Molecular Confirmation and Comparative Morphometrics of Lethrinus Erythracanthus Valenciennes, 1830 from the Eastern Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean

Sijad, B and Najmudeen, T M and Thomas, Toji and Pakkri Muthu, S and Ragesh, N (2025) Molecular Confirmation and Comparative Morphometrics of Lethrinus Erythracanthus Valenciennes, 1830 from the Eastern Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean. Thalassas: An International Journal of Marine Sciences, 41. pp. 1-10. ISSN 2366-1674

Text Thalassas_2025_Najmudeen T M.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This study presents an updated assessment of Lethrinus erythracanthus Valenciennes, 1830, from the eastern Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean. The taxonomic status of this species in the region has been limited, with only a single previous record documented and identified solely on morphological features. Addressing this limitation, the present work applies the first integrative taxonomic approach for L. erythracanthus in the eastern Arabian Sea, combining detailed morphometric and meristic analysis with molecular confirmation using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. A specimen collected from Munambam Fisheries Harbour, Kerala, was subjected to this comprehensive analysis. The results of the molecular phylogenetic analysis robustly corroborate the morphological identification, placing the specimen within the L. erythracanthus clade. This dual methodology not only expands the known geographic range of the species but also provides a more reliable and enhanced taxonomic resolution for the species in this region, significantly contributing to the currently limited knowledge of Lethrinus erythracanthus in the eastern Arabian Sea.

Actions (login required)

View Item