Status of the genus Macroramphosus (Syngnathiformes: Centriscidae) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

Two sympatric species, M. scolopax (Linnaeus) and M. gracilis (Lowe), were examined based on samplings carried out at the eastern Mediterranean Sea (Turkey). The latter species has frequently been considered a synonym of M. scolopax; however, it is distinct by the following combination of characters: first dorsal fin originating before anus, second spine of first dorsal not extending beyond second dorsal fin base, length between two dorsal fins greater than the eye diameter, ventral scutes not protruding, and projecting scute between pelvic and anal fins less developed.