Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

A study of some osteological characters, namely, the parapophysial stay on the trunk vertebra, second vertebral processes, basioccipital processes, and post-zygapophysial hooks, as basic characteristics for the generic appraisal of grey mullets has revealed that these parameters can be used to separate the genera Liza, V^alamugil and Ellochelon. The existence of these genera is questioned by different workers. The generic status of these three genera in relation to the genus Mugil is outlined. A new genus OsteomugH is created to accommodate M. cunnesius Valenciennes. The possibility that L. strongylocephalus, L. engeli and M. kelaartii could belong to the new genus is pointed out. The number and form of pyloric caeca provide additional help in the identification of certain species of mullets. It is suggested that species differing from others of the same genus, by having well developed adipose eyelids, be given a subgeneric status and that end of maxilla be considered as "exposed" when the mouth is closed, only when the "maxillary notch" is closer to the angle of the mouth. It is also proposed that precedence be given to osteological characters over diversity in the mouth Jparts, in the taxonomic appraisal of grey mullets. I N T R O D U C T I O N DIVERGENT views are on record on the status of the mugilid genera, Liza Jordan and Swain ( = Chelon Rose), Valamugil Smith and Ellochelon Whitley. Schultz (1953) referred the latter two genera to the first one, whereas Thomson (1954 a) recognized Valamugil but considered Ellochelon as synonymous with L^'ii Pillay (1962) brought these three genera under the synonymy of Mugil Linnaeus. During the course of biological studies on • Paper presented at the IBP/PM International Symposium on Grey Mullets and their Culture, June 2nd 8th, 1974 Haifa, Israel. Abstract published in the "Special Issue, Grey Mullets", Aquaculture, 5(1975): 107.