New cave trichomycterid
Posted: 12 Sep 2012, 00:23
Bichuette, ME & PP Rizzato, 2012. A new species of cave catfish from Brazil, Trichomycterus rubbioli sp.n., from Serra do Ramalho karstic area, São Francisco River basin, Bahia State (Silurifomes: Trichomycteridae). Zootaxa 3480: 48–66.
Abstract
Trichomycterus rubbioli, herein described, is a new species from the limestone caves of the Água Clara system from the Serra do Ramalho karstic area, southwest of Bahia State, north-eastern Brazil. The new species is diagnosed by the combination of the following non-exclusive characters: highly reduced skin pigmentation; reduced eyes, externally visible as small black or reddish-brown spots; long barbels, especially the nasal (86.9–127.1% of head length) and maxillary (98.1–129.3% of head length); and pectoral-fin ray count reaching I, 9. The troglobitic status is suggested by the presence of troglomorphisms on an advanced degree, especially the reduction of skin pigmentation and the regression of the eyes, besides the absence of individuals in superficial drainages of the region. Population densities, recorded on two occasions, were extremely low. Trichomycterus rubbioli occurs in water bodies formed by infiltration in the rock, and, because of this, it must be considered fragile and as a priority in conservation programs of Brazilian karstic areas.
Abstract
Trichomycterus rubbioli, herein described, is a new species from the limestone caves of the Água Clara system from the Serra do Ramalho karstic area, southwest of Bahia State, north-eastern Brazil. The new species is diagnosed by the combination of the following non-exclusive characters: highly reduced skin pigmentation; reduced eyes, externally visible as small black or reddish-brown spots; long barbels, especially the nasal (86.9–127.1% of head length) and maxillary (98.1–129.3% of head length); and pectoral-fin ray count reaching I, 9. The troglobitic status is suggested by the presence of troglomorphisms on an advanced degree, especially the reduction of skin pigmentation and the regression of the eyes, besides the absence of individuals in superficial drainages of the region. Population densities, recorded on two occasions, were extremely low. Trichomycterus rubbioli occurs in water bodies formed by infiltration in the rock, and, because of this, it must be considered fragile and as a priority in conservation programs of Brazilian karstic areas.