DNA barcoding confirms the first record of a Desmodema polystictum (Ogilby, 1898) egg and all-time high adult catches in the Indian Ocean

The eggs of Polka-dot ribbonfish Desmodema polystictum have been recorded for the first time in the Indian Ocean. Although the only previous information on eggs from this species consists of line drawings from 1973 (Pacific Ocean), the identification was possible by combining morphological and molecular analyses. As far as we are aware, only few confirmed records of adult individuals have been previously reported from the Indian Ocean. We found eggs in the proximity of numerous adults (57 and 42 individuals at two stations) indicating that the Central Indian Ocean is potentially an important spawning ground of D. polystictum.