Abstract

The taxonomic status of three nominal species of Polydactylus, viz. P. multiradiatus (Günther, 1860), P. specularis (De Vis, 1883) and P. auratus McKay, 1970, is revised. A comparison of the type series of Polydactylus auratus and the original description of Polynemus specularis with the holotype of Polynemus multiradiatus and 63 additional specimens from northern Australia has shown them to be conspecific. Polydactylus multiradiatus is characterised by its: 7 (rarely 6 or 8) pectoral filaments, not extending to posterior tip of pectoral fin; 14–17 (modally 15) pectoral fin rays; 13–15 (modally 14) dorsal fin soft rays; 16–18 (modally 16) anal fin soft rays; 49–56 (modally 52) pored lateral line scales; 7 or 8 (modally 8) scale rows above lateral line and 14 or 15 (14) below; 11–14 (modally 12) gill rakers on upper limb, 15–20 (modally 17) on lower and 27–33 (modally 30) in total; and vomerine teeth present. A synopsis of other Australian Polydactylus species and a key to known Australian Polydactylus are provided.