaver
First published: 29 February 2020

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14301Funding information: Financial support was given by a University of La Verne Faculty Research Grant, a University of Colorado Boulder Museum Research Grant, and a University of Colorado Boulder Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology departmental graduate student grant. The Caribaea Initiative and the National Geographic Society (WW‐054R‐17) provided additional funding for this research.

AbstractLimia islai, a new species of livebearing fish, is described from Lake Miragoane in south‐western Haiti on Hispaniola. The new species has a conspicuous barred pattern consisting of several (4–12) black bars along the body, ray 4p serrae of the gonopodium in males with 10 segments and origin of dorsal fin in females slightly behind the origin of the anal fin. Although the new species colour pattern is similar to that of the humpbacked limia Limia nigrofasciata Regan 1913, L. islai sp. nov. has exclusive morphological features, such as slender body, lack of hump anterior to dorsal fin in males and presence of specific features in the gonopodial suspensory, which allow an unambiguous diagnosis from L. nigrofasciata. L. islai further differs from L. nigrofasciata in reproductive behaviour since L. islai males rely on sneak copulations and gonopodial thrusting, whereas L. nigrofasciata display an elaborate courtship behaviour. The new species is also genetically distinct in both nuclear (Rh, Myh6) and mitochondrial (12S, ND2, D‐loop, Cytb) genes from other species in the genus showing reciprocal monophyly. The description of this new Limia species from Lake Miragoane confirms this lake as an important centre of endemism for the genus, with a total of eight endemic species described so far.

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Rhinogobius houheensis, a new species of freshwater goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Houhe National Nature Reserve, Hubei province, China

KUNYUAN WANGHE, FAXIANG HU, MINHAO CHEN, XIAOFENG LUAN
Abstract
A new freshwater goby, Rhinogobius houheensis, is described based on 40 specimens in a freshwater stream from the Houhe National Nature Reserve, Hubei Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from all its congeneric species by the following combination of characters: thee first dorsal fin rays VI, the second dorsal fin rays I/9-I/10; anal fin rays I/7-I/8; pectoral-fin rays 16–17; longitudinal scale series 37–40; transverse scales 12–14; predorsal scale series 0; and vertebrae counts 12+18=30. The first three spinous rays in the first dorsal fin are colored with two dark-blue stripes and one black spot in alive.

Keywords
fish taxonomy, high vertebrae counts, valid species, Yangtze River, Pisces

Full Text:
PDF/A (7MB)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4820.2.8

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A new endangered species of Megaleporinus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the Rio de Contas basin, eastern Brazil

José L. O. Birindelli

Heraldo A. Britski

Jorge L. Ramirez
First published: 24 February 2020

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14299
Citations: 1Funding information: This study was funded by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP, process10/512150–9), and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq, processes 420255/2016‐8, 302872/2018‐3). Specimens were collected in expeditions funded by FAPESP (process 2011/50282‐7), and Fundação Araucária (FA, process 177/2014).

AbstractA new species of Megaleporinus is described from the Rio de Contas, a coastal drainage of eastern Brazil, and its phylogenetic relationships are studied using molecular data. The new species is unique among Anostomidae by possessing two exclusive features: an irregular dark longitudinal stripe from supracleithrum to second midlateral blotch and anterior cranial fontanel partially closed. In addition, the new species is diagnosed by having three premaxillary teeth, three dentary teeth, 37 or 38 scales in lateral line, 16 scale rows around caudal peduncle, three dark midlateral blotches on body, and red fins in life. The new species is closely related to M. obtusidens from the São Francisco basin, corroborating previous studies that indicated that the latter represents a species complex as currently defined. The new species exhibits the first rib enlarged in mature males, a feature described for some congeners. The new species is herein considered to be Endangered under the IUCN criteria.

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Vanderhorstia vandersteene, a new species of shrimpgoby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea
Allen, Gerald R.; Erdmann, Mark V.; Brooks, William D.

A new species of gobiid fish, Vanderhorstia vandersteene, is described from the East Cape region of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea on the basis of five specimens 17.5–32.2 mm SL. Diagnostic features include dorsal-fin elements VI-I,10–12; the fourth dorsal-fin spine filamentous, reaching the base of about the fifth to seventh segmented dorsal-fin ray when adpressed; anal-fin rays I,11; pectoral-fin rays 16–18; lateral scales 35–37; transverse scales 10; body scales mostly ctenoid, except cycloid scales anterior to the level of about the second-dorsal-fin origin, as well as on the pectoral-fin base, prepelvic region, and the lower side between the pectoral-fins and pelvic fins; scales absent on the head, including medially and anteriorly on the predorsal region; the caudal fin lanceolate with an elongate, median filament; color in life light neon blue with a wavy yellow-orange stripe from the upper operculum to the upper caudal-fin base, prominent yellow-orange bars, bands, and spots on the head and upper sides, a pair of yellow stripes on the second dorsal fin, and yellow streaks and bands on the caudal fin. We include a key to the Vanderhorstia species with low lateral-scale counts (less than 45).

https://zenodo.org/record/3959464#.X9PtgNhKjIU

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Phenacorhamdia roxoi • A New Species of Phenacorhamdia Dahl 1961 (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Paranapanema River Basin, southeastern Brazil

Phenacorhamdia roxoi
Silva, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4890.2.8

Abstract
A new species of Phenacorhamdia is described from Paranapanema River, Upper Paraná River basin, southeastern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from congeners by the combination of following characters 45−46 vertebrae; an entirely dark-brown body; nine pleural ribs; eight branched rays in upper lobe of caudal fin; seven branched rays in pectoral fin; 13 anal-fin rays with 9−10 branched; first basal radial inserted at the 13th vertebrae and eight branchiostegal rays.
Keywords: Siluriformes, Catfishes, Neotropical freshwaters fishes, Taxonomy, Upper Paraná River basin

Gabriel S. C. Silva. 2020. A New Species of Phenacorhamdia Dahl 1961 (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Paranapanema River Basin, southeastern Brazil. Zootaxa. 4890(2); 275–282. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4890.2.8

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Indoreonectes telanganaensis • A New Species of Loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from the Godavari Basin of India

Indoreonectes telanganaensis

Prasad, C. Srinivasulu, A. Srinivasulu, Anoop & Dahanukar, 2020
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4878.2.7
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Abstract
A new species of hill-stream loach, Indoreonectes telanganaensis, is described from a seasonal tributary of the Godavari River at Maisamma Loddi, within the Kawal Tiger Reserve, Telangana State, India. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters including caudal peduncle as long as deep; eye large, its diameter about one-fifth head length; pectoral fin as long as head; nasal barbel reaching the middle of the eye; dorsal-fin origin on vertical through pelvic-fin origin; and bars on the lateral side of the body well defined and wide. We also provide multivariate morphometric, and DNA analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence to support the distinction of the new species.

Keywords: Telangana loach, hillstream loach, molecular phylogeny, Telangana State, Pisces

Kante Krishna Prasad, Chelmala Srinivasulu, Aditya Srinivasulu, V. K. Anoop and Neelesh Dahanukar. 2020. Indoreonectes telanganaensis, A New Species of Loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from the Godavari Basin of India. Zootaxa. 4878(2); 335–348. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4878.2.7
facebook.com/kpanatheist/posts/3621160851274985

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Riddle on the Riffle: Miocene Diversification and Biogeography of Endemic Mountain Loaches (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae: Bhavania) in the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot

Bhavania australis  (Jerdon, 1849)
The mountain loach, Bhavania australis is a ‘cryptic species complex’ endemic to the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot in India.

in Sidharthan, Raghavan, Anoop, et al., 2020.
DOI: 10.1111/jbi.13972
twitter.com/JBiogeography
Photo: Beta Mahatvaraj  twitter.com/LabRajeev

Abstract
Aim: The Western Ghats Hotspot in peninsular India harbours remarkable diversity and endemism of freshwater fish. However, the ichthyofauna's evolutionary histories and biogeography are poorly known. Here, we investigate (a) the diversity, evolutionary history and biogeography of endemic mountain loaches and (b) the potential influence of the physiography of hill ranges, geological barriers and river systems on the diversification and cladogenesis of loaches, in the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot.

Location: Southern Western Ghats mountain ranges (8–13°N latitudes), Western Ghats‐Sri Lanka Biodiversity Hotspot.

Taxa: Mountain loaches Bhavania annandalei and B. australis (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae).

Methods: We carried out a multigene phylogenetic analysis with mitochondrial and nuclear markers using Bhavania specimens collected throughout the genus' range. The Automated Barcode Gap Analysis, Poisson Tree Process and Generalized Mixed Yule‐Coalescent Model were used to delimit species. A Bayesian chronogram was constructed to estimate the time elapsed since the most recent common ancestor of the distinct lineages of Bhavania. Ancestral ranges of distinct lineages of Bhavania were reconstructed using the dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model.

Results:
Phylogenetic analysis of combined mitochondrial and nuclear data, as well species delimitation using the Poisson Tree Process and Generalized Mixed Yule‐Coalescent Model analyses supported eight distinct lineages, which included the narrowly distributed B. annandalei and widely distributed B. australis. The Barcode Gap Analysis, however, supported only seven lineages. Bayesian divergence time dating suggests that the genus originated early in the Neogene and diversified in the Miocene. Ancestral state reconstruction indicated Bhavania diversifed as a result of sympatric, subset and vicariant speciation with five dispersal and one vicariant events across biogeographic barriers and river systems.

Main conclusions:
Bhavania australis is a ‘species complex’. Miocene‐associated climatic changes including intensification of the south‐west monsoon likely triggered dispersal and range expansion; subsequent aridification would have led to drying up of riverine connections, formation of land barriers and fragmentation of streams, resulting in cladogenesis. Our results also provide preliminary evidence that Cauvery, one of the largest east flowing rivers of Western Ghats, facilitates an east‐west pathway for dispersal and diversification of endemic lineages of the region.

Keywords: Bhavania, biogeographical barriers, cryptic species, dispersal vicariance

in Sidharthan, Raghavan, Anoop, et al., 2020.
DOI: 10.1111/jbi.13972
twitter.com/JBiogeography

CONCLUDING REMARKS
Our multi‐locus phylogeny and divergence time dating suggest that the endemic WG mountain loach genus Bhavania originated in the early Neogene, and diversified/radiated into cryptic lineages in the Miocene. Facilitated by Miocene‐associated climatic changes including intensification of the monsoonal rains, Bhavania dispersed across the WG, expanding their range. Cladogenesis events were subsequently triggered by aridification and drying up of riverine connections, formation of land barriers and fragmentation of streams. Our results also provide the first evidence for Cauvery, one of the largest east flowing rivers of Western Ghats, facilitating an east–west pathway for dispersal and diversification of endemic lineages of the region. As a next step, a comprehensive family‐wide phylogeny of balitorid loaches including the endemic lineages of the WG, would certainly help improving our understanding of their current‐day diversity and distribution patterns, as well as the larger‐scale evolutionary and biogeographical history of hillstream freshwater fishes in the Indian Subcontinent, Indo‐China and the Sunda Islands.

Arya Sidharthan, Rajeev Raghavan, Vasudevan Komalavally Anoop, Siby Philip and Neelesh Dahanukar. 2020. Riddle on the Riffle: Miocene Diversification and Biogeography of Endemic Mountain Loaches in the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot. Journal of Biogeography. 47(12); 2741-2754. DOI: 10.1111/jbi.13972
twitter.com/JBiogeography/status/1314680473864429568
twitter.com/LabRajeev/status/1314746977343610881

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​Phylogenetic and Phylogeographic insights into Sri Lankan Killifishes (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Aplocheilidae)

Varicus roatanensis

Phylogenetic Evidence for the Cyphocharax saladensis Clade with Description of a New Species of Cyphocharax Endemic to the Upper Rio Paraguai Basin (Teleostei: Curimatidae) Bruno F. Melo1 , Luiz F. C. Tencatt2 , and Claudio Oliveira3

A Society for all Aquatic Fanatics in South Wales!Fortnightly Meet-ups, Monthly Full Meetings, Swap-shops, Seasonal Auctions, Day Trips & Conventions, Guest Speakers, Cuttings & Culture Swaps& So Much More! ==========================

10th April 2022 West Lothian Aquarist Society Auction The Tower Lounge, Craigshill, Livingston EH54 5DZ.==========================

Lake Malawi cichlids latest check list.malawicichlids.com/cichlid_checklist_2021-may-21.pdf==========================

Channa aristonei a new species

UK Government papers relating to Import & export of Ornamental fishes can be found at:- www.gov.uk/government/publications/fish-health-certificates​==========================

Phylogenetic and Phylogeographic insights into Sri Lankan Killifishes (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Aplocheilidae)

A Society for all Aquatic Fanatics in South Wales!
Fortnightly Meet-ups, Monthly Full Meetings, Swap-shops, Seasonal Auctions, Day Trips & Conventions, Guest Speakers, Cuttings & Culture Swaps
& So Much More!

==========================

10th April 2022
West Lothian Aquarist Society Auction
The Tower Lounge,
Craigshill, Livingston
EH54 5DZ.
==========================

Lake Malawi cichlids latest check list.
malawicichlids.com/cichlid_checklist_2021-may-21.pdf
==========================

UK Government papers relating to Import & export of Ornamental fishes can be found at:- www.gov.uk/government/publications/fish-health-certificates
==========================