taxonID	type	description	language	source
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5971FF6BFB38.taxon	description	Observation: The species was recorded from the rocky reefs of Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E to 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 1 m on April 27, 2017.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5971FF6BFB38.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Identified by its moderately stout body, short snout, and tubular broad nostrils. The species exhibits three rows of large black blotches adorned with yellowish spots. The dorsal fin originates just before the gill opening.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5971FF6BFB38.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Widely distributed across the Indo-West Pacific and Eastern Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, the Persian Gulf, and Micronesia.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5971FF6BFB38.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species first reported from India in 2002 (Kapoor, 2002). Previously listed from Kerala waters (Baiju et al., 2016; Baiju et al., 2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5E85FED1FA69.taxon	description	Observation: Recorded from Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E to 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 3 m on April 13, 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5E85FED1FA69.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Largest moray eel species with a robust body, reaching up to 2 m in length and 70 kg in weight. It has a dorsal fin originating just before the gill opening and eyes positioned over the middle of the upper jaw. The body coloration features darker brown or black markings arranged in irregular rows.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5E85FED1FA69.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, recorded throughout the Red Sea to East Africa.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5E85FED1FA69.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species first reported in Indian waters by (Kapoor, 2002), and subsequently documented from the Kerala coast (Baiju et al., 2016; Baiju et al., 2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5C35FB58F909.taxon	description	Observation: Sighted in pairs at Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E to 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at 2 m depth on March 8, 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5C35FB58F909.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Characterized by a fluorescent snout, light brown to tan posterior, and three prominent body stripes.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5C35FB58F909.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indo-Pacific, recorded from the East Indies and Northern Australia to Fiji.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61CFFDF5C35FB58F909.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Occurs inshore, primarily in silty habitats. Previously listed by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61DFFDF5CD2FE28FEBD.taxon	description	Observation: Recorded at Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E to 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on April 27, 2017.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61DFFDF5CD2FE28FEBD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Moderately elongated body with 5 - 6 dark and white lateral stripes, ending in a distinct black spot at the caudal fin base.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61DFFDF5CD2FE28FEBD.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Widely distributed across the Indo-West Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and the Persian Gulf.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFAAC61DFFDF5CD2FE28FEBD.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Prefers shallow, protected waters near rocky or coral reefs. Previously listed by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019); Saravanan and Rohit, 2017.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5922FC73FC54.taxon	description	Observation: Recorded at Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E to 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on February 3, 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5922FC73FC54.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Small, oval, laterally compressed body with complex coloration including dark brown on the forehead, pale yellow ventrally, and bluish dorsally. Alternating yellow and black stripes on fins.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5922FC73FC54.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indian Ocean, from East Africa to the Andaman Sea.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5922FC73FC54.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously listed by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5E19FBA8FB4F.taxon	description	Observation: Recorded at Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E to 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on February 23, 2014.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5E19FBA8FB4F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Moderately elongated body with a pointed snout and five vertical yellowish-brown blotches. The anterior part is bright yellow, transitioning to dark brown posteriorly.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5E19FBA8FB4F.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, from India to Japan and Taiwan.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5E19FBA8FB4F.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously recorded by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5F1DFBB2F910.taxon	description	Common Name: Hawkfish Observation Site: Rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E; 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on 23 rd February 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5F1DFBB2F910.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Moderately elongated body with a pointed snout. A hinge is present above the eyes, leading to a curved forehead. Preopercular spines are evident. The anterior part of the body is pale yellow, transitioning to dark brown towards the posterior end. The dorsal spine terminates in tufts of cirri. The dorsal fin has an extended, unbranched ray, with the distal ends of the posterior dorsal fin being transparent. The caudal fin is characterized by brown spots.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5F1DFBB2F910.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Reunion, and the east coast of India.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5F1DFBB2F910.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Originally described by Day, (1874) from the east coast of India. Randall (1963) validated the species. Recent records include (Baiju et al., 2016; Baiju et al., 2019) and (Ramachandran et al., 2020) from the Kerala coast.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5B01FCF9FE5E.taxon	description	Observation: Recorded at Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E to 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on March 1, 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5B01FCF9FE5E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Brownish-green body with 6 - 8 pale vertical bands; distinctively colored fins, with dull yellow anal and pelvic fins.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5B01FCF9FE5E.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and Persian Gulf to the western Pacific.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF5B01FCF9FE5E.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Previously recorded by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF582EFE4FFD59.taxon	description	Observation: Recorded at Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E to 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on February 28, 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF582EFE4FFD59.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Grey dorsal side with a silvery belly, a fluorescent line on the forehead, and a black " thumbprint " mark on the upper middle body.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61DFFDF582EFE4FFD59.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indian Ocean, previously recorded in Tamil Nadu (Mogalekar et al., 2018). Remarks: The species was previously listed by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61EFFDF5CDDFBA8FE98.taxon	description	Common Name: Stocky Hawkfish Observation Site: Rocky reefs of Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E; 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on 1 st December 2014.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61EFFDF5CDDFBA8FE98.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Moderately elongated and robust body with a short, blunt snout. A prominent cluster of cirri is visible on the hind edge of the anterior nostril. The body is green-olivaceous with black spots, and three rows of white blotches run along the lateral sides. Fin rays are distinctly brown.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61EFFDF5CDDFBA8FE98.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Marquesas Islands, Mangareva, southern Japan, the Hawaiian Islands, and south to the Kermadec and Rapa Islands.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFABC61EFFDF5CDDFBA8FE98.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously recorded by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5B64FB41FD23.taxon	description	Common Name: Nebulous Wrasse Observation Site: Rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E; 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on 1 st March 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5B64FB41FD23.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Morphologically adapted for cryptic coloration, mimicking rocky reef habitats. Identified by a black ocellus outlined by light green in the middle of the dorsal fin. Juveniles exhibit a green tint with yellow spots, pink markings below the eyes, and on the belly, indicating a developing specimen.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5B64FB41FD23.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Red Sea, coasts of India, Malay Archipelago, the Philippines, and Australia.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5B64FB41FD23.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously recorded by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019) from the Kerala coast.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5E19FB36FA85.taxon	description	Common Name: Blue Spine Unicornfish Observation Site: Rocky reefs of Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E; 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on 6 th June 2014.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5E19FB36FA85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Greenish-grey body with a unique bony horn in front of the eyes. Two blue plates with knife-like spines on either side of the caudal peduncle. The dorsal and ventral fin margins are white in juveniles and bluish fluorescent in adults. The caudal fin transitions from emarginate with a white distal margin in young individuals to a truncated shape with filamentous lobes in adults.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5E19FB36FA85.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Tropical reef waters of the Indo-Pacific.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5E19FB36FA85.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously recorded by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019) from the coast.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5C87FB36F80C.taxon	description	Common Name: Obtuse Barracuda Observation Site: Rocky reefs of Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E; 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 1 m on 3 rd February 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5C87FB36F80C.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Elongated, sub-cylindrical body. Long, pointed snout. Color varies from pale brown to greyish yellow. A yellow line runs from the snout tip above the eye to the caudal fin base. Caudal fin is pale yellow.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5C87FB36F80C.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Red Sea, Indo-West Pacific: East Africa to Samoa, south to Lord Howe Islands.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5C87FB36F80C.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously recorded by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019) from the coast.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF58E8FB41FC54.taxon	description	Common Name: Jansen’s Wrasse Observation Site: Rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E; 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on 18 th January 2016.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF58E8FB41FC54.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Exhibits cryptic coloration. Juveniles have a green tint with yellow spots. Adults display dark green dorsal coloration with yellow vertical bands, and pale yellow ventrally.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF58E8FB41FC54.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indo-West Pacific: Maldives to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF58E8FB41FC54.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously recorded by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019) from the Kerala coast.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5F56F9A8F935.taxon	description	Observation Site: Rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E; 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on 11 th February 2018.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5F56F9A8F935.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Large dorsal fin. White and dark stripes on the head, more pronounced in juveniles. The body exhibits linear vertical yellow lines ending in yellow spots on the belly. Dorsal and anal fins are adorned with yellow spots. The caudal peduncle contains a scalpellike spine.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5F56F9A8F935.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indian Ocean: East Africa, Red Sea to the Andaman Sea, western Sumatra, and rare occurrences at Christmas Island.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA8C61EFFDF5F56F9A8F935.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously recorded by Zacharia et al., (2008) from Karnataka coast and Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF58E8FB6EFBAF.taxon	description	Common Name: Peacock Sole Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed in the rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E to 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on 13 January 2017.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF58E8FB6EFBAF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The species is highly camouflaged against the sandy bottom. The body is brownish yellow with dense spotting, with spots of various shapes and sizes. These spots are grey with black centers and black edges. The eyes are positioned on the dorsal side of the body.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF58E8FB6EFBAF.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Sri Lanka eastward to Samoa and Tonga, north to Japan, and south to Onslow and Australia.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF58E8FB6EFBAF.taxon	discussion	Remarks: This species was previously recorded in the author's studies (Baiju et al., 2016; Baiju et al., 2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF5AD4FAADFD23.taxon	description	Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed in the rocky reefs of Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E to 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 1 m on 18 January 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF5AD4FAADFD23.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The species has a comparatively elongated body, which is sub-cylindrical or slightly laterally compressed. The head is long and pointed, with a nearly horizontal, large mouth. The elongated jaws have a considerably projecting lower jaw. The opercula are demarcated by black edges. The dorsal fins are widely spaced and separated, with the second dorsal fin originating just behind the anal fin and positioned closer to the caudal fin. The caudal fin is forked with a pair of small lobes at the posterior margin. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are darker at the base and transition to a transparent white at the distal ends. The body is marked with multiple dark bars crossing the lateral line, which originates just above the pectoral fin and extends to the caudal base.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF5AD4FAADFD23.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and East Africa to the central Indian Ocean and French Polynesia. Eastern Pacific: Mexico and Panama.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF5AD4FAADFD23.taxon	discussion	Remarks: This species was previously listed in the two consecutive studies Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF5E7CFB4AFA70.taxon	description	Common Name: Half-moon Triggerfish Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed in the rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E to 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on 29 October 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF5E7CFB4AFA70.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The juvenile specimen exhibited a yellowish dorsal region, a white ventral region, and black lateral coloration. Adult specimens display variable color patterns, with a mixed body coloration and a whitish tinge on the dorsal side. The jaws and lips have a whitish coloration. A distinct light-yellow bar runs through the pectoral base. The posterior ends of the dorsal and anal fins are transparent. The caudal fin is triangular, truncate, and yellowish, with a white margin.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF5E7CFB4AFA70.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the Indo-West Pacific region, from the Persian Gulf and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan, and south to Lord Howe Island.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFA9C61FFFDF5E7CFB4AFA70.taxon	discussion	Remarks: This species was previously recorded and listed in studies by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFACC61BFFDF5C79FEC4FE28.taxon	description	Common Name: Zebra Turkeyfish Observation: The species was observed and photographed in the rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E to 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on 19 April 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFACC61BFFDF5C79FEC4FE28.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The body is moderately elongated and laterally compressed, with a broad head. The snout is blunt, and the eyes are large, with cirri present anteriorly. The body is dark brown with 12 white stripes. The post-pectoral stripes (4 th and 5 th) originate from the ventral side, bifurcate at the lateral line, and merge with the dorsal spine. The 6 th to 9 th stripes is separated. The dorsal spine has alternating dark and white bands. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fin (median fins) rays have dark spots, while the extended pectoral fin rays are white. The species is commonly found on rocky reef flats, in sheltered areas such as caves and creeks, and rarely forms small aggregations.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFACC61BFFDF5C79FEC4FE28.taxon	distribution	Distribution: This species is distributed across the Red Sea, East and South Africa, extending eastward to the Marshall Islands, Samoa, and Tonga, and northward to southern Japan and the Ogasawara Islands. It is also found southward to Shark Bay (Western Australia), Lord Howe, and Norfolk Islands. The native distribution of zebra turkey fish was reported from the Indo-Pacific region, span from the Red Sea to Indonesia and eastern Australia.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFACC61BFFDF5C79FEC4FE28.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species is frequently found around the rocky reefs of Kerala. It was previously documented in studies by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF5F56FBAEF911.taxon	description	Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed in the rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E; 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on 22 nd March 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF5F56FBAEF911.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The body is moderately robust and laterally compressed. The snout is blunt, with large eyes featuring a yellow-margined iris. The species is characterized by a cocktail-like color pattern: the anterior region (snout) is comparatively darker, transitioning to light brown on the trunk, and ultimately white on the tail. Two vertical bands are present on the lateral sides, one at the beginning of the first dorsal fin and the other at the second dorsal fin, extending to the anterior margins of the dorsal fins.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF5F56FBAEF911.taxon	distribution	Distribution: China, East China Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Eilat, Japan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF5F56FBAEF911.taxon	discussion	Remarks: This species was previously recorded by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF59C2FB3CFA85.taxon	description	Common Name: Pink Maomao Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed in the rocky reefs of Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E to 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 1 m on 14 December 2013.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF59C2FB3CFA85.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The pink maomao is distinguished by its elongated pectoral fins, which extend beyond the head, a long-based dorsal fin, and a slightly forked caudal fin. The body is entirely pink, with males exhibiting color variations where the dorsal, caudal, anal, and pelvic fins appear yellowish.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF59C2FB3CFA85.taxon	distribution	Distribution: This species distributed throughout the eastern and western South Pacific (Anderson and Heemstra, 2012).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF59C2FB3CFA85.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously recorded in the studies by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF5BF5FE88FC79.taxon	description	Common Name: Northern Scorpionfish Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed in the rocky reefs of Mulloor (8 ° 22 ′ 04 ″ N, 77 ° 00 ′ 11 ″ E to 8 ° 22 ′ 02 ″ N, 77 ° 00 ′ 12 ″ E) at a depth of 1.5 m on 19 April 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF5BF5FE88FC79.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The species has a deep, robust body with a short, blunt snout and a large, rounded head. It is characterized by a mottled red to brown or greenish-brown coloration. The iris has reddish bands, and the lips exhibit light and dark bars. Adult individuals have branched upper pectoral rays, a posterior lacrimal spine, and a fused first and second suborbital ridge forming a single ridge. Two blunt spines are present behind the orbit level on the suborbital ridge. The occipital pit is well-developed. The species is typically associated with rocky, pebbly substrates and often hides in reef crevices for camouflage.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF5BF5FE88FC79.taxon	distribution	Distribution: The species natively occurs in the Indo-West Pacific, particularly in Southeast Asia and Australian waters. Reports indicate its presence in Indian coastal waters and the Laccadive, although further confirmation of its distribution in Indian waters is needed.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC61BFFDF5BF5FE88FC79.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species is commonly found camouflaged in rock crevices. It was previously documented in studies by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC604FFDF5CDDFBAEFECD.taxon	description	Common Name: Small-eyed whip fin mojarra Observation Site: The species was observed as a pair and photographed in the rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E; 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 2.5 m on 23 rd February 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC604FFDF5CDDFBAEFECD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The body is laterally compressed, oblong, and slender, with a gently convex antero-dorsal profile. The dorsal region exhibits a light brown-greenish hue, while the ventral side is silvery. The species features 9 - 10 faint black vertical bands dorsolaterally. The dorsal fin is irregular, and the caudal fin is deeply forked with short, equal-length lobes. The distal end of the caudal fin is edged in black, with the lower caudal lobe featuring a fluorescent margin. The pectoral and anal fins are short and have fluorescent margins at their distal ends.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC604FFDF5CDDFBAEFECD.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Northwest Pacific, southern Japan.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFADC604FFDF5CDDFBAEFECD.taxon	discussion	Remarks: This species was previously recorded by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5978FBA8FB75.taxon	description	Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed in the rocky reefs of Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E; 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N, 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on 3 rd February 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5978FBA8FB75.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The body is oval-shaped and laterally compressed. The species has a small, protractile mouth with a short snout, adapted for feeding on small zooplankton and coral polyps. A black vertical band with a fluorescent edge runs through the eyes and extends to the ventral side. The overall body color is yellow, with a faint fluorescent blotch on the sides. A white-edged black blotch is present on the caudal peduncle. The dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins are brilliant yellow. The caudal fin is yellow, with a deep, intense coloration at the center, fading to a transparent edge distally.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5978FBA8FB75.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. This species is commonly found in tropical marine waters throughout the Indo-Australian Archipelago, extending north to Japan and east to Fiji.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5978FBA8FB75.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously recorded by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5F39FC9BF9DB.taxon	description	Common Name: Lagoon Damselfish Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed from the rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E to 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on March 1, 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5F39FC9BF9DB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: One of the larger damselfish species, characterized by a dark brown body. The median fins and base of the pectoral fins are generally darker. A faint blue tint extends from the snout to the beginning of the dorsal fin. A distinct spot is present on the upper edge of the caudal peduncle.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5F39FC9BF9DB.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, including the Eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific. Found in the Andaman Sea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, northern Australia, and New Caledonia.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5F39FC9BF9DB.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species has not yet been reported from Indian waters.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5B9EFB61FCB4.taxon	description	Common Name: Short-fin goatfish Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed in the rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E; 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on 8 th March 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5B9EFB61FCB4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: A wide black horizontal stripe extends from the tip of the snout along the middle of the body, reaching the caudal base. The dorsal and ventral body shades are distinctly different, with the ventral side being darker and featuring brown blotches. The observed specimen's fins are characterized by a series of dark brown or black bars: three on the upper caudal-fin lobe and 3 - 4 on the lower lobe.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5B9EFB61FCB4.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Western Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C604FFDF5B9EFB61FCB4.taxon	discussion	Remarks: This record from the Arabian Sea extends the known range of this species from the southwestern Atlantic to the western Indian Ocean. The species was previously listed in the author's studies (Baiju et al., 2016; Baiju et al., 2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C605FFDF5CA0FBBCFE98.taxon	description	Common Name: Ocellated Damsel Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed on the rocky reefs of Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N to 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E and 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N to 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on December 15, 2013.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C605FFDF5CA0FBBCFE98.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The body is predominantly orange, with yellow on the ventral side and bright orange on the upper body. Blue fluorescent spots are scattered along the anterior dorsal side. A comparatively large black spot, edged with a blue circle, is present at the junction of the dorsal fin and body.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C605FFDF5CA0FBBCFE98.taxon	distribution	Distribution: The species widely reported along the Indo-West Pacific, spans from Sri Lanka to the Indo-Australian Archipelago, including adjacent island ecosystems like Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and the Solomon Islands.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB2C605FFDF5CA0FBBCFE98.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Previously recorded in the two studies by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF5B65FC4DFD7E.taxon	description	Common Name: Yellowtail Tubelip Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed on the rocky reefs of Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N to 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E and 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N to 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on May 14, 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF5B65FC4DFD7E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The species can be identified by three broad, horizontally running lines with a centrally placed yellow shaded line that begins from the tip of the snout and passing through the eye and reaching to the base of the caudal peduncle. The central line is yellow, while the upper dorsal and ventral sides are greyish white.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF5B65FC4DFD7E.taxon	distribution	Distribution: The species with extensive distribution pattern along the Western Central Pacific, along with regional reports from Philippines, Palau, Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF5B65FC4DFD7E.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Previously recorded in the studies by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF58CFFBBEFB89.taxon	description	Common Name: Banded Rainbowfish / Saowisata Wrasse Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed from the rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E to 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on January 18, 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF58CFFBBEFB89.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: The body coloration is yellowish-green, with a darker green dorsal side and a yellowish-green ventral side. The snout and head region bear brown spots that form horizontal lines extending to the caudal peduncle. Distinguished by the prominent horizontal line pattern on the cheek (Kuiter and Tonozuka, 2001).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF58CFFBBEFB89.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Western Pacific, including Singapore, West New Guinea, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF58CFFBBEFB89.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Previously recorded by the author's studies (Baiju et al., 2016; Baiju et al., 2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF5E52FC73FA3B.taxon	description	Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed on the rocky reefs of Vizhinjam (8 ° 22 ′ 32 ″ N to 76 ° 59 ′ 28 ″ E and 8 ° 22 ′ 36 ″ N to 76 ° 59 ′ 32 ″ E) at a depth of 2 m on February 3, 2015.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF5E52FC73FA3B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Recognized by its grey body and head bearing orange markings under natural light. Three to four light green blotches are present along the middle line of the body. The fins are margined with a light blue hue.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF5E52FC73FA3B.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Western Pacific, from the Philippines to New Guinea, north to the Yaeyama Islands, south to Flores, Indonesia, and Palau in Micronesia.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C605FFDF5E52FC73FA3B.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species was previously listed by Baiju et al., (2016), Baiju et al., (2019).	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C606FFDF5F83FD17FDC8.taxon	description	Common Name: Sandwich Isle Filefish Observation Site: The species was observed and photographed from the rocky reefs of Kovalam (8 ° 23 ′ 34.6 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 24.2 ″ E to 8 ° 23 ′ 34.4 ″ N, 76 ° 58 ′ 21.6 ″ E) at a depth of 1.6 m on March 22, 2015. Diagnosis: A monocanthid species characterized by a prominent spine in the first dorsal fin. The body is laterally compressed and truncated, with a protruding snout and whitish lips. The body color changes to slightly yellowish with age. Fins are light yellow, and the upper part of the caudal peduncle bears a distinct white spot, which serves as a key identification mark.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C606FFDF5F83FD17FDC8.taxon	distribution	Distribution: Eastern Central Pacific, primarily in the Hawaiian Islands.	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
A44E87E5FFB3C606FFDF5F83FD17FDC8.taxon	discussion	Remarks: The species has not yet been reported from Indian waters. Diversity and Distribution The present study compared the recorded species diversity within various families to previously documented records from different regions of India. The analysis strongly validates the advantages of the Underwater Visual Census (UVC) method over other survey techniques employed in previous studies across the country. A total of 31 species from various families were newly documented in this study, which had not been previously reported from Indian waters. These include species from Muraenidae (2 species), Scorpaenidae (2 species), Serranidae (1 species), Apogonidae (4 species), Gerreidae (2 species), Nemipteridae (1 species), Mullidae (1 species), Cirrhitidae (2 species), Chaetodontidae (2 species), Pomacentridae (2 species), Labridae (5 species), Acanthuridae (2 species), Sphyraenidae (2 species), Paralichthyidae (1 species), Monocanthidae (1 species), and Balistidae (1 species) (Table 4). Species Distribution and Habitat Variability in the Rocky Reefs of Kerala The UVC method was employed to map the species distribution at depths across 1 – 15 meters in the rocky reef ecosystems of the study area. The prediction model of species distribution pattern for 15 – 30 meters was extrapolated with the species distribution data recorded at the depth of 1 – 10 meters. Based on this, the study was able to predict the possibilities of 1 – 3 additional species per family likely due to depth-related habitat expansion. These results emphasizes the importance of UVC surveys and the need for advanced and extensive surveys to assess the diversity of deepwater rocky reef habitats along the Kerala coast. The species distribution prediction at 15 – 30 meters depth was achieved using the following methods:	en	PT, Baiju, Pereira FG, Benno, MR, Sethu, Mol VP, Limna, MP, Prabhakaran, V, Jayaprakas (2025): New Distributional Records of 31 Marine Fish Species from Rocky Reefs of Kerala: Insights from Underwater Visual Census on the Southwest Coast of India. Species (e 24 s 3127) 26 (77): 1-26, DOI: 10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127, URL: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v26i77.e24s3127
