SCOTCAT.COM  

Calegari et al. 2026 (3)

Abstract: The genus Spinipterus, a member of Auchenipterinae, was previously known from only two species: S. acsi, originally described from the Peruvian Amazon and later recorded from Juruá River in Brazil, and S. moijiri, described from the Purus River basin. In a 2020 expedition to the Madeira River basin during an intense drought that exposed lateritic rocks in the Guaporé River bed revealed a diminutive, previously undescribed species of Spinipterus. The new species differs from its congeners, S. acsi and S. moijiri, by the marbled body colouration, lower number of soft pectoral-fin rays, a longer head, a smaller interorbital distance, reduced maxillary barbels, and other osteological features. This new species, described herein, underscores the underestimated diversity within Spinipterus, likely due to its habitat specificity and rarity in ichthyological collections, highlighting the importance of exploring unusual microhabitats in revealing hidden components of Neotropical fish diversity (Calegari et al. 2026). Etymology: Spinipterus: Name derived from Latin 'spina' for spine and Greek 'pterus' meaning wing, referring to the serrated nature of fin spines. The specific epithet, cuniculus, comes from Latin and means hole or burrow, referring to the new species' habitat within lateritic blocks—an adjective. Remarks: There is now 3 described species in this genera.

None

None

Auchenipteridae

South America: Rondônia, São Francisco do Guaporé, Guaporé River 3 km downstream Nova Vida Hotel, tributary of Madeira River, at border between Brazil and Bolivia, 12°26’23”S 63°43’11”W.

3.5cm. (1½ins)

22-26°c (71-79°f.)

6.5-7.2.

Calegari, B. B., Ohara, W. M., Akama, A., & Zuanon, J. (2026). A new species of diminutive spiny driftwood catfish Spinipterus (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from the Madeira River system, Amazon basin, Brazil. Neotropical Ichthyology, 24(3), e260022.