Classification and relationships of Assiculus and Assiculoides (Teleostei: Pseudochromidae).

The monotypic Australian pseudochromid fish genera Assiculus and Assiculoides had been previously included in the subfamily Pseudochrominae on the basis of symplesiomorphic characters. Osteological synapomorphies are identified in support of a closer relationship to the remaining pseudochromid subfamilies. Two synapomorphies (five or fewer infraorbital bones, haemal spine of preural vertebra 2 attached to centrum) diagnose a clade consisting of Assiculoides, Pseudoplesiopinae, Anisochrominae and Congrogadinae. Two additional synapomorphies (parhypural not separate from hypurals 1+2, total caudalfin rays modally 27 or fewer) diagnose a more inclusive clade that also includes Assiculus. Two new subfamilies are erected to reflect these relationships.