Comparative morphology and phylogenetic systematics of the families Cheilodactylidae and Latridae (Perciformes: Cirrhitoidea), and proposal of a new classification

The phylogenetic relationships of the families Cheilodactylidae and Latridae, plus related taxa, are examined from a detailed osteological perspective. The monophyly of each family is re-evaluated and a new classification is proposed on the basis of phylogenetic relationships. A phylogenetic analysis of characters in 67 transformation series showed Latridae to comprise a monophyletic group nested within cheilodactylids. Cheilodactylidae was non-monophyletic, but rather was formed by a clade including Cheilodactylus fasciatus and C. pixi having a sister relationship with a second clade comprising remaining cheilodactylids and latrids. A new classification is proposed, Cheilodactylidae, including only genus Cheilodactylus, and Latridae, including six genera (Latris, Nemadactylus, Mendosoma, Goniistius, Latridopsis and Dactylophora).