Thysanophrys tricaudata, 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 : 133

Thysanophrys tricaudata , sp. nov.

Proposed common name: Sri Lankan flathead ( Figs. 8–9 )

Holotype: USNM 268919 (86 mm SL). Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa, about ½ mile offshore, N of rest house, SCUBA at circa 15 m depth, 13 Feb.,1970, C. C. Koenig, CCK 69-102.

Paratypes: USNM 268917 (1, 117 mm). Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa, offshore about 1 ½ miles S of Coral Gardens, 18–21 m, 12 Feb.,1970, C. C. Koenig, CCK 69-101; USNM 268918 (1, 130 mm). Sri Lanka, Weligama, about 200 yds. offshore and E of rest house, 1–3 m, 14 Feb. 1970, C. C. Koenig, CCK-105.

Comparative material: USNM 98864 (1, 111 mm). Holotype of Cymbacephalus armatus , Philippines, 5°35’40”N 120°47’ 30”E, Sirun (Sirum) I., R/V Albatross, 12’ beam trawl, 31 m, 16 Feb. 1908.

Diagnosis. A species of Thysanophrys lacking papillae on the upper eye, with 4–5 DSC scales D fin I,VII, A 11, a single preocular and preorbital spines and a short snout with SNL going in HL 3.7–4.0 times. C fin with 3 dark bars and a dark saddle crossing back under the entire D1 fin.

Description. D1 spines I, VII, D2 rays 11; A fin rays 12; P fin rays 19 (19–20); LL pored scales 51 (52); anterior one bearing a small spine; GR 1 + 4 = 5 (1 + 4 = 5, 1+5 = 6); C branched rays 9; supraorbital ridge with ~ 9 (9–13) spines; vertebrae 27. Villiform teeth in bands on jaws. LL scale pores with 2 openings to exterior ( Fig 9 ).

Color in alcohol. A broad dark band over back below entire D1 fin; D1 with a broad marginal dark band; D2 mostly clear, a few spots on rays; A with spots on rays near margin; P with several vertical dark bars; pelvic fin with a broad dark band near middle; and C with a broad basicaudal dark band, a dark marginal band and a narrower submarginal band.

Remarks. Although T. tricaudata and T. armata (Fowler, 1938) have many similarities, they differ in D2 ray count (11 in the former, 12 in the latter). In comparing color pattern between the two species ( Figs. 8 & 10 ) major differences in C fin pattern and in dark barring crossing the back are evident.

Figures

FIGURE 8. Lateral view of Thysanophrys tricaudata, sp. nov., holotype, USNM 268919, 86 mm SL, from Sri Lanka.

FIGURE 9. Lateral line scale 12, right side holotype of Thysanophrys tricaudata.

FIGURE 10. Lateral view of Cymbacephalus armatus Fowler 1938, USNM 90064 holotype 111 mm SL, from Sirun I., Philippines.