First record of Spotted Knifejaw, Oplegnathus punctatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) (Oplegnathidae) in the southern South China Sea

Abstract

Oplegnathus punctatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844) is reported for the first time in the southern South China Sea, off Pulau Tenggol, Malaysia. This species is native to the north-western and central Pacific Ocean and mainly occurs in subtropical and warm temperate waters. This record is a significant southward extension of its range and also represents the first documentation of the family Oplegnathidae in Malaysia. 

Keywords

• Coral reef
• knifejaw
• Malaysia
• marine fish
• new r