Pareiorhaphis scutula, a new species of neoplecostomine catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the upper rio Doce basin, Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Pareiorhaphis scutula, new species, is described from the headwaters of the rio Piracicaba, tributary to the upper rio Doce basin in the State of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by having an unique autapomorphic feature: the abdominal surface from pectoral girdle to pelvic-fin insertions covered with small platelets imbedded in skin and irregularly scattered. This feature is not shared with any other Pareirhaphis species. Pareiorhaphis scutula is further compared with the sympatric P. nasuta. © 2010 Sociedade Brasileira de Ictiologia.