Autapomorphies of Phenagoniates macrolepis:

1. Position of opening on neurocranium communicating with laterosensory canal of sixth infraorbital (77): (1> 0) between frontal and pterotic. Reversal of synapomorphy 6 of node 193.

2. Circulii on posterior field of scales (319): (1> 0) present. Reversal of synapomorphy 3 of node 206. Paralleled in node 261 and in Exodon paradoxus and Roeboides microlepis .

3. Radii on scales (320): (1> 0) absent or reduced in number. Paralleled in the Iguanodectinae and Serrasalminae, in node 174, and in Cyphocharax spilotus, Distichodus maculatus, and Markiana nigripinnis .

4. Adipose fin (356): (0> 1) absent. Paralleled in the Gymnocharacinae, in node 181, and in Carnegiella strigata .