A new sparid, Acanthopagrus akazakii, from New Caledonia with notes on nominal species of Acanthopagrus

A new sparid species, Acanthopagrus akazakii, is described on the basis of 12 types collected from Noumèa, New Caledonia. Acanthopagrus akazakii is most similar to Acanthopagrus berda in overall appearance but differs from the latter in having 4¹/₂ scale rows between the 5th dorsal fin spine base and lateral line, anteriormost head scales broadly rounded without small scales anteriorly, upward- and downward-oriented portions present on anteriormost part of upper lip, a downward-oriented portion on anteriormost part of lower lip in specimens over ca. 160 mm in standard length, and upper head profile gently convex from snout tip to above eye throughout growth (vs. 3¹/₂ scale rows between 5th dorsal fin spine base and lateral line, anteriormost head scales rounded with small scales anteriorly, no upward and downward portions in anteriormost upper and lower lips, and upper head profile becoming concave from snout tip to above eye with growth). Furthermore, A. berda develops a strong concavity of the ventral edge of the first two infraorbitals above the posterior part of upper jaw with growth, whereas A. akazakii has a generally straight series throughout growth. Nominal species in A. berda are reviewed, with notes on nominal species of Acanthopagrus.