Three new species of labrid fishes in the genus Cirrhilabrus Temminck et Schlegel are described from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Cirrhilabrus condei is described from 17 specimens, 33.5-76.5 mm SL, collected between 5 and 70 m at Madang, Milne Bay, Normanby Island, and E. New Britain, Papua New Guinea. It is distinguished from other members of the genus by a combination of a single horizontal row of scales on the cheek and various features of the adult male including elongate pelvic fins, a broad black stripe on the dorsal fin, and a lack of filamentous spinous dorsal-fin rays. Cirrhilabrus pylei is described from 4 specimens, 47.0-74.5 mm SL, collected in 76-82 m depth at Milne Bay and Normanby Island, Papua New Guinea. It is most similar to C. rubrimarginatus Randall, but differs in colour pattern, and has a smaller size, longer head, and males have more strongly elevated membranes between the dorsal-fin spines. Cirrhilabrus walindi is described from 11 specimens, 21.1-74.7 mm SL, collected in 17 to 47 m depth at Papua New Guinea (Madang, Normanby Island, W. New Britain) and the Solomon Islands (Guadalcanal). It is characterised by terminal male features that include a strongly lunate caudal fin and a pair of large black spots on the dorsal fin.

Depth range
17- 82 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
1 x (total of 8341 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Reports new species
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'

Fields
Taxonomy

Focusgroups
Fishes

Locations
Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands

Platforms
Rebreather