1,721,790 research outputs found
Citation on Professor Gerald Munene Mugera on his conferment of the Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) of the University of Nairobi
No full textCitation on Professor Gerald Munene MugeraUniversity of Nairob
Alestopetersius conspectus Munene & Stiassny, 2012, new species
No full textAlestopetersius conspectus, new species Fig. 4 Holotype. AMNH 253473, 3, 52.9 mm SL, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bandundu Province, Kwilu River at Carrefour, 05.19160° S, 18.94947 ° E, Coll. J.J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, 24 February 2011. Paratypes. AMNH 253475, 9 specimens, 42.3–53.6 mm SL, 2 CS, same data as holotype.— AMNH 253476, 10 specimens, 45.5–56.9 mm SL, 2 CS, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bandundu Province, Kwilu River at Kwilu beach, 05.04810°S, 18.83968 °E, Coll. J.J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, 19 February 2011.— AMNH 253477, 5 specimens, 42.4–49.2 mm SL, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bandundu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bandundu Province, Kwilu River at Mbuji, 05.07180°S, 18.86935 °E, Coll. J.J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, 22 February 2011.— MRAC B 1-19 -P- 5 -6, 2 specimens, 44.8–44.9 mm SL, same data as holotype.— ZSM 40759, 2 specimens, 45.4 –53.0 mm SL, same data as AMNH 253476.—CU 96797, 2 specimens, 42.3–44.3 mm SL, same data as AMNH 253477. Diagnosis. Alestopetersius conspectus, new species, is distinguished from A. smykalai, A. leopoldianus, A. nigropterus, A. caudalis, and A. sp. “mbuji” in the possession of 12 (vs. 10) circumpeduncular scales. It is readily distinguished from A. brichardi, A. compressus, A. hilgendorfi, and A. tumbensis in the possession of a caudal-fin pigmentation consisting of a median black band extending to the caudal-fin margin and flanked by dense black bands in both upper and lower fin lobes. Alestopetersius bifasciatus, which shares similar caudal fin pigmentation, is distinguished from A. conspectus by the absence of a broad mid-lateral band on the body, and in tooth morphology. Description. Medium-sized species, maximum size 56.9 mm SL. See Figure 4 for general appearance and Table 1 for summary of morphometric and meristic data. Relatively gracile and shallow-bodied, body depth 26.4– 34.5 % SL (mean 32.1), greatest depth at vertical through pelvic-fin insertion. Head length 20.4–29.7 (mean 27.5), eye large, bony orbit diameter 28.2–37.2 % HL (mean 34.9). Dorsal head profile straight from upper lip to nape, gently convex from that point to dorsal-fin origin. Dorsal body profile gently convex along dorsal-fin base to caudal-fin base, ventral body profile gently convex between isthmus and anal-fin base, caudal peduncle slightly longer than deep. Mouth terminal, lower jaw prominent and slightly prognathous. Premaxilla with two teeth in outer row, each bearing five cusps, positioned opposite interspaces between and alternating with, four inner row teeth, each bearing 6–8 cusps (Fig. 5). Outermost premaxillary tooth is markedly compressed and elongate with 7 or 8 small evenly sized cusps and a low median cusp. Dentary with four teeth in outer row, each bearing 6 or 7 cusps, outermost tooth smallest in jaw. No inner row teeth on dentary. Dorsal-fin rays, ii 8 anal-fin rays iii, 18-20 (mode 19). Origin of dorsal fin slightly in advance of vertical through pelvic-fin insertion. There is muted sexual dimorphism in fin shape; anal-fin margin convex in mature males, and concave in females and juveniles. The first 4 or 5 branched rays of dorsal fin of mature males somewhat elongated and filamentous. Body covered with small, regularly imbricate scales. Lateral line complete, with 31–34 pored scales to caudal flexion, 6.5–7 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal-fin insertion, 2.5 between lateral line and pelvic-fin insertion, 12 circumpeduncular scales. Twelve to 14 elongate gill rakers arrayed along lower limb of first arch. Total vertebral count 36 or 37 (mode 37). Miscellaneous osteological features. Seven supraneurals are situated above the first seven rib-bearing vertebrae anterior to first dorsal-fin pterygiophore (Fig. 6 A). This condition contrasts with that in most other species examined which possess only 6 supraneurals interdigitating with neural spines of six predorsal vertebrae (Fig. 6 B). We note that Alestoptersius leopoldianus also exhibits 7 rib-bearing vertebrae anterior to dorsal fin pterygiophore, but unlike A. conspectus has 6 rather than 7 supraneurals. Both Alestopetersius tumbensis and Alestopetersius bifasciatus share the modal Alestopetersius configuration with 6 supraneurals interdigitating with 6 vertebrae anterior to the dorsal fin pterygiophore. The condition in the single individual of A. sp. “mbuji” is not discernable in radiographs. Coloration. In alcohol (Fig. 4 A&C), base body coloration pale creamy brown with darker basal crescents at contact zones of contiguous scales on dorsum. In males faint humeral stripe present above pectoral fin, but no trace of humeral stripe present in preserved females (Fig. 4 C). In males (Fig. 4 A) a broad black band extends from behind opercle, thickening gradually to caudal peduncle base, then narrows and extends to posterior caudal-fin margin. Distinctive broad black band in each caudal-fin lobe flank central black band and are separated from it by white bands. Remaining fins dusky hyaline, leading edge of pectoral fin dark brown or black. In females coloration similar but mid-lateral band and caudal-fin bands somewhat muted (Fig. 4 C). In life (Fig. 4 B&D) all individuals are iridescent silver with greenish-copper reflections anterolaterally, becoming bluish on flanks and caudal peduncle. Mid-lateral band is obscured anteriorly on body but clearly marked on caudal peduncle. Markings on caudal fin as in preserved specimens but much of the white interspaces between black bands are bright orange. Distribution. Currently known from the Kwilu River in the vicinity of Kikwit (Fig. 1). Collections in the main channel of the Middle Congo River, the Kasai main channel in the region of Bandundu, and Lulua River (a neighboring tributary Kasai) did not recover any individuals of A. conspectus despite intensive sampling, suggesting that the species may be a Kwilu endemic. Ecology and habitat. Numerous specimens of Alestopetersius conspectus were collected at all sample sites along a 35 km stretch of the river (Fig. 1). Most were collected using seine nets at depths of between 1– 2 m. Water temperature in the shallows where most specimens were collected was between 21–22.5 o C and pH ranged from 5.8–6.5. The Kwilu River at the sampling sites is between 15–40 meters wide and the banks are variously covered with dense, undisturbed riparian vegetation, heavily degraded urban areas, and cleared agricultural areas (Mbimbi & Stiassny 2011). Female specimens contain numerous, maturing eggs in the ovaries and males have enlarged testes suggesting that reproductive activity was approaching at time of capture (February). Short guts (ca. 60 % of SL when unraveled) and large stomachs with 6–8 fleshy pyloric caeca are suggestive of a carnivorous diet, and all specimens examined contained large numbers of insect head capsules and disarticulated body parts, most of terrestrial origin, with a preponderance of ants and small midges presumably taken at the water surface. Etymology. Conspectus, from the Latin, in reference to the conspicuous markings on the caudal fin and striking, bright coloration of the species in life.Published as part of Munene, José Justin Mbimbi Mayi & Stiassny, Melanie L. J., 2012, A new Alestopetersius (Characiformes: Alestidae) from the Kwilu River (Kasai basin) of central Africa; with a phylogeny for the genus and synonymy of Duboisialestes, pp. 59-68 in Zootaxa 3166 on pages 64-67, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21301
Epiplatys atratus Zee, Munene & Sonnenberg, 2013, new species
No full textEpiplatys atratus, new species (Figs. 3 & 4, Tables 1 & 2) Holotype. AMNH 253838, male, 40.7 mm SL, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kasaï Occidental, Lulua River Basin, Minkidimbua River, village Kakunku, 06° 06.23’ S, 22 ° 42.49 ’ E, collected by J. J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, 29 January 2010. Paratypes. Total 22 specimens; AMNH 253839, 3 males, 35.3–36.4 mm SL, 1 female, 30.0 mm SL, collected with the holotype; AMNH 257029, 5 males, 26.2–39.1 mm SL, collected with the holotype; AMNH 253840, 2 females, 35.0–38.0 mm SL, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kasaï Occidental, Lulua River Basin, Musangu River, village Kantumanga, 06° 00.32’ S, 22 ° 31.22 ’ E, collected by J. J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, 27 January 2010; AMNH 253841, 4 males, 33.9–42.7 mm SL, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kasaï Occidental, Lulua River Basin, Lunyenga River, village Kamuandu, 06° 03.54’ S, 22 ° 39.10 ’ E, collected by J. J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, 28 January 2010; MRAC B 2-26 -P- 1–2 (ex AMNH 252452), 2 males, 36.7–41.5 mm SL, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kasaï Occidental, Lulua River Basin, Musangu River, village Kantumanga, 06° 00.32’ S, 22 ° 31.22 ’ E, collected by J. J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, 27 January 2010; BMNH 2012.8.24.1– 2 (ex AMNH 252452), 2 males, 39.5–41.2 mm SL, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kasaï Occidental, Lulua River Basin, Musangu River, village Kantumanga, 06° 00.32’ S, 22 ° 31.22 ’ E, collected by J. J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, 27 January 2010; AMNH 252457, 2 males, 37.0– 37.4 mm SL, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kasaï Occidental, Lulua River Basin, Lukumbi Kumbi River, village Kantumanga, 06° 00.16’ S, 22 ° 31.32 ’ E, collected by J. J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, 27 January 2010; AMNH 252458, 1 male, 36.5 mm SL, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kasaï Occidental, Lulua River Basin, Luankadi River, Mikalayi village, 05° 58.06 ’ S, 22 ° 20.32 ’ E, collected by J. J. Mbimbi Mayi Munene, 22 June 2010. Diagnosis. Epiplatys atratus (Figs. 3 & 4) belongs to a supragroup of species, the E. multifasciatus, ansorgii and sangmelinensis species groups, characterized by the possession of a large mouth, reaching the ventral border of the eye. It is placed in the E. multifasciatus species group and distinguished from members of the E. ansorgii species group, by the absence of a dark bar under the eye, and from members of the E. sangmelinensis group, by the presence of two dark bars on the lower jaw, which are absent in the E. sangmelinensis group. Epiplatys atratus is only known from preserved specimens, therefore the mentioned colour patterns refer to colouration in ethanol. Large males of E. atratus differ from all other Epiplatys species by the almost dark grey to black body colour. Small males and females differ from all other described Epiplatys species by having 3 narrow oblique black bars on the flanks just behind the pectoral fin. This character is shared by two other undescribed species, also from the middle Lulua River system (see Discussion). It is distinguished from all other members of the E. multifasciatus species group by the possession of a dorsal fin inserted above anal fin ray 8–10 versus 10–13 (Table 3); in large males the lobes surrounding the supra-orbital laterosensory system almost cover the groove (Fig. 5) versus a completely open groove in large males of other species; from E. multifasciatus, E. mesogramma, and E. phoeniceps it is additionally distinguished by the absence of broad dark bars on the flanks and fins of males without markings versus all fins spotted, the anal fin provided with two or three dark blotches as extensions of the dark bars on the flanks. Epiplatys atratus shows only narrow dark bars on side (less then one scale broad), whereas the former species have broader dark bars (about two scales broad) and only sometimes narrow bars in between. It is further distinguished from E. c. chevalieri and E. c. nigricans by the presence of narrow vertical bars in smaller males and in females versus complete absence of vertical bars. Description. See Figures 3 & 4 for general appearance and Tables 1 & 2 for morphometric and meristic data of the type series. Slightly compressed and deep-bodied, exhibiting marked sexual dichromatism with large adult males black without bars, females brown with up to 14 narrow dark bars, median fins in males large and unspotted, small and spotted in females. Dorsal profile slightly convex, greatest body depth approximately at level of pelvic fins. Ventral profile slightly convex from head to end of anal fin, concave on caudal peduncle. Snout pointed, mouth directed upwards and prognathous. Dentary and premaxilla with an outer row of large and several inner irregular rows of smaller recurved unicuspid teeth. Frontal (after Scheel 1968) or nasal (after van Bergeijk & Alexander 1962) neuromasts in single groove, preopercular canal with five pores. Scales cycloid, entirely scaled except on ventral surface of head; frontal squamation with the G-scale overlapping the posterior E-scales; midlongitudinal series 26–29, with 1 or 2 scales posterior to hypural plate; 12 circumpeduncular scales. Dorsal fin with 9 or 10 fin rays, first dorsal fin ray inserts above the 8 th or 10 th anal fin ray; anal fin with 13–14 rays; dorsal fin rays 6 or 7 and anal fin rays 8–10 elongated in males; caudal fin with 21–23 rays, no extensions of caudal fin rays. E. atratus E. multifasciatus E. c. chevalieri E. c. nigricans Colour in preservation. Males (Fig. 3). Flanks black or dark brown with sharp transition to lighter ventrum. Most scales black posteriorly and lighter anteriorly, resulting in a checkerboard-like pattern. This pattern is obscured in some, presumably dominant males, which are uniformly black or dark brown. However, some males resemble females, with a more irregular distribution of black spots on the flanks and 6–14 very narrow vertical black bars, the anterior most 3 bars are oblique and only present on ventral side of the flanks. Head almost black with the exception of the ventral part of the preopercule. Lower jaw and preopercular neuromast canals black. All fins without distinct markings. Median fins dark grey with narrow black edges, fin rays lighter then fin tissue. Pelvic fins black. Pectoral fins translucent grey, fin rays darker then fin tissue. Females (Fig. 4). Body colour similar to smaller males, with the exception of the black spots on the flanks have a lighter centre in females. These light centres are probably red in live specimens. Red pigmentation often leaves corresponding patterns of lighter areas than the body colouration after preservation (Van der Zee & Sonnenberg 2010). Median and ventral fins translucent grey, provided with elongated black spots, in caudal fin concentrated in the upper half, in anal fin black spots form a crescent shape band. Fin rays darker then fin tissue. Small black triangles at dorsal and ventral onset of caudal fin. Dorsal, anal, and ventral fins with black edges. Pectoral and pelvic fins translucent. Distribution. (Figs. 1 & 6) Epiplatys atratus is the south-easternmost species of Epiplatys. It is restricted to small tributaries in the gallery forest of the Middle Lulua River just south and southeast of Kananga, Kasaï Occidental. Epiplatys atratus is found in small (width up to 5 m), rather fast flowing rivers (Fig. 7) containing acid water (pH 4.5–6.6) with water temperatures ranging from 24.3–30.3 ° C. Etymology. The species name, atratus, means "clothed in black", from the Latin “ater” (black), referring to adult dominant males that have an almost black appearance in ethanol.Published as part of Van Der Zee, Jouke R., Mbimbi Mayi Munene, José J. & Sonnenberg, Rainer, 2013, Epiplatys atratus (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae), a new species of the E. multifasciatus species group from the Lulua Basin (Kasaï drainage), Democratic Republic of Congo, pp. 411-422 in Zootaxa 3700 (3) on pages 413-416, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3700.3.5, http://zenodo.org/record/22282
Beyond Party colors:Where Jubilee meets Chinese Party
No full textA Newspaper article by Prof. Munene Macharia, assistant professor of History and International Relations at USIU-Afric
Peaceful Resistance: Advancing Human Rights and Civil Liberties
No full textAn interview session with Prof. Munene Macharia by Robert M. Pres
Why Some Deaths Hurt more than others
No full textA Newspaper Article by Prof. Macharia Munene, a professor of History and International Relations at USIU-Afric
China's Security Pledge timely for Africa
No full textA Newspaper article by Prof. Macharia Munene, a professor of History and International Relations at USIU-Afric
Is Cord trying to create its own 'tyranny of numbers' with the Voter recruitment drive?
No full textA Newspaper Article by Prof. Munene Macharia, a professor of History and International Relations at USIU-Afric
Miraa, Wambora Impeachment to shape regions Politics in 2016
No full textA Newspaper article by Prof. Munene Macharia,a Professor of History and International Relations at USIU-Afric
Omar al-Bashir Kenya Visit not a Diplomatic Goof
No full textA newspaper article by Macharia Munene, School of Humanities & Social Sciences, USIU in the African Executiv
- …
