The Validity of Helcogramma ishigakiensis (Aoyagi, 1954) and a Synopsis of Species of Helcogramma from the Ryukyu Islands, Southern Japan (Perciformes: Tripterygiidae)

Abstract

Helcogramma ishigakiensis (Aoyagi, 1954), originally described as Lepidoblennius marmoratus ishigakiensis from the Ryukyu Islands, southern Japan, and subsequently regarded as a junior synonym of Helcogramma inclinata (Fowler, 1946), is redescribed here as a valid species. Helcogramma ishigakiensis is characterized by the following combination of characters: 13-15 (modally 14) second dorsal-fin spines; 28-39 pored lateral-line scales; 4-5+1+4-6 (typically 4+1+4) mandibular pores; anterior nostril tentacle unbranched; orbital tentacle simple; nape without scales; and bases of dorsal fins and entire caudal fin reddish in mature male. A synopsis of the other species of Helcogramma occurring in the Ryukyu Islands and a key to the Ryukyu species of the genus are provided.