AQUA-22(4).qxp_AQUA 24/10/16 12:28 Pagina 145

aqua, International Journal of Ichthyology

Asterropteryx profunda, a new species of goby (Pisces: ) from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia

Gerald R. Allen1 and Mark V. Erdmann2, 3

1) Department of Aquatic Zoology, Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Perth, Western Australia 6986. E-mail: [email protected] 2) Conservation International Indonesia Marine Program, Jl. Dr. Muwardi No. 17, Renon, Denpasar 80235 Indonesia. E-mail: [email protected] 3) California Academy of Sciences, 55 Museum Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Received: 11 July 2016 – Accepted: 03 October 2016

Keyowords zu dem auch A. bipunctata, A. ovata, A. senoui und A. spinosa , goby, deep-reef habitat, Indo-Pacific, New aus dem tropischen Westpazifik gehören. Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines. Die Art ähnelt weitgehend A. bipunctata und A. ovata, die durch zahlreiche orangene Flecken auf dem Kopf und Körp- Abstract er und einem auffälligen schwarzen Fleck auf der Schwanz- A new species of goby, Asterropteryx profunda, is described flosse Basis gekennzeichnet sind. Es unterscheidet sich jedoch on the basis of three adult specimens, 9.5-10.9 mm SL, erheblich von beiden Arten mit einem breiten, schwarzen from Milne Bay Province in Papua New Guinea and Lem- Balken unter dem Auge, einer vertikal eiförmigen anstatt ein- beh Strait, North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It has also er runden oder horizontal eiförmigen Markierung an der been photographed at Anilao, Luzon, Philippines. The new Schwanzflosse und ohne eine fadenförmige vierte dorsale taxon is a member of the spinosa complex of Asterropteryx, Wirbelsäule bei Erwachsenen. Es unterscheidet sich von A. which also includes A. bipunctata, A. ovata, A. senoui, and A. ovata, indem es alle präoperculären Stacheln von ähnlicher spinosa from the tropical western Pacific. Größe besitzt und von A. bipunctata, in dem ein großer It most closely resembles A. bipunctata and A. ovata, which schwarzer Fleck an der Basis der ersten drei dorsalen Stacheln are characterized by numerous orange spots on the head and fehlt. Die neue Art lebt in relativ tiefem Wasser, etwa 45- body and a conspicuous black spot on the caudal-fin base. 70 m, im Vergleich zu anderen Mitgliedern der Gattung. However, it differs notably from both species in possessing a broad, black bar below the eye, a vertically ovate rather than Résumé a round or horizontally ovate marking on the caudal-fin Une nouvelle espèce de Gobiidé, Asteropteryx profunda, est base, and lacking a filamentous fourth dorsal spine in adults. décrite sur base de trois spécimens adultes, 9,5 – 10,9 mm It further differs from A. ovata in having all the preopercular de LS, de la Milne Bay Province en Nouvelle-Guinée et de spines of similar size and from A. bipunctata in lacking a Lembeh Srait, North Sulawesi Province, Indonésie. Elle a large black spot at the base of the first three dorsal spines. aussi été photographiée à Anilao, Luzon, Philippines. Ce The new species occurs in relatively deep water, approxi- nouveau taxon est un membre du complexe spinosa d’As- mately 45-70 m, compared to other members of the . teropteryx qui comprend aussi A. bipunctata, A. ovata, A. senoui et A. spinosa de l’ouest du Pacifique tropical. Zusammenfassung Elle ressemble le plus à A. bipunctata et A. ovata, qui se Eine neue Art von Grundel, Asterropteryx profunda, wird caractérisent par de nombreuses taches orange sur la tête et auf der Grundlage von drei erwachsenen Exemplaren, 9,5- le corps et par une remarquable tache noire à la base de la 10,9 mm SL, aus der Provinz Milne Bay in Papua- caudale. Pourtant, elle se distingue notablement des deux es- Neuguinea und der Lembeh-Straße in der Nord-sulawesi- pèces par une large barre noire sous l’oeil, par une marque schen Provinz von Indonesien beschrieben. Die Art wurde plutôt verticalement ovale qu’une tache ovale arrondie ou auch in Anilao, Luzon, Philippinen fotografiert. Das neue horizontale à la base de la caudale, et par l’absence d’un qua- Taxon ist Mitglied des spinosa-Komplexes von Asterropteryx, trième rayon dur dorsal filamenteux chez les adultes. Elle se

145 aqua vol. 22 no. 4 - 22 October 2016 AQUA-22(4).qxp_AQUA 24/10/16 12:28 Pagina 146

Asterropteryx profunda, a new species of goby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia

distingue encore d’A. ovata par toutes les épines préopercu- including Amblyeleotris, Ctenogobiops, and Vander- laires de même taille et d’A. bipunctata, par l’absence d’une horstia. However, unlike its proposed relatives, it is grande tache noire à la base des trois premiers rayons durs not associated with a permanent burrow excavated dorsaux. La nouvelle espèce se trouve en eau relativement by a shrimp partner, has spines on the preopercular profonde, environ 45 – 70 m, comparée aux autres espèces du genre. margin, and possesses separate pelvic fins in some species. Shibukawa & Suzuki (2007) provided evi- Sommario dence for the recognition of a species group (spinosa Una nuova specie di ghiozzo, Asterropteryx profunda, è de- complex) within Asterropteryx based on a suite of 10 scritta sulla base di tre esemplari adulti, 9,5-10,9 mm SL, cat- diagnostic features, including essential features such turati nella provincia di Milne Bay, Papua Nuova Guinea e as medially-fused pelvic fins with a well-developed nello Stretto di Lumbeh, provincia del Sulawesi Settentrio - membrane between the innermost rays, a frenum nale, Indonesia. È stata anche fotografata ad Anilao, Luzon, between the pelvic spines, 3-10 cheek spines be- Filippine. Il nuovo taxon è un membro del complesso di tween pores M’ and O’, absence of scales on the ven- specie spinosa di Asterropteryx, che comprende A. bipunctata, A. ovata, A. senoui e A. spinosa del Pacifico tropicale occiden- tral surface of the gill membrane and throat, and en- tale. Si avvicina più ad A. bipunctata e A. ovata, che sono larged scales on the opercle. In addition to A. spin- caratterizzate da numerose macchie arancioni sulla testa e sul osa, the complex contains A. bipuncata, A. ovata, corpo e una cospicua macchia nera sulla base della pinna cau- and A. senoui. The present paper describes the ninth dale. Tuttavia, si differenzia notevolmente da entrambe le member of the genus, which also belongs to the specie per possedere un’ampia barra nera sotto l'occhio e una spinosa complex. Unlike other members of the genus macchia di forma ovale in direzione verticale, piuttosto che it shows an affinity for relatively deep reef habitats, tonda o orientata in senso orizzontale, sulla base della pinna usually below about 60 m depth (except one pho- caudale, e per la quarta spina dorsale non filamentosa negli adulti. Differisce ancora da A. ovata per avere tutte le spine tographed individual from 45 m). We recently col- preopercolari di dimensioni simili e da A. bipunctata per la lected three specimens near East Cape in Milne Bay mancanza di una grande macchia nera alla base delle prime Province, Papua New Guinea and at Lembeh Strait tre spine dorsali. La nuova specie abita acque relativamente in North Sulawesi Province of Indonesia. It was also meno superficiali rispetto agli altri membri del genere, es- photographed near Anilao, Luzon, Philippines and sendo rinvenuta a circa 45-70 m di profondità. is probably widespread in the East Indian region.

INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS The genus Asterropteryx Rüppell 1830 contains The format of the new species description and small (less than about 35 mm SL), gobiid methods for counting and measuring follow those of found mainly on rubble bottoms in the vicinity of Shibukawa & Suzuki (2007). The counts for the Indo-Pacific coral reefs. The genus contains the fol- holotype appear first, followed by the range for lowing described species: A. atripes Shibukawa & paratypes in parentheses (if different from the holo- Suzuki 2002, A. bipunctata Allen & Munday 1995, type). Measurements were made to the nearest 0.1 A. ensifera (Bleeker 1874), A. ovata Shibukawa & mm using digital dial calipers, and are presented in Suzuki 2007, A. semipunctata Rüppell 1830, A. Table I as percentage of the standard length (SL). senoui Shibukawa & Suzuki 2007, A. spinosa Goren Cyanine Blue 5R (acid blue 113) stain was used to 1981, and A. striata Allen & Munday 1995. All are make pores and papillae more obvious (Saruwatari widely distributed in the East Indian region, ranging et al. 1997) and an airjet was used to further accen- northward to Japan. Two of the species’ ranges ex- tuate them. Terminology and abbreviations for tend significantly beyond the East Indian region, cephalic pores and papilla rows follow those present- however; A. semipunctata is found from the Hawai- ed by Akihito (1984) and Shibukawa & Suzuki ian Islands and French Polynesia to the Red Sea and (2007). East Africa, whereas A. ensifera is known from the Digital x-rays were utilized for vertebral counts. Seychelles and Chagos Archipelago to the Marshall Type specimens are deposited at the Museum Zoo- and Society islands. Allen & Erdmann (2012) pro- logicum Bogoriense, Cibinong, Java, Indonesia vided a brief diagnosis, including morphological fea- (MZB) and the Western Australian Museum, Perth, tures, habitat information, distribution, and illustra- Australia (WAM). tion for each species (2012). Standard length (SL) was measured from the me- According to Thacker & Roje (2011) Asterropteryx dian anterior point of the upper lip to the base of the is most closely related to shrimp-associated gobies, caudal fin (posterior end of the hypural plate); body

aqua vol. 22 no. 4 - 22 October 2016 146 AQUA-22(4).qxp_AQUA 24/10/16 12:28 Pagina 147

Gerald R. Allen and Mark V. Erdmann

Table I. Proportional measurements of type specimens of Asterropteryx profunda expressed as percentage of the standard length

Holotype Paratype Paratype WAM WAM MZB P. 34522 P.33762 23019

Sex female female male Standard length 24.0 22.8 22.7 Head length 32.5 33.0 32.1 Snout length 8.5 6.9 8.0 Longest cheek spine 1.6 1.5 1.5 2nd longest cheek spine 1.3 1.4 1.4 Eye diameter 10.6 10.9 11.1 Interorbital width 1.2 1.8 1.5 Jaw length 13.0 12.1 12.3 Nape width 16.5 14.0 12.8 Head width 20.8 19.2 18.7 Head depth 24.6 23.1 23.0 Body depth 25.0 24.9 24.2 Body width 16.5 14.6 13.3 Predorsal length 34.9 35.2 34.6 Prepelvic length 34.1 36.0 33.3 Preanal length 57.6 59.3 57.6 Caudal peduncle length 23.8 28.5 26.4 Caudal peduncle depth 11.9 13.7 13.2 Length of first dorsal-fin base 20.0 20.7 20.7 Length of first dorsal spine 19.1 18.9 15.5 Length of second dorsal spine 17.5 17.1 17.6 Length of third dorsal spine 18.3 17.5 18.1 Length of fourth dorsal spine 19.6 18.9 18.9 Length of second dorsal-fin base 24.6 24.1 24.7 Length of spine of second dorsal fin 17.1 16.7 16.7 Length of first segmented dorsal ray 17.5 18.0 18.9 Length of longest segmented dorsal ray 20.0 18.9 19.8 Length of anal-fin base 17.7 17.4 17.9 Length of anal-fin spine 8.0 7.6 7.9 Length of first segmented anal ray 10.0 9.1 9.5 Length of longest segmented anal ray 21.3 19.7 21.1 Length of pectoral fin 36.2 35.6 33.0 Length of pelvic fin 25.7 25.4 26.4 Length of fourth segmented pelvic ray 23.8 22.8 22.9 Length of fifth segmented pelvic ray 23.3 21.9 22.0 Length of pelvic-fin spine 7.3 8.8 7.9 Caudal-fin length 33.2 33.7 32.8

depth was measured at the origin of the anal fin; salmost margins of the gill openings; eye diameter is head length was taken from the upper lip to the pos- the greatest fleshy diameter, and interorbital width terior end of the opercular membrane; snout length the least fleshy width; caudal-peduncle depth is the was measured from the median anterior point of the least depth, and caudal-peduncle length the hori- upper lip to the nearest fleshy edge of the eye; head zontal distance between verticals at the rear base of width and depth were measured at the preopercular the anal fin and the caudal-fin base; predorsal, pre- margin; nape width was measured between the dor- plevic, and preanal lengths were measured from the

147 aqua vol. 22 no. 4 - 22 October 2016 AQUA-22(4).qxp_AQUA 24/10/16 12:28 Pagina 148

Asterropteryx profunda, a new species of goby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia

snout tip to the origin of each fin; lengths of spines mm SL, Kimbe Bay, 05° 26’S, 150° 05’E, New and rays are measured to their extreme bases; caudal- Britain, Papua New Guinea; WAM 31360-006, 26 and pectoral-fin lengths are the length of the longest mm SL, Fergusson Island, 09°21’S, 150°25’E, ray; pelvic-fin length is measured from the base of D’Entrecasteaux Islands, Papua New Guinea; WAM the pelvic spine to the tip of the longest segmented P.31398-004, 26 mm SL, Galoc Island, 11°57’N, ray; the longitudinal scale count is the number of 119°50’E, Calamianes Islands Philippines; WAM oblique (anterodorsal to posteroventral) rows start- P.31488-023, 24 mm SL, Pasir Tengah Island, ing from just above the dorsalmost attachment of 02°00’S, 121°38’E, Sulawesi, Indonesia; WAM the opercular membrane and proceeding posteriorly P.31541-029, 30 mm SL, Batanta Island, 00°48’S, to the mid-base of the caudal fin; three transverse 130°30’E, Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indone- scale counts were taken as follows: counting upward sia; WAM P.31728-009, 2 specimens, 27-28 mm and forward from the anal-fin origin to the first dor- SL, Cape Vogel, 09°44’S, 150°03’E, Milne Bay sal-fin base, counting upward and backward from Province, Papua New Guinea; WAM P.31731-012, the anal-fin origin to the second dorsal-fin base, and 32 mm SL, Tagula Island, 11°24’S, 153°26’E, Milne counting downward and backward from the second Bay Province, Papua New Guinea; WAM P.31731- dorsal-fin origin to the anal-fin base; circumpedun- 012, 32 mm SL, Gam Island, 00°29’S, 130°42’E, cular scales were counted in zigzag rows around the Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia; WAM narrowest point of the caudal peduncle; gill rakers P.33044-004, 29 mm SL, Tridacna Reef, 02°30’S, include all rudiments and were counted on the outer 134°59’E, Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, Indone- side of the first branchial arch; pseudobranch counts sia; WAM P.33887-005, 3 specimens, 18-22 mm include all rudiments. SL, Kwatisore Bay, 03° 14.990’S, 134°57.558’E, Comparative material examined: Asterropteryx Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, Indonesia. Aster- bipunctata – WAM P.27826-056, 3 specimens, 24- ropteryx ovata – WAM P. 31378-011, 2 specimens, 31 mm SL, Los Negros Island, 02°04’S, 147°25’E, 18-22 mm SL, Hibernia Reef, 11°59’S, 123°23’E, Manus Island, Papua New Guinea; WAM 28170- Timor Sea, Australia. Asterropteryx senoui – WAM 034 (paratypes), 2 specimens, 20-28 mm SL, P.31213-018, 2 specimens, 20-21 mm SL, Madang, Rabaul, 04°11’S, 152°12’E, New Britain, Papua 05°10’S, 145°49’E, Papua New Guinea; WAM New Guinea; WAM 28181-016, 24 mm SL, P.31541-033, 25 mm SL, Batanta Island, 00°48’S, Rabaul, 04°08’S, 152°10’E, New Britain, Papua 130°30’E, Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indone- New Guinea; WAM 30346-007 (holotype), 31 mm sia; WAM P.32816-004, 27 mm SL, Pisang Islands, SL, Madang, 05°10’S, 145°50’E, Papua New 02°37’S, 131°40’E, West Papua, Indonesia; WAM Guinea; WAM 30357-019 (paratype), 16 mm SL, P.34318-002, 3 specimens, 19-30 mm SL, Triton Madang, 05°08’S, 145°50’E, Papua New Guinea; Bay, 03°53.757’S, 134°06.638’E, West Papua, In- WAM 30369-010 (paratype), 25 mm SL, Madang, donesia. Asterropteryx spinosa – WAM P.27658-060, 05°10’S, 145°49’E, Papua New Guinea; WAM 2 specimens, 18.3-19.7 mm SL, Clerke Reef, 30376-020, 27 mm SL, Madang, 05°10’S, 17°18’S, 119°20’E, Rowley Shoals, Western Aus- 145°50’E, Papua New Guinea; WAM 30406-005 tralia; WAM P.27665-020, 25.7 mm SL, Clerke (paratypes), 3 specimens, 17-21 mm SL, Sibuan Is- Reef, 17°18’S, 119°22’E, Rowley Shoals, Western land, 04° 36’N, 118° 39’E, Bodgaya Islands, Sabah, Australia; WAM P.27825-014, 22.9 mm SL, Los Malaysia; WAM 30620-013 (paratype), 23 mm SL, Negros Island, 02°04’S, 147°25’E, Manus Island, Madang, 05°09’S, 145°50’E, Papua New Guinea; Papua New Guinea; WAM P.28021-053, 2 speci- WAM P.30804-017, 24 mm SL, Kakaban Island, mens, 18.6-26.5 mm SL, Clerke Reef, 17°18’S, 02°08’N, 118° 31’E, Kalimantan, Indonesia; WAM 119°22’E, Rowley Shoals, Western Australia; WAM 31138-007, 3 specimens, 19-25 mm SL, Kimbe P.29054-009, 2 specimens, 23.5-27.3 mm SL, West Bay, 05°26’S, 150°05’E, New Britain, Papua New Island, 12°15’S, 123°00’E, Ashmore Reef, Timor Guinea; WAM 31139-019, 2 specimens, 25 mm Sea; WAM P.31436-074, 2 specimens, 21.2-25.8 SL, Kimbe Bay, 05°13’S, 150°23’E, New Britain, mm SL, near West Island, 12°15’S, 122°58’E, Ash- Papua New Guinea; WAM 31144-017, 25 mm SL, more Reef, Timor Sea; WAM P.31437-023, 3 speci- Kimbe Bay, 05°18’S, 150° 08’E, New Britain, Papua mens, 23.6-33.1 mm SL, near West Island, 12°15’S, New Guinea; WAM 31149-017, 3 specimens, 24- 122°58’E, Ashmore Reef, Timor Sea; WAM 28 mm SL, Kimbe Bay, 05°28’S, 150°05’E, New P.33021-020, 15.2 mm SL, Gam Island, 00°29’S, Britain, Papua New Guinea; WAM 31153-001, 22 130°42’E, Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua

aqua vol. 22 no. 4 - 22 October 2016 148 AQUA-22(4).qxp_AQUA 24/10/16 12:28 Pagina 149

Gerald R. Allen and Mark V. Erdmann

Province, Indonesia; WAM P.33025-004, 25.4 mm (Figs 1-3); conspicuous, relatively broad (slightly SL, Waigeo Island, 00°23’S, 130°56’E, Raja Ampat narrower than eye diameter), dark bar below eye Islands, West Papua Province, Indonesia; WAM with broadly rounded lower edge. P.33995-002, 20.3 mm SL, Apulit Island, Description: Dorsal rays VI-I,10; anal rays I,9; 10°47.461’N, 119°36.589’E, Palawan, Philippines. pectoral rays 19; pelvic rays I,5; segmented caudal rays 9+8, including 6+7 (6+6) branched rays; upper SYSTEMATICS unsegmented caudal rays 5 (4-5); lower unsegment- ed caudal rays 5 (4); longitudinal scale rows 23; Asterropteryx profunda, n. sp. transverse scale rows counted from origin of anal fin Deepwater Goby upward and forward to base of first dorsal fin 8; (Figs 1-6; Table I) transverse scale rows counted from origin of anal fin upward and backward to base of second dorsal fin 7; Holotype: WAM P. 34522-001, female, 24.0 mm transverse scale rows counted from origin of second SL, Papua New Guinea, Milne Bay Province, on dorsal fin downward and backward to base of anal northern shore of East Cape at Lawadi, fin 7; predorsal scales 5; circumpeduncular scales 10; 10°15.395’S, 150°41.975’E, 65 m, clove oil and cheek spines 4-5 (4-6); gill rakers on outer surface of hand net, M. Erdmann, 28 March 2016. first gill arch 1+7 (1-2+7); pseudobranch filaments Paratypes: MZB 23019, male, 22.7 mm SL, In- 6; vertebrae 10+16. donesia, North Sulawesi Province, Nudi Retreat dive Head and body compressed. Eye relatively large, its site, Lembeh Strait, 01°29.190’N, 125°14.464’E, diameter slightly greater than snout length. Interor- 65 m, clove oil and hand net, M. Erdmann, 9 Sep- bital space very narrow, its width about one-third tember 2012; WAM P.33762-004, female, 22.8 mm pupil diameter. Mouth terminal, oblique, forming SL, same data as MZB paratype. an angle of about 35 degrees with horizontal body Diagnosis: A species of the genus Asterropteryx be- axis. Lower jaw slightly projecting beyond upper longing to the spinosa complex (Shibukawa & Suzu- jaw. Posterior end of jaws extending to below slight- ki, 2007) with the following combination of charac- ly beyond anterior margin of pupil. Anterior nostril ters: 4-6 cheek spines; all cheek spines short and tubular without fleshy flap at tip; posterior nostril similar sized, longest 1.5-1.6% SL; no filamentous forming large pore, closer to anterior edge of eye spines in first dorsal fin; no distinct black spot on than to anterior nostril. Anterior margin of tongue first dorsal fin; small, vertically ovate black spot at slightly rounded, free from floor of mouth. Lower caudal-fin base; numerous small orange spots on lip interrupted at symphysis. Mental flap on chin head, body, and median fins when alive or fresh scarcely developed. Gill opening extending anterior-

Fig. 1. Asterropteryx profunda, freshly captured holotype, 24.0 mm SL, Lawadi, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Photo by M. Erdmann.

149 aqua vol. 22 no. 4 - 22 October 2016 AQUA-22(4).qxp_AQUA 24/10/16 12:28 Pagina 150

Asterropteryx profunda, a new species of goby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia

Fig. 2. Asterropteryx profunda, underwater photos of holotype (upper), 24 mm SL, Papua New Guinea, and paratype, 23 mm SL, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Photo by M. Erdmann.

Fig. 3. Asterropteryx profunda, underwater photo, approximately 24 mm SL, Anilao, Luzon, Philippines. Photo by G. R. Allen.

aqua vol. 22 no. 4 - 22 October 2016 150 AQUA-22(4).qxp_AQUA 24/10/16 12:28 Pagina 151

Gerald R. Allen and Mark V. Erdmann

ly to vertical line through anterior part of operculum (Fig. 4). Four to six cheek spines located just behind preopercular canal between pores M’ and O’ (Fig. 5, upper). Pattern of cephalic sensory pores and papil- lae illustrated in Figs 4-5; oculoscapular canal with pores B’, C (single), D (single), E, F, G, H’, K’, and L’; preopercular canal with M’, N, and O’; right and left sides of oculoscapular canal fused medially be- tween pores C and D. All segmented rays of second dorsal and anal fins branched. Pectoral fin slightly pointed, seventh or eighth ray longest (counting dorsally from ventral- most), extending posteriorly to vertical with base of fifth segmented anal-fin ray; all pectoral-fin rays branched, except uppermost and lowermost 1-2 rays. Pelvic fins fused medially with well-developed connecting membrane between innermost rays, and Fig. 4. Asterropteryx profunda, ventral view of head, stained frenum between spines; all segmented rays of pelvic with Cyanine Blue to show pattern of cephalic sensory fin branched; fourth segmented ray longest, its tip papillae. Arrows indicate where the gill membranes are at- extending to anal-fin origin or slightly beyond when tached to the isthmus. Photo by G. R. Allen. adpressed; fifth segmented ray 96-98% of fourth ray in length. Caudal fin slightly rounded. Scales on body ctenoid, except prepelvic region (in- cluding area immediately below pectoral fin), ante- rior part of occipital region, pectoral-fin base, and anteroventral part of belly just behind pelvic-fin base with cycloid scales; cheek and operculum almost en- tirely covered by large cycloid scales; snout, chin, lips, ventral surface of lower jaw, gill membrane, and interorbital region naked. Teeth on jaws simple and conical in shape; upper jaw with about four rows of teeth anteriorly, narrowing to single row posteriorly; teeth in outermost row restricted to anterior half of toothed area of jaws, largest in both jaws; teeth in in- nermost row of lower jaw larger than those in neigh- boring rows (but slightly smaller than teeth in out- ermost row); no enlarged, canine-like teeth in jaws; no teeth on vomer and palatine. Female urogenital papillae short, broad, and rounded; male urogenital papillae long, narrow and pointed. Colour in life and when fresh (Figs 1- 3): head and body generally pale bluish grey to brownish grey, grading to whitish on thorax and ab- domen; numerous brown-edged orange spots (about one-fourth to one-third pupil size) on head and body; conspicuous, vertically-elongate ovate to tri- angular (with rounded corners) black spot at caudal- fin base, its maximum width 42-63% of its height; several widely-scattered, dark-brown spots on side of Fig. 5. Asterropteryx profunda, stained with Cyanine Blue body including one immediately behind pectoral-fin to show pattern of cephalic sensory papillae and pores, and base, three in diagonal line between upper pectoral- preopercular spines. Photo by G. R. Allen.

151 aqua vol. 22 no. 4 - 22 October 2016 AQUA-22(4).qxp_AQUA 24/10/16 12:28 Pagina 152

Asterropteryx profunda, a new species of goby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia

fin base and anal-fin origin, pair (sometimes coa- Colour in alcohol (Fig. 6): generally pale lesced) on middle of side below about second to tan with brown to blackish markings as described fourth segmented dorsal rays, another pair (some- above, but less vivid; orange spots on head and body times coalesced) below last few segmented dorsal no longer visible, but their dark borders still appar- rays, and two well-separated spots on side of caudal ent; numerous pepper-like melanophores on under- peduncle; scales between aforementioned dark spots side of head and covering pelvic and anal fins. often with pearl-white reflections; horizontal row of Comparisons: The species belongs to the spinosa small, pearl-white spots, about two scale rows above complex (Fig. 7) of Asterropteryx, as discussed in the anal-fin base; series of eight, small saddle-like brown introduction. It most closely resembles A. bipunctata blotches along dorsal midline and base of dorsal fins, and A. ovata, which are characterized by numerous two on predorsal region, one each at bases of third orange spots on the head and body and a conspicu- and sixth spines of first dorsal fin, one each at bases ous black spot on the caudal-fin base. However, it of second and sixth segmented rays of second dorsal differs notably from these species in possessing a fin, and two on dorsal edge of caudal peduncle; broad, black bar below the eye, a vertically ovate blackish bar below eye, it maximum width 72-90% rather than a round or horizontally ovate marking pupil diameter; horizontal band, composed of coa- on the caudal-fin base, and lacking a filamentous lesced orange spots across middle of cheek, intersect- fourth dorsal spine in adults. It further differs from ing eye bar anteriorly; grey-brown smudge on snout A. ovata in having all the preopercular spines of sim- and similar marking on lateral portion of lips; first ilar size and from A. bipunctata in lacking a large dorsal fin semi-transparent with brown-edged, or- black spot at the base of the first three dorsal spines. ange stripe near base and faint orange markings on Additional diagnostic features that are useful for dis- basal half, outer portion slightly dusky brownish tinguishing the five species belonging to the spinosa with microscopic grey speckles and fine blue mar- complex are presented the following key. gin; second dorsal fin semi-translucent with 3-4 rows of orange-brown spots on basal two-thirds and Key to the Species of the Asterropteryx spinosa fine blue outer margin; dorsal spines and segmented complex rays with alternating long brown (some much darker (adapted from Shibukawa & Suzuki 2007) basally) and short white sections along their length; caudal fin semi-translucent with mainly orange rays, 1a. Midlateral caudal-fin base with large, rounded sometimes forming chain of elongate spots along black spot (pupil size or larger); vivid orange length of each ray; anal fin whitish with orange- spots, slightly smaller than pupil, scattered on brown rays and blue outer margin; pelvic fins head and body when alive or fresh; no black bar whitish to slightly orange-brown on basal half; pec- below eye (black spots may be present below toral fins semi-translucent with pair of widely sepa- eye, but not forming distinct bar)...... 2 rated, orange-brown spots on base. 1b. Midlateral caudal-fin base with short, narrow

Fig. 6. Asterropteryx profunda, preserved holotype, 24.0 mm SL, Lawadi, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Photo by G. R. Allen.

aqua vol. 22 no. 4 - 22 October 2016 152 AQUA-22(4).qxp_AQUA 24/10/16 12:29 Pagina 153

Gerald R. Allen and Mark V. Erdmann

Fig. 7. Members of the spinosa complex of Asterropteryx, approximately 20-25 mm SL: A) A. bipunctata, Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia; B) A. ovata, Anambas Islands, Indonesia; C) A. senoui, Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia; D) A. spinosa, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Photos by G. R. Allen.

153 aqua vol. 22 no. 4 - 22 October 2016 AQUA-22(4).qxp_AQUA 24/10/16 12:29 Pagina 154

Asterropteryx profunda, a new species of goby (Pisces: Gobiidae) from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia

vertical black bar or vertically ovate spot (rather tly sloping, sandy bottoms at a depth of about 65 m; than rounded blotch); vivid orange spots on in Lembeh Strait the habitat consisted of black vol- head and body present or absent; distinct black canic sand exposed to considerable current, whereas vertical bar below eye ...... 3 in Lawadi the bottom was silty sand with little no- 2a. Distinct black spot between first and second ticeable water movement. Considering the small size spine of first dorsal fin; black blotch at caudal- of this and relatively deep habitat it is easy to fin base circular, extending anteriorly to second understand why it was not previously noticed. It is midlateral scale before posterior margin of hy- likely more widely distributed in the East Indian re- pural; largest cheek spine about equal or slightly gion. longer than second largest spine, 1.7-2.2% SL . Etymology: The species is named profunda (Latin: ...... A. bipunctata deep) with reference to its deep-reef habitat in rela- 2b. Distinct black spot between first and second tion to other members of the genus and most reef- spine of first dorsal fin absent; black blotch at dwelling gobies. caudal-fin base ovate and horizontally elongate, extending anteriorly to third midlateral scale be- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS fore posterior margin of hypural; largest cheek Rob Vanderloos, owner of Milne Bay Charters, spine obviously longer than others, 2.6-6.3% provided an opportunity for the authors to collect SL (> 3.3% SL in specimens > 20 mm SL) ..... the holotype aboard MV Chertan. The trip was gen- ...... A. ovata erously financed by Matt Brooks and Pam Rorke. 3a. Cheek spines 6-10; all cheek spines short and Bruce Moore, owner of Black Sand Dive Retreat in similar sized, longest spine 1.7-2.2% SL; black Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi graciously hosted the au- vertical suborbital bar narrow, pointed ventrally thors in September 2012. We thank Mark Allen ...... A. senoui (WAM), Renny Hadiaty (MZB), and Glenn Moore 3b. Cheek spines 4-6; cheek spines variable, either (WAM) for curatorial assistance (including x-rays) short and similar sized (1.5-1.6% SL) or longest and providing museum registration numbers. spine (usually ventralmost) obviously stouter Thanks are also due Conservation International’s In- and longer than others (3.4-6.8% SL); black donesia marine program for the logistical support vertical suborbital bar widened and more or less for this work, and to the Paine Family Trust for their rounded ventrally ...... 4 ongoing financial support of our ichthyological in- 4a. Cheek spines not similar sized, longest spine vestigations. (usually ventralmost) obviously stouter and longer than others (3.4-6.8% SL); fourth spine of first dorsal fin filamentous (at least in adult); REFERENCES diffuse black spot (about pupil size) usually pre- AKIHITO. 1984. Suborder Gobiodei. In: Masuda, H., Amao- sent between first and second spines of first dor- ka, K., Araga, C., Uyeno, T. & Yoshino, T. (Eds.), Fishes of sal fin ...... A. spinosa the Japanese Archipelago. Tokai University Press, Tokyo, 4b. Cheek spines short and similar sized (1.5-1.6% Japan [English text], pp. 236-238. ALLEN, G. R. & ERDMANN, M. V. 2012. Reef fishes of the SL); no filamentous spines on first dorsal fin; no East Indies. Vol. III. Tropical Reef Research, Perth, Aus- black spot on first dorsal fin ...... tralia, pp. 857-1292...... A. profunda n. sp. SARUWATARI, T., LOPEZ, J. A. & PIETSCH, T. W. 1997. Cya- nine blue: a versatile and harmless stain for specimen ob- Distribution and habitat: The new species is cur- servations. Copeia 1997(4): 840-841. rently known on the basis of the three type speci- SHIBUKAWA, K. & SUZUKI, T. 2007. Two new species of the mens from the vicinity of Lawadi at Milne Bay cheek-spine goby genus Asterropteryx (Perciformes: Gobi- idae: ) from the western Pacific. Bulletin of the Province, Papua New Guinea and Lembeh Strait National Museum of Nature and Science, Series A Supple- near the northern extremity of Sulawesi, Indonesia. ment 1: 109-121. In addition, it was photographed by the first author THACKER, C. E. & ROJE, D. M. 2011. Phylogeny of gobi- near Anilao, Luzon, Philippines in approximately 45 idae and identification of gobiid lineages. Systematics and m depth. The type specimens were obtained on gen- Biodiversity 9 (4): 329-347.

aqua vol. 22 no. 4 - 22 October 2016 154