Newly Recognized Diagnostic Characters of the Poorly Known Lionfish Pterois brevipectoralis (Scorpaenidae: Pteroinae), with Notes on Fresh Coloration

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Pterois brevipectoralis (Mandrytsa, 2002), previously known only from the holotype and two paratypes collected from the Saya de Malha Bank (western Indian Ocean), in depths of 57-90m, is redescribed on the basis of 10 additional specimens collected from the type locality and the Cargados Carajos Shoals, Mascarene Islands. The species is characterized by the presence of usually XIII, 10 dorsal-fin rays, usually 16 pectoral-fin rays, a relatively low number (6-10) of dark blotches on the pectoral-fin membrane, a relatively short pectoral fin [longest ray 44.5-66.4 (mean 53.4)% SL; not extending beyond the level of the posterior end of the dorsal-fin base in specimens over 91.3mm SL], ctenoid scales covering the head and dorsolateral body, and the posterior portion of the pectoral-fin rays (not associated with fin membrane) with several bands. In addition, extremely large (greater than orbit diameter), fan-like skin flaps on the tip of the posterior lacrimal spine and the posterior margin of the preopercle in large adults are recognized herein as diagnostic characters for the species. The first report of fresh coloration, based on a specimen from the Saya de Malha Bank, is included, and ontogenetic changes in various features are described in detail.
2013-11-25