Systematics of Neoplecostomus Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1888 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Neoplecostominae)

Abstract

Neoplecostomus consists of 13 valid species. It was first proposed as a subgenus of Plecostomus by Eigenmann & Eigenmann (1888), including the type species Plecostomus microps Steindachner, 1876, from Rio de Janeiro, rio Paraíba do Sul basin, and Hypostomus granosus Valenciennes, 1840, from Cayenne and Rio de Janeiro. The genus is diagnosed by having two or three conspicuous rows of enlarged and transversally flattened papillae just posterior to the dentary teeth, larger than those on the remaining portions of the lower lip, and the abdomen covered with conspicuous and small platelets between insertions of pectoral and pelvic fins surrounded by naked areas. According to the phylogenetic proposals for Neoplecostominae with morphological data, Neoplecostomus is monophyletic and group sister of Isbrueckerichthys. This hypothesis diverging of the hypothesis based on molecular data than pointing Neoplecostomus not monophyletic and N. ribeirensis more related to Isbrueckerichthys. Thus, this study aims to test its monophyly and analyze the intra and inter-phylogenetic relationships of the genus; review Neoplecostomus and their valid species; propose a hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships based on morphological data between their species and genus, and describe the possible new species. (AU)