The Cambridge natural history, Vol. 07 (of 10)

by George Albert Boulenger; T. W. Bridge; Sir W. A. Herdman

Synopsis of the Families

I. Parietal bones distinct from the supraoccipital; symplectic present; ribs mostly sessile, all or the greater number of the praecaudal vertebrae without parapophyses.

Mouth not protractile, usually toothed; pharyngeal bones normal; body scaly; an adipose dorsal fin often present .......... 1. Characinidae.

Mouth not protractile, usually toothed; pharyngeal bones normal; body Eel-shaped, naked or scaly; vent under the head or on the throat .......... 2. Gymnotidae.

Mouth usually more or less protractile, toothless; lower pharyngeal bones large, falciform; body naked or scaly; no adipose dorsal fin .......... 3. Cyprinidae.

II. Parietal bones usually fused with the supraoccipital; symplectic absent; body naked or with bony scutes; mouth usually toothed, with barbels; adipose fin often present.

Ribs attached to strong parapophyses; operculum well developed .......... 4. Siluridae.

Ribs sessile; parapophyses absent; operculum more or less developed; mouth inferior .......... 5. Loricariidae.

Ribs sessile; strong parapophyses to the vertebrae; operculum absent .......... 6. Aspredinidae.