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Phylogenetic interrelationships of the eel families Derichthyidae and Colocongridae (Elopomorpha: Anguilliformes) based on the pectoral skeleton

A cladistic analysis of the eel families Derichthyidae and Colocongridae is herein proposed for the first time on the basis of morphological data. We discovered dozens of new phylogenetic characters derived from a detailed analysis of the pectoral skeleton, an anatomical system neglected by most pre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of morphology (1931) 2019-07, Vol.280 (7), p.934-947
Main Authors: Silva, João Paulo C. B., Datovo, Aléssio, Johnson, G. David
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:A cladistic analysis of the eel families Derichthyidae and Colocongridae is herein proposed for the first time on the basis of morphological data. We discovered dozens of new phylogenetic characters derived from a detailed analysis of the pectoral skeleton, an anatomical system neglected by most previous studies. Our maximum parsimony analysis indicates that Colocongridae sensu lato is paraphyletic, with its two constituent genera Coloconger and Congriscus appearing as successive sister groups of derichthyids. Monophyly of the family Derichthyidae, which has been questioned by some studies, is herein strongly supported by 10 unambiguous synapomorphies. We also stress the importance of the appendicular skeleton as a useful source of phylogenetic information for the resolution of systematic problems within Anguilliformes. A cladistic analysis of the eel families Derichthyidae and Colocongridae is herein proposed for the first time based on phylogenetic characters derived from a detailed analysis of the pectoral skeleton. The importance of the appendicular skeleton as a useful source of phylogenetic information for the resolution of systematic problems within Anguilliformes is herein emphasized.
ISSN:0362-2525
1097-4687
DOI:10.1002/jmor.20991