Observations on Tasmanian fishes: Part XV

A new Ophiclinid genus is established and its
haplotype is described and figured. Two species are
added to the Tasmanian list and the inclusion of
one is confirmed. General observations, usually
accompanied by a table of dimensions, are made on
these and several other species (some points of
special interest noticed below).
Secondary sexual dimorphism is found in several
Ophiclinids, females having relatively longer trunk,
with concomitantly greater value for the ratio of
dorsal base to anal base. A second lateral line,
hitherto unrepodted, has been observed in Ophiclinus
Oastlenau, 1872, s. str., and a lateral line in
Ophiclinops Whitley, 1932.
Rajidae.-Raja whitleyi Iredale, 1938: inclusion
in Tasmanian list confirmed; several characters
commonly relied on to separate this species from
Raja lemprieri Richardson, 1845 found to be inconstant.
Clinidae.-CZinus perspicillatus Cuvier &
Valenciennes, 1836: frequency distribution of spines
of second dorsal and frequency distribution of rays
for each spine number both approximately symmetrical,
suggesting separate genetic mediation of
radial elements in two sections of fin (pigmentation
also probably dual controlled); secondary sexual
dimorphism parallels that of Ophiclinids. Petraites
phillipi (Lucas, 1891) : abnormal individual. Petraites
heptaeolus Ogilby, 1885: parous at 44 mm;
intromittent organ described. Ophiclinidae.-Key
to Tasmanian species. Ophiclinus aethiops McCulloch
& Waite, 1918: added to Tasmanian list;
original account extended; present material
(apparently the first reported since types) poses a
question of the distinctness of this species from
O. gabrieli Waite, 1906. Ophiclinus greeni Scott,
1936: anal spines 2, not 3 as originally reported;
notes on a parous female. Ophiclinus gabrieli
Waite, 1906: anal, reported as without spines, has
2; dentition; possible conspecificity with O. aethiops
discussed; cephalic neuromast system described.
Ophiclinops varius (McCulloch & Waite, 1918):
metrical data. Breona greeni gen. et sp. nov.:
described and figured. Tripterygiidae.-Key to
Tasmanian species. Brachynectes jasciatus Scott,
1957: added to Tasmanian list; emendations to, and
expansion of, original account.
Some notes are given on the catches at two surf
angling contests.