| Remarks |
Abstract: A new pufferfish, Chelonodontops alvheimi, is described on the basis of three specimens (86-117 mm SL) collected from off Myanmar (Eastern Indian Ocean) in 2015. It is distinguished from congeneric species by its uniquely tapered body and slender caudal peduncle, its depth 7.4-7.8% SL. The new species is further distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal spinulation extending from internarial region to dorsal-fin origin, caudal-fin length 17.4–18.5% SL and fin coloration. The rare pufferfish, Tetrodon leopardus Day 1878, is redescribed in detail on the basis of two museum specimens, including a syntype housed at the Australian Museum in Sydney. Our examination has revealed that this pufferfish is referable to the genus Chelonodontops on the basis of the following characters: two lateral lines on the side of body, nasal organ with two divided flat skin flaps, and a weakly developed skin fold extending longitudinally on the ventro-lateral part of the head and body from the chin to the caudal-fin base. The taxonomic status of C. leopardus is clarified and morphological and color differences between it and the newly described species are outlined. A key to the species of Chelonodontops is provided. |