First Record of Epigonus thai (Epigonidae) from Arabian Sea, Western Indian Ocean with Detailed Notes on Non-Type Specimen

The deepwater cardinalfish, Epigonus thai Prokofiev et Bussarawit, 2012 is documented for the first time from the Arabian Sea, Western Indian Ocean (n = 2) (134.0–144.3 mm total length). The specimens were caught by deep-sea shrimp trawlers operating off the Quilon coast (Kerala) at depths ranging from 250 to 420 m. This species was previously described based on a single specimen collected from Andaman Sea. The present study records the second specimen (non-type) and provides first molecular information of E. thai based on mitochondrial COI gene. The species recorded in the current investigation has been known since 2012 and is subsequently reported herein. The species is distinguished by the presence of a strong opercular spine, 18–19 pectoral fin rays, 27 gill rakers, and 10 + 15 vertebrae. Detailed taxonomic identification, molecular analysis, and geographical extension of the species in the Western Indian Ocean are described with a record of new maximum standard length.