First Specimen-based Record of <i>Ammolabrus dicrus</i> (Perciformes: Labridae) from Japanese Waters, with Notes on Morphological Ontogenetic Changes and Geographic Variation

Abstract

Ammolabrus dicrus Randall and Carlson, 1997, originally described from 14 specimens (21.0-94.1 mm standard length; SL) from Oahu, has to date been collected only from Wake Atoll and the Hawaiian Islands. Two juvenile specimens (18.4-21.4 mm SL) of A. dicrus, collected at a depth of 12 m off Taketomi Island, Yaeyama Islands (Ryukyu Islands) and described here in detail, represent the first specimen-based records from Japan. Ontogenetic changes and geographic variations are noted.