MEMOIRES DU MUSEUM NATIONAL D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE

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Biblioth6que Centrale flusdum

3 3001 00018365 6

Source: MNHN , Pahs

Ce volume des Resultats des Campagnes MUSORSTOM trai-

tant des poissons de profondeur de Nou veHe-Caledon ie est dedie d

Pierre Fourmanoir, oceanographe biologiste de PORSTOM de

1950 d 1984. II a effectue toute sa carriere dans la region indo-

paeijique (Madagascar He de la Reunion, Comores, Vietnam,

Philippines, Nouvelle-Caledonie, Vanuatu).

Durant son sejour malgache, Pierre Fourmanoir a etudie les

poissons d'interet economique et dresse un inventaire ichtyologi-

que des Comores. A cette epoque, le premier coelacanthe vena it

d'etre decouvert. 11 participa alors aux recherches du second spe¬

cimen et partagea la deception frangaise... Mais leprofesseur J. L.

B. Smith (descripteur du premier coelacanthe) lui conserva toute

son ami tie puisqu 77 le considerait comme son « fils ichtyologique »

(dixit Margaret M. Smith).

En Nouvelle-Caledonie ou il sejourna plus de 13 ans, Pierre

Fourmanoir s'est interesse naturellement aux poissons coralliens.

L'ensemble de ses travaux sur I'ichtyofaune corallienne constitue

un apport important a I'ichtvologie du Pacifique Sud. C'est d son

initiative que des peches experimentales profondes out etc effec-

tuees, notamment sur les pentes externes recifales de Nouvelle-

Caledonie, des lies Loyaute et du Vanuatu. En effet. il a toujours

eu le souci, dans ses travaux de faunistique, de rechercher de

nouvelles especes economiques.

Resultats des Campagnes MUSORSTOM

Volumes deja parus :

Volume 1 : Mem. ORSTOM, 91 : 1-558, 225 fig., 39 pi. (1981). ISBN : 2-7099-0578-7.

Volume 2 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat ., (A), 133 : 1-525, 126 fig., 37 pi. (1986). ISBN : 2-85653-136-9.

Volume 3 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 137 : 1-254, 82 fig., 9 pi. (1987). ISBN : 2-85653-141-5.

Volume 4 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 143 : 1-260, 103 fig., 23 pi. (1989). ISBN : 2-85653-150-4.

Volume 5 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 144 : 1-385, 128 fig., 35 pi. (1989). ISBN : 2-85653-164-4.

Volume 6 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 145 : 1-388, 190 fig., 4 pi. couleur (1990). ISBN : 2-85653-171-7.

Volume 7 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 150 : 1-264, 587 fig. (1991). ISBN : 2-85653-180-6.

Volume 8 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 151 : 1-468. 198 fig. (1991). ISBN : 2-85653-186-5.

Volume 9: Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 152 : 1-520, 283 fig., 6 pi. couleur (1992). ISBN : 2-85653-191-1.

Volume 10 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 156 : 1-491, 163 fig., 2 pi. couleur (1993). ISBN : 2-85653-206-3.

Volume 11 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 158 : 1-426, 159 fig., (1993). ISBN : 2-85653-208-X.

Volume 12 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 161 : 1-569, 269 fig., 11 pi. couleur (1994). ISBN : 2-85653-212-8.

Volume 13 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 163 : 1-517. 132 fig., 4 pi. couleur (1995). ISBN : 2-85653-224-1.

Volume 14 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 167 : 1-647, 987 fig., 3 pi. couleur (1995). ISBN : 2-85653-217-9

Volume 15 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 168 : 1-539, 205 fig., 6 pi. couleur (1996). ISBN : 2-85653-501-1.

Volume 16 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 172 : 1-667, 432 fig., 2 pi. couleur (1997). ISBN : 2-85653-506-2.

Volume 17 : Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 174 : 1-215, 93 fig., (1997). ISBN : 2-85653-500-3.

resultats cles campagnes

Volume 17

Source

ISBN : 2 - 85653 - 500-3

ISSN : 1243-4442

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Source ; MNHN, Pans

MEMOIRES DU MUSEUM NATIONAL D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE

TOME 174

ZOOLOGIE

Resultats des Campagnes Musorstom

Volume 17

Coordonne par

Bernard SERET

Museum national d’Histoire naturelle

Laboratoirc d’Ichtyologie generate et appliquee

43, rue Cuvier

F-75005 Paris

EDITIONS

DU MUSEUM

PARIS

1997

Source: MNHN, Paris

Couvcrturc : Rexea a! is at

Source: MNHN, Paris

CONTENTS

SOMMAIRE

Pages

1. Poissons de profondeur de Nouvelle-Caledonie: apports des campagnes MUSORSTOM.

Deep water fishes of New Caledonia: contributions of the MUSORSTOM cruises .9

Bernard Seret

2. Review of the morid cods (Teleostei, Paracanthopterygii, Moridae) of New Caledonia,

southwest Pacific Ocean, with description of a new species of Gadella . 17

Chris D. PAULIN & Clive D. ROBERTS

3. First record of the Eucla cod Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch (Teleostei,

Paracanthopterygii, Euclichthvidae) from New Caledonia, southwest Pacific Ocean,

with notes on morphological characters .43

Clive D. Roberts & Chris D. Paulin

4. Deepw ater ophidiiform fishes from off New Caledonia with six new species .51

J0rgen G. Nielsen

5. Notopogon xenosoma Regan, 1914 (Teleostei, Macrorhamphosidae) en limite de

distribution subtropicale aux abords de la Nouvelle-Caledonie et de Madagascar .83

Guy DUHAMEL

6. Gurnard Fishes (Scorpaeniformes, Triglidae) from off New Caledonia with

description of five new species . 91

Lluis del Cerro & Domcncc Lloris

7. Gemfishes (Scombroidei, Gempylidae, Rexea ) of New Caledonia, southwest

Pacific Ocean, w ith description of a new' species . 125

Clive D. Roberts & Andrew L. Stewart

8 . Pisces, Pleuronectiformes: Flatfishes from the waters around New Caledonia.

Six species of the bothid genera Tosarhombus and Parabothus .143

Kunio Amaoka, Eiji MlHARA & Jacques RlVATON

9. Tetraodontiform fishes, mostly from deep waters, of New Caledonia .173

Keiichi Matsuura & Janies C. Tyler

Index ..209

Source: MNHN, Paris

SULTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM. VOLUME 17 RESULTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM. VOLUME 17 RESULTATS DES

Poissons de profondeur de Nouvelle-Caledonie :

Apports des campagnes MUSORSTOM.

Deep water fishes of New Caledonia:

Contributions of the MUSORSTOM cruises

Bernard SERET

Museum national d’Histoire naturelle

Laboratoire d’Ichtyologie generate et appliquee

Antenne ORSTOM

43. rue Cuvier

75231 Paris Cedex 05

France

ABSTRACT

This volume of the MUSORSTOM series presents a part of the results of the studies on the deep water fishes collected during

the exploration cruises performed in the economic zone of New Caledonia in the past decade. It includes 8 contributions

describing 85 species, with 16 new. representing 49 genera and 15 families.

RESUME

Ce volume de la s6rie des campagnes MUSORSTOM presente une partie des resultats des etudes sur les poissons de

profondeur r6coltes dans la zone economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie au cours de la derniere decennie. II comprend huit

contributions decrivant 85 especes dont 16 nouvelles, representant 49 genres et 15 families.

S£ret, B. 1997. — Poissons de profondeur de Nouvelle-Caledonie : apports des campagnes MUSORSTOM. Deep water

fishes of New Caledonia: contributions of the MUSORSTOM cruises. In: S6RET, B. (ed.). Resultats des Campagnes MUSORSTOM.

Volume 17. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 174 : 9-16. Paris ISBN 2-85653-500-3.

Source: MNHN, Paris

BERNARD SERET

Depuis 1976, 1 ’Institut frangais de Recherche

Scientifique pour le Ddveloppement en Cooperation

(ORSTOM) et le Museum national d'Histoire

naturelle de Paris (MNHN) ont entrepris une serie de

campagnes d'exploration dans la zone indo-ouest-

pacifique. Les trois premieres campagnes

(MUSORSTOM 1, 2 et 3) ont explore les eaux

profondes des Philippines. Les campagnes suivantes

(MUSORSTOM 4, 5 et 6) ont eu pour but d'explorer la

faune bathyale de Nouvelle-Caledonie, des

Chesterfields et des lies Loyaute. A ces campagnes

de la serie MUSORSTOM, il faut ajouter les

campagnes Chalcal 1 aux Chersterfields,

Chalcal 2 sur la Ride de Norfolk, BiOCAL,

BIOGEOCAL et Azteque au large des cotes

meridionales de la Nouvelle-Caledonie. Des comptes

rendus detailles contenant les listes des stations de

ces campagnes, ont ete publies par : Cotillon &

MONNIOT (1987), FOREST (1981, 1986, 1989),

Grandperrin ex cil (1990), Levi (1987), Richer de

Forges (1986, 1990, 1993), Richer de Forges &

Laboute (1989), Richer de Forges ex al. (1984,

1986, 1987, 1990).

Le programme des campagnes MUSORSTOM a ete

dtendu aux regions voisines de la Nouvelle-

Caledonie : MUSORSTOM 7 a eu lieu en 1992 aux Ties

Wallis et Futuna (Richer de Forges & Menou,

1993) et MUSORSTOM 8 au Vanuatu en 1994.

D’autres sont prevues dans les annees a venir en

Polynesie Fran^aise et en Nouvelle-Guinee.

Parallelement aux campagnes exploratoires de la

serie MUSORSTOM, un programme d'exploration des

ressources des monts sous-marins situ£s dans la zone

economique de Nouvelle Caledonie a ete entrepris

par le Centre ORSTOM de Noumea en 1990-91.

Dans le cadre de ce programme, 11 campagnes

(Beryx 1 a 11) ont permis d’apporter un materiel

biologique complementaire car les engins de peche

utilises (palangres de fond, chaluts a poissons,

casiers) etaient diffdrents de ceux utilises

habituellement lors des campagnes MUSORSTOM

(chaluts a crevettes, chaluts a perche et dragues).

Des comptes rendus de ces campagnes ont 6\c

publies par: GRANDPERRIN ex al. (1990, 1991, 1992),

Grandperrin & Lehodey (1992), Lehodey ex al.

(1992), Lehodey (1994).

En complement de ces campagnes d'exploration,

une mission (Calsub) de la soucoupe plongeante

« Cyan A » a ete effectuee en 1989 dans la fosse des

Since 1976. xhe “Institui fran^ais de Recherche

Scientifique pour le Developpement en

Cooperation ” (ORSTOM) and the “Museum

national d'Histoire naturelle ” (MNHN) have carried

out a series of exploration cruises in the Indo-West-

Pacific region. The first three cruises (MUSORSTOM

1, 2 and 3) explored the deep waters off the

Philippines. The following cruises (MUSORSTOM 4, 5

and 6) aimed to explore the bathyal fauna off New

Caledonia, the Chesterfields Islands and the Loyalty

Islands. Besides this MUSORSTOM series, some others

cruises took place in the New Caledonian area:

Chalcal 1 off the Chesterfields, CHALCAL 2 on the

Norfolk Ridge, BiOCAL, BlOGEOCAL and AZTEQUE off

southern New Caledonia. Detailed reports including

the lists of the stations were published by: COTILLON

& MONNIOT (1987), Forest (1981, 1986, 1989),

Grandperrin et al. (1990), Levi (1987), Richer de

Forges (1986, 1990, 1993), Richer de Forges &

Laboute (1989), Richer de Forges et al. (1984,

1986, 1987, 1990).

The programme of the MUSORSTOM cruises was

extended to the neighbouring regions of New

Caledonia: MUSORSTOM 7 took place in 1992 off the

Wallis and Futuna Islands (RICHER DE FORGES &

MENOU, 1993) and MUSORSTOM 8 off Vanuatu in

1994. Other cruises are planed in the forthcoming

years in the French Polynesia and possibly off New

Guinea.

In addition to the exploration cruises of the

MUSORSTOM series, a programme for the assessment

of resources of the seamounts in the economic zone

around New Caledonia was undertaken by the

ORSTOM Center in Noumea in 1990-91. During this

program, 11 cruises (BERYX 1 to 11) allowed to

collect complementary' biological material because

the gears used (bottom long lines, fish otter trawls,

traps) were different from those currently used

during the MUSORSTOM cruises (shrimp trawls, beam

trawls and dredges). Reports on these cruises were

published by: GRANDPERRIN et al. (1990, 1991,

1992), Grandperrin & Lehodey (1992), Lehodey

et al. (1992), LEHODEY (1994).

Furthermore, a special cruise (CALSUB) with the

diving saucer “ C YANA ” took place in 1989 in the

Loyalty trench between the islands of Pin and Lifou

(The Loyalty' Islands) in order to study the bathyal

environment from the reef edge to about 300 m

Source:

DEEP WATER FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Loyautd pour etudier renvironnement bathyal,

depuis la bordure recifale jusqu’a environ 3000 m de

profondcur (Roux, 1994).

Les collections ichtyologiques constitutes au

cours de ces campagnes ont ett deposees, pour la

plupart, au Museum national d’Histoire naturelle de

Paris, pour etre triees et confiees pour etude a des

specialistes. Une partie du materiel recolte au cours

des campagnes Beryx a ete deposee au musee de

Wellington.

Au total, c’est plusicurs milliers de specimens,

appartenant a une centaine de families, qui ont ete

mis en collection, principalement au MNHN, mais

aussi dans d'autres institutions et musees pour la

materiel etudie (cf. les mattriels examines dans les

differentes contributions de ce volume). Si une partie

des collections a ete etudiee, ou est en cours d'etude,

il reste de nombreuses families disponibles. A ce

jour, 26 collaborateurs ont accepte d’etudier les

poissons de ces campagnes relevant de leur

expertise, soil individuellement, soit en

collaboration :

depth f ROUX, 1994).

The ichthyological collections made during these

cruises were deposited to the “Museum national

d'Histoire naturelle ” in order to be sorted out and

dispatched to a number of ichthyologists for

investigations. Part of the material collected during

the BERYX cruises was deposited in the collections of

the national Museum of New Zealand (Wellington).

As a result, several thousands of specimens of

fish belonging to more than 100 families have been

registered, mainly in the MNHN collections, but

also, for the material which has been studied, in the

collections of other institutions and museums (cf

material examined in the contributions of this

volume). If part of this material has been studied, or

currently under examination by several contributors,

a number of families are still available for study. So

far, 26 contributors accepted to study the fishes of

these cruises depending on their own field of

competence, either individually or in collaboration

with other experts:

Kunio Amaoka (Bothidae)

Adam Ben-Tuvia (Congridae du genre Bathycongms)

Lluis DEL Cerro (Triglidae)

Francis Chapleau (Soleidae, Samaridae, Poecilopsettidae)

Guy Duhamel (Macrorhamphosidae)

Ronald FRICKE (Callionymidae)

Tomio Iwamoto (Macrouridae)

Leslie Knapp (Platycephalidae)

Dom&nec Lloris (Triglidae)

John McCoSKER (Ophichthidae)

Keiichi MATSUURA (Teraodontiformes)

Nigel Merrett (Macrouridae)

Eiji MlHARA (Bothidae)

Thomas A. Munroe (Cynoglossidae)

Jorgen NIELSEN (Ophidiiformes, Ipnos)

Christian Nyako (Caproidae, Grammicolepididae, Macrurocyttidae, Zeidae, Oreosmoatidae)

Chris D. Paulin (Moridae)

Stuart POSS (Scorpaenidae)

Jean-Claude QUERO (Congridae, Lophiidae, Ogcocephalidae)

Jacques RlVATON (Bothidae)

Clive D. Roberts (Moridae, Euclichthyidae, Gempylidae, Trachichthyidae)

Luis Saldanha (Congridae, Lophiidae, Ogcocephalidae)

Bernard SERET (Chondrichthyes)

Andrew L. Stewart (Gempylidae)

Kenneth J. SULAK (Synaphobranchidae, Notacanthidae, Halosauridae, Chlorophthalmidae)

James Tyler (Tetraodontiformes)

BERNARD SERET

Les poissons des premieres campagnes

(MUSORSTOM 1 h 3) aux Philippines ont ete etudies

partiellemenl par : BOURRET (1986). FOURMANOIR

(1981, 1986), Le Danois (1981). Le materiel

provenant des campagnes neo-caledoniennes a fait

l’objet de quelques publications : RlVATON (1989),

Amaoka & Rivaton (1991), Amaoka et al. (1993)

Ben-Tuvia (1993), Fricke (1993), Rivaton

(1989), Seret (1987, 1990, 1994a,b), Stehmann

(1989).

Le present volume rassemblc 8 contributions de

12 collaborateurs. II comprend les descriptions de 85

esp&ces dont 16 sont nouvelles, representant 49

genres et 15 families (cf. « Lisle des especes de

poissons d^crites dans ce volume »). II vient

s’ajouter aux seize volumes deja parus dans la seric

« Resultats des Campagnes Musorstom » traitant

principalcment dcs invertebres benthiques et qui

constituent une exceptionnelle base de connaissances

pour la comprehension de la bio-diversite bathyale.

Un second volume consacre aux poissons de

profondeur est en preparation : il comprendra les

contributions des collaborateurs cites plus haut.

REMERCIEMENTS

Je remercie les organisateurs des campagnes

Musorstom, notamment Alain Crosnier et

Bertrand Richer DE FORGES, qui m’ont confie la

gestion des recoltes dc poissons de profondeur de

Nouvclle-Caledonie et l'organisation des etudes de

ces recoltes.

La mise en valeur de Texceptionnel materiel

ichtyologique recolte au cours des campagnes n’a etc

possible que grace aux contributions des

collaborateurs qui ont bien voulu etudier le materiel

ichtyologique de ces campagnes. Qu'ils en soient

tous chaleureusement remercies.

Mes rcmerciements vont egalement aux reviseurs

qui ont corrige et commente les articles publies dans

ce volume.

The fishes of the first cruises (MUSORSTOM 1 to 3)

off the Philippines have been partially studied by:

BOURRET (1986), FOURMANOIR (1981, 1986),

LE Danois (1981). The material collected during the

New Caledonian cruises has been treated in a few

publications: RIVATON (1989), AMAOKA & RlVATON

(1991), Amaoka et al. (1993) Ben-Tuvia (1993),

Fricke (1993), Rivaton (1989), Seret (1987, 1990,

1994a, b), Stehmann (1989).

The present volume collects 8 contributions of 12

authors. It includes the descriptions of 85 species, 16

of which are new, representing 49 genera and 15

families (cf. "List of the fish species described in this

volume ” and is in addition to the 16 volumes

already published in the series “Resultats des

Campagnes MUSORSTOM ” dealing mainly with

benthic Invertebrates. This series represents an

exceptionnal base of knowledge for a better

understanding of the bathyal biodiversity.

A second volume dealing with the deep water

fishes is in preparation: it will include contributions

of authors listed above.

A CKNO WLEDGMENTS

1 thank the organizers of the MUSORSTOM cruises,

mainly my ORSTOM colleagues Alain CROSNIER and

Bertrand RICHER DE FORGES, who trusted me for the

management of the deep water fish collections of

New Caledonia and the organization of studies

related to these collections.

The study of this exceptionnal ichthyological

material was carried out thanks to the contributions

of colleagues. They are all warmly thanked.

My sincerest thanks are extended to the referees

who have reviewed the papers published in this

volume.

Source:

DEEP WATER FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

REFERENCES

AMAOKA, K. & J. Rivaton, 1991. — Pisces Pleuronectiformes : A review of the genus Tosarhombus (Bothidae) with

descriptions of two new species from Saya de Malha Bank (Indian Ocean) and the Chesterfield Islands (Coral Sea). In :

Crosnier. A. (ed.), Resultats dcs Campagnes Musorstom, Volume 8. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 151 : 449-466.

Amaoka, K., Mihara, E. & J. Rivaton, 1993.— Pisces Pleuronectiformes: Flatfishes from the waters around New

Caledonia. A revision ot the genus Engyprosopon. In: Crosnier, A. (ed.), Resultats des Campagnes Musorstom, Volume

11. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist. nat.. (A), 158 : 378-426.

Ben-Tuvia, A., 1993. — A review of the Indo-Pacillc congrid fishes of the genera Rhynchoconger and Bathycongrusmxh

description of three new species. Israel J. Zool., 39 : 349-370.

Bourret, P., 1986. — Poissons Teleosteens: Gonostomatidae, Sternoptychidae et Myctophidae (Musorstom II). Resultats

des Campagnes Musorstom, Volume 2.1 et II - Philippines (1976, 1980). Mem. Mus. natn. Hist. nat.. (A). 133 : 54-82.

Cotillon, P. & C. Monniot, 1987. — Biogeocal Comptc rendu de la campagne effcctuee h bord du N. O. « Coriolis » du

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MUSORSTOM. Volume 1,1- Philippines (18-28 mars 1976). Mem. Mus. natn. Hist. nat.. 91 : 9-50.

Forest, J., 1986. La Campagne Musorstom II (1980). Compte rendu et lisle des stations. The Musorstom II Expedition

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Forest, J., 1989. — Compte rendu de la Campagne Musorstom 3 aux Philippines (31 mai - 7 juin 1985). Report on the

Musorstom 3 Expedition to the Philippines (May 31st - June 7th 1985). In: Forest, J. (ed.), Resultats des Campagnes

Musorstom. Volume 4. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist. nat.. (A). 143 : 9-23.

Foumanoir. P. & J. Rivaton, 1979.— Poissons de la pente recifale externe de la Nouvelle-Caledonie et des Nouvclles-

Hdbrides. Cah. Indo-Pacifique . (1)4: 405-443.

Fourmanoir, P.. 1981. — Poissons (premiere liste). Resultats des Campagnes Musorstom. Volume 1, I - Philippines (18-28

mars 1976). Mem. Mus. natn. Hist. nat.. 91 : 85-102.

Fourmanoir, P., 1986. — Poissons. Liste et description de cinq especes nouvelles (Musorstom II). Resultats des Campagnes

Musorstom, Volume 2,1 et II - Philippines (1976, 1980). Mem. Mus. natn. Hist. nat.. (A), 133 : 31-54.

Fricke, R. M., 1993. — Pisces Teleostei: Callionymidae of New Caledonia with description of new species. In: Crosnier, A.

(ed.). Resultats des Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 11. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist. nat.. 158 : 361-376.

Grandperrin. R., Bensch, A., di Matteo, A. & P. Lehodey. 1991. — Campagne Beryx 1 de peche h la palangre de fond sur

deux monts sous-marins du sud-est de la zone economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. « Alis ». 8-18 octobre 1991).

Rapp. Missions. ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la Mer. Biol. Mar., 10 : 1-33.

Grandperrin, R., di Matteo, A., Hoffschir, C.. Lapetite, A. & J. Y. Panche, 1992. — Campagne Beryx 7 de peche a la

palangre de fond sur trois monts sous-marins du sud-est de la zone economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. « Alis»,

25 mars - 3 avril 1992). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la Mer, Biol. Mar.. 17 : 1-35,

Grandperrin, R., di Matteo, A., Mou Tham, G. & J. Y. Panche. 1992. — Campagne Beryx 6 de peche a la palangre de

fond sur deux monts sous-marins du sud-est de la Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. « Alis », 12-18 fevrier 1992). Rapp. Missions,

ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la Mer. Biol. Mar., 16 : 1-28.

Grandperrin, R.. Desfontaine, P.. Desgrippes, I. & E. Feuger. 1992. — Campagne Beryx 9 de peche a la palangre de fond

sur trois monts sous-marins de la zone economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. «Ali$» , 4 au 13 aout 1992). Rapp.

Missions, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la Mer, Biol. Mar., 10 : 1-28.

Grandperrin, R., Laboute, P.. Pianet. R. & L. Wantiez, 1990. — Campagne « Azteque » de chalutage de fond au sud-est

de la Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. «Alis», du 12 au 16 fevrier 1990). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la

Mer, Biol. Mar., 7 . 1-21.

Grandperrin. R. & P. Lehodey. 1992. — Campagne Beryx 2 de peche h la palangre de fond sur trois monts sous-marins de

la zone economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. «Alis», 22-31 octobre 1991). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM Noumea,

Sciences de la Mer, Biol. Mar., II : 1-40.

BERNARD SERET

Grandperrin, R.. Lehodey. P. & P. Marchal, 1992. — Campagne Beryx 3 de peche i la palangre de fond et aux casiers

dans le sud-est de la Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. «Alis», 20-23 janvier 1992). Rapp. Missions. ORSTOM Noumea,

.Sciences de la Mer, Biol. Mar., 13 : 1-15.

Le Danois, Y., 1981.— Poissons Pediculates HaploptErygiens: Lophhidae et Chaunacidae. REsuItats des Campagnes

MUSORSTOM, Volume 1,1- Philippines (18-28 mars 1976). Mem. Mits. natn. Hist, nat., 91 : 103-116.

Lehodey, P., 1994.- Les monts sous-marins de Nouvelle-Caledonie et leurs ressources halieutiques. Travaux et Documents

microEditEs, ORSTOM. Paris, 410 pp.

Lehodey, P.. Gallois, F., Hoffschir, C. & G. Mou Tham. 1992a. — Campagne Beryx 4 de peche & la palangre de fond sur

deux monts sous-marins du sud-est de la zone Economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. « Alis », 26 novembre -

6 decembre 1991). Rapp. Missions , ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la Mer, Biol. Mar., 12 : 1-37.

Lehodey, P., Gallois, F., Hoffschir, C. & G. Mou Tham, 1992b. — Campagne Beryx 5 de peche a la palangre de fond sur

deux monts sous-marins du sud-est de la zone economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. « Alts », 28 janvier - 6 fevrier

1992). Rapp. Missions , ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la Mer. Biol. Mar. 15 : 1-30.

Lehodey, P., Hoffschir, C., Marchal, P. & J. Y. Panche, 1992. — Campagne Beryx 8 de peche a la palangre de fond sur

trois monts sous-marins du sud-est de la zone Economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. «Alis» , 7 au 16 avril 1992).

Rapp. Missions. ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la Mer, Biol. Mar., 18 : 1-34.

Lehodey, P., Marchal, P.. Gallois, F. & C. Nauges, 1992. — Campagne Beryx 10 de peche a la palangre de fond sur trois

monts sous-marins du sud-est de la zone economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. « Alis» , 18 au 28 aout 1992). Rapp.

Missions. ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la Mer. Biol. Mar., 20 : 1-26.

Lehodey, P., Richer de Forges, B., Nauges, C., Grandperrin. R. & J. Rivaton, 1993. — Campagne Beryx 11 de peche au

chalut sur six monts sous-marins du sud-est de la zone Economique de Nouvelle-CalEdonie (N. O. « Alis », 13 au 23 octobre

1992). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM NoumEa, Sciences de la Mer, Biol. Mar., 22 : 1-93.

Levi, C., 1986. — Biocal. Compte rendu de la campagne effectuee a bord du N. O. «Jean Charcot » du 9 aout au

10 septembre 1985. Rapp. IFREMER-PIROCEAN-CNRS, 40 pp.

Richer de Forges, B.. 1990. — Les campagnes d’exploration de la faune bathyale dans la zone Economique de la Nouvelle-

Caledonie. Explorations for bathyal fauna in the New Caledonian economic zone. In: Crosnier. A. (ed.), REsuItats des

Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 6. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 145 : 9-54.

Richer de Forges, B., 1993. — Campagnes d’exploration dc la faune bathyale faites depuis 1989 dans la zone Economique de

la Nouvelle-CalEdonie. In: CROSNIER, A. (ed.), REsuItats des Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 10. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist,

nat.. 156 : 27-32.

Richer de Forges, B. & P. Laboute, 1989. — La campagne Musorstom 6 sur la ride des lies LoyautE (N. O. « Alis», du 12

au 26 fEvrier 1989). Rapp. sci. & techn., ORSTOM NoumEa, Sciences de la Mer. Biol. Mar.. 51 : 1-38.

Richer de Forges, B. & J. L. Menou, 1993. — La campagne Musorstom 7 dans la zone Economique des lies Wallis et

Futuna. Compte rendu et liste des stations. In : Crosnier, A., (ed.); REsuItats des Campagnes Musorstom, Volume 10.

Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 156 ; 9-25.

Richer de Forges, B. & R. Pianet, 1984. — REsuItats prEliminaires de la campagne Chalcal a bord du N. O. « Coriolis »

(12-30 juillet 1984). Rapp. sci. & techn., ORSTOM NoumEa, 32 : 1-34.

Richer de Forges, B.. Grandperrin, R. & P. Laboute, 1987. — La campagne Chalcal 2 sur les guyots de la ride de

Norfolk (N. O. « Coriolis », 26 octobre - ler novembre 1986). Rapp. sci. & techn., ORSTOM NoumEa, Sciences de la Mer.

Biol. Mar., 42: 1-41.

Rivaton, J., 1989. — PremiEres observations sur la faune ichtyologiquc des lies Chesterfield (Mer de Corail). Cybium , 13 (2):

139-164.

Roux, M., 1994. — The Calsub cruise on the bathyal slopes off New Caledonia. In: Crosnier, A. (ed.), REsuItats des

Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 12. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 161 : 9-47.

SEret, B.. 1987. — DEcouverte dune faune E Procarcharodon megalodon (Agassiz, 1835) en Nouvelle-CalEdonie (Pisces,

Chondrichthyes, Lamnidae). Cybium, 11(4): 389-394.

Seret, B., 1990. — Aulohalaelurus kanakorum sp. n., a new species of catshark (Chondrichthyes, Scyliorhinidae,

Atelomycterinae) from New Caledonia. Rec. Aust. Mus., 42 : 127-136

Source:

DEEP WATER FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

S£ret, B., 1994a. — “Behavior of some of ihe fishes encountered In: Roux, M.. The Calsub cruise on the bathyal slopes

off New Caledonia. In: CROSNIER, A. (ed.), Resultats des Campagnes Musorstom, Volume 12 .Mem. Mus . natn. Hist, nat .,

161 : 9-47.

SFret, B., 1994b. — Chondrichthyan Fishes of New Caledonia : a review. Chondros , 5(3): 6-9.

Stehmann, M., 1989. — Resurrection of Notorctja Ishiyama, 1958 and description of a new species of deep-water skate from

the South China sea Notoraja subtilispinosa sp. nov. (Pisces, Batoidea, Rajidae). In: Forest, J. (ed.), Resultats des

Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 4. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist. nat.. (A), 143 : 247-260.

ANNEXE/APPENDIX

LISTE DES ESPECES DE POISSON DECRITES DANS CE VOLUME

LIST OF THE FISH SPECIES DESCRIBED IN THIS VOLUME

(Les especes nouvellcs sont signalees en gras - New species are in bold type )

MORIDAE (par/by Paulin & Roberts)

Gadella brocca sp. nov.

Gadella norops Paulin, 1987

Laemonema filodorsale Okamura, 1982

Laemonema palauense Okamura, 1982

Lepidion inosimae (Gunther. 1887)

Mora moro (Risso, 1810)

Physiculus longiftlis Weber. 1913

Physiculus luminosus Paulin, 1983

Physiculus roseus Alcock, 1891

Physiculus therosideros Paulin, 1987

Tripterophycis svetovidovi Sazonov & Shcherbachev. 1986

EUCLICHTHYIDAE (par / by Roberts & Paulin)

Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch. 1926

CARAPIDAE (par / by Nielsen)

Pyramodon ventral is Smith & Radcliffe, 1913

OPHIDIIDAE (par / by Nielsen)

Acanthonus annatus Gunther, 1878

Alcockia rostrata (Gunther, 1887)

Bassozetus elongatus Smith & Radcliffe. 1913

Bassozetus glutinosus (Alcock, 1890)

Bassozetus robustus Smith & Radcliffe, 1913

Bathyonus caudalis (Garman, 1899)

Dicrolene longimana Smith & Radcliffe. 1913

Homostolus japonicus Matsubara, 1943

Monomitopus garmani (Smith & Radcliffe, 1913)

Neobythites bimaculatus sp. nov.

Neobythites bimarginatus Fourmanoir& Rivaton, 1979

Neobythites longiventralis sp. nov.

Neobythites neocaledoniensis sp. nov.

Neobythites pallidus sp. nov.

Neobythites unimaculatus Smith & Radcliffe, 1913

Neobythites zonatus sp. nov.

Ophidion muraenolepis (Gunther. 1880)

Porogadus melampeplus (Alcock, 1896)

Pyc.nocraspedum squamipinne Alcock. 1889

Tauredophidium hextii Alcock, 1890

APHYONIDAE <par / by Nielsen)

Aphyonus bolini Nielsen, 1974

Aphyonus gelatinosus Gunther, 1878

Parasciadonus pauciradiatus sp. nov.

MACRORHAMPHOSIDAE (par / by Duhamel)

Macrorhamphosus scolopax (Linnaeus, 1758)

Notopogon xenosoma Regan, 1914

TRIGLIDAE (par / by del Cerro & Lloris)

PERISTEDIINAE

Paraheminodus murrayi (Gunther, 1880)

Peristedion picturatum McCulloch, 1926

Satyrichthys moluccense (Bleeker. 1851)

Satyrichthys orientale (Fowler, 1938)

S. quadratorostratus (Fourmanoir& Rivaton, 1979)

TR1GLINAE

Lepidotrigla sp. cf. abyssalis Jordan & Starks, 1904

Lepidotrigla alcocki vaubani subsp. nov.

Lepidotrigla annamarae sp. nov.

Lepidotrigla grand is Ogilby, 1910

Lepidotrigla musorstomi sp. nov.

Lepidotrigla nana sp. nov.

BERNARD SERET

Lepidotrigla sereti sp. nov.

Parapterygot rigid megalops (Fowler, 1938)

Parapterygotrigla multiocellata Matsubara. 1937

Pterygotrigla macrolepidota (Kamohara, 1938)

Pterygotrigla picta (Gunther, 1880)

Pterygotrigla robertsi sp. nov.

Pterygotrigla tagala (Herre & Kauffman, 1952)

GEMPYLIDAE (par / by Roberts & Stewart)

Rexea alisae sp. nov.

Rexea antefurcata Parin, 1989

Rexea bengalensis (Alcock, 1894)

BOTHIDAE (par / by Amaoka, Mihara & Rivaton)

Tosarhombus brevis sp. nov.

Tosarhombus longimanus sp. nov.

Tosarhombus neocaledonicus Amaoka & Rivaton, 1991

Parabothus coarctatus (Gilbert, 1905)

Parabothus filipes sp. nov.

Parabothus kiensis (Tanaka, 1918)

TRIACANTHODIDAE (par / by Matsuura & Tyler)

Bathyphylax bombifrons Myers, 1934

Halimochirurgus alcocki Weber, 1913

Macrorhamphosodes uradoi (Kamohara, 1933)

Paratriacanthodes retrospinis Fowler, 1934

Triacanthodes ethiops Alcock, 1894

Triacanthodes intermedins Matsuura & Fourmanoir. 1984

MONACANTHIDAE (par / by Matsuura & Tyler)

Paramonacanthus japonicus (Tilesius, 1801)

Pseudalutarius nasicornis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850)

Thamnaconus fijiensis Hutchins & Matsuura. 1984

Thamnaconus modestoides (Barnard, 1927)

Thamnaconus tessellatus (Gunther, 1880)

ARACAN1DAE (par / by Matsuura & Tyler)

Kentrocaprosflavofasciatus (Kamohara, 1938)

OSTRACIIDAE (par / by Matsuura & Tyler)

Tetrosomus gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758)

TRIODONTIDAE (par / by Matsuura & Tyler)

Triodon macropterus Lesson, 1830

TETRODONTIDAE (par / by Matsuura & Tyler)

Arothron firmamentum (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850)

Canthigaster callisterna (Ogilby, 1889)

Canthigaster rivulata (Temminck & Schlegel. 1850)

Sphoeroides pachygaster (Muller & Troschel, 1848)

Torquigener brevipinnis (Regan. 1902)

Tylerius spinosissimus (Regan, 1908)

JLTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM, VOLUME 17- RESULTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM. VOLUME 17 RESULTATS DES C/

Review of the morid cods

(Teleostei, Paracanthopterygii, Moridae)

of New Caledonia, southwest Pacific Ocean,

with description of a new species of Gadella

Chris D. PAULIN

Clive D. ROBERTS

Museum of New Zealand

“Te Papa Tongarewa"

P.O. Box 467, Wellington

New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Morid cods, family Moridae, of the New Caledonian Exclusive Economic Zone arc reviewed based on fresh specimens

obtained during exploratory fishing by ORSTOM and preserved specimens held in research collections in Paris. Noumea and

Wellington. The following eleven species in six genera are described: Gadella brocca new species, endemic; Gadella norops

Paulin, southern Indian Ocean and southwestern Pacific Ocean; Laemonema fdodorsale Okamura, new' record, western Pacific;

Laemonema palauense Okamura, western Pacific Ocean; Lepidion inosimae (Gunther), new record, western Pacific Ocean;

Mora moro (Risso), new record, northwest Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, southern Indian Ocean and South Pacific

Ocean; Physiculus longifdis Weber, new record, Flores Sea and northern Australia; Physiculus luminosus Paulin, new record,.

Paulin, C. D. & C. D. Roberts, 1997. — Review of the morid cods (Teleostei. Paracanthopterygii. Moridae) of

New Caledonia, with description of a new species of Gadella. In: Seret. B. (cd.), Resultais des Campagnes MUSORSTOM,

Volume 17. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat ., 174 . 17-41. Paris ISBN 2-85653-500-3.

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

South Pacific Ocean; Physiculus roseus Alcock, new record. Indian Ocean. South China Sea, Phillipines; Physiculus

therosideros Paulin, southwestern Pacific Ocean; Triplerophydis svetovidovi Sazanov & Shcherbachev, new record, warm

temperate South Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. A key to the species is provided.

RESUME

Revision des morides (Teleostei, Paracanthopterygii, Moridae) de Nouvelle-Caledonie (Ocean Pacifique Sud-Ouest),

avec la description d’une espece nouvelle du genre Gadella.

Les poissons de la famille des Moridae provenant de la Zone Economique Exclusive de Nouvelle-Caledonie sonl revises en

se basant sur des specimens frais, captures lors des campagnes d’exploration de l'ORSTOM, et sur des specimens fixes

provenant des collections de Paris, Noumea et Wellington. Onze especes appartenant & six genres sont decrites. Une espece est

end£mique et nouvelle : Gadella brocca n. sp. Trois especes ont dej& ete repertoriees dans la region; Gadella norops Paulin,

presente dans le sud de l’Ocean Indien et le Pacifique Sud-Ouest; Laemonema palauense Okamura. signalee dans l’ouest du

Pacifique ; et Physiculus therosideros Paulin, presente dans le sud-ouest du Pacifique. Sept especes sont signalees pour la

premiere fois dans la region : Laemonema filodorsale Okamura et Lepidion inosimae (Gunther), presentes dans le Pacifique

Ouest ; Mora moro (Risso), de 1’Atlantique Nord-Ouest, de la Mediterranee, du sud de l’Ocean Indien et du Pacifique Sud ;

Physiculus longifilis Weber, d’Indon6sie et du nord de I'Australie; Physiculus luminosus Paulin, du Pacifique Sud ; Physiculus

roseus Alcock, de l’Ocean Indien et du nord de I’Australie ; Tripterophycis svetovidovi Sazanov & Shcherbachev, des eaux

temperas chaudes du sud de l’Ocean Atlantique, Ocean Indien et du Pacifique Sud. Une clef des especes est jointe & cette

6tude.

INTRODUCTION

The 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of New Caledonia covers an area of over 1.7 million km 2 and

contains a complex and varied seabed morphology including coral reefs, seamounts and deep ocean basins. There

is, therefore, a great diversity of habitats and associated fauna, particularly fishes, present in the zone. However,

the fish fauna of the region has received little attention, until recently. Since the late 1970’s, fish collecting has

been carried out as part of exploratory research programmes run by ORSTOM Noumea, ORSTOM Paris and the

Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, in both lagoon and deep water, including offshore seamounts

(RICHER DE FORGES, 1990). Morid cods have been present in many of the deep water collections, but difficulties

associated with their superficially similar morphology and inadequate taxonomic treatment, has frequently

hindered accurate identification.

As part of cooperative research programmes between ORSTOM Centre de Noumea and the Museum of

New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (formerly the National Museum of New Zealand), morids were observed and

collected by the authors who participated in exploratory deep water fishing on seamounts during R. V. “ Alis ”

cruises Beryx 2 and Beryx 11. Also, preserved specimens collected during recent research cruises in the

New Caledonian EEZ and held by ORSTOM Noumea, ORSTOM Paris and the Museum National d’Histoire

Naturelle, Paris, were studied. This new material provides the basis for the present review and enables the morid

cods of New Caledonia to be critically treated for the first time.

METHODS

Counts and measurements follow the methods used by Hubbs & Lagler (1964) and Paulin (1983), accurate

counts of scale rows from damaged specimens are difficult to make and these approximate data are denoted by

"ca. in the text, and vertebral counts exclude both ural centra. Morphometric data in the text are expressed as

ranges and are given in mm, with percent standard length in parentheses. Otolith morphology has been found to be

useful in identifying morid genera (Karrer, 1971; Fitch & Barker, 1972; Paulin, 1983) and, therefore, otoliths

were sampled where possible in the present study. Otoliths were removed from freshly thawed specimens when

Source: MNHN, Paris

MORID CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

available, cleaned, stored dry, illustrated and described; otolith nomenclature follows Karrer (1971). Synonymies

include valid name, primary synonyms, and New Caledonian, Australian and New Zealand nomenclature.

Specimens examined are listed under each species account, the number of specimens is given and those specimens

X-rayed are denoted by an asterisk. The Eucla cod, family Euclichthyidae, is similar to morid cods in body shape

and appearance, however, several internal characters (COHEN, 1984) indicate that it is only distantly related and it

is, therefore, reviewed separately (ROBERTS & PAULIN, this volume).

Institutional abbreviations follow the international standards fixed by LEVITON ex al. (1985).

SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT

Family MORIDAE

NOTE: the family Moridae is herein used sensu PAULIN (1989).

Diagnosis. — Gadiform fishes with symmetrical anal fin (either single or divided into two equal portions),

symmetrical caudal fin, a horizontal diaphragm within the posterior chamber of the swim bladder (Paulin, 1988),

swim bladder-auditory capsule connection present, caudal skeleton with four or five hypurals and X-Y bones,

a jointed first neural spine, and a double sulcus groove present on otoliths.

Fig. 1. —Otoliths from New Caledonian morids; left otolith in medial view. — A: Lepidion inosimae (Gunther, 1887).

specimen of 605 mm SL (MNHN 1995-000), otolith length 23.5 mm. — B: Gadella tiorops Paulin. 1987, specimen of

228 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27491), otolith length 9.0 mm. — C: Laemonema fdodorsale Okamura, 1982, specimen of 235 mm

SL (NMNZ-P.27423), otolith length 11.2 mm. — D: Physiculus therosideros Paulin. 1987, specimen of 165 mm SL

(NMNZ-P.27454), otolith length 9.3 mm. — E: Tnpterophycis svetovidovi Sazanov & Shcherbachev. 1986, specimen of

233 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27443), otolith length 7.5 mm. Abbreviations: c, collum; ci, crista inferior; cp, colliculum posterior;

cs, crista superior.

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

Remarks. — Moridae intrarelationships are poorly understood. The family Euclichthyidae, comprising the

monotypic Eucla cod, is superficially similar to morid cods and has been proposed as the sister family (Markle,

1989: fig. 19), but other workers using mostly different characters have found conflicting results. Cohen (1984)

indicated that the two families are only distantly related; HOWES (1989: fig. 10) concurred, and proposed the

Balhygadidae as the morid sister group.

The family Moridae comprises about 17 genera and 95 species (Paulin, 1989a; Cohen et al , 1990). Morids

are benthopelagic to pelagic at 0-2,500 m depth, are found in all oceans, and some are commercially important. In

the New Caledonian region morids are an important component of deep slope and seamount fish faunas. In the

present review, 11 species in six genera are described and the otoliths of five species are illustrated (Fig. 1), four of

these for the first time.

Genus GADELIA Lowe. 1843

Gadella Lowe, 1843: 91 (feminine, type species Gadellci gracilis Lowe by monotypy).

DIAGNOSIS. — Morid fishes with thick, pointed, spindle shaped otoliths (ostium one third or less of otolith

length) (Fig. IB); a small ventral light organ in advance of the anus; two dorsal fins and one anal fin; ventral fins

with outer two rays filamentous; barbel absent.

Remarks. — Related to Physiculus Kaup and Salilota Gunther on the basis of shared otolith and light organ

specializations (Paulin, 1989a; 1989b); comprising nine species occurring in subtropical and tropical seas

worldwide, some restricted in distribution to island chains and submarine ridges.

Gadella brocca sp. nov.

Fig. 2, Table 1

Material EXAMINED. - 5 specimens, 100.0-172.5 mm SL.

Norfolk Ridge. AztLquf: stn 7. 23°37.5 , S, 167°42.1'E (Stylaster seamount, southeast of New Caledonia), 425-500 m

depth, otter trawl, R. V. “Alis", 14 February 1990: holotype. 172.5 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1002)*.

New Caledonia Bathus 1: stn 660, 21°10.48*S, 165°53.19’E (off central west coast Grande Terre), 790 m depth, beam

trawl, R. V. “Alis", 13 March 1993: 3 paratypes, 100.0-131.5 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1003)*. — 1 specimen, 143 mm SL

(NMNZ-P.31380)*, same data as other 3 paratypes.

Diagnosis —A species of Gadella with a single row of large, irregular canine-like teeth in upper and lower

jaws and a small triangular patch of minute teeth at symphysis of lower jaw; eye small, orbit diameter 4.7-5.3 %

SL; interorbital broad, 5.1-8.6 % SL.

Description - Body elongate, compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin of second dorsal fin. Snout

broad, rounded, slightly longer than diameter of eye. Teeth in a single row, large, irregular canine-like, in upper

and lower jaws and a small triangular patch of minute teeth at symphysis of lower jaw. First dorsal fin origin

behind pectoral insertion, first ray minute, second longest. Second dorsal fin commences immediately behind first,

posterior fin rays longest. Anal fin commences immediately behind anus, height only slightly depressed along

middle of its length and posterior fin rays longest. Caudal fin rounded. Pelvic fins just reaching anus. Ventral light

organ minute, placed slightly in advance of anus, well behind pelvic fin insertions.

Measurements and meristics. Morphometric and meristic characters of the holotype and four paratypes are

given in Table 1.

Source:

MORID CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

Coloration (from preserved specimens). Upper half of head and body pale creamish tan, lower portion dark

bluish grey; lips, branchiostegal membranes, orbit rim, insertion of pectoral and pelvic fins, light organ and anus

black; dorsal and anal fins black; caudal and paired fins greyish blue; remaining scale pockets black.

FlG. 2. — Gad el la brocca sp, nov., holotype, 172.5 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1002). Stylaster seamount, southeast of

New Caledonia, 425-500 m depth, AZTEQUE, stn 7. — A: whole fish in left lateral view. — B: lateral view of head,

showing teeth on jaws. — C: ventral view of light organ.

DISTRIBUTION. — Known from five specimens, one taken on the Stylaster seamount southeast of

New Caledonia at 425-500 m depth (GRANDPERRIN et al. , 1990), and four off the central west coast of Grande

Terre, New Caledonia, at 790 m depth.

REMARKS. — Gadella brocca n. sp. differs in its dentition from other known species of the genus occurring

within the Indo-Pacific region: G. edelmanni (Brauer), G.filifer (Garman), G. norops Paulin, G. obscurus (Parin),

and G. jordani (Boehlke & Mead); G. brocca has a single row of large, irregular prominent teeth in both jaws

(Fig. 2B), all other species in the Indo-Pacific region have a band of villiform teeth in 4-9 rows (Paulin, 1989b).

The dentition of G. brocca is similar to that of G. imberbis (Vaillant) (Caribbean Sea and tropical Atlantic Ocean)

and G. maraldi (Risso) (Mediterranean Sea and Northeast Atlantic Ocean) (PAULIN, 1989b; COHEN et al ., 1990).

Gadella brocca differs from these two latter species in having a single row of caniniform teeth on both jaws (vs

bands of villiform teeth on both jaws, and some caniniform teeth only on upper jaws). Gadella brocca further

differs from G. maraldi in eye diameter (4.7-5.3% SL vs 6.8-7.9% SL). PAULIN (1989b: 130) distinguished two

groups of Gadella : Indo-Pacific species with small light organs, undifferentiated bands of villiform teeth, and

higher numbers of fin rays, vertebrae and scales; and Atlantic species with two rows of differentiated villiform and

caniniform teeth, lower meristic counts, and larger light organs. With the exception of its dentition, G. brocca falls

into the first group. However, its teeth are sufficiently different in configuration and position from those in the

Atlantic group to suggest independent origin.

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

Etymology. — From Latin broccus (projecting teeth) in reference to the prominent dentition.

Table 1. — Morphometric and meristic characters of type specimens of Gcuiella brocca sp. nov. from New Caledonia.

(D = damaged).

Holotype

Paratype

MNHN

NMNZ

MNHN

1995

-1002

P.31380

1995-1003

Min - Max

Standard length (mm)

172.5

143.0

131.5

127.0

100.0

100.0-172.5

Morphometric characters

in mm and % SL

Head length

45.6

26.4

27.0

18.8

25.5

19.4

25.0

19.6

17.3

17.3-26.4

Head width

30.5

17.7

18.5

13.2

14.3

10.8

14.5

11.4

11.1

10.8-17.7

Body depth

31.8

18.4

24.0

16.7

20.0

15.2

18.4

14.4

15.9

14.4-18.4

Caudal peduncle

2.9

1.7

1.8

1.2

1.7

1.2

1.3

1.0

1.4

1.0-1.7

depth

Orbit diameter

9.0

5.2

6.8

4.7

7.1

5.3

6.2

4.8

5.0

4.7-5.3

Interorbital width

14.9

8.6

7.3

5.1

7.0

5.3

6.6

5.1

6.4

5.1-8.6

Snout length

11.0

6.4

6.9

4.8

5.8

4.4

7.0

5.5

5.1

4.4-6.4

Maxilla length

27.1

15.7

13.5

9.4

12.1

9.2

12.5

9.8

9.6

9.2-15.7

Pectoral fin length

30.0

17.4

22.1

15.4

18.0

13.6

21.1

16.5

17.6

13.6-17.6

Pelvic fin length

14.4

8.3

7.8

5.4

5.1

4.0

4.0-8.3

Longest ray of D,

length

12.5

7.2

4.3

3.0

6.1

4.6

4.5

3.5

5.2

3.0-7.2

Longest ray of D 2

length

11.0

6.8

7.6

5.3

10.0

7.6

9.8

7.7

7.3

5.3-7.7

Longest anal fin

ray length

11.9

6.9

7.9

4.8

10.1

7.6

8.9

7.0

7.9

4.8-7.9

Predorsal length

48.5

28.1

35.0

24.4

35.0

26.6

26.8

21.1

24.4

21.1-28.1

Preanal length

62.1

36.0

40.5

28.3

38.5

29.2

42.6

33.5

35.0

28.3-36.0

Light organ diameter

1.0

0.6

0.9

0.6

0.8

0.6

0.6-0.6

Light organ -

interpclvic length

12.0

7.0

10.5

7.3

8.1

6.1

6.1-7.3

Meristic characters

First dorsal fin rays

1 +9

1+8

1 +9

1+8-9

Second dorsal fin rays

70-75

Anal fin rays

77-78

Pectoral fin rays

25-26

Pelvic fin rays

5-6

Gill rakers

4+10

4+12

3 + 9

4+10

3-4 + 9-12

Longitudinal scale rows

ca. 90

ca. 94

ca. 90 - ca. 94

Vertebrae (excl. ural centra)

55-57

Source: MNHN , Paris

M0R1D CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

Gadella nor ops Paulin, 1987

Fig. 3

Gadella norops Paulin, 1987: 75 (original description, Port Hedland. Western Australia); 1989b: 101, figs 4-5 (description).

Material EXAMINED. — 6 specimens, 193.5-268.0 mm SL.

Norfolk Ridge. Beryx 2: stn 18, 24°56.4'S, 168°21.0’E (Seamount "B”). 564-586 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. “ A!is ”,

30 October 1990: 1 specimen (NMNZ-P.27491)*.

Azteque: sin 1, 23°13.3’S, 168°04.6’E (Azteque Seamount), 290-460 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. “ Alis ”, 12 February

1990: 2 specimens (MNHN 1995-1004). — Stn 4, 23°42.5'S, 168°01.2*E (Jumeaux seamount), 235-400 m depth, otter trawl.

13 February 1990: 3 specimens (MNHN 1995-1005).

DIAGNOSIS. — A species of Gadella with a band of villiform teeth in both upper and lower jaws; light organ

small; dorsal Fin not elongate; second dorsal fin rays 70-77 (cf. 72-77, Paulin, 1987); width of interorbital 6.8-

10.7% SL (cf. greater than 7.9% SL PAULIN, 1987).

Fig. 3. —Gadella norops Paulin, 1987, specimen of 228 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27491), seamount “B”, southeast of

New Caledonia. 564-586 m depth. Beryx 2, stn 18.

Description. — Body elongate, compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin of second dorsal fin. Snout

broad, rounded, longer than diameter of eye. Teeth villiform, in bands on upper and lower jaws. First dorsal fin

origin behind pectoral insertion, first ray minute, second longest. Second dorsal commences immediately behind

first, height greatest at posterior. Anal fin commences immediately behind anus, height only slightly depressed

along middle of its length, greatest height of fin posteriorly (around rays 60-65). Caudal fin rounded. Pelvic fins

reaching beyond anus to about tenth anal fin ray.

Measurements (in mm, % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 193.5-268.0; head length 39.8-58.3 (21.4-28.6),

width 23.1-39.8 (10.7-17.0); body depth 30.0-51.2 (12.7-21.8); caudal peduncle depth 3.1-5.1 (1.4-2.1); orbit

diameter 8.3-10.6 (3.5-4.5); interorbital width 16.1-28.7 (6.8-10.7); snout length 13.4-18.8 (5.6-8.1); maxilla

length 24.5-31.1 (10.6-13.2); length of pectoral fin 33.2-50.6 (16.9-19.4); length of pelvic fin 33.8-57.2 (14.8-

21.3); length of longest ray of first dorsal 8.0-21.0 (3.3-8.9), second 19.2-29.2 (8.9-12.6); length of longest ray of

anal fin 17.1-25.1 (7.7-9.7); predorsal length 55.2-66.8 (25.1-28.5); preanal length 65.0-85.2 (28.7-36.4).

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

Meristics. First dorsal fin rays i + 8-9; second dorsal fin rays 70-76; anal fin rays 70-73; pectoral fin rays 19-

23; pelvic fin rays 5-6; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series ca. 127-129; gill rakers 4-5 + 10-13; vertebrae 59-

61.

Coloration (from fresh and frozen specimens). Lower head and abdomen dark blue-black, sides silvery, dorsal

surface dark tan, fins pinkish.

Coloration (from preserved specimens). Body pale tan with darker scale pockets, lower head and abdomen

dark blue-black, silvery patch at pectoral insertion, fins pale tan to dusky.

Distribution. — Gadella norops is the most widely distributed species in the genus Gadella and is known

from scattered locations in the Indo-Pacific region, occurring from the Mascarene Ridge off India, to Australia,

New Caledonia and New Zealand at 200-750 m depth (Paulin, 1989b).

REMARKS. — Gadella norops can be distinguished from the sympatric C. brocca by its dentition consisting of

bands of villiform teeth in both jaws, rather than a single row of large irregular can ini form teeth.

Genus LAEMONEMA Gunther in Johnson, 1862

Laemonema Gunther in Johnson, 1862: 171 (neuter, type species Laemonema robustum Johnson by monotypy).

Diagnosis. — Morid fishes with blunt spindle shaped otoliths (Fig. 1C); two dorsal fins, the first short based,

the second and the single anal fin long based; no ventral light organ; pelvic fins reduced to two long rays.

Remarks. — A poorly known genus that is probably polyphyletic; comprising 18 poorly known species that

are benthopelagic on continental slopes and oceanic ridges in tropical and temperate seas worldwide; some with

limited distributions (PAULIN, 1989a; COHEN eta!., 1990).

Laemonema filodorsale Okamura, 1982

Fig. 4

Laemonema filodorsale Okamura, 1982: 133, pi. 82 (original description, Kyushu-Palau Ridge, Pacific Ocean).

Material EXAMINED. — Norfolk Ridge. Beryx 2: stn 3. 24°55.2 , S, 168°21.0'E (Seamount “B”), 561-588 m depth,

otter trawl. R. V. “Alis'\ 24 October 1990: 1 specimen, 231 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27423)*.

Diagnosis. — A species of Laemonema with enlarged conical teeth in outer series of both jaws; snout scaled

dorsally; two dorsal fins separated at base, second dorsal ray prolonged: pelvic fins barely reaching anus; 51-56

second dorsal fin rays.

Description. — Body elongate, compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin of second dorsal fin. Snout

broad, rounded, slightly shorter than diameter of eye. Barbel present on chin. Teeth villiform, in bands on jaws,

a small rounded patch on vomer. First dorsal fin origin behind pectoral insertion, first ray minute, second longest,

about two thirds length of head. Second dorsal commences immediately behind first, height more or less uniform

throughout its length. Anal fin commences immediately behind anus, height depressed along middle of its length.

Caudal fin slightly rounded. Pelvic fins reduced to two long rays, just reaching to level of anus.

Measurements (in mm. % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 231.0; head length 61.4 (26.5), width 37.0

(16.0); body depth 53.1 (22.9); caudal peduncle depth 5.6 (2.4); orbit diameter 16.4 (7.1); interorbital width 8.6

(3.7); snout length 12.4 (5.3); maxilla length 29.5 (12.7); length of pectoral fin 45.8 (19.8); length of pelvic fin

Source:

MORID CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

53.4 (23.1); length of longest ray of first dorsal 44.1 (19.0), second 20.5 (8.8); length of longest ray of anal fin 21.0

(9.0); predorsal length 68.0 (29.4); preanal length 110.0 (47.6).

Meristics. First dorsal fin rays 1 + 5; second dorsal fin rays 54; anal fin rays 51; pectoral fin rays 25; pelvic fin

rays 2; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series 127; gill rakers 5+14; vertebrae 52.

Coloration (from fresh and frozen specimens). Head and body pale pink, darker pink along midline and around

suboperculum, remaining scale pockets dark greyish brown. First dorsal fin greyish black with the first ray white;

second dorsal fin greyish black with thin band of white marginally; anal fin dark grey, pale pink anteriorly, basally

and at margin; caudal fin dark grey with thin white margin; pectoral fin dark grey, rays with reddish lips.

Coloration (from preserved specimens). Head and body pale, snout and orbit brown. Fins brownish with pale

margins.

Fig. 4. — Laemonema filodorsale Okamura, 1982, specimen of 231 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27423), seamount "E”, southeast of

New Caledonia, 561-588 m depth, Bkryx 2, stn 3.

Distribution. — Laemonema filodorsale has an anti-equatorial distribution in the western Pacific Ocean; it is

known from a small number of specimens taken on the Kyushu-Palau Ridge (Okamura, 1982) and off

New Caledonia (this study) at 336-710 m depth.

Remarks. — Okamura (1982) noted this species occurred sympatrically with L. palauense , but at different

depths. However, the depth ranges given by OKAMURA and those found during the present study show great

overlap between the two species (e.g., L filodorsale 336-710 m, cf. L. palauense 210-753 m). The two species

require critical comparison when additional specimens are collected. This is the first record of the species from

New Caledonia.

iMemonema palauense Okamura, 1982

Fig. 5

Laemonema palauense Okamura. 1982: 137, pi. 83 (original description. Kyushu-Palau Ridge, Pacific Ocean).

Laemonema palauense: RlVATON et ai, 1989: 52 (listed).

Material EXAMINED. — 8 specimens, 77.6-276.0 mm SL.

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

New Caledonia. BlOCAL, stn CP 84, 20°43.49’S, 167°00.27’E (north of Lifou Island), 150-210 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. “Jean Charcot ”, 6 September 1985: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1006)*.

MUSORSTOM 4: stn CP 172, 19°01.20’S, 163°16.00’E (off Belep Islands, north of New Caledonia), 275-330 m depth, beam

trawl, R. V. " Vauban", 17 September 1995: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1007)*. — Stn CP 238, 22°13.00 , S, 167°14.00’E (off

Grande Terre, southeast New Caledonia), 500-510 m depth, beam trawl, 2 October 1985: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1008)*.

Norfolk Ridge. Smib 3: stn CP 4, 24°54.00*S, 168°21.5*E (seamount "B”), 530 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. Vauban ”, 20

May 1987: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1009)* . — Stn DW 7, 24°54.6’S, 168°2I.3'E (seamount "B"), 505 m depth. Warcn

dredge, 21 May 1987: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1010)*.

Beryx 3: stn 9, 24°43.29 , S, 170°07.52'E (seamount "K"), 719-753 m depth, bottom longline. R. V. “ Alis ”, 5 December

1991: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1011)*.

Beryx 11: stn 8. 24°52.6’S, 168°2l.6’E (seamount “B"), 540-570 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. “Alis", 5 October 1992:

2 specimens (NMNZ-P. 29057)*.

Diagnosis. — A species of Laemonema with enlarged teeth in outer series of both jaws; snout naked dorsally;

two dorsal tins joined by membrane at base, second dorsal ray slightly prolonged; pelvic fins reaching beyond

anus; 61-65 second dorsal fin rays.

Fig. 5. — Laemonema palauense Okamura. 1982, specimen of 267 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1011), seamount "K” southeast of

New Caledonia, 719-753 m depth, Beryx 3, stn 9.

Description. - Body elongate, compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin of second dorsal fin. Snout

broad, rounded, slightly shorter than diameter of eye. Barbel present on chin. Teeth villiform, in bands on jaws,

a small rounded patch on vomer. First dorsal fin origin behind pectoral insertion, first ray minute, second longest,

about half length of head. Second dorsal commences immediately behind first, height more or less uniform

throughout its length. Anal fin commences immediately behind anus, height depressed along middle of its length.

Caudal fin slightly rounded. Pelvic fins reduced to two long rays, reaching to beyond level of anus.

Measurements (in mm, % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 77.6-267.0; head length 18.6-68.4 (23.9-25.6).

width 9.7-39.1 (12.5-14.6); body depth 13.4-68.2 (17.2-25.5); caudal peduncle depth 2.0-6.5 (1.8-2.4); orbit

diameter 4.7-17.6 (5.6-6.S); interorbital width 3.2-9.1 (3.9-4.1); snout length 5.7-14.5 (6.3-7.2); maxilla length 9 1-

32.3 (10.9-14.1); length of pectoral fin 15.7-46.5 (17.7-20.3); length of pelvic fin 20.5-57.6 (23.4-26.4)- length of

longest ray of first dorsal 6.1-41.4 (7.8-18.1), second 6.0-22.8 (7.7-10.0); length of longest ray of anal fin 5 1 -17 6

(6.5-7.7); prcdorsal length 22.2-67.8 (26.7-29.7); preanal length 29.5-110.0 (38.0-48.2).

Meristics. First dorsal fin rays 1 + 4-5; second dorsal fin rays 61-63; anal fin rays 59-63; pectoral fin rays 22-

23; pelvic fin rays 2; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series ca. 115- ca. 118; gill rakers 4 + 16-18; vertebrae 52-

Source:

M0R1D CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

Coloration (from preserved specimens). Head and body uniform pale tan, abdomen faintly silvery; snout and

remaining scale pockets brown. Vertical fins pale except for dark brown margin on dorsal, caudal and posterior

two thirds of anal; paired fins colourless.

DISTRIBUTION . — Laemonema palauense is known from the western Pacific Ocean from two disjunct, anti-

equatorial, populations on the Kyushu-Palau Ridge (OKAMURA, 1982) and off New Caledonia (Rivaton et al .,

1989; this study) at 210-753 m depth.

Remarks. — See Laemonema filodorsale.

Genus LEPIDION Swainson, 1838

Lepidion Swainson, 1838: 318 (neuter, type species Gadus lepidion Risso by monotypy).

DIAGNOSIS. — Morid fishes with blunt otoliths with a cup shaped expansion of the crista inferior (Fig. I A);

chin barbel present; longest ray of first dorsal fin enlarged, greater than length of head; anal fin deeply indented at

mid-length; light organ absent.

Remarks. — Nine poorly known species recognized, benthopelagic at 500-1,200 m depth in temperate and

subtropical waters of all oceans (Paulin, 1983; 1989a; Cohen et al., 1990).

Lepidion inosimae (Gunther, 1887)

Fig. 6

Haloporphyrns inosimae Gunther, 1887: 92, fig. 92 (original description, Inosimae. Japan).

Lepidion inosimae : Paulin, 1989: 59 (synonymy, description). — Paxton & Hanley. 1989: 300 (synonymy, first Australian

record).

Material examined. — 2 specimens, 425.0-605.0 mm SL.

Norfolk Ridge. Stn 21-2, 24°44’S, 170°06.0'E. 805 m depth, bottom longline, F. V. “Humbold", 11 June 1991:

1 specimen. 605.0 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1012).

Beryx 3: stn 8, 24°44.5'S, 170°08.8’E (seamount "K”, southeast of New Caledonia). 797-800 m depih. bottom longline,

R. V. “Alis", 4 December 1991: 1 specimen, 425 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1013).

DIAGNOSIS. — A species of Lepidion with more than 200 oblique scale rows in longitudinal series, and teeth on

vomer in a rounded patch.

Description. — Body elongate, compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin of second dorsal fin. Snout

broad, rounded, slightly longer than diameter of eye. Barbel present on chin. Teeth villiform, a rounded patch on

vomer. First dorsal fin origin behind pectoral insertion, first ray minute, second longest, greater than length of

head. Second dorsal commences immediately behind first, height more or less uniform throughout its length. Anal

fin commences immediately behind anus, height depressed along middle of its length. Caudal fin truncated. Pelvic

fins not reaching anus.

Measurements (in mm, % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 425.0-605.0; head length 108.5-158.4 (25.5-

26.1), width 61.2-93.1 (14.4-15.3); body depth 85.0-148.5 (20.0-24.5); caudal peduncle depth 12.0-19.5 (2.8-3.2);

orbit diameter 22.1- 28.4 (4.6-5.2); interorbital width 17.6-34.5 (4.1-5.7); snout length 30.5-47.6 (7.1-7.8); maxilla

length 51.5-74.1 (12.1-12.2); length of pectoral fin 63.0-88.0 (14.5-14.8); length of pelvic fin broken- 155.0 (25.6);

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

length of longest ray of first dorsal 205.0-240.0 (39.6-48.2), second 38.5-51.0 (8.4-9.0); length of longest ray of

anal fin 37.5-54.0 (8.8-8.9); predorsal length 107.5-134.0 (22.1-25.2); preanal length 200.0-300.0 (47.0-49.5).

Meristics. First dorsal fin rays 1 + 5; second dorsal fin rays 55-58; anal fin rays 49-52; pectoral fin rays 21;

pelvic fin rays 7; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series ca. 201-208; gill rakers 3-4 + 8-11; vertebrae 56-58.

Coloration (from preserved specimens). Head and body greyish, slightly paler ventrally; vertical fins dark

distally; tip of snout, lips and branchiostegal membranes black.

Fig. 6. — Lepidion inosimae (Gunther, 1887), specimen of 605 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1012), seamount “K”, southeast of

New Caledonia, 805 m depth, F.V. “Humboldt", 1991, stn 21-2.

Distribution. — Lepidion inosimae has an anti-equatorial distribution in the west Pacific Ocean. It has been

recorded from the northwest Pacific in Sagami Bay, Japan, at the Ramapo Bank south of Japan, and on the

Emperor Seamounts (Nakaya et al ., 1980). In the southwest Pacific it is known in southeast Australian waters

(Paxton & Hanley, 1989), New Zealand waters north of the Chatham Rise (Paulin, 1984; 1990) and off

New Caledonia (the present study).

Remarks. — With the exception of L schmidti , the very small scales distinguish this species from other

species of the genus in the Indo-Pacific region. Lepidion inosimae can be distinguished from L. schmidti by

a rounded (vs triangular) patch of villiform teeth on the vomer. This is the first record of the species from

New' Caledonia. Lepidion inosimae can exceed 2 m in length and is the largest species in the family (PAULIN,

1989a).

Genus MORA Risso, 1826

Mom Risso. 1826: 224 (feminine, type species Mora mediterranea Risso by monotypy).

DIAGNOSIS. Morid fishes with blunt otoliths with a cup shaped expansion of the crista inferior and a greatly

expanded anterior end; anal fin greatly depressed along the middle of its length and often divided into two fins

(Paulin, 1983).

Remarks. — A monoiypic genus with a single widespread species recognized.

Source:

MORID CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

Mora moro (Risso, 1810)

Fig. 7

Gadus moro Risso, 1810: 116 (original description. Mediterranean Sea).

Mora pacifica Waite, 1914: 128 (original description. Kaikoura, New Zealand).

Mora dannevigi Whitley, 1948: 82 (original description. Great Australian Bight).

Mora moro : Paulin. 1983: 112 (synonymy, description, fig.). — Paxton & Hanley. 1989: 301 (synonymy).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 2 specimens. 370-520 mm SL.

Norfolk Ridge. Bf.ryx 3: stn 9. 24°43.3’S, 170°07.5*E (seamount "K”, southeast of New Caledonia). 719-753 m depth,

bottom longlinc. R. V. “Alis". 5 December 1991: 1 specimen, 370 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1014).

Beryx 5: stn 1. 24°54.3’S, 168°21.rE (seamount *‘B”. southeast of New Caledonia). 597-625 m depth, bottom longlinc,

R. V. ‘‘Alis". 29 January 1992: 1 specimen. 520 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1015)*.

Diagnosis. — As for genus.

Fig. 7. — Mora moro (Risso, 1810), specimen of 520 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1015). seamount "B", southeast of

New Caledonia, 597-625 m depth. Beryx 5, stn 1.

Description. — Body elongate, rounded, slightly compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin ol second

dorsal fin. Snout broad, rounded, shorter than diameter of eye. A small barbel present on chin. Teeth villiform,

a rounded patch on vomer. First dorsal fin origin behind pectoral insertion, first ray minute, second longest, less

than length of head. Second dorsal commences immediately behind first, height more or less uniform throughout

its length. Anal fin commences immediately behind anus, height depressed along middle of its length and often

divided into two separate fins. Caudal I in truncated. Pelvic fins not reaching anus.

Measurements (in mm, % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 370.0-520.0; head length 92.5-131.5 (25.0-25.2),

width 60.0-86.9 (16.2-16.7); body depth 101.0-145.0 (27.2-27.8); caudal peduncle depth 11.1-24.0 (3.0-4.6); orbit

diameter 37.5-44.6 (10.1-8.5); interorbital width 17.9-27.5 (4.8-5.2); snout length 21.3-31.8 (5.7-6.1); maxilla

length 46.7-67.0 (12.6-13.4); length of pectoral fin 68.5-94.4 (18.5-18.1); length ol pelvic tin 58.2-49.0 (15.7-9.4):

length of longest ray of first dorsal 45.1 -59.3 (12.1-11.4), second 32.1 -43.1 (8.6-8.2); length of longest ray of first

anal fin 43.0-55.5 (11.6-10.6), second 41.2-43.7 (11.1-8.4); predorsal length 114.6-180.0 (30.9-34.6); preanal

length 188.0-256.0(50.8-49.2).

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

Meristics . First dorsal fin rays 1 + 8; second dorsal fin rays 49-51; first anal Fin rays 15-16; second anal fin rays

19; caudal fin with 8-9 dorsal procurrent rays, 19-20 branched rays, and 10-12 ventral procurrent rays; pectoral fin

rays 21; scale rows in transverse series 6-7 + (1) + 18-17; vertebrae 51.

Coloration (from preserved specimens). Head and body pale grey with darker flecks on edges of scale pockets.

Fins with pale brow'n membranes. Buccal cavity pale, branchial cavity black.

DISTRIBUTION. — Mora moro is widely distributed in temperate and subtropical waters outside the South

Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans; it is known from the Mediterranean Sea, Northwest Atlantic Ocean, Southern

Indian Ocean south of Madagascar, the South Pacific Ocean off Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand and off

Chile (Paulin, 1983; Paxton & Hanley, 1989; Cohen et al., 1990; this study).

REMARKS — Mora moro has previously been recorded in the South Pacific Ocean as M. pacifica Waite

(New Zealand and Chile) and M. dannevigi Whitley (Australia), but these have been shown to be synonyms of

Mora moro by PAULIN (1983). This is the first record of the species from New Caledonia, and is the most northern

locality known in the Southern Hemisphere.

Genus PHYSICULUS Kaup, 1858

Physiculus Kaup, 1858: 88 (masculine, type species Physiculus dalwigki Kaup by monotypy).

Diagnosis. — Morid fishes with pointed, spindle shaped otoliths (Fig. ID); anus in advance of anal fin origin;

a ventral light organ placed between pelvic fin insertions and anus.

Remarks. — The most speciose morid genus with over 31 species recognized; found in tropical and warm

temperate waters of all oceans, many species confined to seamounts, submarine ridges or island chains in the

Pacific region (Paulin, 1989b; COHEN et ai, 1990: 351).

Physiculus longifilis Weber, 1913

Fig. 8

Physiculus longifilis Weber, 1913: 58 (original description, Flores Sea. Indonesia).

Material EXAMINED. — 1 specimen, 76.1 mm SL.

New Caledonia. Bathus 1: stn 711,21°43.00’S, 166 0 35.7FE (off central east New Caledonia), 320 m depth, R. V. “A//V\

19 March 1993: 1 specimen. 76.1 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1016)*.

DIAGNOSIS. — A species of Physiculus with a moderately small light organ placed slightly closer to anus than

level of pelvic tin insertion, distance between rear margin of light organ and anus slightly more than diameter of

light organ (Fig. 8B); ventral fins long, reaching to mid point of anal fin (Paulin, 1989b).

Description. — Body elongate, compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin of second dorsal fin. Snout

broad, rounded, slightly shorter than diameter ol eye. Barbel present on chin. Teeth villi form, equal sized, vomer

without teeth. First dorsal fin origin behind pectoral insertion, first ray minute, third or fourth ray longest but only

slightly longer than other rays. Second dorsal commences immediately behind first, height less than that of first

dorsal and more or less uniform throughout its length. Anal fin commences a short distance behind anus, height

only slightly depressed along middle of its length. Caudal fin truncated to slightly rounded. Pelvics reaching to

midpoint of anal fin. Ventral light organ moderately small, in advance of anus and placed closer to anus than level

of pelvic fin insertions.

Source:

MORID CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

Measurements (in mm, % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 76.1; head length 21.5 (28.2), width 12.1 (15.9);

body depth 14.5 (19.0); caudal peduncle depth 2.2 (2.8); orbit diameter 3.8 (4.9); interorbital width 5.5 (7.2); snout

length 5.6 (7.3); maxilla length 10.0 (13.1); length of pectoral fin 12.0 (15.7); length of pelvic fin 40.1 (52.6);

length of longest ray of first dorsal 7.2 (9.4), second 4.5 (5.9); predorsal length 21.5 (27.8); preanal length 27.6

(36.2); diameter of light organ 0.9 (0.06); distance from light organ to interpelvic line 9.5 (6.3).

Meristics. First dorsal fin rays 1 + 6; second dorsal fin rays 59; anal fin rays 63; pectoral fin rays 24; pelvic fin

rays 6; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series ca. 75; scales between origin of first dorsal fin and lateral line 6;

gill rakers 3 + 9; vertebrae 51.

Coloration (from preserved specimen). Head and body pale pinkish tan, abdomen bluish. Branchiostcgal

membranes, snout, orbit rim and remaining scale pockets brown. Vertical fins dusky near tips, axil of pectoral fin

dark brown. Light organ and anus black.

Fig. 8. —Physiculus longifilis Weber, 1913, specimen of 76.1 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1016), off central east coast.

New Caledonia, 320 m depth, BATHUS, stn 711. — A: whole fish in left lateral view. — B: ventral view of light organ.

DISTRIBUTION. — Physiculus longifilis is known from Indonesia and northern Australia at 250 m depth

(PAULIN, 1989b); it is now also known from off New' Caledonia (this study).

Remarks. — This study extends the known range of P. longifilis in the western Pacific Ocean into

New Caledonian waters; it is expected that the species will occur on other slope areas and possibly seamounts in

the area.

Physiculus luminosus Paulin, 1983

Fig. 9

Physiculus luminosa Paulin, 1983: 96. fig. 11 (original description, between Alderman & Red Mercury Islands, New Zealand).

Physiculus luminosa : PAULIN, 1989b: 115, fig. 14 (description, distribution). — Paxton & Hanley, 1989: 301 (synonymy,

distribution).

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 1 specimen, 176 mm SL.

New Caledonia. 20°50.0‘S, 165°15.0’E (Grande Passe Touho, east coast of Grande Terre), 400-440 m depth, F. V. “Dar

Mad", 17 March 1986: 1 specimen, 176 mm SL(MNHN 1995-1017)*.

DIAGNOSIS. — A species of Physiculus with a large light organ placed adjacent to the level of pelvic tin

insertion, distance between rear margin of light organ and anus approximately equal to twice diameter of light

organ (Fig. 9B); 11-16 scales between origin of first dorsal fin and lateral line (Paulin, 1989b).

Fig. 9 .—Physiculus luminosus Paulin, 1983, specimen of 176 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1017), Grande Passe Touho,

New Caledonia, 400-440 m depth, F. V. "Dar Mad ", 1986. —A: whole fish in left lateral view. — B: ventral view of

light organ.

Description Body elongate, compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin of second dorsal fin. Snout

broad, rounded, slightly shorter than diameter of eye. Barbel present on chin. Teeth villiform, equal sized, vomer

without teeth. First dorsal fin origin behind pectoral insertion, first ray minute, third or fourth ray longest but only

slightly longer than other rays. Second dorsal commences immediately behind first, height less than that of first

dorsal and more or less uniform throughout its length. Anal fin commences a short distance behind anus, height

only slightly depressed along middle of its length. Caudal fin truncated to slightly rounded. Pelvics reaching to

midway between anus and anal fin. Ventral light organ large, well in advance of anus and placed close to level of

pelvic fin insertions.

Measurements (in mm, % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 176.0; head length 46.9 (26.6), width 34.0

(19.3) ; body depth 31.8 (18.0); caudal peduncle depth 4.4 (2.5); orbit diameter 10.6 (6.0); interorbital width 10.4

(5.9); snout length 13.5 (7.6); maxilla length 22.9 (13.0); length of pectoral fin 29.1 (16.5); length of pelvic fin

25.2 (14.3); length of longest ray of first dorsal 21.4 (12.1), second 16.6 (9.4); length of longest ray of anal fin 14.7

(8.3) ; predorsal length 54.1 (30.7); preanal length 72.0 (40.9); diameter of light organ 5.6 (3.1); distance from light

organ to interpelvic line 1.1 (0.6).

Mehstics. First dorsal fin rays 1 + 7; second dorsal fin rays 64; anal fin rays 68; pectoral fin rays 25; pelvic fin

rays 6; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series ca. 115; scales between origin of first dorsal fin and lateral line 12;

gill rakers 4 + 10; vertebrae 54.

Source: MNHN. Paris

MORID CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

Coloration (from preserved specimen). Head and body pale pinkish tan, abdomen bluish. Branchiostegal

membranes, snout, orbit rim and remaining scale pockets brown. Vertical fins dusky near tips, axil of pectoral fin

dark brown. Light organ and anus black.

Distribution . — Physiculus luminosus is known from the South Pacific Ocean, and has been recorded off

South America on the Nasca Ridge, in the central South Pacific on the Austral Ridge, and in the Southwest Pacific

off northern New Zealand and eastern Australia (Queensland and New South Wales) at 130-640 m depth (Paulin,

1989b; PAXTON & Hanley, 1989); it is now also known from off New Caledonia (this study).

Remarks. — This study extends the known range of P. luminosus in the western Pacific Ocean into

New Caledonian waters. Physiculus luminosus inhabits shelf and slope areas off Australia and New Zealand,

within the New Caledonian EEZ it has only been collected on the slope of the main island of New Caledonia.

Further survey work is required to help establish whether the species is confined to the main island slope or

extends on to offshore seamounts where its congener, P. therosideros , is particularly common (see below).

Physiculus roseus Alcock, 1891

Fig. 10

Physiculus roseus Alcock, 1891: 18 (original description, Andaman sea).

Physiculus roseus: Paulin, 1989b: 123 (description, distribution). — PAXTON & Hanley, 1989: 302 (synonomy, distribution).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 2 specimens, 83.8-85.0 mm SL.

New Caledonia. Bathus 1: stn 657, 21°14.45 , S, 165°54.93’E (off central west coast of Grande Terre), 510 m depth, beam

trawl, R. V. "Alis”, 12 March 1993: 2 specimens, 83.8-85.0 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1018)*.

Diagnosis. — A species of Physiculus with a moderately large light organ placed slightly closer to the level of

pelvic fin insertion than anus, distance between rear margin of light organ and anus slightly more than one and a

half times diameter of light organ (Fig. 10B); 90-95 scale rows in longitudinal series; 8 scales between origin of

first dorsal fin and lateral line; 46-49 vertebrae (Paulin, 1989b).

DESCRIPTION. — Body elongate, compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin of second dorsal fin. Snout

broad, rounded, about equal to diameter of eye. Barbel present on chin. Teeth villiform. equal sized, vomer

without teeth. First dorsal fin origin behind pectoral insertion, first ray minute, third or fourth ray longest but only

slightly longer than other rays. Second dorsal commences immediately behind first, height less than that of first

dorsal and more or less uniform throughout its length. Anal fin commences a short distance behind anus, height

only slightly depressed along middle of its length. Caudal fin truncated to slightly rounded. Pelvics reaching to

about sixth ray of anal fin. Ventral light organ large, and placed slightly closer to level of pelvic fin insertions than

anus.

Measurements (in mm, % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 83.8-85.0; head length 22.6-22.8 (26.5-27.2),

width 11.3(13.4); body depth 11.0-13.3 (12.9-15.8); caudal peduncle depth 1.6-1.9 (1.9-2.2); orbit diameter 5.2-

5.6 (6.2-6.5); interorbital width 4.5-4.6 (5.3-5.4); snout length 5.5-6.1 (6.5-7.1); maxilla length 9.7-10.6 (11.4-

12.6); length of pectoral fin 12.0-14.4 (14.3-16.9); length of pelvic fin 10.8-13.5 (12.1-12.7); length of longest ray

of first dorsal 10.2-10.8 (12.1-12.7), second 7.1-7.5 (8.4-8.8); predorsal length 24.0-24.2 (28.4-28.6); preanal

length 30.0-30.6 (35.7-36.0); diameter of light organ 1.2-1.4 (1.4-1.6); distance from light organ to interpelvic line

10 . 6 - 11 . 6 ( 11 . 6 - 12 . 6 ).

Meristics. First dorsal fin rays 1 + 8-9; second dorsal fin rays 59-65; anal fin rays 66-67; pectoral fin rays 24-

25; pelvic fin rays 6; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series ca. 90-93; scales between origin of first dorsal fin

and lateral line 8; gill rakers 3 + 10-11; vertebrae 47-48.

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

Coloration (from preserved specimen). Head and body pale pinkish lan, abdomen bluish. Branchiostegal

membranes, snout, orbit rim and remaining scale pockets brown. Vertical fins dusky near tips, axil of pectoral fin

dark brown. Light organ and anus black.

Fig. 10. — Physic ulus roseus Alcock, 1891, specimen of 83.8 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1018), off central east coast,

New Caledonia, 510 m depth, Bathus 1, stn 657. — A: whole fish in left lateral view. — B: ventral view of light organ.

Distribution. — Physiculus roseus is known from throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the Bay of Bengal

in the eastern Indian Ocean to western Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the south China Sea, at 300-

510 m depth (Paulin, 1989b; PAXTON & HANLEY, 1989); it is now also known from off New Caledonia (this

study).

REMARKS. — This study extends the known range of P. roseus into New Caledonian waters; it is the most

easterly record for the species and the first record for New Caledonia.

Physiculus therosideros Paulin, 1987

Fig. 11. Table 2

Physiculus therosideros Paulin, 1987: 76 (original description. New South Wales, Australia).

Physiculus therosideros:?\\)UU. 1989b: 126, figs 13-14 (description, distribution).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 112 specimens, 100.5-168.0 mm SL.

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 67, 24°55.44'S, 168°21.55’E (seamount “B"), 500 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. "Jean

Charcot", 3 September 1985: 11 specimens (MNHN 1995-1019)*. — Stn CP 108, 22°02.55 , S, 167°05.68'E (off Yale, Grande

Terre), 335 m depth, beam trawl. 9 September 1985: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1020)*.

MUSORSTOM 4: stn CP 213, 22°51.30 r S, 167°12.00’E (southern slope of Grande Terre), 405-430 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. "Vauban", 28 September 1985: 2 specimens (MNHN 1995-1021)*. — Stn CP 214, 22°53.80’S. 167°13.90 , E (southern

slope of Grande Terre), 425-440 m depth, beam trawl, 28 September 1985: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1022)*. — Stn CP 215,

MORID CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

22°55.70'S, 167°17.00’E (southern slope of Grande Terre), 485-520 m depth, beam trawl. 28 September 1985: 5 specimens

(MNHN 1995-1023)*. — stn CP 216. 22°59.50'S. I67°22.00'E (southern slope of Grande Terre). 490-510 m depth, beam

trawl, 29 September 1985: 5 specimens (MNHN 1995-1024)*.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CP 312. 22°17.20'S. 159°24.80’E (off Bellona Reefs, Bellona

Plateau), 315-320 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. "Coriolis”. 12 October 1986: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1025)*.

Norfolk Ridge. CHALCAL 2: stn CC 2. 24 Q 55.48’S, 168°2I.29'E (seamount "B"). 500-610 m depth, otter trawl,

R. V. "Coriolis". 28 October 1986: 14 specimens (MNHN 1995-1026)*. — Stn CP 25, 23°38.60’S. 167°43.12'E (Stylaster

seamount), 418 m depth, 30 October 1986: 6 specimens (MNHN 1995-1027)*.

Smib 3: stn CP 4, 24°54.00'S, I68°21.50’E (seamount "B"), 530 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. " Vauban", 20 May 1987:

9 specimens (MNHN 1995-1028).

Smib 4: stn DW 34, 24°55.00'S, 168°22.00'E (seamount "B"), 515 m depth. Waren dredge. R. V. "AUs". 7 March 1989:

2 specimens (MNHN 1995-1029)*. — Stn DW 36, 24°55.6 - S, 168°27.7'E (seamount "B"). 530 m depth, Waren dredge,

7 March 1989: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1030)*. — Stn DW 58, 22°59.8'S. 167°24.2'E (lie des Pins slope), 560 m depth.

Waren dredge. 9 March 1989: 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-1031)*.

AZTEQUE: sin 1, 23°13.3’S, I68°04.6'E (Aztfeque seamount), 290-460 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. " Alis". 12 February 1990:

6 specimens (MNHN 1995-1032). — Stn 4, 23°42.5'S, 168°01.2’E (Jumeaux seamount), 235-400 m depth, otter trawl.

13 February 1990: 4 specimens (MNHN 1995-1033). — Stn 7. 23°41.0S, 167° 45.8'E (Stylaster seamount), 425-500 m depth,

otter trawl. 14 February 1990: 11 specimens (MNHN 1995-1034). — Stn 11,22°54.8'S, 167°35.7'E (lie des Pins shelf), 340-

360 m depth, otter trawl, 15 February 1990: 2 specimens (MNHN 1995-1035).

BERYX 2: stn 4, 24°56.6'S. I68°21.8'E (seamount "B”). 580-590 m depth, otter trawl. R. V. "Alis", 24 October 1991:

1 specimen (NMNZ-P.27444)*. — Stn 5, 24°56.6'S, I68°21.1E (seamount "B"), 522-575 m depth, bottom trawl. 24 October

1991: 2 specimens (NMNZ-P.27453)*, and 3 specimens (NMNZ-P.27454)*.

BERYX 11: stn CP 8, 24°52.50'S, 168° 21.60’E (Seamount "B"). 540-570 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. "Alis". 15 October

1992: 24 specimens (NMNZ-P.29056)*.

Diagnosis. — A species of Physiculus with a large ventral light organ placed well behind the pelvic fin

insertions, distance between rear margin of light organ and anus approximately equal to diameter of light organ

(Fig. 1 IB); 8-11 scales between origin of first dorsal fin and lateral line.

DESCRIPTION. — Body elongate, compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin of second dorsal fin. Snout

broad, rounded, slightly shorter than diameter of eye. Barbel present on chin. Teeth villiform, those in the outer

series slightly larger, none on vomer. First dorsal lin origin behind pectoral insertion, first ray minute, third or

fourth ray longest, but not greatly exceeding length of other rays. Second dorsal commences immediately behind

first, height more or less equal to first and uniform throughout its length. Anal fin commences a short distance

behind anus, height only slightly depressed along middle of its length. Caudal fin truncated. Pelvics reaching well

beyond anus to about third anal fin ray. Ventral light organ large, placed a short distance behind level of pelvic fin

insertions.

Measurements (in mm, % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 100.5-168.0; head length 27.3-42.5 (23.9-27.1),

width 17.0-27.7 (13.2-17.9); body depth 16.5-28.0 (16.4-18.0); caudal peduncle depth 2.5-4.1 (1.8-2.6); orbit

diameter 7.4-9.4 (5.9-7.3); interorbital width 5.8-10.1 (4.6-6.4); snout length 7.6-12.3 (7.1-7.8); maxilla length

13.2-20.9 (10.5-13.3); length of pectoral fin 14.8-23.2 (13.7-14.7); length of pelvic fin 17.3-25.2 (15.1-17.2);

length of longest ray of first dorsal 6.9-11.6 (6.8-7.5), second dorsal 6.7-11.1 (6.6-7.5); length ol longest ray of

anal fin 6.5-11.0 (6.4-7.0); prcdorsal length 32.0-48.0 (25.9-31.8); prcanal length 38.5-58.5 (37.3-38.3); diameter

of light organ 2.1-3.2 (2.0-2.2); distance from light organ to interpelvic line 2.5-4.0 (2.3-2.5).

Meristics. Frequency distributions of counts of dorsal fin rays, anal fin rays and vertebrae are given in Table 2.

First dorsal fin rays 1 + 5-7; second dorsal fin rays 63-73; anal fin rays 66-74; pectoral fin rays 22-25; pelvic fin

rays 5-6; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series ca. 125-128; scales between origin ol first dorsal fin and lateral

line 8-11; gill rakers 2-3 + 7-8; vertebrae 53-56.

Coloration (from fresh and frozen specimens). Head pinkish, top of head and snout brown; body pinkish,

silvery on sides and pectoral base, scale pockets brown dorsally, abdomen pale grey-blue; light organ black;

dorsal, anal and caudal fins pinkish red. with fine black margins; pectoral fin bright reddish pink, its base dark

brownish black; ventral fins pink, with a black insertion; light organ black.

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

(Museum of New Zealand) for her careful artwork in preparing the illustrations and Trevor Willis (Museum of

New Zealand) for radiography. Funding for visits by the authors to ORSTOM, Noumea, was provided by the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paris, assisted by the French Embassy. Wellington, and ORSTOM Centre de Noumea.

Support for this cooperative programme is gratefully acknowledged. Rene Grandperrin, Jacques Rivaton, and

Michel KULBICKI kindly gave us much friendly assistance during our visits to New Caledonia. We also thank

captain Michel LeBoulch, second captain Herve Le Houarno, the officers and crew of ORSTOM R. V. “Atis ”

for their skilled help in collecting fishes during exploratory fishing off New Caledonia. The manuscript benefited

from comments provided by Jacques Rivaton (who also provided the French "Resume"). Michel Kulbicki and

Bernard Seret.

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de Nice et des Alpes maritimes. Vol. 3. F. G. Levrault, Paris, pp. 97-480.

Rivaion, J., Fourmanoir, P., Bourret, P. & M. Kulbicki, 1989. — Catalogue des poissons de Nouvelle-CaI<5donie. Rapport

provisoire. Catalogue, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la mer. Biologic Mar.: 1-170.

Roberts, C. D. & C. D. Paulin, 1997. — First record of the Eucla cod, Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch (Teleostei

Paracanthopterygii, Euclichthyidae) from New Caledonia, southwest Pacific Ocean, with notes on morphological caractcrs.

In: S&RET, B. (ed.), Resultats des Campagnes Musorstom. Volume 17. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist. nat. 174 : 43-50.

Sazonov, Y. I. & Y. N. Shcherbachev, 1986. — (New species of three-dorsal-finned morid cod (Gadiformes, Moridae) from

the thalassic bathyal of the Southern Hemisphere], Zool. Zhurn., 65 (7): 1099-1103. (In Russian with English summary).

Sazonov, Y. I. & N. P. Pakhorukov. 1992. — Tripterophycis svetovidovi. new record for the Southern Atlantic J Ichlhyol

31 : 131-134. (Originally Voprosy ikhtiologii, 31 (4), 1991: 672-674, in Russian).

Swainson, W., 1838. — The natural history of fishes, amphibians and reptiles, or monocardian animals. Longman Orme

Brown. Green and Longmans, London. 2 volumes, 368 & 448 pp.

Waite, E. R., 1914. — Notes on New Zealand fishes No. 4. Trans. Proc. N. Z. Inst., 46: 127-131.

Weber, M., 1913. — Die Fische der Siboga Expedition. Siboga Rept. Leiden. 57: i-xii + 1-710.

Whitley, G. P. 1948. — Studies in ichthyology No. 13. Rec. Australian Mus., 22: 70-94.

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

Table 2. — Frequency distributions of counts of selected fin rays and vertebrae of Physiculus iherosideros Paulin, 1987, from

New Caledonia (total n = 52-56).

First

Second

Dorsal fin

62 63

67 68 69 70 71 72 73

0 1

9 6 7 15 3 1

Anal fin

69 70

12 9

Vertebrae

F \! 1 ' T ^r iCUl Vo!!'!Z Side I OS Paulm ‘ 1987 ' s P ecimen of 152 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27453), seamount "B", southeast of

New Caledonia, 580-590 m depth, Beryx 2, stn 4. - A: whole fish in left lateral view. - B: ventral view of light organ.

Coloration (from preserved specimens). Head and body pale tan, abdomen bluish. Branchiostegal membranes,

snout orbit nm and remaining scale pockets brown. Vertical fins with a black margin, insertion of pectoral fin

dark brown. Light organ and anus black.

distribution. - Physiculus iherosideros occurs in deep subtropical waters of the southwest Pacific Ocean. It

is known Irom ofl Queensland and New South Wales (Australia), Bellona Plateau, on Norfolk Ridge seamounts

and the lie des Pins region southeast of New Caledonia, and off the Kennadec Islands north of New Zealand at

83-610 m depth (PAULIN, 1987; 1989b; this study).

Source : MNHN. Paris

MORID CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

Remarks. — Physiculus therosideros was previously known only from eight specimens collected off Australia

and the Kermadec Islands, and one specimen from New Caledonia (Paulin, 1989b). The number of preserved

specimens examined in this study (n = 112) and the large numbers of fresh specimens observed in catches during

the Beryx 11 stations (specimens present in 17 out of 60 stations, with beam trawls containing up to 35

specimens, pers. obs.) indicate that this species is particularly common on seamounts south of New Caledonia. The

number of specimens examined enable a greater range of meristic variation to be described than previously

recorded, particularly in second dorsal and anal fin ray counts (Table 1): D 2 61-73, A 63-74 (cf. D 2 60-63, A 62-66

given by Paulin, 1987; 1989b). The ranges of fin ray counts are now known to be similar to those of P. luminosus

(D : 62-71, A 64-79), however, the species can be distinguished by the position of the light organ and number of

transverse scale rows.

Rivaton et al. (1989: 53) and Grandperrin et al. (1990: 18) recorded Physiculus peregrinus (Gunther) from

New Caledonia, a species only known from the Philippines area (PAULIN, 1989b). Examination of voucher

specimens collected during cruise AZTEQUE shows that this record is based on misidcnlifications of

P. therosideros. P. therosideros can be readily distinguished from P. peregrinus by counts of scales between base

of first dorsal fin and lateral line (11-14, vs 7-8) and gill rakers (2-3 + 7-8, vs 4 + 10-12).

Genus TRIPTEROPHYCIS Boulenger, 1902

Tripterophycis Boulenger, 1902: 335 (feminine, type species Tripterophycis gilchristi Boulenger by monotypy).

DIAGNOSIS. — Morid fishes with pointed, spindle shaped otoliths (Fig. IE); chin barbel present; three dorsal

fins (second dorsal divided into a high anterior portion and a low posterior portion); long-based anal fin; ventral

light organ present.

Remarks. — A genus of bcnlhopelagic morids containing two species, widespread in temperate and

subtropical waters of the Southern Hemisphere (COHEN et al., 1989: 378; Sazonov & PAKHORUKOV, 1992).

Tripterophycis svetovidovi Sazonov & Shcherbachev, 1986

Fig. 12

Tripterophycis svetovidovi Sazonov & Shcherbachev, 1986: 1099. fig. 1 (original description. Sala y Gomez Ridge, southeast

Pacific Ocean).

Tripterophycis sp:. Rivaton et al., 1989: 53 (listed).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 8 specimens. 167.5-234.0 mm SL.

Norfolk Ridge. Chalcal 2: stn CC 1, 24°54.96’S, 168°21.91'E (seamount “B”), 500-580 m depth, otter trawl.

R. V. " Coriolis ", 28 October 1986: 1 specimen, 196 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1036)*. — Stn CC 2. 24°25.48*S, I68°21.25'E

(seamount ”B"), 500-610 m depth, otter trawl. 28 October 1986: 1 specimen, 195 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1037)*.

Smib 3: stn CP 4, 24°54.0’S. 168° 21.5’E (seamount **B"), 530 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. **Vauban \ 20 May 1987:

1 specimen, 195 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1038). — Exact locality unknown (south of New Caledonia), beam trawl. May 1987:

1 specimen. 197 mm SUMNHN 1995-1039).

Beryx 2: stn 4, 24°56.6'S. 168°21.8’E (seamount "B"), 580-583 m depth, otter trawl. R. V. “Alis”, 24 October 1990:

2 specimens. 220-234 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27443)*.

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 67, 24°55.44'S. 168°2I.55’E (seamount “B”), 500 m depth, beam trawl, R. V “Jean

Charcot ", 3 September 1985: l specimen, 167 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1040)*.

DIAGNOSIS. — A species of Tripterophycis with conical teeth in lower jaw; 14-15 scales between origin of

second dorsal fin and lateral line; 217-225 oblique scale rows in longitudinal series; snout length 25.2-32.0% head

length.

CHRIS D. PAULIN & CLIVE D. ROBERTS

Fig. 12 .—Tripierophycis sveiovidovi Sazonov & Shcherbachev, 1986,

"B". southeast of New Caledonia, 220-234 m depth, Beryx 2, stn 4.

specimen of 216 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27443), seamount

DESCRIPTION. - Body elongate, compressed, greatest depth at origin of second dorsal fin. Snout broad,

rounded, slightly shorter than diameter of eye. Interorbital width less than diameter of eye. Minute barbel present

on chin. Teeth small, conical, in a single irregular series. First dorsal fin origin above pectoral insertion, first ray

minute, second longest. Second dorsal commences a short distance behind first, and divided into two portions: a

high anterior portion and a long low posterior portion. Anal fin commences a short distance behind anus height

not depressed along middle of its length. Caudal fin rounded. Pelvics reaching anus.

Measurements (in mm, % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 167.5-234.0; head length 27 6 36 5 (15 5-16 4)

width 18 1-23.6 (9.8-10.8); body depth 28.4-45.1 (16.9-19.2); caudal peduncle depth 3.5-5.6 (2 0-2 4)- orbit

^Tl ! r 4 r6 A 1 5i ( ^°' 5 ? ; r mter0rbital Wid ' h 7 - 2 ' 10 - 6 (4 M ' 5): snoul len = lh 7 - 8 ' 9 - 2 < 3 ' 9 - 4 - 6 >; maxilla length

2.5-'5.4 (6.6-7.4); length of pectoral fin 21.1-27.2 (11.6-12.5); length of pelvic fin 16.1-19.2 (7.S-9.6); length of

“I of f ' rsl dor sal fin 10.2-13.8 (5.7-6.3). second dorsal fin 30.0-42.1 (17.6-19.4), third dorsal fin 5.0-8.6

Ieng'th 45.2-59.*6 (23.1-2 6 39) * a " a ‘ ^ l5 - 1 ‘ 2l -° (8 - 4 - 9 - 0); pred ° rSal le "§ th 35 ' 5 - 44 - 3 <'7.0-21.1,; preanal

103 A 10? , ^', Fir f r° rSal fi " ra £ ' + 4 ' 5; SeC ° nd d ° rSal f ' n rayS l5 ' l7; third dorsal fin ra ys 35-41; anal fin rays

-105. pectoral tin rays 21-23; pelvic fin rays 5; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series 217-225' scales

between origin of second dorsal fin and lateral line 14-15; gill rakers 3+11-12; vertebrae 69-71

brown ZT" (f T frC ? 3nd , fr ° Zen SpedmenS )' Hcad silver y 0" sides, top and snout dark brown; body

browmsh grey; scale pockets on head and body brown; abdomen blue grey ventrally, becoming silvery laterally

fins bluetfv d“ C ° ndd0rsal fin basal| y- W«c grey in middle, black distally; third dorsal and anai

tins blue grey, distal tips of rays black; caudal and pectoral fins black.

abdnlTw°\ (f T P , reSerV ' d Specimens) ‘ Hcacl and bod y Pa'e tan with darker brown on snout and orbit

abdomen bluish with silvery sheen, fins dark blue-brown to black.

Sou^ IS AU i rn^ l ^cean 7 ^^ ,er ^h^^M i / VCWV *^ < D-a iaS ^ reC ° rded fr ° m thc Kit Ran S e and Rui-Grande Peak in the

off Au^trS and the Sala v C JT" o f ‘1 ^ S ° U,hem Indian 0ccan and in the Soutb Pacific Ocean

Australia and the Sala y Gomez Ridge off South America at 385-950 m depth (Parin 1985- Sazonov *

SHCHERBACHEV '986; Cohen « aL. ,990; Parin, ,991; Sazonov & Pakho^UKOV 992 ) 4s He first

iXn. WhCre l ° da,C " 3PPearS 10 ^ C ° nfmed 10 SCam ° Unt ” B ” <also known as

Source : MNHN. Paris

MORID CODS OF NEW CALEDONIA

Remarks. —Tripterophycis svetovidovi differs from its congener T. gilchristi Boulenger in having small,

irregular, conical teeth in the jaws (vs close set, chisel-shaped or incisorform teeth); scales between origin of

second dorsal fin and lateral line 14-15 (vs 11-12); and larger snout, its length 25.2-32.0% head length (vs 21.0-

25.0% head length) (Sazonov & Shcherbachev, 1986; Sazonov & Pakhorukov, 1992).

KEY TO MORID CODS RECORDED FROM NEW CALEDONIAN WATERS

(Note: Moridae distinguished from Euclichthyidae by having symmetrical anal and caudal fins)

1 Three dorsal fins present . Tripterophycis svetovidovi

1 ’ Two dorsal fins present .2

2 Ventral light organ present; dermal window visible as round black area

on belly (may be minute); abdomen deep bluish black in colour.3

T No ventral light organ; body colour variable; belly rarely bluish .8

3 Chin barbel present .4

3’ Chin barbel absent .7

4 Ventral fins long, reaching to midpoint of anal fin . Physiculus longifilis

4’ Ventral fins short, not reaching beyond origin of anal fin.5

5 Scale rows in longitudinal series 90-95; vertebrae 46-49 . Physiculus roseus

5’ Scale rows in longitudinal series 115-128; vertebrae 51-59.6

6 Light organ placed well behind level of insertion of pelvic fins; distance

between light organ and anus ca. equal to diameter of light organ;

-11 scales between first dorsal fin origin and lateral line. Physiculus therosideros

6’ Light organ close to level of pelvic fin insertion; distance between

light organ and anus approximately twice diameter of light organ;

11-16 scales between first dorsal fin origin and lateral line . Physiculus luminosus

7 Jaw teeth small, villiform, in bands; pectoral fin rays 19-23;

orbit diameter 3.5-4.5% SL . Gadella norops

T Jaw teeth large, canine-like, in a single row; pectoral fin rays 25-26;

orbit diameter 4.7-5.3% . Gadella brocca sp. nov.

8 Pelvic fins with two rays ...8'

8’ Pelvic fins with more than two rays, usually 5-7.9

9 Pelvic fins reaching beyond anus; 61-65 second dorsal fin rays;

57-62 anal fin rays . Laemonema palauense

9’ Pelvic fins not reaching anus; 51-56 second dorsal fin rays;

50-52 anal fins rays . iMemonema filodorsale

10 Prolonged ray of first dorsal fin greatly exceeding head length; anal fin

single; orbit diameter small, less than length of chin barbel. Lepidion inosimae

10' Longest ray of first dorsal not greatly exceeding length of head; anal fin

usually divided into wo; orbit diameter large, greater than length of barbel. Mora moro

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful to Bernard SERET (ORSTOM Paris) and Jacques RlVATON (ORSTOM Noumea) for the

opportunity to study New Caledonian morids held in their respective research collections. We thank Helen CASEY

\TS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM. VOLUME 17- RESULTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM, VOLUME 17- RESULTATS

First record of the Eucla cod,

Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch,

(Teleostei, Paracanthopterygii, Euclichthyidae)

from New Caledonia, southwest Pacific Ocean,

with notes on morphological characters

Clive D. ROBERTS

Chris D. PAULIN

Museum of New Zealand

"Te Papa Tongarewa”

P.O. Box 467, Wellington

New Zealand

ABSTRACT

The Australasian Eucla cod, Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch, family Euclichthyidae, is described for the first time from

the New Caledonian Exclusive Economic Zone where it appears to be restricted to seamount “B” (24°55’S, 168°21 ’E) on the

northern Norfolk Ridge southeast of New Caledonia. The Eucla cod is superficially very similar to morid cods (family

Moridae), but can be distinguished by a long filamentous pelvic fin with four to six distal elements, an unequally divided anal

fin, and an asymmetrical caudal fin.

ROBERTS, C. D. & C. D. Paulin, 1997. — First record of the Eucla cod, Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch, (Teleostei,

Paracanthopterygii, Euclichthyidae) from New Caledonia, southwest Pacific Ocean, with notes on morphological characters.

In: S£RET, B. (ed.), Resultats des Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 17. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 174 : 43-50. Paris ISBN 2-

85653-500-3.

CLIVE D. ROBERTS C. D. & CHRIS D PAULIN

RESUME

Premier signalement Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch (Teleostei, Paracanlhopterygii, Euclichthyidae) de

Nouvelle-Caledonie (Ocean Pacifique Sud-Ouest), et remarques sur les caracteres morphologiques de l’espece

L’espece Australo-asiatique, Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch, dc la famille des Euclichthyidae. est decrite pour la

premiere fois de la Zone Economique Exclusive de Nouvelle-Caledonie, ou elle semble limitee au mont sous-marin “B”

(24°55'S, 168°2rE), situ£ sur la partie nord de la Ride de Norfolk au sud-est de la Nouvelle-Caledonie. Ce poisson ressemble

a un morid£ (famille Moridae), mais s’en distingue par sa nageoire pelvienne formle de quatre-six rayons allonges et

filamenteux, sa nageoire anale divisee inegalement, et sa nageoire caudale asymetrique.

INTRODUCTION

The Eucla cod is a rare benthopelagic fish found in deep slope waters of Australia and New Zealand (Cohen

et Cl1 ' 1990). In general appearance it is a typical gadiform with an elongate tapering body covered with small

cycloid scales, a large head, mouth and eye, fins without spines, and pelvic fins thoracic in position. The

placement of Euclichthys polynemus in Gadiformes has never been questioned, but its family relationships remain

enigmatic and controversial. Eucla cods are similar to morid cods in general body shape and appearance and the

two have often been confused and thought to be closely related. However, several internal characters (e.g. COHEN,

1984) indicate they are only distantly related and, therefore, the morid cods of New Caledonia are reviewed

separately (see Paulin & Roberts, this volume).

Traditionally the Eucla cod has been considered to belong to the family Moridae (McCulloch, 1926: 174;

Scott, 1962: 82; McCann, 1972: 630) and is still often classified for convenience as a morid (Last et al. y 1983:

232; Paxton & Hanley, 1989: 299). Svetovidov (1969) showed that the Eucla cod is not a morid due to the

absence of a connection between the swimbladder and auditory capsule, but its systematic position was considered

unclear. PAULIN (1983: 88) noted that E. polynemus shared with Melanonus gracilis (Melanonidae) three distinct

characters: olfactory lobes close to the brain, absence of a swimbladder-inner ear connection, and possession of

live hypurals in the caudal skeleton. On the basis of these characters Paulin (1983) suggested that Eucla cod

occupied an evolutionary position between Moridae and Gadidae, and should be placed close to or within the

family Melanonidae. It was subsequently placed in Melanonidae by May & Maxwell (1986: 197), but has also

been placed in the family Gadidae (Ayling & Cox, 1982: 150), in its own family Euclichthyidae (Cohen, 1984:

264; Howes, 1988: 23; Paulin, 1990: 170), and classified as incertae sedis by Fahay & Markle (1984: 266).

Currently, general consensus is that Euclichthys polynemus should be placed in its own family, Euclichthyidae,

largely because it can not be placed in any other recognized gadiform family (COHEN, 1984) and has some unique

morphological characters. Recent critical and rigorous studies of gadiform systematics (Cohen, 1989 and papers

therein) have failed to resolve the relationships of Euclichthys which was classified by four independent studies as:

close to the morids and rattails, a sister group of the macrourids, a macrouroid family, and among the gadoids.

With good reason it was described by Cohen (1989: 2) as still a “problem genus”.

As part of two cooperative fish research programmes Centre ORSTOM de Noumea and the Museum of New

Zealand "Te Papa Tongarewa” (formerly the National Museum of New Zealand), Eucla cods were observed and

collected by the authors who participated in exploratory trawling on seamounts during R. V. "Alis” cruises Beryx

2 and 11. In addition, preserved specimens collected during an earlier ORSTOM research cruise off

New Caledonia and held in the collection of ORSTOM in Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, were

studied. This new material provides the basis for the present review and enables the rare Eucla cod to be described

for the first time from the New Caledonian Exclusive Economic Zone.

Source: MNHN, Paris

FIRST EUCLA COD FROM NEW CALEDONIA

METHODS

Counts and measurements follow the methods used by HUBBS & LaGLER (1964) and PAULIN (1989a). Precise

counts of scale rows in longitudinal series from damaged specimens arc difficult to make and these data are

approximate; count of pelvic fin rays is the number of distal elements, it is unclear from the specimens examined

whether the first ray is unbranched or branched basally. Morphometric data in the text are expressed as ranges and

arc given in mm, with percent standard length in parentheses. Vertebral counts include both ural centra. The

synonymy includes valid name and Australian and New Zealand nomenclature, plus anatomical descriptions.

Specimens examined are listed under the species account; nine specimens were X-rayed and these are denoted by

an asterisk. Because morid cods are externally so similar in appearance to Eucla cod, Moridae are included at

family level in the key to aid field identifications.

Institutional abbreviations follow the international standards fixed by LEV1TON et aL (1985): NMNZ =

Museum of New Zealand, Wellington (formerly the National Museum of New Zealand); MNHN = Museum

national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris. Eucla cods were collected off New Caledonia during three ORSTOM research

cruises: CHALCAL 2 (see cruise report by RICHER DE FORGES el al ., 1987; and exploration summary by RICHER DE

Forges, 1990). Beryx 2 (Grandperrin & Lehodey, 1992), and Beryx 11 (Grandperrin ei al.. 1993).

SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT

KEY TO EUCLA COD AND MORIDAE FROM NEW CALEDONIAN WATERS

1 Pelvic fin with 4-6 long filamentous elements; anal fin in two unequal parts,

a short high anterior portion and a large low posterior portion, length of base

of first portion about three limes length of second; caudal fin asymmetrical,

ventral lobe slightly produced.- Euclichthyidae (Euclichthys polynemus)

1‘ Pelvic fin with 5-6 rays, 0-2 long and filamentous; anal fin single or divided

into two equal portions: caudal fin symmetrical. Moridae (sec Paulin & Roberts, this volume)

Family EUCLICHTHYIDAE

Diagnosis. — First neural spine free; no otophysic connection; caudal fin asymmetrical with four hypurals

nearly fused to two (COHEN. 1984: 263). Cranial muscle adductor arcus palatini divided by a strong ligament

running from the lateral ethmoid and palatine to the medial face of the hyomandibular (HOWES, 1988: 24).

Remarks. — Family interrelationships are poorly understood. Comprising one monotypic genus (Svetovidov,

1969; COHEN. 1984; PAULIN. 1989h) for the Eucla cod which is benthopelagic at 200-1,000 m depth, found in

deep subtropical-warm temperate Australasian waters, no commercial importance.

Genus EUCLICHTHYS McCulloch, 1926

Euclichthys McCulloch, 1926: 174 (masculine; type species Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch by original designation, also

monotypic).

Diagnosis. — As for family.

CLIVE D. ROBERTS C. D. & CHRIS D. PAULIN

Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch, 1926

Fig. 1, Table I

Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch, 1926: 174, plate 44. fig. 2 (original description, type locality off Eucla, Great Australian

Bight, Australia).

Euclichthys polynemus : Munro, 1938: 62, fig. 439 (description). — SCO'IT, 1962: 82, fig. (description) — McCANN, 1972:

630 (description. New Zealand). — Ayling & Cox, 1982: 150, fig. (description). — Last et al ., 1983: 232, fig. 21.3

(description). — Cohen, 1984: 263 & 264, fig. 137 (description, classification). — Fahay & Markle, 1984: 266, Table 72

(description). — May & Maxwell, 1986: 197, fig. (description). — Howes, 1987: 628. fig. 2c (palatine articulation). —

Howes, 1988: 23, figs. 14-15 (cranial muscles and ligaments). — Markle, 1989: 82, figs. 11A, 16. 17A (pectoral and caudal

skeleton, classification). — Nolf & Steubaut, 1989: 92, fig. IB (otolith description, classification). — Okamura, 1989:

138, figs. 2B. 3C, 5 (cranium, vertebral region and luminous organ, classification). — Patterson & Rosen, 1989: 16. figs. 6.

12A (caudal skeleton and dorsal gill arch). — Paulin et al., 1989: 121 (diagnosis, key). — Paxton & Hanley, 1989: 299

(synonymy). — Cohens al, 1990: 18, fig. 29 (description). — Howes & Crimmen, 1990: 170, fig. 15D (basihyal and

dorsohyals). — Paulin, 1990: 170, fig. (description, New Zealand).

Material examined - 13 specimens, 187.5-273.0 mm SL.

Norfolk Ridge. Chalcal 2: stn CH7, 24°55.50’S, 168°21.10’E (seamount "B", southeast of New Caledonia). 494-590 m

depth, bottom trawl, R. V. “ Coriolis ", 28 October 1986: 4 specimens, 209-273 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1001)*.

Beryx 2: stn 5, 24°56.05’S, 168°21.20’E (seamount "B", southeast of New Caledonia), 535-545 m depth, bottom trawl,

R. V. "Alis", 24 October 1991: 3 specimens, 187.5-203 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27455)*. - Stn 19, 24°55.80 , S. 168°22.30*E

(seamount “B", southeast of New Caledonia), 550-700 m depth, bottom trawl, 30 October 1991: 2 specimens, 213-239 mm SL

(NMNZ-P.27475)*.

Beryx 11: stn C3, 24°54.60 , S. 168°21.60’E (seamount “B", southeast of New Caledonia), 502-610 m depth, bottom trawl.

R. V. "Alis", 14 October 1992: 2 specimens, 230-243.5 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29408) — Sin C4. 24°50.75’S, 168°21.86’E

(seamount “B", southeast of New Caledonia), 550-920 m depth, bottom trawl. 14 October 1992: 2 specimens, 212-243 mm SL

(NMNZ-P.29228).

DIAGNOSIS. - As for family. Euclichthys polynemus differs from all morid cods, with which it is superficially

most similar, by lacking a horizontal diaphragm within the posterior chamber of the swim bladder (Paulin, 1988),

no swim bladder-auditory capsule connection (SVETOVIDOV, 1969), adductor arcus palatini muscle divided by a

strong ligament (Howes, 1988), and only a single sulcus groove on the otoliths. Field characters which enable the

Eucla cod to be distinguished from morid cods include the long filamentous pelvic fins comprised of four to six

distal elements, the unequally divided anal fin, and the asymmetrical caudal fin.

DESCRIPTION. - Body elongate, narrow and compressed posteriorly, greatest depth at origin of first dorsal fin,

thereafter tapering to a narrow caudal peduncle. Snout rounded, its length less than diameter of the eye. Teeth

small villiform, none on vomer. First dorsal fin short, high, first ray minute, fin separated from second by a short

space. Anal fin long with a short high anterior portion, followed by a long, low posterior portion with fin rays

increasing in length posteriorly. Pelvic fins comprising four (COHEN, 1990), five (n = 1) or six (n = 12) long

filamentous distal elements reaching beyond anus. Caudal fin rounded, asymmetrical with a longer lower lobe.

Measurements (in mm, % SL in parenthesis). Standard length 187.5-273.0; head length 36.9-59.5 (19.6-21.7),

head width 16.5-25.6 (7.5-10.3); body depth at origin of first dorsal fin 28.0-52.1 (14.9-19.2); caudal peduncle

depth 3.4-4.8 (1.5-1.9); orbit diameter 10.8-17.4 (5.5-6.3); interorbital width 7.1-10.6 (3.0-4.1); snout length 9.1-

15.1 (4.8-6.1); maxilla length 21.4-35.5 (10.5-13.0); length of pectoral fin 26.4-43.5 (12.5-16.3); length of pelvic

fin 44.0-88.0 (22.5-32.3); length of longest ray of first dorsal fin 28.3-38.5 (12.7-15.5), length of longest ray of

second dorsal fin 15.1-22.8 (7.3-9.4); length of longest ray of anal fin 19.5-28.7 (8.9-11.7); predorsal length 42.1-

72.6 (22.4-32.2); preanal length 77.5-104.5 (35.2-42.4).

Meristics. Frequency distributions of selected meristic characters are given in Table 1. First dorsal fin rays 1 +

12-15; second dorsal fin rays 78-88; anal fin rays 14-17 + 75-88 = 94-103; pectoral fin rays 18-22; pelvic fin ray

distal elements 5-6; total caudal fin rays 39-44; gill rakers 5-6 +15-18; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series

130-150; vertebrae 68-73.

Source ; MNHN. Paris

FIRST EUCLA COD FROM NEW CALEDONIA

Table 1. — Frequency distributions of selected mcristic characters of Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch, 1926,

from New Caledonia. Count includes 2 ural centra of vertebrae.

2nd dorsal fin rays

1st + 2nd anal Fin rays

100

101

102

103

Caudal Fin rays

Vertebrae

Fig. 1. — Euclichthys polynemus McCulloch, 1926. specimen of 213 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27475), Beryx 2, sin 19. 24°54.2'S,

168°21.7’E (seamount "B'\ southeast of New Caledonia), bottom trawl at 510-519 m depth, R. V."A//s , \ 30 October 1991.

Drawn by Helen Casey.

Coloration (from fresh and frozen specimens). Head and body silvery white, more silvery laterally and white

on mid portion of abdomen. Lips, throat, branchiostegals, anterior abdomen and region around anus deep bluish

black. First dorsal fin black with a prominent while spot medially, tips of second dorsal fin black. Anal Fin dusky

brown. Pectoral fin pale.

Coloration (from preserved specimens). Head and body pale pinkish to yellowish tan. lower sides of head and

operculum silvery. Lips, throat and branchiostegals black, becoming bluish towards abdomen. Region around anus

bluish black; base of first part of anal Fin pale. First dorsal fin bluish black basally, white medially and black on

distal third; second dorsal with black margin; anal fin rays faint brownish black. Pectoral Fin pale.

SourceMNHN. Pans

CLIVE D. ROBERTS C. D. & CHRIS D. PAULIN

DISTRIBUTION. — Known from specimens taken on Seamount “B” (24°55’S, 168°2rE), southeast of

New Caledonia, at 494-920 m depth; also known from New Zealand waters north of the Chatham Rise, at 250-920

m depth, and southern Australian waters from Queensland to Western Australia and off the Northwest Shelf, at

250-820 in depth (May & Maxwell, 1986: 197; Paxton & Hanley, 1989: 299; Paulin, 1990: 170; this study).

Given the wide distribution of Eucla cod in Australasian waters and its benthopelagic life style, it is surprising

that E. polynemus has only been taken from one locality (seamount "B”) in New Caledonian waters. This

restricted distribution appears to be real because the fish fauna of neighbouring seamounts has been explored by

the same vessels using the same sampling gear in similar habitats without capturing Eucla cod (e.g., see Richer de

forges, 1990, and cruise reports by Richer deForges et al ., 1987; Grandperrin & Lehodey, 1992;

Grandperrin et al ., 1993). Paulin & Roberts (1997) record the morid Tripterophycis svetovidovi as also

confined to seamount “B

Intriguing differences in fish faunal composition, dominant benthos and substratum type as well as differences

in topographic and hydrographic characteristics have been observed between adjacent seamounts in this area

southeast of New Caledonia (e.g., Richer DE FORGES, 1987; Lehodey et al ., 1993; pers. obs.). These differences

are not yet fully documented and are far from being understood. Further survey of the biotic and abiotic

characteristics of these rich Norfolk Ridge seamounts is required.

REMARKS. — Meristic and morphometric characters of Euclichthys polynemus have not been well described

previously and, therefore, there are little data available on character variation. In the original description

McCulloch (1926) had 28 specimens, but only described characters from the holotype. Most subsequent

taxonomic treatment of the species simply reproduced McCulloch’s data without describing character variation

from additional specimens. A revision ot Eucla cod based on Australian specimens particularly from the type

locality off Eucla is needed.

In general, meristic characters of New Caledonian specimens agree with available of E. polynemus from

Australia and New Zealand, e.g., second dorsal fin rays 78-88, cf. 74-88 (McCULLOCH, 1926; McCann, 1972;

May & Maxwell, 1986; Paulin, 1990); caudal fin rays 39-44, cf. 34-41 (McCann, 1972; Fahay & Markle,

1984); vertebrae 68-73, cf. 70 (Fahay & Markle, 1984).

There is some confusion about the number of pelvic fin rays; counts in the literature range from 4-6 rays and 0-

3 branches. McCulloch (1926: 174, plate 44 fig. 2) described the pelvic fin as narrow based, composed of “five

Iree filamentous rays, of which the anterior is divided into two” and illustrated the holotype with five rays, the first

bifurcating at mid-length giving a count of six elements distally. In subsequent descriptions including the present

study it is unclear whether the first pelvic ray is bifid or trifid (branching basally) or single: McCann (1972: 632,

fig. 15) recorded "five elongated undivided rays” with five distal elements illustrated; LAST et al. (1983: 232,

fig. 21.3) gave “5 separate elements” and reproduced McCulloch’s figure; CDhen (1984, fig. 137) illustrated six

distal elements; Fahay & Markle (1984, table 72) listed five rays; May & Maxwell (1986: 197) stated “4 long

rays...first ray ...branched into 3 filaments about one-third distance from its base” and reproduced McCulloch’s

figure; and Cohen in Cohen et al. (1990: 18, fig. 29) recorded ”4 long, completely separate filamentous rays”

and illustrated lour distal elements. The present count of 5-6 pelvic fin ray elements is, nevertheless, within the

published variation of 4-6.

Only count of total anal fin rays appears to differ from previous descriptions, viz.: 94-103, cf. 92

(McCulloch, 1926 and subsequently repeated by Fahay & Markle, 1984, and May & Maxwell, 1986). Two

Eucla cod described from the Three Kings Ridge, northern New Zealand EEZ, have been reported with 90-94 total

anal fin rays (Paulin, 1990).

Due to the absence of character variation in published counts of anal fin rays, it is difficult to assess the

significance of the higher range of counts found in New Caledonian specimens. Therefore, a conservative

approach is taken and this difference is here attributed to the very low sample size from Australian waters. It is

expected that further investigation of character variation in Australian specimens will show an overlapping range

in anal fin ray count with those from New Caledonia. Clearly, further work involving detailed character

description and analysis is needed to help resolve euclichthyid systematic problems at both the species and family

level.

FIRST EUCLA COD FROM NEW CALEDONIA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Wc arc grateful to Bernard SERET for the opportunity to study the New Caledonian specimens held in

ORSTOM, Paris. We thank Helen CASEY (Museum of New Zealand) for her careful artwork in preparing the

illustration, Trevor WILLIS (Museum of New Zealand) for preparing radiographs. Funding for visits by the

authors to ORSTOM, Noumea, was provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paris, assisted by the French

Embassy, Wellington and ORSTOM Noumea - this support is gratefully acknowledged. Rene GRANDPERRIN,

Jacques RlVATON and Michel KULBICKI (ORSTOM Noumea) kindly gave us much friendly assistance during our

visits to New Caledonia. Also, we thank captain Michel Le BOULCH, second captain Herve LE HOUARNO, the

officers and crew of R. V. " Alis ” for their help in collecting Eucla cod and other deep water fishes during

exploratory trawling operations off New Caledonia. Jean-Claude Stahl (Museum of New Zealand) provided the

French "Resume”. The paper benefited from critical comments given by an anonymous referee.

REFERENCES

Ayling. T. & G. J. Cox, 1982. — Collins guide to the sea fishes of New Zealand. Collins. Auckland, 343 pp.

Cohen, D. M., 1984. — Gadiformes: Overview. In: Moser, H. G. et al. (eds) Ontogeny and systematics of Fishes. Special

Publication No. 1. American Society of Ichthyology and Herpetology, pp. 259-264.

Cohen, D. M., 1989. — Introduction. In: Cohen, D. M. (ed.). Papers on the systematics of gadiform fishes. Natural History

Museum of Los Angeles County , Sci. Ser., 32: 1-3.

Cohen, D. M., Inada, T., Iwamoto, T. & N. Scialabba, 1990. — FAO species catalogue. Vol. 10. Gadiform fishes of the

world (Order Gadiformes). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of cods, hakes, grenadiers and other gadiform fishes

known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. , 125 (10): 1-442.

Fahay, M. P. & D. F. Markle, 1984. —Gadiformes: development and relationships. In: Moser. H. G. et al. (eds) Ontogeny

and systematics of Fishes. Special Publication No. 1. American Society of Ichthyology and Herpetology, pp. 265-283.

Grandperrin. R. & P. Lehodey, 1992. — Campagnc Beryx 2 de peche au chalut de fond sur trois monts sous-marins du Sud-

Est de la Zone Economique de Nouvelle-Cal6donie (N. O. «Alis», 22-31 octobre 1991). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM

Noumea, Sciences de la Mer, Biol. Mar., 11: 1-40.

Howes, G. J., 1987. — The palatine bone and its association in gadoid fishes. J. Fish Biol., 31: 625-637.

Howes, G. J., 1988. — The cranial muscles and ligaments of macrouroid fishes (Teleostei: Gadiformes): function, ecology and

phylogenetic inferences. Bull. British Mus. (Nat. Hist.), Zool. Ser., 54 (1): 1-62.

Howes, G. J. & O. A. Crimmen, 1990. — A review of the Bathygadidae (Teleostei: Gadiformes). Bull. British Mus. (Nat.

Hist.), Zool. Ser., 56 (2): 155-203.

Hubbs, C. L. & K. F. Lagler. 1964. — Fishes of the Great Lakes region. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor. 213 pp.

Last, P. R., Scott , E. O. G. & F. H. Talbot, 1983. — Fishes of Tasmania. Tasmanian Fisheries Development Authority,

Hobart, 563 pp.

Lehodey, P., Richer de Forges. B., Nauges, C., Grandperrin, R. & J. Rivaton, 1993. — Campagne Beryx 11 de peche au

chalut sur six monts sous-marins du Sud-Est de la Zone Economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. «Alis», 13 au

23 octobre 1992). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la Mer, Biol. Mar., 22: 1-93.

Leviton, A. E., Gibbs, Jr, R. H., Heal. E & C. E. Dawson, 1985. — Standards in herpetology and ichthyology: Part I.

Standard symbolic codes for institutional resource collections in herpetology and ichthyology. Copeia, 1985: 802-832.

May, J. L. & J. G. H. Maxwell, 1986. — Trawl fish from temperate waters of Australia. CSIRO Division of Fisheries

Research, Hobart, 492 pp.

Markle, D. F., 1989. — Aspects of character homology and phylogeny of the Gadiformes. In: Cohen. D. M. (ed.). Papers on

the systematics of gadiform fishes. Natural History • Museum of Los Angeles County , Sci. Ser., 32: 59-88.

McCann. C., 1972. — Additions to the deep-sea fishes of New Zealand. N. Z. J. Mar. Freshwater Res.. 6: 619-640.

McCulloch, A. R.. 1926. — Report on some fishes obtained by the F.I.S. "Endeavour" on the coasts of Queensland. New

South Wales, Victoria. Tasmania, South and South-Western Australia. Part 5. Biological results of the fishing experiments

carried out by F.I.S. "Endeavour" 1909-14,5 (4): 157-216.

CLIVE D. ROBERTS C. D. & CHRIS D. PAULIN

Munro, I. R. S., 1938. — Handbook of Australian fishes, No. 15. Fish. Newsletter, 16 (9): 61-64.

Nolf, D. & E. Steurbaut, 1989. — Evidence from otoliths for establishing relationships within Gadiformes. In Cohen. D. M.

(ed.). Papers on the systematics of gadiform fishes. Natural History t Museum of Los Angeles County , Sci. Ser., 32: 89-112.

Okamura, O., 1989. — Relationships of the Suborder Macrouroidei and related groups, with comments on Merlucciidae and

Steindachneria. In: Cohen. D. M. (ed.). Papers on the systematics of gadiform fishes. Natural Histon,' Museum of Los

Angeles County, Sci. Ser., 32: 129-142.

Patterson, C. & D. E. Rosen, 1989. — The Paracanthopterygii revisited: order and disorder. In: Cohen. D. M. (ed.). Papers

on the systematics of gadiform fishes. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Sci. Ser.. 32: 5-36.

Paulin, C. D., 1983. — A revision of the family Moridac (Pisces: Anacanthini) within the New Zealand region. Fee. Nat. Mus

MZ, 2: 81-126.

Paulin, C. D.. 1988. — Swimbladder structure in morid cods (Pisces: Gadiformes). Copeia , 1988: 450-454.

PAULIN, C. D.. 1989a. — Review of the morid genera Gadella, Physiculus , and Salilota (Teleostei: Gadiformes) with

description of seven new species. N.Z. J. Zool ., 19: 93-133.

Paulin, C. D., 1989b. — Moridae: Overview. In: Cohen, D. M. (ed.). Papers on the systematics of gadiform fishes. Natural

History ■ Museum of Los Angeles County, Sci. Ser., 32: 243-250.

Paulin, C. D.. 1990. — Euclichthyidae. In: Amaoka. K., Matsuura, K., Inada, T., Takeda, M., Hatanaka. H & K. Okada

(cds), Fishes collected by the R/V "Shinkai Maru" around New Zealand. Japan Marine Fishery Resource Research Center,

Tokyo, p. 170.

Paulin, C. D., Stewart, A.L., Roberts, C. D. & P. J. McMillan. 1989. — New Zealand fish, a complete guide. Nat. Mus. N

Z. Misc. Ser., 19: 1-279.

Paulin, C. D. & C. D. Roberts, 1997. — Review of the morid cods (Teleostei. Paracanthopterygii. Moridae) of New

Caledonia, southwest Pacific Ocean, with description of a new species of Gadella. In: S£ret,’ B. (ed.), R<§suitats dcs

Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 17. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist. nat.. 174: 17-41.

Paxton. J. R. & J. E. Hanley. 1989. — Moridae (224). In: Paxton. J. R.. Hoese, D. F., Allen, G. R. & J. E. Hanley,

Zoological Catalogue of Australia, Vol. 7, Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Australian Biological Resources Study,

Canberra, pp. 298-303.

Richer de Forges. B., Grandperrin, R. & P. Laboute, 1987. — La campagne Chalcal 2 sur les guyots de la ride de

Norfolk (N. O. « Coriolis », 26 octobre-1 novembre 1986). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la Mer, Biol

Mar., 42: 1-41.

Richer de Forges. B., 1990. — Les campagnes d’exploration de la faune bathyale dans la zone economique de la Nouvelle-

Caliklonie. Exploration lor bathyal launa in the New Caledonian economic zone. In: Crosnier. A.(ed.), Resultats des

Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 6. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 145: 9-54.

Scott, T. D., 1962. — The marine and freshwater fishes of South Australia. Government Printer, Adelaide, 338 pp.

Svetovidov, A. N., 1969. — [On the taxonomic position of the genus Euclichthys (Pisces, Gadiformes)]. Zool Zhurn., 48:

1824-1831. (In Russian with English summary).

Source MNHN. Paris

ATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM, VOLUME 17 —RESULTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM. VOLUME 17 RESULTATS DE

Deepwater Ophidiiform fishes from off New Caledonia with

six new species

J0rgen G. NIELSEN

Zoological Museum

University of Copenhagen

Universitetsparken 15

DK 2100 Copenhagen

Denmark

ABSTRACT

During the ORSTOM explorations (1985-92) off New Caledonia 149 specimens of the order Ophidiiformes were caught.

They represent 24 species of which the following are new: Neobythites bimaculatus, N. longiventralis, N. neocaledoniensis,

N. pallidus, N. zonatus and Parasciadonuspauciradiatus. All 24 species are illustrated and a key is provided.

RESUME

Poissons Ophidiiformes des eaux profondes de Nouvelle-Caledonie, avec la description de six especes nouvelles.

Au cours des campagnes de prospection effectuecs par 1'ORSTOM en Nouvelle-Caledonie, 149 specimens de brotules

(Ophidiiformes) ont 6te recoltes. Ils repr£sentent 24 esp&ces dont six sont nouvelles : Neobythites bimaculatus,

N. longiventralis , N. neocaledoniensis, N. pallidus, N. zonatus et Parasciadonus pauciradiatus. Les 24 esp&ces sont illustr£es et

une clef est foumie.

Nielsen, J. G., 1997. — Deepwater ophidiiform fishes from off New Caledonia with six new species. In: S£ret. B. (ed.),

Resultats des Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 17. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat .. 174 : 51-82, Paris ISBN 2-85653-500-3.

Source: MNHN, Paris

J0RGEN G NIELSEN

INTRODUCTION

During the explorations (1985-92) of the New Caledonian bathyal fauna 149 specimens belonging to the order

Ophidiiformes were caught by the ORSTOM expeditions “BERYX 11 ”, “BlOCAL ”, “CHALCAL 2”, “BlOGEOCAL",

“ MUSORSTOM 4, 5 and 6" and “ Smib 2”. The material represents three families, 15 genera and 24 species. A few

of the genera are so much in need of a revision that the specific identifications are somewhat doubtful. Five new

species of Neobythites and one of Parasciadonus are here described.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The material here examined is deposited in the Museum national d'Histoire naturcllc (MNHN), Paris, in the

Museum of New Zealand (NMNZ), Wellington, and in the Zoological Museum. University of Copenhagen

(ZMUC), Copenhagen. Counts and measurements follow HUBBS & Lagler (1958) and Cohen & Nielsen (1978)

except for the vertebral count which includes the ural centra as “one” and for the measurements which use the

upper jaw symphysis as the anteriormost point. The meristic characters are not given for all specimens of already

described species. Detailed illustrations are made for the new species while allready described species are

illustrated by a less elaborate drawing.

SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT

KEY TO NEW CALEDONIAN DEEPWATER OPHIDIIFORM GENERA

1 Scales absent absent.2

T Scales present (Ophidiidae). 4

2 Skin loose, anal fin-rays equal in length to opposing dorsal fin-rays (Aphyonidae).3

2' Skin not loose, anal fin-rays longer than opposing dorsal fin-rays (Carapidae). Pyramodon

3 Depth of body at anus 10% or more of standard length, anterior gill arch

with 3-14 long rakers. Aphyonus

3’ Depth of body at anus 7% or less of standard length, no long rakers

on anterior gill arch. Parasciadonus

4 Ventral fins attached below eye, no large spines on operculum. Ophidian

4' Ventral fins attached posterior to eye, operculum with or without spines.5

5 Spines on operculum and preoperculum extending well posterior of head.6

5' Spines on operculum and preoperculum absent or present but never extending posterior of head.7

6 Prominent bifid spine on snout, ventral fins placed close together each with one ray. Acanthonus

6' No spine on snout, ventral fins widely separated each with two rays. Tauredophidium

1 Anterior gill arch with four long rakers. Pycnocraspedum

7' Anterior gill arch with seven or more long rakers.8

8 Body long and slender, depth at anus at least ten times in standard length. Porogadus

8’ Body less slender, depth at anus always less than ten times in standard length.9

9 Opercular spine weak or absent..

9’ Opercular spine strong. 12

10 Head depressed and with many sharp spines. Alcockia

10' Head not depressed and without spines. \\

Source: MNHN, Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

11 Prcoperculum extending posteriorly almost to opercular edge, one ventral fin-ray,

no pectoral fin-rays free.... Bassozetus

11 * Preoperculum not extended posteriorly, two ventral fin-rays, lower pectoral fin-rays

long and free. Bathyonus

12 Lower pectoral fin-rays longer and free, ventral fin with two rays. Dicrolene

12' Lower pectoral fin-rays not longer and free, 1-2 rays in each ventral fin. 13

13 Two rays in each ventral fin, two median basibranchial tooth patches. Neobythites

13' One ray in each ventral fin, one median basibranchial tooth patch.14

14 Ventral fin-ray extending beyond anus, pectoral fin placed low on body. Homostolus

14' Ventral fin-ray not reaching halfway to anus, pectoral fin placed near midline. Monomitopus

Family CARAPIDAE

Vertical fins united, scales and supramaxilla absent, anal fin-rays longer than opposing dorsal fin-rays,

oviparous.

Genus PYRAMODON Smith & Radcliffe, 1913

Ventral fins present, origin of dorsal and anal fins approximately opposite each other, pectoral fin-rays 22-30.

Four species recognized (Markle & OLNEY, 1990: 331).

Pyramodon ventralis Smith & Radcliffe, 1913

Fig. 1

Pyramodon ventralis Smith & Radcliffe in Radcliffe, 1913: 175, pi. 17, fig. 3 (type locality: 0°50'S, 128°12'E).

Pyramodon ventralis : MARKLE & OLNEY, 1990: 334.

Material EXAMINED. —New Caledonia. Musorstom 4: stn CP 195, 18°54.80’S, 163°22.20’E, 470 m depth, beam

trawl, R. V. “Vauban \ 19 September 1985: 1 specimen, female 205 mm (MNHN 1994-703).

Description. — Number of fin-rays in dorsal 120, anal 109, pectoral 25, vertebrae 14+51, three long rakers on

anterior gill arch, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 5, anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray no. 3 and

vertebra no. 7. Fang-like teeth near symphysis in both jaws.

FiG. L — Pyramodon ventralis Smith & Radcliffe, 1913, female 205 mm (MNHN 1994-703).

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Remarks. — P. ventralis differs from all other species of Pyramodon by not having black margins of dorsal

and anal fins and body only lightly pigmented, and by the position of the origin of the dorsal and anal fins.

Distribution. — Known from the Indo-West Pacific on the upper continental slope.

Family OPHIDIIDAE

Vertical fins united, scales and supramaxilla developed, dorsal fin-rays equal to or longer than opposing anal

fin-rays.

Genus ACANTHONUS Gunther, 1878

A monotypic genus. See description below.

Acanthonus armatus Gunther, 1878

Fig. 2

Acanthonus armatus Gunther, 1878: 23 (type locality: 2°33’S, 144°4'E).

Acanthonus armatus: SHCHKRBACHEV, 1980: 109.

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 6 specimens, 215-335 mm.

New Caledonia. Biogeocal: stn CP 250, 21°24.63’S, 166°28.2rE, 2350 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. " Coriolis ”, 15 April

1987: 3 specimens, 215-335 mm (MNHN 1994-704) and 1 specimen, 250 mm (ZMUC-P.771149). — Stn CP 272, 21°00.04’S,

\66°56.94'E, 1615-1710 m depth, beam trawl, 20 April 1987: 1 specimen, 260 mm (MNHN 1994-705). — Stn CP 329,

21°09.05’S, 166°40.08 , E, 2310-2315 m depth, beam trawl, 4 May 1987: 1 specimen, 220 mm (MNHN 1994-706).

Description. — A. armatus is characterized by a large head and tapering body, ventral fins placed slightly

posterior to orbit, bifid spine on snout, long opercular spine, and well-developed spines on lower angle of

preoperculum.

Distribution.-N umerous specimens known from the tropical parts of all oceans at depth between about

1500 and 4150 m.

Fig. 2. — Acanthonus armatus Gunther, 1878, 220 mm (MNHN 1994-706).

Source: MNHN, Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Genus ALCOCKIA Goode & Bean, 1896

A monotypic genus. See description below.

Alcockia rostrata (Gunther, 1887)

Fig. 3

Porogadns rostrums Gunther, 1887: 113, pi. 24 (type locality: 2°55’N, 124 0 53’E).

Alcockia rostrata: SHCHERBACHEV, 1980: 115.

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 17, 20°34.54’S, 167°24.68 , E, 3680 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. “Jean Charcot ", 14 August 1985: 2 specimens, female + ?, 165-207 mm (MNHN 1994-707).

Fig. 3. —Alcockia rostrata (Gunther, 1887), 207 mm (MNHN 1994-707).

Description. — An elongate fish with depressed head provided with well-developed spines, length of snout

twice eye diameter, suborbital bones membranous, maxillary strongly sheathed posteriorly, and opercular spine flat

and weak. Number of fin-rays in dorsal 111-112, caudal 8, anal 87-94, pectoral 23, ventral 2, vertebrae 16 + 53-56,

long rakers on anterior gill arch 7, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 7, anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal

fin-ray no. 20-22 and vertebra no. 19.

Distribution. — A few specimens known from abyssal depths between East Africa and New Caledonia.

Genus BASSOZETUS Gill, 1884

Snout somewhat inflated, horizontal diameter of eye window much shorter than snout, upper jaw ends well

posterior to eye, opercular spine weak or absent, preoperculum almost reaching posterior margin of operculum,

ventral fins with one ray, lateral line indistinct. This genus holds 11 nominal species and is much in need of a

revision. The 15 specimens here described are referred to three species in the following key:

1 Large scales (15-20 scales between origin of anal fin and dorsal fin), 21-22 pectoral fin-rays,

depth at anus 9.0-9.6 % SL. B. elongatus

1 ’ Small scales (30-35 scales between origin of anal fin and dorsal fin), 26-29 pectoral fin-rays,

depth at anus (in specimens larger than 225 mm SL) 10-14.5 % SL .2

2 Long rakers on anterior gill arch 13

2’ Long rakers on anterior gill arch 17-21

... B. robustus

B. glutinosus

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Bassozetus elongatus Smith & Radcliffe, 1913

Fig. 4

Bassozetus elongatus Smith & Radcliffe in Radcliffe, 1913: 157, pi. 11, fig. 4 (type locality: 0° 08’S, 12ri9’E).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 3 specimens. 450-480 mm.

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 05, 2I»16.49'S. 166°43.56’E; 2340 m, beam trawl. R. V. “Jean Charcot", 11 August

985: 1 specimen, male 450 mm (MNHN 1994-708). - Stn CP 72, 22°09.02’S, 167°33.18’E, 2100 m depth, beam trawl

4 September 1985: 1 specimen, female 475 mm (MNHN 1994-709).

Biogeocal; stn CP 321, 21°12’S, I66°59.85’E, 2190-2205 m depth , beam trawl, R. V. " Coriolis" 3 May 1987-

1 specimen, male 480 mm (ZMUC-P.771150).

Description. — Elongate body, number of dorsal fin-rays 122-128, caudal 8, anal 104-108, pectoral 21-22

vertebrae 11-12 + 56-59 (totally 68-70), long rakers on anterior gill arch 12-14, anterior dorsal fin-ray above’

vertebra no.4, anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray no. 21-23 and vertebra no. 13-14, sagittal otolith small, 15-

20 scale-rows between origin of anal and dorsal fins, depth of body at origin of anal fin 9.0-9.6 % SL.

DlSTRmUTKJN. - Caught off New Caledonia at 2100-2340 m of depth. Elsewhere known from the Philippines

at 1993 m of depth. 1 v

Fig. 4. — Bassozetus elongatus Smith & Radcliffe, 1913, female 475 mm (MNHN 1994-709).

Bassozetus glutinosus (Alcock, 1890)

Fig. 5

Bathyonus glutinosus Alcock, 1890: 211 (type locality: 18°26’N, 85°24’E).

Bassozetus glutinosus: SHCHERBACHEV, 1980: 119.

Material examined. — 11 specimens, 92-292 mm

male 225 mm (MNHN 1994-712). ' dCP ‘ h ' bCam tiawl> 2 Scplembcr l985: 1 s P ecimen

BtOGEOCAL. stn CP 260. 21’00.00'S. 167‘58.34'E, .820-1980 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. •• Coriolis ” 17 April 1987-

21 16 ™- 40 ' B ' '™»*» - ** S

Descr 1 PTION. -Rather elongate body, number of dorsal fin-rays 120-127, caudal 7-8. anal 101-103 pectoral

26-29. vertebrae 13-14 + 52-58 (totally 66-71), long rakers on anterior gill arch 17-21, anterior do™/Tn r a y

small 6 To ^Z 7 ' an r r anal " n ' ray bd0W d ° rSal fm ‘ ray no - 24 ‘ 26 and verlebra no. 14-16. sagittal otolith

small, 30-35 scale-rows between origin af anal and dorsal fins, depth of body at origin of anal fin 8.7-12.4 % SL.

Source: MNHN . Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

REMARKS. — The depth of body shows a distinct positive allometric growth. It is not possible to compare this

character among the three present Bassozetus spp. as all the specimens of B. glutinosus arc much shorter that any

of the specimens representing the other two species.

DISTRIBUTION. — Caught off New Caledonia at 1530-2040 m of depth. Elsewhere known from off East Africa

to Hawaii (?).

Fig. 5. — Bassozetus glutinosus (Alcock, 1890), male 255 mm (MNHN 1994-710).

Bassozetus robustus Smith & Radcliffe, 1913

Fig. 6

Bassozetus robustus Smith & Radclil'fe in Radcliffe, 1913: 156, pi. 11, fig. 3 (type locality: 10°54’N, I lS^^O^E).

Bassozetus robustus: SHCHERBACHEV, 1980: 122.

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 58, 23°55.86’S, 166°41.71’E, 2750 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. “ Coriolis ”, 2 September 1985: 1 specimen, female 520 mm (MNHN 1994-715).

Description. — Body robust, number of dorsal fin-rays 115, caudal 8, anal 96, pectoral 27, vertebrae 15 + 49,

long rakers on anterior gill arch 13, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 4, anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal

fin-ray no. 25 and vertebra no. 17, sagittal otolith large, 30-35 scale-rows between origin of anal and dorsal fins,

depth of body at origin af anal fin 14.5 % SL.

Distribution. —Caught off New Caledonia at 2750 m of depth. Elsewhere known from the Philippines and

from off West Australia to off the east coast of Africa at depths from 1332-2350 m.

Fig. 6. — Bassozetus robustus Smith & Radcliffe, 1913. female 520 mm (MNHN 1994-715)

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Genus BATHYONUS Goode & Bean, 1886

Elongate body, no spines on head except for a weak opercular spine, horizontal diameter of eye window

smaller than length of snout, lower rays of pectoral fin long and free, two ventral fin-rays, six caudal fin-rays.

Bathyonus caudalis (Garman, 1899)

Fig. 7

Mixonus caudalis Garman, 1899: 148 (type locality: Gulf of Panama).

Bathyonus caudalis: SHCHERBACHEV, 1980: 127.

Material EXAMINED. — 3 specimens, 130-195 mm.

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 17, 20°34.54’S, 167°24.68’E, 3680 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Jean Charcot ”,

14 August 1985: 2 specimens, males 130-150 mm (MNHN 1994-716). — Stn CP 63, 24°28.69*S, 168°07.72 , E, 2160 m depth,

beam trawl, 2 September 1985: 1 specimen, male 195 mm (ZMUC-P.77846).

Fig. 7. — Bathyonus caudalis (Garman, 1899), male 195 mm (ZMUC-P.77846).

Description. — Scales small (about 30 between origin of anal and dorsal fins), number of fin-rays in dorsal

100, caudal 6, anal 80, pectoral 13-15 + 3 lower rays longer and free, ventral 2, vertebrae 17 + 46, long rakers on

anterior arch 13-14, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 6, anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray no. 24

and vertebra no. 20.

Remarks. — Three nominal species are assigned this genus (G)HEN & Nielsen, 1978). According to

SHCHERBACHEV (1980) the high number of long gill rakers and the small scales indicate that the present material

belongs to B. caudalis.

Distribution. — Known from off East Africa to the Gulf of Panama at depths between c. 1500 and 3680 m.

Genus DICROLENE Goode & Bean, 1883

Snout rather blunt, horizontal diameter of eye window almost as long as snout, opercular spine strong, usually

three sharp spines on hind margin of preoperculum, lower 5-11 pectoral fin-rays free, two rays in each ventral fin,

a paired set and 1-2 median basibranchial tooth patches.

Source: MNHN, Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Dicrolene longimana Smith & Radcliffe, 1913

Fig. 8

Dicrolene longimana Smith & Radcliffe in Radcliffe, 1913: 144, pi. 8 (type locality: 10°N, 125°06.75’E).

Dicrolene longimana: Shcherbachev, 1980: 134.

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 3 specimens, 290-320 mm.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Musorstom 5: stn CP 323, 21°18.52’S, 157°57.62'E, 970 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. “ Coriolis ”, 14 October 1986: 1 specimen, female 320 mm (MNHN 1994-717). — Stn CP 324, 21° 15.01 ’S, 157°51.33’E,

970 m depth, beam trawl, 14 October 1986: 1 specimen, female 290 mm ( MNHN 1994-718). — Stn DW 337, 19°53.80’S,

158°38’E, 412-430 m depth, Waren dredge, 15 October 1986: 1 specimen, female 310 mm (ZMUC-P.771 148).

Description. — Lower 6-7 pectoral fin-rays free and longer than upper ones, two ventral fin-rays divided to

base, horizontal diameter of eye window less than twice in interorbital width, no superorbital spine, vomerine

dentition forming a small patch, two small pseudobranchial filaments present, two median basibranchial tooth

patches, number of fin-rays in dorsal 102, caudal 6, anal 81, vertebrae 14 + 47, long rakers on anterior gill arch 10-

11, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 8, anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray no. 20 and vertebra no.

17.

Fig. 8. — Dicrolene longimana Smith & Radcliffe, 1913, female 290 mm (MNHN 1994-718).

Remarks. — The specimens are identified according to Shcherbachev (1980) and Nielsen & Hureau

(1980). A revision of the genus holding 15 nominal species is much needed.

Distribution. — Known from off East Africa, the Philippines, New Caledonia and a questionable record from

the Peru-Chile trench (Nalbant & Mayer, 1971) at depths between 412 and 1408 m.

Genus HOMOSTOLUS Smith & Radcliffe, 1913

Ventral fin with one ray, ending well behind anus, pectoral fins placed low on body, upper jaw slightly

protruding, horizontal diameter of eye window about equal to length of snout, one or more sharp spines at lower

angle of preoperculum, operculum with one strong spine, long rakers on anterior gill arch 27-42.

Homostolus japonicus Matsubara, 1943

Fig. 9

Homostolus japonicus Matsubara, 1943: 47, fig. in Kamohara (1938: 68) (type locality: Heta, Japan).

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Material EXAMINED. — 23 specimens, 117-185 mm.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CP 358, 19°38.39'S, 158°47.17’E, 680-700 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. ' Coriolis", 18 October 1986: 1 specimen, female 140 mm (MNHN 1994-719). — Stn CC 365, 19°42.82.’S, 158°48'S,

710 m depth, otter trawl, 19 October 1986: 11 specimens, 5 females and 6 males. 117-185 mm (MNHN 1994-720). —

Stn CC 366, 19°45.40'S, 158°45,62’E, 650 m depth, otter trawl, 19 October 1986: 3 specimens, females 152-161 mm (MNHN

1994-721). — Stn CC 383, 19°40.85’S, 158°46.10’E, 600-615 m depth, otter trawl, 21 October 1986: 3 specimens, females

138-163 mm (MNHN 1994-722). - Stn CC 384. 19°42.40'S, 158°50.80'E. 756-772 m depth, otter trawl, 21 October 1986

1 specimen, female 163 mm (MNHN 1994-723). - Stn CP 387, 20°53.41’S, 160»52.I4’E. 650-660 m depth, beam trawl.

22 October 1986: 4 specimens. 2 females + 2 males, 137-169 mm (ZMUC-P.77847-850).

Description.-N umber of dorsal fin-rays 94-95, caudal 8. anal 76-78, pectoral 21-22, vertebrae 13 + 42-43,

long rakers on anterior gill arch 36-42, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 5-6, anterior anal fin-ray below

dorsal fin-ray no. 20 and vertebra no. 16-17, length of head 23-27.5 % and length of ventral fin-rays 28-36 % SL.

Fig. 9. — Homos lot us japonic us Matsubara, 1943, female 137 mm (ZMUC-P.77847).

Remarks. H. japorucus can be separated front the only other species within the genus, H. acer Smith &

Radchlfe i" Radcliffe, 1913, by the larger number of long gill rakers (36-42 vs 27) and the longer head (23-27.5 %

oL vs 22 G /c SL).

Distribution. - Known from off Japan and New Caledonia at depth between 300 and 772 m.

Genus MONOMITOPUS Alcock, 1890

Rather robust fish, horizontal diameter of eye window equal to or slightly shorter than snout, opercular spine

nTh 8 ' "IT ° r • ^"- deVel °P ed SpineS on lowcr an S ,e of Preoperculum, one median basibranchial tooth

patch, ventral fins with 1-2? rays in each.

Monomitopus garmani (Smith & Radcliffe, 1913)

Fig. 10

Monomeropus garmani Smith & Radcliffe in Radcliffe, 1913: 151.pl. 10. fig. 1 (type locality: 0°36’S, I22 0 1’N)

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 24 specimens. 95-192 mm.

Source. MNHN, Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 31,23°7.26’S, 166°50.45'E, 850 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Jean Charcot", 29 August

1985: 2 specimens, males 141-157 mm (MNHN 1994-724). — Stn CP 54, 23°10.30’S, 167°42.98’E, 1000 m depth, beam trawl,

1 September 1985: 1 specimen, female 169 mm (MNHN 1994-725). - Stn CP 61, 24°11.67'S, 167°31.37*E, 1070 m depth,

beam trawl, 2 September 1985: 2 specimens, female + male, 160+ & 192 mm (ZMUC-P.77851-852).— Stn CP 69.

23°51.38 , S.167°58.68 , E, 1225 m depth, beam trawl, 3 September 1985: 1 specimen, female 168 mm (MNHN 1994-726). —

Stn CP 75, 22°18.65’S, 167°23.30'E, 825 m depth, beam trawl, 4 .September 1985: 6 specimens. 4 females + 1 male + ?, 148-

164 mm (MNHN 1994-727).

Norfolk Ridge. Beryx 11: stn CP 58, 23°19.2’- 20.3’S, 167°59.4’- 58.4’E (Aztbque seamount), 850-920 m depth, beam

trawl, R. V. "A/zV\ 22 October 1992: 2 specimens, males 158-167 mm (NMNZ-P.29048 and P.29166).

Chesterfield and Rellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CP 323, 21°18.52’S, 157°57.62’E, 970 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. “ Coriolis ", UOctober 1986: 4 specimens, females 95-139 mm (MNHN 1994-728).— Stn CP 324, 21°15.0rS,

157°51.33’E, 970 m depth, beam trawl, 14 October 1986: 6 specimens, 3 females + 3 males, 112+ - 145 mm (MNHN

1994-729).

Fig. 10. Monomitopus gannemi (Smith & Radcliffe, 1913), male 158 mm (NMNZ-P.29166).

Description. - Number of fin-rays in dorsal 92-96, caudal 7-8, anal 76-82, pectoral 29-32, precaudal vertebrae

12, total vertebrae 57-58, long, slender rakers on anterior gill arch 15-18 (not including the 3-4 relatively long,

robust rakers on dorsal branch), pseudobranchial filaments 2, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 5-6,

anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray no. 16-19 and below vertebra no. 15. Head 20.5-22.5 % and horizontal

eye diameter 4.3-5.0 % SL.

Remarks. - This genus holds 14 nominal species which are mainly separated by meristic characters and length

of eye and head. The genus is much in need of a revision.

Distribution. — Known from Celebes to New Caledonia at depths between 825 and 1220 m.

Genus NEOBYTHITES Goode & Bean, 1886

Body short, mouth terminal, strong, straight opercular spine, horizontal diameter of eye window equal to or

slightly shorter than length of snout, two rays in each ventral fin, two median basibranchial tooth patches. A more

thorough description of the genus is given by NIELSEN (1995).

Neobythites is known from 61 specimens from off New Caledonia representing seven species five of which are

new and here described. Since these species will be included in a future paper on the Neobythites spp. from the

East Indian and Pacific Oceans the following descriptions are relatively short.

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

KEY TO THE NEW CALEDONIAN SPECIES OF NEOBYTH/TES

1 Ventral fin-rays reaching beyond anus; dorsal part of body mottled; two ocelli in dorsal fin

with the anterior placed at origin of fin. N. longiventralis sp. nov.

1 1 Ventral fin not reaching anus; body not mottled; 0-2 ocelli in dorsal fin with the anterior

placed posterior to anus.. 2

2 No spines on hind margin of preopcrculum; pectoral rays 33-34; 7-8 long gill rakers. N. bimarginatus

T Two spines on hind margin of preoperculum; pectoral fin-rays 25-29; 10-16 long gill rakers.3

3 Dorsal fin with about four dark blotches or ocelli continuing on body as dark, vertical bars.

. N. zonatus sp. nov.

3' No dark, vertical bars on body. 4

4 1-2 ocelli on dorsal fin.5

4’ No ocelli on dorsal fin.6

5 One ocellus on dorsal fin. N. unimaculatus

5* Two ocelli on dorsal fin. N. bimaculatus sp. nov.

6 Long rakers on anterior gill arch 14-16; longest gill filaments on anterior arch

2.8-4.8% head length. N.pallidus sp. nov.

6’ Long rakers on anterior arch 11; longest gill filaments on anterior arch

6.1-7-6% head length. N. neocaledoniensis sp. nov.

Neobythites bimaculatus sp. nov.

Figs 11a-b

Material EXAMINED. — 5 specimens, 73-170 mm.

New Caledonia. Musorstom 4: stn CP 241, 22°9’S, 167°12.2'E, 470-480 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. “Vauban ”,

3 October 1985: holotype, female 128 mm (MNHN 1994-730). — Stn CP 243, 22°2.8’S, 167°7.7’E 435-450 m depth, beam

trawl, 3 October 1985: 2 paratypes, females 73-155 mm (MNHN 1994-731) and 1 paratype, female 115 mm (ZMUC-

P.771153). — Stn CC 247, 22°9’S, 167°13.3’E, 435-460 m depth, otter trawl, 4 October 1985: 1 paratype, female 170 mm

(MNHN 1994-732).

DIAGNOSIS. — N. bimaculatus differs from all other Neobythites species by the following combination of

characters: Number of dorsal fin-rays 100-105, anal 86-92, two spines on hind margin of preoperculum, 10-12 long

raker on anterior gill arch, six small pseudobranchial filaments, two ocelli placed on middle third of dorsal fin.

Description. — The main meristic and morphometric characters are shown in Table 1. Holotype (Fig. 1 la):

Snout rather blunt about as long as horizontal diameter of eye window. Upper jaw ends just posterior to eye.

Lateral line indistinct. Teeth granular. Anterior gill arch with three short and two long rakers on dorsal branch, one

long raker in angle and ventral branch with eight long and six short rakers. Two distinct ocelli on dorsal fin. Upper

part of head and body mottled brown indicating about ten vertical, brown bands. Posteriormost part of dorsal and

anal fins and caudal fin dark. Paratypes (only major differences from holotype will be mentioned): The three

smallest paratypes have 12-15 more distinct brown, vertical bands on upper part of body. Furthermore, the 73 mm

paratype has two less distinct ocelli on anal fin (Fig. lib).

ETYMOLOGY. — The specific name refers to the two ocelli on the dorsal fin.

Distribution. — Known from off New Caledonia between 435 and 480 m of depth.

Source. MNHN, Paris

OPH1DIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Remarks. —N. bimaculatus seems most closely related to N. crosnieri Nielsen, 1994 with which it shares the

two preopercular spines and the two ocelli on the dorsal fin. They differ by the position of the two ocelli which is

on the middle third of the dorsal fin in bimaculatus while it is on the posterior third in crosnieri.

Fig. 11. — Neobythites bimaculatus sp. nov. — A: holotype, female 128 mm (MNHN 1994-730). — B: paratype, female 73 mm

(MNHN 1994-731).

Neobythites bitnarginatus Fourmanoir & Rivaton, 1979

Fig. 12

Neobythites bimarginatus Fourmanoir & Rivaton, 1979: 416, fig. 9 (type locality: west of lie des Pins, New Caledonia).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 13 specimens, 76-110 mm.

New Caledonia. West of Pins Island: 360 m depth, trawl, 13 April 1978: holotype, male 109 mm (MNHN 1978-472). -

Paratype, male 97 mm (MNHN 1978-473), same data as holotype. The holotype and paratype of N. bimarginatus are the only

ophidioid specimens here treated which were not caught by the expeditions mentioned in the introduction. Musorstom 4: stn

CP 213, 22°51.3 , S, 167°12’E, 405-530 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. " Vauban ”, 28 September 1985: 2 specimens, females 89-98

mm (MNHN 1994 - 733 ). — Stn CP 214, 22°53.8 , S, 1 67° 13.9’E, 425-440 m depth, beam trawl, 28 September 1985: 1 specimen,

female 92 mm (MNHN 1994-734).

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CP 311, 22°13.6'S, 159°23.9'E, 320 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. “ Coriolis ”, 12 October 1986: 2 specimens, female and male, 102 and 110 mm (MNHN 1994-735) and 1 specimen,

female 76 mm (ZMUC-P.771154) - Stn DW 339, 19°53.4’S, 158°37.9’E, 380-395 m depth, epibenthic dredge, 16 October

1986: 1 specimen, female 77 mm (MNHN 1994-736).

Norlfolk Ridge. Chalcal 2: stn CP 26. 23°18.15’S, 168°3.58'E, 296 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. “ Coriolis ”, 31 October

1986: 2 specimens, female + ?, 90 and 87 mm (MNHN 1994-737) and 1 specimen, male 85 mm (ZMUC-P.771155).

Loyalty Islands. Musorstom 6: stn DW 478, 21°8.96’S, 167°54.28 , E, 400 m depth, epibenthic dredge, R. V. "Alis”,

22 February 1989: 1 specimen, female 86 mm (MNHN 1994-738).

Source:

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Diagnosis. —N. bimarginatus differs from all other Neobythites species by having 33-34 pectoral fin-rays,

anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray no. 23-25, distal and proximal parts of dorsal and anal fins light and

middle part black, and median part of body immediately behind head with 6-7 light areas.

Description. — The main meristic and morphometric characters are shown in Table 2. Holotype (Fig. 12):

Snout blunt, longer than horizontal diameter of eye window. Upper jaw ends below posterior margin of eye.

Lateral line distinct and dark. Teeth granular. Anterior gill arch with four short rakers on dorsal branch, one long

raker in angle and ventral branch with eight long and three short rakers. See diagnosis for coloration. Variation:

The paratype and 11 additional specimens vary little from the holotype.

Table 1. — Meristic and morphometric characters of Neobythites bimaculatus sp. nov.

Holotype

Paratype

MNHN

ZMUC

MNHN

1994-730

1994-732

1994-731

P 771153

1994-731

Standard length

128 mm

170 mm

155 mm

115 mm

73 mm

Meristic characters

Dorsal fin

100

105

Caudal fin

Anal fin

Pectoral fin

Pscudobranchial filaments

Precaudal vertebrae

Total vertebrae

Developed rakers on anterior gill arch

Anterior dorsal ray above vertebra n°

Anterior anal ray below dorsal ray n°

Anterior anal ray below vertebra n°

Morphometric characters

In % of SL

Head length

22.5

22.0

21.0

Depth at anus

16.5

17.0

16.0

14.5

15.0

Upper jaw

11.0

10.5

Horizontal eye window

4.8

4.5

4.7

4.2

4.9

Preanal

40.0

42.0

41.0

38.0

38.5

Predorsal

25.0

24.5

23.5

24.0

Length of ventral lln

16.0

15.5

15.0

13.0

Snout to 1st ocellus

48.5

47.5

44.5

45.0

Snout to 2nd ocellus

In % of head-length

Longest gill filaments on anterior arch

6.0

6.4

5.9

6.7

6.5

Biology. — N. bimarginatus occurs on the upper part of the continental shelf (296-530 m). The presence of

gastropods in several specimens shows that it feeds on the bottom. It seems to be a small species as it has well

developed gonads at a standard length of about 100 mm and specimens exceeding 110 mm are not known.

Source MNHN. Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Distribution. — N . bimarginatus is kown from off New Caledonia and a few neighbouring islands, caught in

bottom fishing gear.

Fig. 12. — Neobythites bimarginatus Fourmanoir & Rivaton, 1979, holotype, male 109 mm (MNHN 1978-472).

Table 2 — Meristic and morphometric characters of Neobythites bimarginatus Fourmanoir & Rivaton. 1979.

Holotype

Paratype

13 specimens

MNHN

including

1978-472

1978-473

Holotype + Paratype

Standard length

109 mm

97 mm

76-110 mm

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

Minimum

(Mean) Maximum

Dorsal fin

107

106

(107.8)

110

Caudal fin

(8.0)

Anal fin

(87.5)

Pectoral fin

(32.9)

Pseudobranchial filaments

(2.0)

Precaudal vertebrae

(13.9)

Total vertebrae

(60.5)

Developed rakers on anterior gill arch

(8.0)

Anterior dorsal ray above vertebra n°

(3.4)

Anterior anal ray below dorsal ray n°

(23.8)

Anterior anal ray below vertebra n°

(15.5)

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS

In % of SL

Head length

19.5

20.5

19.0

(19.9)

21.0

Depth at anus

16.0

15.5

14.5

(15.7)

17.5

Upper jaw

8.9

9.7

8.9

(9.4)

10.5

Horizontal eye window

4.0

4.6

4.0

(4.8)

5.3

Preanal

39.5

41.5

37.5

(40.0)

43.5

Predorsal

20.5

22.5

19.0

(21.7)

23.5

In % of head-lengt

Longest gill filaments on anterior arch

6.5

5.5

4.9

(5.5)

6.3

Source: MNHN, Paris

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Neobythites longiventralis sp. nov.

Fig. 13

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 2 specimens, 108-137 mm.

New Caledonia. Musorstom 4: stn CP 192, 18°59.3’S, 163°25’E, 320 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. “ Vauban ”,

19 September 1985: holotype, female 137 mm (MNHN 1994-739). — Stn CP 172, 19°1.2’S, 163°16 , E, 275-330 m depth, beam

trawl, 17 September 1985: paratype, male 108 mm (MNHN 1994-740).

DIAGNOSIS. — N. longiventralis differs from all other species of Neobythites by the following combination of

characters: Ventral fins reach beyond origin of anal fin, hind margin of preoperculum with two spines, number of

vertebrae 53-54, 11 long rakers on anterior gill arch, and anterior ocellus placed at origin of dorsal (in with the

second and larger ocellus placed posterior to anus.

Description. — The main meristic and morphometric characters are shown in Table 3. Holotype (Fig. 13):

Snout rather blunt, a little longer than horizontal diameter of eye window. Upper jaw ends well behind posterior

margin of eye. Lateral line light. Teeth granular. Vomer subtriangular. Anterior gill arch with 4-5 short and two

long rakers on dorsal branch, one long raker in angle and ventral branch with eight long and five extreemly short

rakers. Dorsal part of head and body mottled brown; ventral part more uniformly brown. Dorsal fin with irregular

dark areas besides two ocelli; lips dark. Paratype: The only major variation from the holotype is that the two ocelli

are almost equal in size.

Biology. — Gastropods were found in the intestine of the holotype.

Etymology. — The specific name refers to the long ventral fin-rays.

Distribution. — Known from two New Caledonian localities trawled at 275-330 m of depth.

Remarks. - Two additional species of Neobythites have ventral fins ending posterior to anus. Of these

N. longipes Smith & Radcliffe in Radcliffe, 1913 from the Philippines can be distinguished by having one ocellus

in dorsal fin and one weak preopercular spine only, and N. stelliferoides Gilbert, 1890 from the East Pacific has

neither ocelli nor preopercular spines.

Fig. 13. — Neobythiies longiventralis sp. nov., holotype, female 137 mm (MNHN 1994-739).

Source: MNHN, Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Table 3. — Meristic and morphometric characters of Neobythites longiventralis sp. nov.

Holotype

Paratype

MNHN

1994-739

1994-740

Standard length

137 mm

108 mm

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

Dorsal Fin

Caudal fin

Anal fin

Pectoral fin

Pseudobranchial filaments

4-5

5-5

Prccaudal vertebrae

Total vertebrae

Developed rakers on anterior gill arch

Anterior dorsal ray above vertebra n°

Anterior anal ray below dorsal ray n°

Anterior anal ray below vertebra n°

Morphometric characters

In % of SL

Head length

23.0

22.0

Depth at anus

18.5

15.5

Upper jaw

12.5

11.5

Horizontal eye window

4.7

5.1

Preventral

18.5

18.0

Preanal

43.0

42.0

Predorsal

26.5

26.0

Length of ventral fin

32.0

27.5

Snout to 1st ocellus

28.5

27.5

Snout to 2nd ocellus

50.0

47.0

In % of head-length

Longest gill filaments on anterior arch

7.9

Neobythites neocaledoniensis sp. nov.

Fig. 14

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 8 specimens, 124-245 mm.

New Caledonia. MUSORSTOM 4: s.n CP 194. 18°52.8'S. 163«*21.7*E. 550 m depth beam trawl. FC V. Vautom

19 September 1985: holotype. female 169 mm (MNHN 1994-741). - 2 paratypes, female and male^ 95 and 45 mm i (MNHN

1994-742) and 1 paratype, female 145 mm (ZMUC-P.771156). same data as holotype -Stn CP 195 18 54.8 S. 63 222 E.

470 m depth, beam trawl. 19 September 1985: I paratype. female 124 mm (MNHN 1994-743)^-Stn CC 201, 55.80 S.

163°13.80'E. 500 m depth, otter trawl, 20 September 1985: 1 paratype, male 162 mm (MNHN I >■

Norfolk Ridge. Beryx 11: stn CP 7. 24°54.8-S, 168°2I.3’E (Seamount "B ). 540-670 m depth, beam trawl. R.

15 October 1992: 2 paratypes, females 125-132 mm (NMNZ-P.29201).

“Alis’\

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Diagnosis. — N . neocaledoniensis differs from all other Neobythites species by the following combination of

characters: Number of dorsal fin-rays 102-106, anal 87-90, two spines on hind margin of preopcrculum, 11 long

rakers on anterior gill arch, no ocelli or spots on fins or bands on body.

Fig. 14. — Neobythites neocaledoniensis sp. nov., holotype, female 169 mm (MNHN 1994-741).

DESCRIPTION. — The main mcristic and morphometric characters are shown in Table 4. Holotype (Fig. 14):

Snout pointed, longer than horizontal diameter of eye window. Upper jaw ends well behind eye. Lateral line

distinct. Teeth granular. Vomer subtriangular. Anterior gill arch with three short and two long rakers on dorsal

branch, one long raker in angle and ventral branch with eight long and three short rakers. Body and head brown,

darker above than below and no ocelli or spots. Paratypes: All paratypes are very similar to the holotype except for

a 245 mm specimen (MNHN 1994-742) in which there are two faint black spots on dorsal fin and seven (vs 3-4)

pseudobranchial filaments much smaller than in the other paratypes.

Biology. — Various gastropods and remains of crustaceans were found in the intestine of most specimens.

Etymology. — The specific name refers to the type locality.

Distribution. — Caught on three localities off New Caledonia and once a little further south on the Norfolk

Ridge at depths between 470 and 670 m.

REMARKS. - N. neocaledoniensis differs from all other Neobythites species with two preopercular spines and

no ocelli or vertical bars on body by having more rays in dorsal and anal fins (vs. N. purus Smith & Radcliffe in

Radcliffe, 1913 and N. sivicola (Jordan & Snyder, 1901)) and by having fewer long rakers on anterior gill arch and

more coloration (vs. N. pallidus , see below).

Neobythites pallidus sp. nov.

Fig. 15a-b

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 17 specimens, 102-143 mm.

New Caledonia. Musorstom 4: stn CP 198, 18°49.4'S, 163°18.8’E, 590 m depth, beam trawl, R V " Vauban"

20 September 1985: holotype, male 135 mm (MNHN 1994-745). - Stn. CP 158, I8°49.3’S, 163°15’E t 620 m depth beam

trawl, 15 September 1985: 1 paratype, female 123 mm (MNHN 1994-746). - 2 paratypes, females 116-132 mm (MNHN 1994-

747) and 1 paratype. female 121 mm (ZMUC-P.771157), same data as holotype. — Stn CP 199, 18°50'S, 163°14 5’E 600 m

depth, beam trawl, 20 September 1985: 1 paratype, female 143 mm (MNHN 1994-748). — Stn CP 242, 22°5.8’S. 167°10.3’E

500-550 m depth, beam trawl, 3 October 1985: 10 paratypes, 9 females and I male, 102-137 mm (MNHN 1994-749) and

1 paratype, male 132 mm (ZMUC-P.771158).

Source MNHN, Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Table 4. — Meristic and morphometric characters of Neobythites neocaledoniensis sp. nov.

Holotype Holotype

MNHN 1994-741 + 7 paratypes

Standard length

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

Dorsal fin

Caudal fin

Anal fin

Pectoral fin

Pseudobranchial filaments

Precaudal vertebrae

Total vertebrae

Developed rakers on anterior gill arch

Anterior dorsal ray above vertebra n°

Anterior anal ray below dorsal ray n°

Anterior anal ray below vertebra n°

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS

In % of SL

Head length

Depth at anus

Upper jaw

Horizontal eye window

Preanal

Predorsal 26.5

In % of head-length

Longest gill filaments on anterior arch

169 mm

124-245 mm

Minimum-Maximum

106

102-106

87-90

24-28

3-4 (7)

59-61

5-6

18-22

14-16

25.0

22.5-25.0

17.0

16.0-18.0

12.5

11.5-12.5

4.7

4.1-4.7

42.5

39.5-47.0

25.0-26.5

7.6

5.8-7.6

Diagnosis. — N. pallidus differs from all other Neobythites species by the following combination of

characters : Number of dorsal fin-rays 97-101, anal 82-86, two spines on hind margin of preoperculum, 14-16 long

rakers on anterior gill arch, 4-6 pseudobranchial filaments, longest gill filaments on anterior arch 2.8-4.8 % head

length, no ocelli, dark blotches or vertical bands on body.

Fig. 15a. —Neobythitespallidus sp. nov., holotype, male 135 mm (MNHN 1994-745).

Source: MNHN, Paris

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Table 5. — Meristic and morphometric characters of Neobythites pallidus sp. nov.

Holotype

MNHN

and 16

1994-745

paratypes

Standard length

135 mm

102-143 mm

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

Minimum

(Mean) Maximum

(N)

Dorsal fin

100

(100.0)

101

(17)

Anal fin

(84.9)

(16)

Pectoral fin

(27.7)

(12)

Pseudobr. filaments

(4.5)

(16)

Precaudal vertebrae

(17)

Total vertebrae

(58.9)

(16)

Developed rakers on anterior gill arch

(15.0)

(16)

Anterior dorsal ray above vertebra n°

(5.9)

(17)

Anterior anal ray below dorsal ray n°

(19.2)

(17)

Anterior anal ray below vertebra n°

(15.1)

(17)

Morphometric characters

In % of SL

Head length

20.5

(21.4)

22.5

(17)

Depth at anus

14.5

14.0

(15.3)

16.5

(17)

Upper jaw

9.3

(10.3)

11.0

(17)

Horizontal eye window

5.0

4.3

(4.9)

5.5

(15)

Preanal

38.5

38.0

(39.3)

42.5

(17)

Predorsal

24.0

23.0

(24.8)

26.5

(17)

In % of head-length

Longest gill filaments on anterior arch

3.2

2.8

(3.6)

4.8

(17)

Description. — The main meristic and morpho¬

metric characters are shown in Table 5. Holotype (Fig.

15a): Snout blunt, shorter than horizontal diameter of

eye window. Upper jaw ends below posterior margin of

eye. Lateral line indistinct. Teeth granular. Vomer

triangular. Anterior gill arch with two short and four

long rakers on dorsal branch, one long raker in angle

and ventral branch with ten long and four short rakers.

Except for a concentration of brown pigment on snout

and black pigment around anus, head and body are

uniformly light brown. Paratypes: The 16 paratypes

vary but slightly from the holotype; some specimens

with a pointed snout (Fig. 15b) and others with

pigmented lips.

Fig. 15b. — Neobythites pallidus sp. nov.: paratype, female

121 mm (ZMUC-P.771157).

Source: MNHN , Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

BIOLOGY. — A few specimens with gastropods in the intestine.

Etymology. — The specific name refers to the pale body.

Distribution. — Caught on four localities off New Caledonia at depths between 500 and 620 m.

Remarks. — N. pallidus differs from all other Neobythites species with two preopercular spines and lack of

distinct pigmentation, such as N. neocaledoniensis, N. purus and N. sivicola , by having 14-16 long rakers on

anterior gill arch (cf. Remarks under N. neocaledoniensis.).

Neobythites unimaculatus Smith & Radcliffe, 1913

Fig. 16

Neobythites unimaculatus Smith & Radcliffe in Radcliffe, 1913: 140. pi. 7, fig. 2 (type locality: 4°1C’50 ,, N, 118°39’35"E).

Neobythites nigromaculatus Kamohara, 1938: 67, fig. 37 (type locality: Mimase market, Japan).

Neobythites steatiticus. Blaufort & Chapman, 1951: 417 (in part).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 3 specimens, 102-149+ mm.

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 105, 21°30.7rS, 166°21.72 , E, 335 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Jean Charcot ”,

8 September 1985: 2 specimens, female and male, 149+ and 115 mm (MNHN 1994-750).— Stn CP 108, 22°2.55’S,

!67°5.68’E, 335 m depth, beam trawl, 9 September 1985: 1 specimen, female 102 mm (MNHN 1994-751).

DIAGNOSIS. — N. unimaculatus differs from all other Neobythites species by the following combination of

characters: Distinct ocellus on dorsal fin situated immediately behind vertical line through anus, two sharp spines

on posterior margin of preoperculum, ventral fins reaching halfway to anus and no vertical bars on body.

DESCRIPTION. — Number of fin-rays in dorsal 90-92, caudal 8, anal 74-75, pectoral 28-29, precaudal vertebrae

13, total vertebrae 53-54, long rakers on anterior gill arch 10, pseudobranchial filaments 4-6, anterior dorsal lin-ray

above vertebra no. 5-6, anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray no. 20 and vertebra no. 15-16. Pre-ocellus length

45-46 % standard length.

Fig. 16. — Neobythites unimaculatus Smith & Radcliffe, 1913, lemale 218 mm (BSKU 44500).

REMARKS. — The apparent main differences between N. nigromaculatus and N. unimaculatus , the number of

dorsal fin-rays and lateral line scales, are caused by incorrect data in the original description of A. unimaculatus.

Examination of the holotype gave meristic characters like those of N. nigromaculatus. The specimen here

illustrated was caught in Japanese waters and is kept in Kyoto University (BSKU).

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Distribution. — Caught off New Caledonia at 335 m of depth. Elsewhere known from Japan to the

Philippines and from the Arafura Sea at depths between 111 and 567 m.

Neobythites zonatus sp. nov.

Fig. 17

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 13 specimens, 79-174 mm.

Norfolk Ridge. Chalcal 2: stn CC 2, 24°55.48*S, 168°21.29’E, 500-610 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. “ Coriolis ",

28 October 1986: holotype. female 139 mm (MNHN 1994-752). — Stn CP 21, 24°54’S, 168°21.61'E, 500 m depth, beam

trawl, 28 October 1986: 1 paratype, male 105+ mm (MNHN 1994-755). — Stn CC 1, 24°54.96’S, 168°21.91’E, 500-580 m

depth, otter trawl, 28 October 1986: 2 paratypes, female + ?, 105+? and 79 mm (MNHN 1994-756).

SMIB 4: stn DW 39, 24°56.2’S, 168°21.5’E, 560 m depth, epibenthic dredge, R. V. “Alis”, 1 March 1989: 1 paratype,

female 108 mm (MNHN 1994-758).

Beryx 11: stn CP 7, 24°54.8 , S, 168°21.3’E (Seamount "B”), 540-670 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. " Alis ”, 15 October 1992:

1 paratype, female 118 mm (NMNZ-P.29200) and 1 paratype, female 114 mm (ZMUC-P.771160). — Stn 22, 24°44.4’S,

168°6.6’E (Kaiyo Maru Seamount), 490-510 m depth, beam trawl, 17 October 1992: 1 paratype, male 141 mm (NMNZ-

P.29019). — Stn 53, 23°48.3’S, 168 0 17.1’E (Jumeaux Seamount), 540-950 m depth, beam trawl, 21 October 1992: 1 paratype,

male 134 mm (NMNZ-P.29329).

New Caledonia. Musorstom 4: stn CP 238, 22°13 , S, 167°I4’E, 500-510 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. " Vauban ",

2 October 1985: 1 paratype, female 160 mm (MNHN 1994-753).

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn DC 380, I9°37.7’S, 158°43.9’E, 555-570 m depth, Charcot dredge,

R. V. “ Coriolis ”, 21 October 1986: 1 paratype, female 174 mm (MNHN 1994-754).

Loyalty Islands. Musorstom 6: stn CP 467. 21°5.13 , S, 167°32.11 E, 575 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. “ Alis ”, 21 February

1989: 1 paratype, 100 mm (MNHN 1994-757) and 1 paratype, female 128 mm (ZMUC-P.771159).

Diagnosis. — N. zonatus differs from all other Neobythites species by the following combination of

characters: Number of dorsal fin-rays 100-105, anal 85-91, two spines on hind margin of preoperculum, 11-13 long

rakers on anterior gill arch, 3-4 pseudobranchial filaments, dorsal fin with 4-5 more or less distinct dark blotches

continuing into dark, vertical bars on body, posterior part of dorsal and anal fin and caudal fin dark.

Fig. 17. — Neobythites zonatus sp. nov., holotype, female 139 mm (MNHN 1994-752).

Description. — The main meristic and morphometric characters are shown in Table 6. Holotype (Fig. 17):

Snout blunt, as long as horizontal diameter of eye window. Upper jaw ends posterior to eye. Lateral line indistinct.

Teeth granular. Vomer triangular with rather large teeth. Anterior gill arch with three short and three long rakers on

dorsal branch, one long raker in angle and ventral branch with eight long and five short rakers. Six more or less

distinct, dark-brown vertical bars on body of which four middle ones end in a dark blotch on dorsal fin, snout

Source: MNHN, Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

darker brown with line through eyes. Paratypes: The main difference from the holotype is found in the coloration

as there are specimens with up to nine diffuse vertical bars on body and five dark blotches on dorsal fin.

Biology. — Gastropods are found in the intestine of several specimens.

ETYMOLOGY. — The specific name refers to the dark, vertical bars or zones on body.

DISTRIBUTION. —Known from off New Caledonia and a few neighbouring islands at depths between 490 and

950 m.

Remarks. — N. zonatus seems most closely related to N.fasciatus Smith & Radcliffe in Radcliffe, 1913 and

N. multistriatus Nielsen & Quero, 1991 with which it shares two spines on preoperculum and several dark, vertical

bars on body. However, in contrast to N. zonatus in both the other species the bars continue as dark blotches on

anal fin.

Table 6. — Meristic and morphometric characters of Neobythites zonatus sp. nov.

Holotype Holotype

and 12 paratypes

Standard length

139 mm

79-174 mm

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

Minimum

(Mean) Maximum

(N)

Dorsal fin

103

100

(102.8)

105

(ID

Caudal fin

(8.0)

Anal fin

(88.9)

(ID

Pectoral fin

(27.4)

(ID

Pseudobranchial filaments

4/3

(4.1)

(12)

Precaudal vertebrae

(12.9)

(12)

Total vertebrae

(60.2)

(13)

Developed rakers on anterior gill arch

(12.2)

(13)

Anterior dorsal ray above vertebra n°

(5.3)

(13)

Anterior anal ray below dorsal ray n°

(19.0)

(12)

Anterior anal ray below vertebra n°

(15.3)

(12)

Morphometric characters

In % of SL

Head length

22.5

21.0

(22.3)

23.5

(ID

Depth at anus

16.0

14.5

(16.1)

17.0

(11)

Upper jaw

11.5

9.9

(10.7)

11.5

(ID

Horizontal eye window

4.5

4.3

(4.5)

4.8

(ID

Preanal

41.0

37.0

(40.1)

45.0

(ID

Predorsal 26.0

23.0

(25.2)

26.0

Length of ventral fin

12.5

12.0

(14.0)

15.5

Snout-1st dorsal spot

28.0

(31.2)

34.5

Snout-2nd dorsal spot

44.0

43.5

(45.2)

48.5

Snout-3rd dorsal spot

61.0

57.5

(61.8)

67.5

Snout-4th dorsal spot

74.5

71.5

(76.1)

80.0

In % of head-length

(13)

Longest gill filaments on anterior arch

5.5

3.8

(5.0)

7.1

Source:

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Genus OPHIDION Linnaeus, 1758

Elongate body with elliptical scales arranged at oblique angles to each other, scales absent on head. Basis of

ventral fins below orbit. About 150 dorsal fin-rays. Snout spine absent or weakly developed.

Ophidion muraenolepis (Gunther, 1880)

Fig. 18

Ophidium muraenolepis Gunther, 1880: 46, pi. XX (type locality: Kei Islands).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CP 311, 22°13.60’S, 159°23.90’E,

320 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. " Coriolis ”, 12 October 1986: 1 specimen, female 117 mm (MNHN 1994-759).

Description. — Number of fin-rays in dorsal 151, caudal 10, anal 111, pectoral 23, ventral 2, vertebrae 18 +

52, long rakers on anterior gill arch 4, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 8, anterior anal fin-ray below

dorsal fin-ray no. 35 and vertebra no. 20. An almost hidden spine on operculum.

BIOLOGY. — A large foraminifera overgrown by a colony of bryozoans was found in the intestine.

Distribution. — Known from Indo-Australian waters at depths about 300 m.

Remarks. — The genus Ophidion is under a much needed revision by C. R. Robins, USA. Three species have

been briefly described from the western Pacific and Indo-Australian areas: O. asiro (Jordan & Fowler, 1902),

0. genyopus Ogilby, 1897 and O. muraenolepis (Gunther, 1880). The present material seems closest to the latter.

Fig. 18. — Ophidion muraenolepis (Gunther, 1880), female 117 mm (MNHN 1994-759).

Genus POROGADUS Goode & Bean, 1886

Body long and slender, depth at anus at least 10 times in standard length, prominent mucous cavities below

eyes, normally two rays in each ventral fin, 5-6 caudal fin-rays.

Source: MNHN. Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Porogadus melampeplus (Alcock, 1896)

Fig. 19

Dermatorus melampeplus Alcock, 1896: 305 (type locality: Laccadive Sea).

Porogadus melampeplus: SHCHERBACHEV, 1980: 168.

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 6 specimens, 112-210 mm.

New Caledonia. BlOCAL: stn CP 5, 21°16.49’S. 166°43.56’E, 2340 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. “Jean Charcot”, 11 August

1985: 1 specimen, male 208 mm (ZMUC-P.77845). - Stn CP 27, 22°5.52 , S, 166°26.4rE, 1850 m depth, beam trawl,

28 August 1985: 4 specimens, 1 male + 3?, 165-110+ mm (MNHN 1994-760).

Biogeocal: stn CP 273, 21°1.53’S, 166°57.4rE, 1920-2040 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. 11 Coriolis ”, 20 April 1987:

1 specimen, female 210 mm (MNHN 1994-761).

Description. — Spines on head moderately long, number of fin-rays in dorsal c. 160, caudal 5, anal c. 140,

pectoral 16, ventral 2, vertebrae 15 + 109, 18-22 long rakers on anterior gill arch, 1-2 small pseudobranchial

filaments, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 6, anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray no. 20 and

vertebra no. 17.

Distribution. — Known from east of Madagascar to New Caledonia at depths between 1500 and 2400 m.

Fig. 19. — Porogadus melampeplus (Alcock, 1896), male 208 mm (ZMUC-P.77845).

Remarks. — Nybelin (1957: 288) and Shcherbachev (1980: 164) divided the 14 species of Porogadus into

three groups according to the development of the head spines. The present material belongs to the group with

moderately developed spines holding the following species: P. subarmatus Vaillant, 1888, P. melampeplus

(Alcock, 1896) and P. guentheri Jordan & Fowler, 1902. It seems as if the present specimens fit best into the

description of P. melampeplus. Until a revision of the genus has taken place a specific identification of Porogadus

specimens is rather uncertain.

Genus PYCNOCRASPEDUM Alcock, 1889

Relatively short body, 2-3 spines on preopercular angle, opercular spine well-developed, four long rakers on

anterior gill arch, two ventral fin-rays, two median basibranchial tooth patches (additionally is found in some

specimens a pair or only one unsymmetrically placed tooth patch).

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Pycnocraspedum squamipinne Alcock, 1889

Fig. 20

Pycnocraspedum squamipinne Alcock, 1889: 386 (type locality: 20°17.5'N, 88°50’E).

Pycnocraspedum squamipinne : MACHIDA, 1984: 249.

Material EXAMINED. — New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 109, 22°10.03’S, 167°15.22’E, 495 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. “Jean Charcot ”, 9 September 1985: 1 specimen, 100 mm (MNHN 1994-762).

DESCRIPTION. — Number of fin-rays in dorsal 98, caudal 10, anal 72, pectoral 27, ventral 2, vertebrae 12 + 42,

long rakers on anterior gill arch 4, pscudobranchial filaments 7, origin of dorsal fin in front of 1st vertebra, anterior

anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray no. 27 and vertebra no. 14, sagittal otolith large. Two median basibranchial tooth

patches.

FIG. 20. — Pycnocraspedum squamipinne Alcock, 1889, 100 mm (MNHN 1994-762).

Remarks. — The genus is in need ol a revision. Machida (1984: 247) discussed the four nominal species in

connection with describing a fifth species, P.fulvum. He stated that his new species resembled P. squamipinne but

dillered from it by having pseudobranchial filaments, a longer snout, larger body depth, and fewer rays in dorsal

and anal fins. Examination of one of Alcock's syntypes showed that P. squamipinne does have one

pseudobranchial filament and specimens on loan here in Copenhagen show that the relative length of the snout

varies with the length of the fish as does the body depth. Five Pycnocraspedum specimens from the western Indian

Ocean all had four pseudobranchial filaments like P. fulvum and 88-92 dorsal and 68-71 anal fin-rays while

P.fulvum 81 and 63 rays respectively. This indicates either that there is an undescribed species in the western

Indian Ocean or that P. squamipinne has up to four pseudobranchial filaments. It also shows that P. fulvum and

P. squamipinne are closely related. The present specimen does not fit properly with any of the Indo-Pacific species

but seems closest to P. squamipinne.

Distribution. — Known in a few specimens from off East Africa to New Caledonia at depths between 200

and 500 m.

Genus TAUREDOPHIDIUM Alcock, 1890

A monotypic genus. See description below.

Source: MNHN. Paris

0PH1DIIF0RM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Tauredophidium hextii Alcock, 1890

Fig. 21

Tauredophidium hextii Alcock, 1890: 213, pi. VIII (type locality: Bay of Bengal).

Tauredophidium hextii : SHCHERBACHEV, 1980: 111.

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 2 specimens, 77-81 mm.

New Caledonia. BlOCAL: stn CP 58, 23°56.52’S, 166°40.55’E, 2660 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Jean Charcot ",

1 September 1985: 1 specimen, female 81 mm (MNHN 1994-763).

Biogeocal: stn CP 273, 21°1.53’S, 166°57.4rE, 1920-2040 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. " Coriolis ”, 20 April 1987:

1 specimen, male 77 mm (MNHN 1994-764).

Description. — Robust head and tapering body, opercular spine very long, preoperculum with three strong

spines, eyes not visible, ventral fins widely separated, one median and a pair of basibranchial tooth patches.

Number of dorsal fin-rays 72-75, caudal 7-8, anal 64-65, pectoral 18-20, ventral 2, vertebrae 11 + 44-46, long

rakers on anterior gill arch 11-12, pseudobranchial filaments 2, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 4-5,

anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray no. 13-14, and vertebra no. 13-14.

Distribution. — Known from off East Africa to New Caledonia at depths between c. 1500 and 2660 m.

FIG. 21. — Tauredophidium hextii Alcock, 1890, male 77 mm (MNHN 1994-764).

Family APHYONIDAE

Vertical fins united, scales absent, precaudal vertebrae 26-34, swimbladcr absent, basibranchial tooth patches

absent, opercular spine weak or absent. Viviparous.

Genus APHYONVS Gunther, 1878

Developed gill rakers on anterior arch 3-14, palatine teeth absent, pectoral fin with 13-19 rays, ventral fin with

one ray, mouth almost horizontal. Two of the four recognized species (NIELSEN, 1974) are caught in New

Caledonian waters.

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Aphyonus bolitti Nielsen, 1974

Fig. 22

Aphyonus bolini Nielsen, 1974: 179, fig. 1 (type locality: 15°38’N, 111°54’E).

Material EXAMINED. — New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 69, 23°51.38’S, 167°58.68 , E, 1225 m depth, beam trawl.

R. V. "Jean Charcot ", 3 September 1985: 1 specimen, female 99 mm (MNHN 1994-765).

Description. — Eyes minute, mouth horizontal, peritoneum dark blue. Number of dorsal fin-rays 69, caudal 8,

anal 54, pectoral 16, vertebrae 26 + 39, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 19, anterior anal fin-ray below

dorsal fin-ray no. 16 and below vertebra no. 29, long gill rakers on anterior arch 13. Head 22% SL, upper jaw 11%

SL, depth of body at origin of dorsal fin 13.5% SL, predorsal 38.5% SL, preventral 19% SL, preanal 54% SL.

Remarks. - A . bolini is closely related to A. brevidorsalis Nielsen, 1969 but differs by having more long gill

rakers (13-14 vs. 9), fewer precaudal vertebrae (26 vs. 32) and a more slender body (depth of body at origin of

dorsal fin 13.5 vs 21.0% SL).

10 mm

Fig. 22. — Aphyonus bolini Nielsen, 1974, holotype, male 59 mm (from Nielsen, 1974).

DISTRIBUTION. — Known in a few specimens from off New Caledonia, the South China Sea and from off

Madagascar (unpublished) at depths between 1075 and 1300 m.

Aphyonus gelatinosus Gunther, 1878

Fig. 23

Aphyonus gelatinosus Gunther, 1878:22 (type locality: 12°8’S, 145°10*E).

Aphyonus gelatinosus: NlELSEN, 1969: 15, fig. 1.

Material EXAMINED. - New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 69, 23°51.38’S, 167°58.68'E, 1225 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. "Jean Charcot ”, 3 September 1985: 1 specimen, female 121 mm (MNHN 1994-766).

DESCRIPTION. — Eyes not visible, mouth horizontal, peritoneum dark blue. Number of dorsal fin-rays 104,

caudal 8, anal 65, pectoral 18, vertebrae 29 + 52, anterior dorsal fin-ray above vertebra no. 7, anterior anal fin-ray

below dorsal fin-ray no.37 and below vertebra no.34, developed gill rakers on anterior arch 3. Head 25% SL, upper

jaw 12.5% SL, depth of body at origin of dorsal fin 19 % SL, predorsal 28.5% SL, preventral 20.5% SL, preanal

54% SL.

Source MNHN, Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Fig. 23. —Aphyonus gelatinosus Gunther, 1878. male 121 mm, (from Nielsen, 1969).

Remarks. — A. gelatinosus differs from all other Aphyonus species by having more dorsal fin-rays (93-116 vs.

69-75), more caudal vertebrae (50-53 vs. 38-40) and a shorter predorsal length (ca. 30% SL vs. ca. 40% SL).

DISTRIBUTION. — Known from a number of specimens from all oceans except for the East Pacific at depths

between 900 and 2560 m.

Genus PARASCIADONUS Nielsen, 1984

The description of this genus was based on the type species only. With the description of a second species (see

below) it is now possible to make an attempt to separate specific and generic characters. It should be kept in mind

that only the holotype is known of each of the two species. Here follows the revised generic diagnosis: a long,

slender aphyonid with a protruding lower jaw and an almost horizontal mouth. Head twice as wide as body. Depth

of body at origin of anal fin about 7% SL. Eyes extremely small. Dentition very weak with edentate palatines.

Predorsal 50-62% SL, preanal 69-72% SL, pectoral peduncle short and broad, no ventral fins. Anterior gill arch

with minute tubercles and very small or no filaments. Vertebral centra rectangular in lateral view.

Parasciadonus pauciradiatus sp. nov.

Fig. 24

Material EXAMINED. — New Caledonia. Biocal: stn DS 14, 20°18.09 , S, 167°17.7’E, 3680-3700 m depth, epipelagic

dredge. R. V. “Jean Charcot ”, 13 August 1985: holotype, female 46 mm (MNHN 1994-767).

Diagnosis and relationship. — P. pauciradiatus differs from the Atlantic P. brevibrachium , the only other

known species of Parasciadonus , in the following characters with P. brevibrachium in brackets: Number of dorsal

fin-rays 46(72), anal 40(48), pectoral 12(20), precaudal vertebrae 34(50), anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal fin-ray

no. 11(33) and below vertebra no. 32(52), no skin flaps along lateral line (12-19 skin flaps).

Fig. 24. — Parasciadonus pauciradiatus sp. nov., holotype, female 46 mm (MNHN 1994-767).

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

DESCRIPTION. — (Fig. 24). Number of fin-rays in dorsal 47, caudal 8, anal 40, pectoral 12, ventral 0, vertebrae

34 + 28 anterior dorsal Fin-ray above vertebra no. 27, anterior anal fin-ray below dorsal I in-ray no. 11 and below

vertebra no. 32, ten very small tubercles on anterior gill arch. Length of head 21% SL, depth of body at origin ol

anal fin 7.2% SL, length of upper jaw 9.1% SL, preanal length 69% SL, predorsal length 62% SL. Skin loose and

transparent. Origin of dorsal fin well behind midpoint of fish. Length of anal fin less than one third of SL. Eyes

hardly visible. Nostrils midway between eyes and upper lip. No opercular spine. General colour yellowish with no

pigmentation except for the small, black eyes. Median segments of musculi infracarinal mediales twice as long as

high (Nielsen, 1969: 9). The sagittal otolith less than 1 mm long. Teeth very small. Premaxillaries and dentaries

with 2-3 rows anteriorly and one row posteriorly, 10-12 teeth in one row on vomer and none on palatines. Gill

opening large. Anterior gill arch with ten minute tubercles and no filaments; posterior three arches with somewhat

larger tubercles and small filaments. Axial skeleton well ossified (judging from radiographs). Neural spine on

anterior vertebra as long as the following spines. Only the three posterior precaudal vertebrae with parapophyses.

Apparently no ribs. Centrum of posterior precaudal vertebra about 1.5 times as high as long. Ovaries extended and

seem to hold about 25 fertilized eggs with a diameter of 1-1.5 mm. No fleshy appendages developed near genital

opening.

Distribution. — Only known from the holotype off New Caledonia caught in an epibenthic dredge at 3680-

3700 m.

ETYMOLOGY. — The specific name, pauciradiata, refers to the relatively few fin-rays when compared to the

type species.

REMARKS ON DISTRIBUTION

Even though it seems a little premature to comment on distributional relationship when the ophidiiform

deep-sea fauna off New Caledonia is so relatively poorly known (24 species represented by 149 specimens), some

notes may give useful information. Seven species seem to be endemic to the area sampled. Six of these belong to

the bathyal genus Neobythites caught at depths of between 275 and 670 m in numbers of 2-17 specimens each.

Their absence in the many trawl hauls undertaken at these depths all over the Indo-Australian region suggests that

these six species are true endemics. The seventh endemic, Parcisciadonus pauciradiatus known from the holotype

only, was caught at a depth of 3680-3700 m. Fish from these depths generally have a wide distribution and

considering how seldom these abyssal depths are fished it may well be that additional specimens will invalidate

endemism for this species.

Two species, Acanthonus armatus and A. gelatinosus , are cosmopolitans known from c. 1000-4000 m of depth.

Of the remaining 15 species 1-2, Bathyomis caudalis and Dicrolene longimana (?), are known from the entire Indo-

Pacific region and 1-2, Pyramodon ventralis and Bassozetus glutinosus (?), have an Indo-West Pacific distribution.

Of the final 11 species, six are known only from the Indo-Australian region, five extend to the Indian Ocean also,

and two extend also to Japan. Based on the present material the New Caledonian ophidiiform fauna seems to have

much more relation to the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Australian region then to the Pacific region.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I wish to thank my colleagues Bernard SERET, ORSTOM/MNHN. Guy Duhamel, MNHN, and Andrew

Stewart, NMNZ, for loan of ophidiiform material from the New Caledonian area and Daniel M. Cohen, LACM,

and Nigel R. Merrett, BMNH, who critically read the manuscript. The illustrations were financed by a grant

from the Carlsberg Foundation.

Source: MNHN , Paris

OPHIDIIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

REFERENCES

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Hoskyn, R. N., commanding. No. 13. On the bathybial fishes collected in the Bay of Bengal during the season 1889-90.

Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 6, 4: 376-399.

Alcock, A., 1890. — Natural history notes from H. M. Indian marine survey steamer “Investigator", commander R. F.

Hoskyn, R. N., commanding. No. 16. On the bathybial fishes collected in the Bay of Bengal during the season 1889-90.

Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. 6. 6: 197-222.

Alcock, A., 1896. — A supplementary list of marine fishes of India, with descriptions of 2 new genera and 8 new species. J.

Asiatic Soc. Bengal , 65, ii(3): 301-338.

Cohen, D. M. & J. G. Nielsen, 1978. — Guide to the identification of genera of the fish order Ophidiiformes with a tentative

classification of the order. NOAA Techncial Report NMFS Circular , 417: 1-72.

De BEAUFORT, L. F. & W. M. Chapman, 1951. — The fishes of the Indo-Australian archipelago IX. Percomorphi (concluded).

Blennioidea. E.J. Brill, Leiden, 484 pp.

Fourmanoir, P. & J. Rivaton, 1979. — Poissons de la pente recifale externe de Nouvelle-Caledonie ct des Nouvelles-

Hebrides. Cah. Indo-Pacifique, 1(4): 405-443.

Garman, S., 1899. — Reports on an exploration off the west coasts of Mexico, Central and South America, and oil the

Galapagos Islands, in charge of Alexander Agassiz, by the U. S. Fish commission steamer " Albatross ”, during 1891.

XXVI. The fishes. Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool. Harvard Coll.. 24: 1-431.

Gilbert, C. H., 1890. — Preliminary report on the fishes collected by the steamer Albatross on the Pacific coast of North

America during the year 1889, with descriptions of twelve new genera and ninety-two new species. Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus.,

13: 49-126.

GiluT. N., 1884. — Diagnosis of new genera and species of deep-sea fish-like vertebrates. Proc. US. Natl. Mus.. 6: 253-260.

GOODE, G. B. & T. H. bean, 1883. —Reports on the results of dredging under the supervision of Alexander Agassiz, on the

east coast of the United States, during the summer of 1880, by the U. S. coast survey steamer “Blake , commander J. R.

Bartlett, U. S. N., commanding. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool.. 10(5): 183-226.

Goode, G. B. & T. H. Bean, 1885. — Descriptions of new fishes obtained by the United States fish commission mainly from

deep water off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Proc US. Natl. Mus., 8: 589-605.

Goode, G. B. & T. H. Bean, 1896. —Oceanic Ichthyology. U.S. Natl. Mus. Spec. Bull.. 2: 1-553.

GOnther, A.. 1878. —Preliminary notices of deep-sea fishes collected during the voyage of H. M. S “ Challenger ". Ann. Mag.

Nat. Hist., Ser. 5, 2: 17-28.

GOnther, A., 1880. —Report on the shore fishes procured during the voyage of H. M. S “Challenger in the years 1873-76.

Challenger Rep., Zool., Ser. 5, 1(6): 1-82.

GUNTHER, A., 1887. — Report on the deep-sea fishes collected by H. M. S “Challenger" during the years 1873-76. Challenger

Rep., Zool., Ser. 5, 22(57): Ixv + 1-268.

HUBBS, C. L. & K. F. L.AGLER, 1958. — Fishes of the Great Lakes region. Cranbrook Inst. Sci. Bull. , 26: 1 -431.

Jordan, D. S. & H. W. Fowler, 1902. — A review of the ophidioid fishes of Japan. Proc. US. Natl. Mus.. 25: 743-766.

Jordan, D. S. & J. O. Snyder, 1901. — List of fishes collected in 1883 and 1885 by Pierre Louis Jouy and preserved in the

United States National Museum, with description of six new species. Proc. US. Natl. Mus., 23: 739-769.

Kamohara, T., 1938. — On the offshore bottom-fishes of Prov. Tosa, Shokoku, Japan. Maruzen, Tokyo. 86 pp.

Linnaeus, C., 1758. — System a naturae. Ed. 10, vol. 1,824 pp. Nantes & Pisces: 230-338.

Machida, Y., 1984. — Ophidiidae. Bythitidae. Aphyonidae. In: OKAMURA, O. & T. Kitajima (eds.): Fishes of the Okinawa

Trough and adjacent waters. I. Japan Fisheries Resource Conservation Association, pp. 246-267.

Matsubara, K., 1943. — Ichthyological annotations from the depths of the Sea of Japan, I-VII. J. Sigenkagaku Kenkyusyo,

1(1): 37-81.

Markle, D. & J. E. Olney, J.E., 1990. — Systematics of the pearlfishes (Pisces: Carapidae). Bull. Mar. Sci., 47(2): 269-410.

J0RGEN G. NIELSEN

Nalbant, T. T. & R. F. Mayer, 1971. — New and rare species of fishes from the Pern-Chile Trench, collected during the 11th

cruise of R. V. “ Anton Bruun” (1965). Rev. Roum. Biol.- ZooL, 16(5): 315-324.

Nielsen, J. G., 1969. —Systematics and biology of the Aphyonidae (Pisces, Ophidioidea). Galathea Rep., 10: 7-90.

Nielsen, J. G., 1974. — Aphyonus bolini, a new deep sea Fish from the South China Sea (Pisces, Ophidioidei, Aphyonidae).

Steenstrupia , 3(16): 179-182.

Nielsen, J. G., 1984. — Parasciadonus brevibrachium n. gen. et sp.- An abyssal aphyonid from the Central Atlantic (Pisces,

Ophidiiformes). Cybium, 8(1): 39-44.

Nielsen, J. G., 1995 — A review of the species of the genus Neobythites (Pisces: Ophidiidae) from the western Indian Ocean

with descriptions of seven new species. Ichthyol. Bull. J. L. B. Smith Inst. Ichthyoi, 62: 1-12.

Nielsf.n, J. G. & J.- C. Hureau, 1980. — Revision of the ophidiid genus Spectrunculus Jordan & Thompson, 1914, a senior

synonym of Parabassogigas Nybelin, 1957 (Pisces, Ophidiiformes). Steenstrupia , 6(11): 149-169.

Nielsen, J. G. & J.- C. Qu£ro, 1991. — Quelques Ophidiiformes de File de la Reunion: description d’une espkce nouvelle.

Cybium , 15 : 193-198.

Nybelin, O., 1957. — Deep-sea bottom-fishes. Rep. Swed. deep Sea Exped., 2 (Zool. No. 20): 247-345.

Ogilby, J. D., 1897. — New genera and species of Australian fishes. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W. , 22: 62-95.

Radcliffe, L., 1913. — Descriptions of seven new genera and thirty-one new species of fishes of the families Brotulidae and

Carapidae from the Philippine Islands and the Dutch East Indies. Proc. U. S. Natl. Mus., 44: 135-176.

Shcherbachev, Y. N., 1980. — A preliminary review of the deep-sea ophidiids (Ophidiidae, Ophidiiformes) of the Indian

Ocean. Trudy Inst. Okeanol., 110 : 105-176 (in Russian).

Vaillant, L., 1888. — Poissons. In: Expeditions scientifiques du « Travailleur » et du « Talisman » pendant les annees 1880,

1881, 1882, 1883. G. Masson, Paris, 406 pp .

Source: MNHN. Paris

\TS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM. VOLUME 17—RESULTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM, VOLUME 17 - RESULTATS DE

Notopogon xenosoma Regan, 1914

(Teleostei, Macroramphosidae)

en limite de distribution subtropicale aux abords

de la Nouvelle-Caledonie et de Madagascar

Guy DU HAMEL

Museum national d'Histoire naturelle

Laboratoire d’Ichlyologie generate et appliquee

43, rue Cuvier

75231 Paris Cedex 05

France

ABSTRACT

New Caledonia and Madagascar as northernmost borders for the subtropical distribution of Notopogon xenosoma

Regan, 1914 (Teleostei, Macrorhamphosidae).

The Macroramphosid fish Notopogon xenosoma Regan 1914 is recorded on the northern part of the Norfolk ridge and the

southern shelf of New Caledonia from ORSTOM trawl surveys. It becomes the most northernly distribution in the south-west

Pacific Ocean for this subtropical species. Other specimens have been identified from Madagascar collections and induces the

same conclusion for the south-west Indian Ocean.

RESUME

Le Macroramphosidae Notopogon xenosoma Regan. 1914 est signale dans les rtcoltes effectudes par chalutages lors de

campagnes de 1'ORSTOM sur la partie nord de la ride de Norfolk et sur le plateau sud de la Nouvelle-Caledonie, ce qui

constitue la limite septentrionale de distribution gcographique de cette espece subtropicale dans le Pacifique sud-ouest. De

meme, des collections de Madagascar etendent vers le nord la repartition de l'espece dans la partie sud-ouest de ocean Indien.

Duhameu G„ 1997. — Notopogon xenosoma Regan, 1914 (Teleostei, Macrorhamphosidae) en limite de distribution

subtropicale aux abords de la Nouvelle-Caledonie et de Madagascar. In : Sf ret, B. (ed.), Resultats des Campagnes

MUSORSTOM, Volume 17. Mem. Mies. nain. Hist, nai., 174 : 83-89, Paris ISBN 2-85653-500-3.

GUY DUHAMEL

INTRODUCTION

La famille des Macroramphosidae comprend trois genres (NELSON, 1994) dont deux, Centriscops et

Notopogon , strictement infeodes aux zones subtropicale et temperee dc l’hemisphere sud (DUHAMEL, 1995). Dans

le dernier genre deux groupes se distinguent par leurs caracteres morphologiques/mdristiques et leurs distributions

latitudinales. Le premier, comportant les especes Notopogon armatus (Sauvage, 1879), N. lilliei Regan, 1914 et

N. macrosolen Barnard, 1925, presente une distribution en zone subtropicale et temperee, preferentiellement au

sud de 30°S alors que le second est plus subtropical. Ce dernier, avec les deux especes N. xenosoma Regan, 1914

et N. fernandezianus (Delfin, 1899) est rarement rencontre au dela de 40° S mais remonte jusqu’au Tropique du

Capricorne. Dans le cas de N. xenosoma des campagnes de chalutages recentes ont permis de collecter des

specimens a des localisations plus septcntrionales dans les oceans Pacifique et Indien ouest.

Fig. 1.— Localisation geographique des bancs de la partie septentrionale de la ride de Norfolk et du plateau sud de la

Nouvelle-Caledonie sur lesquels des captures (*) de Notopogon xenosoma Regan, 1914, ont et6 enregistrees lors des

campagnes de prospection de l’ORSTOM.

MATERIEL ET METHODES

Des campagnes de chalutages profonds rdalisees par FORSTOM au large de la Nouvelle-Caledonie (Fig. 1) :

Chalcal 2 (1986) du N. O. « Coriolis », AztLque (1990) et BERYX 11 (1992) du N. O. « Alis » (RICHER DE

Forges et al., 1987 ; Grandperrin et al ., 1990; Lehodey^/ al., 1993) ont permis de collecter deux

Macroramphosidae : Macroramphosus scolopax (Linnaeus, 1758) et Notopogon xenosoma. De plus, des

Source: MNHN. Paris

NOTOPOGON XENOSOMA ( MACRORHAMPHOSISAE )

collections plus anciennes provenant de campagnes du N. O. « FAO 60 » et du N. O. « Vauban » en 1973 au sud

de Madagascar recelent egalement des specimens de N. xenosoma. Les specimens conserves en collection sont les

suivants :

Notopogon xenosoma. — 14 specimens.

Ride de Norfolk. CHALCAL 2 : stn CH 7,24°55’50S, 168°21 * 1OE (banc « Eponge » = mont « B »), 494 m, chalut k

panneaux, N. O. « Coriolis », 29 octobre 1986 : 1 specimen, 126,2 mm LS (MNHN 1994-24).— Stn CP 25, 23°38’10S.

167°43 , 12E (banc « Stylaster»), 418 m, 30 octobre 1986 : 11 specimens, 43,4 a 131,4 mm LS (MNHN 1994-22). — Stn CP

26, 23° 18’ 15S. 168°03’58E (banc « Azfeque »), 296 m, chalut a perche, 31 octobre 1986 : 1 specimen, 54.0 mm LS (MNHN

1994-21).

Azteque : stn CH 7, 23°37’5S, 167°42* 1E (banc « Stylaster »), 425-500 m, chalut k perche, N. O. «Alis», 14 fevrier

1990 : 19 specimens, (sur 31 captures), 77,0 k 127,5 mm LS (MNHN 1994-23).

Beryx 11 : stn C 3, 24°56’60S, 168°21’25E (Banc « Eponge » = mont « B »), 502-610 m, chalut k panneaux (& poissons),

N. O. « Alis », 14 octobre 1992 : 1 specimen, 75,0 mm LS (NMNZ-P.29413).— Stn C 29, 23°40’50S, 167°44*20E (banc

« Stylaster »), 440-480 m, chalut a panneaux (k poissons), 18 octobre 1992 : 1 specimen, 125,4 mm LS (NMNZ-P.29281). —

Stn CP 31, 23°39*12S, 167°43’65E (banc « Stylaster»), 430-440 m, chalut a perche, 18 octobre 1992 : 1 specimen (sur 6

captures), 65,5 mm LS (NMNZ-P.29395). — Stn C 36, 23°39’75S. 167°42’90E (banc « Stylaster »), 450-490 m, chalut k

panneaux (k poissons), 19 octobre 1992 : 1 specimen (sur 9 captures), 100,2 mm LS (NMNZ-P.29175). — Stn CP 46, 23 0 42'S,

168°01 ’25E (banc « Jumeau ouest»), 300-350 m, chalut k perche, 20 octobre 1992 : 2 specimens 86,2 et 88,2 mm LS (NMNZ-

P.29145).

Madagascar. N. O. « Vauban» : stn 68, 25°08’9S, 47°21’5E, 255 m, chalut a crevettes, 3 mars 1973 : I specimen,

68,5 mm LS (MNHN 1995-18). — Stn 69, 25°07’3S, 47°22’8E, 355-360 m, chalut k crevettes, 3 mars 1973 : 1 specimen, 119.9

mm LS (MNHN 1995-19).

N. O. « FAO 60 » : 25°29’S, 46°46’E, 350-360 m, chalut k crevettes, 30 mai 1973 : 4 specimens, 111,6 a 136,0 mm LS

(MNHN 1995-12).

Macrorhamphosus scolopax. — 5 specimens.

Ride de Norfolk. Chalcal 2: stn CP 27, 23°15 , 29S, 168°04*55E (banc « Azteque »), 289 m, chalut k perche,

N. O. « Coriolis », 31 octobre 1986, 3 specimens, 61,9 ; 88,9 et 97,0 mm LS (MNHN 1995-519). — Stn DW 81, 23°19 , 60S,

168°03*40E, 311 m, drague Waren, 31 octobre 1986 : 1 specimen (MNHN 1995-520).

Beryx 11 : stn CP 44, 23°41’30S, 168°00’57E (banc « Jumeau ouest »), 230-250 m, chalut k perche, N. O. «Alis» t

20 octobre 1992 : 1 specimen, 80,0 mm LS (NMNZ-P.29183).

Par ailleurs, les rapports des campagnes prdcitees mentionnent la capture d'autres specimens de N. xenosoma

mais qui n’ont pas ete conserves :

Ride de Norfolk. AZTEQUE : stn CC 5, 23°38'9S, 168°00‘E (banc « Jumeau ouest », 235-360 m, chalut a crevettes,

N. O. « Alis », 14 fevrier 1990 : 2 specimens. — Stn CC 6, 23°37 , 9S, 167°42’5E (banc « Stylaster »), 425-470 m. chalut k

crevettes, 14 fevrier 1990 : 18 specimens. — Stn CC 10, 22°52 , 8S, 167°33*5E (sud de Pile des Pins), 350-360 m, chalut k

crevettes, 15 fevrier 1990: 1 specimen.

Beryx 11 : stn CC 30, 23°30’85S, 167°42’ 15E (banc « Stylaster»), 420-470 m, chalut de fond (& poissons), N. O. « Alis »,

18 octobre 1992 : 3 specimens. — Stn CP 32, 23°37’70S, 167°43’45E (banc « Stylaster»), 420-460 m, chalut k perche,

18 octobre 1992: 15 specimens. — Stn C 33, 23°37'00S, 167°42’50E (« Stylaster»). 450-480 m, 18 octobre 1992:

1 specimen.— Stn 49, 23°45'22S, 168°17'06E (banc «Jumeau est »), 400-460 m, 20 octobre 1992 : 33 specimens.—

Stn C 50, 23°47 , 70S, 168°16’75E (banc « Jumeau est »), 420-480 m, chalut de fond (k poissons), 21 octobre 1992:

5 specimens. — Stn CP 51, 23°44’50S, 168°16’70E (banc « Jumeau est »), 390-400 m, chalut k perche. 21 octobre 1992 :

13 specimens. — Stn CP 52, 23°47 , 45S, 168°17’05E (banc « Jumeau est »), 430-530 m, 21 octobre 1992 : 17 specimens. —

Stn C 54, 23°44’80S, 168°16’85E (banc « Jumeau est », 390-420 m, 21 octobre 1992 : 2 specimens.

Le materiel examine concernant N. xenosoma provient des collections du MNHN, Paris (n = 38) et du NMNZ,

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington (n = 7). Certaines donnees concernant des poissons des

collections de LAMS, Australian Museum, Sydney, du CSIRO, Division of Fisheries, Hobart (Tasmania), du

RUSI, JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology, Grahamstown (South Africa), du SAM, South African Museum, Cape

Town et du WAM, Western Australian Museum, Perth ont egalement ete utilisees.

GUY DUHAMEL

Les abbreviations concemant les caracteres morphologiques et meristiques sont les suivantes :

LT longueur totale

LS longueur standard

HL longueur de la lete

LP longueur de la nageoire pectorale

PreO distance preorbitaire

Pr6D, distance pr£dorsa!e D,

PreD 2 distance predorsale D,

Pr6A distance preanalc

PreP distance prepectorale

Pr6V distance prepelviennc

L D, longueur de la base de la nageoire dorsale D,

L D 2 longueur de la base la nageoire dorsale D 2

LA longueur de la base de la nageoire anale

L2sp longueur du deuxi&me rayon de D,

O diam£tre orbitaire

P D, distance du bord anterieur de la base de la nageoire pectorale au bord anterieur de la base de D,

P D, distance du bord anterieur de la base de la nageoire pectorale au bord anterieur de la base de D 2

PA distance du bord anterieur de la base de la nageoire pectorale au bord anterieur de la base de 1'anale

HV hauteur du corps au niveau du bord anterieur de la nageoire pelvienne

HA distance entre le bord anterieur de la nageoire anale et V insertion du deuxifcme rayon de D,

Hpc hauteur du p£doncule caudal

D 2 nombre de rayons & la nageoire dorsale

A nombre de rayons & la nageoire anale

P nombre de rayons k la nageoire pectorale

Ve nombre de vertebres

Le nombre de rayons & D, et V etant constant, ces derniers n’ont pas ete consideres. Les mensurations ont ete

enregistrdes en millimetres et, en dehors de LT et LS, converties en pourccniage de LS.

CONSIDERATIONS SYSTEMATIQUES

Dans une revision systcmatique recente (DUHAMEL, 1995), incluant l’analyse detaillee de tous les specimens

provenant des collections MNHN et NMNZ des campagnes ORSTOM, les caracteristiques morphologiques et

meristiques des specimens de Notopogon ont permis de verifier leur appartenance a l’espece N. xenosoma. Cette

derniere appartient au groupe possedant seulement trois plaques dpaxiales dont la troisi&me inferieure presente une

epine bien developpee. Ces caracteristiques sont partagees avec N. femandezianus qui possede une distance

preorbitaire plus elevee (28,2 ^ 31,6 % de LS) que celle de N. xenosoma (20 a 27,7 % de LS) dans le cas de

specimens de taille superieure a 99 mm LS.

L’espece se caractdrise par son museau de forme tubulaire termine par un petit bee, des plaques dermiques

laterales developpees lateralement sur le corps dans sa partie antcrieure de part et d’autre d’une ligne laterale

sinucuse, des scutes ventrales formant une car^ne epineuse, un deuxieme rayon epineux de la nageoire dorsale tr6s

developpd. la presence de petites scutes dpineuses dressees sur tout le corps donnant un aspect reche au toucher,

d’une bosse nucale tres marquee rompant le profil dorsal laquelle est suivie d’une brosse presente meme chez les

plus petits individus. Les transformations morphologiques les plus significatives au cours de la croissance peuvent

se suivre h partir d’un echantillon de gamine de tailles varide (Fig. 2). Elies concernent principalement une

diminution des proportions de certains caracteres comme HL, L2SP et preO alors que d’autres augmentent de

Source: MNHN, Paris

NOTOPOGON XENOSOMA ( MACRORHAMPHOSISAE )

maniere sensible (HV, HA, P-Dl, PD2) ce qui peut se retrouver a partir des donnees obtenues sur Pechantillon

examine (Tableau 1) meme si ce dernier ne comporte quc peu de specimens etudies.

Tableau 1. — Caracteristiques morphologiques (exprimees en % dc LS) et meristiques des specimens de Noiopogon xenosoma

Regan, 1914, collects au cours des campagnes de chalutage des N. O. « Coriolis » et « Alis » dans Poc6an Pacifique sud-

ouest (NC = Nouvelle Cal6donie) et des N. O. « FAO 60 » et « Vauban» dans Poc£an Indien sud-ouest (MAD =

Madagascar). Les abbreviations sont d6finies dans le texte.

COLL.

NUMERO

LIEU

(mm)

MNHN

199422

52.4

43.4

50.9

MNHN

1994-22

58.0

49.1

49.7

MNHN

1994-21

05.6

54.0

51.4

NMNZ

P29395

79.8

65,5

48,7

NMNZ

P29413

91.5

75,0

49,2

MNHN

1994-23

93.3

77.0

48.2

MNHN

1994-23

95,8

77,5

49.1

MNHN

1994-23

95,5

77.6

47.9

MNHN

1994-22

99,9

80.5

47.4

MNHN

1994-22

98.3

80.6

48.0

MNHN

1994-23

105,3

85.7

45.9

NMNZ

P29145

103,2

86.2

46.6

NMNZ

P29145

107,5

88.2

45.5

MNHN

1994-23

106,4

88,8

45.0

MNHN

1994-22

110,9

91.1

44.7

MNHN

1994-22

112.4

91,6

46.7

MNHN

1994-23

118.3

96,9

44.3

MNHN

1994-22

120.1

98,6

47.0

MNHN

1994-22

119.1

99.1

46.3

NMNZ

P2917S

122.6

100,2

44.7

MNHN

1994-22

127,5

103,5

446

MNHN

1994-23

124.7

104.3

44 2

MNHN

1994-23

126,2

104.5

47 4

MNHN

1994-22

130,4

106.3

45.3

MNHN

1994-23

132.7

107.0

44.8

MNHN

1994-23

134.8

110 8

42.9

MNHN

1994-23

135.0

111.5

44.2

MNHN

1994-23

135.5

111.6

44.9

MNHN

1994-23

138.7

112,0

45.8

MNHN

1994-23

136.8

112,1

46.3

MNHN

1994-23

136.2

112,8

43.2

MNHN

1994-23

138.6

115,1

42.8

MNHN

1994-23

144.7

117.6

44.0

MNHN

1994-23

148.1

122.2

44 1

NMNZ

P29281

149.3

125.4

43.2

MNHN

1994-24

149,8

126.2

45,0

MNHN

1994-23

152,8

127.5

43.0

NMNZ

P29281

155,4

127.8

41.5

MNHN

1994-22

158.3

131,4

41.0

MNHN

1995-18

MAO

82.0

68,5

48.6

MNHN

1995-12

MAO

133.2

111,6

468

MNHN

1995-12

MAO

142.1

119.6

44 9

MNHN

1995-19

MAD

144.4

119.9

44 6

MNHN

1995-12

MAD

150.8

122,3

46.2

MNHN

1995-12

MAD

163.1

1360

43.6

L01

LD2

L2sp

PrAOl

21.5

12.2

10.0

12.9

50.8

10.3

88.5

21.5

15.9

11.0

14.2

463

9.5

93.8

23.7

19.5

10.9

14.5

444

12.5

98.5

25.5

18.7

10.9

13.4

43.0

12,5

96.0

25.9

22.4

11.3

14.5

11.7

100.6

26.4

20.8

12.3

15.3

36.5

11.7

98.9

28,5

22.3

12.1

15,3

14.2

98.0

25,5

18.1

12,2

15,3

36.5

13.3

95.8

28,0

21.1

12.6

17.3

37.1

13.0

97.8

24.8

20.7

12.4

15.6

36.8

12.8

99.7

26.7

19,0

11.9

14.8

31.3

13.9

95.5

23.0

21.2

13.2

16.3

33.9

12.4

99.3

23.2

23,1

14.3

16.4

354

11.7

98.9

25.9

21.0

11.9

14.7

34.5

11.8

96.1

25.7

17.6

11.8

15.5

35.3

13.1

92.5

25.0

19.9

13,3

17,0

31.4

13.2

101.7

26.0

19.6

12.3

14,9

32.4

125

95.1

26.0

21,6

11,7

14.7

30.0

13.2

100.3

26,2

20,0

12.5

15.2

29.9

12.5

97 3

27.7

17.6

13.7

16.7

35.0

12.1

92.5

25.2

20,3

13.1

16.4

32.3

12.0

96,3

25,5

22.2

12.5

15.7

28.8

13.0

97.1

26.0

21.4

12.9

16.4

13.3

99.6

26.0

23.1

14.4

17.0

33.3

12.7

96,4

26.9

21.3

13.9

16,3

30,6

12.1

96.7

26.5

18.8

13,2

15,8

31.9

12.6

92.8

26.6

20.6

14.2

17.2

25.6

12.2

98.6

26.2

20.7

13,2

16,5

26.9

11.9

93.9

27.6

22.7

13.7

17.2

11.7

101.6

25,2

20.2

14.3

17.4

28.4

11.2

96.3

26.8

21,8

14.0

17.2

29.4

12.0

97.0

26.9

20.9

13.9

17.0

27.1

11.5

96.1

27.0

18.6

13.1

16.0

28.1

10.9

91.7

25 4

21.4

14 5

18.0

25.5

10.9

97.0

23.8

21.2

13.3

16,5

21.1

11.2

97.6

25.7

24 8

14.2

17.8

10.4

103.3

24 4

21.7

14.9

17.4

28.4

10.4

94.1

25.1

20.5

14.1

17.0

27.1

11.6

93.5

24.3

21.6

13,5

16.8

24.7

10.9

92.2

24.1

17.6

12,4

15.8

11.5

96.2

23.5

22.6

12.1

15.7

31.6

11.4

99.6

23.0

19.9

12,8

16.3

32.1

10.8

97.0

26,0

22.5

13.6

16.2

11.6

96.9

24.7

22.7

13.8

16.9

27.5

11.3

101.5

23 8

205

142

16.7

26.7

100

925

%de

Pr*D2

PrdA

Pr6P

Pr*V

PrAO

89.2

81.6

52.7

71.4

30.1

44.6

41,8

91.0

80.7

53.6

70.0

31.2

47.4

44.9

93.4

80.9

54 2

68.5

307

48.0

42.6

92.8

79.0

51.1

70,7

26.7

488

492

91.6

79.9

51.2

71.4

27.6

49.0

50,0

92.1

80.4

51.0

69,7

25.9

50.3

53.6

91.7

80.4

52.5

72.3

25.3

494

52.8

89.8

80.3

50.’

70.6

24.5

48.6

50.8

93,2

79.0

49,7

70.2

23.5

54.3

54.9

91,3

77.0

50.5

68.1

25.3

51,8

51.4

90.9

76.7

48.7

65.5

23.4

49.5

50.7

92.5

78.8

48.7

67.0

25.4

51.5

52.9

91,2

76.3

47.1

66.7

24.0

51.3

56.5

91.2

792

47.4

69.1

21.8

52.3

53.7

91.0

79.3

48.1

68.3

22.9

47 1

48.1

93.7

78.9

49.7

68.8

22.6

54.2

54.5

91 1

77.3

47.6

67.5

22.2

55.6

53.5

93.2

79.0

49.3

68.7

23.9

52.1

49.6

91.6

79.2

50.4

69.7

24.5

49.8

52.0

90.5

76.9

47.2

668

23.5

50.5

51.9

92.4

76.7

47.7

65.5

22.8

50.2

49.5

91.3

77.3

47.2

66.7

21.8

53.4

55.0

91,2

78.2

51.0

68.3

25.4

53.4

53.1

91.2

77.4

47.2

67.7

23.1

53.9

55.8

92.8

76.5

47.9

66.6

22.1

54.5

55.6

92.7

78.8

46.3

68.6

20,8

52.5

54.7

92.8

78.0

46.8

66.8

21.7

517

55,0

90.8

75.9

48,2

66.2

23.4

51.2

52.8

96.2

79,4

48.9

696

23.0

55.8

58.8

92.6

79.8

497

70.4

24.9

53.2

52.9

93.6

77.7

47.0

65.6

21.6

58.6

58.8

90.8

76.1

46.0

64.7

22.3

53.5

54.1

90.5

79.7

47.4

68.6

22.0

54.8

52.8

91.4

77.4

48.1

68.5

23.2

54.4

55.1

93.4

75.9

45.9

63.8

22.8

50,8

57.8

93.9

76.4

48.9

66,8

24.8

51.9

48.1

894

76.1

46.9

67.3

22.9

54.2

58.9

90.0

77.3

45.4

67.7

20.0

58.0

58.4

89.8

75,7

44.2

65.4

20.8

54.9

48.1

91.7

78.7

49.9

667

27.6

52.3

53.0

92.9

77.9

49.2

65.7

26.7

567

58.1

91.3

77.3

47.0

63.9

24.6

55.7

55.9

93.4

76.0

46.5

63.6

23.6

56.5

609

93.6

78.3

48.2

65.9

25.6

58,3

61.0

909

76.0

47 1

65.1

24 4

55.1

57.0

rayons

Hpc

P-01

P-D2

P-A

(n)

7.9

44.5

38.8

30.3 1

8.5

47.7

40.5

29.2

7.2

55.6

43.9

27.5

6.9

56.9

45.2

29.6

7.6

59.7

45.2

30.1

6.8

58.3

45.9

30.7

7,1

57.1

44 3

29.3

7.3

56.7

45.3

31.1

8.0

60.2

48 4

32.1

6.9

58.0

43.6

29.7

7.6

5S.2

46.1

31.0

7.1

59.3

45.4

31.2

7.8

63.7

49.6

31.3

6.5

57.6

47.9

33.6

54.5

49.5

32.1

7.3

61.7

48.2

32.9

7.4

58.3

47.8

31.9

7.3

59.5

47.2

32.4

7.5

58.7

46.4

31.5

7.1

55.8

48.4

31.6

7,3

59.0

49.0

31.1

7.2

60.2

48.5

31.1

7.2

59.4

45.4

29.1

7.5

63.6

48.2

32.9

7.3

59.1

47.6

30.6

7.2

55.7

49.8

34.7

7.5

61.9

50.4

33.5

7.2

56.5

47,3

31.6

7.4

62.5

51.0

34 1

7.0

59.0

49.4

32.8

7.6

60S

51.3

33.2

6.9

S8.7

48.8

33.4

7.8

56.4

49.0

34.5

7.6

59.7

46.5

29.8

7.6

60.0

50.1

32.7

7.7

64.7

48.6

30,5

7.7

57.5

48.6

33.8

7.9

59.2

50 1

34.8

7.5

57.2

49.1

34.6

7.0

56.5

45.8

30.2

61.2

48.0

30.5

6.6

60.3

48.6

31.7

6.9

60.0

49.9

31.4

6.7

64.9

51.1

32.4

583

49.0

30.2

DISCUSSION

La distribution geographique de N. xenosoma s’etcnd de PAfrique australe h la Nouvelle-Zelande (DUHAMEL,

1995) entre le Tropique du Capricorne et la limite de la region subtropicale laquelle varie en latitude suivant les

oceans et les abords des continents. Le reste de la zone dquivalente de P hemisphere sud des oceans Pacilique Est et

Atlantique Ouest est occupe par N. fernandezianus.

Les captures de N. xenosoma au large de la Nouvelle-Caledonie prouvent que Pespece y est trequente dans le

domaine de sa distribution bathymetrique habituelle. Les prospections des bancs de la partie nord de la ride de

Norfolk ont permis dc d£celer la presence de Pespece parfois en nombre, meme si Pabondance peut etre liee a

Pintensity de prospection. Ainsi, si un seul specimen a 6t6 collecte sur le banc « Azteque », ce sont 91 specimens

qui proviennent du banc « Stylaster », 2 du banc « Eponge », 4 du banc « Jumeau ouest » et 70 du banc « Jumeau

est ». De meme, la prospection du plateau au sud de Pile aux Pins a permis de signaler la presence de I espece.

Cette derniere signalisation represente Pextension geographique la plus septentrionale de cette espece subtropicale

dans Pocean Pacifique sud-ouest (une autre espece, N. fernandezianus, occupe le Pacifique sud-est). En eflet, au

large de la cote australienne la signalisation la plus tropicale est: 23°13’S - 153°38E (collection CSIRO H720-15).

La distribution bathymetrique observee dans Pechantillon etudie est comprise entre 295 et, au minimum, 530 m

GUYDUHAMEL

(610 m possible) ce qui n'est pas tres different de celle rencontree pour l'ensemble des autres secteurs ou l’espece

est observde (125-710 m) (Duhamel, 1995). II est a remarquer qu'a des profondeurs inferieures, M. scoloplax se

substitue a N. xenosoma puisque cette espece n'est signalee que pour des prelevements compris entre 230 et

310 m. Enfin, la gamine de taille comprend des specimens juveniles et des adultes puisqu'elle est comprise entre

43,4 et 131,4 mm LS. Cette gamme n'est pas tres differente de celle notee (43,4-152,3 mm LS) dans 1’aire generate

de distribution.

Fig. 2. — Specimens de Notopogon xenosoma Regan, 1914, de tailles comprises entre 43,4 et 131,4 mm LS (MNHN 1994-22).

Campagne Chalcal 2 du N. O. « Coriolis » sur le banc « Stylaster », stn CP 25, 23°38'10S, 167°43’ 12E, 418 m, chalut &

perche, 30 octobre 1986.

Les signalisations de l'espece sur la zone profonde du plateau de Madagascar (255-360 m) constituent

cgalement pour Tocean Indien occidental une limite d’extension septentrionale (25°07’S). En effet, sur la cote Est

de l’Afrique la localisation la plus nord se situe par 27°31’S (collection SAM 27173) et les seulcs signalisations

Source: MNHN, Paris

NOTOPOGON XENOSOMA ( MACRORHAMPHOSISAE )

sur des bancs, d’ailleurs assez eloignes, le sont pour lc banc Walters situe bien au sud de Madagascar (collection

RUSI 31331 : n=l ; collection AMS-128175 : n=2). II faut cependant remarquer que sur la cote ouest-australienne

de 1’ocean Indien oriental l’espece remonte legerement plus en zone tropicale avec une signalisation a 24°40'S

(collection WAM-P.29732-014). Enfin l’echantillon restreint de specimens analyses comprend cependant des

poissons de gamme de taille assez complete (68,5-136,0 mm LS) et les profondeurs relevees (255-360 m)

correspondent a celles du rebord du plateau continental, comme dans d'autres secteurs geographiques.

L’analyse des captures des differentes campagnes BERYX realisdes sur le Ride de Norfolk, au sud-est de la

Nouvelle-Caledonie ne permet d’identifier (Grandperrin et al., 1991 ; Grandperrin et al., 1992 ; Lehodey et

al. , 1992 ; Lehodey et al., 1992) qu’une seule autre espece a repartition subtropicale/temperee comme

N. xenosoma. 11 s’agit du Centrolophidae Hyperoglyphe antarctica (Carmichael, 1818) qui est d’ailleurs egalement

capture en zone profonde. Ces resultats demontrent que la zone tropicale, meme profonde, possede une

ichtyofaune bien differenciee et que les especes N. xenosoma et H. antarctica s'y trouvent en limite extreme de

leur repartition geographique.

REMERCIEMENTS

Je remercie B. SERET pour avoir mis a ma disposition les specimens des campagnes Chalcal 2 et Azteque et

C. Roberts pour nT avoir fait parvenir les specimens en collection au NMNZ de la campagne BERYX 11.

A. CROSNIER en transmettant les collections ichtyologiques du « FAO 60 » et du « Vauban » m’a permis de

decouvrir des specimens a Madagascar, je lui en suis reconnaissant.

REFERENCES BIBLIOGRAPHIQUES

Duhamel, G., 1995. — Revision des genres Centriscops et Notopogon, Macroramphosidae des zones subtropicale et iemp£r£e

de f hemisphere sud. Cybium, 19(3): 261-303.

Grandperrin, R., Bensch, R., Di matteo, A. & P. Lehodey, 1991. — Campagne Beryx 1 de peche & la palangre de fond sur

deux monts sous-marins du Sud-Est de la Zone Economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. «Alis », 8 - 10 octobre 1991).

Rapp. Missions., ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la mer, Biol. Mar., 10 : 1-33.

Grandperrin, R., Desfontaine, P., Desgrippes, I. & E. Feugier, 1992. — Campagne Beryx 9 de peche & la palangre de fond

sur trois monts sous-marins du Sud-Est de la Zone Economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie. (N. O. « Alis », 4 au 13 aout 1992).

Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la mer, Biol. Mar., 19 : 1-28.

Grandperrin , R.. Laboute, P., Pianet, R. & L. Wantiez, 1990. — Campagne « Azteque» de chalutage de fond au sud-est

de la Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. « Alis », du 12 au 16 fevrier 1990). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la

mer, Biol. Mar., (7) 1-21.

Lehodey, P., Marchal, P., Gallois, F. & C. Nauges, 1992. — Campagne Beryx 10 de peche a la palangre de fond sur trois

monts sous-marins du Sud-Est de la Zone Economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. «Alis », 18 au 27 aout 1992). Rapp.

Missions, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la mer, Biol. Mar., (20) 1-26.

Lehodey, P., Marchal, P., Mou-Tham, G. &J. Y. Panche, 1992. — Campagne Beryx 5 de peche h la palangre de fond sur

deux monts sous-marins du Sud-est de la Zone Economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie. (N. O. « Alis », 28 janvier - 6 tevrier

1992). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la mer, Biol. Mar., (15) 1-30

Lehodey, P., Richer de Forges, B., Nauges, C., Granperrin, R. & J. Rivaton, 1993. — Campagne Beryx 11 de peche au

chalut sur six monts sous-marins du Sud-Est de la Zone Economique de Nouvelle-Caledonie (N. O. «Alis», 13 au

23 octobre 1992). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la mer, Biol, mar., (22) 1-94.

Nelson, J. S., 1994. — Fishes of the world. 3rd edition. Wiley J. & Sons, New York. 600 pp.

Richer de FbRGES, B., Grandperrin. R. & P. Laboute, 1987. — La campagne Chalcal 2 sur les guyots de la ride de

Norfolk (N. O. « Coriolis » 26 octobre-ler novembre 1986). Rapp. Missions, ORSTOM Noumea ; Sciences de la mer. Biol.

Mar., (42) 1-41.

Source: MNHN . Paris

TS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM, VOLUME 17—RESULTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM, VOLUME 17 —RESULTATS DE<

Gurnard Fishes (Scorpaeniformes, Triglidae)

from off New Caledonia,

with description of five new species

Urns del CERRO

Domenec LLORIS

Institut de Ci£ncies del Mar (C.S.l.C.)

Passeig Joan de Borb6, s/n

08039 Barcelona

Spain

ABSTRACT

Eighteen bathyal species of Triglidae are recorded from the New Caledonian economic zone, of which five are new species

{Lepidotrigla annamarae, L musorstom, L. ncina.L. sereti, and Pterygotrigla robertsi) and one is a new subspecies (L. alcocki

vaubani). A key to all species is presented.

RESUME

Grondins (Scorpaeniformes, Triglidae) de Nouvelle-Caledonie, avec la description de cinq especes nouvelles.

Dix-huit espbces de grondins sont recensdes de l'6tage bathyal de la Zone Economique de Nouvelle-Cal6donie. Cinq

espfeces ( Lepidotrigla annamarae, L. musorstom, L. nana, L. sereti. et Pterygotrigla robertsi) el une sous-espbce (L. alcocki

vaubani ) sont dec rites comme nouvelles. Une clef d'identification des esphces traitdes dans cette etude est proposee.

DelCerrq L. & D. LLORIS, 1997.— Gurnard Fishes (Scorpaeniformes, Triglidae) from off New Caledonia, with

description of five new species. In: S£ret, B. (ed.), Rdsultats des Campagnes Musorstom, Volume 17. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist,

not., 174 : 91-124. Paris ISBN 2-85653-500-3.

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

INTRODUCTION

Despite the environmental diversity of New Caledonia, there are relatively few studies on its ichthyofauna.

Fourmanoir & Rivaton (1979) described one new species of triglids from the area. Recently published

checklists (Rivaton, 1989; Rivaton et ai, 1990) present an overview of the fish fauna, but very few species of

Triglidae are listed.

The MUSORSTOM cruises in the Economic Zone of New Caledonia (see Richer de FORGES, 1990 for cruise

reports) have carried out extensive sampling and yielded large numbers of specimens and taxa, including fishes of

the family Triglidae. This is the first contribution dealing specifically with the representatives of this family in the

New Caledonian region.

In modern systematic ichthyology, Triglidae and Peristediidae are treated as separate families or as subfamilies

within the family Triglidae. Pending further studies on triglid phylogeny, we follow the opinion of NELSON (1990,

pers. comm.) that “as long as we think that Triglinae and Peristediinae form a monophyletic lineage I prefer to

combine them

METHODS

We present detailed descriptions of the new species but known species now recorded from New Caledonian

waters are not redescribed, except when the original description was insufficient. Synonymy and type data of

known species are given where appropriate. In the diagnosis and description of new species, data on the holotype

are given first, followed in parentheses by those on the paratypes. The list of material examined includes cruise,

station, geographical coordinates and depth where the specimens were captured, total length and, in parentheses,

standard lengths of specimens.

Total and standard lengths are measured without the rostral processes. The length of the pectoral fin is

measured from the upper axil of the fin to the posterior tip of its longest joined ray. The length of the first free

pectoral ray (the uppermost) is measured from the upper axil of the ray to its posterior tip. The post-opercular

length of the cleithral spine is the horizontal distance measured between the vertical lines at the level of the

posterior edge of the opercular flap to that in the posterior tip of the cleithral spine. The height of the head is the

vertical distance measured at the posterior edge of the orbit. Notation for the number of gill-rakers (GR)

corresponds to the total number in the first left branchial arch (epibranchial plus ceratobranchial). The letter R

refers to rudiments before or after the true gill-rakers. Throughout the paper, “rostral processes” are the forward

extension of the first infraorbital bone, i.e. the forward directed bony structures of the head usually going beyond

the pre-maxillary symphysis. We have mostly used this term as a synonym of “rostral appendages ” and “rostral

exertions ” of other authors.

Abbreviations used: TL: total length; SL: standard length; HL: head length; PO: preorbital length (not including

the rostral processes); OL: orbit length; Dj ; first dorsal fin; D 2 ; second dorsal fin; P: pectoral fin; A: anal fin; LL:

number of scales on the lateral line; GR: gill-rakers on the first left branchial arch.

Institutions and repositories: AMS: Australian Museum, Sydney, Australia; BMNH: The Natural History

Museum, London, United Kingdom; IIPB: Institut de Ciencies del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; IZUA: Instituto de

Zoologia, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile; MNHN: Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris,

France; NMNZ: Museum of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand; NSMT: National Science Museum (Natural

History), Tokyo, Japan; USNM: National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA.

Source: MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT

IDENTIFICATION KEY TO THE TRIGLIDS OF NEW CALEDONIA

Family TRIGLIDAE

1 Body completely covered by bony plates. Teeth lacking in both jaws or only present on

upper jaw. Tongue absent or vestigial. Without cleithral spine. Barbels around mouth

conspicuous. Pectoral Fins with two free rays.Subfamily PERISTEDIINAE (2)

L Body completely covered by scales (ctenoid and/or cycloid). Teeth present in both jaws

and may exist on vomer and palatines. Tongue present. With a cleithral spine which may

be apparent, reduced or embedded in skin. No conspicuous barbels around mouth.

Pectoral fins with three free rays.(3)

Subfamily PERISTEDIINAE

2 Upper jaw with a band of teeth.Tribe GARGARISCINI (4)

2* Teeth lacking in both jaws .Tribe PERISTEDIINI (5)

Subfamily TRIGLINAE

3 With bony plates set in front and at both sides of first dorsal fin base. Scales of body

small, cycloid, not imbricated and embedded in skin.Tribe PTERYGOTRIGLINI (8)

3’ With spiny bucklers erect or not on first dorsal fin base; spiny bucklers always erect on

second dorsal fin base. Scales ctenoid and/or cycloid and imbricated.Tribe TRIGLINI (13)

Tribe GARGARISCINI

4 A small, weakly developed spine present at lower preopercular angle.Genus Heminodus

(no species found in the area)

4’ A long and well developed spine at lower preopercular angle.Genus Paraheminodus

(only one species: P. murrayi)

Tribe PERISTEDIINI

5 Head narrow, sub-rectangular. A vestigial or even absent spine at lower preopercular

ang | e ...Genus Peristedion

(only one species: P. picturatum)

5’ Head wide, sub-triangular. A well developed spine at lower preopercular

ang ] e .Genus Satyrichthys (6)

6 Filamentous barbel very long, reaching vent. s - orientale

6’ Filamentous barbel very short, hardly reaching first ventral scute.7

7 Rostral processes convergent and expanded at anterior tip . moluccense

T Rostral processes sub-parallel or slightly divergent . quadratorostratus

Tribe PTERYGOTRIGLINI

8 Rostral processes short, their length lesser than orbit length. Preorbital length (without

rostral processes) smaller than half of head length.-Genus Pterygotrigla (9)

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

8 ’

9’

10 ’

i r

12 ’

13’

14’

15’

16’

17’

18’

19’

Rostral processes .^ng, about twice length of orbit length. Preorbital length (without

rostral processes) equal or lesser than half of head length.Genus Parapterygotrigla (12)

Scales of lateral line enlarged, much higher than long. Posterior tip of pectoral fin not

reaching middle of anal fin length . P. macrolepidota

Scales of lateral line sub-circular or tubular. Posterior tip of pectoral fin extending beyond

middle of ventral fin length.10

Cleithral spine very short or absent, reduced to a rounded, not very evident, basal plate. P. tagala

Cleithral spine is long and sharp, with a wide base .11

Opercular spine inconspicuous, not extending beyond posterior margin of opercular flap.

. P. robertsi sp. nov.

Opercular spine very long and stout, clearly extending beyond posterior margin of

opercular flap. P. picta

Pectoral fin very long, reaching to or extending beyond posterior end of anal fin. Rostral

processes parallel or slightly convergent, with a small antrose spine, on their outer part

base . P. multiocellata

Pectoral fin short, not extending beyond a vertical line at middle of anal fin. Rostral

processes slightly divergent and without spine on their base . P. megalops

Tribe TRIGLINI

Head with a post-ocular groove complete (from side to side) or incomplete (limited to a

furrow behind orbits). Body scales usually large and ctenoid, sometimes cycloid in ventral

region. Less than 70 scales in lateral line. Teeth on vomer present or absent

..Genus Lepidotrigla (14)

No post-ocular groove in occipital region. Body scales usually small and cycloid. More

than 70 scales in lateral line. Teeth always present on vomer.Genus Chelidonichthys

(no species found in the area)

Post-ocular groove complete. L. grandis

Post-ocular groove incomplete . 15

Length of pectoral fin less than head length . Posterior tip of pectoral fin at same level as

that of ventral fin.L. alcocki vaubani subsp. nov.

Length of pectoral fin equal to or greater than head length. Posterior tip of pectoral fin

reaching beyond ventral fin tip. 16

Spines of first dorsal fin, when depressed, reaching second dorsal fin origin . L. nana sp. nov.

Spines of first dorsal fin, when depressed, not reaching second dorsal fin origin. 17

A spine present on outer margin of head, half way between orbit and rostral processes.

Pectoral fin completely white and without markings on either side . L. sereti sp. nov.

No spine on outer margin of head. Pectoral fin blackish, mostly visible on inner side . 18

Uppermost free pectoral ray reaching posterior tip of ventral fin. L. sp. cf. abyssalis

Uppermost free pectoral ray not reaching posterior tip of ventral fin . 19

Pectoral fin very long, its posterior tip reaching level of base of tenth anal fin ray or

extending beyond anterior anal fin origin by a distance of about twice orbit length .

... L. musorstom sp. nov.

Pectoral fin relatively short, its posterior tip reaching level of the base of third anal fin ray

or extending beyond anterior anl fin origin by a distance of about one orbit length.

. * . . annamarae sp. nov.

Source: MNHN. Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Family TRIGLIDAE

Subfamily PERISTEDIINAE

Genus PARAHEMINODUS Kamohara, 1957

Paraheminodus murrayi (Gunther, 1880)

Peristethus murrayi GUnther, 1880: 52-53, pi. XXXIIa. Locality: Banda Sea in 200 fathoms (= 366 m).

Satyrichthys murrayi : Kamohara, 1952: 9-10. — Ochiai & Yatou in Masuda et aL, 1984: 335-336.

Paraheminodus murrayi : MILLER, 1974: 70.

Material examined. — 5 specimens.

Banda Sea. Holotype (BMNH 1879-5-14-265) 178.2 mm TL (161.2 mm SL), capture data unknown, 360 m depth.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CC 365, 19°42.8’S, 158°48.0'E, 710 m depth, otter trawl,

R. V. “ Coriolis", 19 October 1986: 3 specimens, 265, 230 and 214 mm TL (respectively 234, 202 and 187 mm SL) (MNHN

1995-515). — Stn CC 366, 19°45.4’S, 158°45.6’E, 650 m depth, 19 October 1986: 1 specimen, 234 mm TL (caudal fin broken)

(MNHN 1995-486).

DIAGNOSIS. — A band of villiform teeth in the upper mandible. Head broadly expanded laterally. A long and

well developed spine in lower preopercular angle. Rostral processes about 3.5 in HL, flattened, nearly parallel and

expanded at tip. Seven pairs of barbels including the filamentous one. Posterior tip of pectoral fin reaching level of

6th to 8th anal rays. Dj VII; D 2 20-22; A 20-22; P 14-15; GR 12 + R.

Distribution. — New Caledonia. Banda Sea (Gunther, 1880), Japan (Kamohara, 1952), Tosa Bay (Ochiai

& Yatou in Masuda et cil. , 1984).

Remarks. —The MUSORSTOM specimens differ in several morphometric and meristic characters from the

holotype, e.g. the mesethmoidal spine is absent in the latter but present in all New Caledonian specimens.

Genus PERISTEDION Lacep^de, 1801

Peristedion picturatum McCulloch, 1926

Peristedion picturatum McCulloch, 1926: 212-214, pi. LVI, figs 1. 2 and 3. Locality: East of Flinders Island, Bass Strait

(Australia) in 70-100 fathoms (= 128-183 m).

Peristedion picturatum: MCCULLOCH, 1929-1930: 396.

Material examined. — 12 specimens.

New Caledonia MUSORSTOM 4: stn CC 202, 18°58.0’S, 163 o 10.5’E, 580 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. " Vauban",

20 September 1985: 7 specimens, 151, 152, 152, 149, 142, 144 and 148 mm TL (respectively 136, 135, 133, 127, 130 and

132 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-492).

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CC 365, 19°42.8'S. 158°48.0’E, 710 m depth, otter trawl,

R. V. “Coriolis ", 19 October 1996: 2 specimens, 159 and 158 mm TL (respectively 143 and 141 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-493).

Loyalty Islands. MUSORSTOM 6: stn CC 470, 21°04.4'S, 167°33.2’E, 560 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. "Alis ", 21 February

1989: 3 specimens, 151, 158 and 148 mm TL (respectively 140, 142 and 132 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-487).

Diagnosis. — Head narrow, sub-rectangular. No spine or a vestigial at lower preopercular angle. Two pairs of

ventral scutes before vent. Two pairs of scutes between vent and first anal ray. D\ VIII; D 2 20-23; A 20-23; P 12-

13; GR 21-26.

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

Distribution. — New Caledonia. East of Flinders Island, Bass Strait (Australia) (McCulloch, 1926).

Remarks. — All the specimens examined show two plates between the first anal ray and the vent. The

specimens have two plates before the vent although some of them have a furrow-like vertical structure in the

posterior ventral plate. This structure may have led some authors to count a third ventral plate, but in our

specimens it is only present on one side and it does not articulate with the second ventral plate.

Genus SATYRICHTHYS Kaup, 1873

Satyrichthys moluccense (Bleeker, 1851)

Peristedipn moluccense Bleeker, 1851: 1: 24. Locality: "Habit, in Banda Neira, in mari (Brandes)

Satyrichthys welchi Herre, 1925: 292, pi. 1.

Peristethus moluccense: GOnther, 1880: 42 (citation).

Satyrichthys welchi: Kamohara, 1936: 436, 440, pi. 30 fig. 5. — Kamohara, 1952: 13. — Miller. 1974: 65. — Gloerfelt-

Tarp & Kailola, 1984: figs page 119 (partim) and 119. — Rivaton et al., 1990: 100.

Satyrichthys moluccense: Miller, 1974: 65 (citation). — Gloerfelt-Tarp & Kailola, 1984: figs page 119 (partim) and

119. — Paxton ctal ., 1989:457.

(?) Satyrichthys isokawae: YaTOU & OKamura in OKAMURA et al , 1985: 586-589.

Material examined. — 2 specimens.

New Caledonia MUSORSTOM 4: stn CP 172, 19°52.9’S, 158°38.6'E, 380-390 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. " Vauban ”,

17 September 1985: 375 mm TL (332 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-514).

Chersterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CP 373, 19°52.9’S, 158° 38.6'E, 380-390 m depth, beam trawl, R.

V. “ Coriolis ”, 20 October 1996: 548 mm TL (487 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-513).

Diagnosis. — Species of Group C as defined by Miller (1974: 64). Dorsal softrays 17-18, anal rays 17. Two

lip barbels. Filamentous barbel very short, hardly reaching first ventral scute. Accessory barbels of filamentous

barbel lack any membrane at their junction. Superomedian scutes 33. Gill-rakers on first arch 18-19. Rostral

processes large, depressed, strongly convergent and somewhat expanded at tip. D| VII; Do 17-18; A 17; P 14-15;

GR 18-19.

Distribution. — New Caledonia. Banda Sea (Bleeker, 1851). Ki Islands (Gunther, 1880). NW shelf,

Western Australia (PAXTON et al ., 1989). Possibly Philippine Archipelago and adjacent areas (See Remarks).

REMARKS. — Characters given for S. moluccense (Bleeker, 1851) or S . welchi (Herre, 1925), both included in

species Group C of Miller (1974: 64), apply equally to the other species: dorsal softrays 14 to 18; anal softrays 14

to 18; lip barbels 2 to 3; superomedian scutes 32 to 34.

Satyrichthys orientate (Fowler, 1938)

Nemaperistedion orientate Fowler, 1938: 127-128, fig. 61. Locality: between Gillolo and Makyan Islands (Philippines),

0°16.5'N. 127°30'E, 272 fathoms (= 497 m).

Satyrichthys orientate: Miller, 1974: 70.

Nemaperistedion orientate: Yatou in OKAMURA et al, 1985: 594, 595 and 727.

Material examined.— i specimen.

Source: MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

New Caledonia. Musorstom 4: stn CP 238, 22°13.0S. 167°14.0'E, 500-510 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. “Vauban ",

2 October 1985: 176 mmTL(154 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-495).

Diagnosis. — 2 + 1 lip barbels and 2+1 + 1 chin barbels in each hemimandible. Filamentous barbel very long

and reaching vent. Some accessory barbels of the filamentous barbel with a membrane at their base joining them

with the filamentous barbel. A long preopercular spine with its posterior tip extending beyond middle of pectoral

fin. Without accessory preopercular spine. Rostral processes clearly triangular with broad base. D| VII; Dj 21;

A 22; P 15; GR 21.

Distribution. — New Caledonia. Tosa Bay, East China Sea, Philippines and Indonesia (Yatou in Okamura

etal. y 1985).

REMARKS. — As far as we know, only two descriptions of the present species have been published since its

original description (MILLER, 1974; Yatou in Okamura et al ., 1985), and these do not agree about its placement

in the genus Nemaperistedion Fowler, 1938. MILLER (1974: 70) does not recognize it based on the characters used

by Fowler, while Yatou (in OKAMURA et a/., 1985: 595, 727) accepts it without discussion. We agree with

MILLER (1974) that the generic characters given by Fowler are not enough to separate Nemaperistedion from

Satyrichthys.

Satyrichthys quadratorostratus (Fourmanoir & Rivaton, 1979) comb. nov.

Peristedion quadratorostratus Fourmanoir & Rivaton. 1979: 423. fig. 15. Locality: South-west off lie des Pins (New

Caledonia) in 360 m.

Peristedion quadratorostratus : Rivaton et al., 1990: 100 (citation).

Material examined. — 11 specimens.

New Caledonia. Two syntypes: 124.9 mm TL (109.8 mm SL) (MNHN 1978-478); 121.2 mm TL (109.3 mm SL) (MNHN

1982-1). 17°30’S, 167.30’E, 360 m depth, bottom trawl, date unknown.

Biocal: stn CP 42, 22°45.1'S, 167° 12.2'E, 380 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Jean Charcot ”, 30 August 1985: 1 specimen,

135.2 mm TL (119.1 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-512).— Stn CP 45, 22°47.3'S, 167°14.8'E, 430-465 m depth, beam trawl.

30 August 1985: 1 specimen, 136 mm TL (122.1 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-496). — Stn CP 109, 22°1L9’S, 167°15.9’E, 495-515

m depth, beam trawl, 9 September 1985: 1 specimen, 159 mm TL (142 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-488).

MUSORSTOM 4: stn CP 213, 22°51.3'S, 163°12.0'E, 405-430 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Vauban *\ 28 September 1985:

2 specimens, 103.6 and 103.0 mm TL (respectively 89.3 and 90.6 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-491).— Stn CC 245, 22°07.0'S.

167° 11.0'E, 415-435 m depth, otter trawl, 3 October 1985: 1 specimen. 167 mm TL (149 mm SL) with a mandibular teratology

(MNHN 1995-485).

Norfolk Ridge. Chalcal 2: stn CP 25, 23°38.6'S, 167°43.1 'E, 418 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. " Coriolis ”, 30 August 1986:

I specimen, 140 mm TL (123.2 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-489).

Beryx 2: stn 31, 23°39.1 *S, 167°43.7'E, 430-440 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Alis ", 18 October 1992: 1 specimen. 151 mm

TL (133 mm SL) (NMNZ-P.29389). — Stn 32, 23°37.7’S. 167°43.7'E. 420-460 m depth, beam trawl, 18 October 1992: 1

specimen. 148 mm TL (130 mm SL) (NMNZ-P.29290).

DIAGNOSIS. — Head large and spinulous, even in occipital region. Rostral projections long, Hat, parallel and

slightly divergent anteriorly, being more than 40% of head length (without rostral projections). Filamentous barbel

very short and not reaching posterior margin of orbit. Accessory barbels of filamentous barbel without membrane

at their junction. Barbels on lower lip 3 (mode) to 4. D| VII; D2 20-22; A 20-22; P 13-16; GR 21-24.

Distribution. — Known only from New Caledonia.

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

Remarks. — Fourmanoir & Rivaton (1979: 423) state that the preopercular spine is 1.5 times as long as the

eye. This is true when the spine is measured along its outer edge, but in this case, the anterior origin of the spine is

rather inaccurate. If the length is taken from the inner axil (at the junction with the opercular flap), the spine is

about the same length as that of the orbit.

This species is herein placed in Satyrichthys, because it has the diagnostic characters of this genus as defined by

Kaup (1873: 82).

Subfamily TRIGLINAE

Genus LEPIDOTRIGIA Gunther, 1860

Lepidotrigla sp. cf. abyssalis Jordan & Starks, 1904

Material examined. — l specimen.

New Caledonia. MUSORSTOM 4: stn CC 248, 22°09'S, 167°13.3’E, 435-460 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. “ Vauban”, 4 October

1985: 1 specimen. 170 mm TL (134.6 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-508).

Diagnosis. Post-ocular groove incomplete. Pectoral fin extending beyond posterior tip of ventral fin for a

distance about equal to orbit length. Pectoral fin longer than head length. First free pectoral ray reaching posterior

tip of ventral fin. First dorsal fin, when depressed, not reaching second dorsal fin. Pectoral fin blackish. No rostral

spine [sensu Teague (1951)]. D, IX; D 2 15; A 15; P 11 + 3; LL 62; GR 6 + R.

Distribution. — New Caledonia. The distribution of L abyssalis is not included because of the provisionnal

status of the New Caledonian specimen.

Remarks. We have left this New Caledonian specimen as Lepidotrigla sp. cf. abyssalis because it does not

exactly fit with the original description and also because it has been impossible to compare it with the type

specimen.

Lepidotrigla alcocki Regan. 1908

Lepidotrigla alcocki Regan, 1908: 240, pi. 28, fig. 4. Locality: Saya de Malha Bank, in over 123 fathoms (= 225 m).

(?) Lepidotrigla spiroptera (typogr. error); Matsubara & Hiyama, 1932: 38-41 (description).

(?) Lepidotrigla spiloptera: Kuronuma, 1939: 237.

Lepidotrigla alcocki : Matsubara & Hiyama. 1932: 40-41. - Richards & Saksena, 1977: 220. - Richards in Fischer &

Bianchi, 1984: TRIGL page 3 and Lepid 4. — Richards, 1992: 46, 52, 54 and 62.

Material examined. — 3 specimens.

Saya de Malha Bank. Syntypes of Lepidotrigla alcocki Regan, 1908, date unknown, coll. Gardiner, 144.6 mm TL

(124.1 mm SL) and 126.8 mm TL (109.4 mm SL) (BMNH 1908.3.23.212-213).

Kai Islands. Holotype of Lepidotrigla spiloptera Gunther. 1880, date unknown, coll. " Challenger " 126 8 mm TL

(102.7 mm SL) (BMNH 1879.5.14.269). *

Source: MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

Lepidotrigla alcocki vaubani subsp. nov.

Table 1

Material examined. — l specimen.

New Caledonia. MUSORSTOM 4: stn CP 190, 19°06.3'S, 163°29.5'E, 215 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. “ Vauban ”,

19 September 1985: holotype, 129.6 mm TL (105.5 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-494).

Diagnosis. — Post-ocular groove incomplete. Pectoral fin reaching posterior tip of ventral fin. Pectoral fin

smaller than head length. First free pectoral ray not reach ing posterior tip of ventral fin. First dorsal fin, when

depressed, not reaching second dorsal fin. Snout length equal to horizontal length of eye. Breast and interpelvic

area naked. Nape and belly scaled. Pectoral fin blackish. No rostral spine [sensu Teague (1951)]. Dj VIII; D 2 16;

A 16; P 11 + 3; LL 62; GR 7 + R.

DISTRIBUTION. — New Caledonia.

Table 1. — Morphometric (in mm) and meristic variables of the holotype of

Lepidotrigla alcocki vaubani subsp. nov. (MNHN 1995-494)

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS

Total length 129.6

Standard length 105.5

Head length 34.9

Length of rostral processes 2.6

Pre-orbital length 13.2

Orbital length 13.2

Interorbital length 6.1

Post-orbital length 11-8

Maxillary length H -6

Cheek height H.3

Pre-Dj length 34.0

Dj base length 19.1

Pre-D 2 length 56.2

D 2 base length 33.0

Pectoral fin length 32.0

1st free pectoral ray length 27.3

Pre-anal length 58.9

Anal fin base length 34.0

Cleithral spine: post-operc. length 6.4

Head height 24.1

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

D| spines

D 2 rays

Anal rays

Pectoral rays

Gill-rakers

Lateral line scales

100

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOME NEC LLORIS

Remarks.— This specimen shares a number of characters with L. spiloptera and L. alcocki. Its rostral

processes resemble those illustrated by Matsubara & Hiyama (1932: fig. 14) and Kuronuma (1939: fig. 4A) for

L. spiloptera, but their identifications have been questioned (Richards & Saksena. 1977). In the table presented

by Matsubara & Hiyama (1932: 41) to differentiate L. alcocki from L. spiloptera, the New Caledonian

specimen tits with point 1 for L. spiloptera, points 2, 3 and 4 for L. alcocki, and is not in agreement with the values

given for any of the two species for point 5. The napes of the type specimens of L. spiloptera and L. alcocki are

scaly, although described as scalclcss by Richards & Saksena (1977). The nape of the New Caledonian

specimen is scaled. In the type specimens of L. spiloptera and L. alcocki, the preorbital lengths are longer than the

orbit length, whereas their lengths are equal in the New Caledonian specimen. Despite a number a characters in

common with L. spiloptera and L. alcocki. the New Caledonian specimen is distinguished by a number of slight

dillerences, and this is why we have chosen to describe it as a new subspecies rather than as a new species.

Lepidotrigla annamarae sp. nov.

Fig. 1, Table 2

Material examined. — 6 specimens.

New Caledonia. Musorstom 4: stn CP 170. 18°57'S. 163°I2.6E, 485 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. “ Vauban ", 17 September

1985: 2 paratypes. 195 mm TL (157 mm SL) (MNHN 1994-317), 160 mm TL (128.4 mm SL) (IPB-6/1994)— Stn CC 202,

1 8°58'S, 163° 10.5'E, 580 m depth, otter trawl (shrimps), 20 September 1985: 2 paratypes, 201 mm TL (161 mm SL) (MNHN

1994-318), 183 mm TL (148 mm SL) (I1PB-164/1994). — Stn CC 245, 22°07'S. 167°1 l'E, 415-435 m depth, otter trawl

(shrimps), 3 October 1985: holotype. 207 mm TL (170 mm SL) (MNHN 1994-316) and paratype, 131.3 mm TL (104 7 mm

SL) (IIPB -168/1994).

diagnosis. — Post-ocular groove incomplete. Pectoral fin reaching posterior tip of ventral fin. Pectoral fin

long, equal or greater than head length and reaching beyond origin of anal fin for a distance equal to orbit length.

First Iree pectoral ray not reaching posterior tip of ventral fin. First dorsal fin, when depressed, not reaching second

dorsal fin. Pelvic fin well developed extending beyond vent and reaching level between bases of second and third

anal rays. Pectoral fin blackish. No rostral spine (.re/m/ Teague (1951)]. Nape scaled. D, IX; Do 16-A 16 P II +

3; LL 55-64; GR 6-8 + R.

Description. — The body is slender and covered with large but poorly attached scales, ctenoid above the

lateral line and cycloid below it. The lateral line has 63 branched scales in the holotype (55-64 in the paratypes),

and divided when it enters in the caudal fin. The throat, chest and breast are scaleless but the belly is scaled. The

holotype has 24 bucklers (24-25 in the paratypes) along both sides of the dorsal fins, the anteriormost being low

and increasing their height posteriorly.

The head is relatively long, 3 times in SL in the holotype (2.8-3.2 in the paratypes), with striated bones and a

post-ocular groove behind the eyes, but not meeting in the middle of the head. The nape is scaled. The snout is

long. 2.6 in HL in the holotype (2.6-2.9 in the paratypes) and slightly descending in front of the orbit. The rostral

projections are short, with 4 spines in the holotype (4 to 5 in the paratypes), the second from the outer edge being

the longest. I he orbit is large and impinging in the upper profile of the head, its horizontal length being 3.3 times

in HL in the holotype (3.1-3.4 in the paratypes), 1.3 in PO in the holotype (1.1-1.3 in the paratypes) and always

less than the cheek height. The interorbital space is concave, 4.9 in HL in the holotype (4.3-4.9 in the paratypes)

and greater than half the length of the orbit. The maxillary reaches to below the anterior edge of the orbit and is

about the same length as the orbit, 3.2 in HL (2.5-2.9 in the paratypes). The teeth on both jaws arc villilbrm, absent

on vomer and palatines (only two of the paratypes have teeth on the vomer). The gill-rakers on the first arch are 7

in number plus three rudiments (6-8 plus two or four rudiments in the paratypes) and slender in shape.

Pseudobranchials are present. A rudimentary barbel or papilla is present on each side of the mandibular symphysis.

I he first dorsal fin has nine spines and, when depressed, the fin reaches the origin of the second dorsal fin The

first three dorsal spines are serrated in the holotype (character shared with all the paratypes except one which has

Source: MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

101

the third spine smooth), the third being the longest and contained 1.9 limes in HL in the holotype (1.7-2 in the

paratypes). The second dorsal fin has 16 soft rays. The anal fin has 16 soft rays, its origin is below that of the

second dorsal fin. The pectoral fin has 11 joined plus 3 free rays, being long and reaching beyond the origin of the

anal fin a distance equal to the orbit length, 2.5 limes in SL in the holotype (2.0-2.9 in the paratypes), 0.8 in HL in

the holotype (0.5-0.9 in the paratypes). The longer free pectoral ray reaches the tip of the longest ray of the pelvic

fin. The pelvic fin is well developed with one spine and five rays, extending beyond the vent and reaching between

the bases of the second and third anal rays, 4.3 in SL in the holotype (4.3-4.7 in the paratypes). Caudal fin slightly

emarginate.

Table 2. — Morphometric (in mm) and meristic variables of the specimens of Lepidotrigla annamarae sp. nov.

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS

Total length

Standard length

Head length

Length of rostral processes

Pre-orbital length

Orbital length

Interorbital length

Post-orbital length

Maxillary length

Cheek height

Pre-Dj length

D| base length

Prc-D 2 length

D 2 base length

Pectoral fin length

1 st free pectoral ray length

Pre-anal length

Anal fin base length

Cleithral spine: post-opercular length

Head height

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

D| spines

D 2 rays

Anal rays

Pectoral rays

Gill-rakers

Pre-ocular spines

Post-ocular spines

Sphenotic spine

Parietal spine

Pre-opercular spine

Lateral line scales

Dorsal bucklers

Teeth on vomer

MNHN

1IPB

IIPB

1994-316

1994-318

1994-317

164/1994

6/1994

168/1994

207.0

201.0

195.0

183.0

160.0

131.3

170.0

161.0

157.0

148.0

128.4

104.7

56.7

53.1

51.6

46.1

43.5

37.1

4.5

2.7

2.9

3.9

2.6

2.1

21.7

18.3

19.3

16.6

16.5

13.9

17,2

17.0

15.9

13.6

13.3

10.8

11.7

12.3

11.4

10.6

9.4

7.6

18.3

18.2

17.2

15.5

13.4

11.9

17.9

19.4

18.0

18.7

15.6

13.6

20.5

19.6

20.7

17.5

15.2

12.8

55.2

54.2

53.7

46.5

43.4

35.1

34.2

32.5

30.9

32.1

23.1

21.7

96.6

88.2

92.0

77.4

71.6

59.1

55.1

50.4

50.1

48.8

39.8

32.1

56.0

58.5

55.0

49.6

43.4

38.1

41.7

37.3

39.4

35.0

32.3

26.9

97.1

90.5

38.8

78.9

70.1

58.3

52.4

51.9

50.7

47.8

41.2

34.3

14.0

16.9

14.4

14.3

11.0

9.7

38.0

37.6

35.3

30.8

28.6

24.3

1R+7+2R

2R+6+2R

7+2R

absent

present

absent

present

absent

present

absent

present

absent

ansent

absent

present

absent

present

Source

102

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

Fig. 1. — Holotype of Lepidotrigla annamarae sp. nov. (MNHN 1994-316). — A: Lateral view. — B: Dorsal view._C:

Lateral detail of head. — D: Dorsal detail of head.

Source: MNHN , Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

103

Spinulation. The cleithral spine is long and stout, reaching to the vertical of the fourth dorsal spine, 4.1 times in

HL measured posteriorly to opercle in the holotype (3.0-3.8 in the paratypes). The opercular spine is small but

conspicuous, not reaching the posterior tip of the opercular flap. Preopercular spine absent (except for one paratype

which is very small), a soft preopercular keel present. Two preocular spines present (2 to 3 in the paratypes), three

post-ocular spines present (1 to 3 in the paratypes), sphenotic spine absent (one spine present in one paratype) and

one nuchal spine present.

Coloration (in alcohol). The general coloration is pale pink above, whitish below. The head has the same

coloration as the body. There are no traces of any markings anywhere. The pectoral fin is blackish on the inner side

which is also visible on the outer side, with the uppermost and lowermost rays whitish. Free pectoral rays and other

fins yellowish pale.

Etymology. — This species is named for the seventh birthday of Annamar, the older daughter of Llufs del

Cerro.

Distribution. — Known only from New Caledonia.

Lepidotrigla grandis Ogilby, 1910

Lepidotrigla grandis Ogilby, 1910: 122-123. Locality: off Cape Moreton, Queensland, Australia.

Lepidotrigla grandis : Marshall, 1964: 438-439 (citation). — Gloefelt-Tarp& Kailola, 1984: 117. — Paxton etai,

1989: 455. — Richards, 1992: 54, 62 (tables).

1 Lepidotrigla spiloptera: Whitley, 1958: 46-47.

Material examined. — l specimen.

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 105, 21°30.7'S, 166°21.7’E, 330-335 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. “7 ean Charcot",

8 September 1985: 1 specimen, 133.2 mm TL (108.9 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-509).

Diagnosis. — (Diagnosis based on New Caledonian material and literature data). Post-ocular groove

complete. Pectoral fin extending beyond posterior tip of ventral fin. Pectoral fin less than head length. First tree

pectoral ray extending beyond posterior tip of ventral fin. First dorsal fin, when depressed, not reaching second

dorsal fin. Pelvic fin extending beyond vent and reaching second anal ray. Pectoral fin blackish. No rostral spine

[sensu Teague( 1951)]. Nape scaled. D, IX; D 2 15; A 15; P 1 1 + 3; LL61; GR 8 + R.

Distribution. — New Caledonia. Off Cape Moreton, Queensland, Australia (Ogilby, 1910). NE Australia

(Gloerfelt-Tarp & Kailola, 1984). Off Darwin, Northern Territory (130°03'E) and off Brisbane, Queensland

(26°30'S) to off Port Stephens, New South Wales (32°S), tropical Australia (Paxton et al. , 1989).

Lepidotrigla musorstom sp. nov.

Fig. 2, Table 3

Material examined. — 23 specimens.

New Caledonia. Musorstom 4: stn CC 173, \9°02.5'S, 163°18.8'E, 250-290 m depth, otter trawl (shrimps), R. V. "Vauban

", 17 September 1995: 1 paratype, 131.2 mm TL (106.6 mm SL) (USNM 329339).

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CP 268, 24°44.7’S. 159°39.2’E, 280 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. “Coriolis ”, 9 October 1986: 1 paratype, 145.9 mm TL (119.0 mm SL) (USNM 329338). — Stn CP 269, 24°47'S,

159°37.3'E, 250-270 m depth, beam trawl, 9 October 1986: 1 paratype, 157.0 mm TL (121.5 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-497). —

Stn CP 275, 24°46.6'S, 159°40.3'E, 285 m depth, beam trawl, 9 October 1986: 1 paratype. 147.8 mm TL (118.8 mm S) (NSMT-

P.45842). — Stn CP 309, 22°10.2'S, 159°22.8'E, 340 m depth, beam trawl, 12 October 1986: 2 paratypes, 162 mm TL (125.2

mm SL) (USNM 329337), 144.4 mm TL (115.6 mm SL) (NSMT-P.45840). — Stn CP 312, 22°17.2'S, 159°24.8'E, 315-

104

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

I able 3. Morphometric (in mm) and mcristic variables of the specimens of Lepidotrigla musorstom sp. nov.

MNHN

AMS

IIPB

NSMT

BMNH

IIPB

USNM

IZUA

BMNH

MORPHOMETRIC

CHARACTERS

1994-26

1.34571

-002

3/1994

P.45841

1994.

5.17.1-2

2/1994

329337

PM. 1739

1994.

5.17.3

Total length

148.0

167.0

166.0

155.0

161.0

157.0

162.0

159.0

156.0

Standard length

II 6.6

131.4

130.7

128.3

128.1

127.1

125.2

124.8

123.7

Head length

36.0

40.6

42.0

38.4

40.5

41.1

42.2

39.3

40.7

Length of rostral processes

2.0

2.3

3.0

2.4

2.2

3.0

2.5

2.6

3.0

Pre-orbital length

12.4

14.7

15.1

11.8

13.5

12.8

15.6

12.8

14.9

Orbital length

11.1

14.8

14.5

14.3

14.2

13.6

13.8

13.7

Interorbital length

6.4

7.4

6.9

8.1

7.7

7.2

6.9

7.1

7.5

Post-orbital length

11.8

13.5

14.7

12.0

13.1

12.9

13.2

13.3

12.5

Maxillary length

12.9

14.8

13.1

15.2

12.2

13.1

17.0

13.6

14.6

Cheek height

11.9

14.5

14.0

12.3

12.6

13.9

13.4

Pre-D] length

35.8

39.9

43.1

37.5

40.1

40.2

40.6

41.1

39.8

D| base length

25.2

28.3

29.7

28.1

27.4

24.0

30.6

26.1

29.8

Pre-D 2 length

61.7

70.7

71.6

67.4

69.0

66.5

68.1

68.2

67.3

D 2 base length

40.0

42.5

39.8

40.4

38.7

38.4

42.9

38.2

37.5

Pectoral fin length

47.5

51.2

49.2

51.8

51.0

46.7

53.8

47.3

48.3

I st free pectoral ray length

25.6

29.7

30.0

29.1

27.8

26.4

29.1

28.2

27.9

Pre-anal length

61.8

73.6

74.4

67.8

70.1

71.9

65.4

72.2

66.9

Anal fin base length

Cleithral spine:

40.4

43.3

43.7

42.9

41.5

40.4

43.1

40.4

40.9

post-opercular length

8.0

9.3

11.4

10.8

8.8

8.0

9.4

10.8

12.2

Head height 23.9

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

28.9

27.8

28.0

27.1

28.2

28.8

26.9

D| spines

D 2 rays

Anal rays

Pectoral rays

Gill-rakers

8+2R

7+1R

9+1R 1R+7+2R

7+2R

8+2R

IR+7+2R 1

IR+6+3R

Pre-ocular spines

Post-ocular spines

Sphenotic spine

present

absent

present

absent

present

Pterotic spine

absent

present

absent

present

absent

present

absent

present

Parietal spine

absent

Pre-opercular spine

absent

present

absent

Lateral line scales

Dorsal bucklers

Nape scales

present

Teeth on vomer

Papillae at mandibular

absent

present

absent

symphysis

absent

present

absent

present

absent

present

MNHN BMNH

1994-27 1994.

5.17.1-2

154.0

157.0

123.2

121.8

37.1

38.3

2.3

2.6

13.1

12.9

13.3

13.5

7.0

6.6

11.3

12.8

13.3

12.7

13.4

38.3

37.7

26.6

25.1

68.3

65.3

37.4

36.8

48.2

46.2

25.7

30.7

70.6

69.9

39.7

11.6

8.5

26.6

26.5

8+1RIR+8+1R

2 2

present absent

absent present

absent absnet

present absent

63 63

23 23

present present

absent present

Source: MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

105

MNHN

USNM

NSMT

MNHN

NSMT

AMS

IIPB

AMS

USNM

IZUA

MORPHOMETRIC

CHARACTERS

1994-29

329338

P.45842

1994-28

P.45840

1.34571

-001

4/1994

1.34571

-003

329339

PM. 1740

PM.1741

Total length

155.0

145.9

147.8

143.3

144.4

145.0

146.0

134.8

131.2

130.0

104.1

Standard length

121.2

119.0

118.8

115.8

115.6

114.4

112.8

106.9

106.6

101.7

79.3

Head length

37.9

38.0

36.9

39.3

34.9

36.4

34.6

32.2

34.3

31.7

26.3

Length of rostral processes 1.6

1.7

2.0

2.6

2.0

3.0

2.7

1.9

2.3

1.4

Pre-orbital length

13.3

13.2

13.0

12.6

11.4

13.7

10.8

12.4

9.9

10.9

9.4

Orbital length

12.9

12.0

13.8

12.6

10.9

13.1

10.3

10.8

10.3

8.6

Interorbital length

7.0

6.5

7.2

7.4

7.1

6.4

6.6

5.7

6.4

6.3

4.1

Post-orbital length

12.5

10.9

11.4

11.7

12.0

11.1

11.2

10.5

11.9

10.1

8.2

Maxillary length

15.0

11.1

11.2

12.8

12.9

11.9

13.9

11.5

14.6

10.6

9.7

Cheek height

13.3

12.6

11.7

11.8

12.3

11.7

11.2

12.9

10.5

8.8

Pre-Dj length

38.5

35.9

34.3

36.2

38.6

35.4

36.7

32.9

31.5

31.0

27.5

D| base length

29.9

25.7

25.5

28.4

29.7

24.6

26.0

21.4

23.5

22.9

17.2

Pre-D 2 length

62.1

65.8

61.1

62.4

59.1

60.8

58.7

54.8

57.6

53.2

46.4

D 2 base length

39.5

38.4

37.6

39.0

42.0

36.4

37.6

34.5

35.4

34.6

23.8

Pectoral fin length

47.7

42.4

47.1

49.3

49.8

50.8

45.9

37.2

46.5

38.8

1 st free pectoral ray length 26.1

26.1

25.7

30.5

26.9

25.5

22.3

26.6

22.5

20.3

Pre-anal length

65.0

63.5

64.6

58.9

59.6

62.1

57.7

58.0

57.5

54.5

44.9

Anal fin base length

Cleithral spine:

39.7

40.0

39.4

38.9

41.9

37.4

37.0

36.2

34.5

35.1

25.2

post-opercular length

8.5

11.3

9.1

11.0

8.9

7.2

10.1

8.9

7.5

8.8

5.7

Head height 26.5

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

25.6

23.3

26.4

25.5

23.4

24.2

22.2

23.8

21.1

16.2

D[ spines

D 2 rays

Anal rays

Pectoral rays

Gill-rakers

7+2R

9+1R

7+1R

IR+7+2R

7+1R

6+2R

7+1R

7+2R

7+1R

Pre-ocular spines

Post-ocular spines

Sphenotic spine

absent

present

absent

present

absent

present

Pterotic spine

absent

present

absent

present

absent

present

absent

Parietal spine

absent

Pre-opercular spine

present

absent

present

absent

present

Lateral line scales

Dorsal bucklers

Nape scales

present

absent

present

Teeth on vomer

Papillae at mandibular

present

absent

present

absent

symphysis

present

absent

present

absent

present

absent

106

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

320 m depth, beam trawl, 12 October 1986: holotype, 148 mm TL (116.6 mm SL) (MNHN 1994-26) and 5 paratypes, 166 mm

TL (130.7 mm SL) (IIPB-3/1994), 155 mm TL (121.2 mm SL) (MNHN 1994.29), 154 mm TL (123.2 mm SL) (MNHN

1994.27), 146 mm TL (112.8 mm SL) (I1PB-4/1994), 143.3 mm TL (115.8 mm SL) (MNHN 1994.28).— Stn CP 316,

22°25.1'S, 159°24.0’E, 330 m depth, beam trawl, 13 October 1986: 2 paratypes, 161 and 157 mm TL (respectively 128.1 and

121.8 mm SL) (BMNH 1994-5-17 1-2). — Stn CP 318, 22°26.5’S, 159°21.3'E, 330 m depth, beam trawl, 13 October 1986: 4

paratypes, 159 mm TL (124.8 mm SL) (IZUA-PM.1739), 156 mm TL (123.7 mm SL) (BMNH 1994-5-17-3), 130 mm TL

(101.7 mm SL) (IZUA-PM.1740) and 104.1 mm TL (79.3 mm SL) (IZUA-PM.1741). — Sin CP 319, 22°24.4’S, 159°16.5’E,

320-325 m depth, beam trawl, 13 October 1986: 4 paratypes, 167 mm TL (131.4 mm SL) (AMS 1.34571-002), 157 mm TL

(127.1 mm SL) (IIPB-2/1994), 145.1 mm TL (114.4 mm SL) (AMS 1.34571-001) and 134.8 mm TL (106.9 mm SL) (AMS

1.34571-003).— Stn CP 320, 22°25.4’S, 159°12.6’E, 315 m depth, beam trawl, 13 October 1986: 1 paratype, 155 mm TL

(128.3 mm SL) (NSMT-P.45841).

Diagnosis. — Post-ocular groove incomplete. Pectoral fin extending beyond posterior tip of ventral fin for a

distance equal to orbit length. Pectoral fin long, greater than head length and extending beyond origin of anal fin

by a distance about twice orbit length. First free pectoral ray not reaching posterior tip of ventral fin. First dorsal

tin, when depressed, not reaching second dorsal fin. Pelvic fin well developed with one spine and five rays,

extending beyond vent and reaching level between bases of second and third anal rays. Pectoral fin blackish. No

rostral spine [sensu Teague (1951)]. Nape scaled. D, IX-X; Do 15-16; A 15-17; P 10-11 + 3; LL 61-66; GR

6-9 + R.

DESCRIPTION. — The body is slender and covered with large deciduous scales, ctenoid above the lateral line

and cycloid below it. The lateral line has 64 branched scales in the holotype (61-66 in the paratypes), and it is

divided on the caudal fin. The throat, chest and breast are scaleless, but the belly is scaled. The holotype has 24

(22-25 in the paratypes) bucklers along both sides of the dorsal fins, the anteriormost being low and increasing in

height posteriorly.

The head is relatively long, 3.2 times in SL (2.9-3.3 in the paratypes), with striated bones and a post-ocular

groove behind the eyes but not meeting in the middle of the head. The nape is scaled. The snout is long, 2.9 in HL

(2.6-3.5 in the paratypes) and slightly descending in front of the orbit. The rostral projections are short, with 4

spines (4 to 5 in the paratypes), the most exterior being the longest and slightly diverging. The orbit is large and

impinging in the upper profile of the head, 3.2 in HL (2.6-3.3 in the paratypes), 1.1 in PO (0.8-1.3 in the paratypes)

and usually equal or lesser than the cheek height. The interorbital space is concave, 5.6 in HL (4.7-6.4 in the para¬

types) and usually somewhat greater than half the length of the orbit. The maxillary reaches to below the anterior

edge of the orbit and is about the same length as it, 2.8 in HL (2.3-3.4 in paratypes). Teeth on both jaws are

villiform, lacking on the vomer and palatines. Gill-rakers on the first arch are 8 in number plus two rudiments (6 to

9 plus one, two or three rudiments in the paratypes) and slender in shape. Pseudobranchials are present. Without

rudimentary barbels or papillae at each side of the mandibular symphysis in the holotype but is absent or present in

the paratypes.

The first dorsal tin has nine spines (9-10 in paratypes) and, when depressed, the fin reaches the origin of the

second dorsal fin. The first dorsal spine is serrated, the second is granulated and the third is smooth in the holotype,

the third being the longest, 1.5 in HL (1.7-2.2 in the paratypes). The second dorsal fin has 16 soft rays (15-16 in the

paratypes). The anal fin has 16 soft rays (15-17 in the paratypes) and its origin is below that of the second dorsal

fin. The pectoral fin has 11 joined (10-11 in the paratypes) plus 3 free rays, it is long and reaches beyond the origin

of the anal fin by a distance about twice the orbit length, 2.5 in SL (2.0-2.9 in paratypes), 0.8 in HL (0.7-0.9 in

paratypes). The pelvic fin is well developed with one spine and five rays, reaching between the bases of the second

and third anal rays, 4.4 in SL (3.4-5.1 in paratypes). The caudal fin is slightly emarginate.

Spinulation. The cleithral spine is long and stout, reaching to the level of the fourth dorsal spine, 4.5 in HL

measured posteriorly to opercle (3.2-5.1 in the paratypes). The opercular spine is small but conspicuous, reaching

slightly beyond the posterior tip of the opercular flap. A very small preopercular spine is present but preopercular

keel is absent. 1 wo preocular spines present, two post-ocular spines present, one sphenotic and one nuchal spines

present.

Source: MNHN. Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

107

Fig. 2. — Holotype of Lepidotrigla musorstom sp. nov. (MNHN 1994-26).- A: Lateral view.-B: Dorsal view

C: Lateral detail of head. — D: Dorsal detail of head.

Source MNHN Pans

108

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

Coloration (in alcohol). The general coloration is pinky above, silvery white below. The head is brown. There

are no traces of any markings anywhere. The pectoral fin is blackish on both sides with the uppermost and

lowermost rays whitish. The free pectoral rays and other fins arc yellowish pale.

ETYMOLOGY. — This species is named after the acronym used for the series of exploration cruises in the waters

of New Caledonia during which the present material was obtained.

Distribution. — Known only from New Caledonia.

Lepidotrigla nana sp. nov.

Fig. 3. Table 4

Material examined. — 6 specimens.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Musorstom 5: stn CP 351, 19°33.1 S. 158°36.9'E, 290-310 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. "Coriolis", 17 October 1986: holotype, 125.6 mm TL (99.8 mm SL) (MNHN 1994-30) and 5 paratypes, 124.1 mm TL

(101.4 mm SL) (AMS 1.34755-001), 121.7 mm TL (97.9 mm SL) (USNM 329340), 120.9 mm TL (96.1 mm SL) (IIPB-

1/1994). 112.7 mm TL (88.7mm SL) (BMNH 1994 5-17 4) and 70.3 mm TL (55.8 mm SL) (MNHN 1994-31).

Diagnosis. — Post-ocular groove incomplete. Pectoral fin extending beyond posterior tip of ventral fin for a

distance equal to orbit length. Pectoral fin smaller than head length, reaching eighth rays of anal and soft dorsal

fins. First free pectoral ray not reaching posterior tip of pelvic fin. First dorsal fin, when depressed, reaching

second dorsal fin. Pelvic (in well developed, extending to beyond vent, reaching base of fourth anal ray (third-

fourth ray in paratypes) and somewhat longer than longest free pectoral ray. Pectoral fin blackish. No rostral spine

[sensu Teague (1951)]. Nape scaled. D, IX; D 2 16; A 15-17; P 11+3; LL 59-65; GR 6-7 + R.

Description. — The body is slender, covered with large and deciduous ctenoid scales above the lateral line

and cycloid scales below it. The lateral line has 63 branched scales (59-65 in the paratypes), and is divided when it

enters the caudal lin. The throat, chest and breast are scaleless. The nape is scaled. The bucklers along both sides

of the dorsal 1 ins are 23 in number (23-24 in the paratypes), the anteriormost being low and increasing their height

posteriorly.

1 he head is relatively long, 3.1 times in SL (2.6-3.2 in the paratypes), with striated bones and with a post¬

ocular groove behind the eyes but does not meet in the middle of the head. The snout is long, 3.0 in HL (3.2-3.8 in

the paratypes) and abruptly descending in front of the orbit. The rostral projections are flattened, triangular in

shape, clearly separated by a central notch and with two to three conspicuous spines arising from the base. The

outer margins or the rostral processes are finely serrated. The orbit is large and well impinging in the upper profile

o! the head, 3.0 in HL (2.8-3.5 in the paratypes), 1.0 in PO (1.0-1.1 in the paratypes), and almost of the same size

ol the cheek height. The interorbital space is concave, 5.2 in HL (5.5-6.2 in the paratypes) and somewhat greater

than half the length of the orbit. The maxillary is longer than the length of the snout and thus reaches beyond the

anterior border ol the orbit, 2.3 in HL (2.2-3.5 in the paratypes). Villiform teeth on both jaws, vomer with teeth in

the holotype (present or absent in the paratypes) and absent in the palatines. Gill-rakers on first arch are 7 in

number plus two rudiments (6 plus two rudiments to 7 with three rudiments in the paratypes) and slender in shape.

Pseudobranchials are present. A small rudimentary barbel or papilla present at each side of the mandibular

symphysis.

1 he first dorsal tin has nine spines which, when depressed, barely extend to the origin of the second dorsal fin.

The first two spines are serrated, the second being the longest, 1.6 in HL (1.5-1.6 in paratypes) except for one

paratype in which the longest is the third (1.6 in HL). The second dorsal fin has 16 soft rays. The anal fin has 16

soft rays (15-17 in paratypes) and its origin is at the same level as that of the second dorsal fin. The pectoral fin has

11 joined plus 3 free rays, it is long and reaches the eighth rays of the anal and soft dorsal fins, 2.60 in SL (2.6-2.8

in paratypes), 0.8 in HL (0.8-1.0 in the paratypes). The pelvic fin is well developed and has one spine and five

Source: MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

109

rays, extending beyond the vent and reaching to the base of the fourth anal ray (third-fourth in the paratypes), and

somewhat longer than the longest free pectoral ray, 4.1 in SL (3.9-4.2 in the paratypes). The caudal fin is slightly

emarginated.

Spinulation. The cleithral spine is stout, acute and of moderate size, reaching to the vertical of the fourth dorsal

spine, 5.0 in HL measured posteriorly to opercle (3.8-5.0 in the paratypes). The opercular spine is small but

conspicuous, reaching slightly beyond the posterior tip of the opercular flap. A very small preopercular spine

present (present or absent in the paratypes) but preopercular keel absent. Two preocular, two post-ocular, one

sphenotic spine (present or absent in the paratypes), pterotic spine absent (present or absent in the paratypes),

parietal spine absent (present or absent in the paratypes) and one nuchal spines.

Table 4. — Morphometric (in mm) and meristic variables of the specimens of Lepidotriglci nana sp. nov.

MNHN

IIPB

AMS

USNM

BMNH

MNHN

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS

1994-30

1/1994

1.34755-001

329340

1994.5.17.4

1994-31

Total length

125.6

120.9

124.1

121.7

112.7

70.3

Standard length

99.8

96.1

101.4

97.9

88.7

55.8

Head length

32.0

36.7

31.4

33.0

29.7

19.1

Length of rostral processes

2.9

3.5

3.9

2.9

2.4

1.6

Pre-orbital length

10.8

9.7

9.8

11.1

9.2

5.9

Orbital length

10.8

10.6

10.3

10.4

9.4

6.9

Interorbital length

6.2

5.9

5.7

5.8

5.1

3.4

Post-orbital length

10.5

10.7

10.2

10.8

9.4

6.4

Maxillary length

13.9

10.6

10.9

15.0

11.8

7.8

Check height

10.5

11.3

9.7

9.4

5.7

Pre-D| length

30.9

31.6

30.9

31.5

28.9

19.5

Dj base length

20.6

19.4

17.1

21.0

17.7

11.5

Pre-D 2 length

49.8

51.3

52.5

53.5

47.9

31.0

D 2 base length

35.0

31.7

34.5

32.7

28.1

18.3

Pectoral fin length

38.3

35.0

36.7

36.8

32.7

21.3

1st free pectoral ray length

26.3

24.6

25.2

25.3

22.2

15.9

Pre-anal length

50.5

52.6

54.6

52.6

48.5

30.0

Anal fin base length

33.5

32.7

33.7

31.3

29.2

18.5

Cleithral spine: post-opercular length

6.4

7.4

7.9

7.2

7.9

4.2

Head height

21.7

21.1

20.7

19.4

13.0

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

Dj spines

D 2 rays

Anal rays

Pectoral rays

Gill-rakers

7+2R

6+2R

7+3 R

Sphenotic spine

present

absent

present

Pterotic spine

absent

present

absent

Parietal spine

absent

present

absent

present

Pre-opercular spine

present

absent

present

Lateral line scales

Dorsal bucklers

Teeth on vomer

present

absent

present

MMfltPaas.

110

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENBC LLORIS

Fig. 3. — Holotype of Lepidoirigla nana sp. nov. (MNHN 1994-30). — A: Lateral view. — B: Dorsal view,

detail of head. — D: Dorsal detail of head.

C: Lateral

Source: MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

111

Coloration (in alcohol). The general coloration is pale pink-yellowish above, whitish below. The head is

somewhat darker than the upper surface of the body. Without traces of any markings anywhere. Upper surface of

pectoral fin blackish. Free pectoral rays and other fins pale yellowish.

Etymology. — This species is named for its small size, from the Latin nanus meaning dwarf.

Distribution. — Known only from the type series in the area of New Caledonia.

Remarks. — This new species is close to L. argus Ogilby, 1910, but can be separated from it by the following

characters: Pelvic fin 3.5 in SL in L. argus , 3.9-4.2 in SL in L. nana. Snout 2.25 in HL in L. argus, 3.2-3.8 in

L. nana. Orbit length 3.66 in HL in L. argus , 2.8-3.5 in L. nana . Interobital distance 4.65 in HL in L. argus , 5.2-6.2

in L. nana. Also, the shape of the rostral processes is of type “O ” for L. argus and of type “L ” in L. nana (sensu

Richards, 1992).

Lepidotrigla sereti sp. nov.

Fig. 4, Table 5

Material examined. —4 specimens.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Musorstom 5: stn CH 271, 24°48.2’S, 159°34.6'E, 250-276 m depth, otter trawl

(fishes), R. V. "Coriolis", 9 October 1986: 1 paratype, 142.1 mm TL (117.5 mm SL) (BMNH 1994.5.17.5). — Stn CP 276,

24°48.9’S, I59°40.9'E, 258-269 m depth, beam trawl, 9 October 1986: holotype, 135.3 mm TL (110.1 mm SL) (MNHN 1994-

32), 2 paratypes, 116.2 mm TL (94.1 mm SL) (I1PB-5/1994) and 113.4 mm TL (88.3 mm SL) (MNHN 1994-33).

DIAGNOSIS. — Post-ocular groove incomplete. Pectoral fin extending beyond posterior tip of ventral fin for a

distance equal to orbit length. Pectoral fin long, greater than head length and reaching beyond origin of anal fin by

a distance about twice orbit length. First free pectoral ray not reaching posterior tip of ventral fin. First dorsal fin,

when depressed, not reaching second dorsal fin. Pelvic fin well developed, extending beyond vent and reaching

between bases of second and third anal rays. A conspicuous rostral spine [sensu Teague (1951)] present on lateral

margin of head, between orbit and rostral processes. Pectoral fin whitish on both sides. Nape scaled. D| IX; D 2 15;

A 15; P 11-12 + 3; LL 57-64; GR 5-6 + R.

DESCRIPTION.. — The body is slender, covered with large and deciduous ctenoid scales above the lateral line

and cycloid scales below it. The lateral line has 59 branched scales (57-64 in the paratypes), and is divided on the

caudal fin. The throat, chest and breast are scaleless. With 21 bucklers (22-23 in the paratypes) along both sides of

the dorsal fins, the anteriormost being low and increasing their height posteriorly.

The head is relatively long, 3.3 times in SL (3.0-3.1 the in paratypes), with striated bones and with a post¬

ocular groove behind the eyes but not meeting in the middle of the head. The nape is scaled. The snout is long, 2.8

in HL (3.0-3.3 in the paratypes) and abruptly descending in front of the orbit. The rostral projections are short, with

a longer central spine, slightly diverging, two small spines in the outer edge of the rostrum and several minute

spines in the inner margin. The orbit is large and impinging in the upper profile of the head, 3.1 in HL (2.9-3.1 in

the paratypes), 1.1 in PO (0.9-1.0 in the paratypes) and always less than the cheek height. The interorbital space is

concave, 5.3 in HL (5.5-S.9 in the paratypes) and nearly half the length of the orbit. The maxillary reaches the

anterior edge of the orbit and is about the same length of it, 3.2 in HL (2.8-3.1 in the paratypes). Teeth on both

jaws are villiform, lacking on the vomer and the palatines. Gill-rakers on the first arch are 5 in number plus three

rudiments (5-6 plus two or three rudiments in the paratypes) and are tubercle-like in shape. Pseudobranchials are

present. A small rudimentary barbel or papilla is present at each side of the mandibular symphysis.

The first dorsal fin has nine spines and, when depressed, the fin reaches the origin ol the second dorsal fin. The

first three spines arc serrated, the third being usually the longest, 1.7 in HL (1.7-2.0 in the paratypes). The second

dorsal fin has 15 soft rays. The anal fin has 15 soft rays and commences slightly in advance of the origin of the

112

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

second dorsal fin. The pectoral fin has 11 joined (11-12 in the paratypes) plus 3 free rays, it is long and reaches

beyond the origin of the anal fin by a distance about twice the orbit length, 2.6 in SL (2.6-2.8 in the paratypes), 0.8

in HL (0.9 in the paratypes). The pelvic fin is well developed and has one spine and five rays, extending beyond

the vent and reaching between the bases of the second and third anal rays, 5.1 in SL (4.7-5.5 in the paratypes). The

caudal fin is slightly emarginated.

Spinulation. The cleithral spine is stout and of moderate size, reaching to the vertical of the fourth dorsal spine,

3.9 in HL measured posteriorly to opercle (5.0-6.4 in the paratypes). The opercular spine is small but conspicuous,

reaching slightly beyond the posterior tip of the opercular flap. A very small preopercular spine is present but

preopcrcular keel is absent. One rostral, two preocular (2-3 in the paratypes), two post-ocular, one pterotic and one

nuchal spines are present. Parietal spine is absent, except for one paratype.

Table 5. — Morphometric (in mm) and meristic variables of the specimens of Lepidotrigla sereti sp. nov.

MNHN

BMNH

IIPB

MNHN

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS

1994-32

1994.5.17.5

5/1994

1994-33

Total length

135.3

142.1

116.2

113.4

Standard length

110.1

117.5

94.1

88.3

Head length

33.8

37.7

31.8

29.3

Length of rostral processes

3.1

2.7

3.9

1.8

Pre-orbital length

12.1

12.5

9.7

9.6

Orbital length

10.8

12.0

11.0

9.5

Interorbital length

6.4

5.8

5.0

Post-orbital length

11,0

12.1

10.1

9.5

Maxillary length

10.5

12.5

10.4

10.3

Cheek height

14.2

15.4

12.6

11.8

Pre-D| length

32.6

37.3

31.3

29.1

D| base length

25.1

24.3

19.5

18.2

Pre-D 2 length

57.0

64.1

51.3

47.2

D 2 base length

38.4

40.4

31.6

28.9

Pectoral fin length

42.3

41.5

35.7

33.7

1st free pectoral ray length

27.6

28.5

27.7

22.6

Pre-anal length

58.2

64.8

50.9

47.3

Anal fin base length

39.2

39.6

33.1

31.6

Cleithral spine post-opercular length

8.7

6.9

6.4

4.6

Head height

25.6

28.2

23.4

21.5

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

Dj spines

D 2 rays

Anal rays

Pectoral rays

Gill-rakers

1R+5+2R

6+3 R

6+2R

5+2R

Pre-ocular spines

Parietal spine

absent

Lateral line scales

Dorsal bucklers

Source: MNHN. Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

113

FIG. 4. - Holotype of Lepidotrigla sere,i sp. nov. (MNHN 1994-32).- A: Laleral view. -B: Dorsal view,

detail of head. — D: Dorsal detail of head.

C: Lateral

Sourc e MNHN*

114

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

Coloration (in alcohol). The general coloration is pale pink above, whitish below. The head is slightly darker

and yellowish. Without traces of any markings anywhere. The pectoral fin is white on both sides. The free pectoral

rays and other fins are whitish.

ETYMOLOGY. — This species is named after Dr Bernard Seret from ORSTOM (Antenne du Museum national

d'Histoire naturelle, Paris).

Genus PARAPTERYGOTRIGLA Matsubara, 1937

Parapterygotrigla megalops (Fowler, 1938) comb. nov.

Dixiphistops megalops Fowler, 1938: 116-117, fig. 55. Locality: San Fernando Point Light, 16°38'N, 119°57.2'E (west coast of

Luzon, Philippines), in 186 fathoms (= 340 m).

Material examined. — 2 specimens.

New Caledonia. MUSORSTOM 4: stn CC 201, 18°55.8'S, 163°13.8'E, 500 m depth, otter trawl (shrimps), R. V. “ Vauban ",

20 September 1985: 2 specimens, 116.2 and 110.0 mm TL (respectively 94.2 and 86.8 mm SL)(MNHN 1995-510).

DIAGNOSIS. — Pectoral fin short, not extending beyond level of middle of anal fin. Rostral processes slightly

divergent and without spine at their base. D] VIII-IX; D 2 12; A I + 11; P 13 + 3; LL 54-58; GR 13-15 + R.

Distribution. — New Caledonia. Philippines (Fowler, 1938).

Remarks. — The data given by Fowler (1938) in the original description of this species fit perfectly with

those of the New Caledonian specimens. The species appears to have never been mentioned in the literature since

its original description. It is here placed in Parapterygotrigla because the characters given by Fowler (1938) for

the erection of his new monotypic genus Dixiphistops are inconsistent.

Parapterygotrigla multiocellata Matsubara, 1937

Parapterygotrigla multiocellata Matsubara, 1937: 266-267, unnumbered figure. Locality: Kumano Nada, south-east to Kii

Peninsula (Japan), in about 150 fathoms (= 274 m).

Ptery.gotrigla multiocellata : Kamohara, 1938: 52. — Ochiai & Yatou in Masuda et al , 1984: 334.

Parapterygotrigla multiocellata: Kuronuma, 1939: 254.— YATOU in Okamura et al, 1982: 280-281,398. — Shen, 1984:

33. — Yatou in Okamura et al , 1985: 580-581,724.

Material examined. — 2 specimens.

New Caledonia. Musorstom 4: stn CC 173, 19°02.5'S, 163°18.8'E, 250-290 m depth, otter trawl (shrimps), R. V.

“Vauban ", 17 September 1985: 2 specimens, 290 and 160.0 mm TL (respectively 244 and 128.9 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-518).

Diagnosis. — Pectoral fin very long, reaching to or extending beyond posterior end of anal fin. Rostral

processes parallel or slightly convergent with a small antrose spine placed on outer part of their base. D. VIII; D 2

11; A 1+ 12; P 12 + 3; LL 59; GR 9 + R.

Distribution.— New Caledonia. Japan: Kumano Nada (Matsubara, 1937); Kochi (Kamohara, 1938);

Kyushu-Palau Ridge and East China Sea (Yatou in Okamura et al., 1982, 1985); southern Japan to East China

Sea (Ochiai & Yatou in Masuda et al., 1984). Saigon (W.J. Richards, pers. com. 1994).

Source. MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

115

Genus PTERYGOTRIGLA Waite, 1899

Pterygotrigla macrolepidota (Kamohara, 1938)

Uradia macrolepidota Kamohara, 1938: 53, fig. 28. Locality: Urado Market, near Kochi City (Japan), depth unknown.

Uradia macrolepidota: Kuronuma, 1939: 249 (citation).

Pterygotrigla macrolepidota : OCHIAI & YATOU in MaSUDA et al, 1984: 334

Material examined. — 9 specimens.

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 42, 22°45.1’S, 167°12.2’E, 380 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Jean Charcot ”, 30 August

1985: 1 specimen, 102.1 mm TL (82.0 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-511).

Musorstom 4: stn CC 173, I9°02.5'S, 163°18.8'E, 250-290 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. “ Vauban ", 17 September 1985:

8 specimens, 132.4, 114.2, 112.7, 100.4. 100.1, 97.3. 95.7 and 93.6 mm TL (respectively 109.4, 91.3, 92.6, 81.5, 80.0, 80.3,

76.8 and 77.6 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-507).

Diagnosis. — The most distinctive feature of this species is the vertically enlarged scales of the lateral line,

much higher than long. Posterior tip of pectoral fin not reaching level of middle of the anal fin base. D| VIII;

D 2 11; AI + 11-12; P 12-13 +3; LL 54-57; GR 7-9 + R.

Distribution. — New Caledonia. Japan: Urado and Mimase Market (Kamohara, 1938), Tosa Bay (Ochiai

& YATOU in Masuda et al., 1984).

Pterygotrigla picta (Gunther, 1880)

Table 6

Trig la picta Gunther, 1880: 24-25, plate XIII, fig. A. Locality: Juan Fernandez Island (Chile), depth unknown.

Trigla guttata Philippi, 1896: 375-376.

? Pterygotrigla andertoni Waite, 1910: 26.

Trigla guttata: Fowler, 1945: 113. — De Buen, 1959: 48 (citation).

Chelidonichthys picius: Fowler. 1945: 114.— Mann. 1954: 54, 79, 309.— De Buen, 1959: 48 (citation). — Kong &

Bolados, 1986: 124.

Pterygotrigla picta: McCulloch. 1929-1930: 393. — Hubbs, 1959: 313-315. —Hardy, 1982: 207-208. — Paxton et al,

1989: 457. — Paulin et al., 1989: 170 (key), 259 (citation). — Yabe in Amaoka et al, 1990: 238.

Material examined. — 9 specimens.

Norfolk Ridge. Chalcal 2: stn CH 4, 24°44.3'S, 168°09.9’E, 253 m depth, otter trawl (fishes), R. V. " Coriolis ",

27 October 1986: 2 specimens, 311 and 237 mm TL (respectively 254 and 199 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-517). Sin CH 5,

24°44.0'S, 168°08.5’E, 223 m depth, otter trawl (fishes), 27 October 1986: 2 specimens. 365 and 275 mm TL (respectively 303

and 226 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-516).

Juan Fernandez Archipelago. Robinson Crusoe Island: 1 specimen. 332 mm TL (274 mm SL) (IZLA PM 1034),

8 February 1985, 40 m depth; 1 specimen, 392 mm TL (320 mm SL) (IZUA PM 1035), 25 April 1985, 100 m depth;

1 specimen, 376 mm TL (308 mm SL) (IZUA PM 1036), 7 February 1985, 60 m depth.

Chile. San Ambrosio Island, 35 m depth, 23 December 1991: 2 specimens, 424 and 367 mm TL (respectively 344 and

298 mm SL) (both IZUA PM 1472).

Diagnosis. —Cleithral spine long and sharp with a wide base. Ppcrcular spine very long and stout, clearly

extending beyond posterior tip of opercular flap. Dj VII-VIII; D 2 11-12; A I + 11; P 11-12 + 3; LL 61-64; GR 7-8

+ R (formula based on specimens from New Caledonia).

Source MNHN-Baas.

116

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

Distribution. — New Caledonia. Juan Fernandez Island, Chile (Gunther, 1880; Philippi, 1896; Fowler,

1945; Mann, 1954). New Zealand (Waite, 1910; Paulin etal ., 1989). Great Australian Bight, Bass Strait, New

South Wales (McCulloch, 1929-1930).

Table 6. — Morphometric (in mm) and meristic variables of the specimens of Pterygoirigla picta (Gunther, 1880).

MNHN

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS

1995-517

1995-516

Total length

311.0

237.0

365.0

275.0

Standard length

254.0

199.0

303.0

226.0

Head length

82.3

62.2

103.7

77.9

Length of rostral processes

7.6

7.9

3.6

7.8

Pre-orbital length

23.6

22.3

36.8

25.5

Orbital length

30.0

19.7

31.4

24.5

Interorbital length

29.2

20.8

29.4

24.4

Post-orbital length

30.4

21.1

36.4

25.2

Maxillary length

28.7

21.9

43.2

31.4

Cheek height

30.0

21.5

39.1

27.2

Pre-D| length

95.2

64.6

113.7

83.5

Dj base length

49.0

35.0

53.8

41.4

Pre-D 2 length

161.0

112.8

187.0

140.0

D 2 base length

60.1

44.5

68.8

55.7

Pectoral fin length

123.9

104.1

130.5

108.7

1 st free pectoral ray length

69.6

47.7

83.1

55.1

Pre-anal length

146.0

113.6

180.0

144.0

Anal fin base length

71.1

52.7

81.6

64.8

Cleithral spine: post-opercular length

33.9

29.5

31.6

29.6

Head height

59.5

39.3

69.7

49.6

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

Dj spines

D 2 rays

Anal rays

1+11

1 + 11

Pectoral rays

11+3

12+3

Gill-rakers

8+6R

8+3R

1R+7+4R

8+3R

Pre-ocular spines

present

absent

present

Lateral line scales

Dorsal plates

1+9

1+8

Source: MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

117

Remarks. — The New Caledonian specimens agree with the original description of P. picta. However, they

differ from specimens collected in Juan Fernandez Island in spot pattern, suborbital bony sutures and lower

preopercular spine. These differences are provisionally interpreted as intraspecific variations but, considering the

considerable geographical distance between New Caledonia and Chile, further studies might elevate the New

Caledonian specimens to subspecific rank.

Pterygotrigla robertsi sp. nov.

Fig. 5, Table 7

Material examined. — l specimen.

Norfolk Ridge. Beryx 11: stn CP 32, 23°37.7'S, 167°43.7’E (Stylaster seamount), 420-460 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. “ Alis ”, 18 October 1992: holotype, 183 mmTL (152 mm SL) (MNHN 1994-25).

DIAGNOSIS. — Cleithral spine long and sharp with a wide base. Opercular spine inconspicuous, not extending

beyond posterior margin of opercular flap. Pectoral fin extremely long, almost reaching end of last anal fin ray.

Snout very long with two nasal spines. Dj VIII; D 2 12; A 12;P 11 + 3; LL 59; GR 9 + R.

DESCRIPTION. — The body is slender, covered with firmly attached and small cycloid scales; myotomes visible

externally. The lateral line has 59 tubular scales. There are nine large bucklers along spinous dorsal base, the first

being single and placed in front of the spinous dorsal and eight at both sides of that fin decreasing in size towards

the tail. The base of the second dorsal fin has no bucklers.

The head is very long, 2.7 times in SL, smooth and without any kind of post-temporal groove. The nape is

scaled. The snout is long, 2.2 times in HL, and as long as the base of the first dorsal fin, straight in profile and

descending towards the rostral processes. The rostral projections are short, shorter than orbit length, 5.1 in HL, 1.4

in OL. The orbit is small, high in the head and only slightly impinging in the upper profile, 3.8 in HL, and almost

of the same size of the cheek. The interorbital space is slightly concave (4.1 in HL) and nearly as long as the orbit

length. The maxillary falls short of the anterior margin of the orbit, 2.7 in HL, 1.2 in PO. The teeth on both jaws

are villiform, but the vomer and the palatines are toothless. Gill-rakers on the first arch are long, numbering 9 plus

2 rudiments. Pseudobranchials are present.

The first dorsal fin has eight spines and, when depressed, reaches the origin of the soft dorsal fin. The first three

spines are serrated, the second and third being the longest and almost of the same size. The second dorsal tin has

12 soft rays. The anal fin has 12 soft rays and is inserted slightly in front of the second dorsal origin. The pectoral

fin has 11 plus three free rays. It is very long and reaches nearly the posterior end of the anal tin (2.1 in SL; 0.8 in

HL). The pelvic fin is well developed with one spine and five rays, and its posterior tip extends to the middle ot the

vent (4.3 in SL). The caudal fin is slightly emarginated.

Spinulation. The cleithral spine is stout and of moderate size, reaching the vertical between the bases of the

third and fourth dorsal spines and is slightly shorter than the orbit length (4.1 in HL, measured posteriorly to

opercle). The opercular spine is rudimentary, not impinging in the posterior margin of the opercle. The

preopercular spine and keel are present and conspicuous, without accessory spines. There is one large nasal spine

on each side of the snout behind the nostril, half way to the eye. The nuchal spine is strong, its posterior tip

reaching just in front of the first dorsal spine. There are no other spines present on the head.

Coloration (in alcohol). The general coloration is yellowish, the head being slightly darker. The lower flanks

(below the cleithral spine) and the ventral side anteriorly to the vent are shadowed. There are traces ot dark

markings in the first dorsal fin between the first and sixth spines. The pectoral tin is blackish except for the

uppermost ray and the three lowermost rays which are pale. The three free rays are also pale as well as the other

fins.

ETYMOLOGY. — This species is named after Dr Clive D. ROBERTS, Curator of Fishes at the Museum of New

Zealand.

118

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

Fig. 5. — Holotype of Pterygotrigla robertsi sp. nov. (MNHN 1994-25). — A: Lateral view. — B: Dorsal view,

detail of head. — D: Dorsal detail of head.

C: Lateral

Source: MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

119

Table 7. — Morphometric (in mm) and meristic variables of the holotype of

Pterygotrigla robertsi sp. nov. (MNHN 1994-25).

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERS

Total length

183.0

Standard length

152.0

Head length

55.9

Length of rostral processes

10.9

Pre-orbital length

25.1

Orbital length

14.8

Interorbital length

13.8

Post-orbital length

14.2

Maxillary length

20.4

Cheek height

14.5

Pre-Dj length

63.7

Dj base length

25.7

Pre-D 2 length

93.0

D 2 base length

36.1

Pectoral fin length

71.1

1 st free pectoral ray length

50.5

Pre-anal length

93.8

Anal fin base length

38.4

Cleithral spine: post-opercular length

13.6

Head height

28.8

MERISTIC CHARACTERS

Dj spines

D 2 rays

Anal rays

Pectoral rays

Gill-rakers

9+2R

Lateral line scales

Pterygotrigla tagala (Herre & Kauffman, 1952)

Otohime tagala Herre & Kauffman, 1952: 27-28. Locality: outer Manila Bay, in 64 fathoms (-117 m).

Pterygotrigla tagala: Yatou & Yam aka wa, 1983: 217, 220.

Material examined. — 32 specimens.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Chalcal 1: stn CH 2. 22°34.4'S, 159°17.4'E, 330 m depth, otter trawl (fishes),

R. V. "Coriolis", 28 July 1984: 15 specimens. 134.5 mm TL (108.3 mm SL). 130.8 (106.5), 130.4(105.9), 128.2(106.5), 127.7

(105.4), 123.8 (101.5), 123.3 (99.0), 119.0(96.6). 117.4(94.3), 115.3 (93.0), 104.3 (85.7), 97.7 (79.09). 96.2 (76.6), 95.0 (78.8)

and 90.2 (73.7) (MNHN 1995-505).

Musorstom 5: stn CP 268, 24°44.7'S, 159°39.2'E, 280 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Coriolis". 9 October 1986:

2 specimens, 116.8 mm TL (95.8 mm SL) and 114.0 (91.6) (MNHN 1995-500).— Stn CH 271. 24°48.2 S, 159°34.6'E, 250-

276 m depth, otter trawl (fishes), 9 October 1986: 1 specimen. 121.3 mm TL (97.5 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-501). — Stn CP 275,

24 0 46.6'S, 159°40.3'E, 285 m depth, beam trawl, 9 October 1986: 1 specimen, 111.6 mm TL (90.0 mm SL) (MNHN 1995-

506)._Stn CP 276, 24°48.9'S, 159°40.9'E, 258-269 m depth, beam trawl, 9 October 1986:1 specimen, 117.3 mm TL (94.4 mm

Source:

120

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOME NEC LLORIS

SL).— Stn CP 312, 22°17.2'S, 159°24.8'E, 315-320 m depth, beam trawl, 12 October 1986: 5 specimens, 120.8 mm TL

(99.8 mm SL), 116.6 (94.3), 116.2 (94.0), 112.5 (92.8) and 114.0 (92.7) (MNHN 1995-499).— Stn CP 316, 22°25.1’S,

159°24.0’E, 330 m depth, beam trawl, 13 October 1986: 2 specimens, 128.7 mm TL (105.0 mm SL) and 112.9 (93.1) (MNHN

1995-502). — Stn CP 319, 22°24.4’S, 159°16.5'E, 320-325 m depth, beam trawl, 13 October 1986: 2 specimens, 124.9 mm TL

(102.2 mm SL) and 107.2 (89.4) (MNHN 1995-504). — Stn CP 351, 19°33.rS, 158°36.9'E. 290-310 m depth, beam trawl.

17 October 1986: 3 specimens, 136.5 mm TL (108.8 mm SL), 136.1 (109.1) and 126.9 (100.6) (MNHN 1995-503).

Diagnosis. —Cleithral spine absent or very short, reduced to a rounded almost inconspicuous basal plate.

D, VII-VIII; D 2 12-14; A 1+ 10-12; P 12-14 +3; LL 50-62; GR 10-13 + R.

Distribution. — New Caledonia. Philippines: outer Manila Bay (Herre & Kauffman. 1952).

Remarks. — All New Caledonian specimens have been assigned to P. tagala despite slight differences with

the original description.

DISCUSSION

In the waters of New Caledonia, the family Triglidae is represented by 6 genera and 18 species. Only one of

them, Pterygotrigla picta (Gunther, 1880), is also found in the waters of New Zealand. The New Caledonian triglid

fauna is most closely related to those of Australia and the Philippines.

In his study on the genus Lepidotrigla , RICHARDS (1992) defines a distinctive character for his new species

Ljimjoebob : the presence of small rudimentary barbels on the mandibular symphysis. This character has been

included in our descriptions of the New Caledonian specimens, since it has been found in some of the new species

described herein. Furthermore, we also have found this character in some Lepidotrigla and Pterygotrigla species

examined as comparative material. However, this character shows intraspecific variation and this is probably why

it has been overlooked by several authors.

In this paper a new subspecies has been described: Lepidotrigla alcocki vaubani. Another one has been

suspected for the New Caledonian specimens of Pterygotrigla picta, but was not defined pending further

comparative studies.

The present study of the New Caledonian triglids has highlighted a number of taxonomic problems as exposed

below.

Peristedion picturatum , which had been synonymized with Peristedion liorhynchus (Gunther, 1871) by

Paxton et al. (1989: 456), can be distinguished by the number of plates between the first anal ray and the vent, 3

in P. liorhynchus vs 2 in P. picturatum. Furthermore, the ventral surface of the snout of P. picturatum is

completely smooth and there is a spine on the rostral processes close to the snout; this spine is absent in

P. liorhynchus. Peristedion nierstraszi Weber, 1913, is very similar to P. liorhynchus in having three plates and no

spine.

Despite its accurate description, Satyrichthys moluccense was apparently overlooked by Herre (1925) when he

described the new species Peristedion welchi, as well as by GLOERFELT-TARP & Kailola (1984). We believe that

all records under the name Satyrichtys welchi refer to S. moluccense , a senior synonym.

In comparing the original descriptions of Satyrichthys hians (Gilbert & Cramer, 1897), Satyrichthys

investigators (Alcock, 1898) and Satyrichthys amiscus (Jordan & Starks, 1904), we found that these nominal

species seem to be closely related, if not synonyms, and also close to Satyrichthys orientate. However, pending

further investigations of actual specimens and types, we have classified the single New Caledonian specimen as

S. orientate , because it Fits with the original description and that given by YATOU (in OKAMURA et al., 1985: 727).

Miller (1974: 7) had already suggested that these nominal species may represent a single one with a broad

longitudinal distribution.

Satyrichthys quadratorostratus appears very similar to S. serrulatum (Alcock, 1898). We have not seen the

type specimens of S. serrulatum and there are few references dealing with this species. However, judging from the

Source: MNHN, Paris

GURNARD FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

121

very complete description given by Yatou (in OKAMURA et al., 1982), it seems to belong to the same species

group as S. quadratorostratus. They can be separated by the length of rostral processes (longer in

S. quadratorostratus), the width of rostral processes (narrower in S. quadratorostratus ), the distance between the

inner edges of rostral processes at the premaxillary symphysis (longer in S. quadratorostratus ), the length of the

filamentous barbel (which does not reach the posterior edge of the orbit in S. quadratorostratus, hut surpasses it in

S. serrulatum), and finally the number of barbels in the lower lip (fewer in S. quadratorostratus). A specimen

caught at MUSORSTOM 4 stn CC 245 was identified as S. quadratorostratus although it showed a band of villiform

teeth on the left superior hemimandible which were missing in the right side. The absence or presence of teeth on

the upper mandible being a diagnostic character separating the genera Paraheminodus and Satyrichthys , the initial

question was to determine to which genus this specimen should be assigned. We have considered it a teratologic

example of S. quadratorostratus rather than a different, unknown species of Paraheminodus, because all other

characters fitted quite well with the description of 5. quadratorostratus.

Among the valid species of Lepidotrigla listed by RICHARDS (1992), only two show close similarity to

Lepidotrigla sereti: L. kanagashira Kamohara, 1936 and L. kishinouyei Snyder, 1911. L. sereti is distinguished

from L. kanagashira mainly by the length of the snout, the interorbital width, the depth of tne caudal peduncle, the

length of the pectoral fin and of the second dorsal spine (always longer in L. kanagashira than in L. sereti).

L. sereti is very similar toL. kishinouyei in the shape of the rostral processes as figured by Kuronuma (1939: fig.

8), but it is distinguished, among others, by the length of the snout and the interorbital width which is longer in

L. kishinouyei. Also, the pectoral fin of L. sereti extends beyond the origin of the anal fin on a distance equal to

about twice eye diameter. All the specimens of L. sereti have pectoral fins totally white, without any other

marking. It should be noted that in all other species of Lepidotrigla collected during the New Caledonian cruises

the fins still retain traces of marks even after a long period of preservation. We have therefore considered this to be

a specific diagnostic character, despite we are not certain of the colour of pectoral fins on live fishes.

Trigla guttata has been recorded by Mann (1954: 79, 309) as “pez mariposa comun” (common butterfly fish)

but his description agrees neither with the original description, nor with that of Ptetygotrigla picta , a senior

synonym. Hubbs (1959) states that the specimen figured by Mann (1954) might well be Chelidonichthys kumu

(Lesson & Garnot, 1830). However, based on our study of the syntypes of the latter (MNHN 6926 and MNHN

6931), we suggest that the specimen figured by Mann (1954) is most probably Trigla lyra Linnaeus, 1758, of the

Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Indeed, it shares with T. lyra the shape of rostral processes, the size and

shape of the cleithral spine, the truncate caudal fin and the lack of spots.

Pterygotrigla robertsi , which is only known from the holotype, uniquely differs from the twelve nominal

species currently accepted in the genus Pterygotrigla by the presence of large nasal spines and an extremely long

pectoral fin. It could also have been assigned to Parapterygotrigla on the basis of the presence of rostral processes

longer than the orbit diameter. Parapterygotrigla is also defined by some authors by the presence of nasal spines.

However, we have assigned P. robertsi to Pterygotrigla because the relative length of the rostral processes to the

orbit diameter is usually regarded as the discriminating feature between the two genera, whilst the presence or

absence of nasal spines is a disputed generic character.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are very grateful to Dr Bernard S£RET who entrusted us with the study of the New Caledonian triglids and

loaned material. We are indebted to Dr Guy DUHAMEL (MNHN), Dr German FteQUENO (IZUA), Dr Clive D.

ROBERTS (NMNZ), and Ms Anne-Marie WOOLGER (BMNH) for loans of specimens. A visit to Laboratroirc

d’lchtyologie, MNHN, was made possible by an ORSTOM grant to the senior author. We would also like to thank

Dr William J. RICHARDS for his comments, and Clive ROBERTS and Nigel MERRETT for linguistic polishing. Mr

Joan BIOSCA helped with the figures. This paper has been made possible by DGICYT funds through project

ZONAP (PB90-0166).

122

LLUIS DEL CEKRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

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Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Vol. 6. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., (A), 145: 9-54.

Rivaton, J., 1989. — Premieres observations sur la faune ichthyologique des lies Chesterfield (Mer du Corail). Cybium , 13(2):

139-164.

Rivaton, J., Fourmanoir, P., Bourret, P. & M. Kulbicki, 1989. — Catalogue des poissons de Nouvelle-Caledonie. Rapport

Provisoire. Catalogue. ORSTOM Noumea, Sciences de la mer, Biologie Mar.: 1-170.

Shen, S. -C, 1984. — Coastal Fishes of Taiwan. Southern Materials Inc., Taipei: 170 pp.

Smith, H. M., 1917. — New genera of deep water gurnards (Peristediidae) from the Philippine islands. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash.,

30: 145-146.

Snyder, J. O. 1911. Descriptions of new genera and species of fishes from Japan and the Riu Kiu Islands. Proc. U.S. Natl.

Mus., 40: 525-549.

124

LLUIS DEL CERRO & DOMENEC LLORIS

Teague, G. W., 1951. — The sea-robins of America. A revision of the triglids fishes of the genus Prionotus. Com. Zool. Mus.

Hist. Nat. Montevideo, 3(61): 1-59.

Waite, E. R., 1899. — Scientific results of the trawling Expedition of H. M. C. C. S. ‘Thetis Fishes. Mem. Austr. Mus.. 4: 1-

132.

Waite, E. R., 1910. — Additions to the fish fauna of New Zealand. Proc. N.Z. Inst.. 43(1): 25-26.

Weber, M., 1913. — Die Fische der Siboga Expedition. Siboga Rept. Leiden, 57: i-xii + 1-710.

Whitley, G. P., 1933. — Studies in Ichthyology, No. VII. Rec. Aust. Mus.. 19(1): 60-112.

Whitley, G. P., 1958. — Descriptions and records of fishes. Proc. R. Zool. Soc. N.S.W. 1956-1957: 28-51.

Yatou, T. & T. Yamakawa, 1983. — A new triglid fish, Pterygotrigla multipunctata, from Japan. Jap. J. Ichthyol., 30(3):

217-220.

ATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM, VOLUME 17—RESULTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM, VOLUME 17 —RESULTATS C

Gemfishes (Scombroidei, Gempylidae, Rexea)

of New Caledonia, southwest Pacific Ocean,

with description of a new species

Clive D. ROBERTS

Andrew L. STEWART

Museum of New Zealand

“Te Papa Tongarewa”

P.O. Box 467. Wellington

New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Gemfishes of the genus Rexea from the New Caledonia Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are reviewed based on fresh and

preserved specimens. Three species are recognized: Rexea antefurcata Parin, 1989, confirming recent records (previously also

recorded as R. prometheoides ), distinguished by the presence of small scales on the caudal peduncle and extending anteriorly

along the edges of the lower lateral line, lateral line branching below the 4th-5th dorsal fin spines, a long pectoral fin. and dusky

colour of spinous dorsal fin membrane and (in adults) pectoral fin; R. bengalensis (Alcock. 1894), first record, distinguished by

its small maximum size, lateral line branching below the 5th-6th dorsal fin spines, long pectoral fin, and naked body (except

lateral line); and R. alisae sp. nov., endemic, distinguished by 3-4 dorsal finlets and 4 anal finlets, lateral line branching below

the 6th to 7th dorsal fin spines, posterior extent of the upper lateral line, its naked body (except lateral line), and coloration. A

key to New Caledonian gemfishes (Rexea spp., Rexichthysjohnpaxtoni and Promethichthys prometheus) is provided.

Roberts, C. D. & A. L. Stewart, 1997. — Gemfishes (Scombroidei, Gempylidae, Rexea) of New Caledonia, southwest

Pacific Ocean, with description of a new species. In. SfiRET, B. (ed.), Resultats des Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 17.

Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat ., 174 : 125-141, Paris ISBN 2-85653-500-3.

126

CLIVE D. ROBERTS & ANDREW L. STEWART

RESUME

Escoliers (Scombroidei, Genipylidae, Rexea) de Nouvelle-Caledonie (Ocean Pacifique Sud-Ouest) et description

d’une nouvelle espece.

Les escoliers du genre Rexea (famille des Gcmpylidae) captures dans la zone 6conomique exclusive (ZEE) de Nouvelle-

Caledonie sont revises en se basant sur des specimens frais et fix6s. Trois especes sont reconnues. La premiere,

Rexea antefurcata Parin, 1989 (precedemment identifee comme R. prometheoides ), est caracterisee par la presence de petites

6cailles sur le p£doncule caudal qui s’etendent anterieurement le long des bords de la ligne laterale inferieure, la ligne laterale

qui se divise sous les 4£me & 5&me Opines dorsales, une longue nageoire pectorale, les bords fonces des nageoires dorsale

£pineuse et pectorale. La seconde, Rexea bengalensis (Alcock, 1894) signalee pour la premiere fois dans la region, se distingue

de la precedente par sa petite taille maximale, la presence de la ligne laterale qui se divise sous les 5eme h 6eme epines

dorsales, une longue nageoire pectorale, et un corps sans Scailles (k Texception de celles de la ligne laterale). La troisieme,

Rexea alisae sp. nov., endemique, se distingue de la precedente par la presence de 3 a 4 pinnules dorsales et 4 anales, la ligne

laterale qui se divise sous les 6eme a 7eme epines dorsales, la ligne laterale superieure plus courte, un corps sans ecailles (&

Texception de celles de la ligne laterale) et une coloration differentc. Une clef de determination integrant Rexea spp.,

Rexichthys johnpaxtoni et Prometliichthys prometheus, est proposee.

INTRODUCTION

Gempylids are swift, bentho- and mesopelagic predators found at 80-800 m depth in all oceans. Species of

Thyrsites (snoek) and Rexea (gemfishes) may attain large sizes and, due to their local abundance, support

important commercial fisheries in the waters off South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and South America

(Nakamura & Parin, 1993). Although common on continental shelves and slopes, some gemfishes are

characteristically found on seamounts in the open ocean.

As defined here, gemfishes comprise fishes in the genera Rexea, Rexichthys and Prometliichthys , and are

readily diagnosed in the field as gempylids possessing a prominent black blotch on the anterior two or three

membranes of the spinous dorsal fin. Gemfishes together with the black snake mackerel, Nealotus tripes Johnson,

are thought to form a monophyletic group within the family Gempylidae (COLLETTE et aL, 1984); characters

identified as suggesting close phylogenetic relationship between these fishes include a slightly elongated body,

moderate number of vertebrae, the presence of supernumerary finlets on the caudal peduncle, reduction of pelvic

fins, and the presence of small fangs on the lower jaw (Parin, 1990a). Within this group species identification is

largely centred on details of lateral line configuration and extent of squamation; overlapping meristic counts

coupled with an overall similarity of shape and appearance make gemfish species superficially similar and easy to

misidentify. The Indo-Pacific genus Rexea includes six species that were revised by Parin (1989).

ORSTOM exploratory fishing by trawl and longline on seamounts of the northern Norfolk Ridge and other

offshore areas of the EEZ has captured significant numbers of gemfishes, and these have been progressively

recorded as Promethichthys prometheus (Barro, 1981; ANON., 1988), Rexea prometheoides (Laboute, 1989;

Grandperrin et al. , 1990; 1991) and Rexea antefurcata (GRANDPERRIN & LEHODEY, 1992; LEHODEY et aL,

1993). The main aim of this study, therefore, is to carry out a taxonomic review of these gemfishes in order to

identify and diagnose the species present.

METHODS

Counts were taken using the standard methods described by Hubbs & Lagler (1964); measurements (in a

straight line from point to point with calipers) were made following those modified for gempylids by Nakamura

et al. (1983). In addition, length of first dorsal fin base is measured from its origin to the origin of the second

Source: MNHN. Paris

GEMFISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

127

dorsal fin, i.e. to the anterior base of the comprised spine in the fin; bony interorbital width is the bony distance

across the neurocranium at mid-orbit (not quite the least bony distance); orbit length is the greatest horizontal

distance between the free orbital rims; and caudal peduncle length excludes the anal finlets, i.e. is taken from the

insertion of the last anal finlet to the base of the middle caudal rays. Internal characters follow Nakamura &

Parin (1993) and were determined from radiographs; specimens X-rayed are denoted by an asterisk in the text.

Data for the holotype of R. alisae is given in the text description followed by data for paratypes and non-types in

parentheses. Standard institutional abbreviations, following LevitON etal. (1985), are used: AMS - Australian

Museum, Sydney; MNHN - Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris; NMNZ - Museum of New Zealand,

Wellington (formerly the National Museum of New Zealand). Other abbreviations are: HL for “head length" and

SL for “standard length".

Comparative material examined. —Rexea brevilineata Parin, 1989: paratypes, 2 specimens, 212-215 mm SL

(AMS-I.27374-001), off Chile. — Rexea prometheoides (Bleeker, 1856): 6 specimens, 211-246 mm SL (AMS-

1.31147-001), Western Australia; 3 specimens, 214-251 mm SL (AMS-I.31155-007)*, Western Australia.—

Promethichthys prometheus (Cuvier, 1832): I specimen, 249 mm SL (AMS-1.19096-004), New South Wales.

Australia. — Rexichthys johnpaxtoni Parin and Astakhov, 1987: holotype, 105 mm SL (AMS-1.23899-001),

New South Wales, Australia; paratype, 102 mm SL (AMS-1.20444-003), Queensland, Australia.

SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT

Family GEMPYLIDAE

Remarks. — The scombroid family Gempylidae has long been recognized (Regan, 1909 and subsequent

authors), but its limits and monophyly remain controversial. In their phylogenetic analysis of the Scombroidei,

Collette et al. (1984: 593) diagnosed the family and recognized six monophyletic groups based on osteologieal

characters. One of these was the “Nealotus group” composed of three genera Nealotus, Promethichthys and Rexea .

Also using mainly osteologieal characters, Johnson (1986) carried out a phylogenetic analysis of the Scomboidei,

but proposed a hypothesis which differed from that of Collette et al. (1984). Johnson (1986) showed the

Gempylidae of COLLETTE et al. to be paraphyletic and rediagnosed the Gempylidae as a monoplyletic group

comprising the subfamilies Gempylinae, Trichiurinae and Lepidocybiinae, however, no apomorphies were found

with which to define the Gempylinae. The term “gempylids” may, therefore, include trichiurids (following

Johnson, 1986), or exclude trichiurids (following Collette et al., 1984; Nakamura & Parin, 1993; and others).

We follow the later more widely accepted use, but recognize that the term gempylines may be more accurate and

appropriate.

Genus REXEA Waite, 1911

Rexea Waite. 1911: 49 (feminine, type species R.furcata Waite = Gempylus solandri Cuvier by original designation).

Jordanidia Snyder, 1911: 527 (feminine, type species J. raptaria Snyder = Thyrsites prometheoides Bleeker by original

designation).

Remarks. — Rexea has seven species, including one described below as new, three are known from the

New Caledonian EEZ. Most closely related to the monotypic genera Promethichthys Gill and Rexichthys Parin &

Astakhov (Parin, 1989).

128

CLIVE D. ROBERTS & ANDREW L. STEWART

Rexea antefurcata Parin, 1989

Long-finned gemfish, Escolier a longues ailes

Figs 1-2, Tables 1-2

Rexea antefurcata Parin, 1989: 19-21, fig. 6, original description, type locality Sala y Gomez Ridge, southeast Pacific Ocean

(25°34'S; 89°12 , W).

Rexea antefurcata : Parin, 1990b: 24, listed, Nazca and Sala y Gomez ridges. — Parin & Paxton, 1990: fig.b, description, off

east coast of Australia. — Parin, 1991: 681, listed, Nazca and Sala y Gomez ridges. — Nakamura & Parin, 1993: 44, fig.

78, description, subtropical South Pacific Ocean.

Rexea prometheoides : Fourmanoir & Rivaton, 1979: 424, description. He des Pins. — Rivaton et al., 1989: 39, listed. New

Caledonia.

Fig. 1. — Rexea antefurcata Parin, 1989, NMNZ-P.29251, 272 mm SL, Stylaster seamount, off New Caledonia, a few

damaged fin characters redrawn from specimen NMNZ-P.29272, 262 mm SL. Drawn by Helen Casey.

Material examined. — 43 specimens.

Chile. — Paratype, 1 specimen, 315 mm SL (AMS-I.27375-001 )*, 24° 03’S, 84° 42’W, 120 m depth, R. V. "Professor

Mesyatsev”, 14 October 1984.

Norfolk Ridge. — 37 specimens, 128-547 mm SL.

Chalcal 2: stn CC 3, 23°39.03’S, 167°43.H’E (Stylaster seamount), 424 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. " Coriolis”,

30 October 1986: 2 specimens, 234-261 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1064)*.

Beryx 2: stn 1, 24°56.70’S, 168°21.65’E (seamount “B ”), 505-585 m depth, otter trawl. R. V. "Alis ”, 23 October 1991:

2 specimens, 385-505 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27434)*. — Stn 3, 24° 55.15’S; 168°20.95’E (seamount "B”), otter trawl, 600-675 m

depth, 24 October 1991: 1 specimen 470 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27425). — Stn 4, 24° 56.10’S, 168°22.03’E (seamount "B”), 600-

700 m depth, otter trawl, 24 October 1991: 1 specimen 340 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27440)*. — stn 19, 24°55.80’S, 168°22.30'E

(seamount "B ”), 550-700 m depth, otter trawl, 30 October 1991: 2 specimens, 321-385 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27486)*,

Beryx 11 : stn 3, 24°54.60’S, 168°21.60’E (seamount "B”), 502-610 m depth, otter trawl. R. V. "Alis”, 14 October 1992:

3 specimens, 363-560 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29410)*. — Stn 4. 24° 50.75’S; 168°21.86’E (seamount "B”), 550-920 m depth, otter

trawl, 14October 1992: 1 specimen, 394 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29224)*. — Stn 6, 24°57.10’S, 168°21.30’E (seamount "B”), 505-

620 m depth, otter trawl, 15 October 1992: 1 specimen, 394 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29369)*. — Stn 26, 24°45.00’S, 168°08.00’E

(seamount "A”), 230-260 m depth, otter trawl, 17 October 1992: 6 specimens, 325-395 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29215)*. — Stn 28,

23°38.80’S, I67°43.00’E (Stylaster seamount), 430-490 m depth, otter trawl, 18 October 1992: 7 specimens, 272-374 mm SL

(NMNZ-P.29251)*. — Stn 37, 23°38.35’S, 167°40.25’E (Stylaster seamount), 440-500 m depth, otter trawl , 19 October 1992:

3 specimens, 259-319 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29272)*.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. — Musorstom 5: stn CC 365. 19°42.82’S. 158°48.00’E, 710 m depth, otter trawl,

R. V. "Coriolis”, 19 October 1986: 2 specimens, 128-136 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1065)*.— Stn CC 383, 19°40.85’S,

158°46.10'E, 615-600 m depth, otter trawl, 21 October 1986: I specimen, 315 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1066)*.

Australia. — 5 specimens, 326-408 mm SL.

1 specimen. 382 mm SL (AMS-1.29348-001)*, off Greenwell Point, New South Wales (34°53’S, 150°52’E). otter trawl,

1989. — 1 specimen, 341 mm SL (AMS-1.29379-001 )*, off Greenwell Point, New South Wales (34 Q 53’S, 150°52’E), otter

trawl, 19 September 1989. — 2 specimens, 326-369 mm SL (AMS-1.29380-001 )*, N.E. of Sydney. New South Wales (33°0’S,

GEMFISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

129

151°0’E), otter trawl, 16 August 1989. — 1 specimen, 408 mm SL (AMS-1.30012-001)*, 50 km S.E. of Gabo Island, Victoria

(37°50’S, 150°10’E), otter trawl, 450 m depth, 5 November 1989.

DIAGNOSIS. — A species of Rexea with the following combination of characters: second dorsal fin soft rays 15-

17; two dorsal finlets and two anal finlets; two lateral lines, their point of bifurcation below interspace between 4th

and 5th dorsal fin spines; small scales present on caudal peduncle and anteriorly along edge of lower lateral line;

pectoral fin long, 1.7-2.2 in head length, extending past anterior part of lower lateral line; pelvic spine absent in

adults; dorsal fin dark grey, distal three-quarters of anterior two interspinous membranes black; pectoral fin dusky

in adults; pyloric caeca 8-9.

Table 1.— Frequency distributions of selected characters of Rexea antefurcata Parin, 1989, taken off New Caledonia,

Australia (Tasman Sea) and Chile (type locality). Counts from left and right sides of same specimen given where available.

Location New Caledonia Australia Australia Chile

Data source This study This study Parin (1989) Parin (1989)

Tubed scales in lateral line anterior to branch

9-10

Left

Right

Left Right

11-12

1 1

13-14

3 4

15-16

17-18

•

Spines in 1st dorsal fin

18 36

Soft rays in 2nd dorsal fin

14 4

Soft rays in anal fin

Pectoral fin rays

DESCRIPTION. — Frequency distributions of selected nieristic characters are given in Table 1. Dorsal fin spines

18-19+1-2 (modally 18 + 2) (penultimate spine small), dorsal fin rays 15-17 (modally 15), two dorsal finlets; anal

fin spines 1 + 1 (first spine small and separate, second larger, comprised with fin), anal fin rays 12-14 (modally 13),

two anal finlets; pectoral fin rays 14-15 (modally 14, first ray simple and small); principal caudal fin rays 1 + 15+1,

130

CLIVE D. ROBERTS & ANDREW L. STEWART

dorsal and venlral procurrent caudal fin rays 8/8 (1-6 very small); upper jaw with 3-5 fixed and 0-3 depressible

large fangs, lower jaw with 14-18 smaller compressed fangs, palatine teeth present; tubed scales in lateral line 109-

115 (in four largest specimens examined); one gill raker on first arch at angle, remainder sinescent; pyloric caeca 8

(14) or 9 (7) (mode 8, n = 21); vertebrae 20+14 = 34; epineurals present on vertebrae 1 to 30; dorsal fin and anal

fin pterygiophores bisegmental; the two dorsal finlet pterygiophores and the two anal finlet pterygiophores

trisegmental; an elongate s-shaped bony slay posterior to last dorsal middle element and last anal middle element.

Table 2. — Selected measurements expressed as % standard length from specimens of Rexea antefurcata Parin, 1989, taken

off New Caledonia, Australia (Tasman Sea) and Chile (type locality).

New Caledonia

Australia

Chile

This study

Paratype

Parin (1989)

n = 37

n = 5

AMS

1-27375-001

n = 28

Standard Length (mm)

128-547

326-408

315

109-720

Head length

29.1-32.0

29.1-31.6

29.1

28.6-32.4

Snout length

11.1-12.8

11.5-12.6

11.5

11.0-12.5

Upper jaw length

13.2-15.2

13.0-14.9

13.0

13.0-14.5

Orbit length

6.9-10.6

7.0-8.5

7.0

6.0-7.0

Postorbital head length

10.0-12.6

11.1-11.9

11.1

10.7-12.8

Interorbital width

5.2-8.8

5.7-7.8

5.7

3.9-5.3

Bony interorbital width

2.9-4.8

4.1-5.0

4.1

(3.9-5.3)

Body depth

14.0-19.8

14.0-17.3

14.6

13.8-19.5

Pectoral fin length

13.8-18.1

16.6-18.9

16.6

11.4-17.3

1st prcdorsal length

26.9-30.1

26.0-29.3

26.0

25.6-29.0

2nd predorsal length

75.5-79.0

75.5-78.5

77.1

73.8-78.5

Preanus length

70.5-75.7

72.0-74.6

74.6

74.2-79.1

Caudal peduncle length

5.1-9.3

6.7-8.1

6.7

6.3-8.0

Caudal peduncle depth

3.4-6.1

3.9-4.6

3.9

3.5-4.5

Longest dorsal spine length

6.4-10.6

8.4-10.4

9.6

8.7-11.1

Longest dorsal ray length

8.2-10.0

9.4-9.8

9.8

8.3-12.0

Longest anal ray length

6.8-8.8

7.8-8.8

8.2

7.9-10.6

Length of 1st dorsal fin base

47.7-52.3

46.8-51.3

51.1

47.7-52.6

Length of 2nd dorsal fin base

15.7-18.9

16.2-19.1

16.4

15.2-18.1

Length of anal fin base

14.8-17.1

15.4-16.4

16.4

14.9-18.3

Selected morphometric data, summarized as minimum-maximum % SL, are given in Table 2. Greatest body

depth 5.1-7.1 in SL. Lateral line branching below interspace between 4th-5th dorsal fin spines; upper lateral line

following profile of back, extending to below last ray of second dorsal fin-2nd dorsal finlet; lower lateral line

undulating mediolaterally, crossing caudal peduncle to caudal fin origin. Head length 3.1-3.4 in SL; fleshy orbit

length 3.5-4.5 in HL. Snout length 2.5-2.7 in HL, its dorsal profile slightly concave; maxilla extending to below

anterior margin of pupil; lower jaw prognathous. First dorsal fin originating on a vertical just before upper angle of

operculum, anterior 12 spines subequal in length; second dorsal fin short based, 2.6-3.2 in base of first dorsal fin.

its 2nd ray longest being just shorter than longest dorsal spine length; dorsal finlets not connected by membrane to

membrane to base of last ray of second dorsal fin. Anal fin origin below origin of second dorsal fin. its base equal

in length to base of second dorsal fin, 1st anal ray longest, anal finlets not connected by membrane to base of last

Source: MNHN, Paris

GEMFISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

131

anal ray. Caudal fin deeply forked. Pectoral fin long, 1.7-2.2 in HL, extending to below base of 7th-9th dorsal

spine and reaching past anterior part of lower lateral line; pelvic fins absent in adults.

Coloration (when fresh). Head and body metallic silver, darker dorsally; pupil silvery-yellow with brownish

ring medially; dorsal fin dark grey with black margin and black blotch on anterior two interspinous membranes,

pectoral fin dusky with broad blackish margin, second dorsal and anal fins pale grey, caudal fin dark grey.

Coloration (in preservative). Head and body uniform dark tan, opercle margin blackish; pupil silvery-yellow

with broken dark ring; dorsal lin dark brown-grey with dark margin and black blotch on anterior two interspinous

membranes, pectoral fin dusky with a broad dark margin (pale in juveniles 128-136 mm SL), remaining fins dusky.

Distribution. — Subtropical South Pacific Ocean: benthopelagic at 80-800 m depth, occuring on seamounts of

the Nazca and Sala y Gomez Ridges, off Easter Island, southern Fiji, northern New Zealand, on seamounts in the

Tasman Sea, off east coast of Australia (Parin, 1989 fig. 5; Nakamura & Parin, 1993 fig. 79), and now verified

for the New Caledonian region, being recorded from off the Bellona Plateau and seamounts “A”, “B ” , Azteque,

Jumeau ouest, Jumeau est, and Stylaster, at 230-920 m depth (Grandperrin & Lehodey, 1992: 31;

Grandperrin etal. , 1992a: 23; Grandperrin etal.. 1992b: 31; Grandperrin et al., 1992c: 23; Lehodey etal.]

1992a: 27; LEHODEY etal. y 1992b: 25; LEHODEY etal. , 1992c: 27; Lehodey etal. y 1992d: 19-20; Lehodey etal. y

1993: 74-79; this study).

REMARKS. — Prior to our identification of Rexea antefurcata in catches made during cruise BERYX 2

(Grandperrin & Lehodey, 1992), the gemfish commonly captured during exploratory fishing on the

southeastern seamounts of New Caledonia was routinely listed in cruise reports as R. prometheoides , viz.:

Laboute (1989: 15, listed, major by-catch on southern seamounts); Grandperrin et al. (1990: 17-19, listed,

several specimens on seamounts Jumeaux and Stylaster, and south of lie dcs Pins), Grandperrin et al. (1991: 27-

28, listed, 224 specimens, 19% of biomass, main bycatch on seamounts “B ” and "D”). Rexea prometheoides has

an Indo-West Pacific distribution and is known from northern Australian waters (Nakamura & Parin, 1993: 48-

49) and may occur in New Caledonian waters, but its presence off New Caledonia has yet to be verified. Based on

our identifications of ORSTOM and NMNZ specimens, it is concluded, therefore, that most records of

“R. prometheoides '' from the southeastern New Caledonian seamounts should be referred to R. antefurcata.

During ORSTOM cruise Beryx 11, Rexea antefurca was caught by otter trawls but not by small, slow moving

beam trawls and Waren dredges (LEHODEY et al., 1993; pers. obs. CDR) which these agile fishes were presumably

well able to avoid.

Data from over 12 meristic and 20 morphometric characters were collected during this study from 37

New Caledonian specimens, five Australian specimens, and one paratype, and compared with data presented by

Parin (1989) from 28 to 92 specimens (depending on the character) from the type locality off Chile and

50 specimens off Australia (Tables 1 & 2). In general, character variation is remarkably similar between

populations, justifying the recognition of R. antefurcata from New Caledonia. There are, however, a few meristic

and morphometric characters which appear to be different in New Caledonian specimens, and which warrant

further comment.

Meristics. Parin (1989: 109, Table 3) could only find one character differing between samples of

R. antefurcata from the southeast and the southwest Pacific: the branching point of the lateral line which he found

located slightly posteriad in specimens from the Tasman Sea, giving a similar range but modally different counts

of tubular scales anterior to the lateral line fork (mode 11-12, S.E. Pacific vs mode 13-14, S.W. Pacific). On the

basis of this difference, Parin (1989) suggested it is possible that the Tasman Sea population should be

taxonomically segregated. Counts of this character made during our study (Table 1) show a similar variation in

mode, but between counts taken on the left sides (mode 13-14) and counts taken on the right sides (mode 11-12) of

New Caledonian specimens. Thus, these differences in modal counts of tubed scales anterior to the lateral line

branch are simply due to intraspecific variation, and do not justify taxonomic recognition.

Considerable confusion over the number of spines in the second dorsal fin has existed since the establishment

of the genus by Waite (1911) who originally described the fin as having two spines. Subsequent descriptions have

varied from two unbranched rays (LlNDBERG & Krasyukova, 1989), one spine (Matsubara & Iwai 1952;

Machida, 1985), and one or two spines (Nakamura, 1984; 1986; Last et al, 1983; May & Maxwell, 1985;

132

CLIVE D. ROBERTS & ANDREW L. STEWART

Gloerfelt-Tarp & Kailola, 1984). In his review of the genus, Parin (1989) stated in the generic diagnosis that

the first two rays of the second dorsal fin were unbranched, and that the anal fin had one free spine and one

unbranched ray. The family review by Nakamura & Parin (1993) modified this diagnosis to one second dorsal

fin spine, and one free and one comprised spine in the anal fin.

Study of radiographs oI 43 New Caledonian. Australian, and Chilean specimens (including a paratype, see

materials examined) has shown that in the usual state for R. antefurcata the second dorsal fin has two small spines:

one small lree spine that often just protrudes through the skin, and one larger "comprised” spine closely abutting

with the first soft ray (Fig. 2). Only one specimen (NMNZ-P.27440, 340 mm SL) possesses one spine, and this is

more or less intermediate in size to the small lree spine and the larger comprised spines of the other specimens

examined. Our exclusion of the larger comprised spine from the soft ray count of the second dorsal fin explains

why the counts are consistently one less than those of Parin (1989) and Nakamura & Parin (1993) (Table 1).

After adjustment of Parin’s (1989) data for direct comparison with our data, counts of the second dorsal fin soft

rays from the East Pacific and Australian populations give frequency distributions which agree closely - Chile:

14 (9), 15 (30), 16 (4); Australia: 14 (6), 15 (20), 16 (2); vs New Caledonia: 14 (4), 15 (28), 16 (5) (cf. Table 1).

Fig. 2. — Configurations of second dorsal fin anterior spinous and soft rays of Rexea antefurcata Parin, 1989. — A: Paratype,

Chile, AMS-1.27375-001, 315 mm SL, two spines anteriorly. — B: New Caledonia, NMNZ-P.29272, 319 mm SL, two

spines anteriorly. C: New Caledonia. NMNZ-P.27440, 340 mm SL, one spine anteriorly. Spines black, rays white,

pterygiophores stippled. Drawn by Helen Casey from radiographs.

Morphometries. In his world revision of Rexea, Parin (1989) cited Nakamura et al. (1983) as the source for

his methods of measurements, but his precise methods of measuring “interorbital distance” and “eye diameter” as

translated from the Russian are not clear.

Two Interorbital measurements were taken during the present study: interorbital width, the least measurement

between the uppermost point on the fleshy margin of the orbits (Nakamura et al ., 1983); and bony inlcrorbital

width, the bony distance across the neurocranium at mid-orbit (HUBBS & Lagler, 1964). There is considerable

difference between these two measurements (e.g., “fleshy " interorbital width 5.2-8.S %SL, bony interorbital width

2.9-4.8 %SL) (Table 2). Comparison ol our '"fleshy” inlcrorbital width measurements with data for “interorbital

distance" taken by Parin (1989, Table I) differ (5.2-S.8 %SL vs 3.9-S.3 %SL) (Table 2). Our data included a

paratype with 5.7 %SL measured by Parin but outside his range, therefore the methods of measurement must be

different. Comparison of bony interorbital width shows better agreement between our data and Parin’s (2.9-

5 0 %SL vs 3.9-5.3 %SL) (Table 2), including the paratype with 4.1 %SL which falls within both sets of data as

should be expected. Therefore, it is concluded that the difference between "interorbital width" and "interorbital

distance is due to different methods of measurement. Comparison of bony interorbital width between samples

shows reasonably good agreement.

Parin (1989) did not distinguish which orbit measurements he used for "eye diameter” - orbit length: "greatest

distance between free orbital rims", or the smaller eye length "greatest distance between margins of eye-ball”

(Nakamura etal ., 1983: 408). Neither measurement is easy to make precisely, particularly in specimens that have

Source : MNHN , Paris

GEMFISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

133

received both trawl and baritrauma damage. Comparison between our orbit length data and Parin’s eye diameter

data (6.9-10.6 %SL vs 6.0-7.0 %SL, paratype 7.0 %SL) (Table 2) suggests that Parin used the smaller

measurement of eye length, and therefore these data are not directly comparable.

In summary, all characters which show apparent differences between populations of Rexea antefurcata

recognized here can be accounted for by intraspecific variation and differences in methods of measurement and

counting techniques used by different investigators.

Rexea alisae sp. nov.

Alis gemfish, Escolier de l’Alis

Fig. 3, Table 3

Rexea sp. cf. bengalensis : Lehodey et al., 1993: 79, listed, Azteque seamount.

Material examined - 10 specimens, 252-309 mm SL.

Norfolk Ridge. Beryx 11: stn 56, 23°23.05’S, 168°00.35’E (Aztfcque seamount), 470-510 m depth, otter trawl,

R. V. Alis", 22 October 1992: holotypc , 286 mm SL (MNHN 1994-46)*. — 5 paratypes (same location as holotype): 262 mm

SL (AMS-1.32494-001)*; 252 mm SL (MNHN 1994-47)*; 309 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29162)*; 268 mm SL (NMNZ-P.30165)*;

270 mm SL (NMNZ-P.30166)*.

New Caledonia. Musorstom 4: stn CC 202, 18°58.0CTS, 163°I0.5 , E (Grand Passage, northwest of New Caledonia),

580 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. " Vauban ", 20 September 1985: 4 non-type specimens (included in description), 254-271 mm

SL (MNHN 1995-000)*.

Diagnosis. — A species of Rexea differing from all others in having three to four dorsal finlets, four anal

finlets, and the following combination of characters: second dorsal fin soft rays 13; two lateral lines, bifurcation

below interspace between 6th and 7th dorsal fin spines; body naked (except tubed lateral line scales); length of

second dorsal fin base in length of first dorsal fin base 2.4-2.5; pectoral fin short, 2.2-2.5 in head length, not

extending to anterior part ot lower lateral line; two small spines in second dorsal fin; pelvic spine reduced to a sub-

dermal knob, originating on a vertical below middle of pectoral fin base; dorsal fin pale with dark distal margin,

distal third of anterior two membranes dark black.

FlG. 3. — Rexea alisae sp. nov., holotype, MNHN 1994-46, 286 mm SL, Azt&que seamount, off New Caledonia. Drawn by

Helen Casey.

DESCRIPTION. — Dorsal fin spines 18+2 (penultimate spine small and free, ultimate spine larger and comprised

in second dorsal fin), dorsal fin rays 13, four (three or four, modally four) dorsal finlets; anal fin spines 1 + 1 (first

small and free, second comprised in anal fin), anal fin rays 12, four anal finlets; pectoral fin rays 13 (13-14,

134

CLIVE D. ROBERTS & ANDREW L. STEWART

modally 13) (first ray simple, small); principal caudal fin rays 1 + 15+1, dorsal and ventral procurrent caudal fin

rays 8/8 (1-6 very small); upper jaw with 3 (2-5) large fixed fangs and 0 (0-3) depressible fangs medially; 1 shorter

fang anteriorly on each side of lower jaw and 18 (18-22) strong compressed teeth on premaxilla, vomer naked,

palatine teeth present; tubed scales in upper lateral line 125 (holotype only), tubed scales anterior to branch 20 (20-

25, modally 20, left side only); one gill raker on first arch at angle, remainder sinescent with 1-2 (1-3) spinules;

pyloric caeca 8 (8-9, modally 8); vertebrae 19+15 = 34, epineurals present on vertebrae 1 to 29 (1 to 27-29); dorsal

fin and anal fin pterygiophores bisegmental; 1st dorsal finlet pterygiophore bisegmental, 2nd-4th dorsal finlet

pterygiophores trisegmental; lst-4th anal finlet pterygiophores trisegmental; an elongate s-shaped bony stay

posterior to last dorsal middle element and last anal middle element.

Selected morphometric data are given in Table 3. Body naked (except tubed lateral line scales), its greatest

depth 6.1 (5.9-7.0) in SL, its width 11.2 (11.0-11.8) in SL. Lateral line branching below posterior half of interspace

between 6th-7th dorsal fin spines; upper lateral line following profile of back, extending to below 3rd (2nd-4th)

finlet; lower lateral line undulating mediolaterally, crossing caudal peduncle to caudal fin origin.

Head length 3.3 (3.1-3.3) in SL; fleshy orbit length 3.9 (3.4-4.1) in HL. Snout length 2.5 (2.5-2.7) in HL, its

dorsal profile slightly concave; two nostrils present, anterior tubular and directed anteriorly, posterior an elongate

slit; maxilla extending to a vertical midway between anterior margin of the fleshy orbit and the pupil; lower jaw

prognathous. First dorsal fin originating on a vertical just behind upper angle of operculum, anterior 12 spines

subequal in length; second dorsal fin short based, 2.4 (2.4-2.5) in base of first dorsal fin, its 2nd ray longest being

just shorter than longest dorsal spine length; dorsal finlets not connected by membrane to base of last dorsal ray.

Anal fin origin below origin of second dorsal fin, its base equal in length to base of second dorsal fin, 1st anal ray

longest, anal finlets not connected by membrane to base of last anal ray. Caudal fin deeply forked. Pectoral fin

short, 2.3 (2.2-2.5) in HL, extending to below the base of the 6th (6th-7th) dorsal spine, but not reaching the

anterior part of the lower lateral line; pelvic fin reduced to sub-dermal nub.

Coloration (when fresh). Head and body metallic silver, darker dorsally; dorsal fin pale with dark margin and

black blotch on anterior two interspinous membranes, remaining fins pale.

Coloration (in preservative). Head and body dark tan, darker dorsally; pupil silvery with elongate dusky blotch

above and below iris; operculum with dark blotch equal in size to orbit length; dorsal fin pale with dark margin and

black blotch on anterior two interspinous membranes, pectoral fin base with narrow dark blotch, caudal fin

membranes dusky, remaining fins pale tan.

ETYMOLOGY. — Named for the ORSTOM research vessel " Alis ”, based in Noumea and responsible for the

capture of the type specimens of this species together with many other new and rare marine taxa.

Distribution. — Known from the type locality, Azteque seamount, southeast of New Caledonia, and in Grand

Passage, northwest of New Caledonia, taken by otter trawl at 470-580 m depth. Although most species of Rexea

have relatively wide distributions in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, at least one other species in the genus has a

restricted distribution. Rexea brevilineata Parin is confined to seamounts, occuring at depths of 180-400 m on the

Nazca Submarine Ridge and adjacent parts of the Sala y Gomez Ridge in the southeastern Pacific Ocean (Parin,

1989; Nakamura & Parin, 1993: 47).

Remarks. — R. alisae is distinguished from the other six species of Rexea by its greater number of finlets,

absence of scales (except lateral line), and reduced pelvic fin. Based on these characters, R. alisae appears closest

to R. bengalensis , but can be distinguished by a shorter pectoral fin length (2.2-2.5 vs 1.6-2.1 in HL) and ratios of

first to second dorsal tin bases (2.4-2.5 vs 2.8-3.6). Rexea alisae shares high counts of dorsal and anal finlets (3-4

and 4 vs 3 and 3) and a naked body (except for lateral line scales) with Rexichthvs johnpaxtoni , but Rexea alisae

lacks the distinctive anterior projection of the lower lateral line, and the shape of the first dorsal fin is different

(middle spine longest, vs second spine longest).

Source: MNHN. Paris

GEMFISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

135

Table 3. — Selected measurements expressed as % standard length from type and non-type specimens of Rexeci alisae sp. nov.

captured off New Caledonia.( D = damaged).

Paratype

Holotype

Paratype

MNHN

AMS

NMNZ

MNHN

NMNZ

1994-47

1-32494-001

P-30165

P-30166

1994-46

P-29162

Min. - Max.

n = 10

Standard length (mm)

252

262

268

270

286

309

252-309

Head length

30.7

30.8

31.6

30.6

30.9

30.6-32.5

Snout length

11.5

12.0

12.1

12.0

12.1

11.9

11.3-12.9

Upper jaw length

12.8

13.4

13.3

13.4

13.2

13.1

12.8-14.0

Orbit length

7.5

8.7

7.8

7.6

7.5-9.0

Postorbital head length

11.3

11.4

11.5

11.7

11.3

11.0

11.0-11.8

Interorbital width

7.3

6.8

8.3

8.4

7.1

6.5

6.5-9.3

Bony interorbital width

4.2

4.1

4.2

4.0

4.0-4.2

Body depth

14.6

15.1

16.9

17.0

16.4

16.1

14.2-17.0

Pectoral fin length

12.5

13.6

13.1

13.3

13.5

13.6

12.5-13.8

1 st predorsal length

27.3

27.7

29.3

29.4

29.5

28.5

27.3-30.8

2nd predorsal length

75.0

75.1

75.4

76.3

75.3

76.1

74.0-76.4

Preanus length

69.8

71.2

70.7

69.2

70.0

71.8

69.2-71.8

Caudal peduncle length

6.7

7.3

6.7

7.3

7.1

7.2

6.6-7.7

Caudal peduncle depth

Longest dorsal spine

4.2

4.3

4.2

4.0

3.8

4.1

3.7-4.3

(7-10th) length

7.8

9.2

8.8

8.9

8.7

8.8

7.S-9.2

Longest dorsal ray length

8.3

7.7

8.2

7.1-8.3

Longest anal ray length

7.3

7.4

7.5

7.1

7.3

7.1-7.5

Length of 1st dorsal fin base

48.1

47.8

47.2

48.5

47.8

48.8

47.2-48.8

Length of 2nd dorsal fin base

20.0

18.9

19.3

19.8

20.3

19.7

18.8-20.3

Length of anal fin base

19.0

18.7

19.2

19.7

20.0

18.2-20.0

Rexea bengalensis (Alcock, 1894)

Small gemfish, Escolier bcngalais, Petit Escolier

Fig. 4, Table 4

Thyrsites bengalensis Alcock, 1894: 117-118, pi. VI fig. 6, original description, type locality Bay of Bengal off Madras.

northern Indian Ocean, 265-457 m depth, largest specimen 133 mm.

Rexea prometheoides : De Beaufort & Chapman, 1951: 201, fig. 33, description, Makassar Strait, Sangi Islands, Ambon;

length 173 mm.

Rexea bengalensis : Parin, 1989: 103, description, key, lectotype designation, Arabian Sea to southern Japan and northern

Australia. — Parin & Paxton, 1990: 115, fig.c, description, off Queensland Australia. — Nakamura & Parin, 1993: 45.

fig. 80, description, Indo-West Pacific.

Material examined — 28 specimens, 125-196 mm SL.

Source :

136

CLIVE D. ROBERTS & ANDREW L. STEWART

New Caledonia (Grand Passage, northwest of New Caledonia). MUSORSTOM 4: stn CP 157. 18° 52.50’S, 163°16.90’E,

575 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Vauban ”, 15 September 1985: 152 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1067)*. — Stn CP 180, 18°56.80’S,

163°17.70 , E, 450 m depth, beam trawl, 18 September 1985: 2 specimens, 154-163 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1068)* and 2

specimens, 140-157 mm SL (NMNZ-P.31382)*.— Stn CC 202, 18°58.00’S, 163°10.50 , E, 580 m depth, otter trawl,

20 September 1985: 3 specimens, 138-156.5 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1069)*.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CP 365, 19 0 42.82’S, 158°48.00’E, 710 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. " Coriolis ", 19 October 1986: 3 specimens. 156-182 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1070)*; 4 specimens, 168-196 mm SL

(MNHN 1995-000)* and 2 specimens, 180-183 mm SL (NMNZ P.31383)*, — Stn CC 366, 19°45.40’S, 158°45.62’E, 650 m

depth, otter trawl, 19 October 1986: 5 specimens. 149-170 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1071)*.— Stn CC 383, 19°40.85’S,

I58°46.10'E, 600-615 m depth, otter trawl, 21 October 1986: 192 mm SL (MNHN 1995-1072)*.

Comparative specimens. — 5 specimens, 125-175 mm SL.

1 specimen, 175 mm SL (AMS-I.20919-009)*, Queensland, Australia. — 2 specimens, 125-147 mm SL (AMS 1.21793-

014)*, Queensland, Australia. — 2 specimens 128-153 mm SL (AMS-I.28137-002), Madagascar, western Indian Ocean.

Diagnosis. — A species of Rexea with the following combination of characters two dorsal finlets and two anal

finlets; two lateral lines, their point of bifurcation below 5th to 6th dorsal fin spines; body naked, except tubed

lateral line scales; pectoral fin long, 1.6-2.1 in head length, extending past anterior part of lower lateral line; small

pelvic spine present, 0.4-3.4%SL; dorsal fin pale with distinct black margin, distal three-quarters to one-half of

anterior two interspinous membranes black; other fins pale; maximum size attained 200 mm SL, sexually mature at

ca. 100 mm SL.

Fig. 4. — Rexea bengalensis (Alcock, 1894). Modified from Nakamura & Parin (1993, fig. 80).

Description. — Dorsal fin spines 17-18+2 (modally 18) (penultimate spine small), dorsal fin rays 13-16

(modally 14), two dorsal (inlets; anal fin spines 1 + 1 (first spine small and separate, second larger, comprised with

(in), anal fin rays 11-13 (modally 12), two anal finlets; pectoral fin rays 14-15 (modally 14, first ray simple and

small); principal caudal fin rays 1+15+1, dorsal and ventral procurrent caudal fin rays 7-8 and 7-8 (1-6 very small);

upper jaw with 2-4 fixed and 0-3 depressible large fangs; lower jaw with 5-11 smaller compressed fangs, and 1-2

large slender fangs at tip; palatine teeth present; tubed scales in lateral line 84-100 (in four largest specimens

examined); one gill raker on first arch at angle, remainder sinescent; pyloric caeca 6-8 (modally 7, n = 20);

vertebrae 20+14 = 34; epineurals present on vertebrae 1 to 29-30; dorsal fin and anal fin pterygiophores

bisegmental; the two dorsal (inlet pterygiophores and the two anal finlet pterygiophores trisegmental; an elongate

S-shaped bony slay posterior to last dorsal middle element and last anal middle element.

Selected morphometric characters, expressed as minimum-maximum %SL, are given in Table 4. Greatest body

depth 5.3-7.8 in SL. Lateral line branching below interspace between 5th and 6th dorsal fin spines; upper lateral

line following profile ol back, extending to below last ray of second dorsal fin; lower lateral line undulating

mcdiolaterally, crossing caudal peduncle to caudal fin origin. Head length 3.2-3.5 in SL; fleshy orbit length 3.6-4.4

in HL. Snout length 2.4-2.7 in HL, its dorsal profile slightly concave; maxilla extending to below anterior margin

Source : MNHN . Paris

GEMFISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

137

of pupil; lower jaw prognathous. First dorsal fin originating on a vertical just before upper angle of operculum;

second dorsal fin short based, 2.8-3.6 in base of first dorsal fin, its 2nd ray longest being just shorter than longest

dorsal spine length. Anal fin origin below origin of second dorsal fin, its base equal to or less than length of base of

second dorsal fin, 1st anal ray longest, anal finlets not connected by membrane to base of last anal ray. Caudal fin

deeply forked. Pectoral fin long, 1.6-2.1 in HL, extending to below base of 7th-9th dorsal spine and reaching past

anterior part of lower lateral line. Pelvic fin spine small, becoming relatively smaller with growth, viz: 3.4 to

0.4%SL.

Table 4.—Selected morphometric characters expressed as minimum-maximum % standard length from specimens of

Rexea bengalensis (Alcock, 1894) captured in the Indo-West Pacific region, including New Caledonia and Australia. (ND =

data not collected).

New Caledonia

Australia

Madagascar

Indo-West Pacific

This study

Parin (1989)

n = 23

n = 3

n = 2

n = 8

Standard Length (mm)

138-196

125-175

128-153

99-178

Head length

28.3-31.3

29.0-31.6

29.8-30.2

29.6-34.7

Snout length

10.6-12.1

10.9-12.1

11.6-12.1

10.3-13.1

Upper jaw length

12.5-13.8

13.6-14.0

13.2-13.7

13.4-14.5

Orbit length

6.7-8.4

7.0-7.9

6.9-7.5

6.4-8.2

Bony interorbital width

3.7-4.8

4.1-4.6

4.9-5.1

4.0-5.0

Body depth

12.8-18.7

14.1-18.8

16.3-17.0

14.0-16.9

Body width

5.5-8.1

53-12

Pectoral fin length 14.6-18.2

14.6-18.2

15.0-17.1

15.6-18.1

Pelvic spine lengthO.4-3.4

2.2-ND

0.6-1.6

Caudal peduncle length

5.2-7.8

6.1-8.1

6.6-13

5.1-12

Caudal peduncle depth

3.0-4.5

3.5-3.7

3.3-3.8

3.1-3.6

Length of 1st dorsal fin base

51.0-57.5

50.1-54.3

53.2-53.3

50.0-54.3

Length of 2nd dorsal fin base

15.3-18.3

16.6-17.0

18.2-18.8

15.6-18.0

Ratio of length of bases D1 /D2

2.8-3.6

2.9-3.2

2.8-2.9

2.7-3.4

Length of anal fin base

13.8-17.0

14.9-15.8

16.1-16.7

14.6-17.8

Coloration (when fresh): not observed by present authors and not described in the literature, however, colour

pattern probably similar to coloration when preserved, except body more metallic silver.

Coloration (in preservative). Head and body silvery, becoming brownish dorsally; pupil silvery-yellow; dorsal

fin membrane lightly pigmented medially with a dark blackish margin and a dark black blotch distally on anterior

two interspinous membranes; remaining fins pale.

Distribution. — Indo-West Pacific: Madagascar to southern Japan and northwest of New Caledonia,

benthopelagic at depths of 140-820 m (at 450-710 m in the New Caledonian region). This is the first record for

New Caledonia, and the most easterly for the species to date.

Remarks. — Rexea bengalensis is the smallest gemfish known and although widely distributed in the Indo-

West Pacific region, remains poorly understood both taxonomically and biologically. Very few studies have

treated the species since the original description by ALCOCK (1894) (sec synonymy above) and most diagnoses

have been almost entirely based on characters with ranges overlapping those of closely related species, making

identification difficult.

Source:

138

CLIVE D. ROBERTS & ANDREW L STEWART

The most detailed descriptions of Rexea bengalensis were provided by Parin (1989), based on 39 specimens

93-192 mm SL, and by Nakamura & Parin (1993) based on Parin’s account. Generally our description of

R. bengalensis from New Caledonia agrees with those of Parin (1989) and Nakamura & Parin (1993). There is

slight variation in some morphometric character ranges (Table 4), but these are simply range increases attributable

attribuable to our measurement of 28 specimens compared with 8 specimens reported by Parin (1989 Table 1).

Parin (1989: 103) noted geographic variation in ratio of lengths of dorsal fin bases between specimens from

Australian and Japanese waters (3.0-3.4) and specimens from the Indian Ocean (2.7-3.0). While our two specimens

from the Indian Ocean (also examined by Parin) have low ratios (2.8-2.9), the wide range of ratios from

New Caledonian (2.8-3.6) and Australian (2.9-3.2) specimens investigated during the present study (Table 4)

indicate that there is no geographic separation in this character.

Rexea bengalensis can be distinguished from other species of Rexea by its small maximum size and, except for

R. antefurcata, by a combination of position of lateral line bifurcation, long pectoral fin, and naked body (except

lateral line scales). Rexea bengalensis is very similar to juvenile R. antefurcata , and may be particularly difficult to

diagnose when skin and fins have been damaged. Intact specimens can be distinguished from juvenile

R. antefurcata by the absence (vs presence) of small scales on the caudal peduncle (best observed after allowing

the skin to dry), subtle differences in coloration of the dorsal fin membrane (pale grey with a distal black margin,

vs uniform dark grey-brown with distal black margin), smaller pelvic fin spine in specimens of comparable size

(spine less than 3.5%SL, vs greater than 5.0%SL at 130 mm SL) and, in specimens of 100-200 mm SL, the

presence of developing or mature gonads (vs gonads immature, just thin strings).

R. bengalensis is a voracious predator consuming prey items almost half its size. Out of the 23 New Caledonian

specimens examined during the present study, 12 were found to contain a whole squid, prawn or fish (one with a

cepolid of 15 mm HL).

KEY TO REXEA SPECIES AND OTHER CLOSELY RELATED GEMFISHES

OCCURRING IN NEW CALEDONIAN WATERS

(Note: gemfishes are herein defined as gempylids possessing a black blotch on anterior 2-3 membranes of

spinous dorsal fin)

1 Lateral line single, mid-lateral for most of its length;

body entirely and finely scaled (at >20 cm SL). Promethichthysprometheus

(tropical and warm temperate waters)

1' Lateral line double, branching anteriorly near pectoral fin tip;

body naked (except lateral line), or naked anteriorly.2

2 Lower lateral line descending sharply to ventral profile, dividing into short anterior

and long posterior branches; 2nd-3rd dorsal fin spines longest, dorsal fin outline

uniformly descending posteriorly . Rexichthys johnpaxtoni

(Tasman Sea and New Caledonia)

T Lower lateral line curving down to mid-lateral position without anterior branch;

middle dorsal fin spines longest, dorsal fin outline arcuate.3

3 Dorsal fin soft rays 13; dorsal finlets 3-4; anal finlets 4; lateral line branches below

base of 6th-7th dorsal fin spine. Rexea alisae sp. nov.

(New Caledonia)

3’ Dorsal fin soft rays 14-19; dorsal finlets 2; anal finlets 2; lateral line branches below

base of 3rd-6th dorsal fin spine. 4

4 Base of second dorsal fin (including finlets) 2.1-2.5 in base of first dorsal fin; pectoral fin

length 2.2-2.4 in HL, fin not extending past lower lateral line; broad patch of scales

extending from caudal peduncle to below middle of 1st dorsal fin base. Rexea prometheoides

(Indo-West Pacific)

Source: MNHN, Paris

GEMFISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

139

4’ Base of second dorsal fin (including finlets) 2.7-3.6 in base of first dorsal fin; pectoral fin

length 1.6-2.1 in HL, fin extending past lower lateral line; scales if present (excluding lateral

line) confined to caudal peduncle and a narrow series along lower lateral line.5

5 Body naked (except lateral line); lateral line branching below 5th to 6th dorsal fin spine;

medial part of spinous dorsal fin membrane pale grey; pelvic fin spine present, in specimens

100-200 mm SL spine decreasing in length from 3.3 to 0.4%SL; maximum size 200 mm SL,

mature at 100 mm SL. Rexea bengalensis

(Indo-West Pacific)

5' Body finely scaled on caudal peduncle and along lateral line region; lateral line branching

below 4th to 5th dorsal fin spine; medial part of spinous dorsal fin membrane dark

grey-black or brown; pelvic fin spine absent in specimens over 270 mm SL,

in specimens 100-200 mm SL spine decreasing in length from 5.1 to 2.0%SL;

maximum size over 700 mm SL, mature at over 250 mm SL. Rexea antefurcata

(subtropical South Pacific Ocean).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank the following for their help during the course of this study: Bernard SERET (ORSTOM, Paris) for the

loan of specimens and editorial comment, Trevor Willis (Museum of New Zealand) for preparing radiographs,

Helen Casey (Museum of New Zealand) for fish drawings, Mark McGrouther, Tom Trnski, Diane Brown

(Australian Museum, Sydney) for assistance during the visit of CDR to Sydney, and Chris PAULIN (Museum of

New Zealand), John PAXTON (AMS) and Jacques Rivaton (ORSTOM Noumea, who also kindly provided the

French "Resume”) for constructive comments on the manuscript. The senior author visited New Caledonia and

participated in ORSTOM research cruises BERYX 2 (1991) and BERYX 11 (1992) with funding assistance from the

French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paris, which is gratefully acknowledged. During these two visits professional

assistance, friendly help and many courtesies were received, particularly from Rend Grandperrin, Michel

Kulbicki, Jacques Rivaton, captain M. Le Boulch, the officers and crew of R. V. “ Alis ” and staff of

"Departement d’Oceanographie du Centre ORSTOM de Noumea”. Warm thanks are extended to all.

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Source : MNHN , Pahs

TATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM. VOLUME 17- RESULTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM. VOLUME 17 RESULTATS D

Pisces, Pleuronectiformes: Flatfishes from the waters

around New Caledonia. Six species of the bothid genera

Tosarhombus and Parabothus

KunioAMAOKA, Eiji MIHARA

Laboratory of Marine Zoology

Faculty of Fisheries

Hokkaido University

Hakodate. Hokkaido 041

Japan

Jacques RIVATON

ORSTOM

BP A5 Noumea Cedex

Nouvelle-Calddonie

ABSTRACT

Six species of the two related bothid genera Tosarhombus and Parabothus from the Coral Sea are described and keys to

species are provided: T. neocaledonicus Amaoka & Rivaton, 1991.7. longimanus sp. nov., 7 brevis sp. nov., P.filipes sp. nov.,

P. kiensis (Tanaka, 1918) and P. coarctatus (Gilbert, 1905). 7. longimanus is characterized by having uniserial teeth on upper

jaw, a pectoral fin on the ocular side longer than the head in males, 62-71 scales in the lateral line and a light brown

Amaoka, K., Mihara, E. & J. Rivaton, 1997.— Pisces, Pleuronectiformes: Flatfishes from the waters around

New Caledonia. Six species of bothid genera Tosarhombus and Parabothus. In: S£ret, B. (ed.), R6sultats des Campagnes

MUSORSTOM, Volume 17. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 174 : 143-172. Paris ISBN 2-85653-500-3.

Source : MNHN , Paris

144

KUNIO AMAOKA, EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

body. T. brevis is characterized by having a deeper body, a shorter pectoral fin on the ocular side in males and smaller mouth.

P . filipes is distinguished from known congeners of the genus by the greatly elongated pelvic fin in males and the small number

of scales in the lateral line. P. kiensis and P. coarctatus represent first records from the Coral Sea.

RESUME

Pisces, Pleuronectiformes : Poissons plats des eaux de la Nouvelle-Caledonie. Six especes de Bothidae des genres

Tosarhombus et Parabothus.

Six espfcces de deux genres apparentes de la famille des Bothidae de la mer du Corail sont ici companies et decrites :

Tosarhombus neocaledonicus Amaoka & Rivaton, 1991 ; T. longimanus sp. nov. et T . brevis sp. nov. ; Parabothus filipes sp.

nov., P. kiensis (Tanaka, 1918) et P. coarctatus (Gilbert, 1905). Tosarhombus longimanus se caracterise par des dents

uniseriees sur la machoire superieure, la pectorale de cote ocule plus longue que la tele chez les males, 62-71 ecailles sur la

ligne lat6rale et une coloration marron clair. T. brevis se distingue par un corps plus haul, une pectorale plus courte sur le cote

ocule chez les males et une bouche plus petite. Parabothus filipes se demarque de tous ses cong£n£res par une nageoire

pel vienne lr£s allongee chez les males et un petit nombre d’ecailles sur la ligne latcrale. P . kiensis et P. coarctatus sont deux

especes nouvellement signalees de la Mer du Corail.

INTRODUCTION

Members of the bothid genera Tosarhombus and Parabothus are closely related to each other, widely

distributed in Indo-Pacific region, and usually found at more than 200 m deep. The genus Tosarhombus

characterized by an ovate body, a wide interorbital space, a strong rostral spine in males and white blotches along

anterior head margin, includes four species (Amaoka & Rivaton, 1991). T. neocaledonicus Amaoka & Rivaton,

1991 is the only species of this genus known from the Coral Sea.

The bothid genus Parabothus is distinguishable by the elliptical body, the narrow interorbital space, the

abser 3 of rostral spine (rarely a blunt knob) in males and the absence of white blotches along the head margin. It

contains seven valid species. However, no species are known from the Coral Sea.

We have examined a large collection of flatfishes from waters around New Caledonia, captured during the

recent ORS TOM cruises. In that collection, we have found three Tosarhombus species including two new species

and three Parabothus species including one new species. Also P . kiensis and P. coarctatus are recorded for the

first time from these waters. Descriptions of the six species belonging to these genera are given with synonymies

and keys.

Specimens are deposited in Museum national d’Hisloire naturelle (MNHN), Paris, and Laboratory of Marine

Zoology, Faculty of Fisheries, Hokkaido University (HUMZ). Specimens were fixed in 10% formalin and

preserved in 75% ethanol. Abbreviations for institutions follow LEVITON et ai (1985).

Methods of measurements and terminology follow Amaoka, Mihara & Rivaton (1993). Abbreviations of

the meristic and proportional characters are as given in Table 1.

SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT

Famille BOTHIDAE

Genus TOSARHOMBUS Amaoka, 1969

tosarhombus Amaoka, 1969: 64 (type species: Tosarhombus octoculatus Amaoka, 1969, by original designation)

Source : MNHN , Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

145

DIAGNOSIS. — Body ovate or elliptical. Tip of isthmus below posterior margin of lower eye. A strong rostral

spine on snout in males, feebly developed or absent in females. Interorbital space concave, becoming wider with

increasing body size, wider in males than in females. Dentition nearly similar on both sides of jaw. Scales ctenoid

with short or elongate ctenii on ocular side. Lateral line developed only on ocular side. Pelvic fin on ocular side

originating at tip of isthmus; base of ocular side fin longer than on blind side. Some white blotches along head

margin. Body on blind side without markings. Three infraorbital bones on blind side. Four caudal plates (i.e.,

parhypural, two hypurals, and hypural + epural) without subdivisions.

REMARKS. — This genus closely resembles Parabothus, Engyprosopon, Crossorhombus , and Bothus , but it

ditlers from Parabothus in having some white blotches along anterior margin of head, and wider interorbital width

and deeper body depth when compared w'ith same body size and same sex. It also differs from other three genera in

having the isthmus tip extending to below the posterior margin of lower eye (middle or anterior half of lower eye)

(see Amaoka & Rivaton, 1990).

Table 1. — Abbreviations of the counts and proportional measurements.

Number of dorsal fin rays

Total length

Number of anal fin rays

Standard length

Number of pectoral fin rays

Head length

Number of pelvic fin rays

Body depth

Number of caudal fin rays

SNL

Snout length

(as upper unbranched rays + branched

UED

Upper eye diameter

rays + lower unbranched rays)

LED

Lower eye diameter

LLS

Number of scales in lateral line

Interorbital width

Number of gill rakers on first arch

UJL

Upper jaw length

(as upper limb + lower limb)

LJL

Lower jaw length

Number of vertebrae

DCP

Depth of caudal peduncle

(as abdominal vertebrae

P1L

Pectoral fin length

+ caudal vertebrae)

P2L

Pelvic fin length

Standard deviation

P2B

Pelvic fin base length

Ocular side

LDFR

Length of longest dorsal fin ray

Blind side

LAFR

Length of longest anal fin ray

Male(s)

MCFR

Length of mid-caudal fin ray

Female(s)

LLCW

Lateral line curve width

Young(s)

KEY TO NEW CALEDONIAN SPECIES OF TOSARHOMBUS

1 Scales more than 80 in lateral line; usually five or six white blotches along head

margin in mature specimens . T. neocaledonicus

I' Less than 71 scales in lateral line; less than five white blotches along head margin .2

2 Mouth large, upper jaw length on ocular side, 2.44-2.75 in head length; pectoral

fin on ocular side greatly elongated, longer than head in males (much shorter

than head in females); body shallow (when compared with specimen of about

same size), its depth 2.14-2.47 in SL (Fig. 7); interorbital width wide in either

sexes (Fig. 5) . T. longimanus sp. nov.

146

KUNIO AMAOKA. EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

2' Mouth small, upper jaw length on ocular side 2.78-3.06 head length; pectoral fin

on ocular side less than head in both sexes; body deep (when compared with

specimen of about same size), its depth 1.92-2.35 in SL (Fig. T)\ interorbital

width narrow in both sexes (Fig. 5). T. brevis sp. nov.

Tosarhombus neocaledonicus Amaoka & Rivaton. 1991

Tables 2-3

Tosarhombus neocaledonicus Amaoka & Rivaton, 1991: 461, fig. 12-13.

Bothus sp.: Richer de Forges & Pianet, 1984: annexe 2.

Tosarhombus sp. nov.: Rivaton, 1989: 155 (in part).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 30 specimens (7 males, 22 females and 1 young).

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Chalcal 1: stn CP 10, 20°00.20’S. 158°46.60’E, 225 m. beam trawl,

R. V. “ Coriolis ”, 22 July 1984: holotype, male 166.5 mm (MNHN 1988-686); I paratype, female 109.0 mm (MNHN 1988-

687. part); 2 paratypes, females 105.3-143.0 mm (HUMZ 114940, 114942); 3 females 84.2-122.3 mm (MNHN 1991-452,

part). — Stn CP 17, 22°34.70*S, 159°15.30’E (Nova Bank), 295 m, beam trawl, 28 July 1984: 1 paratvpe, female 173 2 mm

(MNHN 1988-687, part).

Corail 2: stn 131, 19°25.49’S, 158°37.96’E, 217 m, beam trawl, R. V. "Vauban", 29 July 1988: I paratype, male

183.1 mm (HUMZ 114938); 1 female 133.1 mm (MNHN 1991-451, part). — Stn 142, 19°36.16’S, 158°26.79‘E, 193 m, beam

trawl. 30 July 1988: 1 paratype, female 140.8 mm (HUMZ 114939); 1 female 145.8 mm (MNHN 1991-451, part); 1 young 74 6

mm (HUMZ 129466). - Stn 162, I9°46.24’S. 158°25.67’E, 203 m, beam trawl, 1st August 1988: 2 paratypes. females 115.5-

140.8 mm (HUMZ 114941, 119270); 1 male 132.1 mm (MNHN 1991-452).

Musorstom 5: stn CP 253, 25°08.70’S, 159°55.26’E (Capel Bank), 295 m, beam trawl, R. V. " Coriolis ”, 7 October 1986

1 male 154.4 mm (MNHN 1994-320).- Stn CP 254, 25°I0.07’S. 159°53.07’E (Capel Bank), 280-290 m, beam trawl,

7 October 1986: 1 female 133.0 mm (MNHN 1994-319) — Stn CP 259, 25°31.64’S, 159°44.47'E (Capel Bank), 285 m, beam

trawl, 8 October 1986: 1 male 140.4 mm (MNHN 1994-323). — Stn CP 267, 25 o 23.60’S, 159°47.20’E (Capel Bank), 285 m,

beam trawl, 8 October 1986: 1 male 137.7 mm (MNHN 1994-324). — Stn CP 268. 24°44.70’S, 159°39.20’E (Capel Bank)

280-290 m, beam trawl, 9 October 1986: I male 172.2 mm (HUMZ 129469); 1 female 148.7 mm (MNHN 1994-326). — Stn

CP 276. 24°48.90'S. I59°40.90*E (Capel Bank), 269-258 m, beam trawl, 9 October 1986: 2 females, 122.9-132.9 mm (MNHN

1994-321,322); 1 male and 1 female 131.1-153.1mm (HUMZ 129467, 129468).—Stn CP 318, 22°26.51'S, 159°21.36’E,

330 m, beam trawl, 13 October 1986: 3 females 157.8-163.0 mm (NMHN 1994-327, 328, 329)._Stn CP 319, 22°24.40’S,

159°16.50’E, 320-325 m, beam trawl, 13 October 1986: 1 female 164.7 mm (MNHN 1994-325).

Diagnosis. More than 80 scales in lateral line; pectoral fin on ocular side of males, longer than head, 0.5-

0.8 in head length; teeth on upper jaw uniserial; body on ocular side light brown.

Description. — Counts and proportional measurements as percent of SL are shown in Tables 2 and 3. For

description, coloration, and sexual dimorphism see Amaoka & Rivaton (1991).

Distribution. — Known only from the Chesterfield Plateau, the Nova Bank, and the Capel Bank west of

New Caledonia, at depths of 169-325 m.

Remarks. — This species resembles Tosarhombus longimanus sp. nov., but differs from it as shown in the

remarks of the latter.

Source: MNHN, Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

147

Table 2. — Frequency distribution of eight meristic characters of Tosarhombus neocaledonicus Amaoka & Rivaton, 1991.

Parenthesis for pectoral fin are used to distinguish ocular (without) from blind (with) side.

Dorsal fin rays

Anal fin rays

101

102

103

104

105 106 107 108

109 110

81 82

83 84 85 86 87

14 11

0 2

1 6

8 9 4 1 1

Pectoral

fin rays

Caudal fin rays

Vertebrae

14 2+12+2

3+11+3

2+13+2

10+31 10+32

0(15)

13(0)

17(0) 2

3 24

Scales in lateral line

Gill rakers

83 84 85

86 87 88 89 90

91 92 93

94 95

0+7 0+8 0+9

1 0

2 0

3 5 5 4 6 11 1

0 0 17

14 9

Table 3. — Ranges of variation and averages (in parentheses) of proportional measurements expressed as % of SL and meristic

counts for three New Caledonian species of Tosarhombus.

T. longimanus

T. brevis

T. neocaledonicus

Holotype

Paratypes

Holotype

Paratypes

Type series & others

Number

Male

4M + 12F

Male

2M+5F+3youngs

7M+22F+1 young

SL (mm)

125.0

65.2-139.7

133.4

48.7-121.1

74.6-183.1

26.9

25.2-27.5 (26.3)

25.3

25.6-27.9 (26.6)

24.5-28.5 (26.1)

43.6

40.5-46.7 (43.0)

52.1

42.5-51.6 (48.8)

42.6-50.9 (45.1)

SNL

5.6

5.2-5.9 (5.4)

5.2

4.7-5.9 (5.3)

4.4-5.7 (5.1)

UED

7.3

6.0-8.4 (7.2)

7.1

7.1-9.9 (8.4)

5.9-8.4 (6.9)

LED

7.1

6.2-8.2 (7.1)

7.3

7.0-10.1 (8.4)

6.0-8.3 (6.9)

IW (M)

9.0

5.9-9.5 (8.3)

7.3

3.9-7.5 (6.2)

8.7-12.0(10.8)

IW (F)

2.8-6.6 (5.1)

0.8-3.7 (2.1)

3.2-8.0 (6.4)

UJL (O)

10.3

9.4-10.6 (9.9)

8.5

8.6-9.7 (9.1)

8.3-9.7 (9.0)

UJL(B)

10.3

9.7-10.9(10.1)

8.6

8.8-9.7 (9.1)

8.3-10.4 (9.3)

LJL (O)

12.6

11.5-13.4(12.4)

10.7

10.7-12.7(11.9)

10.3-12.6(11.4)

LJL (B)

13.6

12.6-14.3(13.5)

12.0

12.2-14.0(13.0)

11.3-13.7(12.5)

DCP

9.8

9.0-10.6 (9.5)

10.9

9.7-10.4(10.2)

8.8-10.1 (9.4)

P1L (O, M)

52.8

32.1-51.5 (45.5)

24.1

20.1-22.2(22.1)

39.3-52.6 (46.0)

P1L (O, F)

16.9-21.6(19.9)

16.4-19.1 (18.1)

16.1-26.7(19.9)

P1L(B)

9.7

8.7-10.6 (9.8)

10.6

8.9-10.6 (9.8)

9.9-12.7(11.0)

P2L (O)

9.8

9.1-11.2(10.3)

11.6

11.1-12.9(11.7)

10.4-14.2(12.5)

P2L (B)

9.5

8.4-10.4(9.4)

10.0

9.8-10.6(10.2)

8.3-11.3 (9.8)

P2B (O)

7.8

7.2-8.7 (8.0)

7.6

7.4-8.2 (7.8)

7.7-9.6 (8.6)

P2B (B)

4.3

3.5-4.7 (4.3)

4.3

4.0-4.6 (4.3)

4.0-4.9 (4.4)

LDFR

13.4

11.0-15.0(13.0)

12.4

12.9-14.6(13.5)

9.9-13.0(11.8)

LAFR

13.5

12.2-15.6(13.6)

12.8

13.0-15.4(13.9)

10.6-13.0(11.9)

MCFR

20.6

18.2-21.3(19.9)

20.2

19.1-23.6 (21.3)

18.3-22.7 (20.0)

LLCW

16.8

13.5-17.4(15.6)

16.4

13.7-16.8(15.1)

13.7-17.9(15.9)

Source :

148

KUNIO AMAOKA. F.IJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

Table 3 (Continued). — Meristic counts for three New Caledonian species of Tosarhombus.

T. longimanus

T. brevis

T. neocaledonicus

Holotype

Paratypes

Holotype

Paratypes

Type series & others

Number

Male

4M + 12F

Male

2M+5F+3youngs

7M+22F+1 young

SL (mm)

125.0

65.2-139.7

133.4

48.7-121.1

74.6-183.1

95-102 (98.4)

102

97-104(100.6)

101-110(104.3)

75-81 (78.2)

77-83 (80.0)

81-87 (83.5)

PI (O)

12-13(12.8)

12-14(12.6)

13-14(13.6)

PI (B)

9-10(9.8)

9-11 (10.5)

11-12(11.5)

LLS

62-71 (64.9)

64-71 (67.3)

81-95 (87.4)

0+8

0+6-9 (0+7.6)

0+7

0-1+7-9 (0.1+7.6)

0+7-9 (0+8.1)

10+30

10+30-31 (10+30.2)

10+32

10+30-32(10+31.0)

10+31-32(10+31.9)

Tosarhombus longimanus sp. nov.

Figs 1-7; Tables 3-4

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 17 specimens (5 males and 12 females).

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. MUSORSTOM 5: stn CP 351, 19°33.10’S, 158°36.90’E, 290-310 m, beam trawl,

R. V. " Coriolis ", 17 October 1986: holotype, male 125.0 mm (MNHN 1994-334). — Stn DW 350, 19°34.00'S, 158°35.30 T E.

280 m, beam trawl, 17 October 1986: 1 paratype, male 98.2 mm (MNHN 1994-342). — Stn CP 351, 19°33.10’S, I58°36.90 , E,

290-310 m, beam trawl, 17 October 1986: 7 paratypes, females 69.3-125.0 mm (MNHN 1994-335 to 341); 1 paratype, male

122.9 mm (HUMZ 129473).

CHALCAL 1: stn CP 5. 19°29.10’S, 158°37.63’E, 290 m, beam trawl, R. V. “ Coriolis ”, 6 July 1984: 3 paratypes, 1 male

and 2 females 65.2-139.7 mm (MNHN 1994-330 to 332). — Stn CP 10, 20°00.20*S, 158°46.60’E, 225 m, beam trawl, 22 July

1984: 1 paratype. female 66.6 mm (HUMZ 129470).

C ORAIL 2: stn 130, 19 27.41 S, 158°34.00’E, 217 m, beam trawl, R. V. “Vauban”, 29 July 1988: 3 paratypes, I female

135.9 mm (MNHN 1994-333); 1 male and 1 female 125.1-131.5 mm (HUMZ 129471, 129472).

Diagnosis. Upper jaw length on ocular side 2.44-2.75 in head length; teeth on upper jaw uniserial; pectoral

(in on ocular side much longer than head in males; 62-71 scales in lateral line; body depth 2.14-2.47 in SL (Fig. 7).

Description. Data for holotype are given first, followed in parentheses by ranges for paratypes and

averages including holotype (or proportional data. Counts and proportional measurements as percent of SL are

shown in Tables 3 and 4. Head length 3.72 in SL (3.64-3.96, 3.80); body depth 2.29 (2.14-2.47, 2.33). Snout length

4.80 in head length (4.55-5.1 1, 4.83); upper eye diameter 3.69 (3.24-4.38, 3.67); lower eye diameter 3.78 (3.30-

4.23. 3.72); interorbital width 2.97 (2.71-4.41, 3.22) in males, (3.81-9.94, 5.78) in females; upper jaw length 2.60

(2.44-2.75, 2.65) on ocular side, 2.60 (2.45-2.74, 2.61) on blind side; lower jaw length 2.14 (2.02-2.24, 2.12) on

ocular side, 1.98 (1.87-2.04, 1.95) on blind side; depth of caudal peduncle 2.73 (2.51-2.98, 2.79); pectoral fin

length 0.51 (0.50-0.81,0.61) on ocular side in males, (1.24-1.54, 1.34) in females, 2.78 (2.47-3.05, 2.69) on blind

side; pelvic im length 2.75 (2.37-2.93, 2.56) on ocular side, 2.82 (2.61-3.07, 2.80) on blind side; pelvic fin base

length 3.43 (2.99-3.60, 3.30) on ocular side, 6.22 (5.45-7.44, 6.21) on blind side; length of longest dorsal fin ray

2.01 (1.78-2.29. 2.03), length of longest anal fin ray 1.99 (1.71-2.17, 1.95); length of middle caudal fin ray 1.30

(1.23-1.47, 1.32); curved length of lateral line 1.60 (1.53-1.98, 1.69).

Body ovate, deepest point slightly in front of middle part of body, its depth about 1.5-1.9 times of head length;

dorsal and ventral contours gently arched. Caudal peduncle deep, its depth about 21-25 % of body depth. Head

Source : MNHN . Paris

BOTH ID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

149

large; upper profile with a large notch in front of upper margin of lower eye, steep in males, less so in females and

youngs (Figs 2-3). Slightly protruding snout, 66-89 % of upper eye diameter. A strong rostral spine in males,

poorly developed or absent in females and youngs (Fig. 3). Eyes small, upper eye diameter 62-82 % of upper jaw

length on ocular side; lower eye in advance of upper. An orbital spine anterior to upper eye in males, absent in

females and youngs. Interorbital region concave, becoming wider with increasing body size, wider in males than in

females and youngs (Figs 2, 3, 5). Nostrils on ocular side anterior to upper margin of lower eye; anterior nostril

tubular with posterior flap; nostrils on blind side small, below origin of dorsal fin, similar in shape to those on

ocular side. Mouth large, oblique; maxilla extending almost vertical to middle part of lower eye; anterior tips of

both jaws nearly on same vertical line when mouth closed. A small ventral knob at mandibular symphysis. Teeth

on upper jaw sharp, uniserial, becoming larger and more widely spaced anteriorly, some anterior canine-like teeth.

Lower jaw teeth uniserial, nearly similar to anterior teeth of upper jaw in terms of size and spacing. Gill rakers on

first arch slender, not serrate, absent on upper limb. Scales on ocular side large, with long ctenii (Fig. 4A), snout,

both jaws and pectoral fin naked; cycloid scales on blind side. Lateral line curved above pectoral fin on ocular side,

absent on blind side. Dorsal fin origin on blind side, anterior to upper margin of lower eye. Anal fin origin slightly

anterior to vertical of posterior margin of head. Pectoral fin on ocular side longer than head in males, much shorter

than head in females (Figs 2, 3, 6), but longer than fin on blind side. Pelvic fins with 6 rays; base on ocular side

longer than that on blind side, approximately fourth ray on ocular side opposite to first ray on blind side. I’ip of

isthmus below posterior margin of lower eye. All fin rays simple except for caudal fin rays. Caudal fin rays

branched except for two upper- and lowermost rays. Vent on blind side, immediately above first anal Fin ray.

Urogenital papilla on opposite side of vent.

FlG. 1. — Tosarhombus longimcmus sp. nov., holotype, male, 125.0 mm, from Chesterfield Plateau, west of New Caledonia

(MNHN 1994-334).

Coloration (in alcohol). Body color on ocular side light brown; anterior margin of head darkened; a series of

three to five white blotches along head margin in front of interorbital space and upper eye; an diffused dark blotch

at junction of straight and curved parts of lateral line, a few obscure dark blotches on straight portion ol lateral line;

many indistinct whitish markings on entire body, some with dark rings. Blind side pale yellowish white. Dorsal

and anal fins with a series of dark spots; pelvic fin with scattered small dark spots.

Source ;

150

KUNIO AMAOKA, EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

Sexual dimorphism . This species shows sexual dimorphism in the presence or absence of rostral and orbital

spines (Fig. 3), the interorbital width (Figs 2, 3, 4), the length of pectoral fin on ocular side (Figs 2, 3, 6), and the

curvature of anterior dorsal profile (Figs 2-3).

Distribution. — The specimens were collected from the Chesterfield Plateau, at depths of 217-310 m.

ETYMOLOGY. — Named for the prolonged pectoral fin on the ocular side in males.

REMARKS. — T. longimanus sp. nov. most closely resembles two New Caledonian species, T. neocaledonicus

and T. brevis sp. nov. in having uniserial upper jaw teeth and light brown body on the ocular side, but differs from

the former species in having the lower number of scales in the lateral line, and rather low numbers of dorsal fin

ray, pectoral (in rays, anal fin rays and vertebrae, and longer upper jaw (Table 3), and from the latter species as

shown in the remarks of T. brevis.

Fig. 2.— Tosarhombus longimanus sp. nov. — A: holotype, male, 125.0 mm, from Chesterfield Plateau, west of

New Caledonia (MNHN 1994-334). — B: paratype, female, 131.5 mm, from Chesterfield Plateau, west of New Caledonia

(HUMZ 129472).

Source: MNHN, Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

151

Table 4. — Frequency distribution of eight meristic characters of Tosarhombus longimanus sp. nov. Counts for holotype

included in boldfaced numbers.

Dorsal Fin rays

Anal fin rays

98 99 100

101 102

75 76 77 78

79 80

4 2 3

2 1

114 5

2 2

Pectoral fin rays

Caudal fin

rays

11 12

2+12+2

2+13+2

0(4)

0(12)

0(0) 3(0)

14(0)

Scales in lateral line

Gill rakers

Vertebrae

63 64

66 67 68 69

70 71

0+6 0+7 0+8 0+9

10+30

10+31

3 6

10 11

0 1

17 6 3

Fig. 3.— Diagrammatic illustration of body parts showing sexual dimorphism in male (A) and female (B) in

Tosarhombus longimanus sp. nov. Scale bars 20 mm.

Source

152

KUNIO AMAOKA. EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

Fig. 4. — Scales from ocular side. — A: Tosarhombus longimanus sp. nov., paratype, 139.7 mm (MNHN 1994-331).

— B: T brevis sp. nov., paratype, 115.0 mm (HUMZ 129475). Scale bars 1 mm.

8 -

6 -

4 -

2 -

• Males of T. longimanus

O Females of T. longimanus

A Males of T. brevis

A Females of T. brevis

<? o

cPo

A ^

▲

o o

120

140

Standard Length (mm)

Fig. 5. — Relationships between SL and interorbital width in percent of SL in two species of Tosarhombus.

100 120

Standard Length (mm)

Fig. 6. Relationships between SL and pectoral Fin length on ocular side in percent of SL in

Tosarhombus longimanus sp. nov.

Source : MNHN. Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

153

• T. longimanus

O T. brevis

**—

■O

45 -

60 80 100 120

Standard Length (mm)

140

Fig. 7. — Relationships between SL and body depth in percent of SL in two species of Tosarhombus.

Tosarhombus brevis sp. nov.

Figs 4-5,7-10; Tables 3, 5

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 11 specimens (3 males, 5 females and 3 youngs).

New Caledonia. MUSORSTOM 4: stn CC 173, 19°02.50*S, 163°18.80'E, 250-290 m, shrimp trawl, R. V. " Coriolis ",

29 September 1985: holotypc, male 133.4 mm (MNHN 1994-347). — Stn CP 154, 19°02.60’S, I63°I7.80’E, 275 m, beam

trawl, 14 September 1985: 1 paratype, male 121.1 mm (MNHN 1994-77). — Stn CC 173, 19°02.50’S, 168°18.80’E, 250-

290 m, shrimp trawl. 29 September 1985: 1 paratype, female 112.5 mm (MNHN 1994-348).

Biocal: stn CP 1 10, 22°12.38’S, 167°06.43’E, 275-320 m, beam trawl, R. V. "Jean Charcot ", 9 September 1985:

1 paratype, male 84.2 mm (MNHN 1994-349).

Loyalty Islands Musorstom 6: stn CP 445, 20°54.29'S, 167°17.16'E (Lifou Island), 261 m, beam trawl, R. V. "Alis’\

19 February 1989: 2 paratypes, 1 female 103.7 mm (HUMZ 129474) and 1 female 89.7 mm (MNHN 1994-343).— Stn CP

455, 21°00.65’S, 167°26.08’E, 260 m, beam trawl, 20 February 1989: 5 paratypes, 1 female and 2 youngs, 48.7-60.4 mm

(MNHN 1994-344 to 346); 1 female and I young, 53.5-115.0 mm (HUMZ 129475, 129476).

DIAGNOSIS. — Short upper jaw on ocular side, 2.78-3.06 in head length; teeth on upper jaw uniserial; body

deep, its depth 1.92-2.35 in SL (Fig. 7); inlerorbital width narrow (Fig. 5); scales in the lateral line 64-71; pectoral

fin on ocular side scarcely prolonged in either sexes, shorter than head length.

Description.— Data for holotype are given first, followed in parentheses by ranges for paratypes and

averages including holotype for proportional data. Counts and proportional measurements as percent of SL are

shown in Tables 3 and 5. Head length 3.96 in SL (3.58-3.91, 3.77); body depth 1.92 (1.94-2.35, 2.06). Snout length

4.81 in head length (4.70-5.64, 5.03); upper eye diameter 3.55 (2.77-3.60, 3.20); lower eye diameter 3.44 (2.71-

3.65, 3.18); interorbital width 3.47 (3.41-7.12, 4.67) in males, (7.16-31.80, 18.15) in females; upper jaw length

2.98 (2.78-3.06, 2.92) on ocular side, 2.93 (2.69-3.00, 2.91) on blind side; lower jaw length 2.36 (2.07-2.38, 2.23)

on ocular side, 2.11 (1.99-2.16, 2.05) on blind side; depth of caudal peduncle 2.32 (2.50-2.83, 2.62); pectoral fin

length 1.05 (1.15-1.39, 1.20) on ocular side in males, (1.37-1.61, 1.48) in females, 2.39 (2.44-3.00, 2.72) on blind

side; pelvic fin length 2.17 (2.11-2.42, 2.27) on ocular side, 2.51 (2.48-2.71, 2.61) on blind side; pelvic fin base

length 3.30 (3.27-3.59, 3.41) on ocular side. 5.81 (5.88-6.65, 6.18) on blind side; length of longest dorsal fin ray

2.03 (1.81-2.11, 1.96), length of longest anal fin ray 1.97 (1.77-2.09. 1.92); length of middle caudal fin ray 1.25

(1.16-1.42, 1.25); curved length of lateral line 1.54(1.53-1.95, 1.77).

Source:

154

KUNIO AMAOKA, EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

Fig. 8. — Tosarhombus brevis sp. nov., hololype, male. 133.4 mm, from New Caledonia (MNHN 1994-347).

Body deeply ovate, deepest point slightly in front of middle part of body, depth 1.56-2.06 times of head length;

dorsal and ventral contours gently arched. Caudal peduncle deep, its depth about 19-24 % of body depth. Head

large; upper profile with a large notch in front of upper margin of lower eye, steep in males, not so in females and

youngs (Figs 9. 10). Slightly protruding snout 50-74 % of upper eye diameter. A strong rostral spine in males,

absent or feeble in females and youngs (Fig. 10). Eyes large, upper eye diameter 84-102 % of upper jaw length on

ocular side; lower eye in advance of upper. A strong orbital spine anterior to upper eye in males, absent in females

and youngs (Fig. 10). Interorbital region concave, becoming wider with increasing body size, wider in males than

in females and youngs (Figs 5, 9, 10). Nostrils on ocular side anterior to upper margin of lower eye; anterior nostril

tubular with posterior flap; nostrils on blind side small, below origin of dorsal fin, similar in shape to ocular side

ones. Mouth large, oblique; maxilla extending to below anterior 1/3 part of lower eye; anterior tips of both jaws

nearly on same vertical line when mouth closed. Small ventral knob at symphysis and posteroventral corner of

mandible. Teeth on upper jaw sharp, uniserial, becoming larger and more widely spaced anteriorly with some

anterior canine-like teeth. Lower jaw teeth uniserial, nearly similar to anterior teeth of upper jaw in terms of size

and spacing. Gill rakers on first arch slender, not serrate, absent on upper limb. Scales on ocular side large, with

rather short ctenii (Fig. 4B); snout, both jaws and pectoral fin on ocular side naked; cycloid scales on blind side.

Lateral line curved above pectoral fin on ocular side, absent on blind side. Dorsal fin origin on blind side, on

horizontal line through upper margin of lower eye. Anal fin origin below posterior margin of head. Pectoral fin on

ocular side slightly prolonged in males, less so in females and youngs (Figs 9, 10), second ray longest, longer than

blind side fin. Pelvic fins with 6 rays, base on ocular side longer than blind side base, third or fourth rays on ocular

side opposite to first ray on blind side. Tip of isthmus below posterior margin of lower eye. All fin rays simple

except caudal fin rays. Caudal fin rays branched except for two upper- and lowermost rays. Vent opens on blind

side, immediately above first anal fin ray. Urogenital papilla on opposite side of vent.

Coloration (in alcohol). Body color on ocular side light brown; a series of three or four indistinct white

blotches along head margin in front of interorbital space and upper eye in larger specimens, absent in youngs; not

delimited dark blotch at junction of straight and curved parts of lateral line, two dark blotches on straight portion of

lateral line. Blind side pale yellowish white. Dorsal and anal fins with a series of dark spots; pelvic fin with

scattered small dark spots.

Source : MNHN . Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

155

Sexual dimorphism. This species shows sexual dimorphism in the presence or absence of rostral and orbital

spines (Fig. 10), interorbital width (Figs 5, 10), the length of the pectoral fin on the ocular side (Fig. 10), and the

curvature of the anterior dorsal profile (Figs 9, 10).

Distribution. — The specimens were collected from the Lifou Island, northern and southern waters of

New Caledonia, at depths of 250-320 m.

Etymology. — Named for its stocky body (from latin brevis meaning short).

Remarks. — This new species most closely resembles T. longimanus sp. nov. in having uniserial upper jaw

teeth, light brown body on the ocular side and small numbers of meristic counts (Table 3), but differs from the

latter in having a deeper body (Fig. 7) and a narrower interorbital region in either sexes (Fig. 5), a shorter upper

jaw on the ocular side (2.78-3.06 in head length vs 2.44-2.75 in T. longimanus), a shorter pectoral Fin on the ocular

side in males, a rather longer pelvic fin on the ocular side, and rather large number of vertebrae (Table 3).

Fig. 9. — Tosarhombus brevis sp. nov. — A: holotype, male. 133.4 mm, from New Caledonia (MNHN 1994-347).

— B: paratype. female, 112.5 mm, from New Caledonia (MNHN 1994-348).

Source

156

KUNIO AMAOKA, EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

Table 5. — Frequency distribution of eight meristic characters of Tosarhombus brevis sp. nov. Counts for holotype included in

boldfaced numbers.

Dorsal fin rays

Anal fin

rays

99 100

101

102

103

104

79 80

81 82

2 2

3 2

1 1

Pectoral fin rays

Caudal fin rays

2+13+2

2+14+2

0(1)

0(4)

0(6)

5(0)

1(0)

Scales in lateral line

Gill rakers

Vertebrae

66 67

1+7 0+7

0+8

0+9

10+30

10+31

10+32

0 0

1 4

Fig. 10. Diagrammatic illustration of body parts showing sexual dimorphism in male (A) and female (B) in Tosarhombus

brevis sp. nov. Scale bars indicate 10 mm.

Source: MNHN, Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

157

Genus PARABOTHUS Norman, 1931

Parabothus Norman, 1931: 600 (type species: Arnoglossuspolylepis Alcock, 1889. by original designation).

Diagnosis. — Body elliptical. Tip of isthmus below posterior margin of lower eye. Blunt rostral knob rarely

found only in males, barely obvious or absent in females. Interorbital space narrowly concave, becoming wider

with increasing size, wider in males than in females. Dentition about equally developed on both sides of jaw.

Scales on ocular side with short or moderate ctcnii or cycloid. Lateral line developed only on ocular side. Pelvic fin

on ocular side originating at tip of isthmus; base on ocular side longer than blind side base. Three infraorbital

bones on blind side. Four caudal plates (i.e., parhypural, two hypurals, and hypural + epural) without subdivisions.

Remarks. — This genus closely resembles Tosarhombus , Arnoglossus and Psettina in having an elliptical

body and caudal plates lacking subdivisions. However, it differs from Tosarhombus in having a narrower

interorbital region, shallower body and head margin of uniform color (some white blotches along head margin in

the latter), and from Arnoglossus and Psettina in having wider interorbital region and sexual dimorphism observed

in the interorbital width. Arnoglossus and Psettina have a bony ridge and less often, a narrow concave area

between the eyes. Also no sexual dimorphism is found in the interorbital width in these two genera. In addition,

Parabothus is easily distinguishable from Psettina in having cycloid or ctenoid scales with short spinules. Psettina

has ctenoid scales with elongate spinules. Norman (1934) and AMAOKA (1969) have indicated that the genus

Parabothus lacks a rostral spine. This character eliminated from the generic definition because P. amaokai Parin,

1983, P. taiwanensis Amaoka & Shen, 1994 and P.filipes sp. nov. have a blunt rostral knob at least in males.

COMPARATIVE MATERIAL. — P. chlorospilus : USNM uncat., 3 males and 5 females 69.1-180.8 mm. 21°09.7N,

157°29.8’W, Hawaii, 177-183 m, 7 April 1968.— USNM uncat., 5 males and 5 females 71.0-182.8 mm. 21°09.6’N,

157°24.6 , W. Hawaii, 181-188 m, 5 May 1968. — USNM uncat., 2 males 137.4-154.5 mm, 20°57.1’N, 156°47.rW, Hawaii,

205-214 m, 14 November 1967.

P. coarctatus : FAKU 33342-33362, 13 males and 8 females 100.2-224.8 mm, Mimase, Kochi Pref., 15 December 1959.

P. malhensis : HUMZ 72351, 1 male 177.5 mm. 11° 10’S, 60°08’E, Saya de Malha Bank, 191 m, 31 August 1977.—

HUMZ 74000, 74001-74010, 74206, 74211, 3 males, 9 females and 1 young, 103.0-165.0 mm. ll°03’S, 61°15’E, Saya de

Malha Bank, 254 m, 31 August 1977.

P. kiensis : FAKU 33298, 33299, 33301-33303, 33306-33311, 33313-33341, 33822, 24 males and 18 females 104.7-

192.6 mm SL. Mimase, Kochi Pref., 15 December 1959.

P. amaokai : HUMZ 110064, paratype, 1 female 191.1 mm. 25°41.2 , S. 85°24.1 ‘W, 22 November 1983.

Psettina profunda: ZMA 109-393, syntype, 1 male 87.5 mm, Timor Sea (9°0.3 , S, 126 0 24.5’E). 112 m, 20 January 1900. —

ZMA 109-394, syntype, 1 female, 69.4 mm, Madura Sea (7°2.6’S, 115°23.6’E), 100 m. 15 March 1899.

KEY TO NEW CALEDONIAN SPECIES OF PARABOTHUS

1 Gill rakers serrate (Fig. 13C); pelvic fin of ocular side greatly elongated in

males, its length much more than half of head in male specimens of more than 50

mm SL; a few irregular dark bands in front of both eyes and interorbital region in

mature specimens; a ventral rostral knob near snout tip in males; lateral line

scales-56-66; dorsal fin rays 90-96; anal fin rays 69-75 . P.filipes sp. nov.

L Gill rakers not serrate; pelvic fins not elongated in both sexes, its length much

less than half of head; three white bands below upper eye in mature specimens;

rostral knob absent; lateral line scales 80-99; dorsal fin rays 104-119; anal fin

rays 83-98 .

158

KUNIO AMAOKA, EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

2 Caudal fin with dark pigment near middle of rays; no conspicuous blotches on

straight portion of lateral line; a few dark spots along each of dorsal and ventral

margins on ocular side of body; interorbital region wide in large specimens (Fig.

1 6)... P. kiensis

T Caudal fin without particular markings; three not delimitated dark blotches on

lateral line; many dark spots and rings irregularly scattered on ocular side of

body; interorbital region narrow (Fig. 18). p. coarctatus

Parabothusfilipes sp. nov.

Figs 11-15; Tables 6-8

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 31 specimens (15 males and 16 females).

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. CHALCAL 1: stn CP 17, 22°34.70’S, 159°15.30’E (Nova Bank), 300 m, beam trawl,

R. V. " Coriolis ”, 28 July 1984: holotype, male 79.9 mm (MNHN 1994-360). — Sin CP 17, 22°34.70'S, 159°15.30*E (Nova

Bank), 300 m, beam trawl, 28 July 1984: 29 paratypes, 11 males and 13 females 40.5-80.3 mm (MNHN 1994-350 to 374);

3 males and 2 females 62.0-88.0 mm (HUMZ 129479 to 129483). — Stn CH 2, 22°34.4rS, I59°17.39’E (Nova Bank), 330 m,

otter trawl (fishes), 28 July 1984: I paratype. female 73.5 mm (HUMZ 129478).

Diagnosis. — Pelvic fin on ocular side greatly elongated in males, about 0.8-1.5 in head length in male

specimens of more than 50 mm SL (Fig. 15); gill rakers long and serrated; a few irregular dark bands in front of

both eyes and interorbital region; a poorly developed rostral spine near snout tip above maxilla in males; scales in

lateral line 56-66; dorsal fin rays 90-96; anal fin rays 69-75.

Fic, II. — Parabothus filipes sp. nov., holotype, male, 79.9 mm, from Nova Bank, west of New Caledonia (MNHN 1994-360).

Source ; MNHN. Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

159

Table 6. — Frequency distribution of eight meristic characters of Parabothus filipes sp. nov. Counts for holotype included in

boldfaced numbers.

Dorsal Fin rays

Anal Fin

rays

Vertebrae

93 94

95 96

69 70

71 72

74 75

10+29 10+30

10+31

6 7

5 1

2 1

3 5

9 3

3 23

Pectoral Fin rays

Caudal Fin rays

9 10

11 12

2+13+2

3+11+3 2+12+3

3+12+2

0(1)

0(19)

0(9) 1(1)

1(0) 19(0)

10(0)

13 3

Scales in lateral line

Gill rakers

59 60

61 62 63

64 65

0+7

0+8 0+9

0+10

6 7

4 6 1

1 0

15 12

Fig. 11 — Parabothus filipes sp. nov. — A: holotype, male, 79.9 mm, from Nova Bank, west of New Caledonia (MNHN

1994-360). — B: paratype, female, 73.4 mm, from Nova Bank, west of New Caledonia (MNHN 1994-369).

Source : MNHN. Paris

160

KUNIO AMAOKA, EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

Description. — Data for holotype are given first, followed in parentheses by ranges for the paratypes and

averages including holotype for proportional data. Counts and proportional measurements as percent of SL are

shown in Tables 6 and 7. Head length 3.57 in SL (3.47-3.91.3.67); body depth 2.21 (2.15-2.56, 2.30). Snout length

5.74 in head length (4,65-5.89, 5.23); upper eye diameter 2.99 (2.82-3.40, 3.02); lower eye diameter 3.15 (2.86-

3.46, 3.08); interorbital width 9.74 (9.19-37.33, 14.53) in males, (21.56-35.67, 28.27) in females; upper jaw length

2.80 (2.47-2.85, 2.64) on ocular side. 2.73 (2.47-2.80, 2.61) on blind side; lower jaw length 2.13 (1.95-2.25, 2.07)

on ocular side, 1.98 (1.80-2.05, 1.92) on blind side; depth of caudal peduncle 2.55 (2.26-2.84, 2.60); pectoral fin

length 1.68 (1.60-1.81, 1.7i)on ocular side. 2.60 (2.53-3.61,2.95) on blind side; pelvic fin length 1.01 (0.78-3.61.

1.40) on ocular side in males, (2.73-3.30, 3.03) in females. 2.95 (2.82-3.48, 3.07) on blind side; pelvic fin base

length 3.67 (3.06-4.22, 3.67) on ocular side, 8.30 (7.48-10.00, 8.55) on blind side; length of longest dorsal fin ray

2.41 (2.18-2.48, 2.36); length of longest anal fin ray 2.24 (2.05-2.32, 2.23); length of middle caudal fin ray 1.25

(1.20-1.37, 1.27); curved length of lateral line 2.11 (1.72-2.25, 1.95).

Tahi.i- 7. Proportional measurements as % ol SL in Parabothus filipes sp. nov. Averages include measurements from

hololype.

Character

Holotype

Paratypes

Average

SL (mm)

79.9

40.5-88.0

64.1

12.2

28.0

25.6-28.8

27.3

0.8

45.3

39.1-46.5

43.6

1.6

SNL

4.9

4.5-6.0

5.2

0.3

UED

9.4

8.4-9.8

9.0

0.4

LED

8.9

8.1-9.8

8.9

0.4

IW (M)

2.9

0.7-3.0

2.2

0.7

IW (F)

0.7-1.2

1.0

0.2

UJL (O)

10.0

9.5-11.2

10.4

0.4

UJL(B)

10.3

9.7-11.5

10.5

0.4

LJL(O)

13.1

12.3-13.8

13.2

0.4

LJL(B)

14.1

13.4-15.2

14.2

0.4

DCP

11.0

9.5-11.3

10.5

0.5

PIL(O)

16.6

15.1-17.0

16.0

0.5

P1L(B)

10.8

7.6-10.8

9.3

0.8

P2L (O. M)

27.7

7.6-35.7

24.0

7.4

P2L (O, F)

8.2-9.7

9.0

0.4

P2L (B)

9.5

7.7-9.7

8.9

0.5

P2B (O)

7.6

6.8-9.1

7.5

0.4

P2B (B)

3.4

2.7-3.5

3.2

0.2

LDFR

11.6

11.0-12.3

11.6

0.4

LAFR

12.5

11.4-13.0

12.3

0.4

MCFR

22.4

19.7-23.4

21.5

0.8

LLCW

13.3

12.5-15.7

14.0

0.7

Body elongated and elliptical, deepest point near middle of body, its depth 1.43-1,74 limes of head length; the

dorsa and ventral contours gently arched. Caudal peduncle deep, its depth 22.0-27.8 % of body depth. Head

s ightlylonger than 1/4 of SL; upper profile with very slight concavity in front of lower margin of upper eye. Snout

urn, us length 51.4-71,0 % of upper eye diameter. Feeble, obtuse rostral spine near snout tip above maxilla in

males, directed downward, absent in females (Figs 12. 13A-B). Eyes large, upper eye diameter 78.8-95.0 % of

Source : MNHN. Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

161

upper jaw length on ocular side, lower eye in advance of upper. Interorbital region shallowly concave, becoming

wider with increasing body size, wider in males than in females (Figs 12, 13A-B, 14). Nostrils on ocular side

anterior to upper margin of lower eye; anterior nostril tubular with posterior flap; nostrils on blind side small,

below origin of dorsal fin, similar in shape to those on ocular side. Mouth large, oblique; maxilla extending beyond

anterior margin of lower eye; anterior tip of both jaws nearly on same vertical line when mouth closed. A small

ventral knob at mandibular symphysis. Dentition almost equally developed on both jaws; teeth on upper jaw sharp,

uniserial, closely spaced laterally, becoming larger and more widely spaced anteriorly, some anterior canine like

teeth; lower jaw teeth uniserial, nearly similar to anterior teeth of upper jaw in size and spacing. Gill rakers on first

arch long, posterior margins serrated (Fig. 13C), none on upper limb. Scales large, with short ctenii on ocular side

(Fig. 13D); snout, middle part of interorbital region and anterior parts of both jaws naked; cycloid scales on blind

side. Lateral line curved anteriorly on ocular side, absent on blind side. Dorsal fin origin on blind side, on

horizontal line through lower margin of upper eye. Anal fin origin below posterior margin of head. Pectoral fin on

ocular side not elongated in both sexes, its length 1.50-2.03 times as long as that on blind side. Pelvic fin on ocular

side originating at tip of isthmus; second and third rays greatly elongated in males, the second ray longest,

becoming longer with increasing body size in males, longer in males than in females (Figs 12. 13A-B, 15); fourth

ray on ocular side opposite to first ray on blind side. Tip of isthmus below posterior margin of lower eye. All fin

rays simple except for caudal fin rays. Caudal fin with rounded margin; all rays branched except for two or three

upper- and lowermost rays. Posterior basipterygial process well projecting between pelvic fins. Vent opens on

blind side, immediately anterior to first anal fin ray. Urogenital papilla on opposite side of vent.

Coloration (in alcohol). Body color on both sides pale brown; snout margin, anterior parts of both jaws, and

dorsal margin of head stained with dark, a few irregular dark bands in front of orbital region in larger specimens

(Fig. 13AB); an obscure dark spot at junction of straight and curved parts of lateral line, one spot on middle of

straight and another on near caudal-fin base. Caudal fin with a pair of not well delimited dark blotches in middle;

dorsal and anal fins with a series of dark spots of variable size; pelvic fin with two dark spots, one on fin

membrane between first and second rays and another between fourth and sixth rays (Fig. 11).

Sexual dimorphism. Parabothus filipes sp. nov. shows sexual dimorphism in the presence or absence of rostral

spine, the interorbital width and length of the pelvic fin on ocular side (Figs 12, 13AB, 14, 15).

Distribution. — The specimens were collected from the Nova Bank, the Coral Sea, at depths ot 300-330 m.

ETYMOLOGY. — Named for the elongated pelvic fin on the ocular side in males, which is one ot diagnostic

character of this species.

REMARKS. — The present species is closely related to species of the genus Parabothus : elongated elliptical

body; clearly concave and narrow interorbital space (a bony ridge in the youngs), broader in males than in females;

mouth moderate, the length of maxilla 2.5-2.9 in head length; ctenii on scales not elongated; 4 caudal plates

without subdivisions (Norman, 1934; Amaoka, 1969; Amaoka & Shen, 1993). There are eight valid species in

the genus Parabothus: P. coarctatus (Gilbert, 1905), P. kiensis (Tanaka, 1918), P . polylepis (Alcock, 1889),

P. chlorospilus (Gilbert, 1905), P. malhensis (Regan, 1908), P. budkeri (Chabanaud, 1942), P. amaokai Parin,

1983 and P. taiwanensis Amaoka & Shen, 1993, except for P. thackwrayi Smith, 1967 that is shown to be a larva

of Laeops pectoralis (Bonde, 1922) (Hensley, 1986).

P. filipes sp. nov. is easily separable from other known congeners in having an elongated pelvic I in on the

ocular side in males, a low number of scales in the lateral line (Table 8), gill rakers with serrate margins, and a lew

irregular dark bands in front of both eyes and interorbital region in mature specimens. P. taiwanensis has a low

number of scales on the lateral line (61-62), but it is clearly separable from the latter by the presence ol uniserial

upper jaw teeth (biserial in P. taiwanensis ), feebly ctenoid scales on the ocular side (scales with long ctenii), gill

rakers with serrated margins (gill rakers with smooth margins), and lower numbers of dorsal and anal fin rays

(Table 8). P. malhensis has gill rakers that are similar to the ones found in P. filipes. However, P. malhensis has

cycloid scales on both sides of the body and high numbers of the meristic counts, while P.fdipes has ctenoid scales

on the ocular side and lower meristic counts (Table 8). On the other hand, this species superficially resembles

Psettina profunda (Weber, 1913) from Java, Madura Sea and Timor Sea, in the narrow concave interorbital space

162

KUNIO AMAOKA, EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

and the elongated pelvic fin in males, and also in the numbers of dorsal fin rays (94-95 in the latter), anal fin rays

(73-75), and scales in the lateral line (57-59), but differs from the latter in the following characters: serrated gill

rakers, somewhat broader interorbital space, moderate length of ctenii of scales and uniserial tooth row in both

jaws (biserial in upper jaw anteriorly).

Fig. 13. — Body pans showing sexual dimorphism in male (A) and female (B), and first gill arch (C) and a scale (D) from

ocular side in Parabothus filipes sp. nov., paratype, 74.1 mm (HUMZ 129482).

Source: MNHN. Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

163

60 70

Standard Length (mm)

Fig. 14. — Relationships between SL and interorbital width in percent of SL in Parabothus filipes sp. nov.

t/>

O 30 -

• Males

O Females

^ 20 -

c 10 -

4 *

0 -

o o ° 0 °co o o o£>

Standard Length (mm)

Fig. 15. — Relationships between SL and pelvic fin length on ocular side in percent of SL in Parabothus filipes sp. nov.

Parabothus kiensis (Tanaka, 1918)

Figs 16-17; Tables 8-10

Platophrys kiensis Tanaka, 1918: 225.

Platophrys kiensis: — Ul, 1929: 272, fig. 102. — Kamohara, 1934: 301.

Parabothus kiensis: Okada & Matsubara, 1938: 423. — Kamohara, 1950: 241.— Matsubara, 1955: 1261.

Kamohara, 1958: 62. — Ochiai & Amaoka 1963: 133. — Kamohara, 1964: 82. — Amaoka, 1969: 125, fig. 33-35. —

Amaoka, 1984: 384, pi. 312-H. — Nakabo, 1993: 1168.

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 7 specimens (3 males and 4 females).

New Caledonia Biocal: stn CP 110, 22°13.31’S, 167°09.93*E, 275-320 m, beam trawl, R. V. “ Jean Charcot ”,

9 September 1985: 1 male 96.5 mm (MNHN 1994-375).

MUSORSTOM 4: stn CP 172, 19°01.20’S, 163°16.00’E, 275-330 m, beam trawl, R. V. “Vaubanf 17 September 1985:

1 male and 2 females 72.0-81.0 mm (MNHN 1994-377, 378, 379); 1 female 87.7 mm (HUMZ 129484). — Stn CP 192,

18°59.30’S, 163°25.00’E, 320 m, beam trawl, 19 September 1985: 1 female 98.3 mm (MNHN 1994-376); 1 male 170.5 mm

(HUMZ 129485).

Source

164

KUNIO AMAOKA. EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

Diagnosis. — Caudal fin stained with dark pigments on middle rays; no distinct blotches on lateral line; 80-88

scales in lateral line; gill rakers without serration.

Description. — Ranges for proportional data are given first, followed by averages. Counts and proportional

measurements as percent of SL are shown in Tables 9 and 10. Head length 3.65-3.89, 3.80 in SL; body depth 2.44-

2.82, 2.69. Snout length 4.54-5.27, 4.78 in head length; upper eye diameter 2.75-3.44, 3.03; lower eye diameter

2.79-3.16, 3.08; interorbital width 4.89-37.80, 22.80 in males, 33.00-41.60, 36.56 in females; upper jaw length

2.67-2.92, 2.76 on ocular side, 2.59-2.66, 2.63 on blind side; lower jaw length 1.96-2.07, 2.03 on ocular side, 1.86-

1.93, 1.90 on blind side; depth of caudal peduncle 2.68-3.02, 2.89; pectoral fin length 1.68-1.89, 1.82 on ocular

side, 2.95-4.00, 3.66 on blind side; pelvic fin length 3.15-3.52, 3.31 on ocular side, 3.15-3.58, 3.28 on blind side;

pelvic fin base length 3.44-3.96, 3.69 on ocular side, 6.10-7.04, 6.48 on blind side; length of longest dorsal fin ray

2.10-2.30, 2.25; length of longest anal fin ray 1.91-2.24, 2.12; length of middle caudal fin ray 1.34-1.50, 1.41;

curved length of lateral line 1.81-2.07, 1.91.

Body elongated and elliptical, deepest point at about middle of body, its depth 1.34-1.59 times as long as head

length; dorsal and ventral contours gently arched. Caudal peduncle deep, its depth 23.5-26.3 % of body depth.

Head large, upper profile with a concavity in front of lower margin of upper eye. Snout blunt, and long, its length

58.5-75.8 % of upper eye diameter. Rostral or orbital spines absent. Eyes large; upper eye diameter 77.6-101.5 %

oi upper jaw length on ocular side, lower eye in advance of upper eye. Interorbital region shallowly concave,

becoming wider proportionally with increasing body size, wider in males than in females. Nostrils on ocular side

anterior to upper margin of lower eye; anterior nostril tubular with posterior flap; nostrils on blind side small,

below origin ol dorsal fin, similar in shape to those on ocular side. Mouth large, oblique; maxilla extending beyond

anterior margin of lower eye; anterior tips of both jaws nearly on a same vertical line when mouth closed. A small

ventral knob at mandibular symphysis. Dentition about equally developed on both jaws; teeth on upper jaw sharp,

uniserial, becoming larger and more widely spaced anteriorly, few anterior canine-like teeth; lower jaw teeth

uniserial, almost similar to anterior teeth of upper jaw in terms of size and spacing. Gill rakers on first arch long or

moderate in size, not serrate, absent on upper limb. Scales on ocular side ctenoid with moderate ctenii (Fig. 17).

No scales on snout, marginal portions of both eyes, anterior parts of both jaws and basal part of pectoral fins;

cycloid scales on blind side. Lateral line curved above pectoral fin on ocular side; absent on blind side. Dorsal fin

origin on blind side, on horizontal line through upper margin of lower eye. Anal fin origin below posterior margin

of head. Pectoral fin on ocular side not elongated in both sexes, its length 1.76-2.12 times as long as that on blind

side. Pelvic fin on ocular side originating at slightly posterior to tip of isthmus, shorter than head length; third ray

on ocular side nearly opposite to first ray on blind side. Tip of isthmus usually more posterior than vertical line

through posterior margin of lower eye. All fin rays except for caudal fin rays, simple. Caudal fin rays branched

except for two upper- and lowermost rays. Vent opens on blind side, immediately anterior to first anal fin rays.

Urogenital papilla on opposite side of vent.

Coloration (in alcohol). Body color on ocular side light brown; three white bands below upper eye in larger

specimens; anterior band running from anterior margin of upper eye, middle one from anterior 1/5 of upper eye

downward to anterior margin of lower eye and posterior one from posterior 1/5 of upper eye downward to

posterior 1/4 of lower eye; a diffused dark blotch above junction of straight and curved parts of lateral line; a few

dark spots along each of dorsal and ventral margins of body. Blind side pale yellowish white except for light

brown margin of body. Dorsal and anal fins with a series of dark spots; caudal fin stained with dark on middle

rays; pelvic fin with a dark spot.

Sexual dimorphism. This species shows sexual dimorphism only in the interorbital width.

Distribution. — Southern Japan and the Coral Sea, at depths of 275-330 m.

Source: MNHN. Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

165

Table 8. — Comparison of proportional measurements and meristic counts for ten Parabothus species. — N: Norman (1934);

A: Amaoka (1969); A & I: Amaoka & Mamura (1990); C: Chabanaud (1942); P: Parin (1942); A & S: Amaoka &

SHEN (in press); OR: original.

No.

SL (mm)

P2L (O, in HL)

LLS

Sources

P. filipes

40.5-88.0

0.78-3.61 (M)

90-96

69-75

56-66

10+29-31

0+7-10

2.73-3.30 (F)

P. polylepis

80-130

63-66

82-85

7+8-9

P. chlorospilus

69.1-182.8

2.85-3.27

103-113

84-94

83-90

10+30-32

0+9-10

OR + N

P. coarc tat us

100.2-224.8

2.73-3.23

106-117

87-95

90-96

10+32-33

0+8-10

50.9-180.8

2.68-3.24

113-118

95-98

88-99

9-10+32-35

0+8-11

P. malhensis

102.2-166.2

3.58-4.90

111-114

90-93

93-98

10+35-37

0+9-11

A & I

P. kiensis

105.8-202.9

2.44-3.76

104-113

83-90

80-86

10+31-32

0+7-10

72.0-170.5

3.15-3.52

113-119

90-95

85-88

10+32-33

0+8-9

P. budkeri

52-122

82-83

59-62

78-80

P. amaokai

110-191.1

2.45-3.4

103-105

87-89

70-75

10+30

0+15

OR + P

P. taiwanensis

80.4-148.5

2.56-2.93

100-107

78-84

61-62

10+28-29

0+8

A & S

FIG. 16. — Parabothus kiensis (Tanaka. 1918). — A: male, 170.5 mm. from New Caledonia (HUMZ 129485). — B: female.

87.7 mm, from New Caledonia (HUMZ 129484).

Source: MNHN, Paris

166

KUNIO AMAOKA. EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

Remarks.— Specimens from Coral Sea were

compared with Japanese specimens. They have more or

less larger numbers of dorsal and anal fin rays and

scales in lateral line, somewhat short ctenii on scales

(Fig. 17), and a wide interorbital space in the largest

specimen (when compared with specimen of about same

size). These differences do not seem to be meaningful in

delimiting species for the following reasons: the three

meristic counts and the length of ctenii of scales have

geographical variations in other some species of

Bothidae and the inlerorbital width is quite variable in

large specimens. This species has been previously

known only from southern Japan. This is the first record

for the Coral Sea.

Fig. 17. — A scale from ocular side in Parabothus kiensis

(Tanaka, 1918) (HUMZ 129485). Scale bar 1 mm.

Table 9. Frequency distribution of eight meristic characters of Parabothus kiensis (Tanaka, 1918).

113 114

1 1

Dorsal fin rays

115 116

1 0

117

118 119

1 1

Anal fin rays

91 92 93 94

10 13

0(1)

Pectoral fin rays

11 12

0(6) 0(0)

5(0)

2(0)

Caudal fin rays

2+13+2

Scales in lateral line

85 86 87 88

14 11

Gill rakers

0+8 0+9

5 2

Vertebrae

10+32 10+33

6 1

Parabothus coarctatus (Gilbert, 1905)

Fig. 18; Tables 8, 11-12

Platophrys coarctatus Gilbert, 1905: 686, fig. 267.

Platophrys coarctatus : Jordan & Jordan, 1922: 24. — Fowler, 1928: 92.

Rhomboidichthys coarctatus: GOnther, 1909: 343.

Ar mts7\750% U 9 FranZ ' l9 ' 0: 6I ' P '- 7 ' f ‘ 8, 56 - ~ J0RDAN ' TANAKA & SNYDER - 1913: 315.

P nt°7 US x Z arCla ‘ US: N °, RMAN - l93,: 601; 1934: 243. fig- 185. - Kamohara, 1935: 21; 1950: 241; 1958- 62- 1964- 82 -

Parabothus (?) violaceus : Norman, 1931: 601

24i % ,84 - OKA “ * >** M* 1X1. -

Kamohara, 1931: 542;

Source : MNHN, Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

167

Table 10. —Proportional measurements as % of SL in Paraboihus kiensis (Tanaka, 1918)

Character

Ranges(n = 7)

Average

SL (mm)

72.0-170.5

96.94

34.1

25.7-27.4

26.3

0.5

35.4-40.9

37.3

1.8

SNL

5.2-5.7

5.5

0.2

UED

7.5-9.6

8.7

0.6

LED

7.2-9.4

8.6

0.7

IW (m)

0.7-5.3

2.3

2.1

iw (0

0.6-0.8

0.7

0.1

UJL (O)

9.4-9.7

9.5

0.1

UJL(B)

9.8-10.3

10.0

0.2

LJL(O)

12.6-13.5

13.0

0.3

LJL(B)

13.4-14.2

13.9

0.3

DCP

8.8-9.6

9.1

0.3

PIL(O)

13.6-15.4

14.4

0.5

P1L(B)

6.4-8.7

7.3

0.8

P2L (O)

7.5-8.3

8.0

0.3

P2L (B)

7.4-8.3

8.0

0.3

P2B (O)

6.8-7.6

7.1

0.3

P2B (B)

3.8-4.3

4.1

0.2

LDFR

11.2-12.2

11.6

0.4

LAFR

11.7-13.6

12.4

0.6

MCFR

18.2-19.4

18.7

0.5

LLCW

13.2-14.5

13.8

0.4

MATERIAL examined. — 7 specimens (7 females).

New Caledonia. Lagon: stn 1153, 18°58.4'S, 163°23.0'E, 330-335 m. beam trawl, R. V. "Vaubcm ”, 29 October 1989:

1 female 174.8 mm (HUMZ 129486).

Norfolk Ridge. Chalcal 2: stn CH 4, 24 0 44.31’S. 168°09.94’E, 253 m, otter trawl (fishes), R. V. "Coriolis", 27 October

1986: 1 female 174.8 mm (MNHN 1994-383). — Sin CP 19, 24°42.85'S, 168°09.73'E, 271 m, beam trawl, 27 October 1986:

I female 180.8 mm (MNHN 1994-380). — Stn CP 20, 24°44.60'S, 168°09.30’E. 230-300 m. beam trawl, 27 October 1986:

1 female 164.0 mm (MNHN 1994-382). — Stn CC 1, 24°54.96'S. I68°21.9I ’E, 500-580 m, shrimp trawl, 28 October 1986:

1 female 167.7 mm (MNHN 1994-381).

Smib 4: stn DW 44, 24°46.00’S, I68°08.02'E (South of Isle des Pins). 300 m, Waren dredge, R. V. "Alis", 8 March 1989: I

female 50.9 mm (MNHN 1994-384).

Isle of Matthew. Volsmar: stn DW 7, 22°26.00'S, 171°44.10’E, 400 m. Waren dredge, 1 June 1989: 1 female 59.5 mm

(HUMZ 129487).

DIAGNOSIS. — Small scales on ocular side with moderate ctenii; rostral and orbital knobs absent; gill rakers not

serrated; three diffused dark blotches on lateral line; interorbital region narrow.

DESCRIPTION. — Ranges for proportional data are given first, followed by averages. Counts and proportional

measurements as percent of SL are shown in Tables 11 and 12. Head length 3.69-4.12, 3.88 in SL; body depth

2.38-2.89. 2.55. Snout length 4.11-4.76, 4.35 in head length; upper eye diameter 2.94-3.81, 3.51; lower eye

diameter 3.00-3.81, 3.53; intcrorbital width 12.47-31.80, 20.24 in females; upper jaw length 2.61-2.82, 2.70 on

ocular side, 2.52-2.76, 2.59 on blind side; lower jaw length 1.90-2.01, 1.95 on ocular side, 1.82-1.88, 1.84 on blind

side; depth of caudal peduncle 2.53-3.12, 2.81; pectoral fin length 1.64-1.87, 1.74 on ocular side, 2.68-3.79, 3.05

Source:

168

KUNIO AMAOKA. EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

on blind side; pelvic fin length 2.68-3.24, 2.96 on ocular side, 2.93-3.37, 3.12 on blind side; pelvic fin base length

3.39-4.42, 3.79 on ocular side, 5.76-7.95, 6.45 on blind side; length of longest dorsal fin ray 2.00-2.13, 2.08; length

of longest anal fin ray 1.92-2.06, 1.99; length of middle caudal fin ray 1.34-1.46, 1.40; curved length of lateral line

1.55-1.97, 1.74.

Body elongated and elliptical, deepest point at about middle of body, its depth 1.30-1.67 times as long as head

length. Caudal peduncle deep, its depth 22.4-24.8 % of body depth. Head large, upper profile with a concavity in

front of lower margin of upper eye. Snout blunt and long, its length 64.4-89.0 % of upper eye diameter. Rostral or

orbital knob absent. Eyes small; upper eye diameter 69.8-91.8 % of upper jaw length on ocular side, lower eye in

advance of the upper. Interorbital region shallowly concave, becoming wider proportionally with increasing body

size, wider in males than in females. Mouth large, oblique; maxilla extending beyond anterior margin of lower eye;

anterior tips of both jaws nearly on same vertical line when mouth closed. A small ventral knob at mandibular

symphysis. Teeth on upper jaw sharp, uniserial, becoming larger and more widely spaced anteriorly, some anterior

canine-like teeth; lower jaw teeth uniserial, nearly similar to anterior teeth of upper jaw in size and space. Gill

rakers on first arch long or moderate in size, not serrate, absent on upper limb. Scales on ocular side small, ctenoid

with moderate ctenii, no scales on snout, middle part of interorbital region, anterior parts of both jaws, and basal

part of pectoral fins; cycloid scales on blind side. Pectoral fin on ocular side not elongated in both sexes, its length

1.61-2.02 times as long as that on blind side. Pelvic fin on ocular side originating at slightly posterior to tip of

isthmus, shorter than head length; third ray on ocular side nearly opposite to first ray on blind side. Tip of isthmus

usually below posterior margin of lower eye. Caudal fin rays branched except for two upper- and lowermost rays.

Fig. 18. — Parcibothus coarciatus (Gilbert, 1905), female, 167.7 mm, from Norfolk Ridge, south of New Caledonia (MNHN

1994-381).

Colotation (in alcohol). Body color on ocular side dark brown; three white bands below upper eye in larger

specimens; a pair of obscure dark blotches at junction of straight and curved parts of lateral line, one blotch at

middle and posterior portions of straight part ol lateral line; dark rings arranged along dorsal and ventral margins

of body; many darker spots and rings irregularly scattered on body. Blind side pale yellowish white except for light

brown margin of body. Dorsal and anal fins with a series of dark spots; pelvic fin with a dark spot.

Sexual dimorphism. Parabothus coarctatus shows sexual dimorphism in only the interorbital width.

Distribution. — Hawaiian Islands, Japan and the Coral Sea, at depths of 253-580 m.

Remarks. This species has been known from the Hawaiian Islands and southern Japan. This is the first

record of this species from the Coral Sea.

Source: MNHN, Paris

BOTHID FISHES FROM NEW CALEDONIA

169

Table 11. —Frequency distribution of eight meristic characters of Parabothus coarctatus (Gilbert. 1905).

Dorsal fin rays

113 114 115 116 117 118 95

1 0 0 0 2 4 1

Anal fin rays

96 97

2 1

Pectoral Fin rays Caudal fin rays

2+13+2

0(5)

0(2)

6(0)

1(0)

Scales in lateral line

90 91

92 93

94 95 96

0 0

1 1

1 1 0

Vertebrae

9+35 10+32 10+33 10+34

1114

Gill rakers

97 98 99 0+8 0+9 0+10 0+11

0 0 1 12 3 1

TABLE 12. — Proportional measurements as % of SL in Parabothus coarctatus (Gilbert, 1905).

Character

Range(n = 7)

Average

SL (mm)

50.9-180.8

134.7

55.5

24.3-27.1

25.8

1.0

34.6-42.1

39.4

2.6

SNL

5.7-6.1

5.9

0.1

UED

6.6-9.1

7.4

1.0

LED

6.6-8.9

7.4

0.8

IW (F)

0.8-2.1

1.4

0.4

UJL (O)

9.1-10.3

9.6

0.4

UJL(B)

9.5- 10.6

10.0

0.4

UL(O)

12.5-13.9

13.2

0.4

LJL(B)

13.1-14.5

14.0

0.5

DCP

8.6-9.6

9.2

0.4

PIL(O)

14.0-16.2

15.0

0.8

P1L(B)

7.1-9.3

8.5

0.7

P2L (O)

8.1-9.2

8.7

0.4

P2L (B)

7.9-8.6

8.3

0.3

P2B (O)

6.1-7.3

6.8

0.4

P2B (B)

3.4-4.5

4.0

0.3

LDFR

11.9-12.7

12.2

0.3

LAFR

12.1-13.6

12.7

0.5

MCFR

17.3-20.0

18.5

1.0

LLCW

13.8-16.0

14.9

0.8

Source: MNHN. Paris

170

KUNIO AMAOKA. EIJI MIHARA & JACQUES RIVATON

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We wish to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Bernard Seret, ORSTOM/Mus6um national d’Histoire naturelle,

Paris, for critical reading of our manuscript and for the loan of specimens from ORSTOM collection. Special

thanks are due to Prof. Tamotsu Iwai and Dr. Izumi Nakamura, Kyoto University, Dr. Jorgen Nielsen,

Copenhagen University, Dr. Han NlJSSEN, University of Amsterdam, Dr. Shih-Chieh SHEN, National Taiwan

University, for loans of type specimens, and to Drs. Bertrand RICHER DE FORGES and Michael KULBICKI,

ORSTOM Noumea for collecting specimens. Finally, thanks go to Drs. Kazuhiro Nakaya and Mamoru Yabe,

Hokkaido University, for their comments and assistance. This study was supported in part by grants from

Scientific Survey (N°07454231) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Japan and the Ito

Foundation for the Advancement of Ichthyology.

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Source :

LTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM, VOLUME 17 — RESULTATS DES CAMPAGNES MUSORSTOM. VOLUME 17- RESULTATS

Tetraodontiform fishes, mostly from deep waters,

of New Caledonia

Keiichi MATSUURA

Fish Section, Department of Zoology

National Science Museum (Nat. Hist.)

3-23-1 Hyakunin-cho, Shinjuku-ku

Tokyo 169, Japan

James C. TYLER

National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Institution (MRC-106)

Washington. D. C. 20560. USA

ABSTRACT

A study of the tetraodontiforms collected mainly from deep water off New Caledonia by ORSTOM resulted in finding

many significant range extensions and numerous specimens of several poorly known species, especially of spikefishes and

boxfishes. The New Caledonian collections include 20 species of tetraodontiforms: six of Triacanthodidae, five of

Monacanthidae, one of Aracanidae, one of Ostraciidae, one of Triodontidae, and six of Tetraodontidae. Two especially poorly

known species of triacanthodids, Paratriacanthodes retrospinis and Triacanthodes intermedins, are described in detail on the

basis of many specimens. The monacanthid Thamnaconus fijiensis , hitherto only known from the holotype, is recorded for the

first time from outside the type locality. The rarely collected boxfish Kentrocapros flavofasciatus, which has been known only

from the China seas and Japan,'is recorded for the first time from the south Pacific, and this suggests that this species is

antitropical in distribution.

RESUME

Tetraodontiformes, principalement des eaux profondes, de Nouvelle-Caledonie.

L’6tude des Tetraodontiformes r£coltcs par l’ORSTOM dans les eaux profondes de Nouvelle-Caledonie a permis d'etendre

notablement les aires de distribution de nombreuses esp&ces et de recolter plusieurs specimens d’espfcces peu connues,

notamment des poissons-tridents et des poissons-coffres. Cette collection de Nouvelle-Caledonie comprend 20 esp6ces de

Matsuura. K. & J. C. Tyler, 1997. — Tetraodontiform fishes, mostly from deep waters, of New Caledonia, hr. B.S£ret

( ed.), Resultats des Campagnes MUSORSTOM, Volume 17. Mem. Mus. natn. Hist, nat., 174 ; 173-208. Paris ISBN

2-85653-500-3.

Source ; MNHN. Paris

174

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

T&raodontiformes: six Triacanthodidae, cinq Monacanthidae, unc esp£ce d’Aracanidae, une espece d’Ostraciidae. une espfcce

de Triodontidae, et six Tetraodontidae. Deux especes dc Triacanthidae particulifcrement peu connues, Paratriacanthodes

retrospinis et Triacanthodes intermedius , sont decrites en detail a partir de nombreux specimens. Le poisson-bourse

Thamnaconusfijiensis , connu jusqu’& present par son holotype, est signal* pour la premiere fois en dehors de sa localite-type.

Le poisson-coffre rarement r6colt<§ Kentrocaprosflavofasciatus, qui n’etait connu que des mers de Chine et du Japon, est

signale pour la premiere fois dans le Pacifique Sud, ce qui suggfcre une distribution antitropicale pour cette espece.

INTRODUCTION

The deep-water fish collections made by ORSTOM in the waters around New Caledonia obtained an excellent

scries of tetraodontiform fishes, with many significant range extensions and numerous specimens of several poorly

known species, especially of Triacanthodidae and Aracanidae. The number of species of tetraodontiforms

represented is 20; six of Triacanthodidae, five of Monacanthidae, one of Aracanidae, one of Ostraciidae, one of

Triodontidae, and six of Tetraodontidae. We take this opportunity to describe in detail the poorly known species

and comment on morphological variation, distribution records, and ecological information lor other species.

METHODS

Counts and measurements follow the conventions in TYLER (1968) and MATSUURA (1982) for the

Triacanthodidae, MATSUURA (1980) for the Monacanthidae, MATSUURA and Yamakawa (1982) for the

Aracanidae and Ostraciidae, Tyler (1968) for the Triodontidae, and DEKKERS (1975) for the Tetraodontidae. Fin-

ray counts include all elements visible externally, even if short (e.g., uppermost pectoral-tin ray) or rudimentary

(e.g., posterior dorsal-fin spines and pelvic-fin rays in some triacanthodids and all dorsal-fin spines in triodontids).

However, in monacanthids the uppermost rudimentary pectoral-fin ray is excluded from the count. Body length is

standard length (SL) unless otherwise specified. Length is recorded to tenths of mm only for sizes under 100 mm.

Caudal-fin counts are not mentioned unless they are at variance with the familial norm. Fin-ray counts have the

modal value followed in parentheses by any variation in the count among the materials examined, unless a more

detailed account of variation is given. A full account of the station data for the various ORSTOM deep-water

cruises off New Caledonia between 1978-1989 is given in RICHER DE FORGES (1990), supplemented with the data

for ORSTOM’s Beryx cruises of 1991-1992 in Grandperrin and Lehodey (1992) and Lehodey et al. (1993).

Specimens are deposited in the collections of Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris (MNHN), Museum of

New Zealand Te Papa Tongarawa (NMNZ) and National Science Museum, Tokyo (NSMT).

SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT

Family TRIACANTHODIDAE

The Triacanthodidae is one of the few families of tetraodontiforms that occur primarily in deep water, usually

in waters deeper than 100 m (but with one western Atlantic species occasionally taken as shallow as about 40 m;

Tyler, 1968: 85). It is the most speciose of the deep-water groups of tetraodontiforms and is well represented in

the ORSTOM collections from New Caledonia. The other primarily deep-water families of tetraodontiforms are

the Aracanidae and the monotypic Triodontidae, both also represented in these ORSTOM collections.

Triacanthodids occur in the western Atlantic, Indian and western Pacific oceans, as well as a single species in

the central Pacific at Hawaii (Hollardia goslinei). In the western Pacific nearly all records of capture are from

Japan and China through the Philippines and Indonesia, with discoveries only recently from off the east coast of

Australia (MATSUURA & Paxton, MS). There are only two records of triacanthodids from the south-western

Source

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

175

Pacific to the east of Australia: Triacanthodes ethiops and T. intermedius from New Caledonia (Matsuura &

Fourmanoir, 1984); and Macrorhamphosodes uradoi from New Zealand (Matsuura, 1987; Stewart &

Clark, 1988). The ORSTOM collections of triacanthodids greatly extend the ranges of several other species into

the south-western Pacific, along with new size and depth records. These collections confirm the suggestion by

Matsuura (1987) that the scarce records of triacanthodids in the south Pacific are due to lack of extensive

collections there, and that expeditions such as those of ORSTOM in deep water off New Caledonia have a high

probability of collecting additional species of triacanthodids.

Genus BATHYPHYLAX Myers, 1934

Bathyphylax bombifrons Myers, 1934

Fig. 1

Bathyphylax bombifrons Myers, 1934: 10, fig. I (Hong Kong).

Material examined. — 3 specimens.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Musorstom 5: stn CC 383. 19°40.85’S, 158°46.10'E, 600-615 m depth, otter trawl,

R. V. " Coriolis ”, 21 October 1986: 3 specimens, 86.2-93.0 mm SL (MNHN 1995-529) (photograph of all three specimens in

Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. — Bathyphylax bombifrons, MUSORSTOM 5, stn CC 383, all 3 specimens. A. B, C: 92.7 mm, 93.0 mm and 86.2 mm SL

(MNHN 1995-529).

Source:

176

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal VI (last four short), 13; anal 12 (11); pelvic I, 1 (ray short; ray absent on

both sides in specimen of 92.7 mm SL); pectoral 13; teeth in upper jaw 18-21; teeth in lower jaw 24-25; total gill

rakers 20-23; lamellae in pseudobranch 12-16 (reaching ventrally to level of top of pectoral-fin base).

Because only five specimens (70.9-84.0 mm SL) of this species have been known previously, we record the

following measurements for the three newly collected and slightly larger specimens in order to help clarify the

mostly minor differences in morphometries between B. bombifrons and its only congener, B. omen (the latter

known on the basis on three specimens, 37.5-93.4 mm SL).

Head length 37.1-38.2% SL; snout length 13.8-14.6% SL; snout depth midway between the tips of the teeth

and the anterior edge of the orbit (depth of middle of snout) 11.7-11.9% SL; mouth width 6.6-7.1% SL; orbit

diameter 14.6-16.1% SL; postorbital length 6.8-8.4% SL; body depth 35.4-38.4% SL; pelvic width 10.7-12.4%

SL; pelvic length 33.8-36.0% SL; ratio of pelvic width into pelvic length 2.7-3.3.

When the two species of Bathyphylax were first contrasted, the main features of difference between

B. bombifrons and B. omen were thought to be that the former has a narrower pelvis, a shorter postorbital portion

of the head, a less distinctly supraterminal mouth, perhaps a few more teeth in each jaw, and a much more concave

snout profile (TYLER, 1966, 1968). Some of these differences were thought to be due in part to the size difference

between the holotypes of B. bombifrons (77.6 mm SL, from South China Sea of! Hong Kong) and B. omen

(37.5 mm SL, from western Indian Ocean off Kenya). When four additional specimens (70.9-84.0 mm SL) of

B. bombifrons and two additional specimens (67.0-93.5 mm SL) of B . omen , all from oil Kenya, were compared

with the holotypes (TYLER, 1983), it became evident that: the width of the pelvis and length of the postorbital

portion of the head both decreased with increasing specimen size and that these proportions were similar in the

larger specimens of both species; the mouth was about equally slightly supraterminal in both species; and the teeth

were of similar number in both species. The difference in the concavity of the snout became the main

distinguishing feature between the two species, along with a possible difference in the color pattern observed in

the holotypes. The greater concavity of the snout in B. bombifrons was quantified by the measurement of the depth

of the snout in the middle of its length, being 10.8-13.4% SL (average 12.0) in B. bombifrons and 12.5-15.5% SL

(average 13.9) in B. omen.

The three specimens of Bathyphylax from New Caledonia have the distinctly concave snout typical of

B. bombifrons , with middle of snout depth measurements of 11.7% SL in one specimen and of 11.9% SL in the

other two specimens. Additionally, one of these specimens has enough remains of a color pattern for it to be sure

that the lowermost dark stripe on the body, which begins behind the eye and courses over the pectoral-fin base,

curves distinctly downward toward the anus and anal-fin origin, as in the holotype of B. bombifrons and in

contrast to the condition in the holotype of B. omen , in which this stripe does not curve distinctly downward but,

rather, continues along the body toward the end of the anal-fin base. On the basis of the deeply concave snout

profile and coloration, we are confident that the New Caledonian specimens represent B. bombifrons.

The three New Caledonian specimens of B. bombifrons have 13 dorsal-fin rays while the other five specimens

have 14 (as do all specimens of B. omen), which difference we attribute to cither small sample size or intraspecific

variation, perhaps between populations in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. All of the other meristic features

of the New Caledonian specimens are within the norm of both species of Bathyphylax.

The scales in the relatively large New Caledonian specimens have six to eight upright spinules per scale plate,

a few of which are branched distally, with occasional supplemental spinules irregularly placed to the main vertical

row, about the norm for specimens of about this size in both species of Bathyphylax.

Distribution. — South China Sea, Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus.

Remarks. — The 93.0 mm SL specimen is a male and the other two specimens females, the 92.7 mm SL

female being especially ripe.

The single station at which Bathyphylax bombifrons was collected also yielded Macrorhamphosodes uradoi.

Source:

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

177

Genus HAUMOCHIRURGUS Alcock, 1899

Halimochirurgus alcocki Weber, 1913

Figs 2-3

Halimochirurgus alcocki Weber, 1913: 571, pi. 9, Fig. 6.

MATERIAL EXAMINED.— 11 specimens.

New Caledonia. Chalcal 2: stn CH 7, 29°55.50'S, 168°21.10'E, 494-590 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. “ Coriolis ",

28 October 1986: 2 specimens, 208 mm SL for the specimen in which the tubular snout is intact (MNHN 1994-596)

(photographs of this specimen in Figs 2-3); the other specimen has the end of the snout missing, but, on the basis of the size of

the body behind the eye, it is slightly larger than the preceding specimen, approximately 215 mm SL (MNHN 1994-597).

MUSORSTOM4: stn CP 155, 18°52.80’S, 163°19.50’E, 500-570 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. “ Vauban'\ 15 September 1985:

1 specimen, 122 mm SL (MNHN 1994-624).— Stn CP 216, 22°59.50*S, 167°22.00*E, 490-515 m depth, beam trawl,

29 September 1985: 1 specimen, 135 mm SL (MNHN 1994-591).

Beryx 2: stn 5, 24°54.4'S, 168°21.60'E (Seamount “B”). 535-545 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. "Alis'\ 24 October 1991:

1 specimen, 183 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27448).

Beryx 11: stn C3, 24°56.60 , S, 168°21.25’E (seamount “B’'), 502-610 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. "Alis”, 14 October 1992:

3 specimens, 185-216 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29406). — Stn C29, 23°40.50\S. 167°44.20’E (Stylaster Seamount), 440-480 m

depth, otter trawl, 18 October 1992: 1 specimen, 212 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29277). — Stn C 30, 23°36.85 , S, 167°42.15 , E

(Stylaster Seamount), 420-470 m depth. 18 October 1992: 1 specimen, 198 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29173). — Stn CP 51.

23°44.5’S, 168°16.70’E (Jumeaux Seamount), 390-400 m depth, beam trawl, 21 October 1992: 1 specimen, 83.4 mm SL

(NMNZ- P.29347).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal VI (last four

spines short), 14 (13); anal 12(13); pelvic I, 1 (ray short

and not visible externally in one specimen); pectoral 13.

There are three to about 14 small conical teeth in the

upper and lower jaws of all but two of the 11

specimens, as is typical for this species (TYLER, 1968:

197), with the upper jaw teeth usually slightly smaller

than those of the lower jaw. Two of the specimens have

exceptional dentition or jaws. One of these, 212 mm

SL, has especially well developed and numerous teeth,

about 16 in both the upper and lower jaws and with

some of them irregularly placed internal to the main

series. The other, 208 mm SL, has no teeth evident

externally along the relatively firm and smooth gum in

either jaw, while the bones in the jaws are immovably

bound together in a circular opening (Fig. 3), with the

mouth far more rigid than previously known for this

species, based on smaller specimens examined.

Consolidation (fusion?) of the jaw bones in the small

narrow mouth apparently is an occasional condition

among larger specimens of this species.

FlG. 3. — Halimochirurgus alcocki Weber, 1913,

Chalcal 2, stn CH 7, dorsal view of inflexible mouth

of specimen with consolidated bones: 208 mm SL

(MNHN 1994-596).

In contrast to the two species of Macrorhamphosodes , in which the mouth becomes twisted to one side or the

other with increasing specimen size, the mouth remains straight in all previously reported specimens of the two

species of Halimochirurgus. However, in the 208 mm SL specimen of H. alcocki with the unusually inflexible

mouth, the mouth is twisted to the left about 20°, an additional unusual feature of this specimen; the frequency of

occurrence of this snout twisting and jaw inflexibility among larger specimens of this species remains to be seen.

Source

178

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

Distribution. — Japan to East Africa.

Remarks. — The largest specimen of this species previously recorded with precision is 165 mm SL by Tyler

( 1968), with MATSUURA (1984) giving 170 mm SL as the maximum standard length, although Tomiyama and

Abe (1958) state that it reaches about 200 mm total length. The two specimens of 212 mm SL (233-238 mm total

length) and that of 216 mm SL (245 mm total length) are larger than any previously reported specimens of H.

alcocki, variously as 165 mm SL (TYLER, 1968), 170 mm SL (MATSUURA, 1984), or about 200 mm TL

(Tomiyama & Abe, 1958).

One specimen, 212 mm SL, is a ripening female, and four others, 185-216 mm SL. appear to be males with

well-developed testes. Nothing was apparent in the alimentary canal.

Halimochirurgus alcocki was collected sympatrically with other triacanthodids at the following ORSTOM

stations: with Macrorhamphosodes uradoi at Chalcal 2, stn CH 7 and at BERYX 11, stn C 30; with

Paratriacanthodes retrospinis at MUSORSTOM 4, stn CP 216; and with both M. uradoi and P. retrospinis at

BERYX 2, stn 5 and BERYX 11, stn C 29.

FlG. 2. — Halimochirurgus alcocki Weber, 1913, CHALCAL 2. stn CH 7. 1 of 2 specimens: 208 mm SL (MNHN 1994-596).

Genus MACRORHAMPHOSODES Fowler, 1934

Macrorhamphosodes uradoi (Kamohara, 1933)

Figs 4-5

Halimochirurgus uradoi Kamohara, 1933: 392, figs 1-3 (Japan).

Material examined. — 20 specimens.

New Caledonia. BlOCAL: stn CP 67, 24°55.44'S, I68°21.55’E, 500-510 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. ° Jean Charcot ”,

3 September 1985: I specimen, 46.2 mm SL (MNHN 1994-635) (photograph in Fig. 4).

MUSORSTOM 4: stn CC 201, 18°55.80'S, 163°13.80 , E, 500 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. "Vauhan ", 20 September 1985:

1 specimen, 110 mm SL (MNHN 1994-634). — Stn CC 202, 18°58.00’S, 163° 10.50’E, 580 m depth, otter trawl, 20 September

1985: 1 specimen. 85.5 mm SL (NSMT-P.46810, ex-MNHN 1994-633).

Chalcal 2: stn CH 7, 29°55.50’S, 168°21.10’E, 494-590 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. “ Coriolis ”, 28 October 1986:

2 specimens, 178-211 mm SL (MNHN 1994-598 & 599) (photograph of both specimens in Fig. 5). — Stn CC 1, 24°54.96’S,

168°21.9rE, 500-580 m depth, otter trawl, 28 October 1986: 2 specimens, 148-157 mm SL (MNHN 1994-594 & 595). — Stn

CC 2, 24°55.48’S. 168°21.29’E, 500-610 m depth, otter trawl, 28 October 1986: 1 specimen, 80.0 mm SL (MNHN 1994-621).

Beryx 2: stn 5, 24°54.40’S, 168°21.60’E (Seamount "B ”), 535-545 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. " Alis ”, 24 October 1991:

4 specimens, 111-185 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27447). — Stn 16, 23°35.60*S, I69°36.52’E (Seamount « D »), 660-675 m depth,

otter trawl, 29 October 1991: 3 specimens, 131-156 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27497).

Beryx 11: stn C28, 23°36.85’S, 167°41.85*E (Stylaster Seamount), 430-490 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. " Alis ”, 18 October

1992: 1 specimen, 160 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29252). — Stn C29, 23°40.50’S. 167°44.20’E (Stylaster Seamount), 440-480 m

Source: MNHN. Paris

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

179

depth, otter trawl, 18 October 1992: 1 specimen, 108 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29278).— Stn C30, 23°36.85’S, 167°42.15'E

(Stylaster Seamount), 420-470 m depth, otter trawl, 18 October 1992: 2 specimens, 114-123 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29174).

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Musorstom 5: stn CC 383, 19°40.85’S, 158°46.10’E, 600-615 m depth, otter trawl,

R. V. “ Coriolis ”, 21 September 1986: 1 specimen, 128 mm SL (MNHN 1994-631).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal VI (last three

spines short), 14 (13-15); anal 13 (12-14); pelvic I, 1

(ray short); pectoral 13 (14).

Among the four species of triacanthodids with

long tubular snouts, Macrorhamphosodes uradoi is

distinctive in having the wide mouth (about twice as

wide as the snout immediately behind it, versus

about the same width in Halimochirurgus) bearing

relatively few flattened spatula-like teeth that are

distally rounded in adults (versus more numerous

and distally truncate teeth in M. platycheilus ).

The 20 specimens from New Caledonia have the

same pattern of slightly increasing number and distal

rounding of the teeth with increasing specimen size

as illustrated by Tyler (1968: 210) for this species:

the two smallest specimens, 46 and 80 mm SL, have

three or four teeth in the upper jaw and ten in the

lower jaw, with those in the lower jaw tapering to

points distally; the specimens of 86 and 111 mm SL

have two teeth in the upper jaw and 12-13 in the lower jaw that are more rounded than pointed distally ; all of the

larger specimens, 114 to 211 mm SL have two teeth in the upper jaw and 13-15 (usually 14-15) in the lower jaw

that are rounded distally, except that one of these specimens has only 12 teeth in a damaged and healed lower jaw.

The mouth is only slightly twisted (to the right) in the 46 mm SL specimen but distinctly twisted to one side or the

other with increasing specimen size in all of the larger specimens, eight to the right and eleven to the left, up to

about 70° in the 178 mm SL specimen but to only about 45° in the two largest specimens, 185 and 211 mm SL.

Distribution. — This species is frequently recorded from Japan and extends to east Africa (Tyler, 1983,

1986) but has previously been reported in the south-west Pacific only from New Zealand (Matsuura, 1987;

Stewart & Clark, 1988), at slightly greater depths than elsewhere; respectively 519 m and 480-528 m. The

New Caledonian specimens were collected at depths of 420-675 m.

Remarks. — Two (178 and 211 mm SL) of the largest three specimens are ripe females, while many of the

other larger specimens appear to be males with well-developed testes. No scales are present in the gut ot any of

the specimens in this species which is known to feed on the scales of other fishes (Tyler, 1968).

The largest specimen of this species previously recorded with precision is 195 mm SL by AMAOKA (1982),

who states that the species reaches about 200 mm SL. The 211 mm SL (243 mm total length) specimen from New

Caledonia represents a slight increase in the maximum known size. The smallest specimen previously recorded is

41 mm SL by Matsuura (1985), and the smallest New Caledonian specimen, at 46 mm SL, is a valuable addition

to our knowledge of the juveniles of the species.

Macrorhamphosodes uradoi has not previously been taken in the company of other triacanthodids (lYLER,

1968, 1983) but off New Caledonia it was collected sympatrically with other triacanthodids at the following

ORSTOM stations: with Halimochirurgus alcocki at CHALCAL 2, stn CH 7 and BERYX 11, stn C 30; with

Paratriacanthodes retrospinis at CHALCAL 2, stn CC 1 and stn CC 2, BlOCAL, stn CP 67,MUSORSTOM 4, stn CC

202, and BERYX 2, stn 16; with both H. alcocki and P. retrospinis at BERYX 2, stn 5 and BERYX 11, stn C 29;

with Triacanthodes intermedius at MUSORSTOM 4, stn CC 201; and with Bathyphylax bombifrons at

Musorstom 5, stn CC 383.

FlG. 4. — Macrorhamphosodes uradoi (Kamohara, 1933),

Biocal, stn CP 67: 46.2 mm SL (MNHN 1994-635).

Source:

180

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

Fig. 5. — Macrorhamphosodes uradoi (Kamohara, 1933), CHALCAL 2, stn CH 7. A. B: 211 mm and 178 mm SL (MNHN

1994-598 & 599).

Genus PARATRIACANTHODES Fowler, 1934

Paratriacanthodes retrospinis Fowler, 1934

Figs 6-9

Paratriacanthodes retrospinis Fowler, 1934: 364, fig. 114 (Formosa).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. —61 specimens.

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CF 67, 24°55.44’S, 168°21.55’E, 500-510 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Jean Charcot”,

3 September 1985: 5 specimens, 27.5-53.3 mm SL (MNHN 1994-641 to 645). — Stn CP 109, 22°10.03’S, 167°15.22‘E, 495-

515 m depth, beam trawl, 9 September 1985: 1 specimen, 37.7 mm SL (MNHN 1994-640).

Musorstom 4: stn CP 180, 18°56.80’S, 163°17.70’E, 450 m, beam trawl, R. V. “ Vauban ”, 18 September 1985:

2 specimens, 21.9-33.5 mm SL (MNHN 1994-638 & 639). — Stn CP 194, 18°52.80’S, 163°21.70 , E, 550 m depth, beam trawl,

19 September 1985: 2 specimens, 60.5-64.0 mm SL (MNHN 1994-600 & 601).— Stn CP 198, 18°49.40’S, 163°18.80’E,

590 m depth, beam trawl. 20 September 1985: 1 specimen, 74.5 mm SL (MNHN 1994-632).— Stn CP 200, 18°53.80’S,

163° 14.10’E, 545 m depth, beam trawl, 20 September 1985: 1 specimen, 92.5 mm SL (MNHN 1994-637).— Stn CP 202,

18°58.00’S, 163° 10.50'E, 580 m depth, beam trawl. 20 September 1985: 8 specimens, 60.0-80.0 mm SL (MNHN 1994-612 to

619). — Stn CP 216, 22°59.50’S, 167°22.00’E, 490-515 m depth, beam trawl, 29 September 1985: 3 specimens, 61.2-86.3 mm

SL (MNHN 1994-581 to 583) (photographs of both sides of all three specimens in Figs. 8-9).

Chalcal 2: stn CC 1,24°54.96 , S, 168°21.9rE, 500-580 m, R. V. “ Coriolis ”, otter trawl. 28 October 1986: 5 specimens,

34.2-91.0 mm SL (MNHN 1994-607 to 611). — Stn CC 2, 24°55.48’S, 168°21.29’E, 500-610 m depth, otter trawl, 28 October

1986: 9 specimens, 29.4-87.9 mm SL (MNHN 1994-584 & 585; MNHN 1994-625 to 630; MNHN 1994-636) (photograph of

69.6 and 83.3 mm SL specimens in Fig. 6). — Stn CP 25, 23°38.60’S, 167°43.12’E, 418 m depth, beam trawl, 30 October

1986: 5 specimens, 33.5-90.3 mm SL (MNHN 1994-586 to 590) (photograph of all five specimens in Fig. 7).

Source: MNHN[ Paris

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

181

Beryx 2: stn 5, 24°54.40’S, 168°21.60’E (Seamount “B”), 535-545 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. “ Alis ”, 24 October 1991:

2 specimens, 86.6-91.6 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27452). — Stn 16. 23°35.60'S, 169°36.52’E (Seamount "D”), 660-675 m depth,

otter trawl, 29 October 1991: 3 specimens, 52.1-88.8 mm SL (NMNZ-P.27496).

Beryx 11: stn C3, 24°56.60’S, 168°21.25’E (Seamount "B”), 502-610 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. “Alis". 14 October

1992: 5 specimens, 67.5-98.8 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29407). — Stn C4, 24°52.70 , S, 168°2L80’E (Seamount "B”), 550-920 m

depth, otter trawl, 14 October 1992: 3 specimens, 73.3-86.5 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29226). — Stn C6, 24°53.80’S, 168°21.50’E

(Seamount "B”), 505-620 m depth, otter trawl, 15 October 1992: 1 specimen, 70.9 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29366). — Stn CP7,

24°54.75'S, 168°21.30’E (Seamount “B”), 510-550 m depth, beam trawl, 15 October 1992: 2 specimens, 28.3-33.2 mm SL

(NMNZ-P.29206). — Stn CP 8, 24°53.65’S, 168°21.50’E (Seamount "B”), 540-570 m depth, beam trawl, 15 October 1992:

1 specimen, 74.0 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29058). — Stn C29, 23°40.50’S, 167°44.20'E (Stylaster Seamount), 440-480 m depth,

otter trawl, 18 October 1992: 2 specimens, 91.5-92.7 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29276).

Chersterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Musorstom 5: stn CC 366, 19°45.40’S, 158°45.62 , E, 650 m depth, otter trawl.

R. V. “Coriolis ”, 19 October 1986: 4 specimens, 88.0-110 mm SL (MNHN 1994-623 & 623; NSMT-P.46002).

Description. — The two most comprehensive descriptions of this species have both been based on a

relatively small number of specimens: seven specimens of 25.9-89.2 mm SL from Japan, China, and east Africa in

Tyler's (1968) systematic monograph of the family; and five specimens of 92- 1 19 mm SL from Japan and

Taiwan by Amaoka (1982). The ORSTOM collections from New Caledonia contain 65 specimens of 21.9 - 110

mm SL and we take this opportunity to record more substantial morphometric and meristic data for this species

than previously possible.

Meristics (except for pelvic-fin rays, counts were recorded for only a majority of the 65 specimens). Dorsal VI

(spines decreasing gradually in length to the short last element), 15 rays in 50 specimens, 14 in 5 specimens, 16 in

3 specimens; anal 13 in 53 specimens, 12 in 2 specimens, 14 in 3 specimens; pelvic I, 1 (ray short) in all

65 specimens; pectoral 14 in 102 fins, 13 in 6 fins, 15 in 6 fins; teeth in upper jaw 10-18, 14.6 average in

38 specimens; teeth in lower jaw 15-24, 19.0 average in 38 specimens; no inner series teeth in any of these

38 specimens; total gill rakers 17-23, 20.4 average in 30 specimens; lamellae in pseudobranch 12-16, average 13.5

in 29 specimens (reaching ventrally from one-fourth to two-thirds down pectoral-fin base).

Fig. 6. — Paratriaccmthodes retrospinis Fowler, 1934, Chalcal 2, stn CC 2, 2 of 9 specimens. A.B: 83.3 mm and 69.6 mm

SL (MNHN 1994-584 & 585).

Because there are substantial allometric changes with increasing specimen size in certain body proportions,

especially in those of the divisions of the head, in body depth, and in pelvic width relative to pelvic length, we

Source: MNHN, Paris

182

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

have divided the specimens into two size groups at a gap in their size distribution and give the measurements for

the smaller specimens, of 21.9-40.4 mm SL, separately from those of the larger specimens, of 51.1-110 mm SL, in

both cases with the range of the measurement in percent of standard length followed in parentheses by the average

value. The data for the smaller specimens are based on nine to 14 specimens and that for the larger specimens on

28 specimens in all cases.

Head length 35.9-44.7% SL (39.7) in smaller and 32.8-39.4% SL (36.3) in larger specimens. Snout length

10.3-13.9% SL (12.3) in smaller and 10.5-13.6% SL (12.1) in larger specimens. Orbit diameter 16.4-19.6% SL

(17.7) in smaller and 14.1-18.8% SL (16.2) in larger specimens. Postorbital length (here and elsewhere, least

distance from rear of orbit to upper end of gill opening) 8.5-10.5% SL (9.2) in smaller and 8.0-9.9% SL (9.1) in

larger specimens. Gill opening length 3.8-5.0% SL (4.4) in smaller and 3.7-6.7% SL (5.1) in larger specimens.

Body depth 38.5-52.1% SL (46.3) in smaller and 36.9-43.9% SL (40.3) in larger specimens. Pelvic width (here

and elsewhere, between bases of pelvic-fin spines at locking flanges) 10.4-17.4% SL (13.6) in smaller and 8.2-

12.1% SL (10.5) in larger specimens. Pelvic length (here and elsewhere, between level of middle of bases of

pelvic-fin spines and distal tip of pelvis just in front of anus) 32.5-42.5% SL (36.5) in smaller and 29.6-36.6% SL

(33.2) in larger specimens. Ratio of pelvic width into pelvic length 2.3-3.0 (2.7) in smaller and 2.7-4.1 (3.2) in

larger specimens.

The specimens of less than 30 mm SL have one or two upright spinules per scale plate, while those of 30 to 50

mm SL have two or three spinules, those of 50 to 80 mm SL three to seven spinules in a major row plus one or

two accessory spinules, and those of 80 to 110 mm SL seven to ten spinules in a major row plus two to five

accessory spinules. While the spinules in the larger specimens sometimes arise from a single base or have closely

adjacent bases, the distal ends of the spinules remain unbranched.

Fig. 7. — Paratriacanthodes retrospinis Fowler, 1934, Chalcal 2, stn CP 25, all 5 specimens. A, B, C. D, E: : 90.3 mm,

79.5 mm, 57.5 mm, 51.1 mm and 33.5 mm SL (MNHN 1994-586 to 590).

Source:

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

183

The average values for all of these merislics and morphometries of the New Caledonian materials are closely

similar to those given for P. retrospinis in Tyler (1968) and confirm the diagnostic differences between it and its

congener. P. herrei. Predictably, with the larger number of specimens available from New Caledonia, the ranges

of the values in P. retrospinis are somewhat extended in many cases.

Fig. 8. — Paratriacanthodes retrospinis Fowler, 1934, MUSORSTOM 4, stn CP 216, left side view ol all 3 specimens. A. B. C:

86.3 mm. 72.3 mm, and 61.2 mm SL (MNHN 1994-581 to 583); note the irregular occurrence of the pale circle color

pattern variant from one side to the other of the same specimen (see Fig. 9).

The color pattern is relatively well preserved in many ol these specimens, lar more so than in the specimens

described in Tyler (1968), including the holotype illustrated therein (fig. 51). That illustration of the holotype,

collected in 1908, emphasizes the three pale lines (now known to be blue in life) between the three major dark

stripes (reddish) present horizontally along the upper two-thirds of the body. This same emphasis on the pale lines

is given in the color illustrations of fresh specimens of this species in TOMIYAMA and ABE (1958) and Kamohara

( 1961), with the upper two pale lines shown terminating in the region below the solt dorsal-fin base but the

lowermost pale line as continuing posteriorly to the middle of the caudal-lin base, and all of the lines shown with

relatively straight margins. However, the photographs of fresh specimens in AMAOKA (1982) and Matsuura

( 1984) indicate that the pale lines are less straight and precisely outlined than shown in the above referenced

illustrations. It is now obvious that in fresh specimens it is the three pale blue lines that strike the eye and that in

Source:

184

KEIICHI MATSU UR A & JAMES C. TYLER

preserved materials it is the dark stripes (reddish in lile but brownish-black in preservation) that dominate the

color pattern. Of (he dark stripes in preserved specimens, it is the upper stripe along the base of the dorsal fins and

the lower stripe from the eye over the pectoral-fin base to the rear of the abdomen that are more prominent than

the less well-defined band in between them (Figs. 6-7 show this pattern in specimens of both small and large size).

Fig. 9. — Paralriacanthodes retrospinis Fowler, 1934, MUSORSTOM 4, stn CP 216, right side view of the specimens shown in

Fig. 8(MNHN 1994-581 to 583).

Based on both fresh and preserved materials, the sequence of the stripes and lines from dorsal to ventral is as

follows: the general red background color of the head and body forming a dark stripe, with a wavy lower edge,

from below the front of the spiny dorsal-fin base to below the anterior one-third of the soft-dorsal fin base; an

upper narrow wavy pale blue line from about the level of the middle of the distance between the eye and the spiny

dorsal-fin origin to about the middle of the soft dorsal-fin base, where it is slightly expanded and upturned; a

relatively diffuse red stripe from the level of just above the eye to the posterior half of the soft dorsal-fin base,

where it is slightly expanded and most deeply pigmented; a middle narrow wavy pale blue line from just above the

middle of the eye to about the middle of the body at the level of the middle of the soft dorsal-fin base, where it

may be continuous with the lower pale line; an especially distinct red stripe from the middle of the rear of the eye

to just above the pectoral-fin base and along the region just above the top of the abdominal cavity, turning slightly

downward at the level of the anus; a lower narrow wavy pale blue line from the lower rear of the eye to the top of

the pectoral-fin base and along the region just below the top of the abdominal cavity where at the level of the anus

Source:

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

185

it either anastomoses with or closely approaches the posterior region of the middle pale line and then turns slightly

upward to continue on posteriorly to the middle of the caudal-fin base; the general red background color of the

body present as a band below the lower pale line in the upper half of the abdominal region but the lower half of

the abdomen being silvery blue; in the region of the posterior half of the body and caudal peduncle there are

irregular pale blue anastomoses, especially in the region of the lower pale line.

Exceptional in color pattern among the ORSTOM materials are the three specimens of P. retrospinis from

Musorstom 4, stn CP 216. Each of these has an indication of a prominent pale circle on the body, but this is only

distinctly present on one side of the body and not on both sides in all three specimens and it is of irregular

placement (Figs. 8-9 show both sides of these specimens). The pale circle is most prominent and most

symmetrical on the abdomen of the right side of the 61.2 mm SL specimen; its prominence is due in part to the

dark peritoneum being seen through the abdominal wall at the center of the circle. The pale circles are higher

and/or more posterior on the body in the other two specimens and the centers are not especially dark in

appearance. In all other respects except the presence of the pale circles, these three specimens have typical features

of P. retrospinis , including morphometric and meristic values that are the norm for this species. Two of these three

specimens are mature males and the other, the smallest, is probably a developing male, but many mature and

developing males (and females) are present among the far more numerous specimens of P. retrospinis without

pale circles from New Caledonia and the color pattern differences do not seem to be correlated with sex. Because

these pale circles are so irregular in occurrence, as is their placement, in these three specimens, and further

because they are not present on other specimens from New Caledonia and elsewhere, we are confident the circles

arc a color pattern variant based on the pattern of anastomosing pale lines observed on the lower posterior half of

the body in many specimens, as described above. Therefore, we consider these three specimens to be

P. retrospinis.

This explanation probably applies as well to the specimen of Triacanthodes intermedins collected from off

New Caledonia (one of the two specimens from Musorstom 4, stn CP 171), which alone among the numerous

specimens of that species also has a similar pale circle on one side but not on the other.

We presume that the pale circles (presumedly blue in life) are an infrequent and irregular aspect of the normal

color pattern of a small minority of specimens of Paratriacanthodes retrospinis and, even less frequently, of

Triacanthodes intermedins.

The pattern of dark stripes in Paratriacanthodes retrospinis described above is basically similar to that in

P. herrei , and the color pattern distinction between these two species of the genus described by Tyler (1968), in

over-emphasizing the pale lines of P. retrospinis , probably does not exist, because the dark stripes are essentially

the same in both species.

Distribution. — Japan, China, Mozambique, Natal, New Caledonia, Chesterfield and Bcllona Plateaus.

Remarks. — The specimens of P. retrospinis collected at 660-675 m off New Caledonia represent a new

depth record for this species, previously known as deep as 550 m (Amaoka, 1982). This species obtains a slightly

larger size than the largest specimen (110 mm SL) from New Caledonia, up to 120 mm SL (TOMIYAMA & Abe.

1958; Amaoka, 1982; Matsuura, 1984), while the smallest specimen (21.9 mm SL) from New Caledonia is

slightly smaller than previously reported (25.9 mm SL, Tyler, 1968), with the 12 specimens in the 21.9 -

40.4 mm SL size range representing by far the largest number of young juveniles yet available for study.

Paratriacanthodes retrospinis has not previously been taken in the company ol other triacanthodids (TYLER,

1968, 1983), but off New Caledonia it was collected together (and therefore approximately sympatrically) with

other triacanthodids at the following ORSTOM stations: with Triacanthodes intermedins at MUSORSTOM 4, stn CP

180; with Macrorhamphosodes nradoi at BlOCAL, stn CP 67, MUSORSTOM 4, stn CC 202, CHALCAL 2. stn CC 1

and stn CC 2, and BERYX 2, stn 16; with Halimochirnrgns alcocki at MUSORSTOM 4, stn CP 216; and with both

M. nradoi and //. alcocki at BERYX 2, stn 5 and BERYX 11, stn C 29.

Of the 24 specimens in which sex could be determined with conlidence by gross examination of the gonads

under a dissecting microscope, at sizes of greater than about 60 mm SL, 8 are females (64.0-1 10 mm SL) with

ripening ovaries and 16 are males (60.5-110 mm SL) with developing to well-developed testes, and this

Source:

186

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

unbalanced sex ratio seems to apply to the numerous other specimens of this species in which sex determination

was less certainly suggested.

Genus TRIACANTHODES Bleeker, 1858

Triacanthodes ethiops Alcock, 1894

Fig. 10

Triacanthodes ethiops Alcock, 1894: 137, pi. 7 (Bay of Bengal).

Material examined. — 28 specimens.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Chalcal 1: stn CH 2, 22°34.41’S, 159°17.39'E, 330 m depth, otter trawl,

R. V. " Coriolis", 28 July 1984: 15 specimens, 70.4-86.7 mm SL (MNHN 1995-556).

Musorstom 5: stn CH 271, 24°48.24’S, I59°34.60*E, 250-276 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. " Coriolis ”, 9 October 1986:

1 specimen, 70.5 mm SL (MNHN 1995-555). — Stn CP 318, 22°26.5rS, 159°21.36’E, 330 m depth, beam trawl, 13 October

1986: 2 specimens, 72.7-73.3 mm SL (MNHN 1995-552) (photograph of both specimens in Fig. 10).

New Caledonia. MUSORSTOM 4: stn CC 245. 22°07.00 , S, 167° 11.00’E, 415-435 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. 44 Vauhan ”,

3 October 1985: 9 specimens, 47.1- 65.6 mm SL (MNHN 1995-554).— Stn CC 246, 22°08.50'S, 167°11.50’E. 410-420 m

depth, otter trawl, 3 October 1985: 1 specimen, 48.6 mm SL (MNHN 1995-553).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal VI, 15 (14); anal 13 (12-14); pelvic I, 2; pectoral 14(13).

Triacanthodes ethiops is one of the most commonly collected triacanthodid fishes and has been described in

detail by Tyler (1968). The New Caledonian materials contain a specimen of 86.7 mm SL, slightly larger than the

largest previously reported (81.9 mm SL by Tyler, 1968).

The meristics of the New Caledonian specimens mostly overlap those previously reported, although the ranges

ol dorsal and anal-fin ray counts are extended respectively to 14 (the previous lowest count was 15) and 14 (the

previous highest count was 13).

DISTRIBUTION. — Triacanthodes ethiops is known in the Pacific from Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia and

New Caledonia (Tyler, 1968; MATSUURA & Fourmanoir, 1984), and in the Indian Ocean along the east coast of

Africa (Tyler, 1968); it has recently been discovered off the east coast of Australia (MATSUURA & PAXTON,

unpublished).

Fig. 10. — Triacanthodes ethiops Alcock, 1894, MUSORSTOM 5, sin CP 318, both specimens. A, B: 73.3 mm and 72.7 mm SL

(MNHN 1995-552).

Source :

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

187

Triacanthodes intermedium Matsuura & Fourmanoir, 1984

Fig. 11

Triacanthodes intermedins Matsuura & Fourmanoir, 1984: 32, fig., holotype 71.7 mm LS (NSMT-P.22373), Isle des Pins

(New Caledonia), 1 April 1978, 360-415 m.

Material examined. — 16 specimens.

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 42, 22°45.14’S, 167°12.12 , E, 380 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Jean Charcot ”,

30 August 1985: 3 specimens, 41.7-68.0 mm SL (MNHN 1995-546) (photograph of all three specimens in Fig. 11).

Musorstom 4: stn CP 171, 18°57.80’S, 163°14.00 , E, 435 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. “Vauban'\ 17 September 1985:

2 specimens, 52.1-61.3 mm SL (MNHN 1995-549).— Stn CP 180, 18 o 56.80’S, 163°17.70’E, 450 m depth, beam trawl,

18 September 1985: 1 specimen, 59.7 mm SL (MNHN 1995-544).— Stn CP 201, 18°55.80’S, 163°13.80’E, 500 m depth,

beam trawl, 20 September 1985: 2 specimens, 59.5-71.5 mm SL (MNHN 1995-545). — Stn CP 214, 22°53.80’S, 167°13.90'E,

425-440 m depth, beam trawl, 28 September 1985: 2 specimens, 49.0-59.4 mm SL (MNHN 1995-547).— Stn CC 245,

22°07.00'S, 167° 11.00’E, 415-435 m depth, otter trawl, 3 October 1985: 3 specimens, 48.9-63.1 mm SL (NSMT-P.46809). —

Stn CC 246, 22°08.50’S, 167° 11.50’E, 410-420 m depth, otter trawl, 3 October 1985: 1 specimen, 60.6 mm SL (MNHN 1995-

548). — Stn CC 247. 22°09.00’S, 167°13.30'E. 435-460 m depth, otter trawl, 4 October 1985. 2 specimens, 54.0-65.9 mm SL

(MNHN 1995-543).

Fig. 11. — Triacanthodes intennedius Matsuura & Fourmanoir, 1984, Biocal, stn CP 42, all 3 specimens. A. B, C: 68.0 mm,

41.7 mm and 52.1 mm SL (MNHN 1995-546).

Source MNHN. Paris

188

KEIICHI MATSU UR A & JAMES C. TYLER

DESCRIPTION. — Meristics. Dorsal VI, 15 rays in 14 specimens, 14 in 1 specimen, 16 in 1 specimen; anal 13 in

15 specimens, 12 in 1 specimen; pelvic I, 2 rays in 20 fins, 1 ray in 12 fins; pectoral 14 in 24 fins, 13 in 3 fins, 15

in 5 fins; outer teeth in upper jaw 12-17, 14.8 average, 2 inner teeth in 8 specimens, 1 in 6 specimens, none in

2 specimens; outer lower jaw teeth 14-21, 17.9 average, 2 inner teeth in 13 specimens, 1 in 2 specimens, none in

1 specimen; total gill rakers 15-22, 18.8 average; lamellae in pseudobranch 17-24, 18.4 average (reaching

ventrally from halfway down to level of lower edge of pectoral-fin base); olfactory lamellae 12-15, 13.2 average.

Proportional measurements of all specimens are followed in parentheses by the average value. Head length

42.2- 51.8% SL (39.4), snout length 12.1-14.9% SL (13.7), orbit diameter 16.8-20.1% SL (18.2), postorbital length

8.2- 11.8% SL (10.0), interorbital width 10.2-13.7% SL (11.5), gill opening length 4.8-6.9% SL (6.1), snout to

spiny dorsal fin 41.0-46.8% SL (44.5), body depth 42.2-51.8% SL (45.0), first dorsal spine length 28.9-41.0% SL

(36.0), length of soft dorsal-fin base 15.3-19.2% SL (17.3), soft dorsal-fin height 10.1-16.3% SL (13.4), length of

anal-fin base 10.9-14.1% SL (12.8), anal-fin height 10.3-13.9% SL (11.8), caudal-fin length 23.5-28.6% SL

(25.4), caudal peduncle depth 8.4-11.1 % SL (9.5), caudal peduncle length 15.4-19.7 % SL (17.7), pelvic width

4.4-5.9% SL (5.1), pelvic length 26.6-32.6% SL (29.6), olfactory organ diameter 3.2-5.3% SL (4.5), distance

between olfactory organs 3.8-5.9% SL (4.8).

Triacanthodes intermedins is a rarely collected and poorly known species, until now represented only by the

two type specimens collected from New Caledonia (MATSUURA & Fourmanoir, 1984). The ORSTOM

collections off New Caledonia obtained 16 specimens of this species, permitting us to better characterize it.

MATSUURA & FOURMANOIR (1984) stated that T. intermedins shows the intermediate conditions of many of

the distinguishing characters between Triacanthodes and Paratriacanthodes. The counts and morphometries of the

large numbers of New Caledonian materials of T. intermedins confirm this statement, and many of the ranges of

the character values in T. intermedins are extended.

The gill opening of T. intermedins is moderate in length, extending ventrally about halfway down the pectoral-

fin base. The lamellae of the pseudobranch reach ventrally from halfway down to the level of the lower edge of

the pectoral-tin base. In these two features T. intermedins is more similar to Paratriacanthodes than to the other

members of Triacanthodes.

There are usually inner teeth in both the upper and lower jaws of T. intermedins, though two specimens have

no inner teeth in the upper jaw and one specimen has no inner teeth in the lower jaw. A similar situation has been

reported by Tyler (1968) in T. ethiops\ 10% of the specimens examined by him have no inner teeth in the upper

jaw.

The shape of the pelvis of T. intermedins differs from that of the other species of Triacanthodes but resembles

that of Paratriacanthodes herrei (Matsuura & FOURMANOIR, 1984). The narrower pelvis (4.4-5.9 % SL) of

T. intermedins clearly separates it from the congeners having a wider pelvis (7.0-10.7% SL).

The color pattern is much better preserved in several specimens of the New Caledonian materials than in the

two type specimens described by Matsuura & FbURMANOiR (1984). The yellowish-tan body of preserved

specimens is marked by three principal dark lines, as well as by a short longitudinal dark line on the caudal

peduncle. The uppermost line runs from the base of the first dorsal spine to the origin of the soft dorsal fin. The

middle line runs from above the anterior part of the eye to the end of the soft dorsal-fin base. The lowermost line

starts from the mid-posterior edge of the eye and runs postero-ventrally to the anus. This color pattern is the same

as that observed in T. anomalns , and differs from that in T. ethiops.

One of the two specimens of T. intermedins from MUSORSTOM 4, stn CP 171 has a pale circle on one side of

the body. Similar pale circles are found in three specimens of Paratriacanthodes retrospinis from MUSORSTOM

4, stn CP 216, and we consider these circles to be variations of the anastomosing pale lines observed on the lower

posterior half ol the body in many specimens of P. retrospinis and T. intermedins (see comments under

P. retrospinis).

Distribution. — New Caledonia.

Remarks. Triacanthodes intermedins was collected together with P. retrospinis at MUSORSTOM 4, stn

CP 180 and with T. ethiops at MUSORSTOM 4, stn CC 245 and stn CC 246.

Source:

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

189

Family MONACANTHIDAE

Although many species of filefishes are found in shallow waters, usually shallower than 50 m, some groups of

filefishes, particularly the large-sized species (e.g., those of Thamnaconus ), inhabit continental slopes as deep as

450 m (see account of Thamnaconus tessellatus , below), whereas the small-sized species, such as

Paramonacanthus japonicus and Pseudalutarius nasicomis , are found in depths less than 60 m.

Genus PARAMONACANTHUS Bleeker, 1865

Paramonacanthus japonicus (Tilesius, 1801)

Fig. 12

Monacanthus japonicus Tilesius, 1801: 212, pi. 13 (Japan).

Material examined. — 8 specimens.

New Caledonia MUS0RST0M 4: stn CC 146, 19°53.40’S, 163°47.10’E, 34 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. “ Vauban",

13 September 1985: 5 specimens, 70.1-84.5 mm SL (MNHN 1995-539) (photograph of 70.1, 72.8, 73.0 and 84.5 mm SL

specimens in Fig. 12). — Stn CC 147, 19°35.00’S, 163°39.60’E, 46 m depth, otter trawl, 13 September 1985: 3 specimens,

80.7-90.5 mm SL (MNHN 1995-538).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal II, 28 (27-29); anal 28 (27-29); pectoral 11 (12).

FIG. 12. — Paramonacanthus japonicus (Tilesius, 1801), MUSORSTOM 4, stn CC 146, 4 of 5 specimens. A, B, C, D: 84.5 mm

(male), 73.0 mm (female), 72.8 mm (female) and 70.1 mm (female) SL (MNHN 1995-539).

Source: MNHN . Paris

190

KEIICHl MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

Remarks. — Paramonacanthusjaponicus is widely distributed in shallow waters in the Indo-west Pacific,

usually in sandy-muddy otters. This species, like others of the genus, shows sexual dimorphism in the shape of the

body and caudal fin, and in color. The male has a shallower body (31.0-32.6% SL) and filamentous caudal Fin

rays, whereas the female has a deeper body (41.6-41.8% SL) and no produced rays in the caudal fin.

Paramonacanthus curtorhynchus (Bleeker) is a junior synonym of P. japonicus (B. HUTCHINS, pers. comm.).

Genus PSEUDALUTARIUS Bleeker, 1865

Pseudalutarius nasicornis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850)

Fig. 13

Alutera nasicornis Temminck & Schlegel, 1850: 293. pi. 131, fig. 2 (Japan).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. —3 specimens.

New Caledonia MUSORSTOM 4: stn CP 148, 19 o 23.40*S, 163°31.90 , E, 59 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. u Vauban’\

14 September 1985: 3 specimens, 104-119 mm SL (MNHN 1995-527) (photograph of 104 and 119 mm SL specimens in

Fig. 13).

%<■ ■

Fig. 13. -Pseudalutarius nasicornis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850), MUSORSTOM 4. stn CP148, 2 of 3 specimens. A. B: 119

mm and 104 mm SL (MNHN 1995-527).

Source:

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

191

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal II, 47 (49); anal 43-46; pectoral 11.

Pseudalutarius nasicornis is a derived monacanthid, distinguished from all others in having the dorsal spine

anterior to the eye.

DISTRIBUTION. — This species is distributed in shallow waters in the subtropical and tropical regions in the

Indo-west Pacific from South Africa eastward through Indonesia to the east coast of Australia (Hutchins, 1986;

KUITER, 1993), and northward to southern Japan (MATSUURA, 1988).

Genus THAMNACONUS Smith, 1949

Thamnacomis fijiensis Hutchins & Matsuura, 1984

Fig. 14

Thanmaconus fijiensis Hutchins & Matsuura, 1984: 387, figs 1-2-3 (Fiji).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 1 specimens.

New Caledonia. Biocal: stn CP 84, 20°42.94’S, 167°01.50’E, 150-210 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. “Jean Charcot",

6 September 1985: 1 specimen. 102 mm SL (MNHN 1995-528).

FIG. 14. — Thanmaconus fijiensis Hutchins & Matsuura, 1984. Biocal, stn CP 84, I specimen: 102 mm SL (MNHN 1995-

528).

Source: MNHN . Paris

192

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal II, 34; anal 33; pectoral 13.

The proportional measurements of the New Caledonian specimen are: head length 34.2% SL. snout length

26.6% SL, eye diameter 12.0% SL, interorbital width 11.7% SL, gill opening length 10.0% SL, snout to spiny

dorsal fin 35.9% SL, snout to anal fin 69.1% SL. body depth 41.6% SL, body width 13.9% SL, first dorsal-spine

length 27.1% SL, length of longest dorsal-fin ray (5th) 12.6% SL, length of longest anal-fin ray (5th) 12.5% SL.

length of soft dorsal-fin base 34.2% SL, length of anal-fin base 31.2% SL, pectoral-fin length 13.2% SL. caudal-

fin length 30.6% SL, caudal peduncle depth 10.1% SL, caudal peduncle length 9.8% SL.

Thamnaconus fijiensis was described on the basis of a single specimen collected in a fish trap outside Suva

Barrier Reef, Fiji, at the depth of 183 m (Hutchins & Matsuura, 1984). The New Caledonian specimen, though

smaller than the 137 mm SL hololype, does not differ from it in general appearance. However, the fin-ray counts

of the New Caledonian specimen are slightly different from those of the hololype (shown in parentheses); dorsal

rays 34 (33) and anal rays 33 (32).

Distribution. — Fiji, New Caledonia

Remarks. — Judging from the collection depths of the hololype and the New Caledonian specimen.

T. fijiensis is a relatively deep-dwelling species. The closest relative of this species is T.fajordoi, known from the

east coast of Africa (Hutchins & Matsuura, 1984).

Thamnaconus modestoides (Barnard, 1927)

Fig. 15

Caniherines modestoides Barnard, 1927: 958 (Algoa Bay).

Material examined. —2 specimens.

Loyalty Islands. MUSORSTOM 6: stn CP 400. 20°42.18'S, I67°00.40'E, 270 m depth, beam trawl, R V "Alis"

14 February 1989: I specimen, 145 mm SL (MNHN 1995-531).

FlG SM ) Tham " aco " us modestoides (Barnard. 1927), Musorstom 6. stn CP 400. I specimen: 145 mm SL (MNHN 1995-

Source :

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

193

New Caledonia. Beryx 11: stn C41, 23°39.20’S, 168°00.50’E, 230-360 m depth, R. V. "Alis", otter trawl, 20 October

1992: 1 specimen, 246 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29304).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal II, 35; anal 32-33; pectoral 13.

The New Caledonian materials have slightly lower dorsal-fin ray counts than previously reported from South

Africa (36-38 by HUTCHINS, 1986), but their dorsal fin-ray counts fall within the ranges reported from Japan (33-

34 by Zama & Yasuda, 1979; 34-35 by Matsuura, 1985).

Distribution. — Thamnaconus modestoides has been reported from the east coast of Africa, northwestern

Australia, and Japan (Zama & Yasuda, 1979; Allen & Swainston, 1988; Matsuura, 1988).

Thamnaconus tessellatus (Gunther. 1880)

Figs 16-17

Monacanthus tessellatus Gunther, 1880: 54, pi. 23, fig. B (Philippines).

Material examined. — 13 specimens.

New Caledonia. Chalcal 2: stn CP 26, 23°18.15 , S, 168°03.58’E, 296 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. “ Coriolis ”, 31 October

1986: 4 specimens, 53.0-130 mm SL (MNHN 1995-550) (photograph of 54.0 and 61.0 mm SL specimens in Fig. 16).

Beryx 11: stn C 13, 24°43.16’S, I68°08.92*E, 230-240 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. "Alis", 16 October 1992: 1 specimen,

292 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29180). — Stn CP 16, 24°47.12’S, 168°08.7rE, 240-250 m depth, beam trawl, 16 October 1992:

1 specimen, 43.3 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29092). — Stn CP 17, 24°48.00’S, 168°08.80’E. 250-270 m depth, beam trawl,

16 October 1992: 1 specimen. 184 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29384). — Stn CP 23, 24°43.40*S, !68 o 07.75'E, 270-290 m depth, beam

trawl, 17 October 1992: 1 specimen, 181 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29191). — Stn CP 25, 24°43.52’S, 168°08.52*E, 230-235 m depth,

beam trawl, 17 October 1992: 1 specimen, 172 mm SL (NMNZ-P.293I6). — Stn CP 28, 23°36.85’S, 167°41.85’E, 430-490 m

depth, beam trawl, 180ctober 1992: 1 specimen, 199 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29256). — Stn CP 45, 23°40.27'S, 16$t0.95’E, 270-

290 m depth, beam trawl. 20 October 1992: 1 specimen, 172 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29316).

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Musorstom 5: stn CP 268, 24°44.70 , S. 159°39.20’E, 280 m depth, beam trawl,

R. V. ''Coriolis", 9 October 1986: 1 specimen, 130 mm SL (MNHN 1995-530)— Stn CP 318, 22°26.51’S, 159°2L36’E,

330 m depth, beam trawl. 13 October 1986: 1 specimen, 189 mm SL (MNHN 1995-531) (photograph of this specimen in Fig.

17).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal II, 36 (35-38); anal 33 (32-35); pectoral 13(14).

Thamnaconus tessellatus has been confused with T. hypargyreus (Cope) (e.g., MASUDA et al., 1975). They are

similar in having many spots on the body; however, the number of spots are greater in T. tessellatus than in

T. hypargyreus. Although the color of the spots in preserved specimens is dark brown in both of these species, the

color of the spots in fresh specimens is dark brown in T. tessellatus and dark yellow or yellowish-brown in

T. hypargyreus. Thamnaconus tessellatus also differs from T. hypargyreus in the color pattern of the head;

T. tessellatus has dark brown spots on the snout whereas T. hypargyreus has no spots on the snout but has longitu¬

dinal blue (pale in preserved specimens) lines on the snout.

Juveniles of two species are distinguished by the color pattern; Thamnaconus tessellatus has the overall dark

pigmentation in the caudal fin and the obvious rows of dark spots extending posteriorly from the middle of the eye

(the contraction in the size of the spots is a variation occasionally found in both species) (B. Hutchins, pers.

comm.).

Distribution. — The fishes of the genus Thamnaconus are poorly known because of their generally deep¬

water habitats; the previous deepest record for the genus is 360 m (Hutchins & Matsuura, 1984). One of the

specimens of T. tessellatus from New Caledonia (NMNZ-P.29256) was collected at 430-490 m; other specimens

from New Caledonia were collected at depths of 230-296 m. Thamnaconus tessellatus has been recorded from

southern Japan southward through the Philippines and Indonesia to eastern Australia (Sainsbury et al ., 1985;

B. Hutchins, pers. comm.).

194

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

The population of Thamnaconus hypargyreus in the East China Sea was erroneously described as a new

species Thamnaconus xanthoptera by Xu & Zhan (1988). However, judging from their original description, it is a

junior synonym of T. hypargyreus.

Thousands of specimens of Thamnaconus tessellatus have been observed washed up on the beaches in the

Ogasawara Islands in winter (Matsuura & Tachikawa, 1994).

Fig. 16. — Thamnaconus tessellatus (Gunther, 1880), Chalcal 2, stn CP 26, 2 of 4 specimens. A. B: 61.0 mm and 54 0 mm

SL(MNHN 1995-550).

Source: MNHN. Paris

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

195

Fio. 17. — Thamnaconus lessellatus (Gunther, 1880). MUSORSTOM 5, stn CP 318. 1 specimen: 189 mm SL (MNHN 1995-551).

Family ARACANIDAE

Aracanids are primitive boxfishes, most of whose species are found in relatively deep waters in temperate and

tropical seas in the Indo-west Pacific, although a few species (e.g., Aracanaaurita and A. ornata ) occur in shallow

waters. The greatest number of species of aracanids is found in the waters of Australia; however, none of the

species of Kentrocapros have been found there.

Genus KENTROCAPROS Kaup, 1855

Kentrocapros flavofasciatus (Kamohara, 1938)

Fig. 18

Aracanaflavofasciala Kamohara, 1938: 44, fig. 23 (Japan).

Material examined. — 6 specimens.

New Caledonia. Chalcal 2: stn CP 27, 23°15.29'S, 168°04.55'E, 289 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. ■‘Coriolis". 31 October

1986: 1 specimen. 89,2 mm SL (MNHN 1995-542).— Stn DW 78, 23°41.30’S, 167°59.60'E, 233 - 360 m depth, Warcn

dredge, 30 October 1986: 1 specimen, 63.6 mm SL (MNHN 1995-540).— Stn DW 82, 23°I3.68'S, 168°04.27'E, 304 m

depth, Waren dredge, 31 October 1986: 1 specimen, 89.0 mm SL (NSMT-P.46811).

MUSORSTOM 4: stn CP 172, 19°01.20'S, I63°16.00'E, 275-330 m depth, beam trawl. R. V. " Vauban ", 17 September 1985:

I specimen, 108 mm SL (MNHN 1995-541) (photograph of this specimen in Fig. 18).

Beryx 11: stn CP 16, 24°47.12 - S, 168°08.71’E. 240-250 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Alis". 16 October 1992: 1 specimen,

44.8 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29089). — Stn CP 24, 24°43.40'S. 168°07.65’E. 260-280 m depth, beam trawl, 17 October 1992:

1 specimen. 38.2 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29082).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal 11 (10); anal 10; pectoral 12.

Kentrocapros flavofasciatus was previously known from only eight specimens (MATSUURA & Yamakawa,

1982; MATSUURA, 1988). Although this species is similar to K. rosapinto (Smith, 1949), known from the

southwestern Indian Ocean and South Africa, it differs from the latter by the position of the gill opening; in

Source :

196

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

K. flavofasciatus the gill opening is slightly oblique, located below the posterior half of the eye, with the posterior

end of the gill opening not reaching below the posterior edge of the eye; in K. rosapinto the gill opening is almost

vertical or very slightly oblique, located below the posterior edge of the eye, with the posterior end of the gill

opening reaching below or beyond the posterior edge of the eye.

The New Caledonian materials include two juveniles, 38.2-44.8 mm SL, which are much smaller than any

other specimens previously collected. Because there are allometric changes in many characters, we record the

proportional measurements below separately for the juveniles and adults.

Proportional measurements of the juveniles. Head length 38.8-41.9% SL, snout length 25.7-28.8% SL, eye

diameter 19.0-22.3% SL, interorbital width 22.3-23.3% SL, postorbital length 8.3-10.2% SL, gill opening length

7.8- 7.9% SL, snout to dorsal fin 77.7-80.6% SL, snout to anal fin 75.9-78.3% SL. body depth 54.0-59.9% SL,

body width 35.3-37.2% SL, dorsal-fin height 19.9-22.0% SL, anal-fin height 20.1-21.2% SL, length of dorsal-fin

base 10.7-11.6% SL, length of anal-fin base 10.5% SL, pectoral-fin length 25.7-28.0% SL, caudal-fin length 24.6-

27.7% SL, caudal peduncle depth 8.9% SL, caudal peduncle length 15.7-20.1% SL, tail length (measured from

posterior edge of lateral ridge of carapace to mid-caudal-fin base) 17.3-19.0% SL, tail depth (vertical distance

between posterior edges of structural bases of last dorsal and anal-fin rays) 22.5-23.0% SL.

Proportional measurements of the adults. Head length 32.8-36.9% SL, snout length 24.5-26.1% SL, eye

diameter 15.6-19.7% SL, interorbital width 13.8-15.9% SL, postorbital length 8.8-9.8% SL, gill opening length

9.9- 13.9% SL, snout to dorsal fin 72.7-77.0% SL, snout to anal fin 71.7-77.0% SL, body depth 45.1-50.3% SL,

body width 26.4-31.8% SL, dorsal fin height 19.5-20.4% SL, anal-fin height 17.4-19.3% SL, length of dorsal-fin

base 10.9-1 1.1% SL, length of anal fin base 9.5-10.5% SL, pectoral fin length 22.4-25.6% SL, caudal-fin length

20.3-25.5% SL, caudal peduncle depth 8.1-8.6% SL, caudal peduncle length 19.5-21,1% SL, tail length 20 8-

21.9% SL, tail depth 21.1-23.2% SL.

FlG l 995 ~ 54 \ r ' rOCaPrOSflaV ° t aSciatUS ,Kamnhara ' l938 )’ Musorstom 4, stn CP 172, 1 specimen: 108 mm SL (MNHN

The two juveniles from New Caledonia differ from the adults in several morphometries, such as head length,

eye diameter, mterorbital width, and body depth. However, these differences are considered to be allometric and

similar to such changes as found in other tetraodontiform fishes. The juveniles also differ in color from the adults.

Source ;

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

197

They have no longitudinal dark bands on the sides of the body, whereas the dorsal half of their sides and back are

covered with many dark spots. In this respect the juveniles are more similar to females than to males.

Distribution. — Kentrocapros flavofasciatus has been recorded from the Pacific coast of southern Japan and

the East and South China seas in depths of 80-120 m (Matsuura & Yamakawa, 1982). The six specimens from

New Caledonia represent the first record of this species from the south Pacific, and suggest that the distribution of

this species is antitropical.

Family OSTRACIIDAE

Ostraciid boxfishes are distributed in shallow waters in tropical seas worldwide. Although there are many

osteological differences between ostraciids and aracanids, the most striking differences in external characters are

the following: in ostraciids there are no isolated bony plates on the caudal peduncle (except mid-dorsally and mid-

ventrally in some species o f Acanthostracion), and there are eight (vs. nine) branched rays in the caudal fin.

Genus TETKASOMUS Swainson, 1839

Tetrosomus gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 19

Ostracion gibbosus Linnaeus, 1758: 332 (India).

Material examined. — 3 specimens.

New Caledonia MUSORSTOM 4: stn CC 146, 19°53.40’S, 163°47.10’E, 34 ni depth, otter trawl, R. V. " Vauban ",

13 September 1985: 3 specimens, 125-166 mm SL (MNHN 1995-533) (photograph of 130 mm SL specimen in Fig. 19).

FIG. 19. — Tetrosomus gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758), MUSORSTOM 4, stn CC 146, 1 of 3 specimens: 130 mm SL (MNHN 1995-

533).

Source: MNHN. Paris

198

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal 9; anal 9; pectoral 10.

Tetrosomus gibbosus is similar to T. reipublicae (Ogilby) in having the body triangular in cross section.

However, it differs from the latter by having a deeper body and only one dorsal carapace spine (vs. two spines) on

the dorsal ridge.

Distribution. — Tetrosomus gibbosus is a common ostraciid boxfish in the tropical regions in the Indo-west

Pacific (MATSUURA, 1988).

Family TRIODONTIDAE

The only extant species of this family is one of the deeper water species of tetraodontiforms and is still

relatively rare in museum collections. This family is the most primitive extant sister group of all other extant

tetraodontoid families (the tetraodontid-diodontid clade and the molids), with only the Eocene eoplectids being

more morphologically primitive than triodontids.

Genus TRIODON Cuvier, 1829

Triodon macropterus Lesson, 1829

Fig. 20

Triodon macropterus Lesson, 1829: pi. 4; 1830: 103 (to accompagny 1829 illustration) (Mauritius).

Fig. 20. — Triodon macropterus Lesson. 1829, MUSORSTOM 5, CP 279, 1 of 2 specimens: 235 mm SL (MNHN 1994-592).

Source MNHN . Paris

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

199

Material examined. — 2 specimens.

New Caledonia. Musorstom 5: stn CP 279, 24°08.72'S, 159°37.76 , E, 160- 270 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. “ Coriolis ",

10 October 1986: 2 specimens, 235-377 mm SL (MNHN 1994-592 & 593) (photograph of 235 mm SL specimen in Fig. 20).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal II (rudimentary), 11; anal 10; pectoral 15-16.

The presence of a rudimentary spiny dorsal fin is typical of specimens of the western Pacific populations of

this species, while in specimens from the Indian Ocean the rudimentary dorsal-fin spines are usually absent

(Tyler, 1967, 1980).

The sac-like nature of the extension of the coelomic cavity into the dewlap of skin that can be flared between

the body and the long shaft-like pelvis is especially evident in both specimens because of its distention with fluid.

Until recently this species has only been known on the basis of large adults, mostly 300 to 550 mm SL, with

only a few specimens as small as 224 mm SL, to which the ORSTOM specimen of 235 mm SL is similar in

morphometries. Five much smaller specimens of 89-103 mm SL were collected in 1986 off Queensland, Australia

(Tyler & Patterson, 1991).

Distribution. — This species has been recorded in 50-300 m from Japan through Indonesia, Australia, and

the Philippines to east Africa (Tyler & Patterson, 1991, and contained references) but not previously as far east

in the south-west Pacific as New Caledonia.

Family TETRAODONTIDAE

Puffers are peculiar in having an inflatable stomach and, in many species of the Indo-west Pacific, strong

poison in their viscera, blood, and even in the muscles. Most species of tetraodontids are shallow water

inhabitants, occurring in various habitats such as coral reefs, rocky reefs, sandy-muddy flats, and estuaries;

however, several members of the family, such as Arothron firmamentum, Sphoeroides pachygcister, and a few

species of large-sized Takifugu , are taken from continental shelves and slopes deeper than 100 m.

Genus AROTHRON Muller, 1841

Arothron firmamentum (Temminck & Schlegcl, 1850)

Fig. 21

Tetraodon firmamentum Temminck & Schlegel, 1850: 280, pi. 126, fig. 2 (Japan).

Material examined. — i specimen.

New Caledonia. Beryx 11: stn C41. 23°39.20 , S, 168°00.50’E, 230-360 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. "Alis”, 20 October

1992: 1 specimen, 242 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29244).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal 16; anal 14; pectoral 16.

Arothron firmamentum differs from all other species of Arothron by the higher dorsal and anal-fin ray counts

and the pointed dorsal and anal fins.

DISTRIBUTION. — Although all other species of Arothron inhabit coastal waters, usually around coral reefs,

Arothron firmamentum is a relatively deep-water inhabitant, frequently taken by trawl in depths of 30-80 m

(HARDY, 1980). The New Caledonian specimen was taken at a much deeper depth than previously recorded

(180 m, sec HARDY, 1980). Arothron firmamentum is anlitropical in distribution and has been recorded from

Japan, Australia and New Zealand (HARDY, 1980). Three specimens of this species have recently been collected

Source : MNHN. Paris

200

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

from South Africa; the counts, measurements and color patterns of these specimens all agree well with specimens

from Japan (P. C. Heemstra, pers. comm.)

Fig. 21. — Arothron firmamentum (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850), BERYX 11, stn C 41, 1 specimen: 242 mm SL (NMNZ-

P.29244).

Genus CANTHIGASTER Swainson, 1939

Canthigaster callisterna (Ogilby, 1889)

Fig. 22

Tetrodon callistemus Ogilby, 1889: 74, pi. 3, fig. 5 (Lord Howe Island).

Material examined. — i specimen.

New Caledonia. BERYX 11: stn CP 44, 23°41.30’S, 168°00.57’E, 230-250 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Alis’\ 20 October

1992: 1 specimen, 45.5 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29043).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal 11; anal 10; pectoral 17.

Canthigaster callisterna is similar to C. rivulata (Temminck & Schlegel) and C.flavoreticulata Matsuura in

having longitudinal bands on the sides of the body. Canthigaster callisterna differs from C. rivulata in having 11

(vs. 10) dorsal-fin rays, and from C. flavoreticulata in 11 (vs. 10) dorsal-fin rays and 17-18 (vs. 16) pectoral-fin

rays.

Distribution. — Canthigaster callisterna has been recorded from New South Wales, Australia, Lord Howe

and Norfolk islands, northern New Zealand, and the Kermadec Islands (ALLEN & RANDALL, 1977). Judging

from the previous records, the occurrence of this species in New Caledonia is not surprising. The New Caledonian

specimen was collected much deeper than any previously reported specimens.

Source :

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

201

FIG. 22. — Canihigaster cal lisle rna (Ogilby, 1889). BERYX 11. stn CP 44. 1 specimen: 45.5 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29043).

Canthigaster rivulata (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850)

Fig. 23

Tetraodon rivulata Temminck & Schlegel, 1850: 285, pi. 124, fig. 3 (Nagasaki Bay, Japan).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — 1 specimen.

New Caledonia. MUSORSTOM 4: stn DW 204, 22°37.00 , S, 167°05.70’E, 120 m depth, Waren dredge, R. V. " Vauban ",

27 September 1985: 1 specimen, 36.8 mm SL (MNHN 1995-532).

Fig. 23.— Canthigaster rivulata (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850), Musorstom 4, stn DW 204, 1 specimen: 36.8 mm SL

(MNHN 1995-532).

Source : MNHN. Paris

202

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal 10; anal 10; pectoral 16.

Distribution. — Canthigaster rivulata is one of the common sharpnose puffers and a large-sized species,

attaining 147 mm SL (ALLEN & Randall, 1977). It has been recorded from the Hawaiian Islands, Japan, Taiwan,

South China Sea, Western Australia, Seychelles Islands, and Somali (ALLEN & Randall 1977). Canthigaster

rivulata is a relatively deep-dwelling species, taken from depths as great as 230 m (MATSUURA, 1985). Although

many species of Canthigaster arc shallow water inhabitants, usually found around coral reefs, four species,

C.flavoreticulata , C. investigatoris , C. inframacula , and C. rivulata , are known to occur in depths in excess of

100 m (Allen & Randall 1977; Matsuura, 1986).

Genus SPOEROIDES Anonymous (Lacepede, 1798)

Sphoeroides pachygaster (Muller & Troschel, 1848)

Fig. 24

Tetrodon pachygaster Muller & Troschel, 1848: 677 (Barbados).

Material examined. — 3 specimens.

Chesterfield and Bellona Plateaus. Chalcal 1: stn CH 2, 22 0 34.4TS, 159°17.39’E, 330 m depth, otter trawl,

R. V. Coriolis , 28 July 1984: 1 specimen, 238 mm SL (MNHN 1995-534) (photograph of this specimen in Fig. 24).

New Caledonia. Beryx 11: stn CP 25, 24°43.52’S, 168°08.52’E, 230-235 m depth, beam trawl, R. V. "Alis’\ 17 October

1992: 1 specimen, 249 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29240). — Stn C41, 23 o 39.20*S, 168°00.50’E, 230-360 m depth, otter trawl,

20 October 1992: 1 specimen, 213 mm SL (NMNZ-P.29243).

Fig. 24. —Sphoeroides pachygaster (Muller &Troschel, 1848), Chalcal 1, stn CH 2, 1 specimen: 238 mm SL

(MNHN 1995-534).

Description. — Meristics. Dorsal 9; anal 9; pectoral 15(16).

Source :

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

203

Distribution. — Although Shipp (1974) recorded Sphoeroidespachygaster in the Pacific only from the

Philippines and Hawaii, it is frequently taken by trawl in deep waters around Japan (MATSUURA, 1988) and has

been recorded from New Zealand and Australia (Hardy, 1981). This species differs from other species of

Sphoeroides by having no spinules or spines on the body. It is distributed in temperate and tropical waters

worldwide. The deepest record of this species is 480 m (Shipp, 1974).

Genus TORQUIGENER Whithley, 1930

Torquigener brevipinnis (Regan, 1902)

Figs 25-26

Tetrodon brevipinnis Regan, 1902: 300 (Indonesia).

Material examined. — 7 specimens.

New Caledonia Musorstom 4: stn CC 146, I9°53.40'S. 163°47.10'E. 34 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. Vauban ,

13 September 1985: 3 specimens, 75.9-81.3 mm SL (NSMT-P.46812). — Stn CC 147, 19°35.00'S. 163°39.6CTE, 46 m depth,

otter 13 October 1985: 4 specimens, 67.3-84.4 mm SL (MNHN 1995-526) (photographs of 67.3 and 75.9 mm SL specimens in

Figs. 25-26).

DESCRIPTION. — Meristics. Dorsal 9 (8); anal 8; pectoral 15 (14-16). Because HARDY (1984) redescribed

this species in detail on the basis of 12 specimens, no detailed description is needed here.

Distribution. — This species has primarily been recorded from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (Hardy,

1984), but it occurs also in southern Japan (MATSUURA, 1988). Hardy (1984) showed that this species has been

captured in moderately deep waters (34-100 m).

FIG. 25. — Torquigener brevipinnis (Regan, 1902), MUSORSTOM 4, stn CC 147. lateral view. 2 of 4 specimens. A. B: 75.9 mm

and 67.3 mm SL (MNHN 1995-526).

Source: MNHN . Paris

204

KEIICHI MATSUURA & JAMES C. TYLER

Genus TYLERIUS Hardy, 1984

Tylerius spinosissimus (Regan, 1908)

Fig. 27

Spheroides spinosissima Regan, 1908: 253, pi. 31. fig. 5 (Saya de Malha Bank).

Material examined. — 5 specimens.

New Caledonia.M usorstom 4: stn CC 173, 19°02.50'S, 163°18.80'E, 250-290 m depth, otter trawl, R. V. " Vauban",

17 September 1985: 1 specimen, 69.5 mm SLtMNHN 1995-536).—Stn CC 245, 22°07.00’S, 167°11.00'E. 415-435 m depth,

otter trawl. 3 October 1985: 2 specimens, 108-110 mm SL (NSMT-P.46813) (photograph of 110 mm SL specimen in

Fig. 27). — Stn CC 246, 22°08.50'S, 167°11.50'E, 410-420 m depth, otter trawl. 3 October 1985: 1 specimen, 76.3 mm SL

(MNHN 1995-535). — Stn CC 248, 22°09.50’S, 167°10.00’E, 380-385 m depth, otter trawl, 4 October 1985: 1 specimen

70.9 mm SL (MNHN 1995-537).

Fig. 26. — Torquigener brevipinnis, MUSORSTOM 4, stn CC

526).

147, dorsal view of the specimens shown in Fig. 25 (MNHN 1995-

Description. —Meristics. Dorsal 8 (7); anal 7; pectoral 16(15-17).

This species was described in great detail by HARDY (1981) and the present specimens from New Caledonia

do not require comment.

Distribution. — This species is widely distributed in the Indo-west Pacific from South Africa to north¬

western Australia and northward to the South China Sea (HARDY, 1984).

Source : MNHN. Paris

TETRAODONTIFORM FISHES OF NEW CALEDONIA

205

Fig. 27. — Tylerius spinosissimus (Regan, 1908), MUSORSTOM 4, sin CC 245, 1 of 2 specimens: 110 mm SL (NSMT-P.46813).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We lhank Guido DlNGERKUS for initially showing us the valuable ORSTOM collections of deep-waier

teiraodontiforms collected by French research vessels off New Caledonia and assembled in Paris; we are grateful

to Bernard Seret for loaning these to us for study. We similarly thank Clive ROBERTS tor making available to us

the comparable collections made by New Zealand research vessels and assembled in Wellington. We are grateful

to B. RICHER de Forges, Clive Roberts, and the other expedition leaders and members of the respective French

and New Zealand crews whose diligence at sea resulted in such comprehensive collections of well-preserved and

often rare or new benthic organisms from off New Caledonia. Our thanks also go to Barry J. HUTCHINS and Phillip

C. Heemstra for providing us with their unpublished information on monacanthids and Arothron firnianientum,

respectively. This study was partially supported by grants ot Monbu-sho (Ministry of Education, Science and

Culture of Japan: nos. 04640696 & 06640913) to K. MATSUURA.

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Source: MNHN. Paris

INDEX

209

INDEX

abyssalis (Lepidotrigla) 16, 94, 98

Acanthonus 52, 54

Acanthonus armatus 15, 54

alcocki (Halimochirurgus) 16, 177

alcocki (Lepidotrigla) 16, 94, 98

Alcockia 52, 55

Alcockia rostrata 15, 55

alisae (Rexea) 16, 133, 138

Alutera nasicornis 190

amiscus (Satyrichthys) 120

amaokai (Parabothus) 157

andertoni (Pterygotrigla) 115

annamarae (Lepidotrigla), 16,94, 100

anomalus (Triacanlhodes) 188

antefurcata (Rexea) 16, 128, 139

APHYONIDAE 15,77

Aphyonus 52, 77

Aphyonus bolini 15, 78

Aphyonus gelalinosus 15, 78

Aracana flavofasciata 195

ARACANIDAE 16, 195

armatus (Acanthonus) 15, 54

Arnoglossus violaceus 166

A rot/iron 199

A rothron firmamentum 16, 199

Bassozetus 52, 75

Bassozetus elongatus 15, 55

Bassozetus glutinosus 15, 55

Bassozetus robust us 15, 55, 57

Bathyonus 53, 58

Bathyonus caudal is 15, 58

Bathyphylax 175

Bathyphylax bomb ifrons 16, 175

Bathyphylax omen 176

bengalensis (Rexea) 16, 135, 139

bengalensis (Thyrsites) 135

bimaculatus (Neobythites) 15, 62

bimarginatus (Neobythites) 15, 62

bolini (Aphyonus) 15, 78

bombifrons (Bathyphylax) 16, 175

BOTHIDAE 16, 144*

brevilineata (Rexea) 134

brevipinnis (Tetrodon) 203

brevipinnis (Torquigener) 16. 203

brevis (Tosarhombus) 16, 153

brocca (Gadella) 15, 19, 39

budkeri (Parabothus) 161

callisterna (Canthigaster) 16. 200

caUisternus (Tetrodon) 200

Canlherines modestoides 192

Canthigaster 200

Canthigaster callisterna 16, 200

Canthigaster rivulata 16, 201

CARAPIDAE 15,53

caudalis (Bathyonus) 15, 58

Chelidonichthys 94

Chelidonichthys kumu 121

Chelidonichthys pictus 115

chlorospilus (Parabothus) 161

coarctatus (Parabothus) 16, 164, 158, 166

coarctatus (Platophrys) 166

coarctatus (Rhomboidichthys) 166

curtorhynchus (Paramonacanthus) 190

dannevigi (Mora) 29

Dicrolene 53, 58

Dicrolene longimana 15. 59

Dixiphistops megalops 114

elongatus (Bassozetus) 15, 55

ethiops (Triacanlhodes) 16, 186

EUCLICHTHYIDAE 15,45

Euclichthys 45

Euclichthyspolynemus 15, 46

fajordoi (Thamnaconus) 192

fijienis (Thammaconus) 16, 191

jilipes (Parabothus) 16, 157

fdodorsale (Laemonema) 15, 24, 39

firmamentum (Arothron) 16, 199

Jirmamentum (Tetraodon) 199

flavofasciata (Aracana) 195

flavofasciatus (Kenlrocapros) 16, 195

Source: MNHN. Paris

210

INDEX

Gadella 19

Gadella brocca 15, 19, 39

Gadella norops 15, 23, 39

Gadus moro 29

garmani (Monomitopus) 15, 60

gelatinosus (Aphyonus) 15, 78

GEMPYLIDAE 16, 127

Gempylus solandri 127

gibbosus (Ostracion) 197

gibbosus (Tetrosomus) 16. 197

glminosus (Bassozetus) 15, 55

goslinei (Hollardia) 174

grandis (Lepidotrigla) 16, 94, 103

guttata (Trigla) 115, 121

Halimochirurgus 177

Halimochirurgus alcocki 16, 177

Halimochirurgus uradoi 178

Halopophyrus inosimae 27

Heminodus 93

herrei (Paratriacanthodes) 183, 185

hextii (Tauredophidium) 15, 77

hians (Saty rich thys) 120

Holladia goslinei 174

Homostolus 53, 59

Homostolus japonicus 15, 59

hypargyreus (Thamnaconus) 193

inosimae (Halopophyrus) 27

inosimae (Lepidion) 15, 27, 39

intermedius (Triacanthodes) 16, 187

in vestigatoris (Satvrichthys) 121

isokawae (Satyrichthys) 96

japonicus (Homostolus) 15, 59

japonicus (Monacanthus) 189

japonicus (Paramonacanthus) 16, 189

jimjoebob (Lepidotrigla) 120

johnpaxtoni (Rexichthys) 1 38

Jordanidia 127

Jordanidia raptoria 127

kanagashira (Lepidotrigla) 121

Kentrocapros 195

Kenlrocapros flavofasciatus 16, 195

kiensis (Parabothus) 16, 158, 163

kiensis (Platophrys) 163

kishinouyei (Lepidotrigla) 121

kumu (Chelidonichthys) 121

Laemonema 24

Laemonema filodorsale 15. 24, 39

Laemonema palauense 15, 25, 39

Laeops pectoral is 161

Lepidion 27

Lepidion inosimae 15, 27, 39

Lepidotrigla 92, 98

Lepidotrigla abyssal is 16, 94, 98

Lepidotrigla alcocki 16, 98

Lepidotrigla alcocki vaubani 16. 94, 99

Lepidotrigla annamarae 16, 94, 100

Lepidotrigla grandis 16, 94, 103

Lepidotrigla jimjoebob 120

Lepidotrigla kanagashira 121

Lepidotrigla kishinouyei 121

Lepidotrigla musorstomi 16, 94, 103

Lepidotrigla nana 16,94, 108

Lepidotrigla sereti 16, 94, 111, 121

Lepidotrigla spiloptera 98

liorhynchus (Peris ted ion) 120

longifilis (Physiculus) 15, 30, 39

longimana (Dicrolene) 15, 59

longimanus (Tosarhombus) 16, 148

longivenlralis (Neobythites) 15, 62, 66

luminosa (Physiculus) 31

luminosus (Physiculus ) 15, 31,39

lyra (Trigla) 121

macrolepidota (Pterygotrigla) 16, 115

macrolepidota (Uradia) 115

macropterus (Triodon) 16, 198

MACRORHAMPHOS1DAE 15,83

Macrorhamphosodes 178

Macrorhamphosodes uradoi 16, 178

Macrorhamphosus scolopax 15, 85

malhensis (Parabothus) 157

megalops (Dixiphistops) 114

megalops (Parapterygotrigla) 16, 94, 114

melampeplus (Porogadus) 15, 75

modestoides (Cantherines) 192

modestoides (Thammaconus) 16. 192

moluccense (Peristedion) 96

moluccense (Peristethus) 96

moluccense (Satyrichthys) 16, 93, 96

MONACANTHIDAE 16, 183

INDEX

211

Monacanthus japonicus 189

Monacanthus tessellatus 193

Monomitopus 53, 60

Monomitopus gannani 15, 60

Mora 28

Mora dannevigi 29

Mora moro 15, 29, 39

Mora pacifica 29

MORI DAE 15, 19,45

moro (Gadus) 29

moro (Mora) 15, 29, 39

multiocellata (Parapterygotrigla) 16, 94, 114

multiocellata (Pteiygotrigla) 114

muraenolepis (Ophidion) 15, 74

murrayi (Paraheminodus) 16, 93, 95

murrayi (Peristethus) 95

murrayi (Satirichthys) 95

musorstomi (Lepidotrigla) 16.94, 103

nana (Lepidotrigla) 16,94, 108

nasicornis (Alutera) 190

nasicornis (Pseudalutarius) 16, 190

Nemaperistedion orientale 96

Neobythites 53, 61

Neobythites bimaculatus 15, 62

Neobythites bimarginatus 15, 62, 63

Neobythites longiventralis 15, 62, 66

Neobythites neocaledoniensis 15, 62, 67

Neobythites pallidus 15, 62, 68

Neobythites unimaculatus 15, 62, 71

Neobythites zonatus 15, 62, 72

neocaledonicus (Tosarhombus) 16, 145, 146

neocaledoniensis (Neobythites) 15, 62, 67

nierstraszi (Peristedion) 120

norops (Gadella) 15, 23, 39

Notopogon xenosoma 15, 83, 85

omen (Bathyphylax) 176

OPHIDIIDAE 15,54

Ophidion 52, 74

Ophidion muraenolepis 15, 74

orientale (Nemaperistedion) 96

orientale (Satyrichthys) 16, 94,96, 121

OSTRACIIDAE 197

Os t radon gib bos us 203

Otohime lagala 119

pachygaster (Spoeroides) 16, 202

pachygaster (Tetrodon) 202

pacifica (Mora) 29

palauense (Laemonema) 15, 25. 39

pallidus 15,62, 68

Parabothus 157

Parabolhus amaokai 157

Parabothus budkeri 161

Parabothus chlorospilus 157, 161

Parabothus coarctatus 16, 158, 166

Parabothus fdipes 16, 157, 168

Parabothus kiensis 16, 158, 163

Parabothus malhensis 157

Parabothus polylepis 157

Parabothus taiwanensis 161

Parabothus violaceus 166

Paraheminodus 93, 95

Paraheminodus murrayi 16, 93, 95

Paramonacanthus 189

Paramonacanthus curtorhynchus 190

Paramonacanthus japonicus 16, 189

Parapterygotrigla 94, 114

Parapterygotrigla megalops 16, 94, 114

Parapterygotrigla multiocellata 16, 94, 114

Parasciadonus 52, 79

Parasciadonus pauciradiatus 15, 79

Paratriacanthodes 180

Paratriacanthodes herrei 183, 185

Paratriacanthodes retrospinis 16, 180

pauciradiatus (Parasciadonus) 15, 79

pectoralis (Lae ops) 161

PERISTEDI1NAE 16. 93,95

Peristediini 93

Peristedion 93, 95

Peristedion liorhynchus 120

Persitedion moluccense 96

Peristedion nierstraszi 120

Peristedion picturatum 16, 93, 95, 120

Peristedion quadratorostratus 97

Peristedion welchi 120

Peristehus moluccense 96

Peristethus murrayi 95

PhysicidUs 30

Physiculus longifilis 15, 30, 39

Physiculus luminosa 31

Physiculus luminosus 1 5, 31, 39

Physiculus roseus 15, 33, 39

Physiculus therosideros 15, 34, 39

picta (Pterygotrigla) 16. 94, 115

picta (Trigla) 115

picturatum (Peristedion) 16, 93. 95, 120

pictus (Chelidonichthys) 115

Platophrys coarctatus 166

Platophrys kiensis 163

polylepis (Parabothus) 157

polynemus (Euclichthys) 15, 46

Porogadus 52, 74

Source: MNHN. Paris

INDEX

212

Porogadus melampeplus 15 , 75

prometheoides (Rexea) 135 , 138

prometheoides (Thyrsites) 135

prometheus (Promethichthys) 138

Promethichthys prometheus 138

Pseudalutarius 190

Pseudalutarius nasicomis 16 , 190

Pterygotrigla 94 , 115

Pterygotrigla undertoni 115

Pterygotrigla macrolepidota 16 , 94 , 115

Pterygotrigla multiocellata 114

Pterygotrigla picta 16 , 94 , 115

Pterygotrigla roberstsi 16 , 94 , 117 , 121

Pterygotrigla tagala 16 , 94 , 119

Pterygotriglini 93

Pycnocraspedum 52 , 75

Pycnocraspedum squamipinne 15 , 76

Pyramodon 52 , 53

Pyramodon ventral is 15 , 53

quadratorostratus (Peristedion) 97

quadratorostratus (Stayrichthys) 16 . 93 , 97

raptoria (Jordanidia) 127

reipublicae (Tetrasomus) 198

retrospinis (Paratriacanthodes) 16 , 180

Rexea 127

Rexea alisae 16 , 133 , 138

Rexea antefurcata 16 , 128 , 139

Rexea bengalensis 16 , 135 , 139

Rexea brevilineata 134

Rexea promethoides 135 , 138

Rexichthys johnpaxtoni 138

Rhomboidichthys coarctatus 1 66

rivulata (Canthigaster) 16 . 201

rivulata (Tetrodon) 201

robertsi (Pterygotrigla) 16 , 94 , 117 . 121

robustus (Bassozetus) 15 , 55 , 57

roseus (Physiculus) 15 , 33 , 39

rostra ta (A Icockia) 15,55

Satyrichthys 93 , 96

Satyrichthys amiscus 120

Satyrichthys hians 120

Satyrichthys investigatoris 121

Satyrichthys isokawae 96

Satyrichthys moluccense 16 , 93 , 96 , 121

Satyrichthys murrayi 95

Satyrichthys orientale 16 , 93 , 121

• i

V *

Satyrichthys quadratorostratus 16. 93, 97, 121

Satyrichthys serrulatum 120

Satyrichthys welchi 100

scolopax (Macrorhamphosus) 15, 85

sereti (Lepidotrigla) 16, 94, 111, 121

serrulatum (Satyrichthys) 120

so land ri (Gempylus) 127

Sphoeroides 202

Sphoeroides pachygaster 16, 202

Sphoeroides spinosissima 204

spiloptera (Lepidotrigla) 98

spinosissimus (Tylerius) 16, 204

squamipinne (Pycnocraspedum) 15, 76

svetovidovi (Tripterophycis) 15, 37, 39

tagala (Otohime) 119

tagala (Pterygotrigla) 16, 94, 119

taiwanensis (Parabothus) 161

Tauredophidium 52, 76

Tauredophidium hextii 15, 77

tessellatus (Monacanthus) 193

tessellatus (Thammaconus) 16, 193

Tetraodon rivulata 201

TETRAODONTIDAE 16, 199

Terodon b rev ip inn is 203

Tetrodon callisternus 200

Tetrodon pachygaster 202

Tetrosomus 197

Tetrosomus gibbosus 16, 197

Tetrasomus reipublicae 198

Thammaconus 191

Thamnaconus fajordoi 192

Thammaconus fijienis 16, 191

Thamnaconus hypargyreus 193

Thammaconus modestoides 16, 192

Thammaconus tessellatus 16, 193

Thamnaconus xanthoptera 194

therosideros (Physiculus) 15, 34, 39

Thyrsites bengalensis 135

Thyrsites prometheoides 135

Torquigener 203

Torquigener brevipinnis 16, 203

Tosarhombus 144

Tosarhombus brevis 16, 146, 153

Tosarhombus longimanus 16, 145, 148

Tosarhombus neocaledonicus 16, 145, 146

Triacanthodes 186

Triacanthodes anomalus 188

Triacanthodes ethiops 16, 186

Triacanthodes intermedins 16, 187

TRIACANTHODIDAE 16. 174, 199

Trig la guttata 115, 121

Trigla lyra 121

Source : MNHN. Paris