Neocyttus psilorhynchus, a new oreosomatid (Pisces, Zeiformes) from southern Australia and New Zealand, with redescriptions of its congeners

Abstract

The oreosomatid genus Neocyttus contains five valid species of which three are named: N acanthorhynchus Regan, 1908 (southern Indian Ocean), N. helgae (Holt and Byrne, 1908) (North Atlantic Ocean), and N. rhomboidalis Gilchrist, 1906 (circumglobal in Southern Ocean). These species are redescribed based on the types and new material. A fourth, from southern Australia and New Zealand, is described herein as N. psilorhynchus n. sp. Additional specimens are required for a full description of a fifth species provisionally identified as Neocyttus sp. (northeastern Indian Ocean). N. psilorhynchus n. sp. is distinguished from its described congeners by the following combination of characters: 16–18 pectoral-fin rays; mid-opercle with 14–17 low, radiating ridges; supraorbit and lachrymal terminating in a forward-projecting extension or rugosity covered with a dense cluster of robust nodular spinules; body scales extremely adherent, spinoid usually with about seven, but up to 11, long, sharp, very compressed spines (slightly conical in subadults) in single elevated row along posterior margins; soft dorsal- and anal-fin bases with, respectively, 28–30 and 25–28 greatly enlarged scales; naked snout; and a moderately deep belly. A key to Neocyttus species is included. © 1998, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.