Genus Paraploactis in the fauna of Vietnam with a discussion of systematics of the P. kagoshimensis-complex (Scorpaeniformes: Aploactinidae)

Abstract

Material on the genus Paraploactis from the fauna of Vietnam is revised. Two species, P. obbesi and P. hongkongiensis, are registered in the fauna of Vietnam; the latter species is described in Vietnam for the first time. The adult and juvenile exemplars from three nominal species of the P. kagoshimensis-complex are described in detail, and new characters valuable for identification of the species within the complex are revealed. The possibility of an occurrence of a species related to P. hongkongiensis in the Gulf of Siam is proposed. This species differs from P. hongkongiensis in the degrees of development of the interorbital crests, interorbital hollow, and teeth spot on the vomer, as well as patterns of the structure of the postcranial skeleton, and several other features. The genus Paraploactis is found in the Gulf of Siam for the first time.