Abstract

Abstract The species diversity and taxonomy of Rhamphichthys is reviewed and seven species are considered valid: Rhamphichthys apurensis from the Orinoco and Cuyuni river basins; R. drepanium from the Amazon and Orinoco river basins; R. hahni from the Paraná-Paraguay River system; R. heleios and R. lineatus from the Amazon River basin; R. pantherinus from theupper Orinoco, Essequibo, Amazon and coastal rivers of North Brazil,and R. rostratus from the upper Orinoco, Amazon and coastal rivers of Guianas. Based on the examination of specimens from nominal species, from across their geographic ranges, including specimen types, the previous synonymization of four species (R. blochii, R. reinhardti, R. schomburgki, and R. schneideri)with R. rostratus,and R. marmoratus with R. pantherinus is confirmed. Two other nominal species, R. atlanticus and R. longior, are proposed as junior synonyms of R. pantherinus.Species are redescribed and diagnosed based on color pattern, morphometric, meristic, and internal anatomy characters.Distribution maps and an identification key based on the examination of a comprehensive list of materials are also provided.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.