This dataset contains the digitized treatments in Plazi based on the original journal article Smith-Vaniz, William F., Johnson, David (2016): Hidden diversity in deep-water bandfishes: review of Owstonia with descriptions of twenty-one new species (Teleostei: Cepolidae: Owstoniinae). Zootaxa 4187 (1): 1-103, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4187.1.1

Abstract

The bandfish family Cepolidae, comprising the subfamilies Owstoniinae and Cepolinae, is characterized, and defining characters of the three groups are identified and discussed. Characters of larvae of both subfamilies are described and illustrated. Six nominal genera of owstoniines had been proposed by various authors, but we recognize only Owstonia Tanaka. Utility of selected identification characters of the genus are discussed. Differences in lateral-line patterns have been the primary character used by some recent authors for recognition of two owstoniine genera, with Sphenanthias Weber possessing the plesiomorphic lateral-line condition. Several other patterns also occur in these fishes bringing into question the phylogenetic significance of lateral line plasticity. Sexual dimorphism in pelvic fin lengths is also present in several species. Identification keys, descriptions, synonymies, distribution maps and photographs or illustrations are provided for all Owstonia species for which adults are available.

Although only 15 valid species were previously known, a remarkable hidden diversity of these fishes was discovered in major museum collections with the following 21 species here described as new: O. ainonaka (eastern Australia), O. contodon (Philippines), O. crassa (New Caledonia and Solomon Islands), O. dispar (Solomon Islands), O. elongata (New Caledonia and Vanuatu), O. fallax (eastern Australia and New Caledonia), O. geminata (Vanuatu and Philippines), O. hastata (eastern Australia), O. hawaiiensis (Hawaiian Islands); O. ignota (Mariana Islands), O. lepiota (Tanzania), O. melanoptera (Philippines), O. merensis (eastern Australia, Torres Strait), O. mundyi (Kiribati, Christmas Island), O. nalani (eastern Australia and New Caledonia), O. nudibucca (eastern Indian Ocean, Mentawai Islands and off Myanmar), O. psilos (Western Australia), O. raredonae (Mozambique), O. rhamma (Vanuatu), O. scottensis (Western Australia, Scott Reefs) and O. similis (Madagascar). Several specimens based on small juveniles, which we describe as Owstonia sp., appear to be additional new species but are not formally described as such.

Key words: Pisces, Cepolidae, Owstonia, bandfishes, taxonomy, Indo-West Pacific We may finally learn the true extent and intricacy of biodiversity, but innovations have increased the need for what they seemed to replace by baring the enormity of the expertise gap.... On-line repositories and genetic tools released a deluge of valuable information, although dwindling expertise struggles to validate it. Dijkstra (2016).

GBIF url: https://www.gbif.org/dataset/12d5867a-e343-4c8f-9401-5fcb63f7b8b4
Homepage: https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/summary/45703511BE35AB710A5C731BFFA0FF90
Citation: Smith-Vaniz W F, Johnson D, plazi (2016). Hidden diversity in deep-water bandfishes: review of Owstonia with descriptions of twenty-one new species (Teleostei: Cepolidae: Owstoniinae). Plazi.org taxonomic treatments database. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4187.1.1 accessed via GBIF.org on 2026-02-12.