Redescription of a rare threadfin (Perciformes: Polynemidae), Polydactylus macrophthalmus (Bleeker, 1858), with designation of a lectotype and notes on distributional implications

A rare threadfin, Polydactylus macrophthalmus (Bleeker, 1858), having long been included in the genus Polynemus, is redescribed on the basis of 9 specimens and a lectotype designated. Polydactylus macrophthalmus is characterized by the following combination of characters: 7 pectoral filaments, upper 3 filaments extending beyond posterior margin of hypural; 13 or 14 pectoral fin rays; 87–94 pored lateral line scales; 11 scales above lateral line, 15 or 16 below; 10–12 upper series gill rakers, 15 or 16 lower, 26 or 27 total; occipital profile concave in adults; second spine of first dorsal fin very strong; pectoral fin rays long (mean 24% [range 24–26%] of SL). The presently known distribution of the species, including the Kapuas River, Kalimantan, and the Musi and Batanghari Rivers, Sumatra, Indonesia, apparently reflects the ancient Central or North Sunda River during the last period of lowered sea levels, ca. 12 000 years ago. Received: November 1, 2000 / Revised: March 2, 2001 / Accepted: March 15, 2001     

Polydactylus konadaensis Mishra and Krishnan, 1993, a junior synonym of Filimanus xanthonema (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1831) (Perciformes: Polynemidae)

Polydactylus konadaensis Mishra and Krishnan, 1993 was described on the basis of two specimens from Konada, Andhra Pradesh, east coast of India. Although the new species was placed in the genus Polydactylus, our examination of the type specimens of the species showed them to represent a species of Filimanus. Furthermore, the characters of those specimens were consistent with those of the lectotype, paralectotype, and other specimens of F. xanthonema (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1831). Accordingly, Polydactylus konadaensis is herein regarded as a junior synonym of F. xanthonema. Received: July 2, 2000 / Revised: November 2, 2000 / Accepted: January 12, 2001     

A new species, Polydactylus siamensis, from Thailand and redescription of P. plebeius (Broussonet, 1782) with designation of a neotype (Perciformes: Polynemidae)

A new species, Polydactylus siamensis, is described on the basis of eight specimens from Thailand. The species is similar to P. plebeius (Broussonet, 1782) in having five pectoral filaments and several dark stripes along the scale rows above and below the lateral line, but differs from the latter in having lower counts of pectoral fin rays (15 vs. 16–18 in P. plebeius), pored lateral line scales (54–58 vs. 60–68), scale rows above and below the lateral line (7 and 10 or 11, respectively vs. 8 or 9 and 12 or 13, respectively) and gill rakers (9 or 10 upper series, 13 or 14 lower and 22–24 total vs. 9–14, 13–18 and 24–32, respectively), and a longer upper jaw (mean 17% [range 16–17%] of standard length vs. 15% [13–16%]). Polydactylus siamensis is currently known only from Bangkok and Songkhla, Gulf of Thailand, and Phuket Island, Andaman Sea, whereas P. plebeius is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific. Received: January 12, 2000 / Revised: September 15, 2000 / Accepted: January 12, 2001     

Polydactylus bifurcus, a new species of threadfin from Lombok Island, Indonesia (Perciformes: Polynemidae)

Polydactylus bifurcus sp. nov. is described on the basis of a single specimen collected from Lombok Island, Indonesia. The new species is distinguished from all other Indo-Pacific Polydactylus species by the following combination of characters: 15 pectoral fin rays, 5 pectoral filaments, 69 pored lateral line scales, 30 gill rakers, second spine of first dorsal fin very strong and lateral line bifurcated on caudal fin base, extending to posterior margins of upper and lower caudal fin lobes. Received: October 19, 2000 / Revised: April 21, 2001 / Accepted: April 25, 2001     

Redescription of Polydactylus sexfilis (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1831), a senior synonym of P. kuru (Bleeker, 1853) with designation of a lectotype (Perciformes: Polynemidae)

Polydactylus kuru (Bleeker, 1853), originally described from Jakarta, Java, Indonesia, has been regarded as a valid species. However, examination of two syntypes of Polynemus kuru revealed their close similarity to three syntypes of Polynemus sexfilis Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1831, in the synonym of which the former is herein included. Polydactylus sexfilis, which is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, is redescribed on the basis of a newly-designated lectotype and two paralectotypes, and a wide range of non-type material. The species is characterized by six pectoral filaments, 15 or 16 pectoral fin rays, 61–67 pored lateral line scales, 8–10 scales above the lateral line, 12–14 below, 11–14 and 15–18 upper and lower series gill rakers, respectively (27–31 total), teeth present on vomer and a long second dorsal fin ray (mean 26% [range 21–30%] of standard length). Received: July 7, 2000 / Revised: August 29, 2000 / Accepted: September 30, 2000     

Review of Polydactylus species (Perciformes: Polynemidae) characterized by a large black anterior lateral line spot, with descriptions of two new species

Nominal Polydactylus species characterized by a large black spot anteriorly on the lateral line, P. microstomus (Bleeker), P. sextarius mullani (Hora), P. sextarius sextarius (Bloch and Schneider), and P. zophomus Jordan and McGregor, are reviewed. Polydactylus zophomus, with 5 pectoral filaments, is synonymized under P. microstomus, and P. sextarius mullani, with 7 pectoral filaments, is elevated to species level (as P. mullani). Polydactylus microstomus and P. mullani together with P. sextarius (characterized by 6 pectoral filaments) are considered as valid species and redescribed accordingly. Two new species, P. malagasyensis and P. persicus, each with 6 pectoral filaments, collected from the east coast of Africa, including Madagascar and the Persian Gulf, are also described. Polydactylus sextarius and the 2 new species are characterized by 6 pectoral filaments. However, P. sextarius is distinguished from the latter by having lower gill raker counts (mode 28 vs. 31 in the latter) and an atrophied swimbladder (vs. well-developed). Polydactylus malagasyensis differs from P. persicus in having higher pectoral fin ray counts (14 vs. mode 12 in the latter), the palatines inwardly turned anteriorly (vs. straight), and a longer pectoral fin (mean 24% of standard length vs. 19%). Received: February 5, 2001 / Revised: April 29, 2001 / Accepted: May 1, 2001     

Scanning electron microscope observations on the Telotylenchinae Siddiqi, 1960 (Nematoda: Belonolaimidae)

Two species of the genus Trichotylenchus from the semi-arid region of West Africa, T. falciformis, type-species, and T. palustris, previously belonging to the genus Uliginotylenchus, were studied under the scanning electron microscope. Eight characters are common to both species: (i) head continuous with body contour; (ii) four to six cephalic annules present; (iii) first cephalic annule ovoid, laterally elongate and fused with the second cephalic annule at the level of the amphid; (iv) lateral cephalic sectors absent; (v) submedian cephalic sectors dorsally and ventrally fused; (vi) amphidial apertures elongate, ovoid and with longer axis obliquely dorso-ventrally directed; (vii) lateral fields areolated with three incisures; and (viii) spicules with an indentation or a small trapezoidal process on the dorsal side and a short rounded process on the lateral side, both being close to the distal extremity. The synonymy of Uliginotylenchus and Trichotylenchus is confirmed. The definition of Trichotylenchus is amended.     

A new zoarcid, Lycodes mcallisteri, from eastern Arctic Canada (Teleostei: Perciformes)

A new zoarcid fish, Lycodes mcallisteri, is described on the basis of nine specimens (230–375 mm SL) from eastern Arctic Canada, Nunavut (Hudson Strait, 298 m; Cumberland Sound and Baffin Bay, 579 m). It resembles about 15 other Lycodes spp. in having a long tail and a "ventromediolateral" type of lateral line. It is distinguished from Arctic members of this group (Lycodes marisalbi, L. palearis, and L. sagittarius) by the high number of pectoral fin rays (22–23), short pelvic fins, low submental crests, and coloration (6–10 light patches dorsally). It resembles two Pacific species (L. macrochir and L. soldatovi) by the high number of pectoral fin rays, but differs by coloration, meristics, and shape of the pectoral fin. Received: April 13, 2000 / Revised: September 7, 2000 / Accepted: January 11, 2001     

A new species, Gazza squamiventralis, from the East Coast of Africa (Perciformes: Leiognathidae)

Gazza squamiventralis sp. nov. is described as the fifth species of the genus, based on the holotype and eight paratypes, 42–96 mm in standard length, collected along the east coast of Africa, from Kenya to Mozambique. The species is similar to other congeners in general appearance, differing clearly from them in having the ventrolateral surface of the body scaled anterior to a line from the pectoral fin base to the pelvic fin origin (vs naked) and a smooth supraorbital ridge (vs finely serrated). Additionally, the species differs from G. dentex, G. rhombea, and G. achlamys in having the dorsolateral surface of the body scaled anterior to a vertical through the tip of the posterior branch of the supratemporal canal (vs corresponding region naked), and from G. minuta in having the first dorsal fin pterygiophore narrowly expanded anteriorly, with a concave margin (vs broadly expanded, with a convex or linear margin), and a short antrorse extension of the first anal fin pterygiophore (vs long). A key to the five species of the genus Gazza is provided. Received: May 30, 2000 / Revised: September 16, 2000 / Accepted: January 16, 2001     

Myxine formosana, a new species of hagfish (Myxiniformes: Myxinidae) from the southwestern waters of Taiwan

Myxine formosana, a new hagfish species, is described on the basis of the specimens from the Pacific Ocean southwest of Taiwan at depths 588–1500 m. It is five-gilled and white-headed with a three-cusp multicusp on the anterior set of cusps and a two-cusp multicusp on the posterior set. Myxine formosana, M. circifrons, M. mccoskeri, and M. robinsi are superficially rather similar, but M. formosana has low to vestigal caudal finfolds. It is the first record of the genus Myxine from Taiwan. Received: October 25, 2000 / Revised: March 17, 2001 / Accepted: April 21, 2001     

Review of the Indo-Pacific gobiid fish genus Lubricogobius, with description of a new species and a new genus for L. pumilus

The gobiid genus Lubricogobius Tanaka, distinctive in being scaleless, without sensory pores, but with sensory papillae on the head, consists of three small species (largest, 33.7 mm SL): the yellow L. exiguus Tanaka, type species, from Japan, with probable records from Taiwan and New Caledonia; L. ornatus Fourmanoir, orange with blue lines on the head, described from Vietnam, recorded from the Arafura Sea, and the range here extended to the Timor Sea and Northwest Shelf of Western Australia, Ryukyu Islands, and to New Caledonia; and L. dinah, a new species from Papua New Guinea and the Ryukyu Islands, white dorsally and abruptly orange-yellow ventrally, with 10–11 dorsal soft rays. L. pumilus Larson and Hoese, known from one 14.5-mm specimen from off Somalia, is referred to the new genus Larsonella. The new genus differs from Lubricogobius in having scales posteriorly on the body, a more slender body, depressed head, no pelvic frenum, the snout longer than orbit diameter, and a different pattern of sensory papillae on the head. Received: September 30, 1999 / Accepted: June 9, 2000     

A new stem-sperm whale (Cetacea, Odontoceti, Physeteroidea) from the Latest Miocene of Peru

A finely preserved skull with mandible and teeth associated, from the Latest Miocene beds (ca. 6 Ma) of the Pisco Formation, Sud-Sacaco, Peru, represents a new physeteroid genus and species, Acrophyseter deinodon. This moderate size sperm whale is characterized, among others, by: the short rostrum, the mandible distinctly curved upwards, large teeth very close together (12 on each upper tooth row and 13 on each lower tooth row), the lateral margin of the maxilla along the rostrum base much lower than the orbit roof, a wide supracranial basin dorsally overhanging the right orbit and limited to the cranium and a large temporal fossa dorsomedially elevated. A preliminary cladistic analysis provides a phylogenetic position of Acrophyseter nested within the stem-Physeteroidea, more basal than the clade Kogiidae + Physeteridae. The morphology of the oral apparatus and of the temporal fossa suggests that Acrophyseter was able to feed on large preys.     

The discovery of the genus Indabracon van Achterberg (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Braconinae) in China, with description of one new species

The genus Indabracon van Achterberg, 1993 was discovered in China, and one new species (I. bicolor sp. nov.) of this genus is fully described and illustrated in the present paper. A key to the species of the genus is provided. The new species is similar to the Indian species I. trimaculatus (Cameron, 1900) structurally, but differs for example by: basal half of pterostigma yellow; apical half dark brown; smooth postero‐lateral area of the third tergite rather small; propodeum with belt of setae dorsally and lamelliform carinae posteriorly; ovipositor sheath approximately 0.60 times the forewing, somewhat longer than metasoma; the first tergite surface distinctly carinate and rugose, especially in its medial area and laterally. The type specimens are deposited in the Beneficial Insects Lab, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture & Forestry University, China.     

Paraulopidae and Paraulopus, a new family and genus of aulopiform fishes with revised relationships within the order

A species group hitherto concealed within Chlorophthalmus (Chlorophthalmidae) is described as a new family and genus of Aulopiformes, Paraulopidae and Paraulopus, respectively. Paraulopus clearly belongs in Aulopiformes owing to an enlarged uncinate process on the second epibranchial, the absence of a swimbladder, and fusion of the medial processes of the pelvic girdle, but characterized by having the following combination of characters: the fourth basibranchial with a long tail but no gap separating fourth basibranchial and fifth ceratobranchial, epipleural bones distributed from posterior portion of abdominal vertebra to anterior portion of caudal vertebra, and flesh specimens of most species with paired olive spots dorsally on body. The phylogenetic position of Paraulopus is defined by a cladistic analysis of 101 morphological characters, in 21 genera of Aulopiformes. In a single most parsimonious tree, Paraulopus and Chlorophthalmus are in two different major clades, there being four major clades in all, roughly corresponding to the four suborders of Aulopiformes. Paraulopidae is included in the suborder Synodontoidei. In addition, Bathysauroides is transferred to Chlorophthalmoidei from Giganturoidei, and Bathysauroides and Bathysauropsis are elevated to familial status. Received: January 13, 2001 / Revised: September 27, 2001 / Accepted: October 15, 2001     

Phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Bovini using microsatellites

The objective of the present study was to determine if the generally accepted phylogenetic relationships in the tribe Bovini correspond to a phylogenetic scheme derived from polymorphisms at 20 bovine microsatellite loci. This study comprises 17 representative populations: eight Bos taurus, two Bos indicus, one Poëphagus, one Bibos, one Bison, three Bubalus and one Syncerus. Phylogenetic analyses using (δμ)² and chord (D_C) distances revealed substantial divergence among species. Neighbor‐joining trees with both distance measures showed only minor differences. Bos taurus and Bos indicus grouped first, followed by Bos frontalis (Mithan) and Bos grunniens (Yak), Bison bison branched off next and Bubalus bubalis and Syncerus caffer emerged as the two most divergent species from the Bos clade. These findings would suggest that Bos, Poëphagus, and Bibos should be integrated into the Bos genus with each group classified as a subgenus. On the other hand, Bison, Bubalus and Syncerus should each be considered a separate genus. Direct estimates of the divergence times were calculated using the (δμ)² genetic distance. Bos taurus and Bos indicus were estimated to have diverged 0·31–0·82 MYA, Bos and Poëphagus: 0·57–1·53 MYA, Bos and Bibos: 0·57–1·52 MYA, Bos and Bison: 0·46–1·23 MYA, Bos and Bubalus: 1·85–4·93 MYA and Bos and Syncerus: 0·98–2·61 MYA.     

Description of a new species of Mustura Kottelat (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from the Brahmaputra drainage,India

Mustura subhashi, new species, is described from the Dikal River, a north bank tributary of the Brahmaputra drainage in Arunachal Pradesh. It is distinguished from all its congeners by having a colour pattern of 14–23 dark-greyish black to dark brown irregular bars on a greyish to pale beige body; pre-dorsal bars thin, numerous, wider than interspaces, weakly contrasted, uniting dorsally at lateral one-third or midway on flank to form thicker bars, coalescing further at lateral one-fifth and continuous on dorsum with contralateral bars; bars below dorsal fin exhibiting similar condition but slightly wider than pre-dorsal bars; post-dorsal bars thicker than anterior bars, wider than interspaces, sharply contrasted, rarely coalescing on flank; and a short bar along the caudal mid-line, rarely forming a blotch. Based on re-examination of the type specimens and additional materials, Mustura dikrongensis is confirmed as a species belonging to Mustura, and M. harkishorei is not sufficiently diagnosed from 'Nemacheilus' corica.     

Icelinus pietschi sp. nov. and a rare species, Sigmistes smithi, from the southern Kuril Archipelago (Scorpaeniformes: Cottidae)

A new cottid, Icelinus pietschi sp. nov., and a rare species, Sigmistes smithi Schultz, were collected from intertidal zones in the southern Kuril Archipelago. Icelinus pietschi, represented by five specimens (34.8–42.2 mm SL) from Iturup Island, is distinguished from other species of Icelinus by having the dorsal scale rows terminating before the posteriormost base of the second dorsal fin, spines absent on the dorsal surface of the head, a single common opening of the terminal pores of the mandibular canal, a cirrus on the base of the nasal spine, and a slightly bifid uppermost preopercular spine without denticles dorsally. Six examples (36.8–42.9 mm SL) from Urup Island of Sigmistes smithi, previously known only rarely from the middle of the Aleutian Archipelago, constitute the first record of the species from the western North Pacific. Received: September 26, 1999 / Revised: May 25, 2000 / Accepted: August 29, 2000     

Taxonomic review of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cottiusculus</Emphasis> (Cottoidei: Cottidae) with description of a new species from the Sea of Japan

A taxonomic review of the cottid genus Cottiusculus Jordan and Starks 1904 established three species, C. nihonkaiensis sp. nov., C. schmidti, and C. gonez. Cottiusculus nihonkaiensis sp. nov., which had been previously confused with C. schmidti, is described on the basis of 32 specimens (44.8–77.9 mm, SL) collected from the Sea of Japan. The new species is very similar to C. schmidti in having a curved barbless uppermost preopercular spine and the lateral line extending past the caudal fin base, but is distinguishable as follows: nasal spines simple or sometimes weakly bicuspid (vs. deeply bicuspid in C. schmidti); first dorsal fin not elongated in either males or females (vs. elongated in males); ventral lateral and lateral line cirri present (vs. absent). The former is known from the Sea of Japan coasts of Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula, and Volcano Bay, Hokkaido, and the latter from the Pacific coast of Tohoku District, Japan. Cottiusculus gonez, known from the Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk and Pacific coast of Hokkaido, is characterized by having a simple nasal spine, the uppermost preopercular spine almost straight with two small cusps dorsally, posterior cusp barbed, and the lateral line almost reaching to the caudal fin base. A lectotype of C. gonez is designated here. Sequence differences in the cytochrome b gene among the above three species of Cottiusculus are also presented.