Pterois volitans and Pterois miles: Two Valid Species

Specimens of the nominal species Pterois volitans from the Indian and Pacific Oceans were examined. Based on meristic (number of dorsal and anal rays) and morphometric (length of pectoral fin, size of spots on vertical fins) evidence, specimens from the Indian Ocean are referred to P. miles. Character differences in specimens of P. volitans from Western Australia and the southern Pacific are evident, but the status of these groups remains unclear, pending the collection of more material.