Pterygoplichthyini

Taxobox
name = Pterygoplichthyini

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image_width = 250px
image_caption = "Pterygoplichthys" sp.
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Siluriformes
familia = Loricariidae
subfamilia = Hypostominae
tribus = Pterygoplichthyini
tribus_authority = Armbruster, 2004
subdivision_ranks = Genera
subdivision = "Lanceapelta"
"Pterygoplichthys"

Pterygoplichthyini is a tribe of catfishes (order Siluriformes) of the family Loricariidae. It includes two genera, "Pterygoplichthys" and the currently undescribed genus referred to as the "Hemiancistrus annectens" group ("Lanceapelta").cite web|url=http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/res_area/loricariid/fish_key/ptergrp/ptergrp.html|title=Pterygoplichthyini Armbruster 2004|first=Jonathan W.|last=Armbruster|accessdate=2007-08-08] This group was earlier misspelled as Pterygoplichthini. Pterygoplichthyines are known from nearly the entire range of loricariids except for the Guyanas and coastal streams in southeastern Brazil.

Pterygoplichthyini is sister to the tribe Ancistrini, which shares the derived presence of an evertible patch of plates on the cheek.

"Pterygoplichthys" and "Lanceapelta" differ most obviously in the number of dorsal fin rays (7 in the "H. annectens" group and 9+ in "Pterygoplichthys"). The two genera are supported as sisters by only one derived characteristic: a modified stomach that is attached to the abdominal wall by a net of connective tissue.

This modified stomach allows these fish to breathe air. The stomach is vascularized. A white net of connective tissue surrounds the organ, leaving a circular area in the middle of the stomach free; this connective tissue firmly holds the stomach to the body wall and is better developed in adults. It may also function as a hydrostatic organ, allowing the fish to remain buoyant midwater.cite journal|url=http://www.auburn.edu/academic/science_math/res_area/loricariid/fish_key/Air.pdf|title=Modifications of the Digestive Tract for Holding Air in Loricariid and Scoloplacid Catfishes|journal=Copeia|year=1998|issue=3|pages=663–675|format=PDF]

References