The generic characters of the fishes of the family Ammodytidae are discussed and two new genera and two new species are described. The new genus Protammodytes (type species: Protammodytes brachistos) is characterized by the presence of pelvic fins and a symmetric squamation, fewer vertebrate, and a complete series of infraorbitals. These characters are believed to be least derived state among the family Ammodytidae. Another new genus Lepidammodytes (type species: Lepidammodytes macrophthalmus) is characterized by having strongly ctenoid scales, larger eyes, perforated lacrymals, and a moderate number of vertebrae. The combination of general and derived characters is unique among the family. The fishes placed in the genus Bleekeria Gunther are divided into two genera, Bleekeria and Ammodytoides. The genus Bleekeria includes B. kallolepis, B. mitsukurii, and B. viridianguilla. The genus Ammodytoides is comprised of A. gilli, A. vagus, A. renniei, A. lucasanus, A. kimurai, and A. pylei. Embolichthys is moved to subgeneric level under the genus Bleekeria. The seven genera of the family are grouped into two subfamilies, Bleekeriinae and Ammodytinae. The subfamily Bleekeriinae consists of Protammodytes, Bleekeria, Lepidammodytes, and Ammodytoides, the subfamily Ammodytinae consists of Gymammodytes, Ammodytes, and Hyperoplus. The Bleekeriinae share many general features. Ammodytinae is characterized by many derived features. Genera characters of Ammodytoides and Gymnammodytes fill the gap between the generalized and specialized subfamilies.
Ammodytidae, Morphology, Protammodytes (gen. nov.), Lepidammodytes (gen. nov.)
