Anal Fin Soft Rays Research Articles

Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic review of the family Pomacentridae from Korea

A total of eight genera and 21 species of the family Pomacentridae have been reported in Korea, but the classification is uncertain. Therefore, this study aims to clarify molecular phylogeny and classification of eight genera and 17 species of the family Pomacentridae from Korea based on mtDNA sequences (16S rRNA 473 bp), nDNA sequences (RAG1 812 bp) and morphological traits. Molecular phylogenetic trees (ML, and BI) showed that four groups (Chrominae, Glyphisodontinae, Pomacentrinae, and Microspathodontinae) were largely formed, and monophyletic relationship was observed four groups. Each subfamily is divided by the number of spiniform procurrent caudal rays, the shape and rows of the teeth, and the margin of suborbital and preopercle. Each genus is divided by the number of dorsal fin spines and anal fin soft rays, the shape and rows of the teeth, and body coloration. Through an extensive examination of pomacentrids specimens loaned from museum or universities, it is believed that Chromis analis, Neopomacentrus violascens and Pomacentrus chrysurus are not distributed in Korea in spite of their previous records. Finally, we provide key to the species of the family Pomacentridae from Korea.

Description of a New Deep-Water Eulophiid Fish (Perciformes: Zoarcoidei) from Japan

The genus Eulophias, which is an enigmatic group of the suborder Zoarcoidei, previously comprised two rare species: Eulophias tanneri Smith, 1902 (type species and a senior synonym of Eulophias owashii Okada and Suzuki, 1954) and Eulophias koreanus Kwun and Kim, 2012. Here we describe a new species, Eulophias spinosior, based on 71 specimens (94.9–182.3 mm in standard length, SL) collected from the upper slope of the northwestern Pacific off southern Japan at depths of 257–555 m. It readily differs from its two congeners in having 133–143 dorsal-fin spines, 109–116 anal-fin soft rays, 5–6 pectoral-fin rays, and 146–156 total vertebrae, and in lacking a dark band posterior to the eye and a series of dark blotches midlaterally on the trunk and tail. Regarding bathymetric distribution, the new species occurs much deeper than E. koreanus and E. tanneri. Eulophias spinosior, new species, is sexually dimorphic, with males having large, stout, modified canines at the tips of the premaxillary and dentary (vs. only slightly enlarged in females). Dentition of males also differs from that of females in that most teeth are uniserially arranged in each jaw (vs. distinct two rows anteriorly).

Revalidation of the genus Ichthyocoris Bonaparte, 1840 (Actinopterygii: Blenniiformes: Blenniidae)

Combtooth blennies belonging to the genus Salaria were known to have marine and freshwater species. However, recent molecular studies highlighted this genus as paraphyletic, clearly distinguishing both marine and freshwater species. In this paper, we revalidate the genus Ichthyocoris, which corresponds to the freshwater species: Ichthyocoris atlantica (Doadrio, Perea et Yahyaoui, 2011), new combination, Ichthyocoris economidisi (Kottelat, 2004), new combination, and Ichthyocoris fluviatilis (Asso y del Rio, 1801), new combination. It is distinguishable by the presence of brownish bars on the flanks not contrasted with black dots conferring a marble coat, a dorsal fin slightly notched between spined and soft rays (except for I. atlantica), 16–18 dorsal-fin soft rays, 16–20 anal-fin soft rays, 34–38 vertebrae, 8–9 circumorbital pores, 8–11 preopercular pores, and 3 supratemporal pores. The genus Salaria corresponds to the marine species Salaria basilisca (Valenciennes, 1836) and Salaria pavo (Risso, 1810).

New osteological description of the genera Eulophias and Zoarchias (Perciformes, Zoarcoidei)

The genera Eulophias and Zoarchias are enigmatic members of the suborder Zoarcoidei. Although the anatomy of many species of Zoarcoidei has been described in previous studies, two genera, Eulophias and Zoarchias, have never been described or only poorly described. In this article, osteological descriptions of these two genera are presented in detail for the first time. The genera belong to the suborder Zoarcoidei and are more closely related to the Stichaeidae than the Zoarcidae, as indicated by three characters: anterior part of the dorsal fin with spines, first anal fin ray spinous, and branchiostegal membranes free from the isthmus. Furthermore, the two genera differ from the other members of the Stichaeidae in two characters: second anal fin pterygiophore not supporting anal fin ray and dorsal and anal fin soft rays unbranched in Eulophias and seven branchiostegal rays and two epurals in Zoarchias, respectively. The osteology-based results partially support those of a previous molecular analysis, but further systematic studies of Zoarcoidei, including Stichaeidae and Zoarcidae, are required.

Redescription of Dendrochirus zebra (Scorpaenidae: Pteroinae) with a new species of Dendrochirus from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan

Dendrochirus zebra (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes 1829) (Scorpaenidae: Pteroinae) is redescribed on the basis of 405 specimens from the Indo-West Pacific region. The species is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin soft rays usually 10 (rarely 9 or 11); anal-fin soft rays usually 6 (rarely 5 or 7); pectoral-fin rays usually 17 (rarely 15, 16 or 18); scale rows in longitudinal series 45–57; three barbels on snout tip; pectoral-fin rays with up to two branches (maximum) throughout life; and distinct horizontal T-shaped (rotated 90° counterclockwise) marking on caudal peduncle. Dendrochirus sausaulele Jordan and Seale 1906 is regarded as a junior synonym of D. zebra. A syntype of Pterois zebra from Mauritius is designated as lectotype of the species. Dendrochirus koyo sp. nov. is described on the basis of a single specimen from 143 m depth off Chichi-jima Island, Ogasawara Islands, Japan. The new species is characterized by 10 dorsal-fin soft rays, 7 anal-fin soft rays, 18 pectoral-fin rays, 51 scale rows in longitudinal series, 3 barbels on the snout tip, and a K-shaped marking on the caudal peduncle. Notes are included on the status of “Pterois zebra” Quoy and Gaimard 1825 and “Brachypterus” sensu Catala 1964.

Two new species of the waspfish genus Ablabys (Scorpaeniformes: Tetrarogidae) from the western Pacific Ocean

Two new waspfish (Tetrarogidae) species, Ablabys pauciporus sp. nov. and A. gymnothorax sp. nov., are described on the basis of three specimens from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia and four specimens from Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam, respectively. Although A. pauciporus and Ablabys taenianotus (Cuvier 1829) both share counts of 4 or 5 anal-fin soft rays with a short fin base and 11 or 12 pectoral-fin rays, the former has distinctly lower counts of body scales, including number of lateral-line pores (12 or 13 vs. 20–25 in the latter), strongly notched interspinous dorsal-fin membranes (vs. weakly notched or unnotched), and some differing morphometrics (including head depth, orbit diameter and pelvic-fin length) and coloration. Ablabys gymnothorax is most similar to Ablabys macracanthus (Bleeker 1852) in having more than 7 anal-fin soft rays with a long fin base, but differs from the latter in having a naked thorax (vs. scaled), the last dorsal-fin soft ray with a continuous basal membrane to the dorsal edge of the caudal peduncle and the basal upper margin of the caudal fin (vs. not continuous with caudal fin), higher counts of dorsal- and anal-fin rays, body scales and gill rakers, and in some morphometrics. Tetraroge vestitus De Vis 1884, previously considered as a junior synonym of A. taenianotus, is regarded here as a junior synonym of Centropogon marmoratus Gunther 1862.

A new Taiwanese and northernmost record of Cephalopholis cyanostigma (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Serranidae)

Until recently, eleven species of the genus Cephalopholis (Serranidae) have been recorded from Taiwanese waters. Although Cephalopholis cyanostigma (Valenciennes, 1828) was previously known from the western Pacific Ocean north to Philippines, no records have been reported from Taiwan. The main objective of this study was to document the presence of C. cyanostigma in waters of Taiwan. Three specimens (169.9–189.7 mm standard length) of C. cyanostigma were collected from southern Taiwan in 2017. The morphology and fresh coloration of the collected specimens are herein described. The majority of morphological characters are consistent with those representing previous descriptions of Cephalopholis cyanostigma: dorsal-fin soft rays 16; anal-fin soft rays 8; longitudinal scale series 93; caudal fin rounded; body colour reddish brown with small dark-edged pale blue spots on head and body; body with pale spots larger than pupil form irregular bars; pectoral fin nearly all orange with dark-edged pale blue spots. The grouper specimens from southern Taiwan are identified as Cephalopholis cyanostigma. The presently reported specimens represent the first record for Taiwan, and their finding constitutes the northernmost record of this species.

Redescriptions of two western Pacific triplefins (Perciformes: Tripterygiidae), Enneapterygius fuscoventer and E. howensis

Two western Pacific triplefins, Enneapterygius fuscoventer Fricke 1997 and E. howensis Fricke 1997 (Perciformes: Tripterygiidae), are similar to each other in sharing 15–19 (usually 17) notched lateral-line scales and the mandibular pore formula 3–5 + 1 + 3–5 (usually 4 + 1 + 4), in addition to similar coloration, viz. body with four vertical bands, the first and second forked ventrally, dorsal-fin membrane semi-transparent, anal fin entirely blackish, and caudal fin blackish with a semi-transparent margin. These species have previously been known only from preserved specimens. Examination of additional specimens plus color photographs of males and females of both species when fresh, and comparisons with type specimens resulted in several features, including coloration and counts of second dorsal-fin spines, anal-fin soft rays, pored lateral-line scales and longitudinal scale rows, being regarded as new diagnostic characters. Enneapterygius fuscoventer and E. howensis have been newly recorded from southern Japan and coastal eastern Australia, respectively.

A new species of Pempheris (Perciformes: Pempheridae) endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan

Pempheris familia sp. nov. is described on the basis of two specimens collected from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. The new species is most similar to Pempheris japonica Doderlein in Steindachner and Doderlein 1883, endemic to Japanese and Korean waters, in having adherent scales with strong ctenii on the lateral and ventral surfaces of the body, each scale expanded basally and distally due to central narrowing, the abdomen with a U-shaped cross-sectional outline, a large ventral fenestra between the coracoid and cleithrum, 10 dorsal-fin soft rays and 35 or 36 anal-fin soft rays. However, Pempheris familia can be distinguished from P. japonica by the following combination of characters: 84–88 pored lateral-line scales; 14 or 15 scale rows above the lateral line; 50–55 predorsal scales; 26 circumpeduncular scales; and a distinct blackish blotch on the pectoral-fin base. Pempheris familia appears to be endemic to the Ogasawara Islands.

Review of Indo-Pacific dwarf lionfishes (Scorpaenidae: Pteroinae) in the Dendrochirus brachypterus complex, with description of a new species from the western Indian Ocean

A taxonomic review of the Dendrochirus brachypterus complex resulted in the recognition of five species, including Dendrochirus barberi (Steindachner 1900), Dendrochirus bellus (Jordan and Hubbs 1925), Dendrochirus brachypterus (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes 1829), Dendrochirus hemprichi sp. nov. and Dendrochirus tuamotuensis Matsunuma and Motomura 2013. The complex is defined as having usually 9 dorsal-fin soft rays, usually 5 anal-fin soft rays, 17–20 (rarely 20) pectoral-fin rays, no ocellated spots on the soft-rayed portion of the dorsal fin and usually 2 (sometimes none) barbels on the snout tip. Dendrochirus barberi, known from the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll, is characterized by usually 18 pectoral-fin rays, a relatively high number of scale rows in the longitudinal series (modally 51 vs. 39–49 in other species) and mottled markings on the pectoral fin in large specimens. Dendrochirus bellus, restricted to the northwestern Pacific Ocean from the South China Sea north to southern Japan, is characterized by usually 17 pectoral-fin rays, a relatively low number of scale rows in the longitudinal series (modally 38 vs. 44–51 in other species), and the absence of skin flaps on the orbit surface and uppermost preopercular spine base. Dendrochirus tuamotuensis, recorded only from the Tuamotu Archipelago, is characterized by 19 pectoral-fin rays, the posterior margin of the pectoral fin strongly notched, and a relatively shallow and narrow head and body. Dendrochirus hemprichi sp. nov. is distributed in the western Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea. Although previously confused with a closely related congener (D. brachypterus, known from the northern and eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific), D. hemprichi can be distinguished from the former by having fewer scale rows between the last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line, and between the sixth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line [4–7 (5) in D. hemprichi vs. 5–7 (6) in D. brachypterus, in both cases], a slightly greater interorbital width at the mid-orbit [5.5–10.7 (mean 7.8) % SL vs. 4.5–8.9 (6.8) % of SL] and at preocular spine base [4.4–9.1 (6.6) % SL vs. 3.5–7.8 (5.7) % of SL], and slightly shorter posteriormost (usually 13th) dorsal-fin spine length [11.8–19.9 (15.3) % SL vs. 13.3–21.3 (17.2) % of SL]. Moreover, D. hemprichi tends to have relatively more spinous points on the head spines and ridges, compared with D. brachypterus. Notwithstanding the morphological similarity between the two species, an obvious genetic difference was observed between D. hemprichi and D. brachypterus. Dendrochirus chloreus Jenkins 1903 and Dendrochirus hudsoni Jordan and Evermann 1903 were synonymized under Pterois barberi, as in some previous studies. Scorpaena koenigii Bloch 1789 was regarded as conspecific with D. brachypterus, which it predated. However, the former name should be suppressed under Reversal of Precedence.

Revision of the Scientific Name for "Min-be-do-ra-chi" Identified Previously as Zoarchias glaber in Korea

The Korean stichaeid fish “Min-be-do-ra-chi”, reported previously as Zoarchias glaber, is reviewed taxonomically and described based on a single specimen collected from Jeju Island, Korea. “Min-be-do-ra-chi” was identified as Z. major by the following morphological characteristics: U-shaped markings on the dorsal and anal fins, 31 dorsal fin spines, 78 dorsal fin soft rays, 87 anal fin soft rays, and 109 vertebrae. In contrast, Z. glaber has triangular markings on the dorsal and anal fins, 92–96 anal fin soft rays, and 112–122 vertebrae. Therefore, our results suggest that the scientific name of this species reported previously as Z. glaber should be changed to Z. major.

A new species of scorpionfish, Ebosia vespertina (Scorpaenidae: Pteroinae), from the southwestern Indian Ocean

A new species of scorpaenid fish, Ebosia vespertina sp. nov., is described on the basis of 19 specimens from off Mozambique, South Africa, and Madagascar, southwestern Indian Ocean. The new species is most similar to Ebosia falcata and Ebosia saya, known from the northern and eastern Indian Ocean and Saya de Malha Bank, respectively, in having usually 8 anal-fin soft rays, usually more than 17 pectoral-fin rays, and the elongated parietal spine in males narrow and strongly curved posterodorsally. However, E. vespertina can be distinguished from the two latter species by the following combination of characters: pectoral-fin rays 17–18 (modally 18); scale rows above the lateral line 4–6 (5); scale rows between the last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 4–5 (5); scale rows between the sixth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 4–5 (5); postorbital length 17.4–20.3 (mean 18.7) % of standard length (SL); longest pectoral-fin ray length 54.6–73.9 (65.1) % of SL; longest pelvic-fin soft ray length 32.4–44.0 (37.6) % of SL. The remaining congener, Ebosia bleekeri, known from the western Pacific Ocean, usually has 7 anal-fin soft rays and 16 pectoral-fin rays, and the elongated parietal spine in males relatively broad and not so strongly curved.

Taxonomic review of Kyphosus (Pisces: Kyphosidae) in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans

The taxonomy of the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific species of Kyphosus is reviewed with K. bosquii (Lacepede 1802), K. incisor (Cuvier 1831), K. analogus (Gill 1862) and K. elegans (Peters 1869) considered valid, and K. atlanticus sp. nov. newly described. Kyphosus bosquii and K. atlanticus are both characterized by 12 dorsal- and 11 anal-fin soft rays, but differ in the number of longitudinal scale rows along the midbody (61–66, mode 63 vs. 50–56, mode 54). Kyphosus incisor and K. analogus, characterized by 14 dorsal- and 13 anal-fin soft rays, similarly differ from each other in midbody longitudinal scale row counts (57–64, mode 60 vs. 68–74, mode 70 or 72). Kyphosus elegans is characterized by 13 dorsal- and 12 anal-fin soft rays, and 51–57 midbody longitudinal scale rows. Kyphosus bosquii, K. atlanticus and K. incisor are distributed in the Atlantic Ocean, K. analogus and K. elegans occurring in the Eastern Pacific. The holotype of Pimelepterus flavolineatus Poey 1866, here regarded as a junior synonym of K. incisor, was located within a collection of Cuban fishes donated to the Smithsonian Institution by Poey in 1873. A neotype is designated here for K. analogus. Pimelepterus gallveii Cunningham 1910, Kyphosus palpebrosus Miranda-Ribeiro 1919 and K. metzelaari Jordan and Evermann 1927 are recognized as junior synonyms of K. bosquii. Pimelepterus sandwicensis Sauvage 1880 is a junior synonym of K. elegans. Perca saltatrix Linnaeus 1758, together with the replacement name Perca sectatrix Linnaeus 1766, is regarded as nomina dubia.

Revision of the Indo-West Pacific genus Brachypterois (Scorpaenidae: Pteroinae), with description of a new species from northeastern Australia.

A taxonomic revision of the scorpaenid genus Brachypterois resulted in three valid species. Brachypterois serrulifer Fowler 1938, previously regarded as ajunior synonym of Sebastes serrulatus Richardson 1846, can be distinguished from its congeners by having usually 16 pectoral-fin rays (vs. 15 in the congeners) and 0-22 spines on the median lateral ridge of the maxilla (vs. almost always absent), in addition to longer dorsal- and anal-fin soft rays, relatively fewer large dark spots on the caudal fin, and the posterior lacrimal spines usually directed ventrally. Brachypterois curvispina sp. nov., described on the basis of 32 specimens, can be distinguished from B. serrulata (Richardson 1846) by having fewer number of scale rows in the longitudinal series 41-45 (vs. 44-51 in B. serrulata); relatively long head, its length 41.6-44.5 (mean 43.1)% SL [vs. 38.3-43.1 (mean 40.2)% SL]; posterior lacrimal spines usually directed posteriorly, with the tip curved strongly upward in large males (vs. simply directed posteroventrally); and posteriorly directed spine(s) on the posterior corner of the outer angular ridge (vs. directed ventrally). Brachypterois serrulifer is distributed widely in the Indo-West Pacific, whereas distributional ranges of B. curvispina sp. nov. and B. serrulata are restricted to northeastern Australia and the northwestern Pacific, respectively. Intraspecific variation, including sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic changes in the three species are described in detail. A neotype, collected from southern Taiwan, is designated for S. serrulatus Richardson 1846.

A new Haptoclinus blenny (Teleostei, Labrisomidae) from deep reefs off Curaçao, southern Caribbean, with comments on relationships of the genus

A second species of the blenniiform genus Haptoclinus is described from deep reefs off Curaçao, southern Caribbean. Haptoclinus dropi sp. n. differs from the northwestern Caribbean Haptoclinus apectolophus Böhlke and Robins, 1974, in having 29 total dorsal-fin elements—III-I-XIII, 12 (vs. 31—III-I-XIV, 13 or III-I-XIII, 14); 19 anal-fin soft rays (vs. 20-21); 12 pectoral-fin rays (vs. 13); 12 precaudal vertebrae (vs. 13); and the first dorsal-fin spine longer than the second (vs. the second longer than the first). It further differs from Haptoclinus apectolophus in lacking scales (vs. three-quarters of body densely scaled), in having a distinctive pattern of spotting on the trunk and fins in preservative (vs. no spotting), and in lacking a fleshy flap on the anterior rim of the posterior nostril (vs. flap present). Color in life is unknown for Haptoclinus apectolophus, and the color description presented for the new species constitutes the first color information for the genus. Familial placement of Haptoclinus remains questionable, but the limited relevant information obtained from morphological examination of the new species provides additional support for a close relationship with the Chaenopsidae. Haptoclinus dropi represents one of numerous new teleost species emerging from sampling to 300 m off Curaçao as part of the Smithsonian Institution’s Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP).

A new species of <i>Suezichthys</i> (Teleostei: Perciformes: Labridae) from the south-eastern Pacific, with a redefinition of the genus and a key to species

A new species of the fish family Labridae, Suezichthys rosenblatti, is described from specimens collected at Isla San Felix, Isla Juan Fernandez and Isla San Ambrosio, off the coast of Chile. Suezichthys rosenblatti is distinct in having a combination of 11 dorsal fin soft rays and 11 anal fin soft rays. It falls in the group of species that has 1½ scale rows above the lateral line and lack a scaly sheath at the base of the dorsal and anal fins (S. aylingi Russell, S. caudovittatus Russell, S. gracilis (Steindachner & Döderlein) and S. soelae Russell). Unlike other members of this group, S. rosenblatti has haemal arches on vertebrae 10-11 (versus haemal arch only on vertebra 10). The monotypic Nelabrichthys ornatus (Carmichael) is now included in the genus Suezichthys and a revised generic description and key to species of Suezichthys is provided. The occurrence of S. rosenblatti in the south-eastern Pacific and S. ornatus in the south-western Indian Ocean and south Atlantic Ocean represent major range extensions of the genus Suezichthys.

A New Lionfish of the Genus Dendrochirus (Scorpaenidae: Pteroinae) from the Tuamotu Archipelago, South Pacific Ocean

Dendrochirus tuamotuensis sp. nov. (Scorpaenidae: Pteroinae) is described on the basis of a single specimen collected off Makemo Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago, South Pacific Ocean. The new species is uniquely characterized by having bilobed pectoral fins, those of its all congeners being rounded. The new species is similar to a Hawaiian endemic congener, Dendrochirus barberi (Steindachner, 1900), in having nine dorsal-fin soft rays, five anal-fin soft rays, relatively high counts (more than 18) of pectoral-fin rays, fewer than two tentacles on the snout tip, and no large, ocellated spot on the soft-rayed portion of the dorsal fin. However, the new species is clearly distinguished from D. barberi by having more pectoral-fin rays (19 in the former vs usually 18 in the latter), higher counts of spinous points on the suborbital ridge (14–16 vs 1–9) and pterotic spine (8 vs 1–5), a slightly shallower, narrower body [body depth and width 35.4% of SL and 18.6% of SL, respectively, vs 34.0–43.9 (mean 39.2)% of SL and 19.7–26.4 (22.7)% of SL], a slightly shorter, narrower head [head length and width, 37.6% of SL and 12.9% of SL, respectively, vs 40.3–45.7 (42.9)% of SL and 13.8–17.2 (15.4)% of SL], slightly smaller orbit diameter [12.9% of SL vs 13.1–16.0 (14.2)% of SL], and a slightly shorter postorbital length [15.3% of SL vs 16.4–20.6 (18.5)% of SL].

First Record of Icelus toyamensis (Scorpaeniformes: Cottidae) from the East Sea, Korea

A three specimen of Icelus toyamensis, belonging to Cottidae, Scorpaeniformes, was firstly collected from the East Sea, Korea during 2007-2009. We herein described the species as the first record from Korea on the basis of these specimens. Icelus toyamensis is characterized by the following morphological combinations: spinous scales absent on the base of dorsal fin; small ctenoid scales scattered on body sides; gill rakers are short, tubular, and relatively broad; the uppermost preopercular spine is sharp and simple; dorsal fin rays VIII-IX, 20-21; anal fin soft rays 18-19; pectoral fin rays 18, and vertebrae 40-41. New Korean name of I. toyamensis is proposed as “Min-jul-ga-si-hoet-dae.”

First record of Odontanthias unimaculatus (Tanaka 1917) (Perciformes: Serranidae) from Indonesia

Peristiwady T (2011) First record of Odontanthias unimaculatus (Tanaka 1917) (Perciformes: Serranidae) from Indonesia. Biodiversitas 12: 136-140. Seven specimens of O. unimaculatus were collected from Bitung, North Sulawesi between 7 January and 18 August 2009. They were caught from depths of about 100 m in association with other deep water fishes as Epinephelus, Pristipomoides and Etelis. O. unimaculatus was most similar to O. grahami, in sharing the following characters: dorsal fin soft rays 14, anal fin soft rays 7, scales on lateral line 36-37 and gill rakers on upper limb 13-14. If caudal fin shape and coloration were ignored, O. unimaculatus would seem most closely related to O. tapui and O. chrysostictus. Their body proportions were nearly the same. However the laterspecies had longer body width, third dorsal and second anal spine but had shorter longest dorsal ray length, longest anal rays, caudal-fin length and caudal concavity. Other little different characters of O. unimaculatus with other seven species were the proportion of upper jaws length and proportion of body depth. Initially this species was described as new species from Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Other specimens were reported from Suruga Bay, Japan, Keelung and Kaohsiun, Taiwan and Lubang Island, Philippines and now recorded also in Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Taxonomic Review of the Indo-Pacific Kyphosid Fish, Kyphosus vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard)

The taxonomy of the Indo-Pacific fish, Kyphosus vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard) is reviewed and the species redescribed on the basis of 129 specimens, including the lectotype which is newly designated. Kyphosus vaigiensis is characterized by 14 (rarely 13 or 15) dorsal and 13 (rarely 12) anal fin soft-rays, 21-24 (usually 22 or 23) gill-rakers on the lower limb of the first gill-arch, 56-64 longitudinal scale rows and 11-14 (usually 12 or 13) scales above the lateral line. Kyphosus lembus (Cuvier), Kyphosus bleekeri Fowler, Kyphosus gibsoni Ogilby, Pimelepterus ternatensis Bleeker and Pimelepterus marciac Cuvier are recognized as junior synonyms of K. vaigiensis.