Friday, June 17, 2022

[Ichthyology • 2022] 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

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]