Emmelichthys marisrubri sp. nov. is described from three specimens, which were trawled off Eritrea in the southern Red Sea. The species is characterised by the spinous and soft-rayed portions of dorsal fin separated by a gap containing four short isolated spines, which are protruding over the dorsal surface of the body; depth of body 16.5-20.2% SL; lateral-line scales 80-83; dorsal-fin spines 12-13; dorsal-fin soft rays 8; pectoral-fin rays 18-20, total gill rakers 26-31. A revised key to the species of Emmelichthys is presented.