new species from Argentina:
Phenacorhamdia bermejo Aguilera, Terán, Cortés Hernández, Katz, Azevedo-Santos, Benitez & Mirande, 2026
published in:
Aguilera, G., G.E. Terán, M.A. Cortés Hernández, A.M. Katz, V.M. Azevedo-Santos, M. Benitez & M. Mirande (2026):
Hidden diversity in the Paraná River basin: a new species of Phenacorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Bermejo River, Argentina.
Neotropical Ichthyology 24 (1): e250189
abstract (from publication):
Phenacorhamdia comprises 15 species distributed across the major river basins of South America, with P. tenebrosa being the only species recorded in Argentina. After the examination of specimens of Phenacorhamdia from the upper Bermejo River basin, Paraná River basin, in northwestern Argentina, we conclude that they belong to a new species which is described herein. The new species is distinguished from the remaining members of the genus by a combination of non-unique characters including: maxillary barbel surpassing the distal tip of the adpressed pectoral fin; light-brown background coloration of the body; the conical teeth; 41–42 vertebrae; iii–iv,7–9 anal-fin rays, among other features. The morphological analysis performed shows a clear distinction of the new species from congeners, and the greater genetic distance based on the gen COI between P. bermejo with P. tenebrosa, provides additional support for the recognition of the new species herein described.