Meristic and morphological differentiation of Orestias species (Teleostei; Cyprinodontiformes) from the southern Altiplano

Abstract

Orestias is an endemic fish genus of lacustrine and lotic systems distributed on theAndes highland region (Altiplano) of Peru, Bolivia and Chile (9°S to 22°S). Based on morphological characters, taxonomic studies have recognized seven species on the Chilean western southern Altiplano region (17°S - 22°S). The current geographical distribution of Orestias would be associated with historical vicariant events and fluctuations in water levels since the Pleistocene. In this context, this group arises as an interesting model to assess Orestias morphological adaptations in Altiplano systems. Morphological and meristic analyses were performed on ten populations of Orestias in the southern Altiplano. The results showed significant differences among populations. The meristic and morphometric characters were related to physical and chemical properties of their habitat. We considered the systematic validation of the Orestias species and the possible future determination of new species of the populations of O. cf. agassii of Huasco saltpan, Isluga River and Chuviri wetland, which should be tested with trophic, genetic and karyotype analyses.