Revision of Nannocharax luapulae Boulenger, 1915 (Characiformes: Distichodontidae) from the Upper Congo basin: Evidence for a species pair.
J Fish Biol
; 103(3): 557-573, 2023 Sep.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37026429
ABSTRACT
For many decades, Nannocharax luapulae has been considered to be widespread in the southern part of the Upper Congo basin. However, meristic, morphometric and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcoding evidence revealed that its geographical distribution is restricted to the Luapula-Moero basin. The populations of the Upper Lualaba are assigned to a new species, N. chochamandai. This new species, though highly similar to N. luapulae, can readily be distinguished from it by its lower number of lateral line scales, 41-46 (vs. 49-55), its pectoral fin reaching the pelvic-fin insertion (vs. not reaching the pelvic-fin insertion) and its pelvic fin reaching the base of the anal fin (vs. not reaching the base of the anal fin). Specimens of N. chochamandai display thickened pads on the first three pelvic-fin rays that exhibit intraspecific variation in development, which appears to be related to the flow-strength of the river in which these Nannocharax specimens occur. Nannocharax luapulae is redescribed and an updated identification key to the Nannocharax species of the Congo basin sensu lato is provided as well. Some fish conservation issues related to N. luapulae and N. chochamandai are also highlighted.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Characiformes
Límite:
Animals
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Fish Biol
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
República Democrática del Congo