The New Zealand triplefin Grahamina signata (Teleostei; tripterygiidae): ajunior synonym of G. gymnota from Tasmania

The tripterygiid fish Grahamina signata Fricke & Roberts, 1993 was describe d from 174 specimens collected from several exposed locations around the co ast of New Zealand. It was distinguished from the Tasmanian G. gymnota (Sco tt 1977) by the number of pored scales in the lower lateral line, the numbe r of branches of the supraorbital tentacle, and the colouration of the pect oral-fin base. Examination of new material of G. signata from the Auckland region, and re-examination of type material of G. gymnota, show that the su praorbital tentacle and lower lateral line are not differences of taxonomic significance. Pectoral fin colouration in a published underwater photo of G. gymnota suggests that the colour difference was due to the effects of pr eservation. We therefore refer G. signata to the synonymy of G. gymnota. Th is synonymy, in combination with the restricted Tasmanian distribution and dispersal capabilities of the species, suggests that G. gymnota was introdu ced to Tasmania from New Zealand.