Abstract
There has been considerable confusion concerning the status of Glyphidodon (Parma) hermani, a species endemic to the Cape Verde Archipelago. Many recent authors have incorrectly treated it as a synonym of Abudefduf luridus or have been unaware of its existence. Its relationships to other damselfish genera are unknown, although it bears certain resemblances to Nexilosus (Galapagos Islands, Chile, Peru), Hypsypops (California to Baja California) and Parma (AustraliaNew Zealand region). These similarities are mainly due to its large size, uniserial fixed teeth with entire margins and lack of a serrated preopercular margin. The genus Similiparma is erected for this species on the basis of a unique combination of features that includes 13 dorsal-fin spines, no accessory scales posterior to the head region, a free, distinct suborbital-series margin, a pectoral-fin membrane that is deeply incised between the ventralmost rays and no protruding procurrent spiniform caudal-fin rays. Adults are dark brown with a distinct white caudal fin (yellow in preserved specimens). In contrast, juveniles are bright blue on dorsal surfaces of the head and body, with lateral and ventral areas of the body yellow or orange-yellow with scattered violet spots. Records of Microspathodon chrysurus from the Cape Verde Archipelago were based on misidentifications of S. hermani. Species of Parma were found to have protruding procurrent spiniform caudalfin rays, a character previously thought to be missing in the Pomacentrinae.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call