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Platycephalids Ambiserrula jugosa (McCulloch 1914) and Inegocia harrisii (McCulloch 1914) were described as new species based on 10 and 2 specimens, respectively, collected from the coast of Queensland, Australia by the F.I.S. Endeavour in 1910. McCulloch (1914) listed additional specimens at the end of the description, which he did not exclude from the type series. Previous authors considered the specimens, which McCulloch stated the species to have been described from, to be types of the two species, it was revealed that all 43 and 9 specimens included in these species by McCulloch are type specimens, according to the fourth edition of International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, stating "type series of a nominal taxon consists of all the specimens included by the author in the new nominal taxon" in Article 72.4.1. In I. harrisii, it was assumed that a specimen later designated as the lectotype was figured with the original description. Because its plate legend includes the words "sp. nov. Type", the specimen is regarded to be the holotype of the species and the designation of the lectotype was unnecessary. This study newly recognizes additional 12 paratypes of A. jugosa and 5 paratypes of I. harrisii, and gives taxonomic accounts of the two species to show range extensions of intraspecific variation and distribution newly found. Also comments are given about the type status of other species taken by the Endeavour described by McCulloch in a series of five papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Cymbacephalus staigeri (Castelnau 1875) has been regarded as a valid species, several authors have suggested that it may be a junior synonym of Cymbacephalus nematophthalmus (Günther 1860). Because the whereabouts of the holotype of C. staigeri is unknown, this study compared the original description of C. staigeri with two syntypes and 18 non-type specimens of C. nematophthalmus. It was confirmed that C. staigeri is conspecific with C. nematophthalmus, with the latter name having priority. Accordingly, Cymbacephalus parilis (McCulloch 1914), having been treated as a junior synonym of C. staigeri, becomes the valid name of the species, because no species having priority over C. parilis exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platycephalid Hyalorhynchus pellucidus Ogilby 1910 was described based on four specimens collected from the coast of Queensland, Australia, by the F.I.S. Endeavour on 1910. Although previous authors considered the four specimens to be syntypes of the species, we consider that all 78 specimens included in the species by Ogilby are syntypes. This study also points out that a similar situation is recognized in some of the other species described by the publication. This study also attempts to specify syntypes deposited in several museums. Station data are provided for "F.I.S. Endeavour" fishes from Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The platycephalid genus Suggrundus Whitley 1930 was established as a replacement name for Insidiator Jordan and Snyder 1900 because the latter was considered to be preoccupied by Insidiator Oken 1842. Although Suggrundus has been regarded as valid, it was revealed in this study that Insidiator Oken 1842 is an unavailable name because no descriptions, definitions or indications for the name were shown. Although the name Insidiator Oken 1836 was shown in the list of a monograph, it is also unavailable because it lacked descriptions, definitions or indications. Insidiator Amyot 1845 is also an unavailable name as previously pointed out because the name was proposed in a non-binominal publication. Accordingly, Insidiator Jordan and Snyder becomes valid and Suggrundus is found to be an unnecessary replacement name. Insidiator Whitley 1930, being a junior homonym of Insidiator Jordan and Snyder, is newly recognized here as an available name because Whitley combined an unavailable generic name Insidiator Oken 1842 and available specific name insidiator from Sparus insidiator Pallas 1770 when he established Suggrundus. Repotrudis Whitley 1930 and Seychelliceps Prokofiev 2019 are synonymized here under Insidiator Jordan and Snyder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The platycephalid genus Leviprora Whitley 1931 is taxonomically revised. Although the genus has been regarded as monotypic, including only Leviprora inops (Jenyns 1840) known from southern Australia, this study shows that Platycephalus semermis De Vis 1883, which was originally described from South Australia and has been considered to be possibly a junior synonym of L. inops, is the second nominal species of the genus. The two species are distinguished from each other by the number of pectoral-fin rays (18–19 in L. inops vs. 20–21 in L. semermis), the preocular spine (absent vs. present), fleshy sensory tubes on the cheek region (absent vs. developed), number of ducts of pored scales in the lateral line (one vs. two) and ratio of orbital diameter/interorbital width (2.3–4.7 vs. 1.5–2.8, both tending to decrease with growth). The present study presents a key to the species of the genus, detailed redescriptions and a comparison of the two species, and designates a neotype for L. semermis. This study also provides a revised diagnosis of the genus, owing to the new member of the genus and intraspecific variation in diagnostic characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Bembras Cuvier 1829, Bembras leslieknappi sp. nov. and Bembras andamanensis sp. nov., are described from single specimens collected from the Andaman Sea off Myanmar, eastern Indian Ocean, in 2015. The two new species are distinguished from each other and five known congeners by the numbers of anal-fin rays and pectoral-fin rays (15 and 20 in B. leslieknappi vs. 14 and 20-21 in B. andamanensis), forward-slanting body scale rows above the lateral line (80 vs. 74) and upper limb gill rakers (3 vs. 4), as well as by head (41.5 vs. 42.1% SL), snout (14.3 vs. 13.8% SL) and orbit (10.4 vs. 10.9% SL) proportions, and color of the second dorsal (dusky, with blackish spots only on first spine and bases of many soft rays vs. pale, with many scattered blackish spots), pectoral (with a blotch vs. without it) and caudal (both with a broad band) fins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monophyly of Polynemidae was evaluated and its sister relationship with Sciaenidae discussed, based on osteological and myological characters from 24 polynemid species in eight genera, with comparisons with acanthomorph fishes from literature and 86 species in 8 orders and 63 families examined. Polynemidae was inferred as a monophyletic group, strongly supported by 19 synapomorphies, including four unique characters (unnamed bone present on cephalic sensory canal extending from supratemporal, third actinost not supporting pectoral-fin rays, section A1 comprising lateral and medial elements, and division of obliquus inferioris present between lower postcleithrum and rod-like process on coracoid) in percoids. In addition, seven pectoral girdle characters were recognized, with the girdle possessing filament-like sensory rays, an adaptation to benthic life in muddy water. The sister relationship of Polynemidae and Sciaenidae was supported by six synapomorphies, including two rather rare (a single branchiostegal ray suspended by epihyal and posterior portions of pelvic bones on both sides interdigitated) and two unique characters (metapterygoid and quadrate interdigitated medially and anterior extension of the nasal canal). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new worm eel, Neenchelys nudiceps, is described on the basis of a single large specimen (782 mm in total length) collected from the deep-sea bottom (844-856 m) off Sumatra, Indonesia, in the eastern Indian Ocean. The new species is distinguishable from its congeners by the following combination of characters: total vertebrae 221, mandibular pores 7, lateral-line pores anterior to pectoral-fin base 18, and upper and lateral surfaces of snout smooth without papillae. Additionally, it is indicated by a statistical analysis that the new species differs from the two similar species, Neenchelys daedalus and Neenchelys sp. ' similis', in morphometric characters. Availability of the three recently described congeners, N. diaphora, N. pelagica and N. similis is discussed, and it is judged that the three species names are unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new hoplichthyid species, Hoplichthys mcgroutheri, is described on the basis of six specimens (188-244 mm standard length) collected off southwestern Australia. It is clearly distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays V-14; anal-fin rays 16-17, usually 16; pectoral-fin rays 13-14 + 4-5 = 17-18, usually 14 + 4 = 18; infraorbitals mostly spineless; scales present on dorsal surface of body; vomerine tooth patch constricted medially, mostly separating teeth into bilaterally symmetrical patches; interorbit narrow [interorbital width 5.8-6.8 % of head length (HL)]; and orbit relatively large (orbital diameter 41.8-44.9 % HL). The form of the vomerine tooth patch is unique to H. mcgroutheri in this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identity of Platycephalus mortoni Macleay was investigated. This species was originally described based on a single specimen from salt water of the lower Burdekin River, Queensland, and has been regarded to be a junior synonym of Platycephalus richardsoni Castelnau . However, the latter is known from southeastern Australia, ranging from Investigator Strait, South Australia to off Clarence River, New South Wales, but not recorded from the type locality of P. mortoni. Because the whereabouts of the holotype of P. mortoni, the sole known specimen of the species, is unknown, the original description of P. mortoni was compared with five species ( Platycephalus angustus Staeindachner 1866, Platycephalus endrachtensis Quoy and Gaimard , Platycephalus fuscus Cuvier 1829, Platycephalus indicus Linnaeus and Platycephalus westraliae Whitley ) known from near the Burdekin River, as well as with P. richardsoni. Because the color of the caudal fin, relative dimensions of the orbital diameter and interorbital width, and number of anal fin rays in the holotype mostly agree with P. fuscus, it was concluded P. mortoni is a junior synonym of P. fuscus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The platycephalid Platycephalus angustus Steindachner 1866, which has not appeared in recent publications, is recognized as valid and redescribed on the basis of 24 specimens collected from northern Australia and New Guinea. This species is easily separable from other congeners in having a combination of the first dorsal fin usually with two small anterior isolated spines, dorsal and anal soft rays usually 13, orbit relatively small (orbital diameter 11.2-21.5 % HL), postorbital region long (postorbital length 55.5-67.8 % HL), interorbital space wide (interorbital width 7.3-17.3 % HL), suborbital region narrow (suborbital width 4.7-7.2 % HL), vomerine tooth rows tending to increase in number with growth, with 2-4 rows in 106-184 mm SL specimens and a single broad band of numerous rows in larger specimens, teeth present on the dorsal surface of the premaxilla anterolaterally on the edge of the upper jaw in specimens ca. 76 mm SL or longer, and 3-5 dark brown to black bands and spots on its caudal fin. As the stated type locality, Surinam, is considered erroneous, and the holotype appears to have been lost, a neotype is designated with a type locality northeast of Darbilla Creek, Millingimbi, Northern Territory, Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteological and myological characters of the genus Perryena are described and the phylogenetic position of the genus is inferred cladistically on the basis of 89 character transformation series, with Perryena representing a branch off a clade comprising the Tetrarogidae, Synanceiidae, Aploactinidae, Congiopodidae, Gnathanacanthidae and Pataecidae, following an initial divergence of the family Apistidae. Perryena is not closely related to Congiopodidae, despite its historical referral to that family. In keeping with the familial rankings given to successive branches of the remaining ingroup, the new family name Perryenidae is proposed for Perryena, here designated as the type genus of the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogenetic relationships of the perciform suborder Trachinoidei, currently including 11 families (Cheimarrichthyidae, Pinguipedidae, Percophidae, Trichonotidae, Creediidae, Champsodontidae, Chiasmodontidae, Leptoscopidae, Ammodytidae, Trachinidae and Uranoscopidae) are reviewed from an historical perspective. The previously questioned monophyly of the suborder and familial limitations remain unclear because of conflicting evidence and differing phylogenetic proposals resulting from morphological and molecular perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the genus Eulophias Smith has been considered to include two valid species, Eulophias tanneri Smith and Eulophias owashii Okada and Suzuki , it was revealed that the latter is a junior synonym of the former after detail comparison of the holotypes and the original descriptions of both species. A new specimen of the genus collected from off Ibaraki Prefecture, Pacific coast of Japan, was also identified as E. tanneri. Because morphological characters of E. tanneri have been poorly known, the species is redescribed in detail, mainly based on the newly collected specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Validity of a ghost flathead, Hoplichthys regani Jordan , which has sometimes been regarded as a junior synonym of Hoplichthys gilberti Jordan and Richardson , was evaluated. We conclude that H. regani is a valid species from comparison of specimens of both species, including the name-bearing types. Hoplichthys regani can be distinguished from H. gilberti by the length of the longest free pectoral fin ray and length of each dorsal fin spine in males. We also redescribe H. regani and discuss its authorship, following the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomic status and type specimens of Platycephalus bataviensis Bleeker , described based on two syntypes (110 and 140 mm TL) from Batavia (= Jakarta), are discussed. Four platycephalid specimens have been recognized as possible syntype(s) of P. bataviensis. Of them, a specimen of 140.5 mm TL deposited at Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, identified as Inegocia japonica, is regarded to be the larger syntype and is designated as the lectotype of P. bataviensis in this study, while the paralectotype of the species is not identified. As a result, P. bataviensis becomes a junior synonym of I. japonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silurus imberbis Gmelin 1789 is a replacement name for Silurus inermis Houttuyn 1782, a primary junior homonym of Silurus inermis Linnaeus 1766. Although S. imberbis has recently been regarded as a junior synonym of Silurus asotus Linnaeus 1758, it is considered here to be conspecific with Inegocia japonica (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes 1829), based on a comparison of the original description of S. inermis Houttuyn with specimens of I. japonica. Although S. imberbis takes priority over I. japonica, an argument for a 'reversal of precedence' of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature is presented, establishing I. japonica as the valid name for the species. Although ' Platycephalus inermis Jordan and Evermann 1902' has been regarded as an available name, it is not considered to be available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The platycephlid genus Ratabulus Jordan and Hubbs, 1925 is reviewed taxonomically. The genus is defined by the long, slender canines on its upper jaw, palatine and vomer, the presence of a small free spine between the two dorsal fins, the iris lappet broad and simple dorsally, the suborbital ridge with numerous spines, the suborbitals and preopercle lacking sensory tubes in the cheek region, and lateral line scales with only a single pore posteriorly. Although the genus has been regarded as comprising only a single species, Ratabulus diversidens (McCulloch, 1914), this study presents descriptions of four: R. megacephalus (Tanaka, 1917) in southern Japan to the South China Sea, R. diversidens in eastern Australia, R. fulviguttatus sp. nov. in northwestern Australia and R. ventralis sp. nov. in northeastern Australia. R. megacephalus, having been regarded as a junior synonym of R. diversidens, is easily separable from that species in having more anteroventrally slanted oblique scale rows above the lateral line (94-112 versus 80-93). R. fulviguttatus sp. nov. is similar to R. megacephalus in having small dark spots dorsally on the body, but differs from it in having a shorter snout (30.4-34.8% HL versus 31.2-35.7% HL), longer pelvic fin (20.9-25.7% SL versus 19.5-23.1% SL), and a pale brown head and body (versus dark brown). Although R. ventralis sp. nov. resembles R. diversidens in having the nasal bone with tubercles, the former is distinguished from the latter and R. megacephalus by its longer pectoral fin (15.8-18.6% SL versus 13.9-17.0% SL). R. diversidens also differs from its three congeners in having larger brownish spots on the pelvic fin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

new species of sand whiting, Sillago ( Sillago) caudicula, is described based on four specimens collected from Oman, the Indian Ocean. It is easily distinguishable from its four known members of the subgenus Sillago by having a smaller head (29.0-30.1% in standard length), 23-24 soft anal fin rays, 35-36 total vertebrae, body depth at the origin of the second dorsal fin slightly deeper than that at the origin of the first dorsal fin, first and second hypurals fused (in adult) or narrowly separated (in young), third and fourth hypurals fused, and 11 dusky midlateral spots on the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolene helenensis sp. nov. is described on the basis of seven specimens collected from the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. This new bothid flounder differs from all known congeners by the following combination of characters: 108–116 dorsal and 89–92 anal fin rays, 101–111 lateral line scales, 7–10+10–15=18–25 gill rakers, 10–12+37–38=48–50 vertebrae, body depth 2.58–2.77 in standard length, ocular side pectoral fin length 1.34–1.59, in head length and upper half of pectoral fin blackish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogenetic position of the family Dactylopteridae is inferred cladistically. The family lacks a close relationship with the Scorpaeniformes, owing to the posterior extension of the infraorbital in the former not being homologous with the scorpaeniform suborbital stay. Monophyly of the Dactylopteridae and percoid family Malacanthidae is supported by 20 synapomorphies, the former having a sister relationship with the malacanthid genus Hoplolatilus supported by three synapomorphies. The former Dactylopteridae plus Malacanthidae are redefined as a percoid family. Dactylopteridae. being subdivided into the following four subfamilies: Branchiosteginae (including Branchiostegus and Lopholatilus), Malacanthinae ( Caulolatilus and Malacanthus), Hoplolatilinae subfam. nov. ( Hoplolatilus) and Dactylopterinae ( Dactylopterus and Dactyloptena). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new platycephalid, Thysanophrys papillaris, is described on the basis of six specimens (78–121 mm SL) collected from the Andaman Sea and off northern Australia (Timor and Arafura Seas). This new species can be distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: presence of a single short papilla on upper surface of eye, longer snout, smaller body scales. 11 second dorsal-fin rays and 12 anal-fin rays, presence of four or more suborbital spines usually, branched short iris lappet, ctenoid lateral-line scales and interopercle not extended posteroventrally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bembrid genus Bembras Cuvier is reviewed. Five species, B. japonica Cuvier, B. adenensis Imamura & Knapp and three undescribed species, were assigned to the genus. Type species of the genus, Bembras japonica is redescribed on the basis of 36 specimens including the holotype, and three new species, B. macrolepis, B. longipinnis and B. megacephala, previously misidentified as B. japonicus, are also described on the basis of specimens collected from Australia and Indonesia. Bembras macrolepis differs from its congeners by having large body scales, a long pectoral fin with 17–19 rays and a dark blotch on slightly upper portion to middle of margin, 14–15 anal-fin rays, small head and orbit, and caudal fin with a broad vertical dark band near posterior margin. Bembras longipinnis is distinguished from other members of the genus by having a slightly long pectoral fin with 17–19 rays and lacking a small black blotch near tip of upper rays, caudal fin with a large dark spot most intense in lower lobe, 1–2 gill rakers on upper gill arch, 13–14 anal-fin rays, slightly elong ated head and small orbit. Bembras megacephala is characterized by the following combination of characters: caudal fin with several irregular narrow vertical dark bands, small orbit, pectoral fin with 19–20 rays and lacking a small black blotch near tip of upper rays, head elongate, 2–4 gill rakers on upper gill arch, 15 anal-fin rays and small body scales. A key separating the five species of Bembras is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The osteological development of the synanceiid Inimicus japonicus, was described on the basis of five larvae and four juveniles (4.2–10.1 mm BL) reared in the laboratory, and two wild adult specimens. All bones, except for the basisphenoid, were formed in all larvae and juveniles, but fusions between the uppermost actinost and scapula, upper caudal plate and urostyle, and third preural centrum and hemal spine were not completed by 10.1 mm BL. Following comparison with the adult condition, a rod-like ossified bone without a tooth plate on the upper branchial arch of larvae and juveniles was considered homologous with the second pharyngobranchial. The number of epurals and length of the neural spine on the second preural centrum varied (unrelated to growth) and it is inferred that J. japonicus shows intraspecific variations in these bones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rare platycephalid, Onigocia grandisquama (Regan), is redescribed in detail from the holotype and an additional specimen collected from the Gulf of Thailand, western Pacific. The species is characterized by the following combination of characters: 11 anal fin rays, 32–34 lateral line scales, anteriormost 3–5 or 3–6 lateral line scales with a distinct spine, 1–2 preocular spines, broad and flat ocular flap, and long head (42.4–44.7% of standard length). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new bembrid, Bembras adenensis, is described on the basis of specimens collected from the Gulf of Aden, western Indian Ocean. This species is easily distinguished from B. japonica, the only known congener of the genus, by the following combination of characters: larger orbital diameter, longer head length, pectoral-fin with a small black blotch near tip of upper rays, 3 gill rakers on upper gill arch, 19 pectoral-fin rays, and 15 anal-fin rays (vs. smaller orbital diameter, shorter head length, pectoral-fin with several small spots forming irregular bands, 2 gill rakers on upper gill arch, usually 17 pectoral-fin rays, and 14 anal-fin rays in B. japonica). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile development of Suggrundus meerdervoortii was described, based on twelve specimens (12.9-43.8 mm SL) collected from off Yamagata Prefecture, Japan Sea. Two exterior openings in the lateral line scales were completed at ca. 35 mm SL, with the interopercular flap and iris lappet being visible at ca. 44 mm SL, these all being useful taxonomic characters. In juveniles and additional young and adult specimens (ca. 70-191 mm SL), the proportions of head length, snout length, orbital diameter, caudal peduncle depth and caudal fin length decreased with growth; interorbital width decreased rapidly until ca. 70 mm SL, but more or less stabilised thereafter (70-191 mm SL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycenchelys tohokuensis sp. nov. is described from five specimens, 199–270 mm SL. Unknown before 1997, specimens were collected along the Pacific side of the Tohoku coast, from off Aomori to Fukushima prefectures at depths of 543–709 m. The species differs from all congeners in the northwestern Pacific chiefly in the lack of pelvic fins, having a double lateral line configuration, relatively low vertebral counts, two rows of palatine teeth, and its head pore pattern. The new species does not appear to be closely related to any other northwestern Pacific Lycenchelys including the only other one without pelvic fins, Lycenchelys fedorovi Anderson and Balanov, 2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new liparid, Careproctus parvidiscus, is described on the basis of a single specimen (177 mm in standard length) collected from the southern Okhotsk Sea, off Shiretoko Point, Hokkaido, Japan, at 400–700 m depth. It is distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of the characters: 50 dorsal fin rays, 44 anal fin rays, 10 + 47 = 57 vertebrae, 2 pleural ribs, 14 pyloric caeca being slender and pointed, 2 suprabranchial pores, narrower gill opening, longer lower lobe of pectoral fin, base of uppermost pectoral fin ray almost on a level with center of eye, rudimentary disk, dusky peritoneum, and black stomach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents notes on the dentition of Howella parini described by B. I. Fedoryako in 1976, which belongs to the genus Perciformes. Fedoryako formerly described a perciform fish Howella parini based on two specimens collated from the Emperor Sea Mounts. He added that the species as lacking vomerine and palatine teeth.