Indo-West Pacific species of Trachinotus with spots on their sides as adults, with description of a new species endemic to the Marquesas Islands (Teleostei: Carangidae)

Researchers have identified and described a new species of jack, Trachinotus macrospilus, endemic to the Marquesas Islands—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This species is distinguished by its unique pattern: adults possess only one or two large spots on each side, with the largest spot exceeding the iris diameter in size, and lack a prominent spot above the pectoral fin. The study provides diagnoses, comparisons, photographs, and distribution maps for three previously described Indo-West Pacific Trachinotus species, alongside an identification key and molecular phylogeny encompassing 16 of the 20 valid species in the genus. Additionally, a neotype is designated for Scomber botla Shaw, 1803, to clarify its taxonomic status.

SMITH-VANIZ, W. F., & WALSH, S. J. (2019). Indo-West Pacific species of Trachinotus with spots on their sides as adults, with description of a new species endemic to the Marquesas Islands (Teleostei: Carangidae). Zootaxa, 4651(1). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4651.1.1