Lateral View Morphometric Data for Andean Catfish Species in Ecuador

395 specimens of the genus Astroblepus from the Esmeraldas River basin in Ecuador were analyzed using DNA barcoding and geometric morphometrics. The study identified seven evolutionary lineages, exceeding the five previously recognized species, and revealed two cryptic lineages within A. cyclopus. This dataset, created by Kevin P. Chugá-Puetate and last updated in April 2026, supports taxonomic revision and conservation planning.

Use Cases

• Species delimitation and validation based on integrative taxonomy combining genetic and morphological data.
• Analysis of morphological plasticity and cryptic diversity using geometric morphometric data.
• Investigating altitudinal distribution as a driver of divergence among fish lineages.
• Assessing the taxonomic status of species like A. mindoensis and A. theresiae based on suggested synonymy.

Strengths

• Integrates data from 395 specimens, including 386 for morphometrics and 33 for genetics.
• Applies a multi-method approach combining DNA barcoding (COI gene), geometric morphometrics, and traditional morphology.
• Results reveal seven evolutionary lineages, highlighting previously underestimated diversity in the basin.

Limitations

• Row count and specific column-level data are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• The dataset is small (184.9 KB), indicating a limited scope focused on a specific basin.

Provenance

Source

figshare, authored by Kevin P. Chugá-Puetate.

Collection Method

Integrative taxonomy approach applied to specimens collected from the Esmeraldas River basin, Ecuador.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-22 17:44:57; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Esmeraldas River basin, Ecuador.