Abstract
A new species of the genus Trimma is described. Trimma annosum is characterized by the presence of scales in the predorsal midline, non-elongate spines in the first dorsal fin, and a moderate interorbital trench. The fifth pelvic-fin ray is branched dichotomously once and is 40-65% the length of the fourth. When alive, Trimma annosum is bluish grey with 3 or 4 rows of large yellow blotches on the head and body. In addition to the northern Indian Ocean where it is apparently rare, the species is distributed eastward throughout Indonesia and the Philippines to China, Micronesia and Fiji. The osteology of this species is described and illustrated in some detail to form the basis for a series of phylogenetic studies of Trimma currently being undertaken.
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