Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889)

Uriel Angel Buitrago-Suárez & Brooks M. Burr, 2007, Taxonomy of the catfish genus Pseudoplatystoma Bleeker (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) with recognition of eight species., Zootaxa 1512, pp. 1-38 : 30-32

Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889)

(Figure 27, Table 8)

Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum reticulatum Eigenmann & Eigenmann , 1889:30. Type and Locality: Negro River [Brazil]. Holotype: MCZ 23813.

Geographic distribution: Central Amazon and Paraná River in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay (Fig. 25).

Holotype: MCZ 23813 , 605 mm SL, Negro River, between Manaus and Moura , 3°8'N, 59°55'W, state of Amazonas, Brazil, N. Dexter and L. Agassiz, 12 October 1865.

Material examined: ANSP 53867 , (2), Descalvados , Matto Grosso, Paraguay River . J. A. Rehn, September1931. BMNH 1934-820113120 , (2), Paraguay River, near Asuncion , Paraguay, purchased by G. Schouten, 1934. FMNH 96053 , (1), Delcalvados , Matto Grosso, Paraguay River , Brazil, Schmidt et al., 1926. FMNH 58039 , (1), Puerto Suarez , Bolivia, J. D. Haseman, 6 May 1909. FMNH 72656 , (1), Aregua, Paraguay River , 7 April 1909. USNM 181766 , (1), Paraguay River, Asuncion bay, near Asuncion , Paraguay, C. J. Brown, 27 December 1956. USNM 002114 , (1), Paraguay River .

Diagnosis: A species of Pseudoplatystoma distinguished by a combination of the following features: loop-like dark bars forming a reticulating pattern, never straight as in P. fasciatum , P. orinocoense and P. punctifer ; dark, loop -like bars join those in the dorsal region of the body forming distinct cells; longer loop - like dark bars, extending far below the lateral line; head shows either spots or loops; 42-43 vertebrae; anal fin always with spots; no clear demarcation between dark dorsal and pale ventral regions; lower jaw pointed.

Description: Maximum recorded length 605 mm TL. Viewed dorsally, head somewhat pointed on the anterior margin; dorsal lip expanding toward the midline. Generally, individuals are stout. Dark pigmentation on dorsal and lateral region of body extends below lateral line. No clear delimitation between pale and dark pigmentation of body. Dark loop -like bars all over the dark area from posterior opercular flap to caudal peduncle. Head with spots and bars from tip to nape. Dorsal fin spine and rays with spots. Anal fin spotted on each individual examined. Pectoral and pelvic fins dark dorsally, pale ventrally, with few spots; some individuals with dusky posterior margins on pectoral fins. Adipose fin with few spots (10-13 spots). Area around dorsal procurrent caudal rays with spots, ventral procurrent caudal rays without spots. See Table 9 for a comparison with other species. Color and pattern of adults are shown in Fig. 18.

Etymology: The specific epithet reticulatum refers to the reticulating pigmentation pattern.