Unexpected discovery of six new species of Aphyosemion (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae) in the Wonga-Wongué Presidential Reserve in Gabon

  • Jean-François Agnèse  ISEM, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, EPHE, Montpellier
  • Laurent Chirio 14, rue des Roses, 06130 Grasse
  • Olivier Legros Floralaan 51, 1501 Buizingen
  • Richard Oslisly Patrimoines Locaux et Gouvernance UMR 208, IRD, MNHN, Paris
  • Hervé Mvé Bhé Institut de Recherches Agronomiques et Forestières (IRAF), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CENAREST), BP 2246, Libreville
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2018.471
Keywords: Killifish, mtDNA, Nothobranchiidae, taxonomy

Abstract

During a survey of the fishes in the region of the Wonga-Wongué Presidential Reserve, 14 new populations of the subgenus Chromaphyosemion Myers, 1924 were found. These observations extend the previously known distribution range of the subgenus 120 kilometres southward. None of these populations could be related to any described species. Based on the colouration of the males and females, together with a genetic marker (mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b sequences), the populations studied are grouped into six new species which are described in this article, all close to Aphyosemion alpha Huber, 1998 with which they share the presence of a black alpha-shaped mark on the pre- and post-opercular region. The group composed of A. alpha and the six new species is referred to here as the A. alpha species group. All the new species, A. aurantiacum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. barakoniense Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. flammulatum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. flavocyaneum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. pusillum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov. and A. rubrogaster Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., are further unambiguously diagnosed by unique combinations of colour patterns, making it possible to generate an identification key for the A. alpha species group. It is likely that the coastal dunes of Wonga-Wongué that form a sandy relief, could have led to the fragmentation and then isolation of the hydrographical networks that flow into the Atlantic Ocean, making possible a significant number of allopatric speciations.

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Published
2018-10-30
How to Cite
Agnèse, J.-F., Chirio, L., Legros, O., Oslisly, R., & Bhé, H. M. (2018). Unexpected discovery of six new species of Aphyosemion (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae) in the Wonga-Wongué Presidential Reserve in Gabon. European Journal of Taxonomy, (471). https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2018.471
Issue
No. 471 (2018): Unexpected discovery of six new species of Aphyosemion (Cyprinodontiformes, Aplocheilidae) in the Wonga-Wongué Presidential Reserve in Gabon
Section
Zoology
Copyright (c) 2018 Jean-François Agnèse, Laurent Chirio, Olivier Legros, Richard Oslisly, Hervé Mvé Bhé

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