Distributional range extension of a rare scorpionfish, Hipposcorpaena filamentosa (Actinopterygii, Scorpaeniformes, Scorpaenidae)

Abstract

The distributional range of Hipposcorpaena filamentosa Fowler, 1938, previously recorded only from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea is extended to include South Africa and Australia, on the basis of two specimens (17.2–29.5 mm standard length) which are described in detail. In addition, the first underwater photograph of H. filamentosa, taken at Kashiwa-jima Island, Kochi, Japan, is included. The species is apparently widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific.