Taxonomic status of Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae and P. schrenki (Pleuronectidae sensu Cooper and Chapleau, 1998)

• Published in: Journal of ichthyology 2006-05, Vol.46 (4), p.301-310
• Main Authors: Vinnikov, K. A., Ivankov, V. N., Pitruk, D. L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Marine; Pleuronectidae; Pseudopleuronectes schrenki; Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae
• ISSN: 0032-9452; 1555-6425
• DOI: 10.1134/S0032945206040035

In studying the variation of the taxa group Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae and P. schrenki from various areas in the Sea of Japan, significant differences in the combination of morphometric and meristic characters were not revealed. It was found that typical characters such as fin coloration from the blind side of the body, number of rays in the fins, number of scales in the lateral line, etc. that are used by most authors to distinguish P. yokohamae and P. shrenki strongly vary and are not adequate for assigning individuals to a certain taxon. A conclusion of the absence of differences and, hence, the homogeneity of the group studied is supported by genetic-biochemical studies, as well as by analysis of the lateral line system of these two groups of flatfish. Considering the results obtained and literature data on the morphology and ecology of flatfish taxa considered in the paper, it is justifiable to consider the P. yokohamae + P. schrenki group as one polymorphic species Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae Guenther, 1877. The second taxon, P. shrenki, as a later species, should be considered a synonym of the species P. yokohamae.