The pectoral anatomy of selected Ostariophysi. II. The Cypriniformes and siluriformes

The pectoral myology and osteology of the cyprinoids Notemigonus crysoleucas, the golden shiner, and Catostomus commersonnii, the common white sucker, resemble those of generalized, lower teleosts in structure and function, except in features related to the manipulation of the massive fifth ceratobranchial of cyprinoids by muscles attaching on the girdle. Catostomus is more specialized in having unique intercostal muscles to the girdle, complex subclavian arteries and lack of a superficial trapezius muscle. The bony pectoral anatomy of the siluriform, Ictalurus nebulosus, the brown bullhead, is highly specialized in relation to the presence and locking of the massive pectoral spine which is formed of fused dorsal and ventral propterygial rays; there is consolidation of the girdle through fusion of bones, presence of unique stabilizing bony structures, firm symphyseal union of bilateral girdles and the presence of friction-surfaces of girdle and spine for locking. The movements of the spine are specialized in the greater guidance offered by the girdle. Myological specializations are related mainly to ventral appendicular muscles which lock the spine. The nervous and arterial systems are generalized.