Filling missing links in bramids distribution along the Indian coast with first record of big tooth pomfret, Brama orcini (Perciformes: Bramidae) from the east coast of India

Abstract

<em>Brama orcini</em> has been reported for the first time from the east coast of India extending its distribution to the Gulf of Mannar region. The study also claims the first documentation of the genus from the commercial catches along the Indian coast. The meristic and morphometric characters of the specimens from India are in agreement with the record from other parts of the world. Meristic characters like lateral series scale counts and vertebrae counts have stronger species discriminating power than morphometric variables which showed comparable ranges. The study also reveals a continuous distribution of <em>B. orcini</em> along the Neritic-oceanic gradient ranging from < 50 to 1500 m.