Comparative and morphological review of plunderfishes of the genus Artedidraco (Artedidraconidae, Notothenioidiei)

The external morphology and axial skeleton of 5 species Antarctic plunderfishes the genus Artedidraco Lönnberg, 1905 were studied using materials from collection ZIN. Plastic (26) meristic (14) characters analyzed; a morphological characteristics was prepared. results study partially con firm previously revealed differences between genus, but some diagnostic are found for first time: number branched rays caudal fin, height head, length chin barbel second dorsal predorsal, preanal prebranchial distances, vertebrae in different parts spine. Assumptions made about functional role characters, according to which associated with diet habitat these fish established. Two groups found: “skottsbergi” (A. skottsbergi 1905, A. loennbergi Roule, 1913) “shackletoni” shackletoni Waite, 1911, glareobarbatus Eastman et Eakin, 1999). Species mirus orianae Regan, 1914 not assigned any group, since during work sufficient their similarities found. An identification key compiled.