Identification of Ambassis species (Pisces: Perciformes, Ambassidae) from South Africa

Abstract

The taxonomy of the genus Ambassis from South Africa was revised and an identification key, using external features of their cranial osteology was constructed. Whereas previous authors list four species, this study shows that Ambassis commersoni is absent and only Ambassis productus, A. natalensis and A. gymnocephalus occur in South African waters. The three species are redescribed. Diagnostic features of Ambassis otoliths and their use as an aid to species identification are described.