Reexamination of the syntypes of the enigmatic Trichomycterus venulosus, described from Páramo de Cruz Verde, Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, allowed us to assess its actual taxonomic status. This nominal species is demonstrated to constitute a junior synonym of Eremophilus mutisii, and then not represents a case of extinction of a fish endemic to Colombia, as currently accepted.
Catfish; Páramo de Cruz Verde; Pelvic-less; Taxonomy; Trichomycterinae
| Characters | Trichomycterus venulosus | Eremophilus mutisii | Trichomycterus sp. A (Páramo de Cruz Verde) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premaxilla shape | Anterior margin extending more laterally than posterior margin, forming a conspicuous pointed lateral projection. Lateral margin slightly concave | Anterior margin extending more laterally than posterior margin | Anterior margin not extending more laterally than posterior margin. Lateral margin convex. Second and third teeth rows extending slightly more laterally than anterior and posterior rows |
| Premaxilla relative length | Similar to maxilla | Premaxilla equal or slightly shorter than maxilla | Longer than maxilla |
| Autopalatine | Posterolateral process extending posteriorly to anguloarticular articulation with quadrate | Posterolateral process extending posteriorly to anguloarticular articulation with quadrate. Lateral margin slightly convex | Posterolateral process forming a conspicuous angle with the lateral margin |
| Branchiostegal rays | 8 | 7-8 | 6-7 |
| Pectoral-fin rays | 8 | 8 | 8-9 |
| Precaudal vertebrae | 17 | 17-18 | 9-13 |
| Caudal vertebrae | 25 | 25 | 27-32 |
| Ribs | 18 | 16-18 | 14-18 |
| First hemal spine | Vertebra 19 | Vertebra 19 | Vertebrae 16-19 |
| Dorsal-fin rays | 13 | 13-14 | 11-13 |
| Dorsal-fin basal radials | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Dorsal-fin insertion | Vertebrae 21-27 | Vertebrae 21-27 | Vertebrae 18-23; 18-24; 19-24 |
| Anal-fin rays | 11 | 11 | 11-12 |
| Anal-fin basal radials | 8 | 8 | 6-7 |
| Anal-fin insertion | Vertebrae 25-31 | Vertebrae 25-31 | Vertebrae 22-26; 23-27; 23-28; 24-28 |
| Neural spine of compound caudal vertebra | Complete, ca. 1/3 of adjacent neural spine height | Complete, 1/3-1/2 of adjacent neural spine height | Complete, with a short rounded tip, and base having conspicuous broad anterior and posterior apophysis |
| Dorsal procurrent caudal-fin rays | 13 | 13-16 | 16-21 |
| Dorsal procurrent rays origin | Vertebra 6 | Vertebrae 6-8 | Vertebrae 7-10 |
| Ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays | 12 | 12-15 | 14-17 |
| Ventral procurrent rays origin | Vertebra 6 | Vertebrae 6-8 | Vertebrae 8-10 |
| Caudal skeleton | PH+1+2, 3, 4+5 | PH+1+2, 3, 4+5 | PH+1+2, 3+4+5 |
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