Scomberomorus munroi, a new species of Spanish mackerel from Australia and New Guinea

Abstract

S. munroi, sp. nov.. is described from northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. It has been confused with S. niphonius of the north-western Pacific because both are spotted species with many (19-22) dorsal spines. S. niphonius is unique among the 18 species of the genus in having a straight intestine; S. munroi, like most other species of Scomberomorus, has two loops and three limbs to the intestine. S. munroi has more vertebrae (50-52) than S. niphonius (48-50) and most other species of Australian Scomberomorus (S. commerson 42-46, S. queenslandicus 48-49, S. semifasciatus 44-46), except for S. multiradiatus from Papua New Guinea (55-56). S. munroi has a deeper body and a longer postorbital distance than S. niphonius.