Rivulids (Rivulidae: Cyprinodontiformes) of Bolivia: knowledge status and updated inventory

Abstract

The state of knowledge regarding rivulids in Bolivia is still limited and has some significant gaps. With the aim of synthesizing and systematizing the available information, which is often scattered, a monographic review is presented that examines the knowledge status of the Rivulidae family and provides an updated inventory of the species present in the country, based on valid records supported by voucher specimens deposited in scientific collections. The presence of 31 species of the Rivulidae family in Bolivian territory is confirmed, distributed across 10 genera and belonging to two subfamilies: Cynolebiinae and Rivulinae. Furthermore, it is validated that 58% (18 species) are endemic to Bolivia, while 25.8% (8 species) have a highly restricted distribution and are recorded only from their type localities. In the context of Bolivia, this work provides a solid foundation for future research and significantly contributes to the knowledge, and therefore the conservation, of this paradigmatic group of fish.