Cayenne Caecilian

description

Description. TL 16 – 36.8 times (23.3 ± 4; n = 67) BW. Head slightly narrower than body and slightly laterally compressed. Nuchal grooves may be totally indistinct dorsally and ventrally but distinct laterally; no dorsal transverse groove on either collar. PA difficult to count, especially in posterior part of body of most of specimens, because of folds in loose skin (= pseudosecondaries of Nussbaum & Wilkinson, 1989). Primary annular grooves interrupted dorsally along most of body. PA ending anterior to vent. Unsegmented terminal shield posterior to vent; may be slightly compressed. Vent disk subcircular; AD 9 – 11 (10 ± 0.2; n = 103), one specimen had nine very clear denticulations, and six specimens had 11 denticulations; generally an approximately similar number in posterior and anterior edge of vent (e. g. five anterior, five posterior ones in MPEG 8006). Vent disk may be depressed and surrounded by fleshy folds of skin in both large males and females. Paired anal papillae present in only four of the 22 males analyzed in a sample of 98 specimens. Diminutive dermal scales may be present in posterior quarter of the body of some specimens (Wake, 1975). Four series of teeth, all m

Taxonomy and distribution of caecilian amphibians (Gymnophiona) of Brazilian Amazonia, with a key to their identification

diagnosis

Diagnosis. Maximum known TL 800 mm (Moodie, 1978). PA 75 – 88. Head slightly compressed. Dilated, broadly spatulate tooth crowns (more pointed in T. natans; Wilkinson, 1991). Anteriorly tongue not completely attached to mandibular mucosa; two large narial plugs. AD 9 – 11. Terminal part of body triangular in cross-section, flat ventrally, ridged dorsally.

Taxonomy and distribution of caecilian amphibians (Gymnophiona) of Brazilian Amazonia, with a key to their identification

discussion

Remarks. Wilkinson (1991) synonimized T. anguillaformis, T. obesus and Nectocaecilia ladigesi with T. compressicauda. Wilkinson & Nussbaum (2006) synonimized Typhlonectes cunhai with T. compressicauda. We have no reason to doubt these synonymies.

Taxonomy and distribution of caecilian amphibians (Gymnophiona) of Brazilian Amazonia, with a key to their identification

discussion

Remarks: CBA saw a photo of a fisherman in San Vicente, Río Apure (a major tributary of the Orinoco) which obtained one specimen fishing and used it as bait.

Catalogue of the amphibians of Venezuela: Illustrated and annotated species list, distribution, and conservation