Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of Pacu (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae: Myloplus) from the Brazilian Amazon [Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of Pacu (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae: Myloplus) from the Brazilian Amazon]
Pacus of the genus Myloplus represent a formidable taxonomic challenge, and particularly so for the case of M. asterias and M. rubripinnis, two widespread and common species that harbor considerable morphological diversity. Here we apply DNA barcoding and multiple species discovery methods to find c...
| Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | article |
| Status: | Published version |
| Publication Date: | 2020 |
| Country: | Brasil |
| Institution: | Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA) |
| Repository: | Repositório Institucional do INPA |
| Language: | English |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:repositorio:1/23312 |
| Online Access: | https://repositorio.inpa.gov.br/handle/1/23312 |
| Access Level: | Open access |
| Keyword: | Coi Gene Cryptic species Myloplus asterias Myloplus rubripinnis Neotropical |
| Summary: | Pacus of the genus Myloplus represent a formidable taxonomic challenge, and particularly so for the case of M. asterias and M. rubripinnis, two widespread and common species that harbor considerable morphological diversity. Here we apply DNA barcoding and multiple species discovery methods to find candidate species in this complex group. We report on one well-supported lineage that is also morphologically and ecologically distinct. This lineage represents a new species that can be distinguished from congeners by the presence of dark chromatophores on lateral-line scales, which gives the appearance of a black lateral line. It can be further diagnosed by having 25–29 branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. 18–24), 89–114 perforated scales from the supracleithrum to the end of hypural plate (vs. 56–89), and 98–120 total lateral line scales (vs. 59–97). The new species is widely distributed in the Amazon basin, but seems to have a preference for black-and clearwater habitats. This ecological preference and black lateral line color pattern bears a striking similarity to the recently described silver dollar Metynnis melanogrammus. © 2020 The Authors. |
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