Osteology and relationships of the Spanish mackerels And seerfishes of the tribe Scomberomorini

Abstract

Scombermpprus k distinct from all other scombrid genera in: twenty-nine Otteological cfaaracteristka. In most of these characteristics Scomber, Rastrelliger, Aettnthocybtum, Oymnowurda', 4ttothunnus, Sarda, Auxis,-Eulhynnus; Katsuwqnus and ThuntMs agree one with another. Since Scomber is.assumed to be the most primitive genus of Scombridae (excluding Gasterochisma), these characteristics are considered to be primitive ones retained in all scombrids. but Scomberomorus, in whjiph.they are modified to suit, its own line..of specialisation towarxls an incomplete return to characters found in- the Carangidae. Acanthocybium shares with Scomberomorus many features, seldom or rarely possessed by the other genera. Certain prin^itive percoid characteristics of Scomber,art also retained m Scomberqmprus and Acanthocybium. This evidence strongly suggests the closer affinities bet^yeen Scomberomorus and Acanthocybium than the affinities df either with Other scombrid genera, their common origin from or closer to the ScMnbrini, and the necessity to retain Scomberomorini as a tribe of the Scombridae. Sdrda is remotely related to SccHnberomorini. Acanthocybium is only"-superficially siinilar to' the Xiphoidei.