DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF HARDYHEAD, CRATEROCEPHALUS FISTULARIS, (PISCES ATHERINIDAE) FROM IRIAN JAYA

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 1 decade ago

Abstract - A new species of hardyhead, Craterocephalus fistularis, is described from Lake Kamakawaiar (Triton Lakes 3°47'S 134°14'E) in Irian Jaya. This fish is distinctive with upper and lower jaws slightly extended, giving the mouth a flute or funnel-like appearance. The scales covering body and head are crenulated. It has no external dentition; its teeth are small and not visible when the mouth is closed. Its lips are thick with a very thick labial ligament lying alongside the dentary. The new species is aligned with the C. stercusmuscarum group. Superficially, it resembles Craterocephalus lacustris but differs from that species and from all other members of the genus osteologically and meristically.