MtDNA species-level phylogeny and delimitation support significantly underestimated diversity and endemism in the largest Neotropical cichlid genus (Cichlidae: ).

is the largest and most widely distributed genus of Neotropical cichlids. Here, we analyze a mtDNA dataset comprising 681 specimens (including , a putative ingroup of ) and 77 out of 105 presently recognized valid species (plus 10 out of 36 nominal synonyms plus over 50 putatively new species) from 129 locations in 31 major river drainages throughout the whole distribution of the genus in South America. Based on these data we make an inventory of diversity and highlight taxa and biogeographic areas worthy of further sampling effort and conservation protection.