Note on Cheilodipterus macrodon(Lacepede, 1802) (Perciformes: Apogonidae)from Gulf of Mannar, Southeast Coast of India

A single specimen of large toothed cardinalfish, Cheilodipterus macrodon (Lacepede, 1802) collected from off Punnakayal of Tuticorin coast is recorded for the first time from Gulf of Mannar, southeast coast of India. The morphometric and meristic characters of the recorded specimens are described and discussed. The diagnostic characters based on body stripes, proportions, and counts in particular with the ontogenetic changes in the number of developed gill rackers distinguishes C. macrodon from closely related species of C. alleni Gon, 1993, C. artus Smith, 1961 and C. intermdius Gon, 1993. The present record adds the species diversity of apogonids from the Gulf of Mannar.