文獻來源: Vreven, E. & Stiassny, M.L.J. (2009): Mastacembelus simbi, a new dwarf spiny eel (Synbranchiformes: Mastacembelidae) from the lower Congo River. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 20 (3): 213-222
Abstract
Mastacembelus simbi, new species, is described from the middle reach of the main channel of the lower Congo River from the region of Lenga Lenga near the border with the Republic of Congo to just below Luozi (Democratic Republic of Congo). Based on a series of synapomorphic features of the neurocranium, suspensorium, infraorbital series, and caudal fin-rays the new species is placed in the crassus species complex, a small radiation endemic to the lower Congo River. Mastacembelus simbi is readily distinguished from all other members of the complex in being fully pigmented with a pattern characterised by an oblique bar on the cheek and a series of vertically oriented and irregularly shaped midlateral bars along the body. Uniquely among mastacembelids, M. simbi lacks a pterosphenoid bone in the neurocranium, lacks supracleithral sensory canals, lacks posttemporal tubules, and the infraorbital series is represented only by infraorbital 1. With a maximum size of 77.9 mm SL and the presence of well-developed eggs in at least one female specimen of 61.2 mm SL, M. simbi is considered a dwarf mastacembelid species.
Abstract
Mastacembelus simbi, new species, is described from the middle reach of the main channel of the lower Congo River from the region of Lenga Lenga near the border with the Republic of Congo to just below Luozi (Democratic Republic of Congo). Based on a series of synapomorphic features of the neurocranium, suspensorium, infraorbital series, and caudal fin-rays the new species is placed in the crassus species complex, a small radiation endemic to the lower Congo River. Mastacembelus simbi is readily distinguished from all other members of the complex in being fully pigmented with a pattern characterised by an oblique bar on the cheek and a series of vertically oriented and irregularly shaped midlateral bars along the body. Uniquely among mastacembelids, M. simbi lacks a pterosphenoid bone in the neurocranium, lacks supracleithral sensory canals, lacks posttemporal tubules, and the infraorbital series is represented only by infraorbital 1. With a maximum size of 77.9 mm SL and the presence of well-developed eggs in at least one female specimen of 61.2 mm SL, M. simbi is considered a dwarf mastacembelid species.
