Redescription of Ateleopus japonicus Bleeker 1853, a senior synonym of Ateleopus schlegelii van der Hoeven 1855, Ateleopus purpureus Tanaka 1915, and Ateleopus tanabensis Tanaka 1918 with designation of a lectotype for A. japonicus and A. schlegelii (Ateleopodiformes: Ateleopodidae).

Three nominal species of Ateleopodidae; Ateleopus japonicus Bleeker 1853, A. purpureus Tanaka 1915, and A. tanabensis Tanaka 1918, were taxonomically reviewed. Examination of many specimens, including the holotype of A. tanabensis and the newly designated lectotype of A. japonicus and A. schlegelii, revealed that their morphological differences can be explained by intraspecific variation and ontogenetic change within one species. Mitochondrial DNA analyses supported the results of the morphological study. Thus, A. purpureus and A. tanabensis are considered junior synonyms of A. japonicus. We have concluded after an examination of the relevant publications that Ateleopus schlegelii van der Hoeven 1855 is also a junior synonym of A. japonicus.