Review of the genus Bembras Cuvier, 1829 (Scorpaeniformes: Bembridae) with description of three new species collected from Australia and Indonesia

• Published in: Ichthyological research Vol. 45; no. 2; pp. 165 - 178
• Main Authors: Imamura, H. (Tohoku National Fisheries Research Inst., Shiogama, Miyagi (Japan)), Knapp, L.W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 25.05.1998
• Subjects: ANATOMIA ANIMAL; ANATOMIE ANIMALE; ANIMAL MORPHOLOGY; AUSTRALIA; AUSTRALIE; Bembras; Bembras longipinnis; Bembras macrolepis; Bembras megacephala; COTTOIDEI; ESPECE NOUVELLE; ESPECIES NUEVAS; INDONESIA; INDONESIE; Marine; NEW SPECIES; TAXONOMIA; TAXONOMIE; TAXONOMY; ISEW, Indonesia; ISEW, Australia
• ISSN: 1341-8998; 1616-3915
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02678559

The bembrid genus Bembras Cuvier is reviewed. Five species, B. japonica Cuvier, B. adenensis Imamura & Knapp and three undescribed species, were assigned to the genus. Type species of the genus, Bembras japonica is redescribed on the basis of 36 specimens including the holotype, and three new species, B. macrolepis, B. longipinnis and B. megacephala, previously misidentified as B. japonicus, are also described on the basis of specimens collected from Australia and Indonesia. Bembras macrolepis differs from its congeners by having large body scales, a long pectoral fin with 17-19 rays and a dark blotch on slightly upper portion to middle of margin, 14-15 anal-fin rays, small head and orbit, and caudal fin with a broad vertical dark band near posterior margin. Bembras longipinnis is distinguished from other members of the genus by having a slightly long pectoral fin with 17-19 rays and lacking a small black blotch near tip of upper rays, caudal fin with a large dark spot most intense in lower lobe, 1-2 gill rakers on upper gill arch, 13-14 anal-fin rays, slightly elongated head and small orbit. Bembras megacephala is characterized by the following combination of characters: caudal fin with several irregular narrow vertical dark bands, small orbit, pectoral fin with 19-20 rays and lacking a small black blotch near tip of upper rays, head elongate, 2-4 gill rakers on upper gill arch, 15 anal-fin rays and small body scales. A key separating the five species of Bembras is given.