Xenistius is a genus of grunts native to the eastern Pacific Ocean.[2]
Xenistius | |
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Xenistius californiensis | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Acanthuriformes |
Family: | Haemulidae |
Subfamily: | Haemulinae |
Genus: | Xenistius D. S. Jordan & C. H. Gilbert, 1883 |
Type species | |
Xenichthys californiensis Steindachner, 1876[1]
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The currently recognized species in this genus are:[2][failed verification]
The genus Haemulon was determined to be paraphyletic in molecular studies which showed Haemulon chrysargyreum clustered with Xenistius californianus. The genus Brachygenys which had been created by Felipe Poey in 1868 was revived to include these species and ensure the monophyly of Haemulon. The genus also includes the other species in Xenistius and Xenocys.[3][4] These changes are recognised by Catalog of Fishes, making Xenistius a synonym of Brachygenys,[1] but not yet by Fishbase.[5]