Miniaturization in Otothyris Myers, 1927 (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae)

Many species of freshwater fishes are considered miniatures, nevertheless, their identification as miniatures is frequently based only on an arbitrary criterion of small body size. Although some species of Otothyris had been suggested to be miniature, informations about the process and consequences of miniaturization in the genus are lacking. Here, we detail developmental events of loss, fusion, and modifications in several bones, the laterosensory system, and even the brain, that in sum demonstrate miniaturization in all species of the genus. Our results may be useful in the recognition of other miniature species of loricariids.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rosa,Alaina Cristine, Langeani,Fernanda de Oliveira Martins and Francisco
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Ictiologia 2014
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1679-62252014000100053
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!