Another new species – this time a Plec is discovered in Guyana

Another new species – this time a Plec is discovered in Guyana

A new genus and species of a weakly armoured plec has been described from the upper Mazaruni River in northwestern Guyana. and was named by Jonathan Armbruster and Donald Taphorn as Paulasquama callis.
The head and body of most plecs are covered with bony plates, with only the belly, lower surface of the head and the area around the fins lacking plates. Paulasquama differs from most plecs in lacking bony plates in two oval areas on the top of the snout, and the bony plates below the dorsal fin being greatly reduced in size. In addition, thick skin covers much of the body of the catfish (which is unusual for a plec).
Paulasquama callis was collected from a swift stream with clear water having a slightly black tint. The substrate consisted of polished cobble and gravel.

The generic name comes from the Latin paulus, meaning small, and squama, for scale armor, in reference to the small plates located in the dorsal series just below the dorsal fin. The species is named after the Latin callis for a stony, uneven, narrow footway, in reference to the narrow plated area between the two oval, naked patches on the snout.
The authors hypothesise that the numerous waterfalls in the drainages of the Pakaraima Mountains severely limit upstream migration and isolate the upstream regions. This would allow unique fishes like Paulasquama to evolve or to persist there.
For more information, see the paper: Armbruster, JW and DC Taphorn (2011) A new genus and species of weakly armored catfish from the upper Mazaruni River, Guyana (Siluriformes: Loricariidae).
More info from Guyana Graphic

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Shamir Khan

Driver/Office Assistant

Shamir Khan

Shamir Khan hails from Yupukari, a small village in the central Rupununi region of Guyana. With deep ties to his community, he has served as a prominent figure, including roles as a tour guide and a member of the Board of Directors for Caiman House Incorporated. His leadership experience also includes serving as Toshao, the chief of his village, where he played a pivotal role in community development and cultural preservation.

Currently, Shamir works as a driver and office assistant at Wilderness Explorers, where he continues to promote eco-tourism and connect visitors with the natural beauty of his homeland. An avid fisherman, Shamir cherishes opportunities to engage with nature, reflecting his commitment to the environment and traditional practices. 

Shamir Khan

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Kim Chong
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Kim Chong
Kim is an accounts assistant working for WE in our Georgetown office. With a passion for adventure, she loves exploring nature and observing wildlife, which fuels her enthusiasm for the industry. Though she has been in the tourism sector for less than a year, Kim is eager to immerse herself fully in this dynamic field. Her dedication to her work and her love for travel inspire her to contribute meaningfully to the company’s mission of creating unforgettable experiences for travelers.
Kim Chong

Accounts Assistant

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