Medusafishes Are Grouped by Shared, Odd Traits: Study

Reese discusses the study by M.N.L. Pastana and colleagues on the use of comprehensive phenotypic phylogenetic analysis which supports the monophyly of stromateiform fishes. To determine whether the 15 genera of medusafishes are in fact closely related, Pastana and his colleagues conducted the largest morphological study of the group to date, examining more than 200 characteristics. Through dissection, staining, and imaging, they detailed the internal and external structures of more than 20 species. The team found that, in addition to pharyngeal sacs, medusafishes share a system of canals and pores that supply their skin with mucus. This mucus may protect young individuals, which frequently hide near stinging animals like jellyfishes, says Pastana.