Dr. Gerry R. Allen, Australien
Info
The new snapper species Lethrinus mitchellineue is currently known only from the type locality in the Eastern Cape area of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.
The habitat consists of a channel with a bottom of black volcanic sand and boulders, extending from the shallow shore to a depth of about 30 meters on a relatively steep slope.
About 10 specimens with a lateral length of about 100 - 200 mm were observed around a large submerged log lying horizontally in the gully at a depth of 20 - 25 meters.
When pursued with a spear, the animals retreated down the slope.
It is therefore possible that the species normally occurs in deeper waters, which would explain the lack of earlier observations
Etymology: The specific species name honors David Mitchell, a veteran conservationist who dedicated his career to the spectacular wildlife and native communities of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.
The habitat consists of a channel with a bottom of black volcanic sand and boulders, extending from the shallow shore to a depth of about 30 meters on a relatively steep slope.
About 10 specimens with a lateral length of about 100 - 200 mm were observed around a large submerged log lying horizontally in the gully at a depth of 20 - 25 meters.
When pursued with a spear, the animals retreated down the slope.
It is therefore possible that the species normally occurs in deeper waters, which would explain the lack of earlier observations
Etymology: The specific species name honors David Mitchell, a veteran conservationist who dedicated his career to the spectacular wildlife and native communities of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.
