Revision of the Acanthoclinidae (Pisces: Perciformes), with descriptions of a new genus and five new species

Abstract

The family Acanthoclinidae includes 10 species: Acanthoclinus fuscus Jenyns, 1842; Taumakoides littoreus ((Forster) Bloch & Schneider, 1801); T. rua n. sp.; T. marilynae n. sp.; T. matti n. sp.; Belonepterygion fasciolatum (Ogilby, 1889); Beliops xanthokrossos n. gen. et sp.; Acanthoplesiops indicus (Day, 1888); A. hiatti Schultz, 1953; and A. psilogaster n. sp. Acanthoclinus quadridactylus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) and A. trilineatus Griffin, 1933, are reduced to synonymy under Taumakoides littoreus ((Forster) Bloch & Schneider, 1801).

Osteological and morpological character states, between and within genera, suggest that Acanthoclinus and Taumakoides are close to the stock from which the family is derived. There is also compelling evidence that T. matti is the least specialised species of Taumakoides. Progressive specialisation is evident in the remaining genera, with Acanthoplesiops being the most highly specialised.

The family occurs primarily in shallow waters of the Indian and western Pacific oceans; most of the species are found about New Zealand. The centre of origin of the Acanthoclinidae was probably on the Indian-Australian Plate (which includes the New Zealand continental shelf). Acanthoplesiops hiatti and A. indicus are considered to be endemics of the Pacific and African plates, respectively.

A key to species is included.     

The first records of Stylodrilus heringianus (Oligochaeta: Lumbriculidae) from the Southern Hemisphere

Abstract

The oligochaete family Lumbriculidae is well represented in the Northern Hemisphere, but for the Southern Hemisphere only Lumbriculus variegatus (Müller) is recorded, from Africa, Australia, and New Zealand; no species are known from South America (Brinkhurst & Jamieson 1971). According to Brinkhurst (1971), L. variegatus may be a recent introduction to New Zealand, where it is now widely distributed in a range of inland waters.     

Paradasyhelea harrisoni n.sp. from the Auckland Islands,and additional records of subantarctic Ceratopogonidae

Abstract

A new species of Paradasyhelea Macfie is described from females found on the Auckland Islands, New Zealand, and a key is presented to separate it from its five known congeners. New distribution and habitat records are presented for the three ceratopogonid species previously reported from the subantarctic islands of New Zealand—Forcipomyia kuscheli Sublette & Wirth, F. tapleyi Ingram & Macfie, and Dasyhelea aucklandensis Sublette & Wirth.     

A new species,new host records and life cycle data for lepocreadiids (Digenea) of pomacentrid fishes from the Great Barrier Reef,Australia

A new species of lepocreadiid, Opechonoides opisthoporus n. sp., is described infecting 12 pomacentrid fish species from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with Abudefduf whitleyi Allen & Robertson as the type-host. This taxon differs from the only other known member of the genus, Opechonoides gure Yamaguti, 1940, in the sucker width ratio, cirrus-sac length, position of the testes, position of the pore of Laurer’s canal, and relative post-testicular distance. The new species exhibits stenoxenic host-specificity, infecting pomacentrids from seven genera: Abudefduf Forsskål, Amphiprion Bloch & Schneider, Neoglyphidodon Allen, Neopomacentrus Allen, Plectroglyphidodon Fowler & Ball, Pomacentrus Lacépède and Stegastes Jenyns. Phylogenetic analyses of 28S rDNA sequence data demonstrate that O. opisthoporus n. sp. forms a strongly supported clade with Prodistomum orientale (Layman, 1930) Bray & Gibson, 1990. The life cycle of this new species is partly elucidated on the basis of ITS2 rDNA sequence data; intermediate hosts are shown to be three species of Ctenophora. New host records and molecular data are reported for Lepocreadium oyabitcha Machida, 1984 and Lepotrema amblyglyphidodonis Bray, Cutmore & Cribb, 2018, and new molecular data are provided for Lepotrema acanthochromidis Bray, Cutmore & Cribb, 2018 and Lepotrema adlardi (Bray, Cribb & Barker, 1993) Bray & Cribb, 1996. Novel cox1 mtDNA sequence data showed intraspecific geographical structuring between Heron Island and Lizard Island for L. acanthochromidis but not for L. adlardi or O. opisthoporus n. sp.

     

Reproductive mode in the percomorph fish genus Polyprion Oken

Reproductive mode of the two widespread species Polyprion americanus (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) and P. oxygeneios (Schneider in Bloch and Schneider, 1801) was investigated in specimens from New Zealand waters. Analysis of sex ratios, length frequencies and gonad morphology indicates that both species are primary gonochorists. Published suggestions that Polyprion species are hermaphroditic and undergo sex change are rejected.     

Eleven new Colobomatus species (Copepoda: Philichthyidae) from marine fishes

A survey of 79 fish species revealed 16 species of Colobomatus of which 11 are new and described below. The first ten new species were from Australian fish and the eleventh from a South African fish.The following species are described: Colobomatus cresseyi n. sp. from the eastern river garfish Hyporhamphus regularis ardelio (Whitley) and the snub-nosed garfish Arrhamphus sclerolepis krefftii (Stein-dachner); C. nanus n. sp. from the trumpeter Pelates quadrilineatus (Bloch); C. lesteri n. sp. from the common silver-belly Gerres ovatus (Günther); C. sewelli n. sp. from the seven-fingers tassel-fish Polynemus heptadactylus Cuvier; C. hispidus n. sp. from the blotched javelin-fish Pomadasys maculatus (Bloch); C. ornatus n. sp. from the whiptail Pentapodus setosus (Cuvier & Valenciennes); C. cribbi n. sp. from the barred-faced spine-cheek Scolopsis taeniopterus (Kuhl & van Hasselt); C. rothae n. sp. from the dusky flathead Platycephalus fuscus (Cuvier & Valenciennes) and the bar-tailed flathead P. indicus (L.); C. gietzelae n. sp. from the thread-fin silver-belly Gerres punctatus (Cuvier & Valenciennes); C. creeveyae n. sp. from the white trevally Pseudocarynx dentex (Bloch & Schneider); and C. mackayi n. sp. from an African haemulid, Pomadasys striatus (Gilchrist & Thompson). Colobomatus mylionus Fukui, 1965, is redescribed from the silver bream Acanthopagrus australis (Günther).Details of the mouthparts of C. kyphosus Sekerak, 1970, are given for the first time. This is a relatively plesiomorphic member of the genus (West, unpublished data), and its morphology assists in the interpretation of the appendages of the Australian species.Revised diagnoses for the family Philichthyidae Vogt and the genus Colobomatus hesse, 1873 are given. These incorporate the genus Colobomatoides Essafi & Raibaut, 1980 and the new Colobomatus species described herein respectively.     

Studies of New Zealand Hepaticae. 1–6

Six New Zealand species are treated. 1. The correct basionym reference forBazzania hochstetteri (Reichardt) Hodgson is Reichardt (1866). A key to the New Zealand vittate species ofBazzania is included. 2. The correct citation forBazzania mittenii (Stephani) Stephani is given. 3.Lepidozia leptodictyon Herzog is placed in the synonymy ofPseudocephalozia lepidozioides R. Schuster. 4.Metahygrobiella chilensis Engel & Schuster is a new name forCephalozia heteroica Schuster & Engel. 5.Metzgeria alpina Schuster & Engel is described as new. 6. The correct citation forPachyglossa Herzog is Herzog (1952).     

Species distribution of genus Quadraceps (Mallophaga: Philopteridae) on New Zealand endemic plovers

Abstract

The louse genus Quadraceps Clay & Meinertzhagen is represented on New Zealand endemic Charadriinae by Q. dominella Timmermann, Q. novaeseelandiae Timmermann, and Q. cedemajori Timmermann, which are parasitic on Charadrius obscurus (Gmelin), Thinornis novaeseelandiae (Gmelin), and Anarhynchus frontalis Quoy & Gaimard respectively. Charadrius bicinctus Jardine & Selby is parasitised by both Q. novaeseelandiae and Q. cedemajori. This pattern of distribution is unusual, in that two Quadraceps species are sympatric on the same host individuals, and host species that are not closely related have louse species in common. It seems probable that C. bicinctus has been secondarily colonised by two species of Quadraceps. One species appears to have primarily evolved on 7 novaeseelandiae and the other on A. frontalis.     

A revision of Hexacanalis Perrenoud, 1931 (Cestoda: Lecanicephalidea) and description of H. folifer n. sp. from the zonetail butterfly ray Gymnura zonura (Bleeker) (Rajiformes: Gymnuridae)

Hexacanalis Perrenoud, 1931 was erected for H. abruptus (Southwell, 1911) Perrenoud, 1931 based on the presence of six excretory vessels, a unique feature among the Lecanicephalidea. The genus has since been considered a junior synonym of Cephalobothrium Shipley & Hornell, 1906 or Lecanicephalum Linton, 1890, or as a genus inquirendum. Based on examination of the syntype series of H. abruptus, this species is redescribed and a lectotype designated. Examination of cestodes from the zonetail butterfly ray Gymnura zonura (Bleeker) from off Indonesian Borneo resulted in the discovery of a second species. Hexacanalis folifer n. sp. is unique among lecanicephalideans in its possession of an ovary that is U-shaped in cross-section and craspedote proglottids with prominent posterior dorso-ventral processes in the form of large lappets. The presence of six excretory vessels, confirmed in both species, supports the validity of Hexacanalis. An additional species, H. pteroplateae (Zaidi & Khan, 1976) n. comb., also from a butterfly ray, G. micrura (Bloch & Schneider) [as Pteroplatea micrura (Bloch & Schneider)], is transferred to this genus from Cephalobothrium Shipley & Hornell, 1906. A revised diagnosis of Hexacanalis is presented. Seven species of this genus remain species inquirendae. Hexacanalis appears to parasitise species of the Gymnuridae van Hasselt; however, specific identifications of the hosts are in need of re-evaluation. A summary of the cestode parasites of the Gymnuridae is presented.     

Typhlocybinae of New Zealand (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

Two tribes of the subfamily Typhlocybinae are represented in New Zealand, as follows. Erythroneurini: the cosmopolitan genus Zygina is represented by 4 endemic species—toetoe, ramsayi n.sp., dumbletoni, and agni n.sp.—plus zealandica, which occurs in Australia also. Typhlocybini: Typhlocyba froggatti, T. lethierryi, Ribautiana tenerrima, Eupteryx melissae, Kybos smaragdula, and K. betulicola are introduced Northern Hemisphere elements; Matatua montivaga n.gen.&sp. is endemic; M. maorica (formerly Dikraneura maorica), also endemic, is of uncertain identity in the absence of male specimens. Keys are given for the separation of all taxa, the genera and species are described, and all species except Matatua maorica are figured.     

Review and phylogeny of the New Zealand hagfishes (Myxiniformes: Myxinidae), with a description of three new species

Hagfishes from New Zealand are reviewed and a phylogeny proposed using morphological and genetic data (DNA sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, COI, and the small subunit RNA, 16S). E ptatretus cryptus sp. nov. was previously confused with Eptatretus cirrhatus (Forster in Bloch & Schneider, 1801) because of their similar morphology, and is found from the Three Kings Islands to Stewart Island and in the eastern part of the Chatham Rise (at depths of 96–922 m). E ptatretus poicilus sp. nov. is endemic to the Three Kings Islands, where it is common and associated with soft sediment and deep‐sea coral‐sponge habitats (114–842 m). N eomyxine caesiovitta sp. nov. is a slender hagfish found along the east coast of the North Island south to the Chatham Rise (430–1083 m). A neotype is erected for E. cirrhatus (type locality: Breaksea Sound, Fiordland), occurring widely in New Zealand coastal, shelf, and slope waters (1–922 m), but not at the Three Kings Islands. Eptatetrus goliath Mincarone & Stewart, 2006, Neomyxine biniplicata (Richardson & Jowett, 1951), and Nemamyxine elongata Richardson, 1958 are further described using additional material. Rubicundus eos (Fernholm, 1991) is still only known from the holotype (type locality: Challenger Plateau). Genetic results showed that the New Zealand Eptatretus species form a monophyletic group within the subfamily Eptatretinae, indicating likely speciation from a single common ancestor within the area. E ptatretus poicilus sp. nov. is the sister species of E. cirrhatus, and E . cryptus sp. nov. is closely associated with the clade formed by these two species. Eptatretus goliath is most closely associated with Eptatretus minor Fernholm & Hubbs, 1981 (Gulf of Mexico), these two species basally diverging within New Zealand hagfishes. The endemic genus Neomyxine forms a well‐supported monophyletic group of as yet uncertain position within the phylogenetic tree. A key to the New Zealand hagfishes, fresh colour photographs, distribution maps, and in situ video recordings are presented. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London     

Leaf hoppers of New Zealand: Subfamilies Aphrodinae,Jassinae, Xestocephalinae,Idiocerinae, and Macropsinae (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

The cosmopolitan subfamilies Aphrodinae, Jassinae, Xestocephalinae, Idiocerinae, and Macropsinae are diagnosed and the New Zealand species described and illustrated. Each subfamily is represented in New Zealand by only one or two species, those in Idiocerinae having been introduced from Europe or North America. The species Euacanthella brunnea Evans (Aphrodinae) is synonymised with the Australian species E. insularis Evans (new synonymy).     

The introduced slugs of New Zealand (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

Abstract

Eleven species of slug introduced into the New Zealand fauna are discussed: Testacellidae - Testacella haliotidea Draparnaud, 1801 (T. vagans Hutton, 1882 n.syn.); Arionidae - Arion intermedius (Normand, 1852), A. hortensis Férussac, 1819 (A. incommodus Hutton, 1879 n.syn.); Milacidae - Milax gagates (Draparnaud, 1801), M. budapestensis (Hazay, 1881), M. sowerbyi (Férussac, 1823); Limacidae - Deroceras reticulatum (Müller, 1774) (Limax molestus Hutton, 1879 n.syn.), D. panormitanum (Lessona & Pollonera, 1882), Limax maximus Linnaeus, 1758, Lehmannia flava (Linnaeus, 1758), L. nyctelia (Bourguignet, 1861). Of these, T. haliotidea, M. budapestensis, M. sowerbyi, D. panormitanum, and L. nyctelia are recorded from New Zealand for the first time. A key for the identification of these species is provided. Species thought to be doubtfully established are discussed, and a list is given of recent interceptions at New Zealand ports.     

Deltocephalinae of New Zealand (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

The subfamily Deltocephalinae is represented in New Zealand by 3 tribes, 9 genera, and 20 species, of which 3 genera and 13 species are new to science. All taxa are described, and keys are given for their separation. Three of the genera are endemic, 3 are Australian, 2 are Holarctic, and 1 is cosmopolitan. Nesoclutha and Macrosteles are recorded in New Zealand for the first time, and the presence of Deltocephalus is authenticated. Fourteen species are endemic, 4 are Australian, 1 is widespread in the Pacific area, and 1 is Holarctic. Nesoclutha pallida, Macrosteles fieberi, and Deltocephalus hospes are recorded in New Zealand for the first time.     

The genus Neilo in New Zealand (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

Abstract

The phylogenetic history, paleontological implications, and ecology of larger New Zealand Recent species of Neilo (sensu stricto) are discussed. N. wairoana delli, N. blacki, and N. (Pseudomalletia) aoteana are described as new. The following taxa are reduced to chronosubspecies: N. jugifera Marwick - of N. australis (Quoy & Gaimard); N. annectens Powell and N. rugata Dell - of N. sublaevis Marwick; N. sinangula Finlay - of N. awamoana Finlay.     

A reappraisal of Athoracophorus bitentaculatus,with comments on the validity of genus Reflectopallium (Gastropoda: Athoracophoridae)

Abstract

The slug Athoracophorus bitentaculatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1832) is redescribed from material collected in the northern third of the North Island of New Zealand. Its anatomy is described and figured, local variation in the condition of the lateral grooves and mantle is figured, and supplementary information on its biology and distribution is given. Its identity and taxonomy are discussed in the context of earlier work on the species. Evidence is presented for the reduction of Reflectopallium Burton, 1963 to synonymy with Athoracophorus Gould, 1852. A revised key to New Zealand and subantarctic genera of Athoracophoridae is given.     

A new species of Dactylostomum Woolcock, 1935 (Digenea: Opecoelidae) from the goatfish Upeneichthys lineatus (Bloch & Schneider) (Mullidae) in Western Australian waters

Dactylostomum nicolli n. sp. is described from the intestine of the goatfish Upeneichthys lineatus (Bloch & Schneider) (Mullidae) caught off Point Peron, Western Australia. The problem of assigning the new species to the appropriate genus, especially with regard to its close resemblance to Paropecoelus Pritchard, 1966, which also infects goatfishes, is discussed. This is the second report of Dactylostomum Woolcock, 1935 from an Australian marine fish. The new species is distinguished by its elongate form, simple ventral sucker papillae and irregularly shaped ovary.     

A new species of Heterocotyle Scott, 1904 (Monogenea: Monocotylidae) from the gills of Dasyatis guttata (Dasyatidae) in southwestern Atlantic waters off Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Heterocotyle sulamericana n. sp. is described from the gills of Dasyatis guttata (Bloch & Schneider) caught off the coast of Brazil near Rio de Janeiro. This species can be distinguished from all other members of Heterocotyle Scott, 1904 by a combination of the morphology of the male copulatory organ, which is a short, slightly curved, sclerotised tube with no accessory piece, and the haptor, which has a single ridge surmounting all septa. This is the first Heterocotyle species to be described from the southwestern Atlantic.     

Eulimid gastropods parasitic on echinoderms in the New Zealand region

Abstract

Eulimindae (Prosobranchia) of the New Zealand region that parasitise echinoderms are recorded and discussed. Fuscapex ophioacanthicola n.gen. & sp. is parasitic on Ophioacantha sp., Ophieulima fuscoapicata n.sp. is a parasite of Ophioactis profundi Lütken & Mortensen, Punctifera ophiomoefrae n.gen. & sp. lives partly buried among the radial shields of Ophiomoeris projecta Matsumato, and Stilapex sp. is recorded, but not described, from Ophiothrix oliveri Benham (all hosts ophiuroids). Stilifer sp. lives in galls in an undescribed oreasterid (Asteroidea). Annulobalcis marshalli n.sp. is described from Crotalometra rustica (A. H. Clark) (Crinoidea). Eulima infrapatula Murdoch & Suter is transferred to Sabinella Monterosato and recorded from Ogmocidaris benhami Mortensen; Fusceulima goodingi n.sp. is described from Centrostephanus rodgersi (A. Agassiz) (both hosts echinoids). Two earlier records of sea urchin parasites from New Zealand are discussed, and the species are referred to Pelseneeria.