Checklist and practical identification key for the cichlid fishes (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) of the La Plata drainage in Bolivia, including three new geographical records

Abstract

In comparison with the Bolivian Amazon, the ichthyofauna of the La Plata drainage of Bolivia received relatively little attention historically. Until now, 14 species of cichlid fish have been registered from this area. After an exhaustive review of museum collections (Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado y Colección Boliviana de Fauna), we can report three additional species: Astronotus crassipinnis (Heckel, 1840), Mesonauta festivus (Heckel, 1840) and Satanoperca pappaterra (Heckel, 1840). Four other species, which have been listed in previous publications, can be confirmed for the La Plata drainage of Bolivia based on the examination of voucher specimens: Aequidens plagiozonatus Kullander, 1984, Apistogramma commbrae (Regan, 1906), A. trifasciata (Eigenmann & Kennedy, 1903) and Crenicichla vittata Heckel, 1840. As such, 16 of the 17 species can be referenced with voucher specimens in museum collections. We also provide an identification key for the cichlid fish species of the study area.