Morphology of the Gas Bladder in Thorny Catfishes (Siluriformes: Doradidae)

摘要: ABSTRACT. The gross morphology of the gas bladder is described, illustrated, compared and categorized among 86 88 nominal valid six undescribed species representing all 31 genera Doradidae with comments on ontogenetic taxonomic variation when observed. putatively basal-most doradids exhibit an unmodified cordiform bladder. Derived taxa impressive suite modifications including addition a secondary bladder, pronounced reduction posterolateral chambers, internal trabeculae, associations bony capsule-like expansions anterior (Weberian) vertebrae, accessory diverticula varying widely in size, shape, abundance, distribution, Intra-specific differences are minor, most often reflective changes especially large-size species, whereas inter-specific inter-generic significant, many cases diagnostic, suggestive phylogenetic signal excepting instances evident convergence such as reduction...