On a new colorful species of Moenkhausia (Characiformes: Characidae) from the upper rio Madeira basin at the Chapada dos Parecis, Brazil, with comments on its conservation and putative biogeographic history

Author(s)

Marinho, Manoela Maria Ferreira ; Dagosta, Fernando Cesar Paiva

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Fish Biology; v. N/A, p. 7-pg., 2023-08-10.

Abstract

A new species, Moenkhausia iris, is described from the upper rio Madeira basin, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The new species is unique among congeners by its color in life, which is the dorsal half of body blue or green and ventral half red, more intense above the anal fin. Additionally, it can be distinguished by having a single, vertically elongated humeral spot, a lateral surface of body, caudal peduncle, and anal fin without distinct blotches or oblique marks and 18-19 branched anal-fin rays. The new species is endemic from a small tributary of the Rio Guapore, rio Madeira drainage at Chapada dos Parecis. Its putatively close relatives are endemic to the upper rio Juruena located at the same shield. Both headwaters are very close to each other, sharing other restricted range species, and their hydrogeological topography indicates the upper rio Juruena stretch was captured by the rio Guapore through a headwater capture event. Moenkhausia iris is much appreciated in the international aquarium trade, as well as many other tetras endemic from the same area. Exportation is based on the capture of wild individuals so sustainable exploitation is necessary for its conservation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/19075-9 - Diversity and evolution of Gymnotiformes (Teleostei, Ostariophysi)
• Grantee: Naercio Aquino Menezes
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/11415-0 - Miniature Characiformes (Teleostei: Ostariophysi): evolution, diversity and biogeography
• Grantee: Manoela Maria Marinho Koh
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - BIOTA - Young Researchers
• FAPESP's process: 17/09321-5 - Miniature Characiformes (Teleostei: Ostariophysi): evolution, diversity and biogeography
• Grantee: Manoela Maria Marinho Koh
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Young Investigators Grants