Mesensis Tube Snouted Ghost Knifefish

Distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of features: mouth length 5.4-6.4 %HL; postocular distance 36.4-41.0 %HL; pectoral fin length 27.0-35.3 %HL; scales always present above lateral line at anterodorsal region of body, in 11-13 rows above lateral line at midbody; anterior unbranched anal-fin rays 23-28; and a white to yellowish-white (sometimes indistinct) band on frontal portion of head and middorsum; caudal fin with 13-15 rays (Ref. 36352).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 171 - 189; Vertebrae: 80 - 110

Collected from caves within the São Domingos karst region in the upper portions of the Rio Tocantins basin. The species occur in both subterranean and surface drainages and appears to be well adapted to epigean habitats as indicated by the overall condition and sexual maturity of the individuals from cave habitats (Ref. 84053).