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Case 3873

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Case 3873: Muraena alba Zuiew, 1793 (currently Monopterus albus; Teleostei, SYNBRANCHIDAE): proposed conservation of usage of the specific name by designation of a neotype

Status of Case:Open Cases
Date Published:12/2025
Authors: Britz, R., Kottelat, M.
Volume and Issue:82/
Pagination:88-94
Keywords: Nomenclature; taxonomy; Monopterus albus; Synbranchus; Synbranchidae; swamp eel
Taxonomic Group(s): Actinopterygii, Osteichthyes
Abstract:

The purpose of this application, under Articles 75.3, 75.6, 81.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, is to set aside all previous name-bearing types for the species Muraena alba Zuiew, 1793 (currently Monopterus albus, the Asian swamp eel) and to designate a neotype in its place. The original description was based on a holotype of unstated origin, but external evidence indicates that it is from Suriname and identical to Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch, 1795. The name has never been used for a South American fish, but has been consistently used as the valid name of an Asian
fish since 1897. Both names are very widely used in their respective continents, and strict application of the Code would result in having to use the current name of the Asian species for the American species and having to revalidate a synonym for the Asian species. The holotype of Muraena alba is lost. The designation of a neotype of Muraena alba Zuiew, 1793, for which we propose the specimen BMNH 1860.3.19.766 in the Natural History Museum, London, will fix the name to the Asian species. The same specimen, a syntype of Synbranchus grammicus Cantor, 1842, is also designated as the lectotype of this latter species.

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