Osteology and myology of the cephalic region and pectoral girdle of Schilbe mystus and comparison with other schilbids, with comments on the monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of the Schilbidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes)

Authors: Diogo R.; Chardon M.; Vandewalle P.

Source: Animal Biology, Volume 54, Number 1, 2004 , pp. 91-110(20)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

The cephalic and pectoral girdle structures of Schilbe mystus are described and compared with those of other schilbids, as well as several other non-schilbid catfishes, as the foundation for a discussion on the monophyly and the phylogenetic relationships of the Schilbidae. Our observations and comparisons suggest that the family Schilbidae is a monophyletic group, defined, at least, by three autapomorphies, namely: 1) the adductor mandibulae A2 is lateral to the A1-Ost; 2) the posterior margin of the horizontal portion of Meckel's cartilage is situated further beyond the coronoid process; 3) the adductor mandibulae A omega

is visible in a lateral view of the cephalic region. With respect to the phylogenetic relationships of the Schilbidae, our observations and comparisons support a close relationship between this family and the Pangasiidae.

Keywords: AUTAPOMORPHIES; CATFISH; COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGY; MYOLOGY; OSTEOLOGY; PHYLOGENY; SCHILBIDAE; SILURIFORMES.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/157075604323010079

Publication date: 2004-03-01

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