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MORPHOLOGIE GÉNÉRALE -
FORME DU CORPS
Rapport longueur du corps sur hauteur du corps (L/H) (fig. 2) :
• anguilliforme ou serpentiforme (Mastacembelidae…).....................L/H : 12-18
• très allongé (Polypteridae, Gymnarchidae…) .................................L/H : 7-10
• allongé (Alestidae, Cyprinidae…) ...................................................L/H : 4-6
• court ou moyen (Mochokidae, Tetraodontidae…) ..........................L/H : 3-4
• élevé (Haemulidae, Tilapia s. l. …) .................................................L/H : 2-3
• très élevé (Citharinidae, Monodactylidae…)...................................L/H : <2
POISSONS D'EAUX DOUCES ET SAUMÂTRES DE BASSE GUINÉE
Figure 1
Forme générale du corps. Rapport longueur/hauteur.
General body shape. Ratio length/depth.
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GENERAL MORPHOLOGY -
BODY SHAPE
Ratio body length/body depth (L/H) (fig. 1):
• anguilliform or serpentiform (Mastacembelidae…) .........................L/H: 12-18
• strongly elongated (Polypteridae, Gymnarchidae…).......................L/H: 7-10
• elongated (Alestidae, Cyprinidae…)...............................................L/H: 4-6
• short or medium (Mochokidae, Tetraodontidae…) .........................L/H: 3-4
• deep (Haemulidae, Tilapia s. l.…)...................................................L/H: 2-3
• very deep (Citharinidae, Monodactylidae…)...................................L/H: <2
Cross-section of body (fig. 2):
• laterally compressed (Citharinidae, Ephippidae…) (fig. 2A)
• more or less rounded (Polypteridae, Mastacembelidae…) (fig. 2B)
• dorso-ventrally depressed (Mochokidae, Clariidae…) (fig. 2C)
• strongly depressed or dorso-ventrally flattened (Dasyatidae, Cynoglossidae…) (fig. 2D)
Figure 2
Forme du corps en section transversale.
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
Comprimé latéralement (A) ; plus ou moins arrondi (B) ;
comprimé dorso-ventralement (C) ; aplati (D).
Body shape in cross-section.
Laterally compressed (A); more or less rounded (B);
dorso-ventrally rounded (C); flattened (D).
Figure 3
Les mâchoires et la bouche. Prémaxillaire (pmx), maxillaire (mx), mandibule (md) (A) ;
mâchoires égales normalement développées (B) ; égales en forme de rostre (C) ;
bouche supère (D) ; bouche subinfère (E) ; bouche infère (F) ; bouche protractile (G) ;
bouche infère formant un disque adhésif (H).
Mouth and jaws. Premaxilla (pmx), maxilla (mx), mandible (md) (A);
jaws equal, normally developed (B); jaws equal, prolonged into a beak (C);
mouth superior (D); mouth subinferior (E); mouth inferior (F); mouth protrusible (G);
mouth inferior, forming a sucking disk (H).
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THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
of mandibular barbels.
■ Teeth: these are inserted on the rim
In certain groups, the maxillary
of the jaws, i.e., premaxilla, maxilla,
(some Synodontis) and mandibular
and dentary (mandibular bone),
(all Synodontis) may be branched
on the longitudinal axis of the roof
(fig. 7C). Finally, the mandibular barbels
of mouth (vomer and parasphaenoid,
may be sometimes enclosed in the lips
on both sides of the mouth roof
as in Chiloglanis (fig. 7D).
(palatines and ectopterygoids), and on
the upper and lower pharyngeal bones. ■ Gill cover: a bony lid that covers
Finally, certain species have lingual the gill slits in the Osteichthyes.
teeth (figs. 4 and 5). Evidently, not all Depending on the group,
Figure 5
Os pharyngiens inférieurs et dents pharyngiennes.
Sarotherodon sp. (A1) ; Tilapia sp. (A2) ; Barbus sp. (B).
Lower pharyngeal bones and pharyngeal teeth.
Sarotherodon sp. (A1); Tilapia sp. (A2); Barbus sp. (B).
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Figure 6
Formes des dents.
Monocuspides droites (A : Marcusenius sp.),
coniques (B : Brycinus sp. et C : Chromidotilapia sp.),
tranchantes (D : Hydrocynus sp.) et recourbées (E : Synodontis sp.).
Bicuspides (F : Petrocephalus sp. et G : Distichodus sp.).
Polycuspides dans un même plan (H : Micralestes sp.) et molariformes (I : Brycinus sp.).
Tooth shapes.
Monocuspid: straight (A: Marcusenius sp.); conical (B: Brycinus sp. and C: Chromidotilapia sp.);
cutting (D: Hydrocynus sp.); recurved (Synodontis sp.).
Bicuspid: (F: Petrocephalus sp. and G: Distichodus sp.).
Polycuspid: in one plane (H: Micralestes sp.); molariform (I: Brycinus sp.).
Gerreidae) (fig. 3G). Chez certains polycuspides dont les cuspides sont
genres, Labeo, Garra et Chiloglanis situées dans un même plan (certains
la bouche possède des lèvres très Alestidae et Cichlidae) (fig. 6H) ou
développées formant parfois comme de dents polycuspides molariformes
chez Chiloglanis, un disque adhésif dont les cuspides forment une couronne
(fig. 3H) permettant aux poissons de (certains Alestidae) (fig. 6I). D’autres
se coller aux rochers et de se maintenir types moins fréquents existent aussi.
dans les eaux de fort courant. ■ Les barbillons : ils sont de trois types.
■ Les dents : elles sont portées Certaines familles possèdent une paire
au bord des mâchoires par de barbillons nasaux situés juste derrière
le prémaxillaire, le maxillaire, le dentaire les narines postérieures (Bagridae,
(mandibulaire), le long de l’axe Clariidae) (fig. 7A). Il peut également
exister une paire de barbillons maxillaires
POISSONS D'EAUX DOUCES ET SAUMÂTRES DE BASSE GUINÉE
Figure 7
Les barbillons.
Les types, nasaux (1), maxillaires (2), mandibulaires externes (3)
et mandibulaires internes (4) (A) ; barbillons maxillaires membraneux (B : Synodontis sp.) ;
barbillons maxillaires avec ramifications (C : Synodontis sp.) ;
barbillons mandibulaires inclus dans les lèvres (D : Chiloglanis sp.).
Barbels.
Nasal (1), maxillary (2), outer mandibular (3), inner mandibular (4) (A);
membranous maxillary barbels (B: Synodontis sp.);
branched maxillary barbels (C: Synodontis sp.);
mandibular barbels enclosed in the lips (D: Chiloglanis sp.).
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
Figure 8
Opercule et arc branchial.
Membrane de l’opercule à peine soudée à l’isthme (A1 : Synodontis membranaceus) ;
membrane de l’opercule largement soudée à l’isthme (A2 : Synodontis sp.) ;
ouverture operculaire réduite (B : Petrocephalus sp.) ;
ouverture branchiale très réduite (C : Antennarius sp.) ;
fentes branchiales sans opercule (D : Requins) ;
arc branchial composé d’un cératobranchial (1),
de branchiospines (2),
d’un hypobranchial et d’un épibranchial (3)
et de lamelles branchiales (4) (E) ;
branchies externes d’un jeune Polypterus sp. (F).
Opercle and gill arch.
Opercular membrane scarcely fused to the isthmus (A1: Synodontis membranaceus);
opercular membrane widely fused to the isthmus (A2: Synodontis sp.);
gill opening reduced (B: Petrocephalus sp.);
gill opening strongly reduced (C: Antennarius sp.);
gill slits without opercule (D: sharks);
gill arch formed by: ceratobranchial (1), gill rakers (2),
hypobranchial and epibranchial (3),
gill filaments (4) (E); external gill of a young Polypterus sp. (F).
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Figure 9
Fontanelles.
Fronto-pariétale (A : Alestes sp.) ; frontale (1) et occipitale (2) (B : Clarias sp.).
Fontanellae.
Fronto-parietal (A: Alestes sp.); frontal (1), occipital (2) (B: Clarias sp.).
Figure 10
Organes respiratoires accessoires.
Organes respiratoires arborescents (A : Clarias sp.), arborescences (1), branchies (2),
valvules branchiales (3) ; disposition de la vessie gazeuse (1) et des poumons (2 et 3)
par rapport à l’intestin (4) (B1 : Polypterus sp. ; B2 : Protopterus sp.) ;
lames du labyrinthe d’un Anabantidae (C), lames principales (1 à 3), stylet (4) ;
POISSONS D'EAUX DOUCES ET SAUMÂTRES DE BASSE GUINÉE
diverticules pharyngiens (D : Parachanna sp.), chambre antérieure (1), chambre postérieure (2),
communication avec le pharynx (3) ; tube digestif et vessie gazeuse (E : Gymnarchus sp.),
vessie gazeuse (1), orifice du conduit pneumatique (2).
Accesory breathing organs.
Branched breathing organs (A: Clarias sp.), branches (1), gills (2), branchial valves (3); :
position of the swim bladder (1) and the lungs (2 and 3;
plates of the labyrinth in an Anabantidae (C), principal plates (1-3), stylet (4);
pharyngeal diverticula (D: Parachanna sp.), anterior chamber (1), posterior chamber (2),
communication with pharynx (3); digestive tract and swim bladder (E: Gymnarchus sp.),
swim bladder (1), opening of pneumatic duct (2).
Figure 11
Œil.
Yeux situés d’un même côté de la tête :
côté droit (A1 : Soleidae) et côté gauche (A2 : Paralichthyidae).
Œil recouvert d’une paupière adipeuse (B) ;
yeux de Chondrichthyens avec repli nictitant (C1 à C3) et avec membrane nictitante (C4 et C5) ;
yeux saillants (D : Periophthalmus sp.).
Eyes.
Both eyes placed on the same side of the head:
right side (A1: Soleidae) and left side (A2: Paralichthyidae).
Eye covered by an adipose eyelid (B); eyes of Chondrichthyes with a nictitating fold (C1-C3)
and with a nictating membrane (C4 and C5); eyes protruding (D: Periophthalmus sp.).
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
Siluriformes such as Synodontis (fig. 8A). of several types:
In most cases it is widely open, but – the branched organ of the Clariidae
in some others, the aperture may be (fig. 10A),
rather small (Mormyridae) (fig. 8B), – the lungs of the Protopteridae and
or strongly reduced (Antennariidae) Polypteridae (fig. 10B),
(fig. 8C). In the Chondrichthyes, the gill
– the labyrinthiform organ of the
slits are not covered by an opercle
Anabantidae (fig. 10C),
(fig. 8D).
– the pharyngeal diverticulum of the
■ Gill arch: it is formed by three bones Channidae (fig. 10D),
bearing the gill filaments on the outside – the swim bladder of Gymnarchus and
and the gill rakers on the inside. The upper Heterotis (fig. 10E).
bone is the epibranchial, the lower
ones are the ceratobranchial and ■ Eyes: depending on families,
the hypobranchial (fig. 8E). In some species the eyes may be located in different
(Polypteridae), the juveniles have a pair positions. They are usually lateral,
of external gills (fig. 8F) which are later but may be placed dorsally,
resorbed. This is also the case particularly in the Batoidea and
in the embryos of Protopterus, which the Pleuronectiformes (where they are
have three or four pairs of external gills. furthermore both located on the same
side of the head) (fig. 11A).
■ Fontanellae: the cranial fontanellae Finally, they may be protruding
are sometimes used as a genus- as in Periophthalmus (fig. 11D).
or species-diagnostic criterion In some species, the eyes are partially
for identification; the fronto-parietal covered by an adipose eyelid (fig. 11B),
fontanellae in some Alestidae a nictitating fold (fig. 11C1-C3)
(fig. 9A), and the frontal and occipital or a nictitating membrane (fig. 11C4
fontanellae in some Clariidae (fig. 9B). and C5).
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Figure 12
Nageoires paires.
Pelviennes soudées d’un Gobiidae (A) ;
premier rayon des pectorales denticulé d’un seul côté (1) ou sur les deux faces (2)
(B : Clarias sp.) ; palette natatoire (pectorale) (C : Polypterus sp.).
Paired fins.
Coalesced pair of pelvic fins in a Gobiid species (A);
first pectoral-fin ray denticulated on one margin (1) or on both margins (2) (B: Clarias sp.);
paddle-shaped pectoral fin (C: Polypterus sp.).
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Figure 13
Nageoires dorsales.
Nageoire dorsale molle (2) précédée d’un fort rayon épineux (1)
et suivie d’une dorsale adipeuse (3) (A).
Deux dorsales : rayons épineux (1), rayons mous simples et bifurqués (2),
séparés (B1) et contiguës (B2).
Nageoire à bord droit (1), à bord concave (2), à bord rond (3) et filamenteuse (4) (C).
Dorsal fins.
Soft dorsal (2) preceded by a strong spinous ray (1)
and followed by an adipose dorsal (3) (A).
Two dorsal fins: spiny rays (1) and simple or branched rays (2);
separate (B1); contiguous (B2).
Fin margin straight (1); concave (2); rounded (3); filamentous (4) (C).
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
adipose dorsal fin. The latter is usually
placed behind the soft-rayed dorsal
Shapes and arrangement of fins, (fig. 13A). Many fishes have two dorsal
types of scales and other features are fins, the first spinous (anterior) and
examined. the second soft; or a single dorsal fin
■ Fins: the fins may be paired (pelvics with anterior spinous rays followed
or ventrals and pectorals) or unpaired by soft rays (fig. 13B). In some species
(dorsal, caudal and anal). (the majority of Siluriformes), the first
• Paired fins: in the Gobiidae, ray is represented by a strong, more
the pelvics are either fused into or less denticulate, spine. Depending
a ventral disk (fig. 12A), or united on species, the dorsal fin may have
by a transverse membrane. different shapes, i.e., outer margin
In Periophthalmus, they are also united, straight, concave or rounded,
while the pectorals allow these fishes filamentous (fig. 13C).
to move rather quickly on dry land. Finally, some species lack dorsal fins
In the Siluriformes, the first pectoral-fin (certain Schilbeidae).
ray is often ossified, forming a spine – caudal fin: depending on the relative
that may be denticulate on one or both length of its upper and lower lobes,
margins (fig. 12B). In the Polypteridae, the caudal fin is termed:
the pectoral fins are real paddles - homocercal: when the lobes
attached to the trunk by a peduncle are symmetrical (fig. 14A);
(fig. 12C) that allow the fish to effect - heterocercal: when the lobes are
a wide range of movements. externally and internally asymmetrical,
• Unpaired fins: with either the upper (Carcharhinidae)
– dorsal fin: there are three types of (fig. 14B1), or the lower lobe
dorsal fins: one is supported by simple (some Amphiliidae) (fig. 14B2)
spinous rays, another with soft, usually better developed.
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Figure 14
Nageoire caudale.
Homocerque (A : Citharinus sp.).
Hétérocerque (B1 : Carcharhinus sp.) et (B2 : Amphiliidae).
Différentes formes de nageoires caudales (C) : arrondie (1), tronquée ou émarginée (2),
échancrée (3), en croissant (4), fourchue (5),
pointue et séparée des nageoires dorsale et anale (6),
pointue, absente ou fusionnée avec les nageoires dorsale et anale (7).
Caudal fin.
Homocercal (A: Citharinus sp.).
Heterocercal (B1: Carcharhinus sp. and B2: Amphiliidae).
Caudal shapes (C): rounded (1); truncate or emarginate (2); concave (3); lunate (4), forked (5);
pointed and separated from dorsal and anal fins (6);
absent or coalesced with dorsal and anal fins (7).
Figure 15
Écailles.
Ganoïdes (A) ; cycloïdes (B) ; cténoïdes (C) ;
sclérification dermique chez les Tetraodontidae (D) ; placoïdes (denticules) (E) ;
scutelles (écussons) (F).
Scales.
Ganoid (A); cycloid (B); ctenoid (C); dermic sclerification in Tetraodontidae (D);
placoid (E); scutes (shields) (F).
- The shape of the caudal fin may vary in the Syngnathidae they are modified
with species from rounded to forked, into bony plates separated by areas
notched, emarginate (fig. 14C). of naked skin (sutures).
In the Cyprinodontiformes, caudal-fin The Siluriformes lack scales altogether,
shapes are manifold and are described except certain Amphiliidae which have
in the chapter dealing with this family. bony plates covering the body.
– anal fin: the morphological Finally, in the Chondrichthyes
diversity of this fin may be used for there are the so-called placoid scales
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
the identification of certain species, which can be considered as small
especially within the teeth, also called dermal denticles,
Cyprinodontiformes (see relevant which give the skin of these fishes
chapters). In some Alestidae, its shape a particularly rough surface (fig. 15E).
differs between males and adult In some families there is a midventral
females. In the Perciformes, the first crest formed by hardened scales
simple rays are modified into real appearing as shields (scutes), i.e.,
spines. In some Siluriformes in the Clupeidae (fig. 15F).
(Schilbeidae, Clariidae), this fin is very ■ Electric organs: fishes in three families
well-developed while in other families have electric organs variable in shape,
(Gymnarchidae), it is absent. power and function, located in different
■ Scales: two principal types of scales parts of the body. The electric organs
can be distinguished on the basis of Gymnarchus, as well as those
of their structure. The first of these of the Family Mormyridae, produce
groups is represented by the ganoid rather weak discharges and seem
scales, characteristic of the Polypteridae, to serve mainly for the recognition
which are thick and rhombic and covered of congeners and obstacles (figs. 16A
by a shiny outer layer of ganoine and 16B). Those of the Malapterurus
(fig. 15A). The second group comprises are capable of much stronger discharges
two different kinds: the cycloid scales and are used for purposes of defence
which are thin and smooth (Clupeidae, and attack (fig. 16C).
Alestidae) (fig. 15B); and the ctenoid ■ Lateral line: in scaled fishes, this line
scales which bear small spines on is communicated with the surrounding
their posterior margin (Distichodontidae, water by a longitudinal series of pores
Lutjanidae) (fig. 15C). which frequently open on the pored
In the Tetraodontidae, the scales lateral-line scales. There are four types
are modified into spicules (fig. 15D), and of lateral lines: complete, with perforations
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Figure 16
Localisation des organes électriques.
Gymnarchus (A) ; Mormyridae (B) ; Malapterurus (C).
Les flèches indiquent la direction et le sens du courant à l’intérieur des organes.
Le plan est celui des électroplaques.
Location of electric organs.
Gymnarchus (A); Mormyridae (B); Malapterurus (C).
The arrows indicate the direction and sense of the electric current inside the organs.
The plane is that of the electric plates.
Figure 17
Ligne latérale.
Complète (A) ; interrompue sur deux niveaux (B) ; incomplète (C).
Lateral line.
Complete (A); interrupted, anterior and posterior part on different levels (B); incomplete (C).
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
The sketches (figs. 18-21) presented the horizontal distance from front tip
here summarise the different of snout to hind margin of gill cover,
techniques in use for measurements or the horizontal distance from front tip
and counts. Other, more specialised, of snout to hind tip of occiput
methods are shown in the chapters or to the bony rim of the notch formed
concerned. by the scapular girdle behind the head.
Snout length (5):
horizontal distance from front tip
of upper jaw to anterior margin of eye.
Measurements Eye diameter (6):
horizontal diameter of eye.
In brackets numbers correspond Interorbital width:
to those indicated on figs. 18-21. minimum width between the orbits.
Total length (1): horizontal distance Predorsal length (7):
from front tip of snout to hind tip horizontal distance from front tip of snout
of caudal fin. to the articulation of first dorsal-fin ray.
Standard length (2): Preanal length (8):
horizontal distance from front tip horizontal distance from front tip of snout
of snout to base (or articulation) to the articulation of first anal-fin ray.
of caudal fin. Prepectoral length (9):
Body depth (3): horizontal distance from front tip
maximum vertical depth of fish, of snout to the articulation of first
excluding fins. pectoral-fin ray.
Head length (4): Prepelvic (preventral) length (10):
depending on families, either horizontal distance from front tip
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Figure 18
Principales mensurations effectuées sur un Characiforme.
Se reporter au texte pour la définition de la numérotation.
Principal measurements that may be taken on a characiform fish.
For explanation of numbers, please refer to text.
Figure 19
Principales mensurations effectuées sur un Siluriforme.
Se reporter au texte pour la définition de la numérotation.
Principal measurements that may be taken on a siluriform fish.
For explanation of numbers, please refer to text.
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
Figure 20
Principales mensurations effectuées sur un Perciforme.
Se reporter au texte pour la définition de la numérotation.
Principal measurements that may be taken on a perciform fish.
For explanation of numbers, please refer to text.
Figure 21
Principales dénominations anatomiques externes d’un poisson.
Principal terms pertinent to the external morphology of a fish.
transversale :
Formule des nageoires : il est compté de l’origine
le nombre d’épines ou de rayons de la nageoire dorsale suivant une ligne
simples est indiqué en chiffres romains, antéro-postérieure jusqu’à la ligne
celui des rayons mous bifurqués médio-ventrale. Les nombres d’écailles
(branchus) en chiffres arabes au-dessus et au-dessous de la ligne
(exemple : III-7). latérale sont indiqués sous forme
Nombre d’écailles en ligne de fraction ; l’écaille perforée de la ligne
latérale et/ou longitudinale : latérale n’est pas prise en compte.
il s’agit du nombre d’écailles percées Les demi-écailles supérieure
comptées le long de la ligne latérale, et inférieure sont notées « ,5 ».
de l’opercule jusqu’au pli indiquant Nombre d’écailles prédorsales :
la base de la nageoire caudale. il s’agit du nombre d’écailles comptées
Dans certains cas, on compte entre l’occiput et l’articulation du premier
également les écailles situées rayon de la nageoire dorsale.
à la base de la nageoire caudale. Nombre d’écailles autour du pédoncule
Il convient donc de préciser caudal :
la méthodologie. Si la ligne latérale il s’agit du nombre total de la couronne
est absente ou incomplète, le nombre d’écailles qui entoure le pédoncule.
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(or from that of dorsal fin if this extends The scale numbers above and below
further backwards than anal) to base the lateral line are given as a fraction,
of caudal fin. and the pored lateral-line scale is not
Depth of caudal peduncle (16): taken into account. The scale-halves
minimum vertical depth of caudal at the upper and lower body profiles
peduncle. are recorded as "5".
Number of predorsal scales:
the number of scales counted
from the occiput to the articulation
Counts (see fig. 21) of the first dorsal-fin ray.
Number of scales around caudal
Fin formula: peduncle:
the number of spines or simple rays the total number of scales
in Roman numerals and that of soft in a transverse series encircling
bifurcate (branched) rays, in Arabic the caudal peduncle.
numerals (example: III-7). Scale formula:
Number of scales in lateral line in some groups, scale counts are given
and/or in a longitudinal series: in a formula, e.g.: 4.5/25-28/3.5;
the number of pored scales counted 2.5/12, meaning: 4.5 scales between
in the lateral line, from the gill cover to lateral line and origin of first dorsal fin;
the fold indicating the caudal-fin base. 25 to 28 scales in the lateral line;
In some cases, the scales located 3.5 scales between lateral line and
at the caudal-fin base itself are also ventral body profile; 2.5 scales
counted. It is therefore desirable between lateral line and pelvic-fin base;
to describe precisely the methodology 12 scales around caudal peduncle.
used. If the lateral line is absent or Number of gill rakers on first gill arch:
incomplete, the number of scales depending on the author, the count
is counted in the same manner refers to the total number of rakers
in a longitudinal series. If two lateral on the first arch, or to the numbers
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
lines are present, the count starts found respectively on the upper and
on the upper one, from the gill cover lower limbs of that arch (i.e., 3/10).
to the last pored scale, it is then In all cases, the gill raker placed
continued downward on an oblique on the articulation between both limbs
postero-anterior series down to the lower is considered by convention to belong
lateral line, and completed by counting to the lower limb of the arch.
the scales on that line to the caudal-fin More details concerning the modalities
base. of counting are given in the various
Number of scales on a transverse chapters concerned.
series: Number of teeth in the outer and inner
these scales are counted from rows of upper and lower jaws:
the origin of the dorsal fin, following this refers to the total number of teeth
an antero-posterior series down (on both sides) within each row and not
to the midventral body profile. to the count for each half of the jaws.
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CLÉ PRATIQUE
DES FAMILLES
PRACTICAL KEY
TO FAMILIES
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
Emmanuel VREVEN
Melanie STIASSNY
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PRACTICAL KEY 1 Five to seven separate gill slits; cartilaginous skeleton ........... 2
TO FAMILIES
Opercle covering single gill opening; ossified skeleton ........... 4
2 Gill slits situated laterally; body cylindrical (fig. 1) .......................
..................................................................... Carcharhinidae
Gill slits situated ventrally; body dorso-ventrally flattened ...... 3
3 Snout produced into a long flat lamina with a series of strong
teeth along each side; tail not obviously distinct from body (fig. 2)
................................................................................. Pristidae
Snout not produced; head and body forming a rounded-oval disk;
tail distinct from the disc, often whip-like (fig. 3) ..... Dasyatidae
4 Paired fins slender and elongate, not rayed (fig. 4) ....................
........................................................................ Protopteridae
Paired fins (when present) rayed and fan-shaped ................... 5
5 Body naked or partly covered with small erectile spines ........ 6
Body entirely, or partly, covered with scales (sometimes minute)
or with bony plates or rings .................................................. 16
6 No barbels; body naked or covered with small erectile spines;
adipose fin absent .................................................................. 7
Barbels present; body naked; adipose fin present or absent ... 9
7 Body slender and eel-like (fig. 5) ................... Ophichthyidae
Body variously proportioned but not eel-like ........................... 8
8 Pelvic fins absent; body rotund; skin covered with small erectile
spines; teeth coalesced, forming a beak (fig. 6) .........................
...................................................................... Tetraodontidae
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
Pelvic fins present; body elongate, skin naked; no teeth (fig. 7)
........................................ Kneriidae (part) Grasseichthys
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10
11
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12
13
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
14
15
16
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PRACTICAL KEY 12 First dorsal and pectoral fin rays flexible; three pairs of barbels
TO FAMILIES (fig. 11)................................................................ Amphiliidae
First dorsal and pectoral fin rays strong and stout; two to four
pairs of barbels .................................................................... 13
13 Mandibular barbels ramified or mouth transformed into papillate
sucker (fig. 12 and 13) ....................................... Mochokidae
Mandibular barbels not ramified; never with a sucker mouth ... 14
14 Nasal barbels absent; two close-set nostrils on each side of head
(fig. 14) ....................................................................... Ariidae
Nasal barbels present or absent; two nostrils well separated on
each side of head (fig. 15 and 16) ........................................ 15
15 Nasal barbels present; a single vomerine toothplate (fig. 15) .....
................................................................................. Bagridae
Nasal barbels present or absent; vomerine toothplate, if present,
composed of two separate toothplates (fig. 16) ... Claroteidae
16 Body encased in interlocking bony rhomboid scales; dorsal fin
with a series of detached finlets each consisting of a spine
followed by one or several soft rays supporting a membrane
(fig. 17) ............................................................. Polypteridae
Not with the above-mentioned combination of features ....... 17
17 Body slender, elongate and encased by bony rings; snout tubular
(fig. 18) ........................................................... Syngnathidae
Body entirely or partially covered with overlapping cycloid or
ctenoid scales (may be minute) ........................................... 18
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
17
18
19
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21
22
23
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PRACTICAL KEY 18 Body dorso-ventrally flattened; both eyes on the left side of head
TO FAMILIES (fig. 19 and 20)...................................................................... 19
Body not dorso-ventrally flattened; one eye on each side of head
............................................................................................. 20
19 Dorsal and anal fin not confluent with caudal fin; edge of
preopercular bone free and visible; anterior extremity of lower jaw
at same level of or anterior to upper jaw (fig. 19) .......................
..................................................................... Paralichthyidae
Dorsal, caudal and anal fin confluent; edge of preopercular bone
hidden under skin; snout prominent (fig. 20) .... Cynoglossidae
20 Pelvic fins absent ................................................................. 21
Pelvic fins present ............................................................... 22
21 Eel-like; snout with rostral appendage; anal and dorsal fins
elongate and confluent with caudal fin; series of detached erectile
spines in front of dorsal fin (fig. 21) ......... Mastacembelidae
No rostral appendage; dorsal fin short or absent; long anal fin
confluent with the caudal fin; no spines in front of dorsal (fig. 22)
......................................................................... Notopteridae
22 Pelvic fins close to pectoral fins and originating at about same
level (fig. 23A) ..................................................................... 23
Pelvic fins situated well behind pectoral fins (fig. 23B) ......... 39
23 Dorsal fin without spines ..................................................... 24
Dorsal fin with anterior spinous rays (if two dorsal fins, anterior
one with spinous rays) .......................................................... 26
24 Dorsal fin long; anterior pair of nostrils tubed (fig. 24) ...............
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
.............................................................................. Channidae
Dorsal fin short and posteriorly placed; nostrils not tubed ... 25
25 Pelvic fins with long filamentous rays; pectoral fins large (fig. 25)
...................................................................... Pantodontidae
Pelvic fins without long filamentous rays; pectoral fins not
enlarged (fig. 26) ............... Poeciliidae (part) Procatopus
24
25
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26
27
28
29
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30
31
PRACTICAL KEY 26 First anal fin ray unbranched and flexible .............................. 27
TO FAMILIES
Anal fin with one or more spinous rays ................................ 29
27 Pelvic fins more or less united, often forming a disk; second
dorsal fin base longer than distance between end of fin and origin
of caudal fin (fig. 27) ................................................ Gobiidae
Pelvic fins well separated, never forming a disk; second dorsal fin
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
base shorter than distance between end of fin and origin of
caudal fin ............................................................................. 28
28 A single long dorsal fin; dorsal, caudal and anal fin confluent (fig. 28)
..................................................................... Microdesmidae
Two dorsal fins; dorsal, caudal and anal fin separate (fig. 29)......
............................................................................... Eleotridae
29 Two well separated dorsal fins ............................................. 30
A single dorsal fin, or two confluent dorsal fins; the anterior
dorsal fin sometimes reduced to a series of spines ............. 31
30 Lower pectoral fin rays free (fig. 30) ................. Polynemidae
Pectoral fins without free rays (fig. 31) ................... Mugilidae
31 Body very deep and laterally compressed, pelvic fins rudimentary
(fig. 32) ....................................................... Monodactylidae
Not with the above combination of features.......................... 32
32 Anal fin with three spines, the first two well separated from the
remaining part of the fin; caudal fin deeply forked (fig. 33) .........
............................................................................ Carangidae
Anal fin continuous; caudal fin variously shaped but never deeply
forked ................................................................................... 33
33 Two strong anal fin spines; tail rhomboid (fig. 34) ... Sciaenidae
Three or more strong anal fin spines; tail more or less rounded or
emarginate ........................................................................... 34
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PRACTICAL KEY 34 Dorsal fin deeply notched between spiny and soft regions; some
TO FAMILIES strong denticulations above the base of the pectoral fin (fig. 35)
.................................................................................... Latidae
Dorsal fin more or less uniform or slightly notched; without
denticulations ....................................................................... 35
35 Single nostril on each side of head (fig. 36 and 37) ... Cichlidae
Two nostrils on each side of head......................................... 36
36 Less than four anal spines; scaly axillary process at base of pelvic
fins ....................................................................................... 37
Four or more anal spines in anal fin; no scaly axillary process at
base of pelvic fins ................................................................ 38
37 Pores on chin present; no teeth on vomer; jaws without enlarged
caniniform teeth (fig. 38) ..................................... Haemulidae
No pores on chin; teeth on vomer; jaws often with enlarged
caniniform teeth (fig. 39) ....................................... Lutjanidae
38 No lateral line; mouth large (fig. 40) ................ Polycentridae
Two incomplete lateral lines; mouth small (fig. 41) .....................
.......................................................................... Anabantidae
39 Adipose fin present (exceptionally absent, and then always with
ctenoid scales(1)) ................................................................. 40
Adipose fin absent ............................................................... 42
40 Scales ctenoid; at least some bicuspid teeth in each jaw; lateral
line situated on middle of flanks (fig. 42) ... Distichodontidae
Scales cycloid; teeth conical or pluricuspid, generally well-
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
developed; lateral line situated on lower part of flanks ......... 41
34
35
36
37
CLÉ PRATIQUE 33 Deux fortes épines à l’anale ; queue rhomboïde (fig. 34) ...........
DES FAMILLES ............................................................................. Sciaenidae
Trois fortes épines ou plus à l’anale ; queue plus ou moins arrondie
ou émarginée ....................................................................... 34
34 Nageoire dorsale profondément échancrée entre les parties rayon-
née et molle ; quelques forts denticules au-dessus de la base des
pectorales (fig. 35) ...................................................... Latidae
Nageoire dorsale plus ou moins régulière ou légèrement échan-
crée ; sans denticules .......................................................... 35
35 Une seule narine de chaque côté de la tête (fig. 36 et 37) ........
................................................................................ Cichlidae
Deux narines de chaque côté de la tête ............................... 36
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43
44
PRACTICAL KEY 41 Dorsal fin inserted clearly behind origin of pelvic fins; a triangular
TO FAMILIES dermal fold laterally on each of the lower jaw halves and a smaller
one at edge of upper jaw; elongate jaws with conical teeth
(fig. 43) ............................................................... Hepsetidae
Origin of dorsal fin near origin of pelvic fins; no dermal folds on
jaws; short jaws with conical or pluricuspid teeth (fig. 44 and 45)
................................................................................ Alestidae
42 Caudal fin forked or V-shaped (fig. 46 to 53) ....................... 43
Caudal fin not forked or V-shaped (fig. 54 and 55), sometimes
lyre-shaped (fig. 56) ............................................................. 48
43 Ventral part of body keeled (carinate) with bony scutes that may
be minute and visible only when stained .............................. 44
Ventral part of body never keeled and without bony scutes ... 45
44 Numerous small denticles present on bony surface of head
(fig. 46) .......................................................... Denticipitidae
No denticles on head (fig. 47) ................................ Clupeidae
45 No teeth on jaws, sometimes keratinized ridges instead ..... 46
Teeth on jaws ....................................................................... 47
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
45
46
47
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48
49
50
51
52
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PRACTICAL KEY 46 Cylindrical body with a flat ventral surface, inferior mouth with
TO FAMILIES keratinized ridges; numerous small scales; large, paddle-shaped
pectoral fins in ventral position (fig. 48) .....................................
.............................................. Kneriidae (part) Parakneria
Not with the above combination of features (fig. 49 and 50) ......
.............................................................................. Cyprinidae
47 Mouth with large gape; rayed dorsal fin short, situated at mid-
length, well in advance of anal fin; scaly axillary process at base
of pectoral and pelvic fins (fig. 51) ............................ Elopidae
Mouth small; rayed dorsal fin long or short, when short always in
posterior half of body and above anal fin; no gular plate; no scaly
axillary processes (fig. 52 and 53) ...................... Mormyridae
48 Dorsal and anal fins elongate and positioned posteriorly; large
bony cycloid scales on the body; lateral line present (fig. 54) ....
.................................................. Arapaimidae (introduced)
Not with the above combination of features, often small and
colourful ............................................................................... 49
49 Upper pore of preopercular laterosensory system very close to eye;
pectoral fins inserted high on body (fig. 55) ......... Poeciliidae
Upper pore not close to eye; pectoral fins inserted low on body
(fig. 56) ........................................................... Aplocheilidae
THE FRESH AND BRACKISH WATER FISHES OF LOWER GUINEA, WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA
54
55
56
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CLÉ PRATIQUE 45 Pas de dents aux mâchoires, parfois remplacées par crêtes kéra-
DES FAMILLES tinisées ................................................................................ 46
Dents aux mâchoires ........................................................... 47
46 Corps cylindrique avec surface ventrale aplatie ; bouche infère
avec crêtes kératinisées ; nombreuses petites écailles ; grandes
nageoires pectorales en forme de palette en position ventrale
(fig. 48) ........................ Kneriidae (en partie Parakneria)
Ne présente pas la combinaison des caractères précédents
(fig. 49 et 50) ....................................................... Cyprinidae
47 Bouche à grande ouverture ; courte nageoire dorsale rayonnée,
située à mi-longueur du corps, bien en avant de l’anale ; processus
axillaire écailleux à la base des pectorales et pelviennes (fig. 51)
................................................................................. Elopidae
Bouche petite ; nageoire dorsale rayonnée longue ou courte, si
courte toujours située dans la moitié postérieure du corps et au-
dessus de l’anale; pas de processus axillaire (fig. 52 et 53) ......
........................................................................... Mormyridae
48 Nageoires dorsale et anale allongées et en position postérieure ;
grandes écailles osseuses cycloïdes sur le corps ; ligne latérale
présente (fig. 54) .......................... Arapaimidae (introduit)
Ne présente pas la combinaison des caractères précédents,
souvent petit et coloré ......................................................... 49
49 Pore supérieur du système latéro-sensoriel préoperculaire très
proche de l’œil, nageoires pectorales en position haute sur le
corps (fig. 55) ...................................................... Poeciliidae
Pore supérieur pas proche de l’œil, nageoires pectorales en
position basse sur le corps (fig. 56) ................ Aplocheilidae
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142