Anchariidae Explained

The Anchariidae are a family of catfishes containing two genera, Ancharius and Gogo^[1] with 6 species. Anchariids are a strictly freshwater group endemic to Madagascar. Anchariids are characterized by the presence of fringed barbels and a reduced anterior nuchal plate.

Traditionally, Ancharius is classified in Ariidae. The general consensus in recent years is that anchariids are members of Ariidae and do not warrant family rank. However, this family was recently revised in 2005, which reinstated the separate family for Ancharius and described the genus Gogo.^[2]

A molecular analysis grouped Anchariidae with Ariidae under the superfamily Arioidea.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Checklist of catfishes, recent and fossil (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes), and catalogue of siluriform primary types. Carl J. Jr.. Ferraris. Zootaxa. 1418. 1–628. 2007. 10.11646/zootaxa.1418.1.1.
2. Revision of the endemic Malagasy catfish family Anchariidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes), with descriptions of a new genus and three new species. Heok Hee. Ng. Sparks, John S.. 2005. Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters. 16. 4. 303–323. PDF.
3. Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2006. 41. 3. 636–62. A phylogenetic analysis of the major groups of catfishes (Teleostei: Siluriformes) using rag1 and rag2 nuclear gene sequences. Sullivan. JP. Lundberg JG. Hardman M. 10.1016/j.ympev.2006.05.044. 16876440.