Crenicichla celidochilus N. Sp. from Uruguay and a Multivariate Analysis of the lacustris Group (Perciformes, Cichlidae)

Abstract

Crenicichla celidochilus is described as a new species of the family Cichlidae. The type material was taken in two tributaries of Rio Cuareim in Uruguay. Crenicichla celidochilus fundamentally differs from other species of the genus by the presence of a widened and intensely pigmented lateral band continued onto the base of the caudal fin including the caudal ocellus. The relationships of C. celidochilus to the closely-related species of lacustris group (C. cf. iguassuensis, C. niederleinii, C. scottii, and C. vittata) was assessed by principal components analysis and Minimum Spanning Tree of 33 characters found variable among these taxa. The evidence presented suggests that C. celidochilus differs from its relatives in color pattern. Crenicichla cf. iguassuensis and C. niederleinii are found in an intermediate position between C. scottii and C. vittata. A close affinity exists between C. celidochilus and C. scottii. T HE species of Crenicichla exhibit marked preference for lotic environments. Crenicichla was described by Heckel (1840), together with the genus Batrachops. The differences between these two genera are still a matter of controversy. Some authors (Giinther [1862];