Grammatonotus pelipel, new species

Barred Groppo

(Figures 5 & 6; Tables 1 & 2)

Diagnosis. A species of Grammatonotus distinguishable from all other described species of the genus by its barred coloration — most evident in specimens less than 30 mm SL, barring only vaguely apparent in color photograph of largest specimen examined (49.3 mm SL), but very obvious in preserved individual. Also, the shape of the caudal fin is distinctive, being truncate to slightly emarginate in small specimens, but with upper and lower lobes produced in largest example known.

Description. The characters included in the combined description of G. xanthostigma and G. pelipel and those in the species diagnosis form part of the species description. Pectoral-fin rays 19 or 20. Total number of gillrakers on first arch 28 (count from only one specimen). Lateral aspect of snout without scales. Lateral line disjunct with one or two most anterior tubed scales separated from the more posterior ones; number of tubed scales 15 to 17 (1 + 14, 2 + 14, 2 + 15). Midbody lateral scales ca. 23 (count from only one specimen). Epineural bones associated with first 11 or 12 vertebrae.

Coloration. Description of coloration is based on examination of digital photographs of freshly caught specimens. Holotype (49.3 mm SL) with dorsum of head and narrow strip below dorsal fin rosy to purplish; ventral part of snout and lower jaw bright yellow; rest of head mostly silvery except for purplish on opercle; side of body dull yellow to pale purplish. Hint of vertical bars along side of body in color photograph; these show up as ca. 11 or 12 dark bars on preserved specimen. Iris of eye with blue dorsally, pale yellow anteriorly and posteriorly. Dorsal fin bright yellow with narrow distal border of purple. Distal 50 to 60 per cent of anal fin bright yellow, broad band of purple proximally. Pectoral fin dull rose. Pelvic fin rather nondescript. Broken purplish vertical line at base of caudal fin; dorsalmost and ventralmost caudal-fin rays bright yellow and adjacent to purplish rays that are produced well beyond distal ends of mid-caudal rays; rest of fin mostly dull yellow (see Fig. 5). Two smaller specimens (each 28.1 mm SL) distinctly barred, 11–13 bars present (see Fig. 6). Third small specimen (20.6 mm SL) with some pigmentation dorsally that may be remnants of dark bars.

Distribution. This species is only known from specimens collected off Pohnpei Island, Senyavin Islands (part of the Caroline Islands group), western Pacific Ocean.

Material examined. Four specimens (20.6 – 49.3 mm SL) caught off Pohnpei Island (Gorgonian Buttress and Ahnd [Ant] Atoll).

Holotype. BPBM 41273, 49.3 mm SL; Gorgonian Buttress; Lat. 6.991784° N, Long. 158.137131° E; depth — 151 meters; collected by B. D. Greene, with hand net, 0 5 August 2015.

Paratypes. BPBM 41268, two specimens, each 28.1 mm SL (one now USNM 432534); Ahnd (Ant) Atoll; Lat. 6.802793° N, Long. 158.014694° E.; depth 136 meters; collected by R. L. Pyle, with hand net, 29 July 2015.

Additional specimen, not part of the type series. BPBM 41267, 20.6 mm SL; Ahnd (Ant) Atoll; Lat. 6.802793° N, Long. 158.014694° E.; depth 136 meters; collected by R. L. Pyle, with hand net, 29 July 2015.

Etymology. The barring on the side of the young of this species resembles markings found in many Pohnpeian tattoos. The Pohnpeian word " pelipel " means “tattoo” or “to tattoo.” Consequently, it seems appropriate to name the new species Grammatonotus pelipel. The specific name pelipel is a noun in apposition to the generic name, and, as pointed out to us, ties together character/culture/locality. We thank Brian Greene for suggesting the name.

G. brianne G. xanthostigma G. pelipel