Kyphosus

Abstract: A molecular phylogenetic analysis with complete species sampling of the family Kyphosidae revealed several discrepancies with the current taxonomy. We thus undertook a complete taxonomic revision of all kyphosid genera, i.e. Kyphosus Lacepede, 1801, and the monotypic Hermosilla Jenkins and Evermann, 1889, Sectator Jordan and Evermann, 1903 and Neoscorpis Smith, 1931. Species delimitation was determined on the basis of congruence between (a) monophyletic groupings in the molecular phylogeny, and (b) clusters of morphological variation in type material. Twelve species are supported and redescribed. Both Hermosilla and Sectator are considered junior synonyms of Kyphosus. Kyphosus azureus (Jenkins & Evermann, 1889) and K. ocyurus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) are redescribed accordingly. We designate a neotype for Kyphosus cornelii (Whitley, 1944), as the original material is lost, and new material was collected at the type locality for this study to facilitate comparison with other species of Kyphosus. Kyphosus sandwicensis (sensu Sauvage, 1880) was found to be a junior synonym of K. elegans (Peters, 1869). Kyphosus incisor (Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1831) and K. analogus (Gill, 1862) are considered junior synonyms of K. vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825). Kyphosus gallveii (Cunningham, 1910), K. pacificus Sakai and Nakabo, 2004 and K. lutescens (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) are all considered junior synonyms of K. sectatrix (Linnaeus, 1758). One of the two syntype specimens of K. sectatrix was identified as the holotype of Pimelepterus bosquii (Lacepede, 1802), and proved to be a specimen of K. bigibbus Lacepede, 1801. This specimen is re-assigned as a non-type of K. bigibbus. Full re-descriptions of the following valid species are presented: K. bigibbus, K. cinerascens (Forsskal, 1775), K. cornelii, K. elegans, K. hawaiiensis Sakai and Nakabo, 2004, K. gladius Knudsen and Clements, 2013, K. sydneyanus (Gunther, 1886) and K. vaigiensis, together with a key to the family. The distribution of Kyphosus species is reconsidered based on our taxonomic revision, indicating that four species (K. bigibbus, K. cinerascens, K. sectatrix and K. vaigiensis) occur in both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.

Abstract: This is the first record of Kyphosus atlanticus (Sakai & Nakabo, 2014) from Tramandai, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. In the Western Atlantic, the range of this marine fish known to extend from New England to São Paulo state, Brazil. We hypothesize that the occurrence of K. atlanticus outside its natural range is due to the recent (1968) establishment of new fish aggregation devices (two buoys, SPM-1 and SPM-2, of the Sea Terminal “Almirante Soares Dutra”), which enable this species to populate new areas.

Abstract: Two new species of Kyphosus, K. pacificus and K. hawaiiensis, are described and the taxonomy reviewed of K. bigibbus Lacepede, 1801, closely related to the former. These three species are clearly distinguished from other species of Kyphosus in having 12 dorsal-fin soft rays, the anterior part of the dorsal-fin soft-rayed portion not elevated, 11 anal-fin soft rays, and 58–72 (usually more than 59) scales in longitudinal row along the middle body. Kyphosus pacificus is distributed in the Western-Central Pacific, being characterized by a pointed snout and 26–29 gill rakers (mode 27). Kyphosus hawaiiensis is distributed only in the Central Pacific and is characterized by a blunt snout, 23–25 gill rakers (mode 24), 18 pectoral fin soft rays, and the anterior part of the anal-fin soft-rayed portion well elevated. Kyphosus bigibbus is distributed antitropically in the Indo-West Pacific and is characterized by a blunt snout, 21–24 gill rakers (mode 22), 19 pectoral fin soft rays, and the anterior part of the anal-fin soft-rayed portion not elevated. In addition, Pimelepterus fallax Klunzinger, 1884 was found to be a junior synonym of K. bigibbus Lacepede. A lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for the former because the original type series included an example of a second species.

Abstract: The present study analyzed and compared diet and fe eding behavior (substrate use, position in water co lumn, interactions with other fishes) of Kyphosus spp. (sea chubs) in a Brazilian subtropical reef. Juveniles ( ≤ 160 mm) of Kyphosus incisor consumed both algae and invertebrates, which were mainly calanoid copepods. Juvenile and small adults of also observed foraging in the water column. We thus provide the first record of omnivory for Kyphosids in the southwest Atlantic Ocean.