Redescription of Polydactylus macrochir (Gunther, 1867), a senior synonym of P. sheridani (Macleay, 1884) (Perciformes: Polynemidae)

Polydactylus macrochir (Gunther, 1867), for many years identified as Psheridani (Macleay, 1884), is redescribed as valid and a senior synonym of the latter species,following examination of the holotype of the former and comparative material. Polvdactrlus macrochir is characterized by 14 or 15 pectoral-fin rays (usually 14 ), five pectoral filaments. 70-76 pored lateral-line scales, 32-35 gill rakers. occipital profile concave in adults, posterior margin of maxilla extending considerably beyond posterior margin of adipose eyelid, depth of posterior portion of maxilla greater than dermal eye opening in adults, second spine of first dorsal fin very strong and long pectoral-fin rays (22-27% of standard length). Polvdactylus macrochir is currently known only from northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea, being endemic to those areas