Journal of the
Ocean Science Foundation

An open-access free online peer-reviewed Marine Biology Journal, since 2008.

published by the Ocean Science Foundation

 
click on covers to enlarge
 

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Callionymus madangensis, a new species of dragonet from Papua New Guinea, southwestern Pacific Ocean (Teleostei: Callionymidae)

Ronald Fricke

Abstract

A new species of dragonet, Callionymus madangensis from Madang, Papua New Guinea, is described on the basis of a single male specimen collected with a trawl in about 30–40 m depth near Madang. The new species is characterised within the subgenus Pseudocalliurichthys by a small branchial opening; head short (3.7 in SL); eye large (2.3 in head length); preopercular spine with a short, straight main tip, six to seven curved serrae on its dorsal margin and a strong antrorse spine at its base, ventral margin smooth, slightly concave; first dorsal fin much higher than second dorsal fin, with 4 spines, first spine with a long filament (male); second dorsal-fin distally straight, with 8 unbranched rays (last divided at base); anal fin with 7 unbranched rays (last divided at base); 17 pectoral-fin rays; caudal fin elongate, distally rounded, nearly symmetrical in male (upper rays not much shorter than lower rays); sides of head, membrane connecting pelvic fin pectoral fin, and body with small ocelli; first dorsal fin plain dark grey; second dorsal fin translucent, rays spotted; anal fin dark grey; lower margin of caudal fin dark grey, remainder with vertical rows of brown spots. The new species is compared with similar species. Revised keys to callionymid fish species of New Guinea, as well as of the subgenus Pseudocalliurichthys, are presented.

     

CITATION:

Fricke, R. (2014) Callionymus madangensis, a new species of dragonet from Papua New Guinea, southwestern Pacific Ocean (Teleostei: Callionymidae). Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, 13, 1-15.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1050489

publication date: 6 November 2014