taxonID	type	description	language	source
0255878D8B34DE3FFF33D1609ACD48F8.taxon	vernacular_names	African sicklefish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B34DE3FFF33D1609ACD48F8.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Drepane africana was a rare catch across all our study areas. This species is synonymous with Cryptosmilia luna (Cope), Drepane punctata octofasciata (Pellegrin) and Drepane punctata africana (Osório). Drepane africana is distributed across marine and brackish waters from Mauritania to southern Angola. It has a deep, rhomboid, and strongly compressed body, with body depth approximately twice the head length and a very steep forehead profile. Its dorsal fin is characterized by a notch separating the spinous and soft portions, consisting of nine spines and 21 soft rays.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B34DE3FFF33D71999D94D18.taxon	vernacular_names	Daisy stingray	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B34DE3FFF33D71999D94D18.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Fontitrygon margarita was rarely encountered in the Epe axis of NLL during the field study. This species is characterized by a prominently undulated jaw and a central band of rounded denticles. A distinctive pearl-like tubercle is situated centrally on its back, accompanied by a plain light brown coloration. Furthermore, F. margarita possesses pectoral radials ranging between 133 – 135.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B34DE3FFF33D42199C14DF3.taxon	vernacular_names	Pearl stingray	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B34DE3FFF33D42199C14DF3.taxon	description	(Figure 2 A)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B34DE3FFF33D42199C14DF3.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Fontitrygon margaritella was occasionally observed in the Epe axis of NLL during the survey. This species is characterized by an oval, disc-shaped body with a pointed snout and weakly undulated jaws. It features a central band of rounded denticles, and a distinctive pearl-like tubercle centrally positioned on its back. Also, F. margaritella has between 116 and 127 pectoral radials.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B33DE38FF33D3999AB94807.taxon	vernacular_names	Longfin crevalle jack	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B33DE38FF33D3999AB94807.taxon	description	(Figure 2 C)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B33DE38FF33D3999AB94807.taxon	discussion	Remarks: During our field study, C. fischeri was occasionally captured in Badagry and Epe, and rarely encountered in Ikorodu. This species is widely distributed across marine, freshwater, and brackish environments in the Eastern Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea. Caranx fischeri is characterized by its elongated, deep, and moderately compressed body, with a prominent eye. It has a first dorsal fin with eight spines and a second dorsal fin with a single spine and 21 soft rays. The dorsal side of its body exhibits a bluish-black coloration, transitioning to a golden hue ventrally. A distinctive oval black spot is present on the lower half of the pectoral fins, and the anal-fin lobe is predominantly white.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B33DE38FF33D4959AB74AC0.taxon	vernacular_names	Crevalle jack	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B33DE38FF33D4959AB74AC0.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Caranx hippos was occasionally captured in Badagry during our field study. This species exhibits an elongated, deep, and moderately compressed body with a large eye. It is characterized by a first dorsal fin with eight spines, a second dorsal fin with a single spine and 20 soft rays. The body coloration is bluish black on the dorsal side and golden on the ventral side. A distinct oval black spot is present on the lower half of the pectoral fins, while the anal-fin lobe is entirely yellow. Other synonyms for C. hippos include Carangus esculentus (Girard), Caranx antilliarum (Bennett), Caranx carangua (Lacépède), Caranx carangus (Bloch), Caranx defensor (DeKay), Caranx erythrurus (Lacépède), Scomber carangus (Bloch), Scomber hippos (Linnaeus), and Trachurus cordyla (Gronow). Caranx hippos belongs to the C. hippos complex, along with its congeners — Pacific crevalle jack (Caranx caninus Günther) and longfin crevalle jack (Caranx fischeri Cuvier) (Smith-Vaniz & Carpenter, 2007). First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766 as Scomber hippos (Linnaeus), based on a specimen from the Carolinas in the United States, C. hippos was initially grouped with mackerels before Carangidae was established as a separate family (Smith-Vaniz et al., 1999). The genus Caranx was later established by Bernard Germain de Lacépède, who redescribed the crevalle jack as C. carangua. This naming was invalidated, although genus Caranx was recognized as valid. Nevertheless, the relationship between C. hippos and its congener — C. caninus (Pacific crevalle jack) continued to be contentious (Smith-Vaniz & Carpenter, 2007). Early arguments proposed these taxa as conspecific, leading to trinomial names such as Caranx hippos hippos (Linnaeus) and Caranx hippos tropicus (Nichols) to distinguish subspecies. However, a modern review confirmed they are distinct species based on differences in hyperostosis development and anal fin coloration (Smith-Vaniz & Carpenter, 2007) and also named individuals from eastern Atlantic as C. hippos.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B33DE38FF33D15D9E1448DF.taxon	vernacular_names	Senegal jack	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B33DE38FF33D15D9E1448DF.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Caranx senegallus was occasionally caught in Epe and Ikorodu. It has an elongated, deep, and moderately compressed body, with a bluntly pointed snout and large eye. The first dorsal fin comprises eight spines, followed by a second dorsal spine and 20 soft rays. The body and head range from light to dark brown dorsally, transitioning to a yellowish hue ventrally. The dorsal fin is brown, while the caudal and anal fins are brown or yellow.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B33DE38FF33D74E98044D18.taxon	vernacular_names	Senegal needlefish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B33DE38FF33D74E98044D18.taxon	description	(Figure 2 B)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B33DE38FF33D74E98044D18.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Strongylura senegalensis, formerly synonymized with Belone senegalensis (Valenciennes), was occasionally observed in Badagry and Ikorodu but was commonly found in Epe. This species inhabits marine and brackish waters, with a distribution extending from Senegal through the Gulf of Guinea to Angola. Strongylura senegalensis is characterized by its elongated body, a bluish-green coloration on the dorsal side, and a silvery hue on the ventral side, with a distinct dark blue stripe running along its sides. Its fin ray counts are diagnostic, comprising 15 dorsal-fin rays, 16 anal-fin rays, and 11 pectoral-fin rays.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D6FE99FB4E8B.taxon	vernacular_names	Atlantic bumper	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D6FE99FB4E8B.taxon	description	(Figure 2 D)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D6FE99FB4E8B.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Chloroscombrus chrysurus, synonymized with Scomber chrysurus (Linnaeus), was commonly encountered in Badagry and Epe, and occasionally observed in Ikorodu. This species is widely distributed in marine and brackish waters of the Eastern and Western Atlantic. Chloroscombrus chrysurus is characterized by its oval, deep, and highly compressed body. The snout is short and bluntly pointed, with a small eye. A distinctive black saddle mark is present on the upper part of the caudal peduncle. The body is notably compressed, with the ventral profile being more convex than the dorsal profile.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D7DE9F664DAB.taxon	vernacular_names	Bicolor jack	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D7DE9F664DAB.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Hemicaranx bicolor, synonymized with Caranx bicolor (Günther), was a common catch across all our sampling locations. This species is distributed in marine and brackish waters, ranging from Senegal through the Gulf of Guinea to Angola. Hemicaranx bicolor is characterized by a moderately elongated, deep, and strongly compressed body, with a bluntly rounded snout and a small eye. The dorsal body coloration is dark blue green, transitioning to a silvery hue ventrally. Other notable features include a prominent black blotch on the operculum and black coloration along the dorsal-fin margin and tips of the upper caudal-fin lobe.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D4BE9F724CCB.taxon	vernacular_names	African moonfish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D4BE9F724CCB.taxon	description	(Figure 2 E)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D4BE9F724CCB.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Selene dorsalis, synonymized with Vomer dorsalis (Gill), was commonly encountered in Badagry and Ikorodu, with occasional sightings in Epe. Distributed across the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, this species remains poorly studied and may be conspecific with Selene setapinnis (Mitchill). Pending further taxonomical revisions, we refer to our specimen as S. dorsalis. It is characterized by a rounded head profile that slopes sharply through a slight concavity in front of the eye to a blunt snout, with the lower jaw slightly protruding. The body is short, deep, and highly compressed, with a ventral profile that is more convex than the dorsal profile.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D59E9F0F4BC7.taxon	vernacular_names	Permit	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D59E9F0F4BC7.taxon	description	(Figure 2 F)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D59E9F0F4BC7.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Trachinotus falcatus, synonymized with Labrus falcatus (Linnaeus), was rarely captured during our field study and was observed only from the Ikorodu axis of NLL. This species is characterized by a short, deep, and compressed body. The dorsal fin features six spines, followed by one spine and 21 soft rays. The anal fins are predominantly yellow, with the distal half of the anal-fin lobe exhibiting a dark coloration. Additionally, the pectoral fin, along with the lobes of the dorsal and caudal fins, ranges from dusky to black.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D29A99C14AE7.taxon	vernacular_names	Longfin pompano	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D29A99C14AE7.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Trachinotus goreensis was found exclusively in Epe and was rarely captured during the study. This species is distributed in marine and brackish waters, ranging from Senegal through the Gulf of Guinea to Congo. Trachinotus goreensis is characterized by its short, deep, and compressed body, with a blunt snout and a small eye. Another distinctive feature of this species is the presence of five dark blotches along its sides: the first blotch appears as a vertically elongated bar, the second is oval-shaped, and the remaining blotches progressively decrease in size and become more rounded toward the posterior.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D07A99F34897.taxon	vernacular_names	Pompano (Figure 2 G)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B32DE39FF33D07A99F34897.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Trachinotus ovatus was occasionally encountered in Ikorodu during the study. Other synonyms for this species include Caesiomorus glauca (Linnaeus), Caesiomorus glaucus (Linnaeus), Caranx glaucus (Linnaeus), Centronotus binotatus (Rafinesque), Centronotus ovalis (Lacépède), Gasterosteus ovatus (Linnaeus), Glaucus rondeletii (Bleeker), Lichia glauca (Linnaeus), Lichia glaucus (Linnaeus), Lichia tetracantha (Bowdich), Scomber glaucus (Linnaeus), Trachinotus glaucus (Linnaeus), Trachinotus madeirensis (Borodin), Trachynotus glaucus (Linnaeus), and Trachynotus ovatus (Linnaeus). This species is distributed across marine and brackish waters of the Eastern Atlantic. Trachinotus ovatus is characterized by a moderately elongated and compressed body, with a bluntly pointed snout and a small eye. The body features five distinct dark blotches along the sides, with the first four blotches positioned below the spinous dorsal fin. The anal fin is typically straight, and the caudal-fin lobes exhibit darkened tips that turn black near the ends.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B31DE3AFF33D52A9BF74B13.taxon	vernacular_names	West African ladyfish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B31DE3AFF33D52A9BF74B13.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Synonymous with Elops congicus (Boulenger), E. lacerta was a rare and occasional catch in all our study areas. This species is distributed across marine and brackish waters from Mauritania to southern Angola. In Nigeria, it is known to inhabit Niger Delta and Cross River, particularly between James Island and Ikom. Elops lacerta is a spindle-shaped fish featuring a greyish-black back and pale fins. It has approximately 72 – 83 scales along the lateral line.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B31DE3AFF33D74E9F534D63.taxon	vernacular_names	Bonga shad	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B31DE3AFF33D74E9F534D63.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Ethmalosa fimbriata was a common catch in all our sampling locations in NLL. It is synonymized with Alausa dorsalis (Valenciennes), Alausa platycephalus (Bleeker), Clupea dorsalis (Valenciennes), Clupea fimbriata (Bowdich), Clupea senegalensis (Valenciennes), Clupea setosa (Steindachner), Ethmalosa dorsalis (Valenciennes), Harengula forsteri (Valenciennes), and Meletta senegalensis (Valenciennes). E. fimbriata occurs in marine, brackish, and occasionally freshwater environments along the west coast of Africa, ranging from Mauritania to southern Angola. It is a deep-bodied, compressed species with a large head. The dorsal fin is relatively short, positioned approximately vertically at the midpoint of the body. The short anal fin is located well behind, aligned vertically with the posterior end of the dorsal-fin base. The caudal fin is a distinctive deep yellow.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B31DE3AFF33D0CD9F4F48DF.taxon	vernacular_names	African Bonytongue or African / Nile arowana (Figure 2 H)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B31DE3AFF33D0CD9F4F48DF.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Heterotis niloticus, the sole species in its genus, is native to a wide range of African river basins, including the Sahelo-Sudanese region and the basins of the Senegal, Gambia, Corubal, Volta, Ouémé, Niger, Bénoué, Chad, and Nile rivers, as well as Lake Turkana. During our survey, this species was rarely encountered in the Badagry region and occasionally observed in the Ikorodu axis of NLL. Heterotis niloticus is distinguished by its elongated dorsal and anal fins, which are positioned posteriorly and extend close to the small, rounded caudal fin. The species exhibits a uniform coloration, ranging from grey to brown or bronze. Other synonyms for this species include Clupisudis niloticus (Cuvier), Heterotis adansonii (Cuvier), Heterotis ehrenbergii (Valenciennes), Heterotis nilotica (Cuvier), Sudis adansonii (Cuvier), Sudis nilotica (Cuvier) and Sudis niloticus (Cuvier).	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B31DE3AFF33D29A9A664AC3.taxon	vernacular_names	West African goatfish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B31DE3AFF33D29A9A664AC3.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Pseudupeneus prayensis, synonymous with Upeneus prayensis (Cuvier), was a rare catch in Badagry and Ikorodu. This species is distributed across marine and brackish waters from Mauritania to southern Angola. Pseudupeneus prayensis has a moderately elongated and slightly compressed body, with a somewhat pointed snout and a gently convex head profile. Its body color is pinkish red, adorned with 3 – 4 longitudinal lines in darker red to brownish yellow.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B30DE24FF33D179985D4E43.taxon	vernacular_names	Redbelly tilapia (Figure 2 J)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B30DE24FF33D179985D4E43.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Coptodon zillii was a common catch across all sampling locations during the study. This species is widely distributed in freshwater and brackish environments throughout West, Central, and Northern Africa. Coptodon zillii is characterized by a deep body, narrow head, and small but strong jaws. It displays a bright red belly and distinctive vertical barring along its body. Other synonyms for this species include Acerina zillii (Gervais), Chromis andreae (Günther), Chromis coeruleomaculatus (Rochebrune), Chromis faidherbii (Rochebrune), Chromis melanopleura (Duméril), Chromis menzalensis (Mitchell), Chromis tristrami (Günther), Chromis zillii (Gervais, Coptodus zillei (Gervais), Glyphisidon zillii (Gervais), Haligenes tristrami (Günther), Sarotherodon zillii (Gervais), Tilapia caerulomaculatus (Rochebrune), Tilapia faidherbi (Rochebrune), Tilapia melanopleura (Duméril), Tilapia menzalensis (Mitchell), Tilapia multiradiata (Holly), Tilapia shariensis (Fowler), Tilapia sparrmani multiradiata (Holly), Tilapia tristrami (Günther), and Tilapia zillii (Gervais).	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B30DE3BFF33D6899A2E4EF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Elephant fish (Figure 2 I)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B30DE3BFF33D6899A2E4EF4.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Marcusenius brucii, a synonym of Mormyrus senegalensis (Steindachner) was occasionally captured in the Epe and Ikorodu regions of NLL during the study. This species is known to inhabit the Ogun and Oshun Rivers in Nigeria and shares meristic similarities with Marcusenius senegalensis (Steindachner), differing primarily in body shape and the structure of the caudal peduncle. Additionally, M. brucii has been previously reported in catches from the Lekki area of Lagos Lagoon during the rainy season. It is characterized by a well-developed, fleshy chin with a globular swelling and possesses 12 scales along the caudal peduncle, distinguishing it further among its congeners.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B30DE3BFF33D5E59E0F4B58.taxon	vernacular_names	Reticulate knifefish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B30DE3BFF33D5E59E0F4B58.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Synonymous with Notopterus afer (Günther), Notopterus afer congensis (Nichols & LaMonte), Papyrochranus afer (Günther) and Paryrocranus afer (Günther), P. afer is a reticulated knifefish, characterized by its laterally flattened body and the presence of very small scales, which contribute to its distinctive appearance. Papyrocranus afer was rarely encountered across all our study areas. However, this species is known to inhabit other Nigerian coastal river basins, with a distribution extending from the Ogun River to the Cross River.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B30DE3BFF33D3559E114974.taxon	vernacular_names	African / Niger Snakehead	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B30DE3BFF33D3559E114974.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Parachanna africana, formerly referred to as Ophiocephalus africanus (Steindachner), was a common catch across all sampling locations during the study. This species is widely distributed in freshwater and brackish environments across Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. P. africana is often misidentified as its congener Parachanna obscura (Günther). However, according to Bonou and Teugels (1985), P. africana can be reliably distinguished by the following combination of morphological characteristics that include color pattern, scale count, lateral line, and anal-fin rays. In our study, we identified P. africana from NLL by its elongated body and a medium-sized lateral line scale. The head is depressed anteriorly and covered with larger scales. Distinctively, the species is marked by nine dark bands along the flanks and possesses 48 dorsal fin rays, which are key features for its identification.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B30DE3BFF33D4F99ACA4C5C.taxon	vernacular_names	African knifefish.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B30DE3BFF33D4F99ACA4C5C.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Xenomystus nigri is distributed across coastal waters in Sierra Leone to Angola and Sudan, including several West African drainage basins. During the study, it was occasionally captured in Badagry and Epe regions of NLL. This species is characterized by its distinctive knife-shaped body, absence of dorsal fins, and a soft anal fin containing approximately 108 – 130 rays. Other synonyms for X. nigri include Notopterus nigri (Günther) and Notopterus nili (Steindachner).	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2FDE24FF33D59E9AB64A57.taxon	vernacular_names	Moon fish (Figure 2 L)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2FDE24FF33D59E9AB64A57.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Previously, two subspecies of C. citharus were recognized: Citharinus citharus citharus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire) and Citharinus citharus intermedius (Worthington). However, the specimens collected in our study could not be confidently assigned to a subspecies. Further molecular identification is recommended to resolve this. Pending that, we refer to them at the species level. Other synonyms for this species include Citharinus citharus intermedius (Worthington), Citharinus geoffroyi (Cuvier), Distichodus marnoi (Steindachner), and Serrasalmus citharus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire). Citharinus citharus was a common catch in the Epe and Ikorodu sampling locations, and this study reports its occurrence in the lagoon. C. citharus is a silvery, deep-bodied species with an eye protected by a small adipose eyelid. The dorsal fin contains 17 – 21 branched rays, while the anal fin comprises 26 – 30 branched rays.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2FDE24FF33D40298654C5F.taxon	vernacular_names	Banded jewelfish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2FDE24FF33D40298654C5F.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Hemichromis fasciatus, synonymized with Hemichromis desguezii (Rochebrune) and Hemichromis leiguardii (de Brito Capello), was a common catch across all sampling locations in NLL. This species is widely distributed throughout West Africa, ranging from the Senegal basin to the Chad basin, including West African coastal rivers and the middle and lower regions of the Chad basin. Hemichromis fasciatus has a deep body with a narrow head and is marked by five distinct vertical bands along its flanks. The first band merges with an opercular spot, while the last band is located at the base of the caudal fin.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2FDE25FF33D13E9BE34FFB.taxon	vernacular_names	African moony	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2FDE25FF33D13E9BE34FFB.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Monodactylus sebae, synonymous with Psettus sebae (Cuvier) and Psettias sebae (Cuvier), was an occasional catch in Badagry, Epe, and Ikorodu during the study. This species is also found in marine, freshwater, and brackish habitats along the west coast of Africa, extending from Mauritania to southern Angola. Monodactylus sebae is characterized by a laterally compressed body and the absence of pelvic fins. The edges of the dorsal and anal fins, along with the basal part of the caudal fin, are pale, while the pectoral fins range from smoky grey to white.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2FDE24FF33D70699D54D3F.taxon	vernacular_names	Nile tilapia (Figure 2 K)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2FDE24FF33D70699D54D3F.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Oreochromis niloticus, synonymized with Perca nilotica (Linnaeus) and Tilapia nilotica (Linnaeus), was a common catch across all sampling locations during the study. This species is widely distributed in freshwater habitats across West and Central Africa, with additional occurrences in brackish waters in Nigeria and Ghana. Oreochromis niloticus features a compressed body, with the depth of the caudal peduncle equal to its length. The caudal fin is marked by regular vertical black stripes.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2FDE24FF33D3869F1749BF.taxon	vernacular_names	Sompat grunt	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2FDE24FF33D3869F1749BF.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Synonymous with Pristipoma jubelini (Cuvier), P. jubelini was an occasional catch in Badagry during the study. This species is distributed in marine, freshwater, and brackish waters along the west coast of Africa, ranging from Mauritania to southern Angola. Pomadasys jubelini is characterized by a silvery body adorned with dark brown, irregularly scattered spots that align with the scale rows on its back and sides. It features 4 – 5 rows of scales between the lateral line and the middle of the base of the spinous dorsal fin	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2EDE25FF33D2A69A0A4AE7.taxon	vernacular_names	Morocco dentex	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2EDE25FF33D2A69A0A4AE7.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Synonymous with Dentex parvulus (Capello) and Diagramma maroccanus (Valenciennes), D. maroccanus was an occasional catch in Epe and Ikorodu during the study. This species is distributed in marine and brackish waters of the Eastern Atlantic, ranging from the Bay of Biscay and southwestern Mediterranean to the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Guinea. D. maroccanus is an oval, compressed-bodied fish with a moderately steep head profile in front of the eye. The dorsal fin comprises 12 spines and 11 soft rays. The distal portions of the dorsal and anal fins display a more intense reddish coloration, while the fork of the caudal fin is distinctly edged with dark red.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2EDE25FF33D7FA99814D87.taxon	vernacular_names	Royal threadfin	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2EDE25FF33D7FA99814D87.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Polynemus quinquarius (Linnaeus), Polynemus artedii (Bennett), Polynemus macronemus (Pel) and Polynemus peli (Njock) were synonymized with P. quinquarius. This species was a common catch in Badagry, Epe, and Ikorodu during the study. P. quinquarius occurs in marine and brackish waters along the west coast of Africa, from Mauritania to southern Angola. P. quinquarius is a medium-sized species distinguished by its first dorsal fin, which has eight spines, and a second dorsal fin with one spine and 15 soft rays. A unique feature of this species is the presence of five elongated pectoral filaments.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2EDE25FF33D57699D54B37.taxon	vernacular_names	Cassava croaker	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2EDE25FF33D57699D54B37.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Pseudotolithus senegalensis, formerly known as Otolithus senegalensis (Valenciennes), Sciaena senegalensis (Valenciennes), Sciaena dux (Bowdich), Pseudotolithus macrognathus (Bleeker) and Otolithus macrognathus (Bleeker) was a common catch in Badagry and Epe. This species is distributed across marine and brackish waters along the west coast of Africa, from Mauritania to southern Angola. Pseudotolithus senegalensis is a large, elongated, and moderately compressed fish with a prominent eye. Its body color ranges from silvery grey to yellowish, with a reddish hue along the back. The body is marked by dotted, oblique wavy stripes that follow the scale rows and gradually fade toward the ventral side	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2EDE25FF33D0169F844873.taxon	vernacular_names	Guinean barracuda	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2EDE25FF33D0169F844873.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Sphyraena afra was a common catch in all our study area during the field study. Beyond NLL, this species is distributed across marine and brackish waters along the west coast of Africa, from Senegal to southern Angola. Sphyraena afra is characterized by its elongated and slightly compressed body. The dorsal-fin origin is positioned distinctly behind the level of the pelvic-fin origins. The tips of the first rays of both the dorsal and anal fins, when appressed, extend to the ends of the last rays, and the tips of the pectoral fins reach beyond the level of the pelvic-fin origins. This species has small scales, with 122 – 140 scales along the lateral line.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2DDE26FF33D74E9F624EF4.taxon	vernacular_names	Cape scaldfish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2DDE26FF33D74E9F624EF4.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Arnoglossus capensis, synonymized with Arnoglossus entomorhynchus (Stauch), was rarely encountered in Epe and Ikorodu. This species has a wide African continental distribution, ranging from Mauritania and the Gulf of Guinea around the Cape to Natal, South Africa. A. capensis is characterized by its oval body shape, with the ocular side exhibiting a brownish coloration accompanied by faint darker markings. It is further distinguished by its fin ray counts, featuring approximately 99 dorsal-fin rays and around 78 anal-fin rays.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2DDE26FF33D2729A6A4A33.taxon	vernacular_names	Smoothmouth sea catfish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2DDE26FF33D2729A6A4A33.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Carlarius heudelotii, synonymized with Arius heudelotii (Valenciennes) and Arius mercatoris (Poll) is commonly found in coastal marine waters but occasionally inhabits estuaries and brackish environments. During our field survey, this species was occasionally encountered in both Badagry and Epe of NLL. Its presence has also been confirmed in the Nigerian Niger Basin. Carlarius heudelotii is characterized by strong, serrated, erectile spines on both the dorsal and pectoral fins. It possesses ten soft rays in the pectoral fins, 18 rays in the anal fin, and a well-developed adipose fin. The head is rounded and slightly flattened on top, with an inferior mouth and three pairs of blackish barbels.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2DDE27FF33D13E9E144FFB.taxon	vernacular_names	Belly up	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2DDE27FF33D13E9E144FFB.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus is distributed across coastal rivers from Senegal to Angola. During the study, it was a common catch in the Badagry and Ikorodu regions of NLL. This species is characterized by its large mouth, prominent eyes, and four pairs of small barbels. It also features a deeply forked caudal fin, two dorsal spines, and six dorsal soft rays, making it easily identifiable within its range. Other synonyms for this species include Arius acutivelis (Valenciennes), Chrysichthys acutirostris (Günther), Chrysichthys buettikoferi (Steindachner), Chrysichthys büttikoferi (Steindachner), Chrysichthys ogowensis (Günther), and Pimelodus nigrodigitatus (Lacépède)	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2DDE26FF33D3A29F9949BF.taxon	vernacular_names	Airbreathing catfish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2DDE26FF33D3A29F9949BF.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Clarias buthupogon was occasionally caught in Badagry and Ikorodu, while it was rare in Epe. Other synonyms for C. buthupogon include Chlarias angolensis (Steindachner), Chlarias angolensis macronema (Fowler), Clarias lindicus (Boulenger), Clarias obscurus (Poll) and Clarias zygouron (Nichols & Griscom). This species is also known to inhabit the coastal rivers from Benin and Nigeria through Cameroon to the Congo River basin. Clarias buthupogon is characterized by a well-developed adipose fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins. It has a relatively broad head, with 77 soft rays in the dorsal fin and 58 soft rays in the anal fin.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2DDE26FF33D4E69EB14C3B.taxon	vernacular_names	Nigerian tonguesole	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2DDE26FF33D4E69EB14C3B.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Cynoglossus senegalensis is a rare species that was occasionally observed during our field study. It is distributed in marine and brackish waters, ranging from Senegal through the Gulf of Guinea to Angola. This flat, ray-finned fish is characterized by approximately 86 – 90 mid-lateral line scales. Other synonyms for this species include Arelia senegalensis (Kaup), Cynoglossus goreensis (Steindachner), and Cynoglossus guineensis (Osorio).	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2CDE27FF33D7FA9E524D3F.taxon	vernacular_names	Schilbid catfish	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2CDE27FF33D7FA9E524D3F.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Schilbe uranoscopus, synonymized with Schilbe isidori (Valenciennes) was occasionally caught in Epe and Ikorodu during the study. It has a wide distribution across the Niger River and its basin, extending downstream to the Cross River basin, Chad basin, the Nile, and the Lake Turkana system. Schilbe uranoscopus is characterized by a single dorsal fin, the absence of an adipose fin, and 59 – 73 anal soft rays. Its eyes are positioned dorsolaterally.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2CDE20FF33D576986E4D63.taxon	vernacular_names	Prickly puffer	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2CDE20FF33D576986E4D63.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Other synonyms to this species include Ephippion guttiferum (Bennett), Ephippion maculatum (Bibron), Hemiconiatus guttifer (Bennett), Tetraodon guttifer (Bennett), and Tetrodon guttifer (Bennett). Ephippion guttifer was an occasional catch in Badagry, Epe, and Ikorodu during the study. This species is distributed across marine and brackish waters from Mauritania to southern Angola. It is a blunt-headed fish with robust jaws. Its dorsal fin contains ten soft rays, while the anal fin has nine soft rays and lacks a spine. The body surface is pigmented and covered with distinct white spots. Comparison of fish diversity across localities in NLL. — Our field data revealed that fish diversity in NLL varied across sampling locations (Table 2). The Epe axis recorded the highest fish observations, with 1,152 individuals encompassing 32 species, whereas Badagry and Ikorodu showed relatively similar numbers of individuals, comprising 28 and 31 species respectively. High values of the Simpson Diversity Index, Shannon-Wiener, and Margalef indices (Table 2) suggest higher fish diversity levels in Epe, although these indices were not significantly different from those observed in Badagry and Ikorodu.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2CDE20FF33D576986E4D63.taxon	description	Comparison of fish diversity in NLL with other fish diversities across West African Lagoon systems. — We examined fish diversity across different lagoons in West Africa (Table 3). The result indicates that species richness in NLL is highly distinct compared to other lagoon systems in West Africa (Table 3). The next speciose lagoon is Aghien Lagoon in Côte d’Ivoire with 80 species followed by 56 species in Winneba, Saltpond and Cape Coast lagoons in Ghana and 51 species in Lake Nokoué in Benin.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
0255878D8B2CDE20FF33D576986E4D63.taxon	conservation	Conservation Status. — The IUCN conservation status of the fish species from NLL was also presented in Table 1. The majority, totaling 91 species, are classified as Least Concern (LC), indicating they are not currently at significant risk of extinction. However, a notable portion (11 species) are categorized as Data Deficient (DD), highlighting insufficient data to assess their extinction risk accurately. Species classified as DD include Arius latiscutatus (Günther), Cynoglossus browni (Chabanaud), Lutjanus goreensis (Valenciennes), Lutjanus agennes (Bleeker), Lutjanus dentatus (Duméril), M. brucii, Chelon dumerili (Steindachner), Neochelon falcipinnis (Valenciennes), Liza grandisquamis (Valenciennes), Pegusa triophthalmus (Bleeker), Dagetichthys lusitanicus (de Brito Capello), and Microphis aculeatus (Kaup). Additionally, one species (P. senegalensis) is classified as Endangered, five species (F. margarita, Chrysichthys walkeri, Sardinella maderensis (Lowe), P. prayensis and P. quinquarius) are classified as Vulnerable (VU), five species (F. margaritella, C. senegalensis, Synodontis melanopterus (Boulenger), Galeoides decadactylus (Bloch), and Epinephelus aeneus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire) as Near Threatened (NT), indicating varying levels of threat. This underscores that, while many species are not at immediate risk, a significant subset is facing potential threats, warranting attention for conservation efforts.	en	Oladipo, Segun Olayinka, Everett, Amaya, Atofarati, Olabisi Tawakalit, Smith, Kennedy K., Nneji, Ifeanyi C., Adelakun, Kehinde Moruf, Nneji, Lotanna Micah (2025): An updated ichthyofaunal checklist for the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon with notes on nomenclatural changes and the conservation status of species. Zootaxa 5646 (1): 38-62, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5646.1.2
