[Crustacea • 2026] Alpheopsis gorei • A mesophotic alpheid Shrimp (Decapoda: Caridea: Alpheidae) from the western Atlantic

Alpheopsis gorei  Anker, 2026

Papéis Avulsos De Zoologia. 66;  

 revistas.usp.br/PAZ

 Photograph by Sarah Tweedt. 

Abstract

A new mesophotic alpheid shrimp, Alpheopsis gorei sp. nov., is described from several offshore localities in the northern and north-eastern Gulf of Mexico off Texas, Louisiana and western Florida. However, the distribution range of the new species extends to the Atlantic coast of Florida, with a previous record from deep-water reefs off Key Largo, under A. trispinosa Stimpson, 1860. The presently known bathymetric range of A. gorei sp. nov. is 42.1-126.2 m and the species appears to be free-living, mainly among coralline nodules and in crevices of deep coral rubble. The new species is morphologically closest to the eastern Altantic A. africana Holthuis, 1952 and A. azorica Anker, Poddoubtchenko & d’Udekem d’Acoz, 2005, the eastern Pacific A. equidactylus Lockington, 1877, and the Indo-West Pacific A. trispinosa, A. garricki Yaldwyn, 1971 and A. keijii Anker, 2007, differing from each of them by at least two morphological characters.

Keywords: Atlantic Ocean, USA, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Crustacean, Deep-water shrimp, Alpheidae, ROV, ARMS

Alpheopsis gorei sp. nov., paratype, ov. female, cl 3.5 mm, off Louisiana, USA (USNM 1745065), shrimp alive, dorsal. Photograph by Sarah Tweedt.  

Alpheopsis gorei sp. nov.

Etymology: The new species is named after the decapod taxonomist, marine ecologist and biogeographer, Dr. Richard H. Gore, who first reported it from Florida (Gore, 1981, as A. trispinosus). 

Arthur Anker. 2026. Description of Alpheopsis gorei sp. nov., A mesophotic alpheid Shrimp from the western Atlantic (Decapoda: Caridea). Papéis Avulsos De Zoologia. 66; e202666006. DOI: 10.11606/1807-0205/2026.66.006 [2026-03-03]

  revistas.usp.br/PAZ/article/view/237897

[Cnidaria • 2025] Parasphaerasclera mcfaddenae • A New Soft Coral Species (Octocorallia: Scleralcyonacea: Parasphaerascleridae) from the Gulf of Mexico

 Parasphaerasclera mcfaddenae

Quattrini, Morrissey & McCartin, 2025.  

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5601.3.8

 

Abstract

A new species of soft coral, Parasphaerasclera mcfaddenae (Octocorallia: Scleralcyonacea: Parasphaerascleridae), is described from mesophotic hardbottom habitats of the Gulf of Mexico, western North Atlantic Ocean. Previously, this family was only known from the tropical Indo-Pacific and South Africa; therefore, we extend the distribution of the family Parasphaerascleridae into the North Atlantic Ocean. This diminutive species differs from other parasphaerasclerids by a capitate growth form, non-retractile polyps, and presence of tuberculated spindles. Notably, this species was also detected in environmental (e)DNA samples from locations where it was not physically collected, highlighting the importance of both eDNA for biodiversity surveys as well as specimen collections for building comprehensive reference databases for eDNA analyses.

Coelenterata, Parasphaerasclera, Scleralcyonacea, North Atlantic Ocean, eDNA, mesophotic reef

 Parasphaerasclera mcfaddenae sp.  nov. 
A) in situ image of two colonies,  B) in situ image of  the holotype prior to ROV collection, and C) image of holotype under the microscope with a 1 cm scale bar.

Parasphaerasclera mcfaddenae sp. nov. 

Andrea M. QUATTRINI, Declan MORRISSEY and Luke J. MCCARTIN. 2025. A New Soft Coral Species from the Gulf of Mexico (Octocorallia: Scleralcyonacea: Parasphaerascleridae). Zootaxa. 5601(3); 545-557. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5601.3.8 [2025-03-10]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Plectranthias raki • A New Species of Perchlet (Perciformes: Serranidae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives

Plectranthias raki 

Shepherd, Pinheiro, Najeeb, C. R. Rocha & L. A. Rocha, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1223.135292

Abstract

Herein, we describe a new species of Plectranthias perchlet found at depths of 100–125 meters in mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Plectranthias raki sp. nov. is unique in both morphology and coloration. The following combination of characters distinguishes it from all known congeners: dorsal fin X, 15; anal-fin rays III, 7; pectoral-fin rays 13 | 13 (13 | 12), all unbranched; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; lateral line complete with 30–32 tubed scales; gill rakers 5 + 12; circumpeduncular scales 11–12; and absence of antrorse or retrorse spines on ventral margin of preopercle. Coloration in life consists of a white to light pink body with two indistinct rows of irregularly shaped red-orange to yellow-orange patches along the dorsal two-thirds of the body, a golden-yellow opercle and maxilla, an indistinct yellow stripe on the dorsal fin, two yellow spots near the base of the anal fin, and two irregularly shaped yellow-orange spots located on either side of centermost caudal-fin rays. With this publication, the genus Plectranthias now comprises 67 valid species. This discovery adds to a strong body of research highlighting the novel biodiversity of mesophotic ecosystems, especially in locations like the Indian Ocean, where few prior ichthyological surveys have been conducted.

Key words: COI gene, deep reefs, ichthyology, Indian Ocean, rebreather diving, taxonomy

 

Holotype (left) and paratype (right) of  Plectranthias raki sp. nov.
 Holotype CAS-ICH 248439 66.2 mm SL, shortly after collection (A), preserved specimen (B) and x-radiograph (C).
Paratype LACM 61827, 70.4 mm SL, shortly after collection (D), preserved specimen (E) and x-radiograph (F).

Photos: A, D by Luiz Rocha. B, C, E, F by Jon Fong.

 Plectranthias raki sp. nov.

  Dhivehi common name: Raki bureki 

English common name: Maldivian Perchlet

Diagnosis: Plectranthias raki sp. nov. is unique in both morphology and coloration. The following combination of characters distinguishes it from all known congeners: dorsal fin X, 15; anal-fin rays III, 7; pectoral-fin rays 13 | 13 (13 | 12), all unbranched; principal caudal-fin rays 9 + 8; lateral line complete with 30–32 tubed scales; 3 supraneural bones, predorsal formula 0/0 + 0/2/1 + 1/1/1/; gill rakers 5 + 12; circumpeduncular scales 11–12; oblique rows of scales on cheek 8 (7); longest dorsal spine the ...

Living specimen (not retained) of Plectranthias raki sp. nov. photographed at 110 m depth at Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

Etymology: The species name, raki, means “feeling shy to confront people” in the Dhivehi language. This was chosen because Plectranthias are shy by nature and typically hide from us when we are conducting surveys. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

 Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Ahmed Najeeb, Claudia R. Rocha and Luiz A. Rocha. 2025. Plectranthias raki (Teleostei, Serranidae), A New Species of Perchlet from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives. ZooKeys. 1223: 333-344. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1223.135292

[Ichthyology • 2024] Chromis abadhah • A New Species of Damselfish (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives

 

Chromis abadhah

L.A. Rocha, Pinheiro, Najeeb, C.R. Rocha & Shepherd, 2024  

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

 

Abstract

A new species of Chromis (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) is described from four specimens collected between 95 and 110 m depth in mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Maldives, Indian Ocean. Chromis abadhah sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; pearly white body with a large black marking covering the anterior two-thirds of the anal fin. The closest DNA barcode sequence (5.1% average uncorrected genetic distance on the mitochondrial COI gene), among those available, is Chromis woodsi, a similar mesophotic species known from the coastal western Indian Ocean (Somalia to South Africa). The new species is easily distinguished from C. woodsi by having 13 dorsal spines (versus 14 in C. woodsi), the absence of a black band on the base of the tail (present in C. woodsi), and by the genetic difference.

Key words: COI, deep reefs, ichthyology, Indian Ocean, rebreather diving, taxonomy

Holotype of Chromis abadhah, CAS 248401, 68.7 mm SL, shortly after collection.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

Chromis abadhah in its natural habitat in Faadhippolhu Atoll, Maldives, at approximately 110 m depth.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

 Chromis abadhah sp. nov.

 Suggested Maldivian name: Abadhah Chromis 

Suggested English name: Perpetual Chromis

Diagnosis: The following combination of characters distinguishes Chromis abadhah sp. nov. from all of its congeners: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; body pearly white; large black marking covering anterior two-thirds of anal fin; small black spot on upper edge of pectoral-fin base; no markings on caudal peduncle.

Etymology: The work that led to the discovery of this species was funded by the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative through a Rolex Award for Enterprises to LAR. To honor this initiative, we name this species “abadhah” (pronounced aa-BAH-duh), which means “perpetual” in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives. We also hope that this species and its habitat remain perpetual. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

Luiz A. Rocha, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Ahmed Najeeb, Claudia R. Rocha and Bart Shepherd. 2024. Chromis abadhah (Teleostei, Pomacentridae), A New Species of Damselfish from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives. ZooKeys. 1219: 165-174. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

[Crustacea • 2024] Wollastenothoe minuta • “Hidden” Biodiversity: A New amphipod Genus (Amphipoda: Stenothoidae) dominates Epifauna in Association with a mesophotic Black Coral Forest

 

Wollastenothoe minuta Gouillieux & Navarro-Mayoral, 

in Navarro-Mayoral, Gouillieux, Fernandez-Gonzalez, Tuya, Lecoquierre, ... et Otero-Ferrer, 2024.

DOI: 10.1007/s00338-024-02491-y

 twitter.com/philebo73

Abstract

Black corals are important components of mesophotic and deep-water marine habitats. Their presence at great depths (e.g., 50 to 200 m) makes accessibility difficult, limiting our understanding of the associated biodiversity. Amphipods dominate vagile epifauna in marine habitats around the world, fulfilling important ecosystem functions. However, there are no studies on amphipods exclusively associated with black corals, including relationships between their ecological patterns (e.g., abundances) and the size of coral colonies. We investigated the epifaunal composition and abundance associated with black coral colonies of Antipathella wollastoni in the subtropical eastern Atlantic Ocean. In total, 1,736 epifaunal individuals were identified, of which 1,706 (98.27%) were amphipods, belonging to 6 taxa. We identified and described a new amphipod genus and species within the Stenothoidae family, Wollastenothoe minuta gen. nov., sp. nov., which outnumbered the amphipod assemblage (86.15%) and provided a complete taxonomic key of Stenothoidae family including this new finding. For the first time, the association between an amphipod species and a black coral was described, including a strong correlation between coral colony size and amphipod abundances. This study demonstrates that epifauna associated with mesophotic black corals remains largely undescribed.

Keywords: Stenothoidae, Key to species, Antipathella wollastoni, Epifauna, Marine animal forests

Wollastenothoe minuta gen. nov., sp. nov. SEM pictures, MNHN-IU-2021–8808.
a Lateral view; b Maxilla 2, left; c Lower lip; d Gnathopod 2, outer face, dactylus and propodus; e Gnathopod 1, inner face, dactylus and propodus; f Urosome, lateral view.

 Scale bars: a: 0.25 mm; b: 0.01 mm; c: 0.01 mm, d, e: 0.02; f: 0.1 mm

 

Taxonomy

Class Malacostraca Latreille 1806

Order Amphipoda Latreille 1816

Suborder Senticaudata Lowry & Myers 2013

Family Stenothoidae Boeck 1871

Genus Wollastenothoe Gouillieux & Navarro-Mayoral gen. nov.

Diagnosis of the new genus: Body dorsally smooth. Head without rostrum. Antenna 1 article 1 not nasiform; accessory flagellum with 1 article. Mandible palp with 1 article, molar process conical. Maxilla 1 palp with 2 articles. Gnathopod 1 and 2 subchelate, subequal. P5 basis rectolinear without posterodistal lobe. P6-7 basis widened.

Etymology: The genus name, Wollastenothoe, refers the combination of host name corresponding to the species of black coral (i.e., Antipathella wollastoni) with the genus name Stenothoe belonging to the Stenothoidae family.

  Wollastenothoe minuta Gouillieux & Navarro-Mayoral gen. nov., sp. nov.,  

Diagnosis: Body length less than 1.5 mm. Antenna subequal, shorter than half length of body. Antenna 1 accessory flagellum with 1 small article. Gnathopod 1 and 2 subchelate, subequal. Pereonite 4 slightly longer than pereonite 3. Coxa 4 ventral margin concave. Coxae 5–7 posterior margin with a notch. P5 basis rectolinear without posterodistal lobe. P6-7 basis widened with posterodistal lobe reaching along half of ischium, merus posterodistal lobe reaching more than half length of carpus. Telson with dorsal spines.

 

Etymology. The epithet specific of the species, minuta, refers to its small size.

Type locality. Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain.

Sandra Navarro-Mayoral, Benoit Gouillieux, Victoria Fernandez-Gonzalez, Fernando Tuya, Ninon Lecoquierre, Lorenzo Bramanti, Lucas Terrana, Fernando Espino, Jean-François Flot, Ricardo Haroun and Francisco Otero-Ferrer. 2024. “Hidden” Biodiversity: A New amphipod Genus dominates Epifauna in Association with a mesophotic Black Coral Forest. Coral Reefs. DOI: 10.1007/s00338-024-02491-y

 twitter.com/philebo73/status/1780971901126328651

[Ichthyology • 2023] Terelabrus toretore • A New Species of Striped Hogfish (Perciformes: Labridae) from Tahiti, with Range Extensions for Two Congeners

Terelabrus toretore

 Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Siu & Rocha, 2023

 

  ZoolStud.sinica.edu.tw

  twitter.com/SteinhartBart

A new labrid fish, Terelabrus toretore sp. nov., the fifth species within the genus, is herein described from two specimens collected at a depth of 140 m from a mesophotic coral ecosystem in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. is characterized by having 43–44 scaled rows in longitudinal series; 42 pored lateral-line scales; 5+10 gill rakers; 10 scale rows below the lateral line; 8 posterior branches on the main supratemporal sensory canal; a relatively long snout (snout length 9.6–9.7% SL), and a coloration consisting of a yellow caudal fin and a wide, red, mid-lateral stripe with no blotching, the space above which is white anteriorly, becoming predominantly yellow from beneath the dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. In addition to describing this new species, we document the first record of Terelabrus rubrovittatus from the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the first record of Terelabrus zonalis from Australia, along with the first description of its coloration. We present a molecular phylogeny of the genus based upon mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA sequences.

Key words: Biogeography, Ichthyology, Mesophotic coral ecosystems, Taxonomy, Teleostei

Underwater photograph of Terelabrus toretore (specimen not collected):
 Tahiti at 125 m depth,

photo by L.A. Rocha 

Terelabrus toretore sp. nov.
Underwater photograph (specimen not collected): Tahiti at 125 m depth;
Coloration of freshly dead paratype CASICH 247319 (SL 44.3 mm).

Terelabrus toretore Shepherd, Pinheiro, Phelps, Siu and Rocha sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other four members of the genus by the following characters: 43–44 scaled rows in longitudinal series; 42 pored lateral-line scales; 5 + 10 gill rakers; 10 scale rows below lateral line; a relatively long snout (snout length 9.6–9.7% SL); 8 posterior branches on the main supratemporal sensory canal, and a coloration consisting of a yellow caudal fin, and a wide, red, mid-lateral stripe with no blotching, the space above which is white anteriorly, becoming yellow from beneath the dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. 

Etymology: The species name, toretore, is the Tahitian word for striped and is used in reference to the body color pattern. To be used as a noun in apposition. 

 Bart Shepherd, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Tyler A. Y. Phelps, Gilles Siu and Luiz A. Rocha. 2023. Terelabrus toretore sp. nov. (Perciformes: Labridae), A New Species of Striped Hogfish from Tahiti, with Range Extensions for Two Congeners. Zool Stud. 62:08. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2023.62-08.

  ZoolStud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/62/62-08.html

  twitter.com/SteinhartBart/status/1642188481282867205

[Phycology • 2022] Croisettea kalaukapuae, C. haukoaweo, et al. (Rhodophyta: Gigartinales: Kallymeniaceae) • Cryptic Diversity in the Genus Croisettea from Hawaiian Mesophotic Reefs

 

Croisettea kalaukapuae F.P. Cabrera & A.R. Sherwood

in Cabrera, Huisman, Spalding, .. et Sherwood, 2022. 

DOI: 10.1080/00318884.2022.2096823 

 papahanaumokuakea.gov 

ABSTRACT

Recent investigations into the species diversity of red blades in Hawai‘i have yielded several specimens of Kallymeniaceae from Hawaiian Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems. Our combined morphological and mitochondrial COI-5P and plastid rbcL phylogenetic analyses indicated widespread cryptic diversity among those specimens commonly identified as Kallymenia sensu lato based on morphology. These analyses resolved four unique genetic lineages of Hawaiian taxa in the genus Croisettea, which are all restricted to the lower mesophotic depths (c. 60–150 m). Croisettea currently includes three described species distributed in the North Atlantic, Indian and South Pacific Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea. Croisettea is a new genus record for the Hawaiian Islands, expanding its biogeographic range to the North Pacific. The genus has now been enlarged to include seven species comprising previously described taxa as well as four new Hawaiian taxa (C. kalaukapuae sp. nov., C. haukoaweo sp. nov., C. ohelouliuli sp. nov. and C. pakualapa sp. nov.). The known distributions of the Hawaiian Croisettea species are restricted to areas around their type localities. Although this pattern hints at a remarkable degree of endemicity, both across depth gradients in a reef area and among islands, it is also linked to a limited sampling of the group, suggesting that additional species, and more accurate distributional ranges, remain to be detected not only in Hawai‘i but also worldwide.

KEYWORDS: COI-5P, Deepwater, Endemism, Foliose, Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy, rbcl, Red algae, Red blades, Systematics, Taxonomy

 Croisettea kalaukapuae sp. nov.

[2] Holotype specimen, male gametophyte (BISH 780911) in situ, collected at Papa’āpoho (Lisianski) at 84 m. 

[3] Paratype specimen (BISH 780917) in situ, collected at Lalo (French Frigate Shoals) at 83 m.  

[4] Live holotype specimen (BISH 780911), cleaned of epiphytes.  

[5] Live holotype specimen (BISH 780917), cleaned of epiphytes.  

[6] Voucher for BISH 780911 (holotype, tetrasporophyte).

Scale bar = 5 cm. 

Croisettea kalaukapuae F.P. Cabrera & A.R. Sherwood sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet kalaukapuae honours Laura Kalaukapu Low Lucas Thompson (1925–2020) for her advocacy for Hawai‘i’s cultural and natural resources, especially her significant contributions to the creation of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, including her role as a founding member of the NWHI Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (see Table S3 for more information on how specific nomenclature was developed using traditional Hawaiian naming practices in collaboration with the Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group, CWG).

 Croisettea haukoaweo sp. nov. 

[14] Pressed voucher for BISH 780919 (holotype, vegetative).  

Croisettea ohelouliuli sp. nov.

[17] Pressed voucher for BISH 780920 (holotype, vegetative). 

[18] Pressed voucher for BISH 780921 (paratype, vegetative). 

Scale bar = 5 cm.

Croisettea haukoaweo F.P. Cabrera & A.R. Sherwood sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet haukoaweo refers to “the vibrant limu entwined with pūko’ako’a (Halimeda sp.) found in the cool deep waters”. The term ‘hau’ in the name also honours Mr. Skippy Hau, conservationist and retired State of Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources staff on Maui, for his lifetime dedication to the ocean and his community (see Table S3 for more details on how the CWG developed the species name).

Croisettea ohelouliuli F.P. Cabrera & A.R. Sherwood sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet ohelouliuli refers to “the dark and vibrant ‘ōhelo” (or algae with no known species attached to it). ‘Ōhelo also describes the colour of the limu in its reference to a mauka (land) plant, Vaccinium reticulatum Smith, and its deep, red-coloured berries and endemicity to Hawai‘i (see Table S3 for more details on how the species name was developed by the CWG).

Croisettea pakualapa F.P. Cabrera & A.R. Sherwood sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet pakualapa refers to “a sprawling, tapered limu found on the ridge” (see Table S3 for more details on how the species name was developed by the CWG).

 

Feresa P. Cabrera, John M. Huisman, Heather L. Spalding, Randall K. Kosaki, Celia M. Smith and Alison R. Sherwood. 2022. Cryptic Diversity in the Genus Croisettea (Kallymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) from Hawaiian Mesophotic Reefs. Phycologia.  DOI: 10.1080/00318884.2022.2096823

  papahanaumokuakea.gov/new-news/2022/08/11/new-limu

 

[Ichthyology • 2022] Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa • A New Species of Fairy Wrasse (Teleostei: Labridae) from the Maldives, with Comments on the Taxonomic Identity of C. rubrisquamis and C. wakanda

Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa

Tea, Najeeb,  Rowlett & Rocha, 2022

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1088.78139 

 twitter.com/FishGuyKai

  twitter.com/CoralReefFish  CalAcademy.org 

Abstract

Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis is redescribed on the basis of the juvenile holotype and compared to known species of Cirrhilabrus. Examination of material from the Maldives identified as C. rubrisquamis reveal differences from the holotype collected from the Chagos Archipelago. Consequently, the Maldivian specimens are herein described as Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa sp. nov., on the basis of the holotype and twelve paratypes. The new species differs from all congeners in having: males with anterior third to half of body bright magenta, peach to orange-pink posteriorly; lateral line with 22–26 pored scales (16–18 in the dorso-anterior series, 6–8 in the posterior peduncular series); tenth to eleventh dorsal-fin spine longest (14.0–15.5% SL); scales on the opercle, chest, isthmus, and anterior third of the body with a dark purple-red central region (purple in alcohol), the markings joining appearing crosshatched; dorsal, caudal, anal, and pelvic-fin rays purple in alcohol. Meristic details and coloration patterns of C. rubrisquamis are very similar to C. wakanda from Tanzania, Africa, although synonymy of both species cannot be determined without additional material from Chagos. This potential synonymy is briefly discussed; however, until such material becomes available, the taxonomic statuses of C. wakanda and C. rubrisquamis are here provisionally regarded as valid.

Keywords: Coral reefs, deep reefs, Indian Ocean, mesophotic, reef fish

Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa sp. nov., underwater photograph from Rasdhoo Atoll, Maldives.

 Photograph by Luiz A. Rocha.

Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa, sp. nov., not to scale
 A male holotype, BPBM 33094, 69.2 mm SL, Vilingili Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives B1, B2 male paratype, AMS I.50058-001, 69.1 mm SL, Hulhumalé Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives, in life and in preservation respectively
C young male paratype, BPBM 41385 (formerly BPBM 33094), 57.6 mm SL, same data as holotype D1, D2 young male paratype, AMS I.50058-001, 59.7 mm SL, Hulhumalé Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives, in life and in preservation respectively
E juvenile paratype, BPBM 41385 (formerly BPBM 33094), 35.8 mm SL, same data as holotype F1, F2 female paratype, AMS I.50058-001, 54.0 mm SL, Hulhumalé Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives, in life and in preservation respectively
G male paratype in life, ZRC 62259, 76.7 mm SL, aquarium specimen from Maldives H male in nuptial colors, aquarium specimen from Maldives, specimen not retained.

 Photographs by the late J.E. Randall (A, C, E), AN (B1–B2, D1–D2, F1–F2), and  Yi-Kai Tea (G, H).

 Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A species of Cirrhilabrus distinguished from congeners based on the following combination of characters: males with anterior third to half of body bright magenta, peach to orange-pink posteriorly; lateral line with 22–26 pored scales (16–18 in the dorso-anterior series, 6–8 in the posterior peduncular series); tenth to eleventh dorsal-fin spine longest (14.0–15.5% SL); scales on the opercle, chest, isthmus, and anterior third of the body with a dark purple-red central region, the markings joining to form a crosshatched appearance (purple in alcohol); dorsal, caudal, anal, and pelvic-fin rays purple in alcohol.

Etymology: The epithet is from the Dhivehi "finifenmaa", meaning rose, alluding to the live coloration of this species. The pink rose fiyatoshi finifenmaa (Rosa spp.) is also the national flower of the Maldives. To be treated as a noun in apposition. The common name is given after the facial patterns of the species.

Habitat and distribution: Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa is presently known from Maldives and Sri Lanka, at depths ranging from 40–70 m (Fig. 4). The species belongs to the C. jordani species complex, a group of deep-water fairy wrasses found mostly in mesophotic coral ecosystems. It is likely that this species occurs in greater depths. Like other species of Cirrhilabrus, C. finifenmaa frequents rubble bottoms scattered with loose coral cover.

Underwater photographs of Cirrhilabrus from the Western Indian Ocean

 A harem of putative Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis. Male depicted in circular inset, females by white arrowheads B putative female C. rubrisquamis C putative terminal male C. rubrisquamis; Photographs taken from video footage provided by K Howell, N Foster, and C Diaz from the University of Plymouth Research Expedition to Egmont Atoll and Sandes Seamount in the Chagos Archipelago, 60–70 m

 D female C. wakanda, underwater photograph from Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa, 75 m E male C. wakanda, underwater photograph from Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa, 75 m F terminal male C. wakanda, underwater photograph from Moyette, off the coast of Mozambique, 100 m. Note fuchsia dorsal fin in all individuals and pale yellowish saddle in males.

 Photographs by Luiz A. Rocha (D, E) and P Plantard (F).

 Yi-Kai Tea, Ahmed Najeeb, Joseph Rowlett and Luiz A. Rocha. 2022. Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa (Teleostei, Labridae), A New Species of Fairy Wrasse from the Maldives, with Comments on the Taxonomic Identity of C. rubrisquamis and C. wakanda. ZooKeys 1088: 65-80. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1088.78139

  twitter.com/FishGuyKai/status/1501228242543398912

  twitter.com/CoralReefFish/status/1501215199252172816

Stunning new-to-science fairy wrasse is first-ever fish described by a Maldivian scientist

Named after the country’s national flower, the species is added to the tree of life as part of Academy’s global Hope for Reefs initiative

CalAcademy.org/press/releases/stunning-new-to-science-fairy-wrasse-is-first-ever-fish-described-by-a-maldivian

[Ichthyology • 2022] Trimma panemorfum • A New Species of Trimma (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from the Deep Reefs of Palau, western Pacific Ocean

Trimma panemorfum

Winterbottom & Pyle, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5094.4.5 

 twitter.com/gobysimon 

Abstract

A new species of Trimma is described from three specimens from deep reefs (91.4 m) at Uchelbeluu Reef, Palau, western Pacific Ocean. Trimma panemorfum n. sp. is characterized by a live colouration of a yellow to orange body with two light blue stripes, each with a ventral bar of the same colour from the anterior origin. The predorsal midline is scaled, opercular and cheek scales are absent, the middle 12–13 pectoral-fin rays are branched, the fifth pelvic-fin ray has two dichotomous branch points (total of four branch tips), the bony interorbital is 34–42% pupil width and does not extend ventrolaterally beyond the fifth papilla of row p, where the posterior interorbital trench is present as a slight groove or absent.

 

Keywords: Pisces, taxonomy, pygmygoby, coral reef gobies, mesophotic coral ecosystems

 Trimma panemorfum n. sp. 

Richard Winterbottom and Richard L. Pyle. 2022. A New Species of Trimma (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Deep Reefs of Palau, western Pacific Ocean. Zootaxa. 5094(4); 595-600. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5094.4.5

  twitter.com/gobysimon/status/1491094623745634304

[Crustacea • 2020] Cancellus heatherae • A New Species of the Hermit Crab Genus Cancellus H. Milne Edwards, 1836 (Decapoda: Diogenidae) from A Mesophotic Deep Bank in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico

Cancellus heatherae  

Felder & Lemaitre, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4890.4.10

Abstract

Recent sampling on mesophotic deep banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico has produced a previously undescribed hermit crab assignable to the genus Cancellus H. Milne Edwards, 1836. Members of the genus are most often found to occupy cavities of eroded coral, siliceous sponges, porous calcareous rock fragments, algal concretions, or worm tubes as shelters. The present specimen was found loose as by-catch in a dredged rhodolith sample taken for algal life history studies. In situ, it likely occupied a cavity within one of the collected calcareous rhodoliths or small sponges in the by-catch. While our description is based on a single female specimen, the holotype is fully mature and intact, and it was solidly frozen in seawater until its coloration could be photographically documented and tissues extracted for sequencing. In comparison to the three other known western Atlantic species, the frontal rim of the carapace shield in the new species is continuous between the blunt lateral teeth as in C. ornatus Benedict, 1901 and C. viridis Mayo, 1873, and thus distinct from the subdivided front found in C. spongicola Benedict, 1901. The rim itself is somewhat flattened as in C. ornatus rather than inflated as in C. viridis. However, each of the ocular scales bears a pair of spines at the tip, as in C. viridis. The lower palms of the chelipeds, while distinctly rugose, do not have a separated patch of stridulating ridges comparable to those reported for C. spongicola. The yellow-orange to deep-orange pigmentation of the color pattern differs from fresh coloration in both C. ornatus and C. viridis, but that of C. spongicola is unknown for other than preserved specimens. Description of the single available specimen is in this case justified by the low likelihood for timely acquiring of additional samples from the type locality or adjacent habitats, most of which are deep banks warranting protection under pending habitat management changes. Our diagnosis includes GenBank accession numbers for COI sequences to facilitate future molecular phylogenetic comparisons.

Keywords: Crustacea, new species, Anomura, Cancellus, mesophotic, Gulf of Mexico

FIGURE 3. Cancellus heatherae n. sp., female holotype, sl 4.0 mm (USNM 1618800 = ULLZ 18309), northwestern Gulf of Mexico: A, habitus, dorsal; B, habitus, right side; C, habitus, ventral; D, sixth tergite and telson, dorsal.
 Cancellus viridis Mayo, 1973, female, sl 2.2 mm (USNM 1544358 = ULLZ 8947), southeastern Gulf of Mexico: E, in carcinoecium, front; F, habitus, dorsal. 
Cancellus ornatus Benedict, 1901, female, sl 6.9 mm (USNM 1539291 = ULLZ 2089), northeastern Gulf of Mexico: G, front; H, habitus, dorsal.

Taxonomy 

Family Diogenidae 

Genus Cancellus H. Milne Edwards, 1836 

Cancellus heatherae n. sp.

Diagnosis. Cephalothoracic shield width not exceeding length; rostrum well developed, angular, produced anteriorly beyond blunt anterolateral projections; narrow flattened frontal rim continuous across front between anterolateral projections, crossing rostrum without disjuncture; dorsal surface with angular depression on either side of shield posterior to rim behind each ocular peduncle. Median calcified plate of cardiac region subrectangular, slightly longer than wide. Ocular acicles armed with 2 spinules distally. Antennal acicle extending anteriorly less than onehalf length of ocular peduncle. Cheliped and second pereopod distal segments adapted to form operculum when withdrawn into habitat opening, outer surfaces of carpus and propodus with concave opercular depression. Cheliped propodus (palm) with opercular depression limited mesially by crest of 7 or 8 marginally denticulate lobes. Second pereopod propodus with opercular depression limited laterally by crest of 5 marginally denticulate lobes. Pleon elongate, with lightly sclerotized transverse tergites dorsally, 4 minute biramous pleopods on left side, depressed longitudinal groove along left side; sixth pleonite greatest width exceeding three-fourths greatest length, anterior lobes to either side of median incision each armed by 7 or 8 strong spines. Uropods and telson symmetrical; telson subovoid, anteriorly with subtriangular median dorsal prominence, posterior margin entire, unarmed except for setae. Color pattern of orange to yellow-orange dominating most dorsal surfaces and superior surfaces of anterior appendages, darker blotches and spots of deeper orange to reddish brown. A diagnostic COI gene sequence available under GenBank accession number MT800937. 

Etymology. This species name “heatherae” is chosen to honor Heather Bracken-Grissom for her extensive contributions to molecular phylogenetic studies of decapod crustaceans, including works focused on hermit crabs and other anomurans populating Gulf of Mexico waters. Her laboratory also generously made available the gene sequences here reported in our diagnosis.

Habitat. The sole specimen was found among rhodoliths and other calcareous rubble on a mesophotic offshore bank at 95 m depth. 

Distribution. The species is known only from the type locality off Louisiana in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, western Atlantic Ocean. 

 Darryl L. Felder and Rafael Lemaitre. 2020. A New Species of the Hermit Crab Genus Cancellus H. Milne Edwards, 1836 from A Mesophotic Deep Bank in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (Crustacea: Decapoda: Diogenidae). Zootaxa. 4890(4); 589–598. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4890.4.10

[Cnidaria • 2020] Blastopathes medusa • A New Genus and Species of Black Coral (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia: Antipatharia: Antipathidae) from Papua New Guinea

Blastopathes medusa 

Horowitz, Brugler, Bridge & Cowman, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4821.3.7  

  twitter.com/JeremyHorowitz3 

 twitter.com/BlackCoralLab

Abstract

Blastopathes medusa gen. nov., sp. nov., is described from Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, based on morphological and molecular data. Blastopathes, assigned to the Antipathidae, is a large, mythology-inspiring black coral characterized by clusters of elongate stem-like branches that extend out at their base and then curve upward. Colonies are not pinnulate and contain single branches, which could represent new branch cluster formations. Morphological and molecular (mitochondrial DNA and targeted capture of nuclear loci) evidence supporting the establishment of a new genus is discussed. This is the first study to utilize the target capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and exonic loci to elucidate phylogenetic relationships among black corals and to identify and place a new genus and species.

Keywords: taxonomy, systematics, ultraconserved elements, targeted capture, igrN, phylogeny, Kimbe Bay

FIGURE 2. Comparison A-B, branching characteristics of Allopathes denhartogi and Blastopathes medusa (A from A. denhartogi holotype RMNH Coel. 31293, B from Blastopathes medusa holotype MTQ G74904); comparison C-D, spine characteristics of A. denhartogi and B. medusa (C from A. denhartogi schizoholotype USNM 1014577, D from B. medusa holotype MTQ G74904).

FIGURE 5. Blastopathes medusa holotype (MTQ G74904):
A, branch cluster on stem; B, branch cluster on branch; C, branchlet on branch.

FIGURE 8. Blastopathes medusa paratypes:
A-C, in-situ images of colonies showing branch clusters (A from paratype MTQ G74911; B from paratype NMAG 1893; C from paratype MTQ G74913); D, paratype (MTQ G74912): section of terminal branch showing eight rows of compressed spines; E, paratype (NMAG 1893): section of branch showing polyp density and tentacle lengths.

 

Jeremy Horowitz, Mercer R. Brugler, Tom C.L. Bridge and Peter F. Cowman. 2020. Morphological and Molecular Description of A New Genus and Species of Black Coral (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Hexacorallia: Antipatharia: Antipathidae: Blastopathes) from Papua New Guinea. Zootaxa. 4821(3); 553–569. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4821.3.7

Researchgate.net/publication/343389767_a_new_genus_and_species_of_black_coral_Blastopathes_from_Papua_New_Guinea

  twitter.com/JeremyHorowitz3/status/1290093215786438669

twitter.com/BlackCoralLab/status/1290123902044209157