Redescrição de Corydoras ehrhardti Steindachner, 1910 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae).

Abstract

Abstract: Considering the wide distribution of C. ehrhardti, including basins with a high degree of endemism and evidence of genetic divergence, which suggest the possibility of what is currently attributed to C. ehrhardti correspond to more than one species, as suggested by studies with molecular data and morphological, a review of all the material attributed to this species became necessary. In this way, a review of the taxonomic status of what was currently attributed to C. ehrhardtiwas carried out through the analysis of the C. ehrhardti and C. meridionalis type-material and a robust number of non-type specimens from all the basins where that species was recorded, allowing their clear recognition and the elaboration of a redescription. In addition, the synonymy of C. meridionalis was corroborated. Corydoras ehrhardti can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: serrations directed along the entire posterior margin of the pectoral aculeus, antrorse; three large black spots along the midline of the flank; and hyaline fins, with the exception of the caudal fin. The species is distributed in the Upper rio Paraná basin, sub-basins of the Tibagi and Ivaí rivers and in the rio Iguaçu, in the State of Paraná, as well as the rio Ribeira de Iguape basin and coastal rivers of the State of Santa Catarina. In addition, the analysis of the material revealed the presence of a variation in the color pattern of the coastal populations of Santa Catarina, whose specimens may also present transversal bars composed of small dark spots on the caudal fin. The other populations have the caudal fin hyaline. An identification key for the Corydoras species of the C. ehrhardti lineage is also provided.