Two New Species of the Anthiine Genus Lepidoperca from Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Four species of the anthiine genus Lepidoperca (Serranidae) were captured off Australia and New Zealand region.Two of them are referable to Lepidoperca occidentalis Whitley and Lepidoperca pulchella (Waite). Lepidoperca inornata Regan is a female form of L.pulchella and a junior synonym of it.Two other species are described as new under the names Lepidoperca brochata and Lepidoperca magna.L.brochata is closely related to L.occidentalis, but differs in having no scales on the axil of pectoral fin, higher body and longer pectoral fin. L.magna can be distinguished from congeners by a deeper body, fewer anal fin rays, more projected lower jaw and larger number of pored lateral line scales.