On the osteology and myology of the cephalic region and pectoral girdle of Liobagrus reini Hilgendorf, 1878, with a discussion on the phylogenetic relationships of the Amblycipitidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes)

The cephalic and pectoral girdle structures of Liobagrus reini are described in detail and compared with those of Amblyceps mangois, as well as of several other catfishes, as the foundation for a discussion on the phylogenetic relationships of the Amblycipitidae. Our observations and comparisons support de Pinna’s (1996) phylogenetic hypothesis, according to which the Amblycipitidae, plus the Akysidae, Sisoridae, Erethistidae and the Aspredinidae, form a monophyletic clade, the superfamily Sisoroidea. In addition, our observations and comparisons pointed out a potentially new amblycipitid synapomorphy, namely: the hypobranchial foramen of the parurohyal is markedly enlarged, with the length of the foramen being superior to half of the length of the main body of the parurohyal.