Thysanophrys randalli, Knapp, Leslie W., 2013

Knapp, Leslie W., 2013, Descriptions of four new species of Thysanophrys (Scorpaeniformes: Platycephalidae) from the Western Indian Ocean, Zootaxa 3608 (2), pp. 127-136 : 128-130

Thysanophrys randalli sp. nov.

Proposed common name: Snub-snouted flathead ( Figs.1–2 )

Platycephalus sp. Wass, 1984: 11.

Holotype. USNM 341987 (91 mm SL), Western Indian Ocean, Mauritius, west coast, 20°16'S 57°22'E, Flic en Flacq, 4–10 m, 5 May 1995, P. Heemstra et al.

Paratypes. USNM 344829 (79 mm SL), same data as holotype; SAIAB 62743 (2, 55 & 60 mm SL), same data as holotype; USNM 362767 (99 mm SL) Amirante Islands, St. Joseph Islands, SW of Resource Island, Sta. F110, off small boat entrance to lagoon, 15–28 m, rotenone, 16 Mar. 1964, R. Rosenblatt et al.; ANSP 177879 (2, 50 & 77 mm SL), same data as USNM 362767.

Non - type material: SAIAB 8296 (67 mm SL), Ibo Island, Mozambique, 18 Aug. 1951; J.L.B. & M.M. Smith BPBM 14242 (1, 90), Line Islands, Kiritimati (Christmas) Island, SW end of Cook Islet at lagoon entrance, rotenone, 0–2 m, 24 Mar. 1971, P. Helfrich et al.; BPBM 28075 (1, 68 mm SL), Line Islands., Tabuaeran (Fanning) Island, 1 mile SE of entrance to English Harbor, rotenone, 36.5 m, 4 Apr. 1971, J.E. Randall et al.; USNM 344832 (3, 81–94 mm SL), American Samoa, Tutuila Island, rotenone, 1974–76, R. Wass; BPBM 18722 (1, 85 mm SL), same data as USNM 344832; USNM 358133 (1, 89 m SL), Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz Island, reef just inside West Point, 10°12'51"S 166°04'34"E, 10–35 m, 19 Sept. 1998, J.T. Williams et al.; USNM 362770 (1, 58 mm SL), Solomon Island, Santa Cruz Islands, Nendö Island, E side of Graciosa Bay at Riley Point, 10°44'S 165°49' 30"E, 5–28 m, 25 Sept. 1998, J.T. Williams et al.; USNM 362769 (1, 59 mm SL), Solomon Islands, Stewart Island, W side of Matuiloto Island, 08°23'30"S 162°51'48"E, rotenone, 0–13 m, 3 Oct. 1998, J.T. Williams et al.; USNM 358143 (1, 47 mm SL) Vanuatu, Banks Ids., Mota Lava Island, Milli Bay, 13°40'19"S, 167°39' 08"E, rotenone, 75–96', 19 May 1997, J.T. Williams et al.; AMS I. 18051-072 (3, 37–45 mm SL), Gilbert Islands, Abaiang Atoll, outer reef off Bolton Point, rotenone, 25–35', 10 Nov. 1973, D. Hoese et al.; AMS I. 18052-078 (2, 54 & 60 mm SL), Abaiang Atoll, off Bolton Point, 50 yards inshore from previous listing, 11 Nov. 1973, 1–6', D. Hoese et al.

Diagnosis. A small species of Thysanophrys resembling T. chiltonae but differing in nasal spine structure, a shorter snout, and an iris lappet with a crenate edge (instead of short branches as in T. chiltonae and T. springeri ). The maximum size of T. randalli is about 99 mm SL (cf. about 200 mm for T. chiltonae ).

Description. D1 spines I, VIII, D2 rays 11; A12; P rays 20 (20–21); pored LL scales 53 (52–54), anterior 3 (2–3) bearing small spines; DSC with 7 (6–7) scale rows; GR 1 + 6 (1 + 5–6); branched C rays 10; vertebrae 27. Villiform teeth in bands on jaws, small canines at symphysis, on palatines and in two separate patches on vomer. LL scale pores with two openings to exterior ( Fig. 2 ). Orbital diameter 1.1–1.4 in SNL ( Fig. 11 ); SNL 3.5 (3.0–3.6) in HL.

Color in alcohol. Body dark brownish above with faint bands crossing back, a series of small irregular blotches on lower side. D1 fin with small dark spots on rays and larger dark blotch along margin of first 4 rays; D2 fin with small dark spots on rays and a faint dark blotch at rear margin; A fin mostly clear, with a few dark spots on posterior rays; P and pelvic fins with a few dark spots; C fin with a faint dark basicaudal blotch and a faint dark bar on rear half that includes numerous small dark spots.

Distribution. Although type material is restricted to the Mascarene Islands in the Western Indian Ocean, the non-type specimens of Thysanophrys listed above from the Pacific Ocean are tentatively identified as T. randalli .

Etymology. Named for John E. Randall, who collected many of the flatheads that were included in this study.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Lateral view of Thysanophrys randalli, sp. nov., holotype, USNM 341987, 91 mm SL from Mauritius.

FIGURE 2. Lateral line scale 12, right side, holotype of Thysanophrys randalli.

FIGURE 11. Ratios of greatest orbital diameter in SNL in five species of Thysanophrys from the western Indian Ocean.