Rediscovery of the golden snapper Lutjanus inermis (Peters, 1869) (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) in the Gulf of California

Two specimens of Lutjanus inermis, the most unusual species of the genus in the tropical eastern Pacific region, were collected at La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico in November 2005, 400 km northward from the type locality. The golden snapper can be recognized by its long anal fin, and its yellowish peduncle and caudal fin that sometimes present a reddish phase. Present record is the first documented and verified report supported by voucher specimens of L. inermis inside the Gulf of California since its original description in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, setting the northern geographic limit to the Cortes Province.