Description of Cathorops manglarensis, a new species from the Colombian Pacific, with redescription of Cathorops multiradiatus (Siluriformes; Ariidae)

Abstract

Since it was described, Cathorops multiradiatus has been differentiated from congeners through the large number of anal-fin rays (25-27). In this study, C. multiradiatus is redescribed and a new sympatric species with similar number of anal-fin rays is described and intersexual differences of both species evaluated. Cathorops manglarensis differs from C. multiradiatus by possessing few gill rakers on the first arch (13-16 vs. 16-19), a longer maxillary barbel (28.4-38.2 vs. 22.9-27.7% SL), longer pectoral-fin spine (18.5-22.5 vs. 16.9-18.7% SL), posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with short and inconspicuous serrations (vs. posterior margin of pectoral-fin spine with long and conspicuous serrations), dorsal-fin spine shorter than pectoral-fin spine (vs. dorsal-fin spine longer than pectoral-fin spine), and large accessory tooth plates with large and numerous molariform teeth (vs. small accessory tooth plates with small and few molariform teeth). The nominal species Tachysurus emmelane and Tachysurus equatorialis are considered junior synonyms of C. multiradiatus and a key to species of Cathorops from the Pacific coast of Central and South America is provided. Copyright © 2007 Magnolia Press.