Cryptoheros Allgayer

Juan J. Schmitter-Soto, 2007, A systematic revision of the genus Archocentrus (Perciformes: Cichlidae), with the description of two new genera and six new species., Zootaxa 1603, pp. 1-78 : 35

Subgenus Cryptoheros Allgayer

Cryptoheros Allgayer 2001: 14 (original description).

Type species. Same as for the genus.

Diagnosis. No strict synapomorphies discovered. Distinguished from the subgenera Panamius and Bussingius by having the interradial scales on dorsal fin distally in two rows, 4-11 or more scales long; the absence of a well-defined lateral spot (vs. usually distinct); scales between lateral line and origin of dorsal fin 4.5-5.5 (vs. 4.5 or fewer); scales between lateral line and first dorsal fin ray 2-3.5 (vs.1.5-2.5); opening of genital papilla not V-shaped at its rostral end (also not so in Panamius , vs. V-shaped).

Description. D. XVII -XIX (rarely XX), 9-11 (occasionally 8); A. VIII -X (rarely VII or XI), 7-9. Gill rakers on lower limb of first arch 5-7; gill rakers elongated but blunt, ventrally curved, and distally expanded (club-shaped). Scale rows on cheek 4-6; predorsal scales 11-18; pored lateral-line scales (not counting scales overlapping between the two segments of the lateral line) 26-30; scales between lateral line and origin of dorsal fin 4-6; scales between lateral line and first dorsal fin ray 2-3; circumpeduncular scales 16-20. Mediumsized group of Cryptoheros , less than 112 mm SL. Head about as deep as long. Teeth bicuspid and usually pointed, always slightly labiolingually compressed and retrorse. Symphysial teeth subequal to adjacent teeth, not abruptly larger. Lower jaw not protruding. Pectoral and pelvic fins always reaching caudad beyond 2nd anal-fin spine. Gut variable in length, 80-230% of SL, longer and more complex with growth. Genital papilla rounded or oval. No interorbital bands, but postorbital -nape region may be somewhat dark; a stripe extending from snout to eye, though sometimes diffuse; no opercular spots, but opercle dark; no longitudinal stripe; 3rd bar on side of body and sometimes also posterior bars may extend slightly onto the base of the dorsal fin. Body mostly olive.

Distribution. Atlantic versant, from Honduras to Mexico (Yucatan Peninsula) (Fig. 5).

Species composition. Three species: Cr. spilurus , Cr. chetumalensis , and Cr. cutteri .