A new species of Pimelodella (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Paraguai basin, Brazil, with a discussion regarding its distribution

Abstract

A new species of Pimelodella is described from the rio Paraguai basin in Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso States, Brazil. The new species distinguishes from all other members of the genus based on a unique combination of characteristics, which include: dorsal profile straight from snout to dorsal-fin, maxillary barbel reaching at least the anal-fin terminus when parallel to main body axis, robust dorsal-fin spine bearing small spinules along three-fourths of its posterior margin, 41–42 total vertebrae (rarely 43 or 44), 13–23 large and retrorse blades at the posterior margin of the pectoral-fin spine, and dorsolateral region of body slightly darkened. This study also discusses the ichthyofaunal similarities between the Paraguai and Amazon basins, shedding light on their biogeographic history. Additionally, the research includes considerations about the sexual dimorphism of Pimelodella and provides an identification key for the Pimelodella species found in the Paraguai basin.