Phylogeny and reclassification of the species of two neotropical grunt genera, Anisotremus and Genyatremus (Perciformes: Haemulidae), based on morphological evidence

Abstract

The haemulid genera Anisotremus and Genyatremus contain eleven valid New World species. We examined 52 morphological characters of all Anisotremus and Genyatremus species and five relatives. Based on phylogenetic analysis, we propose that two Anisotremus species (Pristipoma dovii and Conodon pacifici) are members of the genus Genyatremus. The primary synapomorphies leading to the definition of these clades come from the oral and pharyngeal jaws. Reclassification of both genera, as well as an identification key, is included. A review of early literature indicated that the type species of Genyatremus is Diagramma cavifrons, as stated by the original describer, and is not Lutjanus luteus, which is not a haemulid.