[Ichthyology • 2018] Hippocampus japapigu • A New Species of Pygmy Seahorse (Teleostei, Syngnathidae) from Japan, with A Redescription of H. pontohi

Hippocampus japapigu

Short, Smith, Motomura, Harasti & Hamilton, 2018

Japanese Pygmy Seahorse | 日本のピグミータツノオトシゴ Hachijo-tatsu 
 DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.779.24799 

Abstract

The pygmy seahorse Hippocampus japapigu sp. n. is described based on three specimens, 13.9–16.3 mm SL, collected from a mixed soft coral and algae reef at 11 m depth at Hachijo-jima Island, Izu Islands, Japan. The new taxon shares morphological synapomorphies with the previously described central Indo-Pacific pygmy seahorses, H. colemani, H. pontohi, H. satomiae, and H. waleananus, including extremely small size, 12 trunk rings, strongly raised continuous cleithral ring, snout spine, large spine on the eighth lateral and fifth and 12 superior trunk ridges, respectively, and unusual wing-like-protrusions immediately posterior to the head. Hippocampus japapigu sp. n. can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of features in the anterodorsal area of the trunk: bilaterally paired wing-like protrusions formed by a single pair of large, truncate spines projecting dorsolaterad on the first superior trunk ridge, followed by a unique elevated dorsal ridge formed by triangular bony mounds dorsally on the second to fourth superior trunk ridges. In contrast, H. pontohi possesses a pair of large truncate spines projecting strongly laterad on both the first and second superior trunk ridges followed by flat surfaces dorsally on the third and fourth superior trunk rings. The new species can be further differentiated by genetic divergence from H. pontohi (an uncorrected p-distance of 10.1% in the mitochondrial COI gene) and a striking reticulated white and brown lattice pattern on the head, trunk, and tail. Hippocampus japapigu sp. n. represents the fifth species of pygmy seahorse recorded in Japan.

Keywords: Acanthomorpha, computed tomography, reef fish, new species, systematics, taxonomy,  computed tomography

Figure 1. Hippocampus japapigu, UW 157506, female holotype directly after collection, 16.33 mm SL, Hachijo-jima Island, Izu Islands, Japan (photograph Hiroyuki Motomura). 

Figure 2. Hippocampus japapigu, paratypes directly after collection (A) UW 157507, male, 15.59 mm SL (B) KAUM-I. 111770, female, 14.54 mm SL, Hachijo-jima Island, Izu Islands, Japan (photographs Hiroyuki Motomura).

Hippocampus japapigu sp. n.

Diagnosis. Hippocampus japapigu sp. n. differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: tail rings 28; dorsal fin rays 14; pectoral fin rays nine; subdorsal rings four; bilaterally paired wing-like protrusions formed by a pair of large truncate spines projecting laterad on first superior trunk ridge; elevated dorsal ridge formed by unique triangular bony mounds dorsally on second, third, and fourth trunk rings with the posterior mound less pronounced; large and prominent spine projecting laterad on eighth lateral trunk ridge.

Figure 4. Hippocampus japapigu in situ, Hachijo-jima Island, Izu Islands, Japan at 15 m depth (photograph Richard Smith). 

Figure 5. Hippocampus japapigu in situ, Hachijo-jima Island, Izu Islands, Japan from 10 m depth (photograph Richard Smith).

Distribution and habitat: Hippocampus japapigu sp. n. is only known to occur in Japan, from scattered localities including Kashiwa-jima Island, Sukumo Bay; Kushimoto, Kii Peninsula; Osezaki, Izu Peninsula; the Izu Islands of Miyake and Hachijo; Sagami Bay; and Chichi-jima, Ogasawara Islands. The specimens described herein were found off the northwest coast of Hachijo-jima Island at a depth of 10–13 m, and have been anecdotally reported elsewhere at 5–22 m by local divers. Owing to its diminutive size and extraordinary crypsis, this species may have a wider distribution within Japan. The new taxon is not associated with a particular host, and has been observed in association with mixed soft coral, the coralline algae Halimeda sp., and hydroids on rocky reef walls and large boulders in both exposed and semi-sheltered locations. During 15 dives initially spent searching ad hoc for this species by the second author in July 2013, 13 individuals were observed in an approximately 100 m stretch of rocky reef. These ranged in depth from 10 to 20 m and water temperature fluctuated between 19–24°C over 6 days. When one individual was discovered, another was often found in close proximity and appeared to represent male-female pairs. Returning in June 2015 with a larger group of experienced dive guides, with 10 dives searching for the species, only a single individual was found, possibly suggesting fluctuations in the abundance of the species. Several pregnant males were observed in July 2013, but it is unknown whether reproduction occurs seasonally or year-round.

Etymology: The specific epithet is from the colloquial Japanese name of the new species, Japan Pig, Japapigu, or 日本のピグミータツノオトシゴ. 

Common name: New common English and Japanese names, Japanese Pygmy Seahorse and Hachijo-tatsu, respectively, are proposed here for Hippocampus japapigu.

  

  

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Figure 7. Comparison of live specimens of A Hippocampus japapigu photographed off Hachijo-jima Island, Japan (Richard Smith), and its most similar congener B Hippocampus pontohi photographed off Tomia Island, southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia (Richard Smith). Note the differences in the anterodorsal area of the trunk in H. japapigu vs. H. pontohi: single vs. double pair of bilaterally paired wing-like protrusions behind the head, raised dorsal ridge vs. laterodorsal flat surface, and large and prominent vs. small eighth lateral trunk ridge spine. Abbreviations: SP-WP, single pair of bilaterally paired wing-like protrusions; DP-WP, double pair of bilaterally paired wing-like protrusions; DR, raised dorsal ridge; FS, flat dorsal surface; P-8LTR, prominent eighth lateral trunk ridge spine; S-8LTR, small eighth lateral trunk ridge spine.

 Graham Short, Richard Smith, Hiroyuki Motomura, David Harasti and Healy Hamilton. 2018. Hippocampus japapigu, A New Species of Pygmy Seahorse from Japan, with A Redescription of H. pontohi (Teleostei, Syngnathidae). ZooKeys. 779: 27-49.  DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.779.24799

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[Ichthyology • 2017] Seahorses of the Hippocampus coronatus complex (Teleostei, Syngnathidae): Taxonomic Revision, and Description of Hippocampus haema, A New Species from Korea and Japan

Hippocampus haema

 Han, Kim, Kai & Senou, 2017

   DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.712.14955 

Abstract

Morphological and molecular analyses were conducted on 182 specimens belonging to the Hippocampus coronatus complex (H. coronatus sensu lato), collected in Korea and Japan 1933–2015, in order to clarify the taxonomic status of the species within this complex. Three species are recognized based on the shape of the coronet, the number of trunk rings (TrR) and tail rings (TaR), and presence or absence of a wing-tip spine (WS) at the dorsal fin base. Hippocampus coronatus Temminck & Schlegel, 1850 (H. coronatus sensu stricto), is diagnosed by 10 TrR, 37–40 TaR, an extremely high coronet (55.7–79.0 % head length) with four tips on the corona flat (CoT), and one WS. Hippocampus sindonis Jordan & Snyder, 1901 is diagnosed by 10 TrR, 35–38 TaR, a moderately high coronet (36.3–55.4 % HL) with five CoT, and no WS. A new species, Hippocampus haema is described on the basis of 140 specimens, characterized by 10 TrR, 35–38 TaR, a moderately high coronet (34.1–54.9 % head length) with four CoT, and two WS. Hippocampus haema is only known from the Korea Strait, western Kyushu, and East/Japan Sea. Recognition of the three species is supported by differences in mitochondrial DNA fragments (cytochrome b, 16S rRNA, and 12S rRNA).

Keywords: Genetic distance, morphology, molecular systematics, Pacific Ocean, taxonomy

Figure 4. Coloration of fresh specimens. A Hippocampus haema (paratype, PKU 9424) B H. coronatus (FAKU 137351) C H. sindonis (FAKU 137339). 

Hippocampus coronatus Temminck & Schlegel, 1850

  English name: Crowned seahorse,

New Korean name: -haema, Japanese name: Tatsu-no-otoshigo

Diagnosis: A species of Hippocampus having a bony body; double gill openings; ring (R: TrR + TaR) 10 + 37–40, mode 10 + 39 (lectotype: 10 + 38); extremely high coronet, straight or inclined backwards; CoT 4; CHGO 43.0–60.1 % HL; CHMC 55.7–79.0 % HL; WS thick and recurved.

Distribution: Southeastern coast of Honshu (Japan), from Izu Peninsula (Shizuoka Prefecture) to Boso Peninsula (Chiba Prefecture) (Fig. 1). Hippocampus coronatus lives in weed habitats, especially in floating Sargassum (Kuiter 2009; Senou 2013), within shallow areas (0–20 m depth).

Etymology: The Latin word coronatus means crowned. The new Korean name, Wanggwan-haema means ‘crowned seahorse’, in agreement with the English and scientific names. In fact, Haema, which has the connotation ‘common’ and ‘fish species belonging to the genus Hippocampus’ in Korean, has been used to name seahorses commonly found in Korea, whereas Wanggwan-haema has been informally used to refer to H. coronatus in Korean. In addition, the word wanggwan [crown] is more suited for H. coronatus, whose coronet is considerably higher than that of H. haema. The Japanese name Tatsu-no-otoshigo literally means ‘dragon’s bastard child’.


Hippocampus sindonis Jordan & Snyder, 1901

English name: Painted seahorse,

Korean name: Sindo-haema, Japanese name: Hanatatsu  

Diagnosis: A species of Hippocampus having a bony body; double gill openings; R 10 + 35–38 (holotype: 10 + 37); coronet moderately high; CoT 5; CHGO 26.8–41.0 % HL; CHMC 36.3–55.4 % HL; a very blunt or truncated spine on the dorsal fin base; no WS on dorsal fin base.

Distribution: Southeastern coast of Honshu (Japan), from Tanabe (Wakayama Prefecture) to Boso Peninsula (Chiba Prefecture) (Fig. 1). Hippocampus sindonis lives in a wide range of habitats, from shallow high-energy algae reefs to soft bottom habitats (Kuiter 2009), at 2–30 m depth (Senou 2013).

Etymology: The specific name sindonis was derived from the name of M. Sindo, an assistant curator of fishes at Stanford University (Jordan and Snyder 1901; Lourie 2016). The English name was coined by Kuiter (2009). The Japanese name Hanatatsu literally means ‘hana (flower or blossom, which indicates gorgeous) + tatsu (dragon, or the abbreviation of the word “Tatsu-no-otoshigo: seahorse”)’, and refers to the beautiful color and skin filaments of the species.




Hippocampus haema sp. n.

New English name: Korean seahorse,

Korean name: Haema, New Japanese name: Himetatsu

Hippocampus coronatus: Jordan and Snyder 1901: 19; Mori 1928: 5; Boeseman 1947: 195; Mitani 1956: 30; Chyung 1977: 272; Araga 1984: 89; Senou 1993: 489 (right fig.), 1294; Kim and Lee 1995: 76; Nakamura 1999b: 125; Senou 2000: 536; Choi et al. 2002: 141; Senou 2002: 536, 1508; Kim et al. 2005: 203; Choi et al. 2006; Yoshino and Senou 2008: 76; Kohno et al. 2011: 127; Senou 2013: 635, 1911; Han et al. 2014: 423 (non Temminck & Schlegel).

Hippocampus cf. coronatus: Kuiter 2009: 128.

Hippocampus sindonis: Nakamura 1999a: 124; Yoshino and Senou 2008: 76; Kim et al. 2013: 42 (non Jordan & Snyder).

Hippocampus kuda: Kim et al. 2001: 67, Myoung et al. 2002: 74 (non Bleeker).

Hippocampus sp.: Kim and Ryu 2017: 110.

Diagnosis: A species of Hippocampus having a bony body; double gill openings; R 10 + 35–38, mode 10 + 36 (holotype: 10 + 36); coronet moderately high and turned back on top; CoT 4; CHGO 22.7–41.6 % HL; CHMC 34.1–54.9 % HL; a WS on the dorsal fin base.

Distribution: Korea: southern and southeastern coasts of the Korean Peninsula (from Soan Island to Ulsan); Japan: western coast of Kyushu (western Kagoshima Prefecture), northwestern coast of Honshu (from Kyoto Prefecture to Akita Prefecture) (Fig. 1). Lives in floating Sargassum and weeds on shallow soft bottom habitats from 0–18 m depth (e.g. Kim et al. 2016).

Etymology: The Korean word Haema means ‘seahorse’, which connotes ‘representative’ and ‘common’. Thus, the scientific and Korean names Haema were chosen to indicate that this seahorse is the one most commonly found in Korea. The Japanese name Himetatsu means ‘princess seahorse’ or ‘dwarf seahorse’, and refers to its lower coronet and smaller body compared to H. coronatus.

 Sang-Yun Han, Jin-Koo Kim, Yoshiaki Kai and Hiroshi Senou. 2017. Seahorses of the Hippocampus coronatus complex: Taxonomic Revision, and Description of Hippocampus haema, A New Species from Korea and Japan (Teleostei, Syngnathidae). ZooKeys. 712: 113-139.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.712.14955

    

[Ichthyology • 2017] Syngnathus chihiroe • A New Species of Pipefish (Syngnathidae) collected off Yakushima Island (East China Sea), southern Japan

Syngnathus chihiroe 

Matsunuma, 2017  

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4232.3.7  

Abstract

A new species of pipefish, Syngnathus chihiroe sp. nov., (Syngnathidae), is described on the basis of a single specimen collected off Yakushima Island (East China Sea), southern Japan in a depth of 160–162 m. The new species is readily distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following characters: dorsal-fin rays 38, pectoral-fin rays 17, trunk rings 18, tail rings 40, subdorsal rings 3.25 + 10.0 = 13.25, head length 8.7 in standard length, snout length 2.3 in head length and snout depth 3.7 in snout length. The new species is similar to Syngnathus schlegeli Kaup 1853, the only other northwestern Pacific Ocean congener, characterized by dorsal-fin rays 30–47, trunk rings 18–20 and tail rings 38–46. However, it differs from S. schlegeli in having a greater number of pectoral-fin rays (17 in the former vs. 11–15 in the latter), and a short deep snout (snout length 2.3 in head length and snout depth 3.7 in snout length vs. 1.6–2.0 and 5.6–11.3, respectively).

Keywords: Pisces, East China Sea, southern Japan, Kagoshima Prefecture, Syngnathidae, new species, taxonomy

Distribution: The species is currently known only from the type locality, southwest of Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan (East China Sea), in a depth of 160–162 m (Fig. 3).

Etymology: The specific name, chihiroe, is derived from Japanese “chihiro”, meaning great depth, alluding to the depth of capture of the holotype and only known specimen (160–162 m), one of the deepest recorded for any member of the genus (Table 4).

Matsunuma, Mizuki. 2017. Syngnathus chihiroe, A New Species of Pipefish (Syngnathidae) from southern Japan.  Zootaxa. 4232(3); 385–396.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4232.3.7

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[Ichthyology • 2011] Fish, Fans and Hydroids: Host Species of Pygmy Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.)

Figure 2. In-situ photographs
A Hippocampus bargibanti on Muricella sp. 3 (RMNH Coel. 39866, see Fig. 7), Turtles Reef, Raja Ampat (photo F.R. Stokvis) B Hippocampus denise on Annella reticulata (RMNH Coel. 39880, see Fig. 10); W Mansuar, Raja Ampat (photo B.W. Hoeksema) C Hippocampus pontohi (host not collected) Timur I, Bunaken (photo S.E.T. van der Meij) D Hippocampus severnsi (host not collected) Siladen I, SE Siladen (photo B.T. Reijnen).

DOI:  10.3897/ZooKeys.103.953

Abstract

An overview of the octocoral and hydrozoan host species of pygmy seahorses is provided based on literature records and recently collected field data for Hippocampus bargibanti, Hippocampus denise and Hippocampus pontohi. Seven new associations are recognized and an overview of the so far documented host species is given. A detailed re-examination of octocoral type material and a review of the taxonomic history of the alcyonacean genera Annella (Subergorgiidae) and Muricella (Acanthogorgiidae) are included as baseline for future revisions. The host specificity and colour morphs of pygmy seahorses are discussed, as well as the reliability of (previous) identifications and conservation issues.

Keywords: Acanthogorgiidae, Alcyonacea, Annella, Anthozoa, Hippocampus, host specificity, Hydrozoa, Indo-Pacific, Muricella, new associations, Octocorallia, Subergorgiidae

Figure 13. A rare occurrence, Hippocampus denise on Muricella sp. 2 (RMNH Coel. 39873) at Raja Ampat (photo F.R. Stokvis).

DOI:  10.3897/ZooKeys.103.953

Bastian T. Reijnen, Sancia E.T. van der Meij, Leen P. van Ofwegen. 2011. Fish, Fans and Hydroids: Host Species of Pygmy Seahorses. ZooKeys. 103: 1–26. DOI:  10.3897/ZooKeys.103.953

[Ichthyology • 2016] Molecular Phylogeny and Patterns of Diversification in Syngnathid Fishes (Syngnathidae)

Highlights

• Expanded taxonomic and genetic sampling reveals new patterns of syngnathid evolution.

• Molecular patterns suggest convergence in traditional morphological characters.

• Complex brood pouches, prehensile tails, and pygmy morphology evolved multiple times.

• Biogeographic patterns reveal multiple drivers of evolutionary diversification.

• Two subfamilies are formally recognized and further taxonomic revisions are required.

Abstract

The family Syngnathidae is a large and diverse clade of morphologically unique bony fishes, with 57 genera and 300 described species of seahorses, pipefishes, pipehorses, and seadragons. They primarily inhabit shallow coastal waters in temperate and tropical oceans, and are characterized by a fused jaw, male brooding, and extraordinary crypsis. Phylogenetic relationships within the Syngnathidae remain poorly resolved due to lack of generic taxon sampling, few diagnostic morphological characters, and limited molecular data. The phylogenetic placement of the threatened, commercially exploited seahorses remains a topic of intense interest, with conflicting topologies based on morphology and predominantly mitochondrial genetic data. In this study, we integrate eight nuclear and mitochondrial markers and 17 morphological characters to investigate the phylogenetic structure of the family Syngnathidae at the generic level. We include 91 syngnathid species representing 48 of the 57 recognized genera, all major ocean basins, and a broad array of temperate and tropical habitats including rocky and coral reefs, sand and silt, mangroves, seagrass beds, estuaries, and rivers. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of 5160 bp from eight loci produced high congruence among alternate topologies, defining well-supported and sometimes novel clades. We present a hypothesis that confirms a deep phylogenetic split between lineages with trunk- or tail-brood pouch placement, and provides significant new insights into the morphological evolution and biogeography of this highly derived fish clade. Based on the fundamental division between lineages - the tail brooding “Urophori” and the trunk brooding “Gastrophori” - we propose a revision of Syngnathidae classification into only two subfamilies: the Nerophinae and the Syngnathinae. We find support for distinct principal clades within the trunk-brooders and tail-brooders, the latter of which include seahorses, seadragons, independent lineages of pipehorses, and clades that originated in Southern Australia and the Western Atlantic. We suggest the seahorse genus Hippocampus is of Indo-Pacific origin and its sister clade is an unexpected grouping of several morphologically disparate Indo-Pacific genera, including the Pacific pygmy pipehorses. Taxonomic revision is required for multiple genera, particularly to reflect deep evolutionary splits in nominal lineages from the Atlantic versus the Indo-Pacific.

Keywords: Syngnathidae; seahorse; pipefish; DNA; morphological evolution; Australia

Healy Hamilton, Norah Saarman, Graham Short, Anna B. Sellas, Beth Moore, Tinya Hoang, Christopher L. Grace, Martin Gomon, Karen Crow and W. Brian Simison. 2016.  Molecular Phylogeny and Patterns of Diversification in Syngnathid Fishes. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. In Press.   DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.10.003

[Ichthyology • 2008] Three New Pygmy Seahorse Species (Syngnathidae: Hippocampus) from Indonesia; Hippocampus pontohi, H. severnsi & satomiae

FIGURE 4. Live specimens of new species of pygmy seahorses from Indonesia.
  A) Hippocampus pontohi: Bunaken, Sulawesi, M. Boyer; Bunaken, Sulawesi, M. Aw; Raja Ampat, West Papua, L. Tackett. B) Hippocampus severnsi: Bunaken, Sulawesi, S. Wong & T. Uno; Bunaken, Sulawesi, M. Severns (type specimens); Raja Ampat, West Papua, L. Tackett. C) Hippocampus satomiae: Derawan Kalimantan, S. Wong & T. Uno; Derawan, Kalimantan, J–S. Chen; Derawan, Indonesia, S. Onishi (type specimen).  

Abstract

Three new species of pygmy seahorse are described from Indonesia: Hippocampus pontohi and H. severnsi from Bunaken Island, off Sulawesi, and H. satomiae from Derawan Island, off Kalimantan. They are considered to be closely related to each other and to Hippocampus colemani. All three species are morphologically distinguished from the larger species of seahorses by the following combination of characters: 12 trunk rings, low number of tail rings (26–29), the placement of brooded young within the trunk region of males, and extremely small size (<15 mm HT, <17 mm SL). They can be separated from the previously described species of pygmy seahorses (H. bargibanti, H. denise, H. colemani and H. minotaur) based on meristics, proportions, colour and body ornamentation. All three new species have a single gill opening as does H. colemani. Hippocampus pontohi and H. severnsi also share distinctive fleshy appendages with H. colemani but can be separated from the latter based on their body shape, raised angular coronet, larger orbit diameter, narrower trunk, fewer tail rings, smaller overall size and in the case of H. severnsi also colour. Diagnostic features of H. satomiae include 9 pectoral fin rays, 13 dorsal fin rays, spinous exterior, and distinct raised coronet with laterally expanded anterior and posterior flanges.

Key words: Hippocampus pontohi, Hippocampus severnsi, Hippocampus satomiae, new species, taxonomy, Indo-Pacific, marine

FIGURE 4. Live specimens of new species of pygmy seahorses from Indonesia.
A) Hippocampus pontohi: Bunaken, Sulawesi, M. Boyer; Bunaken, Sulawesi, M. Aw; Raja Ampat, West Papua, L. Tackett. B) Hippocampus severnsi: Bunaken, Sulawesi, S. Wong & T. Uno; Bunaken, Sulawesi, M. Severns (type specimens); Raja Ampat, West Papua, L. Tackett. C) Hippocampus satomiae: Derawan Kalimantan, S. Wong & T. Uno; Derawan, Kalimantan, J–S. Chen; Derawan, Indonesia, S. Onishi (type specimen). 

Hippocampus pontohi sp. nov.  

Etymology. This species is named in honour of Hence Pontoh, the Indonesian dive guide who first brought these pygmy seahorses to our attention. 

Distribution and ecology. Hippocampus pontohi has been observed on the coralline algae Halimeda, as well as on the hydroid Aglaephenia cupressina (Müller and Severns, pers. comm.). Severns noted it particularly in areas where Halimeda is growing on reef walls. It has been recorded at a number of areas in Indonesia (Bunaken, Cape Sri, Sorong, Wakatobi, Lembeh Straits), at depths of between 11–25 m particularly on vertical walls or in rock fissures (Müller, pers. comm.). See figure 5A for map. 

Hippocampus pontohi is commonly found in pairs and, like H. denise, is relatively active (Müller, pers. comm.). Two of the specimens examined were pregnant (MZB 13593 and MZB 13596) and each contained approximately 11 embryos. Both were collected in July. 

Hippocampus severnsi sp. nov.

Etymology. Hippocampus severnsi is named in honour of Mike Severns who, with Hence Pontoh, collected the first specimens. 

Distribution and ecology. Hippocampus severnsi is known from Indonesia (Bunaken, Wakatobi, Raja Ampat Islands, Kawe Island), Japan (Ryukyu Islands), Papua New Guinea (Milne Bay, Madang), Solomon Islands (Mborokua) and Fiji at depths of 8–20 m. See figure 5B for map. It has been observed both during the day and the night but is apparently more active in the morning and late afternoon when it is not in direct sunlight (Müller, pers. comm.). In Indonesia it has been recorded in association with a yellow coloured bryozoan, Catenicella sp., on different kinds of hydrozoans including Lytocarpus phoenicea, Antennellopsis integerrima and Halicordyle disticha (Müller, pers. comm.) as well as in sheltered spots on a reef wall in association with Halimeda (Brett, pers. comm.). It is also recorded from fissures on current–swept walls where it will tend to occur on the side of the fissure that faces away from the current, but in all cases where there is some upward current (Müller, pers. comm.) and has been seen swimming over a fungiid coral (Hardt, pers. comm.). In Papua New Guinea it has been observed in a healthy reef passage with a regular current of up to two knots on a gorgonian of the genus Muricella at 12 m depth (Halstead, pers. comm.) and in Fiji it was found on gorgonian species, possibly Menella sp.? (Tackett, pers. comm.) 

The holotype of H. severnsi, collected in June, had approximately 11 embryos within its pouch

Hippocampus satomiae

Etymology. This species is named in honour of Miss Satomi Onishi, the dive guide who collected the type specimens. 

Distribution and ecology. Hippocampus satomiae is known from scattered localities in Indonesia, including Derawan (type locality), and Lembeh Strait (northern Sulawesi), as well as northern Borneo, Malaysia. See figure 5C for map. It congregates at night in groups of 3–5 individuals on small seafans, at depths of 15–20 m depth on the bottom below reef overhangs. Photographed individuals (in Boyer, 2007) from the Togean Islands, Indonesia on a species of Nepthea Auduoin, 1826 on the reef front in water as shallow as 5 m are tentatively identified as H. satomiae.

 During the day H. satomiae are difficult to find, even in areas where they are known to occur. At dawn individuals become active. Birth has been observed on a number of occasions and also photographed. At birth, the young are jet–black, about 3 mm in height and shaped similarly to the adults. They settle on the bottom near to their place of birth (Onishi, pers. comm.). 

The holotype, collected in October, was pregnant and carrying approximately eight young.  

Sara A. Lourie and Rudie H. Kuiter. 2008. Three New Pygmy Seahorse Species from Indonesia (Teleostei: Syngnathidae: Hippocampus). Zootaxa. 1963: 54–68. 

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2008/f/zt01963p068.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2016] A Global Revision of the Seahorses Hippocampus Rafinesque 1810 (Actinopterygii: Syngnathiformes): Taxonomy and Biogeography with Recommendations for Further Research

Hippocampus comes Cantor, 1849 

  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4146.1.1

Abstract

Nomenclatural clarity is vital for the collection, dissemination, and retrieval of natural history information, which itself is necessary for effective conservation and management of species. Seahorses (genus Hippocampus) are small marine fishes that in many cases are heavily exploited and suffering severe population declines worldwide, leading to conservation concern and action. Here we provide a brief history of seahorse taxonomy, and attempt to clarify seahorse nomenclature by reducing redundancy and exposing areas of disagreement in need of further study. We provide an annotated list of the 41 species we currently recognize as valid, and describe their geographical distributions to offer a solid foundation for future research and conservation efforts. We base our conclusions on available morphological, genetic and distributional data, re-examination of the relevant literature, previous examination of almost all original type specimens, familiarity with many thousands of other live and dead specimens, and photographs of seahorses. This work should lead to greater taxonomic clarity by highlighting known research gaps and by ensuring that each species designation is justified by robust and defensible taxonomic protocols. Such clarity should facilitate greater efficacy in management and conservation.

 Keywords: Pisces, Nomenclature, species distribution, species range, marine fish, Syngnathidae, CITES, Catalogue of Fishes, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, conservation, FishBase

Sara A. Lourie,  Riley Pollom and Sarah Foster. 2016. A Global Revision of the Seahorses Hippocampus Rafinesque 1810 (Actinopterygii: Syngnathiformes): Taxonomy and Biogeography with Recommendations for Further Research.
 Zootaxa. 4146(1); 1–66. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4146.1.1

[Ichthyology • 2015] Festucalex rufus • A New Species of Pipefish (Syngnathidae) from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

Pink Pipefish |  Festucalex rufus

 Allen & Erdmann, 2015

Fig. 3. Underwater photograph of Festucalex rufus, female holotype 37.8 mm SL, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Photo by G. R. Allen.
Fig. 4. Underwater photograph of Festucalex rufus, female, approximately 38 mm SL, East Cape area, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Photo by N. DeLoach.

Abstract 

A new species of syngnathid pipefish, Festucalex rufus is described from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea on the basis of four specimens, 26.5-37.8 mm SL collected from coral reef habitat in 10-20 m depth. It is distinguished from other members of the genus on the basis of a combination of features including a short snout (2.8-3.2 in head length), relatively low pectoral-ray count (10-11), and a lateral trunk ridge that terminates on the penultimate trunk ring. It is a small species with observed and collected individuals generally less than 40 mm SL and the single brood-pouch male collected measures 36.3 mm SL.

Fig. 2. Festucalex rufus, preserved holotype, 37.8 mm SL, showing close-up view of head.
Fig. 3. Underwater photograph of Festucalex rufus, female holotype 37.8 mm SL, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.

Photos by G. R. Allen.

 Allen, G.R. and Erdmann, M.V. 2015. Festucalex rufus, A New Species of Pipefish (Syngnathidae) from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. aqua, International Journal of Ichthyology. 21(1); 47-51.

http://birdsheadseascape.com/download/research/biodiversity/Description%20of%20Festucalex%20rufus%20pipefish.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2007] Kyonemichthys rumengani • A New Genus and Miniature Species of Pipehorse (Syngnathidae) from Lembeh Straits, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Kyonemichthys rumengani n. sp.,
holotype, female, Lembeh Straits, Sulawesi, Indonesia, in life.

Photo by W. Tan. | sportdiver.com photos

Abstract

A new genus and species of the gasterosteiform family Syngnathidae, Kyonemichthys rumengani, is described from a single 26.8 mm TL adult female collected in Lembeh Straits, Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is one of the smallest members of the family relative to body mass, and resembles the pipehorse genera Acentronura, Amphelikturus and Idiotropiscis in having a short head and snout angled slightly to the axis of the body, dermal appendages and flexible tail lacking a caudal fin. It differs from the three most notably in having fewer trunk rings (9, versus 11-15), more tail rings (51, versus 37-46), a posteriorly positioned dorsal fin originating on the eighth tail ring (versus usually originating on the trunk, but not posteriorly farther than the second tail ring) and a uniquely swollen trunk with a medial constriction.  

Kyonemichthys rumengani n. sp., holotype, female, Lembeh Straits, Sulawesi, Indonesia, in life.

Photo by W. Tan.

Martin F. Gomon: A New Genus and Miniature Species of Pipehorse (Syngnathidae) from Indonesia. aqua, International Journal of Ichthyology. 13; 25-30. 

www.wakatobi.com/fishID/articles/Gomon2007AQUA13_Syngnathidae.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2015] Phyllopteryx dewysea • A Spectacular New Species of Seadragon (Syngnathidae)

Abstract

The exploration of Earth's biodiversity is an exciting and ongoing endeavour. Here, we report a new species of seadragon from Western Australia with substantial morphological and genetic differences to the only two other known species. We describe it as Phyllopteryx dewysea n. sp. Although the leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) and the common seadragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) occur along Australia's southern coast, generally among relatively shallow macroalgal reefs, the new species was found more offshore in slightly deeper waters. The holotype was trawled east of the remote Recherche Archipelago in 51 m; additional specimens extend the distribution west to Perth in 72 m. Molecular sequence data show clear divergence from the other seadragons (7.4–13.1% uncorrected divergence in mitochondrial DNA) and support a placement as the sister-species to the common seadragon. Radiographs and micro-computed tomography were used on the holotype of the new species and revealed unique features, in addition to its unusual red coloration. The discovery provides a spectacular example of the surprises still hidden in our oceans, even in relatively shallow waters.

KEYWORDS: biodiversity, Syngnathidae, new species, seadragon

Etymology: Named for Mary ‘Dewy’ Lowe, for her love of the sea and her support of seadragon conservation and research, without which this new species would not have been discovered.

Josefin Stiller, Nerida G. Wilson and Greg W. Rouse. 2015. A Spectacular New Species of Seadragon (Syngnathidae). Royal Society Open Science. DOI: 10.1098/rsos.140458

Ruby Sea Dragon: Scientists Discover First New Seadragon Species in 150 Years

http://www.sci-news.com/biology/science-ruby-seadragon-phyllopteryx-dewysea-new-species-02515.html