Key to the species of Pimelodus of the rio São Francisco drainage.

1. 15-18 rakers on first branchial arch; head depth 42.3-50.2% HL; interorbital width 12.1-14.9% HL ........... Pimelodus fur

1’. 20-28 gill rakers on first branchial arch; head depth 58.6- 79.0% HL; interorbital width 21.9-30.4% HL ....................... 2

2. 25-28 rakers on first branchial arch; horizontal eye diameter 19.5-25.1% HL ................................... Pimelodus maculatus

2’. 20-25 rakers on first branchial arch; eye diameter horizontal 26.5-32.2% HL ................. Pimelodus pohli, new species