Open AccessAnatomical, taxonomic, and phylogenetic reappraisal of a poorly known ghost knifefish, Tembeassu marauna (Ostariophysi: Gymnotiformes), using X-ray microcomputed tomography
Author(s) -
Luiz Antônio Wanderley Peixoto,
Aléssio Datovo,
Ricardo Campos-da-Paz,
Carlos David de Santana,
Naércio A. Menezes
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0225342
Subject(s) - osteology , biology , genus , phylogenetic tree , sister group , anatomy , premaxilla , zoology , clade , maxilla , biochemistry , gene
A detailed osteological study of the poorly known and critical endangered ghost knifefish, Tembeassu marauna , from the rio Paraná, Brazil, was conducted using X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT scan). A redescription of the external anatomy was performed, including the unusual presence of a rostral patch of extra teeth on the region of the upper lip anterior to the premaxilla and the prominent anterior fleshy expansions in both upper and lower lips. The newly surveyed characters were included and analyzed in light of a recent morphological data matrix for Gymnotiformes. In spite of some uncertainties that remains as to phylogenetic allocation of the genus, the most probable hypothesis is that Tembeassu is the sister group of a clade that includes Megadontognathus and Apteronotus sensu stricto . The phylogenetic analysis also supports that Tembeassu is considered a valid genus of Apteronotidae. An amended diagnosis for the genus is also provided.