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Range extension of the striped triggerfish Xanthichthys lineopunctatus (Tetraodontiformes: Balistidae) from India

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2013

Rekha J. Nair*
Affiliation:
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi-682 018, Kerala, India
S. Dinesh Kumar
Affiliation:
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi-682 018, Kerala, India
P.M. Geetha
Affiliation:
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi-682 018, Kerala, India
Somy Kuriakose
Affiliation:
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi-682 018, Kerala, India
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: R.J. Nair, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Post Box No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O., Kochi-682 018, Kerala, India email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Two specimens of Xanthichthys lineopunctatus of total length 254 mm and 293 mm were collected from hook and line units operating off Kerala near Lakshadweep on the south-west coast of India in October 2004 and November 2005. The species is characterized by an oblong compressed body with a small mouth, yellowish brown body traversed horizontally by incomplete reddish brown lines from the operculum which become dotted lines on ventral area. This is the first report of the genus from Indian waters and an addition to the nine genera and thirteen species of balistids already reported from Indian waters. The descriptions of the specimens collected are provided with possible cause of range extension due to temperature changes in its natural habitat.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2013

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References

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