Redescription of Hyphessobrycon itaparicensis, a senior synonym of H. sergipanus (Characiformes: Characidae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hyphessobrycon itaparicensis was originally described from a small stream in the Itaparica coastal island, Bahia State, Brazil, and has been sampled in several coastal rivers draining Bahia and Sergipe States. Broad examination of type material and recently collected specimens resulted in the redescription provided herein. The presence of one humeral blotch, absence of pseudotympanum, and conservation aspects of H. itaparicensis are briefly discussed. Data obtained from the original description, paratypes and topotypes of H. sergipanus showed broad overlap with H. itaparicensis and absence of morphological diagnostic features supporting the recognition of H. sergipanus as a valid species. Thus, H. sergipanus is considered as junior synonym of H. itaparicensis. We emphasize the need of examining large population samples and type material of similar congeners to avoid improper propositions of new specific names.

Keywords

• Coastal Brazilian rivers
• Hyphessobrycon ellisae
• Intraspecific variation
• Northeastern Mata Atlântica ecoregion
• Sexual dimorphism