Phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Poeciliini (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae)

In a phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Poeciliini, three of four subgenera of Poecilia (i.e., Limia, Pamphorichthys, and Poecilia) are recognized as genera based on the derived features of the gonopodium and its suspensorium. Based on the Hollister-foramen and a keel on the subdistal 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 nor Priapella is known to share derived characters with the clade Xiphophorus (Limia, Pamphorichthys, and Poecilia). Falsification of the hypothesis of Priapella and Xiphophorus as sister taxa is discussed.