Two remarkable new trichomycterid catfishes from the Amazon basin in Brazil and Colombia

Two Amazonian freshwater trichomycterid catfishes, Sarcoglanis simplex and Malacoglanis gelatinosus , are described as new genera andspecies and placed in a new subfamily Sarcoglanidinae. The relationships of this new subfamily and those of the Trichomycterinae, Nematogenyinae, Phreatobiinae and Glanapteryginae are discussed.     

辽宁中华弓鳍鱼(Sinamia)一新种

记述了辽宁西部九佛堂组和义县组中华弓鳍鱼一新种:辽宁中华弓鳍鱼Sinamia liaoningensis,并与该属的其他种进行了比较.新材料具有中华弓鳍鱼科的3个定义特征:单一的顶骨,三对额外肩胛骨和膜质翼耳骨短并与顶骨等长,无疑应归入该科.新种的后眶下骨较小,背鳍长大,鳞片菱形,因此,归入中华弓鳍鱼属.辽宁中华弓鳍鱼在以下几个方面不同于中华弓鳍鱼的5个已知种:体型短粗,吻骨较短,鼻骨近四方形,围眶骨较多(6),前鳃盖骨强烈弯曲,背鳍条较少(18),尾鳍条较多(16),臀鳍鳍基起点到鱼体背缘的鳞列较多(32),鳞片后缘不具锯齿,尾鳍具有纤维状的角质鳍条.     

Comparative floral structure and systematics in Chrysobalanaceae s.l. (Chrysobalanaceae, Dichapetalaceae, Euphroniaceae, Trigoniaceae; Malpighiales)

Chrysobalanaceae s.l. , one of the few suprafamilial subclades of Malpighiales that is supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses, and containing Chrysobalanaceae, Dichapetalaceae, Euphroniaceae, and Trigoniaceae, was comparatively studied with regard to floral structure. The subclade is well supported by floral structure. Potential synapomorphies for Chrysobalanaceae s.l. are the following shared features: floral cup; flowers obliquely monosymmetric; sepals congenitally united at base; sepals of unequal size (outer two shorter); fertile stamens concentrated on the anterior side of the flower and sometimes united into a strap; staminodes absent in the posteriormost antepetalous position; anthers extremely introrse, with thecae almost in one plane; endothecium continuous over the dorsal side of the connective; dorsal anther pit; gynoecium completely syncarpous up to the stigma; carpel flanks slightly bulged out transversely and thus carpels demarcated from each other by a longitudinal furrow; flowers with dense unicellular, non-lignified hairs, especially on the gynoecium; light-coloured, dense indumentum on young shoots and inflorescences. Potential synapomorphies for Chrysobalanaceae + Euphroniaceae include: spur in floral cup; clawed petals; lignified hairs on petals; nectary without lobes or scales and mostly annular. Potential synapomorphies for Dichapetalaceae + Trigoniaceae include: special mucilage cells in sepals in mesophyll (in addition to epidermis); anthers almost basifixed; gynoecium synascidiate up to lower style; nectary with lobes or scales and semi-annular.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 157 , 249–309.     

A new subspecies of the subalpine meadow viper, Vipera ursinii (Bonaparte) (Reptilia, Viperidae), from Greece

An isolated group of populations of the subalpine meadow viper, Vipera ursinii , from the southern Pindos mountains in Greece is described as a new subspecies. They differ from all other ursinii populations in a number of morphological characters, such as: shorter tail with a low number of subcaudals (lowest for the species); nasal normally divided into two plates or united with nasorostralia; low number of supralabials (6); first three supralabials very large while following ones are much reduced (less than half the height of anterior ones); third supralabial below orbit; lateral blotches and spots on body absent or weakly visible (mainly in some males and juveniles); no dark spots on cheek, labials and lateral and dorsal sides of head (except occipital and postorbital stripes); dorsal zig-zag band markedly jagged or only consisting of a narrow vertebral line.     

Osteology and myology of the cephalic region and pectoral girdle of Pimelodus blochii, comparison with other pimelodines, and comments on the synapomorphies and phylogenetic relationships of the Pimelodinae (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes)

The cephalic and pectoral girdle structures of the pimelodin Pimelodus blochii (Pimelodus group) are described and compared to those of representatives of the two other main pimelodin groups, namely Calophysus macropterus (Calophysus group) and Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum (Sorubim group), and of a representative of the peculiar pimelodin genus Hypophthalmus, H. edentatus, and several other catfishes, as the foundation for a discussion on the synapomorphies and phylogenetic relationships of the Pimelodinae. Three new, additional potential synapomorphies to support the monophyly of the Pimelodinae are pointed out: (1) presence of a 'muscle 1 of the mandibular barbels' running from the antero-ventro-mesial surface of the cartilaginous plates carrying these barbels to the dentaries; (2) presence of a muscle tensor tripodis running from the posterior surface of the neurocranium to the dorsal surface of the swimbladder near the tripus; and (3) presence of a 'drumming muscle of the swimbladder' running from the parapophyses of the fourth vertebra and, eventually, the posterior surface of the neurocranium, to the antero and antero-ventral surface of the swimbladder. The subfamilies Pimelodinae, Heptapterinae and Pseudopimelodinae seem to constitute a monophyletic assemblage, thus contradicting the commonly accepted idea that the family Pimelodidae is a polyphyletic clade.     

A new subfamily of Trichomycteridae (Teleostei, Siluriformes), lower loricarioid relationships and a discussion on the impact of additional taxa for phylogenetic analysis

The Copionodontinae is described as a new subfamily of the neotropical catfish family Trichomycteridae. It comprises two new genera and three new species from north-eastern Brazil: Copionodon gen. nov. (including C. pecten sp. nov. and C. orthiocarinatus sp. nov. ) and Glaphyropoma gen nov. (including G. rodriguesi sp. nov. ) The Copionodontinae can be diagnosed externally by the anterior position of the dorsal fin, the presence of a well-developed adipose fin, and the strongly spatulate shape of the jaw teeth. The subfamily is hypothesized as monophyletic on the basis of several synapomorphies in internal and external anatomy. Copionodontines have the plesiomorphic condition of several characters, relative to all other trichomycterids, including the presence of ductus pneumaticus; the possession of separate pterosphenoids, sphenotics and prootics; the presence of the intercalarium; the complete infraorbital latero-sensory canal; the presence of the interhyal; and the wide lateral opening of the swimbladder capsule. Elsewhere within trichomycterids, these primitive traits are found only in Trichogenes. These and other characters support the hypothesis that copionodontines are the plesiomorphic sister group of all other trichomycterids, and that Trichogenes is their next successive sister group. Contrary to the currently accepted hypothesis, the monotypic Nematogenyidae is proposed as the sister group of the Trichomycteridae, and not of all remaining loricarioids. This change is to a major extent induced by the inclusion of copionodontines and Trichogenes in the analysis of lower loricarioid relationships. The present case is given as an example of the impact that undiscovered taxa, fossil or Recent, may have upon hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships.     

Larvae of Ceratocanthidae and Hybosoridae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea): study of morphology, phylogenetic analysis and evidence of paraphyly of Hybosoridae

Abstract. Larvae of the scarabaeoid genera Germarostes Paulian, Cyphopisthes Gestro, Paulianostes Ballerio, Ceratocanthus White, Pterorthochaetes Gestro, Madrasostes Paulian, Astaenomoechus Martínez & Pereira (Ceratocanthidae) and Hybosorus Macleay, Phaeochrous Castelnau, and Anaides Westwood (Hybosoridae) are described, keyed and illustrated with fifty‐seven drawings. A phylogenetic analysis of these two families based on larval morphology is presented. Fifty‐four larval morphological and three biological characters from twenty‐seven taxa revealed nineteen equally parsimonious cladograms. The monophyly of (Ceratocanthidae + Hybosoridae) is supported by four unambiguous unique synapomorphies: dorsal medial endocarina on cranium extended anteriorly into frontal sclerite; presence of large membranous spot on apical antennomere; labium dorsally with four pores in centre (secondarily reduced to two pores in some groups); and presence of stridulatory organ on fore‐ and middle legs (secondarily reduced in some groups). Our analysis suggests that the family Hybosoridae is paraphyletic with respect to Ceratocanthidae. The clade comprising the hybosorid genera Hybosorus and Phaeochrous is the sister group of the remaining Hybosoridae plus Ceratocanthidae. It is supported by two unambiguous synapomorphies: two apical antennomeres completely joined and the stridulatory organ represented by seven to nine large teeth anteriorly on the middle leg. The hybosorid genus Anaides is a sister group to the remaining Hybosoridae plus Ceratocanthidae (without Hybosorus and Phaeochrous) and the ceratocanthid genus Germarostes is a sister group to the remaining Hybosoridae plus Ceratocanthidae (without Hybosorus, Phaeochrous and Anaides). The ceratocanthid genera Cyphopisthes, Astaenomoechus, Paulianostes, Pterorthochaetes, and Madrasostes constitute a sister group to the hybosorid genus Cryptogenius and are supported by the presence of two reversions: two dorsal pores on labium and completely reduced stridulatory organs on fore‐ and middle legs.     

New postcranial elements of the Thalassodrominae (Pterodactyloidea,Tapejaridae) from the Romualdo Formation (Aptian–Albian), Santana Group,Araripe Basin,Brazil

Tapejarids are edentate pterosaurs recovered mainly from Early Cretaceous deposits. They are diagnosed by five synapomorphies, among which only one is postcranial: a broad and well‐developed tubercle at the ventroposterior margin of the coracoid. Regarding the clade Thalassodrominae, most phylogenetic studies are based on cranial elements, as postcranial skeletons of these pterosaurs are rare. Here, new postcranial material from the Romualdo Formation (Aptian–Albian) from the Araripe Basin is described. The material comprises the three posteriormost cervical vertebrae, the first seven dorsal vertebrae (fused into a notarium), both scapulocoracoids, a fragment of a sternum, a partial right humerus, a small fragment of a 4th phalanx of the wing finger, a distal extremity of the right femur and the proximal portions of both tibia and fibula. Comparisons with other specimens and morphological features examined in a phylogenetic context, such as the presence of three foramina lateral and dorsal to the neural canal of the cervical vertebrae, the presence of a notarium and a pneumatic foramen on the ventral side of the proximal portion of the humerus, allow the assignment of this specimen as Thalassodrominae indet. Regarding palaeobiogeographical aspects, to date, this clade is exclusively found in the Romualdo Formation. It is the most complete postcranial material assigned to the Thalassodrominae described so far.     

A cladistic analysis of the genera in the subfamily Pudicinae (Nematoda, Trichostrongyloidea, Heligmonellidae).

A parsimony analysis was performed on 37 specific taxa belonging to the subfamily Pudicinae (family Heligmonellidae), which contains parasites mainly from South American caviomorph rodents. Thirteen characters were used from the synlophe (rotation of axis, presence of carene, carene asymmetry, presence of comaretes, single ventral comarete length, ridge discontinuity, ventral ridge numbers, presence of a peculiar posterior synlophe, presence of supernumerary spines) and the male caudal bursa (relative length of rays 9 and 10, caudal bursa type, division of the dorsal ray, divergence of the 10th rays). The cladogram shows a consistency index of 1.0. The subfamily Pudicinae has two synapomorphies. Two suprageneric groups are recognized. Suprageneric group 1 shows one synapomorphy and contains Heligmostrongylus, Fuellebornema, Sciurodendrium and Pseudoheligmosomum; suprageneric group 2 shows two synapomorphies and contains Pudica, Acanthostrongylus, Justinema and Durettestrongylus. Five genera are defined on the basis of synapomorphies. The genera Heligmostrongylus, Sciurodendrium and Pudica which are considered paraphyletic, however, are retained due to lack of knowledge as to their relationships.     

First Neogene skulls of Doedicurinae (Xenarthra,Glyptodontidae): morphology and phylogenetic implications

Among Glyptodontidae, Doedicurinae (late Miocene–early Holocene) includes the glyptodonts with the largest size and latest records. Doedicurinae is mainly characterised by a smooth surface of the osteoderms with large foramina, and a particular morphology of the caudal tube. All taxa except one (Doedicurus clavicaudatus) have been recognised and characterised on the basis of remains of caudal tubes and/or dorsal carapaces. This situation produced an evident overestimation of the real diversity of this group, and a taxonomic revision is needed. In fact, no Neogene skulls were known. We present and describe the first two Neogene skulls belonging to Doedicurinae (cf. Eleutherocercus antiquus). The materials come from the El Polvorín and Chapadmalal Formations, in the surroundings of Olavarría and Mar del Plata localities, respectively (Buenos Aires province, Argentina). A cladistic analysis was carried out in order to situate these materials among Glyptodontidae and inferring new synapomorphies at skull level in Doedicurinae. Cf. Eleutherocercus antiquus clusters with the Pleistocene species Doedicurus clavicaudatus showing three unambiguous synapomorphies, which in turn represents the first skull synapomorphies for Doedicurinae. Finally, the presence of cf. Eleutherocercus antiquus in the El Polvorín and Chapadmalal Formations suggests that the stratigraphic distribution of this species could include the Montehermosan–Chapadmalalan interval.     

A new viviparous acoel Childia vivipara sp. nov. with observations on the developing embryos, sperm ultrastructure, body wall and stylet musculatures

A free‐living viviparous acoel, Childia vivipara sp. nov., from the Gullmar fjord of the Swedish coast is described. The new species is assigned to the taxon Childia based on histological, ultrastructural and molecular sequence similarities. All available molecular markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and histone H3) and several morphological characters, obtained using transmission electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy of whole mount specimen stained with TRITC‐labelled phalloidin, support the placement of C. vivipara in the taxon Childia. Childia vivipara and other Childia species share the following morphological synapomorphies: well‐developed copulatory organs built of tightly packed stylet needles, proximal part of the stylet inserted into the seminal vesicle, reversed body‐wall musculature, absence of ventral diagonal muscles, presence of dorsal diagonal muscles, and presence of ventral straight longitudinal muscles between frontal pore and mouth, 9 + 1 sperm axoneme structure, six distal sperm cytoplasmic microtubules, and extensive overlap of axonemes and nucleus. The new species can be easily distinguished from other Childia species by its viviparous mode of reproduction and single curved stylet. Observations on late embryonic development based on the oldest developing embryos are discussed.     

A new parascylliid species, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Parascyllium sparsimaculatum</Emphasis>, from Western Australia (Elasmobranchii: Orectolobiformes)

Parascyllium sparsimaculatum sp. nov. is described using external and skeletal morphologies on the basis of three female specimens collected from the continental slope off Western Australia. This new species is clearly distinguished from four congeners by having a relatively large head (length greater than 16% of TL); a large eye (horizontal diameter of eye greater than 11% of HL); a large pectoral fin (anterior margin more than 10% of TL); relatively tall, erect dorsal fins with angular apices; 43–49 tooth rows on upper jaw; a yellowish-brown body with large, diffuse-edged, rusty-brown spots; and an extremely faint, collar-like saddle over the gill region. A key to species is provided. Received: November 27, 2000 / Revised: August 27, 2001 / Accepted: September 18, 2001     

Asterropteryx atripes, a new gobiid fish from the Western Pacific Ocean (Perciformes: Gobioidei)

 A new gobiid fish, Asterropteryx atripes, is described on the basis of eight specimens from Iriomote-jima Island, Ryukyu Islands, and El Nido, Philippines. It differs from its congeners by having the following combination of characters: 3rd spine of first dorsal fin long, filamentous, distal tip usually over end of 2nd dorsal fin base when appressed in both sexes; pelvic fins almost separated, innermost (=5th) segmented rays connected by rudimentary low membrane between bases, and no frenum; 4–7 short spines on posterior margin of preopercle (the uppermost spine usually just behind the cephalic sensory canal pore N); eye large, 32.3–35.8% of head length; enlarged haemal arches on 1st two caudal vertebrae; a distinct black band from posterior margin of eye to caudal fin base (indistinct in dark-phase individuals); black pelvic fin (vivid in dark-phase individuals); numerous minute bright blue spots on head and body in life; no distinct dark spots on head and body; iris entirely reddish-brown or dusky (bright white ventrally in pale-phase individuals) when alive or fresh, and entirely black in preservation, without white transverse bar on middorsal surface; hovering habit. The new species appears to be most closely related with the other only known hovering species, A. striata; the latter is readily distinguished from the former in having no long, filamentous dorsal spine; semitranslucent pelvic fin; and a series of small black spots along dorsal fin base and dorsal edge of caudal peduncle. Asterropteryx contains two distinct groups, and the monophyly of the genus is open to question. Received: March 19, 2000 / Revised: February 25, 2002 / Accepted: April 25, 2002     

A new Aequidens species from the Rio Trombetas, Brasil, and redescription of Aequidens pallidus (Teleostei, Cichlidae)

Aequidens pallidus (Heckel) reaches c. 140 mm standard length and occurs in the drainages of the blackwater rivers Negro, Puraquequara, Preto da Eva and Uatumã in Brasil. Aequidens duopunctata Haseman is a junior synonym. Aequidens tubicen sp.n., was collected in the Trombelas and Mapuera rivers a little upstream of Cachoeira Porteira. The largest specimen is 116 mm standard length. It differs from all other Aequidens species in the possession of a dark spot at the inner angle of the preopercle and adjacent cheek. Aequidens pallidus and A. tubicen form a group diagnosed by a high number of vertebrae (14 + 13 = 27) and three colour pattern synapomorphies: lateral band positioned more dorsally and the midlateral spot positioned more posteriorly than in other Aequidens species, and caudal spot preceded by a large light spot at the dorsal margin of the caudal peduncle.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chelidoperca tosaensis</Emphasis>, a new species of perchlet (Serranidae) from Japan and the Philippines,with geographic range extension of <Emphasis Type="Italic">C</Emphasis>. <Emphasis Type="Italic">stella</Emphasis> to the northwestern Pacific Ocean

Chelidoperca tosaensis is described as a new species based on 84 specimens from Japan and the Philippines taken from depths of 60–302 m. The species can be distinguished from all known congeners by having the following combination of characters: scale rows between lateral line and base of spinous dorsal fin 3; pored lateral-line scales 37–42 (modally 39); scale rows in longitudinal series 39–43 (modally 40); no longitudinal dark stripe or row of dark blotches on body side. The new species is additionally characterized by having a combination of numerous, scattered, yellow spots on dorsal and anal fins with red streak or cluster of reddish spots over bases of about 4–6th dorsal-fin spines; large ocellated red spot with pinkish white border present on membrane between opercular spines; pelvic fin with middle area yellow with whitish spine, and whitish first, second and fifth soft rays; caudal fin with about three transverse rows of yellow spots centrally and posteriorly, two fan-shaped rows of red blotches on basal third, and a pair of white blotches with a pair of yellow blotches between white blotches on the base. Diagnostic characters of Chelidoperca stella, previously known only from its type locality in the Andaman Sea, are updated based on 12 specimens from Taiwan, the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam and the Philippines. These specimens represent the first records of the species from the Pacific Ocean.     

Monophyly of the Citharidae (Pleuronectoidei: Pleuronectiformes: Teleostei) with considerations of pleuronectoid phylogeny

The monophyly of Citharidae, the pleuronectoid family thought to be a transitional group between the Psettodoidei and other typical pleuronectoids, has been in question mainly because of the lack of recognized synapomorphies for the family. In this study, the citharid skeleton is described, and the monophyly of the family and its phylogenetic position within the Pleuronectoidei are reassessed following a phylogenetic analysis based on 45 osteological, myological, and external characters. The Citharidae was found to represent a monophyletic group, supported by six synapomorphies (e.g., first dorsal proximal radials firmly wedged into notch of blind side lateral ethmoid; anterior dorsal proximal radials tightly mutually attached; blind side posterior nostril considerably enlarged). Two previously recognized subfamilies, sinistral Citharinae and dextral Brachypleurinae, are invalid because of their nonmonophylies. Interrelationships of the pleuronectoids shown herein are discussed. Received: February 19, 2001 / Revised: July 10, 2001 / Accepted: July 23, 2001     

A new species of the grenadier genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coelorinchus</Emphasis> (Actinopterygii: Gadiformes: Macrouridae) from the Timor Sea,Eastern Indian Ocean

Coelorinchus okamurai sp. nov. is described from five specimens collected in the Timor Sea at a depth of 610–690 m. The new species belongs to the Coelorinchus japonicus group (redefined in this study), and differs from all other congeners in having the following combination of features: snout moderately long, sharply pointed in lateral and dorsal views, length 39–42% of head length; lateral nasal ridge completely supported by nasal bone; light organ short, length less than 1/2 orbit diameter, its anterior margin falling far short of pelvic-fin bases; premaxillary teeth in short, uniformly wide band, with posterior end of the tooth band not reaching lateral corner of mouth; no teeth greatly enlarged; body scales covered with short, reclined, narrowly blade-like spinules in widely divergent rows; buttresses of body scale spinules scarcely developed; occipital scales between parietal ridges armed with divergent rows of long, erect, needle-like spinules; nasal fossa usually naked (a few small scales rarely present anteroventrally); patches of small scales sparsely distributed on ventral surface of head; scales on underside of head armed with 1–3 rows of short, erect, needle-like to knife-like spinules; interdorsal space longer than first dorsal-fin base length; subopercle terminating as a long, slender flap; body dark overall without prominent markings; fins uniformly blackish.     

A new species of Gracixalus (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Vietnam

We describe a new species of small tree frog from northern Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Gracixalus waza sp. nov. is distinguishable from its congeners and other small rhacophorid species on the basis of a combination of the following characters: (1) size small (snout-vent length of males 27.1–32.9 mm, of females 37.6 mm); (2) head as wide as or wider than long; (3) vomerine teeth absent; (4) snout rounded and long (16–18 % of the snout-vent length); (5) spines on upper eyelid absent; (6) tibiotarsal projection absent; (7) dorsal skin smooth; (8) dermal fringes on forearm and tarsus absent; (9) dorsal surface of head and body greyish-green to moss-green with dark brown pattern forming an inverse Y marking; and (10) throat and chest with dark marbling. Our molecular data showed that the new species is nested in the same group with Gracixalus jinxiuensis sensu lato.     

A new reefgoby,Priolepis duostella (Perciformes: Gobiidae) collected from off Kashiwa-jima Island,Kochi, Japan

Priolepis duostella sp. nov. (Perciformes: Gobiidae) is described based on a single specimen of 28.8 mm in standard length collected from an artificial reef released established for 2.5 years in ca. 100 m depth off Kashiwa-jima Island, Kochi, southern Japan. Within the three species grades of the genus, the new species is included in the “Priolepis profunda” grade, characterized by the presence of predorsal scales and well-developed transverse papillae rows on the cheek. The new species can be clearly distinguished from congeners by its distinctive coloration, including two black blotches, each crossed by a vertical white stripe, on the caudal fin, four white stripes on the head, and six white bars on body, the second bar curved, continuous with the anteriormost diagonal stripe on the first dorsal fin, the third bar bent at the middle, originating on the second dorsal-fin origin, and the fourth bar curved. Although most similar in coloration to Priolepis akihitoi Hoese and Larson 2010, the new species can be distinguished from the latter by the following: a large eye, its diameter 31.4% of head length (HL) (vs. 26.1–30.3), a wide interorbital space, its width 10.9% HL (vs. 5.3–7.8), six bars on the body, second to fourth curve or bent (vs. eight, all straight), black blotches on the lower caudal fin (vs. absent), and three anterior transverse interorbital papillae (ATI) (vs. one or two); and four or five posterior transverse interorbital papillae (PTI) (vs. one or two).