本種はN. bairdiiとN. suillaに似るが,前者は腹鰭条数が7,後者は吻下面が無鱗で本種と区別できる。地理的5系群が報告されている(Marshall and Iwamoto, 1973)。 (荒井)
Distinctive characters:
(Family): Urogenital opening immediately behind anus. Usually two dorsal fins. Scales usually armed with spinules. (Genus): Anus closer to insertion of pelvic fin than to origin of anal fin. A small oval black dermal window of light organ between pelvic bases. Second spinous ray of 1st dorsal fin serrated. Gill rakers on 1st arch less than 12. No dark band along anterolateral margin of snout. (Species): Pelvic fin rays 8. Underside of snout largely scaly; branchiostegal membrane naked. Terminal scutes of snout small (Fig.). Suborbital ridge developed. Body scales armed with relatively broad, more or less shield-shaped tip spinules.
Distribution:
Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Remarks:
The present species is similer to N. bairdii and N. suilla, but is distinguishable by the former having 7 pelvic fin rays and the latter having no scale on underside of snout. Five geographical populations are reported (Marshall and Iwamoto, 1973). (Arai)