Thysanophrys rarita

description

Description. D 1 spines I, VIII, D 2 rays 11; A rays 11; P fin rays 21; pelvic fin rays I, 4 + 1; pored LL scales 54, anterior 11 scales bearing small spines; DSC with 10 scale rows; GR 1 + 5 = 6; branched C rays 10; vertebrae 27. LL scale pores with two openings to exterior (Fig. 5). GR on first arch 1 + 5 = 6. SNL going 3.5 in HL. Color in alcohol. Body with 5 or 6 dark bands dorsally, coming far down sides; a series of small dark spots on lower side below D 1 fin. Broad dark band on rear ½ of D 1 fin; D 2 and A fins clear. P and pelvic fins with dark blotches; C fin with dark basi-caudal blotch and faint dark band on rear half that encloses several small, darker blotches.

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

diagnosis

Diagnosis. A species tentatively placed in Thysanophrys with 6 preocular spines; 11 dorsal- and anal-fin rays; about 25 small spines on suborbital ridge; about 5 small preorbital spines; DSC with 10 scale rows; anterior 14 LL scales bearing small spines, and iris lappet with crenate edge.

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

etymology

Etymology. Known only from the holotype collected off Somalia.

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

materials_examined

Holotype: USNM 316125 (127 mm SL). Western Indian Ocean, Somalia, R / V Beinta Cr. 19, Sta. 22, 07 ° 59 ' 24 " N 049 ° 59 ' 54 " E, bottom trawl, 22 m, 13 Feb. 1987, GJS field no. 127, Greg Small.

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