A new species of Xyliphius, a rarely sampled banjo catfish (Siluriformes: Aspredinidae) from the rio Tocantins-Araguaia system

Abstract

Xyliphius anachoretes, a new species of aspredinid catfish is described from the Tocantins-Araguaia River system. Xyliphius anachoretes is diagnosed by the presence of six developed retrorse serrae on posterior border of pectoral-fin spine, presence of papillae on the lower lip bearing minute branches, and only two dorsal procurrent rays. Comments about the informativeness of character-state variation among Xyliphius species and aspredinid related genera are furnished. Also, a brief discussion about conservation status of the new taxon is made.

Xyliphius; Serra da Mesa Dam; Brazilian shield