Thysanophrys tricaudata, Knapp, Leslie W., 2013

Thysanophrys tricaudata View in CoL , sp. nov.

Proposed common name: Sri Lankan flathead ( Figs. 8–9 View FIGURE 8 View FIGURE 9 )

Holotype: USNM 268919 ( 86 mm SL). Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa, about ½ mile offshore, N of rest house, SCUBA at circa 15 m depth, 13 Feb.,1970, C. C. Koenig, CCK 69-102.

Paratypes: USNM 268917 ( 1, 117 mm). Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa, offshore about 1 ½ miles S of Coral Gardens, 18–21 m, 12 Feb.,1970, C. C. Koenig, CCK 69-101; USNM 268918 ( 1, 130 mm). Sri Lanka, Weligama, about 200 yds. offshore and E of rest house, 1–3 m, 14 Feb. 1970, C. C. Koenig, CCK-105.

Comparative material: USNM 98864 ( 1, 111 mm). Holotype of Cymbacephalus armatus , Philippines, 5°35’40”N 120°47’ 30”E, Sirun (Sirum) I., R/V Albatross, 12’ beam trawl, 31 m, 16 Feb. 1908.

Diagnosis. A species of Thysanophrys lacking papillae on the upper eye, with 4–5 DSC scales D fin I,VII, A 11, a single preocular and preorbital spines and a short snout with SNL going in HL 3.7–4.0 times. C fin with 3 dark bars and a dark saddle crossing back under the entire D1 fin.

Description. D1 spines I, VII, D2 rays 11; A fin rays 12; P fin rays 19 (19–20); LL pored scales 51 (52); anterior one bearing a small spine; GR 1 + 4 = 5 (1 + 4 = 5, 1+5 = 6); C branched rays 9; supraorbital ridge with ~ 9 (9–13) spines; vertebrae 27. Villiform teeth in bands on jaws. LL scale pores with 2 openings to exterior ( Fig 9 View FIGURE 9 ).

Color in alcohol. A broad dark band over back below entire D1 fin; D1 with a broad marginal dark band; D2 mostly clear, a few spots on rays; A with spots on rays near margin; P with several vertical dark bars; pelvic fin with a broad dark band near middle; and C with a broad basicaudal dark band, a dark marginal band and a narrower submarginal band.

Remarks. Although T. tricaudata and T. armata (Fowler, 1938) have many similarities, they differ in D2 ray count ( 11 in the former, 12 in the latter). In comparing color pattern between the two species ( Figs. 8 View FIGURE 8 & 10 View FIGURE 10 ) major differences in C fin pattern and in dark barring crossing the back are evident.