PAVOCLINUS CAERULEOPUNCTATUS, A NEW SPECIES OF CLINID FISH (PERCIFORMES: CLINIDAE) FROM SOUTH AFRICA

A new species of clinid fish, Pavoclinus caeruleopunctatus, is described from specimens collected and observed in 6 – 25 m, around the Cape Peninsula, on the southwest coast of South Africa. Pavoclinus caeruleopunctatus is distinguished from similar species by the first 3 dorsal-fin spines forming a moderate crest, a notch between the 3^rd and 4^th dorsal-fin spines, 1 – 3 soft dorsal rays, an anteriorly rounded head profile, and colour pattern; most characteristic in live specimens are the vivid blue spots in front and behind the eye, and also usually on the flanks.