Leiognathus Longispinis (Valenciennes, in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1835), a Senior Synonym of Leiognathus Smithursti (Ramsay and Ogilby, 1886) (Teleostei: Leiognathidae)
Leiognathus longispinis (Valenciennes, in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1835) is shown to be a senior synonym of Leiognathus smithursti (Ramsay and Ogilby, 1886). Many leiognathid species were described without a broad comparison to existing species, which has contributed to nomenclatural problems. Although the holotypes of both L. longispinis and L. smithursti were collected in New Guinea, the authors of the latter name were evidently unaware of the earlier named species, which is shown herein to be morphologically indistinct from L. smithursti.Abstract
Leiognathus longispinis, holotype, MNHN A-0579, 79.4 mm SL, Indonesia, Irian Jaya, Pulau Waigeo (Waigiou).
Leiognathus smithursti, holotype, AMS B.9962, 149.5 mm SL, Papua New Guinea, Hood Lagoon. Although the second anal-fin spine is broken off distally, it is still characteristically long.
Contributor Notes
Department of Ichthyology, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, New York 10024. E-mail: jsparks@amnh.org.