Taxonomic revision of thorny catfish genus Hassar (Siluriformes: Doradidae)

Abstract

The genus Hassar (Doradidae) is diagnosed by a single exclusive feature: basioccipital with ventral ring-like arch surrounding aorta; and by the combination of several non-exclusive characters, including dark blotch in distal half of anterior branched rays of dorsal fin, and anteriormost postinfranuchal scutes reduced in size. Three nominal species are recognized and redescribed in Hassar: H. orestis from the Orinoco, Essequibo and Amazonas basins, excluding Tocantins and middle to upper Xingu drainages; H. wilderi from Tocantins; and H. affinis from northeastern Brazil, including Turiaçu, Pindaré-Mearim, Itapecuru and Parnaíba drainages. The nominal Hemidoras notospilus and Hassar ucayalensis are recognized as junior synonyms of Hassar orestis; Hassar woodi is considered a junior synonym of H. affinis; Hassar iheringi is recognized as a junior synonym of H. wilderi, and its type locality as originally reported is considered incorrect. A fourth new species, Hassar gabiru, is described from middle to upper Xingu river basin. Hassar is considered to be the sister taxon of Anduzedoras + Leptodoras. A detailed anatomical description and discussion of the phylogenetic relationships of Hassar among fimbriate-barbel doradids are provided.