Astyanax baileyi

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Astyanax baileyi
Astyanax baileyi.png
An illustration of Astyanax baileyi
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Characiformes
Family: Characidae
Genus: Astyanax
Species:
A. baileyi
Binomial name
Astyanax baileyi
Rosen, 1972

Astyanax baileyi is a small freshwater fish native to northern Guatemala. Based on several visual aspects, it was once considered a member of the genus Bramocharax, which is now obsolete, and has since been synonymized with Astyanax. As such, former members of Bramocharax are now a part of Astyanax, like Astyanax bransfordii and Astyanax caballeroi.

Contents

The scales of its body are largely silver, with a yellow or yellow-green cast. Its fins are some mix of orange and pink, and there is a dark patch on its tail-fin joint that spreads onto the tail fin itself. These are not unusual features for a member of Astyanax, but other aspects are somewhat unorthodox, hence why it was once considered a member of a different genus. In modern ichthyology, the unusual parts of A. baileyi's appearance - like a compressed body and a long snout - are considered to be adaptations to its environment and role in the food web.

Taxonomy

When first described in 1972 by American ichthyologist Donn Eric Rosen, Astyanax baileyi was named Bramocharax baileyi. [2] Two years prior, it had been considered a subspecies of Bramocharax bransfordii, B. b. dorioni, but was given species distinction based upon bodily proportions, scale pigmentation, and aspects of dentition. [3] In modern ichthyology, B. bransfordii is also a member of Astyanax, now named Astyanax bransfordii ; the genus Bramocharax is largely considered obsolete, based on various genetic analyses that failed to find meaningful differentiations between the genera. [4] In a comprehensive 2008 study, several species formerly considered members of Bramocharax were found to in fact form clades with established Astyanax species. [5] Astyanax baileyi was given its official designation as a member of Astyanax in a redescription by Mexican ichthyologist Juan Jacob Schmitter-Soto in 2017. [6]

When Bramocharax was still an accepted genus, there were enough similarities between members of Bramocharax and Astyanax (such as in skull osteology) [7] for researchers to suggest a phylogenetic relationship before one was confirmed through further analysis. Comparing Astyanax fasciatus (now an obsolete species, split up into various other members of Astyanax) and then-BramocharaxA. baileyi, there were intermediate morphological states between the two; however, these ended up being misleading, as the morphological differences between species assigned to separate genera are now thought to be a result of trophic specialization that has arisen independently in lineages faced with similar environmental pressures. [5] As such, there are two separate "morphs" used to refer to the different body shapes that led to genus separation. The Astyanax morph consists of fish with a deep body, a blunt snout, and multicuspid teeth, while the Bramocharax morph is fusiform, long-snouted, and unicuspid. [8]

There are three subgenera in Astyanax - Astyanax, Poecilurichthys, and Zygogaster - and A. baileyi belongs to the first, based upon a complete series of predorsal scales. [6] There is suspicion that it is related to A. mexicanus and A. abramoides. [9]

Etymology

The specific epithet "baileyi" is in honor of Reeve M. Bailey, a tutor and friend of Rosen for 26 years and a valued companion during various field expeditions. The genus name "Astyanax" is in reference to the Iliad, wherein Astyanax is the son of Trojan prince Hector. A reason for this allusion was not made clear in the nominal text, but could possibly originate in the scales of type specimen Astyanax argentatus , which are large and silvery in a way that could be compared to armor or a shield. [10] A. baileyi has no accepted common name, [11] but "Bailey's tetra" has been suggested as a result of the specific epithet.

Description

Astyanax baileyi reaches a maximum of 6.9 cm (2.7 in) in standard length (SL). [12] It has 3 or 4 maxillary teeth and 9–13 premaxillary teeth. There are 10–13 dorsal-fin rays, 23–28 anal-fin rays (with a mean of 25), and 12–16 pectoral-fin rays. [13] The dentition of young A. baileyi more closely resembles something expected from the Astyanax genus as a whole, but adult specimens more distinctly display traits of the Bramocharax morph that earned it its basionym. [14] The body is consistently slender (fusiform), and the snout is relatively long; many other Astyanax are deep-bodied and short-snouted, which is partially what led to the separation of genera in the first place. [8]

The base scale color is silvery with a tinge of yellow or yellow-green. The dorsal fin is a pale yellow-orange, and the rest of the fins are a pale pink. It has one humeral spot, vertically elongated below the lateral line. [3] This humeral spot is p-shaped. There is a dark blotch of pigment on the caudal peduncle that extends onto the middle caudal-fin rays. [13] Sexual dimorphism is unknown.

Distribution and habitat

Astyanax baileyi is endemic to the Usumacinta River basin; specifically, it can be found in the Alta Verapaz department of north-central Guatemala. [6] One of the first specimens was collected specifically from the Rio San Simon, 6 km due west of Chisec, and its type locality is the Rio Dolores, along the shore by the village of Yaxcabnal. [3] Its distribution is known to be highly restricted, with an estimated Extent of Occurrence (EOO) of 546 km2. [1]

The Usumacinta River main has plentiful riparian vegetation and is an important part of the local carbon cycle. [15] [16] It has a main channel length of 927 km. [17] The San Simon passes through mountains of the same name, with a history of abruptly disappearing during periods of excess drought. [18] [19] There are also nearby caves that serve as minor tourist attractions. [20] [21] The Dolores serves as a source of drinking water, irrigation, and livelihood for various indigenous communities along its length. [22]

Diet and ecology

Astyanax baileyi has been collected in sympatry with poeciliid species Xiphophorus helleri guentheri and Heterandria bimaculata. [3] Little is known of its diet, but a congener with similar trophic adaptations, Astyanax caballeroi , has a diet consisting largely of invertebrates and detritus from other fish, with supplemental plant material. The longer head and jaws could possibly be associated with predatory behavior. [23] Research on the ecology and life history of A. baileyi in particular is sparse. [1]

Conservation status

Astyanax baileyi is considered a data deficient species by the IUCN. Given that there is little information regarding further occurrence outside of current records, ecology, and adaptability, decisions regarding conservation cannot adequately be made. [1] However, A. baileyi's habitat is known to face various environmental pressures.

Parts of the Usumacinta River basin are suffering ongoing deforestation and agricultural development, both of which can damage riparian vegetation and introduce pollution. [24] There is also the potential for hydroelectric dam construction along the river's length in Mexico, which is not a direct threat to A. baileyi but may set a precedent for altering the river's flow. [25] The Rio San Simon, a locale recorded early in research of A. baileyi, has recently been facing excessive drought, [19] and the Rio Dolores, its type locality, is the subject of increasing pollution. [26]

Related Research Articles

<i>Astyanax</i> (fish) Genus of fishes

Astyanax is a genus of freshwater fish in the family Characidae of the order Characiformes. Some of these fish, like many of their relatives, are kept as aquarium pets and known collectively as tetras. With around 150 described species and new ones being described yearly, this genus is among the largest of the entire order; Hyphessobrycon also has more than 145 species and which one is larger at any one time depends on whether more species have been recently described in one or the other. The blind and colorless cave tetra of Mexico is a famous member of the genus, but its taxonomic position is disputed: Some recognize it as part of the Mexican tetra and this is supported by phylogenetic evidence, but others recognize the cave form as a separate species, A. jordani.

<i>Carlastyanax</i> Genus of fishes

Carlastyanax aurocaudatus is a small species of freshwater fish in the family Characidae native to the Río Cauca in Colombia. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Carlastyanax, which was named in 1972 specifically for the species by Jacques Géry. Upon description, it was named Astyanax aurocaudatus by Carl H. Eigenmann. There has been debate concerning whether or not the genus should be recognized, but C. aurocaudatus is currently considered a valid species.

<i>Astyanax argentatus</i> Species of fish

Astyanax argentatus is a small freshwater fish native to northern Central America and southern North America. Given its native range, it is also known as the Texan tetra. Little has been published regarding the feeding habits or behavior of A. argentatus, but it is known to have the northernmost distribution of any member of the genus Astyanax.

<i>Astyanax abramis</i> Species of fish

Astyanax abramis is a small freshwater fish from the inland rivers of South America. It is plentiful in almost the entire continent, with a habitat including the La Plata, upper Amazon, and Meta River basins. The body shape is subrhomboidal and laterally compressed, and the scales are largely silver, with a blue or green tint on the dorsal side.

<i>Astyanax acatlanensis</i> Species of fish

Astyanax acatlanensis, sometimes called the Acatlán tetra, is a small species of fish from the rivers of Mexico. It is a relatively hardy species that is able to tolerate a variety of water conditions, but is only found in freshwater, never brackish or marine. It is known only from the Río Acatlán, which is its type locality, and the Río Jía, which is a small, unknown river in the Oaxaca region.

<i>Astyanax aeneus</i> Species of fish

Astyanax aeneus, the banded tetra, is a small species of fish native to southern Central America and northern South America. It can be found in a variety of environments, including lakes, rivers, ponds, and slightly brackish locales like lagoons. As well as a varied habitat, it has a varied omnivorous diet: algae, seeds, leaves, insects, and fish fry appear to be the most common.

<i>Astyanax altior</i> Species of fish

Astyanax altior, the Yucatán tetra, is a small species of freshwater fish endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. It largely inhabits the cenotes of the region, and can tolerate water of limited salinity, though it largely prefers freshwater. Its diet includes plant matter and invertebrates, and there may be an element of cannibalism involved.

<i>Astyanax angustifrons</i> Species of fish

Astyanax angustifrons, sometimes referred to as the Campeche tetra, is a small freshwater fish from the rivers of Central and South America. It has a healthy distribution across southern Mexico and northern Guatemala, and is relatively common within its native range. Details regarding its diet and behavior are sparse, but it lives in areas with plentiful riparian vegetation, and most other members of the genus are omnivorous. Its habitat includes places affected by pollution and human activity; nonetheless, it is not endangered.

<i>Astyanax aramburui</i> Species of fish

Astyanax aramburui is a small freshwater fish from the rivers of South America, restricted to a relatively small region within the Paraná and Uruguay river basins of Argentina. It was named after the scientist who established a professional presence for ichthyology in the country, Raúl Arámburu. Considered a near-threatened species by the IUCN, its range includes creeks in a sub-basin affected by various forms of pollution.

<i>Astyanax bacalarensis</i> Species of fish

Astyanax bacalarensis, sometimes referred to as the Bacalar tetra, is a small species of freshwater fish found in Central and South America. Its scientific and common names both refer to its type locality, Lake Bacalar in Mexico, and it further inhabits freshwater environments like cenotes, streams, and wetlands. Its widespread nature, paired with an omnivorous diet, make it a hardy species.

<i>Astyanax bagual</i> Species of fish

Astyanax bagual is a small species of freshwater fish known only from the Taquari-Antas river basin in southern Brazil. It is unusual in the genus Astyanax because mature male specimens display bony hooks on the rays of all fins; in opposition, most others have them on the anal, pelvic, or pectoral fins - sometimes on more than one of these, but very rarely on all fins. It can further be told apart from various congeners by way of dentition and some aspects of coloration, including the presence of two humeral spots instead of one.

<i>Astyanax belizianus</i> Species of fish

Astyanax belizianus is a small freshwater fish native to various regions of Central America. Little is known of its diet or specific environmental preferences, but it was first recorded in Belize. Modern ichthyology has expanded its range into Guatemala and Honduras, where it inhabits various rivers and lake tributaries. It is a silvery fish that may have a slight yellowish tint to its scales. The body is deep, especially in comparison to similar species from the same genus.

<i>Astyanax bimaculatus</i> Species of fish

The twospot astyanax, also called the two-spot tetra, is a small species of freshwater fish native to South America. It is a middlingly common tetra in the aquarium industry, with hobbyist reports of its sale and presence, and it is also a well-studied member of the genus Astyanax in wild settings. Amateur aquarists report peaceful schooling behavior in captivity, though fish in wild schools may turn on one another if presented with the threat of a predatory species.

<i>Astyanax bourgeti</i> Species of fish

Astyanax bourgeti is a small species of freshwater fish native to the upper Amazon river in Brazil. Originally described in 1908, it is not a particularly well-studied member of the genus Astyanax, but there is enough information available to establish a native range, an appearance, and potential relationships to congeners; for example, A. bourgeti is a known member of the subgenus Poecilurichthys, and has been considered such for most of its existence. Biotope preferences, sympatry, diet, and behavior are all unknown.

<i>Astyanax brachypterygium</i> Species of fish

Astyanax brachypterygium is a small species of freshwater fish endemic to a collection of high-elevation streams in Brazil. It was named in 2001 alongside congener Astyanax cremnobates, to which it bears a strong resemblance; physical details help to differentiate between the two. Its scales are a greenish-brown on the back and silver on the belly, with reddish fins and a dark humeral spot. One of its defining features is a notably short anal-fin base, which has 13 to 15 rays.

Astyanax bransfordii, sometimes called the longjaw tetra, is a small carnivorous species of fish endemic to a handful of lakes and slow-moving canals in Central America. Its range includes Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua, which are two of the largest freshwater bodies in Central America; because it occurs only in the relevant areas of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, the area it actually inhabits is somewhat restricted. Its diet largely consists of various invertebrates and smaller fish. This is in contrast to various other species of Astyanax, which are more often omnivorous.

<i>Astyanax brevimanus</i> Species of fish

Astyanax brevimanus, sometimes referred to as the Quiché tetra, is a small species of freshwater fish native to various locales in Guatemala. Its native range is somewhat restricted, but it is a populous and adaptable species, so there is no risk of it going extinct anytime soon. It is unknown what A. brevimanus eats, or what specific habitats it prefers; current information is largely in the form of physical descriptions, general areas of occurrence, and hypotheses regarding relationships to congeners. Its silvery scales, indistinct humeral (shoulder) spot, and dark caudal-peduncle spot are features not unusual in species of Astyanax.

<i>Astyanax caballeroi</i> Species of fish

Astyanax caballeroi is a small species of freshwater fish endemic to a single lake system in Mexico. It has a longer snout and more slender body than most other species in the genus Astyanax, thought to be the result of predatory behavior; while A. caballeroi eats invertebrates and smaller fish, other Astyanax species are more broadly omnivorous, and have deeper bodies with shorter snouts. This difference in body shape once placed A. caballeroi, along with several other species of Astyanax, into the former genus Bramocharax.

Astyanax apiaka is a small freshwater fish endemic to the Apiacá river in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Its discovery is recent, as of 2023, which results in little published research of its natural behaviors or preferred biotopes. However, descriptions of its appearance and general environment have been solidified, as well as some baseline information regarding its diet. It lacks a conservation status from the IUCN.

<i>Astyanax clavitaeniatus</i> Species of fish

Astyanax clavitaeniatus is a small species of freshwater fish native to various rivers in the Amazon basin. It is characterized by a club-shaped lateral stripe, which is where it gets its scientific name; "clava" means "club", and "taenia" means "stripe". It is a deep-bodied fish with a silvery base color, which is not uncommon for members of Astyanax. Its markings - including a humeral spot and two vertical brown bars - indicate that it is a part of a species complex centered around congener Astyanax bimaculatus.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Lyons, T.J.; Quintana, Y.; Elias, D. (2020). "Astyanax baileyi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020: e.T149118753A149122061. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T149118753A149122061.en . Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  2. ↑ Bailly, Nicolas (2021). "Bramocharax baileyi". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species . Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Rosen, Donn Eric (1972). "Origin of the characid fish genus Bramocharax and a description of a second, more primitive, species in Guatemala". American Museum Novitates (2500). hdl:2246/2707 . Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  4. ↑ Schmitter-Soto, Juan Jacob (6 May 2016). "A phylogeny of Astyanax (Characiformes: Characidae) in Central and North America". Zootaxa. 4109 (2): 101–130. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4109.2.1. PMID   27394856.
  5. 1 2 Ornelas-García, Claudia; Domínguez-Domínguez, Omar; Doadrio, Ignacio (2008). "Evolutionary history of the fish genus Astyanax Baird & Girard (1854) (Actinopterygii, Characidae) in Mesoamerica reveals multiple morphological homoplasies". BMC Evolutionary Biology. 8 (1): 340. Bibcode:2008BMCEE...8..340O. doi: 10.1186/1471-2148-8-340 . PMC   2657800 . PMID   19102731.
  6. 1 2 3 Schmitter-Soto, Juan J. (26 June 2017). "A revision of Astyanax (Characiformes: Characidae) in Central and North America, with the description of nine new species". Journal of Natural History. 51 (23–24): 1331–1424. Bibcode:2017JNatH..51.1331S. doi:10.1080/00222933.2017.1324050. S2CID   90642754.
  7. ↑ Valdez-Moreno, Martha Elena; Contreras-Balderas, Salvador (1 November 2017). "Descripción del cráneo de Bramocharax caballeroi Contreras & Rivera 1985 (Pisces, Characidae), pez endémico del Lago de Catemaco, Veracruz, México". Hidrobiológica (in Spanish). 19 (1): 1–13. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  8. 1 2 Powers, Amanda K.; Garita-Alvarado, Carlos A.; Rodiles-Hernández, Rocío; Berning, Daniel J.; Gross, Joshua B.; Ornelas-García, C. Patricia (5 January 2020). "A geographical cline in craniofacial morphology across populations of Mesoamerican lake-dwelling fishes". Journal of Experimental Zoology Part A: Ecological and Integrative Physiology. 333 (3): 171–180. Bibcode:2020JEZA..333..171P. doi:10.1002/jez.2339. PMC   7372644 . PMID   31904195.
  9. ↑ Betancur-R., Ricardo; Arcila, Dahiana; Vari, Richard P.; Hughes, Lily C.; Oliveira, Claudio; Sabaj, Mark H.; Ortí, Guillermo (February 2019). "Phylogenomic incongruence, hypothesis testing, and taxonomic sampling: The monophyly of characiform fishes". Evolution. 73 (2): 329–345. doi:10.1111/evo.13649. PMID   30426469. S2CID   53303461.
  10. ↑ Scharpf, Christopher; Lazara, Kenneth J. (29 December 2022). "Order CHARACIFORMES: Family CHARACIDAE: Subfamily STETHAPRIONINAE (a-g)". The ETYFish Project. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  11. ↑ "Astyanax baileyi (Rosen, 1972)". Encyclopedia of Life . National Museum of Natural History.
  12. ↑ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2023). "Astyanax baileyi" in FishBase . May 2023 version.
  13. 1 2 "Astyanax baileyi (Rosen 1972) Schmitter-Soto, 2017". treatment.plazi.org. Plazi TreatmentBank. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  14. ↑ Valdez-Moreno, M.; Ivanova, N. V.; Elías-Gutiérrez, M.; Contreras-Balderas, S.; Hebert, P. D. N. (February 2009). "Probing diversity in freshwater fishes from Mexico and Guatemala with DNA barcodes". Journal of Fish Biology. 74 (2): 377–402. Bibcode:2009JFBio..74..377V. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2008.02077.x. PMID   20735566.
  15. ↑ Gallardo-Cruz, José Alberto; Peralta-Carreta, Candelario; Solórzano, Jonathan Vidal; Fernández-Montes de Oca, Ana Isabel; Nava, Luzma Fabiola; Kauffer, Edith; Carabias, Julia (December 2021). "Deforestation and trends of change in protected areas of the Usumacinta River basin (2000–2018), Mexico and Guatemala" (PDF). Regional Environmental Change. 21 (4): 97. Bibcode:2021REnvC..21...97G. doi:10.1007/s10113-021-01833-8. S2CID   238360381.
  16. ↑ Soria-Reinoso, Ismael; Alcocer, Javier; Sánchez-Carrillo, Salvador; García-Oliva, Felipe; Cuevas-Lara, Daniel; Cortés-Guzmán, Daniela; Oseguera, Luis A. (30 August 2022). "The Seasonal Dynamics of Organic and Inorganic Carbon along the Tropical Usumacinta River Basin (Mexico)". Water. 14 (17): 2703. doi: 10.3390/w14172703 . hdl: 10261/280903 .
  17. ↑ Tapia-Silva, F.-O.; Contreras-Silva, A.-I.; Rosales-Arriaga, E.-R. (30 April 2015). "Hydrological characterization of the Usumacinta River Basin towards the preservation of environmental services". The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences. XL-7/W3: 1505–1509. Bibcode:2015ISPAr.XL7.1505T. doi: 10.5194/isprsarchives-XL-7-W3-1505-2015 .
  18. ↑ Cajas, Antonieta (2009). "The Caves in Mesoamerican Cultures" (PDF). FLAAR Mesoamerica. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  19. 1 2 Sieder, Rachel; Viaene, Lieselotte (12 June 2020). "A dying river in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala". rivers-ercproject.eu. RIVERS. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  20. ↑ ElíAs-GutiéRrez, Manuel; JeróNimo, Fernando MartíNez; Ivanova, Natalia V.; Valdez-Moreno, Martha; Hebert, Paul D. N. (1 August 2008). "DNA barcodes for Cladocera and Copepoda from Mexico and Guatemala, highlights and new discoveries". Zootaxa. 1839 (1): 1. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.1839.1.1.
  21. ↑ "Community Tourism Catalog, Guatemala". Community Tourism. Guatemalan Tourism Department. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  22. ↑ "Resistencias indígenas en Guatemala, Río Dolores". Union of Free and Community Radios of Madrid (URCM). 7 November 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  23. ↑ Ornelas-García, Claudia Patricia; Córdova-Tapia, Fernando; Zambrano, Luis; Bermúdez-González, María Pamela; Mercado-Silva, Norman; Mendoza-Garfias, Berenit; Bautista, Amando (May 2018). "Trophic specialization and morphological divergence between two sympatric species in Lake Catemaco, Mexico". Ecology and Evolution. 8 (10): 4867–4875. Bibcode:2018EcoEv...8.4867O. doi:10.1002/ece3.4042. PMC   5980260 . PMID   29876065.
  24. ↑ Vaca, Raúl A.; Rodiles-Hernández, Rocío; Ochoa-Gaona, Susana; Taylor-Aquino, Nathaline E.; Obregón-Viloria, Rafael; Díaz-García, Daniela A.; Navarrete-Gutiérrez, Darío A. (January 2019). "Evaluating and supporting conservation action in agricultural landscapes of the Usumacinta River Basin". Journal of Environmental Management. 230: 392–404. Bibcode:2019JEnvM.230..392V. doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.09.055. PMID   30296677. S2CID   52954131.
  25. ↑ "Usumacinta River Cultural Landscape". wmf.org. World Monuments Fund. July 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  26. ↑ Obando, Walfredo (2 February 2015). "Polución afecta río de Dolores" (in Spanish). Prensa Libre. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
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