bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of Laetacara fulvipinnis sp. n. (Teleostei: Perciformes: Cichlidae) from the upper drainages of the rio Orinoco and rio Negro in Venezuela
Authors: Staeck Wolfgang , Schindler Ingo
Published: February 2023

Laetacara fulvipinnis sp. n. is described from the upper drainages of rio Orinoco and rio Negro in Venezuela. It can be distinguished from all the other described Laetacara species by the following combination of characters: dorsal fin usually XV.10, 23–25 scales in a lateral line, caudal fin without conspicuous pattern of light dots, and size (maximum SL 74 mm).
Food habits of Zamenis longissimus (LAURENTI, 1768) (Reptilia: Serpentes: Colubridae) in Bieszczady (south-eastern Poland)
Authors: Najbar Bartłomiej
Published: February 2023

The paper presents the results of research on the food contents of the Aesculapian snake Zamenis longissimus in Bieszczady (south-eastern Poland). Over the period of 20 years 43 dead individuals of the species of varied age were found in the valley of the San river at the foot of Otryt hills. 116 victims were recorded in 40 (93 %) stomachs fi lled with food contents, among which vertebrate, and in particular small mammals prevailed (e. g. Sorex sp., Apodemus sp., Microtus sp. and Clethrionomys sp.). Food of adult snakes (89–159.7 cm; n = 32) also included bird eggs. Food of individuals classifi ed as young (27.5–67.5 cm; n = 8), apart from vertebrate (mainly Lacertidae) included invertebrate (Coleoptera and Oligochaeta). The research indicates that food contents of this relatively small population of the Aesculapian snake can be signifi cantly diversified and dependent on age.
Utilizing material from old nests - a way to time-saving in a short breeding species? The case of the Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
Authors: Hebda Grzegorz
Published: February 2023

The Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus) is a species characterized by high levels of nest depredation and a short breedingseason. In the face of such high levels of nesting failures, behavioural adaptations to reduce failures should be expected.Here I report on two cases where Long-tailed Tits appeared to reduce their re-nesting interval by utilizing material fromdestroyed nests to build new ones. I suggest that using a previous nest to build a subsequent nest is an adaptation in Longtailed Tits aimed at increasing the speed with which a pair can begin to re-nest and hence increasing their breeding success in a given year.
Knodus borki sp. n. - ein neuer Salmler aus Peru mit einer ergänzenden Beschreibung von Boehlkea fredcochui Géry, 1966 (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: Zarske Axel
Published: February 2023

A new Characid fish – Knodus borki sp. n. – is described from the surroundings of Iquitos in Peru. Knodus borki sp. n. is distributed as Boehlkea fredcochui GÉRY, 1966 since many years by aquarium trade. Both species differ mainly in the dentition of maxillary bone (three to four tricuspid or conical teeth in Knodus borki sp. n. vs. 11 to 21 tricuspid and conical teeth in Boehlkea fredcochui) and in colouration. Knodus borki sp. n. is closely related with Knodus megalops MYERS, 1929. Both species differ (1) in lateral line (incomplete in Knodus borki sp. n. vs. complete in Knodus megalops), (2) in the size of eye (2,46–3,24 times SL in K. borki sp. n. vs. 2,2 times SL in K. megalops), (3) in body depth before dorsal fin (2,91–3,34 times SL in K. borki sp. n. vs. 2,9 times SL in K. megalops), (4) in head length (3,94–4,65 times SL in K. borki sp. n. vs. 3,8 times SL in K. megalops) and (5) in the colouration.
Revision der neotypischen Gattung Metynnis COPE, 1878. II. Beschreibung zweier neuer Arten und zum Status von Metynnis goeldii EIGENMANN, 1903 (Teleostei: Characiformes: Serrasalmidae)
Authors: Zarske Axel , Géry Jacques
Published: February 2023

Metynnis longipinnis sp. n. – a new species of Silverdollar from the río Casiquiare drainage in Venezuela is described. The new species is closely related to Metynnis hypsauchen (MÜLLER & TROSCHEL, 1844) according to its features (1) high number of gill-rakers, (2) long adipose fin, (3) deep body, (4) short head and (5) long occipitale and is clearly defined because of (1) the high number of serrae (36–37 vs. 27–32 of M. hypsauchen), (2) the small scales (91–93 vs. about 75–83), (3) uniformly silver colouration and (4) the extremely elongated dorsal fin and anal fin. From Metynnis altidorsalis AHL, 1924 the new species is clearly differentiated by its (1) number of gill-rakers (30–33 vs. 20–25 for M. altidorsalis), (2) the number of branched anal rays (37–40 vs. 32–37 for M. altidorsalis), (3) the number of serrae (36–37 vs. 29–35 for M. altidorsalis) and (4) the length of the occipitale (18.94–20.78 % SL vs. 11.7–15.6 for M. altidorsalis). Further on M. longipinnis sp. n. has a longer adipose fin (20.00–20.78 % SL vs. 11.8–16.2 for M. altidorsalis) and an elongation of the rays of dorsal and anal fin (vs. not elongated for M. altidorsalis). M. luna COPE, 1878, M. orinocensis (STEINDACHNER, 1908) and M. guaporensis EIGENMANN, 1915 are differentiated by its higher number of gill-rakers and lager head length. M. lippincottianus (COPE, 1870) has a completely different colouration. Metynnis polystictus sp. n. – a new species of Silverdollar from the río Xingu in Brazil is described. The new species is closely related to Metynnis anisurus AHL, 1924, which is considered as valid. M. polystictus sp. n. is clearly differentiated from M. anisurus by its (1) colouration (body without spots in M. anisurus vs. two different kinds of spots in M. polystictus sp. n.) and (2) the enlarged lower lobe of caudal fin (developed in M. anisurus vs. absent in M. polystictus sp. n.). The Synonymy of Metynnis goeldii EIGENMANN, 1903 with Metynnis lippincottinianus (COPE, 1870) could be confi rmed, because of the rediscovery of a syntype of Metynnis goeldii EIGENMANN, 1903 in the collection of the California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco).
Egg surface morphology in the Neotropical seasonal killifish genus Leptolebias (Teleostei: Aplocheiloidei: Rivulidae)
Authors: Costa Wilson , Leal Fabiano
Published: February 2023

The egg surface of four species of the South American genus Leptolebias is examined under scanning electron microscopy. Two distinct morphological patterns are described: surface reticulate, lumen punctate, in L. marmoratus, L. aureoguttatus, and L. itanhaensis; and, surface insulate and not punctate, in L. citrinipinnis. Both the punctate lumen and the insulate pattern are features fi rstly recorded for rivulids. Phylogenetic inferences about evolution of unique characters states found are not postulated by the absence of data on chorion morphology for two congeners possibly extinct (L. splendens and L. opalescens). Mushroom-like projections about regularly distributed on egg surface were found in all examined species.
Description of a new species of Laetacara KULLANDER,1986 from central Brazil and re-description of Laetacara dorsigera (HECKEL,1840) (Labroidei: Cichlidae: Cichlasomatinae)
Authors: Ottoni Felipe , Costa Wilson
Published: February 2023

A new species of Laetacara is described from the rio Verde, rio Araguaia basin, São Miguel do Araguaia, Goiás, Brazil; L. dorsigera is re-described. The new species from the rio Verde, rio Araguaia differs from all the species of the genus by its low dorsal-fin ray number. It is distinguished from L. thayeri by the presence of a caudal-fin peduncle spot and by the presence of cycloid scales on side of head. The new species also differs from L. fulvipinnis and L. fl avilabris by some meristic characters. It differs from L. dorsigera by a narrow ectopterygoid and by some meristic characters, and from L. curviceps and L. dorsigera by the lack of a spot on dorsal fin. Laetacara dorsigera differs from L. curviceps and the new species from the rio Verde, rio Araguaia basin by a wide ectopterygoid and by some meristic and morphometric characters; it is distinguished from the other species of the genus by some morphometric and meristic characters.
On the type species of Trichopodus (Teleostei: Perciformes: Osphronemidae)
Authors: Töpfer Jörg , Schindler Ingo
Published: February 2023

We examined the taxonomic papers about the type species fi xation of the genus Trichopodus LACEPÈDE, 1801. As the result we found that under the current version of the ICZN the designation of the type species by BLEEKER (1879) is the valid one. Therefore, the type species of Trichopodus is Labrus trichopterus PALLAS, 1770. The genus Trichopodus is a currently valid genus of Osphronemidae, which includes the following species: T. trichopterus, T. leerii, T. microlepis and T. cantoris.
A new and minute species of Austrochaperina (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae) from western New Guinea
Authors: Günther Rainer
Published: February 2023

A new and extremely small species of the Australopapuan microhylid frog genus Austrochaperina is described on the basis of recently collected material from the base of the Wandammen Peninsula, Cenderawasih Bay, neck of Vogelkop, Papua Province, Indonesia. The description is based mainly on morphological, osteological, and bioacoustic data.
Biogeography, diversity, and conservation of the birds of the Juan Fernández Islands, Chile
Authors: Hahn Ingo , Römer Uwe , Vergara Pablo , Walter Hartmut
Published: February 2023

The Avifauna fernandeziana is described and analysed according to species richness, habitat choice, and breeding status. Taxonomic composition and biogeographical origin are identifi ed. Finally the current conservation status of birds is analysed from a geographical point of view using WALTER’s eigenplace index. The avifauna is represented by only 55 recorded species, one third regular breeders and two thirds visitors. Most species records come from the island Robinson Crusoe (41), followed by Alejandro Selkirk (26) and small Santa Clara (8). Eleven species breed on Crusoe and seven on Selkirk, but they share no endemics. In total 14 bird orders, 29 families and 41 genera are present. Richest orders are Procellariiformes (18 species) followed by Passeriformes (7) and Charadriiformes (7). On average 1.3 species are found per genus, 2.0 genera per family, and 1.7 families per order. Most seabirds originate from Subantarctic/Temperate zones, most landbirds from the Neotropis (together 65 %). Using the eigenplace index, all endemics appear in the two highest scored conservation classes. The six endemic landbird taxa are highly threatened, especially Sephanoides fernandensis and Aphrastura masafuerae. For the low species richness diverse factors may be responsible: low observation intensity, low immigration rates by isolation, competition for limited resources, and predation without retreat areas. The findings support the theoretical suggestion that on islands closely related taxa tend to reduce each other and that one generalist tends to replace several specialists.
Description of Andinoacara stalsbergi sp. n. (Teleostei: Cichlidae: Cichlasomatini) from Pacific coastal rivers in Peru, and annotations on the phylogeny of the genus
Authors: Musilová Zuzana , Schindler Ingo , Staeck Wolfgang
Published: February 2023

Andinoacara stalsbergi sp. n. is described from the drainages of trans-andean rivers and lakes at the Peruvian Pacific coast where this species occurs between Río Chira (Depto. Piura) in the north and Río Pisco (Depto. Ica) in the south. It is distinguished from its sister species A. rivulatus by the possession of a conspicuous white margin of both the dorsal and caudal fin and scales with light centres and contrasting dark marginal lines forming a fine reticulate pattern on the body sides. Studies based on molecular data confirm the status of Andinoacara stalsbergi sp. n. and reveal its phylogenetic relationships to its congeners. The reconstruction of the phylogeny within the genus Andinoacara results in the existence of two clades: one with A. stalsbergi sp. n., A. rivulatus, A. sapayensis and A. biseriatus and another with the remaining species.
A new species of the microhylid frog genus Oreophryne from the Mamberamo Basin of northern Papua Province, Indonesian New Guinea
Authors: Günther Rainer , Richards Stephen , Tjaturadi Burhan , Iskandar Djoko Tjahjono
Published: February 2023

A new species of the microhylid frog genus Oreophryne is described from lowland rainforest in the Mamberamo Basin of northern Papua Province, Indonesian New Guinea. The new species is distinguished from congeners by its small size (males 20.5-23.3 mm SUL) and advertisement call, a loud rattle lasting about two seconds. It is only the second member of the genus known to lay and then guard eggs attached to the underside of leaves in the forest.
A new species of Hemibrycon (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae) from the Roble River, Alto Cauca, Colombia, with a key to species known from the Magdalena - Cauca River Basin
Authors: Valencia César , Garcia-Alzate Carlos , Ruiz-C. Raquel , Taphorn Donald
Published: February 2023

A new species, Hemibrycon palomae, is described from the La Paloma and La Siria Creek, río Roble drainage, of the upper Cauca River Basin, Colombia. It differs from congeners in meristic characters. It also has two reddish spots located on both the dorsal and ventral margins of the caudal peduncle (vs. only one reddish spot on the ventral margin of the caudal peduncle). Ecological habitat data and an updated key to all Hemibrycon species known from the Magdalena-Cauca River Basin are also presented.
Intraspecific differentiation in Spotted Creepers, Salpornis spilonotus (Aves: Passeriformes: Certhiidae)
Authors: Tietze Thomas , Martens Jochen
Published: February 2023

Spotted Creepers (Salpornis spilonotus) occur in Africa and India. They are scarcely distributed in openly forested areas and little is known about them. The fi ve currently accepted subspecies differ clearly from each other in morphological dimensions and vocal characters. Genetic divergence between the Indian and the single genetically investigated African subspecies is immense. Consequently, we propose to treat African and Indian populations as separate species, Salpornis salvadori and Salpornis spilonotus. This intercontinental split is corroborated by our morphometric data.
Suspected road salt poisoning in Bohemian Waxwings, Bombycilla garrulus (Aves: Passeriformes: Bombycillidae)
Authors: Töpfer Till
Published: February 2023

The effect of road salts on wintering birds is a serious but recently underreported environmental threat. With the example of Bohemian Waxwings, Bombycilla garrulus, it is discussed that seemingly straightforward explanations, e.g. window collisions, may obscure the primary cause of wrecks. Therefore I argue that birds, particularly those with high daily water intake like the frugivorous waxwings, may consume high concentrations of dissolved road salt with melt water. A review of literature made apparent that salt overdoses lead to aberrant fl ight behaviour and impaired manoevrability, which render them likely to fall victim of road traffi c or to collide with windows. It is discussed that undetected road salt poisoning might explain many ambiguous cases of lethal accidents of wintering birds in urban surroundings.
Weather conditions and sexual differences affect the foraging behaviour of the insectivorous Cyprus Wheatear, Oenanthe cypriaca (Aves: Passeriformes: Muscicapidae)
Authors: Randler Christoph , Pentzold Stefan , Teichmann Constanze
Published: February 2023

Weather conditions (temperature, cloudiness, wind strength and precipitation) had an infl uence on the foraging behaviour of the Cyprus Wheatear (Oenanthe cypriaca). Under cloudy weather conditions the perch-pounce technique from low perches was used more often while under sunny conditions aerial sallying was used more often. A possible reason is the limited visual range from higher perches during high cloudiness. During higher temperatures and low wind speed aerial sallying from higher perches was preferred presumably because the activity of the ectothermic arthropods is strongly infl uenced by temperature and wind speed. Sexual differences existed in foraging behaviour. Females used hop-and-peck on the ground more often than males, and males preferred higher perches. This can be explained by a lower exposure to predators and hence lower predation risk that is especially important for females during the breeding season. Furthermore, males and females may occupy different niches during pre-breeding and incubation.
Conserving Chile's most critically endangered bird species: First data on foraging, feeding, and food items of the Másafuera Rayadito (Aves: Furnariidae)
Authors: Hahn Ingo , Römer Uwe , Vergara Pablo M.
Published: February 2023

First data of foraging, feeding, and food items of Aphrastura masafuerae from Alejandro Selkirk Island, Chile are presented. Brood-caring Másafuera Rayaditos 1) forage mostly inside dense vegetation below the protective cover, 2) leave the vegetation only for a short duration to fl y from the nest site to the foraging destination and to stop on a rock before entering the nest hole to control surroundings, 3) minimize energetic costs by foraging mainly hill-parallel, 4) use a 3 – 4 ha home range by visiting distance zone in different frequency, 5) transport nestling faeces off the nest hole but do not hide them from predators, and 6) feed their nestlings with arthropod prey, mainly small butterfl y larvae, in which there are nice-differentiated from sympatric Másafuera Cinclodes. More detailed studies on the breeding ecology and foraging are needed implement management plans and avoid extinction of this badly known island endemic.
Das Typusmaterial der Characiformes des Museums für Naturkunde zu Berlin. Teil 1: Einleitung und afrikanische Taxa (Teleostei: Ostariophysi: Characiformes: Hepsetidae, Alestidae, Citharinidae, Distichodontidae)
Authors: Zarske Axel
Published: February 2023

The type specimens of the Characiformes (Teleostei: Ostariophysi) of the Museum of Natural History of Berlin are listed, investigated and the current status discussed. Each taxon is fi gured with its historical original picture, a lateral view and an xray foto. Herein, fi rst the African taxa (families Hepsetidae, Alestidae, Citharinidae and Distichodontidae) are described after a short historical overview about the development of the collection. There are type specimens of 23 taxa of Characiformes from Africa (represented by 6 holo-, 12 syn- and 4 paralectotypes). 17 taxa are valid and 6 are synonyms of other species. In a second part of this publication the type specimens of South-American Characiformes (other than Characidae) and in a third part the Characidae sensu stricto will be studied and discussed.
A new annual killifish species of the Hypsolebias flavicaudatus complex from the São Francisco River basin, Brazilian Caatinga (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)
Authors: Costa Wilson , Amorim Pedro
Published: February 2023

The Hypsolebias fl avicaudatus species complex is a clade of annual killifishes inhabiting seasonal pools associated to São Francisco River basin, in the semi-arid Caatinga region of northeastern Brazil. The analysis of both morphological and molecular data supports recognition of a new species of that complex, herein named as Hypsolebias guanambi. It was collected in the upper section of the Carnaíba de Dentro River drainage and is distinguished from all other species of the complex by having the dorsal fin more posteriorly placed in females, presence of short fi lamentous rays on the dorsal and anal fins in males, and fewer teeth on the second pharyngobranchial bone. The recognition of a species of the H. fl avicaudatus complex endemic to the upper Carnaíba de Dentro River drainage corroborates this region as an important area of endemism for annual killifishes.
Description of a new species of the catfish genus Trichomycterus (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the rio de Contas basin, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Maria , Costa Wilson
Published: February 2023

Trichomycterus tete, new species is described from the upper rio de Contas basin, northeastern Brazil. It is the fi rst record of the genus to the Caatinga semi-arid region. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners by having a combination of eight pectoral-fin rays, the fi rst pectoral-fin ray prolonged as a fi lament, metapterygoid deeper than wide, short maxillary barbel reaching the middle of opercular patch of odontodes, narrow head (head width 68.07 – 77.5% HL), 11 dorsal-fin rays, caudal fin truncated, body slender (body depth 12.3 – 13.6% SL), shorter dorsal-fin base (dorsal-fin base length 9.5 – 11.4% SL), and an uncommon color pattern. In addition, T. tete differs from all the congeners from southeastern Brazil by having a deep area at the external edge of the hypobranchial 1.
Cichlasoma zarskei, a new cichlid fish from northern Brazil (Teleostei: Labroidei: Cichlidae)
Authors: Ottoni Felipe
Published: February 2023

Cichlasoma zarskei sp.n. is herein described from the rio Maranhão basin, northern Brazil. The new species differs from all its congeners, except C. orientale, by having a conspicuous posterior band of the longitudinal stripe and dorsal, anal and caudal fins faintly dotted. It is also distinguished from its congeners by the precense of the following character states: trisserial predorsal squamation, four anal-fin spines, reduction of the squamation between dorsal and anal-fins rays, forâmen between infraorbital plate 3+4 and plate 5 smaller, deeper entopterygoid, premaxilla with teeth on its entire dentigerous surface, caudal-fin base spot not ocellated, fewer pleural ribs, more scales on E1 series, shorter last dorsal-fin spine, shorter last anal-fin spine, longer snout, wider head and shorter lower jaw. A new diagnosis for C. orientale, without overlapping character states, is herein presented.
Five new microhylid frog species from Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, and remarks on Albericus alpestris (Anura, Microhylidae)
Authors: Günther Rainer , Richards Stephen
Published: February 2023

Five new species of microhylid frogs in the genera Albericus, Cophixalus and Oreophryne are described from high altitudes in the Kaijende Highlands of Enga Province, central Papua New Guinea. A population of short-legged, terrestrial Albericus discovered in grasslands on the Kaijende Highlands seems to be very close to the recently described A. alpestris. Because the systematic status of our new frogs is not yet clear, they are referred to as Albericus cf. alpestris in our paper. Information about the advertisement call of this population, its colour in life, and its habitat is presented for the fi rst time and enables possible inferences about Albericus alpestris sensu stricto.
Three new species of Callulops (Anura: Microhylidae) from western New Guinea
Authors: Günther Rainer , Stelbrink Björn , von Rintelen Thomas
Published: February 2023

Various works in recent years have shown that the microhylid genus Callulops is not a monophyletic group, and that the „central species“ Callulops robustus is not, as previously assumed, distributed over the entire island of New Guinea. Further, Callulops robustus apparently does not occur in the northwestern part of the island. This species is there replaced by a number of other species, and at present no sympatric occurrence of species in the C. robustus-group are known. On the basis of our own collections in the Wondiwoi Mountains at the base of the Wandammen Peninsula as well as on the islands of Yapen and Biak (Cenderawasih Bay) in the years 1998 to 2003, we here describe three new species in the Callulops robustus-group.
Apistogramma aguarico sp. n.: A new species of geophagine cichlid fish (Teleostei: Perciformes) from the Ecuadorian and Peruvian río Napo system
Authors: Römer Uwe , Hahn Ingo
Published: February 2023

A new species of Apistogramma, Apistogramma aguarico sp. n., is described from Ecuador, based on a total of 9 specimens collected from an oxbow lake (appr. 09°47′ S / 75°57′ W) connected to the Rio Lagartococha, an affluent of the Rio Aguarico, which is part of the Rio Napo system in the north east of Ecuador close to the border with Peru. Apistogramma aguarico sp. n. is distinguished from all other Apistogramma species by the combination (in adult males) of: truncate unmarked caudal fin with streamer-like extensions to both upper and lower lobes in large individuals; four irregular abdominal lines formed by series of highly variable spots; serrate dorsal fin with membranes clearly prolonged past tips of spines; and ivory spot surrounding and including pectoral-fin base. The species is thought to be a representative of the Apistogramma eunotus complex within the Apistogramma regani lineage.
Population density of the Blanford's fox Vulpes cana in Jordan
Authors: Eid Ehab , Boulad Natalia , Share Thabit , Abed Omar , Hageer Yasmin
Published: February 2023

A survey of the Blanford’s fox was established in Jabal Masuda (Southern Jordan), to increase the knowledge of its density. Live-trapping method was used and capture mark-recapture technique was applied. We captured a total of 27 specimens including nine re-captured specimens. Density was determined using two methods: the Bondrup-Nielsen formula which identified 8.5 individuals per km², and the ArcGIS tools which showed values, between 0.177 to 9 individuals per km². This paper is the first to give measured information on the Blanford’s fox density in Jordan. As well, it showed that ArcGIS 9.3 Spatial Analyst Extension is an effective tool in establishing information on density in large spatial areas. The information provided could serve as a base for future monitoring of the Blanford’s fox’s range of occurrence.
New species of stinging catfish Heteropneustes nani (Siluriformes: Heteropneustidae) from Noakhali, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain M. , Sarker Subrata , Sharifuzzaman S. M. , Chowdhury Sayedur
Published: February 2023

The Meghna deltaic region in Noakhali, Bangladesh is endowed with favourable diverse freshwater ecosystems for varieties of fishes. Here a new species, Heteropneustes nani sp. nov. is described after detailed morphological examination and careful comparisons with other congeners. The new species H. nani differs from other congeners in having shortest standard length, greater head length than body depth, terminal mouth with equal jaws, separated pectoral spine from rays and bears antrorse serrae along entire inner and outer edges, and united anal and caudal fin.
A new killifish of the genus Melanorivulus from the upper Paraná river basin, Brazil (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae)
Authors: Costa Wilson
Published: February 2023

Melanorivulus leali, new species, from the Grande river drainage, south-eastern Brazil, is described. It differs from all other congeners by possessing a unique colour pattern, comprising red dots on body side arranged in chevron shaped rows, a broad dark grey stripe along the whole flank, flank light blue in males, dorsal and ventral portions of the caudal fin light orangish red in males, conspicuous orangish red bars on the middle of the caudal fin in males, and dorsal portion of the caudal-fin base with a small vertically elongated black spot. The presence of a black bar on the anterior and another on the posterior portion of the iris almost in contact with the pupil and the shape of the chevron-like rows of red spots on the flank, in which the angle is placed on the midline of the flank indicate that M. leali is more closely related to congeners endemic to the Paraná-Paraguay river system than to congeners endemic to the Amazonas river basin. This first record of the genus Melanorivulus from the Grande river drainage suggests that it may have formerly occupied a larger region of this basin, presently under severe process of deforestation and aquatic habitat decline.
The peculiar syrinx of Rhea americana (Greater Rhea, Palaeognathae)
Authors: Picasso Mariana , Carril Julieta
Published: February 2023

This work studied the skeletal and muscular syringeal anatomy of Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) throughout postnatal ontogeny, by using muscle staining and differential coloring of cartilage and bone techniques. Anatomical syrinx dissections on four adults (one female and three males) and eight unsexed chicks, were made. The type of the syrinx was tracheobronchial and it was entirely cartilaginous in chicks and in the adult female but showed a partially cartilaginous and osseous pessulus in male adults. A pair of intrinsic muscles were found and the extrinsic muscles were represented by the muscles sternotrachealis and tracheolateralis, and a broad dorsal medial muscular band. The syrinx of Greater Rhea was notable for having a more complex morphology than other Paleognathae birds. Future studies on how Rhea produces vocalizations will allow the comparison with other birds, and contribute to the understanding of the evolution of soundproduction mechanisms in birds.
Golden Jackals (Canis aureus LINNAEUS, 1758) in Human Dominated Landscapes of the Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepal
Authors: Katuwal Hem , Dahal Sagar
Published: February 2023

The population of the golden jackal is subjected to decrease over the past decade in Nepal. We deployed two camera traps for 18 night hours in different habitats close to human settlements in an elevation ranging from 1550 m – 3300 m a.s.l. at Tsum valley of the Manaslu Conservation Area, Nepal in March 2013. Semi-structured interviews with local people were conducted to understand the distribution and behaviour of the golden jackal in this area. Altogether, we captured 23 independent photographs of golden jackals; the trapping rate was 1.27 photos per trap night. According to local people cattle, pheasants, rodents and lagomorphs were commonly preyed upon by the golden jackals. But no retaliatory killing was observed during our visit. Thus, the population of the golden jackal was found to be increasing in the Tsum valley.
A new species of Crenicichla from the upper Rio das Antas basin, dos Patos lagoon system, southern Brazil (Teleostei: Cichlidae)
Authors: Mattos José , Schindler Ingo , Ottoni Felipe , Cheffe Morevy
Published: February 2023

Crenicichla lucenai sp. n. from the upper Rio das Antas basin, dos Patos lagoon system, southern Brazil is here described. The new species is similar to C. punctata and C. maculata. It is distinguished from both these species by the conspicuous pattern of dark brown irregular lines extending from longitudinal stripe to ventral profile (versus irregular lines absent). In addition, C. lucenai can be distinguished from C. punctata by the absence of dots on the sides of its head.
Nine new species of microhylid frogs from the Muller Range in western Papua New Guinea (Anura, Microhylidae)
Authors: Günther Rainer , Richards Stephen , Dahl Chris
Published: February 2023

We describe nine new species of microhylid frogs in the genera Austrochaperina, Cophixalus, Copiula, Hylophorbus, Oreophryne and Xenorhina from the Muller Range in western Papua New Guinea. Each of the new species differs from congeners by a suite of morphological and acoustic characters. The discovery of so many new species during a survey of short duration (three weeks) and limited geographical coverage suggests that many additional species remain to be detected within this poorly known mountainous region.
Zur Systematik einiger Blutsalmler oder "Rosy Tetras" (Teleostei: Ostariophysi: Characidae) PDF
Authors: Zarske Axel
Published: February 2023

The species Hyphessobrycon bentosi Durbin in Eigenmann, 1908, Hyph. jackrobertsi spec. nov., Hyph. paepkei spec. nov., Hyph. sweglesi (Géry, 1961) and Hyphessobrycon dorsalis spec. nov. are described after a short historical introduction. Hyph. bentosi and Hyph. “robertsi” are treated as valid species contrary to Weitzman & Palmer (1997 ff) and Hyph. “robertsi” is scientifically described for the first time as Hyph. jackrobertsi spec. nov. The name Hyph. “robertsi” is broadly distributed in the literature but no valid description was found. Hyphessobrycon bentosi from the surroundings of Obidos (type-locality) is characterized by its (1) relatively low body. The body depth is 2.85 (2.67 to 3.17) times in SL. (2) Maxillary bone with three to eight (to ten; x = 5.25) conical or tricuspid teeth. (3) Anal-fin with 23 to 26 branched fin rays (x = 24.71). (4) 30 to 32 longitudinal scales (x = 31.54). (5) 5/1/4 transversal scales before the dorsal-fin. (6) The fin rays of the dorsal-fin reach not to the adipose-fin in adults. (7) An sexual dimorphism in the dorsal- and anal-fin as in Hyph. jackrobertsi spec. nov. and Hyph. paepkei spec. nov. is not developed. (8) The basic coloration of the body is plain olive brown and not so intensive red as in Hyph. jackrobertsi spec. nov. Hyph. jackrobertsi spec. nov. from the río Pastaza basin of Peru is characterized by (1) a relatively high body (body depth 2.48 (2.31 to 2.73) time in SL) and (2) a longer anal- and dorsal-fin rays. There are intersects between Hyph. jackrobertsi spec. nov. and Hyph. bentosi in the body depth in juvenile specimens, adults are well differentiated. Hyph. jackrobertsi spec. nov. is similar to Hyph. bentosi in the number of maxillary teeth (five to nine conical or tricuspid teeth (x = 6.95)). Hyphessobrycon paepkei spec. nov. from the rio Demini basin of Brazil if differentiated by all known members of the rosy-tetra-group (except Hyph. melanopterus (Eigenmann, 1915)) by its (1) higher number of maxillary teeth (14 to 21 conical to tricuspid teeth (x = 15.98) and (2) the shape of anal-fin. There are two color forms of Hyph. sweglesi (Géry, 1961), which are conspecific, similar to Hyph roseus (Géry, 1960). Hyphessobrycon dorsalis spec. nov. from the rio Caures basin of Brazil is characterized by the following combination of features (1) a relatively elongated body (body depth 3,59 (3.41 to 3.76) times in SL), (2) basis of caudal-fin with two large scales, (3) praemaxillary bone with two rows of teeth (two tricuspid teeth, seldom one tricuspid tooth in the external row and six tricuspid teeth in the internal row), (4) maxillary bone with three to four tricuspid teeth, (5) anal-fin with iii 21 to 23 rays, (6) scales: 4 – 5/(5 – 7)31 – 32/3, (7) a distinctly developed pseudotympanum, (8) a black spot in the dorsal-fin and (9) no humeral spot.
Gymnotus capitimaculatus, a new species of electric fish from rio Jucuruçu basin, northeastern Brazil (Ostariophysi: Gymnotiformes: Gymnotidae)
Authors: Rangel-Pereira Filipe S.
Published: February 2023

A new species of Gymnotus, from the G. pantherinus species-group, is herein described from the rio Jucuruçu basin, a coastal river drainage located in the southern part of Bahia state, northeastern Brazil. Gymnotus capitimaculatus sp. n. differs from all congeners by having an pair of round blotches anteriorly positioned or under vertical passing through eye, on ventral portion of the head. Furthermore, Gymnotus capitimaculatus also differs from all members of the G. pantherinus species-group by having the following unique combination of characters states: tail with an unique series of bands or round spots; precaudal portion of trunk without bands but either with rounded and/or vermiculated spots; forty-five precaudal vertebrae; nine scales above lateral line at mid-body; anal-fin base length 75.2 – 78.6 % of TL; anus-anal fin length 101.4 – 122.8 % of HL; and branchial opening 38.5 – 45.0 % of HL.
Hemigrammus rubrostriatus spec. nov. - ein neuer Salmler aus Kolumbien und Revalidierung von Hemigrammus falsus MEINKEN, 1958 (Teleostei: Ostariophysi: Characidae)
Authors: Zarske Axel
Published: February 2023

Hemigrammus rubrostriatus spec. nov. from Colombia is described and H. falsus Meinken, 1958 is revalidated. Both are members of the H.-ocellifer-group according to Géry (1978). H. rubrostriatus spec. nov. is characterized by its coloration: (1) a vertically elongated humeral spot, (2) a vermilion longitudinal band, which runs from operculum along the body up to the dorsal part of the caudal peduncle and to the rays of caudal fin, (3) an elongated caudal spot, which is asymmetrically on the lower part of the caudal peduncle and the basis of caudal fin, sometimes up to the tips of the fin rays. Further characteristics: (1) lateral line with 10 to 15 pored scales relatively long, (2) 34 to 36 scales in a longitudinal row, (3) 6 / 1 / 3½ to 4 scales transversal before dorsal fin, (4) iii to iv, 19 to 21 anal fin rays, (5) one to four maxillary teeth (x = 2,32), (6) body depth 2,91 (2,70 to 3,26) times in standard length, (7) head length 3,99 (3,58 to 4,61) times in standard length and (8) dorsal fin begins before midbody. The Head-and-tail-light Fish, H. falsus Meinken, 1958, was synonymized by Frankel (2002) as a result of cross breeding with H. ocellifer (Steindachner, 1882). According to Frankel (2002) H. ocellifer exhibits two phenotypes associated with spotting at the base of the caudal fin, with the fish either possessing (H. o. ocellifer) or lacking (H. o. falsus) a prominent red spot in this region. But this is not correct. The red spot at the base of caudal fin was never a feature for the differentiation of the taxa. The results of Frankel (2002) have no influence on the status of the species H. falsus Meinken, 1958. For this reason the taxon has to be revalidated.
Phylogenetic position and tentative generic placement for Cyprinodon martae STEINDACHNER, 1875 (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes), a killifish from northern Colombia
Authors: Costa Wilson
Published: February 2023

Examination of photographs and a radiograph of the holotype of Cyprinodon martae, a rare killifish from coastal northern Colombia, revealed that it is not a rivulid by not exhibiting any diagnostic apomorphic condition of the Rivulidae, as well as the character states diagnosing the suborder Aplocheiloidei are not present. On the other hand, besides possessing many characters common among cyprinodontoids but not found among aplocheiloids, it has diagnostic features of the suborder Cyprinodontoidei, such as neural and hemal spines of the preural vertebrae 3 distinctively wider than those spines of the anterior vertebrae. These characters associated to the jaw dentition morphology unambiguously support its inclusion among the Cyprinodontidae, whereas the presence of an enlarged supraoccipital crest strongly suggests that is a member of the Caribbean killifish genus Cubanichthys.
Development of the bony skeleton in the Taiwan salamander, Hynobius formosanus MAKI, 1922 (Caudata: Hynobiidae): Heterochronies and reductions
Authors: Vassilieva Anna , Lai June-Shiang , Yang Shang-Fang , Chang Yu-Hao , Jr. Nikolay A. Poyarkov
Published: February 2023

The development of the bony skeleton in a partially embryonized lotic-breeding salamander Hynobius formosanus is studied using the ontogenetic series from late embryos to postmetamorphic juveniles and adult specimen. Early stages of skull development in this species are compared with the early cranial ontogeny in two non-embryonized lentic-breeding species H. lichenatus and H. nigrescens. The obtained results show that skeletal development distinguishes H. formosanus from other hynobiids by a set of important features: 1) the reduction of provisory ossifications (complete absence of palatine and reduced state of coronoid), 2) alteration of a typical sequence of ossification appearance, namely, the delayed formation of vomer and coronoid, and 3) the absence of a separate ossification center of a lacrimal and formation of a single prefrontolacrimal. These unique osteological characters in H. formosanus are admittedly connected with specific traits of its life history, including partial embryonization, endogenous feeding until the end of metamorphosis and relatively short larval period.
Distribution and conservation status of Emys orbicularis in Morocco
Authors: Velo-Antón Guillermo , Marnisi Bahija , Fritz Uwe , Fahd Soumia
Published: February 2023

The distribution and conservation status of Emys orbicularis occidentalis is reviewed for Morocco. Populations are highly fragmented and vulnerable. The species is largely restricted to mountainous areas in the western Rif and Middle Atlas, with scattered observations of isolated individuals in the Gharb plain and the eastern Rif. Our literature survey and fieldwork indicate an accelerated regression of Emys populations along the Moroccan Atlantic coast due to habitat loss. At the same time, we found European pond turtles having a wider distribution in the Rif Mountains than previously known. However, in the central and western Rif, the species is increasingly threatened by expanding cannabis plantations. Other country-wide menaces include water pollution, catching of turtles for pets, desertification, and possibly competition with another terrapin species (Mauremys leprosa).
Organisation of the palate in a spontaneously transforming Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum): a case report
Authors: Clemen Günter , Greven Hartmut
Published: February 2023

We describe the organisation of the palate in a specimen of the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), which spontaneously started metamorphosis in an advanced age after several breeding cycles, but had not yet completed transformation at an age of > 7 years when it was euthanized. The palate shows a mosaic of paedomorphic (absence of the edentate vomerine plate, monocuspid pedicellate teeth) and transformed traits (separation of palatine and pterygoid, fusion of the vomer and anterior parts of the palatine (vomeropalatinum), bicuspid teeth at least on the upper jaw). The vomeropalatinum has a broad pars palatina along its inner side (typical for paedomorpic specimens). We think that the transformation process has started after the specimen has reached the full paedomorphic status.
Insights into the Turkish and Iranian Badgers (the Genus Meles) based on the Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene Sequences
Authors: İbiş Osman , Tez Coşkun , Özcan Servet , Yorulmaz Tarkan , Kaya Alaettin , Mohradi Mohammad
Published: February 2023

To investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic status of Eurasian badgers (genus Meles) from Turkey and Iran, we used sequence data from the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1140 bp) and examined 11 samples from Turkey and one sample from Iran. Relying on Bayesian, Maximum Likelihood, Neighbor-Joining and Network methods, significant genetic differences corresponding to Meles meles from the European part and Meles canescens from the Asian part of Turkey and from Iran confirmed previous genetic and morphometric results and provide another example for the barrier effect of the Bosphorus and Dardanelle Straits for mammalian species. Additionally, this study suggested that the Asian samples of Turkish badgers have a relatively high genetic diversity.
A new catfish species of the Trichomycterus hasemani group (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae), from the Branco river basin, northern Brazil
Authors: Henschel Elisabeth
Published: February 2023

Trichomycterus wapixana is described from the Branco river basin, Roraima State, northern Brazil. It belongs to the T. hasemani group, composed of T. hasemani, T. johnsoni and T. anhanga and defined by the presence of a single wide cranial fontanel delimited by the frontal and supraoccipital, absence of the pores i1 and i3, absence of branchiostegal rays on the posterior ceratohyal and the by the presence of a large and distally expanded process on the palatine. It differs from the other species of that assemblage by having a unique combination of character states, including number of vertebrae, relative position of anal fin, relative position of pelvic and dorsal fin, presence of pelvic fin and pelvic girdle, number of dorsal and ventral procurrent rays in the caudal fin, anal-fin rays, pectoral-fin rays, branchiostegal rays, pleural ribs, morphology of palatine, presence of parasphenoid and relative position of urogenital pore.
Tracking a syntype of the Australian skink Anomalopus leuckartii (Weinland, 1862): 'lost' treasures in the Senckenberg Natural History Collections Dresden highlight the importance of reassessing and safeguarding natural history collections
Authors: Mecke Sven , Mader Felix , Kieckbusch Max , Kaiser Hinrich , Böhme Wolfgang , Ernst Raffael
Published: February 2023

We here report the rediscovery of a type specimen of the Australian skink Anomalopus leuckartii (Weinland, 1862) in the Museum of Zoology (Museum für Tierkunde), Senckenberg Natural History Collections Dresden (accession number MTKD 10205), heretofore presumed lost during World War II. Eidonomic data for the specimen conform to the original species description, and combined with the specimen’s history, we are able to unequivocally identify it as part of the original syntype series. Weinland’s description was based on two specimens, one of which does indeed appear to be lost. Consequently, MTKD 10205 is designated as lectotype of A. leuckartii. This find invalidates the subsequent designation of AM R 44677 (Australian Museum, Sydney) as neotype for the species. The rediscovery highlights the importance of maintaining natural history collections, not merely as static archives but rather as dynamic and lively databases. This in combination with optimal taxonomic expertise as bedrock guarantees an environment, in which new discoveries are not impeded but actively promoted, thereby inevitably advancing modern biodiversity research.
Ecology of stoats Mustela erminea in a valley of the Cantabrian Mountains, northwestern Spain
Authors: Hernández Ángel , Zaldívar Pilar
Published: February 2023

There is very little information on the ecology of stoats Mustela erminea in the Iberian Peninsula, the southwestern limits of their Eurasian range. The aim of this study is to gain more knowledge of some ecological aspects of Iberian stoats, principally habitat and diet, by direct observation and scat collection in a valley in the Cantabrian Mountains, northwestern Spain. Stoats were observed in all the elevation range of the valley (820 – 1350 m a.s.l.) in different habitats including hedgerows-meadows, river and mountain meadows, normally close to woody vegetation. The body size of individuals killed on the road was larger than that reported for stoats in the Spanish Pyrenees, and winter whitening was complete. Stoats coexisted with common weasels Mustela nivalis, but in different habitats. According to scat analysis, stoats had a relatively varied diet of small mammals, insects, eggs/birds, fruit, reptiles and earthworms. In autumn-winter, small mammals and fruit were clearly the most abundant items in their diet, but in spring-summer it included more food categories. In the upper valley, most of the food items were fruits, and in the middle and lower valley, small mammals. Amongst the small mammals, mostly Apodemus mice were consumed, followed by Microtus voles, and to a lesser extent, Arvicola water voles, Talpa moles and Crocidura shrews. Stoats ate the fruits of at least five plant species and defecated the seeds intact, thus acting as potential dispersers via endozoochory. Presumably, this diverse diet was favoured by the biogeographical complexity of the study area, where the Eurosiberian and Mediterranean regions meet, its wide elevation range and heterogeneous landscape. However, the highest percentages of biomass ingested corresponded to small mammals in any season and at any elevation, although they were slightly lower in spring-summer and in the upper valley.