Latest Articles from ZooKeys Latest 66 Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 03:59:48 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zookeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ New species of redbait from the Philippines (Teleostei, Emmelichthyidae, Emmelichthys) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/111161/ ZooKeys 1196: 95-109

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1196.111161

Authors: Matthew G. Girard, Mudjekeewis D. Santos, Katherine E. Bemis

Abstract: We describe a new species of redbait in the genus Emmelichthys collected from fish markets on Panay and Cebu islands in the Visayas region of the Philippines. The species is externally similar to E. struhsakeri but is diagnosable by two prominent fleshy papillae associated with the cleithrum and fewer pectoral-fin rays (18–19 vs. 19–21) and gill rakers (30–33 vs. 34–41). Additionally, mitochondrial DNA differentiates this taxon from other species of Emmelichthys. We generate mitochondrial genomes for two of the three type specimens and several other emmelichthyids to place the new taxon in a phylogenetic context. Analysis of the protein-coding mitochondrial loci calls into question the monophyly of two emmelichthyid genera (Emmelichthys and Erythrocles) and highlights the need for subsequent analyses targeting the intrarelationships of the Emmelichthyidae.

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Research Article Fri, 22 Mar 2024 20:00:04 +0200
Comparison of seven complete mitochondrial genomes from Lamprologus and Neolamprologus (Chordata, Teleostei, Perciformes) and the phylogenetic implications for Cichlidae https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/107091/ ZooKeys 1184: 115-132

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1184.107091

Authors: Jiachen Wang, Jingzhe Tai, Wenwen Zhang, Ke He, Hong Lan, Hongyi Liu

Abstract: In this study, mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of seven cichlid species (Lamprologus kungweensis, L. meleagris, L. ornatipinnis, Neolamprologus brevis, N. caudopunctatus, N. leleupi, and N. similis) are characterized for the first time. The newly sequenced mitogenomes contained 37 typical genes [13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs)]. The mitogenomes were 16,562 ~ 16,587 bp in length with an A + T composition of 52.1~58.8%. The cichlid mitogenomes had a comparable nucleotide composition, A + T content was higher than the G + C content. The AT-skews of most mitogenomes were inconspicuously positive and the GC-skews were negative, indicating higher occurrences of C than G. Most PCGs started with the conventional start codon, ATN. There was no essential difference in the codon usage patterns of these seven species. Using Ka/Ks, we found the fastest-evolving gene were atp8. But the results of p-distance indicated that the fastest-evolving gene was nad6. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that L. meleagris did not cluster with Lamprologus species, but with species from the genus Neolamprologus. The novel information obtained about these mitogenomes will contribute to elucidating the complex relationships among cichlid species.

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Research Article Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:48:37 +0200
New and little-known stonefly species of the Rhopalopsole vietnamica ‘western assemblage’ group (Plecoptera, Leuctridae) from China https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/103288/ ZooKeys 1183: 125-137

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1183.103288

Authors: Mengyu Li, Bingli Wang, Ding Yang, Dávid Murányi, Weihai Li, Hongliang Wang

Abstract: We examined Chinese stonefly specimens of the Rhopalopsole vietnamica ‘western assemblage’ group. A new species from Hainan Province, R. bawanglinga Li, Li & Yang, sp. nov. is described and illustrated from male and female adults, and it is compared to closely related taxa. The hitherto unknown female of R. hainana Li & Yang, 2010 is described. Morphological evidence is presented for the identity of R. dentiloba Wu, 1973, on the basis of topotypes from Yunnan Province, southwestern China.

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Research Article Mon, 6 Nov 2023 16:40:34 +0200
Two new species of Varicus from Caribbean deep reefs, with comments on the related genus Pinnichthys (Teleostei, Gobiidae, Gobiosomatini, Nes subgroup) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/107551/ ZooKeys 1180: 159-180

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1180.107551

Authors: Katlyn M. Fuentes, Carole C. Baldwin, D. Ross Robertson, Claudia C. Lardizábal, Luke Tornabene

Abstract: Tropical deep reefs (~40–300 m) are diverse ecosystems that serve as habitats for diverse communities of reef-associated fishes. Deep-reef fish communities are taxonomically and ecologically distinct from those on shallow reefs, but like those on shallow reefs, they are home to a species-rich assemblage of small, cryptobenthic reef fishes, including many species from the family Gobiidae (gobies). Here we describe two new species of deep-reef gobies, Varicus prometheus sp. nov. and V. roatanensis sp. nov., that were collected using the submersible Idabel from rariphotic reefs off the island of Roatan (Honduras) in the Caribbean. The new species are the 11th and 12th species of the genus Varicus, and their placement in the genus is supported by morphological data and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Additionally, we also collected new specimens of the closely-related genus and species Pinnichthys aimoriensis during submersible collections off the islands of Bonaire and St. Eustatius (Netherland Antilles) and included them in this study to expand the current description of that species and document its range extension from Brazil into the Caribbean. Collectively, the two new species of Varicus and new records of P. aimoriensis add to our growing knowledge of cryptobenthic fish diversity on deep reefs of the Caribbean.

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Research Article Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:56:14 +0300
Opistognathus ctenion (Perciformes, Opistognathidae): a new jawfish from southern Japan https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/109813/ ZooKeys 1179: 353-364

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1179.109813

Authors: Kyoji Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Motomura, Gento Shinohara

Abstract: Opistognathus ctenion sp. nov. (Perciformes: Opistognathidae) is described on the basis of three specimens (17.3–30.6 mm in standard length) collected from the Osumi and Ryukyu islands, southern Japan in depths of 35–57 m. Although most similar to Opistognathus triops, recently described from Tonga and Vanuatu, the new species differs in mandibular pore arrangement, dorsal- and caudal-fin coloration, fewer gill rakers, and lacks blotches or stripes on the snout, suborbital region and both jaws.

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Research Article Thu, 14 Sep 2023 19:30:18 +0300
Microdous amblyrhynchos sp. nov., a new member of the small-toothed sleepers (Teleostei, Gobiiformes, Odontobutidae) from Guangxi, southern China https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/97139/ ZooKeys 1153: 1-13

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1153.97139

Authors: Jiantao Hu, Chun Lan, Chenhong Li

Abstract: Microdous amblyrhynchos, a new species, the second one in the genus, from the family Odontobutidae, is described from the Hongshui River, in the upper reaches of the Xijiang River of the Pearl River drainage, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. This species is distinguished from its only congener, M. chalmersi, by the blunt snout (vs. pointed); mean snout length/head length ratio 0.27 (vs. 0.3); eye not extending outward (vs. protruding); mean interorbital width/head length ratio 0.25 (vs. 0.11). Additionally, the results of molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed that M. amblyrhynchos sp. nov. is distinct from its sister species, M. chalmersi.

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Research Article Fri, 10 Mar 2023 17:04:46 +0200
DNA barcoding of Scomberomorus (Scombridae, Actinopterygii) reveals cryptic diversity and misidentifications https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/93631/ ZooKeys 1135: 157-170

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1135.93631

Authors: Xiao-Shu Zeng, Cheng-He Sun, Xiao-Ying Huang, Ye-Ling Lao, Jin-Long Huang, Sha Li, Qun Zhang

Abstract: The genus Scomberomorus is economically important; however, the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships in this genus are not clearly resolved, making it difficult to effectively protect and exploit fish resources. To clarify the taxonomic status of Scomberomorus species, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene sequences of 150 samples were analyzed. The average genetic distance among 14 species was approximately 11 times greater than the distances within species, in accordance with the ‘10× rule’ of species identification. Five of the 14 species did not form monophyletic clades based on a Bayesian inference gene tree. The application of four DNA-based species delimitation methods (automatic barcode gap discovery, barcode index numbers, Poisson tree process, and the K/θ method) yielded several key results. (1) Cryptic species were detected within Scomberomorus commerson. (2) A Scomberomorus queenslandicus sample from Australia was misidentified as S. commerson in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). (3) Specimens originally identified as Scomberomorus guttatus was differentiated into four OTUs or species, two in the Yellow, South China, and Java seas, and two in geographically distant areas, one each in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. (4) Six specimens from South Africa originally identified as S. plurilineatus most likely do not belong to the species. (5) Specimens identified as S. maculatus and S. regalis were conspecific; however, introgression cannot be ruled out. Our findings revealed cryptic diversity and difficulties in morphological identification of species in the genus Scomberomorus. This study provides scientifically based support for the conservation of germplasm resources of the genus Scomberomorus.

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Research Article Wed, 14 Dec 2022 10:07:31 +0200
Genome-wide survey reveals the phylogenomic relationships of Chirolophis japonicus Herzenstein, 1890 (Stichaeidae, Perciformes) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/91543/ ZooKeys 1129: 55-72

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1129.91543

Authors: Lu Liu, Qi Liu, Tianxiang Gao

Abstract: Fish are the largest vertebrate group, consisting of more than 30 000 species with important ecological and economical value, while less than 3% of fish genomes have been published. Herein, a fish, Chirolophis japonicus, was sequenced using the next-generation sequencing. Approximately 595.7 megabase pair of the C. japonicus genome was assembled (49 901 contigs with 42.61% GC contents), leading to a prediction of 46 729 protein-coding gene models. A total of 554 136 simple sequence repeats was identified in the whole genome of C. japonicus, and dinucleotide microsatellite motifs were the most abundant, accounting for 59.49%. Phylogenomic analysis of 16 genomes based on the 694 single-copy genes suggests that C. japonicus is closely related with Anarrhichthys ocellatus, Cebidichthys violaceus, and Pholis gunnellus. The results provide more thorough genetic information of C. japonicus and a theoretical basis and reference for further genome-wide analysis.

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Research Article Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:31:57 +0200
A new species of Astronotus (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from the Orinoco River and Gulf of Paria basins, northern South America https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/81240/ ZooKeys 1113: 111-152

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1113.81240

Authors: Alfredo Perez Lozano, Oscar M. Lasso-Alcalá, Pedro S. Bittencourt, Donald C. Taphorn, Nayibe Perez, Izeni Pires Farias

Abstract: Based on morphological and molecular analysis of Astronotus species, a new species is described from the Orinoco River and Gulf of Paria basins in Venezuela and Colombia. Morphologically, it differs from Astronotus crassipinnis and Astronotus ocellatus in pre-orbital depth, caudal peduncle depth, head width, and caudal peduncle length, with significant differences in average percentage values. Osteologically, it differs from the two described species by lacking a hypurapophysis on the parahypural bone (hypural complex) and having two or three supraneural bones. Another characteristic that helps diagnose the new species is the morphology of the sagitta otolith, which is oval with crenulated dorsal and ventral margins and a rounded posterior edge. Genetically, the new species is distinct from all the other lineages previously proposed for the genus, delimited by five single locus species delimitation methods, and also has unique diagnostic nucleotides. Phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of the new species as well as all other species/lineages. Astronotus species have considerable genetic, anatomical, and sagitta otolith shape differences, but have few significant traditional morphometric and meristic differences, because there is high variability in counts of spines, soft dorsal-fin rays, and lateral-line scales. It is clear that this new species is genetically and anatomically differentiated from all other species within the genus, and deserves recognition as a new valid species.

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Research Article Mon, 18 Jul 2022 17:06:27 +0300
Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa (Teleostei, Labridae), a new species of fairy wrasse from the Maldives, with comments on the taxonomic identity of C. rubrisquamis and C. wakanda https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/78139/ ZooKeys 1088: 65-80

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1088.78139

Authors: Yi-Kai Tea, Ahmed Najeeb, Joseph Rowlett, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis is redescribed on the basis of the juvenile holotype and compared to known species of Cirrhilabrus. Examination of material from the Maldives identified as C. rubrisquamis reveal differences from the holotype collected from the Chagos Archipelago. Consequently, the Maldivian specimens are herein described as Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa sp. nov., on the basis of the holotype and twelve paratypes. The new species differs from all congeners in having: males with anterior third to half of body bright magenta, peach to orange-pink posteriorly; lateral line with 22–26 pored scales (16–18 in the dorso-anterior series, 6–8 in the posterior peduncular series); tenth to eleventh dorsal-fin spine longest (14.0–15.5% SL); scales on the opercle, chest, isthmus, and anterior third of the body with a dark purple-red central region (purple in alcohol), the markings joining appearing crosshatched; dorsal, caudal, anal, and pelvic-fin rays purple in alcohol. Meristic details and coloration patterns of C. rubrisquamis are very similar to C. wakanda from Tanzania, Africa, although synonymy of both species cannot be determined without additional material from Chagos. This potential synonymy is briefly discussed; however, until such material becomes available, the taxonomic statuses of C. wakanda and C. rubrisquamis are here provisionally regarded as valid.

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Research Article Tue, 8 Mar 2022 17:20:00 +0200
A genetic assessment of the population structure and demographic history of Odontamblyopus lacepedii (Perciformes, Amblyopinae) from the northwestern Pacific https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/70860/ ZooKeys 1088: 1-15

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1088.70860

Authors: Linlin Zhao, Shouqiang Wang, Fangyuan Qu, Zisha Liu, Tianxiang Gao

Abstract: Coupled with geological and geographical history, climatic oscillations during the Pleistocene period had remarkable effects on species biodiversity and distribution along the northwestern Pacific. To detect the population structure and demographic history of Odontamblyopus lacepedii, 547-bp fragments of the mitochondrial DNA control region were sequenced. A low level of nucleotide diversity (0.0065 ± 0.0037) and a high level of haplotype diversity (0.98 ± 0.01) was observed. The Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference phylogenetic trees showed no significant genealogical structure corresponding to sampling locations. The results of AMOVA and pairwise FST values revealed some significant genetic differentiation among populations, and the isolation by distance (IBD) analysis supported that the genetic differentiation was associated with the geographic distances. The demographic history of O. lacepedii examined by neutrality tests, mismatch distribution analysis, and Bayesian Skyline Plots (BSP) analysis suggested a sudden population expansion, and the expansion time was estimated to be around the Pleistocene. We hypothesize that the climate changes during the Pleistocene, ocean currents, and larval dispersal capabilities have played an important role in shaping contemporary phylogeographic pattern and population structure of O. lacepedii.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:00:37 +0200
Complete mitogenomes of four Trichiurus species: A taxonomic review of the T. lepturus species complex https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/71576/ ZooKeys 1084: 1-26

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1084.71576

Authors: Mu-Rong Yi, Kui-Ching Hsu, Sui Gu, Xiong-Bo He, Zhi-Sen Luo, Hung-Du Lin, Yun-Rong Yan

Abstract: Four Trichiurus species, T. japonicus, T. lepturus, T. nanhaiensis, and T. brevis, from the coasts of the China Seas, have been identified and their entire mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have been sequenced by next-generation sequencing technology. A comparative analysis of five mitogenomes was conducted, including the mitogenome of T. gangeticus. The mitogenomes contained 16.568–16.840 bp and encoded 36 typical mitochondrial genes (13 protein-coding, 2 ribosomal RNA-coding, and 21 transfer RNA-coding genes) and two typical noncoding control regions. Although tRNAPro is absent from Trichiurus mitogenomes, when compared with the 22 tRNAs reported in other vertebrates, the gene arrangements in the mitogenomes of the studied species are consistent with those in most teleost mitogenomes. The full-length sequences and protein-coding genes (PCGs) in the mitogenomes of the five species had obvious AT biases and negative GC skew values. Our study indicate that the specimens in the Indian Ocean are neither T. lepturus nor T. nanhaiensis but they are T. gangeticus; the Trichiurus species composition in the Indian Ocean is totally different from that in Pacific and Atlantic oceans; there are at least two Trichiurus species in Indian Ocean; and the worldwide systematics and diversity of the genus Trichiurus need to be reviewed.

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Research Article Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:04:18 +0200
A review of the Eviota zebrina complex, with descriptions of four new species (Teleostei, Gobiidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/66675/ ZooKeys 1057: 149-184

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1057.66675

Authors: Luke Tornabene, David W. Greenfield, Mark V. Erdmann

Abstract: The Eviota zebrina complex includes eight species of closely-related dwarfgobies, four of which are herein described as new. The complex is named for Eviota zebrina Lachner & Karnella, 1978, an Indian Ocean species with the holotype from the Seychelles Islands and also known from the Maldives, which was once thought to range into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea eastward to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Our analysis supports the recognition of four genetically distinct, geographically non-overlapping, species within what was previously called E. zebrina, with E. zebrina being restricted to the Indian Ocean, E. marerubrum sp. nov. described from the Red Sea, E. longirostris sp. nov. described from western New Guinea, and E. pseudozebrina sp. nov. described from Fiji. The caudal fin of all four of these species is crossed by oblique black bars in preservative, but these black bars are absent from the four other species included in the complex. Two of the other species within the complex, E. tetha and E. gunawanae are morphologically similar to each other in having the AITO cephalic-sensory pore positioned far forward and opening anteriorly. Eviota tetha is known from lagoonal environments in Cenderawasih Bay and Raja Ampat, West Papua, and E. gunawanae is known only from deeper reefs (35–60 m) from Fakfak Regency, West Papua. The final two species are E. cometa which is known from Fiji and Tonga and possesses red bars crossing the caudal fin (but lost in preservative) and a 9/8 dorsal/anal-fin formula, and E. oculineata sp. nov., which is described as new from New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and possesses an 8/7 dorsal/anal-fin formula and lacks red caudal bars. Eviota oculineata has been confused with E. cometa in the past.

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Research Article Fri, 27 Aug 2021 09:49:02 +0300
Pseudanthias hangapiko, a new anthiadine serranid (Teleostei, Serranidae, Anthiadinae) from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/64508/ ZooKeys 1054: 1-13

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1054.64508

Authors: Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Tyler A. Y. Phelps, Alejandro Pérez-Matus, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: Pseudanthias hangapiko sp. nov. (Teleostei, Serranidae, Anthiadinae) is herein described from three specimens collected from a depth of 83 m in a mesophotic coral ecosystem off Hanga Piko, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile. Pseudanthias hangapiko sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners in live coloration and by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays X, 17; anal-fin rays III, 8; pectoral-fin rays 16 (left side of one specimen 17); vertebrae 10+16; scales relatively large, two scales above lateral-line to base of fifth dorsal spine, and 16–17 circumpeduncular scales; gill rakers 11+23; and a slender body, with greatest body depth 3.6 (3.4–3.8) in SL. The most similar DNA barcodes (mitochondrial COI gene) are from Pseudanthias ventralis Randall, 1979 and Pseudanthias hawaiiensis Randall, 1979, with 16.8% and 17.0% uncorrected divergence, respectively. This fish is one of four new species that were documented from a pair of technical dives at a single location in Rapa Nui, emphasizing the high number of undescribed species likely still unknown in mesophotic coral ecosystems, especially in geographically remote locations. Pseudanthias hangapiko sp. nov. adds to the Rapa Nui ichthyofauna, which hosts the second-highest level of endemism in both shallow and deep-water fishes.

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Research Article Tue, 3 Aug 2021 08:00:01 +0300
Corrigenda: A new species of Chromis damselfish from the tropical western Atlantic (Teleostei, Pomacentridae). ZooKeys 1008: 107–138. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1008.58805 https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/65739/ ZooKeys 1036: 171-172

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1036.65739

Authors: Emily P. McFarland, Carole C. Baldwin, David Ross Robertson, Luiz A. Rocha, Luke Tornabene

Abstract: N/A

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Corrigendum Mon, 10 May 2021 19:23:36 +0300
Resurrection of the Butterfly-winged Comber, Serranus papilionaceus Valenciennes, 1832 (Teleostei, Serranidae) and its phylogenetic position within genus Serranus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/60637/ ZooKeys 1017: 111-126

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1017.60637

Authors: Adriana Vella, Noel Vella, Carolina Acosta-Díaz

Abstract: The family Serranidae is represented by 92 genera and 579 valid species, with the genus Serranus Cuvier, 1816, containing 30 species. In this study, specimens of Butterfly-winged Comber, Serranus papilionaceus Valenciennes, 1832, were collected from the Canary Islands and compared morphologically and genetically to Painted Comber, Serranus scriba (Linnaeus, 1758), from the Mediterranean Sea. Morphological differences, especially in the colour banding pattern, were corroborated by genetic differences in mitochondrial (COI and ND2) and nuclear (Rhod and PTR) markers. The mitochondrial DNA markers revealed a high level of divergence and no shared haplotypes between the two species (interspecific divergence: COI 4.31%; ND2 8.68%), and a phylogenetic analysis showed that these two species are closely related sister species sharing common ancestry. This study is therefore offering to resurrect S. papilionaceus Valenciennes, 1832 as a valid species increasing the number of eastern Atlantic Serranus species to 11. This should direct new species-specific research, including its population conservation status assessment across its distribution.

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Research Article Fri, 12 Feb 2021 11:17:38 +0200
Description of a new species, Sillago nigrofasciata sp. nov. (Perciformes, Sillaginidae) from the southern coast of China https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/57302/ ZooKeys 1011: 85-100

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1011.57302

Authors: Jia-Guang Xiao, Zheng-Sen Yu, Na Song, Tian-Xiang Gao

Abstract: A new Sillago species, the black-banded sillago, Sillago nigrofasciata sp. nov., is described based on 302 specimens sampled from the southern coast of China. Morphological comparisons have been conducted between the new species and ten other Sillago species. The results show that the new species is characterized by a black mid-lateral band below the lateral line when fresh; other characteristics are similar to those of Sillago sihama but subtle differences exist on the swim bladder between Sillago nigrofasciata sp. nov. and S. sihama. A detailed description and illustrations are provided for the new species. The validity of this new species is also supported by a genetic comparison using sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene.

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Research Article Mon, 18 Jan 2021 14:11:21 +0200
A new species of Chromis damselfish from the tropical western Atlantic (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/58805/ ZooKeys 1008: 107-138

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1008.58805

Authors: Emily P. McFarland, Carole C. Baldwin, David Ross Robertson, Luiz A. Rocha, Luke Tornabene

Abstract: Initially described in 1882, Chromis enchrysurus, the Yellowtail Reeffish, was redescribed in 1982 to account for an observed color morph that possesses a white tail instead of a yellow one, but morphological and geographic boundaries between the two color morphs were not well understood. Taking advantage of newly collected material from submersible studies of deep reefs and photographs from rebreather dives, this study sought to determine whether the white-tailed Chromis is actually a color morph of Chromis enchrysurus or a distinct species. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial genes cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I separated Chromis enchrysurus and the white-tailed Chromis into two reciprocally monophyletic clades. A principal component analysis based on 27 morphological characters separated the two groups into clusters that correspond with caudal-fin coloration, which was either known or presumed based on the specimen’s collection site according to biogeographic data on species boundaries in the Greater Caribbean. Genetic, morphological, and biogeographic data all indicate that the white-tailed Chromis is a distinct species, herein described as Chromis vanbebberae sp. nov. The discovery of a new species within a conspicuous group such as damselfishes in a well-studied region of the world highlights the importance of deep-reef exploration in documenting undiscovered biodiversity.

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Research Article Thu, 31 Dec 2020 16:40:31 +0200
A new species of Egglestonichthys (Teleostei, Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from Okinawa Island, Japan https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/58874/ ZooKeys 1006: 91-98

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1006.58874

Authors: Kyoji Fujiwara, Toshiyuki Suzuki, Hiroyuki Motomura

Abstract: Egglestonichthys fulmen sp. nov. (Teleostei: Gobiidae) is described on the basis of a single specimen (21.7 mm in standard length) collected from 250 m depth off Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan. The new species is characterized by the following combination of characters: anal-fin rays I, 9; pectoral-fin rays 17, lower rays not free from membrane; longitudinal scale series 25; transverse scales 8; pre-dorsal-fin scale rows 8; cheek and opercle naked; pelvic frenum absent; caudal fin lanceolate, its length 32.2% of SL; interorbital width very narrow, 1.2% of HL (much narrower than pupil diameter); no spicules or odontoid processes on outer surface of gill arches; and body whitish, upper half with broken zigzag pattern of bright yellow patches and associated scattered black melanophores in fresh specimens (melanophores retained in preserved specimens). Several characters, including pectoral-fin ray count, interorbital width, and coloration uniquely distinguish the new species from congeners.

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Research Article Mon, 21 Dec 2020 18:34:56 +0200
Reidentification of Decapterus macarellus and D. macrosoma (Carangidae) reveals inconsistencies with current morphological taxonomy in China https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/58092/ ZooKeys 995: 81-96

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.995.58092

Authors: Liyan Zhang, Jing Zhang, Puqing Song, Shigang Liu, Pan Liu, Cheng Liu, Longshan Lin, Yuan Li

Abstract: Decapterus macarellus and D. macrosoma are economically important pelagic fish species that are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical seas. The two species are often mistakenly identified due to their morphological similarities as described in the Chinese literature on fish identification. In this study, D. macarellus and D. macrosoma samples were collected in the Eastern Indian Ocean and the South China Sea and reidentified using morphological and DNA barcoding techniques. The characteristics that distinguish the two species primarily include the scute coverage of the straight portion of the lateral line (the most indicative characteristic for classification), the shape of the predorsal scaled area and its location relative to the middle axis of the eye, and the shapes of the posterior margin of the maxilla and the posterior margin of the operculum. The results revealed a large number of misidentified sequences among the homologous cytochrome oxidase (COI) sequences of the two species in the NCBI database and that the genus Decapterus may include cryptic species. In terms of genetic structure, the Sundaland has not blocked genetic exchange between D. macarellus populations in the South China Sea and the Eastern Indian Ocean, giving rise to a high level of genetic diversity. In this study, we made corrections to the Chinese classification standards for D. macarellus and D. macrosoma and the erroneous reference sequences in the NCBI database, thereby providing accurate reference points for the future exploration of cryptic species in the genus Decapterus.

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Research Article Wed, 18 Nov 2020 16:29:00 +0200
Plectorhinchus makranensis (Teleostei, Haemulidae), a new species of sweetlips from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/50934/ ZooKeys 980: 141-154

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.980.50934

Authors: Ehsan Damadi, Faezeh Yazdani Moghaddam, Fereshteh Ghassemzadeh, Mehdi Ghanbarifardi

Abstract: Plectorhinchus makranensis sp. nov. is described on the basis of 16 specimens from the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, in the Northwest Indian Ocean. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by a combination of dorsal fin rays XII, 18–20, pectoral-fin rays 16–17, tubed lateral-line scales 55–57, gill rakers count (10–12 on the upper limb and 16–17 on the lower limb), 17–18 scales between the lateral line and the first anal-fin spine, 30–31 circumpeduncular scale rows and color pattern. Plectorhinchus makranensis sp. nov. is distinguished from P. schotaf by having the posterior margin of the opercular membrane grey (vs. red in P. schotaf), fewer circumpeduncular scale rows, and a shorter base of the soft portion of the dorsal fin, 27.6–29.4% of standard length (SL) (vs. 31–32.3% of SL in P. schotaf). The new species resembles P. sordidus but is differentiated from it by having more gill rakers, a smaller orbit diameter 27.5–32.1% of head length (HL) (vs. 35.5–37.2% of HL in P. sordidus), a longer caudal peduncle 19.2–21.3% of SL (vs. 17.1–17.9% of SL in P. sordidus), and the first to third pectoral-fin rays light gray (vs. dark gray in P. sordidus). The new species can also be distinguished from the other species, including P. schotaf and P. sordidus, based on COI and Cyt b molecular markers. The phylogenetic position of this new species indicates that it is a sister taxon of P. schotaf.

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Research Article Wed, 28 Oct 2020 12:02:13 +0200
A non-exhaustive survey revealed possible genetic similarity in mitochondrial adaptive evolution of marine fish species in the northwestern Pacific https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/55934/ ZooKeys 974: 121-130

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.974.55934

Authors: Linlin Zhao, Tianzi Wang, Fangyuan Qu, Zhiqiang Han

Abstract: Mitochondrial coding genes involved in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway play vitally important roles in energy production and thermal adaptation. Investigating the underlying molecular mechanism of mitochondrial adaptive evolution is crucial for understanding biodiversity and ecological radiation. In this study, we collated population genetic studies of marine fish species in the northwestern Pacific based on mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences, to investigate whether similar patterns could be detected in mitochondrial adaptive evolution. After filtering, nine studies containing eight marine fish species (Ammodytes personatus, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris, Larimichthys polyactis, Mugil cephalus, Pampus argenteus, Platycephalus sp.1, Sebastiscus marmoratus, and Trachidermus fasciatus) belonging to eight different families were retained. Multiple codon-based approaches were used to identify potential sites under selection in each species. By comparison, our results showed that the posterior part of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (particularly codon 372 and its neighboring sites) seemed to be involved in the adaptive evolution process, suggesting potential genetic similarity among distantly related species. We also summarized four types of adaptive patterns in the reviewed species, and suggest that the level of genetic differentiation and mitochondrial adaptive evolution might be correlated. Further studies are needed to confirm such relationship by detecting RNA-level evidence and investigating more species and samples.

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Short Communication Wed, 7 Oct 2020 13:27:23 +0300
Pleistocene isolation caused by sea-level fluctuations shaped genetic characterization of Pampus minor over a large-scale geographical distribution https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/52069/ ZooKeys 969: 137-154

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.969.52069

Authors: Yuan Li, Cheng Liu, Longshan Lin, Yuanyuan Li, Jiaguang Xiao, Kar-Hoe Loh

Abstract: The southern lesser pomfret (Pampus minor) is an economically important fish, and its numbers are declining because of overfishing and environmental pollution. In addition, owing to the similarities of its external morphological characteristics to other species in the genus Pampus, it is often mistaken for grey pomfret (P. cinereus) or silver pomfret (P. argenteus) juveniles. In this study, the genetic diversity and structure of 264 P. minor individuals from 11 populations in China and Malaysia coastal waters were evaluated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, using mitochondrial cytochrome b fragments. The results showed that P. minor had moderate haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity. Furthermore, two divergent lineages were detected within the populations, but the phylogenetic structure corresponded imperfectly with geographical location; thus, the populations may have diverged in different glacial refugia during the Pleistocene low sea levels. Analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation originated primarily from individuals within the population. Pairwise FST results showed significant differentiation between the Chinese and Malaysian populations. Except for the Xiamen population, which was classified as a marginal population, the genetic differentiation among the other Chinese populations was not significant. During the Late Pleistocene, P. minor experienced a population expansion event starting from the South China Sea refugium that expanded outward, and derivative populations quickly occupied and adapted to the new habitat. The results of this study will provide genetic information for the scientific conservation and management of P. minor resources.

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Research Article Thu, 17 Sep 2020 13:46:16 +0300
Two new species of Plectranthias (Teleostei, Serranidae, Anthiadinae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems in the tropical Central Pacific https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/50243/ ZooKeys 941: 145-161

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.941.50243

Authors: Bart Shepherd, Tyler A. Y. Phelps, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Claudia R. Rocha, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: Two new species of Plectranthias perchlets are described, collected from mesophotic coral ecosystems in French Polynesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, in the tropical Central Pacific. Plectranthias polygonius sp. nov. was collected at a depth of 105 m in Tahiti, French Polynesia, and 120 m in Maloelap Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands. It was also observed in Moorea and Rangiroa (French Polynesia), and at Majuro and Erikub Atolls, Republic of the Marshall Islands. Plectranthias hinano sp. nov. was collected at a depth of 90–98 m in Tahiti, French Polynesia, and observed in Moorea. The barcode fragment of the cytochrome oxidase I gene of Plectranthias polygonius sp. nov. does not closely match any published sequence of Plectranthias, with approximately 15% uncorrected divergence from several species. Plectranthias polygonius sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of its congeners by coloration and morphology. The barcode fragment of the COI gene of Plectranthias hinano sp. nov. is closest to Plectranthias bennetti, with 5.4% uncorrected divergence. Plectranthias hinano sp. nov. is also distinguished from all of its congeners by morphology, and a coloration that includes two indistinct black spots along the base of the dorsal-fin, and transparent yellow dorsal and anal fin membranes. With this publication, the genus Plectranthias now comprises 58 valid species, with representatives from tropical to temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. These two new discoveries add to the growing body of research highlighting the rich biodiversity of mesophotic ecosystems.

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Research Article Tue, 16 Jun 2020 20:05:10 +0300
Epinephelus tankahkeei, a new species of grouper (Teleostei, Perciformes, Epinephelidae) from the South China Sea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/46406/ ZooKeys 933: 125-137

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.933.46406

Authors: Haohao Wu, Meng Qu, Hungdu Lin, Wei Tang, Shaoxiong Ding

Abstract: A new species of grouper, Epinephelus tankahkeei sp. nov. is described from the South China Sea based on examination of morphological and molecular characteristics. This new species has been treated as, and is similar to, its congener E. chlorostigma. Epinephelus tankahkeei sp. nov. can be distinguished from E. chlorostigma by the following combination of characters: a convex anal fin; closer dark spots on the body; a lack of dark spots on the abdomen, cheek, and pectoral fin; the absence of a clear posterior white margin on the caudal fin. Molecular analyses of the mitochondrial COI sequence variation, genetic distances, and a phylogeny, all highly support E. tankahkeei sp. nov. as a distinct species. A key to E. tankahkeei sp. nov. and its most closely related species is provided.

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Research Article Mon, 18 May 2020 19:11:52 +0300
Genetic diversity and population structure of Terapon jarbua (Forskål, 1775) (Teleostei, Terapontidae) in Malaysian waters https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/39222/ ZooKeys 911: 139-160

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.911.39222

Authors: Shyama Sundari Devi Chanthran, Phaik-Eem Lim, Yuan Li, Te-Yu Liao, Sze-Wan Poong, Jianguo Du, Muhammad Ali Syed Hussein, Ahemad Sade, Richard Rumpet, Kar-Hoe Loh

Abstract: A background study is important for the conservation and stock management of a species. Terapon jarbua is a coastal Indo-Pacific species, sourced for human consumption. This study examined 134 samples from the central west and east coasts of Peninsular (West) Malaysia and East Malaysia. A 1446-bp concatenated dataset of mtDNA COI and Cyt b sequences was used in this study and 83 haplotypes were identified, of which 79 are unique haplotypes and four are shared haplotypes. Populations of T. jarbua in Malaysia are genetically heterogenous as shown by the high level of haplotype diversity ranging from 0.9167–0.9952, low nucleotide diversity ranging from 0.0288–0.3434, and high FST values (within population genetic variation). Population genetic structuring is not distinct as shown by the shared haplotypes between geographic populations and mixtures of haplotypes from different populations within the same genetic cluster. The gene flow patterns and population structuring observed among these regions are likely attributed to geographical distance, past historical events, allopatric speciation, dispersal ability and water currents. For instance, the mixture of haplotypes revealed an extraordinary migration ability of T. jarbua (>1200 km) via ancient river connectivity. The negative overall value of the neutrality test and a non-significant mismatch distribution are consistent with demographic expansion(s) in the past. The median-joining network concurred with the maximum likelihood haplotype tree with three major clades resolved. The scarcity of information on this species is an obstacle for future management and conservation purposes. Hence, this study aims to contribute information on the population structure, genetic diversity, and historical demography of T. jarbua in Malaysia.

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Research Article Wed, 12 Feb 2020 15:25:51 +0200
Checklist of the ichthyofauna of the Rio Negro basin in the Brazilian Amazon https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/32055/ ZooKeys 881: 53-89

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.881.32055

Authors: Hélio Beltrão, Jansen Zuanon, Efrem Ferreira

Abstract: This study presents an extensive review of published and unpublished occurrence records of fish species in the Rio Negro drainage system within the Brazilian territory. The data was gathered from two main sources: 1) litterature compilations of species occurrence records, including original descriptions and revisionary studies; and 2) specimens verification at the INPA fish collection. The results reveal a rich and diversified ichthyofauna, with 1,165 species distributed in 17 orders (+ two incertae sedis), 56 families, and 389 genera. A large portion of the fish fauna (54.3% of the species) is composed of small-sized fishes < 10 cm in standard length. The main groups are Characiformes (454 species; 39.0%), Siluriformes (416; 35.7%), Gymnotiformes (105; 9.0%), and Cichliformes (102; 8.8%). The species composition differs between the main aquatic environments, such as: main channel (159 species), lakes (296), tributary rivers (596), small streams (234), seasonal beaches (186), and rapids (41). Part of the ichthyofauna is shared with adjacent basins, such as the Orinoco, rivers of the Guiana Shield, lower Solimões/Amazonas and upper Amazonas, which contributes to the remarkable ichthyofaunal diversity of the basin. A high rate of species endemism was observed in Characidae (24), Loricariidae (18), Cichlidae (18) and Callichthyidae (18), totalling 156 species (13.4%) endemic to the basin. An estimation of the species richness for the Rio Negro basin, considering 23 published references, resulted in 1,466 and 1,759 species (Jackknife 1 and 2, respectively), which seems reasonable when considering the large number of morphotypes left out of the present list and the low sampling effort in many areas of the basin. The results presented herein provide an additional tool for environmental managers and decision makers for conservation purposes of one of the richest and most well-preserved sub-basins of the Rio Amazonas system.

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Checklist Thu, 17 Oct 2019 17:33:23 +0300
Liopropoma incandescens sp. nov. (Epinephelidae, Liopropominae), a new species of basslet from mesophotic coral ecosystems of Pohnpei, Micronesia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/33778/ ZooKeys 863: 97-106

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.863.33778

Authors: Hudson T. Pinheiro, Bart Shepherd, Brian D. Greene, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: A new species of the genus Liopropoma Gill found on the lower mesophotic coral ecosystem of Pohnpei, Micronesia, is herein described. Liopropoma incandescens sp. nov. differs from its congeners in coloration, number of lateral-line scales, number of pectoral fin rays, body depth, and snout length. Liopropoma incandescens sp. nov. is the 31st species in the genus. It was collected from a small rocky crevice in a steep slope at 130 m depth. Water temperature was 20 °C and benthic habitat was dominated by gorgonians, sponges and tunicates.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Jul 2019 21:37:44 +0300
Cirrhilabrus wakanda, a new species of fairy wrasse from mesophotic ecosystems of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa (Teleostei, Labridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/35580/ ZooKeys 863: 85-96

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.863.35580

Authors: Yi-Kai Tea, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Bart Shepherd, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: Cirrhilabrus wakanda sp. nov. is described on the basis of the holotype and four paratypes collected between 50 and 80m depth over low-complexity reef and rubble bottoms at the east coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa. The new species belongs to a group of fairy wrasses from the western Indian Ocean, sharing a combination of characters that include: short pelvic fins (not or barely reaching anal-fin origin); relatively unmarked dorsal and anal fins; males with a strongly lanceolate caudal fin (except in C. rubrisquamis); both sexes with a pair of prominent facial stripes above and below the orbit; and both sexes with prominent purple scales and osseus elements that persist, and stain purple, respectively, even in preservation. This group of fairy wrasse is part of a larger complex that includes related species from the western Pacific Ocean. In addition to meristic and morphometric comparisons, we also compare mitochondrial DNA sequence data to the aforementioned, putatively related species.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Jul 2019 16:06:53 +0300
Scolopsis lacrima, a new species of monocle bream (Teleostei, Perciformes, Nemipteridae) from New Caledonia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/35052/ ZooKeys 861: 119-128

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.861.35052

Authors: Jumpei Nakamura, Philippe Béarez, Hiroyuki Motomura

Abstract: The new monocle bream Scolopsis lacrima sp. nov. is described from a single specimen (213.6 mm standard length) collected from Grande-Terre Island, New Caledonia. The new species closely resembles S. meridiana, both species having the upper part of the pectoral-fin base with reddish blotch when fresh, two bands across the top of the snout, a dorsal scaled area on the head reaching anteriorly to between the anterior margin of the eye and anterior nostril, a similar number of lateral-line scales, and absence of a small antrorse spine below the eye. However, S. lacrima sp. nov. is distinguished from S. meridiana by having diagonal lines on the body absent (vs. 18–20 diagonal lines in the latter), a dark longitudinal band below the lateral line (vs. longitudinal lines absent), the caudal fin central area not patterned (vs. with several dark horizontal lines), a narrower body and shallower caudal peduncle.

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Research Article Mon, 8 Jul 2019 14:02:41 +0300
First record of the dotted grouper Epinephelus epistictus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843) (Perciformes, Serranidae) in Malaysia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/34043/ ZooKeys 861: 107-118

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.861.34043

Authors: Jianguo Du, Kar-Hoe Loh, Amy Yee-Hui Then, Xinqing Zheng, Teguh Peristiwady, Mohammed Rizman-Idid, Man Alias

Abstract: Five specimens of Epinephelus epistictus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843) were collected from a major landing site located on the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia during a fish faunal survey on 23 August 2017. The present study extends the distribution range of E. epistictus southwards from Andaman Sea to the Strait of Malacca. Species identification was confirmed by colour pattern and DNA barcoding (567 bp of cytochrome C oxidase I) of all E. epistictus specimens and nine closely related Epinephelus species. The interspecies genetic distance ranged from 0.002–0.245. This study also presents, for the first time for Malaysia, data on length-weight relationships and otolith measurements. It contributes to a better understanding of taxonomy, and phylogenetic and genetic diversity of E. epistictus.

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Research Article Mon, 8 Jul 2019 12:12:43 +0300
Morphological differences between species of the sea bass genus Lateolabrax (Teleostei, Perciformes), with particular emphasis on growth-related changes https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/32624/ ZooKeys 859: 69-115

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.859.32624

Authors: Kōji Yokogawa

Abstract: Morphological differences, including growth-related changes, were examined in three morphologically similar East Asian sea bass species, Lateolabrax japonicus, L. maculatus and L. latus. In many cases, body measurements indicated specific patterns of growth-related proportional changes. Lateolabrax latus differed from the other two species in having greater body depth, caudal peduncle depth, caudal peduncle anterior depth, snout length, and upper and lower jaw length proportions. In particular, scatter plots for caudal peduncle anterior depth relative to standard length (SL) in that species indicated complete separation from those of the other two species, being a new key character for identification. Comparisons of L. japonicus and L. maculatus revealed considerable proportional differences in many length-measured characters, including fin lengths (first and second dorsal, caudal and pelvic), snout length, post-orbital preopercular width (POPW) and post-orbital length. In particular, snout length (SNL) and POPW proportions of the former were greater and smaller for specimens >200 and ≤ 200 mm SL, respectively. Because the scatter plots of these proportions for the two species did not overlap each other in either size range, identification of the species was possible using a combination of the two characters. In addition, scatter plots of the POPW / SNL proportion (%) of L. japonicus and L. maculatus were almost completely separated throughout the entire size range examined (border level 90%), a further aid to identification. The numbers of pored lateral line scales and scales above the lateral line tended to increase and decrease with growth, respectively, in L. japonicus, whereas scales below the lateral line and gill raker numbers tended to increase with growth in L. maculatus. Because the ranges of these meristic characters may therefore vary with specimen size, they are unsuitable for use as key characters. Accordingly, a new key is proposed for the genus Lateolabrax.

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Research Article Tue, 2 Jul 2019 17:28:41 +0300
Prognathodes geminus, a new species of butterflyfish (Teleostei, Chaetodontidae) from Palau https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/32562/ ZooKeys 835: 125-137

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.835.32562

Authors: Joshua M. Copus, Richard L. Pyle, Brian D. Greene, John E. Randall

Abstract: A new species of the butterflyfish genus Prognathodes (Chaetodontidae) is described from two specimens collected at a depth of 116 m off Ngemelis Island, Palau. Prognathodes geminus sp. n. is similar to P. basabei Pyle & Kosaki, 2016 from the Hawaiian archipelago, and P. guezei (Maugé & Bauchot, 1976) from the western Indian Ocean, but differs from these species in the number of soft dorsal-fin rays, size of head, body width, and body depth. There are also subtle differences in life color, and substantial differences in the mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I sequence (d ≈ 0.08). Although genetic comparisons with P. guezei are unavailable, it is expected that the genetic divergence between P. guezei and P. geminus will be even greater than that between P. geminus and P. basabei. It is named for the strikingly similar color pattern it shares with P. basabei.

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Research Article Thu, 4 Apr 2019 17:14:44 +0300
Three new species of Chromis (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Philippines https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/27528/ ZooKeys 835: 1-15

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.835.27528

Authors: B. Gabriela Arango, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Claudia Rocha, Brian D. Greene, Richard L. Pyle, Joshua M. Copus, Bart Shepherd, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: Three new species of Chromis (Perciformes, Pomacentridae) from the Philippines, collected between 75–150 m depth, are described by a combination of morphological features and their coloration. Chromis gunting sp. n. was found in Batangas and Oriental Mindoro, and differs from its congeners in body depth (2.1–2.2 in SL), and color of adults, light brown, with a silver area on the anterior end and a bilateral black margin along the exterior side of the tail. It is most similar to C. scotochiloptera, with a 5.3% genetic divergence in COI. Chromis hangganan sp. n. was found around Lubang Island. Body depth (1.9–2.0 in SL) and adult coloration (yellowish with dark black outer margins on dorsal and anal fins) also separate this species from its congeners. It is most similar to C. pembae, with a 2.5% genetic divergence. Chromis bowesi sp. n. was found in Batangas, and also differs from its congeners by the combination of body depth (1.5–1.6 in SL), and color of adults (brownish grey in the dorsal side to whitish on the ventral side, with alternating dark and light stripes in the sides of body). It is most similar to C. earina, with a 3.6% genetic divergence in COI.

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Research Article Thu, 4 Apr 2019 04:11:49 +0300
Genetic signatures of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Ambiguous silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus (Teleostei, Stromateidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/25602/ ZooKeys 810: 139-151

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.810.25602

Authors: Yuan Li, Long-Shan Lin, Tian-Xiang Gao

Abstract: Pampus argenteus is a broadly exploited pelagic fish species, commonly misidentified as Pampus echinogaster. Genetic variation and population structure in Pampus argenteus was studied based on seven microsatellite loci. The observed high average allele number, heterozygosity values, and polymorphism information content of P. argenteus suggested high genetic diversity. No population genetic differentiation was detected based on the results of pairwise Fst, three-dimensional factorial correspondence analysis (3D-FCA) and STRUCTURE analysis, which implied continuous gene flow. Wilcoxon signed rank tests did not indicate significant heterozygosity excess, and recent genetic bottleneck events were not detected. Coupled with previous mitochondrial DNA results, the findings presented here indicate that high gene flow characterizes the current phylogeographic pattern of the species.

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Research Article Thu, 20 Dec 2018 15:25:25 +0200
A new species of Lipogramma from deep reefs of Roatan, Honduras (Teleostei, Grammatidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/29280/ ZooKeys 809: 79-95

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.809.29280

Authors: Luke Tornabene, D. Ross Robertson, Carole C. Baldwin

Abstract: A new species of Lipogramma is described from submersible collections at 122–165 m depth off the coast of Roatan, Honduras, in the western Caribbean. The new species is distinguished from all other species in the genus by its bright blue coloration on the head, nape, and dorsal portion of the trunk beneath the spinous dorsal fin, a prominent round black blotch below the origin of the spinous dorsal fin, and a high number of gill rakers. A molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes shows that the new species belongs to a clade containing L. levinsoni, L. regia, and L. anabantoides. At Roatan, submersible observations of this and other Lipogramma species indicate clear, interspecific habitat partitioning by depth and substrate.

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Research Article Wed, 19 Dec 2018 23:44:55 +0200
A new species of Procamallanus Baylis, 1923 (Nematoda, Camallanidae) from Astronotus ocellatus (Agassiz, 1831) (Perciformes, Cichlidae) in Brazil https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/24745/ ZooKeys 790: 21-33

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.790.24745

Authors: Raul Henrique da Silva Pinheiro, Francisco Tiago de Vasconcelos Melo, Scott Monks, Jeannie Nascimento dos Santos, Elane Guerreiro Giese

Abstract: A new species of Procamallanus Baylis, 1923 was found as a parasite of the fish Astronotus ocellatus (Agassiz, 1831) from a lake in the Jardim Botânico Bosque Rodrigues Alves, Belém, Brazil. Procamallanus spiculastriatus sp. n. has a smooth buccal capsule and a well-developed basal ring that is armed with four sclerotized tooth-like structures. The male of the new species is similar to the two species that are known from Brazilian fish, P. peraccuratus Pinto, Fábio, Noronha & Rolas, 1976, and P. annipetterae Kohn & Fernandes, 1988, by the absence of the gubernaculum. It differs from these two by the morphology of the buccal capsule, the number are arrangement of the caudal papillae in males, the size and morphology of the spicules and the shape of the tail of both sexes. Procamallanus spiculastriatus sp. n. is the third species discovered in fish from Brazil. This finding extends the geographical distribution of the genus into the Brazilian Amazon.

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Research Article Mon, 15 Oct 2018 11:01:59 +0300
Tosanoides annepatrice, a new basslet from deep coral reefs in Micronesia (Perciformes, Percoidei, Serranidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/28421/ ZooKeys 786: 139-153

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.786.28421

Authors: Richard L. Pyle, Brian D. Greene, Joshua M. Copus, John E. Randall

Abstract: The new species Tosanoides annepatrice sp. n. is described from four specimens collected at depths of 115–148 m near Palau and Pohnpei in Micronesia. It differs from the other three species of this genus in life color and in certain morphological characters, such as body depth, snout length, anterior three dorsal-fin spine lengths, caudal-fin length, and other characters. There are also genetic differences from the other four species of Tosanoides (d ≈ 0.04–0.12 in mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I). This species is presently known only from Palau and Pohnpei within Micronesia, but it likely occurs elsewhere throughout the tropical western Pacific.

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Research Article Tue, 2 Oct 2018 11:02:52 +0300
Tosanoides aphrodite, a new species from mesophotic coral ecosystems of St. Paul’s Rocks, Mid Atlantic Ridge (Perciformes, Serranidae, Anthiadinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/27382/ ZooKeys 786: 105-115

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.786.27382

Authors: Hudson T. Pinheiro, Claudia Rocha, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: During a recent expedition to St. Paul’s Rocks, Atlantic Ocean, a distinctive and previously unknown species of Anthiadinae was collected at a depth of 120 m. A genetic analysis indicated the undescribed species is a member of the genus Tosanoides, which was only known to occur in the Pacific Ocean. This new taxon is distinguishable from all other Tosanoides species by the following combination of characters: soft dorsal fin rays 15–16; anal fin rays 9; ventral scale rows 9–10; last dorsal spine the longest (instead first through fourth). Here Tosanoides aphrodite sp. n. is described and illustrated, only known from St. Paul’s Rocks.

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Research Article Tue, 25 Sep 2018 21:38:22 +0300
Review of the Japanese records of an endangered grouper, Epinephelus tukula, with comments on its population status (Teleostei, Serranidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/24374/ ZooKeys 772: 153-163

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.772.24374

Authors: Atsunobu Murase, Ryohei Miki, Masaaki Wada, Masahide Itou, Hiroyuki Motomura, Hiroshi Senou

Abstract: The Potato Grouper, Epinephelus tukula, is relatively rare worldwide. Records from the northernmost part of its range (Japan) have been few, resulting in a “Critically Endangered” listing on the Red List for Japan. The Japanese records were revised by examining literature, new specimens, photographs, and the internet, and a continuous distribution pattern from the tropical Ryukyu Islands (including adult individuals) to temperate regions affected by the Kuroshio Current were delineated; this suggests the species inhabits tropical Japan and can spread to temperate regions via the warm current. The species possibly reproduces in Japanese waters but further reproductive ecology research is required.

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Short Communication Fri, 6 Jul 2018 01:25:37 +0300
Plectranthias ahiahiata, a new species of perchlet from a mesophotic ecosystem at Rapa Nui (Easter Island) (Teleostei, Serranidae, Anthiadinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/24618/ ZooKeys 762: 105-116

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.762.24618

Authors: Bart Shepherd, Tyler Phelps, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Alejandro Pérez-Matus, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: A new species of the perchlet genus Plectranthias is herein described from a single specimen found at Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the South Pacific. Plectranthias ahiahiata sp. n. was collected at a depth of 83 m in a mesophotic coral ecosystem at Rapa Nui. The main difference between Plectranthias ahiahiata and other members of the genus is higher fin-ray counts (X, 18 dorsal; 18 pectoral) and its distinctive coloration. Compared to the three other known eastern South Pacific species, P. ahiahiata has more dorsal-fin rays, more pectoral-fin rays, fewer tubed lateral-line scales, fewer gill rakers, a longer head relative to SL, a very short first dorsal spine relative to SL, and a short third anal spine relative to SL. Plectranthias ahiahiata is distinguished from western Pacific species, by having more dorsal- and pectoral-fin rays. The closest relative based on genetic divergence (with 12.3% uncorrected divergence in the mitochondrial COI gene) is Plectranthias winniensis, a widely distributed species, suggesting important links between Rapa Nui and western Pacific islands. This new species adds to the high endemism of the Rapa Nui ichthyofauna, and is further evidence of the importance of mesophotic reefs as unique communities.

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Research Article Thu, 31 May 2018 13:33:09 +0300
Ichthyological collection of the Museu Oceanográfico D. Carlos I https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/20086/ ZooKeys 752: 137-148

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.752.20086

Authors: Ana Serra Silva, Maria Pitta Groz, Paula Leandro, Carlos A. Assis, Rui Figueira

Abstract: The collection of the Museu Oceanográfico D. Carlos I is a historical specimen, instrument, and document collection that has been housed at the Aquário Vasco da Gama since 1935. The collection is largely the result of several scientific campaigns conducted by Dom Carlos de Bragança between 1896 and 1907. Specifically, the ichthyological collection consists of 675 surviving catalogue records of specimens caught, acquired or offered to D. Carlos I between 1892 to 1907, and includes the type specimen for Odontaspis nasutus Bragança, 1904 (junior synonym of Mitsukurina owstoni Jordan, 1898), along with several specimens of deep sea species. All specimens were captured in coastal Portuguese waters, and were preserved in alcohol, formalin, or mounted.

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Data Paper Mon, 23 Apr 2018 09:53:54 +0300
Trematocranus pachychilus, a new endemic cichlid from Lake Malawi (Teleostei, Cichlidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/22814/ ZooKeys 743: 153-166

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.743.22814

Authors: Katrien Dierickx, Mark Hanssens, Bosco Rusuwa, Jos Snoeks

Abstract: A new species of Trematocranus, T. pachychilus sp. n., is described from Lake Malawi. So far, it has only been found at Jafua Bay, Mozambique. It can easily be distinguished from T. labifer by its molariform pharyngeal dentition. A morphometric study, including 24 measurements and 15 counts, was done to compare the new species with T. microstoma and T. placodon. Trematocranus pachychilus is characterised by its thick lips. This species further differs from T. microstoma by its bicuspid (vs. unicuspid) outer oral teeth, wide (vs. small) pharyngeal bone, and its head shape. It resembles T. placodon, from which it can be distinguished by its straight to concave head profile (vs. rounded), less-developed pharyngeal bones (vs. hypertrophied), and the presence of small to minute teeth on the lateral parts of the dentigerous area on the lower pharyngeal bone. A key to the species of Trematocranus is provided.

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Research Article Wed, 14 Mar 2018 10:48:13 +0200
More new deep-reef basslets (Teleostei, Grammatidae, Lipogramma), with updates on the eco-evolutionary relationships within the genus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/21842/ ZooKeys 729: 129-161

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.729.21842

Authors: Carole C. Baldwin, Luke Tornabene, D. Ross Robertson, Ai Nonaka, Grant Gilmore

Abstract: Two new Lipogramma basslets are described, L. barrettorum and L. schrieri, captured during submersible diving to 300 m depth off Curaçao, southern Caribbean. Superficially resembling L. robinsi in having 11–12 bars of pigment on the trunk, L. barrettorum is distinct from L. robinsi in having a stripe of blue-white pigment along the dorsal midline of the head (vs. a cap of yellow pigment), in patterns of pigment on the median fins, and in having 8–10 gill rakers on the lower limb of the first arch (vs. 11–12). Lipogramma schrieri is distinct from all congeners in having seven or eight dark bars of pigment on the trunk and broad, irregular, whitish blue markings on the dorsal portion of the head. The new species are genetically distinct from one another and from seven other Lipogramma species for which genetic data are available. A phylogenetic hypothesis derived from mitochondrial and nuclear genes suggests that the new species belong to a clade that also comprises L. evides and L. haberi. Collectively those four species are the deepest-living members of the genus, occurring at depths predominantly below 140 m. This study thus provides further evidence of eco-evolutionary correlations between depth and phylogeny in Caribbean reef fishes. Tropical deep reefs are globally underexplored ecosystems, and further investigation of Caribbean deep reefs undoubtedly will provide samples of species for which no genetic material currently exists and reveal more cryptic species diversity in the genus.

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Research Article Tue, 16 Jan 2018 04:36:51 +0200
Southern limits of distribution of the intertidal gobies Chaenogobius annularis and C. gulosus support the existence of a biogeographic boundary in southern Japan (Teleostei, Perciformes, Gobiidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/19952/ ZooKeys 725: 79-95

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.725.19952

Authors: Atsunobu Murase, Ryohei Miki, Hiroyuki Motomura

Abstract: Understanding the distributional patterns of individual animal groups with respect to coastal topology and the local physical environment provides essential foundational frameworks for marine zoogeography. In the northwestern Pacific waters of Japan, the distributional pattern of some cool-temperate species of marine fishes suggests the existence of a biogeographic boundary corresponding to a long sandy shore on the eastern coast of Kyushu, southern Japan. The existence of this hypothetical biogeographic boundary was tested by mapping the southern distributional limit of two species of cool-temperate intertidal gobies, Chaenogobius annularis and C. gulosus, which are endemic to East Asia and common in rock pools within their range in the Japanese Archipelago. Distribution and abundance were assessed by survey of museum collections from south-east Kyushu (i.e., the entire coasts of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures); and a quantitative survey of the abundance of these gobies in rock pools at various sites around the hypothesized boundary on the eastern coast of Kyushu, including the subtropical Tanega-shima Island. The museum collection survey showed different distribution patterns between the two species: C. annularis was distributed along the entire coasts of south-east Kyushu including subtropical islands, whereas C. gulosus was distributed along these coasts, including one site on a subtropical island, except for an area south of the hypothesized boundary on the eastern coast of Kyushu. The density and occurrence rates of C. annularis in rock pools decreased with latitude, it being absent from a subtropical island, and C. gulosus was not detected from sites south of the hypothesized boundary. The qualitative survey showed that the southernmost records of C. annularis and C. gulosus were the adjacent subtropical islands (Yaku-shima and Tanega-shima islands respectively), although the quantitative survey suggested that their normal range of distribution was limited to the southern part of the Kyushu mainland. A combination of qualitative and quantitative survey methods in the present study highlighted that the southernmost record of a certain species may not necessarily indicate the true limit of its distribution. The distribution of C. gulosus supports the existence of the hypothetical biogeographic boundary, and the different distribution patterns of the two species may be caused by differences in their early life histories.

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Research Article Fri, 29 Dec 2017 01:28:47 +0200
New genetic perspectives of the ambiguous pomfret as revealed by CR sequences https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/19914/ ZooKeys 719: 59-73

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.719.19914

Authors: Yuan Li, Yan Zhang, Longshan Lin, Tianxiang Gao, Liqin Liu

Abstract: Pampus argenteus is an economically important fish that is often erroneously identified as Pampus echinogaster. No population genetic analyses have been performed on the true P. argenteus species. Here, the mitochondrial control region (CR) was used to evaluate the population genetics and elaborate the historical demography of the Silver pomfret collected from six geographical locations in China, Pakistan, and Kuwait. A high level of genetic diversity was demonstrated in this species. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that the genetic divergence was mainly derived from within the populations (P < 0.05). A historical demographic analysis indicated that the Silver pomfret experienced a recent population expansion during the late Pleistocene. The phylogeographical structure revealed two obvious lineages that diverged in the late Pleistocene, during which the Silver pomfret populations historically experienced exotic divergence and mixed again with differentiated populations. Currently, Silver pomfret populations have insufficient time to attain migration-drift equilibrium. Population genetic data of the Silver pomfret can provide preliminary genetic knowledge for its fishery management.

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Research Article Thu, 7 Dec 2017 04:55:46 +0200
Ichthyofauna of Ceará-Mirim River basin, Rio Grande do Norte State, northeastern Brazil https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/13865/ ZooKeys 715: 39-51

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.715.13865

Authors: Nathalia Kaluana Rodrigues da Costa, Roney Emanuel Costa de Paiva, Márcio Joaquim da Silva, Telton Pedro Anselmo Ramos, Sergio Maia Queiroz Lima

Abstract: Ichthyological studies in coastal basins of the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga ecoregion were first conducted in the early 20th century, including collections from the Ceará-Mirim River basin, in northeastern Brazil. Besides a few systematics and ecological studies, the knowledge on fishes from this watershed is still considered partial and restricted to the freshwater portion. Thus, the objective of this paper was to conduct a comprehensive ichthyological survey of the entire Ceará-Mirim River basin, from the headwaters to the estuarine area. Fish surveys were conducted from 2011 to 2016 using varied fishing gear, resulting in the record of 63 native species (24 freshwater, 15 estuarine, and 24 marine species) and two introduced species. Four species are putatively endemic to the ecoregion, and 48 consist of new records for the basin. According to the Brazilian’s threatened fish list, three species are currently classified as ‘vulnerable’ (Megalops atlanticus, Hippocampus reidi and Mycteroperca bonaci), four as ‘near threatened’ (Kryptolebias hermaphroditus, Dormitator maculatus, Lutjanus sygnagris and L. jocu) and three as ‘data deficient’ (Cheirodon jaguaribensis, Mugil curema and Sphoeroides testudineus). The Ceará-Mirim River basin does not have any protected areas and has been suffering multiple anthropogenic impacts, however the "Centro Tecnológico de Aquicultura" (Aquaculture Technological Center) of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (CTA/UFRN) at the lower portion of the basin may help in the conservation of the estuarine and estuarine fish species.

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Checklist Mon, 13 Nov 2017 01:05:06 +0200
Altrichthys alelia, a new brooding damselfish (Teleostei, Perciformes, Pomacentridae) from Busuanga Island, Philippines https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/12061/ ZooKeys 675: 45-55

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.675.12061

Authors: Giacomo Bernardi, Gary C. Longo, T.E. Angela L. Quiros

Abstract: A new species of damselfish, Altrichthys alelia sp. n. is described from specimens collected in shallow water (1–8m depth) off Busuanga Island, Palawan Province, Philippines. It differs from the other two species in the genus, A. curatus and A. azurelineatus, in various features including having golden upper body lacking dark edges of dorsal and caudal fins, higher modal number of tubed lateral line scales, as well as differences in two mitochondrial markers, one nuclear marker, and RAD markers.

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Research Article Thu, 18 May 2017 18:07:30 +0300
Revising the distribution of a threatened goby, Apocryptodon punctatus (Perciformes, Oxudercidae), in Japan with the discovery of an isolated population https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10755/ ZooKeys 645: 71-83

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.645.10755

Authors: Atsunobu Murase, Ryutei Inui, Ryohei Miki, Yusuke Miyazaki

Abstract: Five specimens of a threatened goby, Apocryptodon punctatus (21.2–40.1 mm in standard length), were collected at a mudflat site of Kushima City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, southern Japan over two seasons, autumn (September 2015) and spring (April 2016). A review of distributional records of A. punctatus revealed that this population represents the southernmost record of the species in Japanese waters, and is isolated ca. 200 km south-southwest from the nearest point of the main range of the species along the Pacific coast of Japan. Publicising this population will help conserve it and its vulnerable habitat.

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Short Communication Thu, 12 Jan 2017 12:22:20 +0200
Tosanoides obama, a new basslet (Perciformes, Percoidei, Serranidae) from deep coral reefs in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/11500/ ZooKeys 641: 165-181

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.641.11500

Authors: Richard L. Pyle, Brian D. Greene, Randall K. Kosaki

Abstract: The new species Tosanoides obama is described from two specimens collected at a depth of 90–92 m off Kure Atoll and Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It differs from the other two species of this genus in life color and in certain morphological characters, such as number of pored lateral-line scales, pectoral-fin rays, snout length, anterior three dorsal-fin spine lengths, dorsal-fin profile, and other characters. There are also substantial genetic differences from the other two species of Tosanoides (d ≈ 0.10 in mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I). The species is presently known only from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

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Research Article Wed, 21 Dec 2016 11:34:31 +0200
Two new deep-reef basslets (Teleostei, Grammatidae, Lipogramma), with comments on the eco-evolutionary relationships of the genus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10455/ ZooKeys 638: 45-82

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.638.10455

Authors: Carole C. Baldwin, D. Ross Robertson, Ai Nonaka, Luke Tornabene

Abstract: The banded basslet, Lipogramma evides Robins & Colin, 1979, is shown to comprise two species: L. evides, which inhabits depths of 133–302 m, and a new species described here as Lipogramma levinsoni, which inhabits depths of 108–154 m and previously was considered to represent the juvenile of L. evides. A second new species of banded basslet, described here as Lipogramma haberi, inhabits depths of 152–233 m and was previously not reported in the literature. Morphologically, the three species differ in color patterns and modal numbers of gill rakers, whereas various other morphological features distinguish L. levinsoni from L. evides and L. haberi. DNA barcode data and multilocus, coalescent-based, species-delimitation analysis support the recognition of the three species. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic data supports a sister-group relationship between the two deepest-living of the three species, L. evides and L. haberi, and suggests that the shallower L. levinsoni is more closely related to L. anabantoides Böhlke, 1960, which inhabits depths < 120 m. Evolutionary relationships within Lipogramma thus appear to be correlated with species depth ranges, an eco-evolutionary pattern that has been observed in other Caribbean marine teleosts and that warrants further investigation. The new species represent the eleventh and twelfth new fish species described in recent years from exploratory submersible diving in the Caribbean in the globally poorly studied depth zone of 50–300 m. This study suggests that there are at least two additional cryptic species of Lipogramma, which are being analyzed in ongoing investigations of Caribbean deep-reef ecosystems.

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Research Article Wed, 7 Dec 2016 16:50:29 +0200
Iranocichla persa, a new cichlid species from southern Iran (Teleostei, Cichlidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10571/ ZooKeys 636: 141-161

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.636.10571

Authors: Hamid Reza Esmaeili, Golnaz Sayyadzadeh, Ole Seehausen

Abstract: Iranocichla persa sp. n. is described from the Shur, Hasanlangi and Minab River drainages flowing into the Persian Gulf at the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran. It is distinguished from I. hormuzensis, from the Mehran River drainage, by nuptial males having a bright orange breast and lower part of the head (vs. black), a poorly developed or invisible (vs. distinctive) “Tilapia-mark” in the dorsal fin and very clear white spots making almost wavy bars or stripes on the caudal fin (vs. without or with very few white spots). Mitochondrial DNA sequence characters suggest that both Iranocichla species are closely related but form two distinct clades, diagnosable by several fixed mutations in ND2, D-loop and partially by COI sequences. Populations from Kol River drainage, which is situated in-between the Mehran and the Shur River drainages, are more similar to I. hormuzensis in terms of their male nuptial coloration but to I. persa sp. n. in their mitochondrial sequence characters. Their status requires further investigation.

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Research Article Thu, 24 Nov 2016 11:24:37 +0200
How reliably can northeast Atlantic sand lances of the genera Ammodytes and Hyperoplus be distinguished? A comparative application of morphological and molecular methods https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/8866/ ZooKeys 617: 139-164

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.617.8866

Authors: Ralf Thiel, Thomas Knebelsberger

Abstract: Accurate stock assessments for each of the dominant species of sand lances in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and adjacent areas are not available due to the lack of a reliable identification procedure; therefore, appropriate measures of fisheries management or conservation of sand lances cannot be implemented. In this study, detailed morphological and molecular features are assessed to discriminate between four species of sand lances belonging to the genera Ammodytes and Hyperoplus. Morphological characters described by earlier authors as useful for identification of the genera are confirmed, and two additional distinguishing characters are added. A combination of the following morphological characters is recommended to distinguish between the genera Hyperoplus and Ammodytes: the protrusibility of the premaxillae, the presence of hooked ends of the prevomer, the number of dermal plicae, and the pectoral-fin length as a percentage of the standard length. The discriminant function analysis revealed that morphometric data are not very useful to distinguish the species of each of the two genera. The following meristic characters improve the separation of H. lanceolatus from H. immaculatus: the number of lower arch gill rakers, total number of gill rakers, numbers of caudal vertebrae and total vertebrae, and numbers of dorsal-fin and anal-fin rays. It is confirmed that A. tobianus differs from A. marinus by its belly scales that are organised in tight chevrons, scales which are present over the musculature at the base of the caudal fin, as well as by the lower numbers of dermal plicae, dorsal-fin rays, and total vertebrae. In contrast to the morphological data, mitochondrial COI sequences (DNA barcodes) failed to separate unambiguously the four investigated species. Ammodytes tobianus and H. lanceolatus showed an overlap between intraspecific and interspecific K2P genetic distances and cannot be reliably distinguished using the common DNA barcoding approach. Ammodytes marinus and H. immaculatus exhibited gaps between intraspecific and interspecific K2P distances of 2.73 and 3.34% respectively, indicating that their DNA barcodes can be used for species identification. As an alternative, short nuclear Rhodopsin sequences were analysed and one diagnostic character was found for each of the species A. marinus, H. lanceolatus, and H. immaculatus. Ammodytes tobianus can be characterised by the lack of species-specific mutations when compared to the other three species. In contrast to COI, the short nuclear sequences represent a useful alternative for rapid species identification whenever an examination of morphological characters is not available.

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Research Article Thu, 15 Sep 2016 01:02:38 +0300
Prognathodes basabei, a new species of butterflyfish (Perciformes, Chaetodontidae) from the Hawaiian Archipelago https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10200/ ZooKeys 614: 137-152

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.614.10200

Authors: Richard L. Pyle, Randall K. Kosaki

Abstract: A new species of the butterflyfish genus Prognathodes is described from specimens collected at a depth of 55–61 m off Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This species has been observed by mixed-gas divers and from submersibles at depths ranging from 45–187 m throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago, with shallower sightings in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and deeper in the Main Hawaiian Islands. It is similar to P. guezei (Maugé and Bauchot 1976) from the western Indian Ocean, and at least one other undescribed species of Prognathodes from Palau, differing from these species in the number of soft dorsal-fin rays, size of head, and body depth. There are also differences in the life color, and a substantial genetic difference from the Palauan species (d » .08 in mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I).

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Research Article Tue, 6 Sep 2016 09:53:13 +0300
An inventory of coastal freshwater fishes from Amapá highlighting the occurrence of eight new records for Brazil https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/9297/ ZooKeys 606: 127-140

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.606.9297

Authors: Bruno F. Melo, Ricardo C. Benine, Ricardo Britzke, Cecile S. Gama, Claudio Oliveira

Abstract: The Amazon Basin occupies a vast portion of northern South America and contains some of the highest species richness in the world. The northern Brazilian state of Amapá is delimited by the Amazonas River to the south, the Oyapock River to the northern boundary with French Guyana, and the Atlantic northeastern coast to Amazon estuary. Despite several expeditions to the Amazon in recent decades, little is known about the freshwater ichthyofauna from Amapá, with records limited to local inventories and species descriptions. This paper presents a compilation of the freshwater fish diversity sampled in fifteen sites covering two major Amapá ecoregions during the dry season of 2015. 120 species representing eight orders and 40 families are reported upon in this work. Eight species appear for the first time in the Brazilian territory providing new information for future conservation status evaluations.

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Research Article Thu, 21 Jul 2016 02:18:15 +0300
Varicus lacerta, a new species of goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae, Gobiosomatini, Nes subgroup) from a mesophotic reef in the southern Caribbean https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/8217/ ZooKeys 596: 143-156

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.596.8217

Authors: Luke Tornabene, D. Ross Robertson, Carole C. Baldwin

Abstract: We describe a new species of goby, Varicus lacerta sp. n., which was collected from a mesophotic reef at Curacao, southern Caribbean. The new species is the tenth species of Varicus, all of which occur below traditional SCUBA depths in the wider Caribbean area. Its placement in the genus Varicus is supported by a molecular phylogenetic analysis of three nuclear genes and the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b. In addition, the new species has one anal-fin pterygiophore inserted anterior to the first haemal spine, which distinguishes Varicus species from most species in the closely related and morphologically similar genus Psilotris. Varicus lacerta sp. n. is distinguished from all other named species of Varicus by the absence of scales, having highly branched, feather-like pelvic-fin rays, and in its live coloration. We provide the cytochrome c oxidase I DNA barcode of the holotype and compare color patterns of all species of Varicus and Psilotris for which color photographs or illustrations are available. This study is one of several recent studies demonstrating the utility of manned submersibles in exploring the diversity of poorly studied but species-rich deep-reef habitats.

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Research Article Wed, 8 Jun 2016 23:59:59 +0300
Biodiversity data mining from Argus-eyed citizens: the first illegal introduction record of Lepomis macrochirus macrochirus Rafinesque, 1819 in Japan based on Twitter information https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7577/ ZooKeys 569: 123-133

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.569.7577

Authors: Yusuke Miyazaki, Akinori Teramura, Hiroshi Senou

Abstract: An apparent illegal introduction of Lepomis macrochirus macrochirus from Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is reported based on a juvenile specimen and a photograph of two adults collected on 14 June 2015 and deposited in the Kangawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History. The specimens and photographs were initially reported on the internet-based social networking site, Twitter. Two specimens of Carassius auratus, including an aquarium form, were also reported at the same locality and date, suggesting that the illegal introductions originated from an aquarium release. Our report demonstrates an example of web data mining in the discipline of Citizen Science.

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Short Communication Fri, 26 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0200
Pempheris gasparinii, a new species of sweeper fish from Trindade Island, southwestern Atlantic (Teleostei, Pempheridae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7263/ ZooKeys 561: 105-115

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.561.7263

Authors: Hudson T. Pinheiro, Giacomo Bernardi, Luiz A. Rocha

Abstract: Pempheris gasparinii sp. n. is described from five specimens, 59.1–68.0 mm in standard length. It is only known to occur in the shallow reefs of Trindade Island, 1200 km east of the Brazilian coast, in the southwestern Atlantic. Pempheris gasparinii is the third recognized species of Pempheris in the Atlantic Ocean. This new species is morphologically similar to its close relative, P. poeyi, differing by the number of lateral-line scales (51–54 in P. gasparinii vs. 47–49 in P. poeyi), scales below lateral line (10–11 vs. 9), circumpeduncular scales (11–12 vs. 13), head and caudal peduncle lengths (2.7–3.3 vs 3.5–4.0 in head length). Moreover, Pempheris gasparinii shows a 4% genetic divergence from P. poeyi at the cytochrome oxidase I locus (COI), consistent with a lineage split at the beginning of the Pleistocene. This new species represents the 12th endemic fish species from Trindade Island.

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Research Article Mon, 8 Feb 2016 00:30:49 +0200
A new, mesophotic Coryphopterus goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from the southern Caribbean, with comments on relationships and depth distributions within the genus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5693/ ZooKeys 513: 123-142

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.513.9998

Authors: Carole C. Baldwin, D. Ross Robertson

Abstract: A new species of western Atlantic Coryphopterus is described from mesophotic depths off Curaçao, southern Caribbean. Coryphopterus curasub sp. n., is similar to C. dicrus in, among other features, having two prominent pigment spots of roughly equal intensity on the pectoral-fin base, the pelvic fins fused to form a disk, and no pelvic frenum. The two species can be differentiated by body depth (shallower in C. curasub at origin of dorsal fin and caudal peduncle); differences in the pigmentation on the head, trunk, and basicaudal region; and usually by total number of rays (spinous plus soft) in the second dorsal fin (10–11, usually 11, in C. curasub, 10 in C. dicrus). Coryphopterus curasub differs from other Coryphopterus species that have a prominent pigment spot on the lower portion of the pectoral-fin base (C. punctipectophorus and C. venezuelae) in, among other features, lacking a pelvic frenum. Coryphopterus curasub was collected between 70 and 80 m, the deepest depth range known for the genus. Collections of C. venezuelae at depths of 65–69 m extend the depth range of that species by approximately 50 m. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data corroborate the recognition of C. curasub as a distinct species but do not rigorously resolve its relationships within the genus. A revised key to the western Atlantic species of Coryphopterus is presented.

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Research Article Fri, 17 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0300
The Hoosier cavefish, a new and endangered species (Amblyopsidae, Amblyopsis) from the caves of southern Indiana https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3824/ ZooKeys 412: 41-57

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.412.7245

Authors: Prosanta Chakrabarty, Jacques Prejean, Matthew Niemiller

Abstract: We describe a new species of amblyopsid cavefish (Percopsiformes: Amblyopsidae) in the genus Amblyopsis from subterranean habitats of southern Indiana, USA. The Hoosier Cavefish, Amblyopsis hoosieri sp. n., is distinguished from A. spelaea, its only congener, based on genetic, geographic, and morphological evidence. Several morphological features distinguish the new species, including a much plumper, Bibendum-like wrinkled body with rounded fins, and the absence of a premature stop codon in the gene rhodopsin. This is the first new cavefish species described from the United States in 40 years and exemplifies how molecular data can alert us to the presence of otherwise cryptic biodiversity.

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Research Article Thu, 29 May 2014 00:00:00 +0300
A new Liopropoma sea bass (Serranidae, Epinephelinae, Liopropomini) from deep reefs off Curaçao, southern Caribbean, with comments on depth distributions of western Atlantic liopropomins https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3803/ ZooKeys 409: 71-92

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.409.7249

Authors: Carole Baldwin, Ross Robertson

Abstract: Collecting reef-fish specimens using a manned submersible diving to 300 m off Curaçao, southern Caribbean, is resulting in the discovery of numerous new fish species. The new Liopropoma sea bass described here differs from other western Atlantic members of the genus inVIII, 13 dorsal-fin rays; a moderately indented dorsal-fin margin; a yellow-orange stripe along the entire upper lip; a series of approximately 13 white, chevron-shaped markings on the ventral portion of the trunk; and a reddish-black blotch on the tip of the lower caudal-fin lobe. The new species, with predominantly yellow body and fins, closely resembles the other two “golden basses” found together with it at Curaçao: L. aberrans and L. olneyi. It also shares morphological features with the other western Atlantic liopropomin genus, Bathyanthias. Preliminary phylogenetic data suggest that western Atlantic liopropomins, including Bathyanthias, are monophyletic with respect to Indo-Pacific Liopropoma, and that Bathyanthias is nested within Liopropoma, indicating a need for further study of the generic limits of Liopropoma. The phylogenetic data also suggest that western Atlantic liopropomins comprise three monophyletic clades that have overlapping depth distributions but different depth maxima (3–135 m, 30–150 m, 133–411 m). The new species has the deepest depth range (182–241 m) of any known western Atlantic Liopropoma species. Both allopatric and depth-mediated ecological speciation may have contributed to the evolution of western Atlantic Liopropomini.

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Research Article Thu, 15 May 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Hidalgo Fishes: Dataset on freshwater fishes of Hidalgo state (Mexico) in the MZNA fish collection of the University of Navarra (Spain) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3763/ ZooKeys 403: 67-109

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.403.7149

Authors: David Galicia, Griselda Pulido-Flores, Rafael Miranda, Scott Monks, Ana Amezcua, María Imas, Angel Chaves, Arturo Arino

Abstract: The state of Hidalgo (Mexico) is an important region from the point of view of biodiversity. However, there exists a significant gap in accessible knowledge about species diversity and distribution, especially regarding to freshwater ecosystems. This dataset comprises the sampling records of two projects developed in Hidalgo between 2007 and 2009 about the freshwater fish communities of Tecocomulco lake and rivers belonging to the Metztitlán Canyon Biosphere Reserve. It contains the taxonomic identity (species level) and basic biometric data (total length and weight) as well as date of collection and coordinates of more than 9000 specimens. This dataset is the primary result of the first and unrepeated exhaustive freshwater fish’s survey of Metztitlán Canyon Biosphere Reserve and Tecocomulco lake. It incorporates seven more species to the regional fish fauna, and new exclusive biometric data of ten species. This dataset can be used by studies dealing with, among other interests, North American freshwater fish diversity (species richness, distribution patterns) and biometric analyses, useful for the management and conservation of these areas. The complete dataset is also provided in Darwin Core Archive format.

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Data Paper Thu, 17 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0300
First record of the twostripe goby, Valenciennea helsdingenii (Gobiidae, Gobiiformes) from the southeast coast of India https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3526/ ZooKeys 323: 91-97

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.323.5440

Authors: Kannan K, Sureshkumar K, Ranjith Lakshmanan, JOSHI KK, Madan M S, Sajan John

Abstract: Two specimens of Valenciennea helsdingenii (Bleeker, 1858) were collected off Punnakayal coast, from Gulf of Mannar, southeast coast of India in November 2012. The morphometric and meristic characters of the recorded specimens are described and discussed. This is the first record of the species from the Indian waters that is a range extension of its known range within the Indian Ocean.

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Research Article Wed, 14 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Pogonophryne neyelovi, a new species of Antarctic short-barbeled plunderfish (Perciformes, Notothenioidei, Artedidraconidae) from the deep Ross Sea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3071/ ZooKeys 296: 59-77

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.296.4295

Authors: Gennadiy Shandikov, Richard Eakin

Abstract: This paper continues descriptions of new deep-water Antarctic barbeled plunderfishes of the poorly known and the most speciose notothenioid genus Pogonophryne. It is based on a comprehensive collection obtained by the authors in 2009–2010 during an Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) fishing trip. A new species, the hopbeard plunderfish P. neyelovi, the twenty-second species of the genus, is described. The new species belongs to dorsally-spotted short-barbeled species forming the “P. mentella” group. Pogonophryne neyelovi sp.n. is characterized by the following combination of characters: a very short and small mental barbel with an ovaloid and short terminal expansion covered by flattened scale-like processes that are mostly bluntly palmate; a moderately protruding lower jaw; a high second dorsal fin almost uniformly black and lacking a sharply elevated anterior lobe; pectoral fins striped anteriorly and uniformly light posteriorly; the anal and pelvic fins light; the dorsal surface of the head and the area anterior to the first dorsal fin covered with large, irregular dark brown blotches and spots; the ventral surface of the head, breast and belly without sharp dark markings. The new species is compared to the closest species P. brevibarbata, P. tronio, and P. ventrimaculata. English vernacular names are proposed for all species of the genus.

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Research Article Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300
A new species of the genus Helcogramma (Blenniiformes, Tripterygiidae) from Taiwan https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2992/ ZooKeys 216: 57-72

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.216.3407

Authors: Min-Chia Chiang, I-Shiung Chen

Abstract: A new species of triplefin fish (Blenniiformes: Tripterygiidae), Helcogramma williamsi, is described from six specimens collected from southern Taiwan. This species is well distinguished from its congeners by possessing 13 second dorsal-fin spines; third dorsal-fin rays modally 11; anal-fin rays modally 19; pored scales in lateral line 22-24; dentary pore pattern modally 5+1+5; lobate supraorbital cirrus; broad, serrated or palmate nasal cirrus; first dorsal fin lower in height than second; males with yellow mark extending from anterior tip of upper lip to anterior margin of eye and a whitish blue line extending from corner of mouth onto preopercle. Comparisons and a diagnostic key are provided for the species of Helcogramma now known from Taiwan: H. fuscipectoris, H. inclinata, H. striata, H. trigloides, and the newly recorded, H. rhinoceros.

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Research Article Tue, 21 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0300
A new marine gobiid species of the genus Clariger Jordan & Snyder (Gobiidae, Teleostei) from Taiwan https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2842/ ZooKeys 199: 13-21

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.199.2645

Authors: Nian-Hong Jang-Liaw, You-Hai Gong, I-Shiung Chen

Abstract: A new species of Clariger Jordan & Snyder, 1901 was collected from northern Taiwan. The genus was previously known only from Japanese waters. This discovery is the first formal and southernmost record of these marine gobies from the waters of subtropical Taiwan. The new species, Clariger taiwanensis sp. n., is distinguished from its congeners by a unique combination of features: (1) fin rays: dorsal-fin rays III, I/8; anal-fin rays modally I/8; and pectoral-fin rays modally 19 (2+16+1); (2) longitudinal dermal ridge on head with 6 barbels; and (3) specific coloration pattern: head and trunk dark brown with scattered pale spots and blotches; cheek, ventral portion of head sometimes pale with deep brown spots; pectoral-fin base with a dark brown band; and caudal fin mostly dark brown proximally and with alternating and irregular dark brown and pale bands distally. A diagnostic key to all nominal species from Japan and Taiwan is provided.

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Research Article Mon, 4 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0300