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A new Apistogramma species (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from the Rio Negro in Brazil and Venezuela
Author(s) -
KULLANDER SVEN O.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
zoologica scripta
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.204
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1463-6409
pISSN - 0300-3256
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-6409.1987.tb00072.x
Subject(s) - biology , osteology , teleostei , anatomy , ossicles , zoology , fish <actinopterygii> , middle ear , fishery
Apistogramma diplotaenia sp.n. occurs in the upper and middle Rio Negro. The largest among 186 specimens studied is a 29.2 mm SL male, the largest female is 22.9 mm SL. Distinguishing characters include a unique colour pattern, consisting of two dark bands along the side which converge anteriorly and posteriorly. A comparative osteological study, including other species of Apistogramma and the genera Taeniacara and Apistogrammoides , indicates a progressive forwards loss of infraorbital ossicles and foramina among dwarf cichlids. The long, rod‐like interarcual cartilage of Apistogramma, Apistogrammoides and Satanoperca possibly represents a plesiomorphic condition otherwise unknown among cichlids.