A phylogenomic approach to reconstruct interrelationships of main clupeocephalan lineages with a critical discussion of morphological apomorphies

• DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1267-1
• Publication Date: 2018-10-23T10:30:41Z
• Authors: Nicolas Straube; Chenhong Li; Matthias Mertzen; Hao Yuan; Timo Moritz
• Keywords: Synapomorphy; Characiformes; Monophyly; Sister group; Cypriniformes

Previous molecular studies on the phylogeny and classification of clupeocephalan fishes revealed numerous new taxonomic entities. For re-analysing these taxa, we perform target gene capturing subsequent next generation sequencing putative ortholog exons major lineages. Sequence information for RNA bait design was derived from publicly available genomes bony fishes. Newly acquired sequence data comprising > 800 exon sequences subsequently used phylogenetic reconstructions.Our results support monophyletic Otomorpha Alepocephaliformes. Within Ostariophysi, Gonorynchiformes are sister to a clade Cypriniformes, Characiformes, Siluriformes Gymnotiformes, where interrelationships Gymnotiformes remain enigmatic. Euteleosts comprise four clades: Lepidogalaxiiformes, Protacanthopterygii, Stomiatii, Galaxiiformes plus Neoteleostei. The monotypic Lepidogalaxiiformes form sister-group all remaining euteleosts. Argentini-, Esoci- Salmoniformes, is Stomiatii (Osmeriformes Stomiatiformes) Neoteleostei.Several proposed monophyla defined by morphological apomorphies within Clupeocephalan confirmed estimates presented herein. However, other morphologically described groups cannot be reconciled with phylogenies. Thus, apomoprhies supposed called into question. interpretation suggested synapomorphies otomorph strongly affected inclusion deep-sea inhabiting, that effect adapted Our revision potential synapomorphies, in context Alepocephaliformes fishes, reveals only single character total nine characters as synapomorphic group clearly valid otomorphs. Three further possible since their status remains unclear showing developmental lag lacking swim bladder. Further, our analysis places neoteleosts, which contradicts some previous studies. This needs investigation perspective, synapomophies several euteleostean lineages challenged or still lacking. verification herein, denser phylogenomic-level taxon sampling should applied.