[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] 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 

 twitter.com/FishGuyKai/status/1702273836182602205

twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1702346910223204656

[Ichthyology • 2023] Iniistius bakunawa • A New Species of Razor Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) from the Philippines and Western Australia

Iniistius bakunawa

 Sorgon, Tea, Meren & Nañola, 2023

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71 

Eclipse-spot Razor Wrasse  ||  twitter.com/FishGuyKai

Abstract. 

Iniistius bakunawa, new species, is described on the basis of nine specimens consisting of the holotype and six paratypes collected from fish markets in the islands of Panay, Cebu, Bohol, and Jolo in the Philippines, and two paratypes from the Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia. The new species is distinctive in having a pale yellowish to jade green body with a large concentric black and white ellipsoid ocellus on the posteriormost edge of its dorsal fin. Aside from live colouration details, the new species is readily diagnosed from congeners in having the following combination of characters: 7 horizontal rows of scales on cheek; gill rakers 4–6 + 8–11 = 12–17; gill rakers short, bearing teeth; and tubed lateral line scales 23–26. Assignment of the new species to the genus Iniistius is accompanied with a brief discussion of the currently inadequate diagnosis of the genus from Xyrichtys.

Key words. coral reefs, fish markets, Labridae, Novaculini, taxonomy, systematics 

Iniistius bakunawa, new species, KAUM-I. 80684, paratype, 172.0 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines. Freshly dead specimen showing colouration in life

 Photograph by H. Motomura 

Iniistius bakunawa, new species, A–C, freshly dead specimens showing colouration in life; and D–F, X-rays.
A, USNM 435404, paratype, 162.4 mm SL, Cebu Island, Philippines; B, USNM 437745, paratype, 155.1 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines; C, USNM 437747, paratype, 158.8 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines;
D, CSIRO H 1488-1, paratype, 129.8 mm SL, off northwest Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia; E, CSIRO H 1506-1, paratype, 144.5 mm SL, off northern Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia; F, KAUM-I. 80684, paratype, 172.0 mm SL, Panay Island, Philippines.

Photographs by J.T. Williams. X-rays provided by K. Parkinson.

Iniistius bakunawa, new species 

Eclipse-spot Razor Wrasse

Iniistius sp. (Fukui, 2017): 184 (colour photograph of specimen from Panay Island, Philippines [reproduced here in Fig. 1A; KAUM-I. 80684]).

Diagnosis. A species of Iniistius distinct from all congeners based on the following combination of characters and live colouration details: 7 horizontal rows of scales on cheek; gill rakers 4–6 + 8–11 = 12–17; gill rakers short, bearing teeth; pored lateral line scales 19–20 + 4–6 = 23–26; 2 scales dorsoanteriorly on opercle; body yellowish to jade green; posteriormost dorsal fin with a large black centred white ellipsoid ocellus.

Etymology. The specific epithet is given after Bakunawa, a serpentine or draconic figure in Visayan mythology believed to be responsible for causing an eclipse by devouring the moon. The common name is given after the black centred white ellipsoidal ocellus on the posterior dorsal fin. The name bakunawa is treated as a noun in apposition. 

Species of Iniistius are known by a variety of common names, including razor wrasse, cleaver wrasse, and razorfish. The first two names are sometimes used for other novaculin species in the genera Novaculops and Xyrichtys, whereas razorfish is sometimes used for Centriscus and Aeoliscus (Sygnathiformes; Centriscidae; also known as shrimpfish). To maintain consistent terminology with other members of the Novaculini and to avoid confusion with the Centriscidae, we recommend razor wrasse as the preferred common name when referring to species in the genus Iniistius.

 

Kent Elson S. Sorgon, Yi-Kai Tea, Jasmin C. Meren and Cleto L. Nañola Jr. 2023. Iniistius bakunawa, A New Species of Razor Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) from the Philippines and Western Australia. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71; 511–519.

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[Ichthyology • 2023] Terelabrus toretore • A New Species of Striped Hogfish (Perciformes: Labridae) from Tahiti, with Range Extensions for Two Congeners

Terelabrus toretore

 Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Siu & Rocha, 2023

 

  ZoolStud.sinica.edu.tw

  twitter.com/SteinhartBart

A new labrid fish, Terelabrus toretore sp. nov., the fifth species within the genus, is herein described from two specimens collected at a depth of 140 m from a mesophotic coral ecosystem in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. is characterized by having 43–44 scaled rows in longitudinal series; 42 pored lateral-line scales; 5+10 gill rakers; 10 scale rows below the lateral line; 8 posterior branches on the main supratemporal sensory canal; a relatively long snout (snout length 9.6–9.7% SL), and a coloration consisting of a yellow caudal fin and a wide, red, mid-lateral stripe with no blotching, the space above which is white anteriorly, becoming predominantly yellow from beneath the dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. In addition to describing this new species, we document the first record of Terelabrus rubrovittatus from the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the first record of Terelabrus zonalis from Australia, along with the first description of its coloration. We present a molecular phylogeny of the genus based upon mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA sequences.

Key words: Biogeography, Ichthyology, Mesophotic coral ecosystems, Taxonomy, Teleostei

Underwater photograph of Terelabrus toretore (specimen not collected):
 Tahiti at 125 m depth,

photo by L.A. Rocha 

Terelabrus toretore sp. nov.
Underwater photograph (specimen not collected): Tahiti at 125 m depth;
Coloration of freshly dead paratype CASICH 247319 (SL 44.3 mm).

Terelabrus toretore Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Siu and Rocha sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other four members of the genus by the following characters: 43–44 scaled rows in longitudinal series; 42 pored lateral-line scales; 5 + 10 gill rakers; 10 scale rows below lateral line; a relatively long snout (snout length 9.6–9.7% SL); 8 posterior branches on the main supratemporal sensory canal, and a coloration consisting of a yellow caudal fin, and a wide, red, mid-lateral stripe with no blotching, the space above which is white anteriorly, becoming yellow from beneath the dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. 

Etymology: The species name, toretore, is the Tahitian word for striped and is used in reference to the body color pattern. To be used as a noun in apposition. 

 Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Tyler A. Y. Phelps, Gilles Siu and Luiz A. Rocha. 2023. Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. (Perciformes: Labridae), A New Species of Striped Hogfish from Tahiti, with Range Extensions for Two Congeners. Zool Stud. 62:08. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2023.62-08.

  ZoolStud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/62/62-08.html

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[Ichthyology • 2022] Pteragogus turdus • A New Species of Wrasse (Perciformes: Labridae) from the Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Pteragogus turdus 

Iino & Motomura, 2022

DOI: 10.1007/s10228-022-00875-0 

 www.Kagoshima-U.ac.jp

Abstract

Pteragogus turdus sp. nov. (Labridae) is described on the basis of 65 specimens (18.5–81.4 mm in standard length: SL) from the eastern Indian Ocean (Western Australia) and western Pacific Ocean. The new species is characterized by the following combination of characters: 10 dorsal-fin spines; 10–15 (modally 12, rarely 14 or 15) total gill rakers; dorsal profile of head straight; 10th dorsal-fin spine relatively short, its length 14.3–20.6% (mean 17.0%) of SL; longest pelvic-fin soft ray length 16.5–24.3% (20.4%) of SL; anterior two or three dorsal-fin spines with filamentous membrane tips in terminal phase males; anal-fin spines with relatively short filamentous membrane tips; anterior nostril with dark brown margin; three slightly curved bluish-gray vertical lines usually on cheek below eye when fresh; white stripe usually on head extending from snout tip to upper end of opercle through upper part of iris (distinct in life); large circular or elliptical dark brown blotch (subequal to eye size) margined with faint yellow or orange on upper opercle; a few small dark brown spots on mid-lateral surface of body; no black spots on abdomen; dark brown blotch on membrane between 1st and 2nd dorsal-fin spines (sometimes indistinct in life); dark brown spot usually below base of last dorsal-fin soft ray; pelvic fin generally pale reddish-white with a broad reddish-brown band medially.

Keywords: Taxonomy, Morphology, Distribution, Pteragogus cryptus

 fresh preserved specimen of Pteragogus turdus sp. nov.  
BPBM 16195, holotype, 68.5 mm SL, Alite Reef, Solomon Islands

(photo by J. Randall)

Pteragogus turdus sp. nov. (specimen not collected).
 adult individual, Ishigaki-jima Island, the Ryukyu Islands

 (photo by K. Nishiyama)

Pteragogus turdus sp. nov.

(New English name: Thrush Sneaky Wrasse; 

new standard Japanese name: Tanuki-ohagurobera)

Distribution. Widely known from the eastern Indian Ocean (Western Australia) and western Pacific Ocean (Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Palau, Micronesia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, eastern Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa) (Fig. 4).

Etymology. The specific name “turdus” is derived from Latin meaning “thrush”, in reference to the white stripe extending from the snout tip to the upper end of the opercle and an indistinct reticulated pattern on the body, which are reminiscent of the dusky thrush (Turdus eunomus).

 

Tomoka Iino and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2022. Pteragogus turdus, A New Species of Wrasse (Perciformes: Labridae) from the Indo-West Pacific Ocean. Ichthyological Research. DOI: 10.1007/s10228-022-00875-0

【博物館】インド・西太平洋に広く分布するベラ科魚類の新種を発見、国内では屋久島以南に分布

 www.Kagoshima-U.ac.jp/topics/2022/06/post-1927.html

ปลานกขุนทองขี้อาย (Cryptic wrasse) Pteragogus cryptus

[Ichthyology • 2022] Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa • A New Species of Fairy Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) from the Maldives, with Comments on the Taxonomic Identity of C. rubrisquamis and C. wakanda

Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa

Tea, Najeeb,  Rowlett & Rocha, 2022

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1088.78139 

 twitter.com/FishGuyKai

  twitter.com/CoralReefFish  CalAcademy.org 

Abstract

Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis is redescribed on the basis of the juvenile holotype and compared to known species of Cirrhilabrus. Examination of material from the Maldives identified as C. rubrisquamis reveal differences from the holotype collected from the Chagos Archipelago. Consequently, the Maldivian specimens are herein described as Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa sp. nov., on the basis of the holotype and twelve paratypes. The new species differs from all congeners in having: males with anterior third to half of body bright magenta, peach to orange-pink posteriorly; lateral line with 22–26 pored scales (16–18 in the dorso-anterior series, 6–8 in the posterior peduncular series); tenth to eleventh dorsal-fin spine longest (14.0–15.5% SL); scales on the opercle, chest, isthmus, and anterior third of the body with a dark purple-red central region (purple in alcohol), the markings joining appearing crosshatched; dorsal, caudal, anal, and pelvic-fin rays purple in alcohol. Meristic details and coloration patterns of C. rubrisquamis are very similar to C. wakanda from Tanzania, Africa, although synonymy of both species cannot be determined without additional material from Chagos. This potential synonymy is briefly discussed; however, until such material becomes available, the taxonomic statuses of C. wakanda and C. rubrisquamis are here provisionally regarded as valid.

Keywords: Coral reefs, deep reefs, Indian Ocean, mesophotic, reef fish

Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa sp. nov., underwater photograph from Rasdhoo Atoll, Maldives.

 Photograph by Luiz A. Rocha.

Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa, sp. nov., not to scale
 A male holotype, BPBM 33094, 69.2 mm SL, Vilingili Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives B1, B2 male paratype, AMS I.50058-001, 69.1 mm SL, Hulhumalé Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives, in life and in preservation respectively
C young male paratype, BPBM 41385 (formerly BPBM 33094), 57.6 mm SL, same data as holotype D1, D2 young male paratype, AMS I.50058-001, 59.7 mm SL, Hulhumalé Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives, in life and in preservation respectively
E juvenile paratype, BPBM 41385 (formerly BPBM 33094), 35.8 mm SL, same data as holotype F1, F2 female paratype, AMS I.50058-001, 54.0 mm SL, Hulhumalé Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives, in life and in preservation respectively
G male paratype in life, ZRC 62259, 76.7 mm SL, aquarium specimen from Maldives H male in nuptial colors, aquarium specimen from Maldives, specimen not retained.

 Photographs by the late J.E. Randall (A, C, E), AN (B1–B2, D1–D2, F1–F2), and  Yi-Kai Tea (G, H).

 Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A species of Cirrhilabrus distinguished from congeners based on the following combination of characters: males with anterior third to half of body bright magenta, peach to orange-pink posteriorly; lateral line with 22–26 pored scales (16–18 in the dorso-anterior series, 6–8 in the posterior peduncular series); tenth to eleventh dorsal-fin spine longest (14.0–15.5% SL); scales on the opercle, chest, isthmus, and anterior third of the body with a dark purple-red central region, the markings joining to form a crosshatched appearance (purple in alcohol); dorsal, caudal, anal, and pelvic-fin rays purple in alcohol.

Etymology: The epithet is from the Dhivehi "finifenmaa", meaning rose, alluding to the live coloration of this species. The pink rose fiyatoshi finifenmaa (Rosa spp.) is also the national flower of the Maldives. To be treated as a noun in apposition. The common name is given after the facial patterns of the species.

Habitat and distribution: Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa is presently known from Maldives and Sri Lanka, at depths ranging from 40–70 m (Fig. 4). The species belongs to the C. jordani species complex, a group of deep-water fairy wrasses found mostly in mesophotic coral ecosystems. It is likely that this species occurs in greater depths. Like other species of Cirrhilabrus, C. finifenmaa frequents rubble bottoms scattered with loose coral cover.

Underwater photographs of Cirrhilabrus from the Western Indian Ocean

 A harem of putative Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis. Male depicted in circular inset, females by white arrowheads B putative female C. rubrisquamis C putative terminal male C. rubrisquamis; Photographs taken from video footage provided by K Howell, N Foster, and C Diaz from the University of Plymouth Research Expedition to Egmont Atoll and Sandes Seamount in the Chagos Archipelago, 60–70 m

 D female C. wakanda, underwater photograph from Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa, 75 m E male C. wakanda, underwater photograph from Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa, 75 m F terminal male C. wakanda, underwater photograph from Moyette, off the coast of Mozambique, 100 m. Note fuchsia dorsal fin in all individuals and pale yellowish saddle in males.

 Photographs by Luiz A. Rocha (D, E) and P Plantard (F).

 Yi-Kai Tea, Ahmed Najeeb, Joseph Rowlett and Luiz A. Rocha. 2022. Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa (Teleostei, Labridae), A New Species of Fairy Wrasse from the Maldives, with Comments on the Taxonomic Identity of C. rubrisquamis and C. wakanda. ZooKeys 1088: 65-80. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1088.78139

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Stunning new-to-science fairy wrasse is first-ever fish described by a Maldivian scientist

Named after the country’s national flower, the species is added to the tree of life as part of Academy’s global Hope for Reefs initiative

CalAcademy.org/press/releases/stunning-new-to-science-fairy-wrasse-is-first-ever-fish-described-by-a-maldivian

[Ichthyology • 2021] Cirrhilabrus apterygia • Redescription of Conniella apterygia Allen and Its Reassignment in the Genus Cirrhilabrus Temminck & Schlegel (Teleostei: Labridae), with Comments on Cirrhilabrin Pelvic Morphology

Cirrhilabrus apterygia (Allen, 1983)

in Tea, Allen, ... et Frable, 2021. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5061.3.5

 twitter.com/FishGuyKai

 

Abstract

Conniella apterygia is redescribed from re-examination of the holotype, two paratypes, and six additional specimens. The genus is closely allied to Cirrhilabrus, sharing similarities in general morphological and meristic details, but is separated from Cirrhilabrus and most other labrid fishes in lacking pelvic fins and a pelvic girdle. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have provided strong evidence for the deep nesting of Conniella within Cirrhilabrus, contradicting its generic validity and suggesting that the loss of pelvic elements is autapomorphic. Consequently, the species is redescribed and assigned to the genus Cirrhilabrus, as Cirrhilabrus apterygia new combination. The pelvic morphologies of related cirrhilabrin labrids are discussed, and a new synapomorphy is identified for Paracheilinus.

Key words: coral-reef fishes; taxonomy; ichthyology; apomorphy; fairy wrasse; morphology

Cirrhilabrus apterygia, underwater photograph from Rowley Shoals, Western Australia.
 (A–C) Males and females in loose groups; (D) juvenile, approximately 35 mm total length.

 Note mixed aggregations of Pseudanthias engelhardi and Chrysiptera caeruleolineata in (A). Note individual showing ventral stripes from isthmus to anal-fin origin in (B).

 Photographs by R.H. Kuiter (A, B, D) and G.R. Allen (C).

Cirrhilabrus apterygia (Allen, 1983), new combination 

Connie’s Wrasse

Other names: Mutant Wrasse; Rowley Shoals Wrasse

Diagnosis. A species of Cirrhilabrus distinguished from all other congeners based on the following combination of colouration and morphological characters: absence of pelvic fins and pelvic girdle; lateral line with 21–26 pored scales (16–17 in the dorsoanterior series, 5–9 in the posterior peduncular series); caudal fin rhomboidal to lanceolate in males; both sexes with eight to ten stripes, purple in life and in preservation; preopercle purple in preservation.

Etymology. Allen (1983) named the species apterygia, meaning “without fins,” in reference to the distinctive  lack of pelvic fins and associated elements. To be treated as a noun in apposition. We retain the use of Connie’s Wrasse as the preferred common name, after Connie Lagos Allen, wife of the second author, for whom the junior synonym Conniella was named. The species is also commonly referred to as the mutant wrasse, alluding to its atypical pelvic morphology, as well as the eponymous Rowley Shoals Wrasse, after its type locality.

A selection of cirrhilabrin labrids with horizontal striped patterns.
 (A) Cirrhilabrus apterygia, underwater photograph from Rowley Shoals; (B) Cirrhilabrus earlei, underwater photograph from Koror, Palau;
(C) Cirrhilabrus marjorie, underwater photograph from Vanua Levu, Fiji; (D) Pseudocheilinus octotaenia, underwater photograph from Levuka, Fiji.

Photographs by R.H. Kuiter (A); K. Nishiyama (B); and M. Rosenstein (C–D).

 Yi-Kai Tea, Gerald R. Allen, Christopher H. R. Goatley, Anthony C. Gill and Benjamin W. Frable. 2021. Redescription of Conniella apterygia Allen and Its Reassignment in the Genus Cirrhilabrus Temminck and Schlegel (Teleostei: Labridae), with Comments on Cirrhilabrin Pelvic Morphology. Zootaxa. 5061(3);493-509. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5061.3.5

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[Ichthyology • 2021] Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus & C. chaliasi • Redescription of Cirrhilabrus solorensis Bleeker, with Description of Two New Species of Fairy Wrasses (Teleostei: Labridae: Cirrhilabrus)

Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus

Tea, Allen & Dailami, 2021

DOI: 10.1643/i2021022 

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Abstract

The labrid fish Cirrhilabrus solorensis was first described in 1853 by Bleeker, based on specimens collected from the Indonesian island of Solor, off the eastern tip of Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Although sufficient at the time, Bleeker's description of the species was brief, resulting in subsequent taxonomic confusion concerning the true identity of this taxon. Presently, the name has been applied to several fishes with notable differences in coloration, particularly in the terminal males. On the basis of additional non-type material and photographic examination of Bleeker's holotype, we redescribe Cirrhilabrus solorensis and resolve the long-standing contention regarding its taxonomic identity. In doing so, we describe two species as new, Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, on the basis of the holotype and eight paratypes from Sulawesi and the surrounding islands of Banggai and Wakatobi, Indonesia, and Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species, described on the basis of the holotype and nine paratypes from Bali, Indonesia. These three species are closely related and, together with C. aurantidorsalis, C. cyanopleura, C. luteovittatus, C. randalli, and C. ryukyuensis, form a complex of species that differ from congeners in having the following combination of characters: caudal fin in males weakly rhomboidal; median fins hyaline with sinuous filigree in both sexes; body with scales edged in inky blue to indigo, their margins often patterned in an argyle motif; and osseus elements that preserve blue to blue-green in alcohol. We briefly discuss the phylogenetic relationships of species in this complex based on results of a companion study detailed elsewhere.

Cirrhilabrus solorensis, freshly euthanized and wild individuals showing coloration in life.

 (A) BPBM 30166, 71 mm SL, male, Gili Ayer, Lombok, Indonesia; 

(B) BPBM 32146, 75 mm SL, male, Maumere Bay, Flores, Indonesia; (

C) BPBM, 18612, 56 mm SL, male, Ambon Bay, Indonesia;

(D) a large harem of C. solorensis comprising both sexes, underwater photograph from Flores, Indonesia. Note extensive hard coral cover; 

(E) Cirrhilabrus solorensis, male, underwater photograph from Flores, Indonesia. 

Photographs by J. E. Randall (A–C) and R. Whitton (D, E).

    

Cirrhilabrus solorensis Bleeker, 1853 

Solor Fairy Wrasse

Etymology.—Named after the type location of the species, Lawajong, Solor Island, Indonesia.

A selection of freshly euthanized and preserved species of Cirrhilabrus.

Cirrhilabrus solorensis, (A–B) NTM S.17835-002, 93.0 mm SL, male, Franklin Shoal Timor Sea; 

(C) RMNH.PISC.6547 (holotype), 87.5 mm SL, male, Solor Island, Indonesia;

Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, (D) AMS I.49509-001, 55.0 mm SL, male, Kendari, Sulawesi;
(E) MZB 26051 (formerly WAM P.34500-001), 77.4 mm SL, male, Lintea Selatan Channel, Wakatobi Group, Banda Sea, Indonesia;
(F) WAM P.34500-001, 73.8 mm SL, male, Lintea Selatan Channel, Wakatobi Group, Banda Sea, Indonesia;

Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species, (G–H) MZB 26052 (holotype), 60.1 mm SL, male, Bali, Indonesia; 

(I) WAM P.35201-001, 65.1 mm SL, male, Bali, Indonesia. 

Photographs by M. Hammer (A–B), E. Dondorp (C), Y. K. Tea (D), G. R. Allen (E–F), H. H. Tan (G), and Y. K. Tea (H–I).

 

A selection of species of Cirrhilabrus in life.

(A) Cirrhilabrus solorensis, male, underwater photograph from Rinca, Indonesia;

(B) Cirrhilabrus solorensis, male, underwater photograph from Pura, Indonesia;

(C) Cirrhilabrus solorensis, underwater photograph from Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Note Pseudanthias tuka and live hard coral cover;

 (D) Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, transitioning male, underwater photograph from Wakatobi, Sulawesi, Indonesia;
(E) Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, terminal male, aquarium specimen from Kendari, Sulawesi, Indonesia;
(F) Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species, males and females, underwater photograph from Kendari, Sulawesi;

(G) Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species, young male, underwater photograph from Bali, Indonesia; 

(H–I) Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species, terminal males and females, underwater photograph from Bali, Indonesia. 

Photographs by F. Libert (A–B), S. Penisson (C), G. R. Allen (D), K. Kohen (E), V. Chalias (F), J. Heard (G), H. Chan (H), and V. Chalias (I).

Distribution records for species of the Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura complex.
Dashed line represents the Coral Triangle. Shaded regions (open circles) represent general distributional ranges. Closed circles represent locality records.

Photographs of C. ryukyuensis by S. Harazaki; C. aff. ryukyuensis by G. R. Allen; all others by Y. K. Tea.

   

Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus, new species

Chin-strap Fairy Wrasse

Habitat and distribution.— Cirrhilabrus aquamarinus occurs primarily in eastern Sulawesi and the surrounding islands of Banggai and Wakatobi. Rare individuals have also been reported from Banda Neira. The species frequents shallow exposed rubble at depths between 5–20 m (Fig. 5F). 

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given after the brilliant teal to aquamarine males, an unusual color shared with no other species of Cirrhilabrus. The common name alludes to the chin-strapped appearance formed by the intensely pigmented opercular scales of the males.

Cirrhilabrus chaliasi, new species

Ruby-headed Fairy Wrasse 

Habitat and distribution.— Cirrhilabrus chaliasi is known from Bali, Sumbawa, Lombok, Flores, Komodo, and Rinca. It is also reported from Wakatobi, Sulawesi, where it overlaps with C. aquamarinus, though this appears to be a rare distribution record. It frequents the same habitat as other species in its complex, consisting of rubble zones with sporadic coral cover at depths between 8–20 m. 

Etymology.—The specific epithet is given in honour of Vincent Chalias, a skilled underwater photographer, field biologist, and proponent of coral and fish aquaculture in Bali. He greatly assisted in the description of the new species through his excellent underwater photographs and detailed field observations. 

Yi-Kai Tea, Gerald R. Allen and Muhammad Dailami. 2021. Redescription of Cirrhilabrus solorensis Bleeker, with Description of Two New Species of Fairy Wrasses (Teleostei: Labridae: Cirrhilabrus). Ichthyology & Herpetology. 109(3); 669-684. DOI: 10.1643/i2021022

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