A new species of <scp><i>Hoplias malabaricus</i></scp> species complex (<scp>Characiformes: Erythrinidae</scp>) from the <scp>Crepori River</scp>, <scp>Amazon</scp> basin, <scp>Brazil</scp>

Abstract

A new species belonging to the Hoplias malabaricus complex from the Amazon basin, Brazil, is described. The new species is characterized by 15-16 predorsal scales, 37-39 lateral-line scales, 5 scales from dorsal fin to lateral line, 38-39 vertebrae, iii-iv, 7-8 anal-fin rays, ii-iv, 12-15 caudal-fin rays, last vertical series of scales on the base of caudal-fin rays forming a straight line, 6-7 dark bands in anal fin and no distinctive dark bands or blotches on flanks. The new species is also distinguished from other congeners of the H. malabaricus species-group by means of landmark-based morphometrics and DNA Barcoding (Cytochrome c Oxidase I gene). An identification key to species of the H. malabaricus species complex is provided.