Research Training Program

Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History

PROJECT SUMMARY
1993

Jason Mezey
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Bruce Collette, Ph.D.
Project Advisor
Department of Vertebrate Zoology
Division of Fishes

"The RTP is a great program for aspiring biologists."

Jason Mezey

A Systematic Review of the Viviparous Halfbeak Genus Nomorhamphus (Teleostei: Hemiramphidae)

Nomorhamphus is a genus of small freshwater viviparous halfbeaks found in Sulawesi in the East Indies. Some species of this genus are found in the aquarium trade. As part of a revision of the family Hemiramphidae, it is necessary to determine how many valid species are in this genus. This genus is closely related to the genera Hemirhamphodon and Dermogenys subjects of previous papers. The genus Nomorhamphus was recently reviewed by Manfred Brembach. However, due to the inaccuracies in his study, there was doubt regarding the exact number of species (he recognized nine taxa). This project involved gathering data on preserved specimens (morphological and meristic data), X-ray analysis and observing clear and stained specimens. With the results, 5 of the taxa were synthesized, so the upcoming paper will contain only 4 valid species.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (Award: BIR-9300225).