[Ichthyology • 2021] Lethrinus mitchelli • A New Species of Emperor Fish (Acanthuriformes: Lethrinidae) from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

Lethrinus mitchelli

Allen, Victor & Erdmann, 2021

DOI: doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5172763 

Abstract 

A new species of emperor fish, Lethrinus mitchelli, is described on the basis of three specimens, 109.4–111.3 mm SL, collected from 20 m at the East Cape region of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. It is similar to the sympatric relatives L. semicinctus and L. rubrioperculatus, but differs in color pattern and has a narrower cheek (cheek height 3.2–3.6 in head length vs. 2.4–2.9). Other diagnostic features include head length (2.7 in SL) greater than body depth (3.0–3.1 in SL); the snout excluding the lip 1.3–1.4 in cheek height; the snout profile nearly straight, without a prominent hump, and about 55° to the upper jaw; conical lateral jaw teeth; the interorbital area nearly flat or convex; the fourth dorsal-fin spine longest; lateral-line scales 47; transverse scale rows below and above the lateral line 15 and 4.5 rows; and a fully-scaled area adjacent to the prominent bony spine at the posteriormost margin of the opercle (excluding fleshy flap). The new species has a distinctive color pattern: brown dorsally, whitish ventrally, with a broad, brown, posteriorly tapering band on the midlateral body, partially split anteriorly by a relatively broad, ascending diagonal white band. Lethrinus mitchelli is 6.11% sequence divergent (pairwise) in the mtDNA COI marker from its nearest relative, L. semicinctus, also from the East Indies. A table of COI divergences among mtDNA lineages assigned to 27 of the 28 known species of Lethrinus shows a set of distinctly different lineages, from 3.32% to 20.85% divergent from each other (minimum interspecific distances). 

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, phylogenetics, coral reef fishes, Indo-Pacific, DNA barcodes, mtDNA COI 

Lethrinus mitchelli n. sp.
blotchy pattern on rubble bottom, about 200 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
 preserved holotype, 110.1 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.

photos: G.R. Allen.

Lethrinus mitchelli n. sp.
[upper] about 200 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Prov., Papua New Guinea; 
[lower] blotchy pattern on rubble bottom, about 200 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.

photos: G.R. Allen

 Allen, G.R., Victor, B.C. and Erdmann, M.V. 2021. Lethrinus mitchelli, A New Species of Emperor Fish (Teleostei: Lethrinidae) from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 38, 66–77. DOI: doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5172763 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Pascua marecoralliensis • A New Species of Goby (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from the Central Coral Sea with Validation of the Genus Pascua

 

 Pascua marecoralliensis 

Goatley, Varela, Sellanes & Tornabene, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/fishes10090449 

Abstract

In this paper, we use molecular phylogenetics, micro-CT scanning, and morphological analyses to describe a new species of goby, Pascua marecoralliensis, and demonstrate that the genus Pascua is distinct from Hetereleotris, as supported by five diagnostic characters, including modified basicaudal scales and reduced sensory papillae patterns. Phylogenetic analysis places Pascua as sister to the Gobiodon group, while Hetereleotris forms a separate clade. The new species, P. marecoralliensis, differs from congeners in fin ray counts, cephalic pore patterns, and head morphology and exhibits unique live colouration. Additionally, we reclassify Hetereleotris readerae and H. sticta as Pascua readerae and P. sticta based on shared genus-specific traits. The distribution of Pascua spans the southern Pacific, suggesting a relict lineage or undiscovered diversity in the genus. This work underscores the importance of integrative taxonomic approaches for resolving cryptic diversity in gobioid fishes and highlights the need for further sampling in understudied regions.

Keywords: coral reef; cryptic; cryptobenthic fishes; Gobioidei; Hetereleotris; morphology; osteology; phylogeny; tropical; Australia

The three specimens of Pascua marecoralliensis sp. nov. collected from Lorna Cay, Lihou Reef in the Central Coral Sea, Australia.
(a) AMS I.49536-002 (holotype), (b) AMS I.49536-038 specimen 1 (paratype; specimen damaged during description and molecular sampling), (c) AMS I.49536-038 specimen 2 (paratype).

 Christopher H. R. Goatley, Andrea I. Varela, Javier Sellanes and Luke Tornabene. 2025. Pascua marecoralliensis, A New Species of Goby (Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from the Central Coral Sea with Validation of the Genus Pascua. Fishes. 10(9), 449. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/fishes10090449 [4 September 2025]

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Vanderhorstia supersaiyan • A New Species of Vanderhorstia (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from the twilight zone off Ishigaki-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan

Vanderhorstia supersaiyan 

Koeda, Hirasaka & Sato, 2025 

Supersaiyan Goby  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01047-6 

www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp

Abstract

Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov. (Perciformes: Gobiidae) is described from a single specimen (77.0 mm in standard length) collected from 210 m depth off Ishigaki-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan. The new species has two distinct yellow longitudinal stripes on the second dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, which are unique features within the genus. The new species can also be clearly distinguished from congeners by other coloration features, including faint yellow spots on the head and dorsal body margin, distinct yellow blotches and yellow upper margin on the first dorsal fin, and four faint yellowish-brown diamond-shaped blotches laterally on the body. A combination of meristic and morphometric characters also set the new species apart from congeners, all of which inhabit significantly shallower depths. The study documents a new discovery in the twilight zone highlighting the value of advancing research in this little studied habitat.

Keywords: Vanderhorstia vandersteene, Vanderhorstia attenuate, Gobioidei, Twilight zone, Taxonomy, Ryukyu Archipelago

Images of the holotype of Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov., NSMT-P 151096, 77.0 mm SL, collected from off Ishigaki-jima Island, Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan; just after captured and fresh.

www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp

Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov.

(New English name: Supersaiyan Goby; 

new standard Japanese name: Ereki-haze)

Etymology. The specific name of the new species, supersaiyan, refers to "Super Saiyan", a fictional transformation from the “Dragon Ball” manga series, famous for its golden yellow hair and glowing aura. In the present context, it refers to the unique bright yellow stripes and blotches of the new species. It is treated as a noun in apposition.

 Keita Koeda, Hiroshi Hirasaka and Mao Sato. 2025. Vanderhorstia supersaiyan sp. nov. (Perciformes: Gobiidae) collected from the twilight zone off Ishigaki-jima Island, Okinawa, Japan. Ichthyological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01047-6 [27 November 2025]

新種の魚を発見！その名もスーパーサイヤン！ ～石垣島沖から採集された新種のハゼに小枝助教らが命名～

https://www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/news/72516

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Rypticus africanus • Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of the Soapfish Genus Rypticus (Perciformes: Grammistidae) from the eastern Atlantic Ocean

 

Rypticus africanus   

 Araujo, Sampaio, Rocha & Ferreira, 2025

African soapfish | Peixe sabão africano  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70132 

Abstract

A new species of the soapfish genus Rypticus is described based on 14 specimens from the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The new species was previously misidentified as the greater soapfish, R. saponaceus, due to their similar appearance. However, it differs from R. saponaceus in several key characteristics, including a comparatively shorter head, snout and upper jaw, and a deeper body. Molecular data, obtained from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene, strongly suggest the monophyly of the new species and support its description as new.

Keywords: Biogeography, cryptic species, DNA barcode, Gulf of Guinea, Isthmus of Panama, reef fish

(a–c) Rypticus africanus from São Tomé and Príncipe, illustrating the variation in colour pattern between individuals: (a) São Tomé Island, (b, c) Príncipe Island
and (d) R. saponaceus from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, shown for comparison.

Rypticus africanus Araujo, Sampaio, Rocha & Ferreira, new species

English proposed common name: African soapfish.

Portuguese (São Tome and Príncipe) proposed common name: Peixe sabão africano.

Diagnosis: A species of Rypticus distinguished from its congeners by the following unique combination of characters: dorsal-fin spines always three vs. two/typically two in Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill 1818), Rypticus bornoi Beebe & Tee-Van 1928, Rypticus courtenayi McCarthy 1979, Rypticus maculatus Holbrook 1855, and R. nigripinnis, and almost always four in Rypticus carpenteri Baldwin & Weigt, 2012; head length 30.0%–35.3% of SL (average 33.5%) vs. 35.0%–39% (average 36.88%) in R. bicolor; body depth 34.2%–40.5% of SL (average 36.2%) vs. 26%–34% (average 30.0%) in Rypticus randalli Courtenay, 1967; body brown to dark grey, with the head and sides displaying numerous or sparse pale, spots of variable size vs. lighter background coloration with several widely scattered small dark spots; head shorter than body depth vs. head larger than body depth in R. saponaceus.

Etymology: The specific name africanus is given for the known distribution of the new species and its probable widespread distribution off the coast of west Africa.

Gabriel Soares Araujo, Cláudio L. S. Sampaio, Luiz A. Rocha and Carlos Eduardo Ferreira Leite. 2025. Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of the Soapfish Genus Rypticus (Teleostei: Grammistidae) from the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70132 [21 July 2025]

[Ichthyology • 2024] Bathygobius mero • A New Sponge-dwelling Goby (Gobiidae: Bathygobius) from Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia

 

Bathygobius mero

Allen, Erdmann & Ishida, 2024

https://oceansciencefoundation.org/josf41f.html

A new species of goby, Bathygobius mero, is described from eastern Bali, Indonesia on the basis of 8 adult specimens, 26.3–36.0 mm SL. There are also photographic records from Sumba, Indonesia, Cebu, Philippines, and Queensland, Australia. Diagnostic features include 19–21 (usually 20) pectoral-fin rays with the upper three rays free from the membranous portion of the fin and each with two filamentous tips, a mostly scaleless predorsal midline except for two or three scales in front of first dorsal-fin origin, and 33 or 34 lateral scales. The live coloration is overall pale greyish with a dense covering of reddish-brown freckles, a brown spot (about one third of pupil size) at the uppermost part of the gill opening, and reddish-brown spotting on the fins. The new species has a commensal association with the large barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria), unlike other members of the genus, which are typically free-living bottom dwellers. It also inhabits deeper water (9–30 m, but usually below about 15 m) than most Bathygobius, which are mainly confined to shallow water less than 10 m deep.

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, systematics, coral-reef fishes, gobies, tropical western Pacific Ocean, Indo-Pacific, commensal.

Bathygobius mero, n. sp., approximately 35 mm SL,
on surface of barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria), Bali, Indonesia. 

 (photos: C. Waldrich)

Bathygobius mero, n. sp.

Etymology. The new species is named mero with reference to the MERO Foundation (Indonesian Marine Education and Research Organisation, Tulamben, Bali) for their generous sponsorship of this study. The name is treated as a noun in apposition.

Allen, Gerald R., Erdmann, Mark and Ishida, Nesha. 2024. A New Sponge-dwelling Goby (Gobiidae: Bathygobius) from Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 41, 46–53. https://oceansciencefoundation.org/josf.html

 https://oceansciencefoundation.org/josf41f.html

 https://zenodo.org/records/14003729

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Eviota vader • A New western Pacific Dwarfgoby (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea

 

Eviota vader

 Greenfield, Erdmann & Ichida, 2025

oceansciencefoundation.org/josf43c.html 

Abstract 

A new species of dwarfgoby, Eviota vader, is described from McLaren Fjord, Tufi, Papua New Guinea. The new species is characterized by a distinctive purplish-black coloration not found on any other species of dwarfgoby. In addition to the unusual color, it is diagnosed by the combination of a complete cephalic sensory-canal pore system, a dorsal/anal fin-formula of 8/7, some branched pectoral-fin rays, the fifth pelvic-fin ray present, and no dark occipital spots or any dark spots at the base of dorsal or caudal fins. The species is apparently endemic to the Tufi region of Papua New Guinea, a location known to have microendemic species. 

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, coral-reef fishes, gobies, new species, microendemic, Tufi, black dwarfgoby 

Eviota vader, holotype, CAS 249349, 11.5 mm SL, male,

Tufi, Papua New Guinea

anesthetized and underwater, (photo reversed) (M.V. Erdmann).
preserved holotype, (D.W. Greenfield).

Eviota vader, n. sp. 

Black Dwarfgoby  

Diagnosis. A species of Eviota distinguished from all congeners by a combination of a complete cephalic sensory-canal pore system (pattern 1), a dorsal/anal fin-ray formula 8/7, some pectoral-fin rays branched, fifth pelvic-fin ray present, no dark occipital spots or any dark spots at the base of dorsal or caudal fins, and a broad and fringed male urogenital papilla. Entire body and fins purplish black.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the fictional dark figure Darth Vader in the Star Wars movie franchise (Fig. 3), referring to the fact that it is the darkest of all described dwarfgobies. It is treated as a noun in apposition.

 

David W. Greenfield, Mark V. Erdmann and Nesha K. Ichida. 2025. Eviota vader, A New western Pacific Dwarfgoby from Papua New Guinea (Teleostei: Gobiidae). Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 43, 39–44. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15786577https://oceansciencefoundation.org/josf43c.html

[Ichthyology • 2025] Hypoplectrus espinosai (Teleostei: Serranidae) • A New hamlet on Coral Reefs in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico

Phenotypic variation of Hypoplectrus espinosai 

Puebla, Aguilar-Perera, Robertson & Domínguez-Domínguez, 

 

  in Puebla, Aguilar-Perera, Helmkampf, Robertson, C.J. Estapé, A.M. Estapé et Domínguez-Domínguez, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.4.3

Photographs from Alacranes reef by Carlos and Allison Estapé (a, b, c, d), Isai Dominguez Guerrero (e), and Alfonso Aguilar-Perera (f).

Abstract

The hamlets (Hypoplectrus spp., Teleostei: Serranidae) are a group of small predatory reef-associated fishes endemic to the tropical northwestern Atlantic that are characterized by an exceptionally high diversification rate. Currently 18 species are recognized, with seven described or redescribed in the last 14 years. Here, we describe the Campeche Bank hamlet, Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. As indicated by its common name, this species is distributed throughout the Campeche Bank in the southwest Gulf of Mexico. Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. differs from two similar hamlets, the butter hamlet H. unicolor (Walbaum) and the Veracruz hamlet H. castroaguirrei Del Moral Flores, Tello-Musi & Martínez-Pérez in terms of geographic distribution and color pattern. Furthermore, phylogenetic and population genetic analyses based on whole-genome data from 68 individuals indicate that H. espinosai sp. nov. is genetically distinct from H. unicolor and H. castroaguirrei.

Pisces, Gulf of Mexico, Campeche Bank, Serranidae, reef fishes, hamlets, Hypoplectrus

Phenotypic variation of Hypoplectrus espinosai sp.  nov. A black saddle blotch covers the caudal  peduncle  and extends over the posterior part of the body, sometimes over the posterior border of the dorsal fin. Note the consistency of the thin vertical lines.

Photographs from Alacranes reef by Carlos and Allison Estapé (a, b, c, d), Isai Dominguez Guerrero (e), and Alfonso Aguilar-Perera (f).

Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. Puebla, Aguilar-Perera, Robertson & Domínguez-Domínguez 2025 

English common name: Campeche Bank hamlet 

Spanish common names: mero del Banco de Campeche (AFS), vaca del Banco de Campeche (FAO), hamlet del Banco de Campeche (vernacular) 

Diagnosis. Hypoplectrus  espinosai sp.  nov. is distinguished  from  all named congeners  by  coloration. Body white with thin vertical lines but no bars (or very faint). Black spot on snout surrounded by electric blue lines. Caudal peduncle entirely covered by black saddle blotch, which extends over posterior part of body, and sometimes over posterior part of dorsal fin. Black saddle blotch is more extensive than in H. unicolor. Black eye-mask characteristic of H. castroaguirrei absent.

Etymology. We assign the species name espinosai sp. nov. in honor of Héctor Salvador Espinosa Pérez (1954–2022), a dedicated Mexican ichthyologist, founder of the Mexican Ichthyological Society and curator of the Mexican National Fish Collection. The common name refers  to  the  geographic distribution of the species, the  Campeche Bank off the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, Mexico.

Oscar PUEBLA, Alfonso AGUILAR-PERERA, Martin HELMKAMPF, D. Ross ROBERTSON, Carlos J. ESTAPÉ, Allison Morgan ESTAPÉ and Omar DOMÍNGUEZ-DOMÍNGUEZ. 2025. Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. (Teleostei: Serranidae), A New hamlet on Coral Reefs in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Zootaxa. 5618(4); 509-524. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.4.3 [2025-04-04]

[Ichthyology • 2024] Gobiodon spadix • A New Coral Goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from southern Japan

 

Gobiodon spadix

Sato & Motomura, 2024

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-024-00950-8 

Abstract

Gobiodon spadix sp. nov. is described on the basis of 37 specimens from Kyushu, and the Osumi and Tokara Islands, southern Japan. The new species is characterized by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays VI-I, 9–11 (modally 9); anal-fin rays I, 8 or 9 (8); pectoral-fin rays 19–21 (20); body depth at pelvic-fin origin 32.4–38.3% (mean 36.0%) of standard length; distance between first dorsal-fin origin to dorsal-most point of pectoral-fin base 50.4–64.8% (55.2%) of head length (HL); pectoral fin relatively long, its length 90.6–112.5% (100.8%) of HL; groove between isthmus and interopercle absent; body uniformly reddish-brown; coloration of all fins darker than that of body; and five narrow vertical bluish stripes on lateral surface of head. The new species is currently known from southern Japan, Papua New Guinea, and northeastern Australia.

Keywords: Taxonomy, Coral reefs, Gobiodon quinquestrigatus, Gobiodon bilineatus, Acropora 

Holotype of Gobiodon spadix sp. nov. (KAUM–I. 185291, 31.3 mm SL, Satsuma Peninsula, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan).
a–c Fresh specimen; d living specimen with host coral (Acropora solitaryensis); e preserved specimen.

a, d, e Lateral, b dorsal, and c ventral views

Gobiodon spadix sp. nov.

(New English name: Akane Coral Goby; 

new standard Japanese name: Akane-kobanhaze)

Etymology. The specific name “spadix” is derived from Latin meaning “reddish-brown”, in reference to the ground coloration of the head and body.

Masayuki C. Sato and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2024. Gobiodon spadix, A New Coral Goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from southern Japan.  Ichthyological Research. 71; 422–431. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-024-00950-8 

[Ichthyology • 2024] Chromis abadhah • A New Species of Damselfish (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives

 

Chromis abadhah

L.A. Rocha, Pinheiro, Najeeb, C.R. Rocha & Shepherd, 2024  

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

 

Abstract

A new species of Chromis (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) is described from four specimens collected between 95 and 110 m depth in mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Maldives, Indian Ocean. Chromis abadhah sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; pearly white body with a large black marking covering the anterior two-thirds of the anal fin. The closest DNA barcode sequence (5.1% average uncorrected genetic distance on the mitochondrial COI gene), among those available, is Chromis woodsi, a similar mesophotic species known from the coastal western Indian Ocean (Somalia to South Africa). The new species is easily distinguished from C. woodsi by having 13 dorsal spines (versus 14 in C. woodsi), the absence of a black band on the base of the tail (present in C. woodsi), and by the genetic difference.

Key words: COI, deep reefs, ichthyology, Indian Ocean, rebreather diving, taxonomy

Holotype of Chromis abadhah, CAS 248401, 68.7 mm SL, shortly after collection.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

Chromis abadhah in its natural habitat in Faadhippolhu Atoll, Maldives, at approximately 110 m depth.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

 Chromis abadhah sp. nov.

 Suggested Maldivian name: Abadhah Chromis 

Suggested English name: Perpetual Chromis

Diagnosis: The following combination of characters distinguishes Chromis abadhah sp. nov. from all of its congeners: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; body pearly white; large black marking covering anterior two-thirds of anal fin; small black spot on upper edge of pectoral-fin base; no markings on caudal peduncle.

Etymology: The work that led to the discovery of this species was funded by the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative through a Rolex Award for Enterprises to LAR. To honor this initiative, we name this species “abadhah” (pronounced aa-BAH-duh), which means “perpetual” in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives. We also hope that this species and its habitat remain perpetual. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

Luiz A. Rocha, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Ahmed Najeeb, Claudia R. Rocha and Bart Shepherd. 2024. Chromis abadhah (Teleostei, Pomacentridae), A New Species of Damselfish from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives. ZooKeys. 1219: 165-174. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

[Ichthyology • 2024] Cylix nkosi • A New Record and Species of Pygmy Pipehorse of the Genus Cylix (Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae) from South Africa and the African Continent

Cylix nkosi 

Short, Smith, Harasti & Claassens, 2024 

 Sodwana Pygmy Pipehorse ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2023053

 

Abstract

Cylix nkosi, new species, of the formerly monotypic pygmy pipehorse genus Cylix, is described on the basis of the female holotype and the male paratype collected between 14–50 m over inshore warm-tropical coral reefs from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The new taxon possesses derived characters consistent with the diagnosis of the type species Cylix tupareomanaia from Aotearoa New Zealand, including a prominent supraoccipital bone bearing a highly derived bony protuberance and the presence of distinct midventral head spines. The new species is distinguished from its congener primarily by the distinct shapes of the supraoccipital protuberance, midventral head spines, and the dorsomedial crest-like ridge on the first trunk ridge. Cylix nkosi, new species, can be further differentiated by genetic divergence in the mitochondrial COI gene from C. tupareomanaia and the morphologically similar members of the Indo-Pacific pygmy pipehorse genera Acentronura and Idiotropiscis (estimated uncorrected p-distances of 10.0% C. tupareomanaia, 16.6% A. breviperula, 20.6% A. tentaculata, 18.1% I. australe, and 18.8% I. lumnitzeri, respectively). Cylix nkosi, new species, is the first confirmed record of the genus in South Africa and the African continent. In addition, the occurrence of C. nkosi, new species, in the western Indian Ocean represents a substantial expansion of the geographical distribution of the genus beyond its original type locality in New Zealand.

Lateral view of the head of Cylix nkosi, SAMC F041935, female, holotype, highlighting positions of diagnostic characters, including the supraoccipital protuberance and medioventral conical spines on the cleithral symphysis and the first trunk ring between the pectoral-fin bases. Abbreviations: CS, cleithral spines; CSS, medioventral spine on the cleithral symphysis; DHS, double head spine; FS, frontal spine; FTRC, first trunk ring crest; LHS, lateral head spine; MVFTRS, medioventral spine on first trunk ring between the pectoral-fin bases; ORE, orbital rim extension; PLS, posterolateral spine on pectoral-fin base; SnS, snout spines; SP, supraoccipital protuberance. Scale bar = 5 mm.

Cylix nkosi in situ, SAMC F041935, female, holotype, 45.9 mm SL, 2 Mile Reef, Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 22 m depth. (A) Lateral view of the body. (B) Anterolateral view of the head highlighting the diamond-shaped supraoccipital protuberance pair on the head. Abbreviation: SP, supraoccipital protuberance. Photographs by Richard Smith.

Cylix nkosi, new species

 Common Name: Sodwana Pygmy Pipehorse  

  

Diagnosis.—Cylix nkosi differs from C. tupareomanaia in possessing a supraoccipital bone bearing a highly derived and distinct diamond-shaped bony protuberance (SP; vs. cup-like bony protuberance; Table 3) oriented anteriorly, rhombus-shaped in anterodorsal view, divided transversally into two sections by a ridge; knob-shaped midventral spine (CSS; vs. udder-shaped bony protuberance; Table 3) on the cleithral symphysis; blunt midventral spine (MVFTRS; vs. conical midventral spine; Table 3) on the first trunk ring between the pectoral-fin bases; thick dorsomedial crest-like ridge (FTRC; vs. thin and rugose crest-like ...

Cylix nkosi in situ, 2 Mile Reef, Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 22 m depth:
 (A) male, pregnant, red coloration; (B) male, pregnant, yellow coloration; (C) female, brown coloration; (D) female, brown coloration.

 Photographs © Christo van Jaarsveld (SeaXplore), used with permission.

Etymology.—The species epithet is derived from the Nguni or Zulu term for chief due to the crown-like nature of the highly derived bony protuberance on the supraoccipital bone. A noun in the genitive. New English Names: Sodwana Pygmy Pipehorse is proposed here for Cylix nkosi.

 

Graham Short, Richard Smith, David Harasti and Louw Claassens. 2024. A New Record and Species of Pygmy Pipehorse of the Genus Cylix (Teleostei, Syngnathidae) from South Africa and the African Continent. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 112(3):315-327. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2023053

[Ichthyology • 2024] Schindleria nana • A New extremely progenetic gobiid fish Species (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Schindleria nana

Ahnelt, Macek & Robitzch, 2024

 DOI: 10.25225/jvb.23112

Abstract

Here, we describe a new species of Schindleria, Schindleria nana, from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The new species belongs to the long dorsal-fin type (LDF) of Schindleria and is the first very small (‘dwarf’) LDF species (< 13 mm TL) to be described. It is characterized by an elongate and narrow body; a dorsal fin longer than the anal fin (predorsal-fin length 63.3% of SL: preanal-fin length 72.1% of SL); a long, relatively narrow head (head width 46.2% of head length) with a straight profile; small and round eyes (24.9% of head length); a large postorbital distance (52% of head length); a narrow, slender pectoral radial plate (width at origin 46.4%, maximum width 57.0% of pectoral radial plate length); 16 dorsal-fin rays; 11-12 anal-fin rays; first anal-fin ray ventral to the sixth dorsal-fin ray; six procurrent rays gradually increasing in length, last ray elongated, twice the length of the penultimate ray; premaxilla with tiny, conical, densely set teeth; dentary with zero teeth in the holotype and with two teeth on the left dentary and five teeth on the right dentary in the adult paratype; females with few (approx. 4-7) but very large eggs (3.4-3.9% of SL); urogenital papilla inconspicuous, de facto just an urogenital opening; swim bladder not pigmented; black eyes; no other external pigmentation on the body.

KEYWORDS: Coral reefs, Indo-Pacific, Miniaturization, new species, progenesis, taxonomy

Holotype of Schindleria nana, AMS.I.23115-004, female, 9.0 mm SL; Australia, Queensland, Lizard Island.

an – anus, ug – urogenital opening. Black asterisk – position of first anal-fin ray, white asterisk – position of first dorsal-fin ray. Scale bar: 1 mm.

Schindleria nana 

Diagnosis: The new species S. nana stands out from its congeners because it is the first small-sized species (< 10 mm SL) in the LDF species group and the first LDF Schindleria with only a few (4-7) and very large eggs (3.1-3.6% of SL) (Figs. 3, 4A). It differs from its congeners in the combination of the following characters: body elongated, slender, and not pigmented in preserved specimens; tail (postabdominal region) distinctly shorter than abdomen; origin of the dorsal fin distinctly anterior to origin of the anal fin (LDF type); predorsal-fin length 63.1-63.5% of SL; preanal-fin length 71.2-73.0% of SL; body depth at the origin of the anal-fin 5.9-6.6% of SL; head length 14.4-15.6% of SL; head depth 7.8-8.1% of SL; eye diameter 3.3-3.6% of SL and 23.1-26.1% of the head length; pectoral radial plate length 5.6-5.8% of SL; maximum width of the pectoral radial plate 3.2-3.3% of SL and 56.9-57.1% of pectoral radial plate length; depth of the hypural late 66.7% of the urostyle length; 16 dorsal-fin rays; 13 anal-fin rays, first anal-fin ray positioned below the 5-6th dorsal-fin ray; six procurrent rays; swim-bladder not pigmented; continuous row of small, conical teeth on premaxillary but zero teeth on the dentary of the holotype or five teeth (right) plus two isolated teeth (left) in the dentary of the paratype. ....

Etymology: The specific name ‘nana’ (from the Latin ‘nanus’ – dwarf) refers to the small size of this species.

Harald Ahnelt, Oliver Macek and Vanessa Robitzch. 2024. Schindleria nana, A New extremely progenetic gobiid fish Species (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. J. of Vertebrate Biology. 73: 23112.1-17. DOI: 10.25225/jvb.23112

[Ichthyology • 2024] Halichoeres sanchezi • A New Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) from the Revillagigedo Archipelago of Mexico, tropical eastern Pacific Ocean

Halichoeres sanchezi 

Victor​, Frable & Ludt, 2024

 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16828

Photos: Allison Morgan Estape.

Abstract 

A new labrid fish species, Halichoeres sanchezi n. sp., is described from eight specimens collected in the Revillagigedo Archipelago in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Mexico. The new species belongs to the Halichoeres melanotis species complex that is found throughout the region, differing by 2.4% in the mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase I sequence from its nearest relative, H. melanotis from Panama, and 2.9% from Halichoeres salmofasciatus from Cocos Island, off Costa Rica. The complex is distinguished from others in the region by having a black spot on the opercular flap and a prominent black area on the caudal fin of males. The juveniles and initial phase of the new species closely resemble those of H. salmofasciatus and Halichoeres malpelo from Malpelo Island of Colombia, differing in having an oblong black spot with a yellow dorsal margin on the mid-dorsal fin of initial-phase adults as well as on juveniles. In contrast, the terminal-phase male color pattern is distinct from other relatives, being vermilion to orangish brown with dark scale outlines, a white patch on the upper abdomen, and a prominent black band covering the posterior caudal peduncle and base of the caudal fin. The new species adds to the list of endemic fish species for the isolated archipelago and is an interesting case of island endemism in the region. The discovery was made during the joint 2022 collecting expedition to the archipelago, which featured a pioneering collaborative approach to an inventory of an island ichthyofauna, specifically including expert underwater photographers systematically documenting specimens in situ, before hand-collection, and then photographed fresh, tissue-sampled, and subsequently vouchered in museum collections.

Halichoeres sanchezi n. sp., juvenile and Initial-phase adults underwater, San Benedicto, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Colima, Mexico.
(A) Small juvenile. Photo credit: Allison Morgan Estape (B) Large juvenile. Photo credit: Jeff Haines. (C) Initial-phase adult.

Photos: Allison Morgan Estape.

Halichoeres sanchezi n. sp., first known underwater photographs, from Socorro, Revillagigedo Archipelago in 2013.
(A) Small Initial-phase. (B) Initial-phase adult.
(C) Two Terminal-phase males.

Photos: Kreg Martin.

 

Benjamin C. Victor​, Benjamin W. Frable and William B. Ludt. 2024. Halichoeres sanchezi n. sp., A New Wrasse from the Revillagigedo Archipelago of Mexico, tropical eastern Pacific Ocean (Teleostei: Labridae) PeerJ. 12: e16828. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16828

[Ichthyology • 2023] Tomiyamichthys elliotensis • A New Species of Shrimpgoby (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Lady Elliot Island, Queensland, Australia

Tomiyamichthys elliotensis

Allen, Erdmann & Dudgeon, 2023

 oceansciencefoundation.org/josf40e.html

A new species of gobiid fish, Tomiyamichthys elliotensis, is described from Lady Elliot Island at the southern end of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, on the basis of 6 specimens, 32.6–52.7 mm SL. Diagnostic features include a sail-like first dorsal fin without filamentous elements; 10 segmented dorsal and anal-fin rays; 17 or 18 pectoral-fin rays; scales all cycloid, 78–84 lateral and 18–24 transverse scale rows, no prepectoral scales; and a cephalic sensory-canal pore system containing pores B’, C, D, E, F, G, H’, M’, N and O’. The fish is overall whitish with a midlateral row of 4 large, ovate, brown spots; diagonal yellow-orange bands on the first dorsal fin; a brown stripe along the mid-second-dorsal fin; several yellow-orange stripes along the anal fin; and bluish pelvic fins with yellow fin rays. Among the 6 species of Tomiyamichthys that have mtDNA COI sequences, interspecific divergences range from 14.4% to 21.5% and the new species is 18.3% different in COI sequence from its putative nearest relative Tomiyamichthys oni. The habitat of the new species consists of relatively flat, sandy bottoms exposed to periodic strong tidal currents in 15–24 m depths.

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, coral-reef fishes, gobies, western Pacific Ocean, DNA barcoding, T. oni.

 

Tomiyamichthys elliotensis, n. sp. 

Lady Elliot Shrimpgoby

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin elements VI-I,10, no dorsal-fin spine elongated, longest spine 1.0–1.3 in HL; analfin elements I,10; pectoral-fin rays 17–18 (usually17); lateral scale series 78–84; scales entirely cycloid; scales absent on cheek, opercle, predorsal, and pectoral-fin base; gill opening extending to about level of posterior edge of preopercle; caudal fin rounded, about equal to head length or 3.2–3.6 in SL; pattern of cephalic sensory-canal pores consisting of B’, C, D, E, F, G, H’, M’, N and O’ pores; gill rakers poorly developed, 2 + 4–6; color in life overall whitish with midlateral row of 4 large, ovate, brown spots, 5 or 6 diagonal yellow-orange bands on first dorsal fin, brown stripe along middle of second dorsal fin, several yellow-orange stripes along anal fin, and bluish pelvic fins with yellow fin rays; largest specimen, female holotype, 52.7 mm SL.

Etymology. The new species is named for the type location, Lady Elliot Island on the Great Barrier Reef.

 Gerald R. Allen, Mark V. Erdmann and Christine L. Dudgeon. 2023. Tomiyamichthys elliotensis, A New Species of Shrimpgoby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Lady Elliot Island, Queensland, Australia. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 40, 57-69. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8404548

  oceansciencefoundation.org/josf40e.html

[Ichthyology • 2023] Paracheilinus amanda • Review of Australian Species of Paracheilinus Fourmanoir (Teleostei: Labridae), with Description of A New Species from the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea

 (A1-A2) Paracheilinus amanda, new species;
(B) P. carpenteri, (C) P. flavianalis,
(D) P. mccoskeri, (E) P. rubricaudalis. 

in Tea & Walsh. 2023.

 DOI: 10.1643/i2023019

 twitter.com/FishGuyKai

Photographs by H. H. Tan (A1); T. Yamazumi (A2); T. Cameron (B); V. Chalias (C); T. Kawamoto (D); and N. DeLoach (E).

Abstract

Australian species of the cirrhilabrin labrid genus Paracheilinus are reviewed. Four species of Paracheilinus are reported from Australian waters: P. amanda, new species, from Flora, Holmes, and Osprey Reefs, Coral Sea, off northeast Queensland, and Harrier Reef, Great Barrier Reef; P. filamentosus from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef; P. flavianalis from Evans and Flinders Shoals, Timor Sea, off northeast Darwin, Northern Territory, and Ashmore, Scott, Seringapatam, and Hibernia Reefs in the north-western shelf of Western Australia; and P. nursalim from Flinders Shoal, Timor Sea, off northern Darwin, Northern Territory. Paracheilinus amanda, new species, has previously been confused for P. rubricaudalis from Melanesia, but molecular analysis of mitochondrial COI recovers both species as reciprocally monophyletic lineages, differing from each other by 1–1.2% in genetic distance. They further differ in aspects of live coloration of terminal phase (TP) males. Both species are allopatric and do not overlap in distribution. The new species is described on the basis of six specimens: the holotype and two paratypes from Harrier Reef, Great Barrier Reef, one paratype from Flora Reef, Coral Sea, and from two paratypes collected off Hula in southern Papua New Guinea, along the north-western margin of the Coral Sea. The discovery of P. nursalim in Australia represents a new and significant range extension from previous locality records of West Papua and Ambon Bay. Paracheilinus is rediagnosed, and keys, diagnoses, photographs, and Australian distribution records are presented for all species herein. 

Paracheilinus amanda, new species, aquarium specimen from Harrier Reef, the Great Barrier Reef. Specimen not retained. Photograph by K. Endoh.

A selection of Paracheilinus in life.
 (A1) Paracheilinus amanda, new species, ZRC 64175, male paratype, 47.6 mm SL, off Hula, southern Papua New Guinea, Coral Sea; (A2) P. amanda, new species, underwater photograph from Osprey Reef, Coral Sea;
(B) P. carpenteri, underwater photograph from Mabini, Batangas, Philippines. Note the darkened posterior dorsal- and caudal-fin bases and the presence of a second stripe behind the pectoral fin; (C) P. flavianalis, underwater photograph from Bali, Indonesia;
(D) P. mccoskeri, underwater photograph from Khao Lak, Thailand; (E) P. rubricaudalis, underwater photograph from Mborokua, Solomon Islands. Note the reduced markings on caudal fin.

Photographs by H. H. Tan (A1); T. Yamazumi (A2); T. Cameron (B); V. Chalias (C); T. Kawamoto (D); and N. DeLoach (E).

Paracheilinus filamentosus, images of live and preserved specimens.
(A) Male in resting colors, underwater photograph from Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands; (B) flashing male in nuptial colors, underwater photograph from Nggatokae, western Solomon Islands; (C) flashing male in nuptial colors, underwater photograph from the Solomon Islands; (D) AMS I.17479-001, 51.7 mm SL, male paratype, Tassafaronga Point, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Note purple spines and rays in preservation; (E) harem comprising one TP male (middle) and several females and immature males, underwater photograph from Lovukol, central Solomon Islands.

Photographs by M. Rosenstein (A–C, E) and Y. K. Tea (D).

Select individuals of Paracheilinus flavianalis demonstrating variability in the number of dorsal-fin filaments, coloration of anal fin, and spot band pattern on the anal fin.
(A) Underwater photograph from Triton Bay, Indonesia; (B) underwater photograph from Wakatobi, Sulawesi, Indonesia; (C–D) underwater photographs from Bali, Indonesia.

Photographs by R. Smith (A); J. Castellano (B); W. Osborn (C); and R. H. Kuiter (D).

Yi-Kai Tea and Fenton Walsh. 2023. Review of Australian Species of Paracheilinus Fourmanoir (Teleostei: Labridae), with Description of A New Species from the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 111(3); 397-415. DOI: 10.1643/i2023019 

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