African cichlid fishes: morphological data and taxonomic insights from a genus-level survey of supraneurals, pterygiophores, and vertebral counts (Ovalentaria, Blenniiformes, Cichlidae, Pseudocrenilabrinae).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The iconic freshwater cichlid fishes (Cichlidae) comprise about 1750 validly named species and hundreds more that are known, but not yet described and named. Cichlids are an important source of protein for millions of people on several continents, are model organisms in studies of evolution, speciation, ecology, development, behaviour and physiology and are popular as aquarium fishes. Yet, comparative studies of cichlid internal anatomy are rare. Even their osteology has not been taxonomically surveyed. The cichlid postcranial skeleton has been especially neglected.

New information

Here, I provide the first survey in cichlids of the considerable variation in numbers of vertebrae, supraneurals and dorsal- and anal-fin supports (pterygiophores), as well as the patte

SUBMITTER: Oliver MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11512106 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature