The record and threats of the invasion of palometa Serrasalmus maculatus (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) in the Patos lagoon drainage, southern Brazil.

We report the occurrence of an invasive alien species, palometa Serrasalmus maculatus, in the Patos Lagoon drainage. Primary occurrence data were based on three specimens captured and preserved as vouchers in scientific collections. Additionally, we searched for secondary records from unpublished scientific sources, public agencies reports and media news to find additional reports. We discussed the possible pathways of invasion, suggesting as the vector of introduction transpositions from the Uruguay River basin. Ecological implications for ichthyofauna, environmental impacts and risk of other events of invasion in the adjoining basins are discussed.

Redescription of Astyanax gymnogenys Eigenmann, 1911 (Characiformes: Characidae), a senior synonym of Astyanax longirhinus Garavello amp; Sampaio, 2010.

Astyanax gymnogenys Eigenmann was described from the middle rio Iguaçu basin, based on two specimens and A. longirhinus Garavello Sampaio was described from the upper, middle and lower rio Iguaçu, based on several specimens. Due to their morphological similarity, including overlapping diagnostic characters between the two nominal species, allied to their occurrence in the same basin, doubts of their validity as independent taxa emerged. The validity of both taxa was analysed through the examination of type-material of both nominal species and additional material from the rio Iguaçu basin. The present study failed to support the recognition of A. longirhinus as a valid species and consequently, the latter species is herein considered a junior synonym of A. gymnogenys. The type-series of A. longirhinus was found to be composed of several Astyanax species. Astyanax gymnogenys can be differentiated from its congeners occurring at the rio Iguaçu basin by a combination of characters, including presence of vertically-elongated dark humeral blotch, margin of the third infraorbital distant from the margin of preopercle, leaving a broad naked area between these bones more than 25% of the depth of third infraorbital, body deepest at dorsal-fin origin or slightly ahead, and seven to 10 gill rakers on lower arch. We also examined all paratypes of A. scabripinnis paranae from the rio Iguaçu and conclude that they are not conspecific with the holotype, and consequently, that the species does not occur in the rio Iguaçu basin.

Two new species of Hyphessobrycon (Teleostei: Characidae) from upper rio Tapajós basin on Chapada dos Parecis, central Brazil

Two new species of Hyphessobrycon are described from the upper rio Tapajós basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Hyphessobrycon melanostichos is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of a conspicuous longitudinal broad black band beginning on the posterior margin of orbit and reaching the tip of middle caudal fin rays, a distinct vertically elongate humeral spot, and 16 to 18 branched anal-fin rays. Hyphessobrycon notidanos is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of an elongate dorsal fin in mature males, a vertically elongate humeral spot, 2-4 maxillary teeth, iii,8 dorsal-fin rays, and 16 to 21 branched anal-fin rays.

Duas novas espécies do gênero Hyphessobrycon são descritas para a bacia do alto rio Tapajós, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Hyphessobrycon melanostichos distingue-se de seus congêneres pela combinação da presença de uma banda preta longitudinal larga entre a margem posterior da órbita até a ponta dos raios medianos da nadadeira caudal, de uma mancha umeral verticalmente alongada, e de 16 a 18 raios ramificados na nadadeira anal. Hyphessobrycon notidanos distingue-se de seus congêneres pela combinação da presença da nadadeira dorsal alongada nos machos maduros, de uma mancha umeral verticalmente alongada, 2-4 dentes no maxilar, iii,8 raios na nadadeira dorsal e 16 a 21 raios ramificados na nadadeira anal.