A Review of the Mullets with a Keel on the Back, Liza carinata Complex (Pisces : Mugilidae)

Abstract

Liza carinata complex, characterized by having a keel on the middorsal line in front of the spinous dorsal fin, is revised. This complex consists of the following three species: L. carinata ([Ehrenberg MS] Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1836) occurs in the Red Sea and the eastern Mediterranean; L. klunzingeri (Day, 1888) occurs in the west coast of India, Pakistan and the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf); L. affinis (Gunther, 1861) occurs in China, Taiwan and Japan. A key, synonymies, descriptions and illustrations are provided for all these species. Some geographical variations are also discussed.