Iterative taxonomy reveals a new species of Cambeva (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) with intraspecific variation from the rio Piquiri and Ivaí basin, upper rio Paraná basin, Brazil

Abstract

A new species of Cambeva occurring in the rio Piquiri and Ivaí, upper rio Paraná basin, Brazil, is described using the combination of morphological and molecular data. The new species is distinguished from most congeners by the presence of a notch in the posterior portion of the metapterygoid, number of branchiostegal rays, opercular and interopercular odontodes, and ribs. In addition, the results corroborated the existence of a single species with wide intraspecific variation in body coloration. The type-locality is within the area of influence of the Perobas Biological Reserve, a Conservation Unit in the Paraná State, composed of two Atlantic Forest physiognomic forms. Considering that the upper rio Paraná basin is an area of significant anthropic influence, it is crucial to describe and preserve species to understand their ichthyofauna.