Ptychochromis inornatus: A New Cichlid (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from Northwestern Madagascar, with a Discussion of Intrageneric Variation in Ptychochromis
Ptychochromis inornatus, n. sp., is described from the Ankofia basin, northwestern Madagascar. The new species is diagnosed from congeners by the absence of large, black midlateral blotches or bars, and the presence of only two rows of teeth on the second pharyngobranchial toothplate, a robust uncinate process of the first epibranchial bone that is at least twice the diameter of the anterior arm, anterior chest scales that are reduced in size and embedded, a rounded and truncate postero-dorsal margin on the supraoccipital crest, and red fin coloration in life. Ptychochromis inornatus is endemic to the Ankofia drainage basin, with a geographic range extending from the Anjingo River northward to Lake Andrapongy and its surrounding drainages. Intrageneric variation within Ptychochromis is also discussed and comparisons made to the new species.Abstract
Isolated upper pharyngeal elements. Ptychochromis inornatus, UMMZ 237064, paratype, 87.7 mm SL: (A) articulated upper pharyngeal elements, right ventral view; (B) isolated first epibranchial bone in lateral view. Ptychochromis cf. grandidieri, UMMZ 237312, 76.5 mm SL: (C) articulated upper pharyngeal elements, right ventral view; (D) isolated first epibranchial bone in lateral view. Epn = epibranchial 1–4; Pbn = pharyngobranchial 2–3; TpEp2 = “free” second epibranchial toothplate; UpTp4 = fourth upper toothplate. Ant. Arm = anterior arm of first epibranchial; Unc. Pr. = uncinate process of first epibranchial
Ptychochromis inornatus, holotype, UMMZ 237492, 115.3 mm SL, adult female, Anjingo River, Ankofia drainage, northwestern Madagascar
Map of northern Madagascar illustrating collection localities of Ptychochromis inornatus, n. sp., Ankofia River basin, northwestern Madagascar
Ptychochromis cf. grandidieri, UMMZ 237311, 116.5 mm SL, collected near Mananjary, southeast coast, Madagascar. Note the presence of a series of large black blotches on the flanks
Ptychochromis inornatus, paratype, UMMZ 237063, 122.3 mm SL, adult male, Anjingo River, Ankofia drainage, northwestern Madagascar