[Ichthyology • 2024] Telmatochromis salzburgeri • Morphological Diversity of the Genus Telmatochromis from the Lake Tanganyika Drainage with the Description of A New riverine Species and the Generic Reassignment of the Malagarasi River lamprologine

Telmatochromis salzburgeri

 Indermaur, Schedel & Ronco, 2024  

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.16042  

Abstract

The lamprologine cichlid genus Telmatochromis was long considered primarily lacustrine and endemic to Lake Tanganyika until an undescribed Telmatochromis species was reported from the Lufubu River (Lake Tanganyika drainage, Zambia). A phylogenomic study in 2021 confirmed the association of Telmatochromis sp. “lufubu” with Telmatochromis along with another riverine species, Neolamprologus devosi (Malagarasi drainage, Tanzania). Here, we quantify the morphological diversity of the genus Telmatochromis and the two associated riverine species using a multivariate dataset combining geometric and classical morphometrics, as well as meristics. We identify three distinct morphological clusters: the “Telmatochromis vittatus complex” with highly elongated bodies and short heads, the “Telmatochromis temporalis complex” with deeper bodies, and the two riverine species with intermediate body elongation and large heads. Further, we formally describe the species endemic to the lower Lufubu River as Telmatochromis salzburgeri sp. nov. and reassign N. devosi to Telmatochromis. Telmatochromis devosi comb. nov. differs from all congeners by the absence of bi- and tricuspid teeth in the inner tooth rows of the oral dentition. T. salzburgeri sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other Telmatochromis species by a prominent orange stripe along the base of the dorsal fin and from T. devosi comb. nov. by the relatively smaller size of the lower pharyngeal jaw. Both riverine species differ from all lacustrine Telmatochromis by a lower number of dorsal-fin spines. Additionally, the riverine species can be distinguished from the T. vittatus complex by having larger heads and longer oral jaws, and from the T. temporalis complex by their lower relative body depth. With the inclusion of new riverine members, the genus Telmatochromis is revealed to be more morphologically and ecologically diverse than previously recognized.

Keywords: Africa, Cichlidae, Great Lakes, ichthyofauna, Lufubu River

 

Image series of Telmatochromis salzburgeri sp. nov. 
 (a) Underwater pictures of T. salzburgeri sp. nov. (from top to bottom): a dark specimen, a light specimen, a juvenile, and together with the riverine haplochromine Orthochromis indermauri (images by A.I. and F.D.B.S.).
(b) Photograph of a paratype (NMB-6478, ex. UNIBAS-IC-USH1) in light colouration (top image) and the dark holotype (NHB-6475, ex. UNIBAS-IC-USG9), both taken at the field site from living individuals. The lower two images show the preserved holotype and its X-ray radiograph (images by A.I., F.D.B.S., and Aurelia Wolf).
 (c) Images of the lower pharyngeal jaw of a paratype (ZSM-PIS-044282-DRC-3147) based on a computed tomography (CT) scan (images by F.R.).

Overview of the lamprologine cichlid genus Telmatochromis from Lake Tanganyika and the two riverine taxa: Neolamprologus devosi and Telmatochromis sp. “lufubu”.

 Telmatochromis devosi comb. nov.

reassign Neolamprologus devosi to Telmatochromis.

Telmatochromis salzburgeri sp. nov. 

= Telmatochromis sp. “lufubu”

Differential diagnosis: Adult individuals of T. salzburgeri sp. nov. are distinguished from all other members of the genus Telmatochromis by the presence of a prominent orange stripe along the base of the dorsal fin, extending into the dorsal fin and over the dorsum (see Figure 5a,b). Additionally, T. salzburgeri sp. nov. differs from members of the T. vittatus complex (i.e., T. bifrenatus, T. brichardi, T. vittatus, and allies such as Telmatochromis sp. “longola”) and T. brachygnathus by having a larger head (26.96–30.08 vs. 20.4–26.65 HL%SL) and longer jaws (29.18–40.68 vs. ...

Etymology: The species is named in honor of our friend, colleague, and mentor Prof. Dr. Walter Salzburger for his contributions in advancing the field of evolutionary biology and, in particular, cichlid research in Lake Tanganyika. He has supported several projects and numerous field expeditions of all the authors with great enthusiasm, which led, among many other things, to the description of T. salzburgeri sp. nov.

 

Adrian Indermaur, Frederic D. B. Schedel, Fabrizia Ronco. 2024. Morphological Diversity of the Genus Telmatochromis from the Lake Tanganyika Drainage with the Description of A New riverine Species and the Generic Reassignment of the Malagarasi River lamprologine. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.16042  

[Ichthyology • 2024] Hypancistrus parkateje • A New Species of Hypancistrus Isbrücker & Nijssen 1991 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rapids of the middle Rio Tocantins

 

Hypancistrus parkateje

 Araújo, Ferreira, Monteiro & Wosiacki, 2024 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15971 

 x.com/Araujoictio

Abstract

The Hypancistrus genus is recognized in the Río Orinoco basin and Rio Xingu in the Guiana and Brazilian Shields, respectively. Some of its species are important in ornamental fishing. Despite this significance, many other undescribed species are still awaiting to be named. Here we describe a new species of Hypancistrus found on bedrock in the Rio Tocantins, representing an extension of the distribution of the genus. Also, a multigene phylogeny is presented to evaluate the taxonomic position of this species concerning congeners. The new species differs from all congeners by (1) hypertrophied odontodes on cheeks reaching beyond the cleithrum, (2) a supraoccipital crest conspicuously elevated, (3) a supraorbital crest slightly convex, (4) oblique bars on the anterior part of the body, (5) a dark E-shaped mark on the snout, (6) three oblique dark bars on the anterior part of the body and horizontal vermicular bars from the pectoral girdle to the posterior insertion of the dorsal fin, (7) a thin light gray bar on the posterior of the head extending across the branchial opening, (8) a tan background color, (9) a developed suspensorium with a diminished appendix in the metapterygoid, and (10) a dentary plate robust significantly fused with the angulo-articular bone. The molecular phylogenetic results show the new species forming a group with Hypancistrus zebra (Brazilian Shield—Rio Xingu) as a clade, a sister group of a monophyletic group consisting of all congeners from the Río Orinoco.

Keywords: armored catfish, molecular phylogeny, new taxon, rheophilic fish

Holotype of Hypancistrus parkateje, 64.5 mm SL (standard length),
Brazil, Pará, Bom Jesus do Tocantins, Rio Tocantins basin.

Hypancistrus parkateje

Felipe Araújo, Marlon Ferreira, Iann Monteiro and Wolmar Wosiacki. 2024. A New Species of Hypancistrus Isbrücker & Nijssen 1991 (Loricariidae, Siluriformes) from the rapids of the middle Rio Tocantins. Journal of Fish Biology.  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15971

  x.com/Araujoictio/status/1854503751215686100

[Ichthyology • 2024] Pollimyrus ibalazambai, P. krameri, ... • Morphometric Synthesis of Pollimyrus (Osteoglossiformes: Mormyridae) with the Description of Four New Species

 

 Pollimyrus ibalazambai 
Pollimyrus krameri 
 Pollimyrus weyli 

Dierickx, Lunkayilakio, Bills & Vreven, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15983

Abstract

Mormyridae, a species-rich family endemic to Africa, remains taxonomically understudied. This has been the case for the genus Pollimyrus Taverne, 1971, which hinders further understanding of the distribution, ecology, and conservation of its species. Therefore, an in-depth morphometric comparison of all currently valid species is carried out using most of the available type specimens. Species delineations were re-evaluated, and four species new to science described: Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov. (the Luki River, the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov. (the Lugenda River, Mozambique), Pollimyrus vanneeri sp. nov. (the Kouilou-Niari River, the Republic of the Congo), and Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov. (the Buzi River, Mozambique). In this study, Pollimyrus guttatus is confirmed to belong to Pollimyrus, whereas Pollimyrus eburneensis and Cyphomyrus plagiostoma seem more similar to species allocated to other genera. No or only little morphological differences were found between the type series of several species, which could indicate the need for synonymization of these species (Pollimyrus cuandoensis with Pollimyrus marianne and Pollimyrus nigripinnis with Pollimyrus pulverulentus). As such 20 species are currently morphologically identifiable in the genus Pollimyrus. The present study highlights the critical need for further synthetic efforts and new collecting efforts across Africa for this and other Mormyridae genera.

Keywords: morphology, Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov., Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov., Pollimyrus vanneeri sp. nov., Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov., taxonomy

 

Class Actinopterygii Klein, 1885

Order Osteoglossiformes Berg, 1940

Family Mormyridae Bonaparte, 1831

Subfamily Mormyrinae Bonaparte, 1831

Genus Pollimyrus Taverne, 1971

Pollimyrus Taverne, 1971: 140 

(type species: Mormyrus isidori Valenciennes, 1847, by original designation).i

Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring Professor Dr. Armel Ibala Zamba (1975–) (Université Marien Ngouabi, the Republic of the Congo) for his contributions to African ichthyology and his work in the Luki River basin (DRC) within the framework of his PhD (2005–2010).

Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring Professor Dr. Bernd Kramer (1943–) (University of Regensburg, Germany) for his contributions to ichthyology and study of weakly electric fish, southern African Mormyridae in particular.

Photograph of dead, but not yet fixed, holotype specimen of Pollimyrus krameri sp. nov. (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity [SAIAB] 73892: 45.6 mm SL [standard length]) from the Lugenda River (by R.B., August 22, 2003).
Photograph of dead, but not yet fixed, holotype of Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov. (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity [SAIAB] 67639: 51.43 mm SL [standard length]) from the Mussapa River (by R.B., September 27, 2002).
Photograph of a live type specimen of Pollimyrus ibalazambai sp. nov. from the Luki River, near the Kimbozi Bridge (by S.W.L., Mbisa-Congo I, August 10, 2016).

Pollimyrus vanneeri sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring Professor Dr. Wim Van Neer (1954–) (Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium) for his contributions to ichthyoarchaeology in Europe and northern Africa.

Pollimyrus weyli sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun honoring the late Professor Dr. Olaf L.F. Weyl (1972–†2020) (SAIAB) for his contributions to African ichthyology and his work in the Buzi River system within the framework of his PhD, expanding the collections housed at SAIAB and increasing the understanding of the biodiversity in the region.

 

Katrien Dierickx, Soleil Wamuini Lunkayilakio, Roger Bills and Emmanuel Vreven. 2024. Morphometric Synthesis of Pollimyrus (Teleostei, Mormyridae) with the Description of Four New Species. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15983

[Ichthyology • 2024] Oreichthys warjaintia • A New Species of cyprinid fish (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Meghalaya, India

 

Oreichthys warjaintia

Dann, Dahanukar & Raghavan, 2024 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.16001 

 facebook.com: Rajeev Raghavan

 

Abstract

Oreichthys warjaintia, new species, is described from the Pyrngang stream (Surma–Meghna basin), Meghalaya, northeast India. It can be distinguished from all known species within the genus Oreichthys in having the following combination of characters: complete lateral line with 25–27 pored scales, 13 branched pectoral-fin rays, 5–5½ branched anal-fin rays, 14 rows of papillae on suborbital, ½3/1/2½ scale rows in transverse line on body, presence of a black blotch on caudal-fin base, and in the coloration of dorsal, caudal, and anal fins. Oreichthys warjaintia is distinct from all known Oreichthys species for which mitochondrial cox1 sequence data are available by a raw genetic distance ranging from 8.3% to 11.1%.

Keywords: Cox1 gene, eastern Himalaya, high-fin barb, Surma–Meghna, taxonomy

Oreichthys warjaintia sp. nov.

 

Lekiningroy Dann, Neelesh Dahanukar and Rajeev Raghavan. 2024. Oreichthys warjaintia, A New Species of cyprinid fish from Meghalaya, India (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.16001

  facebook.com/RajeevRaghavan98/posts/385262360937

 

[Ichthyology • 2024] Enteromius cerinus & E. ruforum • Hidden Species Diversity in the Enteromius Cope, 1867 (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Aruwimi Basin (Middle Congo) in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (DR Congo)

Enteromius cerinus  &  E. ruforum

 Ilodiri, Huyghe, da Costa, Baba, Mizani & Vreven, 2024

 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15883 

 x.com/CharlotteHuygh6

 

Abstract

Two new African minnow species, Enteromius cerinus sp. nov. and Enteromius ruforum sp. nov., are described for science from the Angadiko River, a left-bank sub-affluent of first order of the Nepoko River, draining the north-eastern part of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR). Both new species belong to the group of Enteromius for which the last unbranched dorsal-fin ray is flexible and underrated. Within this morphological group, both are most similar to Enteromius kamolondoensis, especially in life colour pattern characteristics. However, Enteromius cerinus sp. nov. differs from E. kamolondoensis by its low number of circumpeduncular scales, 10–11 (vs. 12), low maximum body depth, 22.8%–25.7% standard length (Ls) (vs. 26.1%–30.0%), and long anterior and posterior barbel lengths, 32.6%–35.3% head length (LH) (vs. 23.6%–27.2%) and 41.6%–43.9% LH (vs. 30.3%–34.9%), respectively. Further, E. ruforum sp. nov. is also easily distinguished from E. kamolondoensis by its high maximum body depth, 30.6%–33.3% Ls (vs. 26.1%–30.0%), and small, isometric, eye diameter, 26.2%–28.0% LH (vs. 29.1%–31.9%). A barcoding study (mtDNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit I [COI]) revealed that specimens of both new species form lineages well differentiated from those of other available species. As such, (i) E. cerinus sp. nov. diverges from E. kamolondoensis by a K2P genetic distance (GD) of 10.3% and (ii) E. ruforum sp. nov. by a K2P GD of 11.2%. To the present day, the fish fauna of the left-bank sub-affluents of the Nepoko River, in general, remains poorly known or undocumented. Unfortunately, at the same time, multiple anthropogenic impacts are affecting this fauna, such as (i) the destruction of habitats along the river banks for agriculture and fishing and (ii) the use of illegal fishing practices, such as fishing with plant-based ichthyotoxins during ecopage, which is combined with dam building. As a result of the demographic growth, this ecopage results in overfishing and thus is threatening both new species in particular, but all other co-occurring fish species as well. Both new species, E. cerinus sp. nov. and E. ruforum sp. nov., should thus be considered Vulnerable (VU) according to IUCN criterion D2. It is therefore hoped that their discovery highlights the urgent need for a better protection and further in situ exploration of the reserve's freshwater (fish) biodiversity, in general, and that of those small sub-affluents, in particular.

Wilson Mayo Ilodiri, Charlotte E. T. Huyghe, Luis M. da Costa, Taylor Mambo Baba, Célestin Danadu Mizani and Emmanuel J. W. M. N. Vreven. 2024. Hidden Species Diversity in the Enteromius Cope, 1867 (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Aruwimi Basin (Middle Congo) in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15883

  x.com/CharlotteHuygh6/status/1843257481520394618

[Ichthyology • 2024] Enteromius nzigidaherai • A New endemic Enteromius (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the upper Malagarazi in Burundi: Lessons for a protected area under implementation

Enteromius nzigidaherai 

Bigirimana, Kisekelwa, da Costa, Huyghe, Banyankimbona & Vreven, 2024

  DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15652 

 x.com/CharlotteHuygh6

Abstract

Recent collecting efforts in the upper Malagarazi basin (2013–2022) allowed for an integrative study based on qualitative (colour), quantitative (meristic and metric), and barcoding gene [mtDNA, cytochrome c oxidase (COI)] data of specimens similar to Enteromius sp. ‘ascutelatus’, being a previously identified, potentially, new species. Based on these data, the present study confirms its identification as a new species for science, which is here formally described as Enteromius nzigidaherai sp. nov. This new species belongs to the group of Enteromius species for which the last unbranched ray of the dorsal fin is flexible and devoid of serrations along its posterior edge. This species has a horizontal series of black spots at the midlateral level of the sides. Three congeneric species, known from the Congo basin sensu lato, with two of them also found in the upper Malagarazi basin, are most similar to it. However, E. nzigidaherai sp. nov. is distinguished from the two sympatric upper Malagarazi species, that is, E. quadrilineatus and E. lineomaculatus, at least by two meristics and two morphometrics. It is also distinguished from E. urostigma, known from the upper Congo basin, by two meristics and one, apparently related, morphometric. In addition, a barcoding (mtDNA, COI) study revealed that the specimens of E. nzigidaherai sp. nov. form a well-supported, separate lineage, with a K2P genetic distance of more than 10% with specimens identified as E. quadrilineatus and E. lineomaculatus, both originating from the upper Malagarazi basin and for which tissue samples were available. Finally, the new species was found to be endemic to the upper reaches of two left bank affluents of the upper Malagarazi basin: the Muyovozi and the Kinwa. However, both affluents are threatened by human activities, which seem to have resulted in its local disappearance as recent intensive collecting efforts in the latter affluent have remained unsuccessful. The species should thus be considered Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria B1ab(ii,iv)c(i,iii). Therefore, it is hoped that the present description draws renewed attention to the importance of aquatic protection in the region by highlighting the need for the effective establishment of the Malagarazi Nature Reserve and concern for its optimal delimitation to efficiently protect the entire ichthyofauna of the upper Malagarazi, without excluding the fish species confined to its affluent rivers.

Keywords: aquatic protection, COI barcoding, colour pattern, Enteromius nzigidaherai sp. nov., Malagarazi Nature Reserve, Nkoma Massif

 

 Enteromius nzigidaherai sp. nov. 

Anatole Bigirimana, Tchalondawa Kisekelwa, Luis M. da Costa, Charlotte E. T. Huyghe, Gaspard Banyankimbona and Emmanuel J. W. M. N. Vreven. 2024. Description of A New endemic Enteromius (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the upper Malagarazi in Burundi: Lessons for a protected area under implementation. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15652

  x.com/CharlotteHuygh6/status/1841086014271459507

[Ichthyology • 2024] Gaidropsarus mauritanicus • A New three-bearded Rockling (Gadiformes: Gaidropsaridae) from A Deep-water Coral Ecosystem with a genetically verified biogeographical distribution of the genus and notes to its ecology and behavior

Gaidropsarus mauritanicus Knorrn, Beuck, & Freiwald, 

in Knorrn, Beuck, Barros-García, Fernández-Peralta et Freiwald, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15859

Abstract

Gaidropsarus mauritanicus sp. nov. is described from one specimen collected using a grab sample from the Tanoûdêrt Canyon (ca. 20° N) off Mauritania at a depth of 595 m. The new species was further observed during eight remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives along the Mauritanian slope southwards down to the Tiguent Coral Mound Complex (~17° N) in a bathymetric range between 613 and 416 m. It can be distinguished from congeners by a combination of characteristics, including large eyes (38.1% head length [HL]), large head (25.8% standard length [SL]), elongated pelvic fins (35.7% SL), low number of vertebrae (44), and coloration (pinkish with a dorsal darker brownish hue and bright blotches along the dorsal-fin base). A species-delimitation analysis performed with available cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences affiliated to the genus Gaidropsarus additionally supported the validity of the new species. Video analyses showed a deep-water coral-associated and protection-seeking behavior, which may explain why the species has remained undescribed until now. Additional ROV footage from separate deep-water coral sites in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea further highlights the ecological behavior and hidden diversity of bathyal three-bearded rocklings. Here, we additionally discuss the biogeographical distribution of all genetically verified Gaidropsarus spp. in combination with genetic data and morphological characters. G. mauritanicus sp. nov. is closely related to a species from Tasmania (43° S), a geographical point furthest among the studied samples, which may hint to an important influence of (paleo-) oceanography on the distributions of Gaidropsarus species.

Keywords: deep-water coral habitat, micro-CT, NE Atlantic, NW Africa, phylogenetics, species delimitation, Tanoûdêrt canyon, X-ray, Mauritania

Class: Osteichthyes Huxley, 1880.

Order: Gadiformes Goodrich, 1909.

Family: Gaidropsaridae Jordan & Evermann, 1898.

Genus: Gaidropsarus Rafinesque, 1810.

Photograph showing in vivo coloration of the holotype of Gaidropsarus mauritanicus sp. nov. in seawater after sampling.
(a) Overview, dorso-lateral side. (b–d) Details, dorsal view: (b) cephalic region, (c) first and second dorsal fins, and (d) left pectoral fin.

 Gaidropsarus mauritanicus sp. nov. Knorrn, Beuck, & Freiwald, 2024.

 Species identification: 

The specimen can be affiliated with the genus Gaidropsarus Rafinesque 1810 as it displays the morphological characters previously described by Cohen et al. (1990). These characteristics include the presence of three barely separated dorsal fins, with the first possessing only one single thickened and unsegmented ray, the second having several small and unsegmented rays in a fleshy elongated groove, and the third with segmented rays in an elongated fin. Additionally, the species has three prominent barbels: one located on the chin and one at each anterior nostril on the snout, in addition to a prominent anal fin and an interrupted lateral line running along the entire length of the body.

...

Diagnosis: G. mauritanicus sp. nov. differs from all other 13 valid Gaidropsarus species by the combination of the following characteristics: large eyes (38.1% HL) versus small eyes, relatively large head (25.8% SL), elongated pelvic fin (35.7% SL) versus medium-sized pelvic fin, small pectoral fin (13.8% SL) versus enlarged pectoral fin, 44 vertebrae, coloration (pinkish with a darker brownish hue around the dorsal side and brighter dots around the dorsal-fin bases), and habitat preference (deep-water coral ecosystems). For detailed comparisons between the species, see Tables 2 and 3.

Etymology: The species name “mauritanicus” is derived from the Latin name of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, known for its species-rich marine ecosystems, among them the most extensive known “chain”-shaped, habitat-forming deep-water coral ecosystem, to which this species is associated.

Representative remotely operated vehicle (ROV) images of Gaidropsarus mauritanicus sp. nov. in its habitat (copyright Tomas Lundälv from the Sven Lovén Centre for Marine Infrastructure of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden).
(a) A small individual—similar in size to holotype—between coral rubble (Banda Coral Mounds, 523-m water depth). (b) Inside a coral garden (Swiftia phaeton), sheltered between dead coral framework fragments and rubble (Timiris Coral Mounds, 492-m water depth). (c) Hiding inside a dead coral framework, see red arrow (Tanoûdêrt Canyon, 610-m water depth). (d) Coexistence with cf. Japonoconger africanus inside live Desmophyllum pertusum framework (red arrow) (Tamxat Coral Mounds, 501-m water depth).
(e) Below protective “canopy” of live Madrepora oculata (Tiguent Coral Mounds, 418 m). (f) Two individuals next to a dead scleractinian framework, which is colonized by sponges and various octocorals, among Swiftia phaeton (Tamxat Coral Mounds, 535-m water depth; see also Video S3). (g) Next to a framework fragment, which is colonized by a branched bryozoan (Celleporina cf. lucida); note the whitish marks on the skin (Tamxat Coral Mounds, 479-m water depth). (h) Adult individual finds shelter next to hardground (geology term) ledge; note the slightly varying coloration with respect to young individuals (Tiguent Coral Mounds, 434-m water depth).

CONCLUSION: 

The existence of G. mauritanicus sp. nov. as a new species is morphologically confirmed by the presence of only 44 vertebrae, a conspicuously long pelvic fin (35.7% SL), the large eyes (38.1% HL), medium-sized pectoral fin (13.8% SL), and the pinkish coloration with several brighter dots along the base of the dorsal fin, as well as genetically confirmed by several independent species delimitation analyses. Furthermore, ROV and lander surveys reveal insights into the ecology and behavior of deep-water coral-associated Gaidropsarus species, suggesting that these species are territorial and protective. Genetically supported distribution data show clear patterns in the biogeographical and bathymetrical distribution of the different Gaidropsarus species. Recent and ancient oceanography seems to be an important factor in terms of larval distribution and phylogenetic relationships, such as the first evidence of G. mauli as a basal member of the boreal Gaidropsarus species. Further, the genetic and distribution data also indicate possible misidentifications between G. macrophthalmus and G. mediterraneus. This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive taxonomic identification key and a complete scientific collection. There still remains a great knowledge gap concerning the Gaidropsarus species of the Southern Hemisphere, which should be the focus of future investigations.

 

Alexander H. Knorrn, Lydia Beuck, David Barros-García, Lourdes Fernández-Peralta and André Freiwald. 2024. Gaidropsarus mauritanicus (Gadiformes, Gaidropsaridae) A New three-bearded Rockling from A Deep-water Coral Ecosystem with a genetically verified biogeographical distribution of the genus and notes to its ecology and behavior. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15859

  

[Ichthyology • 2024] Enteromius niggie • Naming the other Cousin: A New Goldie Barb (Cyprinidae: Smiliogastrininae) from the northeast escarpment in South Africa, with proposed taxonomic rearrangement of the goldie barb group in southern Africa

  

Enteromius niggie

Scheepers, Bragança & Chakona, 2024 

 

 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15870

 

Abstract

A growing body of evidence indicates that the global diversity of freshwater fishes has not been fully documented. Studies of freshwater fishes that were previously thought to be morphologically variable have revealed the existence of deeply divergent lineages, with many distinct species. In southern Africa a number of Enteromius species exhibit either exceedingly wide or divided distribution patterns that should be rare for freshwater fishes with limited dispersal opportunities between river systems. One such species is the sidespot barb, Enteromius neefi. As currently defined, E. neefi has a disjunct distribution that is divided between rivers in the northeast escarpment in South Africa and Eswatini, and tributaries of the Upper Zambezi in Zambia and southern Congo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a large geographic gap between these two populations. With the use of molecular and morphological methods, the level of divergence between the two populations was examined, and a new species was described from the Steelpoort River in the Limpopo River system of South Africa. Findings from this study provide further evidence for a number of taxonomic problems within the goldie barbs of southern Africa, and some taxonomic rearrangements are proposed for this group.

Keywords: color pattern, Cypriniformes, integrative taxonomy, systematics

 

General body features and live colouration of Enteromius niggie sp. nov.
 (a) Male during breeding season, field ID NPEJ21-B081 37.9 mm SL (SAIAB360).
(b) Male during non-breeding season, field ID NPEJ21-B080, 41.1 mm SL, holotype (SAIAB 236359).

Enteromius niggie sp. nov. 

[niggie: ‘nᶕᶍi] (g/ch from Afrikaans/Dutch) is pronounced with a hard guttural sound, made at the back of the throat.

 Proposed common names: Southern sidespot barb; 

Suidelike sykol ghieliemientjie (Afrikaans).

  Diagnosis: E. niggie sp. nov. belongs to the goldie barb group in southern Africa, which is characterized by species with a soft primary dorsal-fin ray, a relatively short compact body (<70 mm SL), the presence of two pairs of well-developed barbels, 24–30 lateral line scales, and a bright golden breeding colouration in males. Along with E. niggie the goldie barb group includes the species E. pallidus (Smith 1841), E. brevipinnis (Jubb 1966), E. neefi s.s. (Greenwood, 1962), E. thamalakanensis (Fowler 1935), E. greenwoodi (Poll, 1967), E. lineomaculatus “Malawi” (Boulenger 1903), and E. viviparus (Weber 1897). E. niggie and E. neefi can be readily distinguished from all the aforementioned species by the presence of distinctive pigmentation along the margins of flank scales that are expressed as wavy parallel lines (Figure 4a,b). Further, E. niggie can be distinguished from E. neefi by the lack of wavy parallel lines below the lateral line (Figure 4c) and by the lack of dark bold and rounded spots on the dorsal midline of the body (Figure 4d).

Etymology: When describing the species E. neefi, Greenwood (1962) used the Afrikaans word neef, which means “male cousin,” a humorous acknowledgment to Graham Bell-Cross (1927–1998) who collected the types of E. neefi and often called Greenwood by the Afrikaans word oom which means “uncle” (Paul Skelton, personal communication). Therefore, in keeping with Afrikaans familial terms, the use of nig [‘nᶕᶍ] to name the new species, which means “female cousin,” is a symbolic representation of the historical association between these two species, which were considered to represent disjunct populations of the same species.

Martinus Scheepers, Pedro H. N. Bragança and Albert Chakona. 2024. Naming the other Cousin: A New Goldie Barb (Cyprinidae: Smiliogastrininae) from the northeast escarpment in South Africa, with proposed taxonomic rearrangement of the goldie barb group in southern Africa. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15870

[Ichthyology • 2024] Schistura sonarengaensis • A New Species of Cave-dwelling Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Meghalaya, northeast India

Schistura sonarengaensis 

Mukhim, Sarma, Choudhury, Chandran, Das, Singh, Warbah, Sarkar & Sarma, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15856 

 Researchgate.net/publication/382714747

Abstract

A new species of nemacheilid loach, Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov., is described from three cave-dwelling populations (Barak–Surma–Meghna drainage) in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The new species possesses prominent eyes but is easily distinguished from all the congeners of the genus Schistura from Barak–Surma–Meghna and adjacent rivers drainages of northeast Indian (except S. syngkai) in having 13–26 vertically elongated to circular mid-lateral black blotches (brownish in life) overlayered on a grayish-black mid-lateral stripe on a dull white or pale-beige (golden brown in life) body. However, it can be easily distinguished from S. syngkai in having a complete (vs. incomplete) lateral line with more 72–89 (vs. 19–42) lateral-line pored scales, greater pre-dorsal length (48.5–53.1 vs. 41.9–44.1 %SL), a wider body at dorsal-fin origin (11.3–16.7 vs. 9.4–10.3 %SL), greater dorsal (18.1–21.1 vs. 15.1–17.0 %SL) and lateral (20.9–24.1 vs. 17.4–18.9 %SL) head length, a wider head (14.5–18.5 vs. 11.6–13.3 %SL), and moderately forked (vs. emarginated) caudal fin. Further, molecular analysis confirms the distinctiveness of S. sonarengaensis sp. nov. from its congeners found in northeast India by significant divergences with uncorrected genetic distance ranging from 3.7% to 17.3% in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene dataset. The phylogenetic position of the new species with its sister species was evaluated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis. The species delimitation approaches assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) and Poisson tree processes (PTP) utilized for testing species assignments consistently identified our test group as a distinct species from its sister species. Although the new species lacks typical morphological adaptations usually associated with a subterranean life, such as complete absence (or vestigial presence) of eyes and pigmentation, it exhibits a reduction of pigmentation when compared to the epigean congeners.

Keywords: Barak–Surma–Meghna drainage, biodiversity hotspot, limestone cave, Meghalaya, new loach, subterranean life, taxonomy

Holotype of Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov. (GUMF 1001, 72.8 mm SL), India: Meghalaya: Krem Sonarenga; dorsal (a), lateral (b), and ventral (c) views.

Live coloration of Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov. GUMF uncatalogued, , about 63 mm SL; India: Meghlaya: Krem Chiabole.

Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov.

Dran Khlur B. Mukhim, Kangkan Sarma, Hrishikesh Choudhury, Rejani Chandran, Rajdeep Das, Rajeev K. Singh, Deisakee P. Warbah, Uttam Kumar Sarkar and Dandadhar Sarma. 2024. Schistura sonarengaensis, A New Species of Cave-dwelling Loach (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from Meghalaya, northeast India. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15856

  Researchgate.net/publication/382714747_Schistura_sonarengaensis_a_new_species_of_cave-dwelling_loach_from_Meghalaya_northeast_India

[Ichthyology • 2024] Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae) • A New Species of Giraffe Catfish from Mfimi-Lukenie Basin, central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo

 

  Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae

Modimo, Bernt, Monsembula Iyaba, Mbimbi & Liyandja, 2024

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15885

 x.com/MJBernt

Abstract

A new, distinctively short-bodied giraffe catfish of Parauchenoglanis is described from the Ndzaa River, a small left-bank tributary of the Mfimi-Lukenie basin in the Central basin of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by having 29 or fewer (vs. 33 or more) total vertebrae. It can further be distinguished from all congeners, except Parauchenoglanis zebratus Sithole et al., 2023 and Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (Boulenger 1911), by having 13 or 14 (vs. 16 or more) pre-anal vertebrae. The species is endemic to the Mfimi River basin, where it has been collected mainly in blackwater tributaries.

Keywords: Congo basin, CT scan, DNA barcoding, morpholog,y Ndzaa River, Parauchenoglanis

  Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae sp. nov. 
Photographs of preserved (a) holotype (AMNH 278139 in lateral view) and (b–d) paratype (AMNH 278165, 68.1 mm standard length [SL], respectively, in dorsal, lateral, and ventral views).

Scale bar: 1 cm.

Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: P. stiassnyae is distinguished from all congeners by having 28–29 vertebrae (vs. 33 or more). P. stiassnyae is also distinguished from all congeners by the possession of 13–14 pre-anal vertebrae (vs. 15 or more) except for Parauchenoglanis zebratus (14–17) and Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (13, holotype). The new species can further be distinguished from P. cf. punctatus_L3, P. balayi, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, P. punctatus, and P. ubangensis by a narrower supraoccipital process–nuchal plate interdistance (1.4%–2.9% vs. >3% HL); from P. cf. punctatus_L3, P. guttatus, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, and P. punctatus by a wider orbital HW (64.7%–76.2% vs. 54.9%–63.9% HL); from P. guttatus, P. longiceps, and P. ubangensis by a wider mouth (37.8%–50.8% vs. 25.9%–35.7% HL); from P. guttatus, P. punctatus, P. ubangensis, and P. zebratus by a wider premaxillary toothplate (12.9%–18.6% vs. 6.6%–12.5% HL); from P. guttatus, P. longiceps, P. pantherinus, and P. zebratus by a wider head (HW: 70.1%–81.1% vs. 58.9%–69.3% HL); from P. balayi and P. pantherinus by a shorter dorsal-fin spine (10.8%–16% vs. 16.1%–18.8% SL); from P. guttatus and P. pantherinus by a smaller orbital diameter (9.5%–14.2% vs. 14.4%–16.9% HL) and a wider interpectoral distance (16.7%–21.4% vs. 15.3%–16.6% SL); from P. balayi, P. ngamensis (holotype), and P. ubangensis by a shorter adipose-fin–caudal-fin interdistance (2.7%–5.2% vs. 6.2%–10.5% SL); and from P. balayi by a longer head (HL: 31.3%–35% vs. 28.1%–30.6% SL) and a narrower interorbital (IOD: 19.5%–27.1% vs. 27.3%–28% HL).

 Biology and ecology: Most specimens of P. stiassnyae were collected in forested habitats over mud and plant debris in tributaries of the Mfimi River. The rivers where specimens of P. stiassnyae have been collected are characterized by a humic, moderately acidic (pH 4.1–5.3), and dark-brown water with low conductivity (10–50 μS/cm) and low concentrations of dissolved solids (TDS: 10–30 mg/L). These observations, combined with the species body colouration, suggest that P. stiassnyae is adapted to forested habitats, muddy, humic, and dark-brown waters of the Mfimi River tributaries.

 Etymology: P. stiassnyae is named after Melanie L. J. Stiassny (MLJS) of the AMHN. MLJS is the initiator of the AMNH Congo Project that resulted in significant documentation and an improved systematic, biological, and evolutionary understanding of the Congo River basin ichthyofauna with an extensive collection deposited at the AMNH, the University of Kinshasa, and the University of Marien Ngouabi. Additionally, MLJS trained and continues to train numerous Congolese ichthyologists, including the authors of the present paper. We dedicate this species to her outstanding work and commitment to biodiscovery and conservation in the Congo River basin.

 

Myriam Y. Modimo, Maxwell J. Bernt, Raoul J. C. Monsembula Iyaba, José J. M. M. Mbimbi and Tobit L. D. Liyandja. 2024. Parauchenoglanis stiassnyae (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae): A New Species of Giraffe Catfish from Mfimi-Lukenie Basin, central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15885

 x.com/MJBernt/status/1818665684739535207

[Ichthyology • 2024] Phylogeographic Patterns of Cyphocharax (Characiformes: Curimatidae) from trans-Andean Rivers and northward expansion to lower Central America

  

Cyphocharax spp.

in Melo, Conde-Saldaña, Villa-Navarro, McMahan et Oliveira, 2024.

DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15777 

x.com/TheFSBI

Abstract

Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear data of 31 specimens of Cyphocharax from trans-Andean rivers support the presence of one lineage of Cyphocharax aspilos in Lago Maracaibo and three cryptic lineages of Cyphocharax magdalenae: (1) Cauca-Magdalena and Ranchería, (2) León and Atrato, and (3) Chucunaque-Tuira, Santa María, and Chiriquí basins of Central America. Results suggest that the Serranía del Perijá facilitated Late Miocene cladogenetic events, whereas post-Isthmian C. magdalenae expansion was enabled by gene flow across the lower Magdalena valley and Central American lowlands. Time-calibrated phylogenetics indicate that the C. magdalenae colonized lower Central America in the Pliocene (3.7 MYA; Ma), the divergence Atrato-Magdalena occurred in Late Pliocene (3.0 Ma) and the split Ranchería-Magdalena during the Middle Pleistocene (1.3 Ma). Updated geographic distribution data support the hypothesis that the Cordillera de Talamanca functions as a barrier to northward expansion of C. magdalenae in Central America.

Keywords: Characiformes, Magdalena, Maracaibo, Ostariophysi, Serranía del Perijá, Talamanca

Bruno F. Melo, Cristhian C. Conde-Saldaña, Francisco A. Villa-Navarro, Caleb D. McMahan and Claudio Oliveira. 2024. Phylogeographic Patterns of Cyphocharax from trans-Andean Rivers and northward expansion to lower Central America (Teleostei, Curimatidae). Journal of Fish Biology. 105(1); 314-325. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15777

 x.com/TheFSBI/status/1813834913109422246

[Ichthyology • 2024] Stiphodon chlorestes • A New Species of sicydiine Goby (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) from Taiwan and Luzon

Stiphodon chlorestes

 Jhuang, Dimaquibo & Liao, 2024

Green Hummingbird Goby |  青蜂枝牙鰕虎  ||  DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15852

 facebook.com/WeiChengJhuang

Abstract

Stiphodon chlorestes sp. nov. is described based on seven specimens collected from Taiwan and Luzon. It is a large-sized Stiphodon species sharing the second dorsal-fin rays 9–10 and pectoral-fin rays 14–16 with similar-sized congeners. However, it differs from them by the wider interorbital width and almost complete lack of scales on the occipital region in males. In addition, the new species can be further distinguished from all congeners by seven to eight oval bands or a black longitudinal band on the lower body, black and white spots on pectoral fins, and a short red or orange line on posterior upper edge of caudal fin. Molecular analysis based on the 680-bp mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) fragments also supports it as a distinct species belonging to the “Stiphodon elegans group” and a sister group of the clade consisting of Stiphodon multisquamus and Stiphodon palawanensis.

Stiphodon chlorestes sp. nov. 

Green hummingbird goby | 青蜂枝牙鰕虎

 

Wei-Cheng Jhuang, Al Casane Dimaquibo and Te-Yu Liao. 2024. Stiphodon chlorestes, A New Species of sicydiine Goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from Taiwan and Luzon.  Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15852

 facebook.com/WeiChengJhuang/posts/3804582706427229