A New Pufferfish, Torquigener heemstrai from South Africa (Acanthopterygii, Tetraodontiformes, Tetraodontidae)

Abstract

A new pufferfish, Torquigener heemstrai is described from five specimens collected at depths of 22–30 m on Tugela Bank off KuaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The new species is distinguished from other species of Torquigener by the following combination of characters: dorsal surface of body from nasal organs to just before dorsal fin covered by spinules; ventral surface of body from level of nasal organs to anus densely covered by spinules; prebranchial margin with 11–14 long spinules; dorsal-fin rays 8–9, anal-fin rays 7, pectoral-fin rays 14, lateral skin fold running behind anal fin to caudal-fin base, dorsal half of body blackish brown with many short white lines, an irregular white line running along ventrolateral part of body just above a skin fold from dorsal end of gill opening to caudal peduncle, and ventral part of body white. A key to the species of Torquigener in South Africa is given.