Análise osteológica do crânio de Hoplias malabaricus (characiformes: erythinidae).

Abstract

Osteological studies are of great significance to the knowledge of morphological characters, adaptations and evolutionary aspects of animal species. They are also important to solve taxonomic problems and provide data for phylogenetic analysis. Hoplias malabaricus, popularly known as trahira, is a fish that belongs to the family Erythrinidae and the order Characiformes. It is a fish that is easily found in freshwater and of wide geographic distribution in Central America and South America. There are few studies that address the cranial osteology of H. malabaricus. This study aimed to identify and describe in detail the skeletal elements that make up the skull of this species. The specimens were collected between april and june 2016. The results were compared with other fish of the same genus, and also with other species in the same order. H. malabaricus presented an angular head shape with quite complex skull, heavily ossified and lacking cranial fontanelle. The wide mouth, in terminal position, facilitates the capture of prey which are larger than the animal itself. The shape and number of teeth found in H. malabaricus are congruent with the carnivorous feeding habits of this species. It was observed the presence of teeth in the maxilla, which is a primitive characteristic of Actinopterygii.