Taxonomic identity of the enigmatic Western Australian fish species Stigmatonotus australis Peters, 1877 (Teleostei)

Abstract

The familial classification and specific identity of Stigmatonotus australis Peters, 1877 has been unresolved ever since its original description. Examination of a photograph and X-radiograph of the holotype confirms placement in the serranid subfamily Anthiadinae. It is further identified to the genus Hypoplectrodes Gill, 1862 and shown to represent a juvenile specimen of the species currently called H. cardinalis Allen & Randall, 1990. Character and other evidence supporting this conclusion are summarised, including discussion of apparently contradictory characters. Consequently, the following synonymisations are proposed: the family-group name Stigmatonotidae Whitley, 1954 with Anthiadides Poey, 1861, the generic name Stigmatonotus Peters, 1877 with Hypoplectrodes Gill, 1862, and the species name H. cardinalis Allen & Randall, 1990 with S. australis Peters, 1877.