A new species of Hoplostethus from Sumatra , eastern Indian Ocean , with comments on its most similar congeners ( Trachichthyiformes : Trachichthyidae )

Abstract

A new species of the roughy fish genus Hoplostethus , subgenus Leiogaster , is described based on three specimens collected from Sumatra, Indonesia. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following characteristics: gular region covered with ctenoid scales; pelvic‐fin spine smooth on its anterior edge; head depth subequal or smaller than its length (37.2%–38.6% standard length [SL], or 94.7%–99.2% head length [HL]); pectoral‐fin length 35.6%–37.8% SL, reaching beyond a vertical through anal‐fin origin; abdominal scutes well developed, 12–16; pectoral‐fin rays uniformly black, 17–19; gill rakers on the first arch 6–7 + 1 + 13–14 = 21; pre‐dorsal scales 24–27; and pyloric caeca 32. A detailed description is provided along with comparisons with its congeners. Additionally, diagnostic characters of the congeners and literature records of Hoplostethus rubellopterus and Hoplostethus melanopus are discussed.

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