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A new cardinalfish of the genus Apogonichthyoides (Perciformes, Apogonidae) from Raja Ampat Islands, with a key to species

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Another deep-water cardinal fish of the genus Apogonichthyoides is described from Fiabacet Island, Western Papua, In-donesia. Collected at 73 m, Apogonichthyoides erdmanni has very distinctive markings on the head and body. It is brown with a dark spot on the body below the anterior lateral line, two slightly darker body bars and darker markings on the head, all similar features to those of the Philippine species Apogonichthyoides uninotatus. The new species has vivid, horizontal dark cheek and post-ocular marks, a small oval spot between the eye and tip of upper preopercular arm, yellowish anal, second dorsal and caudal fins, a narrow basicaudal bar less than 1/3 the length of the caudal peduncle, a vertical bar under the posterior half of the second dorsal-fin base reaching the base of the anal fin, small dark spots on the lower half of the body onto the lower portion of the caudal peduncle and a body spot smaller than the pupil of the eye. Apogonichthyoides uninotatus has a faint diagonal cheek mark, a faint horizontal post-ocular mark, a faint dash between the eye and the tip of the upper preopercular arm, brownish anal, second dorsal and caudal fins, a broad basicaudal bar more than 2/3 the length of the caudal peduncle, a broad body bar as a chevron including all of the second dorsal-fin base reaching the base of the anal fin, no small dark spots on the lower half of body and a body spot larger than the pupil of the eye. A key to twenty-two species of Apogonichthyoides is provided.
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Accepted by M.T. Craig: 10 Oct. 2011; published: 10 Nov. 2011
ZOOTAXA
ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)
ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition)
Copyright © 2011 · Magnolia Press
Zootaxa 3095: 6368 (2011)
www.mapress.com/zootaxa/Article
63
A new cardinalfish of the genus Apogonichthyoides (Perciformes, Apogonidae)
from Raja Ampat Islands, with a key to species
THOMAS H. FRASER1 & GERALD R. ALLEN2
1Ichthyology Department, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, USA & Mote
Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida, 34236, USA. E-mail:cardinalfish@comcast.net
2Department of Aquatic Vertebrates, Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag, Welshpool DC, Perth, Western Australia 6986,
Australia. E-mail: tropical_reef@bigpond.com
Abstract
Another deep-water cardinal fish of the genus Apogonichthyoides is described from Fiabacet Island, Western Papua, In-
donesia. Collected at 73 m, Apogonichthyoides erdmanni has very distinctive markings on the head and body. It is brown
with a dark spot on the body below the anterior lateral line, two slightly darker body bars and darker markings on the head,
all similar features to those of the Philippine species Apogonichthyoides uninotatus. The new species has vivid, horizontal
dark cheek and post-ocular marks, a small oval spot between the eye and tip of upper preopercular arm, yellowish anal,
second dorsal and caudal fins, a narrow basicaudal bar less than 1/3 the length of the caudal peduncle, a vertical bar under
the posterior half of the second dorsal-fin base reaching the base of the anal fin, small dark spots on the lower half of the
body onto the lower portion of the caudal peduncle and a body spot smaller than the pupil of the eye. Apogonichthyoides
uninotatus has a faint diagonal cheek mark, a faint horizontal post-ocular mark, a faint dash between the eye and the tip
of the upper preopercular arm, brownish anal, second dorsal and caudal fins, a broad basicaudal bar more than 2/3 the
length of the caudal peduncle, a broad body bar as a chevron including all of the second dorsal-fin base reaching the base
of the anal fin, no small dark spots on the lower half of body and a body spot larger than the pupil of the eye. A key to
twenty-two species of Apogonichthyoides is provided.
Key words: Apogonichthyoides erdmanni, species key, Apogonidae, cardinalfish
Introduction
The Bird’s Head region of Indonesia, which comprises Papua Barat Province and the easternmost portion of Papua
Province, lies at the extreme western end of New Guinea. It contains the world’s highest diversity of coral reef-
associated fishes. Allen and Erdmann (2009) provided a comprehensive list containing 1476 species in 111 fami-
lies. The westernmost portion of this region known as the Raja Ampat islands contains an amazing wealth of
marine habitats, and consequently is home to an exceptionally rich and varied reef fish fauna. Allen and Erdmann
(2009) listed 1310 species and this total has since increased to 1,426 (Allen unpublished data). Apogonidae are par-
ticularly well represented with 120 species in 17 genera. Although it is unlikely that any of the species are endemic
to the Raja Ampat Islands, due to it’s proximity to the New Guinea mainland and nearby Halmahera, at least four
species are apparently endemic to the greater Bird’s Head region including Ostorhinchus oxygrammus (Allen,
2001), and two undescribed species of Siphamia. The present paper describes a species of the genus Apogonich-
thyoides that was collected by colleague M. Erdmann in 73 m depth off southeastern Misool, one of the principle
islands of the Raja Ampat Group.
Deep-water apogonids are rarely collected by any method and usually represented by few specimens in
museum collections. We describe this species on the basis of a single specimen because it is unlikely that additional
specimens will be available in the near future due to its relatively inaccessible habitat. Moreover, the highly distinc-
tive color pattern is well developed in our adult specimen and good photographs were obtained when it was fresh.
We believe the present description will contribute to a better understanding of the genus Apogonichthyoides, which
FRASER & ALLEN
64 · Zootaxa 3095 © 2011 Magnolia Press
until recently was poorly known. Fraser and Allen (2010) characterized the genus, provided a discussion of known
species and presented a key to one species group. The current paper also includes a key to the 22 species now rec-
ognized in the genus.
Methods
Methods for making counts and measurements are given in Fraser (2005). The gill-raker count was broken down
into rudiments and rakers by arch. All digital photographs were processed through Adobe Photoshop CS4 extended
software. Other figures were obtained from Leica MZ9 stereoscope with camera lucida tracings, scanned on a flat-
bed scanner and completed in Photoshop. The holotype is deposited in Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense, Cibi-
nong, Java, Indonesia (MZB).
Apogonichthyoides erdmanni n. sp.
(Figures 1–2)
Type material examined. Holotype: MZB 20018, 39.2 mm SL, 51.1 mm TL, Indonesia, West Papua, Raja Ampat
Islands, SE of Misool Island, Fiabacet Island, 2°13.022'S 130°33.800'E, 73 m., 19 Feb 2011, Clove oil mixed with
ethanol, digital color photograph, M. V. Erdmann.
Comparative material. Amia uninotata Holotype USNM 70248 (1, 43.9), Philippines, Bisucay I., near Cuyo,
Albatross, 9 Apr 1909, x-ray. Paratype USNM 339043 (1,40.0), Philippines, Palawan Is., Tara I., Mindoro Strait,
Albatross, 15 Dec 1908, 3–6 m., x-ray.
Description. For general body shape see Fig. 1a–c. Range of proportions (as percentage of standard length):
body depth 35.5; head length 44.4; eye diameter 14.8; snout length 8.7; bony interorbital width 9.2; upper-jaw
length 21.7; caudal-peduncle depth 15.3; caudal-peduncle length 23.0; first dorsal-fin spine length 3.8; second dor-
sal-fin spine length 9.7; third dorsal-fin spine length 19.1; fourth dorsal-fin spine length 17.1; spine in second dor-
sal fin 15.6; first anal-fin spine length 2.8; second anal-fin spine length 12.5; pectoral-fin length 28.8; pelvic-fin
length 26.0.
Dorsal fin VII-I,9; anal fin II,8; pectoral fin 15-15; pelvic fin I,5; principal caudal rays 9 + 8; pored lateral line
scales 24; transverse scale rows above lateral line 1 with very small scale at base of first dorsal fin between large
scales; transverse scale rows below lateral line 5; median predorsal scales 3, last scale at origin of first dorsal fin V-
shaped and almost hidden; circumpeduncular scale rows 12 (5 +2+5).
Band of villiform teeth premaxilla and dentary; one to two rows on the palatine; one row on vomer; none on
ectopterygoid, endopteygoid or basihyal.
Supramaxilla absent; posttemporal serrate on posterior margin; preopercle ridge smooth, edges serrate through-
out margin; infraorbital edges smooth
Scales cycloid on nape and anterior part of breast; two large ctenoid pelvic scales; cycloid to very short row of
ctenii on cheek; scales mostly missing on opercle; last pored lateral line scale very elongate.
Anterior nare a long tubule, posterior nare without raised ridge.
Pores pattern on the head are shown in Figs. 2A–C. Mucous on the head obscured dorsal pores on the central
region and supertemporal expanded nape area; cheek and preopercular pores not well defined.
Free neuromasts obscured on head; linear lines of free neuromasts associated with principal caudal fin-rays:
seven present along ventral edges of upper branched rays (3–9) and on four on dorsal edges of lower branched rays
(11–14); free neuromasts lines absent on caudal fin ray number 10, upper unbranched and branched caudal rays (1–
2), and lower unbranched and branched caudal rays (15–17).
Fresh color pattern. (Fig. 1A): dorsal, snout and lips of head a pale yellow, light brown below and behind eye
and body light brown; two slightly darker bars on body, broad bar from base of second dorsal fin to base of anal fin
and one on caudal peduncle at base of caudal fin; three dark brown marks at edge of eye, first narrowly along ante-
rior edge of eye passing under eye extending as a thick stripe to edge of opercle, second as a thick stripe from pos-
terior edge of eye to edge of opercle, third as an oval spot at posterior of eye above second stripe; rounded dark spot
under first dorsal fin below lateral line smaller than pupil of eye; first dorsal fin dark edging from base of first two
Zootaxa 3095 © 2011 Magnolia Press · 65
NEW APOGONICHTHYOIDES
spines to distal half of third and fourth spines, pale yellow below with numerous small white spots; second dorsal
fin pale yellow with proximal whitish base; anal fin distally yellow with fine melanophores, proximally with white
band grading into pale yellow; caudal fin yellow with fine melanophores; spine of pelvic fin light brown with many
small white spots, longer rays light brown grading to pale yellow on shorter fin rays.
FIGURE 1. Holotype of Apogonichthyoides erdmanni, 39.2 mm SL, 51.1 mm TL. A. Fresh, pinned from below, left side, by
Mark V. Erdmann. B. Post mortem, right side, by Mark V. Erdmann, lined feature in second dorsal and anal an artifact of wet
fins on surface. C. Right side, in 70% ethyl alcohol by Thomas H. Fraser. Apogonichthyoides uninotatus. D. Live, Coron I.,
Calamianes Is., Philippines, by G.R. Allen. E. Postmortem buccal male, USNM 395671, 41 mm SL, Apo Reef, Mindoro Occi-
dental, Philippines, by J.T. Williams.
Post mortem color pattern. (Fig. 1B): Head and body brown, scales above lateral line outlined in brown; cau-
dal peduncle with complete brown bar, no bar below second dorsal fin to anal fin; three dark brown mark at edge of
eye; first narrowly along anterior edge of eye passing under eye extending as a thick stripe to edge of opercle, sec-
ond as a thick stripe from posterior edge of eye to edge of opercle, third as an oval spot at posterior of eye above
second stripe; rounded dark spot under first dorsal fin below lateral line smaller than pupil of eye; first dorsal fin
dark brown at base of first and second spines and distally on third to fifth spines, pale membranes from near fifth
FRASER & ALLEN
66 · Zootaxa 3095 © 2011 Magnolia Press
though seventh spine; second dorsal fin with a narrow stripe of melanophores separate proximal pale band from
distal yellow with fine melanophores; anal fin with pale proximal band grading to fine melanophores with yellow;
caudal fin yellow membranes with fine melanophores on fin rays; pelvic spine and outer fin rays dark brown, inner
rays whitish.
FIGURE 2. Semi-diagrammatic views of the head pore patterns from the holotype of Apogonichthyoides erdmanni. A. Partial
view of the supraorbital pores on the left side of the head. B. Partial view of the right side infraorbital pores minus the cheek
and preopercle, reversed, and partial view of maxilla. C Ventral view of the left lower jaw. so = supraorbital, io = infraorbital,
me = mental, and ar = articular.
Preserved color pattern. (Fig. 1C): In 70% ethyl alcohol the head and body with a brown ground color; tip of
lower jaw and snout with fine dense brown spots; narrow, dark horizontal stripe from under eye becoming broad
from eye onto opercle; broad dark stripe from posterior edge of eye to near tip of opercle flap; short broad mark
near upper posterior edge of eye; dark round spot about equidistance from base of first dorsal fin to upper edge of
pectoral fin, spot smaller than diameter of eye; cheeks with small brown spots extending on to sides scattered small
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NEW APOGONICHTHYOIDES
brown spots on body, mostly below lateral line scales except on caudal peduncle; faint brown basicaudal bar
slightly wider than pupil of eye, no other body bars apparent; black first dorsal from first two spines, most of distal
membrane between third and fourth spines, about one-half of distal membrane black between fourth and fifth
spines, spines and membranes pale posterior of fifth spine; second dorsal fin pale proximal one third of fin, distally
with many fine brown spots; anal fin with proximal one fifth pale and distally with many fine brown spots; caudal
fin with fine brown spots on membranes and fin-rays becoming less dense on membranes of inner rays; pelvic
spine and first ray black to tips, inner rays pale; pectoral fin pale; scales above lateral line darkly edged.
Etymology. Named for Mark Erdmann of Conservation International, Indonesia Marine Program, who col-
lected and photographed the type specimen. Mark has worked closely with the second author for the past six years
and is responsible for numerous new discoveries, resulting from his deep scuba collections around the East Indian
region.
Habitat. The specimen was collected at 73m at the base of a sheer drop off exposed to moderate to strong cur-
rents. The specimen was sheltering under a large block of dead coral rubble that rested on a moderate, silty sand
slope.
Remarks. Apogonichthyoides erdmanni is similar in head markings to the Philippine species A. uninotatus
(Smith and Radcliffe in Radcliffe, 1912). The new species has vivid, horizontal dark cheek and post-ocular marks,
a small oval spot between the eye and tip of upper preopercular arm, yellowish anal, second dorsal and caudal fins,
a narrow basicaudal bar less than 1/3 the length of the caudal peduncle, a vertical bar under the posterior half of the
second dorsal-fin base reaching the base of the anal fin, small dark spots on the lower half of the body onto the
lower portion of the caudal peduncle and a body spot smaller than the pupil of the eye. Apogonichthyoides uninota-
tus has a faint diagonal cheek mark, a faint horizontal post-ocular mark, a faint dash between eye and tip of upper
preopercular arm, brownish anal, second dorsal and caudal fin, a broad basicaudal bar more than 2/3 the length of
the caudal peduncle, a broad body bar as a chevron including all of the second dorsal-fin base reaching the base of
the anal fin, no small dark spots on lower half of body and a body spot larger than the pupil of the eye (Fig. 1D
&E).
Free neuromast patterns have not been described for Apogonichthyoides. Bergman (2004) mentions Apogon-
ichthyoides timorensis in the remarks section of Ostorhinchus, but did not provide illustrations of the species. The
free neuromasts were obscured and difficult to see in the new species. Several specimens of Apogonichthyoides
taeniatus (UF 29838) had 7+5=12 free neuromast lines on branched caudal fin rays while the single specimen of A.
erdmanni had 7+4=11 visible under the microscope.
The dorsal head pore pattern is partially done (Fig. 2), complete for the snout and areas adjacent to the eye,
missing the central and posterior areas of the head and nape. No information is presented for the preopercular or
posttemporal regions. One larger supraorbital pore is present, a characteristic seen among other apogonids and in
those Apogonichthyoides examined to date (erdmanni, miniatus and umbratilis), absent in timorensis.
Key to adult species of Apogonichthyoides
1 Anal fin II,8; second dorsal fin I,9;. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
- Anal fin II,9; second dorsal fin I,10 or 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides opercularis
2 No dark stripes on body above and/or below lateral line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
- Dark stripes on body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3 Faint bars on upper body; ocellated spot on anterior body above pectoral fin and below lateral line; 14–15 pectoral fin rays. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides taeniatus
- No body bars; no ocellated spot on body; dark spot mid soft dorsal fin near base; 16 pectoral fin rays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides brevicaudatus
4 Pectoral fin rays 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
- Pectoral fin rays 15–17 (rarely 14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
5 Inside of mouth behind symphysis of dentaries pale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
- Inside of mouth with dark spot behind symphysis of dentaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apogonichthyoides cantoris
6 Two bars on body; wide blotch on caudal peduncle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides gardineri
- Two or three bars on body; two faint bars and one dark bar on caudal peduncle. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides umbratilis
7 Body patterns various, frequently with two dark bars or saddles, one under each dorsal fin; a third dark bar sometimes present
posteriorly on caudal peduncle, bars/saddles sometimes faint ( A. timorensis), absent (adult A. enigmaticus) or with medium to
small dark spots on scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
- Body and all fins except caudal fin dark brown or with multiple narrow body bars; caudal fin pale or white; no dark spot above
FRASER & ALLEN
68 · Zootaxa 3095 © 2011 Magnolia Press
pectoral fin and below lateral line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides niger
8 Dark spot as ocellus or if not, spot red or brown on anterior body below lateral line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
- No dark spot or ocellus on anterior body below lateral line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
9 Dark ocellated spot usually present between lateral line and pectoral fin; body with bars and/or a basicaudal spot. . . . . . . . . 10
- Dark\red spot between lateral line and pectoral fin; body with or without faint bars; no basicaudal spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
10 Dark basicaudal peduncle bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
- No dark basicaudal peduncle bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
11 Small ocellated spot on body, much smaller that pupil of eye; small dark spot at origin of first dorsal fin, and at origin and end
of pale second dorsal fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apogonichthyoides heptastygma
- Large ocellated spot on body, larger than pupil of eye; proximal portion of second dorsal fin dark, distal portion of soft dorsal
and caudal fin pale or yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apogonichthyoides atripes
12 Dark basicaudal peduncle spot wider than narrow bar; developed gill rakers 12–15. . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides pharaonis
- Dark basicaudal peduncle spot within bar; developed gill rakers 10–12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apogonichthyoides nigripinnis
13 Dark bars/saddles on body and/or dark edging to all body scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
- No dark bars/saddles; scale edges unmarked on body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
14 Dark bar below both dorsal fins about 1–2 scales wide, both confluent with leading edge of fin above them; no dark or dusky
bar posteriorly on caudal peduncle; dark caudal spot usually present (may be faint or absent in adult A. enigmaticus). . . . . .15
- Dark bars below dorsal fins usually 3–4 scales wide, frequently indistinct; second bar below posterior half of second dorsal fin;
dusky to dark bar posteriorly on caudal peduncle; dark caudal spot absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides timorensis
15 Total developed gill rakers 9–11; bars below dorsal fins black, usually two scales wide and extend ventrally beyond pectoral
fin; scale edge pale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
- Total developed gill rakers 12–17; when present bars below dorsal fins dark brown above lateral line, usually one scale wide,
fading out at level of pectoral fin; scales edge dark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apogonichthyoides enigmaticus
16 Intestine pale, axil of pectoral dark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides sialis
- Intestine blackish, axil of pectoral pale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apogonichthyoides pseudotaeniatus
17 Developed gill rakers 8–9; one developed gill raker on upper limb body; no series of blackish spots or irregular spots on body
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
- Developed gill rakers 10–11; two developed gill rakers on upper limb; body with 7–9 series of small blackish spots, more or
less one per scale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides regani
18 No teeth on ectopterygoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
- Tooth patch on ectopterygoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apogonichthyoides chrysurus
19 Irregular dark spots on head and body, pectoral fin rays 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides euspilotus
- Few scattered small dark dots on body, pectoral fin rays 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides maculipinnis
20 Cheek and post ocular dark marks; faint dark bars under second dorsal and on caudal peduncle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
- No cheek or post ocular dark marks; no faint bars on body or caudal peduncle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apogonichthyoides miniatus
21 Faint diagonal cheek mark, body spot larger than pupil of eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Apogonichthyoides uninotatus
- Dark horizontal cheek mark, body spot smaller than pupil of eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apogonichthyoides erdmanni
Acknowledgements
We thank Larry Page and Robert H. Robins of the Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Florida for their
help with the loan of the holotype to the first author. Both individuals assisted the first author during visits to the
museum. We thank Jeffrey T. Williams (USNM) for providing a photograph and David Greenfield (CAS) for use-
ful comments improving this paper.
Literature cited
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Bergman, L.M.R. (2004) The cephalic lateralis system of cardinalfishes (Perciformes: Apogonidae) and its application to the
taxonomy and systematics of the family. Dissertation, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, 373pp.
Fraser, T.H. (2005) A review of the species in the Apogon fasciatus group with a description of a new species of cardinalfish
from the Indo-West Pacific (Perciformes: Apogonidae). Zootaxa, 924, 1–30.
Fraser, T.H. & G.R. Allen. (2010) Cardinalfish of the genus Apogonichthyoides Smith, 1949 (Apogonidae) with a description of
a new species from the West Pacific region. Zootaxa, 2348, 40–56.
Radcliffe, L. (1912) Descriptions of fifteen new fishes of the family Cheilodipteridae from the Philippine Islands and contigu-
ous waters. Proceeding of the United States National Museum, 41(1868), 431–446.
... For the past 110 years, Apogonichthyoides maculipinnis (Regan, 1908) has been known only from the holotype collected by a dredge in 73 m at "Haddumati Atoll" (currently Haddhunmathi Atoll or Laamu Atoll) in the Maldives. Fraser & Allen (2011) included A. maculipinnis in their key to 22 species of Apogonichthyoides based on the holotype. Recently a second specimen was collected and photographed by Mark V. Erdmann from the type locality in 40 m depth. ...
... In 1908, Regan described this specimen as the new species Apogon maculipinnis. Fraser & Allen (2011) included this species in their key to the species of Apogonichthyoides, based only on the holotype. After this redescription, this species should now key out in a new modified couplet with A. gardineri and A. umbratilis, not with A. euspilotus. ...
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Apogonichthyoides maculipinnis, a deeper-dwelling cardinalfish, is redescribed from the holotype and a second specimen collected recently, including a live color photograph. Both Regan's holotype, collected in April 1900, and the new specimen were collected at the same atoll in the Maldives. Diagnostic color features include: a dark wedge-shaped bar extending from the bottom of the eye past the end of the maxilla, followed by a wide pale area on cheek, bordered above with a short wedge-shaped stripe from the rear edge of the iris ending in a dark vertical bar along the rim of the preopercle; rows of small brown dots, one per scale, in three rows, uppermost along the lateral line, middle along the lateral midline from behind the opercle flap to mid-caudal peduncle, the third parallel to the second, from behind the pectoral fin to above the middle of the anal fin; a large dark blotch on the distal membranes of the third and fourth dorsal-fin spines; and a small dark-brown spot on the body at the base of the last two branched dorsal-fin rays. The combination of these color patterns distinguishes Apogonichthyoides maculipinnis from other congeners, in particular A. umbratilis and A. gardineri, which share the dark mark on the first dorsal fin and darkish bar-like marks on the body but lack the numerous brown spots on the head and body.
... Remarks: Apogonichthyoides taeniatus is a valid name following Eschmeyer et al. (2017) and is morphologically distinguishable from other congeners (Fraser & Allen 2011), but has been suggested to be part of the A. nigripinnis species complex (Fraser & Allen 2010). Remarks: New species have recently been found from waters close to the Arabian Gulf; the Red Sea (Golani et al. 2014) and the Arabian Sea (Panwhar et al. 2017), and S. sihama has been suggested to be endemic to the Red Sea (e.g. ...
... Remarks: Apogonichthyoides taeniatus is a valid name following Eschmeyer et al. (2017) and is morphologically distinguishable from other congeners (Fraser & Allen 2011), but has been suggested to be part of the A. nigripinnis species complex (Fraser & Allen 2010). Remarks: New species have recently been found from waters close to the Arabian Gulf; the Red Sea (Golani et al. 2014) and the Arabian Sea (Panwhar et al. 2017), and S. sihama has been suggested to be endemic to the Red Sea (e.g. ...
Article
An account of the fishes of a newly discovered coral reef area in Iraq is presented. During ichthyological surveys in the area in 2012 and 2013, a total of 93 species in 48 families were recorded from the region. The most speciose families containing 8 species are Haemulidae and Sparidae. There is one family with 6 species (Carangidae) and there are 31 monospecific families. A total of 33 and 10 new species are recorded from the newly discovered coral reef area for Iraq and the Arabian Gulf area, respectively. In addition , 8 species are confirmed for Iraqi waters, and 6 more are confirmed for the Arabian Gulf. The reef area contains several species with estuarine habits, as well as a number of typical coral reef-associated species. Species with small bodies or cryptic behaviour seem to be missing from the record as a consequence of sampling methodology. Hence, the present list is likely to be extended along with future sampling efforts. Anthropogenic impacts in the form of climate change and pollutants from the Shatt al-Arab River , as well as environmental factors, such as strong tidal currents and high turbidity caused by sediments discharge by Shatt al-Arab River, are considered sources for threats to the newly discovered coral reef area.
... Lates have three scaled lateral lines on the caudal fin (Greenwood, 1976;Katayama et al. 1977;Pethiyagoda & Gill, 2012). Some apogonids have lines of free neuromasts present on the caudal fin (Fraser & Randall, 2011;Fraser & Allen, 2011;Gon & Allen, 2012). A complete survey among apogonids is incomplete for the presence of lines on the caudal fin. ...
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Archamia is restricted to a single species, A. bleekeri. A recently described genus, Kurtamia, a reference to a suggested relationship with the enigmatic Kurtus, is the junior synonym of Archamia. Kurtamia bykhovskyi is a junior synonym of A. bleekeri. Archamia is redescribed using osteological, color pattern, pore and free neuromast patterns supplementing those characters used in other publications noting clear differences between A. bleekeri and all other species formerly in that genus. The new genus Taeniamia, type species Archamia leai contains the remaining species. Osteology, color patterns and lateralis characters are reviewed for Taeniamia leai and other species. Species placed in Taeniamia have two broadly different color patterns: 1) yellow, orange, red or dark bars with or without a dark basicaudal spot, and 2) yellow or dark midline stripe with another stripe above the lateral line, lacking bars. These color patterns suggest two lineages exist within Taeniamia. New species combinations are: Taeniamia ateania, T. biguttata, T. bilineata, T. buruensis, T. dispilus, T. flavofasciata, T. fucata, T. kagoshimana, T. leai, T. lineolata, T. macroptera, T. melasma, T. mozambiquensis, T. pallida, and T. zosterophora. Archamia and Taeniamia are sister genera. A diagnosis is provided for the Apogonidae: one or two anal spines, first spine small, supernumerary in position, second spine or first anal fin-ray (only Paxton) in serial association with first distal and proximal-middle radials; first segmented anal ray branched; males mouth brood fertilized eggs; swim bladder simple without anterior or posterior modifications, a dorsal oval and ventral gas glands; free neuromasts on head, body and caudal fin. Characters of Holapogon were used to help identify common plesiomorphic characters for the Apogonidae, elsewhere among percoids using the Centropomidae and information for basal Percomorpha. A table of basal characters and derived changes is provided for the Apogonidae. Characters for two species Kurtus indicus and K. gulliveri are described and examined in a search for morphological synapomorphies with Archamia, Taeniamia, Holapogon and other apogonids. A diagnosis is provided for the Kurtidae: highly modified ribs, anterior dorsal spines individually fused with all radials of the pterygiophore complex, medially fused pterosphenoids, gill rakers on second branchial arch, tooth plates between each gill raker, serrated curved extension of the male's supraoccipital crest, tiny cycloid scales on head and body, very short pored lateral-line scales and free neuromast patterns on the head and body. The second epibranchial articulating with third pharyngobranchial and radial ridges simple or bifid filaments around the micropyle of the egg related to egg ball organization are supported as possible non-exclusive synapomorphic characters for kurtids and apogonids. Parental care of eggs has not been demonstrated for Kurtus indicus, an estuarine/coastal marine species. Kurtids share foramina in the lateral lower part of each caudal vertebra with carangine species, some ephippids, some leiognathids, some priacanthids and scatophagids and share tiny cycloid scales with carangoids: possible synapomorphies or independently derived features.
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Two cardinal fish species, Apogonichthyoides sialis (Jordan & Thompson 1914) and Oestorhinchus fleurieu Lacepède 1802, and one oxudercid goby, Trypauchenichthys sumatrensis Hardenberg 1931 are reported herein for the first time from the coastal waters of Odisha, India. This paper deals with the diagnostic characters and distributional information of all these three species to document their occurrence for the first time from Odisha state. Confusion in identity of these two apogonids along Odisha coast is cleared, while report of this oxudercid goby forms it’s only the second record from India.
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We synthesize the evolutionary implications of recent advances in the fields of phylogeography, biogeography and palaeogeography for shallow-water marine species, focusing on marine speciation and the relationships among the biogeographic regions and provinces of the world. A recent revision of biogeographic provinces has resulted in the recognition of several new provinces and a re-evaluation of provincial relationships. These changes, and the information that led to them, make possible a clarification of distributional dynamics and evolutionary consequences. Most of the new conclusions pertain to biodiversity hotspots in the tropical Atlantic, tropical Indo-West Pacific, cold-temperate North Pacific, and the cold Southern Ocean. The emphasis is on the fish fauna, although comparative information on invertebrates is utilized when possible. Although marine biogeographic provinces are characterized by endemism and thus demonstrate evolutionary innovation, dominant species appear to arise within smaller centres of high species diversity and maximum interspecies competition. Species continually disperse from such centres of origin and are readily accommodated in less diverse areas. Thus, the diversity centres increase or maintain species diversity within their areas of influence, and are part of a global system responsible for the maintenance of biodiversity over much of the marine world.
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Apogonichthyoides is resurrected from Apogon (Ostorhinchus) as a valid genus with 19 species. Members of this genus are mostly tannish brown to brownish-black in body color. The head and body usually have brownish to blackish spots (sometimes stripe-like), a darkish cheek line and usually two body bars. An ocellus may be present below the lateral line on the body or absent. One or more caudal-peduncular bars and/or a basicaudal spot are often present. Insertion patterns of supraneurals and pterygiophores are given for 11 species. Apogonichthyoides umbratilis, a new species, has 14 pectoral rays and five bars (three faint) on the body and caudal peduncle. Color pattern of the new species suggest relationships with Apogonichthyoides gardineri, A. timorensis and A. opercularis. Descriptions and illustrations of the latter two species are provided for comparison. Apogonichthyoides gardineri, a rare, deep-water species is characterized by 14 pectoral rays, two bars on the body and one wide bar near the base of the caudal peduncle. Specimens of Apogonichthyoides timorensis usually have 15–16 pectoral rays and two or three bars on the body and caudal peduncle. Specimens of Apogonichthyoides opercularis have nine soft anal rays and 10 soft dorsal rays. A key to eight species included in the timorensis species group is provided. A lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for the syntype series of Apogon opercularis. New name combinations follow: Apogonichthyoides atripes, A. brevicaudatus, A. cantoris, A. chrysurus, A. euspilotus, A. gardineri, A. heptastygma, A. niger, A. opercularis, A. pharaonis, A. pseudotaeniatus, A. regani, A. sialis and A. timorensis. Previous usage includes: Apogonichthyoides enigmaticus, A. nigripinnis, A. taeniatus and A. uninotatus
Article
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Apogonichthyoides is resurrected from Apogon (Ostorhinchus) as a valid genus with 19 species. Members of this genus are mostly tannish brown to brownish-black in body color. The head and body us ually have brownish to blackish spots (sometimes stripe-like), a darkish cheek line and usually two body bars. An ocellus may be present below the lateral line on the body or absent. One or more caudal-peduncular bars and/or a basicaudal spot are often present. Insertion patterns of supraneurals and pterygiophores are given for 11 species. Apogonichthyoides umbratilis, a new species, has 14 pectoral rays and five bars (three faint) on the body and caudal peduncle. Color pattern of the new species suggest relationships with Apogonichthyoides gardineri, A. timorensis and A. opercularis. Descriptions and illustrations of the latter two species are provided for comparison. Apogonichthyoides gardineri, a rare, deep-water species is characterized by 14 pectoral rays, two bars on the body and one wide bar near the base of the caudal peduncle. Specimens of Apogonichthyoides timorensis usually have 15–16 pectoral rays and two or three bars on the body and caudal peduncle. Specimens of Apogonichthyoides opercularis have nine soft anal rays and 10 soft dorsal rays. A key to eight species included in the timorensis species group is provided. A lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for the syntype series of Apogon opercularis. New name combinations follow:
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Nine nominal, Indo-West Pacfic species are treated: Apogon fasciatus (White, 1790), Apogon quadrifasciatus Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1828, Apogon monogramma Günther, 1880, Apogon septemstriatus Günther, 1880, Apogon evanidus Fowler 1904, Apogon elizabethae (Jordan & Seale, 1905), Apogon quinquestriatus Regan, 1908, Apogon kiensis Jordan & Snyder, 1901 and Apogon bryx Fraser, 1998. Four species treated as valid have VII first-dorsal spines: Apogon fascia- tus with two brownish stripes on each side of the head and body to caudal peduncle and a faint, variable stripe along a portion of the lateral-line, 16 (15) pectoral-fin rays, and 14-17 (12, 13 or 18) gill rakers, Apogon quinquestriatus with four brownish stripes on each side of head and body, two reaching the caudal peduncle, 15 pectoral-fin rays, and 15 gill rakers, Apogon septemstriatus with three brownish stripes on each side of head and body, three reaching the caudal peduncle, 14 (13) pectoral-fin rays, and 14-16 gill rakers, Apogon pleuron, new species, with two brownish stripes on each side of head and body reaching the caudal peduncle, ventral edge of midlateral stripe with ver- tical bars, 15 (14 or16) pectoral-fin rays, and 17-20 (15, 16 or 21) gill rakers. Two species treated as valid have VI first-dorsal spines: Apogon bryx with three brownish stripes on each side of head and body, two reaching the caudal peduncle, 14-15 pectoral-fin rays, and 22-23 (21 or 24) gill rakers, Apogon kiensis, with two brownish stripes on each side of head and body reaching the caudal peduncle, 14-15 pectoral-fin rays, and 16-18 (15 or 19-20) gill rakers. The long recognized name, Apogon quadrifasciatus, is synonymous with Apogon fasciatus.
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A checklist of shallow (to 60 m depth) reef fishes is provided for the Bird’s Head Peninsula region of West Papua,Indonesia. The area, which occupies the extreme western end of New Guinea, contains the world’s most diverseassemblage of coral reef fishes. The current checklist, which includes both historical records and recent survey results,includes 1,511 species in 451 genera and 111 families. Respective species totals for the three main coral reef areas –Raja Ampat Islands, Fakfak-Kaimana coast, and Cenderawasih Bay – are 1320, 995, and 877. In addition to itsextraordinary species diversity, the region exhibits a remarkable level of endemism considering its relatively small area.A total of 26 species in 14 families are currently considered to be confined to the region.
Article
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2004. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 349-373). Also available by subscription via World Wide Web x, 373 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm
Apogonichthyoides niger 8
  • Line.................................................... Fin
fin and below lateral line...................................................... Apogonichthyoides niger 8
12 - No dark basicaudal peduncle bar
  • ................................................................................................................................................ Dark Basicaudal Peduncle Bar
Dark basicaudal peduncle bar........................................................................... 12 - No dark basicaudal peduncle bar........................................................................ 11 11
Two new species of cardinalfishes (Apogonidae) from the Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia. aqua
  • G R Allen
Allen, G.R. (2001) Two new species of cardinalfishes (Apogonidae) from the Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia. aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology, 4(4), 143-149.
Reef fishes of the Bird's Head Peninsula
  • G R Allen
  • M V Erdmann
Allen, G.R. & Erdmann, M.V. (2009) Reef fishes of the Bird's Head Peninsula, West Papua, Indonesia. Check List 5 (3), 587-628.
Descriptions of fifteen new fishes of the family Cheilodipteridae from the Philippine Islands and contiguous waters. Proceeding of the United States National Museum
  • L Radcliffe
Radcliffe, L. (1912) Descriptions of fifteen new fishes of the family Cheilodipteridae from the Philippine Islands and contiguous waters. Proceeding of the United States National Museum, 41(1868), 431-446.