A Bizarre New Species of Frogfish of the Genus Histiophryne (Lophiiformes: Antennariidae) from Ambon and Bali, Indonesia
A new species of frogfish of the teleost order Lophiiformes, family Antennariidae, is described from three specimens collected in shallow waters off Ambon and Bali, Indonesia. A member of the antennariid genus Histiophryne, the new taxon differs substantially from its congeners in having a broad flat face, surrounded by thick, fleshy, laterally expanded cheeks and chin, with eyes directed forward; skin of the body thick and loose, forming conspicuous fleshy folds that envelop the unpaired fins; a remarkable pigment pattern of white swirling stripes radiating from the eyes and continuing back to the body and tail; genetic divergence in the nuclear recombination activation gene-2 (RAG2), cytochrome oxidase-I (COI), and 16S rRNA genes; and a set of behavioral traits not previously known in fishes. The new species is described and compared with its congeners. Notes on habitat, locomotion, pigment pattern and camouflage, predation and defense, and reproduction and parental care are also provided.Abstract
Histiophryne psychedelica, new species, uncollected specimen photographed at Ambon, about 110 mm SL, shown “jet-propelling” in open water. Photo by D. J. Hall.
Histiophryne psychedelica, new species, uncollected specimens photographed at Ambon: (A, B) 110 mm SL specimen, anterior and left lateral views; (C) 110 mm SL specimen, taking on spherical appearance while jet-propelling in open water; (D, E) 150 mm SL specimen, anterior and right lateral views; (F) 150 mm SL specimen, “walking” with arm-like pectoral fins; (G) 150 mm SL specimen, right lateral view; (H) 150 mm SL specimen, “yawning,” in left lateral view. Photos by D. J. Hall.
Histiophryne psychedelica, new species, uncollected juvenile specimen, about 30 mm SL, propped up between bottom substrate and coral head by its arm-like pectoral fins. Photographed at Ambon by Marcel Eckhardt.
Species of Histiophryne: (A) H. psychedelica, new species, holotype, NCIP 6467, female, 87 mm SL, showing severe dehydration and loss of pigment (but “psychedelic” pattern still readily discernible with aid of a dissecting microscope) following formalin fixation and preservation in ethanol; (B) H. cryptacanthus, BPBM 22731, 25 mm SL, Nixon Rock, south end of Truan-Fan-Shih, Taiwan (photo by J. E. Randall).
Maximum likelihood tree under the TVM+G model of cytochrome oxidase-I (COI) sequences from antennariids. RAG2 and 16S gene trees showed the same topology and bootstrap support. Intraspecific COI DNA sequence divergence for the three specimens of H. cryptacanthus was 0.0% and between H. cryptacanthus and H. psychedelica, 5.7%.
Histiophryne psychedelica, new species, uncollected specimen, about 150 mm SL; a sequence of photographs taken at Ambon over a 2-min period, showing rigorous twisting and turning of the body, together with active use of pectoral and pelvic fins, to facilitate entry into a small hole: (A) approaching a hole; (B, C) entering head first; (D, E) turning upside down and pushing off with pelvic fins; (F, G, H) additional squeezing and final disappearance. Photos by D. J. Hall.
Common Indo-west Pacific species of hermatypic coral, with curvilinear, concentric, growth pattern and yellow-brown background coloration, reminiscent of the pigment pattern of Histiophryne psychedelica, new species: (A) Symphyllia sinuosa, family Mussidae; (B) Leptoseris explanata, Agariciidae; (C) Pachyseris rugosa, Agariciidae; (D) Platygyra ryukyuensis, Faviidae; (E) Pectinia lactuca, Pectiniidae; (F) Caulastrea furcata, Faviidae. Photos by D. J. Hall.
Histiophryne psychedelica, new species, uncollected female, about 150 mm SL, photographed at Ambon: (A) with egg cluster protected within folds of the body and fins; (B) eggs emerging from protective folds; (C) abandoned egg cluster. Photos by Marcel Eckhardt.
Contributor Notes
Associate Editor: C. J. Ferraris.