Thysanophrys tricaudata

description

Description. D 1 spines I, VII, D 2 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 D 1 fin; D 1 with a broad marginal dark band; D 2 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.

Descriptions of four new species of Thysanophrys (Scorpaeniformes: Platycephalidae) from the Western Indian Ocean

diagnosis

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 D 1 fin.

Descriptions of four new species of Thysanophrys (Scorpaeniformes: Platycephalidae) from the Western Indian Ocean

discussion

Remarks. Although T. tricaudata and T. armata (Fowler, 1938) have many similarities, they differ in D 2 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.

Descriptions of four new species of Thysanophrys (Scorpaeniformes: Platycephalidae) from the Western Indian Ocean

materials_examined

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.

Descriptions of four new species of Thysanophrys (Scorpaeniformes: Platycephalidae) from the Western Indian Ocean