Description and Comparison of the Canals and Canal Branching Pattern of the Lateral Line Canal System of Dorosoma petenense (Günther) [Clupeomorpha: Clupeoidei]

The lateral line canals, canal neuromasts, dermal canal carrying bones and scales, and canal branches of Dorosoma petenense are described and compared with those of clupeids Dorosoma cepedianum, Brevoortia patronus, Brevoortia tyrannus, Caspialosa pontica, Chirocentrus dorab, Clupea harengus, Clupeonella cultriventris, and Sardina pilchardus. The first trunk lateral line canal carrying scale is narrower than the second in Denticeps clupeoides, Dorosoma petenense, Dorosoma cepedianum, and Sardina pilchardus. Although the clupeoid lateral line canal system is complex, information from its branching pattern, with or without information from other systems of the body, could provide significant justification for a fully resolved phylogeny of clupeoids.