Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/53996

KEYWORDS : Comparative anatomy;Phylogenetic systematics;Uranoscopidae

The anatomy of the family Uranoscopidae including osteological and mycological features is examined and described in details based on eight genera and 32 uranoscopid species. As results of anatomy and phylogenetic analysis, the monophyly of the family is reconfirmed to be strongly supported by 59 synapomorphies (plus 11 according to ACCTRAN). The phylogenetic relationships of uranoscopids were inferred from the morphological characters in 113 transformation series. Pleuroscopus and Xenocephalus, having a sister relationship, are branched off initially from remaining members, and monophyletic Kathetostoma is branched off. Kathetostoma has a sister relationship with a monophyletic group comprising Uranoscopus, Genyagnus, Ichthyscopus and Astroscopus. Selenoscopus is inferred as nesting deeply phylogenetically within Uranoscopus. In addition, a sister relationship of the Uranoscopidae and Trachinidae is examined to be supported by 22 synapomorphies (plus two according to ACCTRAN). The newly defined family Uranoscopidae comprises seven genera: Pleuroscopus, Xenocephalus, Kathetostoma, Uranoscopus, Genyagnus, Ichthyscopus and Astroscopus. The monotypic genus Selenoscopus is synonymized with Uranoscopus. The benthic life style of Uranoscopidae is described and discussed.