Systematic revision of the Potamotrygon motoro (Muller & Henle, 1841) species complex in the Parana-Paraguay basin, with description of two new ocellated species (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae)

Author(s)

Loboda, Thiago Silva ; de Carvalho, Marcelo Rodrigues

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Neotropical Ichthyology; v. 11, n. 4, p. 45-pg., 2013-12-27.

Abstract

A systematic revision of the Potamotrygon motoro (Muller & Henle, 1841) species complex in the Parana-Paraguay basin based on morphological characters was undertaken. Morphological systems analyzed include external morphology, coloration, dermal denticles, and spines, canals of the ventral lateral-line system, and skeletal components. Potamotrygon motoro is widely distributed in the Parana-Paraguay basin and some of its diagnostic characters are: ocelli present on dorsal disc tricolored, well-defined and evenly distributed, with diameter similar or greater than eye-length; ventral coloration with relatively large whitish central region, with gray or brown area predominant on outer ventral disc margins; dermal denticles well-developed and star-shaped over central disc; labial grooves absent; monognathic heterodonty present in upper and lower jaws of adults. Potamotrygon pauckei Castex, 1963 and Potamotrygon labradori Castex, Maciel & Achenbach, 1963, are synonymized with P. motoro; Potamotrygon alba Castex, 1963, is a nomen dubium in accordance with previous authors. Additionally, two new ocellated species of Potamotrygon from the Parana-Paraguay basin are described: Potamotrygon pantanensis, sp. nov. and Potamotrygon amandae, sp. nov. These are described and compared with P. motoro and other congeners. Potamotrygon pantanensis, sp. nov. is described from the northern Pantanal region; Potamotrygon amandae, sp. nov. is widespread in the Parana-Paraguay basin. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/23420-0 - Morphological diversity and taxonomic revision of monotypic genus Paratrygon Duméril, 1865 (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae): a complex of species.
• Grantee: Thiago Silva Loboda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 02/06459-0 - Phylogenetic systematics, evolution and classification of living and fossil rays, with an analysis of historical biology of freshwater stingrays of the family Potamotrygonidae (Chondrichthyes: Batoidea)
• Grantee: Marcelo Rodrigues de Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants