REVISION OF THE PERCOPHID GENUS BEMBROPS (ACTINOPTERYGII, PERCIFORMES)

The validity of the 18 nominal species of Bembrops are examined in a r evision of this marine fish genus. Over 700 specimens were examined, a nd principal components analysis was performed on 259 specimens using 26 traditional morphometric, 21 truss, and 15 meristic characters and two attributes. Most of the meristic characters and attributes (includ ing pigmentation on membranes between the spines of the first dorsal f in) are useful in identifying the species; however, some truss charact ers and a few morphometric characters are helpful. Thirteen species of a monophyletic Bembrops are recognized as valid, one of which, B. cad enati, is described as new, and five nominal species are regarded as j unior synonyms as follows: B. adenensis of B. caudimacula, B. aethalea of B. platyrhynchus, B. filodorsalia of B. filifera, B. indica of B. filifera, and B. philippinus of B. platyrhynchus. A synonymy, diagnosi s, and description are given for each species; in addition, remarks on their taxonomy and interrelationships, distribution, biology, and ety mology are also provided. A key to the 13 valid species is presented.