Plate 2

Lethrinus anarhynchus Postel, 1965: 247, fig. 3, Nouméa (New Caledonia).

Specimens examined.

MNHN4942 (180 mm standard length) from Australia.

D. X, 9; A. III, 8; P₁. 13; P₂. I, 5; C. 8 + 7; L. lat. 45 or 46; Ltr. 5 or 6/i/14 to 16.

Data of proportional measurements from the present specimen (MNHN4942) and the holotype (after Postel, 1965) are shown in Table 8.

Head length less than body depth. End of jaws on the vertical through posterior nostril. Interorbital area convex. Fourth and fifth dorsal spines longest. 6 scale rows between lateral line and median dorsal spines. Inner base of pectoral densely covered with scales. Lateral teeth of jaws include molars.

Color. —The present author has not had any chance to observe the color in fresh specimens, and the preserved one in the Museum in Paris does not show any particular patterns except some traces of dark streaks radiating from the eye forward.

Distribution. —Australia, New Caledonia.

Remarks. —The present species shares many characteristics with L. nebulosus but its body is much deeper than that of the latter. It is possible that more detailed examinations in the future may prove that both species are the same. Postel (1965) wrote that many individuals of L. anarhynchus were commercially caught in New Caledonia in winter.