A new handfish, Brachionichthys australis sp. nov. (Lophiiformes: Brachionichthyidae), with a redescription of the critically endangered spotted handfish, B. hirsutus (Lacepède) Author Last, Peter R. Author Gledhill, Daniel C. Author Holmes, Bronwyn H. text Zootaxa 2007 1666 53 68 journal article 10.5281/zenodo.180076 f9e4a201-f216-418e-8671-49c625ebd3cf 1175-5326 180076 Brachionichthys Bleeker, 1855 Type species. Lophius hirsutus Lacepède, 1804 , by subsequent designation of Gill, 1878 : 222. Definition. Members of the genus Brachionichthys are unique among brachionichthyids in having the following combination of features: body relatively elongate, head 45–49% TL; caudal peduncle long, 7–11% TL; illicium very slender, 4–12 times length of esca; dense coverage of monospinulate scales on body; spinule tip upright, protruding well above skin surface, originating from centre of scale base; scale bases subcircular, not deeply embedded in thick skin; no enlarged fleshy warts on skin surface; black spots and/or streaks over body, and dorsal and caudal fins; pectoral-fin rays 7; anal-fin rays mainly 9–10; vertebrae 22–26. Species: Presently includes two valid nominal species, Brachionichthys australis sp. nov. and B. hirsutus ( Lacepède, 1804 ) .