Revision of the scientific name of cultured golden pompano in China

The nomenclature of cultured golden pompano in China has long been inconsistent, with discrepancies in both scientific and Chinese names. To clarify the taxonomic identity of the commonly farmed short-finned form and standardize its scientific name, this study systematically reviewed the taxonomic literature on Trachinotus ovatus, T. blochii, T. mookalee, and T. anak, and extracted diagnostic characters from type specimens housed in museum collections. A total of 57 cultured specimens were collected from 10 coastal locations in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. External morphological measurements and descriptions were conducted, and osteological features were examined using X-ray imaging to extract diagnostic characters, supplemented by molecular data for species identification. Results indicate that the primary morphological characteristics of the farmed golden pompano in China include: a rhomboid body shape in juveniles becoming nearly fusiform with growth; pale golden body coloration with a white ventral surface and an absence of spots on the flanks; yellowish-brown to yellow fins with golden margins; elongated anterior rays in the second dorsal fin, which is opposite the anal fin, and an absence of black pigmentation at the distal ends; the first supraneural spine lacking internal bony expansion; and a laminar supraoccipital bone. Comparative analysis revealed consistent interspecific differences among the four Trachinotus species in body shape, body coloration, morphology of the second dorsal fin rays, fin coloration, structure of the first supraneural spine, and morphology of the supraoccipital bone, all of which serve as reliable diagnostic criteria; COI sequences effectively discriminated the four species. The findings support the identification of the commonly cultured golden pompano in China as T. anak Ogilby 1909. This study provides a taxonomic foundation for the standardized correspondence between Chinese and scientific names in official species lists, industry standards, and scientific reporting, thereby enhancing data comparability and consistency in regulatory frameworks.