Piabucina pleurotaenia Regan, a Synonym of P. erythrinoides Valenciennes (Pisces: Lebiasinidae); Its Distribution, Diet and Habitat in Lake Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela

Based on meristic, morphometric, coloration and distributional data, arguments are presented to support placing Piabucina pleurotaenia in the synonomy of P. erythrinoides (the volador). The volador inhabits most of the clear upland streams of the Maracaibo Basin where it feeds primarily on insects, fish and some vegetable matter. Sexual dimorphism in body and fin size is pronounced, and males have a peculiar modification of the scales above the anal fin. The sensory pore system is well developed in this species. All Maracaibo Basin specimens have an adipose dorsal fin.