A new species of the bandfish genus Owstonia Tanaka, 1908 (Perciformes, Cepolidae) from Taiwan, northwestern Pacific Ocean, with new records and comments on morphological characters of congeners

61 A new species of the bandfish genus Owstonia Tanaka, 1908 (Perciformes, Cepolidae) from Taiwan, northwestern Pacific Ocean, with new records and comments on morphological characters of congeners Yo Su1,2 , Hsuan-Ching Ho2,3,4,5 1 International Doctoral Program of Marine Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 2 Department and Graduate Institute of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 3 Taiwan Ocean Research Institute, National Applied Research Laboratories, Kaohsiung, Taiwan 4 National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan 5 Australian Museum, Sydney, Australia Corresponding author: Hsuan-Ching Ho ([email protected]) Copyright: © Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho This is an open access article distributed under terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (Attribution 4.0 International – CC BY 4.0). Research Article Abstract The bandfish genus Owstonia Tanaka, 1908 shows high diversity, with many new species described recently by Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016). However, not many Taiwanese materials were included, and the diversity remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated specimens deposited in the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, which revealed that those previously reported as O. psilos includes O. doryptera (Fowler, 1934) and a species newly described here; one of three specimens reported as O totomiensis is re-identified as O. cf. aurora. The specimens of O. doryptera represent the first record from Taiwan, as well as the northernmost record of the species. Detailed descriptions of each species are provided, with comments on their morphological variations. Moreover, the diagnostic characters proposed by previous literature are discussed. Lastly, a checklist of the species of Owstonia from Taiwan is provided and discussed. In total, nine species are recognized in waters of Taiwan. Key words: Actinopterygii, biodiversity, ichthyology, morphology, new record Introduction The bandfish genus Owstonia Tanaka, 1908 is the most diverse genus within the family Cepolidae, with 37 species currently recognized as valid (Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016; Liao et al. 2022). Owstonia differs from the other two genera of cepolids, Cepola Linnaeus, 1764 and Acanthocepola Bleeker, 1874, in having: dorsal-fin rays III–IV, 19–26; anal-fin rays I–II, 11–19; total vertebrae 27–33; last soft rays of dorsal and anal fins not connected to caudal fin via membrane, and last pterygiophore of dorsal and anal fins support two soft rays (Smith-Vaniz 2001; Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016). The diversity of Owstonia was previously underestimated until Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016) conducted a comprehensive review of the genus and deAcademic editor: Maria Elina Bichuette Received: 1 August 2025 Accepted: 10 November 2025 Published: 3 December 2025 ZooBank: https://zoobank. org/655FBE4F-6FD9-4915-B8886D854B3411B4 Citation: Su Y, Ho H-C (2025) A new species of the bandfish genus Owstonia Tanaka, 1908 (Perciformes, Cepolidae) from Taiwan, northwestern Pacific Ocean, with new records and comments on morphological characters of congeners. ZooKeys 1262: 61–80. https://doi.org/10.3897/ zookeys.1262.167436 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025) DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 62 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan scribed 21 new species. However, their study included few specimens from Taiwan, leaving the full extent of species composition in the region unclear. Previous literature included four species from Taiwan: O. grammodon (Fowler, 1934), O. taeniosoma (Kamohara, 1935), O. tosaensis (Kamohara, 1934), and O. totomiensis (Tanaka, 1908) (Shen 1993; Shen and Wu 2011; Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016). Recently, Jhan and Ho (2019) newly reported five species from southwestern Taiwan, including O. kamoharai Endo, Liao & Mastuura, 2015 and O. psilos Smith-Vaniz & Johnson, 2016 as new to Taiwan. They also noted that the vertebral formula of O. kamoharai differs from that of type series (12 + 15 vs 11 + 17–18 in type series; Endo et al. 2015). Recent collections and identifications of specimens of Owstonia by the first author revealed several inconsistencies in literature records, which led us to further re-examine the majority of specimens of Owstonia deposited at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMB-P), including those previously documented by Jhan and Ho (2019). Our review revealed that the specimens reported as O. psilos include two distinct species: O. doryptera (Fowler, 1934) and O. smithvanizi sp. nov. Moreover, one of the specimens of O totomiensis reported by Jhan and Ho (2019) is re-identified as O. cf. aurora. Detailed descriptions are provided, with discussion on the diagnostic characters proposed by Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016). Additionally, a checklist of species of Owstonia from Taiwan is provided and discussed. Materials and methods Specimens were fixed in 4% formaldehyde and transferred to 70% ethanol for permanent preservation. The specimens were deposited at the Pisces Collection, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan (NMMB-P). Terminology and methodology follow Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016), with the following additions: number of pseudobranchial filaments, pseudobranchial filaments counted from the inner face of right operculum; dorsal and anal-fin heights, longest soft ray of dorsal and anal fins; interorbital width, least distance of interorbital space; pectoral-fin length, from upper end of base to posterior-most tip of fin ray; pelvic-fin spine length, from origin of pelvic fin to tip of pelvic-fin spine. Paired characters are presented as left/right whenever available. The number of gill rakers at angle was included in the lower-raker count. Vertebral formulae were determined by a digital x-ray machine at NMMBA. Measurements were made with calipers and rounding to the nearest 0.1 mm. Morphometric data were presented as percentages of standard length (SL) and/or head length (HL), unless otherwise stated. Results Family Cepolidae Owstonia smithvanizi sp. nov. https://zoobank.org/EAF827DC-1604-40A0-838C-F0FF66B0128C Fig. 1; Tables 1, 2 New English name: Smith-Vaniz’s Bandfish New Chinese name. 史密氏歐氏鰧 63 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan Owstonia psilos (non Smith-Vaniz & Johnson): Jhan and Ho 2019: 982, unnumbered figure (in part, misidentification; NMMB-P30830). Type material. Holotype • NMMB-P30830, 194.1 mm SL; South China Sea, TAIWAN, Pingtung, Dong-gang fishing port; ca 22°22'22"N, 120°27'34"E; bottom trawl; H.-C. Ho leg. at a landing ground; 14 January 2019. Paratype • NMMB-P26744, 135.0 mm SL; same locality (landing ground) as holotype; H.- C. Ho leg., 23 June 2017. Diagnosis. A new species of Owstonia differing from its congeners in having the following combination of characters: lateral-line of type 3, extending beyond dorsal-fin origin but not forming loop, and no contact with posttemporal; dorsal-fin rays III, 21; anal-fin rays I, 14; gill rakers on outer face of first arch 15– 16 + 29–31 = 45–46; oblique body scale rows 49–50; cheek scale rows ca 4–6; vertebrae 11 + 17 = 28; anal-fin pterygiophores anterior to 1st haemal spine 2; preopercular spines 12–14; head length 27.6–28.3% SL; dorsal-fin base length 60.4–62.4% SL; anal-fin base length 30.7–31.9% SL; eye diameter 11.3–12.9% SL; premaxillary stripe present; and distal part of dorsal fin with very faint strip between third spine and second soft ray or entirely pale. Description. Meristic and morphometric data are provided in Tables 1, 2. Data of holotype are provided first, with those of paratype in parentheses whenever different. Dorsal-fin rays III, 21; pectoral-fin rays 21/21; pelvic-fin rays I, 5/I, 5; analfin rays I, 14; principal caudal-fin rays 8 + 7, uppermost and lowermost rays unbranched; procurrent caudal-fin rays 4 and 3 on upper and lower lobes, respectively. Gill rakers on outer face of first gill arch 16 + 29 = 45 (15 + 31 = 46); pseudobranchial filaments 31. Oblique body scale rows 50/49; cheek scale rows ca 4 (right side)/ ca 6. Vertebrae 11 + 17 = 28; anal-fin pterygiophores anterior to 1st haemal spine 2. Spines on preopercle 14/12 (12/13). Premaxillary teeth 19/20 (15/16); inner premaxillary teeth 1/1; lateral dentary teeth 14/14 (14/13); symphyseal teeth 4/4 (5/4); inner symphyseal teeth 1/2 (1/1). Body slender, depth at anal-fin origin 3.5 (3.7 mm) in SL; both dorsal and ventral profiles of body straight, slightly tapering to caudal fin. Head large, length 3.5 (3.6) in SL; anterior profile of head rounded, gently curved to dorsal-fin origin. Eyes large, eye diameter 2.5 (2.1) in HL. Two nostrils, with anterior one forming tube and short flap; posterior one oval, without flap, situated immediately in front of eye. Preoprecle and opercle covered by skin; posterior margin of preopercle with weak serration. Mouth lower in position, slightly oblique. Jaws terminated, with lower jaw slightly protruding before upper jaw. Upper-jaw length 1.8 (1.7) in HL, its end reaching to vertical through middle of eye; posterodorsal tip of ascending premaxillary processes with three pairs of papillae, with middle pair larger than rest (holotype), or with four larger papillae associated with smaller ones (paratype). Supramaxilla absent. Premaxilla with single row of canine teeth; teeth gradually smaller posteriorly; teeth slightly recurved and pointed or blunt. Dentary with single row of canine teeth; those on symphyseal slightly larger than others; some lateral teeth slightly enlarged anteriorly; teeth slightly recurved and pointed or blunt. Vomer and palatine without teeth. Body scales cycloid and deciduous. Scales absent on isthmus, gular, both jaws, and interorbital space. Lateral line of type 3 (sensu Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016); 64 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan Figure 1. Owstonia smithvanizi sp. nov. A. Fresh specimen; B, C. Preserved coloration; A, B. NMMB-P30830, 194.1 mm SL, holotype; C. NMMB-P26744, 153.0 mm SL, paratype. Photographed by K. Koeda (A) and Y.-C. Hsu (B, C). its anterior end not forming complete loop; several scales originate from posttemporal but not connected with main branch. Lateral-line terminus below 24th/23th (24th/24th) total dorsal-fin ray. Dorsal fin with long base, originated at vertical through upper end of gill slit; its distal margin nearly straight, with slight elevation on soft rays; no distinct notch between spines and soft rays. Pectoral-fin tip rounded; its length 1.4 (1.2) in HL; 65 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan Table 1. Meristic characters of Owstonia smithvanizi sp. nov. and compared to the type series of O. rhamma Smith-Vaniz & Johnson, 2016. Paired characters are presented as left/right whenever available. R denotes right side. O. smithvanizi sp. nov. O. rhamma This study Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016) Holotype Paratype Holotype Non-type Dorsal-fin rays III, 21 III, 21 III, 21 Pectoral-fin rays 21/21 21/21 19 21/23 Anal-fin rays I, 14 I, 14 I, 14 Vertebrae 11 + 17 = 28 11 + 17 = 28 11 + 17 = 28 Anal-fin pterygiophores anterior to 1st haemal spine 2 2 2 Cheek-scale rows ca 4Rca 6 2 or 3 – Oblique body scale rows 50/49 N/A ca 50 – Lateral-line terminus total dorsal-fin rays 24th/23rd 24th 22nd/23rd 19th Gill rakers 16 + 29 = 45 15 + 31 = 46 16 + 29 = 45 15 + 30 = 45 Pseudobranchial filaments 31 30 – – Preoperclular spine 14/12 12/13 5–6 – Premaxillary teeth 19/20 15/16 16/22 14 Inner premaxillary teeth 1/1 1/1 2 0 Lateral dentary teeth 14/14 14/13 11/12 11 Symphyseal teeth 4/4 5/4 4 3 Inner symphyseal teeth 1/2 1/1 2/1 1 its origin at same horizontal through lower margin of eye; its tip reaching to vertical through anal-fin origin. Pelvic fin elongated, its length 0.9 (1.1) in HL; its origin below 3rd dorsal-fin spine; its tip reaching to 3rd total anal-fin ray (holotype) or anus (paratype) when adpressed. Anal-fin base moderately long, its posterior end slightly anterior to that of dorsal fin; its origin below 9th dorsal-fin soft ray; fin rays gradually longer posteriorly; its distal margin nearly straight. Caudal fin pointed; its length 0.5 (0.6) in HL. Caudal peduncle broad, its length and depth 1.8 and 2.4 (2.6) in HL, respectively. Coloration. When fresh (Fig. 1A), body, head, and all fins pink, with abdomen paler. Distal margin of dorsal, pelvic, anal, and caudal fins red. Dorsal-fin membranes with white vermicular pattern. When preserved (Fig. 1B, C), body uniformly pale. Distal part of dorsal fin with very faint strip between third spine and second soft ray (holotype) or pale (paratype). Membrane between premaxilla and maxilla uniformly black. Etymology. We are pleased to name this species after the late Dr William (Bill) F. Smith-Vaniz for his great contribution to our knowledge of cepolids and for his generous assistance in our previous paper. Remarks. The left-side cheek of holotype has only two rows of scales, and not extending to near preopercle, while the right side has four rows of scales extending to near preopercle. It is very likely the left side was damaged due to bottom trawl. 66 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan Table 2. Morphometric characters of Owstonia smithvanizi sp. nov. and compared to the type series of O. rhamma Smith-Vaniz & Johnson, 2016. O. smithvanizi sp. nov. O. rhamma This study Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016) Holotype Paratype Holotype Non-type Standard length (mm) 194.1 135.0 102 50 % Standard length Head length 28.3 27.6 33.0 33.8 Predorsal length 25.9 28.3 27.2 27.9 Preanal length 55.4 59.5 56.7 55.0 Dorsal-fin base length 62.4 60.4 63.5 63.6 Dorsal-fin height 21.3 22.0 – – Anal-fin base length 31.9 30.7 35.3 32.9 Anal-fin height 21.8 21.7 – – Pectoral-fin length 20.8 22.2 – – Pelvic-spine length N/A 14.1 – – Pelvic-fin length 29.9 25.7 27.9 31.3 Caudal-fin length 57.9 47.9 44.1 27.6 Body depth at anal-fin origin 28.5 27.4 28.7 29.3 Upper-jaw length 15.9 16.4 16.3 18.7 Upper-jaw depth 7.8 7.5 7.3 8.6 Eye diameter 11.3 12.9 13.5 16.4 Interorbital width 5.8 5.7 – – Caudal-peduncle length 15.8 15.0 – – Caudal-peduncle depth 11.6 10.6 – – Owstonia doryptera (Fowler, 1934) Figs 2–4; Tables 3, 4 English name: Spear-finned Bandfish New Chinese name: 矛鰭歐氏鰧 Loxopseudochromis doryptera Fowler, 1934: 354, fig. 106 (type locality: off northern Mindanao Island, Philippines, depth 175 fathoms [= 320 m]. Lectotype: USNM 93166). Owstonia doryptera (Fowler 1934). Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016: 45 (redescription and lectotype designation). Liao et al. 2022:127 (listed in comparative material). Owstonia dorypterus (Fowler 1934). Imai 2000: 625 (listed, South China Sea). Smith-Vaniz 2001: 3332 (listed). Liao et al. 2009: 522 (compared to the new species described). Owstonia psilos (non Smith-Vaniz and Johnson). Jhan and Ho 2019:982, unnumbered figure (in part, misidentification; NMMB-P30640). Specimens examined. All collected from off Dong-gang fishing port (ca 22°22'22"N, 120°27'34"E), Pingtung, southwestern Taiwan • NMMB-P001317, 86.6 mm SL, 31 May 1985, coll. H.-C. Chang • NMMB-P30640, 158.3 mm SL, 67 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan Figure 2. Fresh coloration of Owstonia doryptera (Fowler, 1934). A. NMMB-P42299, 109.1 mm SL; B. NMMB-P42267, 296.1 mm SL; C. NMMB-P42300, 143.0 mm SL. Photographed by Y.-C. Hsu. 68 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan Figure 3. Preserved coloration of Owstonia doryptera (Fowler, 1934). A. NMMB-P36133, 89.7 mm SL; B. NMMB-P38895, 159.9 mm SL; C. NMMB-P32884, 200.2 mm SL. Photographed by Y.-C. Hsu. 10 September 2018, coll. K. Koeda and Y. Hibino • NMMB-P31226, 108.9 mm SL, 29 July 2018, coll. H.-C. Ho • NMMB-P32875, 108.4 mm SL • NMMB-P32884, 200.2 mm SL, 5 April 2019, coll. H.-C. Ho • NMMB-P33730, 2 specimens, 90.1– 119.3 mm SL, 22 February 2020, coll. H.-C. Ho • NMMB-P34605, 233.7 mm SL, 30 July 2020, coll. H.-C. Ho • NMMB-P34901, 86.1 mm SL, 11 August 2020, coll. H.-C. Ho and C.-N. Tang • NMMB-P36076, 80.6 mm SL, 16 September 2020, coll. Y. Su, T.-K. Chou and N.-S. Leung • NMMB-P36133, 89.7 mm SL, 14 July 2021, coll. Y. Su, Y.-H. Kuo, and L. C. Halasan • NMMB-P38848, 2 specimens, 131.3– 140.4 mm SL, 28 May 2022, coll. Y. Su • NMMB-P38895, 159.9 mm SL, 6 January 2023, coll. Y. Su, R.-Y. Hung, and Y.-C. Fan • NMMB-P42298, 78.3 mm SL, 9 May 2024, coll. Y. Su and Y.-C. Hsu • NMMB-P42267, 296.1 mm SL, 11 February 2025, coll. K.-H. Wu • NMMB-P42299, 109.1 mm SL, 8 March 2025, coll. K.-H. Wu • 69 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan Figure 4. Coloration of anterior dorsal fin of Owstonia doryptera (Fowler, 1934), showing variations on black pigmentations. A. NMMB-P38895, 159.9 mm SL; B. NMMB-P32884, 200.2 mm SL. Photographed by Y.-C. Hsu. Anterior to left. Figure not to scale. NMMB-P42300, 143.0 mm SL, 26 September 2024, coll. Y. Su and Y.-C. Hsu • NMMB-P42301, 105.2 mm SL, 2 April 2025, coll. H.-C. Ho and J.-Y. Chiang. Description of Taiwanese specimens. Meristic and morphometric data are provided in Tables 3, 4. Dorsal-fin rays III, 21 (one specimen with 20); pectoral-fin rays 20–22/20–22; pelvic-fin rays I, 5/I, 5; anal-fin rays I, 14; principal caudal-fin rays 8 + 7, uppermost and lowermost rays unbranched; procurrent caudal-fin rays 3–4 and 3–5 on upper and lower lobes, respectively. Gill rakers on outer face of first gill arch 15–17 + 28–31 = 43–48 (total); pseudobranchial filaments 24–43. Oblique body scale rows 39–56/39–59; cheek scale rows 4–6/4–6. Vertebrae 11 + 17 = 28 (n = 15); anal-fin pterygiophores anterior to 1st haemal spine 2 (n = 15). Spines on preopercle 11–19/7–16. Premaxillary teeth 14–24/13–25; inner premaxillary teeth 0–1/0–1; lateral dentary teeth 12–19/12–18; symphyseal teeth 3–5/3–5; inner symphyseal teeth 0–6/0–6. Body stout, depth at anal-fin origin 3.5–3.9 in SL; both dorsal and ventral profiles of body straight, slightly tapering to caudal fin. Head large, length 2.9–3.7 in SL; anterior profile of head rounded, gently curved to dorsal-fin origin. Eyes large, eye diameter 1.9–2.8 in HL. Two nostrils, with anterior one forming tube and short flap; posterior one oval, without flap, situated immediately in front 76 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan Discussion Establishment of new species Among congeners, Owstonia smithvanizi sp. nov. is similar to O. doryptera, O. maccullochi Whitley, 1934, O. nudibucca Smith-Vaniz & Johnson, 2016, O. rhamma Smith-Vaniz & Johnson, 2016, and O. totomiensis, in having lateral line of type 3 (Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016). The presence of cheek scales differentiates O. smithvanizi from O. nudibucca and O. totomiensis (Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016; this study). According to Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016), among the rest species, O. smithvanizi is most similar to O. rhamma in having: anal-fin rays I, 14 (vs I, 15– 16, rarely I, 14 in O. maccullochi; Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016); gill rakers 15–16 + 29–31 = 45–46 (vs 17–19 + 31–35 = 49–54 in O. maccullochi) lateral-line extending before dorsal-fin origin and not forming complete loop (vs forming complete loop in O. doryptera). However, O. smithvanizi possess more preopercular spines (12–14 vs 5–6 in O. rhamma; Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016; Table 1); more cheek-scale rows (ca 4–6 vs 2–3); shorter head (27.6– 28.3% SL vs 33.0–33.8% SL; Table 2); shorter dorsal-fin base (60.4–62.4% SL vs 63.5–63.6% SL); shorter anal-fin base (30.7–31.9% SL vs 32.9 –35.3% SL); and smaller eye (11.3–12.9% SL vs 13.5–16.4% SL). Although previously reported as Owstonia psilos Smith-Vaniz & Johnson, 2016, the new species differs from O. psilos in having: lateral line of type 3 (vs type 1 in O. psilos; Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016); oblique body scale rows 49–50 (vs ca 32); preopercular spines 12–14 (vs 0); premaxillary stripe present (vs absent); head length 27.6–28.3% SL (vs 31.0–35.8% SL); caudal-fin length 47.9–57.9% SL (vs 35.0–39.0); body depth at anal-fin origin 27.4–28.5% SL (vs 22.4–26.0% SL); upper-jaw length 15.9–16.4% SL (vs 18.2–20.8% SL); and upper-jaw depth 7.5–7.8% SL (vs 8.4–9.6% SL). Differences between O. doryptera and O. rhamma Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016) proposed several characters to differentiate O. dorptera and O. rhamma, including: the stripe between 2nd dorsal-fin spine and 1st soft ray (present in O. doryptera vs absent in O. rhamma); lateral-line pattern anterior to dorsal fin (complete loop vs incomplete loop); cheek scale rows (5–6 vs 2 or 3); size of lateral dentary canines (not enlarged, vs enlarged); and end of pelvic fin when adpressed (extending to anal-fin origin vs to base of 2nd or 4th anal-fin soft ray); and number of inner teeth on premaxilla (0 vs 2). However, the coloration on dorsal fin is variable (Fig. 4). Moreover, the end of the pelvic fin is size correlated (reaching to anus and becoming posteriorly as growing). Therefore, the only reliable character to separate these two species is the lateral-line pattern anterior to dorsal fin and cheek scale rows. Differences between O. cf. aurora and O. aurora The present specimens mostly resemble Owstonia aurora Liao, Rodolfo & Shao, 2022, originally described from the Philippines and later recorded from off Dong-sha Island, South China Sea (Liao et al. 2022; Ng et al. 2024). Both sharing: lateral line of type 1, originating from posttemporal and along dorsal-fin 77 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan base; vertebrae 11 + 17 = 28; lower margin of preopercle smooth, without any spines or serrations; black stripe on dorsal fin between second spine and sixth soft ray; and either similar or overlapping counts in gill rakers, oblique body scale rows, and cheek scale rows (Liao et al. 2022). However, our specimens differ from the type series of O. aurora in having more premaxillary teeth (19–25 vs 14–16; Liao et al. 2022; Table 5), anterior positioned lateral-line end (11th total dorsal-fin ray vs 20th to 25th; n = 1), longer pectoral fin (24.7–25.5% SL vs 19.5–21.1% SL; Table 6), longer caudal fin (42.1% SL vs 34.1–35.8% SL), longer upper jaw (21.5–22.2% SL vs 15.0–16.8% SL), and anal-fin coloration (with black spots or stripe vs pale). Although our specimens probably represent a new species, we refrain from naming them due to the damaged lateral-line termination and similar coloration with that of O. aurora. According to Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016), the present specimens key out to O. psilos. However, our specimens differ from O. psilos in having: oblique body scale rows 46–ca 57 (vs ca 32 in O. psilos; Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016); cheek scale rows 7–9 (vs ca 5–6); and lateral line terminus below 11th total dorsal-fin ray (vs 17th–23rd). Checklist and comments on species of Owstonia from Taiwan Table 7 listed species of Owstonia recorded from Taiwan known to date. Nine species have been recorded: O. aurora O. doryptera, O. grammodon, O. kamoharai, O. smithvanizi sp. nov., O. taeniosoma, O. tosaensis, O. totomiensis, and O. cf. aurora (Shen 1993; Shen and Wu 2011; Endo et al. 2015; Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016; Jhan and Ho 2019; Ng et al. 2024; this study). The record of O. psilos by Jhan and Ho (2019) is now re-identified as either O. doryptera or O. smithvanizi, and one of the specimens of O. totomiensis by Jhan and Ho (2019) is now re-identified as O. cf. aurora. Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016) noted the Taiwanese specimens of O. grammodon differ from that collected from the type locality (Sulawesi). The Taiwanese specimens possess 12 + 16 = 28 vertebrae (vs 11 + 17 =28 in Sulawesi specimens; Table 7. Checklist of species of Owstonia Tanaka, 1908 recorded from Taiwan historically. Species Chinese name Reference O. aurora Liao, Reyes & Shao, 2022 奧羅拉歐氏鰧 Ng et al. 2024 O. doryptera (Fowler, 1934) 矛鰭歐氏鰧 Jhan and Ho 2019 (partly as O. psilos); This study O. grammodon (Fowler, 1934) 粒牙歐氏鰧 Endo et al. 2015; Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016; this study O. kamoharai Endo, Liao & Matsuura, 2015 蒲原氏歐氏鰧 Chiang et al 2014 (as O. sp.); Jhan and Ho 2019 O. smithvanizi sp. nov. 史密氏歐氏鰧 Jhan and Ho 2019 (partly as O. psilos); this study O. taeniosoma (Kamohara, 1935) 長身歐氏鰧 Shen 1993; Shen and Wu 2011; Jhan and Ho 2019 O. tosaensis Kamohara, 1934 土佐歐氏鰧 Shen 1993; Shen and Wu 2011; Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016 O. totomiensis Tanaka, 1908 遠江歐氏鰧 Shen 1993; Jhan and Ho 2019; this study O. cf. aurora Jhan and Ho 2019 (partly as O. totomiensis); this study 78 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan Smith-Vaniz and Johnson 2016), anal-fin pterygiophores anterior to 1st haemal spine 4 (vs 3), and premaxillary teeth 33–34 (vs 36−39). Examination of additional specimens also revealed same counts of vertebrae and anal-fin pterygiophores; however, the premaxillary teeth ranges from 30 to 37. As suggested by Smith-Vaniz and Johnson (2016), more studies are needed to determine whether the Taiwanese specimens represent a new species. Although Jhan and Ho (2019) provided the vertebral formula as 12 + 15 = 27 for O. kamoharai, a re-examination of one voucher specimen, NMMB-P27521 reveals 11 + 17 = 28. Comparative materials Owstonia grammodon: NMMB-P17742, 96 mm SL, and NMMB-P20801, 125 mm SL, off Daxi Fishing Port (ca 24°53'37"N, 121°55'26"E), Yilan, northeastern Taiwan, 12 November 2012, collected by H.-C. Ho. O. kamoharai: NMMB-P27521, 159 mm SL, off Dong-gang fishing port, Pingtung, southwestern Taiwan, 1 November 2017, collected by K. Koeda. NMMB-P34034, 100 mm SL, off Dong-sha Islands, South China Sea, collected by H.-C. Ho. NMMB-P39099, 291 mm SL, off Cheng-gong fishing port (ca 23°05'53.4"N, 121°22'46.0"E), Taitung, eastern Taiwan, 10 June 2023, collected by J.-F. Huang. O. totomiensis: NMMB-P23318, 121 mm SL, off Dong-gang fishing port, 2 April 2016, collected by H.-C. Ho. NMMB-P23838, 94 mm SL, off Dong-gang fishing port, 20 February 2016, collected by H.-C. Ho. NMMB-P32877, 121.5 mm SL, off Dong-gang fishing port, 1 April 2019, collected by H.-C. Ho. Acknowledgements We thank K. Koeda (Ryukyu University) for providing fresh photograph of the holotype; Z.-H. Jhan for taking data of O. grammodon; K.-S. Wu and Y.-C. Hsu (NSYSU) for specimen collection; Y.-C. Hsu for taking photographs; M.-H. Chiang (NMMBA) for assistance in taking X-radiographs; and P.-N. Lee (NMMBA) for curatorial assistance. This study was supported by the National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan. Additional information Conflict of interest The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Ethical statement No ethical statement was reported. Use of AI ChatGPT was used to correct grammar errors and wordings. All sentences were originally written by the authors. Funding No funding was reported. 79 ZooKeys 1262: 61–80 (2025), DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1262.167436 Yo Su & Hsuan-Ching Ho: A new species of Owstonia from Taiwan Author contributions Conceptualization: YS. Formal analysis: YS. Funding acquisition: HCH. Resources: HCH. Supervision: HCH. Visualization: YS. Writing – original draft: YS. Writing – review and editing: HCH. Author ORCIDs Yo Su https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3576-9229 Hsuan-Ching Ho https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1154-601X Data availability All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text. References Bleeker P (1874) Typi nonnuli generici piscium neglecti. Verslagen en Mededeelingen der Koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen. Afdeeling Natuurkunde (Serie 2) 8: 367–371. 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