Two new Amazonian species of armored catfishes (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): Ancistrus verecundus and Ancistrus parecis

Abstract

Two new species Ancistrus are described: A. verecundus from the upper rio Madeira basin and A. parecis from the upper rio Juruena, rio Tapajós basin, Brazil. The two species differ from all congeners except A. jataiensis, A. reisi, and A. tombador in the absence of an adipose fin which is replaced by a series of median platelets forming a low postdorsal ridge. Ancistrus verecundus is further distinguished from these species, except A. tombador by the broad naked margin of the snout and reduced tentacle development. Ancistrus verecundus differs from A. tombador in various morphometric features, and in having the base of the first anal-fin pterygiophore covered by skin (vs. base of the first anal-fin pterygiophore exposed and forming a platelet-like element). Ancistrus verecundus and A. tombador have two or more dermal plates of the dorsal plate series between the end of the postdorsal ridge and the origin of the first plate-like procurrent caudal-fin ray, whereas the other species of the genus that lack an adipose fin, including A. parecis, have one or none. Ancistrus parecis is further distinguished from A. tombador and A. verecundus by the presence of tentacles in adults. It also differs from A. tombador in morphometric and meristic features and from A. jataiensis and A. reisi in the length of the mandibular tooth row, the number of teeth on dentary and premaxillary, and the caudal-peduncle depth. A key is provided for the identification of species of Ancistrus lacking an adipose fin.