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02-cze-2022
Apistogramma helkeri Schindler & Staeck, 2013
24-lut-2014 — New Apistogramma species described, A. helkeri
By Juan Miguel Artigas Azas
A new Apistogramma species, A. helkeri, the 85th arguably valid Apistogramma species (of 97 formal descriptions) has been recently described by Ingo Schindler and Wolfgang Staeck from the Orinoco Shield in Venezuela (Amazonas state), in the drainage of the Orinoco River. The new species is most similar to Apistogramma hongsloi Kullander, 1979, from which it differs by its coloration and the shape of its dorsal fin. It can be distinguished from all the other described Apistogramma species by a combination of characters. The new species is named for Oliver Helker, who collected and promoted the new species. A. helkeri is described based on two individuals, a weak base for a new species definition but according to the authors not so uncommon in taxonomy, as 19% of all vertebrates are only known for one specimen and 35% of the species have just been collected once. Clearly, more research on this species is necessary but both the authors have a wide and solid knowledge on Apistogramma taxonomy, groups and distribution and so confirmation is a likely event.
Schindler, Ingo & Wolfgang Staeck. 2013. "Description of Apistogramma helkeri sp. n., a new geophagine dwarf cichlid (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from the lower río Cuao (Orinoco drainage) in Venezuela". Vertebrate Zoology. 63(3):301-306 (crc06068) (streszczenie)