Xanthichthysgreenei, a new species of triggerfish (Balistidae) from the Line Islands.
Xanthichthysgreenei sp. n. is described from six specimens, 97-154 mm standard length (SL) collected from mesophotic coral ecosystems (90-100 m) at Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Line Islands, part of the Republic of Kiribati in the Central Pacific. Of the six species of Xanthichthys, it is most similar to the Atlantic Xanthichthysringens and the Indo-West Pacific Xanthichthyslineopunctatus, sharing with these species the character of three pigmented cheek grooves. It is distinctive in its low body scale row count (33-35, other Xanthichthys species with 39 or more), small size (maximum SL 154 mm, other species over 225 mm), and color pattern of scattered dark spots sub-dorsally and no other spots or lines on body.
Bishop Museum, Honolulu, United States of America.
Richard L
RL
Pyle
Bishop Museum, Honolulu, United States of America.
John L
JL
Earle
Balistidae; Line Islands; Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem; Xanthichthys; new species