Abstract
Apistogramma diplotaenia sp.n. occurs in the upper and middle Rio Negro. The largest among 186 specimens studied is a 29.2 mm SL male, the largest female is 22.9 mm SL. Distinguishing characters include a unique colour pattern, consisting of two dark bands along the side which converge anteriorly and posteriorly. A comparative osteological study, including other species of Apistogramma and the genera Taeniacara and Apistogrammoides, indicates a progressive forwards loss of infraorbital ossicles and foramina among dwarf cichlids. The long, rod‐like interarcual cartilage ofApistogramma, Apistogrammoides and Satanoperca possibly represents a plesiomorphic condition otherwise unknown among cichlids.
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