A DESCRIPTIVE SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF THE OTOLITHS OF THE NEOPTERYGEAN MARINE FISHES OF SOUTH AFRICA PART II. THE DELIMITATION OF TELEOST ORDERS, SOME SYSTEMATIC NOTES AND A PROVISIONAL NEW PHYLETIC ORDER SEQUENCE

Summary

Four sagittal features recur in different combinations on the otoliths of teleostean fishes in the numerous orders. It was, therefore, possible to separate and delimit the orders against each other. The four features show a development from simple to more complex combinations. This allows the construction of a provisional new phyletic sequence of the South African teleost orders.