Profundulus chimalapensis, una nueva especie de pez ciprinodóntido (Cyprinodontiformes: Profundulidae) del Río Coatzacoalcos, México / Profundulus chimalapensis, a new species of cyprinodontid fish (Cyrpinodontiformes: Profundulidae) from the Coatzacoalcos River, Mexico

Introducción: El género Profundulusse considera endémico de la región Mesoamericana, desde el centro-sur del estado de Guerrero hasta la parte central de Honduras, habita principalmente en las cuencas superiores y cabeceras de los ríos de la vertiente Pacífica, con una menor diversidad en la Atlántica. Objetivo: En este trabajo, basado en la comparación morfológica, proponemos una nueva especie, Profundulus chimalapensis sp. nov., confinada a México. Métodos: Se recolectaron ejemplares en los tributarios de la cuenca superior del Río Coatzacoalcos y se depositaron en colecciones de referencia. Se tomaron datos morfológicos (conteos, mediciones y características esqueléticas) y se compararon con especies relacionadas. Resultados: La nueva especie se diferencia de sus congéneres por tener la siguiente combinación de caracteres: 12-15 radios en la aleta dorsal, 14-17 radios anales y 13-16 pectorales; banda de color oscuro en los costados; aleta anal con un margen distal claro; margen anterior y posterior del proceso alveolar del premaxilar cóncavo; procesos epióticos cortos y anchos; base de la aleta anal grande, su longitud igual o mayor a la del pedúnculo caudal. Conclusión: La descripción de esta nueva especie de Profundulus de la vertiente atlántica del Istmo de Tehuantepec, sugiere que esta área ha sido un centro de especiación para el género.

Introduction: The genus Profundulus is considered a Mesoamerican endemic fish which spreading occurs, from the center-south of the state of Guerrero, Mexico, to the central part of Honduras. They mainly inhabit the upper basins and headwaters of the rivers of the Pacific slope, with less diversity in the Atlantic. Objective: This paper, based on morphological comparison we propose a new species, Profundulus chimalapensis sp. nov., confined to Mexico. Methods: Specimens were collected in the tributaries of the upper basin of the Coatzacoalcos River and were deposited in scientific collections. Morphological data (counts, measurements and skeletal features) were taken and compared with related species. Results: The new species differs from its congeners by having the following combination of characters: 12-15 dorsal-fin rays, 14-17 anal- and 13-16 pectoral-fin rays; dark colored stripe on the flanks; anal fin with a clear distal margin; anterior and posterior margin of the alveolar process of the premaxilla concave; pair of short and wide epiotic processes; and large anal fin base, equal to or greater than length of caudal peduncle. Conclusion: The description of this new Profundulus species from Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec suggests that this area has been a center of speciation for the genus.

Review of the family Rivulidae (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheiloidei) and a molecular and morphological phylogeny of the annual fish genus Austrolebias Costa 1998

The family Rivulidae is the fourth most diverse clade of Neotropical fishes. Together with some genera of the related African family Nothobranchiidae, many rivulids exhibit a characteristic annual life cycle, with diapausing eggs and delayed embryonic development, which allows them to survive in the challenging seasonal ponds that they inhabit. Rivulidae also includes two species known as the only the self-fertilizing vertebrates and some species with internal fertilization. The first goal of this article is to review the systematics of the family considering phylogenetic relationships and synapomorphies of subfamilial clades, thus unifying information that is dispersed throughout the literature. From this revision, it is clear that phylogenetic relationships within Rivulidae are poorly resolved, especially in one of the large clades that compose it, the subfamily Rivulinae, where conflicting hypotheses of relationships of non-annual and annual genera are evident. The second goal of this work is to present an updated phylogenetic hypothesis (based on mitochondrial, nuclear, and morphological information) for one of the most speciose genus of Rivulidae, Austrolebias. Our results confirm the monophyly of the genus and of some subgeneric clades already diagnosed, but propose new relationships among them and their species composition, particularly in the subgenus Acrolebias.

a familia Rivulidae es el cuarto clado más diverso dentro de los peces Neotropicales. Junto con algunos géneros de la familia Nothobranchiidae, muchos rivulidos presentan un característico ciclo de vida anual, con huevos resistentes a la desecación y embriones con diapausas que les permiten sobrevivir en los ambientes estacionales donde habitan. Los Rivulidae presentan también dos especies consideradas como los únicos vertebrados hermafroditas suficientes y algunas especies con inseminación interna. El primer objetivo de este artículo es actualizar la sistemática de la familia considerando las relaciones filogenéticas y las sinapomorfías de los clados que la componen, reuniendo información que se encuentra dispersa en la literatura. De esta revisión surge que las relaciones filogenéticas dentro de Rivulidae están todavía sin resolver, especialmente en uno de los grandes clados que la componen, la subfamilia Rivulinae, donde relaciones conflictivas entre géneros anuales y no anuales son evidentes. El segundo objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una hipótesis filogenética, basada en datos morfológicos, mitocondriales y nucleares, de uno de los géneros más diversos de la familia, el género Austrolebias. Nuestros resultados confirman la monofilia del género y de algunos clados subgenéricos previamente definidos, y propone nuevas relaciones entre ellos, particularmente de las especies del subgénero Acrolebias(AU)

First record of a male of Kryptolebias hermaphroditus Costa, 2011 (Cyprinodontiformes: Cynolebiidae)

During an ichthyological survey in September 2015 at the Ceará-Mirim River estuary, Rio Grande do Norte State, northeastern Brazil, we collected a male of Kryptolebias hermaphroditus , a cynolebiid species that had been previously described as containing exclusively self-fertilizing hermaphrodites. This is the first record of a male in this species, over 140 years after the discovery of the mangrove rivulid species from Brazil. Our discovery reinforces the need for more studies in K. hermaphroditus , as well as the potential of this species as a model for evolutionary studies due to its unique mating system.(AU)

Durante uma amostragem ictiológica em setembro de 2015 no estuário do rio Ceará-Mirim, Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Nordeste do Brasil, nós coletamos um macho de Kryptolebias hermaphroditus , uma espécie de rivulídeo que foi descrita como contendo apenas hermafroditas auto-fertilizantes. Este é o primeiro registro de um macho dessa espécie, mais de 140 anos depois da descoberta das espécies de rivulídeos de manguezais do Brasil. Nossa descoberta reforça a necessidade de mais estudos em K . hermaphroditus , assim como, o potencial desta espécie como um modelo para estudos evolutivos devido ao seu sistema reprodutivo único.(AU)

Conservation status of an endangered annual fish Hypsolebias antenori (Rivulidae) from Northeastern Brazil / Status de conservação de Hypsolebias antenori (Rivulidae) um peixe anual ameaçado do Nordeste brasileiro

This work presents information regarding the biology and state of conservation of an endangered annual fish Hypsolebias antenori. Fish were captured from small seasonal pools located in Northeastern Brazil. The total body length, body mass, sex ratio, first sexual maturity were investigated. The sampled population showed sexual dimorphism. There was a predominance of females (60%) over males (40%) with a sex ratio of 1: 1.4 and males were bigger and heavier than the females. Amplitude of total length of males ranged from 2.6 to 7.1cm (4.1±1.15) and that of females from 2.2 to 5.4cm (3.6±0.9). Amplitude of body mass of males varied from 0.25 to 7g (1.3g±1.4) and that of females from 0.12 to 2.1g (0.7g±0.5). The total weight-length equation of males was Wt=0.0108Lt3.172 with r = 0.9826 and of females was Wt=0.0122Lt3.0114 with r = 0.9608. Females attained first sexual maturity at 3.2 cm (±0.25) total length and males at 3.3 cm (±0.08) total length. All temporary pools surveyed in Northeastern Brazil were in a high degree of degradation, suffering due to anthropogenic action. Reduced rainfall resulting from global climate change prevents the filling up of these pools, thus preventing the completion of the reproductive cycle of annual fishes. One factor hindering development of conservation strategies is limited literature on biology and conservation status of annual fishes. There is a need for conservation measures to protect annual fish populations, especially creation of protected areas in the Brazilian semiarid region.

Este trabalho apresenta informações sobre a biologia e estado de conservação de Hypsolebias antenori, um peixe anual ameaçado. Os peixes foram capturados em pequenas poças temporárias localizadas no Nordeste do Brasil. O comprimento total, peso total, proporção sexual e a primeira maturação sexual foram investigados. A espécie em estudo apresentou dimorfismo sexual bem evidente. Houve um predomínio de fêmeas (60%) sobre os machos (40%), com uma razão sexual de 1M: 1,4F. Os machos foram significativamente maiores e mais pesados do que as fêmeas. A amplitude do comprimento total dos machos variou de 2,6 a 7,1 centímetros (4,1 ± 1,15) e as fêmeas de 2,2 a 5,4 centímetros (3,6 ± 0,9). A amplitude de peso dos machos variou de 0,25 a 7 g (1,4 ± 1,3 g), enquanto que as fêmeas de 0,12 a 2,1 g (0,5 ± 0,7 g). A equação da relação peso total/comprimento dos machos foi Wt = 0.0108Lt3.172 com r = 0,9826 e para fêmeas foi Wt = 0.0122Lt3.0114 com r = 0,9608. As fêmeas alcançaram a primeira maturação sexual com 3,2 cm ( ± 0,25) de comprimento total e os machos com 3,3 centímetros ( ± 0,08 ) de comprimento total. Todas as poças temporárias amostradas neste trabalho estavam em um alto grau de degradação, principalmente devido à ação antrópica. Observamos que diminuição das chuvas e a desertificação decorrente das mudanças climáticas globais que também são alarmantes e poderão impedir a conclusão do ciclo reprodutivo dos peixes anuais. As informações sobre a biologia e o estado de conservação dos peixes anuais ainda são limitadas, portanto há uma grande necessidade estudos e de medidas de conservação para proteger as populações de peixes anuais, entre elas especialmente a criação de áreas proteção nos ambientes aquáticos efêmeros do semiárido brasileiro.

Reproductive strategies of two Neotropical killifish, Austrolebias vandenbergi and Neofundulus ornatipinnis (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) in the Bolivian Gran Chaco / Estrategias reproductivas de dos especies de rivulidos Neotropicales Austrolebias vandenbergi y Neofundulus ornatipinnis (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) en el Gran Chaco Boliviano

The dry Chaco, a semiarid thorn forest, is experiencing some of the highest deforestation rates globally, coupled with the fact that small-bodied fish are at the highest risk of extinction, the killifish inhabiting this region may be some of the most threatened taxa. Yet, aspects of ecology and life history for Neotropical killifishes in the Bolivian Gran Chaco region are completely lacking, and basic life-history data is of critical importance for the design and implementation of conservation measures. Collections were conducted during the early (January 2011) and late (March-April 2011) rainy season using an area-based sampler and dip net surveys. Fish standard length and body depth were measured as well as the number of oocytes per size class, mean oocyte diameter per size class, and total fecundity for the females of each species. A total of 490 specimens of rivulids were captured; Austrolebias vandenbergi: 85 females, 105 males and 39 juveniles, and N. ornatipinnis: 62 females, 113 males, 86 juveniles. Sexual size dimorphism, absolute fecundity, oocyte developmental stages, oocyte diameter, and population sex ratios were determined for each species. Both species exhibited sexual size dimorphism. Male A. vandenbergi exhibited longer standard length (mean±SD; males: 27.07±3.89mm, females: 23.6±2.02mm) and body depth (males: 8.9±1.7mm, females: 7.2±1.1mm) as compared to females. Male N. ornatipinnis had a similar pattern for both standard length (males: 26.0±7.1mm, females: 19.1±5.83mm) and body depth (males: 5.6±1.9mm, females: 4.7±1.0mm). Austrolebias vandenbergi had fewer and smaller oocytes per female (47±31.6) than N. ornatipinnis (206±131.2). There was a positive relationship between fecundity and female body size in both species. The presence of multiple developmental stages of oocytes (immature, maturing, and mature) suggest that both species of rivulids exhibit fractional spawning, a reproductive strategy that enhances reproductive success in these extreme habitats. Neofundulus ornatipinnis exhibited a higher mean oocyte diameter for all three developmental stages (immature, maturing, and mature) as compared to A. vandenbergi. Austrolebias vandenbergi exhibited an equal adult sex ratio (males:females, 1:1), but there was a slight female biased ratio for N. ornatipinnis (males:females, 1:1.8). These results provide fundamental and valuable information for ensuring rivulid conservation in tropical regions, and also improve the knowledge on the biology and ecology of these poorly known species. To our knowledge, this study represents the first contribution on the reproductive biology of two Neotropical annual rivulid fishes (Austrolebias vandenbergi and Neofundulus ornatipinnis) inhabiting semi-permanent and ephemeral ponds in the Gran Chaco of Southeastern Bolivia.

Información sobre la ecología e historia de vida de varias especies de rivulidos no ha sido estudiada, por lo tanto se analiza la biología reproductiva de dos especies neotropicales (Austrolebias vandenbergi y Neofundulus ornatipinnis) que habitan pozos semipermanentes y temporales en el Gran Chaco Boliviano. Las recolectas se realizaron al inicio y al final de la estación lluviosa. Dimorfismo sexual, fecundidad absoluta, diámetro de los ovocitos y proporción sexual fue determinada para cada especie de rivulido. Machos en las dos especies presentaron mayor tamaño de longitud estándar y altura del cuerpo cuando fue comparado con las hembras. Austrolebias vandenbergi tuvo menor fecundidad por hembra y huevos más pequeños que N. ornatipinnis, pero hembras en ambas especies presentaron una relación estrecha y positiva entre fecundidad y tamaño cuerpo. La presencia de varios estadios gonadales sugiere un desove fraccionado, lo cual es una estrategia reproductiva que promueve la viabilidad y sobrevivencia de estos peces en hábitats de extremas condiciones. La proporción sexual no varió entre machos y hembras de A. vandenbergi (1:1), pero en N. ornatipinnis la proporción sexual fue dominada por las hembras (1:1.8). Este estudio representa uno de los primeros que investiga aspectos de la biología reproductiva de A. vandenbergi y N. ornatipinnis, lo cual es importante para la conservación de rivulidos en regiones tropicales.

Distribution of guppies Poecilia reticulata (Peters, 1860) and Phalloceros caudimaculatus (Hensel, 1868) along a polluted stretch of the Paraíba do Sul River, Brazil / Distribuição dos guppies Poecilia reticulata (Peters, 1860) e Phalloceros caudimaculatus (Hensel, 1868) ao longo de um trecho poluído do rio Paraíba do Sul, Brasil

Cyprinodontiformes fishes (guppies) are widely distributed in Neotropical regions and use deteriorated microhabitats in rivers where few species can occur. This study was carried out in a stretch of the Paraíba do Sul River in bracketing a large urban-industrial complex. The aim was to assess eventual effects that the industrial complex could have on distribution of two closely related fish species of guppies, Phalloceros caudimaculatus and Poecilia reticulata. The area was divided into three zones: Z1, 40 km upriver of the major urban-industrial complex of Volta Redonda; Z2, just down river of the complex; and Z3, 30 km down river of the complex. Six sites (two in each zone) were sampled monthly between November 1998 and October 1999, using a standardized fishing effort with cast net throws, trays lifts and seine hauls, covering different microhabitats, that is, riffles, pools and the proximity of the river's margins. Poecilia reticulata was widely distributed, peaking at Z2, the most polluted area, while P. caudimaculatus showed the highest abundance at Z3, being almost absent in Z1. Both species occurred in high numbers throughout the year but they were scarce between April and June. Females outnumbered males for both species in most size classes and at all sites. Juveniles were more abundant than adults, with non-pregnant females outnumbering pregnant ones. Condition factor was always higher in males than females but only males P. reticulata showed significant difference among the three zones, with the highest values at Z2. The higher number of females confirms the expectation that these species can use very polluted areas and that availability of food provided by organic loads allowed their distribution all over the area. Although these two species have shown indication of spatial separation in the study area, their similar seasonal patterns of occurrence suggest that they respond in a similar way to changes in environmental conditions.

Peixes Cyprinodontiformes (guppies) são largamente distribuídos na região Neotropical e usam microhábitats deteriorados em rios onde poucas espécies podem ocorrer. Este estudo foi realizado em um trecho do rio Paraíba do Sul compreendendo um grande complexo urbano-industrial. O objetivo foi avaliar eventuais efeitos que o complexo industrial poderia ter na distribuição de duas espécies de guppies proximamente relacionadas, Phalloceros caudimaculatus e Poecilia reticulata. A área foi dividida em três zonas: Z1, 40 km rio acima do complexo urbano-industrial de Volta Redonda; Z2, imediatamente abaixo do complexo industrial; e Z3, 30 km abaixo do complexo. Seis locais (dois em cada zona) foram amostrados mensalmente entre novembro de 1998 e outubro de 1999, usando um esforço de pesca estandardizado com tarrafas, peneiras e arrastos, cobrindo diferentes microhábitats, isto é, corredeiras, remansos e a proximidade da margem dos rios. Poecilia reticulata foi largamente distribuído, apresentando pico na Z2, área mais poluída, enquanto P. caudimaculatus apresentou a maior abundância na Z3, sendo quase ausente na Z1. Ambas as espécies ocorreram em elevados números ao longo do ano, mas foram escassas entre abril e junho. Fêmeas foram mais numerosas do que machos para ambas as espécies na maioria das classes de tamanho e em todos os locais. Jovens foram mais abundantes que adultos, com fêmeas não grávidas predominando sobre fêmeas grávidas. Fator de condição foi sempre maior nos machos do que nas fêmeas, mas somente machos de P. reticulata apresentaram diferenças significantes entre as três zonas, com os mais elevados valores na Z2. Maior número de fêmeas confirma as expectativas de que estas espécies podem usar áreas bem poluídas e que a disponibilidade de alimento provida pela carga orgânica permite sua distribuição ao longo de toda a área. Embora estas duas espécies tenham apresentado indicações de separação especial, seus similares padrões de ...

A new species of poeciliid fish, Poeciliopsis santaelena, from Peninsula Santa Elena, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica

An undescribed freshwater fish was recently discovered during a biological inventory of Area de Conservación Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica. This new species of Poeciliopsis is closely related to a group of widespread species of small spotted fishes designated as the Poeciliopsis gracilis complex in this study. The complex extends on both versants from southern Mexico to Nicaragua, and with this new finding, extends into Costa Rica. The new species is distinguished from its Central American relatives by its lack of lateral and ventral markings, higher pectoral and caudal-fin counts and more posterior placement of the dorsal fin. Poeciliopsis santaelena is endemic to the Río Potrero Grande, a river whose flow is reduced to just a few pools during the long dry season and flows fully only during very rainy weather. It is just another in a growing list of threatened or endangered species found in this unique peninsular environment. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (2): 829-838. Epub 2008 June 30.

Recientemente se descubrió una especie no descrita de pez dulceacuícola durante un inventario biológico en Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) en el noroeste de Costa Rica. Esta especie nueva del género Poeciliopsis tiene un parentesco cercano con un grupo de especies con puntos en los costados ampliamente distribuidas que se designan en este informe como complejo de Poeciliopsis gracilis. El complejo se extiende en ambas vertientes desde el sur de México hasta Nicaragua. La especie nueva se distingue de sus parientes centroamericanos por su falta de manchas negras laterales y ventrales, mayor número de radios pectorales y caudales, y posición más posterior de la aleta dorsal. Poeciliopsis santaelena, especie endémica de un sólo riachuelo intermitente, es una especie más in la lista de especies en peligro que se encuentra en este peculiar ambiente peninsular.

Alimentación de los peces dulceacuícolas tropicales Heterandria bimaculata y Poecilia sphenops (Cyprinidontiformes: Poeciliidae)

Diet of the tropical freshwater fish Heterandria bimaculata (Haeckel) and Poecilia sphenops Valenciennes (Cyprinidontiformes: Poeciliidae). We analyzed the diet and feeding habits of the fishes Heterandria bimaculata and Poecilia sphenops. Specimens were captured monthly in "Los Carros" damp, Morelos, Mexico (18°37´ N, 98°43´ W). We quantified gut content by the numerical method and by the frequency of occurrence method; and used the MacArthur and Levin´s indices for niche overlap. The diet of H. bimaculata was composed by 16 prey categories, mainly dipterans (Culicidae predominated), independently of sex, size and season. The index of niche overlap was high, from 0.74 to 0.99. The diet of P. sphenops consisted of 11 items, detritus being the most consumed, also independently of sex, size and season. The niche overlap index was high (0.99), indicating overlapping for all analyses. There was little diet overlap (0.26) between the two species. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 603-615. Epub 2007 June, 29.

Se analizó la dieta y los hábitos alimentarios de Heterandria bimaculata y Poecilia sphenops. Se tomaron muestras mensuales en la presa "Los Carros", Morelos, México (10°37´ N, 98°43´ W). El contenido intestinal fue analizado de acuerdo con los métodos numérico (No) y el de frecuencia de presencia (FO). Se utilizó el índice de traslape de MacArthur y Levin. H. bimaculata presentó la ingestión de 16 componentes alimenticios. Los odonatos y los himenópteros fueron los más consumidos en le estación de lluvias, mientras que en el estiaje fueron los himenópteros y coleópteros. La talla II fue la que registró la mayor diversidad, siendo los himenópteros los más consumidos en las tres tallas. El índice de traslape en cada uno de los análisis fue de 0.74 a 0.99. P. sphenops consumió 11 tipos de alimento; el detrito registró los porcentajes más altos independientemente de sexo, tamaño y época (índice de traslape = 0.99). Ambas especies comparten seis alimentos, pero en bajas proporciones (índice de traslape = 0.26).

Estado de conservación de los peces de la familia Goodeidae (Cyprinodontiformes) en la mesa central de México / Conservation status of Goodeidae familiy fishes (Cyprinodontiformes) from the Mexican Central Plateau

To establish the conservation status and threats for Goodeidae fishes in the high plateau of Mexico, I assessed limnological descriptions,and the reduction in range and in number of localities where they are found, in 53 localities (58.8% of historically reported localities). This assessment included the comparison of current collections with historical records. A principal component analysis of limnological variables showed that most remnant Goodeid species inhabit localities characterised by low environmental degradation: few appear to have a high tolerance to environmental degradation. Overall, 65% of species suffered a reduction in number of localities where they are found. Almost all species face some conservation threat,considering the criteria and categories established by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Data suggest that one species is extinct (Allotoca catarinae), one more is extinct in the wild (Skiffia francesae), eight are critically endangered (Allodontichthys hubbsi, Allotoca goslinei, Allotoca regalis, Allotoca zacapuensi, Ameca splendens, Characodon audax,Hubbsina turneri,and Zoogoneticus tequila), eleven are endangered, eight can be regarded as vulnerable, four are "near threatened" and only two appear to under "least concern". Habitat loss, introduction of exotic fish, and being species with restricted physiographic range or ecologically specialised, are the main factors leading to the threat of extinction of the Goodeidae family. Recovery actions are needed for the conservation of this fish group.

Se estableció el estado de conservación y se identificaron los riesgos que presentan los peces de la familia Goodeidae en la Mesa Central de México. Para ello se evaluó la disminución en el número de localidades y el área de distribución, y se incorporó una descripción limnológica en 53 localidades. Esta evaluación incluyó una comparación de las colecciones actuales con registros históricos de la distribución de la familia. Un análisis de componentes principales de las variables limnológicas indicó que la mayoría de las especies de goodeidos habitan localidades caracterizadas por tener poca degradación ambiental, y sólo pocas especies parecen tener elevada tolerancia a dicho estado de contaminación. Los resultados de la disminución histórica de localidades y del área de distribución sugieren que el estado de conservación de las especies (de acuerdo con los criterios de la IUCN) es el siguiente: una especie está extinta (Allotoca catarinae), una especie está extinta en la naturaleza (Skiffia francesae, ya que existen ejemplares en cautiverio, ocho están en peligro crítico (Allotoca goslinei, Allotoca regalis, Allotoca zacapuensis, Allodontichthys hubbsi, Ameca splendens, Characodon audax, Hubbsina turneri y Zoogoneticus tequila, once están en peligro, ocho se consideran como vulnerables, cuatro se pueden considerar en riesgo próximo y sólo dos parecen no enfrentar ningún riesgo. En conclusión, la pérdida de hábitat, la introducción de especies exóticas de peces, el ámbito geográfico restringido y la especialización ecológica de las especies son los principales factores de riesgo para las especies estudiadas de la familia Goodeidae. La supervivencia de este grupo requiere acciones para su conservación.