The branchial skeleton in Aptian chanid fishes (Gonorynchiformes) from the Araripe Basin (Brazil) : autecology and paleoecological implications.

Abstract

Gonorynchiformes are a small, but morphologically diverse group of teleost fishes with an extensive fossil record. Most extant gonorynchiforms are efficient filter feeders, bearing long gill rakers and other morphological specializations, such as microbranchiospines and an epibranchial organ. The analyses of the gill arch of the Brazilian gonorynchiform fishes Dastilbe crandalli and Tharrias araripis from the Aptian of the Araripe Basin, Northeast Brazil, demonstrate significant morphological variation suggestive of distinct feeding habitats as well as ontogenetic dietary shifts in these closely related gonorynchiforms.