Hidden species diversity in Marcusenius moorii (Teleostei: Mormyridae) from the Congo Basin

New collections from the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve (YBR) and Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) revealed the presence of two groups of specimens similar to, but different from Marcusenius moorii. To study both these groups, an integrated morphological and genetic (mtDNA, cytb) approach was used. This study revealed that one of the two groups is conspecific with Marcusenius lambouri, a junior synonym of M. moorii, which is herein revalidated, with M. moorii longulus as its junior synonym. Marcusenius lambouri differs from M. moorii by a higher number of lateral line scales (44–46 vs. 40–43), a shorter pectoral-fin length (14.6–19.9 vs. 20.3–25.2% standard length; L_S) and a more elongated body due to a usually shallower middle body depth (19.8–26.5 vs. 26.3–35.9% L_S). The other group revealed to be a new species for science, Marcusenius verheyenorum, which can be distinguished from its congeners with eight circumpeduncular scales by the following unique combination of characters: a rounded head with a terminal mouth; a short and deep caudal peduncle (middle caudal-peduncle depth, 44.9–54.6% caudal-peduncle length; L_CP), a deep body (middle body depth, 27.7–34.2% L_S), 38–43 scales on the lateral line, 40–41 vertebrae, 20–21 dorsal-fin rays and 26 anal-fin rays. Some specimens previously attributed to M. moorii were examined and reassigned to M. lambouri or M. verheyenorum. As a result, M. moorii and M. lambouri occur in sympatry in the middle Congo Basin, with the distribution area of M. moorii still further extending into the lower Congo Basin. Instead, the distribution of M. verheyenorum is limited to some right bank tributaries of the upstream part of the middle Congo Basin. Two museum records from the Lilanda River (YBR), collected in the 1950s and previously identified as M. moorii, were re-identified as belonging to the new species, M. verheyenorum. However, the species now seems locally extinct in that region, which reflects the significant anthropogenic effects even within this reserve.     

Leptonotus vincentae,a new pipefish species (Syngnathidae: Syngnathinae) from the south-west Atlantic Ocean near northern Patagonia

A new species of pipefish Leptonotus vincentae sp. nov. (Syngnathidae) is described on the basis of 12 specimens found in shallow waters (<2 m depth) of San Antonio Bay, Patagonia, Argentina, in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. The species is distinguished from congeners by the combination of: dorsal-fin rays 30–33, pectoral-fin rays 12–13, trunk rings 18–19, tail rings 43–46, subdorsal rings (2–4) + (5.5–8) = (8.5–10), head length 13–14% standard length, snout length 35–55% head length and snout depth 21–30% in snout length. Although this species has often been mistaken for Leptonotus blainvilleanus, most diagnostic characters of the two species differ. Both species are clearly distinguished by their snout length. L. blainvilleanus has a relatively longer snout than L. vincentae sp. nov. The new species is similar to a south-west Pacific species, Leptonotus elevatus. However, L. vincentae sp. nov. differs from this species in that it exhibits a lower number of dorsal-fin rays and a relatively longer head.     

A new species of spiny driftwood catfish Spinipterus (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from the Amazon basin

An expedition to the middle Rio Purus basin uncovered a remarkable new species of the genus Spinipterus. The new species has a very distinct and conspicuous colour pattern resembling a jaguar and it is almost four times larger than Spinipterus acsi, a small specimen (32 mm L_S) from Caño Santa Rita, a right bank tributary of Río Nanay in Peru and a second specimen was reported from Rio Juruá, Amazonas State, Brazil. Although the new species is more similar in size and colour pattern to Liosomadoras, it shares the synapomorphies for Spinipterus. The new species differs from the congener by the following characters: (a) colour pattern with large black rosette-like spots over a light yellow to brown background (v. brown background with small dark blotches over the body); (b) adult body size reaching 104.5 mm L_S (v. maximum known size 37.1 mm L_S); (c) posterior process of cleithrum short, never reaching vertical through the dorsal-fin origin (v. posterior process long, surpassing vertical through the dorsal-fin origin); (d) seven soft pectoral-fin rays (v. six); (e) caudal fin truncated (v. caudal fin rounded).     

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 species of Petroleuciscus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Büyük Menderes River,southwestern Anatolia,Turkey

Petroleuciscus ninae sp. nov. is described from the Büyük Menderes River drainage. The new species is distinguished by having a black lateral stripe from head to base of caudal fin, stripe distinct anteriorly and posteriorly, wider than eye diameter; numerous black pigments on anal‐fin rays; body depth at dorsal‐fin origin 27–30% standard length (L_S); head width at posterior margin of eye 16–19% L_S; and eye diameter smaller than snout length. Petroleuciscus ninae is also distinguished from other species in adjacent waters by having six fixed diagnostic nucleotide substitutions in the mitochondrial DNA coI barcode region.     

A new Parakneria Poll 1965 (Gonorhynchiformes: Kneriidae), ‘Mikinkidi’ from the Upper Lufira Basin (Upper Congo: DRC): Evidence from a morphologic and DNA barcoding integrative approach

A new species, Parakneria alytogrammus, is described from the main stream of the Upper Lufira River. This species is easily distinguished from its congeners from the Congo Basin by its unique colouration, consisting of a low number of transversal bands on each of the caudal-fin lobes, 2 (vs. 3–5) and the presence of an uninterrupted lateral mid-longitudinal black band in fresh and preserved specimens (vs. absent). In addition, the new species differs from its Upper Lualaba congeners by the narrow width of its pectoral-fin base, 4.8–5.6% L_S [vs. wider, 8.2–10.1% for P. lufirae, 8.6% L_S for P. damasi (holotype), and 7.6–7.9% L_S for P. thysi]. Finally, it differs from the only species currently known from the Luapula-Mweru system, P. malaissei, by having a short post-dorsal distance, 36.4–36.6% L_S (vs. longer, 38.6–41.1% L_S) and a short post-pelvic distance of 40.0–40.6% L_S (vs. longer, 41.4–44.1% L_S). Mitochondrial DNA-haplotypes of P. alytogrammus sp. nov. form a clade, which is sister to the P. thysi clade, and from which it diverges by a genetic (Kimura 2-parameter and uncorrected p) distance of 0.7% in the COI-barcoding locus. The Upper Lufira, one of the sub-basins of the Upper Congo Basin, remains poorly explored relative to its fish fauna. In contrast, the region is well explored with regard to its mineral wealth. Unfortunately, mining exploitation is carried out in the region without proper concern for the environment. Thus, the discovery of this new species for science calls for increased protection and aquatic biodiversity exploration in this mining region.     

Synanceia quinque,a new species of stonefish (Synanceiidae) from Borneo and Flores

A new species of stonefish, Synanceia quinque (Synanceiidae) is described on the basis of two specimens (61.5–84.4 mm standard length) collected off Sabah (Borneo), Malaysia and Flores, Indonesia. The new species is characterized by 12 pectoral-fin rays, and is most similar to Synanceia alula Eschmeyer and Rama-Rao 1973 (11 pectoral-fin rays in the latter vs. 14 or more in other congeners). Other characters distinguishing S. quinque from S. alula include numbers of pelvic-fin rays [I, 5 in the former vs. I, 3 or 4 (usually I, 4) in the latter], gill rakers (0 + 4 or 5 vs. 0 or 1 + 7), and five preopercular spines/skin flaps (upper three spines relatively well developed, lower two rudimentary) (vs. four preopercle spines, fifth spine or skin flap absent). An updated key to species of Synanceia is provided.

     

Macrocyprididae (Ostracoda) from the Southern Ocean: taxonomic revision,macroecological patterns,and biogeographical implications

Animal communities inhabiting shallow marine benthic environments around Antarctica are quite well known, however, only a few studies deal with the deep‐water faunas in the Southern Ocean. In the present study 19 deep‐water samples and 14 shallow and mid‐water samples containing macrocypridids were studied. The first important finding of the present study is the fivefold increase in the diversity of Macrocyprididae in the Southern Ocean: the species count increased from six to 30. Additionally, statistical analyses showed that depth is the main factor influencing macrocypridid assemblages and that geography does not play an important role. Two faunal bathymetric boundaries were observed, one around 1250 m and the other around 2500 m depth. Furthermore, species previously believed to be widely distributed (i.e. Macroscapha opaca, Macroscapha turbida, and Macroscapha inaequata) are shown to be groups of sometimes conspicuously distinct species. Over 30 Macrocyprididae species were identified from over 1200 specimens studied. After the study of the soft part morphology and chaetotaxy of Mh. opaca under the electron microscope, the following has been observed: (1) The exopodite of antenna II is clearly inserted on the distal margin of podomere II; (2) several setae previously considered aesthetascs (i.e. the long, proximal setae of podomere IV of the antenna II; the two sexually dimorphic setae of the podomere IV of antenna II; the modified setae of the podomeres II and III of the male appendage V) lack any pore, and should therefore not be chemoreceptors. Sixteen new species are described ( Macromckenziea giambonini sp. nov. , Macropyxis alanlordi sp. nov. , Macropyxis cronini sp. nov. , Macropyxis ghartmanni sp. nov. , Macropyxis hornei sp. nov. , Macropyxis jeans sp. nov. , Macropyxis parajeans sp. nov. , Macrosarisa andeep sp. nov. , Macrosarisa fahrbachi sp. nov. , Macroscapha cactus sp. nov. , Macroscapha falcis sp. nov. , Macroscapha rehmi sp. nov. , Macroscapha scotia sp. nov. , Macroscapha solecavai sp. nov. , Macroscapha subhemispherica sp. nov. , Macroscapha walterae sp. nov. ). Five previously described species are recorded: Macromckenziea glacierae Maddocks 1990 , Macroscapha inaequalis ( G. W. Müller, 1908 ), Mh. inaequata Maddocks 1990 , Mh. opaca Maddocks, 1990 species complex, Mh. turbida ( G. W. Müller, 1908 ). At least nine species are left in open nomenclature. Moreover, Yemanja gen. nov. is described from shallow tropical waters of the Western Atlantic; Macrosarisa procera ( Jellinek & Swanson, 2003 ) comb. nov. is proposed; and Macroscapha tensa ( Müller, 1908 ) is herein considered a nomen dubium. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 159 , 567–672.     

A taxonomical investigation of the genus Corvomeyenia weltner (Spongillidae)

Summary The taxonomically problematic spongillid genus Corvomeyenia Weltner is analyzed. A north-south evolutionary series composed of Corvomeyenia everetti (Mills), Corvomeyenia carolinensis sp. nov., and Corvomeyenia australis Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago can be demonstrated. C. carolinensis sp. nov. possesses spicular characteristics that indicate genetic variation from its congeners; in addition, environmental conditions in the type locality of C. carolinensis sp. nov. differ greatly from the optimal conditions for growth of C. everetti (Mills). A new method for phase contrast study of living sponge tissues and a variety of histological and histochemical techniques are used to taxonomically define C. carolinensis sp. nov.

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Zusammenfassung Die in taxonomischer Hinsicht problematische Spongilliden-gattung Corvomeyenia Weltner wird analysiert. Von Norden nach Süden lässt sich eine Entwicklungsreihe nachweisen, bestehend aus Corvomeyenia everetti (Mills), Corvomeyenia carolinensis sp. nov. sowie Corvomeyenia australis Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago. Die Skelettnadeln von C. carolinensis sp. nov. weisen Merkmale auf, welche auf eine genetische Abweichung von seinen Gattungsverwandten hindeuten; überdies unterscheiden sich die Umweltsbedingungen an den Fundorten von C. carolinensis sp. nov. weitgehend von den optimalen Bedingungen für den Wuchs von C. everetti (Mills). Zur taxonomischen Bestimmung von C. carolinensis sp. nov. werden eine neue Methode der Phasenkontrastuntersuchung lebenden Schwam neue Methode der Phasenkontrastuntersuchung lebenden Schwammgewebes and verschiedene histologische und histochemische Methoden angewandt.

     

Endemics or strangers? The integrative re-appraisal of taxonomy and phylogeny of the Greenland Lymnaeidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

The Lymnaeidae constitute a significant part of the freshwater molluscan diversity of Greenland. Since 1842, not less than 10 nominal taxa of the species and variety rank were described to organize the diversity of the Greenland lymnaeid snails. All previous attempts to revise these taxa were systematically based on morphological evidence only. Here, we provide a molecular analysis of the phylogenetic affinity and systematic status of three alleged species of the Greenland Lymnaeidae: Lymnaea vahlii (Møller, 1842), L. holboellii (Møller, 1842), and L. pingelii (Møller, 1842). We examined the newly collected material and inspected the type series of the three species. Our results show a very tight relationship between the Greenland snails and the Nearctic species Ladislavella catascopium (Say, 1817) s. lato. From the genetic point of view, the Greenland populations should be classified within L. catascopium, albeit probably with the merit of a subspecies status. The three nominal species of lymnaeids described by Møller (1842) are apparently synonyms of each other. Our findings assume a rather recent colonization of Greenland by snails arriving from the North American mainland, which is compatible with the so-called “tabula rasa” hypothesis, proposed to explain the currently observed taxonomic diversity of continental animals and plants of the North Atlantic islands. No lymnaeid species endemic to Greenland is thus revealed.     

Three new species of the genus Leveillula from Iran

 Based on molecular and morphological studies, Leveillula guilanensis sp. nov. on Chondrilla juncea, L. lactucae-serriolae sp. nov. on Lactuca serriola, and L. mindii sp. nov. on Mindium laevigatum are described from Iran. Received: May 7, 2002 / Accepted: September 5, 2002 Correspondence to:S. Takamatsu     

Systematics of the Gyrosigma balticum complex (Bacillariophyta), including three new species

Three new species in the genus Gyrosigma Hassall (G. caliG. Reid sp. nov., G. gibbyiG. Reid sp. nov. and G. murphyi G. Reid sp. nov) are described. A cladistic analysis on the basis of 10 morphological characters, was undertaken to investigate the interrelationships of these new species within Gyrosigma. As well as ‘standard’ cladistic analysis, which apportions equal weight to all characters, a posteriori differential weighting was also investigated. Pleurosigma subtilis Brébisson is transferred to Gyrosigma, as G. subtile (Brébisson) G. Reid comb. nov., because it is more closely related to other species of Gyrosigma than to Pleurosigma Smith. G. balticum var. californicum Grunow in Cleve and Möller is elevated to specific status [as G. californicum (Grunow in Cleve and Möller) G. Reid stat. nov.], because it does not form a monophyletic group with G. balticum (Ehrenberg) Rabenhorst.     

Review of the clingfish genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kopua</Emphasis> (Gobiesocidae: Trachelochisminae) in Japan,with description of a new species

A taxonomic review of the clingfish genus Kopua (Gobiesocidae: Trachelochisminae) in Japan recognizes three species: K. japonica Moore, Hutchins and Okamoto 2012, K. vermiculata Shinohara and Katayama 2015 and K. yoko sp. nov. Kopua japonica and K. vermiculata are redescribed with revised diagnoses on the basis of 20 specimens (10.4–30.4 mm standard length; SL) and the holotype, respectively. Kopua japonica is similar to K. vermiculata in head sensory pore characters (normally single nasal and postocular canal pores). However, the former differs distinctly from the latter as follows: 6–8 (modally 7) gill rakers (vs. 4 or 6); 31–33 (33) vertebrae (vs. 35); anus slightly closer to posterior margin of disc than to anal-fin origin (vs. much closer to posterior margin of disc); snout length 5.3–8.7 (mean 7.0) % SL (vs. 9.2 % SL); disc length 21.2–24.0 (22.8) % SL (vs. 18.8 % SL); pre-dorsal- and anal-fin lengths 72.9–78.4 (75.2) and 78.1–82.8 (80.1) % SL, respectively (vs. 67.5 and 73.6 % SL); and two stripes on cheek (vs. a triangular blotch). Kopua yoko sp. nov., based on 14 specimens (17.7–28.8 mm SL) from the Pacific coast of southern Japan, Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, is characterized by the following combination of characters: 6 or 7 (modally 6) dorsal-fin rays; 4–6 (5) anal-fin rays; 21 or 22 (21) pectoral-fin rays; 4–6 (5 or 6) gill rakers; 31–33 (31) vertebrae; a single (rarely two) nasal canal pores; two lacrimal and preopercular canal pores; snout length 6.5–7.9 (mean 7.1) % SL; gill opening depth 5.8–7.1 (6.5) % SL; least interorbital width 2.0–3.7 (2.6) % SL; disc length 20.3–25.0 (23.1) % SL, disc region D without flattened papillae; caudal-peduncle depth 8.1–10.2 (9.2) % SL; anus slightly closer to posterior margin of disc than to anal-fin origin; pre-dorsal- and anal-fin lengths 71.6–77.1 (73.9) and 77.0–83.7 (80.4) % SL, respectively; post-dorsal-caudal length 12.6–15.0 (13.8) % SL; arch-shaped blotches on lateral aspect of body; and two reddish-orange stripes on cheek. Morphological changes with growth in K. japonica and K. yoko sp. nov. are also described.     

Systematic revision of the formerly monotypic genus Tanganikallabes (Siluriformes: Clariidae)

The monotypic genus Tanganikallabes, endemic to Lake Tanganyika, is a poorly known member of the family Clariidae. Examination of 142 specimens housed in museum collections has revealed the presence of at least two additional species in this genus. Tanganikallabes alboperca sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners by the length of its pelvic fins, the presence of a depigmented vertical bar on the opercular margin, and a combination of additional morphometric (pectoral spine length, preanal length, body depth at anus) and meristic (dorsal and anal fin ray counts) characters. Tanganikallabes stewarti sp. nov. is distinguished from other Tanganikallabes species by having a relatively shorter, incomplete lateral line, and shallow body depth at the anus, as well as shorter prepelvic and preanal lengths, and a longer anal fin with a higher number of fin rays. Several morphological characters, as well as genetic data from cytochrome b (mitochondrial DNA) and 18S–ITS1–5.8S–ITS2–28S (ribosomal DNA), indicate that Tanganikallabes constitutes a monophyletic group within the Clariidae and support the recognition of additional species diversity. The monophyly of Tanganikallabes, coupled with the geographical isolation of this group to a single lake satisfy the requirements for its classification as a true species flock, the latest to be described from Lake Tanganyika. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 165 , 121–142.     

Review of the Acanthopagrus latus complex (Perciformes: Sparidae) with descriptions of three new species from the Indo‐West Pacific Ocean

Acanthopagrus latus, long considered a single valid Indo‐West Pacific Ocean species, characterized by having yellow pelvic, anal and caudal fins, is reviewed and separated into A. latus (east Asian shelf) and Acanthopagrus longispinnis (Bengal Bay), and three new species: Acanthopagrus morrisoni sp. nov. (north‐western Australia), Acanthopagrus arabicus sp. nov. [Middle East (except for the Red Sea) to coasts of Iran and Pakistan, and western Indian coast] and Acanthopagrus sheim sp. nov. (The Gulf). Although A. latus as redefined considerably varies in morphology and colouration, it can be recognized as a discrete east Asian endemic, with the following nominal species being junior synonyms: Chrysophrys auripes, Chrysophrys xanthopoda, Chrysophrys rubroptera and Sparus chrysopterus. Chrysophrys novaecaledoniae, known only from the holotype (type locality: Nouméa, New Caledonia), is a questionable junior synonym of A. latus, the lack of subsequent collections suggesting that the type locality is erroneous. Acanthopagrus longispinnis is differentiated from the other species in the complex by consistently having 12 dorsal‐fin spines and a much larger second anal‐fin spine, 21–26% (mean 23%) of standard length (L_S) (v. 14–24%, mean 18–21% in the other four species). Acanthopagrus morrisoni sp. nov. has the entire caudal fin yellow with a wide black posterior margin (persisting in preserved specimens) and consistently 3 ½ scale rows between the fifth dorsal‐fin spine base and the lateral line. Acanthopagrus sheim sp. nov. has the pelvic, anal and lower caudal fins vivid yellow, with two (rarely three) small black blotches on the lower inter‐radial membranes between the spinous and soft dorsal‐fin rays. Acanthopagrus arabicus sp. nov. consistently has 4 ½ scale rows between the fifth dorsal‐fin spine base and the lateral line, whereas A. latus always has black streaks proximally on the inter‐radial membranes between the yellow anal‐fin rays. A neotype and lectotye, respectively, are designated for A. latus and A. longispinnis. The p‐distance (net nucleotide substitutions per site) of partial mitochondrial 16s ribosomal RNA genes (538 bp) among the above species (except A. longispinnis) and three other congeners (Acanthopagrus berda, Acanthopagrus pacificus and Acanthopagrus bifasciatus) strongly indicates that each is a distinct species. A key is provided for the 20 species of Acanthopagrus currently known from the Indo‐West Pacific Ocean.     

Schindleria elongata,a new species of paedomorphic gobioid from the Red Sea (Teleostei: Schindleriidae)

A new species of paedomorphic gobioid, Schindleria elongata, from the Red Sea, is described on the basis of five specimens. The new species is characterized by its lack of body pigmentation; the body depth at pectoral‐fin origin 4–5% of standard length (L_S) and at anal‐fin origin 5–7% L_S; the predorsal length 66–70% L_S; pre‐anal length 66–71% L_S; dorsal‐fin rays 13 or 14; anal‐fin rays 10 or 11; first dorsal‐fin ray at myomere 20 or 21; first anal‐fin ray below second to fourth dorsal‐fin rays; myomeres 19 or 20 + 13 or 14 = 33 or 34 total; premaxillae and dentaries with small teeth; gas bladder located posteriorly at 56–60% L_S; males with a rod‐like, flexible urogenital papilla lacking lobes, projections or accessory papillae, with distal half tapering to a broad, angular point and usually posteriorly directed. A key to the species of Schindleriidae is presented.     

Taxonomic revision of the genus Stauropoctonus Brauns, 1889 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae) in Japan

The Japanese species of the ichneumonid genus Stauropoctonus Brauns, 1889 are revised. As a result, three species are recognized. Stauropoctonus infuscus (Uchida, 1928 ) stat. rev. , previously synonymized with S. bombycivorus (Gravenhorst, 1829 ), is recognized as a valid species and re‐described. Stauropoctonus bombycivorus, which has already been recorded in Japan, is also recognized and re‐described based on Japanese specimens. Stauropoctonus aurantiacus sp. nov. is described based on a single male specimen from Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Stauropoctonus nigrithorax Lee & Kim, 2002 syn. nov. is newly synonymized with S. bombycivorus. Additionally, a key to the Stauropoctonus species and discussions on their phenology and collection methods are provided.