The Moonfish, Mene Maculata (Perciformes: Menidae), And The Crimson Snapper, Lutjanus Erythropterus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae), In Omani Waters: A Questioned Occurrence And Possible Presence Of Self-Sustaining Populations

The first confirmed record of the moonfish, Mene maculata (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (Perciformes: Menidae), and the crimson snapper, Lutjanus erythropterus Bloch, 1790 (Perciformes: Lutjanidae), in Omani waters is reported on the basis of 10 (M. maculata) and 7 (L. erythropterus) specimens, ranging in total length 290-410 mm and 300-720 mm respectively, which were collected using gill-net on the coast of Muscat City, Oman. Morphometric and meristic data are provided and compared with those of several specimens of these species from other parts of the world. The present study reports on the largest recorded specimen of M. maculata. It also reports on the presence of a sustainable population of both species in the Oman Sea, Sultanate of Oman.