Redescription of Polydactylus macrochir (Gunther, 1867), a senior synonym of P-sheridani (Macleay, 1884) (Perciformes : Polynemidae)

Polydactylus macrochir (Gunther, 1867), for many years identified as P. she ridani (Macleay, 1884), is redescribed as valid and a senior synonym of the latter species, following examination of the holotype of the former and co mparative material. Polydactylus macrochir is characterized by 14 or 15 pec toral-fin rays (usually 14), five pectoral filaments, 70-76 pored lateral-l ine scales, 32-35 gill rakers, occipital profile concave in adults, posteri or margin of maxilla extending considerably beyond posterior margin of adip ose eyelid, depth of posterior portion of maxilla greater than dermal eye o pening in adults, second spine of first dorsal fin ver strong and long pect oral-fin rays (22-27% of standard length). Polydactylus macrochir is curren tly known only from northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea, being endemic to those areas.