Molecular phylogeny of Banjo catfishes (Ostaryophisi: Siluriformes: Aspredinidae): A continental radiation in South American freshwaters

Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2018 Oct:127:459-467. doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.04.039. Epub 2018 Apr 30.

Abstract

The family Aspredinidae is a moderately diverse and broadly distributed group of freshwater fishes endemic to South America. Commonly known as Banjo Catfishes, Aspredinidae currently includes 44 valid species divided among 13 genera. The first species-comprehensive hypothesis on phylogenetic relationships among aspredinids is presented. The phylogeny is based on DNA sequence data for five gene fragments (mitochondrial 16S and COI; nuclear RAG1, MYH6 and SH3PX3) from 114 individuals representing 31 species in 12 aspredinid genera. Analyses of molecular data support the monophyly of most genera (Bunocephalus excepted) and several higher-level relationships previously proposed by morphological studies. Based on the molecular phylogeny, a new suprageneric classification for Aspredinidae is proposed with the new monotypic subfamily Pseudobunocephalinae as the sister taxon to all other aspredinids.

Keywords: Multi-locus phylogeny; Neotropical; Relationships; Taxonomy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Catfishes / classification*
  • Catfishes / genetics*
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • Fresh Water*
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Phylogeny*
  • South America
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial