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Issue: Vol. 5799 No. 2: 28 Apr. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-04-28
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5799.2.6
Page range: 338-348
Abstract views: 49
PDF downloaded: 3

New distribution records and molecular characterization of six commercially important groupers (Teleostei: Perciformes: Epinephelidae) from the Lakshadweep Islands, India

Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries; University of Kerala; Thiruvananthapuram 695581; Kerala; India; Department of Life Sciences; Christ University; Hosur Road; Bengaluru—560029; India
Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries; University of Kerala; Thiruvananthapuram 695581; Kerala; India; Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS); Panangad P.O.; Kochi; 682506; India
Blue Innovation Division; Seto Inland Sea Carbon Neutral Research Centre; Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life; Hiroshima University; Takehara; Hiroshima; 7250024; Japan; School of Animal Science; Aquatic Science and Environment; Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry; Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin; Besut Campus; 22200 Besut; Terengganu; Malaysia
Pisces Grouper Epinephelidae COI barcoding molecular phylogeny Agatti island Lakshadweep

Abstract

This study documents the first recorded occurrence of six commercially important grouper fish species (Teleostei: Perciformes: Epinephelidae) from the Lakshadweep Islands, India. The species documented in this study are the Snubnose grouper Epinephelus macrospilos (Bleeker, 1855), Brownspotted grouper Epinephelus chlorostigma (Valenciennes, 1828), Dotted grouper Epinephelus epistictus (Temminck and Schlegel, 1842), Slender grouper Anyperodon leucogrammicus (Valenciennes, 1828), White-edged lyretail Variola albimarginata Baissac, 1953 and Oblique-banded grouper Epinephelus radiatus (Day, 1868). Both morphological examination and molecular analysis were carried out to characterize and confirm the identity of these species. This investigation represents the first documentation of these six grouper species from the Lakshadweep Islands. The results enhance current understanding of the marine biodiversity of the region and provide valuable information for the management and sustainability of its commercially important fisheries.

 

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How to Cite

Dhaneesh, K.V., Kumar, A.B. & Aneesh, P.T. (2026) New distribution records and molecular characterization of six commercially important groupers (Teleostei: Perciformes: Epinephelidae) from the Lakshadweep Islands, India. Zootaxa, 5799 (2), 338–348. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5799.2.6