ABSTRACT
The genus Paratrygon, currently recognized as the sole monotypic genus of the family Potamotrygonidae, has a considerably greater diversity than previously indicated, including molecular studies, which supported P. aiereba (hitherto the only recognized species in the genus) as a possible species complex. Here we describe two new species of the genus that are both endemic to and sympatric in the Orinoco basin. Paratrygon aiereba, type species of the genus, is now restricted to the Amazon basin. Both new species are identified and defined through morphological characters such as coloration, dermal denticle morphology, arrangement of thorns, distribution and morphology of ventral lateral line canals, morphology of skeletal elements, and morphometrics. An extensive comparison of these characters between the new species herein described and P. aiereba is presented. Finally, a taxonomic reappraisal of P. aiereba is provided through a revision of preserved material and its original description, plus new evidence about its type-locatity, collectors, and a reconsideration of the destination of its type-specimen.(AU)
O gênero Paratrygon, reconhecido atualmente como o único gênero monotípico da família Potamotrygonidae, possui uma considerável alta diversidade do que previamente indicado, incluindo estudos moleculares, que corroboravam P. aiereba (a única espécie reconhecida para o gênero até então) como um possível complexo de espécies. Aqui descrevemos duas novas espécies do gênero para a bacia do Orinoco, ambas endêmicas e simpátricas para esta bacia. Paratrygon aiereba, espécie tipo do gênero, agora está restrita para a bacia Amazônica. Ambas novas espécies são identificadas e definidas através de caracteres morfológicos tais como coloração, morfologia dos dentículos dérmicos, arranjo dos espinhos pontiagudos, distribuição e morfologia dos canais ventrais da linha lateral, morfologia dos elementos do esqueleto e morfometria. Uma comparação extensiva destes caracteres entre as novas espécies aqui descritas e P. aiereba é apresentada. Finalmente uma reavaliação taxonômica de P. aiereba é fornecida através da revisão de espécimes preservados e de sua descrição original, além de novas evidências sobre sua possível localidade-tipo, coletores, e uma reconsideração do destino de seu espécime-tipo.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Amazonian Ecosystem , Elasmobranchii/anatomy & histology , Elasmobranchii/classificationABSTRACT
An extensive taxonomic revision of Gymnura micrura based on external and internal morphology, and considering specimens from its entire geographical distribution in the Atlantic Ocean, is presented. Gymnura micrura is redescribed and a neotype is designated; its distributional range is limited to the Southwestern Atlantic. Two new species of butterfly rays are described: Gymnura lessae, sp. nov., occurring in the North and Central Western Atlantic, and Gymnura sereti, sp. nov., found in the Eastern Central Atlantic. The three species are morphologically very similar (with G. micrura most similar to G. lessae, sp. nov.) and cannot be distinguished based on the primary diagnostic characters typically utilized for butterfly rays. The dorsal color, smaller size and eventual presence of a dorsal fin in some males may be helpful to distinguish G. micrura, whereas the size and morphology of the clasper are the main external characters separating G. sereti, sp. nov., from the other two species, although the shape of disc (especially among adult males) and contour of the lower lip are also helpful. Despite the skeleton being conservative among the species, we found consistent variations that support the validity of the new species described. Due to similarity in external morphology these internal characters were fundamental to discriminate the new species. The scapulocoracoid was an important diagnostic skeletal structure, exhibiting a series of variations that separated the three species. Variations in the synarcual, outline of the dorsal cranial fontanelle, number and shape of mesopterygia, and small differences in the mandibular arches and pelvic girdle were useful to diagnose G. sereti, sp. nov. The contour of the hyomandibula was an important diagnostic character distinguishing G. lessae, sp. nov., from the other two species. Meristic data were also useful, with G. sereti, sp. nov., presenting a lower number of radials in the second element of the mesopterygium and a higher number of diplospondylous vertebrae. In contrast, G. lessae, sp. nov., presented a higher number of pectoral-fin radials. Subtle, but consistent differences, were also found in the design of the ventral lateral-line system. A Canonical Discriminant Analysis provides strong statistical support for the validity of the new species, significantly distinguishing the three species groupings (p < 0.00001). External morphology, ventral lateral-line system and skeleton are described and illustrated for all three valid species.
Subject(s)
Skates, Fish , Animals , Atlantic Ocean , Color , MaleABSTRACT
A systematic revision of the Potamotrygon motoro (Müller & Henle, 1841) species complex in the Paraná-Paraguay basin based on morphological characters was undertaken. Morphological systems analyzed include external morphology, coloration, dermal denticles, and spines, canals of the ventral lateral-line system, and skeletal components. Potamotrygon motoro is widely distributed in the Paraná-Paraguay basin and some of its diagnostic characters are: ocelli present on dorsal disc tricolored, well-defined and evenly distributed, with diameter similar or greater than eye-length; ventral coloration with relatively large whitish central region, with gray or brown area predominant on outer ventral disc margins; dermal denticles well-developed and star-shaped over central disc; labial grooves absent; monognathic heterodonty present in upper and lower jaws of adults. Potamotrygon pauckei Castex, 1963 and Potamotrygon labradori Castex, Maciel & Achenbach, 1963, are synonymized with P. motoro; Potamotrygon alba Castex, 1963, is a nomen dubium in accordance with previous authors. Additionally, two new ocellated species of Potamotrygon from the Paraná-Paraguay basin are described: Potamotrygon pantanensis, sp. nov. and Potamotrygon amandae, sp. nov. These are described and compared with P. motoro and other congeners. Potamotrygon pantanensis, sp. nov. is described from the northern Pantanal region; Potamotrygon amandae, sp. nov. is widespread in the Paraná-Paraguay basin.
Uma revisão sistemática do complexo de espécies Potamotrygon motoro (Müller & Henle, 1841) na bacia Paraná-Paraguai, baseada em caracteres morfológicos, foi realizada. Os caracteres morfológicos analisados incluem morfologia externa, coloração, dentículos dérmicos e espinhos, sistema de canais ventrais da linha lateral e componentes do esqueleto. Potamotrygon motoro é amplamente distribuída na bacia Paraná-Paraguai e alguns dos seus caracteres diagnósticos são: ocelos presentes no dorso do disco tricolores, bem definidos e bem distribuídos, com diâmetro similar ou maior do que o comprimento do olho; coloração ventral com região central do disco branca e com tonalidades marrom ou cinza presentes nas margens do disco; dentículos dérmicos bem desenvolvidos e com formato estrelado na região central do disco; sulcos labiais ausentes; heterodontia monognática presente nas maxilas superior e inferior nos adultos. Potamotrygon pauckei Castex, 1963 e Potamotrygon labradori Castex, Maciel & Achenbach, 1963, são sinonimizadas com P. motoro, e Potamotrygon alba Castex, 1963, é considerada um nomen dubium em acordo com autores anteriores. Além disso, duas espécies novas oceladas de Potamotrygon da bacia Paraná-Paraguai são descritas: Potamotrygon pantanensis, sp. nov. e Potamotrygon amandae, sp. nov. Estas espécies novas são descritas e comparadas com P. motoro e outras espécies do gênero. Potamotrygon pantanensis, sp. nov. é descrita da região norte do Pantanal e Potamotrygon amandae, sp. nov. é amplamente distribuída na bacia Paraná-Paraguai.
