New record of Engyprosopon macrolepis (Regan, 1908) from Taiwan (Pleuronectiformes: Bothidae)

Abstract

Specimens of the largescale dwarf flounder, Engyprosopon macrolepis (Regan, 1908) (Pleuronectiformes: Bothidae), were collected from the fishery landing of Chi-kan, Peng-hu Islands, western Taiwan. Although this species has been recorded from western Pacific Ocean including the Philippines and Japan, it has never been recorded from Taiwanese waters. Therefore, our specimens represent the first record for Taiwanese waters and fill a gap in the distribution of this species between the two countries. A detailed description of the specimens, including coloration of the fresh condition is provided and compared to the data of specimens collected in other regions. With the addition of E. macrolepis, a total of 11 species of Engyprosopon are recorded from Taiwanese waters, and we suggest that more species are expected to occur off Taiwan.