Synchiropus novaehiberniensis , a new species of dragonet from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, western Pacific Ocean, with a review of subgenus Synchiropus ( Neosynchiropus ) and description of a new subgenus (Teleostei: Callionymidae).

A new species of dragonet,Synchiropus novaehiberniensisfrom off northern New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, is described on the basis of a male and a female specimen collected with a trawl in 74–92 m depth off Kavieng. The new species is characterized within the subgenusSynchiropus(Neosynchiropus) Nalbant, 1979 by a small branchial opening; head short (3.2–3.6 in SL); eye large (2.5–2.6 in head length); preopercular spine with a short, upcurved main tip, three curved points on its dorsal margin, ventral margin and base smooth; first dorsal fin higher than second dorsal fin, with four spines but no filaments, first spine longest; second dorsal fin distally slightly convex, with eight branched rays (last divided at base); anal fin with seven unbranched rays (last divided at base); 21–22 pectoral-fin rays; caudal fin elongate, distally rounded, slightly asymmetrical (upper rays shorter than lower rays); thorax, lower opercle and pelvic-fin base with small ocelli; back in male with four dark brown saddles; anal fin dark grey. The subgenusSynchiropus(Neosynchiropus) is reviewed and distinguished fromSynchiropus(Acommissura) subgen. nov. An updated checklist of the species in the two subgenera is provided; the new species is compared with allied species. Revised keys to callionymid fish species of New Guinea, as well as of the subgeneraSynchiropus(Neosynchiropus) andSynchiropus(Acommissura) subgen. nov. are presented. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AACA51E1-FBD6-412D-B09A-78540E7089B4 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]