How many species of Sturisoma (Siluriformes: Loricariinae) inhabit the La Plata Basin?

The aim of the present contribution is to review the taxonomy of the loricariid Sturisoma in the La Plata basin. The original description of the species S. barbatum is analyzed and compared to Regans later description of S. robustum. We noticed that Kners illustrations may have influenced the description by Regan and other later authors, leading to confusion in the taxonomy of Sturisoma. The diagnostic characteristics and molecular data of S. barbatum and S. robustum are discussed, and we concluded that the differences observed by previous authors are part of the intraspecific variation within a single species. This indicates that S. barbatum is a senior synonym of S. robustum. Sturisoma barbatum is compared to other Sturisoma species.

An integrative approach method reveals the presence of a previously unreported species of Imparfinis Eigenmann and Norris 1900 (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) in Argentina

Specimens of Imparfinis were recently collected in north-western Argentina from the Bermejo River basin (Salta and Jujuy Provinces), del Valle River (Salta Province) and Horcones River (Santiago del Estero Province). An integrative approach to taxonomy, combining a detailed morphological study and molecular phylogenetic analyses, was applied to determine the species identity of these specimens. A principal components analysis of morphological data clustered the specimens from north-western Argentina and from the Amazon basin, indicating a close morphological resemblance. Also, a molecular phylogenetic analysis showed populations of I. guttatus from Argentina and Peru forming a clade. According to the conducted haplotype network analysis these populations are distinct in two mutations. Thus, in the absence of morphological or molecular data indicating the contrary, the combined method supports the identity of the specimens from the tributaries of the Paraguay River in Argentina as I. guttatus, whose type locality is in the upper Beni River basin in Bolivia. This contribution is also the first record for this species from Argentina. The disjunct distribution of I. guttatus provides new evidence reinforcing the hypothesis for the origin of the Paraguayan ichthyofauna. We also provide an approach to the phylogenetic relationships of Imparfinis in Heptapteridae.

Molecular and morphological evidence revalidates Acrobrycon tarijae (Characiformes, Characidae) and shows hidden diversity

We conducted a revision of the Neotropical genus Acrobrycon. A previous study synonymized the species, A.ipanquianus, distributed from the western portion of the Amazon River to the north-western region of the La Plata River Basin, and A.tarijae, with type locality in the Lipeo River in Bolivia. We revisited this result by collecting new morphometric, meristic, and genetic data (COI mitochondrial gene) for 24 individuals distributed along La Plata River Basin in Argentina, and discussed our results in the context of multiple biogeographic processes of isolation in that basin. Our results revealed a more complex history of diversification and geographic distribution across Acrobrycon species than previously suspected, probably associated with multiple biogeographic processes of isolation in La Plata River Basin. We present new evidence that led us to reconsider the validity of A.tarijae, which is distinguishable from A.ipanquianus by the number of vertebrae (37–39 vs. 41–42) and pleural ribs (12–13 vs. 14). These results were also supported by our molecular analyses that revealed a genetic divergence >4% between A.ipanquianus and A.tarijae. We also identified two main genetic clusters within A.tarijae: the first cluster consisted of specimens from the Bermejo, Pilcomayo, Itiyuro and Juramento river basins (northern Argentina); and the second cluster included specimens from the southernmost basins, such as the Salí River in Tucumán, Cuarto River in the province of Cordoba and the Quinto River in the province of San Luis. Our results suggest that the genetic structure observed in A.tarijae is the result of the type of drainage (endorheic vs. exorheic) and geographical distance.

Fossil fishes and anurans from the Miocene of Rio Chico and Cerro Zeballos, Chubut Province, Argentina

The fossil record of freshwater fishes and anurans from the Miocene in Patagonia is relatively patchy, a large number of specimens remaining undescribed. The aim of the present contribution is to describe a fossil association of percomorphacean fishes and calyptocephalellid anurans from the early to late Miocene Collón Curá Formation, at Chubut province, Patagonia, Argentina. In spite of being represented by several specimens, both anurans and fishes show a very low taxonomic diversity. This pattern matches with other fossil sites from the Cenozoic of Patagonia, as well as with the extant Patagonian batrachofaunas and ichthyofaunas. The fossil record of frogs and fishes in Patagonia is represented by few lineages that have a large evolutionary history in the area, and occasionally can be traced up to the Late Mesozoic.

Processes that drive the population structuring of Jenynsia lineata (Cyprinidontiformes, Anablepidae) in the La Plata Basin

The distribution of genetic diversity across a species distribution range is rarely homogeneous, as the genetic structure among populations is related to the degree of isolation among them, such as isolation by distance, isolation by barrier, and isolation by environment. Jenynsia lineata is a small viviparous fish that inhabits a wide range of habitats in South America. To decipher the isolation processes that drive population structuring in J. lineata, we analyzed 221 sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COI), from 19 localities. Then, we examined the influence of the three most common types of isolation in order to explain the genetic variation found in this species.Our results revealed a marked structuration, with three groups: (a) La Plata/Desaguadero Rivers (sampling sites across Argentina, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil), (b) Central Argentina, and (c) Northern Argentina. A distance-based redundancy analysis, including the explanatory variables geographical distances, altitude, latitude, and basin, was able to explain up to 65% of the genetic structure. A variance partitioning analysis showed that the two most important variables underlying the structuration in J. lineata were altitude (isolation by environment) and type of basin (isolation by barrier).Our results show that in this species, the processes of population diversification are complex and are not limited to a single mechanism. The processes that play a prominent role in this study could explain the high rate of diversity that characterizes freshwater fish species. And these processes in turn are the basis for possible speciation events.

A Pleistocene freshwater ichthyofaunal assemblage from central Argentina: What kind of fishes lived in the Pampean lagoons before the extinction of the megafauna?

This study contributes to the knowledge of continental fishes recovered from sedimentary successions corresponding to the Bonaerean Stage/Age (late mid-Pleistocene) in the locality of Centinela del Mar, General Alvarado County, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. At this site we describe fossil fishes from a palaeolagoon, including Corydoras sp., Pimelodella sp., Rhamdia sp., Oligosarcus sp., small undetermined characids, Jenynsia sp. and Odontesthes sp. The recovered ichthyofaunal assemblage comprises at least seven taxa of Paranaean lineage. The taxonomic composition of the palaeoichthyofauna is quite comparable to that presently found in Bonaerean Watercourses of the Atlantic Drainage ecoregion. This suggests that local ichthyofaunal communities have remained relatively stable since the late mid-Pleistocene.

Review of the enigmatic 'shark', Platyacrodus unicus Ameghino, 1935, from the Paleocene of Patagonia, Argentina: a history of palaeontologists, sharks and crabs

Platyacrodus unicus Ameghino, 1935, was described as an enigmatic shark probably related to the clade Heterodontidae. This species was described based on a single, small crushing tooth-like element coming from the "Salamancan" (Danian) of the Western Río Chico locality, Chubut province, Patagonia, Argentina. The holotype and only known specimen was never figured and only briefly characterized by its original describer Florentino Ameghino. The finding of the original figures and holotype specimen allows for a re-evaluation of the taxonomic status of this species. Here, Platyacrodus unicus is reinterpreted as the carapace of a small retroplumid crab of the genus Costacopluma Collins Morris, 1975.

An integrated approach clarifies the cryptic diversity in Hypostomus Lacépède 1803 from the Lower La Plata Basin

Hypostomus commersoni Valenciennes 1836, Hypostomus cordovae (Günther 1880) and Hypostomus laplatae (Eigenmann 1907) have been little studied since their original descriptions. This study shows a comprehensive review of these species from the Lower La Plata Basin, including their taxonomic history, distribution, color patterns, morphology, and ecological and molecular phylogenetic data. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses based on D-loop sequences suggested that H. commersoni can be separated into two subclades, or subgroups. Based on these results and on the non-overlapping distribution range of the two subclades, we conclude that they represent two distinct species, thereby revalidating H. spiniger. The results also suggest that H. paranensis should be considered as species inquirenda and H. cordovae as valid species. This integrated approach provides key information for assessing the conservation status and biogeographic aspects of the genus Hypostomus in the Lower La Plata Basin.

A continental-wide molecular approach unraveling mtDNA diversity and geographic distribution of the Neotropical genus Hoplias

With an estimate of around 9,000 species, the Neotropical region hosts the greatest diversity of freshwater fishes of the world. Genetic surveys have the potential to unravel isolated and unique lineages and may result in the identification of undescribed species, accelerating the cataloguing of extant biodiversity. In this paper, molecular diversity within the valuable and widespread Neotropical genus Hoplias was assessed by means of DNA Barcoding. The geographic coverage spanned 40 degrees of latitude from French Guiana to Argentina. Our analyses revealed 22 mitochondrial lineages fully supported by means of Barcode Index Number, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery and phylogenetic analyses. This mtDNA survey revealed the existence of 15 fully supported mitochondrial lineages within the once considered to be the continentally distributed H. malabaricus. Only four of them are currently described as valid species however, leaving 11 mitochondrial lineages currently "masked" within this species complex. Mean genetic divergence was 13.1%. Barcoding gap analysis discriminated 20 out of the 22 lineages tested. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all taxonomically recognized species form monophyletic groups. Hoplias malabaricus sensu stricto clustered within a large clade, excluding the representatives of the La Plata River Basin. In the H. lacerdae group, all species but H. curupira showed a cohesive match between taxonomic and molecular identification. Two different genetic lineages were recovered for H. aimara. Given the unexpected hidden mitochondrial diversity within H. malabaricus, the COI sequence composition of specimens from Suriname (the type locality), identified as H. malabaricus sensu stricto, is of major importance.

Patterns of Corneal Topography after Penetrating Keratoplasty

Background

The topography of corneas after penetrating keratoplasty is highly variable. We classify the topography into five groups.

Methods

We performed videokeratography on 45 clear compact penetrating keratoplasties, with all sutures removed. Three ophthalmologists classified the keratographs independently into five previously defined topographic groups, based on the pattern of the normalized color-coded videokeratograph.

Results

The five topographic patterns included: prolate bow tie, 14 (30%); oblate bow tie, 14 (30%); mixed prolate and oblate bow tie, 8 (17%); asymmetric, 3 (9%); and steep/flat, 6 (14%). The three ophthalmologists agreed in their initial classification in 87% of the cases and after discussion, in 96%.

Conclusion

The topography of the cornea after penetrating keratoplasty can be classified into five qualitative groups by trained observers, with good clinical reliability.

Stranded humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) (Cetacea: Balaenopteridae) in Paraná River Delta, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Comments on the occurrence of marine mammals in the La Plata River Basin

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is distributed among most oceans and seas of the globe (except Mediterranean Sea). These whales migrate from feeding regions in the Antarctic waters to breeding areas in tropical and subtropical seas. Here we report the stranding of a female young humpback whale, which was founded dead in the vicinity of the Talavera Island, in the Paraná River Delta, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. From the analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences, two novel haplotypes were found, totalizing four haplotypes described for the species. In the La Plata River Basin this species was found only twice at the end of the XIX century. Thus, the new finding constitutes an important addition to the list of cetaceans that occurs in Uruguay, Paraná and La Plata Rivers.

Risks associated with introduction of poeciliids for control of mosquito larvae: first record of the non-native Gambusia holbrooki in Argentina

This study confirms the presence of two species of the non-native mosquitofish Gambusia in Argentina. The risks that they represent to native biota, their potential dispersal in the region, and their effectiveness in mosquito larvae control are discussed.

A contribution to the checklist of fishes of San Luis province, Argentina

San Luis province presents arheic and endorheic basins that are poorly understood in terms of their ichthyological composition. The samples taken recently from the main basins of this province have yielded data of undisputed biogeographic value for the knowledge of the ichthyofauna of San Luis, as well as for drawing up lists of species for watersheds with poor or absent previous records. Here, we cite Jenynsia multidentata from the Desaguadero and Bebedero rivers, Cnesterodon decemmaculatus for Chorrillos River, and Oligosarcus jenynsii for Luján, Quines and Quinto rivers. We add five taxa to the Nogolí River that have not been previously reported. We also present for the first time a list of the fish fauna from the Conlara, Luján and Quines basins. Our results provide 34 new records of freshwater fish distribution.

Arrhinolemur scalabrinii Ameghino, 1898, of the late Miocene : a taxonomic journey from the Mammalia to the Anostomidae (Ostariophysi: Characiformes)

The fossil species Arrhinolemur scalabrinii, which was described from late Miocene deposits of Entre Ríos, Argentina, is reevaluated. Whereas the species was originally placed in the Primates (Mammalia) and later made the unique member of the order Arrhinolemuroidea within the Mammalia, our analysis indicates that the specimen is rather a fish of the genus Leporinus, family Anostomidae (Characiformes). The species is redescribed, and the characters that support its new generic assignment are discussed.

Descripción de una nueva especie de bagre marino fósil (Teleostei, Siluriformes, Ariidae) del Mioceno de la provincia de Río Negro, Argentina

En este trabajo se describen dos cráneos de la familia Ariidae procedentes del miembro Saladar de la Formación Gran Bajo del Gualicho, ubicados en las Salinas del Gualicho, provincia de Río Negro, Argentina. La edad de los depósitos del Miembro Saladar se remonta al Mioceno Temprano alto/Mioceno Medio bajo. Los materiales son asignados a una nueva especie extinta del género viviente Genidens. Este nuevo taxón se distingue de todas las especies actuales por presentar un proceso supraoccipital muy corto, ancho y redondeado, extraescapular subcircular y mesetmoides amplios con una conspicua escotadura mesial, frontales prácticamente planos en vista lateral y margen lateral de los huesos esfenóticos rectilíneo. Genidens sp. nov., representa el registro más antiguo para el género y constituiría una especie de aspecto similar a las formas actuales del género. sp. nov., representa el registro más antiguo para el género y constituiría una especie de aspecto similar a las formas actuales del género.

Primera ictiofauna marina del Cretácico Superior (Formación Jaguel, Maastrichtiano) de la provincia de Río Negro, Argentina

Se describe un conjunto de dientes fósiles que proceden de sedimentos marinos de la Formación Jagüel (Maastrichtiano), de la localidad de Bajo Trapalcó, provincia de Río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina. La ictiofauna aquí descripta es la primera para la Formación y se compone de unos seis taxones diferentes de Chondrichthyes (Serratolamna serrata, Squalicorax pristodontus, Cretalamna appendiculata, Carcharias sp., Odontaspis sp. y cf. Pseudohypolophus mcnultyi) y dos Teleostei del género Enchodus (aff. E. ferox y aff. E. gladiolus). Serratolamna serrata es el taxón mejor representado del conjunto, y constituye la cita más austral conocida en la distribución de esta especie y el primer registro fósil para Argentina. Los registros de Enchodus, Squalicorax pristodontus y cf. Pseudohypolophus mcnultyi, representan las primeras descripciones de estos taxones para Argentina. Todos los taxones descriptos constituyen un ensamblaje de especies que caracterizan las paleoictiofaunas de los mares del Cretácico Superior de distintas partes del globo, aportando novedosa información para la comprensión de las ictiofaunas Mesozoicas del cono sur sudamericano.

Primer registro del género Jenynsia Günther, 1866 (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes) en el Pleistoceno Medio tardío de la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina)

En este trabajo se da a conocer un premaxilar izquierdo referible al género Jenynsia recuperado en facies lacustres correspondientes al Piso-Edad Bonaerense (Pleistoceno Medio tardío) de la localidad de Centinela del Mar, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Dicho material constituye el primer registro fósil para este género y uno de los escasos antecedentes para la familia Anablepidae. El hallazgo aquí comunicado brinda nuevas evidencias para la comprensión de las ictiofaunas cuaternarias de América del Sur.

Astigmatism associated with adnexal masses in infancy

High degrees of astigmatism are common in infants with hemangiomas but have not been well documented with other adnexal masses. We reviewed records of 65 patients (69 eyes) with chalazions, epibulbar or orbital dermoids, hemangiomas, and dacryoceles. Astigmatism greater than +1.25 diopters (as high as +5.50 diopters) was most commonly associated with dacryoceles (eight of 12 eyes) and with hemangiomas (14 of 17 eyes). Plus cylinder axes were consistently oriented toward the lesion, and astigmatism tended to resolve with resolution of the lesions. Only one of the 17 eyes with dermoids and two of the 23 eyes with chalazions had astigmatism. Anisometropic amblyopia has been a prominent concern in the treatment of infants with hemangiomas. Patients with dacryoceles may be at similar risk. Repeated cycloplegic refractions are important in determining appropriate treatment of adnexal masses.