Scorpionfishes of New Zealand (Pisces: Scorpaenidae)

Abstract

Recent collecting has increased the number of scorpionfish species known from New Zealand, particularly the Kermadec Islands. The following species are now represented in collections at the National Museum of New Zealand: Scorpaena papillosus (Bloch & Schneider); S. cardinalis Richardson; S. cooki Günther; Trachyscorpia capensis (Gilchrist & von Bonde); Phenacoscorpius megalops Fowler; Maxillicosta raoulensis Eschmeyer & Poss; Ectreposebastes niger (Fovrmanoir); Pterois volitans (Linnaeus); P. antennata (Bloch & Schneider); Ocosia apia Poss & Eschmeyer; Plectrogenium nanum Gilbert; and Scorpaenodes guamensis (Quoy & Gaimard). Helicolenus, represented by a complex of species, is not discussed here. All other species are figured and at least briefly described, and a key to their identification is provided.

Keywords:

• Pisces
• Scorpaenidae
• New Zealand fauna
• identification key
• illustrations