Taxonomic review of the Neomerinthe bucephalus species group (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae), with description of a new species from Vanuatu

A taxonomic review of five scorpaenid nominal species included in the Neomerinthe bucephalus species group [Neomerinthe amplisquamiceps (Fowler 1938), Neomerinthe bucephalus (Alcock 1896), Neomerinthe kaufmani (Herre 1952), Neomerinthe megalepis (Fowler 1938), and Neomerinthe procurva Chen 1981], characterized by a lateral lacrimal spine, recognized four to be valid (N. amplisquamiceps, N. bucephalus, N. kaufmani, and N. megalepis), with N. procurva regarded as a junior synonym of N. bucephalus. A lectotype was designated for N. bucephalus in this study. The valid species, supported by a molecular analysis based on the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I, can also be identified from combinations of the following characteristics: numbers of pectoral-fin rays, scale rows in the longitudinal series, scale rows below the lateral line, and scale rows between the sixth dorsal-fin spine and lateral line, eleventh dorsal-fin spine length, caudal-peduncle length and depth, and body coloration. In addition, the new species Neomerinthe harenartis is described based on four specimens collected from Vanuatu. This species, also bearing a lateral lacrimal spine, is distinguished from other Indo-Pacific Neomerinthe by having 19 pectoral-fin rays, 47 or 48 scale rows in the longitudinal series, 6 or 7 scale rows above the lateral line, and body depth 31.0-32.8% of SL, and lacking a second preopercular spine. A key to species in the N. bucephalus species group is given.

Automated summary

A taxonomic review was conducted on five species in the Neomerinthe bucephalus species group, and four were determined to be valid. Molecular analysis supported the identification of these species based on various characteristics. Additionally, a new species, Neomerinthe harenartis, was described and a key to species in the N. bucephalus species group was provided.