Verification of two barracudina species Lestrolepis japonica (Tanaka, 1908) and L. philippina (Fowler, 1934) (Aulopiformes, Paralepididae)

By

Ho, Hsuan-Ching
Kawai, Toshio

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2024

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1220

Pages

79--92

Subjects

Biodiversity , Ichthyology , ICZN , Nomenclature , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1220.125860

 

Abstract

Examination of the type series of Lestidium japonica Tanaka reveals that the generally accepted concept of this species does not accord with the type series. A historical review of the literature showed that the characterization of L. japonica changed over time, and what has been recognized as “L. japonica” for more than 70 years actually represents a distinct and different species. Among the junior synonyms of “L. japonica”, Paralepis philippinus Fowler, 1934 is resurrected as a valid species herein in a new combination, Lestrolepis philippina. Lestrolepis nigroventralis Ho, Tsai & Li is recognized as a junior synonym of L. japonica herein. Revised diagnostic characteristics for both L. japonica and L. philippina are provided, along with comments on related names to verify their nomenclatural status.