Cyprinidae Relationships
In her paper published in 2003 in Copeia (the journal of the American Society
of Ichthyologists & Herpetologists), Dr Fang Kullander analyses the
relationships of various Cyprininds. Among those studied, were Chela, Danio,
Devario, Danionella, Esomus, Inlecypris, Microrasbora and Sundadanio. As with
much scientific research, there were almost as many questions requiring further
research as those that were answered.
In simplistic terms, the phylogeny (or tree of life) of the Danios was built
up on the basis of morphological analysis of the species concerned. This means
that the size of body parts and fins are accurately measured and compared to
other members of genera. This tree of life showed that the genus Danio is
closely related to Esomus, Sundadanio, Microrasbora rubrescens, Danionella
translucida and ‘Danio’ erythromicron. A quite separate tree is composed of
Devario, Inlecypris and Chela. Both ‘trees’ then conjoin as part of the Rasbora
complex. In spite of detailed DNA analysis and anatomical dissection, the study
was unable to be absolutely precise on the status of Sundanio, Danionella
translucida and Microrasbora, further studies being required. Whether
Microrasbora erythromicron is a Microrasbora or a Danio has yet to be fully
established so for the time being, I prefer to leave it as a Microrasbora.
In view of the relationships described, it would seem logical to include in
this web site, the additional genera of Chela, Esomus, Inlecypris, Microrasbora
and Sundadanio. This is now being undertaken and as pictures and further
information becomes available on the genera and the species therein, they will
be added.