Scleromystax | |
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Scleromystax barbatus | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Siluriformes |
Family: | Callichthyidae |
Subfamily: | Corydoradinae |
Genus: |
Scleromystax Günther, 1864 |
Type species | |
Callichthys barbatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1824
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Scleromystax is a genus of fish in the family Callichthyidae endemic to small tributaries from several coastal river basins draining the southern and southeastern regions in Brazil. [1] Most of the species of Scleromystax are highly sexually dimorphic; males have developed odontodes inserted in fleshy papillae on the preopercular-opercular region and the dorsal and pectoral fins are 2–3 times as long as those of females. [1] S. salmacis is an exception, as its sexually dimorphic features are subtle and non-remarkable.
The species of Scleromystax were previously classified within the genus Corydoras. However, Scleromystax species are now thought to be more closely related to Aspidoras in a tribe called Aspidoradini. [2] Although the monophyly of Scleromystax has been demonstrated, phylogenetic relationships of its species remains obscure. In addition, the taxonomic status of its species are only partially resolved. [1]
There are currently 5 recognized species in this genus: