Branchiostegus sanae
- 演化之聲
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopteri
Order: Acanthuriformes
Family: Branchiostegidae
Genus: Branchiostegus
Species: Branchiostegus sanae
Morphological Description
Branchiostegus sanae is a moderately slender and laterally compressed fish with a body length generally ranging from about 32 to 42 cm. The distal end of the upper jaw is nearly vertical. Both the upper and lower jaws possess three to four rows of canine-like teeth, among which the 17th to 20th canines are noticeably enlarged.
A distinctive white and red stripe extends between the orbit and the upper jaw. The head and body are purplish red in color, with the dorsal region darker and the ventral region paler. Golden spots occur at the bases of the dorsal fin spines, while a dark reddish spot is present at the base of the pectoral fin. The base of the caudal fin is orange; approximately the upper two-fifths of the caudal fin is yellow, with the remaining portion dark gray. The pelvic and anal fins are milky white.
Etymology
The species name sanae is derived from the protagonist San in the animated film Princess Mononoke. In the film, the character bears red markings beneath her eyes that resemble the red stripe found in this species. The name also symbolizes the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Biological Description
Branchiostegus sanae inhabits the South China Sea at depths of approximately 150 to 300 meters. Because of the distinctive red-and-white facial stripes, Chinese fishers commonly refer to it as the "Ghost horsehead fish."
Although formally described only recently, this species had long appeared in fish markets as a common food fish. In 2021, researchers noticed that some tilefish sold in markets possessed unusual red-and-white facial stripes. In March 2023, specimens with this feature were purchased from fishers for detailed examination and cross-verification. Based on these specimens, the species was formally described and named as a new species in 2025.
Phylogenetic analysis indicates that all examined specimens of Branchiostegus sanae form a monophyletic group. This lineage is sister to the remaining members of the genus Branchiostegus, excluding Branchiostegus doliatus and Branchiostegus saitoi.
Although the species has only recently been named, it has long been a commonly consumed commercial fish in markets. The recognition of Branchiostegus sanae therefore highlights how even familiar and economically important species may remain taxonomically overlooked. Further research will be necessary to clarify the diversity and relationships within the genus Branchiostegus.
（Author: Bai Leng）
Reference
Huang, H., Chen, J., Ke, Z., Zhang, C. (2025). Branchiostegus sanae, a new species of deepwater tilefish (Eupercaria, Branchiostegidae) from the South China Sea. ZooKeys.
（Paid content. Unauthorized reproduction or use is prohibited.）
Comments