Evaluating biodiversity and understanding the processes involved in diversification are noticeable conservation issues in fishes subject to large, sometimes illegal, ornamental trade purposes. Here, the diversity and evolutionary history of the Neotropical dwarf cichlid genus Apistogramma from several South American countries are investigated. Mitochondrial and nuclear markers are used to infer phylogenetic relationships between 31 genetically identified species. The monophyly of Apistogramma is suggested, and Apistogramma species are distributed into four clades, corresponding to three morphological lineages. Divergence times estimated with the Yule process and an uncorrelated lognormal clock dated the Apistogramma origin to the beginning of the Eocene (≈ 50 Myr) suggesting that diversification might be related to marine incursions. Our molecular dating also suggests that the Quaternary glacial cycles coincide with the phases leading to Apistogramma speciation. These past events did not influence diversification rates in the speciose genus Apistogramma, since diversification appeared low and constant through time. Further characterization of processes involved in recent Apistogramma diversity will be necessary.

A new species of Apistogramma is described from Peru, based on a total of 51 specimens collected in small forest brooks in and around the Reserva Nacional Allpahuayo Mishana in the drainage of the Nanay river basin about 30 kilometres southwest of Iquitos, Departamento Loreto (approximately 73° 25’ W/03° 59’ S). Apistogramma allpahuayo sp. n. is distinguished from all other Apistogramma species by the combination of black w-shape marking on lower jaw, (in adult males) lyrate caudal fin, massive jaws and hypertrophied orange lips, distinct roundish caudal-peduncle spot clearly separated from lateral band ending at vertical bar 7, serrated dorsal fin with conspicuous extensions of first membranes, and proportions of dorsal-fin spines differing from those otherwise typical within genus. Apistogramma allpahuayo sp. n. is thought to be a representative of the Apistogramma cacatuoides complex within the Apistogramma cacatuoides lineage.

Fue generado y depositado en el GenBank secuencias nucleotidicas del gen COI de 207 especies de peces comercializados en los mercados de consumo y ornamental en la Amazonia peruana. Posteriormente este banco de secuencias nucleotídicas fueron utilizadas como base de comparación en la identificación específica exitosa de: i) larvas de bagres colectadas en tres cuencas hidrológicas (Ucayali, Napo y Marañón), mostrando ser una alternativa mucho más segura que las determinaciones mediante análisis morfológico o morfométrico; ii) de alevinos de identidad morfológica dudosa en los procesos de exportación, mostrando que la identidad específica de juveniles de saltón blanco B. filamentosun y saltón negro B. capapretum asignada a priori por los extractores era equivocada y iii) subproductos de peces amazónicos, lo que permitió mostrar los altos grados de sustitución en filete fresco. La generación de estos banco de secuencias nos permitió proponer protocolos basados en caracterización molecular de las especies, lo que pensamos contribuirá a la modernización del sistema de fiscalización y monitoreo de la comercialización de los peces (ornamentales y de consumo), permitiéndole los decisoras de política un mayor control tanto en el área de comercialización como de manejo sostenido y conservación en el sector pesquero en la Amazonía peruana.

Apistogramma payaminonis Kullander, 1986 is redescribed based on the only two type specimens available, and two new, closely-related Apistogramma species are described from Peru. Data from the original description of A. payaminonis are supplemented with information on phenotypic appearance, which is important for differentiating the taxon from several other species discovered in the last few years. Apistogramma feconat sp. n. is described from four specimens from the catchment of the Río Tigre, Loreto; information on its ecology, biology, and current conservation status is summarised. Apistogramma wolli sp. n. is described from six specimens from the catchment of the Napo river, Loreto, close to the Peru-Ecuador border; information on its ecology and biology is sparse. Both newly described species are representatives of the Apistogramma nijsseni complex that live in small forest streams influenced by blackwater. Information on differentiating females of some members of this group of related species is presented. At present no clear information based on voucher specimens is available regarding the possible distribution of the two species in Ecuador. Man-made environmental hazards potentially endangering the aquatic fauna in the western catchment of the Río Marañón and the Rio Amazonas, between their tributaries the Rio Pastaza and the Rio Napo, are discussed.

Apistogramma megastoma sp. n. is described based on a total of 18 specimens from small forest streams in the Departamento Loreto, Peru, tributaries of the Río Jutai in the border area between Peru and Brazil south and west of the city of Leticia (Colombia) (near 04°12′ S / 70°06′ W). Apistogramma megastoma sp. n., which may be confused only with A. barlowi, is distinguished from all other Apistogramma species by the combination of: noticeably disproportionately large head; exceptionally massive jaws, lyrate densely vertically banded caudal fin, extended dorsal-fin membranes in males; in aggressive females sooty head pattern and up to 8 series of small black dashes on flanks; small round caudal spot; and, exceptional for Apistogramma, maternal mouth-brooding behaviour. Distinguished from A. barlowi, by differences in colour pattern and by higher number of scale rows on cheeks. Apistogramma megastoma sp. n. inhabits in small fastflowing streams.