Osteology and myology of the cephalic region and pectoral girdle of Centromochlus heckelii, comparison with other auchenipterids, and comments on the synapomorphies and phylogenetic relationships of the Auchenipteridae (Teleostei: Siluriformes)

Abstract The cephalic and pectoral girdle structures of the auchenipterid Centromochlus heckelii (Centromochlinae) are described and compared with those of two representatives, Auchenipterus dentatus and Ageneiosus vittatus (Auchenipterinae), of the other auchenipterid subfamily, as well as with several other catfishes, as the foundation for a discussion on the synapomorphies and phylogenetic position of the Auchenipteridae. Our observations and comparisons support the idea that the Auchenipteridae and the Doradidae are sister-groups, and also that the clade formed by these two Neotropical families is closely related to the African mochokids. In addition, our observations and comparisons identified a potentially new auchenipterid synapomorphy, maxillary markedly elongated proximo-distally.