Geometric morphometric comparison of the oral jaw and lower pharyngeal jaw of the closely-related cichlid, Vieja bifasciata, V. breidohri and V. hartwegi (Cichliformes: Cichlidae)

Systematics of the genus Vieja is complex, with many morphologically similar species that have little genetic differentiation. Examination of additional morphological traits can be useful for clarifying their taxonomic status and evolutionary history. We analyzed morphological variation of bones in the oral jaw and lower pharyngeal jaw to determine if these structures permit delimitation of species and to study possible functional implications. Morphological differences were quantified from canonical variates analysis, MANOVA, and paired comparisons. Differences in the number of pharyngeal teeth in the lower pharyngeal jaw were determined using an ANCOVA. The shape of the premaxilla and lower pharyngeal jaw are best for differentiating between these closely related-species. Although the morphological variation between V. breidohri and V. hartwegi were most similar, the shape of the lower pharyngeal jaw contrasts in morphospace. Vieja bifasciata possesses more teeth in the lower pharyngeal jaw. Variation in this bones may effect jaw biomechanics. Morphological differences are in contrast with the little genetic differentiation observed. The geographic isolation of V. bifasciata is likely related to its morphological differentiation. The common ancestry of V. breidohri and V. hartwegi probably explains their small morphological divergence.