Gonorynchiformes and Ostariophysan Relationships : A Comprehensive Review (Series On: Teleostean Fish Biology)

An understanding of gonorynchiform morphology and systematic inter- and intra-relationships has proven vital to a better understanding of the evolution of lower teleosts in general, and more specifically of groups such as the clupeiforms (e.g., herrings and anchovies), and ostariophysans (e.g., carps, minnows and catfishes). This book examines the current knowledge of gonorynchiform biology, including comparative osteology, myology, epibranchial morphology and development. Phylogenetic interrelationships among gonorynchiform fishes are reexamined. Contents 10 Preface to the Series 6 Preface to the Volume 8 1. Reassessment and Comparative Morphology of the Gonorynchiform Head Skeleton 12 2. Morphological Analysis of the Gonorynchiform Postcranial Skeleton 50 3. Early Ossification and Development of the Cranium and Paired Girdles of Chanos chanos (Teleostei, Gonorynchiformes) 84 4. A Review of the Cranial and Pectoral Musculature of Gonorynchiform Fishes, with Comments on Their Functional Morphology and a Comparison with Other Otocephalans 118 5. The Epibranchial Organ and Its Anatomical Environment in the Gonorynchiformes, with Functional Discussions 156 6. The Fossil Record of Gonorynchiformes 184 7. Gonorynchiform Interrelationships: Historic Overview, Analysis, and Revised Systematics of the Group 238 8. A New Teleostean Fish from the Early Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) of SE Morocco, with a Discussion of Its Relationships with Ostariophysans 350 9. Gonorynchiformes in the Teleostean Phylogeny: Molecules and Morphology Used to Investigate Interrelationships of the Ostariophysi 374 10. Systematics and Phylogenetic Relationships of Cypriniformes 420 11. Review of the Phylogenetic Relationships and Fossil Record of Characiformes 452 12. State of the Art of Siluriform Higher-level Phylogeny 476 13. The Mitochondrial Phylogeny of the South American Electric Fish (Gymnotiformes) and an Alternative Hypothesis for the Otophysan Historical Biogeography 528 14. A Nomenclatural Analysis of Gonorynchiform Taxa 578 9781578083749 Science Publishers