Description of Stolephorus horizon n. sp. from Fiji and Tonga, and redescription of Stolephorus scitulus (Fowler, 1911) (Teleostei: Clupeiformes: Engraulidae)

Abstract

The new anchovy Stolephorus horizon n. sp., described on the basis of 34 specimens collected from Fiji and Tonga, has been previously confused with Stolephorus indicus (van Hasselt, 1823) or Stolephorus scitulus (Fowler, 1911). However, the new species differs from both of the latter in having the pectoral fin without melanophores, and a unique range of gill rakers. A redescription of S. scitulus and an identification key of species previously identified as S. indicus are also provided.

Looking Back on 2023—A Fruitful Year for Taxonomy

“…Thirtythree new species of bacteria, plants, and animals have been described in Taxonomy in 2023, documenting the need for reliable and serious journals devoted to taxonomy. Of course, papers on taxonomy and systematics-morphology-based [1][2][3] or with a focus on molecular data [4][5][6]-prevailed by far, but we also published papers with a focus on methodology [7,8].…”