[Ichthyology • 2018] Review of the Indo-West Pacific Genus Inimicus (Synanceiidae: Choridactylinae)

Inimicus cuvieri (Gray, 1835)

in Inaba &  Motomura, 2018.

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4482.1.2

Abstract  

The stinger genus Inimicus Jordan & Starks, 1904 (family Synanceiidae), distributed in the Indo-West Pacific, is characterized by having two free pectoral-fin rays. Examination of the original descriptions and 420 specimens, including all available type specimens, of the genus resulted in the recognition of nine valid species: Inimicus brachyrhynchus (Bleeker, 1874) (recorded from Hong Kong and Singapore), I. caledonicus (Sauvage, 1878) (distributed in Andaman Sea and western Pacific Ocean), I. cuvieri (Gray, 1835) (Andaman Sea and western Pacific Ocean), I. didactylus (Pallas, 1769) (western Pacific), I. filamentosus (Cuvier, 1829) (western Indian Ocean), I. gruzovi Mandrytsa, 1991 (Coral Sea), I. japonicus (Cuvier, 1829) (East Asia), I. sinensis (Valenciennes, 1833) (eastern Indian and western Pacific oceans), and I. smirnovi Mandrytsa, 1990 (southwestern Pacific Ocean). Inimicus joubini (Chevey, 1927), previously considered a valid species, is herein regarded as a junior synonym of I. japonicus. Another 10 nominal species are confirmed to be synonymized with the nine species. A revised diagnosis for each species and a key to all the species are provided.

Keywords: Pisces, stinger, taxonomy, synonym, morphology, distribution

 Tomoki Inaba and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2018. Review of the Indo-West Pacific Genus Inimicus (Synanceiidae: Choridactylinae). Zootaxa. 4482(1); 52–90.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4482.1.2

[Ichthyology • 2018] Phylogeny and Taxonomy of Scorpionfishes, Flatheads, Sea Robins, and Stonefishes (Percomorpha: Scorpaeniformes) and the Evolution of the Lachrymal Saber

  Phylogeny and Taxonomy of Scorpaeniformes and the Evolution of the Lachrymal Saber

in Smith, Everman & Richardson, 2018. 

 DOI: 10.1643/CG-17-669  

 twitter.com/FishPhylogeny

We report on the discovery of a remarkable defensive specialization in stonefishes that was identified during a phylogenetic study of scorpionfishes and their relatives. This newly described innovation, the lachrymal saber, involves modifications to the circumorbitals, maxilla, adductor mandibulae, and associated tendons. At its core, the lachrymal saber is an elongation of an anterior spine (or spines) on the ventral surface of the lachrymal that stonefishes are capable of rotating from the standard ventral position to a locked lateral position. The locking mechanism minimally includes a bony spur on the inner surface of the lachrymal and a ridged bony protuberance on the anterolateral end of the maxilla. A modified and highly subdivided adductor mandibulae appears to control the movement of the lachrymal saber by rotating the maxilla while it is engaged with the spur on the medial side of the lachrymal. This maxillary rotation results in a subsequent rotation of the lachrymal that we hypothesize reduces predation on stonefishes. This specialization was included in our phylogenetic analysis of scorpaenoid fishes. This study expands upon the previous higher-level taxonomic sampling reported in earlier evolutionary studies of scorpaenoid fishes and, unlike previous analyses, explicitly combines molecular and morphological data with an expanded taxonomic sampling to mitigate the conflict between these competing datasets. The resulting phylogeny based on a combination of 113 morphological and 5,280 molecular characters for 63 species is used to produce a revised taxonomy of flatheads, scorpionfishes, sea robins, and stonefishes. Our results do not support the monophyly of the traditional Scorpaeniformes, Scorpaenoidei, Scorpaenoidea, Platycephaloidea, Bembridae, Scorpaenidae, Sebastidae, Serranidae, Tetrarogidae, or Triglidae. Our monophyletic taxonomy recognizes nine monophyletic families: Bembridae, Congiopodidae, Hoplichthyidae, Neosebastidae, Platycephalidae, Plectrogeniidae, Scorpaenidae, Synanceiidae, and Triglidae. The taxonomic composition of the Congiopodidae, Hoplichthyidae, Neosebastidae, and Platycephalidae are unchanged. The Bembridae is expanded to include the recently described Parabembridae, while Bembradium is moved to the Plectrogeniidae. The Scorpaenidae is expanded to include the traditional Sebastidae and Setarchidae. The Triglidae is expanded to include the Peristediidae. Finally, a revised Synanceiidae, diagnosed by the lachrymal saber, is expanded to include the Apistidae, Aploactinidae, Eschmeyeridae, Gnathanacanthidae, Pataecidae, Perryenidae, and Tetrarogidae. Based on these results, we recommend treating all of these traditional scorpaenoid clades as families in an expanded Scorpaeniformes that includes a restricted Scorpaenoidei that includes all traditional scorpaenoid families except the Congiopodidae. The resulting phylogeny is then used to explore aspects of scorpaenoid evolution.

Lateral view of a cleared-and-stained specimen of the synanceiid Paracentropogon.
 Images highlight the (A) resting position of the lachrymal saber (arrow) along the side of the waspfish's cheek and the (B) locked-out position where the lachrymal saber extends laterally from the specimen. The rotation of both the first and second circumorbital are visible in the lower image.

photos: William Leo Smith

 laboratoryequipment.com

Composite dorsal images of various specimens of Paracentropogon highlighting the morphology of the components of the lachrymal saber.

 Illustration by Clara Richardson.

X-ray of a whiskered prowfish (Neopataecus waterhousii).
 Cleared and stained specimen of a warty prowfish (Aetapcus maculatus) for comparison to the X-ray

photos: William Leo Smith 

W. Leo Smith, Elizabeth Everman and Clara Richardson. 2018. Phylogeny and Taxonomy of Flatheads, Scorpionfishes, Sea Robins, and Stonefishes (Percomorpha: Scorpaeniformes) and the Evolution of the Lachrymal Saber. Copeia. 106(1); 94-119.  DOI: 10.1643/CG-17-669

Discovery of Switchblade-like Defensive System Redraws Family Tree of Stonefishes

 laboratoryequipment.com/news/2018/04/discovery-switchblade-defensive-system-redraws-family-tree-stonefishes

 phys.org/news/2018-04-discovery-switchblade-like-defensive-redraws-family.html via @physorg_com

 twitter.com/FishPhylogeny/status/1003692380736884737

[Ichthyology • 2018] Review of the Lepidotrigla Gurnards (Scorpaeniformes: Triglidae) in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea off Myanmar with A Description of A New Species; Lepidotrigla psolokerkos

Lepidotrigla longipinnis Alcock, 1890,

Lepidotrigla psolokerkos Gomon & Psomadakis, 2018

 L. omanensis Regan, 1905 

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY.  66

 Abstract

A 2015 trawl survey along the coast of Myanmar provided an opportunity to assess species of the triglid genus Lepidotrigla occurring in the country. Three species, L. longipinnis Alcock, 1890, L. omanensis Regan, 1905, and an undescribed species, were identified among the 15 voucher specimens retained. A formal description of the unnamed species, as well as descriptive accounts of the other two are provided. Lepidotrigla psolokerkos, new species, based on two specimens, resembles L. alcocki Regan, 1908 described from the Saya de Malho Bank in the central Indian Ocean, differing from it in having fewer oblique scale rows between the anal fin origin and the lateral line and broader covering of dark pigmentation on the inner surface of the pectoral fin. The known geographical ranges of L. longipinnis, reported in the literature as L. riggsi Richards & Saksena, 1977, and L. omanensis are extended to the Andaman Sea off south-eastern Myanmar. A key is provided for the three species occurring in the survey area.

 Key words. Indian Ocean, taxonomy, ichthyology, geographical distribution, depth range

Fig. 1. Myanmar species of Lepidotrigla.
A, Lepidotrigla longipinnis, NMV A31696-001, 121 mm SL, Myanmar, off Ayeyarwady Delta, 111–104 m;
B, Lepidotrigla omanensis, NMV A31691-001, 110 mm SL, Myanmar, off Ayeyarwady Delta, 149–164 m;
C, Lepidotrigla psolokerkos new species, holotype, NMV A31698-001, 135 mm SL, Myanmar, off Ayeyarwady Delta, 147–156 m. 

SYSTEMATICS 

Lepidotrigla longipinnis Alcock, 1890 

Proposed vernacular: Stellar Gurnard

Etymology. Initially proposed as a varietal name, longipinnis is an amalgamation of the Latin “longus” for long and “pinna” for fin, in reference to the longer pectoral fin that was considered by Alcock (1890) to distinguish what is now recognised as a distinct species from L. spiloptera Günther, 1860. 

Distribution. Confined to coastal waters of the northern Indian Ocean, from at least Bombay, India to just south of the equator off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia (Fig. 4) at depths of 70 to at least 107 m.

Lepidotrigla omanensis Regan, 1905 

Vernacular: Oman Gurnard 

Etymology. Regan’s (1905) omanensis was named for the collecting locality “the Sea of Oman” for his three type specimens. 

Distribution. Occurs in coastal waters of the northern Indian Ocean from the Gulf of Aden to the Andaman Sea off south-eastern Myanmar (Fig. 4) at depths of 41–335 m; apparently excluded from the Persian Gulf.

Lepidotrigla psolokerkos new species 

Proposed vernacular: Skinny Gurnard

Etymology. The name psolokerkos is a conjunction of the Greek psolos for “dirt” and “kerkos” for tail in reference to the distinctive grey blotch dorsoposteriorly on the caudal fin of this species. 

Distribution. Known only from the two type specimens collected in the Andaman Sea off south-eastern Myanmar (Fig. 4) at depths of 151–255 m.

Fig. 4. Overall distributions of species of Lepidotrigla occurring in coastal waters of Myanmar based on specimens in collections: Lepidotrigla longipinnis (blue circles), Lepidotrigla omanensis (red squares) and Lepidotrigla psolokerkos new species (yellow triangles).

Martin F. Gomon and Peter N. Psomadakis. 2018. Review of the Lepidotrigla Gurnards (Teleostei: Scorpaeniformes: Triglidae) in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea off Myanmar with A Description of A New Species. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 66; 66–77.  lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/app/uploads/2018/01/66rbz066-077.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2017] Pseudoliparis swirei • A Newly-Discovered Hadal Snailfish (Scorpaeniformes: Liparidae) from the Mariana Trench

Pseudoliparis swirei

Gerringer, Linley, Jamieson, Goetze & Drazen, 2017

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4358.1.7

Abstract

Pseudoliparis swirei sp. nov. is described from 37 individuals collected in the Mariana Trench at depths 6898–7966 m. The collection of this new species is the deepest benthic capture of a vertebrate with corroborated depth data. Here, we describe P. swirei sp. nov. and discuss aspects of its morphology, biology, distribution, and phylogenetic relationships to other hadal liparids based on analysis of three mitochondrial genes. Pseudoliparis swirei sp. nov. is almost certainly endemic to the Mariana Trench, as other hadal liparids appear isolated to a single trench/ trench system in the Kermadec, Macquarie, South Sandwich, South Orkney, Peru-Chile, Kurile-Kamchatka and Japan trenches. The discovery of another hadal liparid species, apparently abundant at depths where other fish species are few and only found in low numbers, provides further evidence for the dominance of this family among the hadal fish fauna.

Keywords: Pisces, snailfish, Notoliparis, description, taxonomy, phylogenetics

[upper] FIGURE 2. A) In situ photograph of Pseudoliparis swirei sp. nov. at 6,198 m. B) a group at 7,485 m. C) Deck photograph of SIO 16-82/HADES 200049. D) Radiograph of SIO 16-86/HADES 200141. Image by Sandra Raredon. Scale indicator 5 cm.

[lower] FIGURE 3. Lateral view of Pseudoliparis swirei sp. nov.. Combined representation of holotype, paratypes, and freshly captured images of paratype USNM 438985/HADES 200133, juvenile, 151 mm. Drawings by Thomas D. Linley.

Pseudoliparis swirei Gerringer & Linley sp. nov. 

Mariana snailfish: Linley et al. 2016 (page 105, Figure 4a)

Mariana snailfish: Linley et al. 2017 (page 42, Figure 6.43)

Mariana snailfish/Mariana liparid: Gerringer et al. 2017a (page 111)

Mariana liparid/Liparidae sp. nov: Gerringer et al. 2017b (page 137)

Diagnosis. Andriashev and Pitruk (1993) define the genus Pseudoliparis as having a well-developed disk and one pair of nostrils and lacking pseudobranchia and pleural ribs, with four radials in the pectoral girdle, which has neither notches nor fenestrae. In this genus, the hypural plate is divided by a distal slit (Andriashev and Pitruk, 1993). Like the other in this genus, Pseudoliparis swirei sp. nov. (Figures 2, 3) displays these characters, including a moderately well-developed disk, although this is easily damaged in collection. Pseudoliparis swirei sp. nov. can be distinguished from the two other known Pseudoliparis species with the following characters. Pseudoliparis swirei sp. nov. differs from P. belyaevi in the presence of a distinct lower pectoral-fin lobe, similar to that seen in P. amblystomopsis (Andriashev, 1955). Pseudoliparis swirei has more dorsal-fin rays 55 (51–58) than P. amblystomopsis 49 (49–52), more anal-fin rays 48 (43–49) compared to 43 (42–45), and more vertebrae 61 (56– 62), compared to 55–57, although these ranges somewhat overlap. Head length is shorter in P. swirei sp. nov. (17.0–21.7 %SL) than P. amblystomopsis (21.6–24.0 %SL). Comparisons were made according to ranges presented by Andriashev & Pitruk (1993). Pseudoliparis belyaevi is known only from the Japan Trench, P. amblystomopsis from the Japan and Kurile-Kamchatka trenches, P. swirei only from the Mariana Trench.

FIGURE 2. A) In situ photograph of Pseudoliparis swirei sp. nov. at 6,198 m. B) a group at 7,485 m. C) Deck photograph of SIO 16-82/HADES 200049. D) Radiograph of SIO 16-86/HADES 200141.

Image by Sandra Raredon. Scale indicator 5 cm.

Distribution. Known only from the Mariana Trench at capture depths from 6,898–7,966 m, individuals likely this species were recognized in video at depths 6,198–8,098 m (Linley et al. 2016; Jamieson & Linley, unpublished data).

 Etymology. The Mariana Trench famously houses the ocean’s deepest point, at Challenger Deep, named for the HMS Challenger expedition which discovered the trench in 1875. Their deepest sounding of 8,184 m, then the greatest known ocean depth, was christened Swire Deep after Herbert Swire, the ship’s First Navigating Sublieutenant (Corfield 2003). We name this fish in his honor, in acknowledgment and gratitude of the crew members that have supported oceanographic research throughout history. 

A CT scan of the Mariana snailfish. The green shape, a small crustacean, is seen in the snailfish’s stomach.Adam Summers/University of Washington

Mackenzie E. Gerringer, Thomas D. Linley, Alan J. Jamieson, Erica Goetze and Jeffrey C. Drazen. 2017.  Pseudoliparis swirei sp. nov.: A Newly-Discovered Hadal Snailfish (Scorpaeniformes: Liparidae) from the Mariana Trench. Zootaxa.  4358(1); 161–177. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4358.1.7

There's a deeper fish in the sea  washington.edu/news/2017/11/28/theres-a-deeper-fish-in-the-sea/
What You Need to Know About Bali's Rumbling Volcano  on.natgeo.com/2Ae6F3G via @NatGeo

Thomas D. Linley, Mackenzie E. Gerringer, Paul H. Yancey, Jeffrey C. Drazen, Chloe L. Weinstock and Alan J .Jamieson. 2016.  Fishes of the hadal zone including new species, in situ observations and depth records of Liparidae. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers.  114; 99-110.  DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr.2016.05.003

    

[Ichthyology • 2017] Palatogobius incendius • A New Mesophotic Goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Caribbean, and the First Record of Invasive Lionfish Preying on Undescribed Biodiversity

Palatogobius incendius 

Tornabene, Robertson & Baldwin, 2017

DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0177179

Abstract

A new species of deep-reef fish in the goby genus Palatogobius is described from recent submersible collections off Curaçao and Dominica. Video footage of schools of this species reveal predation by the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois spp.), the first record of undescribed fauna potentially being eaten by lionfish outside of its native range. We present molecular phylogenetic data for all valid species of Palatogobius and related genera, as well as a taxonomic key to the species of Palatogobius and a generic key to Palatogobius and related genera in the western Atlantic. Lastly, we discuss ecological and behavioral aspects of some deep-reef fishes in light of potential threats from invasive lionfish.

Fig 2. Palatogobius incendius, live in aquarium, USNM 415430, 18.3 mm SL, Curacao. Photo by Barry Brown. 

Fig 1. Palatogobius incendius, prior to preservation.
A) USNM 436470, tissue CUR15135, 19 mm SL, Curacao; B) USNM 436483, tissue CUR15148, 21 mm SL, Curacao; C) USNM 431354, tissue CUR14029, 22 mm SL, Curacao; D) USNM 435318, 18.1 mm, Curacao. Photos by Carole C. Baldwin. 

Palatogobius incendius Tornabene, D. Ross Robertson & Baldwin, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Side of body with yellow/orange stripe along lateral midline, stripe continuing onto and extending entire length of caudal fin; second dorsal fin I,14–16; anal fin I,14–17; pectoral fin 18–20; no teeth on vomer; body scales absent except for occasionally 2 to 3 cycloid scales on base of caudal fin; interorbital pore C absent; interorbital pores D paired; eye diameter 7.0–9.0% SL.

Etymology: The specific epithet incendius is an adjective formed from the Latin root incendium meaning ‘fire.’ The scientific and proposed common names refer to the bright orange, yellow and reddish-pink coloration on the body, head and fins.

Fig 6. School of Palatogobius incendius at type locality, sta. CURASUB15-30, 152 m depth, Curacao. 

Habitat and distribution: Palatogobius incendius has been collected on deep reefs from Curacao (119–128 m) and Dominica (88–168 m) and observed off Roatan, Honduras (94–201 m). The species occurs exclusively in hovering schools ranging in size from as small as 5 to 10 individuals (rare) to 50->200 individuals (Fig 6). Schools are most frequently found at the top or bottom of vertical walls off Curaçao and Dominica, but off Roatan we observed more than a dozen schools of P. incendius collectively comprising as many as 1000 individuals over a long, gradually inclining stretch of sand and small rocks from ~150–170 m depth. Over this stretch, P. incendius co-occurred with many individuals of P. grandoculus, which were closer to the bottom rather than hovering well off the bottom like P. incendius. Schools of P. incendius generally comprise individuals at multiple life stages, ranging from moderately developed larvae (~9 mm SL) to adults. Off Dominica we also observed larger swarms of minuscule fish (~5 mm TL) that could possibly be very recently recruited P. incendius larvae, given their size, abundance and depth range. Individuals in these swarms were too small to be captured, and were observed traveling only a few cm off the bottom rather than hovering in a cloud well above the substrate. These schools of post-larvae were 1–2 m wide and up to 5 m long, and moved steadily upslope at approximately 0.15 m/s, navigating laterally around obstacles in a fashion superficially similar to a wide chain of marching army ants.

Luke Tornabene and Carole C. Baldwin. 2017. A New Mesophotic Goby, Palatogobius incendius (Teleostei: Gobiidae), and the First Record of Invasive Lionfish Preying on Undescribed Biodiversity. PLoS ONE. 12(5): e0177179.  DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0177179

[Ichthyology • 2015] Sebastes diaconus • A New Species of Sebastes (Scorpaeniformes: Sebastidae) from the northeastern Pacific, with A Redescription of the Blue Rockfish, S. mystinus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1881)

Sebastes diaconus

Frable, Wagman, Frierson, Aguilar & Sidlauskas, 2015

Deacon rockfish  ||  DOI: 10.7755/FB.113.4.1

Abstract

The diverse predatory rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) support extensive commercial fisheries in the northeastern Pacific. Although 106 species of Sebastes are considered valid, many of the ecological, geographical, and morphological boundaries separating them lack clarity. We clarify one such boundary by separating the blue rockfish Sebastes mystinus (Jordan and Gilbert, 1881) into 2 species on the basis of molecular and morphological data. We redescribe S. mystinus, designate a lectotype, and describe the deacon rockfish, Sebastes diaconus n. sp. Aside from its unambiguous distinction at 6 microsatellite loci, the new species is most easily differentiated from S. mystinus by its possession of a solid in contrast with a blotched color pattern. Sebastes diaconus also possesses a prominent symphyseal knob versus a reduced or absent knob, a flat rather than rounded ventrum, and longer first and second anal-fin spines. Se bastes diaconus occurs from central California northward to British Columbia, Canada, and S. mystinus occurs from northern Oregon south to Baja California Sur, Mexico, indicating a broad region of sympatry in Oregon and northern California. Further collection and study are necessary to clarify distributional boundaries and to understand the ecology and mechanisms of segregation for this species. Additionally, fisheries assessments will need revision to account for the longstanding conflation of these 2 species.

Etymology: Sebastes diaconus is derived from the Latinized ancient Greek διa;κονος, the name for an acolyte or assistant to a priest. This name complements the species name of S. mystinus, which was intended to mean “priest” (Jordan and Evermann, 1898). This name highlights the similarity between the 2 species and the previous lack of differentiation.

  

  Frable, B.W., Wagman, D.W., Frierson, T.N., Aguilar, A. and Sidlauskas, B.L. 2015. A New Species of Sebastes (Scorpaeniformes: Sebastidae) from the northeastern Pacific, with A Redescription of the Blue Rockfish, S. mystinus (Jordan and Gilbert, 1881).
Fishery Bulletin. 113(4); 355–377.  DOI: 10.7755/FB.113.4.1 

 https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/handle/1957/57884

http://aweofnature.com/2015/07/a-new-species-of-sebastes-scorpaeniformes-sebastidae-from-the-northeastern-pacific/

[Ichthyology • 2005] Validity of the Scorpionfish Genus Hipposcorpaena and A Redescription of H. filamentosa Fowler (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae)

Hipposcorpaena filamentosa  

Fowler, 1938 

The validity of the poorly known monotypic scorpionfish genus Hipposcorpaena Fowler is confirmed, and H. filamentosa Fowler is redescribed. The genus is characterized by the following characters: dorsal fin with 12 spines and 9 soft rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 6 soft rays; pectoral fin with 14 rays; lower pectoral fin rays slender, filamentous; longest ray extending well beyond vertical from posterior end of anal fin base; all dorsal and anal fin soft rays (except last ray of each fin divided into 2 at base), and all pectoral and caudal fin rays unbranched; head and body strongly compressed; body deep, depth 39.5%~41.2% of standard length; body covered with small cycloid scales; no palatine teeth; interorbital ridges present; tympanic spine present; posttemporal spine simple, lacking upper posttemporal spine; lower caudal fin with 1~4 distinct black spots, greater in width than orbit diameter; mature adult size at least 35.2 mm SL.

Key words: Scorpaenidae, Genus, Hipposcorpaena, Redescription, Hipposcorpaena filamentosa.

Hiroyuki Motomura and Hiroshi Senou. 2005. Validity of the Scorpionfish Genus Hipposcorpaena Fowler and A Redescription of H. filamentosa Fowler (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae).  Zoological Studies. 44(2): 210-218.

 http://www.sinica.edu.tw/zool/zoolstud/44.2/210.pdf

[Ichthyology • 2016] Scorpaenodes barrybrowni • A New Deep-Reef Scorpionfish (Teleostei, Scorpaenidae, Scorpaenodes) from the southern Caribbean with Comments on Depth Distributions and Relationships of western Atlantic Members of the Genus

Scorpaenodes barrybrowni 

 Pitassy & Baldwin, 2016

Stellate Scorpionfish | Escorpión Estrellado || DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.606.8590 

Abstract

A new species of scorpionfish, Scorpaenodes barrybrowni Pitassy & Baldwin, sp. n. which is described, was collected during submersible diving in the southern Caribbean as part of the Smithsonian’s Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP). It differs from the other two western Atlantic species of the genus, S. caribbaeus and S. tredecimspinosus, in various features, including its color pattern, having an incomplete lateral line comprising 8–10 pored scales, tending to be more elongate, usually having the 11th–12th pectoral-fin rays elongate, and by 20–23% divergence in the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) DNA barcode sequences. It further differs from one or the other of those species in head spination and in numbers of soft dorsal-fin rays, pectoral-fin rays, and precaudal + caudal vertebrae. Inhabiting depths of 95–160 m, the new species is the deepest western Atlantic member of the genus (S. caribbaeus occurs at depths < 35 m and S. tredecimspinosus from 7 to 82 m). DNA barcode data do not rigorously resolve relationships among the ten species of the genus for which those data are available.

Keywords: Manned submersible, Smithsonian Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP), Substation Curaçao, ocean exploration, integrative taxonomy, phylogeny

Diagnosis: A species of Scorpaenodes distinguished by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin soft rays 8; pectoral-fin rays 16–17, rays 11–12 (from uppermost ray) noticeably longer than rest in smallest four type specimens; caudal-fin rays 25–27; vertebrae 24 (8 precaudal + 16 caudal); spines on suborbital ridge 4 (rarely 5); secondary suborbital ridge spines absent; two prominent round to oblong pores in suborbital sensory canal immediately ventral to suborbital ridge; coronal, interorbital, upper post temporal and postorbital spines absent; lateral line incomplete, 8-10 pored scales extending from behind supracleithral spine to mid body; cirri associated with nasal, supraocular, and parietal spines and present on posteroventral projection of lacrimal and upper left quadrant of orbit; no cirri associated with postocular, tympanic, supracleithral, and lower posttemporal spines; body relatively elongate, depth at origin of dorsal fin 30–32% SL, depth at caudal peduncle 9–10% SL. Color in life bright orange-red with several reddish-brown bars on posterior portion of trunk; pectoral fin with vivid yellow spots interspersed with bright orange-red spots.

Distribution: Known from Curaçao and Bonaire in the southern Caribbean, and Dominica in the Windward Islands, eastern Caribbean.

Habitat: Collected off Curaçao at 95–160 m on rocky substrata. Off Dominica, USNM 438436 was collected on a vertical rock wall.

Etymology: Named in honor of Barry Brown, Substation Curaçao and free-lance photographer (www.coralreefphotos.com), who has patiently, diligently, and expertly taken photographs of hundreds of fishes and invertebrates captured alive by DROP investigators. He has generously shared his photographs, and they have enhanced numerous scientific and educational publications. An example of his work is here featured in Fig. 2A.

Common name: Stellate Scorpionfish, in reference to the yellow, stellate chromatophores on the pectoral fin in life and the radiating pigment markings accentuating the eye. Spanish common name: Escorpión Estrellado.

 Carole C. Baldwin, Diane E. Pitassy and D. Ross Robertson. 2016. A New Deep-Reef Scorpionfish (Teleostei, Scorpaenidae, Scorpaenodes) from the southern Caribbean with Comments on Depth Distributions and Relationships of western Atlantic Members of the Genus.
ZooKeys. 606: 141-158. DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.606.8590