Orestias is an endemic fish genus of lacustrine and lotic systems distributed on the Andes highland region (Altiplano) of Peru, Bolivia and Chile (9°S to 22°S). Based on morphological characters, taxonomic studies have recognized seven species on the Chilean western southern Altiplano region (17°S - 22°S). The current geographical distribution of Orestias would be associated with historical vicariant events and fluctuations in water levels since the Pleistocene. In this context, this group arises as an interesting model to assess Orestias morphological adaptations in Altiplano systems. Morphological and meristic analyses were performed on ten populations of Orestias in the southern Altiplano. The results showed significant differences among populations. The meristic and morphometric characters were related to physical and chemical properties of their habitat. We considered the systematic validation of the Orestias species and the possible future determination of new species of the populations of O . cf. agassii of Huasco saltpan, Isluga River and Chuviri wetland, which should be tested with trophic, genetic and karyotype analyses.

中文翻译：

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来自高原南部的 Orestias 物种（Teleostei；Cyprinodontiformes）的分生和形态分化

Orestias 是分布在秘鲁、玻利维亚和智利（南纬 9 度至南纬 22 度）的安第斯高原地区（Altiplano）的湖泊和水流系统的特有鱼类。根据形态特征，分类学研究已确认智利西部南部高原地区（17°S - 22°S）的七个物种。Orestias 目前的地理分布与历史上的替代事件和自更新世以来的水位波动有关。在这种情况下，该组作为评估 Altiplano 系统中 Orestias 形态适应性的有趣模型而出现。对 Altiplano 南部的 10 个 Orestias 种群进行了形态学和分生分析。结果表明人群之间存在显着差异。分生和形态特征与其栖息地的理化性质有关。我们考虑了 Orestias 物种的系统验证和 O 种群新物种的未来可能确定。参见 Huasco 盐场、Isluga 河和 Chuviri 湿地的 agassii，应进行营养、遗传和核型分析。