Zootaxa 3711 (1): 001–064
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Copyright © 2013 Magnolia Press
ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)
Monograph
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ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition)
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ZOOTAXA
3711
Annotated list and key to the stream fishes of Trinidad & Tobago
DAWN A.T. PHILLIP1, DONALD C. TAPHORN2, ERLING HOLM3, JAMES F. GILLIAM4,
BRADLEY A. LAMPHERE4 & HERNÁN LÓPEZ-FERNÁNDEZ3,5
1
Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I.
2
1822 North Charles Street, Belleville, IL 62221, USA
3
Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C6, Canada
4
Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7617, USA
5
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
Magnolia Press
Auckland, New Zealand
Accepted by M. R. de Carvalho: 15 Jul. 2013; published: 19 Sept. 2013
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
DAWN A.T. PHILLIP, DONALD C. TAPHORN, ERLING HOLM, JAMES F. GILLIAM, BRADLEY A.
LAMPHERE & HERNÁN LÓPEZ-FERNÁNDEZ
Annotated list and key to the stream fishes of Trinidad & Tobago
(Zootaxa 3711)
64 pp.; 30 cm.
19 Sept. 2013
ISBN 978-1-77557-260-2 (paperback)
ISBN 978-1-77557-261-9 (Online edition)
FIRST PUBLISHED IN 2013 BY
Magnolia Press
P.O. Box 41-383
Auckland 1346
New Zealand
e-mail: zootaxa@mapress.com
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© 2013 Magnolia Press
ISSN 1175-5326
(Print edition)
ISSN 1175-5334
(Online edition)
2 · Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press
PHILLIP ET AL.
Table of contents
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The stream fishes of Trinidad & Tobago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Analysis of the species list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Annotated checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
CLASS ACTINOPTERYGII. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Order ELOPIFORMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Order ANGUILLIFORMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Order CHARACIFORMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Order SILURIFORMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Order GYMNOTIFORMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Order GOBIESOCIFORMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Order CYPRINODONTIFORMES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Order SYGNATHIFORMES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Order SYNBRANCHIFORMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Order PERCIFORMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Order PLEURONECTIFORMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Order TETRAODONTIFORMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Key to the freshwater fishes of Trinidad & Tobago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Literature cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Abstract
Based on historical and museum records and recent extensive collecting we compiled a checklist of 77 fish species reported from the streams of Trinidad and Tobago. A key with photographs is provided to aid in identifications, as well as brief
notes on habitat, diet, reproduction, maximum size, local common names and distribution.
Key words: biodiversity, continental island, South America, West Indies, biogeography, freshwater
Introduction
Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) is a twin-island nation that sits on the South American continental shelf opposite the
mouth of Venezuela’s Orinoco River (Figure 1). This positions T&T between two distinct freshwater fish faunas,
the Antillean from the islands to the northeast, and the South American from the continent to the south and west.
Differing theories about the geological history of T&T place much of Trinidad as part of the Orinoco River delta,
from which it made its final separation either 10,000 years ago (Curray 1964, Millinan & Emery 1968), or as
recently as 1,000 years ago (Kenny 1989). Tobago’s geological history differs somewhat from that of Trinidad. The
southwestern portion of Tobago is a raised coral platform, whereas the Main Ridge mountains of Tobago and the
Northern Range mountains of Trinidad are considered to be the eastern end of the Andean mountain range,
contiguous with that of the Paria Peninsula in Venezuela. The three land masses are separated by drowned valleys.
Tobago, however, was never part of the Orinoco River system. These differences in their development are mirrored
by differences in the freshwater fauna of the two islands. Trinidad’s proximity to the Paria peninsula and the
Orinoco delta (Boos 1984), the sheer volume of rainy season freshwater input from the Orinoco, and to a lesser
extent Amazon outflows, and the prevailing marine currents, conspire to facilitate movement of organisms from
northeastern South America, especially Venezuela, to Trinidad (Alkins & de Souza 1984, Boos 1984, Ali 1989,
Kenny 1995, Vanegas-Rios & Phillip in press). The Northern Range of Trinidad, running across the northernmost
part of the island in line with the Andean mountain range in the Venezuelan Paria Peninsula, acts as a
zoogeographic barrier that keeps freshwater fishes in southern streams from invading the north coast.
Consequently, streams on the northern slopes of the range have Antillean affinity. Tobago’s fauna more closely
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resembles that of the Antillean islands to the north, streams of Trinidad’s north coast (Phillip 1998, Rostant 2005),
and the continental islands off northern Venezuela (e.g., Debrot 2003), and generally lacks organisms from the
Orinoco Delta region (Phillip 1998, Rostant 2005).
FIGURE 1. Map of Trinidad & Tobago showing the location of the islands opposite the Venezuelan Paria Peninsula. The main
river basins of Trinidad are outlined, and the locations of the sites surveyed in the two islands by Phillip (1998) and the authors
of the current publication are illustrated as black dots.
Europeans first discovered Trinidad in 1498, and the first mention of the island’s freshwater fishes was made in
1617 when Sir Walter Raleigh commented on the Pitch Lake at La Brea in his ship’s log (Raleigh 1887). The first
records of freshwater fishes from Trinidad were made by Bennet (1831a, 1831b) who reported on the discovery of
Chromis taenia (=Cichlasoma taenia), and Valenciennes (1840a, 1840b) who added two species of catfishes,
Callichthys laevigatus (=Hoplosternum littorale) and Hypostomus robinii. Gill (1858) provided the first attempt at
a geographic survey, listing 23 species of freshwater fishes from the western portion of the island. Léotaud (1858)
published a short catalogue of the brackish and freshwater fishes of Trinidad that listed about 20 species of fishes,
of which eight were from freshwater genera. Gill (1859) described a gobiid, Evorthodus breviceps (=E. lyricus),
and Günther (1869) produced a note on three “cyprinodontes” from the island: Strableps tetrophthalmus
(=Anableps anableps), Rivulus micropus (=Anablepsoides hartii) and Girardinus guppii (=Poecilia reticulata). In
the 1870s, several works reviewed the characins and siluriforms (Lütken 1874, 1875a, 1875b), and Boulenger
(1890) described what was believed to be a new species, Haplochilus hartii (=Anablepsoides hartii), from
Trinidad.
Regan (1906a) presented notes on loricariid fishes, describing two new species, and Regan (1906b) provided a
comprehensive list of 41 species of freshwater fishes based on collections by Lêchmere Guppy. This latter paper
revised the number of freshwater fishes initially reported by Gill (1858) from 23 to 20, and the number of species
reported by Gill (1858) as new to science from 19 to 10. Guppy (1910) was the first report from a T&T national on
the freshwater fishes of T&T. Fowler (1915) enumerated 35 fish species from fresh and brackish water. In the
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PHILLIP ET AL.
1920s, notes on the biology of Rivulus (=Anablepsoides) hartii were published by Jordan (1923), and a new species
of blind catfish, Caecorhamdia urichi (=troglomorphic form of Rhamdia cf. quelen) was described (Norman 1926).
Fowler (1931) enumerated about 22 species of freshwater fishes; La Monte (1932) added notes on colour variation
in guppies, Poecilia reticulata, and synonymised Stevardia aliata with Corynopoma riisei; Guppy (1934) provided
biological data and information on the distribution of 13 of the better known species; and Weber (1938) produced
short notes on two species of fishes. Güntert (1942) published a report on catfishes held at the museum at Basle,
Switzerland, which included specimens from Trinidad. Fowler (1943) listed 12 species of freshwater fishes from
Trinidad, and he later described the loricariid Ancistrus maracasae (Fowler 1946). Inger (1949) published a paper
with information on two species from the island, Roeboides dayi (=R. dientonito) and Hypostomus robinii.
Price (1955) published the first compilation of freshwater fishes of Trinidad from surveys covering the entire
island, naming 51 species, and giving information on their distribution. He categorised freshwater fishes into four
groups based on their distribution on the two islands: (1) relict South American; (2) recent colonising South
American; (3) introduced; and (4) Tobago and north coast Trinidad faunas. Price’s taxonomic work was reviewed
and updated by Boeseman (1960, 1964), who produced the first identification keys, and an annotated checklist of
71 species of fishes that were found in the streams; these included coastal species that enter streams from time to
time. He also suggested a plausible mechanism by which fishes from South America colonise Trinidad—the
possibility of using a surface lens of fresh water that exists between the island and the mainland during the wet
season. Alkins et al. (1981) reported on a study of the aquatic fauna of Aripo Savannahs. Then Alkins & de Souza
(1984), and Sturm & de Souza (1984) reported on two species of freshwater fishes that were new records for
Trinidad, Brycon siebenthalae (=Brycon amazonicus) and Triportheus elongatus (= Triportheus auritus).
The first study on the zoogeography of the freshwater fishes was conducted by Ali (1989), who produced
evidence of possible multiple invasions of some species based on gel electrophoresis of blood plasma proteins. In
that same year, Alkins-Koo (1989) published a study on the ecology of the Chatham River, a small stream on the
south coast of Trinidad. She was able to distinguish at least 31 species of fishes from 21 families; of these, 12
species could be considered estuarine. In the following years, Carvalho et al. (1991) examined genetic variation
among populations of Poecilia reticulata in both islands using gel electrophoresis of allozymes; they found that
populations in the northern Oropuche River were markedly different from others on Trinidad. Fajen & Breden
(1992) also found evidence of genetic variation among populations of P. reticulata across Trinidad, this time using
mitochondrial DNA analysis. This research suggested either two arcs of colonisation from different sources, or
several waves of colonisation followed by differentiation on the island. Gilliam et al. (1993) listed 13 species of
freshwater fishes from 86 sites surveyed on the Guanapo River, Northern Range.
Three major surveys were conducted during the last two decades of the 20th Century. The first, Ramnarine et al.
(1994), was an ecological survey of Tobago, which included the freshwater fishes. Then Kenny (1995) summarised
the results of collections made mainly in 1980 and 1981. This book included distribution maps and notes on the
biology and habitat preferences of 43 species of freshwater fishes from Trinidad, as well as comments on the
occurrence and zoogeography of the group. He developed Price’s (1955) zoogeographic observations into a solid
hypothesis, adding a fifth category (unstable relict) to explain fishes with apparently diminishing distribution
ranges on Trinidad. He also further developed Boeseman’s idea of the freshwater lens to explain the movement of
primary freshwater fishes across the physiological barrier between Trinidad and Venezuela. A more extensive
survey that included both Trinidad and Tobago was conducted by Phillip (1998). This was the first quantitative fish
survey. It also measured physicochemical descriptors of the streams visited, and was the first survey to include both
islands. It analysed the spatial and temporal patterns evident in the fauna, and looked at the effects of habitat
alteration on fish distribution and community structure.
Phillip & Ramnarine (2001) published an illustrated guide to the freshwater fishes of Trinidad and Tobago,
which included keys to the families and species, as well as descriptions and colour photographs of the 41 species
considered to be freshwater. Notes were also made on several other species that enter the streams. Romero et al.
(2002) reported on the replacement of blind, troglomorphic forms of Rhamdia cf. quelen in the Cumaca cave by the
normal epigean form. Poeser (2003), based on molecular evidence, described Poecilia boesemani (formerly
identified as P. sphenops) from Trinidad. Ramsundar (2005) provided a list of the fish fauna of the Godineau
Swamp, which included nine freshwater species among them. Later, Jowers et al. (2007) commented on the
zoogeography of Rivulus hartii (=Anablepsoides hartii) within Trinidad and Tobago based on a molecular analysis
of populations on both islands compared with South American populations. They provided evidence of two sources
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of colonisation of R. hartii. The following year, Suk & Neff (2009) refuted claims of genetic divergence of the
Oropuche populations. Later in the same year, Schories et al. (2009) declared the guppies of the northern Oropuche
River to be a new species, Poecilia (Acanthophacelus) obscura (= Poecilia reticulata), based on new molecular
evidence. Willing et al. (2010) and Walter et al. (2011) provided a different interpretation to the phylogeography of
P. reticulata and A. hartii, believing that their data were consistent with multiple invasions of Trinidad by these
species, and limited genetic exchange between drainages on the island, which lead to post-colonisation divergence.
Bertaco & Malabarba (2010) provided a re-description of Hemibrycon taeniurus from T&T.
A history of the freshwater fish fauna of Trinidad and Tobago would not be complete without at least a brief
mention of research on Poecilia reticulata, the common guppy. The Trinidadian population of this species was
described as a separate species, Girardinus guppii, by Günther (1866), but later the name was synonymised with P.
reticulata. The species did not appear in the research literature until the period 1919–1938 when it was used for a
number of early laboratory studies on fish genetics (Schmidt 1919, 1920, Winge 1922, 1923, 1927, 1934, Winge &
Ditlevsen 1938). Haskins conducted a number of classic experiments (e.g., Haskins & Druzba 1938, Haskins &
Haskins 1949), and was the first to use this species to examine evolution in the natural habitat when they
introduced laboratory-reared guppies into three populations in the wild in Trinidad (Haskins & Haskins 1954).
These early works were the foundation for a vibrant and productive evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology
industry that spans the globe and has resulted in a few thousand peer-reviewed publications to date. The species
was the subject of more than a hundred publications in peer-reviewed journals in 2010 alone.
As it should be clear from the long history of its ichthyological research, Trinidad’s stream fish fauna is a rich,
dynamic one. While it is likely that most colonisers are transient, at least a few have become established, forming
the currently permanent communities that inhabit the island’s water bodies. More recently, man-made conditions
have added to natural processes through the aquarium industry and a fledgling fisheries and aquaculture industry
(Kenny 1995), resulting in further changes to T&T’s fish fauna. For these reasons, in addition to several recent
taxonomic revisions of Neotropical fishes, and a number of concerns arising from recent work (e.g., Phillip &
Ramnarine 2001) about the identification of certain species, a review of the T&T stream fish fauna at this point in
time appears once more justified. In this paper, we provide an updated and annotated list of the stream fishes of
Trinidad & Tobago, summarise the taxonomic conventions used in the most commonly cited literature regarding
the freshwater fish fauna of Trinidad, and provide an illustrated key for the identification of these species.
Methodology
Our main goal was to produce a comprehensive list of stream species present in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
Since the focus is on stream taxa, we have only included marine or estuarine species whose adults may commonly
be found in stream systems. To achieve this general goal, we combined literature searches with field collections.
We performed two field surveys; one from 1996 to 1998 led by DATP, and a 2010 ROM-led collection. Sites
covered in both surveys are illustrated in Figure 1. An initial list of the freshwater fishes reported for T&T was
extracted from Eschmeyer & Fricke’s (2011) online Catalogue of Fishes. We compared and complemented this list
with information from the databases of museums with substantial holdings of T&T freshwater fish collections,
including The University of the West Indies’ Zoology Museum (UWIZM); the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM),
Toronto; The British Museum of Natural History, London (BMNH); American Museum of Natural History, New
York (AMNH); and Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis, Leiden (RMNH). We also compared these lists
with species caught in the most recently published surveys: Boeseman (1960, 1964), Kenny (1995), Phillip (1998),
Ramsundar (2005) and Mohammed et al. (2010). Nomenclature used throughout follows that in Eschmeyer &
Fricke (2011). Notes on the biology of species were compiled largely from original literature, Froese and Pauly
(2012) (and literature cited therein), Kenny (1995), Phillip & Ramnarine (2001) and Eschmeyer & Fricke (2011).
Finally, updated taxonomic keys were developed based on specimens from the ROM’s and UWIZM’s ichthyology
collections, and the literature, when appropriate. The keys were tested using specimens of all species included.
Based on the literature on habitat preferences and taxonomy, the species in the combined list were divided into
either stream species, including those found in the estuarine lower reaches (Table 1), or marine and coastal species
that may enter streams (Table 2). We have attempted in these two tables to clarify the somewhat confusing issue of
changing synonyms and misidentifications of the fishes. We did this by including the names of all species
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PHILLIP ET AL.
mentioned in the main surveys dating from Gill’s (1858) survey to the names that are valid at the present time,
according to Eschmeyer & Fricke (2011).
The stream fishes of Trinidad & Tobago
Analysis of the species list
According to the literature reviewed and species caught by the authors during the two surveys (in 1996–1998 and
2010), a total of 144 species of fishes, belonging to 107 genera in 48 families from 19 orders, can be found in the
streams of Trinidad & Tobago. Of these, we considered only 81 species to be mainly freshwater (Table 1), the
remaining 63 being coastal species (Table 2) that occasionally enter the lower portions of streams.
On further examination of the 81 stream species, only 66, representing 57 genera in 25 families and 12 orders
are, or may, still be found in the two islands. We removed 15 freshwater species for the following reasons: (a) seven
species (Tetragonopterus chalceus, Pimelodella gracilis, Haemomaster venezuelae, Megalechis thoracata,
Hypostomus plecostomus, Brachyplatystoma vaillantii and Joturus pichardi) were deemed to be misidentifications
or errors since they are not known from T&T; (b) eight other species (Leporinus friderici, Nannostomus
unifasciatus, Brycon amazonicus, Hemigramms ocellifer, Megalechis picta, Corydoras melanistius, Chaetostoma
trinitatis and Cleithracara maronii) (see Table 3) were removed since they have not been collected on the islands in
the last two or three surveys. These were either introduced species or natural colonists that had failed to become
established in T&T.
At least 63 species of coastal and marine fishes have been recorded from the streams in T&T (Table 2). These
belong to 42 genera from 25 families. Three of these, Notarius bonillai, Ctenogobius claytoni, and Trinectes
maculatus were omitted from the list because we believe the records are based on misidentifications and their
ranges as currently understood do not extend to Trinidad and Tobago.
Annotated checklist
The checklist includes a total of 77 species/genera. These species and original description references are given in
the following checklist. The list is arranged in taxonomic order, though genera and species within the families are
arranged in alphabetical order. Notes on the habitat preferences, distribution on T&T, reproduction, feeding and
maximum size (as total length following Froese & Pauly (2012), unless stated otherwise) are given for each
species, when the information is available. Where relevant, taxonomic notes were also appended.
Apart from the 66 species of freshwater fishes to be found in the streams of T&T, we included in the checklist
a few freshwater fish species known from the Orinoco River delta (see Lasso et al. 2004), but not presently found
in T&T, as we thought that it was likely that they may colonise the islands in the future. Some species (e.g.,
Nannostomus unifasciatus and Leporinus friderici) have previously been reported from T&T. We included
Megalechis thoracata, (1) because it might easily colonise from the Orinoco River delta where they occur; they are
very resistant to drying out, and when out of water, are able to breath air; and (2) to distinguish this species from
the other specimens of Hoplosternum; Megalechis was, until recently, in the same genus, i.e., Hoplosternum, and
the two are morphologically similar.
In this review, we follow Boeseman (1960) who included some euryhaline species that he believed could make
the journey over water during the wet season. Six species (Megalops atlanticus, Microphis lineatus, Ctenogobius
boleosoma, Bathygobius soporator, Trinectes paulistanus, and Colomesus psittacus), and two genera
(Centropomus and Mugil) of marine and coastal fishes have also been included in the checklist and keys because of
their abundance or ability to penetrate far up streams. In addition, Microphis lineatus, Ctenogobius boleosoma, and
Bathygobius soporator were included in the key because they resemble their close freshwater relatives.
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
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TABLE 1. Valid names of species of stream fishes that have been reported for Trinidad and Tobago. Other names are also reported. These include synonyms, misspellings
and misidentifications.
Family
Anguillidae
Valid species names
Anguilla rostrata
Names reported in selected surveys of the two islands
Anguilla rostrata4,5,6,7
Curimatidae
Steindachnerina argentea
Steindachnerina argentea4,5; Curimata argentea6,7; Curimatus argenteus 8,9
Anostomidae
Leporinus friderici13 ,16
Leporinus frederici5; Leporinus friderici6
Erythrinidae
Erythrinus erythrinus
Erythrinus erythrinus2,4,5
Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus
Erythrinus unitaeniatus8, Erythrinus cinereus9, Hoplerythrinus cinereus10,12, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus4,5,6,7
Hoplias malabaricus
Hoplias malabaricus3,4,5,6,7; Macrodon trahira8; Macrodon ferox 9
Copella arnoldi4,5
Copella arnoldi
Lebiasinidae
13, 16
Nannostomus unifasciatus
Nannostomus unifasciatus4,5
Pyrrhulina laeta
Pyrrhulina laeta4,5
Gasteropelecidae
Gasteropelecus sternicla
Gasteropelecus sternicla2,4,5,6; Thoracothorax maculatus7
Characidae
Gymnocorymbus bondi
Moenkhausia bondi5,6
Brycon falcatus group14
Brycon amazonicus13
Brycon siebenthalae5
Triportheus auritus
Triportheus elongatus2,5
Roeboides dientonito
Roeboides dayi3,4,5,6,7
Tetragonopterus chalceus12
11
Tetragonopterus chalceus7
Odontostilbe pulchra
Odontostilbe pulcher4,5,6,7; Chirodon pulcher8; Poecilurichthys pulcher9
Hemigrammus ocellifer13
Hemibrycon ocellifer4,5
……continued on the next page
Where
1
2
3
4
5
6
PHILLIP ET AL.
7
8
2010 ROM survey
Mohammed et al. (2010)
Ramsundar (2005)
Phillip & Ramnarine (2001)
Kenny (1995)
Boeseman (1960, 1964)
Price (1955)
Regan (1906b)
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Gill (1858)
Considered endemic to T&T
May not be endemic, but type specimen from T&T
We believe this is based on a misidentification
Extirpated
The University of West Indies collection
Eschmeyer & Fricke (2011)
Potential invader
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
TABLE 1. (Continued)
Family
Characidae
Valid species names
Hemigrammus unilineatus
Hyphessobrycon axelrodi10
Astyanax bimaculatus
Corynopoma riisei
Gephyrocharax valencia
Hemibrycon taeniurus10
Auchenipteridae
Heptapteridae
Aspredinidae
Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press ·
Trichomycteridae
Callichthyidae
Where
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Pseudauchenipterus nodosus
Trachelyopterus galeatus
Pimelodella gracilis group12
Rhamdia cf. quelen
Aspredinichthys filamentosus15
Aspredinichthys tibicen15
Aspredo aspredo15
Platystacus cotylephorus15
Haemomaster venezuelae12
Callichthys callichthys
Hoplosternum littorale
2010 ROM survey
Mohammed et al. (2010)
Ramsundar (2005)
Phillip & Ramnarine (2001)
Kenny (1995)
Boeseman (1960, 1964)
Price (1955)
Regan (1906b)
Names reported in selected surveys of the two islands
Hemibrycon unilineatus4,5,6; Hemigrammus unilineatus7; Tetragonopterus unilineatus8; Poecilurichthys
unilineatus9
Megalamphodus axelrodi5; Aphyocharax axelrodi6, Pristella riddlei6,7
Astyanax bimaculatus3,4,5,6,7; Tetragonopterus maculatus8; Poecilurichthys brevoortii9
Corynopoma riisei4,5,6,7,8,9; Stevardia albipinnis9; Nematopoma searlesii9; Corynopoma veedonii9
Gephyrocharax sp.4
Hemibrycon taeniurus4,5,6; Hemibrycon guppyi6,8; Hemibrycon dentatus7; Tetragonopterus guppyi8;
Tetragonopterus taeniurus8; Poecilurichthys taenia9
Pseudauchenipterus nodosus2,3,4,5,6,7; Pseudauchenipterus guppyi8
Trachelyopterus galeatus6; Parauchenipterus paseae8
Pimelodella gracilis7
Rhamdia quelen4,5,6; Rhamdia sebae6; Caecorhamdia urichi6; Pimelodella chagresi7; Pimelodus wilsoni8;
Pimelotus vilsoni9
Haemomaster venezuelae6,7
Callichthys callichthys2,4,5,6,7; Callichthys kneri8
Hoplosternum littorale3,4,5,6,7; Callichthys littoralis8; Hoplosternum laevigatum9
……continued on the next page
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Gill (1858)
Considered endemic to T&T
May not be endemic, but type specimen from T&T
We believe this is based on a misidentification
Extirpated
The University of West Indies collection
Eschmeyer & Fricke (2011)
Potential invader
9
10 · Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press
TABLE 1. (Continued)
Family
Callichthyidae
Loricariidae
Pimelodidae
Gymnotidae
Gobiesocidae
Rivulidae
Poeciliidae
Sygnathidae
Synbranchidae
Polycentridae
Valid species names
Megalechis picta13
Megalechis thoracata12, 16
Corydoras aeneus
Corydoras melanistius13
Hypostomus plecostomus12
Hypostomus robinii11
Ancistrus maracasae10
Chaetostoma trinitatis10,13
Brachyplatystoma vaillantii12
Gymnotus carapo
Gobiesox nudus
Kryptolebias marmoratus1
Anablepsoides hartii
Poecilia boesemani10,11
Poecilia picta
Poecilia reticulata
Poecilia vivipara
Pseudophallus mindii
Ophisternon aenigmaticum
Synbranchus marmoratus
Polycentrus schomburgkii
Names reported in selected surveys of the two islands
Hoplosternum thoracatum6,7; Callichthys thoracatus8; Hoplosternum stevardii9
Corydoras aeneus4,5,6,7,8; Hoplosoma aeneum9
Corydoras melanistius5
Hypostomus plecostomus7; Plecostomus guacari8
Hypostomus robinii3,4,5,6,7,9; Plecostomus robini8; Plecostomus guacari8
Ancistrus c.f.2; Ancistrus cirrhosus4,5,6; Ancistrus triradiatus7; Ancistrus trinitatis8; Ancistrus guacharote9
Ancistrus triradiatus7; Ancistrus trinitatis8
Gymnotus carapo2,4,5,6,7; Carapus fasciatus8
Gobiesox nudus4,5
Rivulus hartii4,5,6; Rivulus hardi7; Haplochilus hartii8
Poecilia sphenops4,5; Molliensia sphenops6,7
Poecilia picta4,5
Poecilia reticulata3,4,5; Lebistes reticulatus6,7; Girardinus guppyi8
Poecilia vivipara4,5,6,7
Synbranchus marmoratus4,5,6; Symbranchus marmoratus7,8
Polycentrus schomburgkii4,5,6,7,8; Polycentrus tricolor9
……continued on the next page
Where
1
2
3
4
5
6
PHILLIP ET AL.
7
8
2010 ROM survey
Mohammed et al. (2010)
Ramsundar (2005)
Phillip & Ramnarine (2001)
Kenny (1995)
Boeseman (1960, 1964)
Price (1955)
Regan (1906b)
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Gill (1858)
Considered endemic to T&T
May not be endemic, but type specimen from T&T
We believe this is based on a misidentification
Extirpated
The University of West Indies collection
Eschmeyer & Fricke (2011)
Potential invader
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
TABLE 1. (Continued)
Family
Mugiliidae
Cichlidae
Eleotridae
Gobiidae
Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press ·
Osphronemidae
Achiridae
Tetraodontidae
Where
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Valid species names
Agonostomus monticola
Joturus pichardi12
Oreochromis mossambicus
Oreochromis niloticus
Andinoacara pulcher11
Cichlasoma taenia
Cleithracara maronii13
Crenicichla frenata
Crenicichla saxatilis
Dormitator maculatus
Eleotris amblyopsis
Eleotris pisonis
Gobiomorus dormitor
Guavina guavina
Sicydium plumieri
Sicydium punctatum
Awaous banana
Ctenogobius fasciatus
Ctenogobius pseudofasciatus
Evorthodus lyricus
Lophogobius cyprinoides
Trichopodus trichopterus
Achirus novoae1
Colomesus asellus16
2010 ROM survey
Mohammed et al. (2010)
Ramsundar (2005)
Phillip & Ramnarine (2001)
Kenny (1995)
Boeseman (1960, 1964)
Price (1955)
Regan (1906b)
Names reported in selected surveys of the two islands
Agonostomus monticola4,5,6,7,8; Agonostomus microps6; Agonostomus percoides6
Oreochromis mossambicus4,5; Tilapia mossambica6,7
Aequidens pulcher3,4,5,6,7; Acara pulchra8; Cychlasoma pulchrum9
Cichlasoma taenia4,5; Cichlasoma bimaculatum6,7,8; Cychlasoma taenia9
Aequidens maronii5
Crenicichla alta4,5,6; Crenicichla saxatilis8; Crenicichla frenata9
Crenicichla saxatilis4,7
Dormitator maculatus 2,4,5,6,7,8; Philypnus dormitator8
Eleotris amblyopsis6
Eleotris pisonis2,4,5,6,7,8
Gobiomorus dormitor4,5,6; Philypnus dormitor7
Guavina guavina5,6,7; Eleotris guavina8
Sicydium plumieri6,7
Sicydium punctatum4,5,6,7
Awaous banana2; Awaous taiasica4,5,6,7; Chonophorus banana8
Ctenogobius fasciatus5,6,9; Gobionellus claytoni6; Gobius fasciatus 8
Evorthodus lyricus5,6; Evorthodus breviceps8
Lophiogobius cyprinoides5,6,7
Trichogaster trichopterus2
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Gill (1858)
Considered endemic to T&T
May not be endemic, but type specimen from T&T
We believe this is based on a misidentification
Extirpated
The University of West Indies collection
Eschmeyer & Fricke (2011)
Potential Invader
11
TABLE 2. Marine and coastal fishes of Trinidad and Tobago reported in the publications listed as occasionally found in
freshwaters – valid names and synonyms used through time.
Family
Valid species names
Carcharhinidae
Carcharinus leucas
Rhizoprionodon lalandii
Pristidae
Names reported in surveys of the two islands
Rhizoprionodon lalandei5
Pristis microdon
Pristis pectinata
Dasyatidae
Dasyatis americana
Clupeidae
Odontognathus mucronatus
Engraulidae
Anchoa parva
Dasyatis americana5
Anchoa spinifer
Anchovia surinamensis
Lycengraulis grossidens
Pterengraulis atherinoides
Megalopidae
Megalops atlanticus
Ariidae
Cathorops laticeps
Megalops atlanticus3; Tarpon atlanticus6,7
Cathorops spixii
Cathorops spixii4; Arius spixii5,6,7,8
Notarius bonillai11
Hexanematichthys bonilla3
Sciades couma
Arius couma4
Sciades herzbergii
Arius herzbergii4,8; Selenaspis herzbergii5,6,7;
Hexanematichthys herzbergii3
Sciades proops
Hexanematichthys proops3
Batrachoididae
Batrachoides surinamensis
Batrachoides surinamensis3
Atherinidae
Atherinomorus stipes
Atherinomorus spp.4,5
Anablepidae
Anableps anableps
Anableps anableps5,6
Anableps microlepis
Anableps microlepis5,6
Belonidae
Strongylura marina
Strongylura timucu
Strongylura timucu5
Tylosurus crocodilus
Tylosurus crocodilus5
Hemiramphidae
Hemiramphus brasiliensis10
Hemiramphus brasiliensis5
Sygnathidae
Microphis lineatus
Oostethus lineatus5,6; Dorichthys lineatus8
Centropomidae
Centropomus ensiferus
Centropomus ensiferus5,6,7,8
Centropomus parallelus
Centropomus parallelus6
Centropomus pectinatus
Centropomus pectinatus5,6
Centropomus undecimalis
Centropomus undecimalis3,4,5,6,7,8
Serranidae
Epinephelus itajara
Epinephelus itajara3,5
Carangidae
Caranx hippos
Caranx hippos3.4
Oligoplites palometa
Lutjanidae
Gerreidae
Lutjanus cyanopterus
Lutjanus cyanopterus3
Lutjanus griseus
Lutjanus griseus4,5,6,7
Diapterus rhombeus
Diapterus rhombeus3
Eucinostomus argenteus
Eucinostomus argenteus5,6
Eucinostomus jonesii
Eucinostomus pseudogula7
Eugerres plumieri
......continued on the next page
12 · Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press
PHILLIP ET AL.
TABLE 2. (Continued)
Family
Valid species names
Names reported in surveys of the two islands
Haemulidae
Genyatremus luteus
Genyatremus luteus3
Haemulon bonariense
Haemulon bonariense3
Pomadasys crocro
Sciaenidae
Bairdiella ronchus
Bairdiella ronchus4
Cynoscion acoupa
Cynoscion acoupa3
Macrodon ancylodon
Macrodon ancylodon3
Ophioscion punctatissimus
Ophioscion punctatissimus3
Stellifer spp.
Stellifer spp.3
Polynemidae
Polydactylus oligodon
Polydactylus oligodon5
Mugilidae
Mugil cephalus
Mugil cephalus3,4,5,6
Mugil curema
Mugil curema3,4,5,6
Mugil incilis
Mugil incilis6
Mugil liza
Lugil liza5,6; Mugil brasiliensis8
Mugil trichodon
Mugil trichodon6,8
Sciaenidae
Gobiidae
Ctenogobius boleosoma
Ctenogobius claytoni11
Gobionellus claytoni5
Bathygobius curacao
Achiridae
Bathygobius soporator
Bathygobius soporator5,6
Achirus achirus1
Achirus achirus3,4
Achirus lineatus
Achirus lineatus6
Trinectes paulistanus
Tetraodontidae
Trinectes maculatus11
Trinectes maculatus fasciatus6
Trinectes spp.
Trinectes spp.4,5
Colomesus psittacus
Colomesus psittacus5,6,7
2010 ROM survey; 2Mohammed et al. (2010); 3Ramsundar (2005); 4Phillip & Ramnarine (2001); 5Kenny (1995); 6Boeseman
(1960, 1964);7Price (1955); 8Regan (1906b); 9Gill (1858); 10Considered endemic to T&T; 11 We believe this is based on a
misidentification.
1
TABLE 3. Freshwater species reported for T&T in the literature, but which are not considered to be extant on the island.
The discrepancies are either because they are transient or misidentified species. Transients are natural colonists from
Orinoco River that do not become established in T&T.
Family
Species
Surveys in which the species were reported
Anostomidae
Leporinus friderici
5,6
Lebiasinidae
Nannostomus unifasciatus12
5
Characidae
Brycon amazonicus
5
Hemigrammus ocellifer
12
5
Auchenipteridae
Trachelyopterus galeatus
6,8
Callichthyidae
Megalechis picta
5
Megalechis thoracata
11
6,7,8,9
12
5
10
8
Corydoras melanistius
Loricariidae
Chaetostoma trinitatis
Cichlidae
Cleithracara maronii
5
Eleotridae
Guavina guavina
5,6,7,8
Kenny (1995); 6Boeseman (1960, 1964); 7Price (1955); 8Regan (1906b); 9Gill (1858); 10Considered endemic to T&T;
believe this is based on a misidentification; 12Introduced.
5
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
We
11
Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press ·
13
CLASS ACTINOPTERYGII
ORDER ELOPIFORMES
FAMILY MEGALOPIDAE
Megalops atlanticus Valenciennes 1847 [tarpon, grand caille]
Coastal waters, estuaries, mangroves, lower parts of streams, penetrating far up streams. Facultative air
breather that can therefore tolerate low dissolved oxygen conditions (Geiger et al. 2000). Dioecious, multiplespawning, broadcast spawner (Crabtree et al. 1997). Carnivore. 2438 mm.
ORDER ANGUILLIFORMES
FAMILY ANGUILLIDAE
Anguilla rostrata (Lesueur 1817) [eel, American eel]
Perennial, clear-water, fast-flowing streams (Kenny 1995); Antillean fauna, found in Tobago (Phillip 1998)
and the north coast of Trinidad (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998); historic records from the upper regions on southflowing streams of the Northern Range (Kenny 1995). Native. Catadromous. Evidence for environmental
influences on sex determination (Côté et al. 2009). Carnivore (Lookabaugh & Angermeier 1992). 1500 mm.
ORDER CHARACIFORMES
FAMILY ANOSTOMIDAE
Leporinus friderici (Bloch 1794) [three-spot leporinus]
Slow-moving streams and ponds; single record collected from Matura River on the east coast of Trinidad;
believed to be locally extinct (Kenny 1995). Probably a natural colonist (Kenny 1995). Potamodromous. Extended
(Ponton & de Mérona 1998) or seasonal spawning (Lopes et al. 2000); eggs deposited in lentic habitats in benthic
nest, guarded by parents. Omnivore (de Melo et al. 2004). 500 mm.
As with many “species" in this genus, Leporinus friderici is a poorly understood species complex currently
being investigated; taxonomic changes can be expected.
FAMILY CURIMATIDAE
Steindachnerina argentea (Gill 1858) [silver fish, hump-backed sardine, stout sardine]
Clear or slightly turbid water (Kenny 1995, Winemiller et al. 2008) in ponds, drainage ditches, and the middle
courses of streams, where it prefers muddy or sandy substrates; tolerant of hypoxic conditions (Winemiller 1989).
South American fauna, with limited distribution in north central Trinidad (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998). Native
(Kenny 1995). Lays sticky eggs on substrate. Epibenthic mud-feeder (Winemiller 1992). 110 mm.
FAMILY ERYTHRINIDAE
Erythrinus erythrinus (Bloch & Schneider 1801) [red wolf fish]
Slow-moving lowland streams; facultative air breather (Stevens & Holeton 1978). In Trinidad, found only on
the southwestern peninsula (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998), including the South Oropuche drainage. Native (Kenny
1995). Probably deposits eggs in pits in the stream bed. Carnivore; young may mimic prey species (Brosset 1997).
200 mm.
14 · Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press
PHILLIP ET AL.
Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Spix & Agassiz 1829) [yarrow]
Variety of habitats including clear, free-flowing, and sluggish streams and swamps, including anoxic waters
(Kenny 1995); facultative air breather (Stevens & Holeton 1978); South American fauna, with distribution on
Trinidad limited to populations in streams draining to the east coast (Kenny 1995), easternmost drainages of the
Caroni River (Phillip 1998), and the southwestern peninsula. Native or natural colonist (Kenny 1995). Seasonal
spawning (Ponton & de Mérona 1998); likely spawns in benthic pits. Carnivore. 250 mm.
Gill (1858) described Hoplerythrinus cinereus as an endemic species from Trinidad, however, in the absence
of more collections, we currently treat all Hoplerythrinus from Trinidad as H. unitaeniatus, which also occurs in
the nearby Orinoco basin. Further studies should reveal whether this treatment is warranted.
Hoplias malabaricus (Bloch 1794) [guabine, wolf fish].
Ponds, drainage ditches, and streams from lowlands to some headwaters; clear or turbid, fast- or slow-flowing
water (Kenny 1995); dermal lip protuberances allow aquatic surface breathing in hypoxic conditions (Winemiller
1989). South American fauna, widely distributed in streams below the Northern Range zoogeographic barrier
(Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998). Native. Potamodromous on mainland. Spawns all year (Ponton & de Mérona 1998);
spawns in pits dug in shallow areas, male guards eggs and young (Lowe McConnel 1999). Piscivore (Winemiller
1992, Ibañez et al. 2007), juveniles carnivorous (Meschiatti & Arcifa 2002). 560 mm.
FAMILY LEBIASINIDAE
Copella arnoldi (Regan 1912) [splashing tetra, copeina]
Sluggish or stagnant forested streams and swamps. Introduced (Kenny 1995); distribution initially restricted to
the eastern part of the island (Kenny 1995), but it has spread to the far inland drainages of the Caroni River, which
empties along the upper regions of the west coast (Kenny 1995; Phillip 1998). Lays eggs on leaves overhanging
water (Krekorian & Dunham 1972); male splashes water onto developing eggs (Krekorian & Dunham 1972).
Carnivore. 50 mm.
Nannostomus unifasciatus Steindachner 1876 [one-lined pencil fish]
Slow-moving streams among vegetation or other cover (Staeck & Schindler 2008). Introduced from Guyana,
but believed to be locally extinct (Kenny 1995). Eggs laid in open water or among vegetation (Vorderwinkler
1957). Carnivore/omnivore (Taphorn 1992). 70 mm.
Pyrrhulina laeta (Cope 1872) [half-banded pyrrhulina]
Large and small streams. Distribution in Trinidad limited to eastern streams (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998).
Introduced (Kenny 1995). Eggs shed in open water or deposited on various substrates. Carnivore. 90 mm.
FAMILY GASTEROPELECIDAE
Gasteropelecus sternicla (Linnaeus 1758) [silver hatchet fish]
Slow-moving, turbid, lowland streams (Kenny 1995). Two populations on Trinidad: one on the southwestern
peninsula (Kenny 1995), and the other in the eastern part of the island (Phillip 1998, Mohammed et al. 2010).
Recent colonist (Kenny 1995). Oviparous; brief spawning period in the wet season (Alkins-Koo 2000); eggs
deposited on various substrates. Insectivore (Planquette et al. 1996); frequently breaches water surface to take
flying insects. 65 mm.
FAMILY CHARACIDAE
Astyanax bimaculatus (Linnaeus 1758) [sardine, two-spot sardine, sardine doree, pink-finned sardine]
Midwater dweller (Winemiller 1992) in large, clear streams to small, turbid drainage ditches and ponds (Kenny
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press ·
15
1995); tolerates hypoxic conditions by aquatic surface respiration (Winemiller 1989). Native; widely distributed
throughout Trinidad (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998). Oviparous; spawning season likely to be brief (Alkins-Koo
2000), during the early wet season (Ponton & de Mérona 1998); eggs deposited on various substrates. Omnivore
(Alkins-Koo 2000, de Melo et al. 2004). 150 mm.
The Astyanax bimaculatus species group has recently been reviewed (Garutti 2003), but the species present in
the Orinoco Basin, and hence Trinidad, are still under study.
Brycon falcatus group [No local name]
Large and small streams. South coast, Trinidad, based on one specimen (catalogue no. UWIZM.2011.29).
Natural colonist. Oviparous. Omnivore (de Melo et al. 2004). 600mm.
Species of the Brycon falcatus group are in need of revision. Other names are often assigned to Orinoco Basin
species such as Brycon bicolor Pellegrin 1909.
Members of this genus are found in Trinidad from time to time, e.g., Brycon amazonicus (Alkins and de Souza
1984), but they generally fail to become established.
Corynopoma riisei Gill 1858 [swordtail sardine, swallowtail sardine]
Large and small streams, slow, turbid waters (Nelson 1964); tolerates brackish conditions. Widely distributed
in lowland streams south of the Northern Range divide (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998); does not penetrate far up
Northern Range valleys, but reaches higher elevations on the South and Central ranges (Kenny 1995). Native.
Oviparous, internal fertilisation with extended spawning coincident with high rainfall (Alkins-Koo 2000), females
capable of storing viable sperm for months (Alkins-Koo 2000); eggs laid on submerged plants. Carnivore, feeding
mostly on insects (Bushman & Burns 1994, Alkins-Koo 2000, Arnqvist & Kolm 2010). 80 mm.
Gephyrocharax valencia Eigenmann 1920 [No known common names]
Moriquite and Moruga drainages on south coast of Trinidad (Phillip 1998) (UWIZM.2010.14.253) (VanegasRios & Phillip in press). Recent arrival (Phillip 1998). Internal fertilisation, eggs laid on various substrates; four
months generation time; fecundity: about 734 embryos/female; egg diameter: approximately 0.75 mm. Spawns
during rainy season, possibly more than once per season (Winemiller & Taphorn 1989). Omnivore, but feeds
mainly on terrestrial and aquatic insects and microcrustaceans (Taphorn 1992). Origin on the island uncertain. 60
mm.
Gymnocorymbus bondi (Fowler 1911) [silver tetra]
Clear or turbid, slow-flowing streams. Lower reaches of coastal streams on the western south coast of Trinidad
(Kenny 1995). Native. Eggs shed in open water or deposited on various substrates (Taphorn 1992). Omnivore. 60
mm.
This species was originally described as Phenacogaster bondi by Fowler (1911), later considered a species of
Moenkhausia, and finally placed in Gymnocorymbus (Reis et al. 2003).
Hemibrycon taeniurus (Gill 1858) [mountain stream sardine, sardine, bandtail tetra]
Clear upper reaches of streams. Endemic to Trinidad (Bertaco & Malabarba 2010); previously restricted to the
upper reaches of streams on the southern slopes of the Northern Range and Nariva Swamp (Kenny 1995), more
recently in streams draining the Central Range (Phillip 1998). Omnivore. 80mm.
There was some confusion regarding the correct identity of the species on Trinidad, which was described three
times. According to Kenny (1995), Boeseman confirmed that the species was H. taeniurus, but listed it as H.
guppyi based on a description of the species by Regan (1906b); Kenny (1995) concluded that the species was an
island race of H. taeniurus, rejecting the idea of an island endemic, H. guppyi. It was also described as
Tetragonopterus (Hemibrycon) trinitatis Lütken (1875a), a name now also considered to be a synonym of H.
taeniatus (Bertaco & Malabarba 2010).
Hemigrammus unilineatus (Gill 1858) [featherfin tetra, featherfin]
Fresh and weakly brackish water (Kenny 1995). Clear and turbid waters in ponds, slow-flowing steams, and
drainage ditches; swamp forests (Kenny 1995). Historically found in streams throughout most of Trinidad, except
for those on the north coast (Kenny 1995), but some evidence of retraction of the distribution toward the north east
16 · Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press
PHILLIP ET AL.
(Phillip 1998); does not penetrate far up stream valleys. Native. Extended spawning coincident with high rainfall
(Ponton & de Mérona 1998, Alkins-Koo 2000); eggs deposited on various substrates. Omnivore (Alkins-Koo
2000). 40 mm.
Hyphessobrycon axelrodi (Travassos 1959) [riddlei, pristella, calypso tetra]
Clear to slightly turbid, standing, fresh and mildly brackish waters at low elevations (Kenny 1995); swamp
forests. Usually found in the lower parts of the water column. Native. Oviparous (Baensch & Riehl 1995).
Omnivore. 30 mm.
Originally described as an Aphyocharax, ongoing research into the phylogenetic relationships of
Hyphessobrycon species indicates that this species groups with those described as Megalamphodus, which is
currently considered a subgenus of Hyphessobrycon by most authors (García-Alzate 2009). Mistakenly identified
as Pristella riddlei (=maxillaris) by Price (1955).
Odontostilbe pulchra (Gill 1858) [sardine, sardine doree]
Clear to slightly turbid, flowing large and small streams, ponds, and drainage ditches; tolerant of hypoxic
conditions by using aquatic surface respiration (Winemiller 1989). Southern slopes of the Northern Range (Kenny
1995) to northern slopes of the Central Range (Phillip 1998). Native (Kenny 1995). Oviparous (Winemiller &
Taphorn 1989). Carnivore (Taphorn 1992). 50 mm.
Roeboides dientonito Schultz 1944 [hunchback or glass sardine, glass fish]
Slow-moving streams and slightly turbid, standing waters (Kenny 1995); can tolerate hypoxic conditions
(Winemiller 1989). Previously widely distributed only in streams throughout east Trinidad, except those on the
north and south coasts (Kenny 1995), but more recently also found in streams draining to the west and south coasts
(Phillip 1998). Natural colonist. Extended breeding season with peak in wet season (Peterson & Winemiller 1997).
Carnivore; eats fish scales (Winemiller 1992) and aquatic invertebrates (Peterson & Winemiller 1997). 120 mm.
Triportheus auritus (Valenciennes 1850) [No local name]
Moderate to slow-moving large and small streams, tidal regions of streams, and freshwater swamps; can breathe
at the surface during hypoxic conditions (Winemiller 1989), but prefers well-oxygenated waters (de Melo et al. 2009).
South coast, Trinidad; recent colonist from South America first collected from two western streams on the south coast
in mid 1980s (Alkins and de Souza 1984; Sturm and de Souza 1984). Thought to have gone locally extinct (Kenny
1995), but recently collected from a stream on the eastern portion of the south coast (Mohammed et al. 2010). These
may represent separate colonising events. Eggs deposited on various substrates. Omnivore. 260 mm.
ORDER SILURIFORMES
FAMILY AUCHENIPTERIDAE
Pseudauchenipterus nodosus (Bloch 1794) [yellow catfish]
Estuaries (Teixeira Bonecker et al. 2007) and lower parts of streams, especially those with muddy substrate;
fresh- and brackish-water adventitious visitor to mangrove areas at high tides in the wet season (Barletta et al.
2003). Native; collected from tidal portions of largest drainage basins, particularly in Trinidad (Kenny 1995, Phillip
1998); presence on Trinidad apparently sporadic. Breeds in the wet season (Barletta et al. 2003), internal
fertilisation (Loir et al. 1989), eggs scattered on various substrates. Omnivore/detritivore. 250 mm.
Trachelyopterus galeatus (Linnaeus 1766) [grouper catfish]
Once believed to be locally extinct (Kenny 1995), but recently collected in two drainages of the central west
coast (Mohammed & Lalla, in press). Swamps, estuaries, and slow-moving streams with fresh or brackish water;
tolerant of habitats with low dissolved oxygen. Native. Internal fertilisation (Downing Meisner et al. 2000, Costa
Melo et al. 2011), eggs hidden but with no additional parental care (Bailly et al. 2008). Carnivore. 220 mm.
This species was formerly placed in Parauchenipterus Bleeker (1862), but that genus is now considered a
synonym of Trachelyopterus Valenciennes (1840).
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
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FAMILY HEPTAPTERIDAE
Rhamdia cf. quelen (Quoy & Gaimard 1824) [silver catfish, catfish, cacalaw, river catfish, barbe]
Clear to turbid, fast to still streams. Widely distributed in streams south of the Northern Range divide, often
penetrating far upstream (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998). Native. Spawns year-round (Olaya-Nieto et al. 2010); eggs
deposited on stream bed. Omnivore: carnivore (Orlandi Bonato et al. 2012), piscivore (Rondineli et al. 2011),
herbivore (Ibañez et al. 2007). Nocturnal. 480 mm.
This species is similar to R. quelen, which was originally described from Peru. Perdices et al. (2002), using
DNA evidence, have shown that the wholescale lumping of many “species” of Rhamdia quelen proposed by
Silfvergrip (1996) was an unwarranted oversimplification. A troglomorphic form of the species had been
misidentified as a separate species, Caecorhamdia urichi Norman (1926), and is now considered a synonym of R.
cf. quelen.
FAMILY ASPREDINIDAE
Aspredinichthys filamentosus (Valenciennes 1840) [seven-barbed banjo]
Demersal, found in the flooded lower portions of coastal streams and along the coast in freshwater, brackish
and marine habitats; sandy to muddy-bottomed estuaries (Le Bail et al. 2000). Native. External fertilisation; female
carries eggs attached to her ventral surface (Le Bail et al. 2000). 218 mm.
Aspredinichthys tibicen (Valenciennes 1840) [ten-barbed banjo]
Benthic species found mainly on soft-bottomed habitats in brackish water near stream mouths, but also found
in fresh and marine waters. Native. External fertilisation; female carries eggs attached to her ventral surface (Le
Bail et al. 2000). Carnivore/omnivore. 240 mm.
Aspredo aspredo (Linnaeus 1758) [banjo catfish]
Sandy- to muddy-bottomed reaches in brackish (Barletta & Barletta-Bergan 2009) to fresh water in coastal
streams (Barros et al. 2011). Native. External fertilisation; female carries eggs attached to her ventral surface
(Bruton 1996). Carnivore/omnivore. 410 mm.
Platystacus cotylephorus Bloch 1794 [banjo catfish]
Mainly brackish estuaries but also muddy lowland streams. Native. External fertilisation; female carries eggs
attached to her ventral surface (Sands 1984). Carnivore/omnivore. 370 mm.
FAMILY CALLICHTHYIDAE
Callichthys callichthys (Linnaeus 1758) [flat-head cascadu, chatoo]
Lower stream reaches; free-flowing and stagnant reaches, which are often slightly turbid and anoxic;
facultative air-breather (Carter & Beadle 1931); capable of moving over land (Alkins et al. 1981). Widespread in
streams south of the Northern Range divide, Trinidad, penetrating far upstream (Kenny 1995). Native. Spawns in
the wet season (Ponton & de Mérona 1998), males build a bubble nest at the water surface from mucous and
vegetation (Mol 1995). Omnivore (Tedesco et al. 2007). 180 mm.
Corydoras aeneus (Gill 1858) [pui pui, souci, river goldfish, aeneus, small cascadura]
Stream riffles of moderate flow, and also slower pools, but with an apparent preference for running water
(Kenny 1995); clear and turbid waters; facultative air-breather (Kramer & McClure 1980). Widely distributed
south of the main divide of the Northern Range (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998). Native. Extended spawning coincident
with high rainfall (Alkins-Koo 2000); females drink sperm, which is then passed through the gut, fertilising eggs as
they are shed (Kodha et al. 1995), eggs deposited on nest prepared on leaves, but are not guarded (Bruton 1996).
Detritivore/scavenger (Alkins-Koo 2000), omnivore, insectivore (Rondineli et al. 2011), benthophagous (Orlindi
Bonato et al. 2012). 80 mm.
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Hoplosternum littorale (Hancock 1828) [cascadu, cascadura]
Muddy habitats in the lower, larger reaches of streams, canals, drainage ditches, ponds and swamps (Kenny
1995); facultative air-breather (Carter & Beadle 1931, Brauner et al. 1995, Persaud et al. 2006). Widely distributed
in streams south of the Northern Range divide (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998). Native. Breeding takes place at the
beginning of the wet season (Oliveira 2000); females deposit eggs in a bubble nest built by the male from saliva
and bits of vegetation at the water surface; male guards the nest (Ramnarine 1990). Omnivore. 230 mm.
Megalechis thoracata (Valenciennes 1840) [hoplo, cascadura, bush fish, spotted cascadura]
Slow lowland streams, ditches, and ponds; facultative air breather (Gee & Graham 1978); no specimens of this
species have been collected since the 1860s; its presence on the island is doubtful. Native. Male builds bubble nest
and guards eggs. Omnivore. 150 mm.
This is possibly a misidentified H. littorale; its listing for Trinidad is based on a single stuffed specimen from
around 1864, that was examined by Boeseman in the 1960s (see Kenny 1995).
FAMILY LORICARIIDAE
Hypostomus robinii Valenciennes 1840 [teta, mama teta, Anne Marie]
Various habitats from free-flowing, clear-water streams to very turbid, stagnant waters (Kenny 1995). Widely
distributed south of the Northern Range divide (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998). Native. Male guards sticky egg mass
deposited on various substrates. Herbivore/detritivore (Kenny 1995). 200 mm.
This species was misidentified as H. guacari (Regan 1906a) and H. plecostomus by various authors.
Ancistrus maracasae Fowler 1946 [jumbie teta, bearded teta]
Various habitats from free-flowing, clear-water streams to very turbid, stagnant waters (Kenny 1995).
Distributed in streams south of the Northern Range divide (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998). Native and endemic. Male
guards sticky egg mass deposited on hard substrates. Herbivore/detritivore. 100mm.
All reports of other species of Ancistrus from Trinidad are in error, including a species referred to as
Chaetostoma trinitatis Günther (1864) that was probably based on Ancistrus maracasae. Extensive sampling
throughout Trinidad in appropriate habitat has failed to reveal the presence of Chaetostoma anywhere on the island
today. It may have been present in 1864 and later became extinct, but no specimens are available to corroborate this
hypothesis.
ORDER GYMNOTIFORMES
FAMILY GYMNOTIDAE
Gymnotus carapo Linnaeus 1758 [cutlass fish, tiger knife fish, electric fish]
Turbid, shallow, slow-flowing or stagnant waters (Barbieri & Cruz Barbieri 1983, Albert & Crampton 2003) in
canals and streams, prefers turbid water, but occasionally found in clear-water streams; capable of air breathing
(Liem et al., 1984). Distributed in streams south of the Northern Range divide (Kenny 1995). Native.
Potamodromous on mainland. Breeds in the wet season (Cruz Barbieri 1981, Ponton & de Mérona 1998); males are
mouth-brooders (Albert & Crampton 2003). Carnivorous; adults feed on fishes (Winemiller 1992, Albert &
Crampton 2003); juveniles feed on insects (Meschiatti & Arcifa 2002) and mollusks (Albert & Crampton 2003).
760 mm.
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ORDER GOBIESOCIFORMES
FAMILY GOBIESOCIDAE
Gobiesox nudus (Linnaeus 1758) [clingfish]
Adults in fast-flowing riffles and chutes in streams (Bussing 1998); juveniles in lower reaches. Adheres to
stones using ventral sucker (McLarney et al. 2010). Probably amphidromous (McLarney et al. 2010). Clear-water
streams on Tobago and the middle and eastern north coast of Trinidad (Kenny 1995; Phillip 1998). Native.
Insectivore (Bussing 1998). 170 mm.
ORDER CYPRINODONTIFORMES
FAMILY POECILIIDAE
Poecilia boesemani Poeser 2003 [liberty Molly (in Trinidad)]
Brackish and fresh water (Kenny 1995). Endemic to Trinidad, but possibly also present on adjacent mainland
Venezuela; described from the Maraval River, Trinidad (Poeser 2003). Internal fertilisation; livebearer; capable of
breeding in oceanic water (Kristensen 1970). Omnivore. 40 mm.
Recent work by Poeser (2003) has resulted in the division of previous, supposedly widespread, Poecilia
“species" into several more locally distributed species, among them P. boesemani from Trinidad. Before this, P.
boesemani in Trinidad was identified as P. sphenops, with populations in Diego Martin (immediately west of
Maraval) and St. Augustine, but Poeser did not include samples from these other populations. It is believed that P.
sphenops may have been introduced (Kenny 1995).
Poecilia picta Regan 1913 [millions, swamp guppies]
Lowland, fresh, and brackish (Reznick et al. 1992; Kenny 1995), stagnant and flowing, clear and turbid water
(Kenny 1995), in habitats including stream mouths, lagoons and sluggish-flowing water (Reznick et al. 1992),
penetrating far inland in low-elevation streams in Trinidad and Tobago (Kenny 1995). Native. Internal fertilisation;
livebearer (Reznick et al. 1992). Omnivore. 50 mm.
Poecilia reticulata Peters 1859 [millions, rainbow fish, seven colours, guppy, mosquitofish, big belly fish]
Various habitats, from clear headwaters to turbid lowland streams, standing waters and drainage ditches,
throughout Trinidad (Kenny 1995); also some streams in southwest Tobago (Phillip 1998). Native. Viviparous with
continuous, year-long reproduction (Alkins-Koo 2000). Omnivore, feeding on algae and insects (Dussault &
Kramer 1981). 65 mm.
Schories et al. (2009), based a molecular phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA, split P. reticulata,
describing a new, cryptic species, Poecilia (Acanthophacelus) obscura, from part of the North Oropuche drainage
in east Trinidad. Baillie (2012) rejects this position based on an analysis of genetic differentiation of P. reticulata
throughout T&T, citing insufficient genetic separation between the Oropuche and other guppies; there is evidence
of gene flow and introgression between the Oropuche guppies and those from other parts of the island. We follow
Baillie (2012) in not recognising P. obscura as a valid species.
Poecilia vivipara Bloch & Schneider 1801 [swamp guppy, swamp millions]
Rarely in fresh water, preferring brackish water (Kenny 1995); canals and ditches near swamps (Kenny 1995),
in upper, middle, and lower reaches of stream catchments (Figueiredo Medeiros et al. 2006). In Trinidad, it is found
in brackish reaches of streams on all but the north coast (Kenny 1995). Native. Internal fertilisation; livebearer.
Omnivore. 50 mm.
FAMILY RIVULIDAE
Anablepsoides hartii (Boulenger 1890) [jumping guabine, jump and bend, madfish, small guabine]
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PHILLIP ET AL.
Widely distributed in streams throughout Trinidad (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998), from headwater streams to
drainage ditches and swamps, and from fresh to weakly brackish water; also in some streams accross Tobago
(Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998). Tolerant of low dissolved oxygen conditions; can tolerate exposure to moist air, and
move short distances over land. Native. Sticky eggs deposited on various substrates including living or dead
vegetation and gravel. Carnivore. 110 mm.
Removed from the genus Rivulus to Anablepsoides by Costa (2011). Although we here refer to all Rivulus
(=Anablepsoides) from Trinidad as A. hartii, recent genetic work (Walter et al. 2011) indicates that differentiation
has occurred, some of which warrants taxonomic recognition.
Kryptolebias marmoratus (Poey 1880) [mangrove rivulus]
Salt marshes, estuaries, ditches, and puddles with salt to fresh water; tolerant of habitats with low dissolved
oxygen; can tolerate long exposure to air (Abel et al. 1987, Sayer 2005). Southwestern peninsula, Trinidad. Native.
Simultaneous, self-fertilising hermaphrodite (Harrington 1961), though there are true males and sexual
reproduction in some populations (Mackiewicz et al. 2006); eggs attached to various surfaces. Carnivore/
omnivore. 80 mm.
ORDER SYGNATHIFORMES
FAMILY SYGNATHIDAE
Microphis lineatus (Kaup 1856) [opposum pipefish]
Found hiding under vegetation along the margins of freshwater and estuarine parts of streams (Dawson 1982,
Teixeira & Perrone 1998), as well as among a variety of vegetation types, including Sargassum and Spartina in
marine habitats (Dawson 1982). Native. Breeding occurs in the wet season (Frias-Torres 2002) or year-round
(Miranda-Marure et al. 2004); adults may breed in fresh water (Herald & Dawson 1972, Dawson 1982, Gilmore &
Gilbert 1992) and marine habitats (Herald & Dawson 1972, Dawson, 1982), though larvae and juveniles are
usually found at higher salinities (Gilmore 1977, Dawson 1982); ovoviviparous; male carries eggs in a semienclosed brood pouch (Teixeira & Perrone 1998). Opportunistic carnivore (Teixeira & Perrone 1998). 95 mm.
Pseudophallus mindii (Meek & Hildebrand 1923) [Y]
Freshwater-estuarine (Teixeira Bonecker et al. 2009). Ovoviparous; male broods eggs in pouch under tail.
Carnivore (Correa & Uieda 2007). 160 mm.
ORDER SYNBRANCHIFORMES
FAMILY SYNBRANCHIDAE
Ophisternon aenigmaticum Rosen & Greenwood 1976 [zangie, obscure swamp eel]
Benthic (Miller et al. 2005), in hypersaline (Tyler & Feller 1996), brackish (Schofield & Nico 2009) and fresh
water; wide range of habitats from small muddy pools to clear streams and lakes; also reported from a cave (Tobler
et al. 2007); facultative air breather. Native (Smith 1997). Eggs likely deposited in burrows dug into bank or
floodplain, guarded by male. Carnivore (Miller et al. 2005)/omnivore. 800 mm.
Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch 1795 [zangie, swamp eel, dog-head eel]
Wide range of habitats, from brackish water to extreme headwaters, drainage ditches, ponds, swamps, in clear
or turbid water (Kenny 1995); facultative air breather (Lüling 1975); capable of moving over land (Alkins et al.
1981). Widely distributed in Trinidad, except for streams draining the south coast (Kenny 1995). Native.
Potamodromous. Diandric, protogynous hermaphrodite (Breder & Rosen 1966, Liem 1968). Eggs deposited in
burrows dug into bank or floodplain, tended by male (Taylor 1913, Vazzoler 1996). Feeds on benthic invertebrates
(Winemiller 1992); juveniles carnivorous (Rodriguez, 1999, Meschiatti & Arcifa 2002); nocturnal, but will forage
in the day (Kenny 1995). 1500 mm.
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ORDER PERCIFORMES
FAMILY CENTROPOMIDAE
Centropomus spp. [snook]
There are several species of “snook” in the region; they can be identified using the FAO key available on the
Internet (Orrell, 2011). Coastal in marine, estuarine and fresh waters; juveniles common in lower parts of streams.
Carnivore. 362–1500 mm.
FAMILY CICHLIDAE
Andinoacara pulcher (Gill 1858) [coscorob, green coscorob, blue coscorob, small coscorob, coscie, blue acara]
Clear or turbid, stagnant or free-flowing water (Kenny 1995). Widely distributed throughout streams in
Trinidad (Kenny 1995), including mid-north-coast streams (Phillip 1998). Native. Males and females guard
prepared benthic nest (Mills & Vevers 1989). Omnivore (Winemiller 1992). 160 mm.
Those cichlids commonly known as blue acaras were recently removed from Aequidens and placed in the new
genus Andinoacara by Musilová et al. (2009).
Cichlasoma taenia (Bennett 1831) [brown coscorob, large coscorob, red-eye]
Clear or turbid water in swamps, free-flowing and sluggish streams (Kenny 1995). Widely distributed
throughout Trinidad (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998), including streams in the middle of the north coast (Kenny 1995).
Native. Brief spawning period coinciding with the dry season (Ponton & de Mérona 1998), both parents guard
prepared benthic nest. Carnivore. 220 mm.
Crenicichla frenata Gill 1858 [matawal, millet, pike cichlid]
Clear to slightly turbid, preferably free-flowing, streams (Kenny 1995). Widely distributed in Trinidadian
streams south of the Northern Range divide (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998), but does not appear to overlap with C.
saxatilis. Native. Male guards nests on benthos or in vegetation such as hollow bamboo stems. Carnivore. 130 mm.
Often referred to in the literature on Trinidad fishes as Crenicichla alta, a species not known from Trinidad.
This is a result of the confusing taxonomic state of the so-called Crenicichla "saxatilis group" (e.g., Kullander
1986; Ploeg 1991). One of the main characters given by Gill to distinguish C. frenata is the presence of a humeral
spot bisected by the upper lateral line. However, we have found that this character varies broadly, with the humeral
spot clearly bisected by the lateral line in some individuals, but not in others captured simultaneously. In a few
cases we also noticed individual variation in this character, i.e., the same individual would have the humeral spot
bisected by the lateral line on one side, but below the lateral line on the other side of the body. While Gill’s original
description approximately fits the specimens we have observed, we find that the more vivid colouration (i.e.,
blotchy lateral band, silvery spotting on the sides of the body, strong sexual dimorphism with breeding females
bearing a pink or reddish belly) in the southern slopes of the Northern Range may be a more reliable character for
identification.
Crenicichla saxatilis (Linnaeus 1758) [matawal, millet, pike cichlid]
Clear and turbid, free-flowing streams. Found in some western (Phillip 1998) and southern drainages of
Trinidad. Native. Extended spawning during wet and dry seasons (Ponton & de Mérona 1998); parents guard a nest
on benthos or in vegetation such as hollow bamboo stems. Carnivore. 220 mm.
The identity of so-called C. saxatilis from Trinidad needs further study, as C. saxatilis is a widely spread
species in South America, and likely a species complex (e.g., see Kullander 1986, Ploeg 1991). The situation in
Trinidad is not clear because, unlike Gill’s (1858) description of C. frenata, the description provided by Regan
(1905) for C. saxatilis reads as though it might have been based on a mixture of specimens of the two forms. In
general, specimens referred to as C. saxatilis are much more sparsely coloured, especially in the absence of an
obvious lateral band, and are usually found in western and southern stream drainages that do not overlap with those
of the Northern Range where C. frenata is found.
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Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852) and Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus 1758) [black tilapia, Mozambique
tilapia, silver tilapia, Nile tilapia]
Several species of African tilapias are commonly used in aquaculture and some of them may easily hybridise,
thus the identity of some of them may not be easily established. Tilapias commonly escape from aquaculture
facilities, and an enormous tolerance for varied environmental conditions facilitates their establishment and
dispersal. In Trinidad, they are found in reservoirs and brackish swamps draining the southwestern peninsula and
west coasts (Kenny 1995; Phillip 1998); also found in Tobago (Phillip 1998). Introduced. Males build nests;
parents mouth brood. Tilapia species are generalist feeders that can eat almost anything available, but often prefer a
detritus and vegetable diet. 400–600 mm depending on the species.
FAMILY MUGILIDAE
Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft 1834) [mountain mullet]
Adults in clear, fast-flowing, freshwater streams (Kenny 1995); young occasionally in brackish waters. Coastal
streams draining the Northern Range (Kenny 1995; Phillip 1998) and Tobago (Phillip 1998); populations from
high-elevation streams draining the southern slopes of the Northern Range up to the 1950s have now been lost,
perhaps due to habitat alteration (Kenny 1995). Native. Single, clearly-defined breeding period in the rainy season
(Cruz 1987, Phillip 1993), with evidence of total spawning (Phillip 1993); catadromous (Cruz 1987), postlarvae
have been found at sea (Anderson 1957). Omnivore (Phillip 1993). 360 mm.
Mugil spp. [mullet]
There are several species of sea mullet that can be identified using Harrison (2002). Generally catadromous;
coastal, marine, estuarine and brackish waters. Herbivore/omnivore/detritivore. 300–1000 mm.
FAMILY POLYCENTRIDAE
Polycentrus schomburgkii Müller & Troschel 1849 [king coscorob, black coscorob, leaf fish]
Clear to turbid, fresh or brackish water streams, swamps, and lagoons (Kenny 1995). Found in low-lying areas
south of the Northern Range divide, Trinidad, including the Pitch Lake (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998). Native.
Spawns all year (Ponton & de Mérona 1998); spawns on structures overhanging the water; male tends to the
developing eggs (Barlow 1967). Carnivore (Mills & Vevers 1989). 100 mm.
FAMILY ELEOTRIDAE
Dormitator maculatus (Bloch 1792) [sleeper]
Fresh and brackish waters (amphidromous) (Teixeira 1994, Teixeira Bonecker et al. 2009), static or slowmoving waters, e.g., marshes, ponds and mangroves; turbid, standing water, edges of swamps (Kenny 1995).
Lower reaches of streams south of the Northern Range divide (Kenny 1995). Native. Peak spawning occurs in the
wet season (Teixeira 1994); attached, sticky eggs are fanned. Omnivore (Nordie 1981, Teixeira 1994). 600 mm.
Eleotris amblyopsis (Cope 1871) [large-scaled spiny-cheek sleeper]
Fresh and brackish water in the lower courses of streams and estuaries. Native. Amphidromous. Year-round
spawning (Ponton & de Mérona 1998). Omnivore (Nordie 1981). 100 mm.
Eleotris pisonis (Gmelin 1789) [spiny-cheek sleeper]
Fresh and brackish water (Teixeira 1994) in the lower courses of streams and estuaries; clear and turbid, freeflowing and standing waters (Kenny 1995). Stream mouths, penetrating to low elevations in streams throughout
Trinidad (Kenny 1995) and in Tobago (Phillip 1998). Native. Peak spawning in the wet season (Teixeira 1994);
amphidromous reproduction: hatched larvae have a marine phase of a few weeks. Carnivore (Teixeira 1994; Pezold
& Cage 2002), omnivore (Nordie 1981). 250 mm.
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
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Gobiomorus dormitor Lacepède 1800 [giant goby, sand guabine, guabine]
Fresh and brackish water of streams and estuaries; occurs farther inland than Eleotris pisonis. Found in larger
coastal streams draining Northern Range, Trinidad (Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998), as well as small coastal streams in
the northwestern peninsula and throughout Tobago (Phillip 1998). Native. Amphidromous reproduction: hatched
larvae have a marine phase of a few weeks. Carnivore. 600 mm.
Guavina guavina (Valenciennes 1837) [No known local name]
Fresh and brackish water. Amphidromous reproduction: hatched larvae have a marine phase of a few weeks.
Carnivore (Teixeira 1994). 230 mm.
FAMILY GOBIIDAE
Awaous banana (Valenciennes 1837) [river goby, sand fish]
Free-flowing riffles and pools in clear streams, often on sandy substrates (Kenny 1995); also in turbid streams.
Tobago (Phillip 1998), and coastal streams of Nothern Range, Trinidad (Kenny 1995); occasionally in the southern
slopes of the Northern Range (Kenny 1995). Native. Amphidromous reproduction: hatched larvae have a marine
phase of a few weeks. Omnivore/carnivore. 300mm.
The distribution and taxonomy of the species of Awaous in Venezuela were recently treated by Lasso-Alcala &
Lasso (2008). This species was previously identified as A. taiasica or A. tajasica (Lichtenstein 1822) (Boeseman
1960, Kenny 1995, Phillip & Ramnarine 2001).
Awaous flavus (Valenciennes 1837) [goby, sand fish]
Occurs from Colombia, all along the north coast of South America, to the Amazon River Delta, in fresh to
moderately saline waters of muddy estuarine beaches, main river channels, tidal mangrove and coastal streams,
usually on substrates of mud or mud and sand (Lasso-Alcala & Lasso 2008). Native. Amphidromous. Spawning
migrations suspected but not well documented in Orinoco River Delta (Lasso-Alcala & Lasso 2008). Omnivore/
carnivore. Smaller than A. banana, often around 44 mm SL, but reaching 77 mm.
The distribution and taxonomy of the species of Awaous were recently treated by Lasso-Alcala & Lasso (2008)
who reported that this species is mostly estuarine or marine but can be found in fresh water and has been reported
from the Orinoco River Delta. It was misidentified as Gobionellus sp., or Ctenogobius sp., by Cervigón (1982),
Ponte et al. (1999) and Lasso et al. (2002), or as or Chonophorus badius (Taphorn et al. 1997). Commercially
important to subsistence fisheries (Lasso-Alcala & Lasso 2008) and as an ornamental in Brazil (Watson &
Horsthemke 1995).
Bathygobius soporator (Valenciennes 1837) [frillfin goby]
Demersal; in marine (Baldwin & Smith 2003), estuarine, and occasionally fresh water. Benthic spawner.
Carnivore (Correa & Uieda 2007). 150 mm.
Ctenogobius boleosoma (Jordan & Gilbert 1882) [darter goby]
Amphidromous; marine (Baldwin & Smith 2003), estuarine (Rozas et al. 2012), fresh water; coastal habitats,
reefs (Baldwin & Smith 2003), lagoons. Benthic spawner. Carnivore (Correa & Uieda 2007)/detritivore (Carle &
Hastings 1982). 75 mm.
Ctenogobius fasciatus Gill 1858 [blotchcheek goby]
Estuaries and lower reaches of streams. Native. Amphidromous. Carnivore/omnivore. 75 mm.
Ctenogobius pseudofasciatus (Gilbert & Randall 1971) [slashcheek goby]
Estuaries and lower reaches of streams. Native (Pezold 2004). Amphidromous (McDowall 1977); eggs
deposited on underside of submerged objects, guarded by male. Carnivore/omnivore. 70 mm.
Evorthodus lyricus (Girard 1858) [lyre goby]
Muddy-bottomed backwaters of estuaries (Wyanski & Targett 1985) and freshwater streams. Native.
24 · Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press
PHILLIP ET AL.
Amphidromous; pronounced sexual dimorphism (Foster & Fuiman 1987); seasonal breeding (Wyanski & Targett
1985); males excavate a covered, cave-like burrow; eggs attached to underside of cover items and guarded by
males (Foster & Fuiman 1987). Omnivore (Harrington & Harrington 1961, Wyanski & Targett 1985), carnivore/
detritivore (Foster & Fuiman 1987). 150 mm.
Lophogobius cyprinoides (Pallas 1770) [crested goby]
Tidal creeks and mangroves to lower reaches of freshwater streams. Native. Protogynous hermaphrodite (Cole
1990, Bouchereau et al. 2012); amphidromous or fully marine reproduction; main reproductive period May to July
(Bouchereau et al. 2012). Omnivore (Darcy 1981, Bouchereau et al. 2012). 100 mm.
Sicydium plumieri (Bloch 1786) [sijaro, sand shark (local name only)]
Slow to fast-moving chutes, riffles, and pools in clear, coastal streams with rocks (Lyons 2005); penetrates far
inland by climbing waterfalls using mouth and pelvic sucker (Winemiller et al. 2008). Tobago and north coast,
Trinidad. Native. Amphidromous reproduction: hatched larvae have a marine phase of a few weeks. Herbivore,
mainly algivorous (Watson 2000). 140 mm.
Kenny (1995) believed that there is only one species of Sicydium, S. punctatum, on Trinidad; we have chosen
to leave S. plumieri in the list pending further investigation.
Sicydium punctatum Perugia 1896 [sand shark (local name only)]
Slow to fast-moving chutes, riffles, and pools in clear coastal streams with rocks (Lyons 2005). Found in
Tobago (Phillip 1998), and throughout Trinidad, except for west coast streams (Kenny 1995); in Trinidad,
penetrating far upstream in the clear, fast-flowing coastal streams of the Northern Range, but restricted to near the
mouths of other streams (Kenny 1995). Native. Amphidromous reproduction: spawning occurs year-round in caves
excavated below rocks (Bell 1994, Bell et al. 1995); males tend to the eggs (Bell 2009); hatched larvae drift
downstream immediately (Bell 2009); marine phase is of a few weeks (Bell 1994, Bell et al. 1995). Herbivore,
incidental carnivore. 100 mm.
FAMILY OSPHRONEMIDAE
Trichopodus trichopterus (Pallas 1770) [three-spot gourami]
Shallow, sluggish or standing fresh water in lowland marshes, swamps and canals, also in seasonally-flooded
forests; prefers habitats with a lot of aquatic vegetation. Restricted to south Oropuche drainage, Trinidad
(Mohammed et al. 2010). Aquarium species introduced to the south Oropuche River system in Trinidad. Air
breather (Burggren 1979). Male gathers floating eggs and guards them in surface bubble nest (Cole et al. 1999).
Carnivore (Degani 1990). 150–200 mm (Axelrod et al. 1985).
ORDER PLEURONECTIFORMES
FAMILY ACHIRIDAE
Achirus novoae Cervigón 1982 [No common name]
Species was described from the freshwaters of the Orinoco River Delta (Ramos et al. 2009), and has been
collected from the mouths of rivers in both Trinidad (ROM 88786, ROM 88856) and Tobago (USNM 319084).
Native. Very little is known about this species. Misidentified in the past as Achirus achirus or A. lineatus. 106 mm.
Trinectes paulistanus (Miranda Ribeiro 1915) [slipper sole]
Marine, brackish (Costa de Azevedo et al. 2007) and fresh water; shallow, soft-bottomed coastal areas (Costa
de Azevedo et al. 2007), hypersaline lagoons, estuaries, enters streams. Carnivore (Correa & Uieda 2007, Guedes
& Araújo 2008). 180 mm.
We follow Lasso and Sánchez-Duarte (2011) in identifying the species of Trinectes in Trinidad & Tobago as T.
paulistanus. T. maculatus substitutes for this species to the north, along coasts of the Gulf of Mexico.
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press ·
25
ORDER TETRAODONTIFORMES
FAMILY TETRAODONTIDAE
Colomesus asellus (Müller & Troschel 1849) [Amazon puffer, pufferfish]
Demersal; freshwater streams (Yamanoue et al. 2011); can tolerate estuarine conditions. 128 mm SL.
Included here, despite the lack of museum material, because its proximity and tolerance to estuarine conditions
means that it may also be present on Trinidad.
Colomesus psittacus (Bloch & Schneider 1801) [banded puffer, pufferfish]
Euryhaline species (Yamanoue et al. 2011) in soft-bottomed habitats. Native. Eggs shed in water column, drift
with current; potentially amphidromous. Carnivore (Krumme et al. 2007). 150 mm.
Key to the freshwater fishes of T & T
This key can be used to identify the freshwater fishes listed in Table 1. Species that have not been collected in more
than one survey since Gill’s (1858) species list was published were not included since we believe that their
presence was only transient. Finally, a selection of the coastal species, those most likely to enter the freshwater
portions of streams on the two islands, was also included in the key (see relevant note in Table 2).
1a.
1b.
2a.
2b.
3a.
3b.
4a.
4b.
5a.
5b.
6a.
6b.
7a.
7b.
8a.
8b.
9a.
9b.
10a.
10b.
11a.
11b.
12a.
12b.
13a.
13b.
14a.
Body very elongated, maximum body depth fits 9 times or more in total length. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Body not very elongated, maximum body depth fits fewer than 9 times in total length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Body naked, covered with smooth skin; maxillary and mental barbels never present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Body, at least in part, covered with scales, bony plates or with bony plates or tubercles embedded in skin; maxillary and mental
barbels sometimes present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Branchial opening reduced to a single ventral rounded pore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Synbranchus marmoratus
Branchial opening reduced to a single ventral crescent shaped slit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ophisternon aenigmaticum
Body encased in bony rings, with bony plates or tubercles embedded in skin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Body covered at least in part with scales, these may sometimes be small, embedded and difficult to see without magnification
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Mouth very small, about equal to eye diameter; snout tubular; no barbels; body completely encased in bony rings—Family
Sygnathidae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Mouth wide, at least twice eye diameter; snout compressed; maxillary and mental barbels present; body with bony plates and
knobs embedded in skin—Family Aspredinidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Snout very long, its length nearly twice as long as head length; dorsal-fin rays usually 40–47. . . . . . . . . . . . Microphis lineatus
Snout very short, its length much less than head length; dorsal-fin rays usually 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pseudophallus mindii
9 principal caudal-fin rays; tubercle rows well developed; no barbel at base of maxillary barbel . . . . . Platystacus cotylephorus
10 principal caudal-fin rays; tubercle rows not well developed; barbel at base of maxillary barbel present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7 pectoral-fin rays; 2 pairs of barbels present on underside of head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aspredo aspredo
8 pectoral-fin rays; 7 or more pairs of barbels present on underside of head and ventral surface of body—Aspredinichthys . . 9
Ventral surface of the head and breast with 14 barbels, arranged in two lateral rows and one pair placed more medially; first
dorsal-fin ray of adult over 3 times the length of the second ray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aspredinichthys filamentosus
Ventral surface of the head and breast with 18–21 (mode 20) barbels, arranged in two lateral rows of eight each, and 2 pairs
placed more medially; first dorsal-fin ray of adults less than 2 times the length of the second ray . . . . . Aspredinichthys tibicen
Dorsal and caudal fins absent; anus located beneath opercles; sides of body marked with alternating light and dark vertical bars
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gymnotus carapo
Dorsal fin present, continuous with caudal and anal fins; anus located near midbody, well behind opercles; body uniform in
colour, no vertical bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anguilla rostrata
Body armored, covered with bony dermal plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Body naked, or covered with scales or dermal denticles (these can be very small and inconspicuous as in Colomesus) . . . . . 17
Sides of body covered with 2 series of large plates that overlap on the mid-line of the sides – Family Callichthyidae . . . . . . 13
Sides of body covered with 4 or 5 series of bony plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lower lip simple, without median extensions; 2 pairs of nuchal plates between posterior margin of braincase (parieto-occipital), and the shield at base of dorsal-fin spine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Lower lip with a pair of medial extensions on posterior margin; no pairs of nuchal plates between posterior margin of braincase, posterior margin of braincase (parieto-occipital) extended as a process that connects with the basal shield of dorsal-fin
spine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corydoras aeneus
Coracoid bones not exposed on ventral surface of chest, which is fleshy in adults; 10 or more plates present on dorsal midline
26 · Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press
PHILLIP ET AL.
14b.
15a.
15b.
16a.
16b.
17a.
17b.
18a.
18b.
19a.
19b.
20a.
20b.
21a.
21b.
22a.
22b.
23a.
23b.
24a.
24b.
25a.
25b.
26a.
26b.
27a.
27b.
28a.
28b.
29a.
29b.
30a.
30b.
31a.
31b.
32a.
32b.
33a.
33b.
34a.
34b.
35a.
35b.
36a.
36b.
between dorsal and adipose fins; 26 principal (excluding smaller plates at base of caudal fin) plates in lateral series . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Callichthys callichthys
Coracoids exposed on bony ventral surface of chest; 9 or fewer plates present on dorsal midline between dorsal and adipose
fins; 23 principal plates in lateral series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Adults (over 50 mm SL) uniform grey or brown in life and preservative, and without spots on fins (juveniles have 8–11 vertical
bars on the sides that disappear as they grow); caudal fin bilobed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hoplosternum littorale
Adults brown or grey with numerous dark spots, irregular blotches or other markings on both the body and the fins, caudal fin
often with dark vertical bar; caudal fin truncate or rounded, not bilobed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megalechis thoracata
Cheek without rosette of spines; upper surface of snout hard, covered with granular plates, without tentacles; 5 rows of plates
on caudal peduncle; colour pattern consisting of rounded black spots over tan background . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hypostomus robinii
Cheek with evertible rosette of spines; upper surface of snout soft, naked, bearing prominent fleshy tentacles in males, smaller
in females; 3 rows of plates on caudal peduncle; colour pattern consisting of white spots over dark background (white spots
may not be evident on preserved specimens) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ancistrus maracasae
Body naked, without scales or minute denticles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Body scaled, or with minute denticles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Gill membranes with a free posterior margin, not united to the isthmus, or side of head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Gill membranes broadly united to the isthmus, leaving one gill aperture on each side of head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Adipose fin present; pelvic fins not united to form a disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Adipose fin absent; pelvic fins united to form a disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gobiesox nudus
Adipose fin short, the length of its base fits four or more times in distance from posterior margin of dorsal-fin base to anterior
margin of caudal fin—Family Ariidae.
Adipose fin very long, the length of its base fitting less than twice in distance from posterior margin of dorsal-fin base to anterior margin of caudal fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Supraoccipital process extending back to unite with plate at base of dorsal fin; often with distinct, thin, dark, horizontal midlateral stripe extending along entire length of fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pimelodella gracilis group
Supraoccipital process not reaching plate at base of dorsal fin; usually without distinct, dark midlateral stripe, extending along
entire length of body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhamdia cf. quelen
Posterior margin of caudal fin straight, truncate; colour of sides of body usually mottled with grey, brown and black in irregular
shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trachelyopterus galeatus
Caudal fin forked with pointed lobes; body uniform in colour, bluish to silvery, with whitish stripe down midlateral sides,
sometimes with whitish spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pseudauchenipterus nodosus
Both eyes situated on one side of head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
One eye on each side of head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Interbranchial septum pierced by a foramen; ocular-side pectoral fin usually with 2–8 rays; blind side pectoral fin either with a
single ray, or absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Achirus novoae
Interbranchial septum entire, without foramen; ocular-side pectoral fin rudimentary, normally with a single ray (rarely with 2–
3 fin rays), or fin absent altogether . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trinectes paulistanus
Only one dorsal fin present, without spines (adipose fin present or absent). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Two separate dorsal fins present, or if just one, the anterior part formed of spines followed by rays (adipose fin absent) . . . . 54
No adipose fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Adipose fin present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Mouth large, much wider than eye diameter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Mouth small, its width smaller or about equal to eye diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Caudal fin forked with 2 pointed lobes; mouth superior, with bony “tongue”; body uniformly silver . . . . .Megalops atlanticus
Caudal fin rounded or truncate; mouth terminal, “tongue” not bony; body not uniformly silver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
At least 37 lateral line scales; maxillary bone with 2–3 small canines plus a series of conical teeth. . . . . . Hoplias malabaricus
23–36 lateral line scales; maxillary bone with a series of conical teeth, but no canine teeth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Caudal fin spotted, usually with dark blotch near base extending onto caudal peduncle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Erythrinus erythrinus
Caudal fin plain, no dark blotch near its base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus
First pelvic-fin ray extremely elongated into a filament extending backwards to base of caudal fin or beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trichopodus trichopterus
First pelvic-fin ray not elongated into a filament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Four large teeth fused together to form a “beak” in upper and lower jaws; body inflatable (with air or water) to form sphere . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colomesus asellus or C. psittacus
Teeth separate, not fused, unicuspid or multicuspid; body not inflatable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Males with filamentous extensions on opercles; teeth multicuspid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corynopoma riisei
No filamentous extensions on opercles of males; teeth conical, unicuspid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Anal-fin origin anterior, or slightly posterior to dorsal-fin origin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Anal-fin origin distinctly posterior to dorsal-fin origin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Dark spot or blotch on side of body just behind opercle and above pectoral-fin base; sides of body often with scattered small,
pale spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kryptolebias marmoratus
No dark spot behind opercle; sides of body usually without scattered small, pale spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Anal fin with 15–17 rays; males lack gonopodia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anablepsoides hartii
Anal fin with 6–10 rays, modified in males to form an intromittent fertilisation organ (gonopodium) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press ·
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Dorsal fin usually with seven rays; live males multi-coloured with red, orange, yellow, blue and green in various combinations
on body and dorsal and caudal fins; males typically much smaller than females . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Dorsal fin usually with more than seven rays; males not multicoloured, drab in comparison, bodies uniformly coloured, fins
sometimes with flecks of colour; males reaching same size as females . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Females usually with single dark spot on sides of body often surrounded by lighter “halo”; females with mottled spotting
around gonopore; a lowland species usually in brackish water; male colour pattern not extremely variable, caudal fin usually
with dark upper margin and distinct spot; posterior tip of gonopodium not reaching back beyond vertical through posterior
margin of dorsal-fin base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Poecilia picta
Females without single dark spot on side of body surrounded by lighter “halo”; male colour pattern extremely variable, most
lack dark margin and spot on dorsal fin; females lacking mottled spotting around gonopore; posterior tip of gonopodium reaching back beyond vertical through posterior margin of dorsal-fin base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poecilia reticulata
No dark marks on sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poecilia boesemani
Females and often males with dark mark on sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poecilia vivipara
Narrow black stripe through eye continuing back to beneath dorsal fin; predorsal region with one or two dark spots (seen from
above); anterior margin of maxilla a simple concave curve as in most fishes, its dorsal tip slipping under maxilla; gill membrane united only anteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pyrrhulina laeta
Narrow black stripe through eye continuing back only a short distance onto opercle; predorsal region without spots visible
from above; anterior margin of maxilla sharply convex, its dorsal tip not slipping under maxilla; gill membranes completely
united, but free from isthmus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Copella arnoldi
Teeth absent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steindachnerina argentea
Teeth present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Mouth with 8 large, rabbit-like incisors on both upper and lower jaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leporinus friderici
Teeth variable, but not as above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Chest forming sharp keel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Chest not forming sharp keel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Anal-fin origin anterior to dorsal-fin origin; lateral line incomplete and curved ventrally towards anal fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gasteropelecus sternicla
Anal-fin origin posterior to dorsal-fin origin; lateral line complete, running along sides of body from opercle to caudal peduncle, not curved ventrally towards anal fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Triportheus auritus
Black lateral stripe present from tip of conical snout to posterior margin of caudal-fin rays; body long and slender, pencilshaped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nannostomus unifasciatus
No black stripe as above; body not pencil-shaped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Snout with tiny bony protuberances, like small “tusks”, used to scrape scales from other fishes . . . . . . . . Roeboides dientonito
Snout without bony protuberances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Lateral line incomplete; black spot usually present in dorsal fin, occasionally faint or absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Lateral line complete; dorsal fin without a black spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Premaxillary teeth in two rows; oblique black line (not spot) usually present on anterior anal-fin rays, extending to anal fin
base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hemigrammus unilineatus
Premaxillary teeth in a single row; dark black line on first anal-fin rays, if present, not extending to base of anal fin. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hyphessobrycon axelrodi
Anal-fin origin anterior to dorsal-fin origin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gephyrocharax valencia
Anal-fin origin posterior to dorsal-fin origin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Premaxilla with three rows of teeth; caudal fin with oblique, asymmetrical, black bar from lower margin of caudal peduncle
and up through dorsal caudal-fin lobe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brycon falcatus group
Premaxilla with one or two rows of teeth; caudal fin not as above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Body very deep, maximum depth equal to or less than 2.2 times in standard length; no black blotch or bar on caudal peduncle
or middle caudal-fin rays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gymnocorymbus bondi
Body not very deep, maximum body depth usually more than 2.2 times in standard length; black caudal spot, blotch or bar
present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Premaxillary teeth in one row; caudal spot usually extending to both upper and lower edges of caudal peduncle . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Odontostilbe pulchra
Premaxillary teeth in two rows; caudal spot or bar not extending to both upper and lower edges of caudal peduncle . . . . . . . 53
Maxilla with 4–20 teeth (the number increases with size); humeral spot vertically elongated, usually diffuse; caudal spot continued to tips of middle caudal-fin rays as dark black stripe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hemibrycon taeniurus
Maxilla with 0–2 teeth; humeral spot not vertically elongated, may be intensely pigmented; caudal spot usually limited to caudal peduncle and base of middle caudal-fin rays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Astyanax bimaculatus
One dorsal fin present, consisting of an anterior portion supported by sharp spines and a posterior portion supported by soft
rays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Two separate dorsal fins present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Anal fin with 13 or14 spines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polycentrus schomburgkii
Anal fin with 3 or 4 spines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Body elongate, maximum body depth usually fits more than 3 times in SL; lower jaw longer than upper jaw; 50 or more scales
in row above lateral lines—Crenicichla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
28 · Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press
PHILLIP ET AL.
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Body not especially elongate, maximum body depth less, fits fewer than 3 times in SL; lower and upper jaws of approximately
the same length; fewer than 30 scales in row above lower lateral line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Sides of body in specimens over 6 cm standard length with a distinct, irregular, dark, lateral stripe, sometimes expressed as a
series of dark, loosely-connected, blotches. Lateral line usually passes through humeral spot; humeral spot rarely below lateral
line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crenicichla frenata
Sides of body in specimens over 6 cm standard length with a faint, or no, dark, lateral stripe. Humeral spot below lateral line .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crenicichla saxatilis
Four anal-fin spines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cichlasoma taenia
Three anal-fin spines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Dorsal fin with 13 or 14 spines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andinoacara pulcher
Dorsal fin with 15–20 spines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oreochromis spp.
Pelvic fins united to form a suction disc—Family Gobiidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Pelvic fins separate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Head with a flap of skin along dorsal midline, forming a crest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lophiogobius cyprinoides
No flap on head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Dentary teeth in 2 or more rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Dentary teeth in a single row. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Tips of upper pectoral-fin rays free, forming a frill of filaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bathygobius soporator
Upper pectoral-fin rays normal, joined to rest of fin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Lateral scales 50 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Lateral scales 49 or fewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Body with 6–10 dark, thin, vertical bars over light background; lateral scales 51–58; transverse scales (from base of first dorsal
fin to anal fin base) 13–17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Awaous flavus
Body irregularly pigmented with dark spots and blotches, sometimes with up to 3 vertical bars in juveniles; lateral scales 59–
75; transverse scales 20–31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Awaous banana
Shoulder with patch of dark pigment; second dorsal fin not with a total of 11 rays; anal fin usually with a total of 12 rays . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ctenogobius boleosoma
Shoulder with or without dark pigment; second dorsal fin with a total of 12 rays; anal fin with a total of 13 rays . . . . . . . . . . 67
Margin of preopercle (cheek) darkly pigmented. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ctenogobius fasciatus
Margin of preopercle, if pigmented, not darker than rest of head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ctenogobius pseudofasciatus
None of the ventral sucking disc attached to body (not adnate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evorthodus lyricus
Some of the ventral sucking disc is attached to belly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Lateral scales 70 or fewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sicydium punctatum
Lateral scales 79 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sicydium plumieri
Lateral line prominent, easily visible along sides of body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centropomus spp.
Lateral line not visible along sides of body or absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
First dorsal fin with 6 or more spines—Family Eleotridae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
First dorsal fin with 4 spines—Family Mugilidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Prominent, pointed spine often covered by skin on ventral margin of preopercle present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Preopercular spine absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Scales in longitudinal series 54–68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eleotris pisonis
Scales in longitudinal series 40–48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eleotris amblyopsis
First dorsal fin with 6 spines; longitudinal scale rows 40–65; snout long, its length much greater than the depth of its head at
the eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gobiomorus dormitor
First dorsal fin with 7 spines; body with fewer than 40 or more than 85 longitudinal scale rows; snout short, its length about
equal to the depth of the head at the eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Scales large, about 25–35 scales on longitudinal row. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dormitator maculatus
Scales very small, more than 80 scales on longitudinal row. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guavina guavina
Adipose eyelid absent; anal fin with two spines; teeth in patches of more than 10 rows; 17–20 gill rakers on lower limb of first
arch; body base colour white, overlain with brown pigment outlining scales; light scale centers of upper sides and dorsum often
aligned to form rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Agonostomus monticola
Adipose eyelid present; anal fin with three spines, the first very small and inconspicuous; teeth in 1 row, weak; 25 or more gill
rakers on lower limb of first arch; body mostly silvery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mugil spp. [brackish and marine species that sometimes enter fresh water]
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press ·
29
FIGURE 2. Synbranchus marmoratus, ROM 88813, 247 mm SL, Aripo River, Trinidad.
30 · Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press
PHILLIP ET AL.
FIGURE 3. Platystacus cotylephorus, ROM 66328, 218 mm SL, beach between Pomeroon and Moruka rivers, Guyana.
FIGURE 4. Aspredo aspredo, ROM 66327, 274 mm SL, beach between Pomeroon and Moruka rivers, Guyana.
DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF PROF. JULIAN S. KENNY (1930–2011)
Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press ·
31
FIGURE 5. Aspredinichthys filamentosus, ROM 41497, 153 mm TL, Gulf of Paria, Trinidad.
32 · Zootaxa 3711 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press
PHILLIP ET AL.
FIGURE 6. Aspredinichthys tibicen, ROM 66330, 75 mm SL, beach between Pomeroon and Moruka rivers, Guyana.
FIGURE 7. Gymnotus carapo, ROM 61638, 256 mm TL, exact locality unknown, Trinidad.
FIGURE 8. Anguilla rostrata, ROM 20869, 300 mm TL, Shark River, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 9. Corydoras aeneus, 45 mm SL, Chatham River, Trinidad.
FIGURE 10. Callichthys callichthys, ROM 61957, 137 mm SL Essequibo River, Guyana.
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FIGURE 11. Hoplosternum littorale, ROM 88782, 90 mm SL, drainage canal in Sangre Grande, Trinidad.
FIGURE 12. Megalechis thoracata, ROM 61956, 60 mm SL, Essequibo River at Kurupukari, Guyana.
FIGURE 13͘Hypostomus robinii, ROM 87552, 90.7 mm SL, Rio Barro, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 14. Ancistrus maracasae, ROM 88768, 97 mm SL, Maracas River, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 15. Pimelodella sp., DAG 110 83.2 mm SL, rio Totoremoa-Tocuyo, Venezuela.
FIGURE 16. (a) Rhamdia cf. quelen, ROM 88811, 113 mm SL, Aripo River, Trinidad, and (b) the troglomorphic form of
Rhamdia cf. quelen, ROM 45631, 142 mm SL, Oropuche Caves, Trinidad.
FIGURE 17. Trachelyopterus galeatus, ROM 88549, 145 mm SL, Berbice River, Guyana.
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FIGURE 18. Pseudauchenipterus nodosus, ROM 66354, 117 mm SL, Moruka River, Guyana.
FIGURE 19. Achirus novoae, ROM 88856, 57.1 mm SL, Chatham River, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 20. Trinectes paulistanus, ROM 41801, 53 mm SL, south of 'Soldado', a small rock off the west coast of Cedros, Gulf
of Paria, Trinidad.
FIGURE 21. Hoplias malabaricus, ROM 88821, 91.6 mm SL, Chatham River, Trinidad.
FIGURE 22. Erythrinus erythrinus, ROM 63286, 105 mm SL, Essequibo River, Guyana.
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FIGURE 23. (a) Colomesus asellus, ROM 85408, 37.4 mm SL, Rupununi River, Guyana, (b) Colomesus psittacus, ROM
88795, 55 mm SL, Moruga River, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 24. (a) Corynopoma riisei, male, (b) Corynopoma riisei, female, ROM 87578, unidentified stream and nearby ditch,
Trinidad.
FIGURE 25. Kryptolebias marmoratus, ROM 87580, 39 mm SL, unnamed coastal stream, Icacos, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 26. Anablepsoides hartii, male, ROM 87528, 38 mm SL, Erin River, Trinidad.
FIGURE 27. (a) Poecilia picta, male, ROM 88853, Trinidad, (b) Poecilia picta, female, ROM 88853, Chatham River,
Trinidad.
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FIGURE 28. Poecilia (Acanthophacelus) reticulata, (a) male, Tobago, (b) female, Tobago. Photos courtesy Ronny Lundkvist.
FIGURE 29. Poecilia boesemani, ROM 44741, 44 mm SL, St. Joseph River, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 30. Poecilia vivipara, ROM 61654, 42 mm SL, Cocorite Swamp, Trinidad.
FIGURE 31. Steindachnerina argentea, ROM 67251, 53 mm SL, Creek near Hacienda Fundo Malama ca. 11 km N of CaicaraCiudad Bolivar Highway at Sipao, Venezuela.
FIGURE 32. Leporinus friderici, ROM 66240 114 mm SL, Waini R., Guyana.
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FIGURE 33. Gasteropelecus sternicla. ROM 87559, Rio Barro, Trinidad.
FIGURE 34. Triportheus auritus, ROM 67298, 167 mm SL, Barama River, Guyana.
FIGURE 35. Nannostomus unifasciatus, ROM 65409, 30 mm SL, Essequibo River, Guyana.
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FIGURE 36. Roeboides dientonito. ROM 87553, Rio Barro, Trinidad.
FIGURE 37. Hemigrammus unilineatus. ROM 87556, Rio Barro, Trinidad.
FIGURE 38. Gephyrocharax valencia, ROM 87531, 29 mm SL, Moriquite River, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 39. Brycon falcatus group, not preserved, Rio Cinaruco, Venezuela.
FIGURE 40. Gymnocorymbus bondi, ROM 88745, 32 mm SL, Río Cinaruco, at Laguna Larga, Venezuela.
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FIGURE 41. Odontostilbe pulchra, ROM 88868, 35 mm SL, Rio Barro, Trinidad.
FIGURE 42. Hemibrycon taeniurus. ROM 88749, Maracas River, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 43. Astyanax bimaculatus. ROM 88750, Maracas River, Trinidad.
FIGURE 44. Polycentrus schomburgkii, ROM 88781, 26 mm SL, drainage canal in Sangre Grande, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 45. Crenicichla frenata. ROM 88870, Rio Barro, Trinidad.
FIGURE 46. Crenicichla saxatilis. ROM 88823, 166.7 mm SL, Chatham River, Trinidad.
FIGURE 47. Cichlasoma taenia, ROM 88783, 104.6 mm SL, drainage canal at approximately 10.459°N 61.074°W, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 48. Andinoacara pulcher, ROM 88885, Maracas River, Trinidad.
FIGURE 49. Oreochromis mossambicus, ROM 22180, 151 mm SL, Maple fish hatchery, ON, from Trinidad stock.
FIGURE 50. Lophiogobius cyprinoides, ROM 40909, 18.4mm SL, exact locality unknown, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 51. Bathygobius soporator, ROM 35311, 57 mm SL, tide pool in north east, Trinidad.
FIGURE 52. Awaous flavus, ROM 66480, 55.0 mm SL, Waini River, Guyana.
FIGURE 53. Awaous banana, ROM 88830, 105 mm SL, Matura River, Trinidad.
FIGURE 54. Ctenogobius boleosoma, ROM 88841, 54 mm SL, Chatham River, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 55. Ctenogobius fasciatus, ROM 61660, 29 mm SL, Cocorite Swamp, Trinidad.
FIGURE 56. Sicydium punctatum, ROM 87702, 90 mm SL, Avocat River, Trinidad.
FIGURE 57. Centropomus pectinatus, ROM 88858, 125 mm SL, Chatham River, Trinidad.
FIGURE 58. Eleotris pisonis, ROM 24318, 62 mm SL, Bathsheba, Barbados.
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FIGURE 59. Eleotris amblyopsis, ROM 66484, 49.0 mm SL, Waini River, Guyana.
FIGURE 60. Dormitator maculatus, ROM 44756, 137.0 mm SL, Caroni Swamp, Trinidad.
FIGURE 61. Agonostomus monticola. ROM 61666, Salybia River tributary, Trinidad.
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FIGURE 62. Mugil incilis, ROM 88859, 86 mm SL, Chatham beach and Chatham River mouth, Trinidad.
Conclusions
The T&T stream fish fauna showed characteristics typical of continental island biogeography. We reviewed 144
fishes recorded from streams of Trinidad and Tobago. Close examination of these revealed that only 126 species
may still be valid records at present. Of these, 66 species, representing 57 genera in 25 families, can be considered
stream species still extant in the islands, the remaining 60 being coastal species that may enter streams. With 66
species in a land space of only 5,128 square kilometres, T&T’s stream fish fauna can be considered to be speciose,
which can be expected of a continental island in close proximity to a source as species rich as the Orinoco River.
The Orinoco as a source of fishes to T&T is supported by evidence provided by Lasso et al. (2004, 2010), who
provided a list 995 species of freshwater and estuarine fishes found in the Orinoco River system and the rivers
draining into the Gulf of Paria. About 56% of the freshwater and coastal fishes currently found in T&T streams can
be found on that list. If freshwater fishes alone are considered, 58% of the species currently in T&T are also found
in the Orinoco, according to Lasso et al. (2004).
The stream fish fauna is also a dynamic one with a history of colonisations and extirpations. We have described
17% of the stream fishes considered to be valid records for T&T as transients, species that were either deliberately
introduced or colonised naturally, but did not establish viable populations. Sixty-three percent of these transient
species are also listed by Lasso et al. (2004) from the Orinoco. Apart from these, the most recent documented
colonist, Gephyrocharax valencia (see Phillip 1998), is found in the Orinoco (Lasso et al. 2004). This dynamic
characteristic of the freshwater fish fauna, and its affinity with South American streams have been hypothesised in
earlier accounts (Price 1955, Boeseman 1960, Kenny 1995, Phillip 1998).
Only three species of stream fishes are considered to be endemic to Trinidad, the characid Hemibrycon
taeniurus (Bertaco & Malabarba 2010), the poeciliid Poecilia boesemani (Poeser 2003), and a loricariid catfish
Ancistrus maracasae Fowler (1946).
Though an accurate review of the fish fauna of Tobago is hampered by the fact that there have been few
reported surveys on the island (limited to Ramnarine et al. 1994 and Phillip 1998), recent phylogenetic evidence
from Anablepsoides hartii (Walter et al. 2011) has shown that the zoogeography of Tobago may be more complex
than previously expected.
Finally, tables 1, 2 and 3 show the value of periodic reviews such as this one. A total of 18 fishes have been
removed from the species listed for T&T in the literature and other sources used for the present study, most likely
due to misidentifications, but some due to taxonomic revisions. There are 11 name changes among the fishes listed
in table 1 alone, and we expect that several others are pending as ongoing taxonomic revisions are completed.
Acknowledgements
Field work performed in Trinidad during 2010 was funded by a ROM governor’s research grant and by a Discovery
Grant from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada to HLF, as well as grants from
North Carolina State University and the US National Science Foundation (DEB-0623623). Additional field work
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was funded by grants from The University of the West Indies and the Darwin Initiative for the Survival of Species,
UK. We are grateful to Mary Burridge, Margaret Zur, Don Stacey and Kristen Choffee for curatorial and laboratory
assistance at the ROM, Devin Bloom for his help in the field, and to Ronny Lundkvist for photographs of Poecilia
reticulata. We would also like to thank Mary Alkins-Koo, Nardia Ali, and Mike Rutherford for their assistance in
accessing additional information on Trinidad and Tobago.
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