Thysanophrys papillaris, a new species of flathead from the Andaman Sea and northern Australia (Scorpaeniformes : Platycephalidae)

A new platycephalid Thysanophrys papillaris, is described on the basis of s ix specimens (78-121 mm SL) collected from the Andaman Sea and off northern Australia (Timor and Arafura Seas). This new species can be distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: presence o f a single short papilla on upper surface of eye, longer snout, smaller bod y scales, 11 second dorsal-fin rays and 12 anal-fin rays, presence of four or more suborbital spines usually, branched short iris lappet, ctenoid late ral-line scales and interopercle not extended posteroventrally.