Crenicichla rosemariae Kullander

Synonymy

Crenicichla rosemariae Kullander, 1997. Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters 7: 280, fig. 1 (Brazil, State of Pará, Rio Xingu drainage, Córrego do Gato).

Crenicichla rosemariae. Holotype, MZUSP 40300, male 244 mm SL. Photo: S.O. Kullander

Diagnosis

A large, small-scaled Crenicichla species with blunt snout, nostril situated close to margin of postlabial skin fold, serrated preopercle, E1 scales 103-115 and D. XXI.17-19, XXII.17-18. Scales cycloid only, or ctenoid to a limited extent anteriorly on the side. Distinguished from all other Crenicichla species by adult colour pattern: black spot on cheek close to posteroventral margin of orbit, another close to posterodorsal margin of orbit; a prominent blackish vertical blotch from anterior lateral line scales down to pectoral fin base and into pectoral axilla; round, small caudal spot restricted to dorsal lobe; males with brownish or whitish (in preservative) or red (in life) spots scattered over middle and dorsal sides, lacking in the female. (From Kullander, 1997.)

The original description was based on four males, 184-244 mm SL, and one female, 192 mm SL.

Holotype

MZUSP 40300. Male, 244 mm SL. Brazil, State of Pará, Rio Xingu drainage, Córrego do Gato. Collected 25 April 1968 by R.H. Lowe-McConnell.

Etymology

Named for Dr Rosemary Helen Lowe-McConnell, collector of the type specimens and persistent inspiratrix to students of tropical fish ecology.

Local names

Called rubanana at the type locality (Lowe-McConnell, in Kullander, 1997).

Geographical distribution

Known only from the type locality in the upper rio Xingu drainage, a headwater stream of the rio Suiá-Missu at ca 13°31'S, 52°W (Lowe-McConnell, 1991: 65, fig. 1).

Natural history

The type specimens were observed and collected in a large, clear pool, about 30x10 m, 2-3 m deep, from which the Córrego do Gato stream originated. Vegetation included rooted macrophytes. Large specimens were observed near the bottom of the pool, with bright orange eyes clearly visible (Lowe-McConnell, 1991: 72, fig. 4).