Parapercis cf. compressa

Ho, Hsuan-Ching, 2015, Description of a new species and redescriptions of two rare species of Parapercis (Perciformes: Pinguipedidae) from the tropical Pacific Ocean, Zootaxa 3999 (2), pp. 255-271 : 269-270

Parapercis cf. compressa (sensu Randall, 2008)

Specimen examined. MNHN 2001-2869 (4, 56.7–67.4), 14°19.5’S, 178°04.3’W, Wallis and Futuna Island, 245- 400 m, perch trawl, 11 May 1992. MNHN 2001-3365 (5, 51.2–74.0), Wallis and Futuna, no other data.

Remarks. This species was described based on a single specimen collected from Sumbawa, Indonesia at a depth of 40– 60 m. Although the MNHN specimens are similar to P. compressa , all specimens have 4 large canines at each side of front of lower jaw, whereas Randall (2008) reported only 2 (with suspicion of some being lost). Two additional specimens (HUMZ 46866, 102.0 mm SL, and HUMZ 46986, 82.4 mm SL) were collected from off NW Borneo, Indonesia. Both specimens agree with the original description, except there were 3 pairs of canines at front of lower jaw and 4+10 gill rakers on first gill arch. The 3 pairs of canines at front of lower jaw confirmed the suspicion of Randall (2008:163) and the diagnostic character might be revised accordingly.

It is notable that all specimens collected from Willis and Futuna have 4 pairs of canines at the front of the lower jaw and a large gray patch under the skin behind the pectoral-fin base and may therefore represent a distinct species. However, all specimens are in poor condition with almost all scales lost. More specimens in better condition, with information on fresh coloration, are needed to verify the species identification.