A new fish: Plectranthias purpuralepis

Yes, I do like fish which is why this blog is lightly skewed towards new fish species. However, I do what I can to showcase other lifeforms.

With about 450 species the Serranidae represent a large family of perches. Many of them are brightly coloured, and many are caught for food. They are usually in tropical to subtropical waters along the coasts. Chances are that you've seen many of them in photos or videos of coral reef fauna. Thus new species was found in Northern Taiwan (either by angling or buying them at a local fish market). The species name is a combination of the Latin words “purpura” and “lepis,” meaning purple scales, which is in reference  distinct purple colour scales that only appear after preservation.

For the experts: A new species of Plectranthias Bleeker is described on the basis of 16 specimens collected from northern Taiwan. The new species, Plectranthias purpuralepis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners in having pectoral and pelvic fins mostly covered with small scales, some white scales on dorsum turn purple when preserved, and the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin elements X, 16–17; 3rd dorsal-fin spine longest; pectoral-fin rays 14, all branched except for uppermost simple ray; principal caudal-fin rays 9+8; pored lateral-line scales 33–36; 6 diagonal rows of large scales on cheek; circumpeduncular scales 14; ca. 7 rows of large predorsal scales, 2 irregular rows of small scales extending to a line through posterior nostrils; no scales on maxilla and chin; posterior margin of preopercle serrated, ventral margin with 2 antrorse spines; and the greatest body depth 2.9–3.0 in SL.