Western Central Pacific Ocean Research Articles

Comparative analyses of complete mitochondrial genomes of four sillaginids fish (Perciformes: Sillaginidae) and phylogenetic implications

Sillago muktijoddhai, S. mengjialensis, S. sihama and Sillaginops macrolepis (Perciformes, Sillaginidae) are common coastal sand borers. The first three species are found in the Northeastern Indian Ocean, and the fourth one is located in the Western Central Pacific Ocean only. Molecular data applying in the prior investigations on systematics and phylogenetic relationships were not only incomplete but also uncertain for these fishes. This study sequenced their complete mitochondrial genomes using Sanger Dideoxy DNA sequencing for the first time. Their complete mitochondrial genome was a circular molecule of 17,022, 16,624, 16,825 and 16,502bp in length for S. muktijoddhai, S. mengjialensis, S. sihama and Sillaginops macrolepis, respectively. Most protein-coding genes (PCGs) were initiated with the typical ATG codon and terminated with the TAA or TAG codon and the incomplete termination codon T/TA could be detected in the four species. The majority of AT-skew and GC-skew values of the entire mitogenomes among the four species were negative. The Ka/Ks ratio analyses indicated 13 PCGs were suffering strong purifying selection. In the phylogenetic analysis, S. muktijoddhai, S. mengjialensis, and S. sihama were placed with relative species of the genus Sillago supporting morphological phylogeny. However, S. macrolepis was situated in the clade of genus Sillago that contrasted to morphological phylogeny. Divergence time analysis showed that Sillaginidae species diverged around 61 million years ago. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 59(2), 87-104, 2024

A Zonal See‐Saw Variation of Tropical Cyclogenesis Over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal‐South China Sea

AbstractThe variation of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis over the North Indian Ocean (NIO) and South China Sea (SCS) during the post‐monsoon season is explored during 1979–2020. A zonal see‐saw variation of TC genesis is detected between the Arabian Sea (AS) and Bay of Bengal (BOB) –SCS (BOBSCS for brevity). More (less) TCs over the AS tend to concur with fewer (more) TCs over the BOBSCS. Analyses of both the observations and the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 outputs show that tripole sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans play a crucial role in the zonal see‐saw variation of TC genesis. Positive western Indian (WI) Ocean and tropical central and eastern Pacific (CEP) Ocean SST anomalies and negative western Pacific (WP) SST anomalies induce anomalous ascending and descending motions and high and low humidity transportation to the middle troposphere over the AS and BOBSCS, respectively. Meantime, anticyclonic vorticity anomalies appear in the BOBSCS region and negative anomalies of vertical wind shear are induced over the NIO and SCS. The combined positive contributions of upward motion, mid‐level humidity increase, and low vertical wind shear favor higher TC genesis over the AS, whereas the joint negative effects of downward motion, mid‐level water vapor decrease, and lower‐level anticyclonic vorticity anomalies result in less TC genesis over the BOBSCS. Numerical experiments show a critical role of the WI SST anomalies in the dipole pattern of vertical motion, which is crucial for the zonal dipole variation of TC genesis.

Moisture Source for the Precipitation of Tropical Cyclones over the Pacific Ocean through a Lagrangian Approach

Abstract Tropical cyclones (TCs) are an important component of the hydrological cycle at tropical latitudes. In this study, we investigated the origin of precipitation associated with TCs formed from 1980 to 2018 over the Pacific Ocean in three subbasins: the western North Pacific Ocean (WNP), central and east Pacific Ocean (NEPAC), and South Pacific Ocean (SPO) basins. The analysis was performed throughout the TC lifetime during genesis, when they reached the lifetime maximum intensity (LMI), and the dissipation stage. The backward trajectories of all precipitant atmospheric parcels residing over the TC locations from the global outputs of the Lagrangian Flexible Particle (FLEXPART) dispersion model fed by the ERA-Interim dataset were used to identify moisture sources. The South and East China Seas and the western tropical North Pacific Ocean were identified as the principal moisture sources in the WNP basin, while the atmospheric moisture that precipitated mainly came from the eastern tropical North and South Pacific Ocean in the NEPAC basin, followed by the Caribbean Sea. Meanwhile, the Coral Sea, western tropical South Pacific Ocean, and northern Australia are the origins of the moisture in the SPO. The mean moisture uptake per TC was higher during the hurricane category than during any other stage in each basin.

Estimation of mean water vapour residence time during tropical cyclones using a Lagrangian approach

Tropical cyclone (TC)-related rainfall mostly depends on the atmospheric moisture uptake from local and remote sources. In this study, the mean water vapour residence time (MWVRT) was computed for precipitation related to TCs in each basin and on a global scale by applying a Lagrangian moisture source diagnostic method. According to our results, the highest MWVRT was found for the TCs over the South Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean basins (∼3.08 days), followed by the Western North Pacific Ocean, Central and East North Pacific Ocean, North Indian Ocean, and North Atlantic Ocean basins (which exhibited values of 2.98, 2.94, 2.85, and 2.72 days, respectively). We also found a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in MWVRT, at a rate of ∼2.4 h/decade in the North Indian Ocean and ∼1.0 h/decade in the remaining basins. On average, the MWVRT decreased during the 24 h before TCs made landfall, and the atmospheric parcels precipitated faster after evaporation when TCs moved over land than over the ocean. Further research should focus on the relationship between global warming and MWVRT of atmospheric parcels that precipitate over TC positions.

Ecological risks of a data-limited fishery using an ensemble of approaches

Overexploitation is currently the main cause of marine defaunation. Vulnerability to overexploitation varies across populations. Determining which populations are of highest ecological risk from fishing mortality guides management. Because no single approach is optimal across taxonomic groups, a multi-model ensemble of relative risk estimates for a data-poor Pacific Ocean tuna longline fishery was obtained from two semi-quantitative Productivity-Susceptibility Analyses (PSAs) and from a quantitative approach that estimates instantaneous fishing mortality to compare to reference points of yield-per-recruit models. Individual estimates were combined to produce a pooled mean relative risk rank order. The study identified stocks below biological limits for which the contribution from this fishery to cumulative anthropogenic mortality may warrant intervention. Relative risks in descending order were for populations of albatrosses, cetaceans, mesopelagic sharks, rays, marine turtles, epipelagic sharks and teleosts. The fishery’s contribution to cumulative fishing mortality of western central north Pacific Ocean striped marlin warrants a more rigorous assessment to determine absolute risks. The study identified the disparate factors explaining relative risk from an individual fishery versus absolute risk from cumulative anthropogenic mortality sources. Improved risk assessments are possible by addressing identified deficits with PSAs, obtaining information on variables that explain catch and post-capture survival risks that was unavailable for this assessment, improving electronic monitoring data quality and filling gaps in life history traits. Findings support stakeholders to design integrated bycatch management frameworks that mitigate fishing mortality of the most vulnerable taxa and account for multispecies conflicts that result from some bycatch mitigation methods.

Predictable Mode of Tropical Intraseasonal Variability in Boreal Summer

AbstractThis work uses a 19-yr ensemble hindcast of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the average predictable time (APT) method to detect the most predictable tropical intraseasonal variability (ISV) mode. The first and most predictable mode (APT1) of tropical ISV is similar to a joint merger of the two Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) modes with more weight on the second mode and is characterized by a tripole pattern with two positive centers in the equatorial western Indian Ocean and central Pacific Ocean and a negative center over the Maritime Continent. The APT1 doubles the skillful prediction period made by the MJO defined by a correlation skill of 0.5 (approximately 25 days in the ECMWF model), demonstrating its potential to become a skillful prediction target and to offer powerful subseasonal prediction sources. The underlying physical process and predictability source of the APT1 are further analyzed. The APT1 is very similar to the pattern triggered by the most predictable tropical intraseasonal sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies mode, suggesting its oceanic origin. Tropical ocean–atmosphere interaction plays a critical role in the APT1 by enhancing the evolution of tropical convection cells under WES (wind–evaporation–SST) and Bjerknes feedbacks. The internal atmospheric processes also have an important impact on the formation and maintenance of the APT1.

Development of pilot empirical harvest strategies for tropical tuna in Indonesian archipelagic waters: Case studies of skipjack and yellowfin tuna

Indonesia is a member of three tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), but currently has limited capacity to operationally manage its tuna fisheries to maximise benefits and minimise risks of overfishing. In 2014, the Government of Indonesia initiated discussions on the potential to develop formal harvest strategies for the management of tuna resources within its archipelagic waters. This article summarizes the development of potential empirical tuna harvest strategies for use in Indonesian archipelagic waters (Fisheries Management Areas 713, 714 and 715), using skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) as demonstration case studies. The outputs of area-specific components of Western Central Pacific Ocean stock assessment were used to condition prototype operating models for testing preliminary harvest strategies by management strategy evaluation. The case studies demonstrate the utility of scientific monitoring data to track trends in abundance of adult fish, without requiring complex stock assessment models. They also demonstrate the use of relatively simple, empirical harvest control rules to adjust the levels of fishing intensity of the Indonesian fleet to achieve specific management objectives for archipelagic waters in the context of wider regional management. The approach has a broad applicability to developing coastal nations with multi-gear fisheries and relatively limited data that harvest tuna, as well as participating in RFMOs for internationally managed stocks.

Mechanisms Reducing ENSO Amplitude and Asymmetry via an Enhanced Seasonal Cycle in the Mid-Holocene

Abstract Paleo proxy records have suggested that El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability during the mid-Holocene [8200 to 4200 years ago (8.2–4.2 ka)] was weaker than during the instrumental periods, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We examined processes of ENSO suppression using a coupled general circulation model (CGCM) that simulates ENSO amplitude and skewness under the present climate reasonably well. Two long simulations were performed: one using the preindustrial condition (CTRL) and the other using the 8-ka insolation having a greater seasonal cycle (MH8K). Consistent with proxy records and previous modeling studies, the ENSO amplitude weakened by 20% in MH8K compared to CTRL, mainly because of reduced thermocline feedback during the mature and decay phases. The weak thermocline feedback, likely a result of the loose equatorial thermocline in the mid-Holocene, suppresses the occurrence of extreme El Niño events and consequently explains the reduction in both ENSO amplitude and asymmetry. In MH8K, strengthened trade winds over the western-central Pacific Ocean act to cool the surface via evaporation while warmer water in the southern subtropical Pacific is transported beneath the equatorial thermocline, both contributing to diffuse the thermocline. Multimodel simulations for the mid-Holocene showed mean state changes and ENSO weakening similar to MH8K, but most models did not show reduced ENSO skewness, probably because of the failure in reproducing extreme El Niño events under the present climate.

Lagoon shrimp goby, Cryptocentrus cyanotaenia (Bleeker, 1853) (Teleostei: Gobiidae), an additional fish element for the Iranian waters

Shrimp-associated gobies are burrowing fish of small to medium size that are common inhabitants of sand and mud substrates throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region. Due to specific habitat preference, cryptic behavior, the small size and sampling difficulties, many gobies were previously overlooked and thus the knowledge about their distribution is rather scarce. This study presents lagoon shrimp goby, Cryptocentrus cyanotaenia , as additional fish element for the Iranian waters in the coast of Hormuz Island (Strait of Hormuz). The distribution range of lagoon shrimp goby was in the Western Central Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. This species is distinguished by the several traits such as body elongate and compressed, snout truncate, body brownish grey color with 11 vertical narrow whitish blue lines on the sides, largely greenish yellow on head and mandible, head and base of pectoral fin with numerous short blue oblique broken lines and spots with markings on the head and snout. Providing data on C. cyanotaenia which is now widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific, would offer particularly valuable information on the biogeography of species.

Biogenic amines evaluation in wild Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) originating from various FAO areas

The total of 84 Bluefin tunas (Thunnus Thynnus) were analysed in order to obtain an overview of biogenic amines incidences in geographically distant capture fishing FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) zones: Western Indian Ocean (51), Mediterranean Sea (37), Western Central Pacific Ocean (71) and Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean (34). Cadaverine and putrescine were remarkably accumulated in some samples, whereas histamine and spermidine were less abundant, but more frequently present. Histamine concentration was very low in all groups, having the highest value in samples from FAO 51 (median with 25th–75th percentile = 9.3, 4.4–13.4 mg kg−1). Cadaverine was completely absent from tunas deriving from FAOs 51, 37 and 71, while Atlantic Ocean samples demonstrated its noticeable presence (median with 25th–75th percentile = 34.7, 17.6–66.9 mg kg−1). Putrescine generally followed the cadaverine occurrence, but its levels remained very low: FAO 51 and 37 did not reveal any presence, while in FAO 71 slightly elevated concentrations appeared (median with 25th–75th percentile = 6.1, 0–43.3 mg kg−1). There were no significant differences in spermine levels between FAO groups. The results indicate that the established capture, post-capture and storage practices used for Bluefin tunas ensure good quality. A hazardous content could not be detected in the investigated samples and a health risk does not exist. Reported differences in biogenic amine quality and quantity are provoked by environmental conditions and individual variation between FAO areas.

Genomic and life-history discontinuity reveals a precinctive lineage for a deep-water grouper with gene flow from tropical to temperate waters on the west coast of Australia

We address a critical knowledge gap for the Eightbar Grouper, Hyporthodus octofasciatus, one of the largest groupers targeted in mostly tropical, deep-water fisheries, using genetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA; N = 248) and age and growth information (N = 727) from specimens collected from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western central Pacific Ocean. We additionally used a genotype-by-sequencing approach on a subset of these samples (N = 94) to determine the extent of egg and larval dispersal between tropical and temperate regions along the west coast of Australia (WA). Discontinuity in mtDNA and nuclear genomes, and marked variation in growth trajectories and longevity revealed a distinct, non-interbreeding cryptic lineage in WA. The WA lineage appears to be geographically isolated from the oceanic Indo-West Pacific (IP) lineage and precinctive to a single continuous coastline from tropical to temperate waters (covering > 2200 km and ∼20° of latitude). The Hyporthodus phylogeny reveals a possible allopatric speciation scenario with sister lineages endemic to the east (i.e. H. ergastularius) and west (i.e. WA lineage of H. octofasciatus) coasts of Australia, each diverging from a broader IP distributed ancestor (i.e. IP lineage of H. octofasciatus) in the early Pleistocene Epoch. Sustainable management of these species therefore needs to consider their evolutionary distinction, in addition to aspects of their life-history strategies and limited geographic distribution that infers high vulnerability to fishing at relatively low levels of exploitation.

How do fishery policies affect Hawaii's longline fishing industry? Calibrating a positive mathematical programming model

We present a vessel and target-specific positive mathematical programming model (PMP) for Hawaii's longline fishing fleet. Although common in agricultural economics, PMP modeling is rarely attempted in fisheries. To demonstrate the flexibility of the PMP framework, we separate tuna and swordfish production technologies into three policy-relevant fishing targets. We find the model most accurately predicts vessel-specific annual bigeye catch in the Western Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), with an accuracy of 12–35%, and a correlation between 0.30 and 0.53. To demonstrate the model's usefulness to policy makers, we simulate the impact to individual vessels from increasing and decreasing the bigeye catch limit in the WCPO by 10%. Our results suggest that such policy changes will have moderate impacts on most vessels, but large impacts on a few generating a fat-tailed distribution. These results offer insights into the range of winners and losers resulting from changes in fishery policies, and therefore, which policies are more likely to gain widespread industry support. As a tool for fishery management, the calibrated PMP model offers a flexible and easy-to-use framework, capable of capturing the heterogeneous response of fishing vessels to evaluate policy changes.

Etmopterus samadiae n. sp., a new lanternshark (Squaliformes: Etmopteridae) from Papua New Guinea.

A new species of lanternshark, Etmopterus samadiae (Squaliformes: Etmopteridae), is described from off northern Papua New Guinea, in the western Central Pacific Ocean. The new species resembles other members of the "Etmopterus lucifer" clade in having linear rows of dermal denticles and most closely resembles E. brachyurus from the western North Pacific. The new species occurs along insular slopes between 340 and 785 m depth. The new species can be distinguished from other members of the E. lucifer clade by a combination of characteristics, including length of anterior flank branch markings being slightly shorter than its posterior branch, a longer caudal base marking, and irregular and variable number of black, horizontal, dash-like marks on sides of body. Molecular analysis based on the NADH2 marker further supports the distinction of E. samadiae from other members of the E. lucifer clade.

Variations in growth, longevity and natural mortality for the protogynous hermaphroditic eightbar grouper Hyporthodus octofasciatus between the Indian and Pacific Oceans

Increased fishing pressure on deep-water demersal fishes in relatively recent times highlights the need for a better understanding of their biology, demography and relative abundance. The eightbar grouper Hyporthodus octofasciatus is one of the largest species of Epinephelidae and is highly valued in relatively deep-water fisheries throughout the Indo-West Pacific region. Currently, information on the life history of H. octofasciatus is limited to the south-eastern Indian Ocean. We compared estimated life history parameters for H. octofasciatus from this region with the western central Pacific Ocean. Histological examination of gonads of H. octofasciatus from a wide length and age range (295–1740mm TL and 6–65 years) suggested that this species is a protogynous hermaphrodite in the Pacific Ocean, which is consistent with data for this species in the south-eastern Indian Ocean and its congeners. However, the maximum length (1740mm TL), asymptotic length (L∞, 1912mm TL) and longevity (65 years) were much greater in the Pacific compared to the Indian Ocean (1509mm TL, 1166mm TL and 47–56 years), resulting in substantially different growth trajectories and a lower instantaneous rate of natural mortality in the Pacific Ocean (i.e., 0.06 vs 0.09 year−1). Such regional variations in life history traits across the Indo-Pacific need to be considered in assessments and management of H. octofasciatus stocks within and across jurisdictions.

Optimising fisheries management in relation to tuna catches in the western central Pacific Ocean: A review of research priorities and opportunities

Some of the most important development goals for the countries and territories of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) involve the sustainable management of their fisheries in light of environmental, economic and social uncertainties. The responses of fish populations to variability in the marine environment have implications for decision making processes associated with resource management. There is still considerable uncertainty in estimating the responses of tuna populations to short-to-medium-term variability and longer-term change in the oceanic environment. A workshop was organised to examine how advances in oceanography, fisheries science and fisheries economics could be applied to the tuna fisheries of the WCPO and in doing so identify research priorities to improve understanding relevant to progressing management. Research priorities identified included: (i) improved parameterisation of end to end ecosystem model components, processes and feedbacks through expanded biological observations and incorporation of higher resolution climate models; (ii) development of seasonal and inter-annual forecasting tools enabling management responses to short-term variability in tuna distributions and abundances; (iii) improved understanding of the population dynamics of and the energy transfer efficiencies between food web components; (iv) assessment of the optimal value of access rights and overall fishery value under multiple scenarios of tuna distribution and abundance and influences on decision making by fisheries managers and fleets and (v) development of management strategy evaluation frameworks for utilisation in the implementing and testing of fishery management procedures and to help prioritise research directions and investment. Issues discussed and research priorities identified during the workshop have synergies with other internationally managed fisheries and therefore are applicable to many other fisheries.

Species distribution models of tropical deep-sea snappers.

Deep-sea fisheries provide an important source of protein to Pacific Island countries and territories that are highly dependent on fish for food security. However, spatial management of these deep-sea habitats is hindered by insufficient data. We developed species distribution models using spatially limited presence data for the main harvested species in the Western Central Pacific Ocean. We used bathymetric and water temperature data to develop presence-only species distribution models for the commercially exploited deep-sea snappers Etelis Cuvier 1828, Pristipomoides Valenciennes 1830, and Aphareus Cuvier 1830. We evaluated the performance of four different algorithms (CTA, GLM, MARS, and MAXENT) within the BIOMOD framework to obtain an ensemble of predicted distributions. We projected these predictions across the Western Central Pacific Ocean to produce maps of potential deep-sea snapper distributions in 32 countries and territories. Depth was consistently the best predictor of presence for all species groups across all models. Bathymetric slope was consistently the poorest predictor. Temperature at depth was a good predictor of presence for GLM only. Model precision was highest for MAXENT and CTA. There were strong regional patterns in predicted distribution of suitable habitat, with the largest areas of suitable habitat (> 35% of the Exclusive Economic Zone) predicted in seven South Pacific countries and territories (Fiji, Matthew & Hunter, Nauru, New Caledonia, Tonga, Vanuatu and Wallis & Futuna). Predicted habitat also varied among species, with the proportion of predicted habitat highest for Aphareus and lowest for Etelis. Despite data paucity, the relationship between deep-sea snapper presence and their environments was sufficiently strong to predict their distribution across a large area of the Pacific Ocean. Our results therefore provide a strong baseline for designing monitoring programs that balance resource exploitation and conservation planning, and for predicting future distributions of deep-sea snappers.

The coral killing sponge Chalinula nematifera (Porifera: Haplosclerida) along the eastern coast of Sulawesi Island (Indonesia)

Chalinula nematifera (Porifera: Haplosclerida) is an encrusting sponge able to overgrow live corals. It was described from the Western-Central Pacific Ocean and recently has been reported along the Mexican Pacific coast, where it is considered introduced and a potential threat for corals. However, there is a lack of accurate data about the distribution and abundance of Chalinula nematifera. Here we report a first wide assessment of its effect on different coral species and its growth rate. This is a first knowledge baseline for C. nematifera, based on visual and photo surveys, along the eastern coast of the Sulawesi Island (Indonesia).

Predicting East African spring droughts using Pacific and Indian Ocean sea surface temperature indices

Abstract. In eastern East Africa (the southern Ethiopia, eastern Kenya and southern Somalia region), poor boreal spring (long wet season) rains in 1999, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011 contributed to severe food insecurity and high levels of malnutrition. Predicting rainfall deficits in this region on seasonal and decadal time frames can help decision makers implement disaster risk reduction measures while guiding climate-smart adaptation and agricultural development. Building on recent research that links more frequent East African droughts to a stronger Walker circulation, resulting from warming in the Indo–Pacific warm pool and an increased east-to-west sea surface temperature (SST) gradient in the western Pacific, we show that the two dominant modes of East African boreal spring rainfall variability are tied to SST fluctuations in the western central Pacific and central Indian Ocean, respectively. Variations in these two rainfall modes can thus be predicted using two SST indices – the western Pacific gradient (WPG) and central Indian Ocean index (CIO), with our statistical forecasts exhibiting reasonable cross-validated skill (rcv ≈ 0.6). In contrast, the current generation of coupled forecast models show no skill during the long rains. Our SST indices also appear to capture most of the major recent drought events such as 2000, 2009 and 2011. Predictions based on these simple indices can be used to support regional forecasting efforts and land surface data assimilations to help inform early warning and guide climate outlooks.

Octopus lipid and vitamin E composition: interspecies, interorigin, and nutritional variability.

Octopus vulgaris, Octopus maya, and Eledone cirrhosa from distinct marine environments [Northeast Atlantic (NEA), Northwest Atlantic (NWA), Eastern Central Atlantic, Western Central Atlantic (WCA), Pacific Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea] were characterized regarding their lipid and vitamin E composition. These species are those commercially more relevant worldwide. Significant interspecies and interorigin differences were observed. Unsaturated fatty acids account for more than 65% of total fatty acids, mostly ω-3 PUFA due to docosahexaenoic (18.4-29.3%) and eicosapentanoic acid (11.4-23.9%) contributions. The highest ω-3 PUFA amounts and ω-3/ω-6 ratios were quantified in the heaviest specimens, O. vulgaris from NWA, with high market price, and simultaneously in the lowest graded samples, E. cirrhosa from NEA, of reduced dimensions. Although having the highest cholesterol contents, E. cirrhosa from NEA and O. maya from WCA have also higher protective fatty acid indexes. Chemometric discrimination allowed clustering the selected species and several origins based on lipid and vitamin E profiles.

Redescription of the Shortfin Pomfret, Brama pauciradiata, Based on Japanese Specimens (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Bramidae)

The shortfin pomfret, Brama pauciradiata Moteki, Fujita and Last, 1995, is redescribed based on six specimens collected off Mie Prefecture, Japan. Although this species was originally described based on 23 specimens collected off northwestern and northeastern Australia and off Hawaii, the largest specimen measured 81.8 mm SL and most of the type series are juveniles of less than 50 mm SL. The present specimens include five much larger specimens, of 103.8-160.1 mm SL. Distinct differences observed in some proportional measurements between the type series and the present larger specimens are regarded as ontogenetic changes because the countable characters agree well with those of type series and because the pattern of transformation in body shape of the present specimens and the type series of B. pauciradiata is similar to that of its congeners. The distance from the lowest part of the base of the pectoral fin to the insertion of the pelvic fin, and also the pale caudal peduncle saddle of preserved specimens, were regarded as diagnostic characters in the original description, but these characters are shared with congeners. A female specimen of 155.0 mm SL (FRLM 42111) is regarded as representing the minimum size of maturity because of the condition of its oocytes. The distributional range of B. pauciradiata extends from the eastern Indian Ocean to a wide area of the western-central Pacific Ocean.