Neomerinthe ignea, a new species of scorpionfish (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae) from the western Pacific Ocean, with a review of records of N.erostris (Alcock 1896)

Neomerintheignea (Scorpaenidae), a new species of scorpionfish from the western Pacific Ocean, previously confused with Neomerintheerostris (Alcock 1896), is described. The new species is characterized by the following combination of characteristics: body size less than about 90 mm standard length (SL); lateral lacrimal and second preopercular spines present; usually a distinct longitudinal ridge on lateral surface of maxilla; usually 18 pectoral-fin rays; 37-42 longitudinal series scale rows; pored lateral-line scales 23-25; scale rows above lateral line 4-6, below lateral line 9-11, between sixth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 5 or 6, and between last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 5-7; usually 6 upper gill rakers, 9-16 lower gill rakers (8-10 and 0-7 rakers on ceratohyal and hypobranchial, respectively); numerous cycloid scales on ventral body surface between isthmus and posterior to pelvic fin; 1st dorsal-fin ray length 14.7-19.1% of SL, 2nd dorsal-fin ray length 14.6-18.9% of SL, 3rd dorsal-fin ray length 15.6-18.9% of SL, 4th dorsal-fin ray length 15.2-19.1% of SL, and 5th dorsal-fin ray length 14.2-19.5% of SL; body bright orange to reddish-white when fresh; body and pectoral fins pale yellowish, with indistinct blotches on lateral body surface when preserved. A molecular genetic analysis based on the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I showed that the new species formed a clade distinct from congeneric species. In addition, records of N.erostris, a species similar to N.ignea, are reviewed, and additional specimens from northern Australia noted.

Automated summary

A new species of scorpionfish, Neomerintheignea, previously mistaken for Neomerintheerostris, was described in this study. The new species is characterized by a unique combination of traits and forms a distinct clade from its congeneric species based on molecular genetic analysis.