A NEW DEEPWATER SCORPIONFISH OF THE GENUS SCORPAENOPSIS (SCORPAENIDAE) FROM WALLIS AND FUTUNA ISLANDS, SOUTHWESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN

Scorpaenopsis crenulata sp. nov. (Scorpaenidae), a small deepwater (600 m) species, is described on the basis of a single specimen from Wallis and Futuna Islands, southwestern Pacific Ocean. The new species is distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: pectoral-fin rays 17; scale rows in longitudinal series 37; pored lateral-line scales 19; posterior margin of maxilla extending well beyond a vertical through posterior margin of orbit; an additional spine arising from a low median ridge of anterior lacrimal spine; posterior lacrimal spine divided into two spinous points; interorbital ridges poorly developed; upper opercular spine divided into three spinous points; postocular, tympanic, nuchal, pterotic, posttemporal, and supracleithral spines serrated; occipital pit extremely deep; a pair of pores behind a symphysial knob on lower jaw; nape and anterior body not highly arched; interorbital space narrow, width less than orbit diameter; upper one-third of pectoral-fin axil with a large black blotch. The capture depth of S. crenulata indicates that it is the deepest occurring member of the genus.