New Record of Ariomma brevimanum (Klunzinger, 1884) (Perciformes: Ariommatidae) from Indian Waters

Nine specimens (584-670 mm standard length) of Ariomma brevimanum (Klunzinger 1884) were collected from the Cochin Fishing Harbour (south-eastern Arabian Sea) in 2016. Morphometric and meristic parameters, along with the DNA barcoding confirmed the identity of the specimens. The majority of the proportional morphometric measurement and meristic counts were concurrent with the previous description of A. brevimanus: body elongated (depth at first dorsal and second dorsal fin origin was about 22.8-25.2% and 22.0-22.7% of the standard length respectively); first dorsal fin with XI spine and second dorsal fin with I spine and 15 rays; anal fin with II spine and 15 rays; pectoral fin with 22-24 rays; scales large, cycloid, thin and deciduous; lateral line with 52-55 pored scales; pre-dorsal scale patch extending to about the hind margin of the eye; pre-opercular margin angular; horizontal eye diameter 18-22% of head length; gill rakers, 30-32 on first gill arch. In the present study, the partial sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene of A. brevimanum were generated. The analysis using the sequences of the COI gene produced a phylogenetic tree considering the maximum likelihood tree showed distinct clustering among species of Ariomma and revealed an identical phylogenetic relationship. The present study represents the first record for Indian waters, as well as the south-eastern Arabian Sea record of this species.