Three new species of Chromis (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Philippines

Abstract

Three new species ofChromis(Perciformes, Pomacentridae) from the Philippines, collected between 75–150 m depth, are described by a combination of morphological features and their coloration.Chromisguntingsp. n.was found in Batangas and Oriental Mindoro, and differs from its congeners in body depth (2.1–2.2 in SL), and color of adults, light brown, with a silver area on the anterior end and a bilateral black margin along the exterior side of the tail. It is most similar toC.scotochiloptera, with a 5.3% genetic divergence in COI.Chromishangganansp. n.was found around Lubang Island. Body depth (1.9–2.0 in SL) and adult coloration (yellowish with dark black outer margins on dorsal and anal fins) also separate this species from its congeners. It is most similar toC.pembae, with a 2.5% genetic divergence.Chromisbowesisp. n.was found in Batangas, and also differs from its congeners by the combination of body depth (1.5–1.6 in SL), and color of adults (brownish grey in the dorsal side to whitish on the ventral side, with alternating dark and light stripes in the sides of body). It is most similar toC.earina, with a 3.6% genetic divergence in COI.