Taxonomic status of Hoplichthys regani Jordan 1908 (Scorpaeniformes: Hoplichthyidae), with comments on its authorship

Validity of a ghost flathead, Hoplichthys regani Jordan 1908 , which has sometimes been regarded as a junior synonym of Hoplichthys gilberti Jordan and Richardson 1908 , was evaluated. We conclude that H. regani is a valid species from comparison of specimens of both species, including the name-bearing types. Hoplichthys regani can be distinguished from H. gilberti by the length of the longest free pectoral fin ray and length of each dorsal fin spine in males. We also redescribe H. regani and discuss its authorship, following the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.