Allen & Erdmann, 2012
A new species of Dragonet (Synchiropus: Callionymidae) from IndonesiaAbstract
Synchiropus tudorjonesi is described on the basis of 4 specimens, 21.1-35.5 mm SL, collected at Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, in Indonesia. The species has also been recorded from Bali, Indonesia, from underwater photographs. It appears to be most closely related to S. morrisoni, which ranges widely in the western Pacific. The two species have overlapping distributions in Indonesia, but are ecologically separated with S. tudorjonesi occurring in deeper water (50-70 m) compared to the shallower depth range (about 12-33 m) of S. morrisoni. Both species exhibit similar meristic and morphometric features. However, the adult male of S. morrisoni has a much taller first dorsal fin, which may reach twice the height of the second dorsal fin (or to 2.5 in SL) compared to the much lower fin (4.2 in SL) of S. tudorjonesi. There are also significant colour differences, particularly with regards to the male’s first dorsal fin.
Gerald R. Allen and Mark V. Erdmann
aqua, International Journal of Ichthyology, 18 (1): 9-14, 2012.