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Reis, RE, P-Y Le Bail & JHA Mol, 2005. New Arrangement in the Synonymy of Megalechis Reis, 1997 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae). Copeia 2005: 678â??682.

Abstract

The recent examination of the holotypes of Callichthys thoracatus and Callichthys longifilis led to important modifications in the nomenclature of the two species of Megalechis. Inspection of these holotypes demonstrated that they represent the species that has commonly been referred to in current literature as Megalechis personata. Because C. thoracatus is an older name than C. personatus, it has priority and is considered as the senior synonym. Callichthys pictus is the oldest name applicable to the species commonly referred to in current literature as Megalechis thoracata, and is thus the valid name. Rearranged synonymies, updated diagnoses, and illustrations are provided for both species of Megalechis.

Looks like the Cat-eLog needs updating.

Silurus wrote: The recent examination of the holotypes of Callichthys thoracatus and Callichthys longifilis led to important modifications in the nomenclature of the two species of Megalechis.

Do I understand correctly that the above is about 2 seperate species? Fishbase gives both names as synonyms of just one, namely Megalechis thoracata.
Thus, I don't quite understand the quote below. Is or isn't the name of M. personata changed?

Silurus wrote: Inspection of these holotypes demonstrated that they represent the species that has commonly been referred to in current literature as Megalechis personata. Because C. thoracatus is an older name than C. personatus, it has priority and is considered as the senior synonym.

Silurus wrote: Callichthys pictus is the oldest name applicable to the species commonly referred to in current literature as Megalechis thoracata, and is thus the valid name.

Am I correct to think that M. thoracata is now a junior synonym and that C. pictus is the valid name for this species?
Thanks.

No, Megalechis personata should now be called M. thoracata, and what used to be called M. thoracata should now be M. picta.

Great. Have you got any idea who both authors might be?
My guess would be M. picta Müller & Troschel, 1848 and
M. thoracata Valenciennes, 1840, but this is based on the old descriptions (both Callichthys) and I don't know who made up the genus Megalechis

Correct. Just remember to include the citations in parentheses (Megalechis was erected by Reis in 1997).

Thanks again. You'll come across it in the Cat-eLog and synonyms list in due course.

Marc van Arc wrote:Thanks again. You'll come across it in the Cat-eLog and synonyms list in due course.

I'll get this changed today in prep. for the Callichthyid synonyms (I need to change names BEFORE I apply synonyms, it makes the whole thing much simpler).

Jools

Does anyone have access to the pdf version of the whole paper?

If you're willing to pay for it, it can be purchased from http://www.bioone.org/perlserv/?request ... =0045-8511

Obviously, if someone has a copy already and don't mind sharing, I'd say that's a better option... Although that's probably not following the letter of copyright law...

--
Mats

Hi there,

I emailed Roberto Reis and got the PDF version..

Regards,
Barry