Redescription and phylogenetic placement of Cirrhilabrus sanguineus Cornic (Teleostei: Labridae), with first documentation of the female form

The labrid fish Cirrhilabrus sanguineus Cornic is redescribed on the basis of the neotype, two male specimens, and an additional female specimen recently collected from the northern coast of Mauritius. We provide new live and nuptial colouration descriptions, as well as the first documented female specimen for the species. we also include a molecular phylogenetic analysis of related species, with brief comments on phylogenetic interpretation of putative relationships amongst members of the genus Cirrhilabrus.

A new species of Terelabrus (Perciformes: Labridae) from the Philippines with a key to species of Terelabrus and new record of Terelabrus dewapyle

A new labrid fish, Terelabrus zonalis sp. nov., the fourth species of the genus, is described on the basis of two specimens collected from the Philippines. The new species is characterized by 44 longitudinal series scale rows, 42 pored lateral-line scales, 11–12 gill rakers (including rudiments), the main supratemporal sensory canal with 8 branches posteriorly, the area bounded by the main supratemporal and postotic sensory canals (dorsal view) with 3 scale rows, the least distance between the orbit anteroventral margin and interopercle 7.0% of standard length and 18 faint silver vertical bands on the body in preserved specimens. An underwater photograph of T. dewapyle is reported as the first record of the species from the Philippines. A key to species of Terelabrus is provided.

Preliminary notes on brain weight variation across labrid fish species with different levels of cooperative behaviour

Brain size and weight vary tremendously in the animal kingdom. It has been suggested that brain structural development must evolve balanced between the advantages of dealing with greater social challenges and the energetic costs of maintaining and developing larger brains. Here we ask if interspecific differences in cooperative behaviour (i.e. cleaning behaviour) are related to brain weight variations in four close-related species of Labrid fish: two are obligatory cleanerfish throughout their entire life (Labroides dimidiatusand L. bicolor), one facultative cleaner fish Labropsis australisand one last species that never engage in cleaning Labrichthys unilineatus. We first search for the link between the rate of species’ cooperation and its relative brain weight, and finally, if the degree of social complexity and cooperation are reflected in the weight of its major brain substructures. Overall, no differences were found in relative brain weight (in relation to body weight) across species. Fine-scale differences were solely demonstrated for the facultative cleaner L. australis, at the brainstem level. Furthermore, data visual examination indicates that the average cerebellum and brainstem weights appear to be larger for L. dimidiatus. Because variation was solely found at specific brain areas (such as cerebellum and brainstem) and not for the whole brain weight values, it suggests that species social-ecological and cognitive demands may be directly contributing to a selective investment in relevant brain areas. This study provides first preliminary evidence that links potential differences in cognitive ability in cooperative behaviour to how these may mediate the evolution of brain structural development in non-mammal vertebrate groups.

Coris sandageri, an unjustified emendation of Coris sandeyeri (Hector 1884) (Pisces, Labridae)

Confusion has surrounded the correct spelling of the species name of the labrid fish Cymolutes (=Coris) sandeyeri Hector 1884. In his original description, Hector (1884a) stated the specimen from Tiritiri Island was “collected by Mr. S. Sandeyer”, a misspelling of the surname of F.S. (Andreas Fremming Stewart) Sandager, who was then Assistant Lighthouse Keeper at Tiritiri Matangi Island, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, from June 1881 to May 1883 (Phillips 2011), and after whom the species was named.