[Herpetology • 2011] Pristimantis aureoventris • A new highland Pristimantis (Strabomantidae) from Pantepui, northern South America

Pristimantis aureoventris

Abstract

A new strabomantid frog of the genus Pristimantis Jiménez de la Espada, 1871 is described from the Eastern Pantepui Region, Guiana Shield, northern South America. The new species, Pristimantis aureoventris sp. nov., is known so far from two neighbouring tepuis, namely Wei Assipu Tepui (type locality) at the border between Guyana and Brazil and Mount Roraima in Guyana, and occurs between 2210–2305 m elevation. The new taxon is distinguished from all known congeners by the following combination of characters: Finger I < II; tympanum distinct; basal webbing between Toes IVV; broad lateral fringes on fingers and toes; ventral skin areolate; vocal slits absent in male; two non-spinous whitish nuptial pads and vocal sac present in male; high degree of pattern polymorphism; throat, chest, and belly golden yellow, usually with reddish brown to dark brown mottling; internal organs little or not visible through the ventral skin in life. The call of the new species consists of bouts of a single amplitude-modulated (decreasing to the end) note repeated at a rate of ca. 18 notes/min with a dominant frequency ranging from 2180 to 2430 Hz.

Key words: Amphibia, Brazil, Guiana Shield, Guyana, Mount Roraima, systematics, taxonomy, Venezuela, Wei Assipu Tepu

Kok et al. (2011) A new highland species of Pristimantis Jiménez de la Espada, 1871 (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Pantepui region, northern South America. Zootaxa 2934: 1–19. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/z02826p068f.pdf

[Herpetology • 2011] Ameerega berohoka • A new cryptic species of poison frog, Ameerega (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from Brazilian Cerrado

Ameerega berohoka Vaz-Silva & Maciel, 2011

Abstract

A new cryptic species of poison frog is described from Central Brazil and included in the Ameerega picta group. Ameerega berohoka sp. nov. occurs in cerrado sensu stricto and gallery forest phytophysiognomies in the Cerrado biome in areas drained by the Araguaia River basin, State of Goiás, Brazil. The new species differs from the other species in the A. picta group by adult morphology, such as dorsal coloration, hand length, nostril shape, and features of advertisement call. Uncorrected p-distances of a fragment of the 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene revealed high divergence among other Ameerega species. The new species seems to be genetically most similar to Ameerega flavopicta (ca. 5.3%).

Key words: Ameerega berohoka sp. nov., Ameerega picta group, poison frog, advertisement call, DNA barcoding

Vaz-Silva W & Maciel NM (2011) A new cryptic species of Ameerega (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from Brazilian Cerrado. Zootaxa 2826: 57-68. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/z02826p068f.pdf

[Herpetology • 2010] Taxonomic review of Physalaemus olfersii with revalidation of P. lateristriga and description of two new species

Physalaemus orophilus sp. nov.

Abstract

Physalaemus olfersii was described by M.H.K. Lichtenstein and E.K. Martens in 1856 based on two syntypes collected by I.M. Olfers between the years 1818 and 1819. Due to the brevity of it’s original description and high interpopulational variation, a taxonomic review of material assigned to the species is proposed. Morphological comparisons allowed us to associate the syntype of P. olfersii to populations distributed between the state of Espírito Santo and of São Paulo to which the southern limit is the to the municipality of São Paulo. Historical documents allowed us to define an area within Serra do Mar mountain range as the type locality of the species. Morphological and acoutics comparisons of P. olfersii from different localities in southern and southeastern Brazil revealed considerable variation among populations. Differences in call parameters and morphology, led us to conclude that three more species where under the name P. olfersii: Physalaemus lateristriga (Steindachner, 1864) comb. nov. and two new species, Physalaemus feioi sp. nov. and P. orophilus sp. nov.

Key words: Amphibia; Physalaemus lateristriga comb. nov.; Physalaemus feioi sp. nov.; Physalaemus orophilus sp. nov.; Atlantic Rain Forest Domain; Geographic distribution; Advertisement call

Physalaemus olfersii Lichtenstein & Martens 1856

Physalaemus lateristriga (Steindachner, 1864)

Cassini et al. (2010). Taxonomic review of Physalaemus olfersii (Lichtenstein & Martens, 1856) with revalidation of Physalaemus lateristriga (Steindachner, 1864) and description of two new related species (Anura: Leiuperidae). Zootaxa 2491: 1-33. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/z02491p033f.pdf

[Herpetology • 2010] Amphisbaena carli • A new two-pored Amphisbaena (Family: Amphisbaenidae) from the Brazilian Cerrado biome

Amphisbaena carli

Abstract

Amphisbaena carli sp. nov. is described from a Cerrado region in the southwestern of the state of Bahia, Brazil. The new species is diagnosable by having: small and separated nasal scales; two pre-cloacal pores separated from each other; 221–242 body annuli; 10–13 caudal annuli; 21–23 dorsal and 21–23 ventral segments to a midbody annulus; and tail without visible autotomic constriction. A proposition of standardization of head scalation nomenclature for amphisbaenids and comments on the current status of the genus Amphisbaena are also provided.

Key words: Amphisbaenia, Bahia, Brazil, Head scalation nomenclature, worm lizard

Pinna et al. 2010. A new two-pored Amphisbaena Linnaeus from the endangered Brazilian Cerrado biome (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae). Zootaxa 2569: 44-54. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/z02569p054f.pdf

[Herpetology • 2011] Phymaturus delheyi & P. sitesi • Two new mountain lizard Phymaturus from northwestern Patagonia, Argentina

Phymaturus delheyi

Phymaturus sitesi

Abstract

Two new species of lizards of the saxicolous and viviparous genus Phymaturus from Patagonia are described. The new species are members of the Phymaturus patagonicus species group distributed only in volcanic plateaus and mountains of southern Argentina. Phymaturus sitesi sp. nov. differs from all other members of the patagonicus group in its unique dorsal pattern of small white spots on a light-gray to brown-gray background and allopatric geographical distribution. Absence of sexual dichromatism differentiated Phymaturus sitesi sp. nov. from P. payuniae, P. zapalensis, and P. delheyi n. sp. , and the midbody scales count differentiated from the P. delheyi sp. nov. and P. nevadoi (with some overlap). Also Phymaturus sitesi sp. nov. presents lower count in the ventral scales than in P. delheyi sp. nov. Phymaturus delheyi sp. nov. can be distinguished from other species of the patagonicus group by unique dorsal pattern of medium size white spots on a dark-brown background and allopatric distribution. The presence of sexual dichromatism differentiates Phymaturus delheyi sp. nov. from P. sitesi sp. nov. and P. nevadoi. Scales around midbody differentiated Phymaturus delheyi sp. nov. from P. payuniae and P. sitesi sp. nov. Also ventral scale count differentiated Phymaturus delheyi sp. nov. from P. sitesi sp. nov. and P. nevadoi (with some overlap).

Key words: Argentina, Iguanidae sensu lato, Liolaemini, patagonicus group, new species, Neuqué

 Luciano Javier Avila, Cristian Hernan Fulvio Pérez, Daniel Pérez and Mariana Morando. Two new mountain lizard species of the Phymaturus genus (Squamata: Iguania) from northwestern Patagonia, Argentina. Zootaxa. 2924: 1-21. : http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/z02924p021f.pdf

researchgate.net/publication/261646432_Two_new_mountain_lizard_species_of_the_Phymaturus_genus_(Squamata_Iguania)_from_northwestern_Patagonia_Argentina

[Ichthyology • 2010] Leptodoras marki • A new species of thorny catfish Leptodoras (Doradidae) from from Rio Fresco, Xingu Basin, Brazil

Leptodoras marki, new species

Family: Doradidae

Abstract

A new species of the thorny catfish genus Leptodoras (family Doradidae) is described. The new species shares three characters with its congeners, the modified oral hood with distinct upper labial extensions, the first gill arch with enlarged accessory lamellae extending well onto medial face of gill filaments, and the pelvic fin inserted in anterior half of body. The new species is distinguished from congeners by having a large dark submarginal blotch on distal half of dorsal-fin spine and anteriormost dorsal-fin branched rays, lower labial extension of modified oral hood extending more posteriorly than upper labial extension, relatively few midlateral scutes, gas bladder moderately sized (not reduced), paired bony capsules on anteriormost vertebrae reduced to paired cup-like laminar ossifications separated by a triangular septum, pair of small, swelling-like diverticula on each side of the anterior chamber of gas bladder, a well-developed anterior nuchal plate, and nuchal foramina present. The new species was discovered from a single specimen collected in the rio Fresco, a tributary of the rio Xingu, and is described based on this and on additional material recently collected in the same area. A discussion of its placement within Leptodoras is also presented.

Birindelli, J.L.O. & Sousa, L.M. 2010. New Species of the Thorny Catfish Genus Leptodoras (Siluriformes: Doradidae) from Rio Fresco, Xingu Basin, Brazil. Copeia. 2010 (2): 292-299.: http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1643/CI-09-153

[Ichthyology • 2010] Microglanis minutus • A new catfish (Pseudopmelodidae) from the rio Barra Seca basin, southeastern Brazil

Microglanis minutus

Family: Pseudopmelodidae

New species of bumblebee catfish described

Brazilian ichthyologists have described a new species of bumblebee catfish in the genus Microglanis from southeastern Brazil.

Felipe Ottoni, José Mattos and Maria Barbosa name the new catfish Microglanis minutus in the most recent issue of the journal Vertebrate Zoology.

Microglanis minutus is a member of the M. parahybae species group, and is distinguished from all members of this species group in having mottled or relatively faint bands on the pectoral and anal fins, an emarginate caudal fin that is lightly mottled and with narrow vertical dark brown bands across the central portions of the lobes, dark brown saddles on the trunk, an irregular dark blotch on the caudal peduncle, the adipose fin with a dark saddle beneath it that does not extend ventrally to the anal fin as a continuous bar, the lateral line not reaching the vertical through the origin of the adipose fin, a distinct bony point on the tip of the pectoral spine, a wider head, the absence of a dark band on the distal portion of the anal fin, and a light oval spot below the dorsal spine.

The new species is known from the Barra Seca river drainage in southeastern Brazil, and is named after its comparatively small size (Latin minutus = small).

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/content.php?sid=3530

Ottoni, F.P., Mattos, J.L.O. & Barbosa, M.A. 2010. Description of a new species of Microglanisfrom the rio Barra Seca basin, southeastern Brazil (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Pseudopmelodidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 60 (3): 187–192. : http://www.vertebrate-zoology.de/vz60-3/01_Vertebrate_Zoology_60-3_Ottoni.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2011] Trichogenes claviger • A new Trichogenes from the rio Itapemirim drainage, southeastern Brazil

Trichogenes claviger

Family: Trichomycteridae

de Pinna, M.C.C., Helmer, J.L., Britski, H.A. & Nunes, L.R. 2010. A new species of Trichogenes from the rio Itapemirim drainage, southeastern Brazil, with comments on the monophyly of the genus (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae). Neotropical Ichthyology. 8 (4): 707-717. : http://www.ufrgs.br/ni/vol8num4/v08n4a02.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2010] Trichomycterus maculosus • A new Trichomycterus from the rio Paraíba do Sul basin, southeastern Brazil

Trichomycterus maculosus

Family: Trichomycteridae

Barbosa, M.A. & Costa, W.J.E.M. 2010. Description of a new species of the catfish genus Trichomycterus (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the rio Paraíba do Sul basin, southeastern Brazil. Vertebrate Zoology. 60 (3): 193–197. : http://www.vertebrate-zoology.de/vz60-3/02_Vertebrate_Zoology_60-3_Barbosa.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2011] Trichomycterus tropei • A new Trichomycterus lacking pelvic fins and pelvic girdle from Southern Brazil

Trichomycterus tropeiro

Family Trichomycteridae

Abstract

Trichomycterus tropeiro, new species, is described from the headwaters of the rio das Antas, laguna dos Patos system, Southern Brazil. Trichomycterus tropeiro is distinguishable from other species of the genus by the absence of pelvic fins and pelvic girdle, except fromTrichomycterus candidus and Trichomycterus catamarcensis. It differs from these two species in several counts and measurements. The apparent endemism of the species is discussed.

Key words: Neotropical, Laguna dos Patos system, Endemic fish, Trichomycterus candidus, Trichomycterus catamarcensi

Ferrer, J. & Malabarba, L.R. 2011. A new Trichomycterus lacking pelvic fins and pelvic girdle with a very restricted range in Southern Brazil (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae). Zootaxa, 2912: 59–67. : http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/z02912p067f.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2011] Taxonomic revision of catfish Genus Scorpiodoras (Family Doradidae) with A new species, S. liophysus, from Brazil

Scorpiodoras heckelii

the most widespread species, occurring in the Orinoco, Branco, Negro, and Amazonas rivers downstream of its confluence with Rio Negro.

Abstract

Three species of Scorpiodoras are recognized: S. calderonensis, S. heckelii, and S. liophysus; the latter species is described herein. Scorpiodoras calderonensis occurs in the upper Amazon basin, including the Solimo˜es, Jurua´ , Japura´ , and Tefe´ rivers. Its type locality, originally stated as ‘‘Caldero´ n’’, is elucidated as Tabatinga, Brazil. Scorpiodoras heckelii is the most widespread species, occurring in the Orinoco, Branco, Negro, and Amazonas rivers downstream of its confluence with Rio Negro. Scorpiodoras liophysus is only known from the middle Rio Madeira basin and presents a morphological feature unique within the genus: gas bladder without secondary bladder. An osteological description of the genus is provided, as well as redescriptions of S. calderonensis and S. heckelii. Additionally, a key allowing identification of the species is presented, as well as a biogeographic discussion.

Distribution of Scorpiodoras

Fig. 14. Scorpiodoras liophysus, INPA 33829, holotype, 125.5 mm SL.

Scorpiodoras liophysus, new species

Holotype.—INPA 33829, 125.5 mm SL, Brazil, Rondoˆnia, Porto Velho, Lago Madalena, Rio Jaciparana´ , Rio Madeira, 9u179000S

Sousa, L.M. & Birindelli, J.L.O. 2011. Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Scorpiodoras (Siluriformes: Doradidae) with Resurrection of Scorpiodoras calderonensis and Description of a New Species. Copeia. 2011 (1): 121-140.

[Ichthyology • 2011] Taxonomic revision of thorny catfish Genus Hassar (Doradidae) with A new species, H. gabiru, from Amazonia Brazil

Hassar gabiru, new species

Family: Doradidae

Abstract

The genus Hassar (Doradidae) is diagnosed by a single exclusive feature: basioccipital with ventral ring-like arch surrounding aorta; and by the combination of several non-exclusive characters, including dark blotch in distal half of anterior branched rays of dorsal fin, and anteriormost postinfranuchal scutes reduced in size.

Three nominal species are recognized and redescribed in Hassar: H. orestis from the Orinoco, Essequibo and Amazonas basins, excluding Tocantins and middle to upper Xingu drainages; H. wilderi from Tocantins; and H. affinis from northeastern Brazil, including Turiaçu, Pindaré-Mearim, Itapecuru and Parnaíba drainages.

The nominal Hemidoras notospilus and Hassar ucayalensis are recognized as junior synonyms of Hassar orestis; Hassar woodi is considered a junior synonym of H. affinis; Hassar iheringi is recognized as a junior synonym of H. wilderi, and its type locality as originally reported is considered incorrect.

A fourth new species, Hassar gabiru, is described from middle to upper Xingu river basin.

Hassar is considered to be the sister taxon of Anduzedoras + Leptodoras. A detailed anatomical description and discussion of the phylogenetic relationships of Hassar among fimbriate-barbel doradids are provided.

Key words: Doradinae, New species, Phylogeny, Systematics.

Birindelli, J.L.O., Fayal, D.F. & Wosiacki, W.B. 2011. Taxonomic revision of thorny catfish genus Hassar (Siluriformes: Doradidae). Neotropical Ichthyology. 9 (3): 515-542. : http://www.ufrgs.br/ni/vol9num3/v09n3a06.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2011] Spinipterus acsi • A New Genus of Small, Spiny Catfish (Auchenipteridae) from the Peruvian Amazon

Spinipterus acsi

Family: Auchenipteridae

Abstract

A new species of small auchenipterid catfish is described based on a single specimen from the Amazon basin and is placed into a new genus. Spinipterus, new genus, is diagnosed by the following striking autapomorphic features: pectoral and dorsal-fin spines with four prominent rows of serrations; lateral margin of the skull roofing bones ornamented with a single row of spines; size reduction of hipurals; elongation and angle of posterior cleithral process; and adducted dorsal fin rests into a mid-dorsal groove. The new genus also differs from most other auchenipterid genera by having lower counts for some fin rays. Current diagnoses of auchenipterid genera do not allow us to place the new species into any genus, which requires us to propose the new genus Spinipterus.

Key words: Neotropical region, driftwood catfish, miniaturization, sexual dimorphism

Akama, A. and Ferraris, C.J., jr. 2011. Spinipterus, A New Genus of Small, Spiny Catfish (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from the Peruvian Amazon. Zootaxa. 2992: 52-60. : http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/z02992p060f.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2011] Nemuroglanis furcatus • A new Nemuroglanis from the rio Guariba, rio Madeira basin, Brazil

Nemuroglanis furcatus

Family: Heptapteridae

Abstract

Nemuroglanis furcatus is described from streams of the rio Guariba, a clear water tributary of the rio Aripuanã, rio Madeira basin in Brazil. Nemuroglanis furcatus can be distinguished from its congeners by the possession of a long lateral line, reaching the middle portion of the adipose-fin base; a narrow posterior cranial fontanel (16 to 27% of its length); and the anterior border of pectoral bridge with a pointed contour. The plesiomorphic state of some of the synapomorphies for Nemuroglanis in N. furcatus suggests that this species might be the sister-group to the remaining species of the genus. A key for all four valid species of Nemuroglanis species is provided.

Key words: taxonomy, South America, small catfish, Amazon fish

Ribeiro et al. 2011. A new species of Nemuroglanis (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the rio Guariba, rio Madeira basin, Brazil. Zootaxa. 2799: 41–48. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/z02799p048f.pdf