Centrodraco abstractum Fricke 2002 —Abstract deepwater dragonet (Fig. 128)

Status at New Ireland. New record from Papua New Guinea, based on NTUM 12171 (1 female, 65.2 mm SL), St. CP 4254-50, 14.4 km northwest of Kavieng), NTUM 11067 (1 male, 81.1 mm SL, and 1 female, 51.6 mm SL, St. CP 4255-34, 11.2 km northwest of Kavieng), and NTUM 10995 (1 male, 61.2 mm SL, St. CP 4418-15 and 1 female, 51.6 mm SL, St. CP 4418-16, northeast of New Hanover) and NTUM 11075 (1 male, 81.1 mm SL, and 1 female, 63.9 mm SL, St. CP 4419-16-17, northeast of New Hanover).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: Philippines. Soft bottom, 335–382 m depth. Marine.

Remarks. Live colouration: Rose, with yellow blotches and streaks. This is a remarkable new record of a very rare species which was previously known only from two specimens collected in San Bernardino Strait, Philippines.