PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE TRIBE POECILIINI (CYPRINODONTIFORMES, POECILIIDAE)

In a phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Poeciliini, three of four subg enera of Poecilia (i.e., Limia, Pamphorichthys, and Poecilia) are reco gnized as genera based on the derived features of the gonopodium and i ts suspensorium. Based on the Hollister-foramen and a keel on the subd istal ventral side of ray 5 of the gonopodium, Limia, Pamphorichthys, and Poecilia comprise a monophyletic group. Xiphophorus is the sister taxon of the clade (Pamphorichthys, Poecilia, Limia). Neither Alfaro n or Priapella is known to share derived characters with the clade Xipho phorus (Limia, Pamphorichthys, and Poecilia). Falsification of the hyp othesis of Priapella and Xiphophorus as sister taxa is discussed.