Morphological observations on the endemic Velvet leatherjacket, <em>Lalmohania velutina</em> Hutchins, 1994 (Family: Monacanthidae) and updated distributional records after three decades from its discovery in Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu Coast, India

Abstract

The present study pertains to the occurrence of the fish commonly known as the velvet leatherjacket, <em>Lalmohania velutina</em> with extended distributional records that update its original scientific description. This paper delineates the morphological, genital and skeletal observations recorded of <em>L. velutina</em> based on 12 specimens collected from multiple fishing sites, from shore seine fishing operations practiced along the south-east coast of India. Group-wise (distribution, sex and type specimens) statistical analysis revealed that the specimens collected from the Palk Bay region are larger than the Gulf of Mannar specimens. Morphological, gonadal and skeletal examination of the collected specimens attest to these features proved its idiosyncrasy.