Validity of the leiognathid fish,Gazza dentex (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valencinnes, 1835), with designation of a lectotype, and redescription ofG. minuta (Bloch, 1795)

Abstract

Gazza dentex (Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1835), having been synonymized withG. minuta (Bloch, 1795), is redescribed as a valid species.Gazza dentex differs fromG. minuta in having deeper body (43.6–51.4% of standard length [SL] vs. 28.3–46.5% of SL), a broad anterodorsal extension of subocular silvery region, in contact with orbit proximally and distally (vs. a long narrow anterodorsal extension, proximal contact only with orbit), scaled area of anterior dorsolateral suface of body not beyond a vertical through posterior tip of sensory canal on temporal (vs. beyond), distance from posterior margin of temporal to anterior tip of dorsolateral scaled area equal to length of 3–5 anterior pored lateral line scales (vs. length of 1–2.5 anterior pored lateral line scales), some dark narrow wavy bands dorsolaterally on body (vs. some dark broad wavy bands above lateral line and a row of dark spots along lateral line), first interneural inserted deeply between first and second neural spines (vs. inserted shallowly), anterior expansion of first interneural narrow, its margin concave (vs. anterior expansion broad, its margin broadly convex), antrorse extension of first interhemal short, deep, acutely pointed (vs. long, moderately deep, pointed) first to fourth hypurals forming 2 plates (first+second and third-fourth hypurals) (vs. a single plate). The lectotype and three paralectotypes are designated forG. dentex, andG. minuta is redescribed.