Cardinalfish of the genus Apogonichthyoides Smith, 1949 (Apogonidae) with a description of a new species from the West-Pacific region

Abstract

Apogonichthyoides is resurrected from Apogon (Ostorhinchus) as a valid genus with 19 species. Members of this genus are mostly tannish brown to brownish-black in body color. The head and body usually have brownish to blackish spots (sometimes stripe-like), a darkish cheek line and usually two body bars. An ocellus may be present below the lateral line on the body or absent. One or more caudal-peduncular bars and/or a basicaudal spot are often present. Insertion patterns of supraneurals and pterygiophores are given for 11 species. Apogonichthyoides umbratilis, a new species, has 14 pectoral rays and five bars (three faint) on the body and caudal peduncle. Color pattern of the new species suggest relationships with Apogonichthyoides gardineri, A. timorensis and A. opercularis. Descriptions and illustrations of the latter two species are provided for comparison. Apogonichthyoides gardineri, a rare, deep-water species is characterized by 14 pectoral rays, two bars on the body and one wide bar near the base of the caudal peduncle. Specimens of Apogonichthyoides timorensis usually have 15–16 pectoral rays and two or three bars on the body and caudal peduncle. Specimens of Apogonichthyoides opercularis have nine soft anal rays and 10 soft dorsal rays. A key to eight species included in the timorensis species group is provided. A lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for the syntype series of Apogon opercularis. New name combinations follow: Apogonichthyoides atripes, A. brevicaudatus, A. cantoris, A. chrysurus, A. euspilotus, A. gardineri, A. heptastygma, A. niger, A. opercularis, A. pharaonis, A. pseudotaeniatus, A. regani, A. sialis and A. timorensis. Previous usage includes: Apogonichthyoides enigmaticus, A. nigripinnis, A. taeniatus and A. uninotatus