Macrodon atricauda (Gunther, 1880) (Perciformes: Sciaenidae), a valid species from the southwestern Atlantic, with comments on its conservation

摘要

The American sciaenid genus Macrodon presently consists of only two species, the Atlantic Macrodon ancylodon (Bloch & Schneider, 1801), and the Pacific Macrodon mordax (Gilbert & Starks, 1904). The two species are distinguished mainly by the number ofpored scales on the lateral line (66-78 in M. ancylodon vs. 45-55 in M. mordax). The present study revalidates a third species, the second from the Atlantic, Macrodon atricauda (Gunther, 1880), which is genetically, morphologically, and geographically distinct from M ancylodon, occurring between the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo and northern Argentina. It has significant economic importance in the area and thus considerations about its conservation are also presented.