[Ichthyology • 2017] Adelotremus deloachi • A New Species of the Fangblenny Adelotremus from Indonesia, with Supplemental Description of A. leptus (Blenniidae: Nemophini)

Adelotremus deloachi 

Smith-Vaniz, 2017 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4258.2.7

Abstract

A new fangblenny, Adelotremus deloachi, is described on the basis of three specimens, 29‒35 mm SL, from Bali and Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. All these specimens were collected in 10‒17 m depth on sandy slopes. The new species differs from Adelotremus leptus, its Red Sea and only congener, in having a pair of mid-dorsal supratemporal pores (vs. a single pore), dorsal-fin spines X (vs. IX) and precaudal and caudal vertebra 12 + 23 (vs. 13 + 19). The discovery of a second species requires slight modification of the diagnosis of the genus. Unlike the five other nemophine genera, Adelotremus differs most notably in having the third infraorbital bone and associated sensory pores absent, and the combination of ventral margin of gill opening opposite the dorsalmost 5th or 6th pectoral-fin ray, total dorsal-fin elements 28‒29 and interorbital pores 2. With a total of four specimens of Adelotremus, it is now apparent that several features of the cephalic pore arrangement of the genus are different from that found in Petroscirtes, its presumed sister genus. Recent color photographs indicate that both species of Adelotremus exhibit marked sexual dichromatism with males having a conspicuous ocellus anteriorly in the dorsal fin that is absent in females.

Keywords: Pisces, taxonomy, Pisces, Blenniidae, Adelotremus, new species

FIGURE 1. Adelotremus deloachi holotype, ZMA 23004, male, 32.0 mm SL, Bali, Indonesia.

 Photograph by Ned DeLoach. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4258.2.7

FIGURE 2. Adelotremus deloachi paratype, USNM 438965, female, 29.4 mm SL, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.

Photograph by Ned DeLoach. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4258.2.7

 Adelotremus deloachi new species 
Spotfin fangblenny

Distribution. Known only from Bali and Lembeh Strait but undoubtedly more widely distributed in Indonesia. 

Etymology. This new species is named Aledotremus deloachi in honor of Ned DeLoach in recognition and appreciation of his books, magazine articles and photographs that celebrate the beauty and diversity of reef fishes, all of which have encouraged numerous divers and fish watchers to become more aware of the importance of protecting the threatened marine environment and fauna

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William F. Smith-Vaniz. 2017. A New Species of the Fangblenny Adelotremus from Indonesia, with Supplemental Description of A. leptus (Teleostei: Blenniidae: Nemophini).

Zootaxa. 4258(2): 179–186.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4258.2.7