Checklist of Catfishes
Posted: 08 Mar 2007, 10:26
Zootaxa 1418: 1?628 (2007)
http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/
Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes),
and catalogue of siluriform primary types
CARL J. FERRARIS, JR.
Abstract
A checklist of Recent and fossil catfishes (Order Siluriformes) is presented, summarizing taxonomic literature published
through 2005. From 4624 nominal species group names and 810 genus group names, 3093 species are recognized as
valid, and are distributed among 478 genera and 36 families. Distributional summaries are provided for each species, and
nomenclatural synonymies, including relevant information on all name-bearing types, are included for all taxa. One new
name is proposed herein: Clariallabes teugelsi, as a replacement for Clarias (Allabenchelys) dumerili longibarbis David
& Poll, 1937, which is preoccupied by Clarias longibarbis Worthington, 1933, but has been treated as a valid species of
Clariallabes by Teugels. Acrochordonichthys melanogaster Bleeker, 1854, is designated as type species of Acrochordonichthys
Bleeker, 1857, inasmuch as no earlier valid designation has been found. A new genus Pseudobagarius, is proposed
for the ?pseudobagarius group? of species formerly placed in Akysis. The status of 228 species group names
remains unresolved and 31 names based on otoliths ascribed to catfishes are listed but not placed into the checklist. The
current emphasis given to catfish taxonomy at present is likely to result in a dramatic increase in the total number of valid
taxa as well as major changes in the membership of some of the higher level taxa recognized here.
Key words: Nematognathi, taxonomy, nomenclature, biodiversity, freshwater fishes
Introduction
Osteichthyian fishes of the Order Siluriformes, known by the English common name of catfishes, form a well
diagnosed natural group of primarily freshwater fishes. Most catfishes are apparently tolerant of only fresh
water but the salinity tolerance of several species extends to, or is even limited to, estuarine or even oceanic
levels of salinity. Thus, while most catfishes are recorded from inland waters, the distribution of the order also
includes coastal regions of continents and nearby islands. Catfishes often have large, heavy bones that lend
themselves to fossilization and, comparatively large otoliths. As such, a large number of species of catfishes
have been named from complete or partial skeletal fossils or even from only otoliths.
A checklist of named Recent and fossil catfishes is presented herein. The checklist is thought to be complete
through the end of 2005 for available names proposed for catfishes and literature that treats taxonomic
issues involving catfish taxa. From 4620 nominal species group names and 805 genus group names, 3088 species
are recognized as valid, and are distributed among 477 genera and 36 families (Table 1). In addition, 228
species group names are of uncertain validity and are in need of further study. Of the valid taxa, 19 genera and
72 species are based exclusively on fossil remains. Additionally, 2 genera and 31 species names that are based
exclusively on otoliths are listed herein but are not included in the above mentioned totals.
http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/
Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes),
and catalogue of siluriform primary types
CARL J. FERRARIS, JR.
Abstract
A checklist of Recent and fossil catfishes (Order Siluriformes) is presented, summarizing taxonomic literature published
through 2005. From 4624 nominal species group names and 810 genus group names, 3093 species are recognized as
valid, and are distributed among 478 genera and 36 families. Distributional summaries are provided for each species, and
nomenclatural synonymies, including relevant information on all name-bearing types, are included for all taxa. One new
name is proposed herein: Clariallabes teugelsi, as a replacement for Clarias (Allabenchelys) dumerili longibarbis David
& Poll, 1937, which is preoccupied by Clarias longibarbis Worthington, 1933, but has been treated as a valid species of
Clariallabes by Teugels. Acrochordonichthys melanogaster Bleeker, 1854, is designated as type species of Acrochordonichthys
Bleeker, 1857, inasmuch as no earlier valid designation has been found. A new genus Pseudobagarius, is proposed
for the ?pseudobagarius group? of species formerly placed in Akysis. The status of 228 species group names
remains unresolved and 31 names based on otoliths ascribed to catfishes are listed but not placed into the checklist. The
current emphasis given to catfish taxonomy at present is likely to result in a dramatic increase in the total number of valid
taxa as well as major changes in the membership of some of the higher level taxa recognized here.
Key words: Nematognathi, taxonomy, nomenclature, biodiversity, freshwater fishes
Introduction
Osteichthyian fishes of the Order Siluriformes, known by the English common name of catfishes, form a well
diagnosed natural group of primarily freshwater fishes. Most catfishes are apparently tolerant of only fresh
water but the salinity tolerance of several species extends to, or is even limited to, estuarine or even oceanic
levels of salinity. Thus, while most catfishes are recorded from inland waters, the distribution of the order also
includes coastal regions of continents and nearby islands. Catfishes often have large, heavy bones that lend
themselves to fossilization and, comparatively large otoliths. As such, a large number of species of catfishes
have been named from complete or partial skeletal fossils or even from only otoliths.
A checklist of named Recent and fossil catfishes is presented herein. The checklist is thought to be complete
through the end of 2005 for available names proposed for catfishes and literature that treats taxonomic
issues involving catfish taxa. From 4620 nominal species group names and 805 genus group names, 3088 species
are recognized as valid, and are distributed among 477 genera and 36 families (Table 1). In addition, 228
species group names are of uncertain validity and are in need of further study. Of the valid taxa, 19 genera and
72 species are based exclusively on fossil remains. Additionally, 2 genera and 31 species names that are based
exclusively on otoliths are listed herein but are not included in the above mentioned totals.
