Evaluation of the use of Ancistrus brevipinnis (Loricariidae) as a bioindicator of water quality in the Ilha river, RS, Brazil

The use of fish as bioindicators of the effect of contaminants in the aquatic environment is usual. However, detritivorous species are less used for environmental monitoring. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Ancistrus brevipinnis as a potential bioindicator of water quality of the Ilha River, RS (southern Brazil) and compared to the result obtained for a routine species (Bryconamericus iheringii). For this purpose, the condition factor (CF), the presence of morphological changes in the gills and the quantification of metals in different tissues of the specimens collected in three sites of the Ilha River were evaluated. A homogeneity in the distribution of data was observed in the CF for the species B. iheringii, whereas the specimens of A. brevipinnis showed an oscillation in the distribution of data of the CF. Histological analysis showed greater sensitivity of B. iheringii in reproducing characteristics of the environment in its gill lamellae, which was not observed in A. brevipinnis. Conversely, Cr quantification was higher in the intestine samples of A. brevipinnis at all sites and in all collections due to its feeding behavior. The data reinforce the use of water column species as Bryconamericus iheringii for environmental monitoring, even if they do not reflect the whole aquatic ecosystem. Further studies evaluating other tissues and biomarkers, such as the gastrointestinal tract, may assist in describing the use of species more related to sediment.(AU)

A new species of Loricaria (Loricariidae: Loricariinae) from the upper Amazon River basin, Colombia

A new species of Loricaria is described from the upper Amazon River basin, Colombia. The new species is distinguished from its congeners primarily by having the dorsal portion of head with uniform black or dark brown coloration extending to three or four plates posterior to dorsal fin base, or with two longitudinal bands from tip of the snout to origin of dorsal fin; abdominal plates tightly joined and completely covering the median abdominal space and pectoral girdle; and pectoral and dorsal fins totally black or dark brown, without bands, spots, or blotches. The new species is further distinguished by plate counts, and body measurements. An analysis of genetic distances using the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 marker of the mitochondrial genome showed a clear differentiation between the new species and Loricaria cataphracta (5.8-7.6%), L. nickeriensis (5.7-6.1%), and L. simillima (2.7-7.0%). Species delimitation analyses were carried out, which further supported the new species as a divergent lineage within the genus. Fish species diversity of the upper Amazon River basin and taxonomic issues related to L. simillima are included as part of the discussion.(AU)

Se describe una nueva especie de Loricaria de la cuenca alta del río Amazonas, Colombia. La nueva especie se distingue de sus congéneres principalmente por presentar la parte dorsal de la cabeza con un color uniforme negro o marrón oscuro que se extiende a tres o cuatro placas posteriores a la base de la aleta dorsal, o con dos franjas longitudinales desde la punta del hocico hasta el origen de la aleta dorsal; placas abdominales unidas y cubriendo completamente la porción central del abdomen y la cintura pectoral; y aletas pectorales y dorsal completamente negras o marrón oscuro, sin bandas ni manchas. La nueva especie se distingue además por conteos de placas y medidas corporales. Un análisis de distancias genéticas utilizando el marcador de la subunidad 1 del citocromo oxidasa c del genoma mitocondrial mostró una clara diferenciación entre la nueva especie y Loricariacataphracta (5,8-7,6%), L. nickeriensis (5,7-6,1%) y L. simillima (2,7-7,0%). Adicionalmente se realizaron análisis de delimitación de especies, lo que mostró información adicional para reconocer la nueva especie como un linaje divergente dentro del género. La diversidad de especies de peces en la parte superior del río Amazonas y cuestiones taxonómicas relacionadas con L. simillima se incluyen como parte de la discusión.(AU)

A new species of Rineloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from coastal drainages of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil

A new species of Rineloricaria is described from the Iguaçu, Magé, Saracuruna, Guapiaçu, Macacu, Macaé, and Paraíba do Sul River basins in southeastern Brazil based on morphological and molecular data. The new species is diagnosed among congeners by the combination of the following characters: absence of plates in most of the ventral surface of pectoral girdle; snout tip with elliptical naked area reaching posteriorly the anteriormost pore of the infraorbital ramus of sensory canal; dorsal-fin spinelet present; supraoccipital and predorsal plates with smooth keels; five series of lateral plates below the dorsal fin; median and mid-ventral series of plates with well-developed keels. The new species is distinguished from congeners that inhabit the rivers draining the Serra do Mar in Rio de Janeiro state by the partial plate coverage of the ventral surface of the pectoral girdle and the abdomen (vs. pectoral girdle and abdomen completely covered by plates in Rineloricaria nigricauda, R. steindachneri,and R. zawadzkii). The new species shares the absence of plates on the abdominal surface with other species from the Paraná, Uruguay, and other Brazilian coastal river basins.(AU)

Uma nova espécie de Rineloricaria é descrita das bacias dos rios Iguaçu, Magé, Saracuruna, Guapiaçu, Macacu, Macaé e Paraíba do Sul, no sudeste do Brasil, com base em caracteres morfológicos e moleculares. A nova espécie é diagnosticada entre as congêneres pela combinação dos seguintes caracteres: ausência de placas na maior parte da superfície ventral da cintura peitoral; extremidade do focinho com área nua elíptica estendida posteriormente, alcançando o poro mais anterior do canal sensorial infraorbital; presença de spinelet na origem da nadadeira dorsal; placas supraoccipitais e pré-dorsais com quilhas pouco proeminentes; cinco séries de placas laterais abaixo da origem da nadadeira dorsal; placas das séries mediana e médio-ventral com quilhas bem desenvolvidas. A nova espécie distingue-se das congêneres que habitam os rios que drenam a Serra do Mar no Estado do Rio de Janeiro pela cobertura parcial de placas da superfície ventral da cintura peitoral e do abdômen (vs. cintura peitoral e abdômen completamente cobertos por placas em Rineloricaria nigricauda, R. steindachneri e R. zawadzkii). A nova espécie compartilha a ausência de placas na superfície abdominal com outras espécies das bacias hidrográficas dos rios Paraná e Uruguai e rios costeiros do Brasil.(AU)

Morphometric and molecular differentiation of Pimelodus grosskopfii and Pimelodus yuma (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)

Pimelodus grosskopfii and Pimelodus yuma, two species endemic to the Magdalena-Cauca basin in Colombia, overlap in the ranges of some of their diagnostic characters, which hampers their correct morphological identification. Aiming to help discriminate these species, this study conducted an integrative analysis using traditional and geometric morphometrics, phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI, cox1) and the identification of diagnostic Single Nucleotide Polymorphism markers (SNP). The species differ significantly in body geometry, allowing 100% discrimination, which was reinforced by a phylogenetic analysis that recovered well-supported monophyly of each species (posterior probability > 0.95). Additionally, the traditional morphometric results corroborated some previously reported diagnostic traits for both species and let us describe one non-overlapping ratio related to the adipose fin length. Three of five SNP markers had reciprocally exclusive alleles suitable for identifying each species. The morphometric and molecular methods conducted in this study constitute alternative tools for the correct discrimination of P. grosskopfii and P. yuma in the wild and in captive populations used for aquaculture.(AU)

Pimelodus grosskopfii y Pimelodus yuma, dos especies endémicas de la Cuenca Magdalena-Cauca en Colombia, se superponen en los rangos de variación de algunos de sus caracteres diagnósticos, lo que dificulta su correcta diferenciación morfológica. Con el objetivo de contribuir a la discriminación de estas especies, se realizó un análisis integrativo utilizando la morfometría geométrica y tradicional, análisis filogenético basado en secuencias parciales del gen mitocondrial citocromo c oxidasa subunidad I (COI, cox1) y la identificación de marcadores diagnósticos de polimorfismo de nucleótido único (SNP). Las especies difieren significativamente en la geometría del cuerpo, permitiendo una discriminación del 100%, lo que fue reforzado por un análisis filogenético que recuperó una monofilia bien soportada para cada especie (probabilidad posterior > 0,95). Además, los resultados de la morfometría tradicional corroboraron algunos rasgos diagnósticos previamente reportados para ambas especies y nos permitieron describir una proporción que no se sobrepone, relacionada con la longitud de la aleta adiposa. Tres de los cinco marcadores SNP poseían alelos recíprocamente exclusivos, adecuados para identificar cada especie. Los métodos morfométricos y moleculares implementados en este estudio constituyen herramientas alternativas para la correcta discriminación de P. grosskopfii y P. yuma tanto en la naturaleza como en poblaciones cautivas utilizadas para la acuicultura.(AU)

New species of driftwood catfish of Tatia (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from rio Tapajós, Brazil

A new species of Tatia is described from rio Tapajós, upstream of the rapids of São Luiz do Tapajós, Pará State, Brazil. The new species is identified and diagnosed from its congeners through morphological characteristics such as the absence of an adipose fin, which is shared with T. akroa and T. britskii; the composition of the cranial roof elements; the color pattern consisting of dorsolateral dark dots formed by both dermal and epidermal pigments; as well as several morphometric measures. The new species is a Centromochlinae fish that feeds on insects on the surface of the water at night and it is probably endemic to rio Tapajós basin.(AU)

Uma nova espécie de Tatia é descrita do rio Tapajós, à montante das corredeiras de São Luiz do Tapajós, Estado do Pará, Brasil. A nova espécie é identificada e diagnosticada das congêneres por características morfológicas, tal como a ausência de nadadeira adiposa, compartilhada com T. akroa e T. britskii; a composição dos elementos do teto craniano; o padrão de colorido, consistindo em pequenas pintas escuras dorsolaterais formadas por pigmentos dérmicos e epidérmicos; assim como por várias características morfométricas. A espécie nova é um peixe Centromochlinae que se alimenta de insetos na superfície da água durante a noite e provavelmente é endêmica da bacia do rio Tapajós.(AU)

A new dwarf armored catfish Pareiorhaphis (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae) from the Uruguai River basin, Southern Brazil

A new, very distinctive species of Pareiorhaphis is described from the rio Uruguai basin, in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. Pareiorhaphis pumila, new species, is a small bodied hypoptopomatine catfish with a maximum standard length barely reaching 50 mm. The specimens were captured from rock-bottomed habitats in various localities in the rio Ijuí basin. Despite occurring in rock-bottomed fast-flowing headwater stream tributaries as the other species of Pareiorhaphis, this is the first species collected also in the main channel of the middle stretch of a large tributary to the rio Uruguai. The new species is promptly diagnosed from all its congeners by the reduced number of anal-fin branched rays, possession of well-developed dorsal-fin spinelet, comparatively lower number of plates in median lateral series, and low number of teeth in each dentary. In addition, osteological features related to the caudal skeleton are also useful to distinguish the new species from most congeners.

Uma nova e distinta espécie de Pareiorhaphis é descrita da bacia do rio Uruguai, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil. A nova espécie é um cascudo hypoptopomatíneo de pequeno tamanho, com comprimento padrão máximo inferior a 50 mm. Os espécimes foram capturados em habitats de fundo rochoso em várias localidades da bacia do rio Ijuí. Apesar de ocorrer em córregos de cabeceira de fluxo rápido com fundo rochoso como as demais espécies de Pareiorhaphis, esta é a primeira espécie coletada também no canal principal do trecho médio de um grande afluente do rio Uruguai. A nova espécie é prontamente diagnosticada de todos os seus congêneres pelo número reduzido de raios ramificados da nadadeira anal, presença de spinelet da nadadeira dorsal bem desenvolvido, número comparativamente menor de placas na série lateral média, e baixo número de dentes em cada dentário. Além disso, características osteológicas relacionadas ao esqueleto caudal também são úteis para distinguir a nova espécie da maioria das congêneres.

A new species of Harttia from the rio São Francisco basin (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)

The genus Harttia belongs to the subfamily Loricariinae and has to date 27 described species, distributed in the drainages of Guiana Shield, Amazon and southeastern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of: canal plate present; abdominal plates absent; trapezoid preanal plates; males with elongated and conspicuous odontodes on the first pectoral-fin ray and on the lateral region of the head, close to the canal plate; and dorsal-fin spinelet present. An identification key for the species of the rio São Francisco basin and a comparison between the new taxon and all other species of the genus are presented.

O gênero Harttia pertence à subfamília Loricariinae e possui 27 espécies descritas, distribuídas nas drenagens do Escudo das Guianas, Amazônica e do sudeste brasileiro. A nova espécie distingue-se das congêneres pela combinação de: placa do canal presente; placas abdominais ausentes; placas pré-anais trapezóides; machos com odontódeos alongados e conspícuos no primeiro raio da nadadeira peitoral e na região lateral da cabeça, próximo a placa do canal; e spinelet da nadadeira dorsal presente. Apresenta-se uma chave de identificação para as espécies da bacia do rio São Francisco e a comparação com todas as demais espécies do gênero.

A taxonomic review of the vampire catfish genus Paracanthopoma Giltay, 1935 (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae), with descriptions of nine new species and a revised diagnosis of the genus

A taxonomic revision is presented of the genus Paracanthopoma, probably the least-known vandelliine genus at present. The work is based on most of the material available in museums worldwide and includes a major expansion in the knowledge about the genus. Paracanthopoma is circumscribed as a monophyletic group on the basis of nine putatively synapomorphic characters. Evidence is provided for Paracanthopoma and Paravandellia as sister groups and the two genera are comparatively diagnosed. A total of 13 species are recognized in Paracanthopoma, of which nine are new and one is transferred from Paravandellia: Pc. ahriman, new species, Pc. alleynei (Henschel et al., 2021), Pc. carrapata, new species, Pc. cangussu Henschel et al., 2021, Pc. capeta, new species, Pc. daemon, new species, Pc. irritans, new species, Pc. malevola,new species, Pc. parva Giltay, 1935, Pc. saci Dagosta & de Pinna, 2021, Pc. satanica, new species, Pc. truculenta, new species, and Pc. vampyra, new species. The holotype and paratype of Pc. alleynei are found to belong to two different species. The various taxa in Paracanthopoma display a high degree of phenotypic divergence and are diagnosed on the basis of traditional as well as new morphological characters of both external and internal anatomy. Geographical distributions are mapped for each species and an identification key is provided. Preliminary evidence suggests the existence of four main subclades within Paracanthopoma. The first one includes Pc. ahriman, Pc. cangussu, and Pc. irritans. A second subclade comprises Pc. carrapata, Pc. daemon, Pc. parva, and Pc. truculenta. A third clade includes Pc. malevola and Pc. satanica and a fourth comprises Pc. alleyneiand Pc. vampyra. The last clade lacks some putative synapomorphies of all other members of Paracanthopoma and seems to be the sister group to the rest of the genus. Relationships of Pc. capeta and Pc. saci are not as clear, but some evidence exists for the former being related to the first subclade and the latter to the second subclade.(AU)

Science and hobby joining forces for the discovery of three new Corydoras (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the rio Tapajós basin, Brazil, with comments on Corydoras sp. CW111

An expedition crowdfunded by aquarists to a region of the Brazilian state of Pará drained by the Tapajós and Xingu river basins resulted in the capture of five species of Corydoras from the rio Jamanxim basin, a tributary to the rio Tapajós, of which three could be confirmed as new and described herein. The new species can be promptly diagnosed from their congeners by the combination of features related to color pattern and osteology. Considering the gathered information on color patterns and morphology plus field observations, the new species are considered to compose two distinct Müllerian mimicry rings, with two of them forming a mimetic pair, while the third one forms a pair with a fourth non-identified species captured in the same expedition. An identification key to the species of Corydoras from the rio Tapajós basin is also provided.

Uma expedição com financiamento coletivo por aquaristas a uma região do estado brasileiro do Pará, drenada pelas bacias dos rios Tapajós e Xingu, resultou na captura de cinco espécies de Corydoras da bacia do rio Jamanxim, um tributário do rio Tapajós, das quais três puderam ser confirmadas como novas e descritas aqui. As novas espécies podem ser prontamente diagnosticadas de suas congêneres por uma combinação de características relacionadas a padrão de colorido e osteologia. Considerando a informação reunida sobre padrões de coloração, morfologia e observações de campo, as espécies novas são consideradas como componentes de dois arcos de mimetismo Mülleriano distintos, com duas delas formando um par mimético, enquanto que a terceira forma par com uma quarta espécie, ainda não identificada, capturada na mesma expedição. Uma chave de identificação para as espécies de Corydoras da bacia do rio Tapajós também é fornecida.

Taxonomy of the armored catfish genus Aspidoras (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) revisited, with the description of a new species

Aspidoras comprises 25 species currently considered as valid, being widely distributed in Brazil, occurring from the upper rio Paraná basin in São Paulo to coastal basins of Ceará. After Nijssen, Isbrücker's review more than 40 years ago, no extensive work regarding the taxonomy of Aspidoras was conducted. Our paper presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus, based primarily on the extensive material that has been collected since then. Considering the new diagnosis plus the available phylogenetic data, A. pauciradiatus and A. virgulatus are transferred to Corydoras and Scleromystax, respectively. New synonymies are proposed: A. eurycephalus and A. taurus with A. albater; A. menezesi and A. spilotus with A. raimundi; and A. microgalaeus and A. marianae with A. poecilus. Additionally, a new species from the Araguaia and Paraguay river basins is described, which can be distinguished from its congeners by the morphology of its complex vertebra and infraorbital 1. Thereby, the number of valid species within Aspidoras was reduced from 25 to 18. Redescriptions for A. albater, A. belenos, A. depinnai, A. fuscoguttatus, A. lakoi, A. maculosus, A. poecilus, A. psammatides, A. raimundi, and A. velites are provided. An identification key to the species of Aspidoras is also provided.

Aspidoras compreende 25 espécies atualmente consideradas como válidas, sendo amplamente distribuído no Brasil, ocorrendo desde a bacia do alto rio Paraná em São Paulo até as bacias costeiras do Ceará. Após a revisão de Nijssen, Isbrücker há mais de 40 anos, nenhum trabalho extensivo sobre a taxonomia de Aspidoras foi conduzido. Nosso trabalho apresenta uma revisão taxonômica abrangente do gênero, baseada principalmente no extenso material que foi coletado desde então. Considerando a nova diagnose mais os dados filogenéticos disponíveis, A. pauciradiatus e A. virgulatus são transferidas para Corydoras e Scleromystax, respectivamente. Novas sinonímias são propostas: A. eurycephalus e A. taurus com A. albater; A. menezesi e A. spilotus com A. raimundi; e A. microgalaeus e A. marianae com A. poecilus. Adicionalmente, uma espécie nova é descrita das bacias dos rios Araguaia e Paraguai, podendo ser distinguida de suas congêneres pela morfologia da vértebra complexa e infraorbital 1. Assim, o número de espécies válidas em Aspidoras foi reduzido de 25 para 18. Redescrições para A. albater, A. belenos, A. depinnai, A. fuscoguttatus, A. lakoi, A. maculosus, A. poecilus, A. psammatides, A. raimundi e A. velites são fornecidas. Uma chave de identificação para as espécies de Aspidoras também é fornecida.

Evidence on the paleodrainage connectivity during Pleistocene: Phylogeography of a hypoptopomatine endemic to southeastern Brazilian coastal drainages

The coastal basins of southeastern Brazil are influenced by climatic changes that caused sea-level oscillations during the Pleistocene. These marine transgressions and regressions can generate isolation and connection among coastal rivers. In this region, freshwater fishes are excellent models for phylogeographic studies because their distributions may have been affected by geographical and ecological changes resulting from these processes. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Pleistocene sea-level changes on the genetic structure of the loricariid Hisonotus leucofrenatus throughout its area of occurrence. Two genes were sequenced: Cytochrome Oxidase subunit 1 (mitochondrial gene) and rpS7 ribosomal protein gene intron 1 (nuclear gene) from specimens representing 14 river drainages. The genetic data corroborate a divide for freshwater fish by the Serra do Tabuleiro mountain in Santa Catarina State. This divide determines two main genetic groups in H. leucofrenatus: one group to the south and one to the north of this mountain range. The genetic structure observed coincide with the limits of estimated paleodrainage systems for the region, supporting that marine transgressions and regressions during the Pleistocene influenced the biogeographical history of H. leucofrenatus.(AU)

As bacias costeiras do sul do Brasil são influenciadas pelas mudanças climáticas que causaram oscilações no nível do mar durante o Pleistoceno. Essas transgressões e regressões marinhas geraram isolamento e conexão entre os rios. Nessa região, as espécies de peixe são excelentes modelos para estudos filogeográficos, pois suas distribuições podem ter sido afetadas por mudanças históricas e ecológicas decorrentes desses processos. Portanto, o objetivo principal deste estudo foi testar os efeitos das alterações do nível do mar durante o Pleistoceno na estrutura genética das populações do loricarídeo Hisonotus leucofrenatus ao longo de sua área de ocorrência. Dois genes foram sequenciados: Citocromo Oxidase subunidade 1 (gene mitocondrial) e o intron 1 da proteína ribossomal rpS7 (gene nuclear) de espécimes representando 14 bacias de drenagens. A estrutura genética observada corrobora uma divisão para peixes de água doce separada pela Serra do Tabuleiro, em Santa Catarina. Essa divisória determina dois grupos principais genéticos em H. leucofrenatus: um grupo ao sul e outro ao norte desse divisor. A estrutura genética também coincide com os limites dos sistemas de paleodrenagens estimados para a região, sustentando que as transgressões e regressões marinhas durante o Pleistoceno influenciaram a história biogeográfica de H. leucofrenatus.(AU)

Evidence on the paleodrainage connectivity during Pleistocene: Phylogeography of a hypoptopomatine endemic to southeastern Brazilian coastal drainages

The coastal basins of southeastern Brazil are influenced by climatic changes that caused sea-level oscillations during the Pleistocene. These marine transgressions and regressions can generate isolation and connection among coastal rivers. In this region, freshwater fishes are excellent models for phylogeographic studies because their distributions may have been affected by geographical and ecological changes resulting from these processes. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Pleistocene sea-level changes on the genetic structure of the loricariid Hisonotus leucofrenatus throughout its area of occurrence. Two genes were sequenced: Cytochrome Oxidase subunit 1 (mitochondrial gene) and rpS7 ribosomal protein gene intron 1 (nuclear gene) from specimens representing 14 river drainages. The genetic data corroborate a divide for freshwater fish by the Serra do Tabuleiro mountain in Santa Catarina State. This divide determines two main genetic groups in H. leucofrenatus: one group to the south and one to the north of this mountain range. The genetic structure observed coincide with the limits of estimated paleodrainage systems for the region, supporting that marine transgressions and regressions during the Pleistocene influenced the biogeographical history of H. leucofrenatus.(AU)

As bacias costeiras do sul do Brasil são influenciadas pelas mudanças climáticas que causaram oscilações no nível do mar durante o Pleistoceno. Essas transgressões e regressões marinhas geraram isolamento e conexão entre os rios. Nessa região, as espécies de peixe são excelentes modelos para estudos filogeográficos, pois suas distribuições podem ter sido afetadas por mudanças históricas e ecológicas decorrentes desses processos. Portanto, o objetivo principal deste estudo foi testar os efeitos das alterações do nível do mar durante o Pleistoceno na estrutura genética das populações do loricarídeo Hisonotus leucofrenatus ao longo de sua área de ocorrência. Dois genes foram sequenciados: Citocromo Oxidase subunidade 1 (gene mitocondrial) e o intron 1 da proteína ribossomal rpS7 (gene nuclear) de espécimes representando 14 bacias de drenagens. A estrutura genética observada corrobora uma divisão para peixes de água doce separada pela Serra do Tabuleiro, em Santa Catarina. Essa divisória determina dois grupos principais genéticos em H. leucofrenatus: um grupo ao sul e outro ao norte desse divisor. A estrutura genética também coincide com os limites dos sistemas de paleodrenagens estimados para a região, sustentando que as transgressões e regressões marinhas durante o Pleistoceno influenciaram a história biogeográfica de H. leucofrenatus.(AU)

Age and growth of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) at the confluence of the Paraná and Paraguay rivers

he age and growth of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, is analyzed on specimens landed in Puerto Antequera, Province of Chaco, Argentina. The study is based on length frequency distribution of 1192 individuals and growth marks of 293 pectoral spines. Previously to age assignation based on spines readings, we performed analyses that ruled out age-associated resorption of rings and corroborated the annual periodicity of mark formation. The average sizes of the radius of each ring were obtained, and the total length of fish were back-calculated to the time of the ring formation, by the regression model fitted between the total radius of the spines to the respective sizes of each fish. Such data showed a good fitting to growth models of von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and logistic for both sexes separately. Results indicate that the study of the species growth must be carried out for each sex separately and that the fishing regulations must consider this characteristic of the species since the current management guidelines could be promoting differential capture by sexes.(AU)

En este trabajo se analiza el crecimiento y la edad del Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, a partir de ejemplares desembarcados en el Puerto Antequera, provincia de Chaco, Argentina. El estudio se basó en la distribución de frecuencias de tallas de 1192 individuos y marcas de crecimiento en 293 espinas pectorales. Para asignar las edades a partir de las lecturas se realizaron análisis que permitieron descartar la reabsorción de anillos asociada a la edad y corroborar la periodicidad anual de la formación de marcas. Se obtuvieron los tamaños medios de los radios de cada anillo y se retrocalcularon las tallas al momento de su formación, mediante la relación del radio total de las espinas con las tallas respectivas de cada pez. Dichos datos mostraron un buen ajuste a las curvas de crecimiento de von Bertalanffy, Gompertz y logística para ambos sexos por separado. Los resultados demostraron que el estudio del crecimiento de la especie debe realizarse para cada sexo por separado y que las normas pesqueras deben contemplar esta característica de la especie ya que las actuales pautas de manejo podrían estar promoviendo la captura diferencial por sexos.(AU)

Age and growth of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) at the confluence of the Paraná and Paraguay rivers

he age and growth of Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, is analyzed on specimens landed in Puerto Antequera, Province of Chaco, Argentina. The study is based on length frequency distribution of 1192 individuals and growth marks of 293 pectoral spines. Previously to age assignation based on spines readings, we performed analyses that ruled out age-associated resorption of rings and corroborated the annual periodicity of mark formation. The average sizes of the radius of each ring were obtained, and the total length of fish were back-calculated to the time of the ring formation, by the regression model fitted between the total radius of the spines to the respective sizes of each fish. Such data showed a good fitting to growth models of von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and logistic for both sexes separately. Results indicate that the study of the species growth must be carried out for each sex separately and that the fishing regulations must consider this characteristic of the species since the current management guidelines could be promoting differential capture by sexes.(AU)

En este trabajo se analiza el crecimiento y la edad del Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, a partir de ejemplares desembarcados en el Puerto Antequera, provincia de Chaco, Argentina. El estudio se basó en la distribución de frecuencias de tallas de 1192 individuos y marcas de crecimiento en 293 espinas pectorales. Para asignar las edades a partir de las lecturas se realizaron análisis que permitieron descartar la reabsorción de anillos asociada a la edad y corroborar la periodicidad anual de la formación de marcas. Se obtuvieron los tamaños medios de los radios de cada anillo y se retrocalcularon las tallas al momento de su formación, mediante la relación del radio total de las espinas con las tallas respectivas de cada pez. Dichos datos mostraron un buen ajuste a las curvas de crecimiento de von Bertalanffy, Gompertz y logística para ambos sexos por separado. Los resultados demostraron que el estudio del crecimiento de la especie debe realizarse para cada sexo por separado y que las normas pesqueras deben contemplar esta característica de la especie ya que las actuales pautas de manejo podrían estar promoviendo la captura diferencial por sexos.(AU)

Pectoral-fin glands and delivery apparatus in the catfish genus Brachyrhamdia Myers, 1927 (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae)

The Siluriformes, popularly known as catfishes, are probably the vertebrate group with the highest diversity of venomous animals, even though only approximately a hundred venomous catfishes are reported to date. Venomous catfishes might present a delivery system apparatus, formed by an unbranched ray at the leading edge of pectoral and dorsal fins (spine), which can be stiffened and pungent, while venom glands can be present at the surface of such spines and/or the axillary region. This work investigated the presence, morphology and distribution of glands and pectoral-fin delivery apparatus in the heptapterid Brachyrhamdia genus. Pectoral-fin spine external morphology was compared across all valid species in the genus, histological sections of the pectoral-fin spine and axillary regions of B. heteropleura and B. marthae were produced, and dissections of the pectoral girdle region of the mentioned species were analyzed. The histological sections confirmed the presence of pectoral-fin glands at the surface of the pectoral-fin spine of Brachyrhamdia species, and cellular morphology indicates these glands are probably venomous. Also, we found a piriform gland at the axillary region, whose cell morphology is like the reported for other catfishes. However, we cannot currently confirm or deny axillary gland participation in the venom delivery apparatus. This work constitutes the first report of venom glands in Brachyrhamdia, and the first description of Heptapteridae axillary glands.(AU)

The rediscovery of Pimelodella longipinnis (Borodin, 1927), an enigmatic Atlantic Rainforest catfish species from Southeastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae)

This article is a redescription of Pimelodella longipinnis, an enigmatic catfish previously known only from its holotype and with uncertain type locality. The species is redescribed based on recently collected materials from streams of the Mata Atlântica bioregion, in Santos municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil. Pimelodella longipinnis is assigned to a putatively monophyletic group, the Pimelodella leptosoma-group, diagnosed by the presence of a supraoccipital process not reaching the anterior nuchal plate, with a gap of ca. 20-25% of the supraoccipital process total length, and whose tip notably surpasses the midpoint of the complex vertebra in dorsal view. We also present a list of fish species described from a shipping sent to the American Museum of Natural History from the former Museu Paulista (now Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo), of which P. longipinnis was part.(AU)

Two new, remarkably colored species of the Neotropical catfish genus Cetopsorhamdia Eigenmann & Fisher, 1916 (Siluriformes, Heptapteridae) from Chapada dos Parecis, western Brazil, with an assessment of the morphological characters bearing on their phylogenetic relationships

Two new species of heptapterid catfish genus Cetopsorhamdia are described from close localities in western Brazil, at Chapada dos Parecis, an area with extremely high level of endemism. One species is from the upper Rio Madeira system, Rondônia State, and the other from the upper Rio Tapajós system, Mato Grosso State. The two species are diagnosed, among several other features, by their markedly distinctive color patterns, with the former having well-defined quadrangular marks in trunk flanks while the latter bearing irregular, vertical bars along the trunk. The monophyly of Cetopsorhamdia is discussed, with two putative synapomorphies being proposed to support the genus. Potentially informative morphological characters to resolve the internal relationships of the genus are presented and discussed. Despite the striking external differences between the two species herein described, they are found to likely form a clade.(AU)

Taxonomic review of the typical long-snouted species of Corydoras (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the río de La Plata basin

The typical long-snouted species of Corydoras from the río de La Plata basin were reviewed herein, and the previously proposed synonymy of Corydoras ellisae was corroborated. Corydoras areio and C. aurofrenatus are diagnosed from their congeners, excluding those in lineage 1, by the following features: temporal sensory canal in sphenotic with two pores; upper tooth plate of branchial arch with three or four series of teeth; fleshy flap at mouth corner. Corydoras areio differs from all lineage 1 congeners by having infraorbital 2 with relatively wider posterior laminar expansion; absence of large patches of black pigmentation on the body and absence of conspicuous concentration of dark brown or black chromatophores on anterior portion of the dorsal fin; and presence of blotches on flanks not aligned in longitudinal series. Corydoras aurofrenatus differs from all lineage 1 congeners by having ventral surface of head and trunk densely covered by small, not coalescent platelets; middle portion of flank with two or three dark brown or black patches (below the dorsal-fin, below the adipose-fin base, and on the caudal peduncle base, diffuse and variably present), patches decreasing in size posteriorly; poorly developed fleshy flap at the corner of mouth; anteroventral portion of cleithrum exposed.(AU)

As espécies típicas de focinho longo de Corydoras da bacia do río de La Plata foram revisadas, e a sinonímia proposta anteriormente de Corydoras ellisae foi corroborada. Corydoras areio e C. aurofrenatus são diagnosticadas de seus congêneres, excluindo aquelas da linhagem 1, pelas seguintes características: canal sensorial temporal no esfenótico com dois poros; placa dentária superior do arco branquial com três ou quatro séries de dentes; aba carnosa no canto da boca. Corydoras areio difere de todos os congêneres da linhagem 1 pelo infraorbital 2 com expansão laminar posterior relativamente mais ampla; ausência de grandes manchas de pigmentação preta no corpo e ausência de concentração conspícua de cromatóforos marrom-escuros ou pretos na porção anterior da nadadeira dorsal; presença de manchas laterais não alinhadas em série longitudinal. Corydoras aurofrenatus difere de todas as congêneres da linhagem 1 pela superfície ventral da cabeça e do tronco densamente coberta por pequenas plaquetas não coalescentes; porção média lateral com duas ou três manchas marrom-escuras ou pretas (abaixo da nadadeira dorsal, abaixo da base da nadadeira adiposa, e na base do pedúnculo caudal, difusa e variavelmente presente), manchas diminuindo de tamanho posteriormente; aba carnosa pouco desenvolvida no canto da boca; porção anteroventral do cleitro exposta.(AU)

Taxonomic review of the typical long-snouted species of Corydoras (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the río de La Plata basin

The typical long-snouted species of Corydoras from the río de La Plata basin were reviewed herein, and the previously proposed synonymy of Corydoras ellisae was corroborated. Corydoras areio and C. aurofrenatus are diagnosed from their congeners, excluding those in lineage 1, by the following features: temporal sensory canal in sphenotic with two pores; upper tooth plate of branchial arch with three or four series of teeth; fleshy flap at mouth corner. Corydoras areio differs from all lineage 1 congeners by having infraorbital 2 with relatively wider posterior laminar expansion; absence of large patches of black pigmentation on the body and absence of conspicuous concentration of dark brown or black chromatophores on anterior portion of the dorsal fin; and presence of blotches on flanks not aligned in longitudinal series. Corydoras aurofrenatus differs from all lineage 1 congeners by having ventral surface of head and trunk densely covered by small, not coalescent platelets; middle portion of flank with two or three dark brown or black patches (below the dorsal-fin, below the adipose-fin base, and on the caudal peduncle base, diffuse and variably present), patches decreasing in size posteriorly; poorly developed fleshy flap at the corner of mouth; anteroventral portion of cleithrum exposed.(AU)

As espécies típicas de focinho longo de Corydoras da bacia do río de La Plata foram revisadas, e a sinonímia proposta anteriormente de Corydoras ellisae foi corroborada. Corydoras areio e C. aurofrenatus são diagnosticadas de seus congêneres, excluindo aquelas da linhagem 1, pelas seguintes características: canal sensorial temporal no esfenótico com dois poros; placa dentária superior do arco branquial com três ou quatro séries de dentes; aba carnosa no canto da boca. Corydoras areio difere de todos os congêneres da linhagem 1 pelo infraorbital 2 com expansão laminar posterior relativamente mais ampla; ausência de grandes manchas de pigmentação preta no corpo e ausência de concentração conspícua de cromatóforos marrom-escuros ou pretos na porção anterior da nadadeira dorsal; presença de manchas laterais não alinhadas em série longitudinal. Corydoras aurofrenatus difere de todas as congêneres da linhagem 1 pela superfície ventral da cabeça e do tronco densamente coberta por pequenas plaquetas não coalescentes; porção média lateral com duas ou três manchas marrom-escuras ou pretas (abaixo da nadadeira dorsal, abaixo da base da nadadeira adiposa, e na base do pedúnculo caudal, difusa e variavelmente presente), manchas diminuindo de tamanho posteriormente; aba carnosa pouco desenvolvida no canto da boca; porção anteroventral do cleitro exposta.(AU)

Histopathologic alterations of gill tissue in Siluriformes and Characiformes from the Middle Tocantins River in the Brazilian Amazon / Alterações histopatológicas do tecido branquial em Siluriformes e Characiformes do médio rio Tocantins, na Amazônia brasileira

As águas do rio Tocantins têm sofrido descargas de dejetos tóxicos que ameaçam a biota aquática. Para tanto, a investigação das brânquias de peixes atua como biomonitoramento, visto que esses órgãos respondem por meio de adaptações a xenobióticos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de alterações morfológicas das espécies de Psectrogaster amazonica, Pimelodina flavipinnis e Pimelodus blochii. As coletas ocorreram nas estações chuvosa e seca. As brânquias de todos os espécimes coletados foram processadas de acordo com metodologia específica para protocolo de hematoxilina e eosina. As principais alterações histológicas observadas no período chuvoso foram: hiperplasia, destacamento do epitélio filamentar, fusão parcial e total das lamelas secundárias, congestão, aneurisma e encurtamento das lamelas respiratórias. Em relação ao período seco, as principais lesões observadas foram: ruptura do epitélio, aneurisma, hiperplasia e necrose. Considerando a diversidade ictiológica do rio Tocantins, o presente estudo propiciará o conhecimento da condição das brânquias, órgão imprescindível para a saúde do peixe, e consequentemente a compreensão das implicações sobre a qualidade das águas do rio Tocantins.(AU)