Abstract: Chimaeras or Ghost sharks (Subclass Holocepahli) have sexual structures called pre-pelvic claspers, and these structures are covered by dermal denticles. In this study, dermal denticles present in pre-pelvic claspers of the Cockfish, Callorhinchus callorynchus, were described in order to compare them with those of other known species of this subclass. Pre-pelvic claspers of 22 specimens were removed for further examination. Dermal denticles on the flat surface of pre-pelvic claspers were different when examining their size, shape, and number of cusps. Dermal denticles were classified as type A (three cusps), B (four cusps), C (five cusps), D (six cusps) and E (eight cusps). Dermal denticles with fewer cusps were located near the center, whereas those with more cusps were located towards the periphery. All types of dermal denticles were found in the largest individuals (> 40 cm length). Possible functions of the dermal denticles and the pre-pelvic clasper in the reproductive activity of this species are suggested.

Resumo O cladócero neotropical de água doce Bergamina lineolata (Sars, 1901) foi encontrado em uma pequena lagoa temporária no departamento de Magdalena, na Colômbia. Até o momento, havia sido relatado no Brasil e em El Salvador. Foi originalmente descrito como Alonella lineolata por Sars, 1901 no Brasil, e, em seguida, colocado no gênero Bergamina por Elmoor-Loureiro et al. (2013). Esse é o primeiro registro dessa espécie na Colômbia. B. lineolata pode ser identificada por uma combinação única de caracteres, incluindo: 1) um pós-abdômen notavelmente grande e oblongo, com três dentículos no ângulo distal; 2) espinho basal da garra muito curto, comprimento menor que o diâmetro da metade da garra na base; 3) IDL com duas cerdas mais curtas que cerdas ODL, armadas com sétulas finas unilateralmente na metade terminal; e 4) endito 1 do toracópodo I com uma longa cerda lisa entre os enditos 1 e 2.

Abstract The Neotropical freshwater cladoceran Bergamina lineolata (Sars, 1901) was found in a small temporal pond in the Magdalena department. Hitherto, it has been reported in Brazil and El Salvador. It was originally described as Alonella lineolata by Sars, 1901 from Brazil and then placed to the genus Bergamina by Elmoor-Loureiro et al. (2013). This is the first record of this species in Colombia. B. lineolata can be identified by a unique combination of characters including: 1) a remarkably large and oblong postabdomen, with three denticles on distal corner; 2) basal spine of the claw very short, length less than the half claw diameter at base; 3) IDL with two setae shorter than ODL seta, armed with fine setules unilaterally in terminal half; 4) endite 1 of trunk limb I with a long smooth seta between endites 1 and 2.

Abstract The holotype of the Neurostigma xanthopterumNew, 1980 is here illustrated based on photographs. We also describe and illustrate a previously unknown female individual that is assigned to this species. New records for five localities in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, one in the Brazilian state of Acre and another in the Brazilian state of Amapá, are presented. The mouthparts of both sexes are here describe and illustrate. Thirteen types of variation and anomalies in the fore-hindwing veins were found. We found unique patterns in the number and shape of transverse veins in the pterostigma between individuals. We also identified a large variation in the denticles present in the lacinia. Therefore, we suggest these variable characteristics (fore-hindwing veins and lacinia denticles) are not to be used for the diagnosis of species of this genus. A revised diagnosis of N. Xanthopterum is also presented.

SUMMARY: The dermal denticles are dermal structures present in the group of chondrichthyans, they have a very important role in their biology and they have been used as a taxonomic character that allows to recognize groups or species. Therefore, in the present work, the dermal morphology of the juveniles of two species of shovel sharks, Sphyrna tiburo and S. vespertina, whose evolutionary origin is related to the closure of the Central American isthmus, is compared. For this, dermal samples (1 cm2) from three body regions were obtained and processed to obtain high resolution images by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The denticles of both species have a common morphological pattern, with variations in the length of the ridge extensions, free area and overlapping of the denticles, and the degree of notoriety of the microstructural ornamentation.

RESUMEN: Los dentículos dérmicos son estructuras dermales presentes en el grupo de los condrictios, tienen un papel muy importante en su biología y se les ha utilizado como un carácter taxonómico que permiten reconocer grupos o especies. Por lo que en el presente trabajo se compara la morfología dermal de los juveniles de dos especies de tiburones pala, Sphyrna tiburo y S. vespertina, cuyo origen evolutivo está emparentado con el cierre del istmo centroaméricano. Para ello se obtuvieron muestras dermales (1 cm2) de tres regiones corporales y se procesaron para obtener imágenes de alta resolución por medio de Microscopia electrónica de barrido (MEB). Los dentículos de ambas especies tienen un patrón morfológico común, con variaciones en la longitud de las prolongaciones de las crestas, área libre y superposición de los dentículos, y grado de notoriedad de la ornamentación microestructural.

Resumo O gênero Atlantoraja é composto por três espécies (A. castelnaui, A. cyclophora e A. platana), as quais diferem da outra espécie da tribo Riorajini, Rioraja agassizii, em relação a características do clásper, escamas e presença de uma nadadeira caudal. Apesar de serem distribuídas ao longo do Atlântico Sul Ocidental e serem comumente capturadas em atividades pesqueiras do Brasil, Uruguai e Argentina, descrições detalhadas sobre a morfologia externa e interna são escassas e o status taxonômico das espécies de Atlantoraja não foi revisado até então. O presente estudo tem como objetivos: revisar a taxonomia do gênero Atlantoraja, atualizando as informações sobre espécimes-tipo e elucidando erros de identificação entre as espécies, e descrever estruturas anatômicas, tais como neurocrânio, arcos viscerais, cintura pélvica, dentículos dérmicos e dentes. Lectótipos e paralectótipos são designados para Atlantoraja castelnaui e A. cyclophora. Notas sobre a variação intraespecífica em cada espécie também são fornecidas. Atlantoraja cyclophora e A. platana são mais similares entre si do que A. castelnaui em relação às escamas (superfície dorsal do corpo lisa vs. densamente coberta por dentículos dérmicos), padrão de colorido da superfície dorsal do corpo, posição dos forâmens orbitais, formato geral do neurocrânio e medidas corpóreas. Por fim, comparações morfológicas entre as espécies de Atlantoraja são realizadas, recomendando-se a inclusão dos caracteres aqui apresentados em análises cladísticas futuras.

Abstract The skate genus Atlantoraja is composed of three species (A. castelnaui, A. cyclophora, and A. platana) which differ from the other Riorajini species, Rioraja agassizii, in regards to their clasper features, squamation and presence of a caudal fin. Despite of being distributed along Southwestern Atlantic and commonly captured by fisheries in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, detailed accounts on external and internal morphology are scarce and the taxonomic status of Atlantoraja species was not revised so far. The aim of this study, therefore, is to review the taxonomy of the genus Atlantoraja, updating information on type specimens and clarifying misidentifications among species, and to describe in detail anatomical structures such as neurocranium, visceral arches, pelvic girdle, dermal denticles and teeth. Lectotypes and paralectotypes are designated for Atlantoraja castelnaui and A. cyclophora. Notes on intraspecific variation within species are also provided. Atlantoraja cyclophora and A. platana are more similar to each other than to A. castelnaui in regards to the squamation (body dorsal surface smooth vs. densely covered by prickles) and color pattern of body dorsal surface, position of orbital foramina, overall shape of neucrocranium and body measurements. Lastly, we discuss the morphological differences among species of Atlantoraja and recommend the inclusion of characters presented here in future cladistic analyses.

ABSTRACT A new species of Thraulodes Ulmer 1920 is described based on nymphs and imagos from Tapias river, Caldas department, Colombia. The mature nymphs were reared until the emergence of the imagos. Thraulodes latinus sp. n. can be distinguished from other species of the genus by: In males, the forewing without cross veins basal to bullae and with 11-14 cross veins distal to bullae, abdominal and legs color pattern, styliger plate redounded, with a long and digitiform median projection and shape of penes with apicolateral area forming an “ear-like” projection. In nymphs, the claws with eight denticles and the general coloration pattern. Additionally, data on the anatomy of the reproductive tract of both the male and female imago of the new species are presented.

Resumo Rioraja agassizii pertence ao gênero monotípico Rioraja e difere das demais espécies da tribo Riorajini classificadas no gênero Atlantoraja pelo formato da aba nasal anterior, escamas, esqueleto do clásper, medidas corpóreas e padrão de coloração. Embora R. agassizii seja uma espécie bem conhecida, comumente capturada em águas costeiras do Atlântico Sul Ocidental, sua morfologia externa e anatomia interna não foram totalmente descritas e pouco se sabe sobre a variação intraespecífica nesta espécie. Espécimes juvenis, adultos, machos e fêmeas foram examinados, medidos e dissecados. Neste estudo, a espécie é redescrita e descrições detalhadas e ilustrações da morfologia externa, neurocrânio, maxilas, arcos hioide e branquiais, nadadeira e cintura pélvicas são apresentadas. Adicionalmente, notas sobre dimorfismo sexual e variação ontogenética na coloração, medidas corpóreas e craniais, e dentículos dérmicos são fornecidas.

Abstract Rioraja agassizii belongs to the monotypic genus Rioraja and differs from the other Riorajini species of the genus Atlantoraja by the shape of anterior nasal flap, squamation, clasper skeleton, body measurements and color pattern. Although R. agassizii is a well-known species, commonly captured in inshore waters of the southwestern Atlantic, its external morphology and internal anatomy have never been fully described and little is known on intraspecific variation within the species. Juvenile and adult, male and female specimens were examined, measured and dissected. Herein, we redescribe the species and present detailed descriptions and illustrations of external morphology, neurocranium, jaws, hyoid and gill arches, and pelvic fin and girdle. Additionally, notes on sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic differences in coloration, body and cranial measurements, and dermal denticles are provided.

Resumo: O presente trabalho descreve uma nova espécie de Hyalella encontrada numa nascente no município de Palmeira das Missões, localizado na região noroeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, sul do Brasil. A nova espécie difere das outras espécies encontradas no estado do Rio Grande do Sul (Hyalella bonariensis, H. castroi, H. kaigang, H. imbya, H. georginae, H. gauchensis, H. montenegrinae and H. pampeana) especialmente com relação ao tipo e número de setas dos urópodos, télson e superfície ventral do gnatópodo 1. Além disto, H. palmeirensis é similar a H. curvispina, especialmente na forma e número de setas dos urópodos. Entretanto, H. palmeirensis difere de H. curvispina por possuir somente duas setas simples no télson, cinco setas serradas na superfície ventral do gnatópodo 1 e dentículos (comb-scales) somente na margem posterior do gnatópodo 1 e brânquias esternais presentes do segmento 3 ao 7. Esse novo registro aumenta para 11 o número de espécies de Hyalella conhecidas para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul.

Abstract: The current study describes a new species of Hyalella found in a natural pond at the municipality of Palmeira das Missões, located in the northwestern region of state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The new species differs from other species found in state of Rio Grande do Sul (Hyalella bonariensis, H. castroi, H. kaigang, H. imbya, H. georginae, H. gauchensis, H. montenegrinae and H. pampeana) in the type and number of setae on uropods, on telson and on the inner face of gnathopod 1. Besides, Hyalella palmeirensis is morphologically similar to H. curvispina, especially in the shape and number of setae of uropods. However, H. palmeirensis differs from H. curvispina in having only two simple setae on telson, the inner face of gnathopod 1 with five serrate setae and only the posterior distal margin with denticles in comb-scales, and especially by the tubular sternal gills, present on segments 3 to 7. These new records increase from 11 to 12 the number of species known from state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Resumo O parasitismo intenso por tricodinídeos está frequentemente relacionado à doença grave em fazendas de peixes. Neste estudo, espécies de tricodinídeos das brânquias e da pele de tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivadas na região centro-oeste do Brasil (estado de Goiás) foram caracterizadas morfologicamente. As lâminas secas foram preparadas a partir dos parasitas e impregnadas com nitrato de prata (2%). As características morfométricas foram determinadas e desenhos esquemáticos dos dentículos foram confeccionados com fotomicrografias produzidas a partir das lâminas. Sete espécies de ectoparasitos tricodinídeos (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) foram encontradas parasitando as brânquias: quatro do gênero Trichodina Ehrenberg, 1838; um de Tripartiella Lom, 1959; um de Paratrichodina Lom, 1963; e um de Trichodinella Ṧrámek-Huṧek, 1953. Na superfície do corpo, três espécimes do gênero Trichodina foram identificados. Este estudo apresenta novos registros geográficos de tricodinídeos no Brasil, confirmando que Trichodina centrostrigeata, Trichodina compacta, Trichodina heterodentata, Paratrichodina africana e Tripartiella orthodens estão amplamente distribuídas mundialmente. Adicionalmente, é apresentado o primeiro registro do gênero Trichodinella no Brasil.

Abstract Massive occurrence of trichodinids is frequently accompanied by serious disease in fish farms. In this study, trichodinid species from the gills and skin of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farmed in the central-western region of Brazil (state of Goiás) were morphologically characterized. Dried slides were prepared from the parasites and were impregnated with silver nitrate (2%). Morphometric characteristics were determined and schematic drawings of the denticles were made using photomicrographs produced from the slides. Seven species of trichodinid ectoparasites (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) were found parasitizing the gills: four of the genus Trichodina Ehrenberg, 1838; one of Tripartiella Lom, 1959; one of Paratrichodina Lom, 1963; and one of Trichodinella Ṧrámek-Huṧek, 1953. On the body surface, three specimens of the genus Trichodina were identified. This study presents new geographical records of trichodinids in Brazil, thus confirming that Trichodina centrostrigeata, Trichodina compacta, Trichodina heterodentata, Paratrichodina africana and Tripartiella orthodens are widely distributed worldwide. Additionally, the first record of the genus Trichodinella in Brazil is presented.

RESUMEN Se presenta el primer registro de Centrophorus squamosus para el Caribe colombiano. Esta especie es conocida por ocupar hábitats batipelágicos entre 145 y 4000 m de profundidad, y su característica principal es la forma y disposición de sus dentículos dérmicos. El espécimen encontrado fue capturado con palangre cerca a Punta Polno, departamento de La Guajira. Esta es la primera evidencia de la ocurrencia de esta especie en aguas por fuera de la plataforma del Caribe colombiano.

ABSTRACT This article presents the first record of Centrophorus squamosus for the Colombian Caribbean. This species is known to occupy bathypelagic habitats between 145 and 4000 m depth; its main feature is the shape and arrangement of its dermal denticles. The specimen found was caught with longline near Punta Polno, La Guajira department. This is the first evidence of the occurrence of this species in Colombian Caribbean offshore waters.

Abstract Flavalona asymmetrica sp. nov. belongs to the costata-clade. This species has two main head pores, a feature shared only with Flavalona setigera (Brehm, 1931). Morphological differences between them are related to main and lateral head pores, armature of scrapers on the second limb, and proportion of setae on the third and fourth limbs, number of denticles on the postabdomen. Males of F. asymmetrica sp. nov. has genital process about ten times shorter than length of postabdominal claw, which is an exclusive morphological trait. Flavalona asymmetrica sp. nov. is a Neotropical species, so far, it occurs only in Brazil and can be found together with Flavalona iheringula (Sinev & Kotov, 2004) and Flavalona margipluma (Sousa, Santos, Güntzel, Diniz-Filho, de Melo-Júnior & Elmoor-Loureiro, 2015).

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to describe the morphology of Clibanarius antillensis Stimpson, 1859 megalopae collected in the vicinity of Isla Sacrificios, Mexico, and compare it to previous descriptions originated from Brazilian and Panamanian specimens raised in laboratory conditions. We found four meristic differences between the Brazilian and the Panamanian and Mexican populations with the Brazilian population: the outer flagellum of antennule in the Panamanian and Mexican populations has more aesthetascs on the second, third, and fourth segments of the outer flagellum (0, 6, 5, 3, 0) than the Brazilian population (0, 4, 4, 2, 0); the maxilla has more setae on the scaphognathite in the Brazilian specimens (70) than in the Mexican and Panamanian specimens (49-62); the crista dentata of the third maxilliped is formed by only three denticles in the Brazilian specimens, while 4 or 6 denticles form the same structure in the Panamanian and Mexican populations; there are fewer number of setae on the endopod of the uropod in the Brazilian population. The differences may be explained by intraspecific variation.

The external morphometrics of shell and radula morphology were performed in two species of micromollusks of the genus Eatoniella in Navarino Island, Chile. A total of 50 specimens of E. picea and 72 of E. nigra were analyzed. These species have similar morphology, but E. picea has a smaller diameter/length ratio (0.53 ± 0.02) than E. nigra (0.61 ± 0.04). In relation to the radula morphology, E. picea has wider middle cuspid teeth and small denticles in its border, meanwhile E. nigra has pointed central cuspid teeth.

ABSTRACT Three new species of Leptohyphes Eaton, 1882 (Ephemerotera: Leptohyphidae) are described, diagnosed and illustrated from nymphs collected in Colombia. Geographical ranges and ecological notes relating important environmental variables are given for each species. Leptohyphes andina sp. nov. is characterized by: forefemur length / maximum width 1.8-1.9, fore and hind margin of middle and hind femora with strong spine-like setae on elevated sockets, femoral surface covered by small pale spots, apex of femora with anterior margin roundly projected distally, tarsal claw only with 3-4 marginal denticles, pronotum with triangular lateral projection, hind wing pads present in female, gill formula 3/5/5/5/2, gill V with ventral extension on dorsal lamella. Leptohyphes quimbaya sp. nov. presents the following characters: body covered by hair-like setae, with paired short and blunt tubercles on abdominal terga V-IX, femora wide (forefemur length/ maximum width 1.6), fore and hind margin of femora with tiny spine-like setae, tarsal claws with 2-3 marginal denticles, pronotum with triangular (but apically blunt) lateral projection, hind wing pads present in females, gill formula 3/7/7/5/2, gill V without ventral extension on dorsal lamella. Leptohyphes calarca sp. nov. is distinguished by: pilose body, slender femora (forefemur length / maximum width 2.3), foremargin of middle and hind femora without setae, tarsal claws with 5 marginal denticles and 1 submarginal subapical denticle, pronotum strongly projected laterally, fore wingbuds blackish, hind wing pads present in females, gill formula 3/4/4/3/1, gill V with ventral extension on dorsal lamella.