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| Pseudotanganikallabes prognatha Wright, 2017
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13374
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Abstract
The examination of material representing one of Lake Tanganyika's six previously recognized endemic catfish lineages, has revealed the presence of an additional genus of clariid, described here as Pseudotanganikallabes new genus. This genus is represented by a single species, Pseudotanganikallabes prognatha sp. nov., which is distinguished from all other clariids by its lack of an infraorbital series, the presence of multiple osseous connections between the swim bladder capsules and elements of the neurocranium, the absence of an ethmoid notch, the presence of a very large, egg-shaped occipital fontanelle and the extension of the lower lip beyond the margin of the upper jaw. A combination of additional external and molecular characters serves to further distinguish this taxon from all currently recognized clariid species. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial (cytb) and nuclear (18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-28S) sequence data supports the creation of a new genus for this species, as it appears to represent an independent, monophyletic lineage within the family Clariidae.
Key words: Africa; catfish; Clariidae; Lake Tanganyika; rift lake; taxonomy.
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| Fig. 4. (a) Dorsal, (b) lateral and (c) ventral views of the holotype of Pseudotanganikallabes prognatha (SAIAB-80226). Scale bar = 1 cm. |
PSEUDOTANGANIKALLABES GEN. NOV.
Type species: Pseudotanganikallabes prognatha new genus and species.
Content: Pseudotanganikallabes prognatha sp. nov.; monotypic
Etymology: From the Greek pseudo (𝜓𝜀𝜐𝛿ή𝜍), meaning lying or false and the genus Tanganikallabes, in reference to the superficial resemblance between these two genera. Gender: feminine.
Geographical distribution: All known specimens referred to Pseudotanganikallabes were collected on the southeast, Zambian coast of Lake Tanganyika.
PSEUDOTANGANIKALLABES PROGNATHA SP. NOV.
Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the prefix pro, in this case meaning anterior to and the Greek gnathos (𝛾ν΄𝛼𝜃o𝜍), meaning jaw, in reference to the distinctive protrusion of the lower jaw of this species. Gender: feminine.
Distribution: Currently known from localities along the southeastern coast of Lake Tanganyika: .... East of Mpulungu.
J. J. Wright. 2017. A New Diminutive Genus and Species of Catfish from Lake Tanganyika (Siluriformes: Clariidae). Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13374
