Three new species of Curimatopsis (Characiformes: Curimatidae) from the Amazon basin

Three new species of Curimatopsis are described from major tributaries of the Amazon basin. Curimatopsis guaporensis n. sp., from the Rio Madeira, belongs to the Curimatopsis evelynae clade and can be distinguished by the distinctive shape of the dark blotch on the caudal peduncle and by the position and shape of the nostrils. Curimatopsis pallida n. sp., from the Rio Negro, also related to C. evelynae, is distinguished from all congeners by the complete absence of pigmentation on the lateral surface of the caudal peduncle. Curimatopsis jaci n. sp., apparently endemic to the upper Rio Tapajós, belongs to the Curimatopsis macrolepis clade and differs from all congeners in details of body pigmentation. Meristic and morphometric features supplement diagnoses for the three new species. These species are hypothesized to belong to the two main clades of Curimatopsis on the basis of previous studies of osteology and external morphology and supplement a recent genetic study that revealed several cryptic and yet undescribed species within the genus. An updated identification key to the species of Curimatopsis is also provided.     

Cryptic species in the Neotropical fish genus Curimatopsis (Teleostei,Characiformes)

Detritivores of the fish family Curimatidae are assigned to eight genera, one of which, the Curimatopsis, with only five species, is the least speciose genus and sister to other seven genera in the family. Ongoing morphological investigations reveal, however, the likely existence of additional species. In this study, fifty‐one specimens of Curimatopsis from multiple rivers of the Amazon, Paraguay and Suriname drainages were identified morphologically according to the present species concepts and then barcoded using the universal cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial marker. Species delimitation analyses were conducted using Bayesian methods through the general mixed Yule‐coalescent analysis combined with conventional likelihood, genetic distance and haplotypic diversity approaches. We found eleven well‐supported clusters that represent four of the named species and seven cryptic, undescribed species of Curimatopsis. Our results show a clear delimitation of species boundaries constrained by distinct Amazonian river ecotones that may have promoted intrageneric lineage diversification. This is the first of a series of genetic studies applicable to future taxonomic, phylogenetic and evolutionary studies across the Curimatidae.     

New data on trematosauroid labyrinthodonts of Eastern Europe: 3. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Qantas samarensis</Emphasis> gen. et sp. nov.

Based on fragmentary remains (incomplete lower jaw and premaxilla) from the Lower Triassic Kamennyi Dol locality (Kamennyi Yar Formation, Rybinskian Horizon) of Obshchii Syrt (Samara Region) and a number of specimens from the same region, a new genus and species of trematosauroid temnospondyls, Qantas samarensis gen. et sp. nov., is described. It displays a mosaic combination of typical benthosuchid and trematosaurid characters, remaining in general structure of the lower jaw at the benthosuchid evolutionary level, so that a new benthosuchid subfamily, Qantasinae subfam. nov., representing an isolated lineage, is established. Based on the cranial remains of trematosaurid temnospondyls from the Cynognathus Zone of South Africa, which were previously described by Shishkin and Welman (1994), a new trematosaurine genus and species, Trematosuchoides africanus gen. et sp. nov., is established.     

Citharichthys gnathus, a new species of paralichthyid flounder (Teleostei: Pleuronectiformes) from the Galapagos Islands, eastern pacific Ocean

A new paralichthyid flounder,Citharichthys gnathus, is described from 25 specimens from the Galapagos Islands. The new species strongly resemblesC. fragilis Gilbert, distributed in the Gulf of California and adjacent waters, in general appearance, and meristic and morphometric characters, but is distinguished from the latter by two adult characters, a remarkable bony knob at the anterior tip of the lower jaw and larger proportion of snout length in standard length.     

A new scaphognathid pterosaur from western Liaoning,China

A partial skeleton of a new pterosaur, Jianchangnathus robustus gen. et sp. nov. from western Liaoning, China, is described. The specimen (IVPP V16866) was collected near Linglongta, Jianchang County, whose deposits have a disputed age that range from Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. The new species shares several features with the non-pterodactyloid Scaphognathus from the Late Jurassic deposits of southern Germany, such as a deep anterior end of the lower jaw, a piriform lower temporal fenestra with the ventral margin broader than the dorsal one and the interalveolar spacing of the maxillary teeth about three alveolar spaces, allowing its allocation to the Scaphognathidae. The main diagnostic features of J. robustus include the large maxillary process of the jugal, the convex alveolar margin of the lower jaw and the procumbent disposition of the first three pairs of dentary teeth. The new Chinese taxon also differs from Fenghuangopterus lii, which comes from the same deposit and is here regarded as Scaphognathidae incertae sedis, mainly by the lower number of teeth and several proportions of the wing elements. The discovery of J. robustus demonstrates a larger diversity in the pterosaur fauna of the Linglongta region so far dominated by the non-pterodactyloid clade Wukongopteridae.     

Engyprosopon marquisensis, a new species of bothid flounder (Pleuronectiformes: Bothidae) from the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia)

A new bothid flounder, Engyprosopon marquisensis, is described from 11 specimens collected in deep waters (108–408 m) off the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia) during the French exploratory cruise MUSORSTOM 9 in 1997. Engyprosopon marquisensis is similar to E. bellonaensis from the Chesterfield Islands and Bellona Plateau in the Coral Sea and E. vanuatuensis from off Vanuatsu Island, but is easily distinguished from E. bellonaensis by the following combination of characters: narrow interorbital space in both sexes, small mouth, short caudal fin, large number of vertebrae, and fewer gill rakers. It differs from E. vanuatuensis by many scales in the lateral line, small eyes, short ocular-side upper jaw, and short blind-side lower jaw. Engyprosopon marquisensis is the deepest occurring (408 m) species of the genus, and constitutes the second species of this genus with an eastern distribution.     

Jaw muscle fiber type distribution in Hawaiian gobioid stream fishes: histochemical correlations with feeding ecology and behavior

Differences in fiber type distribution in the axial muscles of Hawaiian gobioid stream fishes have previously been linked to differences in locomotor performance, behavior, and diet across species. Using ATPase assays, we examined fiber types of the jaw opening sternohyoideus muscle across five species, as well as fiber types of three jaw closing muscles (adductor mandibulae A1, A2, and A3). The jaw muscles of some species of Hawaiian stream gobies contained substantial red fiber components. Some jaw muscles always had greater proportions of white muscle fibers than other jaw muscles, independent of species. In addition, comparing across species, the dietary generalists (Awaous guamensis and Stenogobius hawaiiensis) had a lower proportion of white muscle fibers in all jaw muscles than the dietary specialists (Lentipes concolor, Sicyopterus stimpsoni, and Eleotris sandwicensis). Among Hawaiian stream gobies, generalist diets may favor a wider range of muscle performance, provided by a mix of white and red muscle fibers, than is typical of dietary specialists, which may have a higher proportion of fast-twitch white fibers in jaw muscles to help meet the demands of rapid predatory strikes or feeding in fast-flowing habitats.     

Description of a new cryptic,shallow‐water tonguefish (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae: Symphurus) from the western North Pacific Ocean

Combined results based on morphological characters and analyses of partial sequences of the 16s rRNA and coI genes confirm the validity of a new, cryptic, symphurine tonguefish from the western North Pacific Ocean. Symphurus leucochilus n. sp., a diminutive species reaching sizes to c. 67 mm standard length, is described from nine specimens that were collected from fish‐landing ports and from trawls made at c. 150 m off Taiwan and Japan. Symphurus leucochilus shares many similar features with those of Symphurus microrhynchus and that of several undescribed species that are morphologically similar to S. microrhynchus. Symphurus leucochilus has also been misidentified as Symphurus orientalis in fish collections because of shared similarities in some aspects of their morphology. The new species differs from all congeners by the following combination of meristic, morphological and pigmentation features: a predominant 1–2–2–2–2 pattern of interdigitation of proximal dorsal‐fin pterygiophores and neural spines; 12 caudal‐fin rays; 89–92 dorsal‐fin rays; 76–80 anal‐fin rays; 49–51 total vertebrae; four hypurals; 75–83 longitudinal scale rows; 32–35 transverse scales; 15–17 scale rows on the head posterior to the lower orbit; absence of a fleshy ridge on the ocular‐side lower jaw and a membranous connection between the anterior nostril and lower part of the eye; a narrow interorbital space and dorsal‐fin origin anterior to the vertical through the anterior margin of the upper eye; absence of both dermal spots at bases of anterior dorsal‐fin rays and melanophores on the isthmus; uniformly yellow to light‐brown ocular‐side colouration without bands; dorsal and anal fins with alternating series of dark rectangular blotches and unpigmented areas; a uniform white blind side and a bluish‐black peritoneum. Despite overall similarities in morphology between S. leucochilus and S. orientalis, as well as between two of the nominal species morphologically similar to S. microrhynchus, analyses of partial 16s rRNA and coI gene sequences show that S. leucochilus, S. orientalis and the two other nominal species represent three distinct lineages within the genus Symphurus.     

Four new species of dwarfgobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Eviota) from the Austral,Gambier, Marquesas and Society Archipelagos,French Polynesia

Four new species of Eviota (Teleostei: Gobiidae) are described from French Polynesia. Eviota hinanoae occurs from the Gambier, Austral and Society Archipelagos and differs from its closest relatives primarily in sensory pore pattern, having cuplike male urogenital papilla, and in lacking prominent dark pigmentation on the base of the pectoral fin. Three other new species, E. dorsimaculata, E. lacrimosa and E. deminuta, are known only from the Marquesas Islands and are distinguished from congeners by differences in pigmentation, sensory pore pattern, urogenital papilla shape, the number of rays in the dorsal and anal fins, and the length of the fifth pelvic-fin ray. Eviota deminuta represents one of the smallest known species of Eviota and features reductions in several morphological characters, including the loss of all head pores. Three of the new species are included in a phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase-I, along with 21 additional species of Eviota.     

Description of a new species of the genus Awaous Valenciennes, 1837 (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) from the middle stretch of the Mahanadi River,Odisha, India,with comments on the Awaous species from India

A new species of the genus Awaous (Oxudercidae), Awaous motla sp. nov., is described based on 18 specimens collected from the Mahanadi River near Sonepur, Subarnapur District, and 3 specimens from the same river near Boudh bridge, Boudh District of Odisha, India. This species is distinct from its congeners by having a combination of characteristics: relatively small eyes, diameter of 6.6–8.4 in head length (LH); robust and long snout, 2.0–2.6 in LH; eye diameter 2.7–4.1 in snout length; cephalic sensory pore system interrupted with eight pores; predorsal scales 13–15; longitudinal scale series 55–58; gill rakers 2 + 1 + (6–7) on the first gill arch; teeth small, conical, and in a single row on the upper jaw and multiserial (2–3) on the lower jaw. This species is also differentiated from some of its congeners in the nucleotide composition of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene by 8.3%–13.8% Kimura two-parameter (K2P) distance and belongs to a separate cluster in the maximum likelihood tree analysis. This finding is also supported by the species delimitation analysis based on Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning. The new species holds high commercial value in its locality and needs special conservation attention for sustainable utilization.     

Diversity of the snail‐eating snakes Pareas (Serpentes,Pareatidae) from Taiwan

Pareatidae are a group of mollusc‐eating snakes widely distributed in South‐eastern Asia. Due to their dietary specialization, the asymmetric dentition of pareatids has recently become an interesting issue in evolutionary biology. However, phylogenetic relationships and species diversity of pareatids are still poorly studied. A total of three Pareas species, P. formosanus (Van Denburgh 1909), P. compressus (Oshima 1910) and P. komaii (Maki 1931), have been reported for Taiwan. However, only P. formosanus is currently regarded as a valid species. Using mitochondrial sequence phylogeny, nuclear c‐mos haplotype network, as well as multivariate morphometrics, we re‐evaluated the taxonomic status of Pareas from Taiwan, the Ryukyus and adjacent regions. These lines of evidence showed congruent results for the coexistence of three Pareas species in Taiwan, with prominent genetic and morphological differentiation and differing level of dentition asymmetry. The currently used name P. formosanus should be applied only to the snakes with red iris, comparatively short lower jaw and totally smooth dorsal scales. An examination of the type material indicated that the name P. compressus should be regarded as a junior synonym of P. formosensis sensu stricto. Pareas komaii (Oshima 1910) is confirmed as a valid taxon with yellow iris, elongated lower jaw and strongly keeled dorsals. The third clade is characterized by a yellow iris, elongated lower jaw and weakly keeled dorsals. Despite their sympatric occurrence, every examined individual showed consistent grouping from mitochondrial, nuclear and morphological markers, indicating there is no gene flow among these three clades. Here, we describe the third clade as a new specie, Pareas atayal sp. nov.     

A new species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triplophysa</Emphasis> (Nemacheilinae: Balitoridae), <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triplophysa jianchuanensis</Emphasis> sp. nov,from Yunnan,China

A new loach species, named Triplophysa jianchuanensis, has been recognized in collections from Jianchuan in Dali Prefecture, Yunnan, China. Triplophysa jianchuanensis can be distinguished from the other Triplophysa species by the following combination of characteristics: smooth skin, scaleless; lateral line complete; head long (26.7–29.8% of SL); eyes large (25.9–31.0% of dorsal head length); snout shorter than postorbital length (26.9–30.1% of HL); middle of lower lip interrupted and forming a pair of furrows; lower jaw spoon-like with obtuse edge; posterior chamber of air bladder completely degenerated; intestines short, bending in zigzag-shape behind stomach; pelvic-fin tip not reaching anus; caudal fin emarginate; branched rays of dorsal fin 7; branched rays of caudal fin 16. A key to the known species of Triplophysa from the Lancangjiang River is provided.     

A new species of Silvinichthys (Siluriformes,Trichomycteridae) lacking pelvic fins from mid‐elevation localities of the southern Andes,with comments on the genus

Silvinichthys huachi new species, is described from a stream along the lower slope of the Andean Cordillera in the Provincia de San Juan, Argentina. It shares the distinctive modifications characteristic of Silvinichthys, but is distinguished from the four previously described congeners by the combination of a lack of the pelvic fin and the pelvic girdle, details of pigmentation and various meristic and morphometric features. Silvinichthys huachi is apparently endemic to the type locality situated within an arid region of western central Argentina in the Andino Cuyana Province. Major gaps in the range of species of Silvinichthys may indicate that the origin of the genus predates the uplift events that subdivided drainages along the eastern slopes of the Andean Cordillera in west central Argentina. Silvinichthys huachi is hypothesized to be the sister species of Silvinichthys bortayro.     

A new species of anchovy,Encrasicholina auster (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) from Fiji,southwestern Pacific Ocean

ABSTRACT

Encrasicholina auster sp. nov. (Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) is described on the basis of six specimens collected from Fiji, southwestern Pacific Ocean. The new species is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: long upper jaw (posterior tip extending beyond posterior margin of preopercle) 20.8%–22.5% standard length (SL); long lower jaw 19.0%–20.7% SL; long head 29.1%–29.2% SL; three unbranched rays in the dorsal and anal fins; transverse scales 11; branched pectoral-fin rays 12–13; pseudobranchial filaments 19–21; gill rakers 45–49, 40–43, 26–31 and 22–25 on the first, second, third and fourth gill arches, respectively.     

A new genus and species of deepwater codfish (Pisces: Moridae) from New Zealand

Abstract

Momonatira globosus, a new monotypic genus and species of Moridae, is described from five specimens taken in 1153–1184 m from South Canterbury Bight, New Zealand. Spindle shaped otoliths indicate affinities with genera within the Physiculus group. Momonatira is distinctive in having broad fleshy bases to the dorsal and anal fins; a very large globular head; no light organ or barbel; 5–6 rays in the ventral fin; the lower jaw included and in other characters.     

A new genus, Leptomelanosoma, for the polynemid fish previously known as Polydactylus indicus (Shaw, 1804) and a redescription of the species

A new genus, Leptomelanosoma, is proposed for the polynemid fish, Polydactylus indicus (Shaw, 1804). The genus differs from all other genera in the family Polynemidae by the following combination of characters: anterior one-third of lower jaw with small teeth extending onto lateral surface, adjacent portion of lip poorly developed; ethmoid not covered dorsally by frontals; sphenotics visible dorsally between anterior margins of parietal and pterotic; upper and lower caudal fin lobes very long, filamentous; swimbladder with many appendages inserted into lateral walls of abdominal cavity; grayish-black body. The type species, Polydactylus indicus, is redescribed as Leptomelanosoma indicum. Received: September 19, 1999 / Revised: June 9, 2000 / Accepted: July 10, 2000     

Jaw morphology and ontogeny in five species of Ophryotrocha

Detailed scanning electron microscopy of jaws within the genus Ophryotrocha (Dorvilleidae, Annelida) was performed on 871 jaw parts. The investigations resulted in new understandings of the ontogeny and jaw morphology and have systematic implications for the family. Five species in the genus (Ophryotrocha alborana, O. diadema, O. gracilis, O. hartmanni, and O. labronica pacifica) were kept in culture, and the development of the jaws was studied by sampling throughout their life history. Ophryotrocha species have mandibular plates that remain the same throughout ontogeny, whereas the posterior shafts elongate. Both mandibular plate morphology and shaft ontogeny have species‐specific distinctions. In Ophryotrocha, the maxillae can be assigned to three to four distinct types, which are replaced by moulting. The maxillary morphology and developmental stages at which moults occur are species specific, although with broad intervals. A redefinition is given for some of the basic jaw elements, and new homologies are proposed for structures that are also present across other dorvilleid taxa. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Doederleinia gracilispinis</Emphasis> (Fowler, 1943), a junior synonym of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Doederleinia berycoides</Emphasis> (Hilgendorf, 1879), with review of the genus

A poorly known acropomatid, Rhomboserranus gracilispinis Fowler, 1943, was originally described on the basis of specimens from the Philippines. Since the recognition of Rhomboserranus as a junior synonym of Doederleinia, R. gracilispinis had been considered a valid species of Doederleinia. Examination of the holotype of R. gracilispinis and other type series of nominal species of Doederleinia showed them to be included in the single species D. berycoides (Hilgendorf, 1879). The sole representative of Doederleinia is distributed from Japan to northwestern Australia. This species is distinguishable from other acropomatids by the following combination of characters: head and body red; nine dorsal-fin spines; three anal-fin spines; no luminous organ; a row of conical teeth with a large canine tooth medially on lower jaw; large conical teeth on anterior part of outer margin with two or three large canine teeth on inner margin on upper jaw; and anus situated just anterior to origin of anal fin.