Taxonomic Status of the Commercially Important Grouper, Epinephelus bruneus and E. moara (Osteichthys: Perciformes: Epinephelidae), with the Redescription of E. bruneus and the Description of a New Species

Abstract

The epinephelid longtooth grouper comprises two nominal species, Epinephelus bruneus Bloch, 1793 and E. moara (Temminck and Schlegel, 1843). The name E. moara had been applied to specimens in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, but was later relegated to the junior synonymy of E. bruneus. However, in continental China, two forms of longtooth groupers have been recognized: one distributed in the South China Sea (herein the “southern form”) and another in the East and South China Seas (the “northern from”). The name E. bruneus has been applied to the former, and E. moara to the latter. A recent study demonstrated that the two forms were morphologically and genetically distinct. However, because that study did not examine the name-bearing types, the appropriate scientific names remained uncertain. Examinations herein of the lectotypes and the original illustrations for the descriptions of E. bruneus and E. moara, and comparisons of specimens of both forms, revealed that both lectotypes were conspecific with the “northern form”; therefore, the valid name for this form is E. bruneus, again relegating E. moara to its junior synonymy. The “southern form” is described herein as E. randalli sp. nov., which is distinguished from E. bruneus by fewer dorsal-fin soft rays (13–14, usually 13 vs. 14–16, usually 15), the size and number of enlarged serrae at the corner of the preopercle (abruptly and remarkably enlarged, 2–4 vs. gradually and slightly enlarged, 2–11, usually 4–7), the scales on the side of body (cycloid except pectoral region vs. mostly ctenoid), and the patterns of the body bars and the head bands. The use of these correct scientific names will greatly assist communication regarding the appropriate development of stock management, aquaculture, and conservation of these commercially important groupers.