Synchiropus orstom Fricke 2000 —Orstom dragonet (Fig. 127)

Status at New Ireland. New record, based on NTUM 11101 (1 male, 58.0 mm SL, St. CP 4422-20, northeast of New Hanover).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1.—General distribution: Papua New Guinea; Norfolk Ridge, New Caledonia. Found on soft bottom, 370–496 m depth. Marine.

Remarks. This species was originally described from seamounts on the Norfolk Ridge, New Caledonia by Fricke (2000: 33); it was recently recorded from Sandaun and West Sepik provinces, Papua New Guinea by Fricke (2015: 5). This is the first record from New Ireland Province, which suggests that the species is more widespread in the region.