Herklotsichthys Whitley 1951 to replace Harengula Valenciennes 1847 for indo-pacific species (Pisces: Clupeidae)

Abstract

In agreement with a recent work by Berry, the Indo-Pacific species of Harengula are here separated from those of the New World at generie level. The names Clupalosa Bleeker 1849, Paralosa Bleeker 1868 and Wilkesina Fowler 1923, hitherto considered available for Indo-Pacific species of Harengula, are shown to have been based on species of Sardinella. Harengula dispilonotus Bleeker, the type species of Herklotsella Fowler 1934, is an Indo-Pacific species of Harengula. Herklotsella Fowler is, however, preoccupied by Herklotsella Herre 1933, a siluroid genus. Herklotsichthys Whitley 1951 must, therefore, be used for those Indo-Pacific species until now placed in Harengula.

Characters separating Sardinella from both Harengula and Herklotsichthys are discussed and a key is given.