Scale Rows Research Articles

Alpine-Himalayan orogeny drove correlated morphological, molecular, and ecological diversification in the Persian dwarf snake (Squamata: Serpentes:Eirenis persicus)

The Persian dwarf snake Eirenis (Pseudocyclophis) persicus (Anderson, 1872) has a wide distribution range in south-western Asia. This species group was comprehensively studied here using traditional biometry, geometric morphometrics, ecological niche modelling, and genetics. Our analyses revealed that E. persicus is split into two clades. A western clade, bearing at least two different species: E. persicus, distributed in south-western Iran, and an undescribed species from south-eastern Turkey and western Iran. The eastern clade consists of at least three species: Eirenis nigrofasciatus, distributed across north-eastern Iraq, and western and southern Iran; Eirenis walteri, distributed across eastern Iran, southern Turkmenistan, and western and southern Pakistan, and Eirenis angusticeps, distributed in north-eastern Pakistan. Ecological niche modelling revealed that the distribution of the species in the western clade are mainly affected by winter precipitation, and those in the eastern clade are mainly affected by the minimum temperature of the coldest month. A molecular clock analysis revealed that the divergence and diversification of the E. persicus species group mainly correspond to Eocene to Pliocene orogeny events subsequent to the Arabia–Eurasia collision. This study confirms that specimens with the unique morphology of having 13 dorsal scale rows on the anterior dorsum, occurring in the Suleiman Mountains in central Pakistan, can be referred to Eirenis mcmahoni (Wall, 1911). However, at this moment we have insufficient data to evaluate the taxonomy of this species.

A new species of Dixonius (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Phu Quy Island, Vietnam.

We describe a new species of Dixonius on the basis of five specimens from Phu Quy Island, Binh Thuan Province, in southern Vietnam. The new species can be distinguished from congeners based on molecular and morphological differences. Diagnostic features are: small size (SVL up to 44 mm); 7 or 8 supralabials; 11 or 12 rows of keeled tubercles on dorsum; 21-23 ventral scale rows; 5 or 6 precloacal pores in males; a canthal stripe running from rostrum through the eye and terminating behind the head; second pair of postmentals about one third to one half size of first pair; ground color of dorsum brown, with one or two rows of light yellow or orange spots in one or two rows along flanks, and irregular bands or a reticulated network of dark marks on dorsum. This is the fifth species of Dixonius known to occur in Vietnam.

Redescription and osteology of Hyphessobrycon compressus (Meek) (Teleostei: Characidae), type species of the genus

The type-species of Hyphessobrycon is redescribed and its osteology provided. Hyphessobrycon compressus is distinguished from its congeners by the 41-48 (mode 45) scales in the longitudinal series; 7-9 (mode 9) scales rows between the dorsal-fin origin and the lateral line, and absence of predorsal scales. Additional useful characters include the lack of spots on the body, a dorsal fin with a black spot, and an anal fin with two large, conspicuous hooks, and several other small hooks. Hyphessobrycon milleri is proposed as a junior synonym of H. compressus . The osteology of H. compressus is discussed in detail together with comments about phylogenetic relationships of Hyphessobrycon sensu stricto .

Mahseers genera Tor and Neolissochilus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from southern Vietnam.

Two new species and two new basin records of mahseers in the genera Tor and Neolissochilus are described from the upper Krong No and middle Đồng Nai drainages of the Langbiang Plateau in southern Vietnam. These new species and new records are known from streams and rivers in montane mixed pine and evergreen forests between 140 and 1112 m. Their populations are isolated in the Sre Pok River of the Mekong basin, the middle of the Đồng Nai basin, and the An Lão River. Both new species are differentiated from their congeners by a combination of the following characters: 23-24 lateral scales, 9-10 predorsal scales, 2/7 or 1/8 pelvic-fin rays, mouth position, median lobe of lower lip, rostral hood, colour in life and by divergent mitochondrial DNA. Tor mekongensis sp. nov. is differentiated from Tor dongnaiensis sp. nov. by the number of transverse scale rows (3/1/2 vs. 4/1/2), number of pelvic-fin rays (2/7 vs. 1/8), a blunt rostral hood vs. pointed, caudal-fin lobes that are equal vs. unequal, and by mitochondrial DNA (0.7% sequence divergence). Molecular evidence identifies both species as members of the genus Tor and distinct from all congeners sampled (uncorrected sequence divergences >1.9% for all Tor species for which homologous COI sequences are available). Tor sinensis is recorded in the Krong No and the Sre Pok rivers, further south of its known distribution. Polymorphism is described in Neolissochilus stracheyi with a Tor-like morph and a Neolissochilus-like morph.

Description of a new species and redescriptions of two rare species of Parapercis (Perciformes: Pinguipedidae) from the tropical Pacific Ocean.

Parapercis johnsoni sp. nov. is described based on 19 specimens from Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. It differs from congeners in having a combination of the following characters: dorsal-fin rays V, 21; anal-fin rays I, 17; pectoral-fin rays modally 17; pored lateral-line scales modally 52 or 53; predorsal scales 7 or 8; transverse scale rows 3.5 or 4 + 14 or 15; total gill rakers on 1st gill arch 13-16; single row of teeth on vomer; 6 large canines at front of lower jaw; and a distinct coloration. Two rare species, P. flavescens Fourmanoir & Rivaton, 1979 and P. fuscolineata Fourmanoir, 1985, are redescribed based on the types and newly identified specimens. Comments on other species occurring in the area are provided.

Nuevo registro de una serpiente del género Amastridium Cope (Serpente: Dipsadinae), para la selva natural chocoana de Colombia

There is a snake subfamily Dipsadinae for natural forest Chocoana of Colombia. The new record is Amastridium veliferum , which is considered as the second record for the country and who completes a vacuum in the distribution of the species, as it was previously reported for the Cordillera Occidental in the municipality of Carmen de Atrato, department of Choco, Colombia. This second recording is made on the basis of an exemplary male deposited in the Coleccion Cientifica de Referencia Zoologica del Choco-Herpetologia, de la Universidad Tecnologica del Choco «Diego Luis Cordoba», collected in the Cerro Tacarcuna, municipality of Unguia, department of Choco, located at the 8°1’30’’N, 77°09’25’’W, at a height of 1876 m. This exemplary presents chocolate coffee color, elongated head, one to two flakes temporary, tubersabove-annals, 17. Rows of scales throughout the body and anal plate divided, typical features of the species.

A new species of scorpionfish, Ebosia vespertina (Scorpaenidae: Pteroinae), from the southwestern Indian Ocean

A new species of scorpaenid fish, Ebosia vespertina sp. nov., is described on the basis of 19 specimens from off Mozambique, South Africa, and Madagascar, southwestern Indian Ocean. The new species is most similar to Ebosia falcata and Ebosia saya, known from the northern and eastern Indian Ocean and Saya de Malha Bank, respectively, in having usually 8 anal-fin soft rays, usually more than 17 pectoral-fin rays, and the elongated parietal spine in males narrow and strongly curved posterodorsally. However, E. vespertina can be distinguished from the two latter species by the following combination of characters: pectoral-fin rays 17–18 (modally 18); scale rows above the lateral line 4–6 (5); scale rows between the last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 4–5 (5); scale rows between the sixth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 4–5 (5); postorbital length 17.4–20.3 (mean 18.7) % of standard length (SL); longest pectoral-fin ray length 54.6–73.9 (65.1) % of SL; longest pelvic-fin soft ray length 32.4–44.0 (37.6) % of SL. The remaining congener, Ebosia bleekeri, known from the western Pacific Ocean, usually has 7 anal-fin soft rays and 16 pectoral-fin rays, and the elongated parietal spine in males relatively broad and not so strongly curved.

Hyphessobrycon natagaima (Characiformes: Characidae) a new species from Colombia, with a key to the Magdalena Basin Hyphessobrycon species

<p>A new species, Hyphessobrycon natagaima, is described from the upper Magdalena River Basin in Colombia. It differs from all other species of Hyphessobrycon with a dark lateral stripe inhabiting the Magdalena River Basin: H. poecilioides, H. proteus and H. ocasoensis, by having eight to twelve pored lateral-line scales (vs. 14-26); four scales between the lateral line and the pelvic-fin insertions (vs. five or six); one tooth on the maxilla (vs. zero in H. poecilioides, and two to five in H. proteus; except H. ocasoensis, with one), a dark, interrupted, lateral stripe that is not in contact with the caudal peduncle spot (vs. absence of caudal spot in H. poecilioides, lateral stripe continued that is in contact with the caudal peduncle spot in H. ocasoensis). It has a rhomboid shaped caudal-peduncle spot that continues on to middle caudal-fin rays (vs. absence of caudal peduncle spot in H. poecilioides and caudal peduncle spot round and not continued on to middle caudal-fin rays in H. ocasoensis); and presence of hooks on all fins in mature males (vs. males with hooks on anal, pelvic and pectoral fins). Hyphessobrycon natagaima differs from H. ocasoensis, in addition to the above characters, by having four scale rows between the lateral line and the anal-fin origin (vs. six); three or four scale rows between the lateral line and the pelvic-fin insertions (vs. six); ten or eleven predorsal scales (vs. nine); i,9,i dorsal-fin rays (vs. ii,8,i); 18-20 branched anal-fin rays (vs. 21-22) and eleven branched pectoral-fin rays (vs. twelve). A key for the identification of Hyphessobrycon species present in the Magdalena River Basin is provided.</p>

Description of three new species of Moenkhausia (Teleostei, Characiformes, Characidae) with the definition of the Moenkhausia jamesi species complex.

From the examination of extensive comparative material currently identified as M. jamesi we verified that there are, at least, three new species under this name. These, along with M. jamesi and M. justae, form what we herein called the M. jamesi species complex, by sharing the following group of characters: a short maxilla, with its distal margin not exceeding anterior third of the second infraorbital; first through third teeth of the inner row of premaxilla and first and second dentary teeth with cusps arranged in a pronounced arch, humeral spot positioned between the fourth and seventh scales of the lateral line and extending up to four scale rows above the lateral line and one scale row below the lateral line, and a vertically oval to round spot at the base of the caudal fin rays. Moenkhausia ischyognatha sp. n., from Rio Xingu basin, differs from the other species of the complex by its lower head depth. Moenkhausia alesis sp. n., from the river system Tocantins-Araguaia, differs from M. jamesi, M. ischyognatha, and M. sthenosthoma by the number of scale rows above the lateral line. Moenkhausia sthenosthoma sp. n., from the Rio Madeira basin, differs from M. jamesi by the number of scale rows between the lateral line and the midventral scale series. Moenkhausia justae can be diagnosed from the other species of the complex by having a tri to pentacuspidate tooth on the maxilla.

Garra robertsi, a new cyprinid (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) fish species from Borneo.

Garra robertsi is described from specimens collected from the Sungai Bongan and Tempassuk rivers in Sabah, Borneo. The species is differentiated from G. borneensis, its only congener on the island of Borneo, in having five (versus four) transverse scale rows above lateral line, the first branched dorsal-fin ray extending beyond the posterior-most extent of any other part of the dorsal fin when depressed (versus not extending posteriorly beyond last ray when depressed), breast with deeply embedded scales (versus exposed scales), fewer tubercles on snout, thin (versus thick) anteromedial fold on the lower lip, absence (versus presence) of a lateral stripe, absence (versus presence) of a stark, contrasting black stripe on lower caudal-fin rays, and other pigmentation characteristics.

A new species of Imantodes Duméril, 1853 (Serpentes, Dipsadidae)from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia.

We describe a new species of Imantodes, morphologically similar to I. chocoensis, from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia. This new species is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: smooth dorsal scale rows 17/17/15; apical pits absent; infralabials 12-13; ventrals 227-236; subcaudals 147-148; presence of loreal scale; cloacal plate divided; dark temporal stripe on the suture between the lower edge of temporal scales and upper region of supralabials; dorsum of body light brown with dark brown transversal streaks, weakly evident in lateral view; hemipenis in situ extending to the level of 11^th subcaudal and reaches the 10^th subcaudal when everted; hemipenis with sulcus spermaticus expanded at the base of capitulum and extending distally. Additionally, we discuss the lateral expansion of the sulcus spermaticus in the new species, similar to that of species of Leptodeira.

Key to the Ophiodes (Squamata: Sauria: Diploglossidae) of Paraguay with the description of a new species.

Ophiodes is a South American genus of legless diploglossid lizards. Four species have been formally described: O. intermedius, O. vertebralis, O. striatus, and O. fragilis; three additional species were described but not officially named in an unpublished dissertation. These species are referred to as Ophiodes sp. "1", Ophiodes sp. "2", and Ophiodes sp. "3". We recognize five species of Ophiodes in Paraguay, one widespread (O. intermedius) and four known from only one or two localities (O. fragilis, O. striatus, O. sp. "3", and an undescribed species, described herein). The new species described represents the fifth Paraguayan species and the eighth member of the genus. It is distinguished by a combination of the following characters: a high number of middorsal scales between occipital and cloacal opening (>165), 29 scale rows around midbody, the posterior limbs 4 scales long, and vertical black bars on the face absent.

A new species of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from western Yunnan, China.

A new species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus is described from mountainous area of Changning County, Yunnan Province, China. Hemiphyllodactylus changningensis sp. nov. is distinguished from all other congeners by morphology and a significant genetic divergence of greater than 17% (ND2 gene). The new species from Changning is characterized by the following features: a maximum SVL of 40.1 mm in males and 43.8 mm in females; 11-15 dorsal scale rows; 6-8 ventral scale rows; a forefoot lamellar formula of 3-3/4-3/4-3; a hindfoot lamellar formula of 3-4-4-4 or 3-3-3-3; precloacal and femoral pore series continuous; cloacal spurs present in both sexes; dark dorsal transverse blotches; dark postorbital stripe; a brown postsacral mark bearing anteriorly projecting arms; and unpigmented caecum and gonads. The new species occurs also in Longyang District of Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, China.

The identity of Hamilton's Ticto Barb, Pethia ticto (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).

While describing the fishes of Ganges, Hamilton described Cyprinus ticto (now allocated to Pethia) from south-eastern parts of Bengal. The unavailability of type material and insufficient diagnostic characters in the original description resulted in ambiguities in the identity of this species. In this paper, we clarify the identity of P. ticto through an integrative-taxonomic approach. Pethia ticto can be distinguished from all other known species of the genus by a combination of characters that includes an abbreviated lateral line with 6-12 pored scales; 23-26 scales in lateral-scale row; 9 predorsal scales; ½4/1/3½-4 scales in transverse series; and a pigmentation pattern that includes a small black humeral spot covering the third and fourth lateral-line scales, a prominent spot on the caudal peduncle on the 16th-19th scales of the lateral-line scale row, and two rows of black spots scattered on the dorsal fin.

Three new endemic species of Epictia Gray, 1845 (Serpentes: Leptotyphlopidae) from the dry forest of northwestern Peru.

Three new blind snake species of the genus Epictia are described based on material collected in the Peruvian Regions Amazonas, Cajamarca and La Libertad. All three species are well differentiated from all congeners based on characteristics of their morphology and coloration. They share 10 scale rows around the middle of the tail and possess two supralabials with the anterior one in broad contact with the supraocular. Epictia septemlineata sp. nov. has 16 subcaudal scales, 257 mid-dorsal scale rows, a yellowish-white rostral, and a black terminal spine. Epictia vanwallachi sp. nov. exhibits 16 subcaudals, 188 mid-dorsal scale rows, a grayish-brown rostral, and a yellow terminal spine. Epictia antoniogarciai sp. nov. features 14-18 subcaudals, 195-208 mid-dorsal scale rows, a bright yellow or yellowish-white rostral, and the terminal spine and terminal portion of the tail yellow. All three species were collected in the interandean dry forest valleys of the Marañón River and its tributaries. This region is an area of endemism and warrants further attention from systematic and conservation biologists.

A new species of Astyanax Baird & Girard (Ostariophysi: Characidae) from the rio Taquari-Antas basin, southern Brazil

A new Astyanax is described from the rio Taquari-Antas basin, rio Jacuí drainage, laguna dos Patos system, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners inhabiting the rio Uruguay, laguna dos Patos and rio Tramandaí basins by the presence of two vertically elongated humeral spots, the anterior humeral spot with the upper portion wider than the lower portion and slightly directed forward, 37-39 perforated scales along the lateral line, 14 scale rows around caudal peduncle, 2-4 maxillary tricuspid teeth, 24-28 branched anal-fin rays, bony hooks on all fins of mature males, and conspicuous caudal peduncle spot. Furthermore, the new species differs from its congeners by body depth (37.9-45.9% of standard length), preanal distance (62.4-69.1% of SL), anal-fin base length (29.7-35.6% of SL), and orbital diameter (29.5-38.2% of head length).

A new species of Saurida (Pisces: Synodontidae) from the Mascarene Plateau, Western Indian Ocean.

A new species of lizardfish, Saurida tweddlei n.sp., from the Mascarene Plateau, Western Indian Ocean, is described and figured. The new species is characterised by the following combination of characters: dorsal fin with 12-13 rays; pectorals with 14-15 rays; lateral-line scales 53-55; transverse scale rows above lateral line 4½, below lateral line 5½; pectoral fins moderately long (extending to or just beyond a line from origin of pelvic fins to origin of dorsal fin); 2 rows of teeth on outer palatines; 0-3 teeth on vomer; tongue with about 4-5 rows of teeth posteriorly; caudal peduncle compressed (depth greater than width); stomach and intestine pale whitish. A key to the species of Saurida of the Western Indian Ocean is provided.

A new species of Amerotyphlops from Northeastern Brazil, with comments on distribution of related species.

We describe a new species of Amerotyphlops from an upland forest enclave in the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from the other seven South American species of Amerotyphlops by the combination of the following characters: nasal suture incomplete; rostral scale oval and yellowish cream with some dark brown spots; four supralabial scales; three infralabial scales; rows of scales around the body 18/18/18; middorsal scales from 204 to 225; dorsum with twelve to thirteen rows of scales dark brown and belly with four to five rows of scales immaculate yellowish cream; caudal spine dark brown; subcaudal scales 8-10 in female and 11-13 in males; maximum total length 233 mm. The new species is morphologically similar to A. amoipira and A. paucisquamus, sharing 18/18/18 rows of scales around the body and a small overlap of counts of middorsal scales.

Revalidation of Natrix clerki Wall, 1925, an overlooked species in the genus Amphiesma Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 (Squamata: Natricidae).

Natrix clerki Wall, 1925, previously known from its sole holotype and considered a synonym of Amphiesma parallelum (Boulenger, 1890), is resurrected in the genus Amphiesma on the basis of the analysis of morphological variation in 28 specimens of "Amphiesma parallelum" auctorum, plus six living, unvouchered specimens discovered in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, India, and one vouchered specimen from Talle Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. Specimens from northeast India (Nagaland), northern Myanmar, and China (Yunnan), previously identified as Amphiesma parallelum either in the literature or in museum's catalogues, are also here referred to A. clerki. The holotype of Amphiesma clerki is redescribed. As a consequence, the definition of Amphiesma parallelum is modified. A. parallelum inhabits the Khasi Hills and Naga Hills in Northeast India, whereas A. clerki has a wider range in the Eastern Himalayas, northern Myanmar and Yunnan (China). Amphiesma clerki differs from A. parallelum by its longer tail, dorsal scales more strongly keeled, scales of the first dorsal scale row strongly keeled vs. smooth, a postocular streak not interrupted at the level of the neck, and a much more vivid pattern on a darker background colour. Characters of species of the Amphiesma parallelum group, i.e. A. clerki, A. parallelum, A. bitaeniatum, A. platyceps and A. sieboldii are compared. A key to this group is provided.

Gekko aaronbaueri, a new gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from central Laos.

A new species of the genus Gekko Laurenti is described from central Laos. The species is distinguished from its congeners by its moderate size, i.e. maximum SVL 80.0 mm, dorsal pattern of five to six dirty white vertebral spots alternating with yellowish-edged, W-shaped blotches between nape and sacrum and six to seven pairs of dirty white spots interspersed with yellowish-edged dark blotches on the flanks between limb insertions, 0-1 internasal, 39-43 ventral scale rows between the weakly developed ventrolateral folds, 3-4 precloacal pores in males, sometimes separated by one poreless scale, 98-104 smooth dorsal scale rows around the body, 16 broad lamellae beneath digit I of pes, 15-16 broad lamellae beneath digit IV of pes, and enlarged subcaudal scales.