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Is the asymmetry of the caudal vertebrae an autapomorphy of the scophthalmid fishes (Pleuronectiformes)
Title | Is the asymmetry of the caudal vertebrae an autapomorphy of the scophthalmid fishes (Pleuronectiformes) |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1998 |
Authors | Chanet B |
Journal | Cybium |
Volume | 22 |
Pagination | 405-412 |
ISSN | 0399-0974 |
Abstract | For the first time, a bilateral asymmetry on the caudal vertebrae is described in flatfishes. In four scophthalmid genera (Scophthalmus, Lepidorhombus, Phrynorhombus and Zeugopterus), the transverse apophyses of the caudal vertebrae are more developped on the eyed-side than on the blind-side. Data concerning the asymmetry in flatfishes are reviewed and the bilateral asymmetry of the caudal vertebrae is discussed. The presence of these apophyses has been considered by some authors as an important feature in flatfish systematics, but they thought that a detailed review of the presence of these apophyses was needed. This kind of asymmetry has never been described before and it might be an apomorphic feature of Scophthalmidae. But, to solve this point, its occurrence has to be examined in other Pleuronectiformes. |