Synchiropus novaehiberniensis Fricke, 2016
New Ireland dragonet

Family:  Callionymidae (Dragonets)
Max. size:  3.32 cm SL (male/unsexed); 3.35 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 74 - 92 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal soft rays: 7-7. This species of the subgenus Synchiropus (Acommissura) is distinguished by the following characters: small branchial opening; head short (3.2-3.6 in SL); eye large (2.5-2.6 in head length); preopercular spine has a short, upcurved main tip, three curved points on its dorsal margin, with ventral margin and base smooth; first dorsal fin is higher than second fin, with four spines, no filaments, and first spine longest; second dorsal fin distally slightly convex, eight branched rays (last divided at base); anal fin with seven unbranched rays (last divided at base); pectoral-fin rays 21-22; caudal fin elongate, distally rounded, and slightly asymmetrical (upper rays shorter than lower rays); thorax, lower opercle and pelvic-fin base with small ocelli; male with four dark brown saddles and anal fin dark grey (Ref. 111072).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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