Descrição osteológica do crânio de Prochilodus Lineatus (Characiformes, Prochilodontidae).

Abstract

The curimatã Prochilodus lineatus is a fish widely distributed in Brazilian rivers and by the high biomass in some rivers has great economic importance and also in the alimentation of riverine populations. However, information about the natural history, physiology and morphology of P. lineatus are scarce. Knowing the fish anatomy allows important implications, since it enables a broad understanding of the mechanisms related to the adaptations of these organisms. Thus, in order to contribute to the knowledge of the biological aspects of this species, this paper carried out the description of the structure of the skull of P. lineatus specimens collected in the semi-arid northeast of Brazil. We proposed a detailed description of the cranial osteology of P. lineatus, identifying the main bones and also describing the anatomical morphology of the mouth. The results were compared with studies conducted in other species of fish. Specimens of P. lineatus showed an elongated neurocranium, a little flattened, symmetrical and provided with several specialized bones and endochondral elements, which allows us to classify it as complex. All animals exhibited well- developed supraoccipital crest. The opercular series is characterized by having four bones, well-developed and easy to identify. The lips of the analyzed specimens are thick and the combinations of anatomical information reinforced the iliófago habit of P. lineatus.