Hemibrycon palomae Román-Valencia, García-Alzate, Ruiz-C. & Taphorn, 2010

Family:  Characidae (Characins; tetras), subfamily: Stevardiinae
Max. size:  8.88 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7.7
Distribution:  South America: La Paloma and La Siria Creek, Roble River drainage, Cauca-Magdalena River basin in Colombia.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 40-41. Distinguished from all other species of Hemibrycon in having a higher number scales on lateral line 44-51 (vs. 34-44, except Hemibrycon colombianus with 45-54 and Hemibrycon cairoense with 43-46). Other characters useful to diagnose this species from its congeners include: 5-9 scales between the lateral line and anal-fin origin (vs. 4-5, except Hemibrycon paez with 6-7, Hemibrycon colombianus with 7-9, Hemibrycon polyodon with 6-7, Hemibrycon orcesi with 4-7, Hemibrycon huambonicus with 8-9 and Hemibrycon coxeyi with 7); 5-6 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin insertion (vs. more than 6, except Hemibrycon yacopiae with 4-6, Hemibrycon polyodon with 5-6, and Hemibrycon orcesi with 4-6); scales around caudal peduncle 13-14 (vs. 18-20); and a reddish spot present on both the dorsal and ventral margins of the caudal peduncle instead of just on the ventral margin as is the case for all other congeners (Ref. 85101). Description: Dorsal-fin rays ii-iii,7-8; anal-fin rays iii-v,24-27; pectoral-fin rays ii,10; pelvic-fin rays ii,6 (Ref. 85101).
Biology:  Found along shore over sandy substrates in the mainstream of creek. Syntopic with other characid species such as Astyanax fasciatus, Astyanax aurocaudatus, Brycon henni and Bryconamericus caucanus (Ref. 85101).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 October 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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