Ebinania australiae, a new species of fathead sculpin from southern Australia (Scorpaeniformes: Psychrolutidae)

Abstract

A sixth species of Ebinania is described from nine specimens collected at depths of 982-1170 off southern Australia. Eight of the specimens were from the vicinity of Tasmania and the nearby mainland, and the ninth is from near Perth, Western Australia. The new species differs from its congeners in having cirri on the head, well-developed orbital rims, cranial arch 3 twisted upwards, prevomerine teeth in a continuous band, a single terminal chin pore, obsolete lateral line pores, and an overall pale colour. This is the third species of psychrolutid known from off continental Australia. Variation in important characters used in diagnosis of species of Ebinania is reported and problems of the characters in diagnosing these species are discussed. A key to species of Ebinania is provided. © Copyright Australian Museum, 2006.