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Type: Article
Published: 2004-09-08
Page range: 1–14
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Redescription of Apteronotus mariae (Eigenmann & Fisher, 1914) and the taxonomic status of Apteronotus jurubidae (Fowler, 1944) (Gymnotiformes: Apteronotidae)

Laboratório de Biologia Evolutiva de Peixes Eletrosensitivos, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus AM, Brazil
Instituto Alexander von Humboldt, Inventories program, Claustro de San Agustín, Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, Colombia
Pisces Apteronotus electric organ discharges alpha-taxonomy biodiversity Rio Magdalena Basin endemism

Abstract

A detailed examination of the types of the poorly known nominal gymnotiform apteronotid species Sternarchus mariae Eigenmann & Fisher and Sternarchus jurubidae Fowler, both described from localities in the Trans-Andean region of Colombia, was performed. This investigation resulted in a redescription of the former species, as well as a reevaluation of specific status of the latter. It is concluded that both taxa are valid within the currently recognized genus Apteronotus. The presence of A. eschmeyeri, A. mariae and A. magdalenensis supports the previous hypotheses of the Rio Magdalena Basin as a region of endemism.

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