A new genus forTrypterigium dorsalisClarke, 1879, an unusual tripiefin (Pisces: Tripterygiidae) from New Zealand

Abstract

The monotypie new genus, Blennodon, is proposed for Trypterigium dorsalis Clarke, 1879, and the speeies is redeseribed on the basis of 102 speeimens. Blennodon differs uniquely from other tripterygiid genera in possessing an outer row of large ineisiform teeth in eaeh jaw, and a single row of sharply pointed, reeurved, vomerine teeth. The genus is apparently endemie to New Zealand, where it is generally found in shallow coastal tidal pools.