Volume 9, Issue 2 – December 2004

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Christophe Mailliet and Aleksei Saunders: Review of recent work on Bedotia spp. (Teleostei: Atheriniformes), both described and recently collected, pp. 45-64

Abstract

A number of newly discovered and mostly undescribed Madagascar rainbowfish of the endemic genus Bedotia (Teleostei: Atheriniformes) from the African island of Madagascar are introduced, and a review of the status of the currently valid species is provided. Information about habitats and conservation issues, systematic relationships and biogeographical aspects, as well as care and breeding is also given. The diversity and variability within the genus Bedotia is documented, outlining the need for appropriate conservation strategies both in and out site, given the threats to their natural habitats. Similarities in behaviour and reproduction with the Melanotaeniidae of Australia and New Guinea are described which could support recent research indicating close relationships between the Malagasy and Australian / New Guinean rainbowfish and suggesting inclusion of the Bedotiini of Madagascar in the family Melanotaeniidae. A general grouping of the currently known Bedotia species according to body and fin shape as well as general coloration patterns is also proposed.

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Female Bedotia marojejy. Photo by A. Saunders/Denver Zoo

Áthila Bertoncini Andrade, Guilherme Scheidt de Souza Soares, João Pedro Barreiros, João Luiz Gasparini and Maurício Hostim-Silva: First record of  Darwin´s slimehead, Gephyroberyx darwinii (Johnson, 1866) (Beryciformes: Trachichthyidae), in association with Brazilian deep reefs, pp. 65-68

Resumo

Três espécies da família Trachichthyidae ocorrem no sul do Brasil: Paratrachichthys atlanticus, Hoplostethus occidentalis e Gephyroberyx darwinii. Esta última é uma espécie que atinge tamanhos da ordem dos 600 mm (CT), vive na província bentopelágica até profundidades de 1210 metros. É encontrada em águas subtropicais distribuindo-se entre os paralelos 43ºN e 35ºS, sendo utilizada como fonte de alimento no leste do Atlântico central. O presente trabalho reporta a ocorrência de Gephyroberyx darwinii na costa brasileira entre as localidades de Vila Velha (ES) e Rio Grande (RS), em áreas de plataforma externa e talude superior, com profundidades variando de 70 a 520 metros. Suas ocorrências nestas áreas estiveram relacionadas a lances de pesca (onde Lophius gastrophysus é espécie alvo) sobre formações de corais vivos. Dados biométricos e merísticos de três espécimes são apresentados no trabalho.

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Gephyroberyx darwinii at MBML 602, 445 mm SL. 1999. Photo by J. L. Gasparini

Fenton M. Walsh and John E. Randall: Thalassoma jansenii x T. quinquevittatum and T. nigrofasciatum x T. quinquevittatum, hybrid labrid fishes from Indonesia and the Coral Sea, pp. 69-74

Abstract

The hybrid labrid fishes Thalassoma jansenii x T. quinquevittatum and T. nigrofasciatum x T. quinquevittatum are reported from the Banda Sea, Indonesia and Holmes Reef, Coral Sea, respectively.

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Thalassoma quinquevittatum, terminal-phase male, about 140 mm TL, Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands. Photo by J. E. Randall

Gerald R. Allen and John E. Randall: Two new species of damselfishes (Pomacentridae) from Micronesia, pp. 75-87

Abstract

Pomacentrus bipunctatus is described from 25 specimens, 11.0-61.9 mm SL, collected at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands and Truk in the eastern Caroline Islands. Adults are similar in appearance to P. spilotoceps from Fiji, but the new species differs in having fewer pectoral fin rays (17 versus 18-19) as well as marked colour differences in juveniles and subadults. Most notably, the young stages of P. spilotoceps lack bright yellow coloration on the ventral portion of the body and adjacent fins. Pomacentrus yoshii is described on the basis of 10 specimens, 41.1-69.4 mm SL, from Majuro Atoll in the southern Marshall Islands of Micronesia. It is distinguished from all Pacific members of the genus on the basis of its distinctive coloration, consisting of a blue anterior head, mainly yellowish body and fins, and large black spot covering the pectoral fin base. Pomacentrus pikei and P. sulfureus from the western Indian Ocean are similar in general apperance, but possess XIV rather than XIII dorsal fin spines. In addition, P. pikei has a much smaller spot on the pectoral fin base, which is restricted to the upper portion. On the basis of meristic features and general morphology, the new species appears to be closely related to P. philippinus from the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, which differs significantly in overall colour pattern.

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Pomacentrus bipunctatus, holotype, 45. 5 mm SL, Truk, Caroline Islands. Photo by J. E. Randall