Callionymus russelli, a new species of callionymid fish from Queensland, Australia

Abstract

A new species of dragonet, Callionymus russelli, is described from Queensland waters. Callionymus russelli may be distinguished from the closely related species, C. punctatus, by the colour patterns of the first dorsal fins, by the smaller size, by the snout length being the same or slightly less than the eye length, by the preopercular spine being slightly longer than the eye, and by the caudal fin length in the female being only slightly longer than the head, and rarely twice the length of the head in the male. From the other Queensland species of Callionymus, its small size will eliminate it from being confused with the majority of species. It differs from C. calliste and C. macdonaldi, the only two of similar size, by having a somewhat pointed snout, different dorsal fin colour patterns, and the distinct body markings of numerous light or dark brown vertical streaks along the sides of the body in males. A revised key to the Australian dragonet species within the genus Callionymus is given.