Researchers have described a new species of the fish genus Sturisoma from Madeira River basin in Bolivia and Brazil.
Sturisoma is a genus of Neotropical freshwater armored catfishes belonging to the subfamily Loricariinae.
First described in 1838 with Loricaria rostrata as the type species, the genus currently includes 10 recognized species.
“Sturisoma species, in general, show a conservative external morphology, and as it was pointed out by other authors, osteological characters within the genus also show little variation between congeners,” said Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro researchers Alejandro Londoño-Burbano and Marcelo Britto.
“Nonetheless, some body measurements were found, which even though show some overlap, could be considered as helpful in distinguishing the newfound species from some congeners.”
Scientifically named Sturisoma reisi, the new species shows subtle sexual dimorphism.
Sexual mature males of the new species show development of short dermal teeth on the sides of the head.
“Sturisoma reisi can be distinguished from all congeners by the presence of a middorsal longitudinal, thin dark stripe on the caudal peduncle, extending from the second or third plate posterior to the dorsal-fin base to the origin of the caudal fin, or slightly anterior; anteriormost abdominal plates, just posterior to the lower lip, square, not enlarged, smaller than anterior abdominal plates; and a middorsal longitudinal dark brown stripe from the first predorsal plate to near the dorsal-fin origin,” the scientists said.
Sturisoma reisi is known from Cautário, Itenéz, Guaporé, Mamoré, Machado and Soteiro rivers, in the Madeira River basin, of Bolivia and Brazil.
The species is known from 18 localities: 17 in Brazilian territory and one in Bolivian territory.
The extent of occurrence of Sturisoma reisi is almost 200,000 sq. km. Following the recommendations by the IUCN, the fish should be categorized as Least Concern.
“Sturisoma species…
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