[Ichthyology • 2026] Redefinition of Stemonosudis intermedia (Ege, 1933) (Aulopiformes: Paralepididae) and Description of Stemonosudis dianea, A New Species from the western Atlantic Ocean

[A-B] Stemonosudis dianea  Ho & Bemis, 2026 
Stemonosudis intermedia  (Ege, 1933)

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70342

 

Abstract

We examined specimens of slender barracudina in the genus Stemonosudis collected from the western Atlantic Ocean. Investigation revealed that seven specimens represent the first adult records of Stemonosudis intermedia (Ege, 1933), previously known only from juveniles. We redescribed S. intermedia based on the holotype and newly recognized adult and juvenile specimens, and using this ontogenetic series, we document changes in coloration from light-brown juveniles to black adults. We also determined that some specimens from the western Atlantic Ocean previously identified as S. intermedia represent a new species, which we describe herein based on three adults and five juvenile specimens. The new species differs from congeners by having 43–44 anal-fin rays, 117–121 total vertebrae and a pale mouth, gill chamber and gill arches, among a combination of other characters. We also provide information on the lectotype of S. similis (Ege, 1957), which remains known only from the type series.

Keywords: biodiversity, biogeography, Ichthyology, nomenclature, taxonomy

Stemonosudis dianea sp. nov., fresh coloration.
(a) Holotype USNM 407498, 332 mm SL, photograph by Cristina Castillo.
(b) Paratype USNM 407509, 348 mm SL, photograph by Sandra Raredon.

 Stemonosudis dianea sp. nov.

English name: Diane's Slender Barracudina

Stemonosudis intermedia (Ege, 1933), fresh coloration of adults. Right side photographed, reflected to face left. USNM 407096, 277 mm SL. (a) Lateral view of body. (b) Close up of head.

Photographs by Ross Robertson.

Hsuan-Ching Ho and Katherine E. Bemis. 2026. Redefinition of Stemonosudis intermedia (Ege, 1933) and Description of A New Species from the western Atlantic Ocean (Aulopiformes: Paralepididae). Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70342 [30 March 2026]

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/ferocious-predator-and-important-prey-new-barracudina-species-named-smithsonian

[Ichthyology • 2021] Lethrinus mitchelli • A New Species of Emperor Fish (Acanthuriformes: Lethrinidae) from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

Lethrinus mitchelli

Allen, Victor & Erdmann, 2021

DOI: doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5172763 

Abstract 

A new species of emperor fish, Lethrinus mitchelli, is described on the basis of three specimens, 109.4–111.3 mm SL, collected from 20 m at the East Cape region of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. It is similar to the sympatric relatives L. semicinctus and L. rubrioperculatus, but differs in color pattern and has a narrower cheek (cheek height 3.2–3.6 in head length vs. 2.4–2.9). Other diagnostic features include head length (2.7 in SL) greater than body depth (3.0–3.1 in SL); the snout excluding the lip 1.3–1.4 in cheek height; the snout profile nearly straight, without a prominent hump, and about 55° to the upper jaw; conical lateral jaw teeth; the interorbital area nearly flat or convex; the fourth dorsal-fin spine longest; lateral-line scales 47; transverse scale rows below and above the lateral line 15 and 4.5 rows; and a fully-scaled area adjacent to the prominent bony spine at the posteriormost margin of the opercle (excluding fleshy flap). The new species has a distinctive color pattern: brown dorsally, whitish ventrally, with a broad, brown, posteriorly tapering band on the midlateral body, partially split anteriorly by a relatively broad, ascending diagonal white band. Lethrinus mitchelli is 6.11% sequence divergent (pairwise) in the mtDNA COI marker from its nearest relative, L. semicinctus, also from the East Indies. A table of COI divergences among mtDNA lineages assigned to 27 of the 28 known species of Lethrinus shows a set of distinctly different lineages, from 3.32% to 20.85% divergent from each other (minimum interspecific distances). 

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, phylogenetics, coral reef fishes, Indo-Pacific, DNA barcodes, mtDNA COI 

Lethrinus mitchelli n. sp.
blotchy pattern on rubble bottom, about 200 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
 preserved holotype, 110.1 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.

photos: G.R. Allen.

Lethrinus mitchelli n. sp.
[upper] about 200 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Prov., Papua New Guinea; 
[lower] blotchy pattern on rubble bottom, about 200 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.

photos: G.R. Allen

 Allen, G.R., Victor, B.C. and Erdmann, M.V. 2021. Lethrinus mitchelli, A New Species of Emperor Fish (Teleostei: Lethrinidae) from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 38, 66–77. DOI: doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5172763 

[Ichthyology • 2026] Crossorhombus pescadores • A New lefteye Flounder of the Genus Crossorhombus (Teleostei: Bothidae) from Penghu Islands, western Taiwan

Crossorhombus pescadores 

 Amaoka, Su & Ho, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.167628

Abstract

A new lefteye flounder, Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov., is described based on five specimens collected from Penghu Islands. This new species differs from the other four congeners by having a pair of small black spots on the caudal fin, a horizontal triangular bluish-black marking on the blind side of body in male, the front wings of the marking reaching the base of dorsal and anal fins, and a combination of morphometric characters, including a larger head, deeper body, smaller eyes, fewer dorsal- and anal-fin rays and lateral-line scales, and other characters. A key to all five nominal species of Crossorhombus is provided.

Key words: Biodiversity, ichthyology, identification key, sexual dimorphism, taxonomy, western Pacific

Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov., NMMB-P 42260, holotype, male, 99.8 mm SL, preserved.
A. Ocular side; B. Blind side.

Paratypes of Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov., showing ocular sides (odd numbers) and blind sides (even numbers).
A. HUMZ 237066, immature male, 74.8 mm SL; B. NMMB-P 42263, female, 92.4 mm SL; C. NMMB-P 42262, immature female, 58.0 mm SL.

 Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov

Diagnosis. A species of Crossorhombus differing from its congeners in having: caudal fin with light-gray band along posterior sub-margin; a pair of small black spots on band at upper and lower fourth rays, respectively; a bluish-black, horizontal triangular marking on blind side of body in male; a series of dark blotches along dorsal and ventral margins of body; combination of some meristic and proportional characters: large head; small upper and lower eyes; slightly longer pectoral-fin on ocular side; fewer dorsal- and anal- fin rays and fewer scales in lateral line and others.

Etymology. The specific name “pescadores” is the old name of the type locality, meaning “fishermen” in Portuguese. It is treated as a noun in apposition.

 Kunio Amaoka, Yo Su and Hsuan-Ching Ho. 2026. A New lefteye Flounder of the Genus Crossorhombus (Teleostei, Bothidae) from Penghu Islands, western Taiwan. ZooKeys. 1273: 15-25. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.167628 [13 Mar. 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Butis bargabhimae • A New Species of butid fish (Gobiiformes: Butidae) from the Rupnarayan River, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

  

Butis bargabhimae

Maiti, Mandal, Das, Pahari & Bhattacharya, 2026  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.4.9 

  academia.edu/164972645

 

Abstract

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov. is morphologically similar to B. koilomatodon and B. delagoensis but can be distinguished from both of these morphologically by the presence of interorbital scales (IOS 2–3/7–8/2–3), auxiliary scales, bands on the pectoral fin, and the absence of a row of alternating blackish and yellowish spots at the base of the caudal fin. The NCBI BLAST result of COI gene shows 86% similarity with both B. koilomatodon and B. delagoensis. The COI sequence MN171371.1 submitted as B. koilomatodon from Bangladesh shows 99% similarity with B. bargabhimae sp. nov. and belongs to the same clade rather than the clade of B. koilomatodon from the state of Kerala in India and those from other countries. It seems B. koilomatodon from Bangladesh is a misidentification and should be included under B. bargabhimae sp. nov. Likewise COI sequence of B. koilomatodon, as reported earlier by Pahari et al. (2024), suggests this was a misidentification and should be redesignated as B. delagoensis.

Pisces, Estuarine fish, gudgeon goby, mitochondrial COI, short snout Butis

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov. Holotype Female (Reg. No. ZSI FF 10992).
I: Longer 3 rd and 4 th spine. II: Oblique dark bands on body. III: Dark median spot at pectoral fin base. IV: Light and dark alternate bands on pectoral fin.

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov.

Subhadeep MAITI, Sudipta MANDAL, Mitali DAS, Priti Ranjan PAHARI and Tanmay BHATTACHARYA. 2026. Butis bargabhimae sp. nov., A New Species of butid fish (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Butidae) from the Rupnarayan River, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India. Zootaxa. 5763(4); 588-596. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.4.9 [2026-03-05]

  academia.edu/164972645/Butis_bargabhimae_A_new_species_of_butid_fish_from_the_Rupnarayan_River_Purba_Medinipur_West_Bengal_India

[Ichthyology • 2025] Allohistium anas • Genomic and Phenotypic Delimitation of Species in a Temperate Aquatic Biodiversity Hotspot

 

Allohistium anas Near & MacGuigan,

in MacGuigan, Taylor, Ghezelayagh, Wood, Simmons, Mollish et Near, 2025. 

Cinder Darter  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syaf083 

Abstract

Biologists have relied on morphological characteristics to identify, define, and formally describe species for the past 250 years. The advent of phylogenetic species concepts and the introduction of molecular data have spawned new species delimitation methods applicable to a wide range of eukaryotic lineages. However, these approaches heavily emphasize genomic data, often overlooking phenotypic traits. We present and implement a species delimitation approach that utilizes genome-wide markers from ddRAD-seq and meristic morphological traits, which have long been used to identify and delineate fish species. Our methodology employs unsupervised machine learning to analyze morphological data without a priori species assignments, allowing phenotypic patterns to emerge independently from genomic-based species delimitation. We apply our combined genomic and phenotypic methodology to the freshwater systems of Southeastern North America, a biodiversity hotspot where conservation efforts are hampered by an incomplete knowledge of species diversity. Our investigation focuses on the darter clade Allohistium, a threatened lineage comprising two described species. Through phylogenomic, population genetic, and phenotypic model comparisons, we provide evidence supporting the delimitation of a third species of Allohistium, which we formally describe. Our approach shows how unsupervised machine learning can reveal cryptic morphological diversity that might otherwise be obscured by taxonomic preconceptions. This study demonstrates that model testing using diverse lines of evidence yields a more comprehensive, data-driven hypothesis of species diversity.

Darters, ddRAD-seq, methodology, North America, phenotype, species delimitation

Live photographs of Allohistium specimens.

Photo credit to Jon M. Mollish. YPM = Yale Peabody Museum, YFTC = Yale Fish Tissue Collection.

Allohistium anas Near and MacGuigan new species

Cinder Darter

Diagnosis. Allohistium anas differs from Allohistium cinereum and Allohistium maydeni by a higher number of lateral line scales (Supplementary Table S4), modally 43 versus 42 vertebrae (Shepard and Burr 1984), a larger proportion of individuals with greater than 80% of the cheek covered with scales, and more than 50% of the individuals with 10–40% of the nape covered with scales. In addition, Allohistium anas is never resolved as the sister lineage of Allohistium cinereum sensu stricto in mtDNA gene trees (Powers et al. 2004, 2012) or phylogenomic analyses of ddRAD-seq loci (see below). Allohistium maydeni differs from Allohistium anas and Allohistium cinereum in having modally 11 versus 12 dorsal fin spines (Supplementary Table S5; Powers et al. 2012), 12 versus 13 dorsal fin rays (Supplementary Table S6; Powers et al. 2012), and the presence of conspicuous red coloration on the skin covering the upper and lower oral jaws (Fig. 2).

Etymology. The species name anas is from the Latin word for duck, in reference to the distribution of the species in the Duck River system. The common name Cinder Darter is in reference to the common name of A. cinerum, the Ashy Darter.

Daniel J MacGuigan , Adam Taylor , Ava Ghezelayagh , Julia E Wood , Jeffrey W Simmons , Jon M Mollish and Thomas J Near. 2025. Genomic and Phenotypic Delimitation of Species in a Temperate Aquatic Biodiversity Hotspot. Systematic Biology. syaf083. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syaf083 [27 November 2025]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Aepysomanthias & Poroanthias gen. nov., Pelontrus, Zalanthias, ... • A 40-year Taxonomic Enigma: Multigene Phylogeny Resolves the Polyphyly of Plectranthias (Perciformes: Anthiadidae) and supports A Revised Taxonomy

Plectranthias, Pelontrus, Sayonara, Xenanthias, Zalanthias, 
 Aepysomanthias and Poroanthias Tang & Chen gen. nov. 

in Tang et Chen, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf148 

  facebook.com/TVictorCN

 

Abstract

Anthiadidae, a family of shallow and deep-water reef-associated fishes, include about 250 species distributed widely from tropical to temperate regions, with the majority found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific (IWP). Despite their broad distribution, the phylogeny and taxonomy of this family remain unresolved, particularly at the generic level, due to challenges in sampling from deep-water zones. Plectranthias, the most species-rich genus, has been suspected of non-monophyly since its last revision over 40 years ago. In this study, we explore the phylogenetic relationships of anthiadids using a multigene dataset (one mitochondrial and four nuclear genes) from 103 specimens across 19 genera, with a focus on IWP Plectranthias. Our results confirm the polyphyly of Plectranthias, revealing seven distinct clades. Based on this new phylogenetic framework and morphological re-examinations, we propose a taxonomic revision, including the resurrection of the genera Pelontrus, Sayonara, Xenanthias, and Zalanthias, and the establishment of Aepysomanthias and Poroanthias Tang and Chen gen. nov. The revised taxonomy restricts Plectranthias to 20 currently recognized species.

 

systematics, taxonomic revision, anthias, Indo-West Pacific, Tropical Deep-Sea Benthos, osteology, diagnostic characters, Serranidae, new genus

 

Chi-Ngai Tang and Wei-Jen Chen. 2025. A 40-year Taxonomic Enigma: Multigene Phylogeny Resolves the Polyphyly of Plectranthias (Perciformes: Anthiadidae) and supports A Revised Taxonomy. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 205(3); zlaf148. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf148 [11 November 2025]  

 facebook.com/TVictorCN/posts/25008703768796255

[Ichthyology • 2026] ‘Geophagus’ pirangaensis • A New endemic pearl cichlid of the ‘Geophagus’ brasiliensis (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) species group from the Piranga River, upper Doce River Basin, southeastern Brazil

 

‘Geophagus’ pirangaensis  Assis, Dergam & Henschel, 

in Assis, Dergam, Cunha, Machado, Hrbek, Vicente, Queiroz et Henschel, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70324

Abstract

A new species of pearl cichlid of the ‘Geophagus’ brasiliensis species group, endemic to the Piranga River, a major tributary of the upper Doce River basin in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, is herein described. The new species is delimited using an integrative approach, with molecular-based species delimitation methods coupled with morphological diagnosis. For this, we developed a matrix containing 27 sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of species of the ‘G.’ brasiliensis species group obtained from GenBank and three new sequences generated in this work. The species delimitation method applied to the morphological characters was Population Aggregation Analysis (PAA), and the species delimitation methods applied to the nucleotide sequences were the branch coalescence methods: Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes (bPTP), General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) single-threshold and GMYC multi-threshold. The three molecular-based species delimitation methods corroborate that the haplotypes of ‘Geophagus’ from the Piranga River represent a new species distinguished from all other in the ‘G.’ brasiliensis species group by exclusive presence of clear, rounded spots in the posteriormost dorsal-fin rays in fixed adult specimens, and the combination of the following morphological characters: long snout (46.22%–52.74% of head length), tall head (94.08%–101.15% of head length), terminal mouth, 25 or 26 longitudinal scales on the E0 series, 14 or 15 spines on the dorsal fin, absence of bluish dots on the most anterior soft rays of the anal fin in live specimens and absence of bluish and longitudinal lines in the basal region of the caudal fin of live specimens. This work is the first description of a new species of the ‘G.’ brasiliensis species group from the Doce River basin.

Keywords: Atlantic forest, fish taxonomy, freshwater fish, Geophagini, integrative taxonomy, mitochondrial DNA

‘Geophagus’ pirangaensis, new species from Piranga River, upper Doce basin, Ponte Nova municipality, Minas Gerais, Brazil:
top, MZUFV13723, live subadult specimen, 63.61 mm SL, collected by E. Henschel and photographed by C.E. de Assis;
bottom, MZUFV14666, live adult specimen, 96.21 mm SL, collected by C.E. de Assis and photographed by E. Henschel.

Scale bar: 10 mm.

‘Geophagus’ pirangaensis sp. n. Assis, Dergam & Henschel

 Diagnosis: ‘G.’ pirangaensis possess a unique diagnostic feature within the ‘G.’ brasiliensis group characterized by the presence of clear, rounded spots in the posteriormost dorsal-fin rays of fixed adult specimens (vs. absence, or, when present, spots are elliptical). It also differs from ‘G.’ brasiliensis by having a considerably longer snout (46.22%–52.74% HL vs. 38.36% HL) and terminal mouth (vs. subdorsal); from ‘G.’ diamantinensis by having a taller head (94.08%–101.15% HL vs. 77–86% HL) and terminal mouth (vs. subterminal); from ‘G.’ iporangensis by having a caudal fin with a rounded distal margin (vs. straight distal caudal-fin margin) and 25 or 26 longitudinal scales in the E0 series (vs. 27 or 28); from ‘G.’ itapicuruensis by having a dark and rounded mid-lateral spot of live specimens (vs. dark and vertically elliptical mid-lateral spot) and 14 or 15 spines on the dorsal fin (vs. 13); from ‘G.’ multiocellus by the absence of small bright spots in the central region of the bluish spots on the caudal fin of living specimens (vs. presence) and terminal mouth (vs. subterminal); from ‘G.’ obscurus by having small bluish spots in the opercular region of living specimens (vs. large bluish spots in the opercular region); from ‘G.’ rufomarginatus by the absence of bluish dots on the most anterior soft rays of the anal fin of living specimens (vs. presence), presence of denticles on gill rakers of the first branchial arch (vs. absence) and terminal mouth (vs. subterminal); and from ‘G.’ santosi by the absence of bluish and longitudinal lines in the basal region of the caudal fin of living specimens (vs. presence) and terminal mouth (vs. subterminal).

Cidimar E. de Assis, Jorge A. Dergam, Amanda F. Cunha, Valéria N. Machado, Tomas Hrbek, Natállia M. de F. Vicente, Victor de Queiroz and Elisabeth Henschel. 2026. A New endemic pearl cichlid of the ‘Geophagus’ brasiliensis (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) species group from the Piranga River, upper Doce River Basin, southeastern Brazil. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70324 [05 January 2026]  

[Ichthyology • 2025] Sayonara flavolineata • A New Deep-water anthiadid perchlet (Perciformes: Anthiadidae) from Vietnam

 Sayonara flavolineata

Tang, Vo & Gill, 2025

  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 73; 

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Abstract

 A new species of deep-water anthiadid perchlet, Sayonara flavolineata, is described from seven specimens collected off Nha Trang, southeastern Vietnam. Based on morphological features, it is assigned to a recently resurrected genus Sayonara Jordan & Seale, 1906, a former junior synonym of Plectranthias. Sayonara flavolineata, new species is distinctive in having yellow and reddish orange stripes when fresh, a horizontal dusky stripe in the middle of spinous dorsal fin, and a slightly concave dorsal profile of the head. It is further distinguished from other anthiadids by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays X, 15; pectoral-fin rays 15–16; branched caudal-fin rays 8+7; lateral-line scales 31–35; circumpeduncular scales 12; predorsal scales extending anteriorly to posterior nostrils; body scales bearing basal cteni; scales present on maxilla, infraorbital, and mandibles; presence of trisegmental pterygiophores in both dorsal and anal fins; and two supraneurals. We updated and revised the record of species previously classified under Plectranthias in Vietnam. Including the new species, five species are now known from Vietnam and are reclassified to recently resurrected genera including Sayonara, Xenanthias, and Zalanthias.

Key words. taxonomy, species diversity, Plectranthias

Fresh colouration of Sayonara flavolineata, new species.
 A, holotype, OIM-E.55852 (field code: Q.01204-2), 101.1 mm SL; B, paratype, NMMB-P 41621 (field code: Q.01204-1), 107.9 mm SL.

Photos by Q. V. Vo.

CHI-NGAI TANG, QUANG VAN VO & ANTHONY C. GILL. 2025. Sayonara flavolineata (Perciformes: Anthiadidae), A New Deep-water anthiadid perchlet from Vietnam.  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 73; 698–708.

  facebook.com/TVictorCN/posts/25309871345346161

[Ichthyology • 2025] Eugnathogobius ganuensis • A New Species of Eugnathogobius (Gobiidae) from Peninsular Malaysia

Eugnathogobius ganuensis

Koreeda, Seah & Motomura, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040071

Abstract

The new estuarine goby Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp. is described from 5 specimens (4 males: 27.0–31.5 mm standard length; 1 female: 27.5 mm standard length) collected from a small ditch in the lower reach of the Terengganu River basin, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The new species is easily distinguished from other congeners, except E. kabilia, by the following a combination of characteristics: 16 segmented caudal-fin rays; 30 or 31 longitudinal scale lows; high first dorsal fin (especially in males); no head pores; shoulder with oblique black band; transverse black markings on each scale; paired black blotches on caudal-fin base; and distinct black dots on upper caudal fin. Although E. kabilia is very similar to the new species, the latter has a shorter jaw in males (well-extended in the former), high first dorsal fin (low), first dorsal-fin second spine length > 16.8% of standard length (<13.6%), throat yellowish in the fresh condition (whitish), and a yellowish second dorsal fin (reddish in males of E. kabilia). Because the type locality of the new species is clearly not a natural environmental feature and no salinity during the low tide, despite being included in the tidal area, the true habitat is suggested as being the upper reaches of estuarine areas. 

Keywords: taxonomy; morphology; Calamiana; South China Sea

 Fresh holotype (male) of Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp. (UMTF 13296, 30.0 mm SL).

Fresh paratypes of Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp.
((A): KAUM–I. 219716, male; (B): KAUM–I. 219718, male;
(C): UMTF 13297, male; (D): KAUM–I. 219721, female).

Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp.

Type locality (A) and live individuals (B–D) of Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp., Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia.

White and black arrows indicate E. ganuensis n. sp. and Oxyeleotris urophthalmus, respectively.

 Reo Koreeda, Ying Giat Seah and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2025. A New Species of Eugnathogobius (Gobiidae) from Peninsular Malaysia. Taxonomy. 5(4), 71. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040071 [17 December 2025]

 

[PaleoIchthyology • 2025] Sooinichthys varii • A New otophysan from the Tlayúa Quarry, Mexico: A North American clue to the early Diversification of this group of Freshwater Fishes

 

Sooinichthys varii

Alvarado-Ortega, Otero & Mayrinck, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70056   

 Researchgate.net/publication/398619176

Abstract

We describe a new genus and species, Sooinichthys varii, based on well-preserved specimens from the Albian marine limestones of Tlayúa Quarry, Mexico. This fish possesses a Weberian apparatus, supporting its inclusion in the clade Otophysi, and a unique combination of skeletal features not found in any living or extinct known otophysan group. This new species represents the first known Early Cretaceous otophysan discovered in North America and one of the oldest found worldwide. Our findings enhance our understanding of the early diversity within the Otophysan group. The new species is significant for ongoing discussions about the history of Otophysi because it highlights a geographical region where the otophysan fossil record is scarce; therefore, it may help answer questions about the relationships between fossils and living species, their geographic distribution, the transition from shallow marine waters to inland environments, and the ecological factors that contributed to their diversity as the most varied group of freshwater fish on Earth.

Keywords: Albian, Tlayúa, Otophysi, Sooinichthys varii, Mexico

Sooinichthys varii

  

Genus Sooinichthys nov. 

Derivation of name. The genus name originates from the Mixtec words So’o (meaning ‘ear’) and ini (meaning ‘internal’), combined with the Greek ichthys (meaning ‘fish’), which togetherform ‘fish with an inner ear’. The name is pronounced /sɒˈ.ɒ.ɪn.ɪk.hi.ə.s/. 

Jesús Alvarado-Ortega, Olga Otero and Diogo Mayrinck. 2025. A New otophysan from the Tlayúa Quarry, Mexico: A North American clue to the early Diversification of this group of Freshwater Fishes. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70056  [11 December 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/398619176_A_new_otophysan_from_the_Tlayua_Quarry_Mexico

x.com/ThePalAss/status/1999592430652248192

[Ichthyology • 2025] Liopropoma terecaudum • A New liopropomine basslet (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) from northern Taiwan

Liopropoma terecaudum 

 Tang, Lai & Ho, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70086 

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Abstract

Liopropoma terecaudum sp. nov. is described based on 12 specimens collected off northern Taiwan. The new species most closely resembles two sympatric species, L. japonicum and L. dorsoluteum, but differs from both species and all other congeneric species of Liopropoma based on the following combination of morphological and colouration characters: caudal fin round; dorsal-fin elements VIII, 13 and lacking a distinct notch; lateral side of body with a broad red stripe; base of caudal fin with a large red blotch. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA barcode sequences places L. terecaudum in a clade with L. dorsolutum and L. japonicum. The average genetic divergences between L. terecaudum and L. dorsoluteum, and between L. terecaudum and L. japonicum, are measured to be 11.8% and 11.9%, respectively. The description of L. terecaudum brings the total number of Liopropoma in Taiwanese waters to 11.

Keywords: deep reefs, Ichthyology, integrative taxonomy, species diversity

Fresh colouration of Liopropoma terecaudum sp. nov.:
 (a) holotype, NMMB‐P34155, 146.6 mm SL; (b) NMMB‐P34205, paratype, 142.5 mm SL; (c) NMMB‐P34204, paratype, 140.8 mm SL.

Liopropoma terecaudum sp. nov. 

Chi-Ngai Tang, Nok-Wai Lai, Hsuan-Ching Ho. 2025. Description of A New liopropomine basslet, Liopropoma terecaudum, from northern Taiwan (Perciformes: Epinephelidae). Journal of Fish Biology. 107(3); 902-917. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70086 [29 May 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/392210819_Description_of_Liopropoma_terecaudum_from_northern_Taiwan

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[Ichthyology • 2025] Pascua marecoralliensis • A New Species of Goby (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from the Central Coral Sea with Validation of the Genus Pascua

 

 Pascua marecoralliensis 

Goatley, Varela, Sellanes & Tornabene, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/fishes10090449 

Abstract

In this paper, we use molecular phylogenetics, micro-CT scanning, and morphological analyses to describe a new species of goby, Pascua marecoralliensis, and demonstrate that the genus Pascua is distinct from Hetereleotris, as supported by five diagnostic characters, including modified basicaudal scales and reduced sensory papillae patterns. Phylogenetic analysis places Pascua as sister to the Gobiodon group, while Hetereleotris forms a separate clade. The new species, P. marecoralliensis, differs from congeners in fin ray counts, cephalic pore patterns, and head morphology and exhibits unique live colouration. Additionally, we reclassify Hetereleotris readerae and H. sticta as Pascua readerae and P. sticta based on shared genus-specific traits. The distribution of Pascua spans the southern Pacific, suggesting a relict lineage or undiscovered diversity in the genus. This work underscores the importance of integrative taxonomic approaches for resolving cryptic diversity in gobioid fishes and highlights the need for further sampling in understudied regions.

Keywords: coral reef; cryptic; cryptobenthic fishes; Gobioidei; Hetereleotris; morphology; osteology; phylogeny; tropical; Australia

The three specimens of Pascua marecoralliensis sp. nov. collected from Lorna Cay, Lihou Reef in the Central Coral Sea, Australia.
(a) AMS I.49536-002 (holotype), (b) AMS I.49536-038 specimen 1 (paratype; specimen damaged during description and molecular sampling), (c) AMS I.49536-038 specimen 2 (paratype).

 Christopher H. R. Goatley, Andrea I. Varela, Javier Sellanes and Luke Tornabene. 2025. Pascua marecoralliensis, A New Species of Goby (Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from the Central Coral Sea with Validation of the Genus Pascua. Fishes. 10(9), 449. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/fishes10090449 [4 September 2025]

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Branchenchelys megacephala • A New Genus and Species of ilyophine eel (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean

Branchenchelys megacephala

Tighe & Kodeeswaran, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.4.6  

 Researchgate.net/publication/397839726 

facebook.com: Paramasivam Kodeeswaran

 

Abstract

A new genus and species of ilyophine eel, Branchenchelys megacephala, is described based on five specimens collected in the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean. The new genus is distinguished from all other ilyophine genera by its relatively large head with large gill openings and a very large branchial chamber with an increased number of branchiostegal rays and hypertrophied gill filaments.

Pisces, Teleostei, taxonomy, Branchenchelys megacephala

 

Kenneth A. TIGHE and Paramasivam KODEESWARAN. 2025. A New Genus and Species of ilyophine eel (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa. 5722(4); 555-569. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.4.6 [2025-11-21]

 Researchgate.net/publication/397839726_A_new_genus_and_species_of_Anguilliformes_Synaphobranchidae_from_the_Arabian_Sea_western_Indian_Ocean

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[Ichthyology • 2025] Lentipes ptasan • A New Species of sicydiine goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from the Western Pacific, with A Redescription of L. mindanaoensis

 

 Lentipes ptasan

Jhuang, Nañola, Li & Liao, 2025 

 

紋面韌鰕虎 | Tattooed-face Goby  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70277  

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Abstract

Lentipes ptasan sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected from Taiwan and Mindanao Island. It is a large-sized Lentipes species distinguished by several male-specific characteristics, including an upper lip protruding beyond snout obviously, fewer premaxillary tricuspid teeth, two black lines running from the front of the eye through the nostrils to the tip of the snout, a wide brown longitudinal band at the base of the anal fin, and the distinctive nuptial coloration featuring a brown vertical band extending from back to belly on the middle of the body. The complex distribution of Lentipes species and their genetic differentiation may be influenced by sexual selection, historical biogeographic events and contemporary ecological processes. However, due to the recent divergence of Lentipes species, 11 out of 14 species could not be distinguished by the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Furthermore, Lentipes mindanaoensis is redescribed, with L. adelphizonus treated as its junior synonym.

Keywords: amphidromous goby, Sicydiinae, taxonomy, the Philippines, western Pacific Ocean

 

Live photos of Lentipes ptasan sp. nov. from Taiwan and Mindanao islands:
 (a, b) holotype, ASIZP0082286, male, 31.1 mm SL, Taiwan ((a) non-courting individual, photograph by M. T. Zhou; (b) nuptial colour, photograph by M. Hhuang);
 (c) paratype, ASIZP0082288, male, 35.6 mm SL, Taiwan (non-courting individual, photograph by H. P. Liang); (d) paratype, PNM15807, male, 41.9 mm SL, Mindanao (non-courting individual, photograph by H. P. Liang);
(e) paratype, PNM15811, female, 52.5 mm SL, Mindanao (photograph by F. Li); (f) aquarium photograph showing courtship behaviour of a male L. ptasan toward a female, specimens unpreserved, Mindanao (photograph by Z. H. Deng). Yellow arrowheads indicate the orange pattern on the female.

Close-up of the longitudinal band of the anal fin on two Lentipes species:
(a-1) Lentipes ptasan, holotype, ASIZP0082286, Taiwan (photograph by M.-T. Zhou); (a-2) L. ptasan, paratype, ASIZP0082288, Taiwan (photograph by W. C. Jhuang); (a-3) L. ptasan, paratype, PNM15807, Mindanao (photograph by W. C. Jhuang);
 (b-1) L. armatus, specimen not preserved, Taiwan (photograph by M. T. Zhou); (b-2) L. armatus, DOS09187-1, Cagayan (photograph by W. C. Jhuang); (b-3) L. armatus, DOS09891-4, Aurora (photograph by C. C. Yu).

  Lentipes ptasan sp. nov.

Chinese common name: 紋面韌鰕虎.

English common name: Tattooed-face Goby.

  

  Diagnosis: The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by combination of characters and colour patterns: in males, a black spot on second dorsal fin, upper lip protruding obviously, fewer premaxillary tricuspid teeth, two black lines running from front of eye through anterior and posterior nostrils to tip of snout, anal-fin base with a brown wide longitudinal band, and nuptial coloration with a brown vertical bar extending from dorsum to belly at midbody; in females, an orange pattern around anus.

Etymology: The specific name ‘ptasan’ is derived from the Truku language (an indigenous tribe in Taiwan), meaning ‘facial tattoo’. It refers to the dark facial lines of the new species (Figure 7a,b), which resemble the facial tattoo traditions of indigenous peoples in Taiwan and the Philippines. A noun in apposition.

Facial portraits of males in 14 Lentipes species.
(a, b) Two types of Lentipes ptasan sp. nov. ((a) paratype, DOS10026, from Taiwan, photograph by K. H. Chen; (b) paratype, ASIZP0082288, from Taiwan, photograph by H. P. Liang);  (c) L. armatus from Taiwan, photograph by C. C. Yu;
(d) L. bunagaya from Taiwan, photograph by W. C. Jhuang; (e) L. dimetrodon from Papua, photograph by W. C. Huang; (f) L. ikeae from West Java, photograph by H. P. Liang;
 (g) L. kijimuna (DOS09892-3) from Luzon, photograph by C. C. Yu; (h) L. kaaea from Taiwan, photograph by M. T. Zhou; (i) L. mekonggaensis from Sulawesi, photograph by H. P. Liang;
(j) L. mindanaoensis from Halmahera, photograph by H. P. Liang; (k) L. multiradiatus from Seram, photograph by H. P. Liang; (l) L. palawanirufus from Palawan, photograph by H. P. Liang;
(m) L. kolobangara from Papua, photograph by W. C. Huang; (n) L. venustus from Papua, photograph by W. C. Huang; (o) L. whittenorum from Sulawesi, photograph by H. P. Liang. (c–f) and (h–o) Unpreserved specimens.

Wei-Cheng Jhuang, Cleto L. Nañola Jr., Xiao Fei Li and Te-Yu Liao. 2025. Lentipes ptasan, A New Species of sicydiine goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from the Western Pacific, with A Redescription of L. mindanaoensis. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70277 [21 November 2025]

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