Brama pauciradiata, a New Bramid Fish from the Seas of Tropical Australia and the Central Pacific Ocean

Abstract

A new tropical pomfret, Brama pauciradiata, is described from trawled specimens and juveniles taken from the stomachs of the lancetfish (Alepisaurus ferox) collected from the central Pacific, Coral Sea, and eastern Indian Ocean. It appears to be a small species and may reach sexual maturity smaller than 100mm SL. It is distinguished from all other members of the genus in having 23-25 anal fin-rays, 7-10 scales between the lateral line and the origin of the dorsal fin, and 23-28 predorsal scales.