The pelvic girdle in extant gonorynchiformes (Teleostei: Otomorpha)

• DOI: 10.1007/s00435-023-00628-1
• Publication Date: 2024-01-06T16:08:51Z
• Authors: Ann-Katrin Koch; Timo Moritz
• Keywords: Teleostei; Pelvic girdle; Sister group; Pectoral girdle

Abstract Otophysi is one of the most important fish taxa world, as they make up for roughly 28% all species and about two-thirds freshwater worldwide. To understand their success evolutionary history sister-group, Gonorynchiformes, take a key-position, e.g., reconstructing morphological conditions in latest common ancestors. Gonorynchiformes comprising only 40 have been often studied that reason. Their pelvic girdle, however, got little attention so far. Therefore, we this structure extant gonorynchiforms described ontogeny Kneria stappersii . In gonorynchiforms: (1) basipterygium principally flat (without dorsal or ventral projections) placed horizontal position, (2) has ‘simple’ shape, i.e., it single anterior process with small cartilaginous tips becomes wider its posterior part medial portion connecting to other side; (3) three radials splint are present, (4) prominent missing. Although, situation lot similar seen clupeiforms alepocephaliforms. these characters likely present stem Otomorpha, Ostariophysi, Otophysi, but within latter taxon eventually, higher diversity girdle morphology arose during evolution.