A new species of Microcharacidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Central Amazon, Brazil

A new species (Microcharacidium bombioides sp. nov.) of the genus Microcharacidium Buckup, 1993 is described from the Rio Negro, Rio Trombetas, Rio Tapajos, tributaries of the Rio Madeira, and the middle Rio Amazonas. The new species is promptly distinguished from all congeners (Microcharacidium eleotrioides (Gery, 1960), Microcharacidium gnomus Buckup, 1993, and Microcharacidium weitzmani Buckup, 1993) by the presence of 12 circumpeduncular scales, 19 precaudal vertebrae, and 7 dark bars on the flanks connected to their contralateral parts both dorsally and ventrally; 2 short, dark suborbital stripes; all teeth on both jaws conical; 10-11 total dorsal-fin rays; and 3-4 perforated lateral line scales. An updated identification key for the genus is provided and the affinities of the new species with other Microcharacidium are discussed.