Miniaturization in Otothyris Myers, 1927 (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae)

Author(s)

Rosa, Alaina Cristine ^[1] ; Martins, Fernanda de Oliveira ^[1] ; Langeani, Francisco ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Inst Biociencias Letras & Ciencias Exatas, Dept Zool & Bot, Lab Ictiol, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Neotropical Ichthyology; v. 12, n. 1, p. 53-60, JAN-MAR 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 9

Abstract

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. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/04274-5 - Morphological variation in populations of Otothyris travassosi Garavello, Britski & Schaefer, 1998 (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae)
• Grantee: Alaina Cristine Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 11/21728-7 - Phylogeny of Hisonotus Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889 (Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae)
• Grantee: Fernanda de Oliveira Martins
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate