A new species of Mastiglanis Bockmann 1994 (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Amazon River basin, Peru

Zootaxa. 2020 Jul 28;4820(2):zootaxa.4820.2.6. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.4820.2.6.

Abstract

Mastiglanis is a genus of heptapterid catfish represented by two valid species. These freshwater species are widely distributed along the Amazon, Orinoco, and Maroni River basins. However, a taxonomic review of specimens collected in the Putumayo and Nanay rivers, Amazon River basin in Peru revealed a new species of Mastiglanis. A morphological analysis was completed for morphometric (36 measurements) and meristic (20 counts) data. Osteological counts and descriptions were made from clear and stained specimens and x-rays images. The new species of Mastiglanis differs from M. asopos and M. durantoni by having a long pelvic fin, short snout, eight branched anal-fin rays, and a higher number of vertebrae and gill rakers. The distribution of the new species is restricted to the upper Amazon River basin.

Keywords: small catfish, freshwater, morphology, taxonomy, Pisces.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Catfishes*
  • Gills
  • Peru
  • Rivers