[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 • 2020] Pomacentrus bangladeshius • A New Species of Damselfish (Perciformes, Pomacentridae) from Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh

 Pomacentrus bangladeshius 

Habib, Islam, Nahar & Neogi, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4860.3.6 

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Abstract

A new species of damselfish, Pomacentrus bangladeshius, is described from 3 specimens, 67–77 mm standard length (SL), collected from Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh. The new species is distinguished from congeners in having the following combination of characters: XIV, 13 dorsal-fin elements; II, 14 anal-fin elements; 19 pectoral-fin rays; 18–19 lateral-line scales; 17–19 gill rakers on first arch; body depth 1.68–1.88 (1.88) in SL; snout 4.17–4.60 (4.17) in head length; head 2.91–3.09 (3.08) in SL; a prominent notch present between preorbital and suborbital; olive to dark brown body color, dark brown premaxilla, and yellow iris with a narrow bronze eye ring. The new species inhabits shallow reef flats around rock and coral outcrops. Phylogenetic analysis also shows the clear divergence of P. bangladeshius from other genetically closely related congeneric species retrieved from GenBank and that it represents a separate lineage.

Keywords: Pisces, Bengal demoiselle, morphology, DNA barcoding

Kazi Ahsan Habib, Md Jayedul Islam, Najmun Nahar and Amit Kumer Neogi. 2020. Pomacentrus bangladeshius, A New Species of Damselfish (Perciformes, Pomacentridae) from Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh. Zootaxa. 4860(3); 413–424. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4860.3.6  

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[Ichthyology • 2020] Chromis mamatapara • A New Species of Chromis (Teleostei: Pomacentridae) from Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Salas y Gómez, Chile

Chromis mamatapara 

Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Easton, Pérez-Matus & Rocha, 2020

Michel's Chromis | Castañeta de Michel || DOI: 10.1643/CI-19-294

Abstract

A new species of Chromis (Teleostei: Pomacentridae) is described from three specimens collected at 90 m depth in a mesophotic coral ecosystem at Rapa Nui, Chile. Chromis mamatapara, new species, can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIV,13–14; pectoral-fin rays 18–19, third from top of fin longest; tubed lateral-line scales 18; total gill rakers on first arch 30–32; vertebrae 11+15; and by coloration of living specimens, especially the presence of a single, pronounced, white spot, roughly the same diameter as the orbit, located where the posterior base of the dorsal fin intersects the caudal peduncle. The most similar DNA barcode (mitochondrial COI gene), among those available, is Chromis tingting from Japan (3.5% uncorrected divergence); however, C. mamatapara, new species, also superficially resembles other species for which sequences are unavailable for comparisons, including C. okamurai from Japan and C. struhsakeri from Hawaii. Due to the high geographic isolation and consequently high endemism in the Rapa Nui region, we believe that C. mamatapara, new species, is endemic to mesophotic ecosystems of Rapa Nui, Isla Salas y Gómez, and nearby seamounts, a discovery that contributes to the high endemism of the region and thus the need for conservation efforts.

Fig. 1 Chromis mamatapara, new species (A) Holotype (CAS 247107), shortly after death. Photo by L. A. Rocha. (B) Preserved holotype, lateral view. Photo by J. Fong.
(C) Radiograph of holotype (CAS 247107). Photo by J. Fong. (D) Preserved holotype, dorsal and ventral views. Photos by J. Fong. 

Chromis mamatapara, new species

 English Common Name: Michel's Chromis

Spanish Common Name: Castañeta de Michel

Diagnosis.—The following combination of characters distinguishes Chromis mamatapara, new species, from all of its congeners: dorsal-fin rays XIV (versus XV in C. randalli, the only other congener in the area, and XII–XIII or XV in most other Indo-Pacific species), 13–14 (versus 10 in C. randalli); anal-fin rays II,12 (versus II,10–11 in C. randalli); pectoral-fin rays 18–19 (versus 21–22 in C. randalli); principal caudal-fin rays 8+7; spiniform procurrent caudal-fin rays 2; tubed lateral-line scales 18 (versus 21–22 in C. randalli); posterior, mid-lateral scales with pore or deep pit 8–9; vertebrae 11+15; gill rakers 9–10+21–23; total gill rakers 30–32 (versus 33–37 in C. randalli); body moderately deep, depth 1.8–2.0 in SL (versus 2.3–3.0 in C. randalli); tail and caudal peduncle yellow; distal edge of caudal peduncle at junction of posterior dorsal fin with a large white spot, its diameter about width of orbit (Fig. 1).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is a compound word meaning “yellow damselfish” (māmata para) in Rapanui, in reference to the overall body coloration in life. To be treated as a noun in apposition. The suggested English common name, Michel's Chromis (Castañeta de Michel in Spanish), is in honor of the late Michel Garcia, who greatly assisted our field work in Rapa Nui, and unfortunately died in May 2018.

 Fig. 2 (A) Aggregation of juvenile Chromis mamatapara, new species, in a field of Stichopathes sp. whip corals at a depth of 165 m on Pukao. Photo by M. Gorny, Oceana.
(B) Aggregation of adult Chromis mamatapara, new species, photographed at a depth of 175 m on Pukao. Photo by M. Gorny, Oceana.
(C) Collection site of Chromis mamatapara, new species, Rapa Nui, Chile, at a depth of 90 m. Two specimens are visible in the foreground, exhibiting the diagnostic white spot at the posterior base of the soft dorsal fin. Associated fishes include Chaetodon litus, Chromis randalli, Pseudolabrus semifasciatus, the recently described Plectranthias ahiahiata, Luzonichthys kiomeamea, and an undescribed member of the Serranidae. Photo by L. A. Rocha.

Habitat and distribution.— Chromis mamatapara is only known to occur at Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Isla Salas y Gómez, and the seamount Pukao (∼85 km west of Rapa Nui). Due to the high degree of endemism (21.7%) among the shore fishes of Rapa Nui (Delrieu-Trottin et al., 2019), it is likely that Chromis mamatapara is endemic to this region.

The collected fish were recorded at a depth of 90 m in a rocky patch reef surrounded by a large sandy area. Adults have also been observed with ROV surveys at Rapa Nui at 90–230 m and Pukao at 150–190 m in rocky patch reefs surrounded by sandy areas, around rhodoliths and fields of whip coral (Stichopathes), along rock walls interspersed with sandy areas, and dead or mostly dead reefs of Leptoseris. Juveniles of the new species have been observed during ROV surveys in association with Stichopathes at Pukao at 165 m and Rapa Nui at and 150–157 m (Easton et al., 2019; Fig. 2A).

Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Tyler A. Y. Phelps, Erin E. Easton, Alejandro Pérez-Matus and Luiz A. Rocha. 2020. A New Species of Chromis (Teleostei: Pomacentridae) from Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Salas y Gómez, Chile. Copeia. 108(2); 326-332. DOI: 10.1643/CI-19-294

[Ichthyology • 2018] Pomacentrus bellipictus • A New Microendemic Species of Damselfish (Pisces: Pomacentridae) from the Fakfak Peninsula, West Papua, Indonesia

 Pomacentrus bellipictus 

Allen, Erdmann & Hidayat, 2018

oceansciencefoundation.org

Abstract

A new species of damselfish, Pomacentrus bellipictus, is described from 13 specimens, 37.7-67.9 mm SL, collected at the Kokas area of the Fakfak Peninsula, a portion of the Bird's Head Peninsula of western New Guinea (West Papua Province, Indonesia). It is distinguished from most similar species in the western Pacific Ocean by having 14 instead of 13 dorsal-fin spines. It also possesses a unique facial coloration consisting of highly contrasted blue areas around the mouth and onto the isthmus, below the eye, and along the margin of the preopercle. The only other species of Pomacentrus from the region with 14 dorsal spines that are also drab-brown when alive, P. fakfakensis and P. opisthostigma, are clearly distinguished on the basis of adult and juvenile color patterns and also show different habitat preferences. In addition, P. opisthostigma is distinguished from the other two species by fewer lateral-line scales (usually 15-17 vs. usual 18-19) and more gill rakers on the first arch (26-29 vs. 18-21). The three species co-occur in the Kokas area, but occupy different habitats: Pomacentrus bellipictus inhabits rocky, wave-washed shorelines in about 1-2 m depth, while the other two species occur in deeper water. The new species is apparently endemic to the small area around the Fakfak Peninsula, where several other microendemic reef fish species have been described.

Key words: taxonomy, systematics, ichthyology, microendemic, coral-reef fishes, Indo-Pacific Ocean, Fakfak, Bird’s Head Peninsula.

Figure 3. Pomacentrus bellipictus n. sp., underwater photographs of adult, approx. 60 mm SL, Kokas District, West Papua Province, Indonesia (M.V. Erdmann).

Pomacentrus bellipictus, n. sp.

Bluemouth Demoiselle

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin elements usually XIV (rarely XIII),12–14 (usually XIV,14); anal-fin elements II,12–15 (usually 14–15); pectoral-fin rays 17–19 (rarely 19); tubed lateral-line scales 17–19 (usually 18); total gill rakers on first arch 18–20 (rarely 20); body depth 1.8–2.0 (mean 1.9) in SL; scales absent on preorbital and suborbital; lower margin of suborbital series with 4–12 serrae; color in life mainly dark brown, nearly black, with contrasting blue areas around mouth (including isthmus), below eye, and along margin of preopercle; iris of adult mostly dark gray with a narrow bronze ring around pupil.

Etymology. The species is named bellipictus (Latin: war-painted) with reference to its facial coloration and belligerent behaviour towards divers. The specific epithet is a masculine compound adjective.

Figure 6. Fuum Islet (foreground), the type locality of Pomacentrus bellipictus. Type specimens were collected from the mostly shaded area adjacent to the rocky shoreline (M.V. Erdmann).

Gerald R. Allen, Mark V. Erdmann and Nur I. Hidayat. 2018. Pomacentrus bellipictus, A New Microendemic Species of Damselfish (Pisces: Pomacentridae) from the Fakfak Peninsula, West Papua, Indonesia. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 30, 1-10. oceansciencefoundation.org/josf30a.html

[Ichthyology • 2019] Pomacentrus vatosoa • A New Species of Damselfish (Teleostei: Pomacentridae: Pomacentrus) from Nosy Faho, Madagascar

Pomacentrus vatosoa

 Frable & Tea, 2019

DOI: 10.1643/CI-19-221 

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Abstract

Pomacentrus vatosoa, new species, is described on the basis of four specimens collected from Nosy Faho, Madagascar. The new species is distinctive in having a pearlescent-white body with a large black spot midlaterally behind the pectoral fin, a black saddle of similar size on the dorsal edge of the caudal peduncle, and a black recurved band from the orbit to origin of dorsal fin. Aside from details in live coloration, the new species is readily diagnosed from congeners in having the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIV, 13–14; anal-fin rays II, 14; pectoral-fin rays 18–19; tubed lateral scales 19–20; gill rakers 5–6+17–18 = 22–24; infraorbitals naked; teeth on lower jaw partly biserial; no distinct notch between infraorbitals 1 and 2; and a crescent opening of the supraorbital canal above the eye. The new species appears to be most closely related to Pomacentrus atriaxillaris on the basis of meristic data, though comparative molecular sequences for P. atriaxillaris are lacking. Assignment of the new species to the genus Pomacentrus is accompanied with a brief discussion of the systematic contention within the Pomacentridae.

Fig. 3. Pomacentrus vatosoa, new species, ZRC 60713, 47.0 mm SL, paratype in life, Nosy Faho, Madagascar. Right facing side, image reversed.

Photo by Y. K. Tea. twitter.com/LemonTYK 

Fig. 2. Head details of Pomacentrus vatosoa, new species, ZRC 60713, 43.6 mm SL, paratype, Nosy Faho, Madagascar. Specimen stained temporarily with cyanine blue.

AN, anterior nostril; CSO, crescent opening of supraorbital canal; IO1, infraorbital 1; IO2, infraorbital 2. Arrow indicates posterior extent of free margin of infraorbital 2.

 Photo by Y. K. Tea.  twitter.com/LemonTYK

Pomacentrus vatosoa, new species  

 Corazon’s Damsel

Etymology.— The specific epithet is a compound word meaning ‘‘beautiful stone’’ in Malagasy, in reference to the opalescent or pearlescent qualities of the new species in life. The common name is given in honor of Corazon Sibayan Shutman, wife of Barnett Shutman, who provided us with specimens used in this study.

Benjamin W. Frable and Yi-Kai Tea. 2019. A New Species of Damselfish (Teleostei: Pomacentridae: Pomacentrus) from Nosy Faho, Madagascar. Copeia. 107(2); 323-331. DOI: 10.1643/CI-19-221  

 twitter.com/ASIHCopeia/status/1138520442665414656

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 twitter.com/Frable/status/1138444166956965888

[Ichthyology • 2019] Chromis tingting • A New Species of Damselfish (Teleostei: Pomacentridae) from Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems of southern Japan

Chromis tingting 

Tea, Gill & Senou, 2019

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4586.2.2 

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Abstract

Chromis tingting sp. nov., is described on the basis of the holotype and three paratypes from Sagami Bay, Japan. The new species likely belongs to a complex consisting of C. mirationis, C. okamurai and C. struhsakeri, with which it shares the following character combination: dorsal rays XIV,13–14; anal rays II,12; pectoral rays 19–20; tubed lateral-line scales 15–17; two spinous procurrent rays dorsally and ventrally in the caudal fin; and a generally silvery white adult coloration. The new species differs from the other members of its complex in coloration details (particularly in juvenile coloration), and in having fewer gill rakers (5–6 + 17–20 = 22–26), and a larger eye -(13.7–19.4 % SL). The new species has previously been confused with Chromis mirationis, and the contention is herewith briefly discussed.

Keywords: Pisces, taxonomy, ichthyology, Ryukyu Archipelago, Sagami Bay, deep-water

FIGURE 2. Chromis tingting sp. nov., KPM-NI 30479, 53.6 mm SL, holotype, Izu Peninsula, Sagami Bay, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Photo by H. Senou.

FIGURE 6. Chromis tingting sp. nov., juvenile specimen from Kashiwajima, Japan. Note the large black spot on the pectoral fin axil. Photo by K. Nakajima.

FIGURE 5. Chromis tingting sp. nov., underwater photo in 50-60 m, Izu Oceanic Park, Sagami Bay, Honshu, Japan. Note Sacura margaritacea and Pseudolabrus sieboldi in the background. Photo by H. Tatsuuma.

Chromis tingting sp. nov. 

New standard Japanese name: Gekko-suzumedai 

English common name: Moonstone Chromis

 Chromis mirationis [non Tanaka 1917]; Song et al. 2014: 2, figs 1a–c and 2, table 1 (larval description and identification). 

Holotype. KPM-NI 30479, 53.6 mm SL, Japan, Shizuoka Prefecture, west side of Sagami Bay, ....

Diagnosis. The following combination of characters distinguishes C. tingting from all congeners: dorsal rays XIV,13–14; anal rays II,12; pectoral rays 19–20; tubed lateral-line scales 15–17; gill rakers 5–6 + 17–20 = 22–26; caudal fin with two spinous procurrent rays dorsally and ventrally. Chromis tingting can be further distinguished from congeners based on color patterns, and in having a large black spot on the pectoral fin base that reaches the lower limits of the axil.

....

Etymology. Named in honor of the first author’s mother, in recognition of her unconditional love, support and encouragement. To be treated as a noun in apposition. 

The common name Moonstone Chromis refers to the pearlescent, silvery-blue coloration of the juveniles and adults of this species. “Gekko”, of the new standard Japanese name, means moonlight in Japanese. 

FIGURE 7. Juveniles and adults of selected Chromis species:
A1: Chromis tingting sp. nov., juvenile, Hachijo-Jima, Japan (Photo by Kiss2Sea); A2: Chromis tingting sp. nov., adult, Izu Oceanic Park, Japan (Photo by W. Takase);
B1: Chromis mirationis, juvenile, aquarium specimen from Okinawa (Photo by Y.K. Tea); B2: Chromis mirationis, adult, aquarium specimen from Izu peninsular (Photo by Y.K. Tea);
C1: Chromis okamurai, juvenile, Kashiwajima, Japan (Photo by K. Nakajima); C2: Chromis okamurai, adult, Kashiwajima, Japan (Photo by K. Nakajima);
D1: Chromis struhsakeri, juvenile, Midway Atoll (Photo by R. Whitton); D2: Chromis struhsakeri, adult, Midway Atoll (Photo by R. Whitton).

   

Yi-Kai Tea, Anthony C. Gill amd Hiroshi Senou. 2019. Chromis tingting, A New Species of Damselfish from Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems of southern Japan, with Notes on C. mirationis Tanaka (Teleostei: Pomacentridae). Zootaxa. 4586(2); 249–260. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4586.2.2

researchgate.net/publication/332448979_Chromis_tingting_a_new_species_of_damselfish_from_mesophotic_coral_ecosystems_of_southern_Japan

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[Ichthyology • 2017] Chrysiptera burtjonesi • A New Species of Damselfish (Chrysiptera: Pomacentridae) from Coral Reefs of the Solomon Islands

Chrysiptera burtjonesi 

 Allen, Erdmann & Cahyani, 2017 

Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 28

Abstract

A sixth member of the Chrysiptera oxycephala group of Pomacentridae, Chrysiptera burtjonesi n. sp., is described on the basis of 24 specimens, 20.5–48.2 mm SL, collected at the Solomon Islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It differs from other members of the group, including C. ellenae (Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua Province in Indonesia), C. maurinae (Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua Province), C. oxycephala (central Indonesia, Philippines, and Palau), C. papuensis (northeastern Papua New Guinea), and C. sinclairi (Bismarck Archipelago and islands off northeastern Papua New Guinea), on the basis of its distinctive color pattern and a 6.9% divergence in the sequence of the mitochondrial control region from its closest relative (C. maurineae). Adults are primarily grayish brown to greenish except bright yellow on the ventralmost head and body, including the adjacent pelvic and anal fins. Juveniles are mostly neon blue to dark blue with bright yellow pelvic and anal fins. In addition, it is the only species besides C. sinclairi that usually lacks embedded scales on the preorbital and suborbital bones.

Figure 2. Chrysiptera burtjonesi, Solomon Islands, underwater photographs:
A) juvenile, approx. 12 mm SL, B) juvenile, approx. 20 mm SL, C) subadult, approx. 35 mm SL, D) adult, approx. 45 mm SL (G.R. Allen).

Chrysiptera burtjonesi, n. sp. 
Burt’s Damselfish

Diagnosis. A species of the pomacentrid genus Chrysiptera with the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIII,11 (rarely 10 or 12); anal-fin rays II,12 (rarely 13); pectoral-fin rays 15 (14–16); gill rakers on first branchial arch 9–11+20–22, total gill rakers 29–32; tubed lateral-line scales 13–16 (usually 14–15); preorbital+suborbital scales usually absent, occasionally 1–3 embedded scales present; color of adult overall grayish brown to greenish (sometimes with neon blue/green transverse streak on each scale) with translucent to pale greenish fins, except bright yellow ventrally on head, body, and adjacent anal and pelvic fins, a broad yellow band from base of first few dorsal-fin spines to outer edge of last dorsal-fin spine; juvenile neon blue on head, most of body (above diagonal line from pelvic-fin base to base of uppermost caudal-fin ray), and dorsal fin, remainder of body and adjacent fins bright yellow.

  

Figure 3. Chrysiptera burtjonesi, underwater photograph, approx. 40 mm SL, Russell Group, Solomon Islands.
Figure 2. Chrysiptera burtjonesi, Solomon Islands, underwater photographs: A) juvenile, approx. 12 mm SL, B) juvenile, approx. 20 mm SL.

photos: G.R. Allen

Etymology. This species is named in honor of photographer and underwater guide par excellence Burt Jones of Sequim, Washington, USA. Burt and his partner Maurine Shimlock were pioneers for the promotion of dive tourism at the Solomon Islands and, more recently, have been instrumental in the tremendous popularity of the West Papuan region by means of their excellent underwater guidebook to the area and creation of the highly informative Bird’s Head Seascape website (birdsheadseascape.com).

Distribution. The new species is known only from the Solomon Islands. It was collected or observed by the authors at the following islands and reefs: Isabel, Choiseul, Makira, Malaita and nearby Alite Reef, Shortland Islands, New Georgia Group, Russell Group, and the Florida Group.

Gerald R. Allen, Mark V. Erdmann and N.K. Dita Cahyani. 2017. A New Species of Damselfish (Chrysiptera: Pomacentridae) from Coral Reefs of the Solomon Islands.   Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 28; 10–21.
http://www.oceansciencefoundation.org/josf/josf28b.pdf

    

[Ichthyology • 2017] Neopomacentrus aktites • A New Species of Damselfish (Pisces: Pomacentridae) from Western Australia

Neopomacentrus aktites

Allen, Moore & Allen, 2017

   oceansciencefoundation.org

Abstract

A new species of damselfish, Neopomacentrus aktites n. sp., is described on the basis of 50 specimens, 17.8–54.1 mm SL, collected from Western Australia. The new species was formerly confused with Neopomacentrus filamentosus, an Indo-Malayan species that appears morphologically indistinguishable and has a mostly similar color pattern. However, the new species lacks several markings characteristic of N. filamentosus, i.e. a large black spot on the pectoral-fin axil, a large dark marking at the lateral-line origin, and yellow or gold color on the upper edge of the rear opercle. The two species differ by 7.55% (K2P) in the sequence of the mtDNA-barcode marker COI. The new species is only 2.19% divergent from an undescribed damselfish species from eastern Australia and southern New Guinea, but differs from that species by having dark margins on the proximal half of the caudal fin and lacking a bright yellow caudal fin, caudal peduncle, and posterior parts of the dorsal and anal fins.

Key words: taxonomy, systematics, ichthyology, coral-reef fishes, Indo-Pacific Ocean, DNA barcoding. 

Neopomacentrus aktites  n. sp.
Figure 2.  aquarium photograph of freshly collected adult, approx. 45 mm SL, Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia.
Figure 3.  underwater photograph of juvenile, approx. 25 mm SL, Cassini Island, Kimberley District, Western Australia.

photos: G. R. Allen

Neopomacentrus aktites, n. sp. 

Western Australian Demoiselle

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin elements XIII,10–12 (usually 11); anal-fin elements II,10–12 (usually 11); pectoralfin rays 17–19 (rarely 19); tubed lateral-line scales 16–19 (usually 17–18); total gill rakers on first arch 21–23 (usually 21–22); body depth 2.2–2.4 in SL; ventral margin of suborbital exposed (i.e. not hidden by scales); middle fin rays of dorsal and anal fins filamentous; dorsal and ventral margins of caudal fin filamentous; mainly dark brown in life except pale posteriormost parts of dorsal and anal fins and pale central portion of caudal fin; dark margins of caudal fin restricted to proximal half of fin; small dark spot at upper pectoral-fin base, but not extending into axil of fin.

Etymology. The species is named aktites (Greek: shore dweller) with reference to its relatively shallow-water habitat. The specific epithet is treated as a noun in apposition. 

Distribution and habitat. The new species is currently known only from Western Australia, ranging from Shark Bay northward to the Kimberley coast in the far northern portion of the state. The species is generally associated with rocky substrates with ample crevices and coral formations, which are utilized for shelter. Capture depths range from about 1–10 m, but there is considerable tidal fluctuation (10+ m), especially along the Kimberley coast. They frequently occur in large aggregations, which feed well above the bottom on zooplankton

  

Gerald R. Allen, Glenn I. Moore and Mark G. Allen. 2017. Neopomacentrus aktites, A New Species of Damselfish (Pisces: Pomacentridae) from Western Australia. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 29, 1–10.  oceansciencefoundation.org/josf29a.html

[Ichthyology • 2017] Review of the Chromis xanthura Species Group (Perciformes: Pomacentridae), with Description of A New Species; Chromis anadema

Chromis anadema

 Motomura, Nishiyama & Chiba, 2017 

DOI: 10.1007/s10228-017-0601-8

Abstract

A taxonomic review of the Chromis xanthura species group, defined here as having 13 dorsal-fin spines, three upper and three lower procurrent caudal-fin rays, two black bands at the preopercular and opercular margins, and a yellow caudal fin when juvenile, resulted in the recognition of three species, Chromis xanthura (Bleeker 1854), Chromis opercularis (Günther 1867), and Chromis anadema sp. nov. Chromis xanthura and C. opercularis, the Pacific and Indian Ocean paired sister species, respectively, are redescribed, with confirmation of two color types of C. xanthura (having a white or black caudal peduncle and fin) as a single species on the basis of morphological and molecular analyses. Chromis anadema sp. nov., described from the oceanic islands of the Pacific Ocean on the basis of 21 specimens, is characterized by having 28–33 gill rakers; longest dorsal-fin soft ray length 20.0–24.7% of standard length (SL); first anal-fin spine length 5.0–6.1% of SL; caudal-fin length 33.4–43.8% of SL; posterior tips of caudal-fin lobes not filamentous in adults; broad black bands along preopercular and opercular margins, sum width of two bands 28.9–38.7% of head length; distal half of soft-rayed portion of dorsal fin transparent in adults; triangular black blotches at upper and lower caudal-fin base in adults; caudal peduncle and fin bluish black in adults; and body grayish, and all fins (except for pectoral fin) bright yellow in juveniles.

Keywords: Teleostei, Chromis anadema, Chromis opercularis, Damselfish, Taxonomy, Morphology 

Fig. 2 Photographs of Chromis anadema sp. nov.
a–b Fresh holotype from Yoron-jima island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan (KAUM–I. 42229, 101.3 mm SL);
c live individual from Ishigaki-jima island, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, 15 m depth (photo: T. Uchida); d live juvenile from Hachijo-jima island, Izu Islands, Japan, 12 m depth (photo: S. Kato)

Chromis anadema sp. nov.

(New English name: Short-tail Doublebar Chromis;
new standard Japanese name: Kanzashi-suzumedai) 

Diagnosis. A species of Chromis with the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 10 or 11 (mode 11); anal-fin rays II, 10–12 (11); pectoral-fin rays 18–20 (19); upper and lower procurrent caudal-fin rays 3; pored lateral-line scales 17–19 (18); gill rakers 7–9 (8) + 20–24 (22) = 28–33 (30); longest dorsal-fin soft ray length 20.0–24.7% (mean 22.3%) of SL; first anal-fin spine length 5.0–6.1% (5.6%) of SL; caudal-fin length 33.4–43.8% (38.4%) of SL; posterior tips of caudal-fin lobes not filamentous in adults; broad black bands along preopercular and opercular margins, sum width of two bands 28.9–38.7% (33.1%) of head length; distal half of soft-rayed portion of dorsal fin transparent in adults; triangular black blotches at upper and lower caudal-fin base in adults; caudal peduncle and fin bluish black in adults; body grayish and all fins (except for pectoral fin) bright yellow in juveniles.

Distribution. Known from the vicinity of oceanic islands in the tropical Pacific Ocean (Fig. 4). The specimens were collected from the Ryukyu, Mariana, Marquesas, Society, Gambier, and Pitcairn islands at depths of 3–45 m. Records by published underwater photographs are: Hachijo-jima island (Izu Islands, off Pacific coast of Japanese mainland), Saipan, and Palau (Kato 2011),Guam (Myers 1989), Minna-jima, Ie-jima, and Okinawa-jima islands (Okinawa Islands, Ryukyu Islands) (Yoshino 2008; Araga 2009), Yaku-shima island (Osumi Islands, north of Ryukyu Islands) (Motomura and Harazaki 2017), and Tahiti (Society Islands) (Randall 2005) (Fig. 4).

Etymology. Derived the Latin anadema meaning “hair band”, with reference to two black bands at the preopercular and opercular margins of the species.

Chromis opercularis (Günther 1867 in Playfair and Günther 1867)

(English name: Doublebar Chromis)

Chromis xanthura (Bleeker 1854)

(English name: Paletail Chromis;
standard Japanese name: Mon-suzumedai)

Hiroyuki Motomura, Hajime Nishiyama and Satoru N. Chiba. 2017. Review of the Chromis xanthura Species Group (Perciformes: Pomacentridae), with Description of A New Species. Ichthyological Research.  DOI: 10.1007/s10228-017-0601-8

[Ichthyology • 2017] Pomacentrus flavioculus • A New Species of Damselfish (Teleostei: Pomacentridae) from Fiji and Tonga

Pomacentrus flavioculus

Allen, Erdmann & Pertiwi, 2017

  DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.896910 

Abstract

Pomacentrus flavioculus n. sp. is described on the basis of 140 specimens, 17.1–86.8 mm SL, from Fiji and Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean. The new species was formerly identified as Pomacentrus imitator (Whitley, 1964), which now appears to be restricted to the Coral Sea. The new species clearly differs from P. imitator on the basis of several color-pattern features, including a bright yellow ring that encircles the pupil, a more uniform body color (vs. contrasting pale scale centers and dark scale margins), a yellowish caudal fin (vs. whitish), and a small orange marking immediately above the large black spot that covers the pectoral-fin base (absent in P. imitator). Although meristic and morphological features are broadly similar, P. flavioculus has a strong mode of 14 anal-fin rays vs. 15 in P. imitator. Additionally, P. flavioculus usually has a greater preanal distance and almost always has a longer pelvic-fin spine. A phylogenetic analysis of concatenated mtDNA sequences shows the new species is 8.4% divergent (average pairwise distance) from its nearest relatives and is part of the broad Pomacentrus philippinus species complex.

Figure 1. Pomacentrus flavioculus, Lau Archipelago, Fiji, underwater photographs:
A) approx. 70 mm SL, B) approx. 55 mm SL, C) subadult, approx. 45 mm SL, D) juvenile, approx. 20 mm SL (G.R. Allen).

Pomacentrus flavioculus, n. sp. 
Yelloweye Damselfish

Etymology. The new species is named flavioculus (Latin: yellow eye) with reference to the diagnostic yellow ring that encircles the pupil.

Distribution. The new species is known only from Fiji and Tonga (Fig. 3), where it is commonly encountered in depths of about 4–30 m. It occurs on both outer reefs and in lagoons, usually adjacent to steep coral formations with abundant ledges and overhangs.

Gerald R. Allen, Mark V. Erdmann and P.D. Pertiwi. 2017. Pomacentrus flavioculus, A New Species of Damselfish from Fiji and Tonga (Teleostei: Pomacentridae). Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 28, 22–33.  DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.896910

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[Ichthyology • 2017] Altrichthys alelia • A New Brooding Damselfish (Perciformes, Pomacentridae) from Busuanga Island, Philippines

Altrichthys alelia 

Bernardi, Longo & Quiros, 2017 

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.675.12061 

Abstract

A new species of damselfish, Altrichthys alelia sp. n. is described from specimens collected in shallow water (1–8m depth) off Busuanga Island, Palawan Province, Philippines. It differs from the other two species in the genus, A. curatus and A. azurelineatus, in various features including having golden upper body lacking dark edges of dorsal and caudal fins, higher modal number of tubed lateral line scales, as well as differences in two mitochondrial markers, one nuclear marker, and RAD markers.

Keywords: Apelagic fishes, Acanthochromis, CO1, Control region, RAD markers

Figure 3. Altrichthys alelia in its natural environment, near a common nesting substrate, the coral Porites cylindrica. 

Taxonomy

Alelia’s damselfish

Altrichthys alelia Bernardi, Longo, & Quiros, sp. n.

 Type locality: San José, Busuanga Island, Philippines. 

Diagnosis and description: A species of Altrichthys distinguished by the following combination of characters: dorsal rays XIV, 13–14; anal rays II, 15, tubed lateral line scales 14–15 (Table 1); preorbital and sensory pores small and numerous, usually more than 30, adult coloration in life pale green on upper half grading to white on lower part; iris silvery; pale yellow to gold outer margin of dorsal and upper and lower edges of caudal fin. Fins mainly white to translucent. Juveniles up to 16mm in length are mostly white with a prominent yellow stripe along the lateral line (Figure 3). Adults are generally of the same size as other Altrichthys adults, approximately 70–80mm TL. Altrichthys alelia differs from A. curatus by having long filaments at the trailing edges of the dorsal and caudal fins, and from A. azurelineatus by lacking any black lining of the outer edges of dorsal and caudal fins. These black margins are represented by yellow/gold margins in A. alelia (Figure 4). Pored lateral line scales easily distinguish A. curatus (17–18) and A. azurelineatus (10-14). Counts for A. alelia are most similar to and overlap A. azurelineatus counts, but exhibit a higher mode (15).

Distribution: Known from northern Busuanga Island at San José, Palawan Province, Philippines (Figure 2).

Habitat: Collected off live and extensive thickets of corals mostly Porites cylindrica.

Etymology: The name Altrichthys alelia derives from the combined first names of Alessio Bernardi and Amalia Bernardi, who greatly helped during field-work on Altrichthys.

Common name: We suggest Alelia’s damselfish as a literal translation of the scientific name.

 Giacomo Bernardi, Gary C. Longo and T.E. Angela L. Quiros. 2017. Altrichthys alelia, A New Brooding Damselfish (Teleostei, Perciformes, Pomacentridae) from Busuanga Island, Philippines.   ZooKeys. 675: 45-55.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.675.12061