New species of thorny catfish, genus Leptodoras Boulenger (Siluriformes: Doradidae), from Tapajos and Xingu basins, Brazil

Author(s)

Birindelli, Jose L. O. ^[1] ; Sousa, Leandro A. ^[1] ; Perez, Mark H. Sabaj ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Museu Zool, BR-04218970 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Acad Nat Sci, Dept Ichthyol, Philadelphia, PA 19103 - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Neotropical Ichthyology; v. 6, n. 3, p. 465-480, JUL-SEP 2008.
• Web of Science Citations: 11

Abstract

A new species of thorny catfish (family Doradidae) is described as a member of genus Leptodoras Boulenger by having a modified oral hood and first gill arch with enlarged accessory lamellae extending well onto medial face of gill filaments. The new species is distinguished by three characteristics unique within Leptodoras: gas bladder moderately sized (not reduced) with simple walls (diverticula absent), and paired bony capsules on anteriormost vertebrae reduced to paired cup-like laminar ossifications separated by triangular septum. The new species was discovered from material recently collected in the Tapajos basin at Serra do Cachimbo and in the headwaters of rio Xingu. The species description is supplemented by a detailed osteological description, discussion on its placement among congeners, and a re-evaluation of the diagnosis of Leptodoras and its relationships with sister taxon Anduzedoras oxyrhynchus. In addition, the distributions of several species of Leptodoras are expanded based on recent collecting efforts and identification of museum specimens not previously studied. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/04162-1 - Taxonomic review and phylogeny of Astrodoradinae (Siluriformes, Doradidae)
• Grantee: Leandro Melo de Sousa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate