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Systematic revision of the Potamotrygon motoro (Müller & Henle, 1841) species complex in the Paraná-Paraguay basin, with description of two new ocellated species (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae)

A systematic revision of the Potamotrygon motoro (Müller & HenleMüller, J. & F. G. J. Henle. 1841. Systematiche Beschreibung der Plagiostomen. Berlin.197-198., 1841) species complex in the Paraná-Paraguay basin based on morphological characters was undertaken. Morphological systems analyzed include external morphology, coloration, dermal denticles, and spines, canals of the ventral lateral-line system, and skeletal components. Potamotrygon motoro is widely distributed in the Paraná-Paraguay basin and some of its diagnostic characters are: ocelli present on dorsal disc tricolored, well-defined and evenly distributed, with diameter similar or greater than eye-length; ventral coloration with relatively large whitish central region, with gray or brown area predominant on outer ventral disc margins; dermal denticles well-developed and star-shaped over central disc; labial grooves absent; monognathic heterodonty present in upper and lower jaws of adults. Potamotrygon pauckei CastexCastex, M.N. 1963a. La raya fluvial. Notas histórico-geográficas. Publicación del departamento de Ciencias Colegio de la Inmaculada Concépcion. Santa Fé. Libreria y Editorial Castellví S.A.: 1-120., 1963 and Potamotrygon labradori Castex, Maciel & AchenbachCastex. M. N., I. Maciel & G. M. Achenbach. 1963. Acerca de la raya fluvial Potamotrygon labradori. Neotropica, 9: 117-121., 1963, are synonymized with P. motoro; Potamotrygon alba CastexCastex, M.N. 1963a. La raya fluvial. Notas histórico-geográficas. Publicación del departamento de Ciencias Colegio de la Inmaculada Concépcion. Santa Fé. Libreria y Editorial Castellví S.A.: 1-120., 1963, is a nomen dubium in accordance with previous authors. Additionally, two new ocellated species of Potamotrygon from the Paraná-Paraguay basin are described: Potamotrygon pantanensis, sp. nov. and Potamotrygon amandae, sp. nov. These are described and compared with P. motoro and other congeners. Potamotrygon pantanensis, sp. nov. is described from the northern Pantanal region; Potamotrygon amandae, sp. nov. is widespread in the Paraná-Paraguay basin.

Batoidea; Freshwater stingrays; Morphology; Neotropical region; South American river basins; Taxonomy


Sociedade Brasileira de Ictiologia Neotropical Ichthyology, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura, Universidade Estadual de Maringá., Av. Colombo, 5790, 87020-900, Phone number: +55 44-3011-4632 - Maringá - PR - Brazil
E-mail: neoichth@nupelia.uem.br