A redescription of the pufferfish Contusus richei (Tetraodontiformes: Tetraodontidae), and description of a second species of Contusus

Contusus Whitley, 1947 is considered a valid generic name for two species from temperate shallows of Australia and New Zealand, and is redefined. The genus differs significantly in dorsal craniology from the related genera Amblyrhynchotes, Fugu , and Torquigener , particularly in the shape of frontals and prefrontals and in having contact between the sphenotic and supraoccipital. C. richei (Freminville) is redesoribed, and C. brevicaudus n.sp. is described for the first time. Full synonymies are provided for both species. Generic and specific keys are given.