Chelonodontops alvheimi, a new species of pufferfish (Actinopterygii: Tetraodontiformes: Tetraodontidae) from the Indian Ocean, with redescription of the rare pufferfish Chelonodontops leopardus (Day 1878)

Abstract

A new pufferfish, Chelonodontops alvheimi, is described on the basis of three specimens (86–117 mm SL) collected from off Myanmar (Eastern Indian Ocean) in 2015. It is distinguished from congeneric species by its uniquely tapered body and slender caudal peduncle, its depth 7.4–7.8% SL. The new species is further distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal spinulation extending from internarial region to dorsal-fin origin, caudal-fin length 17.4–18.5% SL and fin coloration. The rare pufferfish, Tetrodon leopardus Day 1878, is redescribed in detail on the basis of two museum specimens, including a syntype housed at the Australian Museum in Sydney. Our examination has revealed that this pufferfish is referable to the genus Chelonodontops on the basis of the following characters: two lateral lines on the side of body, nasal organ with two divided flat skin flaps, and a weakly developed skin fold extending longitudinally on the ventro-lateral part of the head and body from the chin to the caudal-fin base. The taxonomic status of C. leopardus is clarified and morphological and color differences between it and the newly described species are outlined. A key to the species of Chelonodontops is provided.