Range Extensions and Additions to the South African Marine Ichthyofauna, with the Description of a New Species of Congrogadid from Kwazulu

Abstract

Range extensions for 17 species of marine fishes are recorded, and a new species of congrogadid is described. Of the new records, 12 are new to South Africa or are here reported to have a greater range within South Africa than previously recorded, and 4 have not been reported from the Indian Ocean before (Plectroglyphidodon phoenixensis, Gymnothorax fuscomaculatus, Samariscus triocellatusand Synodus englemani) Halimuraena shakai n. sp. is described on the basis of 23 specimens taken in 12 - 15 m of water from the reef off Sodwana Bay, Kwazulu. Emmelanthias stigmapteron is redescribed on the basis of 2 additional specimens (previously only known from the holotype), and 3 more specimens of Batrichthys felinus are reported (previously known from 4 specimens).