The New Zealand triplefin Grahamina signata (Teleostei; Tripterygiidae): A junior synonym of G.gymnota from Tasmania

Kendall Clements

doi:10.15468/unqptj

The New Zealand triplefin Grahamina signata (Teleostei; Tripterygiidae): A junior synonym of G.gymnota from Tasmania

Citation

Clements K (2016): The New Zealand triplefin Grahamina signata (Teleostei; Tripterygiidae): A junior synonym of G.gymnota from Tasmania. v1.1. Southwestern Pacific Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) Node. Dataset/Occurrence. https://nzobisipt.niwa.co.nz/resource?r=nztriplefin_gymnota&v=1.1 https://doi.org/10.15468/unqptj accessed via GBIF.org on 2022-05-19.

Description

The triptcrygiid fish Grahamina signata Fricke & Roberts, 1993 was described from 174 specimens collected from several exposed locations around the coast of New Zealand. It was distinguished from the Tasmanian G. gymnota (Scott 1977) by the number of pored scales in the lower lateral line, the number of branches of the supraorbital tentacle, and the colouration of the pectoral-fin base.Examination of new material of G. signata from the Auckland region, and re-examination of type material of G. gymnota, show that the supraorbital tentacle and lower lateral line are not differences of taxonomic significance. Pectoral fin colouration in a published underwater photo of G. gymnota suggests that the colour difference was due to the effects of preservation. We therefore refer G. signata to the synonymy of G. gymnota. This synonymy, in combination with the restricted Tasmanian distribution and dispersal capabilities of the species, suggests that G. gymnota was introduced to Tasmania from New Zealand.

Sampling Description

Study Extent

Northern New Zealand (esp. Auckland region) and Tasmania

Sampling

We attempted to identify material examined to genus and species following Fricke & Roberts (1993) and Fricke (1994). Counts and measurements follow Hubb & Lagler (1958). Measurements were performed with digital calipers. Lateral line scale counts included all pored scales. Supraorbital tentacle counts included tentacles greater in length than width. Where possible, lateral line scales and supraorbital tentacles were counted on both sides of the body (thus each specimen has two counts).

Method steps

The total sample sizes of specimens examined for various characters. It was not possible to count pored scales in the lower lateral line of many of the Whatipu G. signata specimens. These pored scales are visible against the darker background pigmentation in darker coloured males and in specimens preserved for a length of time, but not in the lighter coloured females from the Whatipu site.

Additional info

marine, harvested by iOBIS

Taxonomic Coverages

Tripterygiid triplefins of the Genus Grahamina

Grahamina gymnota
rank: species
Grahamina capito
rank: species
Grahamina nigripenne
rank: species

Geographic Coverages

New Zealand and Tasmania

Bibliographic Citations

Kendall D. Clements , Laith A. Jawad & Andrew L. Stewart (2000) The New Zealand triplefin Grahamina signata (Teleostei; Tripterygiidae): A junior synonym of G. gymnota from Tasmania, Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 30:4, 373-383, DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2000.9517629 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2000.9517629

Contacts

Kendall Clements
originator
position: School of Biological Sciences
University of Auckland
Private Bag 92019
Auckland
NZ

Kevin Mackay
metadata author
position: Marine Data Manager
NIWA
Private Bag 14-901
Wellington
NZ

Laith Jawad
author
position: School of Biological Sciences
University of Auckland
Private Bag 92019
Auckland
NZ

Andrew Stewart
author
position: Scientist
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
P.O. Box 467
Wellington
NZ

Kendall Clements
administrative point of contact
position: School of Biological Sciences
University of Auckland
Private Bag 92019
Auckland
NZ