[Herpetology • 2016] Amphisbaena filiformis • A New Two-pored Species of Amphisbaena (Squamata, Amphisbaenidae) from the Brazilian Cerrado, with A Key to the Two-pored Species of Amphisbaena

Amphisbaena filiformis 

Ribeiro, Gomes, Silva, Cintra & Silva, 2016

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4147.2.2   

Abstract

A new species of Amphisbaena is described from municipalities of Babaçulândia, State of Tocantins, and Estreito, State of Maranhão, northern Brazilian Cerrado. The new species differs from other two-pored species of the genus, by presenting mainly slender body shape; snout rounded in profile and dorsal view; high number of body annuli (328–342); 12–14 dorsal segments and 14–16 ventral in midbody half-annulus; autotomic site between 9–10th caudal annuli; absence of chevron-shaped anterior dorsal half-annuli; 20–23 caudal annuli; postmalar row absent; and precloacals pores arranged in a continuous series of the precloacal half-annuli. Additionally, we present a key for two-pored species of Amphisbaena.

Keywords: Reptilia, Amphisbaenia, morphology, dicotomic key, taxonomy

FIGURE 6.  Amphisbaena filiformis sp. nov. in life (not identified specimen of type series) from Babaçulândia municipality, State of Tocantins, Brazil.

Photo by C.E.D. Cintra 

Diagnosis. (1) snout rounded; (2) 328–342 body annuli; (3) absence of major fusion of head shields, being shields of dorsal, lateral and ventral head portion distincts; (4) two precloacal pores; (5) 12–14 dorsal and 14–16 ventral segments per midbody annulus; (6) autotomic site between 9–10th caudal annuli; (7) absent of chevron- 126 RIBEIRO ET AL. · Zootaxa 4147 (2) © 2016 Magnolia Press shaped anterior body annuli; (8) precloacals pores arranged in a continuous series of the precloacal half-annuli; (9) 20–23 caudal annuli; (10) distinct dorsal sulci; (11) head slightly thiner than trunk; (12) tail tip slightly compressed; and (13) postmalar row absent. 

Etymology. The specific epithet filiformis is formed from the Latin words filum (= thread) and forma (= shape) in reference to the slender body shape characteristic of the new species.

Distribution and habitat. Amphisbaena filiformis has been collected only in Babaçulândia and Estreito municipalities, States of Tocantins and Maranhão, respectively, in the northern Brazilian Cerrado (Fig. 1). The specimens from Babaçulândia municipality were collected in the left margin of the Corrente river, and the specimens from Estreito municipality were collected in the right margin of the Tocantins river on sandy soil. Babaçulândia and Estreito municipalities are located in a complex phytogeographic region, with three distinct vegetational formations: open lowland rainforest (floresta ombrófila aberta de terras baixas), seasonal forest (floresta estacional), and Cerrado. However, on the margins of Corrente river and Tocantins river, the main vegetational formation is the open lowland rainforest, locally characterized by the babaçu palm tree (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex. Spreng). The large presence of this species in a region is known as "palm forest" (Fig. 7) (IBGE 1992). It was in this vegetation that the specimens of A. filiformis were found. 

Ribeiro, Síria, Jerriane O. Gomes, Helder L. R. D. Silva, Carlos E. D. Cintra and Nelson J. Da Silva Jr. 2016. A New Two-pored Species of Amphisbaena (Squamata, Amphisbaenidae) from the Brazilian Cerrado, with A Key to the Two-pored Species of Amphisbaena.
Zootaxa. 4147(2); 124–142.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4147.2.2 

Resumo: Uma nova espécie de Amphisbaena é descrita dos municípios de Babaçulância, estado do Tocantins, e Estreito, estado do Maranhão, no norte do Cerrado brasileiro. A nova espécie difere das outras espécies do gênero com dois poros principalmente por apresentar forma do corpo delgada, focinho arredondado em vistas dorsal e de perfil; alto número de anéis corporais (328–342); 12–14 segmentos dorsais e 14–16 ventrais em um anel do meio do corpo; anel autotômico entre o 9o e 10o anel caudal; ausência de anéis corporais em forma de “V” na parte anterior do corpo; 20–23 anéis caudais; fileira de pós-malar ausente; e poros pré-cloacais arrajandos em uma série continua do meio anel pré-cloacal. Adicionalmente, nós apresentamos uma chave para as espécies de Amphisbaena com dois poros. 

Palavras chave: Amphisbaenia, morfologia, chave dicotômica, taxonomia

[Ichthyology • 2013] Three New Species of Freshwater Halfbeaks (Teleostei: Zenarchopteridae: Hemirhamphodon) from Borneo; Hemirhamphodon sesamum, H. byssus & H. kecil

Hemirhamphodon sesamum, H. byssus & H. kecil

Tan & Lim, 2013

LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg

Three new species of Hemirhamphodon are described from Borneo island. Hemirhamphodon sesamum, new species, from lowland basins draining into the Makassar Strait, differs from its congeners in having unique colour markings on its dorsal fin and lower jaw; males with posterior projections on the fourth anal-fin ray, with third, fourth and eighth anal-fin rays branched, and with posterior projections on the fourth anal ray; females with third and fourth anal-fin rays branched. Hemirhamphodon byssus, new species, from southern Sarawak differs from the allopatric H. kuekenthali in having the anterior dorsal-fin ray extensions reaching to the middle of the caudal fin (vs absence or small extensions on dorsal-fin rays), black pigment on the anterior half of dorsal fin (vs middle part of dorsal fin), males with posterior projections on the fourth anal-fin ray. Hemirhamphodon kecil, new species, from the lower Mahakam in East Kalimantan, can be distinguished from its congeners in having few or no markings except for sparse black pigment along sub-margin of the dorsal fin and anterior dorsal margin of the caudal-fin base. It is a small species (up to 41 mm SL). Notes and a figure of the holotype of H. phaiosoma are provided, along with colour descriptions of fresh material. An artificial key to Hemirhamphodon, inclusive of the new species, is also included.

Key words: Hemirhamphodon, Southeast Asia, biodiversity, taxonomy, allopatry

  

Hemirhamphodon sesamum, new species 

Etymology. — The species name refers to the minute oily seeds of the Sesamum plant (Pedaliaceae); in allusion to the small black spots/dashes on the dorsal fin with which resemble black sesame seeds. Used as a noun in apposition.

Distribution. — Hemirhamphodon sesamum is currently known only from South Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, in lowland drainages of the Batulicin and Cantung basins that drain eastwards into the Makassar Strait (Fig. 7).

Hemirhamphodon byssus, new species (Figs. 9A–E, 10A, 11A, B)

Dermogenys species undetermined – Doi et al., 2001: 16, Fig. 2 

Hemirhamphodon kuekenthali (non-Steindachner) – Anderson & Collette, 1991 (part); Kottelat & Lim, 1995 (part); Doi et al., 2001; Jongkar & Lim, 2004

Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus (non-Bleeker) – Roberts, 1989 (part)

Etymology. — From the Latin byssus, meaning fine thread, in allusion to the distinct filamentous dorsal-fin rays of large males. Used as a noun in apposition.

Distribution. — Hemirhamphodon byssus is known from the lowland stream systems in southern Sarawak that include Sematan, Lundu, Bau, Batu Kawa, Matang, Bako, Serian, Balai Ringin, Gedong and Sri Aman (Fig. 7). From Sibu northwards (including Bintulu and Baram areas, and Brunei Darussalam), it is replaced by H. kuekenthali with which it is apparently allopatric. This distribution pattern is shared with the following allopatric species pairs (in south–north orientation): Rasbora kalochroma/R. kottelati (Lim, 1995), Betta ibanorum/B. akarensis (Tan & Ng, 2004, 2005).

Hemirhamphodon kecil, new species (Figs. 12A–E, 13A, B) 

Hemirhamphodon pogonognathus (non-Bleeker) – Anderson & Collette, 1991 (part); Christenson, 1992; Kottelat et al., 1993 (part); Kottelat, 1994.

Distribution. — Hemirhamphodon kecil is currently known only from East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, in the waterways of the lower Mahakam basin that drain eastwards into the Makassar Strait (Fig. 7).

Etymology. — From the Bahasa Indonesian word ‘kecil’, meaning small, in reference to the diminutive size of this species. Used as a noun in apposition.

Heok Hui Tan and Kelvin K. P. Lim. 2013. Three New Species of Freshwater Halfbeaks (Teleostei: Zenarchopteridae: Hemirhamphodon) from Borneo.
The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 61(2): 735-747.

http://LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg/rbz/biblio/61/61rbz735-747.pdf

http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151826741769672

  

[Herpetology • 2016] Leptobrachella itiokai • A New Highland Species of Dwarf Litter Frog Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Sarawak

Leptobrachella itiokai 

Eto, Matsui & Nishikawa, 2016

LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg

Abstract

 A new highland species of the dwarf litter frog, Leptobrachella itiokai, is described from Gunung Mulu National Park, northern Sarawak, East Malaysia. It occurs syntopically with another highland species, L. brevicrus, but differs from it by a unique call that may be described as a chirp, with dominant frequency of ca. 10 kHz. The new species is morphologically distinguishable from congeners by the combination of the following traits: rounded ventrolateral glands usually not in series; side of body with small black spots; ventrum entirely dark-coloured with tiny light spots; male with thread-like lineae masculinae.

Key words: Leptobrachella, MtDNA; Phylogeny; Taxonomy; Borneo

Koshiro Eto, Masafumi Matsui and Kanto Nishikawa. 2016. A New Highland Species of Dwarf Litter Frog Genus Leptobrachella (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae) from Sarawak. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 64: 194–203. http://LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/vol64/64rbz194-203.pdf

  

[Entomology • 2010] A Survey of the Emesine Assassin Bugs of the Tribes Collartidini, Leistarchini, Emesini, and Metapterini of Taiwan (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Reduviidae)

Figure 76. Bagauda zigzag sp. n., male (Pingtung County, Hengchun, Kenting National Park,

20 September 2007, photo: J. F. Tsai). 

Abstract

Thread-legged assassin bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) belonging to the tribes Collartidini, Leistarchini, Emesini, and Metapterini of Taiwan are surveyed. Eight genera and thirteen species are recognized, four species are described as new. Collartidini (represented by the genus Collartida Villers, 1949) is recorded for the first time not only from Taiwan but from Southeast Asia as well. Ploiaria ryukyuana Ishikawa & Tomokuni, 2002, Gardena albiannulata Ishikawa, 2005, and Stenolemus crassirostris Stål, 1871 are recorded for the first time from Taiwan. The species Collartida peregrina sp. n., Bagauda zigzag sp. n., Ploiaria huangorum sp. n., and Stenolemus alikakay sp. n. are described as new. Identification keys to the species of the above tribes occurring in Taiwan are presented, and their zoogeography is briefly discussed.

Keywords: Taxonomy; New species; New records

 Dávid Rédei and Jing-Fu Tsai. 2010. A Survey of the Emesine Assassin Bugs of the Tribes Collartidini, Leistarchini, Emesini, and Metapterini of Taiwan (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Reduviidae). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 57(1); 11-36. DOI: 10.1002/mmnd.201000002

ResearchGate.net/publication/230457090_A_survey_of_the_emesine_assassin_bugs_of_the_tribes_Collartidini_Leistarchini_Emesini_and_Metapterini_of_Taiwan_Hemiptera_Heteroptera_Reduviidae

[Ichthyology • 2015] Mahseers Genera Tor and Neolissochilus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from southern Vietnam

 Tor mekongensis 

Hoàng, Phạm, Durand, Trần & Phan, 2015

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4006.3.8

Abstract

Two new species and two new basin records of mahseers in the genera Tor and Neolissochilus are described from the upper Krong No and middle Đồng Nai drainages of the Langbiang Plateau in southern Vietnam. These new species and new records are known from streams and rivers in montane mixed pine and evergreen forests between 140 and 1112 m. Their populations are isolated in the Sre Pok River of the Mekong basin, the middle of the Đồng Nai basin, and the An Lão River. Both new species are differentiated from their congeners by a combination of the following characters: 23–24 lateral scales, 9–10 predorsal scales, 2/7 or 1/8 pelvic-fin rays, mouth position, median lobe of lower lip, rostral hood, colour in life and by divergent mitochondrial DNA. Tor mekongensis sp. nov. is differentiated from Tor dongnaiensis sp. nov. by the number of transverse scale rows (3/1/2 vs. 4/1/2), number of pelvic-fin rays (2/7 vs. 1/8), a blunt rostral hood vs. pointed, caudal-fin lobes that are equal vs. unequal, and by mitochondrial DNA (0.7% sequence divergence). Molecular evidence identifies both species as members of the genus Tor and distinct from all congeners sampled (uncorrected sequence divergences >1.9% for all Tor species for which homologous COI sequences are available). Tor sinensis is recorded in the Krong No and the Sre Pok rivers, further south of its known distribution. Polymorphism is described in Neolissochilus stracheyi with a Tor-like morph and a Neolissochilus-like morph.

Keywords: Pisces, Langbiang Plateau, Tor dongnaiensis sp. nov., Tor mekongensis sp. nov., Tor sinensis, Neolissochilus stracheyi, southern Vietnam

Tor dongnaiensis 

Hoàng, Phạm, Durand, Trần & Phan, 2015

Tor dongnaiensis sp. nov. Hoàng, Phạm, Durand, Trần & Phan

Etymology. Specific epithet is in reference to the type locality of Đồng Nai drainage.
Suggested common name. Cá ngựa xám Đồng Nai (Vietnamese), Dongnai mahseer (English).

Tor mekongensis sp. nov.

Etymology. Specific epithet is in reference to the type locality of Mekong drainage.
Suggested common names. Cá ngựa xám Mê Kông (Vietnamese), Mekong mahseer (English).

Huy Đức Hoàng, Hùng M. Phạm, Jean-Dominique Durand, Ngân T. Trần and Phúc Đ. Phan. 2015. Mahseers Genera Tor and Neolissochilus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from southern Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4006(3): 551–568. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4006.3.8

ResearchGate.net/publication/281238007_Mahseers_genera_Tor_and_Neolissochilus_(Teleostei_Cyprinidae)_from_southern_Vietnam

[Paleontology • 2016] Stenorhynchosaurus munozi • A New Pliosaurid from the Upper Barremian (Lower Cretaceous) of Villa de Leiva, Colombia

Stenorhynchosaurus munozi 

Páramo-Fonseca, Gómez-Pérez, Noé & Etayo-Serna, 2016

  DOI: 10.18257/raccefyn.239 

Abstract 

From one of the most complete Lower Cretaceous rock sequences in the world (in Villa de Leiva region, central Colombia), we describe a new genus and species of pliosaurid plesiosaur Stenorhynchosaurus munozi. Stenorhynchosaurus displays a series of features which differentiate it from all the other Cretaceous pliosaurid genera: the anterior of the vomer, in ventral view, posterior of the palatal premaxilla-maxilla suture, contacting the posterior palatal process of the premaxilla level with the third maxillary alveolus; rostrum narrow and elongated with straight sides in dorsal view; lacrimal forming the anterior border and greater part of the ventral border of the orbit and broadly borders the maxilla anteriorly; anterior interpterygoid vacuity present; internal nares located between vomer and maxilla at the level of 13th-15th maxillary alveoli; anterior of rostrum and mandible without lateral expansion or marked increase in size of the functional alveoli; penultimate premaxillary alveolus slightly larger than adjacent premaxillary alveoli; homodont maxillary functional alveoli, with fourth tooth positions very slightly enlarged with respect to the neighboring alveoli; homodont dentary dentition; and epipodials extremely short. Based on morphological analysis of phylogenetic characters, Stenorhynchosaurus most likely nests within the increasingly inclusive Pliosauridae and Pliosauroidea, however, as currently defined, firm inference for referral of Stenorhynchosaurus to Thalassophonea is much more problematic, but ultimately seems likely based on characters shared with Pliosaurus and Brachaucheninae. However, this uncertainty indicates Thalassophonea requires rigorous redefinition. As to whether Stenorhynchosaurus is a member of the currently exclusively Jurassic genus Pliosaurus, or the Cretaceous sub-family Brachaucheninae, remains equivocal.

Keywords: Pliosauridae; Barremian; Lower Cretaceous; Colombia

Figure 1. VL17052004-1, holotype specimen of Stenorhynchosaurus munozi gen. and sp. nov. General view of the specimen in dorsal view. Photography in the field and interpretation of the skeleton.

María Eurídice Páramo-Fonseca, Marcela Gómez-Pérez, Leslie F. Noé and Fernando Etayo-Serna. 2016. Stenorhynchosaurus munozi, gen. et sp. nov. A New Pliosaurid from the Upper Barremian (Lower Cretaceous) of Villa de Leiva, Colombia, South America. Rev. Acad. Colomb. Cienc. Ex. Fis. Nat. 40(154); 84-103. DOI: 10.18257/raccefyn.239

[Herpetology • 2016] Pholidobolus ulisesi • A New Species of Andean Microteiid Lizard (Gymnophthalmidae: Cercosaurinae: Pholidobolus) from Peru, with comments on P. vertebralis

Pholidobolus ulisesi  

Venegas, Echevarria, Lobos, Nunes & Torres-Carvajal, 2016.

Abstract

Based on morphological and molecular evidence, herein is reported the discovery of a new species of Pholidobolus from the Andes of northwestern Peru. The new species is known from the montane forests of Cajamarca and Lambayeque departments, at elevations of 1,800 – 2,300 m. It differs from other species of Pholidobolus in lacking prefrontal scales and having both strongly keeled dorsal scales and a diagonal white bar in the rictal region. Additionally, it is shown that records of P. vertebralis from Peru are based on misidentified specimens. The southernmost distribution records of P. vertebralis are from northwestern Ecuador. Also, an updated identification key for species of Pholidobolus is provided.

Key words. Andes, hemipenial morphology, lizards, Pholidobolus vertebralis, systematics

 Pablo J. Venegas, Lourdes Y. Echevarria, Simon E. Lobos, Pedro M. Sales Nunes and Omar Torres-Carvajal. 2016. A New Species of Andean Microteiid Lizard (Gymnophthalmidae: Cercosaurinae: Pholidobolus) from Peru, with comments on P. vertebralis. 
Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 10(1) [Special  Section]; 21-33 (e121). 

ResearchGate.net/publication/305766721_A_new_species_of_Andean_microteiid_lizard_Gymnophthalmidae_Cercosaurinae_Pholidobolus_from_Peru_with_comments_on_P_vertebralis

[Ichthyology • 2013] The Coastal Fishes of the Cape Verde Islands - New Records and an Annotated Check-list: (Pisces)

Abstract

A check-list of the coastal fishes of the Cape Verde Islands is presented. The species Acantholabrus palloni, Canthigaster supramacula, Carcharhinus leucas, Chaetodipterus lippei, Corniger spinosus, Dasyatis centroura, Didogobius n. sp., Epigonus constanciae, Halobatrachus didactylus, Hemiramphus balao, Leptocharias smithii, Lobotes surinamensis, Malacoctenus n. sp., Megalops atlanticus, Mugil bananensis, Mugil capurrii, Negaprion brevirostris, Rhinecanthus aculeatus, Sardinella aurita, Sciaena umbra, Serranus heterurus, Sphyraena barracuda, Uranoscopus cadenati, and Zu cristatus are recorded for the first time from the Cape Verde Islands. We have recognized 77 previous records as identification errors or registration errors and indicate 35 other records as doubtful. Including the 24 new records, we now list 315 fish species from the coastal waters of the Cape Verde Islands. Twenty of them (6.3 %) appear to be endemic to the archipelago.

 Peter Wirtz, Alberto Brito, Jesús M Falcón, Rui Freitas, Ronald Fricke, Vanda Monteiro, Francisco Reiner and Oksana Tariche. 2013. The Coastal Fishes of the Cape Verde Islands - New Records and an Annotated Check-list: (Pisces). Spixiana 36(1); 113-142.

ResearchGate.net/publication/256454697_The_coastal_fishes_of_the_Cape_Verde_Islands_-_New_records_and_an_annotated_check-list_Pisces

[Ichthyology • 2016] Cobitis takenoi • A New Spined Loach (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae) from Honshu Island, Japan

Cobitis takenoi  

Nakajima, 2016
 DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.568.7733  

Abstract
A new species of spined loach, Cobitis takenoi sp. n., is described based on the holotype and ten paratypes collected from Tango District, Honshu Island, Japan. The new species is distinguished by a combination of the following character states: 1) the lamina circularis at the base of the pectoral fin in adult male having a simple roundish plate form; 2) a narrowing of the upper segments of the first branched ray of the pectoral fin; 3) a short maxillary barbel whose length equals diameter of the eye; 4) 14 prepelvic myotomes, and 5) L3 and L5 well developed, forming longitudinal obvious stripes in males during the spawning season.

Keywords: Cobitoidei, Tango tetraploid form of Cobitis striata, Cobitis sp. 5, freshwater fish

Remarks

Till date, Cobitis takenoi has only been found in one small river system, and the habitat is under threat from river improvement. In addition, some threatened freshwater fishes are captured and sold illegally in Japan (e.g. Parabotia curtus, Watanabe et al. 2015), and this new species is similarly at the risk of being commercially overfished for the ornamental fish market (Takeno et al. 2010). Therefore, the species is ranked as a critically endangered species (CR) – as Cobitis sp. – in the Japanese Red List (Kitagawa 2015). The distribution pattern, suitable habitat and life history of this species are not well-known. Basic biological investigations are required for its effective conservation.

Jun Nakajima. 2016. Cobitis takenoi sp. n. (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae): A New Spined Loach from Honshu Island, Japan. ZooKeys. 568: 119-128. DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.568.7733

[Ichthyology • 2013] Lentipes caroline • A New Species of Freshwater Goby (Gobioidei: Sicydiinae) from Pohnpei, Micronesia

 Lentipes caroline 

Lynch, Keith & Pezold, 2013 

Abstract 

 Lentipes caroline n. sp., a freshwater goby, is described on the basis of 21 specimens (12 males, 9 females) collected from high gradient streams on the island of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. It differs from other species of the genus by a combination of characters including a urogenital papilla lacking lateral lobes and being not retractable into a sheath-like groove, 16 pectoral fin rays, pore O generally lacking, a small head (head length 18-24% of SL), many tricuspid teeth in the upper jaw in females (23-39), and a greyish body colour in both sexes, with only hints of brighter colours including occasional blue anal fin margining and gold blotching across the dorsum of many individuals.

Lynch, B., Keith, P. and Pezold, F. 2013. A New Species of Freshwater Goby from Pohnpei, Micronesia (Gobioidei: Sicydiinae). Cybium. 37(3): 171-177.

http://borea.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/pdfs/Lentipes-caroline.pdf

researchgate.net/publication/249400136_A_new_species_of_freshwater_goby_from_Pohnpei_Micronesia_Gobioidei_Sicydiinae

[Ichthyology • 2014] Three New Species of Lentipes (Gobiidae) from Indonesia; Lentipes argenteus, L. ikeae & L. mekonggaensis

Lentipes argenteus Keith, Hadiaty & Lord, 2014 
 Lentipes ikeae Keith, Hubert, Busson & Hadiaty, 2014 
 Lentipes mekonggaensis Keith & Hadiaty, 2014

borea.mnhn.fr 

Abstract

Three new species of Lentipes (L. argenteus, L. ikeae and L. mekonggaensis), freshwater gobies, are described from streams of Sumatra, Java, Bali and Sulawesi (Indonesia). They differ from other species of the genus by a combination of characters including an urogenital papilla lacking lateral lobes and retractable into a sheath-like groove, the number of pectoral fin rays, the number of scales, tricuspid teeth in the upper jaw, and a specific body colour in males.

Key words: Gobiidae; Lentipes; Sulawesi; Java; Bali; Sumatra; Freshwater; New species

Lentipes argenteus Keith, Hadiaty & Lord, 2014

Lentipes ikeae Keith, Hubert, Busson & Hadiaty, 2014

Lentipes mekonggaensis Keith & Hadiaty, 2014

 Keith Philippe, Hadiaty Renny, Hubert Nicolas, Busson Frédéric and Lord Clara. 2014. Three New Species of Lentipes from Indonesia (Gobiidae). Cybium: international journal of ichthyology. 38(2):133-146.

http://borea.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/pdfs/Keith%20872-lentipes.pdf

ResearchGate.net/publication/264004634_Three_new_species_of_Lentipes_from_Indonesia_(Gobiidae)

facebook.com/294682373885900/photos/867077509979714

Résumé: Trois nouvelles espèces de Lentipes d’Indonésie (Gobiidae). Trois espèces nouvelles de Lentipes (L. argenteus, L. ikeae et L. mekonggaensis), gobies d’eau douce, sont décrits de Sumatra, Java, Bali et Sulawesi (Indonésie). Ils diffèrent des autres espèces du genre par plusieurs caractères dont : une papille urogénitale rétractable dans une cavité et sans lobes latéraux, le nombre de rayons aux nageoires pectorales, le nombre d’écailles, le nombre de dents tricuspides à la mâchoire supérieure et une coloration caractéristique des mâles.

[Herpetology • 2015] Rondonops biscutatus & R. xanthomystax • Description and Phylogenetic Relationships of A New Genus and Two New Species of Lizards from Brazilian Amazonia, with Nomenclatural Comments on The Taxonomy of Gymnophthalmidae (Reptilia: Squamata)

Rondonops xanthomystax  

Colli, Hoogmoed, Cannatella, Cassimiro, Gomes, Ghellere, Nunes, Pellegrino, Salerno, Souza & Rodrigues, 2015 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4000.4.1 

Abstract

We describe a new genus and two new species of gymnophthalmid lizards based on specimens collected from Brazilian Amazonia, mostly in the "arc of deforestation". The new genus is easily distinguished from other Gymnophthalmidae by having very wide, smooth, and imbricate nuchals, arranged in two longitudinal and 6–10 transverse rows from nape to brachium level, followed by much narrower, strongly keeled, lanceolate, and mucronate scales. It also differs from all other Gymnophthalmidae, except Iphisa, by the presence of two longitudinal rows of ventrals. The new genus differs from Iphisa by having two pairs of enlarged chinshields (one in Iphisa); posterior dorsal scales lanceolate, strongly keeled and not arranged in longitudinal rows (dorsals broad, smooth and forming two longitudinal rows), and lateral scales keeled (smooth). Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses based on morphological and molecular data indicate the new species form a clade that is most closely related to Iphisa. We also address several nomenclatural issues and present a revised classification of Gymnophthalmidae.

Keywords: Reptilia, Reptiles, phylogeny, biodiversity, forest, Conservation, Amazon, South America

Taxonomic descriptions 

Genus Rondonops, gen. nov. 

Type species. Rondonops biscutatus, sp. nov. 

Etymology. Rondon (in homage to Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon) + ops (from the Latin: power, might, strength, ability). The genus-group name is masculine, according to Article 30.1.4.3. The name refers to the accomplishments of Marshal Rondon (May 5, 1865–January 19, 1958), a Brazilian military officer who dedicated his life to the exploration and integration of remote areas of the Brazilian territory, especially of southwestern Amazonia, and to the peaceful integration of indigenous peoples of Brazil (Conselho Editorial do Senado Federal 2003). In 1910, he was nominated the first director of Brazil's Indian Protection Bureau (SPI/FUNAI) and, in 1914, conducted, with Theodore Roosevelt, a scientific expedition to explore the River of Doubt, now Roosevelt River (Diacon 2004; Roosevelt 1914). The Brazilian state of Rondônia, where we collected the first specimens of Rondonops , was also named after him. 

Content. Rondonops biscutatus, sp. nov. and R. xanthomystax, sp. nov.  

 Rondonops biscutatus 

  Colli, Hoogmoed, Cannatella, Cassimiro, Gomes, Ghellere, Nunes, Pellegrino, Salerno, Souza & Rodrigues, 2015  

 Rondonops biscutatus, sp. nov. (Figs. 1–2)

Gymnophthalmidae sp.—Gainsbury and Colli (2003):509. 

Colobosaura sp. nov.—Hoogmoed et al. (2007):147, 151, 152. 

Gymnophthalmidae sp.—Garda et al. (2013):247, 248. 

 Etymology. The specific epithet is an adjective formed from Bi (from the Latin: two) and scutatus (from the Latin: shield-shaped). The name refers to the arrangement of nuchals in two longitudinal rows, characteristic of the genus, but first noted in this species.  

Rondonops xanthomystax, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun derived from xanthos (Latin transliteration of the Greek ξανθός: yellow) and mustax (Latin transliteration of the Greek μύσταξ: upper lip or moustache) (Liddell & Scott 1889). The name refers to the yellow (in life) upper lip of this species, which strongly differs from that of its congener, where it is strongly mottled with dark brown.  

Colli, Guarino R., M. S. Hoogmoed, David C. Cannatella, José Cassimiro, Jerriane O. Gomes, JosÉ M. Ghellere, Pedro M. S. Nunes, Katia C. M. Pellegrino, Patricia E. Salerno, Sergio M. Souza & Miguel T. Rodrigues. 2015. Description and Phylogenetic Relationships of A New Genus and Two New Species of Lizards from Brazilian Amazonia, with Nomenclatural Comments on The Taxonomy of Gymnophthalmidae (Reptilia: Squamata).
Zootaxa. 4000(4); 401–427. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4000.4.1

ResearchGate.net/publication/281042454_Description_and_phylogenetic_relationships_of_a_new_genus_and_two_new_species_of_lizards_from_Brazilian_Amazonia_with_nomenclatural_comments_on_the_taxonomy_of_Gymnophthalmidae_(Reptilia_Squamata)

Brasil é o terceiro maior celeiro de répteis
http://agencia.fapesp.br/brasil_e_o_terceiro_maior_celeiro_de_repteis/22865/

[Invertebrate • 2016] Porphyrocrinus daniellalevyae • A Sea Lily (Echinodermata: Crinoidea) from the tropical western Atlantic with A Unique Crown Pattern

Porphyrocrinus daniellalevyae 

Messing, 2016 
 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4147.1.1  

Abstract

Porphyrocrinus daniellalevyae, new species, is described from irregular, hard-substrate, deep island slope habitats in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean (northwestern Bahamas and, probably, Honduras). It represents the first record of the genus from the western Atlantic, and is the first crinoid, living or fossil, known to gradually increase its number of rays with increasing size and, ostensibly, growth. The four known specimens have 8, 12, 14 and 15 radial ossicles, which give rise to undivided arms. The method of augmentation is unknown, although the possibility of autotomy of one and regrowth of two in its place is discussed. Augmentation of radial number may also account for the absence of an aboral nerve ring associated with the radial ring, unlike the arrangement in almost all living crinoids in which the nervous system has been examined. Ligamentary articulations (trifascial synarthries) exhibit fulcral ridge-and groove architecture between arm ossicle pairs that remains to be described for other members of the genus. The species also exhibits a filamentous arm tip lacking pinnules that has only been described for one other species of Porphyrocrinus.

Keywords: Echinodermata, Porphyrocrinus, stalked Crinoidea, sea lily, unique morphology, Bahamas

Charles Messing. 2016. Porphyrocrinus daniellalevyae n. sp. (Echinodermata: Crinoidea), A Sea Lily from the tropical western Atlantic with A Unique Crown Pattern.
Zootaxa. 4147(1); 1–35. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4147.1.1

[Ichthyology • 2016] Population Connectivity and Phylogeography of the Mediterranean endemic skate Raja polystigma and Evidence of its Hybridization with the Parapatric Sibling R. montagui

 ABSTRACT

 The genetic structure and population connectivity of the Mediterranean endemic speckled skate Raja polystigma were investigated in 10 population samples (N = 232) at 7 exon-primed nuclear microsatellites and at 3 mitochondrial DNA sequence markers. The phylogeographic and population genetic analyses revealed that R. polystigma in the western and central Mediterranean represents a near-panmictic population, with a subtle but significant mitochondrial divergence of the Adriatic deme. Nuclear genotypes revealed that 2.5% of the total individuals exhibited an admixed ancestry with the sibling species R. montagui (spotted ray). Individuals with admixed ancestry were detected along with purebred individuals in the Algerian, southern Tyrrhenian, Sicilian and Adriatic R. polystigma population samples, but they were absent or rare in Sardinian and northern Tyrrhenian ones. Since the 2 species co-occur in the southwestern Mediterranean, we suggested that this area may act as a secondary hybrid zone.

KEY WORDS: Speckled skate; Spotted ray; Species misidentification; Population connectivity; Admixed ancestry; Mediterranean; Mitochondrial DNA; Microsatellites; Secondary hybrid zone

 N Frodella, Rita Cannas, A Velonà, Pierluigi Carbonara, Edward Farrell, F. Fiorentino, Maria Cristina Follesa, Germana Garofalo,  Farid Hemida, Cecilia Mancusi, Marco Stagioni, N Ungaro, Fabrizio Serena, F Tinti and Alessia Cariani. 2016. Population Connectivity and Phylogeography of the Mediterranean endemic skate Raja polystigma and Evidence of its Hybridization with the Parapatric Sibling R. montagui.  Marine Ecology Progress Series.  DOI: 10.3354/meps11799

ResearchGate.net/publication/303979617_Population_connectivity_and_phylogeography_of_the_Mediterranean_endemic_skate_Raja_polystigma_and_evidence_of_its_hybridization_with_the_parapatric_sibling_R_montagui

Endemic Mediterranean Sea Speckeld Skate hybrid zone discovered in Tunisia

doi: 10.3354/meps11799  twitter.com/NickDulvy/status/758920274511142912

[Ichthyology • 2016] A Global Revision of the Seahorses Hippocampus Rafinesque 1810 (Actinopterygii: Syngnathiformes): Taxonomy and Biogeography with Recommendations for Further Research

Hippocampus comes Cantor, 1849 

  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4146.1.1

Abstract

Nomenclatural clarity is vital for the collection, dissemination, and retrieval of natural history information, which itself is necessary for effective conservation and management of species. Seahorses (genus Hippocampus) are small marine fishes that in many cases are heavily exploited and suffering severe population declines worldwide, leading to conservation concern and action. Here we provide a brief history of seahorse taxonomy, and attempt to clarify seahorse nomenclature by reducing redundancy and exposing areas of disagreement in need of further study. We provide an annotated list of the 41 species we currently recognize as valid, and describe their geographical distributions to offer a solid foundation for future research and conservation efforts. We base our conclusions on available morphological, genetic and distributional data, re-examination of the relevant literature, previous examination of almost all original type specimens, familiarity with many thousands of other live and dead specimens, and photographs of seahorses. This work should lead to greater taxonomic clarity by highlighting known research gaps and by ensuring that each species designation is justified by robust and defensible taxonomic protocols. Such clarity should facilitate greater efficacy in management and conservation.

 Keywords: Pisces, Nomenclature, species distribution, species range, marine fish, Syngnathidae, CITES, Catalogue of Fishes, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, conservation, FishBase

Sara A. Lourie,  Riley Pollom and Sarah Foster. 2016. A Global Revision of the Seahorses Hippocampus Rafinesque 1810 (Actinopterygii: Syngnathiformes): Taxonomy and Biogeography with Recommendations for Further Research.
 Zootaxa. 4146(1); 1–66. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4146.1.1