First record of the non-native pacu, \u3cem\u3ePiaractus brachypomus\u3c/em\u3e, in Lago Petén-Itzá, Guatemala, Central America

We documented the first record of the non-native species Piaractus brachypomus (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) in Lago Petén-Itzá, Petén, Guatemala. One brined specimen was donated by a local fisherman in San Benito, El Petén. The captured specimen was reportedly collected in the southern basin of the lake. We used the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) to validate identity of the specimen. We hypothesize that the local aquarium trade is the most likely source of introduction of the non-native Pacu in Lago Petén-Itzá. Documentamos el primer registro de la especie no nativa Piaractus brachypomus (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) en el lago Petén Itzá, Petén, Guatemala. Un espécimen colectado en la cuenca sur del lago por pescadores locales de San Benito, Petén nos fue donado. La identificación a nivel de especie fue realizada utilizando el gen mitocondrial citocromo oxidasa I (COI). Hipotetizamos que individuos provenientes de acuarios ornamentales son la fuente más plausible de la introducción del pez no nativo Pacu en el lago Petén Itzá

Objectively measuring subjectively described traits: Geographic variation in body shape and caudal coloration pattern within vieja melanura (Teleostei: Cichlidae)

© 2017, Universidad de Costa Rica. All rights reserved. Vieja melanura is a Neotropical cichlid occurring in the Petén-lake district systems of Guatemala, as well as the Río Grijalva-Usumacinta basin, and other systems in Southern México, Belize, and Guatemala. A caudal stripe, extending forward from the caudal peduncle, is characteristic of this species. This stripe is sloped downward in nearly all individuals of V. melanura, but the degree of the slope is highly variable throughout its range. The slope and shape of the stripe has previously been used in diagnosing and differentiating between species of Vieja. The purpose of this study was to use objective methods to investigate morphological variation in the caudal stripe and body shape throughout the range of V. melanura. We studied geometric morphometric analyses of body shape and empirical measurements of the slope of the caudal stripe in 215 specimens of V. melanura. We also used the mitochondrial cytochrome b marker to study population level patterns within V. melanura. Results from our analyses showed significant geographic variation in body shape and patterns of coloration with little mitochondrial phylogeographic structure. These patterns likely correspond to differences in riverine habitats throughout the species’ distribution. In conclusion, these results can be used to inform other studies of color and shape variation as it applies to taxonomy and systematics

Derivation of the freshwater fish fauna of Central America revisited: Myers\u27s hypothesis in the twenty-first century

© The Willi Hennig Society 2014. Although attempts to understand Central American freshwater fish provincialism date to the 1960s, early efforts lacked the wealth of distributional data now available. Biogeographic work on Central American freshwater fishes has been largely descriptive and regional, and lacked a broader synthesis. Here we use parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) to elucidate faunistic relationships between major drainages and to delineate areas of endemism. We then perform a Brooks parsimony analysis (BPA) on the resulting areas. The PAE recovered a primary division between four Pacific and six Atlantic slope areas of endemism. In contrast, the BPA recovered two Central American geographic clades, one sharing a history with North America and the other with South America. Fish diversity is uneven across Central America, with greater diversity in areas adjacent to the more species-rich regions of North and South America. In northern and nuclear Central America, the paucity of ostariophysan freshwater fishes such as catfishes and characins (groups that dominate adjacent regions) contrasts with high species richness of poeciliids and cichlids. Results of this study are consistent with Myer\u27s hypothesis that poeciliids and cichlids dispersed to Northern or Nuclear Middle America early in the Cenozoic, long before the Plio-Pleistocene rise of the Isthmus of Panama

Climate change models predict decreases in the range of a microendemic freshwater fish in Honduras

Despite their incredible diversity, relatively little work has been done to assess impacts of climate change on tropical freshwater organisms. Chortiheros wesseli is a species of Neotropical cichlid (Cichlidae: Cichlinae) restricted to only a few river drainages in the Caribbean-slope of Honduras. Little is known about this species and few specimens had been collected until recently; however, our work with this species in the wild has led to a better understanding of its ecology and habitat preferences making it an excellent model for how freshwater fishes can be affected by climate change. This study assesses the distribution and habitats of Chortiheros wesseli using a combination of field data and species distribution modeling. Results indicate this species is largely limited to its current range, with no realistic suitable habitat nearby. Empirical habitat data show that this species is limited to narrow and shallow flowing waters with rapids and boulders. This habitat type is highly influenced by precipitation, which contributed the greatest influence on the models of present and future habitat suitability. Although several localities are within boundaries of national protected areas, species distribution models all predict a reduction in the range of this freshwater fish based on climate change scenarios. The likelihood of a reduced range for this species will be intensified by adverse changes to its preferred habitats

First record of the non-native suckermouth armored catfish \u3cem\u3eHypostomus cf. niceforoi\u3c/em\u3e (Fowler 1943) (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Central America

We document the first record of Hypostomus cf. niceforoi in Central America. Two specimens of these suckermouth armored catfishes were collected in Lake Nicaragua (Nicaragua) and identified as H. cf. niceforoi. Hypostomus niceforoi is endemic to Andean streams of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru. We hypothesize that its introduction in Central America is related to the aquarium trade, as is the case of other armored catfish species introductions

Photography-based taxonomy is inadequate, unnecessary, and potentially harmful for biological sciences

The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) deposited in collections should be accepted for publication by scientific journals and allowed by the Code has already been discussed in Zootaxa (Dubois & Nemésio 2007; Donegan 2008, 2009; Nemésio 2009a–b; Dubois 2009; Gentile & Snell 2009; Minelli 2009; Cianferoni & Bartolozzi 2016; Amorim et al. 2016). This question was again raised in a letter supported by 35 signatories published in the journal Nature (Pape et al. 2016) on 15 September 2016. On 25 September 2016, the following rebuttal (strictly limited to 300 words as per the editorial rules of Nature) was submitted to Nature, which on 18 October 2016 refused to publish it. As we think this problem is a very important one for zoological taxonomy, this text is published here exactly as submitted to Nature, followed by the list of the 493 taxonomists and collection-based researchers who signed it in the short time span from 20 September to 6 October 2016

Diversification and Biogeography of Neotropical Cichlids

The diversity of fishes in the Neotropics consists of nearly 6,000 species, approximately 10% of all vertebrate species on the planet. Evolutionary patterns and processes in fishes are often quite distinct from terrestrial biota, and the study of freshwater fishes can offer insight into understanding evolution and biogeography of regions. One of the major lineages of neotropical freshwater fishes, family Cichlidae, consist of over 500 species in the Neotropics but over 1,600 species overall. The aim of this study is to (1) assess diversification patterns within the family, with a focus on neotropical clades, (2) reassess phylogenetic relationships among northern Middle American cichlids and formally revise the taxonomy of this enigmatic group of fishes, and (3) assess phylogeographic structure within widespread Middle American fishes and begin exploring intrinsic capabilities that may influence our understanding of their biogeographic history. Results show that neotropical cichlids are relatively old in age and their diversity can be attributed to the age of the clade as opposed to an increase or decrease in rate of evolutionary diversification. For the northern Middle American herichthyin cichlids, a revised taxonomy of the group is offered based on robust taxonomic sampling and assessment of morphological characters to define genera. At a more exclusive taxonomic scale, phylogeographic structure is not observed for some lowland neotropical fishes in Middle America. Incorporation of physiological and behavioral data casts doubt on marine dispersal as the sole or primary mechanism of dispersal for these fishes. Overall results show the importance of an integrative approach to undertand the evolution and biogeography of freshwater fishes in the Neotropics

Peces Ciprinodontiformes de El Salvador

 Introduction: The Cyprinodontiformes are a group of secondary freshwater fishes widely distributed in El Salvador. Currently, many species of this group are usually incorrectly identified for lack of adequate tools. Additionally, their taxonomy and distribution have changed in recent years. Objective: To provide updated information about the taxonomy and distribution of El Salvador Cyprinodontiformes through identification keys, distribution notes, and general descriptions for all species. Methods: We carried out an extensive review of the literature, electronic databases, and museum specimens to generate a list of valid species present in El Salvador. Results: Eleven species in three families are confirmed: Profundulidae (two species), Anablepidae (one species), and Poeciliidae (eight species). We also include distribution data, both vertical and by main basins, and an illustrated guide. Conclusions: There are 11 species of Cyprinodontiformes in El Salvador and they can be found and identified with this article. Introducción: Los ciprinodontiformes son un grupo de peces secundarios de agua dulce ampliamente distribuidos en El Salvador. Actualmente hay errores de identificación por falta de herramientas adecuadas; además, su taxonomía y distribución han cambiado en los últimos años. Objetivo: Proporcionar información actualizada sobre la taxonomía y distribución de los Ciprinodontiformes de El Salvador a través de claves de identificación, notas de distribución y descripciones generales para todas las especies. Métodos: Realizamos una revisión extensa de la literatura, bases de datos electrónicas y especímenes de museo para generar una lista de especies válidas presentes en El Salvador. Resultados: Se confirman once especies en tres familias: Profundulidae (dos especies), Anablepidae (una especie) y Poeciliidae (ocho especies). También incluimos datos de distribución, tanto vertical como por cuencas principales, y una guía ilustrada. Conclusiones: Existen 11 especies de Cyprinodontiformes en El Salvador y se pueden encontrar e identificar con este artículo.&nbsp

Taxonomic Status of the Lago Coatepeque Endemic Convict Cichlid \u3ci\u3eAmatitlania coatepeque\u3c/i\u3e (Teleostei: Cichlidae)

As part of a revision of the cichlid genus Archocentrus, a new genus, Amatitlania, was erected comprising four species: A. nigrofasciata (the type species), A. siquia, A. kanna, and A. coatepeque. Amatitlania coatepeque is an endemic and an eponym of Lago Coatepeque in the interior highlands of western El Salvador. This species was diagnosed by a Y-shaped pattern formed by the ventral fusion of bars four and five on the body; a triple-spined, squarish, or blunt appearance of the dentigerous arm of the dentary; the presence of a posterior projection at the dorsal corner of the lower lip; the presence of a double medial-loop in the gut; sparsely uniform pigmentation of the peritoneum, and 5–5.5 scale rows from the lateral line to the origin of the dorsal fin. Here we examined the taxonomic status of A. coatepeque using molecular and morphological characters. We found that A. coatepeque is phylogenetically nested within the clade of A. nigrofasciata. Additionally, our re-examination of the reported diagnostic morphological characters failed (even in combination) to diagnose A. coatepeque. We instead found that some of those characters were highly variable within A. coatepeque and are sometimes present in members of A. nigrofasciata. Based on our results, we conclude that A. coatepeque is a junior synonym of A. nigrofasciata

Paraneetroplus melanurus Gunther 1862

Re-description of Paraneetroplus melanurus (Günther 1862) Lectotype. BMNH 1864.1. 26.82 (Fig. 7). Type locality is Lake Petén, Guatemala. We designate the largest syntype as the lectotype and the remaining four specimens as paralectotypes (BMNH.1864.1.26.78- 81). Synonyms. Heros melanurus Günther 1862, Heros melanopogon Steindachner 1864, Cichlasoma synspilum Hubbs 1935, Cichlaurus hicklingi Fowler 1956 Material examined. Paraneetroplus melanurus — GUATEMALA: UMMZ 143888 (n= 11), 143889 (n= 2), 143937 (n= 30), 143940 (n= 30), 143949 (n= 3), 187210 (n= 4); BMNH 1864.1.26.78- 82 (n= 5) [Lago de Petén]; UMMZ 95518 (n= 1) [Río San Pedro de Mártir; Río Usumacinta Drainage]; UMMZ 189985 (n= 23) [Río Chixoy]; UMMZ 144044 (n= 17) [Laguna Perdida]; UMMZ 144035 (n= 7) [Laguna de Eckibix]; UMMZ 144048 (n= 18) [Laguna de Yalac]; UMMZ 144053 (n= 18) [Río de la Pasión; Río Usumacinta Drainage]. MEXICO: UMMZ 196488 (n= 2), 210868 (n= 5) [Laguna Bacalar]; UMMZ 184628 (n= 7), 184637 (n= 2) [Río Chilapa; Río Grijalva Drainage]; UMMZ 196435 (n= 30) [Río Usumacinta]; UMMZ 196605 (n= 11) [Gulf of Campeche]; UMMZ 210943 (n= 2) [Río El Huil; Río Usumacinta Drainage]. BELIZE: UMMZ 167692 (n= 1), 190144 (n= 1), 190149 (n= 1), 202885 (n= 22) [Río Belize]. COMPARATIVE MATERIAL— P. maculicauda (UMMZ 180667, n= 3, Costa Rica: Tortugero; UMMZ 195944; n= 1; Belize: Golden Stream); P. guttulatus (UMMZ 194116, n= 5, Guatemala: Río Sis); P. z o n a t u s (UMMZ 178573, n= 4, Mexico: Río Tehuantepec); P. fenestratus (SLU 5022; n= 1; Río Chiquito); P. argentea (UMMZ 189984; n= 4; Guatemala: Río Chixoy); P. regani (UMMZ 184757; n= 2; Mexico: Río Coatzacoalcos); P. bulleri (BMNH 90.10. 10.94, n= 1, Mexico: Río de Sarabia; FMNH 63937, n= 1, Mexico: Río Papaloapan); P. hartwegi (UMMZ 186407, n= 3, Mexico: Río Grijalva); P. breidohri (UMMZ 193906, n= 3, Guatemala: Río Usumacinta); P. bifasciatus (UMMZ 143879, n= 2, Guatemala: Río Usumacinta). Diagnosis. Paraneetroplus melanurus possesses a single dark horizontal to slightly angled band or stripe that typically extends from the caudal-fin base to near the mid-point of the body; ranging from about one-third to nearly half the length of the body. The band appears as a series of connected dark blotches that, in many specimens, are then broken into separated blotches near the band’s anterior extent (Figs. 6, 7, and 8 b). The characteristic “caudal band” is present in both adults and large juveniles, and distinguishes the species from its congeners as well as all other syntopic cichlid fishes. This species is most closely related to Paraneetroplus maculicauda (Hubbs 1935; McMahan et al. 2010) which occurs from the Río Usumacinta drainage south to the Río Chagres in Panama (Kullander 2003). Paraneetroplus melanurus is clearly distinguished from P. maculicauda by the presence in P. melanurus of a long black caudal band, often extending to mid-body. In P. maculicauda, the “band” is absent, replaced by a single large dark blotch at the caudal-fin base (Fig. 8 a). In addition, adult P. maculicauda typically possess a dark vertical bar (belt) at midbody (Fig. 8 a). This character is absent in P. melanurus. The caudal band of P. melanurus also allows this species to be differentiated from all other members of the genus Paraneetroplus (sensu McMahan et al. 2010). In contrast to P. melanurus, the three congeners P. guttulatus, P. zonatus, and P. fenestratus each have a longitudinal band that extends the entire length of the body. Paraneetroplus argentea and P. regani are distinguished from P. melanurus by the absence of a caudal band. Paraneetroplus bulleri is distinguished from P. melanurus based on the presence in P. bulleri of an irregular longitudinal stripe down the body that ends at or just before the caudal-fin base and includes a series of large dark blotches. Paraneetroplus bulleri also possesses a prominent rounded snout (versus angular in P. melanurus) and a more elongate body. Paraneetroplus hartwegi can be distinguished from P. melanurus by the presence of lateral blotches/bars that form a nearly complete longitudinal stripe down the body, which begins with a blotch dorsal to the pectoral fin. Paraneetroplus bifasciatus differs from P. melanurus based on the presence of two stripes along each side of the body. The upper stripe may be a blotch if not developed; however, the lower stripe runs from the pectoral fin base to the caudal fin. Paraneetroplus breidohri differs from P. melanurus by possession of a relatively complete longitudinal dark band extending from near the head to the caudal-fin base. Description. Morphometric data on the lectotype and paralectotypes are reported in Table 3. Paraneetroplus melanurus possesses the following set of meristic traits: average dorsal fin formula XVII 12 [range XV–XVIII 10– 15], anal fin formula VI 9 [range V–VII 7–11], upper lateral-line scales usually 20-22 (range 16–24); lower lateralline scales usually 11–14 (range 7–16); 2 (rarely 1) scale rows between upper and lower lateral line. Individuals possess deep oval shaped bodies (42.8 % SL in type material) and consistently have a prominent black caudal band. The band is variable, either blotched (discontinuous) or mostly solid (i.e. non-blotched), typically becoming more broken anteriorly. Slope of the caudal band is somewhat variable, ranging from nearly straight and horizontal in orientation to slightly angled, ventrally sloping anteriorly. The slope and blotched pattern of the caudal band may differ between left versus right side of the body of the same individual (Fig. 6). Small juveniles may possess a relatively straight caudal band; however, large juveniles and adults typically possess downward sloped bands. Most specimens possess a series of dark blotches along the dorso-lateral scales ventral to the dorsal fin. Breeding males of this species possess a large nuchal hump (Fig. 7). Lectotype Range Mean SD Standard length (mm) 207.0 63.2 –207.0 Coloration in alcohol. Body with an overall brown color; smaller individuals may be a darker brown. Caudal band and dorso-lateral blotches remain black or dark. Dorsal, anal, pelvic, and caudal fins tan, with juveniles often possessing dark spots on fins. Pectoral fins are translucent and relatively colorless in adults, but occasionally having dark spots. Coloration in life. Live specimens have an overall dusky tone, with a gray to yellowish body (Fig. 9). The caudal band and dorso-lateral blotches are black or dark. Fins are a dusky color, often having small dark spots. Individuals may have areas of blue, green, or yellow scales on the body. Adults in breeding condition typically have extensive red or pink on the breast area and sometimes extending over much of the anterior part of the body, with such variation possibly related to localized differences across the native range (Conkel 1997, Schmitter-Soto 1998). Breeding individuals also display blue and yellow coloration on fins. Etymology. While not stated in Günther’s original description, the specific epithet appears to be derived from the Greek melanos (black) and oura (tail), likely in reference to the characteristic caudal band of this species. Description of Lectotype. The lectotype is the largest of the five original syntypes (Fig. 7). The specimen appears well preserved and still possesses distinguishable markings. It is an adult male of 207 mm SL, 55.08 mm from posterior of orbit to pectoral fin, 53.07 mm from posterior of dorsal to anal fin, 88.75 mm from anterior of dorsal to pelvic fin, and 11.13 mm orbit diameter. Dorsal fin XVII 12, anal fin VI 8, 14 pectoral rays, 22 upper lateral-line scales, 13 lower lateral-line scales, 7 scale rows from anal fin to lower lateral line, 2 scale rows between upper and lower lateral line, 6 scales from pectoral to pelvic fin. The gill rakers are relatively short and conical. The maxillary cleft is ventral to the dorsal margin of the pectoral-fin base, and the upper and lower jaws do not extend one over the other. The left side of the specimen possesses a ventral-sloped caudal band, ending anteriorly ventral to the lower lateral line. The caudal band on the right side of the specimen is incomplete, consisting of moderately defined blotches; however, this band also continues to ventral the lower lateral line. The lower lateral line runs through the center of the posterior portion of the caudal band. On both sides of the specimen a series of 3–4 joined dorso-lateral blotches is present. Teeth are conical. The lectotype possesses a nuchal hump on the head, characteristic of breeding males of this species. Intraspecific variation. Variation in meristic characters is minimal throughout the range of this species. Most variation is associated with the pattern and slope of the caudal band, and this variation does not appear to be geographically differentiated. There is also variation in color pattern (see section on coloration, above). Distribution. Paraneetroplus melanurus naturally occurs along the Atlantic slope in the Río Grijalva-Usumacinta system, and east and southward throughout Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Belize to the Lago de Petén system of Guatemala. An introduced population is presumably established in Singapore (Ng and Tan 2010), and the specimens, likely released pet fish, have been reported for open waters of the USA (Fuller et al. 1999) and the Philippines (Froese and Pauly 2009).Published as part of Mcmahan, Caleb D., Murray, Christopher M., Geheber, Aaron D., Boeckman, Christopher D. & Piller, Kyle R., 2011, Paraneetroplus synspilus is a Junior Synonym of Paraneetroplus melanurus (Teleostei: Cichlidae), pp. 1-14 in Zootaxa 2833 on pages 10-13, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20755