326 
L.E.L.M. Crowley, W. Ivanstoff, G.R. Allen 
Figure 1 Holotype of Craterocephalus fistularis MZB 6114. 
(Figure 2E). Large number of predorsal scales 
unique for this species. No other species of 
freshwater Craterocephalus has crenulated scales. 
Description 
Member of the C. stercusmuscarum group but 
with moderately deep body. Mouth in larger fish 
extended forward giving pipe or funnel-like 
appearance. Gape restricted by labial ligament 
more than half way along free edge of premaxilla 
(Figure 2A). Needle-like teeth on medial third of 
premaxilla and dentary; other bones of mouth 
edentulous. Scales on dorsum of head irregular, as 
far as vertical through anterior pupil of eye. 
Midlateral scales 37-38. Position of anus from 2 to 
4 scales behind tips of pelvic fins; origin of first 
dorsal fin from 1 to 1.5 scales in front of tips of 
pectoral fins. For details of all measurements and 
counts and a comparison with C. lacustris see Table 
1 . 
Osteological characters 
Dorsal process of premaxilla long, reaching into 
interorbital space. Lateral ramus of premaxilla not 
reaching to vertical through anterior edge of orbit. 
Coronoid process of dentary highly elevated, 5th 
ceratobranchial bones fused. Scapular foramen 
small; corocoid shelf large. Anal plate not extended 
forward as in most other members of C. 
stercusmuscarum group Differs from C. lacustris and 
from all other species of Craterocephalus by a 
combination of the following: Shape and extent of 
labial ligament (Figure 2A), shape of premaxilla 
and maxilla (Figures 2B, 2C), coronoid process of 
dentary rounded anteriorly (Figure 2D), width of 
infraorbital bones (Figure 2E). The new species also 
differs from other members of the C. 
stercusmuscarum group in: shape of basihyal, 
epibranchials, hyomandibular metapterygoid and 
interdorsal pterygiophores. In other species of C. 
stercusmuscarum group, basihyal bone slender with 
short associated cartilage; in C. fistularis basihyal 
bone robust with well defined triangular shelf on 
ventral aspect; associated cartilage reduced to 
small pad. Epibranchial bones of C. fistularis 
relatively robust (slender in other species); C. 
fistularis hyomandibular with distinct posterior 
projection for articulation with opercle (no distinct 
projection in other species). Metapterygoid small 
in C. fistularis ; medium to large in other C. 
stercusmuscarum group species. Craterocephalus 
fistularis, interdorsal pterygiophores large with 
well developed descending process; in all other 
Craterocephalus species interdorsal pterygiophores 
small, vestigial or absent, 
Colour 
Preserved specimens pale yellowish buff; paler 
towards abdomen. Faint midlateral band from 
origin of pectoral fin to base caudal fin. Midlateral 
band initially very thin line to vertical through 
origin of first dorsal fin, then slightly wider (less 
than scale width). Midlateral band absent from 
snout through eye. Melanophores above midlateral 
band faint, reticulate pattern not apparent. 
Melanophores lacking on abdomen. Dorsum of 
head dusky. Snout and lips peppered with 
melanophores. Eyes silvery black. Fins clear with 
few melanophores along rays. 
Etymology 
fistularis from tire Latin for pipe or flute, referring 
to the shape of the mouth. 
Distribution 
This new species is presently known only from 
Lake Kamakawalar, Irian Jaya. 
Discussion 
Craterocephalus fistularis shares with the C. 
stercusmuscarum group all of the osteological 
characters given above. These characters can be 
used to define the group and to differentiate 
members of the group from members of both the 
