taxonID	type	description	language	source
9A4942276055FFBA0DB5FC9510F53F10.taxon	description	Specimen 1: (ambicoloured and deformed): The specimen measured 18.2 cm in total length and exhibited both partial ambicolouration and a morphological anomaly (Figure 2 a). Pigmentation originated in the caudal fin region and extended anteriorly to the 35 th dorsal fin ray and the 20 th to 21 st anal fin rays, covering approximately 51 % of the blind side surface area. A morphological anomaly near the posterior dorsal fin appeared as a localized incision extending approximately 2 cm into the body which resulted in a reduced dorsal fin ray count. Specimen 2: (ambicoloured): The specimen measured 26.1 cm in total length and exhibited ambicolouration as spotting (Figure 2 b). An unusual pigmentation pattern was observed in the form of a distinct blackish spot situated near the 73 rd dorsal fin ray.	en	Dutta, Sayani, Pillai, Honey Unnikrishna, Das, Shoumadip, Ojha, Snigdha (2025): Unusual pigmentation and morphological variations in four flatfish species (Order: Pleuronectiformes) from Indian waters. Zootaxa 5706 (3): 439-447, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5706.3.7, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.3.7
9A4942276055FFBC0DB5FB4515CE3A2F.taxon	description	Specimen 1 (deformed): The specimen measured 30.5 cm in length and exhibited pronounced caudal deformity with fin regeneration. The deformity appeared to result from a prior transverse injury that led to the partial loss of the original caudal fin structure (Figure 2 e). However, the newly formed caudal region lacked the typical symmetrical tapering characteristics of intact specimens. The abrupt termination of the body resulted in a decrease in the total number of mid-lateral line scales (84) and the regenerated caudal fin displayed an increase in the number of fin rays (16) compared to the normal specimens (10). Further examination using X-ray radiography revealed significant skeletal alterations, including a vertebral column termination resulting in a reduced vertebral count (49) relative to con-specific (Figure 3 d). Specimen 2 (deformed): This specimen measured 33 cm in total length and exhibited a notable morphological anomaly in the caudal region (Figure 2 f), similar to that observed in Specimen 1. However, unlike the previous specimen, the regenerated caudal fin in this individual was structurally more complex, featuring two accessory fins joined on each lateral side of the main caudal fin. The regenerated specimens showed a reduced number of mid-lateral line scales and a marked increase in the total number of caudal fin rays (including accessory rays), compared to normal specimens. X-ray radiography of this specimen also revealed fusion of vertebrae in the caudal region and this affected the normal segmentation of the vertebral column, leading to a reduction in the total vertebral count to 51 (Figure 3 e). 3. Dagetichthys commersonnii (n = 1): Specimen 1 (ambicoloured): The specimen measured 29.6 cm in length and it displayed dark staining on its blind side, particularly in the area between the 35 th and 45 th anal fin rays, in which the pigmentation appeared as a brownish patch (Figure 2 c). The stain extended to the tips of the anal fin rays and their membranes.	en	Dutta, Sayani, Pillai, Honey Unnikrishna, Das, Shoumadip, Ojha, Snigdha (2025): Unusual pigmentation and morphological variations in four flatfish species (Order: Pleuronectiformes) from Indian waters. Zootaxa 5706 (3): 439-447, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5706.3.7, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.3.7
9A4942276052FFBD0DB5FF1D14B73AE7.taxon	description	Specimen 1 (deformed): The specimen measured 10.8 cm in total length and exhibited a distinct morphological anomaly consisting of a deep cut located on the lower side of the body, near the base of the 13 th anal fin ray (Figure 2 d). This incision formed a triangular groove approximately 9 mm deep, extending into the underlying body musculature. Despite this deep cut, the other morphometric and meristic characters were consistent with standard reference values, with the exception of a reduced number of anal fin rays and a localized deviation in body depth.	en	Dutta, Sayani, Pillai, Honey Unnikrishna, Das, Shoumadip, Ojha, Snigdha (2025): Unusual pigmentation and morphological variations in four flatfish species (Order: Pleuronectiformes) from Indian waters. Zootaxa 5706 (3): 439-447, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5706.3.7, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.3.7
