Chapter 14 - Interrelationships of Aulopiformes

Abstract

This chapter describes the Interrelationships of Aulopiformes. Different methods for differentiating the fishes are described which include data analysis (character data) and taxonomy. Fishes of 15 families and 17 fossil genera are described and it is also mentioned that Aulopiformes shares a relationship with ctenosquamates. It mentions about Bathysauroides gigas and their types . It also describes the monopoly of Aulopiformes. Characteristics of Aulopiformes are gill arches, jaws, suspensorium and circumorhitals, cranium, intermuscular bones and ligaments, postcranial axial skeleton, caudal skeleton, median fins, pelvic and pectoral girdles and fins, external morphology, internal soft anatomy, and larval morphology. These Aulopiform are generally comprised of four clades that are Synodontoidei, Chlorophthalmoidei, Alepisauroidei, and Giganturoidei. It provides a brief idea about the monopoly of the clades and their relationship. Classification of the Aulopiformes and investigation of Relationship of Aulopiformes is provided in cladistic analysis. The monopoly is related to intramuscular system, larval pigmentation, internal soft anatomy, and next evidence of pelvic girdle. Investigation of skeleton is also done to describe the fish type.