A New Genus and Species of a Minute Suckermouth Armored Catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Rio Tocantins Drainage, Central Brazil: The Smallest Known Loricariid Catfish

Nannoplecostomus eleonorae, a new genus and species of a miniature suckermouth armored catfish, is described based on specimens collected from the karst region of Sao Domingos, upper Rio Tocantins basin, Goias State, central Brazil. The new genus and species can be diagnosed among loricariids by presenting a unique reductive pattern of lateral dermal plates, with most of the body covered by only three series of plates (viz., dorsal, mid-ventral, and ventral). Based on the available published phylogenetic studies for the family, we provisionally consider Nannoplecostomus eleonorae as being an incertae sedis taxon within Loricariidae. Achieving a maximum standard length of 22.2 mm SL, Nannoplecostomus eleonorae is the smallest known loricariid catfish, and a list of the remaining smallest loricariids is provided.

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Mato Grosso (FAPEMAT)

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Mato Grosso-FAPEMAT [447441/2009, 572844/2008]

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo-FAPESP [07/02978-7]

Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)

Conselho Nacional de Pesquisas (CNPq)

Conselho Nacional de Pesquisas-CNPq [151624/2009-7]