The gustatory stalk of the Remo flounder exemplifies how complex evolutionary novelties may arise.

The appearance of evolutionary novelties is a central issue in biology. Since Darwin's theory, difficulties in explaining how novel intricate body parts arose have often been used by creationists and other deniers to challenge evolution. Here, we describe the gustatory stalk of the Remo flounder (Oncopterus darwinii), an anatomically and functionally complex organ presumably used as a chemoreceptor probe to detect prey buried in the substrate. We demonstrate that the gustatory stalk is derived from the first dorsal-fin ray, which acquired remarkable modifications in its external morphology, integument, skeleton, muscles, and nerves. Such structural innovations are echoed in both functional and ecological specializations. We reveal that the gustatory stalk arose through the gradual accumulation of changes that evolved at different levels of the phylogenetic tree of ray-finned fishes. At least five preconditions arose in nodes preceding Oncopterus darwinii. This finding constitutes an interesting example of how evolution can deeply remodel body parts to perform entirely new functions. In this case, a trivial support structure primitively used for swimming became a sophisticated sensory tool to uncover hidden prey.

A new gelatinous host for pelagic fishes: First in situ record of an association between driftfishes (Stromateiformes, Ariommatidae) and nudibranchs (Mollusca, Phylliroidae).

We describe the first recorded association between fishes and nudibranchs in epipelagic waters. In situ observations and photographs of a juvenile spotted driftfish Ariomma regulus (Stromateiformes; Ariommatidae) swimming alongside the planktonic nudibranch Phylliroe lichtensteinii (Gastropoda; Phylliroidae) were made during blackwater scuba dives off Palm Beach, Florida, United States of America. In this paper, we describe this behavior, highlighting a previously undocumented zooplanktonic host used by fishes. This finding also demonstrates the importance of community science in advancing our understanding of the early life history of marine species.

A new Moenkhausia (Characiformes: Characidae) from rio Brao Norte, rio Tapajs basin, with comments on the fish endemism of Serra do Cachimbo plateau.

A new species of Moenkhausia is described from the rio Brao Norte, a tributary of Rio Teles Pires draining the Serra do Cachimbo, rio Tapajs basin, Par, 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 (4346 vs. 2341 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, 2125 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.

Ontogeny of the brain of Microglanis garavelloi Shibatta and Benine 2005 (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae).

The gross brain morphology and the peripheral olfactory organ of Microglanis garavelloi are described throughout development, and the relationship of these organs to the general behaviour of the species is discussed. During the development, the main brain subdivisions undergo a series of morphological changes keeping a relatively constant volume increase. However, we observed different growth rates in the brains of males and females when these were compared. During the maturation process, a series of hormonal events result in the development of some secondary sexual traits in the brain of male specimens, like faster growth rate of brain areas linked to motor control, olfactory and visual responses. The number of olfactory-organ lamellae increases continuously in both males and females, during their maturation period. These results suggest that changes may be caused by cognitive demands that this species is exposed to throughout its lifespan. The gross morphological arrangement of the central nervous system indicates shared patterns with other members of the family Pseudopimelodidae.

New species of glass knifefish genus Eigenmannia (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) with comments on the morphology and function of the enlarged cephalic lateral-line canals of Sternopygidae.

A new species of Eigenmannia is described from the Rio Paraná (the Grande, Paranapanema and Tietê basins). This new species is distinguished from all congeners by colouration pattern, position of the mouth, relative depth of posterodorsal expansion on infraorbitals 1 + 2, number of teeth, osteological features, number of rows of scales above lateral line (LL) and morphometric data. Comments on the widened cephalic lateral-line canals of Sternopygidae and a dichotomous key to the species of Eigenmannia from the Rio Paraná Basin are provided.

Description of a new Pimelodella (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) species with a discussion on the upper pectoral girdle homology of Siluriformes.

A new species of Pimelodella is described from several right-bank tributaries of the Rio Madeira basin in Amazonas and Rondônia states, Brazil. The new species differs from all congeners by the supraoccipital process not reaching the anterior nuchal plate, 43-45 total vertebrae, maxillary barbels reaching between adpressed anal-fin terminus and caudal-fin origin, epiphyseal branch of supraorbital laterosensory canal emerging as two distantly-positioned pores and a conspicuous black mark at distal third of dorsal fin, between dorsal-fin spine and third branched ray. A detailed description of the cephalic laterosensory system of the new species is provided and contrasted with other Siluriformes and Ostariophysi. A discussion regarding homology of the catfish upper pectoral girdle bones is offered in light of modifications of the postotic and supratemporal lateral-line canals. Based on the placement of the pterotic branch of the postotic canal, it is concluded that the extrascapula is fused to the pterotic in Siluriformes. Results presented herein offer an example of how lateral-line morphology can be used as a compelling source of evidence to help determine homology of cranial and upper pectoral girdle bones.

A new species of Brachychalcinus (Characiformes: Characidae) from the rio Xingu basin, Serra do Cachimbo, Brazil.

Brachychalcinus reisi, a new species of characid fish, is described from the rio Curuá, tributary of rio Iriri, rio Xingu basin, Serra do Cachimbo, Pará State, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a series of longitudinal black wavy stripes on the entire body and by a lower number of longitudinal scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line (7-8 vs. 8-12). Additionally, the new species differs from B. copei, B. parnaibae, and B. retrospina by the lower number of branched dorsal-fin rays (9 vs.10). This is the first description of a new species of the subfamily since the revisionary study of Stethaprioninae, published almost 30 years ago.

A new species of Hyphessobrycon Durbin (Characiformes: Characidae) from rio Aripuanã, rio Madeira basin, Brazil.

A new species of Hyphessobrycon is described from the rio Aripuanã, rio Madeira basin, Amazonas State, Brazil. Hyphessobrycon procyon can be distinguished from its congeners by the unique combination of the following features: elongation of the dorsal fin in mature males, absence of dark blotches on the dorsal fin, and presence of two humeral blotches. The possibility of a relationship of the new species within H. elachys, H. heliacus, H. loweae, H. moniliger, and H. peugeoti is discussed based on the sharing of characteristics related to the sexual dimorphism and tooth morphology.

A new species of Farlowella (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) of the F. nattereri species-group from the rio Xingu basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil, with comments on Farlowella jauruensis, a poorly-known species from the upper rio Paraguai basin

A new species of Farlowella is described from eighteen specimens collected in the upper rio Xingu basin, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The new species is a member of the Farlowella nattereri species-group and can be distinguished from other members of the group, with exception of Farlowella jauruensis , by exhibiting a proportionally shorter snout. The new species is distinguished from F. jauruensis by differences on the cleithrum and plate morphology, by counts of pelvic and caudal-fin rays, and by the color pattern of the snout. The discovery of new lots of F. jauruensis , a species so far known only from the holotype, is also herein reported. This discovery represents a considerable expansion of the geographic distribution and of the number of known specimens of F . jauruensis .(AU)

Uma nova espécie de Farlowella é descrita de dezoito espécimes da bacia do alto rio Xingu, estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil. A nova espécie é membro do grupo de espécies da Farlowella nattereri , e é diagnosticada de outros membros deste grupo, com exceção de Farlowella jauruensis , por apresentar um focinho proporcionalmente mais curto. A nova espécie se diferencia de F . jauruensis por diferenças morfológicas do cleitro e de placas, pelas contagens de raios da nadadeira pélvica e caudal, e pelo padrão de colorido do focinho. A descoberta de novos lotes de F. jauruensis , uma espécie até então conhecida apenas pelo holótipo, também é aqui reportada. Esta descoberta representa uma expansão considerável da distribuição geográfica e do número de espécimes conhecidos de F . jauruensis .(AU)

Moenkhausia rubra, a new species from rio Juruena, upper rio Tapajós basin, Brazil (characiformes: characidae)

Moenkhausia rubra, new species, is described from the upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners, except M. hemigrammoides and M. nigromarginata, by the dark pigmentation on the anteriormost rays of both dorsal and anal fins. Moenkhausia rubra is distinguished from the aforementioned species by the number of branched anal-fin rays 17-20 (vs. 20-25), presence of a dark blotch on the caudal peduncle extending to middle caudal-fin rays, absence of longitudinal black zigzag stripes between longitudinal rows of scales on body, and other details of coloration.

Moenkhausia rubra, espécie nova, é descrita do alto rio Juruena, bacia do rio Tapajós, Mato Grosso, Brasil. A espécie nova diferencia-se de todos os congêneres, exceto M. hemigrammoides e M. nigromarginata, pela presença de pigmentação escura nos raios mais anteriores das nadadeiras dorsal e anal. Moenkhausia rubra distingui-se das espécies acima mencionadas pelo número de raios ramificados na nadadeira anal 17-20 (vs. 20-25), presença de uma mancha escura no pedúnculo caudal se estendendo até os raios medianos da nadadeira caudal, ausência de faixas em zigue-zague longitudinais entre as séries longitudinais de escamas no corpo, além de outros detalhes de coloração.