Why we shouldn’t blame women for gender disparity in academia : perspectives of women in zoology

The following letter, from a network of women zoologists, is a reply to the article of AlShebli et al. (2020), which suggests that female protégés reap more benefits when mentored by men and concludes that female mentors hinder the success of their female protégés and the quality of their impact. This contribution has two parts. First, we highlight the most relevant methodological flaws which, in our opinion, may have impacted the conclusions of AlShebli et al. (2020). Second, we discuss issues pertaining to women in science, bring a perspective of Women in Zoology and discuss how current diversity policies are positively changing our field

Two new species of Characidium Reinhardt (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from northeastern Brazilian coastal drainages

Two new species of Characidium , onefrom the rio Pardo basin, and anotherfrom the rio Paraguaçu basin, Bahia, Brazil, are described. The first new speciesis distinguished from its congeners by having conspicuous black vertical traces on body, formed by the concentration of melanophores along posterior margin of scales. The species further differs from most congeners by the presence of a conspicuous 3-shaped black blotch on the caudal fin and isthmus not covered by scales. The other new species is distinguished from congeners by having irregular dark blotches on dorsum alternating elongation to one or the other side of body, usually not connected to lateral blotches. The species can be further characterized by the absence of conspicuous blotches or bars on fins and the presence of secondary sexual dimorphism, such as pelvic fins of mature males longer than in females and with bony hooks

Astyanax epiagos Zanata & Camelier, 2008, new species

Astyanax epiagos, new species Fig. 1 Holotype. MZUSP 89568 (59.3 mm SL), Brazil, Bahia, Morro do Chapéu, rio Ferro Doido, above Cachoeira do Ferro Doido, tributary of rio Jacuípe, Paraguaçu drainage, 11 ° 37 ’34.0’’N, 41 °00’ 11.5 ’’W, 899 m alt.; Zanata et al., 10 June 2005. Paratypes. All from Brazil, Bahia, Morro do Chapéu. UFBA 0 2792 (344, 3 c&s, 14.0– 52.6 mm SL). MZUSP 89569 (20, 23.7–42.6 mm SL). ANSP 189081 (20, 25.6–42.5 mm SL); collected with holotype. UFBA 0 2794 (6, 26.9–36.6 mm SL), tributary of rio Jacuípe 4 km from Morro do Chapéu, 41 °07’ 13.’’N, 11 ° 34 ’ 20.7 ’’W, 934 m alt.; Zanata et al., 10 June 2005. Diagnosis. Astyanax epiagos can be distinguished from most of its congeners and from all other Astyanax species known from northeastern Brazilian drainages (A. brevirhinus, A. fasciatus, A. intermedius, A. lacustris, A. pelecus, A. rivularis, and A. taeniatus) by a vertically elongated humeral blotch and body highest along vertical through midlength of pectoral fin (vs. distinctly horizontally elongated humeral spot and highest body depth just anterior to dorsal-fin origin in A. lacustris and A. pelecus), absence of dark stripe from humeral region to caudal peduncle (vs. well defined dark midlateral stripe along most of body length in A. intermedius, A. pelecus, A rivularis, A. taeniatus), 2–4 outer premaxillary teeth and total anal fin rays 17–21 (vs. 5 teeth and 28 anal-fin rays in A. brevirhinus). Astyanax epiagos can be further distinguished from A. rivularis by having lower number of perforated scales (35–36, rarely 34 or 37, vs. 39 scales), lower number of branched anal-fin rays (13–17 vs. 19), lower number of maxillary teeth (0–2 vs. 3–4), and shorter upper jaw length (31.6–41.4 % vs. 45.1–47.7 %). It can be also distinguished from A. intermedius by its slender body, with longer distance between posterior margin of eye and dorsal-fin origin (39.5–43.2 % vs. 33.7–38.2 %), longer distance from dorsal-fin origin to caudal-fin base (45.7–52.7 % vs. 53.0– 54.2 %), and narrower humeral blotch. The new species differs further from A. taeniatus by its lower number of branched anal-fin rays (13–17 vs. 19–24) and lower number of cusps on teeth (usually three to five vs. usually seven cusps, even on maxillary teeth) and from A. pelecus by its lower number of lateral line scales (35–36, rarely 34 or 37, vs. 38–39 scales) and longer caudal peduncle length (13.3–16.6 % vs. 11.3–13.2 %). It can be further distinguished from A. fasciatus by the absence of scales covering anal-fin rays base and body highest on vertical around midlength of pectoral fin (vs. presence of sheath of anal-fin scales and highest body depth just anterior to dorsal-fin origin). Astyanax epiagos can be distinguished from A. turmalinensis by its relatively smaller eye diameter (26.2– 34.1 % vs. 31.1–39.7 %), absence of scales covering base of anal fin-rays (vs. presence), slender body, narrower humeral blotch, wider naked area between ventral margin of infraorbitals and preopercle and narrower and more conspicuous black blotch on caudal peduncle. The new species is also distinguished from A. jacobinae by the presence of conspicuous dark blotch over caudal peduncle, extending through median caudal-fin rays, smaller eye diameter (26.2–34.1 % vs. 36.8– 40.3 %), shorter anal-fin base length (18.1–23.2 % vs. 27.6–30.7 %), relatively longer caudal peduncle length (13.9–18.6 % vs. 12.2 –14.0%), longer distance from eye to dorsal-fin origin (39.5–43.2 % vs. 36.0– 39.2 %), and by having infraorbitals comparatively less developed, leaving broad space between these ossifications and preopercle (see under ‘Discussion’ for diagnosis of the species from “ A. scabripinnis species complex”). Description. Morphometric data of the holotype and paratypes are presented in Table 1. Body somewhat compressed, robust, and elongate. Greatest body depth located around vertical through midlength of pectoral fin. Dorsal profile of head convex from upper lip to vertical through anterior nostrils; straight to slightly concave from latter point to tip of supraoccipital spine and nearly straight to slightly convex from this point to dorsal-fin origin; profile of predorsal portion of body slightly convex in all its extension in specimens around 28.0 mm SL. Body profile straight to somewhat convex along dorsal-fin base; straight from dorsal-fin base terminus to adipose fin; slightly concave between latter point to origin of dorsalmost procurrent caudal-fin ray. Ventral profile of head and body convex from tip of lower lip to anal-fin origin. Body profile along analfin base straight and posterodorsally inclined. Ventral profile of caudal peduncle nearly straight to slightly concave. Head obtusely rounded anteriorly in lateral profile; mouth terminal. Posterior terminus of maxilla extending slightly beyond anterior margin of orbit. Premaxillary and dentary teeth massive, cusps distributed in a gently arch facing oral cavity. Premaxillary teeth in two rows. Outer row with 2 (6), 3 * (20), or 4 (4) teeth bearing 3 or 5 cusps. Inner row with 4 (16) or 5 * (3) teeth bearing 4 to 7 cusps. Symphyseal tooth of inner series narrow, asymmetrical, with one cusp on anteromedial side, one larger central cusp and two smaller on lateral side, second teeth the larger, with 7 cusps, penultimate and last teeth with 4 cusps in two specimens and last teeth with 3 cusps in the other c&s specimen. Maxilla with 0 (2), 1 (21), or 2 * (6) teeth bearing 3 cusps. Dentary with 8 (3) somewhat elongate and symmetrical teeth, anterior ones similar in size, with 5 cusps, antipenultimate with 3 cusps and two posteriormost abruptly smaller teeth with 1 cusp. A. epiagos A. jacobinae Scales cycloid, circuli absent on exposed area of scales, with few slightly divergent radii extending to posterior margin of scales. Lateral line slightly decurved anteriorly, completely pored from supracleithrum to base of caudal fin, with 34 (1), 35 (9), 36 * (17), or 37 (1) perforated scales. Horizontal scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line 5 * (6) or 6 (23), not including scale of predorsal series situated just anterior to first dorsal-fin ray. Horizontal scale rows between lateral line and pelvic-fin insertion 4 * (18) or 5 (12). Scales along middorsal line between tip of supraoccipital process and origin of dorsal fin 10 (1), 11 (6), 12 * (14), or 13 (5). Horizontal scale rows around caudal peduncle 13 (3) or 14 * (22). Base of anteriormost anal-fin rays not covered by series of scales. Dorsal-fin rays ii, 9 (30). Distal margin of dorsal fin straight or slightly rounded. Dorsal-fin origin located slightly posterior to the middle of standard length. Base of last dorsal-fin ray anterior to or aligned with analfin origin. First dorsal-fin pterygiophore inserting behind neural spine of 10 th (1), 11 th (2) or 12 th* (1) vertebra. Adipose fin present. Anal-fin rays iv, 13 (1), 14 (5), 15 (15), 16 * (8), or 17 (1). Distal margin of anal fin slightly concave to nearly straight. First anal-fin pterygiophore inserting behind haemal spine of 19 th (2) or 20 th (1) vertebra. Pectoral-fin rays i, 10 (4), 11 * (20), or 12 (5). Tip of pectoral fin not reaching vertical through pelvic-fin insertion. Pelvic-fin rays i, 6 (1) or 7 * (29). Caudal fin forked, lobes rounded, similar in size. Principal caudal-fin rays 10 + 9 (3). Nine (2), 10 (1) or 11 * (1) dorsal procurrent caudal-fin rays, and 9 * (3) ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays. First gill arch with 7 (3) + 1 (3) + 10 (2) or 11 (1) rakers. Vertebrae 34 (1), 35 (1), 36 (1), or 37 *(1). Supraneurals 5 (3). Color in alcohol. Overall ground color tan, darker dorsally and yellowish ventrally. Dark chromatophores densely concentrated on dorsal surface of head from upper lip to supraoccipital spine. Small, dark chromatophores present over two first infraorbitals and anterior half to two-thirds of maxilla. Remaining infraorbitals and opercle usually with larger dark chromatophores. Area situated between ventral borders of infraorbitals and border of preopercle relatively clearer, with small chromatophores sparsely distributed. Ventral portion of head less pigmented, with scattered dark chromatophores more concentrated on anteromedian area. Scales of dorsal portion of body with dark chromatophores concentrated along its posterior margin resulting in a reticulate pattern; pattern usually reaching scale series immediately above pelvic-fin insertion. Central portion of scales with scattered, relatively large dark chromatophores, more densely distributed on dorsal half of body. Humeral region with a vertically-elongated, relatively narrow blotch not bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by clearer areas. Blotch extending over two horizontal series of scales above lateral line and one below it and covering one or one and a half scale from horizontal series above lateral line. Dark line poorly visible, extending from rear of humeral blotch to caudal peduncle. Relatively wide dark stripe on caudal peduncle, extending from area somewhat anterior to vertical through adipose fin or just below the fin and reaching the posterior border of four or five median caudal-fin rays. Abdominal region without dark chromatophores. All fin-rays darkened and small dark chromatophores scattered over clearer interradial membranes. Dorsal and anal fins somewhat darker. Anal fin of some specimens with higher concentration of dark chromatophores on distal border of rays. Pelvic fins hyaline or with few dark chromatophores forming interrupted lines over lateral borders of rays. Adipose fin darkened by small chromatophores. Darker specimens with higher concentration of chromatophores over whole body, all fins and interradial membranes, and humeral and caudal spots not clearly visible. Sexual dimorphism. Bony hooks on anal-fin rays were found in six male specimens examined (28.8– 42.8 mm SL). Hooks absent on remaining fins. Geographic distribution and ecological notes. Astyanax epiagos is known only from rio Ferro Doido, a tributary of rio Jacuípe, itself a tributary of the rio Paraguaçu, a coastal drainage of eastern Brazil (fig. 2). It was collected only above Cachoeira do Ferro Doido, a waterfall 98 meters high. According to extensive sampling efforts in other stretches of rio Ferro Doido the species is apparently absent below the waterfall and, indeed, absent in all others streams of Paraguaçu basin sampled. The species was collected exclusively in dark water streams, running over rocky bottom at elevate altitudes (899–934 m), in environment characterized by relatively small rocky pools (0.5 m deep and 1.5 m wide) connected by extremely shallow stretches of water or small rapids (fig. 3). The surrounding vegetation is characteristic of ‘Campo Rupestre’, with predominance of herbs and shrubs. The unique fish species collected with A. epiagos and known to occur in the region is Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus. The analysis of the stomach contents of six specimens revealed the presence of filamentous algae, fragments of vascular plants, adults and two distinct larvae of Diptera (Chironomidae), adults of Hemiptera and Coleoptera (Chrysomelidae), fragments of Hymenoptera and of other unidentified arthropods. Popular name. Piaba. Etymology. The name epiagos from the Greek, epi for above, and agos meaning rocky cleft, refers to the presence of the species on area above the waterfall and valley formed by rio Ferro Doido.Published as part of Zanata, Angela M. & Camelier, Priscila, 2008, Two new species of Astyanax (Characiformes: Characidae) from upper rio Paraguaçu and rio Itapicuru basins, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil, pp. 28-40 in Zootaxa 1908 on pages 29-33, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.27453

Speciation and biogeography in the genera Glandulocauda Eigenmann and Mimagoniates Regan (Characiformes: Characidae: Glandulocaudinae).

A tribo Glandulocaudini inclui os gêneros Lophiobrycon, Glandulocauda e Mimagoniates e dez espécies, distribuídas em ambientes de água doce do leste e sul do Brasil, no Paraguai e nordeste do Uruguai. São peixes neotropicais de pequeno porte, cujo grau de especialização morfológica e comportamental, bem como os padrões de distribuição das espécies, constituem interessante modelo para estudos evolutivos e para o entendimento de padrões biogeográficos de peixes de água doce na América do Sul. Embora os trabalhos sobre sistemática e biogeografia realizados recentemente representem avanço considerável no conhecimento de Glandulocaudini, nenhum foi embasado fundamentalmente em evidências moleculares. Além disso, amostragens recentes revelaram aspectos inéditos relativos à distribuição de populações alopátricas das espécies Glandulocauda melanopleura e Mimagoniates microlepis e estes novos dados indicaram a necessidade de estudos mais aprofundados em nível populacional, envolvendo a análise combinada de dados moleculares e morfológicos. A presente tese aborda estas questões, e para isto está dividida em três capítulos. No primeiro capítulo foi realizada uma análise filogenética com base em sequências gênicas do mtDNA e nuDNA para a tribo Glandulocaudini, que representa a primeira hipótese de relações proposta com base em dados moleculares para o grupo. No segundo e o terceiro capítulos foram realizadas análises filogenéticas, filogeográficas, de demografia histórica, e análises morfológicas das populações alopátricas de Mimagoniates microlepis e Glandulocauda melanopleura, respectivamente.The tribe Glandulocaudini comprises three genera, Lophiobrycon, Glandulocauda and Mimagoniates, and ten species, distributed in freshwater environments of eastern and southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Uruguay. Its members include small Neotropical fishes, whose degree of morphological and behavioral specialization, as well as the distributional patterns of the species are of great value for evolutionary studies and understanding of biogeographical patterns of South American freshwater fishes. Although studies on systematics and biogeography carried out recently represent considerable progress on the knowledge of Glandulocaudini, none was grounded in molecular evidence. Furthermore, recent samples revealed unknown aspects concerning the allopatric distributions of populations of Glandulocauda melanopleura and Mimagoniates microlepis, and this new data indicates the need of more deep studies at population levels, combining both molecular and morphological analysis. This thesis addresses such issues and for this purpose it is divided in three chapters. In the first chapter, a phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Glandulocaudini, based on mtDNA and nuDNA data was performed, representing the first hypothesis of relationship for the group based on molecular data. In the second and third chapters, analysis of phylogeny, phylogeography and historical demography were performed, as well as morphological studies on allopatric population of Mimagoniates microlepis and Glandulocauda melanopleura, respectively

Astyanax jacobinae Zanata & Camelier, 2008, new species

Astyanax jacobinae, new species Figs. 4, 5 Holotype. MZUSP 89570 (50.8 mm SL), Brazil, Bahia, Jacobina, Itaitu village, rio da Jaqueira below Cachoeira Araponga, tributary of rio Itapicuru-mirim, rio Itapicuru basin, 11 ° 22 ’ 19.8 ’’N, 40 ° 29 ’ 39.7 ’’W, 535 m alt.; Zanata et al., 13 June 2005. Paratypes. Collected with holotype. UFBA 0 2793 (5, 22.8–38.2 mm SL; 1 c&s, 32.2 mm SL). MZUSP 89571 (3 R, 27.1 –32.0 mm SL). Diagnosis. Astyanax jacobinae can be distinguished from most of its congeners and from all other Astyanax species known from northeastern Brazilian drainages (A. brevirhinus, A. fasciatus, A. intermedius, A. lacustris, A. pelecus, A. rivularis, A. taeniatus) by the presence of a vertically elongated humeral blotch (vs. distinctly horizontally elongated humeral blotch in A. lacustris and A. pelecus), absence of a conspicuous dark stripe from humeral region to caudal peduncle (vs. well defined dark midlateral stripe along most of body length in A. intermedius, A. pelecus, A rivularis, A. taeniatus), three or four outer premaxillary teeth, three maxillary teeth, and 21–26 anal fin rays (vs. five outer premaxillary teeth, one or two maxillary teeth, and 28 anal-fin rays in A. brevirhinus). The new species differs from the majority of Astyanax species by its larger eye diameter (36.8–40.3 % vs. 24.7–35.4 %, with the exception of A. intermedius among northeastern species that approaches the eye diameter of A. jacobinae with 29.0– 36.4 %). Astyanax jacobinae can be further distinguished from A. intermedius by having higher number of branched anal-fin rays (19–22 vs. 16–18), shorter distance from snout to anal-fin origin (61.4–64.4 % vs. 66.2–68.3 %), and longer anal-fin base length (27.6– 30.7 % vs. 21.6–24.8 %). Can be further distinguished from A. rivularis by having lower number of perforated scales (34–37 vs. 39) and three maxillary teeth (vs. one or two). Also differs from A. taeniatus by having three maxillary teeth (vs. two) and by having lower number of cusps on teeth (usually five vs. usually seven cusps, even on maxillary teeth). Astyanax jacobinae can be further diagnosed from specimens of A. fasciatus from São Francisco and Paraná rivers by the absence of a conspicuous caudal blotch, by having three maxillary teeth, and dentary teeth decreasing gradually in size (vs. presence of a well defined caudal blotch, one maxillary teeth, and dentary with four larger teeth followed by a number of small ones). This new species distinguishes from A. turmalinensis by its higher number of maxillary teeth and by the presence of only one humeral blotch (3 or 4 teeth vs. 1 or 2 and presence of two humeral blotches). It can be also distinguished from A. epiagos by having higher number of branched anal-fin rays (19–22 vs. 13–17), three maxillary teeth (vs. 0–2), longer anal-fin base length (27.6–30.7 % vs. 18.1–23.2 %), shorter distance from eye to dorsal-fin origin (36.0– 39.2 % vs. 39.5–43.2 %), and also by the absence of broad space between infraorbitals and preopercle (see under ‘Discussion’ for diagnosis of the species from “ A. scabripinnis species complex”). Description. Morphometric data of the holotype and paratypes are presented in Table 1. Body compressed, moderately elongate. Greatest body depth located along vertical through posterior portion of pectoral fin. Dorsal profile of head convex from upper lip to vertical through anterior nostrils; straight to slightly concave from latter point to tip of supraoccipital spine and convex from this point to dorsal-fin origin. Body profile along dorsal-fin base straight and posteroventrally inclined; straight from dorsal-fin base terminus to adipose fin; slightly concave between latter point to origin of dorsalmost procurrent caudal-fin ray. Ven t ra l profile of body convex from tip of lower lip to anal-fin origin. Body profile along anal-fin base straight and posterodorsally inclined. Ventral profile of caudal peduncle nearly straight to slightly concave. Mouth terminal. Posterior terminus of maxilla extending beyond anterior margin of orbit. Premaxillary and dentary teeth massive, cusps distributed in a gently arch facing oral cavity. Premaxillary teeth in two rows. Outer row with 3 * (8) or 4 (1) teeth bearing 3 or 5 cusps. Inner row with 5 (9) teeth bearing 4 to 7 cusps. Symphyseal tooth of inner series asymmetrical, with one cusp on anteromedial side, one larger central cusp and two smaller on lateral side, second teeth the larger, with 7 cusps in the holotype, followed by teeth with 5 cusps; smaller specimens with a maximum of 5 cusps. Maxilla with 3 (9) teeth bearing 5 cusps; teeth similar in size. Dentary with 11 (1) or 12 * (1) symmetrical teeth; anteriormost ones broad and similar in size, with 5 or 7 cusps, followed by teeth with 5 cusps and posterior teeth with 1 or 3 cusps. Dentary teeth decreasing gradually in size and number of cusps posteriorly. Scales cycloid, circuli absent on exposed area of scales, with various divergent radii extending to posterior margin of scales. Lateral line slightly decurved anteriorly, completely pored from supracleithrum to base of caudal fin, with 35 * (3), 36 (3), or 37 (1) perforated scales. Horizontal scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line 5 (2) or 6 * (5), not including scale of predorsal series situated just anterior to first dorsal-fin ray. Horizontal scale rows between lateral line and pelvic-fin insertion 4 * (7). Scales along middorsal line between tip of supraoccipital process and origin of dorsal fin 11 * (6) or 12 (1). Horizontal scale rows around caudal peduncle 13 (2) or 14 * (3). Single row of 3 to 5 scales covering base of anterior most anal-fin rays. Dorsal-fin rays ii, 9 (9). Distal margin of dorsal fin straight. Dorsal-fin origin located slightly posterior to or on the middle of standard length. Base of last dorsal-fin ray aligned with vertical through anterior branched anal-fin rays. First dorsal-fin pterygiophore inserting behind neural spine of 11 th* (2) vertebra. Adipose fin present. Anal-fin rays iv, 19 * (3), 20 (4), 21 (1), or 22 (1). Distal margin of anal fin concave. First anal-fin pterygiophore inserting behind haemal spine of 17 th * (3) or 18 th (2) vertebra. Pectoral-fin rays i, 10 * (3) or 11 (6). Contact of posterior extremity of pectoral and pelvic-fin insertion ontogenetically variable; pectoral fin not reaching vertical through pelvic-fin insertion of holotype but trespassing that point in specimens of 38.2 mm SL or smaller. Pelvic-fin rays i, 6 * (3) or 7 (6). Caudal fin forked, lobes rounded, similar in size. Principal caudal-fin rays 10 + 9 (5). Eleven * (1) or 12 (1) dorsal procurrent caudal-fin rays and 8 (2) or 9 * (2) ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays. First gill arch with 5 (1) + 1 (1) + 10 (1) rakers. Vertebrae 35 * (3) or 36 (2). Supraneurals 5 * (2) or 6 (1). Color in alcohol. Ground color tan, usually ventral and dorsal half of body similarly darkened. Dark chromatophores densely concentrated on dorsal surface of head from upper lip to supraoccipital spine. Middorsal portion of body dark. Small, dark chromatophores present on snout, entire maxilla and on portion of infraorbitals closer to the orbit. Distal portions of infraorbitals, mainly on third infraorbital, and areas of preopercle and opercle with relatively larger, scattered dark chromatophores. Ventral portion of head less pigmented, with scattered dark chromatophores spread throughout. Scales of lateral portion of body with dark chromatophores almost homogeneously distributed over entire area, not forming a conspicuous reticulate pattern. Central portions of scales usually with smaller chromatophores. Region comprised below lateral line, between cleithrum and anal-fin origin, slightly clearer. Humeral region with a vertically-elongated blotch, extending from two horizontal series of scales above lateral line to about one or one and a half scales below it. Humeral blotch bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by clearer areas. Caudal peduncle with inconspicuous dark mark, more visible in specimens around 30.0 mm SL. Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins darkened. Dorsal and caudal fins with dark chromatophores somewhat homogeneously distributed over rays and interradial membranes. Anal fin darkened in a pattern similar to that of dorsal fin, but with dark pigmentation distinctly more developed over interradial membranes and on borders of rays. Pectoral and pelvic fins clearer, with dark chromatophores only over borders of rays. Adipose fin covered with small dark chromatophores. Caudal fin with dark chromatophores somewhat more concentrated on median four or five rays, but not configuring a well defined stripe. Color in life. Freshly collected specimens had overall coloration silvery-tan, with silvery highlights on scales, major portion of iris, infraorbitals, preopercle, and opercle (fig. 5). Dorsal portion of iris, together with lateroventral half of head, with the exception of third infraorbital, and ventral portion of preopercle and opercle tinged with yellow. Scales around humeral spot and on lateroventral region of body anterior to anal fin origin also yellowish. Humeral spot visible, although not so conspicuous as in preserved specimens. Concentration of dark chromatophores visible over caudal peduncle, although not forming conspicuous blotch. Dorsal, anal, caudal, and adipose fins reddish-orange. Pectorals yellowish and pelvic fins hyaline. Sexual dimorphism. Bony hooks on fins or other dimorphic characters were not found in the specimens examined. Geographic distribution and ecological notes. Astyanax jacobinae was collected only in rio da Jaqueira, below Cachoeira Araponga (11 ° 22 ’ 19.8 ’’N, 40 ° 29 ’ 39.7 ’’W), a tributary of rio Itapicuru-mirim, rio Itapicuru basin (fig. 2). The type-locality of A. jacobinae is a dark headwater stream with mild water current running over pebbles, rocks and sand (fig. 6). Stream depth in the area sampled varied between 0.3–0.5 m and average width was around 2.0 m. Trees, palm trees, and grasses represented the marginal vegetation. The analysis of the stomach contents of one specimen revealed the presence of two distinct larvae of Diptera (Chironomidae), larvae of Trichoptera, fragments of adults of Diptera and unidentified fragments of arthropods. Popular name. Piaba. Etymology. The name jacobinae refers to the type locality, município de Jacobina, BA, Brazil.Published as part of Zanata, Angela M. & Camelier, Priscila, 2008, Two new species of Astyanax (Characiformes: Characidae) from upper rio Paraguaçu and rio Itapicuru basins, Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil, pp. 28-40 in Zootaxa 1908 on pages 34-36, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.27453

Biogeography of freshwater fishes from the Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion: distribution, endemism, and area relationships

The Northeastern Mata Atlântica freshwater ecoregion (NMAF) includes part of the eastern Brazilian coastal drainages, has high level of fish endemism and great biogeographic significance. A taxonomic inventory of freshwater fishes from 25 drainages of the NMAF ecoregion and a biogeographic analysis using the Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity (PAE) method were carried out. A total of 192 native species was listed. The PAE method was applied to 24 basins and 37 species, resulting in five equally parsimonious area diagrams. The strict consensus diagram indicates the existence of two main groups of basins throughout the NMAF ecoregion. These groups were denominated: North Group and Central-South Group. The Central-South Group shows a basal polytomy composed by two Groups (Central Group and South Group) plus the rio Itapemirim basin. The North Group is composed by eight drainages from the rio Sergipe to the rio Paraguaçu, the Central Group by five drainages from the rio Cachoeira to the rio Jequitinhonha, and the South Group by nine drainages from the rio Buranhém to the rio Doce. Comments about the species distribution and the fish fauna shared with adjacent ecoregions are provided. We also present a comparison of the hypothesis of river relationships proposed herein with published phylogenetic hypotheses that include taxa relevant to this study