Epinephelus sicanus (Doderlein, 1882) (Perciformes: Serranidae: Epinephelinae), a valid species of grouper from the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

The aim of the present statement is to prove that the name Cerna sicana Doderlein, 1882 (presently as Epinephelus sicanus [Doderlein, 1882]) should be considered a valid species unless it is demonstrated that it is a synonym of another valid species. At present no research has demonstrated that Epinephelus sicanus is a synonym of another species of Epinephelus or related genera, only hypotheses have been formulated. Epinephelus sicanus was overlooked by most fish catalogues or reported as uncertain synonym of other species. It is here proposed to include this taxon in all fish catalogues as valid species, and it is recommended to perform additional taxonomical or molecular analyses.