Abstract
The monotypic species Ossubtus xinguense was originally described based on scarce material putatively divided into juveniles and adults. Ossubtus xinguense has a restricted distribution and was previously known only from a few rapids downstream of the city of Altamira, in the Volta Grande stretch of the Middle Xingu River. Until recently, the species was rare in museums because its habitat (large rapids) is difficult to sample. Large-scale collecting efforts targeting rapids throughout the Xingu River basin have yielded an abundance of new material. Based on an analysis of the type series and freshly preserved specimens, we redescribe O. xinguense and provide detailed osteological descriptions along with comments about its relationships within Serrasalmidae. Furthermore, we expand the geographical distribution of the species and discuss its conservation status.
Highlights
The monotypic genus Ossubtus was established by Jégu [1] to include new species O. xinguense
Body measurements are given as percents of standard length (SL), and head subunits as percents of head length (HL)
Ossubtus xinguense is a strictly rheophilic fish that occurs in rapids associated with rocky substrates with crevices
Summary
The monotypic genus Ossubtus was established by Jégu [1] to include new species O. xinguense. The original description was based on 15 specimens from rapids in the Xingu River near Altamira city. The species was thought to be rare in nature and restricted to the vicinity of the type locality [2]. Ossubtus xinguense is endemic to the Xingu basin and inhabits rapids with rock outcrops covered by macrophytes of the family Podostemaceae [1], [2]. Those habitats are severely threatened by the recent completion of major construction on the Belo Monte.
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