Pentacerotidae

Kim, Seong-Yong, 2012, 3366, Zootaxa 3366, pp. 1-111 : 29

Synapomorphies of Pentacerotidae

SA 4. Ascending and articular processes continuous.

The ascending and articular processes continue to form a common process lacking a distinct notch in pentacerotids. A notch between the ascending process and cranial condyle is present in typical percoids (e.g., Fraser, 1968; Tominaga, 1968; Sasaki, 1989; Imamura, 1996; pers. obs.). The lack of the notch is considered a synapomorphy.

SA 5. Supramaxilla absent.

The supramaxilla is primitively present in percoids (e.g., Tominaga, 1968; Baldwin and Johnson, 1993; Kim, 2002; pers. obs.), and the absence of such supramaxilla is regarded as an apomorphy. The supramaxilla is absent in pentacerotids.

SA 6. Distal ends of premaxilla and maxilla articurate.

The distal ends of the premaxillary and maxillary bones have a specialized articulation in pentacerotids. In most typical percoids, the distal ends of the premaxilla and maxilla are not articulated (e.g., Sasaki, 1989; Kim, 2002; pers. obs.). Thus, the former condition can be regarded as a synapomorphy.