Iniistius auropunctatus, a new razorfish (Perciformes: Labridae) from the Marquesas Islands

Randall J.E., Earle J.L., Robertson D.R.

Published date: June 2002
Volume: 26
Number: 2
Pagination: 093-098
Publisher: Société Française d’Ichtyologie
doi: https://doi.org/10.26028/cybium/2002-262-003
Abstract

The labrid fish Iniistius auropunctatus is described from 13 specimens, 95.5-129 mm SL, collected in 15-17 m at Ua Pou, Marquesas Islands. It is one of a complex of species characterized by the first two dorsal spines not being fully separated from the rest of fin and by a broad column of small scales extending from below the eye to behind the corner of the mouth. It is closely related to the wide-ranging, allopatric, Indo-Pacific species I. pentadactylus, having nearly the same female color pattern. It differs from I. pentadactylus chiefly in the color of the male, with blackish lines under edges of anterior lateral-line scales instead of three to six large deep red spots in a row behind the eye. Also it is a smaller species, the largest specimen 129 mm SL (I. pentadactylus reaches 200 mm SL).

Keywords: Iniistius auropunctatus - ISEW - Labridae - Marquesas Islands - New species
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