Micralestes occidentalis (Gunther, 1899)

Zanata, Angela M. & Vari, Richard P., 2005, The family Alestidae (Ostariophysi, Characiformes): a phylogenetic analysis of a trans-Atlantic clade, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 145 (1), pp. 1-144 : 108

AND M. OCCIDENTALIS )

The first clade within clade 23 consists of M. acutidens and M. occidentalis (clade 24) and is defined by the following two synapomorphies:

169. Circuli on exposed portion of scales with overall posterior orientation and with individual circuli relatively straight or slightly inclined towards horizontal midline of scale (char. 171, 0> 1). Also independently acquired in Arnoldichthys , Brachypetersius gabonensis , Brycinus and Chalceus .

170. Dark pigmentation on dorsal fin in two patches, the first along margins of basal half of fin rays, the second distinctly separated field covering distal portion of last unbranched and first through third or fourth branched rays and intervening membranes (char. 175, 0> 1).

Micralestes acutidens is defined by a single autapomorphy:

P 1. Posterolateral margin of palatine with posteroventral process extending along anterodorsal portion of ectopterygoid (char. 95, 0> 1).

Micralestes occidentalis is defined by three autapomorphies:

Q 1. Relatively large inner row tooth proximate to dentary symphysis absent (char. 88, 1> 0).

Q 2. Supraneural anterior to neural spine associated with fourth vertebrae present (char. 122, 1> 0).

Q 3. Spine-like, medially directed process on medial surface of supracleithrum absent (char. 131, 1> 0).