Scorpaena bulacephala, a new species of scorpionfish (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae) from the northern Tasman Sea

A new species of small-sized scorpionfish, Scorpaena bulacephala, is described on the basis of seven specimens collected from off Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands, northern Tasman Sea, southwestern Pacific Ocean, at depths of 86 - 113 m. The new species is closely related to a Hawaiian endemic species, S. colorata. The two species are distinguished from other Indo - Pacific species of Scorpaena by the following combination of characters: exposed cycloid scales covering the anteroventral surface of the body and pectoral-fin base, the lateral surface of the lacrimal without spines, and 17 pectoral-fin rays. The new species differs from S. colorata in having 39 - 44 longitudinal scales rows and relatively short fin spines and rays, especially short longest pectoral-fin ray (31.5 - 33.5% of standard length). Morphological changes with growth and sexual dimorphism of the new species are also discussed.