Science News: Loricariidae - Cordylancistrus perijae

[Silurus]

Synopsis by <B>Shane Linder</B>

Reprinted below is the original abstract by the authors:

"A new species of loricariid catfish, <I>Cordylancistrus perijae</I>, is described on the basis of 32 specimens collected in three rivers N of Sierra de Perijá, in NW Zulia state, Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela. The genus Cordylancistruswas created by Isbruecker (1980) for the single known species, Cordylancistrus torbesensis (Schultz 1944). All specimens of this species were collected in the Torbes River, a tributary of the Uribante River, Apure River system, Orinoco Basin. Cordylancistrus perijae can be recognized from C. torbesensis by the combination of the following characters: Head and caudal peduncle less depressed; odontodes of the interopercular area short, the longest not reaching beyond the base of the pectoral fin; and a distinctive colour pattern.

<I>Cordylancistrus torbesensis</I> and <I>C. perijae</I> are restricted to the foothill rivers of the Cordillera de Mérida and Sierra de Perijá, respectively. These rivers belong to different basins (Orinoco and Maracaibo) clearly separated by the Cordillera de Mérida. This geographical distribution adds a new element to the biogeographical discussion about the Venezuelan fauna and lets us suggest a minimum age for the genus <I>Cordylancistrus</I> in Venezuela of approximately 20 my (Early Miocene)."

The authors also provide some habitat data in the description. <I>C. perijae</I> was collected in mountain rivers. The rivers have transparent water, strong to moderate currents, and temperatures ranging from 18-24C. The river substrate consists of rocks, small stones, and sand. Aquatic vegetation is sparse or absent due to the forest canopy. Very good photos are present in the description as well as a geographical distribution map. One important note to aquarists is that <I>C. torbesensis</I> reaches 65mm SL and 83mm TL while <I>C. perijae</I> reaches 120mm SL and 150mm TL.


<B>Reference:</B> Perez, A. & Francisco Provenzano R. 1996. <I>Cordylancistrus perijae</I>, a new Species of Armored Catfish (Siluroidei: Loricariidae) from the Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela. Stud. Neotrop. Fauna & Environment 31: 27-34.