Key to species of Pachycara from the Indian Ocean

1a. Pelvic fins present; total vertebrae 120–122................................................... P. shcherbachevi

1b. Pelvic fins absent; total vertebrae 85–114.................................................................. 2

2a. Scales absent; total vertebrae 85–87......................................................... P. angeloi sp. nov.

2b. Scales present; total vertebrae 98–114..................................................................... 3

3a. Ventromediolateral lateral line configuration......................................................... P. arabica

3b. Ventral & mediolateral lateral line configuration............................................................. 4

4a. Anal-fin rays 76–80; total vertebrae 98–102; caudal vertebrae 73–77................................... P. andersoni

4b. Anal-fin rays 84–92; total vertebrae 104–114; caudal vertebrae 81–85............................................ 5

5a. Dorsal-fin rays 96–102; total vertebrae 104–107; Eye diameter 2.2–2.5% SL............................... P. priedei

5b. Dorsal-fin rays 107; total vertebrae 114; Eye diameter 1.3% SL.......................................... P. cousini