Three new Australian species of the fish genus Xenisthmus (Gobioidei: Xenisthmidae)
Abstract
Xenisthmus chi n.sp., described from two specimens from Rowley Shoals, Timor Sea, has in combination: second dorsal-fin rays I,12; anal-fin rays I,11; predorsal area with narrow median wedge of scales extending forward almost to pore D; posterior naris without flap; and head and body pale with brown reticulate mottling, forming about 11 X-shaped markings along sides between pectoral- and caudal-fin bases. Xenisthmus eirospilus n.sp., described from 15 specimens from throughout the southwest Pacific (type locality Elizabeth Reef, Tasman Sea), has in combination: second dorsal-fin rays I,12–13, usually I,12; anal-fin rays I,11–12, usually I,11; vertebrae 10 + 17; tongue indented; posterior naris with well-developed flap; upper sides of body with 12 large closely spaced spots, which usually do not extend to dorsal edge of body; and predorsal scaled to vertical through posterior edge of preopercle. Xenisthmus semicinctus n.sp., described from two specimens from Rowley Shoals, Timor Sea, has in combination: second dorsal-fin rays I,12; anal-fin rays I,11; vertebrae 10 + 17; tongue indented; posterior naris with well-developed flap; upper sides of body with 12 large, closely spaced spots, each connecting dorsally to, or almost to, mid-line by short, dark bar; and predorsal area with narrow median wedge of scales extending forward almost to pore D.
