Two new Australian species of the Paraulopus nigripinnis complex (Aulopiformes: Paraulopidae)

Two new species, Paraulopus longianalis n.sp. and Paraulopus melanostomus n.sp., are described from western and southern Australian waters. Both are referable to the Paraulopus nigripinnis group of Sato and Nakabo (2002b, 2003) in having 4.5–5.5 scales above the lateral line, supraocular ridges and large adult body size, but differ from other species of the group in having two rows of cheek scales. Paraulopus longianalis is characterized by a deep anal fin in males, tiny adipose dorsal fin and supraocular ridges extending nearly to the predorsal scales, and P. melanostomus is most easily distinguished by its black buccal cavity and relatively broad, depressed head. A key to the six described species in the P. nigripinnis group is provided.