Ichthyological Bulletin of the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 54

Abstract

Various and disparate opinions have been expressed with regard to the phylogenetic affinities of Pseudocrenilabrus, a seemingly generalized and primitive haplochromine genus. These views are reconsidered and rejected. Instead, it is suggested that Pseudocrenilabrus is a derived and paedomorphic taxon evolved from a generalized haplochromine ancestor such as would be represented amongst extant African cichlids by a species of the genus Astatotilapia; for the moment it is not possible to identify a sister group more precisely. The suggestion that Pseudocrenilabrus is a paedomorphic taxon is based on certain Osteological and dental features, particularly the reductional trend manifest in the infraorbital bones of its three constituent species. A new diagnosis and synonomy are provided for the genus, together with notes on its anatomy, osteology and meristic features.Rhodes University Libraries (Digitisation