Osteology of Zacco pachycephalus, sensu Jordan & Evermann (1903), with special reference to its systematic position

The skeletal system of Zacco pachycephalus, sensu Jordan & Evermann (1903), is described and compared with that of other related barilines to clarify its systematic position. Osteological characters fall generally into two categories in terms of apomorphic features. The first category is exemplified by autapomorphies such as lower jaw bone shape and the number of branchiostegal rays and hypurals. The latter characters are highly unusual among Cyprinidae. The second category consists of synapomorphies linking Z. pachycephalus and Opsariichthys uncirostris. Specialization of jaw bones for a piscivorous habit is also notable. The quadrate-pterygoid fenestra of Z. pachycephalus and O. uncirostris is considered derived. We conclude that Zacco pachycephalus should be transferred from Zacco to Opsariichthys based on the present osteological analysis.