Chromis tingting, a new species of damselfish from mesophotic coral ecosystems of southern Japan, with notes on C. mirationis Tanaka (Teleostei: Pomacentridae).

Abstract

Chromis tingting sp. nov., is described on the basis of the holotype and three paratypes from Sagami Bay, Japan. The new species likely belongs to a complex consisting of C. mirationis, C. okamurai and C. struhsakeri, with which it shares the following character combination: dorsal rays XIV,13-14; anal rays II,12; pectoral rays 19-20; tubed lateral-line scales 15-17; two spinous procurrent rays dorsally and ventrally in the caudal fin; and a generally silvery white adult coloration. The new species differs from the other members of its complex in coloration details (particularly in juvenile coloration), and in having fewer gill rakers (5-6 + 17-20 = 22-26), and a larger eye -(13.7-19.4 % SL). The new species has previously been confused with Chromis mirationis, and the contention is herewith briefly discussed.