taxonID	type	description	language	source
9309EE74C57D6F4CFF10FB25B90E70C8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Head strongly depressed; anterior margin of disk truncate to broadly rounded; rostrum extending anteriorly to or slightly beyond mouth and anterior margin of disk; mouth small; dorsal fin present or absent, if present, minute in size; entire body covered with small bucklers and small dermal tubercles; subopercular buckler moderately developed, usually bearing some short terminal spinules; gill filaments present on 2 nd and 3 rd gill arches, absent from fourth gill arch; gill rakers present on first to third gill arches; 3 – 4 gill rakers on outer side of 2 nd gill arch; esca triangular and bulbous, fringed on its lower margin and usually bearing a pair of dorsal cirri; teeth on vomer and palate forming three closely adjacent quadrangular patches; tongue teeth (5 th ceratobranchial) in two closely attached elongated patches.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57D6F4CFF10FB25B90E70C8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The taxonomic status of Halicmetus ruber var. marmorata Weber, 1913 has long been a mystery. Weber described marmorata as a new variation of H. ruber, based on 5 syntypes collected from the Madura Sea, Indonesia. The translation of Weber’s (1913: 567) original description is as follows:	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57D6F4CFF10FB25B90E70C8.taxon	materials_examined	Alcock’s H. ruber is described as “ uniform light pink ” in life, whereas my specimens show several irregularly shaped, brown speckles all over the surface, which often merge into even larger blotches. Moreover the eyes are rather smaller as in H. ruber. The diameter is about one-seventh of the disc and approximately about as wide as half of its anterior distance to one another. The mouth is slightly longer than the eye diameter. But in my specimens the eye diameter is almost one-eighth of the disc’s length, therefore being as long as the anterior distance to one another and only about half as long as the mouth opening. Since my specimens otherwise resemble all other factors in the description of Alcock, I would like to see my specimens only as local variation of the same species, possibly confined to the Indo – Australian Archipelago. According to Article 45.5.4 of The Code (ICZN, 2018, online version), a taxon “ is subspecific if first published before 1961 and its author expressly used one of the terms “ variety ” or “ form ” (including use of the terms “ var. ”, “ forma ”, “ v. ” and “ f. ”) … ”. Weber (1913) treated his specimens as a local variation of H. ruber and gave a distribution range of Indo – Australian Archipelago, thus qualifying marmorata as a valid subspecific name. Weber and de Beaufort (1962), evidently by de Beaufort, synonymized it with H. reticulatus based on the colouration. Bradbury (1967) initially considered the taxon to be a synonym of H. ruber, but later (Bradbury, 2003) listed it as an incertae sedis in the Ogcocephalidae (Eschmeyer et al., 2018). Ho et al. (2008) also treated the taxon as a subspecies of H. ruber. In 2006 and 2013, the first author examined the syntypes at the Zoölogisch Museum, Amsterdam (ZMA) confirming characters described by Weber, except for the types being colourless. These specimens are similar to H. reticulatus, based on the shared presence of a dorsal fin, simple dermal spinules on the body surface, a small eye and pale peritoneal membrane with scattered melanophores [specimens not dissected, but the colouration still detectable through the semi-transparent skin]. Other species, H. ruber, H. cf. ruber (sensu Ho et al., 2008) and H. niger, with their adults lack dorsal-fin rays, have numerous forked dermal spinules on the body surface, a larger eye, and a brown peritoneal membrane (Ho et al., 2008). After examining a large collection of specimens from the Indo – West Pacific, we identified a species with a marbled colour pattern on the dorsal surface, usually with dorsal-fin rays (about one-fifth of examined specimens lacked rays), a small eye, and pale peritoneal membrane, typical of H. ruber var. marmorata. The taxon is elevated as an objective available name of species rank and redescribed below on the basis of newly collected specimens. Valid species. Halicmetus is represented in the Indo – Pacific by six valid nominal taxa: H. drypus n. sp., H. marmoratus Weber, 1913, H. niger Ho, Endo & Sakamaki, 2008, H. reticulatus Smith & Radcliffe, 1912, H. ruber Alcock, 1891, and H. westraliensis n. sp., and one undescribed species, H. cf. ruber (sensu Ho et al., 2008).	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57E6F48FF10F9F6BD787540.taxon	description	Figures 1, 2 A, 3; Tables 1 – 2	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57E6F48FF10F9F6BD787540.taxon	materials_examined	Other material. 61 specimens, 42.0 – 82.2 mm SL. AMS I. 15984 - 001 (1, 46.0), 130 km S of Sydney, New South Wales, 34 ° 43 ’ S, 151 ° 12 ’ E, 357 m, 6 Jul. 1971. AMS I. 17861 - 002 (1, 74.5), off Broken Bay, New South Wales, 33 ° 34 ’ S, 151 ° 59 ’ E, 411 m, 31 Oct. 1972. AMS I. 17862 - 011 (2, 74.1 – 76.7), off Newcastle, New South Wales, 33 ° 10 ’ S, 152 ° 22 ’ E, 366 – 695 m, 18 Oct. 1972. AMS I. 18794 - 003 (2, 69.5 – 69.8), NE of Wollongong, New South Wales, 34 ° 16 ’ S, 151 ° 26 ’ E, 366 m, 8 Aug. 1975. AMS I. 18795 - 009 (1, 74.6), NE of Wollongong, New South Wales, 34 ° 21 ’ S, 151 ° 24 ’ E, 410 m, 8 Aug. 1975. AMS I. 19104 - 002 (2, 42.0 – 71.1), SE of Clarence River, New South Wales, 29 ° 41 ’ S, 153 ° 45 ’ E, 406 – 413 m, 10 Oct. 1975. AMS I. 20435 - 008 (1, 44.3), off North Solitary Island, New South Wales, 29 ° 47 ’ S, 153 ° 44 ’ E, 438 m, 2 Aug. 1978. AMS I. 20919 - 027 (4, 51.6 – 69.0), NE of Raine Island, 11 ° 35 ’ S, 144 ° 04 ’ E, 420 m, 12 Feb. 1979. AMS I. 22642 - 001 (2, 37.1 – 54.4), E of Cape Hawke, New South Wales, 32 ° 07 ’ S, 153 ° 05 ’ E, 448 – 457 m, 27 Jul. 1981. AMS I. 24019 - 001 (1, 70.9), Shoalhaven Bight, New South Wales, 35 ° 02 ’ S, 151 ° 07 ’ E, 480 – 485 m, 25 Nov. 1982. AMS I. 24110 - 002 (1, 76.4), off North Head, New South Wales, 33 ° 27 ’ S, 152 ° 05 ’ E, 391 – 402 m, 21 Aug. 1979. AMS I. 24457 - 001 (3, 76.8 – 82.2), off Wollongong, New South Wales, 34 ° 19 ’ S, 151 ° 25 ’ E, 443 – 475 m, 1 Dec. 1983. AMS I. 24822 - 001 (2, 71.3 – 77.7), E of Wollongong, New South Wales, 34 ° 38 ’ S, 151 ° 15 ’ E, 348 m, 19 Jul. 1979. AMS I. 28547 - 001 (6, 55.2 – 83.0), off Wattamola, New South Wales, 34 ° 14 ’ S, 151 ° 29 ’ E, 375 – 430 m, 28 Jul. 1987. AMS I. 30414 - 002 (1, 57.3), E of Entrance, New South Wales, 33 ° 23 ’ S, 151 ° 08 ’ E, 3 Oct. 1979. AMS I. 33436 - 006 (1, 77.8), 30 ° 18 ’ S, 153 ° 27 ’ E, off Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 256 m, 7 Sep. 1992. AMS I. 38464 - 001 (1, 76.4), 35 ° 31 ’ S, 150 ° 43 ’ E, off Brush Island, New South Wales, 322 – 331 m, 11 Dec. 1996. AMS I. 38469 - 002 (1, 71.5), off Ulladulla, New South Wales, 33 ° 40 ’ S, 151 ° 52 ’ E, 380 – 390 m, 17 Sep. 1996. AMS I. 39996 - 001 (3, 46.0 – 82.5), off Bermagui, New South Wales, 36 ° 16 ’ S, 150 ° 22 ’ E, 330 – 402 m, 18 Feb. 2000. AMS I. 40406 - 001 (1, 72.4), off Bermagui, New South Wales, 36 ° 44 ’ S, 150 ° 20 ’ E, 274 – 375 m, 22 Jul. 2000. AMS I. 40434 - 003 (2, 72.9 – 77.4), E of Bermagui, New South Wales, 36 ° 25 ’ S, 150 ° 21 ’ E, 366 – 402 m, 30 Aug. 1999. AMS I. 40450 - 002 (1, 73.0), NE of Montague Island, New South Wales, 36 ° 00 ’ S, 150 ° 00 ’ E, 472 m, 1 Sep. 1999. AMS I. 40477 - 002 (2, 71.5 – 75.2), off Montague Is., New South Wales, 36 ° 09 ’ S, 150 ° 24 ’ E, 329 – 400 m, 12 Oct. 2000. AMS I. 40478 - 001 (2, 76.8 – 82.2), NE of Montague Is., New South Wales, 36 ° 07 ’ S, 150 ° 24 ’ E, 366 – 421 m, 2 Aug. 2000. AMS I. 40814 - 002 (1, 72.9), NE of Montague Is., New South Wales, 36 ° 09 ’ S, 150 ° 24 ’ E, 311 – 329 m, 28 Feb. 2001. AMS I. 41008 - 001 (1, 55.6), off Montague Is., New South Wales, 37 ° 07 ’ S, 150 ° 24 ’ E, 310 – 366 m, 16 Jul. 2001. CSIRO CA 3195 (1, 60.8), off Sydney, New South Wales, 33 ° 43 ’ S, 151 ° 52 ’ E, 410 – 420 m, 25 Jan. 1982. CSIRO H 715 - 11 (2, 45.3 – 59.4), S of Saumarez Reef, Queensland, 22 ° 49 ’ S, 154 ° 10 ’ E, 445 – 450 m, 17 Nov. 1985. CSIRO H 954 - 3 (1, 57.8), S of Saumarez Reef, Queensland, 23 ° 12 ’ S, 153 ° 33 ’ E, 399 – 405 m, 18 Nov. 1985. CSIRO H 1119 - 1 (1, 44.1), NW of Saumarez Reef, Queensland, 21 ° 18 ’ S, 153 ° 29 ’ E, 459 – 462 m, 21 Nov. 1985. CSIRO H 3937 - 01 (1, 54.5), SE of Hobart, Tasmania, 43 ° 39 ’ S, 147 ° 53 ’ E, 279 – 314 m, 20 Mar. 1994. CSIRO H 4775 - 06 (1, 80.2), off Sydney, New South Wales, 33 ° 44 ’ S, 151 ° 51 ’ E, 380 – 388 m, 23 May 1996. NMMB-P 28594 (1, 49.2), removed from CSIRO H 715 - 11. NMV A 4013 (1, 67.4), 48 km S of Point Hicks, Victoria, 38 ° 15.5 ’ S, 149 ° 18.7 ’ E, 408 – 446 m, 15 Oct. 1984. NMV A 21622 (1, 56.1), off Greenwell Point, New South Wales, 34 ° 55 ’ S, 151 ° 04 ’ E, 450 – 468 m, Feb. 1999. QM I. 18523 (1, 57.7), off Rockhampton, Queensland, 22 ° 36 ’ S, 154 ° 14 ’ E, 548.6 m, 4 Oct. 1980. QM I. 15663 (1, 72.3), NE of Raine Island, Queensland, 11 ° 35 ’ S, 144 ° 04 ’ E, 420 m, 12 Feb. 1979. QM I. 21612 (2, 48.9 – 77.7), Capricorn Group, Queensland, 23 ° 07 ’ S, 153 ° 24 ’ E, 400 m, 6 Sep. 1983. QM I. 23624 (1, 81.1), Euston Reef, Queensland, 16 ° 40 ’ S, 146 ° 16 ’ E, 600 m, 2 Dec. 1986. Tentative identification. AMS I. 28108 - 012 (2, 68.3 – 68.7), Nosy Be, Andilana Beach, Madagascar, western Indian Ocean, 14 ° 43.25 ’ S, 50 ° 56.25 ’ E, 6 Nov. 1988.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57E6F48FF10F9F6BD787540.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Halicmetus distinguished by the following combination of characters: disk broad, width 70 – 81 % SL; eye small, orbit diameter 7.7 – 9.8 % SL; interorbit narrow, 6.7 – 9.0 % SL; illicial trough opening elevated; mid-dorsal disk covered with simple spinules and very dense coverage of well-developed, granular, dome-shaped bucklers, easily visible without magnification; belly covered with relatively widely spaced, simple spinules and low multicuspid tubercles; dorsal-fin rays usually present; pectoral-fin rays 11 – 14 (modally 13); dorsal surface pale greenish or white with pattern of darker dusky cross bars, pattern persistent when preserved; peritoneal membrane pale with sparse pattern of melanophores; distal parts of pectoral, pelvic and anal fins pale.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57E6F48FF10F9F6BD787540.taxon	description	Description. Proportional measurements of specimens, expressed as percentages of SL, and meristic data are given in Table 1. Body depressed; disk subtriangular, broader than long, truncated anteriorly; skull slightly elevated when viewed in lateral profile; orbit small, directed laterally rather than dorsally; rostrum a bony plate, usually not extending to mouth and anterior disk margin; illicial cavity entirely under rostrum, its opening triangular in shape, wider than high; nostrils located on each side of lateroventral margins of illicial cavity; esca a fleshy bulb with short filaments on dorsal margin, usually 2, but sometimes up to 6 cirri. Mouth small, horizontal, slightly curved; lower jaw slightly beyond upper jaw anteriorly; teeth villiform, small, in wide band in both jaws; teeth on vomer and palatines forming quadrangular patches, close together. Fifth ceratobranchials bearing large and elongated tooth plates (tongue teeth, sensu Bradbury 1967, 1980); plates closely attached. Gill filaments present only on 2 nd and 3 rd gill arches; 3 – 4 gill rakers on 2 nd gill arch; gill opening small, at dorsal and inner portion of pectoral elbow. Dermal cirri present, associated with lateral line system on disk margin and tail. Pectoral fins at lateral side of disk; pelvic fins on ventral surface, closer to mouth than anus; anal fin on ventromedial surface at mid-length of tail. Squamation agreeing well with the definition of Ogcocephalus by Bradbury (1980), consisting of close-set tubercles and bucklers, their bases slightly overlapping, forming heavy armour. Numerous simple tubercles covering entire body except for eyes, lips, nostrils, fins, and anus. Larger bucklers on disk margin and tail, usually associated with lateral line system and skeleton; those on dorsal surface of rostrum fused together, forming flat bony plate; small bucklers evenly covered on dorsal surface of body, easily visible without magnification; bucklers on frontal ridge relatively low and small; bucklers or multifid tubercles on ventral surface slightly larger than cooccurring tubercles; bucklers on dorsal surface of tail forming one major row and two irregular lateral rows on each side; two rows of bucklers on ventro-lateral side associated with lateral-line neuromasts, those on ventral surface of tail forming two regular rows. Lateral line canal system well developed. Supraorbital series 4 or 5; body series 8 or 9; premaxillary series 0; cheek series 6; preopercular series 2; subopercular series 7; dorsolateral branch of subopercular series 3; ventral series 1; tail series 8 – 11 (mainly 10 or 11). Colour. Freshly caught specimens with blackish green marble pattern on pinkish yellow background; all fins pale, some with irregular light brown colour; ventral surface pale to pinkish. In preserved specimens, dorsal surface pale with deep gray marble pattern; all fins and ventral surface pale (Fig. 1 B). Oral cavity pale, with gray on pharynx. Peritoneum pale with pepper dots.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57E6F48FF10F9F6BD787540.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Most of specimens examined were from the eastern coast of Australia; one jar with two specimens were collected from Madagascar. The bathymetric range extended from 256 to 695 m, with most specimens taken between 300 and 500 m.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57E6F48FF10F9F6BD787540.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Two specimens (CSIRO CA. 3195 and H. 1119 - 1) identified in 2003 as being potentially distinct from other material of H. marmoratus have a much longer rostrum that extends well forward of the eyes and forward of the mouth, and have a more strongly sculptured anterior disk margin. The status of these specimens needs further elucidation. Similarly, two other specimens (AMS I. 28108 - 012) were tentatively identified as the present species but were collected from the Western Indian Ocean, far outside its recognized distributional range. They are nearly identical to H. marmoratus based on morphology. More specimens of both are needed for comparison with verified H. marmoratus.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57A6F47FF10F9F0B8F17582.taxon	description	Figures 2 B, 3, 4; Tables 1 – 2	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57A6F47FF10F9F0B8F17582.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. CSIRO CA 3647 (68.4), SW of Imperieuse Reef, Rowley Shoals, Western Australia, 18 ° 07 ’ S, 118 ° 09 ’ E, 400 – 404 m, 5 Feb. 1983. Paratypes. Sixteen specimens, 34.0 – 85.8 mm SL. AMS I. 22808 - 011 (1, 64.8), 220 km N of Port Hedland, Western Australia, 17 ° 59 ’ S, 118 ° 17 ’ E, 404 – 420 m, 3 Apr. 1982. AMS I. 22821 - 026 (1, 64.6), 190 km NW of Port Hedland, Western Australia, 18 ° 16 ’ S, 118 ° 12 ’ E, 298 – 320 m, 10 Apr. 1982. AMS I. 22825 - 025 (1, 39.2), 200 km NW of Port Hedland, Western Australia, 18 ° 59 ’ S, 117 ° 10 ’ E, 300 – 326 m, 13 Apr. 1982. AMS I. 22826 - 021 (1, 38.4), 210 km NW of Port Hedland, Western Australia, 18 ° 44 ’ S, 117 ° 02 ’ E, 396 – 406 m, 13 Apr. 1982. CSIRO B 3121 (1, 64.4), SW of Rowley Shoals, Western Australia, 17 ° 56 ’ S, 118 ° 21 ’ E, 418 – 420 m, 5 Feb. 1983. CSIRO B 3293 (5, 66.6 – 85.8), collected together with holotype. NMV A 29670 - 019 (2, 34.0 – 47.5), North West Shelf, Western Australia, 18 ° 34.2 ’ S, 117 ° 27.7 ’ E, 401 – 405 m, 14 Jun. 2007. NMV A 29731 - 028 (1, 64.0), North West Shelf, Western Australia, 12 ° 31.8 ’ S, 123 ° 25.6 ’ E, 401 – 404 m, 7 – 8 Jul. 2007. WAM P. 28080.005 (1, 62.5), Rowley Shoals, Western Australia, 16 ° 50 ’ S, 120 ° 03 ’ E, 433 – 434 m, 20 Aug. 1983. WAM P. 28341.002 (1, 55.5), Imperieuse Reef, Rowley Shoals, Western Australia, 17 ° 58 ’ S, 118 ° 22 ’ E, 406 m, 28 Feb. 1984. WAM P. 30586.004 (1, 93.4), North West Shelf, Western Australia, 19 ° 20 ’ S, 115 ° 40 ’ E, 348 – 352, 29 Jan. 1984.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57A6F47FF10F9F0B8F17582.taxon	description	Non-types. AMS I. 22822 - 018 (1, 39.2), 200 km NW of Port Hedland, North West Shelf, Western Australia, 18 ° 23 ’ S, 117 ° 41 ’ E, 396 – 418 m, 11 Apr. 1982. NMV A 29670 - 024 (1, 14.6), collected together with NMV A 29670 - 0 19. NMV A 29676 - 006 (1, 15.3), North West Shelf, Western Australia, 17 ° 31 ’ S, 118 ° 51.2 ’ E, 405 – 406 m, 16 Jun. 2007. NMV A 29731 - 028 (1 of 2, 26.0), North West Shelf, Western Australia, 19 ° 43.8 ’ S, 115 ° 21.2 ’ E, 389 – 423 m, 12 Jun. 2007. NTM S. 14368 - 014 (1, 34.9), S of Cartier Reef, Timor Sea, 12 ° 43.1 ’ S, 123 ° 33.2 ’ E, 13 Jun. 1996, 280 m.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57A6F47FF10F9F0B8F17582.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Halicmetus distinguished by the following combination of characters: disk moderately broad, 66 – 74 % SL; orbit small, 7.2 – 8.9 % SL; interorbit narrow, 6.3 – 8.3 % SL; illicial trough opening low; middorsal disk covered with mixed simple and bifurcated spinules; tiny bucklers evenly distributed on dorsal surface, imperceptible without magnification; belly covered with closely spaced, simple spinules and slightly larger, scattered multicuspid tubercles; dorsal-fin rays usually present; pectoral-fin rays 11 – 12 (modally 12); dorsal surface pale pink, covered with a dense pattern of faint dusky blotches when fresh, uniformly creamy white when preserved; peritoneal membrane pale with sparse melanophores; distal parts of pectoral, pelvic and anal fins pale.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57A6F47FF10F9F0B8F17582.taxon	description	Description. Proportional measurements of type specimens, expressed as percentages of SL, and meristic data are given in Tables 1 & 2 respectively. Dorsal-fin rays 0 – 3; anal-fin rays 4; pectoral-fin rays 12 – 13. Body depressed; disk subtriangular, margin rounded, broader than long, weakly truncated anteriorly; skull slightly elevated anteriorly when viewed in lateral profile; orbit small, directed dorsolaterally; rostrum bony, almost flat, plate-like, not overhanging mouth; illicial cavity situated entirely under rostrum, opening broad, much wider than high; nostrils located on each side of ventrolateral margins of illicial cavity; esca a fleshy bulb, usually with 2 short filaments on its dorsal margin. Mouth small, horizontal, slightly curved dorsally; lower jaw projecting slightly; teeth villiform, small, in wide band in both jaws; quadrangular tooth patches on vomer and palatines. Fifth ceratobranchials bearing large and elongated tooth plates (tongue teeth, sensu Bradbury 1967, 1980), situated adjacent each other. * denotes values of holotypes. Gill filaments present, only on 2 nd and 3 rd gill arches; 3 – 4 gill rakers on 2 nd gill arch; gill opening small, slitlike, beside dorsal, inner portion of pectoral elbow. Dermal cirri present, associated with lateral-line system on disk margin and tail. Pectoral fins well developed, extending from posterior margin of disk; pelvic fins centrally on ventral surface of disk, their origin slightly closer to mouth than to anus; dorsal fin usually present as a single short ray (often obscure), well forward of anal fin when present; anal fin short-based, situated on ventromedial surface near mid-length of tail. Squamation on dorsal disk consisting of close-set spinules and numerous, very small bucklers (mostly imperceptible without magnification); spinules minute, mainly simple on central disk, becoming more frequently bifurcate on head and near disk margin; bucklers much smaller than 1 mm wide, elevated slightly above spinules, usually spiny; bucklers on frontal ridge relatively low and small, first 2 fused to form flat bony plate-like rostrum; supraorbital membrane (eyelid) covered with spinules. Ventral surface of disk predominantly covered with simple spinules; very small spiny bucklers dispersed loosely over surface. Disk margin with 3 obvious rows of large bucklers, less distinct along its posterior margin; uppermost bucklers in semi-regular row, low, broad based, lacking well defined spinelets; median and lowermost rows of bucklers taller, associated with lateral line, apices elevated and spiny, directed laterally, lowermost row inferior to median row, neuromasts well defined. Subopercular buckler enlarged, extended laterally beyond disk margin; with enlarged anterior spine (usually present and possibly damaged in some specimens), overlaid with smaller spinelets (variable in size and coverage). Pectoral-fin base covered dorsally with small but well developed spiny bucklers; bucklers in single row over anterior fin ray. Tail armoured, entirely covered in strong bucklers; dorsal surface with two parallel median rows and two irregular dorsolateral rows of large, low, long-based bucklers; rows coalescing posteriorly, eventually forming single, enlarged, keel-like buckler at caudal-fin base (surface comprised of smaller, somewhat obscure bucklers); lateral margin with two rows of bucklers associated with lateral line, similar in appearance to those of disc margin, their apices directed posterolaterally; ventral surface with 2 regular rows of low bucklers, coalescing to single, enlarged, keel-like buckler at caudal-fin base. Caudal-fin bucklers well developed, with variable coverage; bucklers thick, spiny, often persistent for about 3 / 4 of ray length; median rays usually with best developed bucklers. Lateral line canal system well developed. Supraorbital series 4 or 5; body series 8 or 9; premaxillary series 1; cheek series 8; preopercular series 2; subopercular series 7; dorsolateral branch of subopercular series 3; ventral series 1; tail series 9 – 10. Colour. Fresh specimens pale pinkish or yellowish brown on median disc and tail, suffused with fainter darker brown irregular blotches; margin of disk pale; all fins pale; ventral surface probably paler than dorsal surface. In preserved specimens, dorsal surface usually uniformly creamy white, occasionally with less distinct irregular marble patterns; all fins and ventral surface pale. Buccal cavity pale, pharynx gray. Peritoneum pale with scattered melanophores.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57A6F47FF10F9F0B8F17582.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known from specimens collected from off the west coast of Australia, between 12 ° S and 20 ° S, the bathymetric range 389 – 423 m.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C57A6F47FF10F9F0B8F17582.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The name westraliensis is a reference to the type locality, Western Australia.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5756F42FF10F8CEBD6A76F1.taxon	description	Figures 2 C, 3, 5; Tables 1 – 2	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5756F42FF10F8CEBD6A76F1.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. CSIRO H 6019 - 01 (66.7), Norfolk Ridge, Tasman Sea, 26 ° 26 ’ S, 167 ° 09 ’ E, 750 – 774 m, 18 May 2003.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5756F42FF10F8CEBD6A76F1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Halicmetus distinguished by the following combination of characters: body disk moderately broad, ~ 67 % SL; orbit relatively large, ~ 9.3 % SL; interorbital very narrow, ~ 5.7 % SL; illicial trough opening moderately high; mid-dorsal disk with mainly relatively widely spaced, simple spinules and weak coverage of very tiny tubercles, imperceptible without magnification; belly covered with relatively widely spaced, simple and bifurcate spinules, larger tubercles and bucklers absent; dorsal-fin rays absent; pectoral-fin rays 13; dorsal surface pale pink with diffuse darker reddish pattern when fresh, uniformly creamy white when preserved; peritoneal membrane pale with many scattered melanophores (not visible from ventral surface); distal parts of pectoral, pelvic and anal fins pale.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5756F42FF10F8CEBD6A76F1.taxon	description	Description. Proportional measurements of specimens, expressed as percentages of SL, and meristic data are given in Table 1. Dorsal-fin rays 0; anal-fin rays 4; pectoral-fin rays 13. Body depressed; disk subtriangular, slightly broader than long, truncated anteriorly; skull barely elevated anteriorly when viewed in lateral profile; orbit large, directed dorsolaterally; rostrum a bony plate, short to mouth; illicial cavity situated entirely under rostrum, opening broad, wider than high; nostrils located on each side of lateroventral margins of illicial cavity; esca a fleshy bulb with 2 short filaments on dorsal margin. Mouth small, horizontal, slightly curved; lower jaw slightly beyond upper jaw anteriorly; teeth villiform, small, in wide band in both jaws; quadrangular tooth patches on vomer and palatines. Fifth ceratobranchials bearing large and elongated tooth plates (tongue teeth, sensu Bradbury 1967, 1980). Gill filaments present only on 2 nd and 3 rd gill arches; 3 – 4 gill rakers on 2 nd gill arch; gill opening small, at dorsal and inner portion of pectoral elbow. Dermal cirri present, associated with lateral line system on disk margin and tail. Pectoral fins at outer portion of posterior margin of disk; pelvic fins on ventral surface, closer to mouth than anus; anal fin on ventromedial surface at mid-length of tail. Squamation agreeing well with definition of Ogcocephalus by Bradbury (1980), consisting of close-set tubercles and bucklers, their bases slightly overlapping, forming heavy armor. Numerous simple tubercles covering entire body except for eyes, lips, fins, and anus. Large bucklers present and usually associated with lateral line system and skeleton; those on dorsal surface of rostrum fused together, forming flat bony plate; bucklers along disk margin multifid, each with 5 sharp spinules; small bucklers evenly covered on dorsal surface of body, subequal to neighboring tubercles and imperceptible without magnification; bucklers on frontal ridge of moderate size; bucklers on ventral surface subequal to adjacent tubercles; bucklers on dorsal surface of tail forming two major rows and some scattered one on each side; two rows of bucklers on ventro-lateral side associated with lateral-line neuromasts, those on ventral surface of tail relatively small and forming two regular rows. Lateral line canal system well developed. Supraorbital series 4; body series 9; premaxillary series 1; cheek series 8; preopercular series 2; subopercular series 7; dorsolateral branch of subopercular series 3; ventral series 1; tail series 10. Colour. Pale red smoky pattern on pinkish yellow background when fresh; all fins pale; ventral surface paler than dorsal surface. In preserved specimens, dorsal surface uniformly creamy white; all fins and ventral surface pale. Oral cavity and gill chamber pale. Peritoneum membrane dark gray.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5756F42FF10F8CEBD6A76F1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from the holotype collected from the Norfolk Ridge, Tasman Sea at a depth of 774 m.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5756F42FF10F8CEBD6A76F1.taxon	etymology	Etymology. From the Greek drypus, referring to the pink plant genus Drypis of the Tribe Drypideae, family Caryophyllaceae.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5756F42FF10F8CEBD6A76F1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. An additional freshly caught specimen from eastern Australia similar to H. drypus was photographed by fisheries scientist, Ken Graham (Fig. 4 D) and thought to be deposited in the Australian Museum. However, a recent search for this specimen was unsuccessful. Halicmetus drypus might be a rare or range restricted species because we examined many specimens collected from Australian waters but discovered only one specimen in collections.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5706F43FF10FA60BD7074AF.taxon	description	Figures 2 D, 6, 7; Tables 1 – 2	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5706F43FF10FA60BD7074AF.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. 8 specimens, 14.4 – 65.9 mm SL. NMV A 29679 - 007 (2, 18.4 – 19.1 mm SL), North West Shelf, Western Australia, 16 ° 44.3 ’ S, 119 ° 15.0 ’ E, 693 – 698 m, 17 Jun. 2007. NMV A 29720 - 004 (1, 51.7), North West Shelf, 14 ° 33 ’ S, 121 ° 15.4 ’ E, 1021 – 1023 m, Western Australia, 4 Jul. 2007. NMV A 29719 - 011 (2, 17.2 – 18.0), North West Shelf, Western Australia, 14 ° 36.9 ’ S, 121 ° 19.7 ’ E, 698 – 705 m, 3 Jul. 2007. NMV A 29684 - 005 (2, 14.4 – 14.8), 17 ° 01 ’ S, 119 ° 35.5 ’ E, North West Shelf, Western Australia, 440 – 451 m, 18 Jun. 2007. WAM P. 31798.003 (1, 65.9), N of West Cape, Western Australia, 21 ° 30.4 ’ S, 113 ° 56 ’ E, 650 m, 11 Mar. 2001.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5706F43FF10FA60BD7074AF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Halicmetus distinguished by the following combination of characters: body disk relatively narrow, 63 – 75 % SL; orbit large, 8.8 – 10.5 % SL; interorbital very narrow, 5.1 – 6.4 % SL; illicial trough opening moderately high; mid-dorsal disk with small scattered bucklers, robust and multicuspid spinules and scattered tiny tubercles, the later imperceptible without magnification; belly covered with relatively widely spaced, robust, simple and bifurcate spinules, larger tubercles and bucklers absent; dorsal-fin rays absent in adult; pectoralfin rays 12 – 13; fresh colour unknown, uniformly creamy white when preserved; peritoneal membrane with dense coverage of melanophores (visible from ventral surface); distal parts of pectoral, pelvic and anal fins blackish.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5706F43FF10FA60BD7074AF.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Australian material and the diagnosis given above is consistent with the description of this species provided by Ho et al. (2008). Alcock (1891) mentioned that his specimens of Halicmetus ruber (2 syntypes) have 11 pectoral-fin rays, whereas the majority of specimens examined in the genus had 12 – 14 (except H. reticulatus which sometimes had 11). We may assume that Alcock had overlooked 1 or 2 small rays which are usually hard to detect, especially in cases where the pectoral fin is shrunken through partial desiccation. Although Alcock (1891) mentioned that the species is “ uniformly light pink ”, all specimens we examined have various black pigmentation on body and fins (Ho et al., 2008; present study). Brauer (1902) recorded 0 – 3 dorsal-fin rays and 10 – 11 pectoral-fin rays in specimens collected off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, and off eastern coast of Africa. However, his specimens are most likely misidentifications of H. marmoratus. The number of pectoral-fin rays is a still slightly lower than that of H. marmoratus so a detailed re-examination on Brauer’s specimens is needed. It is notable that all six juveniles (14.4 – 19.1 mm SL) have 3 – 4 very short dorsal-fin rays, whereas all adults (> 30 mm SL, n = 14, Ho, per. data) have no dorsal-fin rays. It is very possible that all or some Halicmetus species have dorsal-fin rays initially and these are gradually reduced or lost with growth. We have not examined juveniles of H. niger, H. cf. ruber or H. drypus which all lack dorsal-fin rays in adults so this hypothesis needs further investigation.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5726F41FF10FF18B95673B9.taxon	description	Figures 2 E, 7, 8; Tables 1 – 2	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5726F41FF10FF18B95673B9.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. CSIRO H 4070 - 48 (1, 74.7), 18 ° 12 ’ S, 118 ° 14 ’ E, NW of Port Hedland, 266 – 269 m, 8 Sep. 1995.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5726F41FF10FF18B95673B9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Halicmetus distinguished by the following combination of characters: disk moderately broad, width ~ 68 % SL; eye small, orbit diameter 7.5 – 8.3 % SL; interorbit broad, 6.0 – 8.1 % SL; illicial trough opening high; mid-dorsal disk covered with very short, simple and multicuspid spinules and dense coverage of minute, spiny tubercles (barely visible without magnification); belly covered with very short, widely spaced, simple and multifid spinules and very short multicuspid tubercles; dorsal-fin rays usually present; pectoral-fin rays 12 – 14 (modally 12); dorsal surface pale yellowish pink, overlain with dense greenish grey reticulations, pattern persistent when preserved; peritoneal membrane pale with sparse melanophores; distal parts of pectoral, pelvic and anal fins pale.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5726F41FF10FF18B95673B9.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Australian material and the diagnosis given above is consistent with the description of this species provided by Ho et al. (2008). The CSIRO specimen is the only individual known from the Australian region. When fresh it had a white reticulate colour pattern, small eye and pale peritoneal membrane with scattered pepper dots, typical of populations of Halicmetus reticulatus from other parts of the Pacific. However, it is notable that this specimen has many more bifurcated tubercles on the dorsal surface and these are slightly different in shape to those of western North Pacific populations, which have only simple tubercles. Paxton et al. (2006) recorded this species from off southern Queensland to southern New South Wales. These records are most likely misidentifications of H. marmoratus based on the distribution range provided.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5736F41FF10FEA8B8F3772A.taxon	description	Figure 7	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5736F41FF10FEA8B8F3772A.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. 10 specimens, 46.7 – 87.2 mm SL. AMS I. 29756007 (1, 87.2, paratype), FRV Kapala sta. K 89 - 15 - 04, eastern Broken Bay, bottom trawl, 33 ° 38 ’ S, 152 ° 0 ’ E, 677 – 750 m, 4 Aug. 1989; AMS I. 30304003 (2, 53.9 – 60.6, paratypes), FRV Kapala sta. K 89 - 17 - 09, eastern Cape Hawke, 32 ° 13 ’ S, 153 ° 6 ’ E, 820 – 857 m, 17 Aug. 1989. AMS I. 20920019 (6, 46.7 – 58.9, paratypes), 6 – 17.6 km NE of Raine I., 11 ° 32 ’ S, 144 ° 10 ’ E, 1 prawn trawl, 1000 m, 12 Feb. 1979. CSIRO H. 4070 - 48 (1, 74.7), NNW of Port Hedland, 18 ° 12 ’ S, 118 ° 14 ’ E, 269 m, 8 Sep. 1995.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5736F41FF10FEA8B8F3772A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A species of Halicmetus distinguished by the following combination of characters: disk moderately broad, 62 – 71 % SL; orbit very large, 78.9 – 11.6 % SL; interorbit broad, 6.1 – 8.1 % SL; illicial trough opening low; mid-dorsal disk covered with mixed simple and multicuspid spinules; tiny bucklers evenly distributed on dorsal surface, imperceptible without magnification; belly covered with closely spaced, simple spinules and slightly larger, scattered multicuspid tubercles; dorsal-fin rays absent; pectoral-fin rays 12 – 15 (modally 13 – 14); uniformly black dorsally, paler grayish ventrally; peritoneal membrane with dense coverage of melanophores; fins dark banded or black.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
9309EE74C5736F41FF10FEA8B8F3772A.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The diagnosis given above is consistent with the description of this species provided by Ho et al. (2008). The name is apparently an adjective and should be spelled niger when in Halicmetus.	en	Ho, Hsuan-Ching, Last, Peter R. (2018): Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae). Zootaxa 4508 (2): 179-196, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4508.2.2
