Thysanophrys rarita, Knapp, Leslie W., 2013

Knapp, Leslie W., 2013, Descriptions of four new species of Thysanophrys (Scorpaeniformes: Platycephalidae) from the Western Indian Ocean, Zootaxa 3608 (2), pp. 127-136 : 130-131

Thysanophrys rarita sp. nov.

Proposed common name: Somali flathead ( Figs. 3–5 )

Holotype: USNM 316125 (127 mm SL). Western Indian Ocean, Somalia, R/V Beinta Cr. 19, Sta. 22, 07 °59'24"N 049° 59' 54" E, bottom trawl, 22 m, 13 Feb. 1987, GJS field no. 127, Greg Small.

Diagnosis. A species tentatively placed in Thysanophrys with 6 preocular spines; 11 dorsal- and anal-fin rays; about 25 small spines on suborbital ridge; about 5 small preorbital spines; DSC with 10 scale rows; anterior 14 LL scales bearing small spines, and iris lappet with crenate edge.

Description. D1 spines I, VIII, D2 rays 11; A rays 11; P fin rays 21; pelvic fin rays I, 4 + 1; pored LL scales 54, anterior 11 scales bearing small spines; DSC with 10 scale rows; GR 1 + 5 = 6; branched C rays 10; vertebrae 27. LL scale pores with two openings to exterior ( Fig.5 ). GR on first arch 1 + 5 = 6. SNL going 3.5 in HL.

Color in alcohol. Body with 5 or 6 dark bands dorsally, coming far down sides; a series of small dark spots on lower side below D1 fin. Broad dark band on rear ½ of D1 fin; D2 and A fins clear. P and pelvic fins with dark blotches; C fin with dark basi-caudal blotch and faint dark band on rear half that encloses several small, darker blotches.

Etymology. Known only from the holotype collected off Somalia.

Figures

FIGURE 3. Lateral view of Thysanophrys rarita, sp. nov., holotype, USNM 316125, 127 mm SL, from Somalia.

FIGURE 4. Dorsal view of holotype of Thysanophrys rarita.

FIGURE 5. Lateral line scale 12, right side, holotype of Thysanophrys rarita.