Rediscovery, taxonomic and conservation status of the threatened catfish Listrura camposi (Miranda-Ribeiro) (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)

Abstract

The genus Listrura, Glanapteryginae, currently comprises six valid species of small and elongated trichomycterid catfishes that inhabit coastal plains of Southern and Southeastern Brazil. As primarily fossorial dwellers, species of the genus display unusual morphological adaptations and restricted habitats, which make these fishes particularly susceptible to environmental disturbance. Listrura camposi is poorly known and ranked as a Critically Endangered catfish species, according to current Brazilian list of threatened species. Description of the species was based on a single specimen collected in 1940, and for seven decades no additional specimens were reported. As a consequence, basic information about the species is unavailable. Recently, a population of L. camposi was found inhabiting a small stream tributary to rio Ribeira de Iguape basin, São Paulo State, relatively close to the type locality. On the basis of newly collected material, the species is redescribed and the first data on its habitat and ecology are presented. Conservation status is also discussed.