PARAPERCIS-SCHULTZ 



13 



fin with 3 lengthwise rows of dark spots, the distal row represented 

 by tiny spots as in the anal fin, whereas the two rows, medially and 

 basally, composed of larger dark spots. 



Discussion. — This new species traces through CantwelTs key 

 (1964, p. 248) to section 17b and is related to a group of species center- 

 ing around P. xanthozona, P. kamoharai, P. sornaliensis, new species, 

 and P. trispilota, new species, described below. Parapercis kamoharai 

 has 30-32 scales in a zigzag row around caudal peduncle, 66-72 

 oblique scale rows, distinct dark cross bars on head, whereas, P. 

 bwittata has 26 scales around the caudal peduncle, 58 or 59 oblique 

 scale rows along upper side, and a color pattern completely unlike 

 that of P. kamoharai. Parapercis bivittata differs from P. xanthozona 

 in having only 5 scales above lateral fine instead of 6-8; also P. 

 bivittata has fewer gill rakers (see table 3) than P. xanthozona and a 

 different color pattern. 



Parapercis bivittata, new species, differs from P. trispilota, new 

 species, chiefly in regard to color pattern, as follows: 



trispilota 



bwittata 



Characters 

 number of dark bars across belly between pelvic 



fin bases and anus 

 number of dark spots in the area between 



depressed pectoral and pelvic fins 

 small black specks or spots in light broad band 



lengthwise along middle of sides 

 ventral basal edge of pectoral with a black spot 

 axil of pectoral base with a black bar 

 interior side of pectoral base with black spots 

 number of dark spots on cheek in addition to 



one below eye 

 dark spots along posterior edge of preopercle 

 dark spots on branchiostegal memberanes 



The name "bivittata" refers to the 2 black streaks across the belly. 



Parapercis trispilota, new species 



Plate 4 



Holotype. — USNM 200721, Seychelles Islands, Curieuse Island, 

 just southeast of point forming south end of Laraie Bay, depth about 

 9 meters, Feb. 23, 1964, IIOE Sta. F-64, standard length 69 mm. 



Paratypes.— USNM 200719, Seychelles Islands, Mahe" Island off 

 north tip north of North Island, depth about 27 meters, Feb. 15, 

 1964, IIOE Sta. F-52, 66 mm. USNM 200722, Seychelles Islands, 

 Mahe, North Islet, west side, depth 8-18 meters, Mar. 16, 1964, 

 IIOE Sta. F-115, 3 specimens, 63-98 mm. USNM 200723, Seychelles 

 Islands, Amirante Islands, D'Arros Island, off east side, depth 24 

 meters, Mar. 8, 1964, IIOE Sta. F-103, 47 mm. USNM 200724, 



