Journal Article
Cranial morphology of the anguilliform clariid Channallabes (Gunther 1873) (Teleostei: Siluriformes) are adaptations related to powerful biting?
Devaere, S., Adriaens, D., Verraes, W. and Teugels, G.G.
Record Number:
4563
Year:
2001
Journal:
Journal of Zoology
Pages:
235-250
Volume:
225
Abstract:
Abstract
Within the clariids (air-breathing cat®sh), a complete range of fusiform to anguilliform species can be
observed. This study deals with the cranial morphology of Channallabes apus, an extreme anguilliform (eellike)
species, compared to the anguilliform Gymnallabes typus and the more fusiform Clarias gariepinus.
The overall morphology of the head of Channallabes apus shows a hypertrophied adductor mandibulae
complex, with the corresponding substantial narrowing of the neurocranium, seen in the frontals, the
sphenotics, the pterotics and the posttemporo-supracleithra, as well as the reduction and displacement of
the eyes and some canal bones, such as the infraorbitals and the suprapreopercles. The presence of a
hypertrophied muscle complex possibly indicates that a more powerful bite may occur. This implies that
adaptations can be expected in several parts of the skull. On the lower jaw of C. apus a higher coronoid
process is found, and on the suspensorium, two sets of three processes are present on the hyomandibular
bone, indicating a stronger connection to the neurocranium. Several of the observed features, such as the
elongation of the body, the reduction of the eyes, the increase in vertebrae number, limblessness and the
increasing rigidity of the skull, may also be related to a process of miniaturization.
Key words: Siluriformes, Clariidae, Channallabes apus, functional morphology, anguillity
Times Cited:
3