A NEW SPECIES OF DAMSELFISH (CHRYSIPTERA POMACENTRIDAE) FROM IRIAN JAYA, INDONESIA

WA Museum Records and Supplements | Updated 1 decade ago

Abstract - A new species of pomacentrid, Chrysiplera pricei, is described from 48 specimens collected during 1991 at Yapen Island, northern New Guinea (Indonesian province of Irian Jaya). It belongs to a complex of closely related species containing C. hemicyanea (Weber), C. oxycephalus (Bleeker), C. parasema (Fowler), C. sinclairi Alien, and C. springeri Alien. Colour pattern differences provide the best means of separation. C. pricei is the only member of this complex with a combination of blue upper body, whitish ventral parts, and a small black area around the vent and genital papilla.