Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

Pristigasteridae

Pristigasteridae

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CAAB: 37085000

Family PRISTIGASTERIDAE

Ilishas, Pellonas, Pristigasterids


Compiler and date details

Jennifer E. Gates, John R. Paxton, Dianne J. Bray & Douglass F. Hoese

Introduction

The Pristigasteridae comprise nine genera and approximately 34 species worldwide (Whitehead 1985). Two genera and four species are known from Australia. The Pristigasteridae were previously included as a subfamily of the Clupeidae, but are here recognised as a distinct family after the works of Nelson (1994) and Munro et al. (1999).

Pristigasterids are schooling fishes, found in coastal areas in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They reach a maximum size of 50 cm. They differ from clupeids in having the pelvic fins well forward of the dorsal fin and a longer anal fin with 60 or more rays (cf. 28 rays in clupeids).

Whitehead & Blaxter (1989) described the anatomy of the swimbladder and its value in determining relationships.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
12-Feb-2010 (import)