Sphaeramia nematoptera (Bleeker 1856) —Pyjama cardinalfish (Fig. 61)

Status at New Ireland. New record, based on USNM 394277 (25) from Nusa Island, Kavieng District; a specimen observed at Anelaua Island, New Hanover, 2–16 m depth, St. T 22, on 6 Nov. 2006, by Gerald R. Allen.

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Indonesia east to Caroline Islands and Fiji, north to Yaeyama Islands, south to northern Queensland (Australia) and New Caledonia. Aggregating among branching corals, often Porites, in coral-rich areas of sheltered bays and lagoons, 1–14 m depth. Marine.