First record of two leiognathid fishes, Gazza achlamys and Leiognathus aureus, from Japan (Perciformes: Leiognathidae)

Abstract

Two leiognathids, Gazza achlamys and Leiognathus aureus, were reported here for the first time from the waters around Japan, based on the specimens collected from Okinawa Prefecture. The descriptions of the specimens were provided and new Japanese names for those species were proposed. The specimens are the northernmost records of both species. Gazza achlamys can be distinguished from the other confamilial species in having a pair of large canine-like teeth on symphysis of premaxilla and naked dorsolateral surface anterior to base of sixth or seventh dorsal fin spine. Leiognathus aureus is also distinguishable from the other confamilial species in having forward-protruding mouth without canine-like teeth, 67-85 lateral line scales, 12-18 scales above lateral line, 32-41 scales below lateral line, a black line between anteroventral margin of eye and the lower jaw articulation when mouth closed, and dark blotches neither on nape nor below spinous dorsal fin base.