The Sphyraena obtusata group (Perciformes: Sphyraenidae) with a description of a new species from southern Japan

Abstract

Sphyraena iburiensis sp. nov. is described, and taxonomic reviews are provided for S. obtusata and S. pinguis. These species, characterized by having 2 gill rakers, are defined as the S. obtusata group. Sphyraena iburiensis, known only from the Pacific coast of southern Japan, is characterized by 8.5–9.5 scales above the lateral line, a single row of scales in the groove along the lower margin of the suborbital region from the posterior tip of the maxilla to below the eye (= suborbital groove) not covered with skin, 2 distinct longitudinal stripes on the lateral surface of the body when fresh (upper stripe usually lost in preserved specimens), the lower stripe reaching the caudal-fin base just below the lateral line. Sphyraena obtusata, distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, is characterized by 5–7.5 scales above the lateral line, a single row of scales in the suborbital groove covered with skin, 2 somewhat indistinct longitudinal stripes on the lateral surface of the body when fresh (upper stripe usually lost in preserved specimens), the lower stripe joining the lateral line midway between the end of the second dorsal-fin base and caudal peduncle and extending to the middle of the caudal-fin base. Sphyraena pinguis, distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, is characterized by 7.5–9.5 scales above the lateral line, a single row of scales in the suborbital groove not covered with skin, and a single longitudinal stripe on the lateral surface of the body joining the lateral line slightly before or just below the end of the second dorsal-fin base and extending to the middle of the caudal-fin base. Seven (S. aureoflammea, S. brachygnathos, S. flavicauda, S. grandisquamis, S. langsar, S. lineata, and S. strenua) and 2 (S. chrysotaenia and S. schlegelii) nominal species are regarded as junior synonyms of S. obtusata and S. pinguis, respectively. In addition, lectotypes are designated for S. flavicauda, S. langsar, S. lineata, and S. obtusata. A key to the three species of the S. obtusata group is provided.