Alternate Title
Osteological Notes on the Genus Centropristis (Pisces: Serranidae)
Abstract
Osteological examination of Centropristis striata, C. ocyurus and C. philadelphica reveals characters which may be useful in defining the genus. The medially elongate subocular shelf appears unique for the genus among other Serraninae examined. Species may be distinguished on the basis of otoliths, supraoccipital-parietal ridges, shape of vomerine toothpatch and other characters. C. striata shows increased frontal bone ossification (hyperostosis) which is apparently correlated with sex reversal and is a male secondary sex characteristic. C. striata is the most specialized species while C. philadelphica is the least specialized. C. fusculus is retained in the genus until a skeleton is available.
Recommended Citation
Bortone, S. A.
1977.
Osteological Notes on the Genus Centropristis (Pisces: Serranidae).
Northeast Gulf Science
1
(1).
Retrieved from https://aquila.usm.edu/goms/vol1/iss1/4