Three new species of Australian fishes of the genus Plectranthias (Perciformes: Serranidae: Anthiinae)

Abstract

Three new species of anthiine fishes of the genus Plectranthias are described from Australian waters: P. robertsi from 220-400 m off Queensland at 18-23°S is distinctive in having 15 dorsal soft rays, 16 pectoral rays, 32-35 lateral-line scales, filamentous upper caudal rays (easily broken) and extremely prolonged second dorsal and second pelvic rays in the male; P. pallidus, represented by a single specimen taken in 220 m off Townsville, is characterised by 16 dorsal soft rays, 13 pectoral rays, 28 lateral-line scales, 2 retrorse spines on the ventral margin of the preopercle, and the third dorsal spine longest, 2.0 in head length; and P. lasti from a specimen off Marion Reef, Queensland in 365-370 m and one from the Northwest Shelf in 202 m, is distinguished by having 14 dorsal soft rays, 15 pectoral rays, 30 lateral-line scales, no serrae on the preopercular margin, and a body depth 3.05 in SL.