A new ghost flathead (Scorpaeniformes: Hoplichthyidae) from southwestern Australia

Abstract

A new hoplichthyid species, Hoplichthys mcgroutheri, is described on the basis of six specimens (188–244 mm standard length) collected off southwestern Australia. It is clearly distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays V-14; anal-fin rays 16–17, usually 16; pectoral-fin rays 13–14 + 4–5 = 17–18, usually 14 + 4 = 18; infraorbitals mostly spineless; scales present on dorsal surface of body; vomerine tooth patch constricted medially, mostly separating teeth into bilaterally symmetrical patches; interorbit narrow [interorbital width 5.8–6.8 % of head length (HL)]; and orbit relatively large (orbital diameter 41.8–44.9 % HL). The form of the vomerine tooth patch is unique to H. mcgroutheri in this genus.