Taxonomic Note on Ellochelon vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) (Mugilidae: Mugiliformes) from West New Guinea, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract
 Ellochelon vaigiensis is a monotypic, catadromous, and widespread species throughout Indo-Pacific region. Taxonomy of the species is ancient and somewhat confused by morphological resemblance. Here, we present and compare the morphological characteristics of E. vaigiensis from 3 distinct areas, respectively from the type locality (Waigeo Island, Raja Ampat), from Cendrawasih Bay (Biak Island), and Kaimana (Venu and Aiduma Islands). All the samples belong to E. vaigiensis following the species diagnosis given by Harrison and Senou (1999). No significant differentiation is found for all meristic and morphological characters between specimens caught from the type locality and Biak Island. Nevertheless, specimens from Kaimana have a slender body width compared to specimens from Waigeo Island (type locality) and Biak Island. Specimens from Kaimana also display a longer head and a larger eye diameter than specimens from Biak Island. A canonical discriminant analysis made on all morphometric data confirms the morphological differentiation of Kaimana‘s specimens compared to the type locality and Biak Island. These results suggest the possibility of the presence of cryptic species in E. vaigiensis and emphasize the necessity to conduct molecular taxonomy to definitely solve the taxonomic status of Kaimana specimens.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 The present study provided a detailed morphological study of E. vaigiensis based on specimens collected at the type of locality of Waigeo and samples caught from localities in the western part of New Guinea
 No significant differentiation is found for all meristic and morphological characters between specimens caught from the type locality and Biak Island. Nevertheless, specimens from Kaimana have a slender body width at origin of first dorsal fin compared to specimens from type locality and Biak Island. Specimens from Kaimana also display a longer head and a larger eye diameter than specimens from Biak Island
 A canonical discriminant analysis confirms the morphological differentiation of Kaimana‘s specimens suggesting the possibility of the presence of cryptic species in E. vaigiensis and emphasize the necessity to conduct molecular taxonomy
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

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