Mastacembelidae (Teleostei; Synbranchiformes) subfamily division and African generic division: an evaluation

The family Mastacembelidae is currently divided into two subfamilies, the Mastacembelinae and the Afromastacembelinae. Within the African Afromastacembelinae two genera, Caecomastacembelus and Aethiomastacembelus, are recognized. Both the subfamily and the African generic division were critically evaluated mainly through X-ray analyses and osteological research. There is no supporting evidence for a split into two subfamilies. In addition, the present diagnosis of the African genera proved to be unworkable, and no convincing phylogenetic evidence supporting this classification is available. Therefore, pending new detailed phylogenetic research, the use of a subfamily classification within the family Mastacembelidae is not recommended. Furthermore, Caecomastacembelus and Aethiomastacembelus are placed in synonymy with the genus Mastacembelus.