First Taiwanese and northernmost records of Plectorhinchus polytaenia (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Haemulidae)

Abstract

Twelve species of the genus Plectorhinchus  have been recorded from Taiwanese waters. Although Plectorhinchus polytaenia (Bleeker, 1853) is known from Indo–West Pacific north to Philippines, it has not previously been reported from Taiwan. The main objective of this paper is to document the presence of this species in the waters of Taiwan. Three specimens (212.6–344.3 mm standard length) of P. polytaenia were collected from southern Taiwan in 2017. The morphology and fresh coloration of the collected specimens are herein described. The majority of the morphological characters agree well with previous descriptions of P. polytaenia: chin naked with 6 pores; total gill rakers 27–28; dorsal fin with 12–13 spines and 21–22 rays; scales ctenoid; lateral line scales 54–56; 8–11 black-edged white longitudinal stripes on body; fins, iris and upper lip yellow; tongue and gill rakers scarlet. Therefore, the specimens from southern Taiwan are identified as Plectorhinchus polytaenia. The presently described specimens represent the first record for Taiwan, as well as the northernmost record of this species.

Keywords

• taxonomy
• distribution
• coral reef
• sweetlips
• Ple