A New Deep-water Species of Saurida (Pisces: Synodontidae) from the South China Sea and Central Philippines.

A new species of lizardfish, Saurida weijeni sp. nov., from deep water of the outer slope of the North Macclesfield Bank (Zhongsha), South China Sea, and Guimaras Island, Western Visayas region of the Philippines, is described and figured. The new species is distinguished by the following combination of characteristics: dorsal fin with 11-12 rays; pectorals with 13-15 rays; lateral-line scales 49-52; transverse scale rows above the lateral line 3½, below the lateral line 5½; pectoral fins moderately long (extending to or just beyond a line from origin of pelvic fins to origin of dorsal fin); 2 rows of teeth on outer palatines; 0-3 teeth on vomer; tongue with about 3-4 rows of teeth posteriorly; 47-49 vertebrae; caudal peduncle compressed (depth greater than width); anterior part of stomach dusky or black, posterior extension pale whitish, intestine black. Saurida weijeni sp. nov. is genetically distinct from all other species of Saurida.