Parapolynemus, a New Genus for the Polynemid Fish Previously Known as Polynemus verekeri

Abstract

The generic name Parapolynemus is proposed for the polynemid fish originally identified as Polynemus verekeri Saville-Kent. An osteological examination of the species of Polynemus Linnaeus revealed striking and unique characters in Polynemus verekeri Saville-Kent. Parapolynemus verekeri is redescribed. This is the smallest species in Polynemidae. Polynemus intermedius Nichols is a junior synonym of P. verekeri. Parapolynemus verekeri occurs along part of the north coast of Australia and south coast of New Guinea. IN his genus Polynemus, Linnaeus (1758) named three divergent species that are today recognized as Polynemus paradiseus, Pentanemus quinquarius, and Polydactylus virginicus. Feltes (1991) noted that there are two major lineages in the Polynemidae. Polynemus is representative of those polynemids that have a marked reduction in the size of the orbit, with a corresponding modification of the associated bones, and insertion of the pectoral fin relatively high on the body. The species previously recognized as Polynemus verekeri Saville-Kent shares these characters; however, based on a suite of conspicuous differences, it is placed in a new genus, Parapolynemus. The species of Polynemus occur from the Ganges Delta to Borneo, whereas Parapolynemus verekeri has been taken in Australia from the Cambridge Gulf in northern Western Australia to Arnhem Land, Northern Terri