[Crustacea • 2026] Nephropsis perexigua • A New Species of Nephropsis Wood-Mason, 1872 (Decapoda: Astacidea: Nephropidae) [the World’s Smallest Clawed Lobster]

Nephropsis perexigua

Chan & Chang, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jcbiol/ruag015 

Abstract

Several small specimens of a clawed lobster recently collected off the island of Guadeloupe in the West Indies and originally reported as Nephropsis aculeata Smith, 1881 are found to represent a species new to science. The new species, N. perexigua sp. nov., can be readily separated from N. aculeata by the absence of a dorsal median carina in the abdomen. Nephropsis perexigua sp. nov. actually closely resembles N. pygmaea Chang, Chan & Kumar, 2020 from the West Pacific, but differs in the abdomen being smooth. The shape of the posteromesial plate on the coxa of the pereiopod III is also distinctly different among males of N. perexiguasp. nov., N. aculeata, and N. pygmaea. The large sequence divergence in the barcoding gene COI supports the distinct specific status of the new species. With the carapace length of the largest specimen being 12.1 mm and the smallest ovigerous female only 10.0 mm, N. perexiguasp. nov. is the world’s smallest clawed lobster so far known. An updated key to the species of Nephropsis Wood-Mason, 1872 is provided.

Nephropsis perexigua sp. nov.

Tin-Yam Chan and Su-Ching Chang. 2026. Description of the World’s Smallest Clawed Lobster, A New Species of Nephropsis Wood-Mason, 1872 (Decapoda: Astacidea: Nephropidae). Journal of Crustacean Biology. 46(2); ruag015. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jcbiol/ruag015 [10 April 2026 ]

 

[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

[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

[Crustacea • 2025] Trichocallia delicatula • A New Genus and Species of the Ghost-shrimp Family Callianideidae (Decapoda: Axiidea) from the Caribbean coast of Panama

Trichocallia delicatula   

Anker, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2025.65.009

Abstract   

A peculiar new species of ghost-shrimp from Bocas del Toro Archipelago on the Caribbean coast of Panama is assigned to the genus Trichocallia gen. nov. in the family Callianideidae. The holotype and presently the only known specimen of Trichocallia delicatula sp. nov. was collected with a suction pump on a silty-muddy bottom under a network of decomposing and partly overgrown mangrove roots. The new genus appears to be most closely related to Callianidea H. Milne Edwards, 1837, with two species in the Indo-West Pacific, and Paracallianidea Sakai, 1992, with two species, one in the western Atlantic and one in the eastern Pacific.

Keywords: Malacostraca, Decapod crustacean, New taxon, Caribbean Sea, West Atlantic, Marine biodiversity

Trichocallia gen. nov.  

 Trichocallia delicatula sp. nov. 

Arthur Anker. 2025. A New Genus and Species of the Ghost-shrimp Family Callianideidae from the Caribbean coast of Panama (Decapoda: Axiidea). Papéis Avulsos De Zoologia. 65; e202565009.  DOI: doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2025.65.009

[Crustacea • 2026] Palaemon bijagosensis • A New Species of Palaemon (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae) from the tropical eastern Atlantic

 

Palaemon bijagosensis

Fransen & Wirtz, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1163/15685403-bja10509 

Abstract

Fieldwork in the Bijagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau, in 2023, yielded specimens of a species of Palaemon new to science. The specimens are herein described, illustrated, and compared with related species. We obtained sequences of the mitochondrial markers 16S and COI, as well as of the nuclear marker H3 of the Palaemon specimens from the Bijagos Islands. We used these sequences to analyse the phylogenetic position of the new species within the genus Palaemon. The new species is most closely related to P. floridanus and P. northropi from the tropical western Atlantic.

Keywords: Decapoda; Caridea; Palaemon; new species; phylogeny; East Atlantic

Palaemon bijagosensis spec. nov., live specimen. Photo credit Peter Wirtz.

Taxonomy 

Family Palaemonidae Rafinesque, 1815 

Genus Palaemon Weber, 1795 

Palaemon bijagosensis spec. nov.  

Etymology.— The specific name is after the archipelago where the type material was collected.

 Charles H.J.M. Fransen and Peter Wirtz. 2026. A New Species of Palaemon (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae) from the tropical eastern Atlantic. Crustaceana. 1–36. DOI: doi.org/10.1163/15685403-bja10509 [30 Jan 2026]

[Cnidaria • 2025] Endolobactis simoesii (Cnidaria: Actiniaria) • A New Species of Sea Anemone from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Endolobactis simoesii

 González-Muñoz, Rodríguez, Durán-Fuentes & Acuña, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.3.5

Abstract

A new genus and species of sea anemone belonging to the family Actiniidae, Endolobactis simoesii gen. et sp. nov., is described. A comprehensive description is provided, including information on its external and internal anatomical features, cnidome, and size ranges and distribution of cnidae, accompanied by images of live specimens and their histological characteristics. The most distinctive feature of E. simoesii gen. et sp. nov. is the frond-like marginal projections located on exclusively endocoelic lobes. This contrasts with other genera in Actiniidae that exhibit similar marginal projections, which are commonly referred to as a “marginal ruff.” In addition, E. simoesii gen. et sp. nov. has more mesenteries proximally than distally. These and other differences between E. simoesii gen. et sp. nov. and other genera within Actiniidae with similar features are discussed in detail. With the inclusion of E. simoesii gen. et sp. nov., the number of documented sea anemone species along the Mexican Atlantic coast increases to 24.

 

Coelenterata, Actiniidae, sea anemone, Endolobactis simoesii

 Endolobactis simoesii gen. et sp. nov.

Ricardo GONZÁLEZ-MUÑOZ, Estefanía RODRÍGUEZ, Jefersón DURÁN-FUENTES and Fabián H. ACUÑA. 2025. Endolobactis simoesii gen. et sp. nov. (Cnidaria: Actiniaria), A New Species of Sea Anemone from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.  Zootaxa. 5722(3); 391-407. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.3.5 [2025-11-20]

[Invertebrate • 2021] Magelona brachypalpata • A Review of the Magelonidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) of Northeast America, including A Description of A New Species and re-descriptions of Magelona riojai and M. sacculata

 

Magelona brachypalpata

Mortimer, Blake & Harrendence, 2021

 DOI: 10.2988/0006-324X-134.1.209  

 twitter.com/CardiffCurator

 

Abstract

A new species of Magelona is described based on collections from off Long Island, New York that are identical to an undescribed species reported by M. L. Jones (1968) from the vicinity of Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The species is herein named (Magelona brachypalpata, new species) and described. The new species belongs to the ‘Magelona mirabilis group,' possessing a rounded prostomium, lacking prostomial horns, and having specialized chaetae on chaetiger nine. The new species is most similar to M. riojai and M. sacculata, both of which are here redescribed. Additionally, a dichotomous identification key to the known magelonid species of the northeastern American coast and a worldwide pictorial identification key to the ‘M. mirabilis' group of magelonids are provided.

Magelona brachypalpata, new species

Kate Mortimer, James A. Blake and Kelsey Harrendence. 2021. A Review of the Magelonidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) of Northeast America, including A Description of A New Species and re-descriptions of Magelona riojai and Magelona sacculata. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington. 134(1); 209–242. DOI: 10.2988/0006-324X-134.1.209 

  twitter.com/CardiffCurator/status/1447467272868618242

[Crustacea • 2025] Mysidopsis canariensis • A New Dpecies of Mysidopsis (Mysida: Mysidae) from the Canary and Cape Verde Archipelagos

Mysidopsis canariensis   

Wittmann, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e139475

In-situ photos by Dennis Rabeling and Sabina López Suárez

Abstract

Background: Within the subfamily Leptomysinae (Family Mysidae), the tribe Mysidopsini has five here acknowledged genera and 74 extant species. It embraces the genera Americamysis with six species from the coasts of the NW-Atlantic (Narragansett Bay to Florida), the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico; Brasilomysis with two species from the SW-Atlantic off Brazilian shores and from the Pacific coast of Ecuador; Cubanomysis with three species from the Caribbean, Gulf of California and southern California; Metamysidopsis with ten species from the Atlantic coasts of the USA to Brazil, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and E-Pacific from California to Panama; and, finally, the globally occurring Mysidopsis. Not counting the below-described new species and one fossil species, the latter genus comprises 53 extant species and one non-nominotypical subspecies. With regard to the great number of species, this genus is comparatively homogeneous, not considering the monotypic subgenera Pseudomysidopsis and Mysidopsoides.

New information: Mysidopsis canariensis sp. nov. is described from five islands of the Canaries and two islands of the Cape Verdes (NE-Atlantic). Records are from depths of 5 to 30 m, mainly over sand, also on stones and rock. It differs from the remaining NE-Atlantic and Mediterranean congeners amongst other features by the lateral margins of the telson distally having a longer bare portion. Amongst these species, it differs from its northern vicariants M. iluroensis and M. gibbosa in addition by fewer spines on the endopod of uropods. In-situ-photos of M. canariensis sp. nov. document at least six strongly different colour variants, four of which are strikingly similar to corresponding variants of M. jenseni from the NE-Pacific coast. The latter differs from all species of the E-Atlantic, including the new one, by a mid-dorsal lappet near the caudal margin of the female carapace. A key to the species of Mysidopsis from the E-Atlantic and Mediterranean is given.

Keywords: taxonomy, first description, colour variants, key to species, East Atlantic, Macaronesian islands

Habitus and colour variants in adult females of Mysidopsis canariensis sp. nov. from shallow sandy bottoms in Lanzarote (A, C) and Gran Canaria (B).

In-situ photos by Dennis Rabeling (A, C) and Sabina López Suárez (B), with permission.

 Karl J. Wittmann. 2025. A New Dpecies of Mysidopsis (Crustacea, Mysida) from the Canary and Cape Verde archipelagos. Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e139475. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e139475

[Paleontology • 2025] Chiloconger aflorens, Dasyscopelus inopinatus, ... • Remarkable Dominance of myctophid otoliths in Upper Miocene Chagres Formation, Caribbean Panama

  

The Piña assemblage, represents a rare fossil record of a mesopelagic fish-dominated ecosystem linked to coastal upwelling during the Late Miocene

Reconstruction of Late Miocene mesopelagic fish-dominated ecosystem in Caribbean Panama.

 Artwork by Yun-Kae Kiang.

in Lin​ et O’Dea, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20155

  x.com/otolith_lin 

Abstract 

Marine fossils from the Upper Miocene Chagres Formation in northern Panama offer critical insights into the paleoenvironmental conditions and ecological responses prior to the separation of the Atlantic from the Pacific by the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. Here we present a systematic study based on more than 6,200 otoliths collected from a coastal exposure near the town of Piña, Colón. This assemblage is remarkable for the extraordinary dominance of the family Myctophidae, constituting over 96% of specimens. The otolith density in the sediments is among the richest known globally (278.80 ± 135.59 otoliths/kg). The taxonomic composition is represented by 31 taxa across 12 families, including four new species: namely Chiloconger aflorens sp. nov., Dasyscopelus inopinatus sp. nov., Hoplostethus boyae sp. nov., and Malakichthys schwarzhansi sp. nov. Taphonomic evidence, combined with abundant predatory marine vertebrate fossils and extensive burrow ichnofossils, indicates a dynamic and highly productive nearshore ecosystem. The dominance of myctophids and multiple lines of evidence support the existence of a Late Miocene coastal upwelling system in the region, highlighted by efficient trophic transfer channeled from high primary production to apex predators. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of Neogene marine ecosystems prior to the final emergence of the Isthmus of Panama.

Reconstruction of Late Miocene mesopelagic fish-dominated ecosystem in Caribbean Panama.
The illustration highlights key taxa, including lanternfish, hatchetfish, billfish, Isistius sharks, Otodus megalodon, Isthminia panamensis, and Lepidochelys sea turtle.

 Artwork by Yun-Kae Kiang.

 

Chien-Hsiang Lin​ and Aaron O’Dea. 2025. Remarkable Dominance of myctophid otoliths in Upper Miocene Chagres Formation, Caribbean Panama. PeerJ. 13:e20155. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20155 [October 17, 2025]

 x.com/otolith_lin/status/1979392035296809357

[Ichthyology • 2025] Micropterus pucpuggy & M. calliurus • Two New Species of Micropterus (Centrarchiformes: Centrarchidae) endemic to Atlantic Slope river drainages in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, U.S.A.

 

Micropterus pucpuggy
Micropterus calliurus

Freeman & Freeman

in Freeman, Scott, Petersen, Bayona-Vásquez, Taylor, Hilburn, Freeman et Wares, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5683.1.3 

Abstract

We describe as new species Micropterus pucpuggy Freeman & Freeman (Bartram’s Bass), sp. nov., and Micropterus calliurus Freeman & Freeman (Altamaha Bass), sp. nov., which occur allopatrically in four river systems draining the Atlantic Slope of the southeastern United States. In recent decades, biologists and anglers have acknowledged the existence of these two distinctive taxa of black bass, both of which were previously considered synonymous with M. coosae Hubbs & Bailey (Redeye Bass). However, introgression with non-native congeners that have been widely introduced for sport-fishing (including M. henshalli Hubbs & Bailey and M. dolomieu Lacepède) has confounded formal description of M. pucpuggy and M.calliurus. We examined mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear gene sequences of candidate type-specimens of M. pucpuggy and M. calliurus. We then used reduced-representation, short-read sequencing of candidate types along with specimens of six other Micropterus species to identify a series of non-introgressed individuals for each of the two new species. Micropterus pucpuggy and M. calliurus are each reciprocally monophyletic in both mitochondrial and RADseq phylogenies and are diagnosable from all other Micropterus species and from each other in chromatic fin coloration, body pigmentation, and other morphological attributes.

Pisces, Redeye Basses, Micropterus coosae, Black Basses, Altamaha Bass, Bartram’s Bass

(A, B) Holotype of Micropterus pucpuggy sp. nov. (GMNH Catalog no. 69437, 194.5 mm SL; A, in life; B, in alcohol).
(C, D) Holotype of Micropterus calliurus sp. nov. (GMNH Catalog no., 54394, 176.6 mm SL; C, in life; D, in alcohol).
(E) M. pucpuggy paratopotype (GMNH Catalog no. 69439, 217.5 mm SL). (F, G) M. pucpuggy x M. henshalli hybrids from (F) same locale as holotype (GMNHTC 16663, 222 mm SL) and (G) from Chauga River (GMNHTC 16748, 161.5 mm SL).
(H, I, J) Micropterus calliurus paratypes from Little River (H; GMNH Catalog no. 53907, 129.8 mm SL), Jack’s Creek (I; NCSM 117010, 120.25 mm SL), and Tobesofkee Creek (J; GMNH Catalog no. 69454, 182.25 mm SL). Asterisks denote holotypes.

Micropterus pucpuggy Freeman & Freeman (Bartram’s Bass), sp. nov., 

Micropterus calliurus Freeman & Freeman (Altamaha Bass), sp. nov.,

Byron J. FREEMAN, Mark C. SCOTT, Kelly N. PETERSEN, Natalia J. BAYONA-VÁSQUEZ, Andrew T. TAYLOR, Bryson G. HILBURN, Mary C. FREEMAN and John P. WARES. 2025. Two New Species of Micropterus (Centrarchidae) endemic to Atlantic Slope river drainages in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, U.S.A. Zootaxa. 5683(1); 67-89. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5683.1.3  [2025-08-19]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Mobula yarae • An Integrative Taxonomy Investigation unravels A Cryptic Species of Mobula Rafinesque, 1810 (Myliobatiformes: Mobulidae), from the Atlantic Ocean

 

Mobula yarae   Bucair & Marshall, 

in Bucair, Hinojosa-Alvarez, Marshall, Pate, Francini,  Garrido, Capel, Loboda, Monteiro, Bruno, Vaga, Dove, Hoopes, Perry et Kitahara, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10641-025-01727-2 

 facebook.com/novataxa 

Abstract

Manta and devil rays comprise a vulnerable animal group with a complex nomenclatural history and a somewhat unresolved taxonomy. The existence of a putative undescribed species of manta ray in the Atlantic Ocean has been proposed for over 15 years. Molecular assessments have been crucial for improving our understanding of the evolutionary history and, therefore, species delimitation of this threatened group. Herein, morphological and molecular data from Western Atlantic specimens support the formal description of a new taxon assigned to the genus Mobula Rafinesque, 1810. Morphologically, this new mobulid species differs from its closest congeners (i.e., Mobula birostris and Mobula alfredi) on the stellate-shaped dermal denticle form and non-bifurcate ramification, the characteristic dorsal surface with V-shaped supra-branchial patches, ventral colour patterns, presence and feature of a caudal bulb with a residual spine, 9 to 13 rows of teeth, and overall morphometrics. Based on nearly complete mitochondrial genome and nuclear data, phylogeny reconstructions recovered the new species as a monophyletic lineage closely related to M. birostris and M. alfredi. To date, the new manta ray species has been recorded only in Atlantic waters, inhabiting oceanic islands and archipelagos as well as coastal and estuarine regions, areas under major threats due to pollution, boat strikes, coastal fisheries, and habitat degradation. Unfortunately, the species has been reported caught as bycatch, being either discarded, shared, or sold, in addition to boat strike and entanglement reports, suggesting that this new mobulid species, like all other mobulids, is likely threatened.

 

Keywords: Biodiversity, Conservation, Manta ray, Mobulids, Systematics

Distinct colouration of manta ray species. Dorsal and ventral colouration pattern of
Mobula birostris a, d, M. alfredi b, e, and Mobula yarae sp. nov. c, f.

Photo credits: Leo Francini a; Guy Stevens | Manta Trust b, e; Rawany Porfilho c; Mauricio Andrade d; and Nayara Bucair f

Order Myliobatiformes.

Family Mobulidae Gill, 1893.

Genus Mobula Rafinesque, 1810.

Mobula yarae sp. nov. Bucair & Marshall

Colour morphs variation on the regular spectrum of Mobula yarae sp. nov.
 Dorsal (column a and b) and ventral (column c and d) colouration pattern disparity. Photo credits/sources: Projeto Mantas do Brasil and Marine Megafauna Foundation database

Nayara Bucair, Silvia Hinojosa-Alvarez, Andrea Denise Marshall, Jessica Pate, Carlo Leopoldo Bezerra Francini, Amana Guedes Garrido, Katia Cristina Cruz Capel, Thiago Silva Loboda, Jhonatas Sirino Monteiro, Carlos Eduardo Malavasi Bruno, Claudia Francesca Vaga, Alistair D. M. Dove, Lisa A. Hoopes, Cameron Perry  and Marcelo V. Kitahara. 2025. An Integrative Taxonomy Investigation unravels A Cryptic Species of Mobula Rafinesque, 1810 (Mobulidae, Myliobatiformes), from the Atlantic Ocean. Environmental Biology of Fishes. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10641-025-01727-2  [23 July 2025]

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-identify-a-new-manta-ray-species-just-the-third-known-in-the-world-180987109/

[Ichthyology • 2025] Rypticus africanus • Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of the Soapfish Genus Rypticus (Perciformes: Grammistidae) from the eastern Atlantic Ocean

 

Rypticus africanus   

 Araujo, Sampaio, Rocha & Ferreira, 2025

African soapfish | Peixe sabão africano  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70132 

Abstract

A new species of the soapfish genus Rypticus is described based on 14 specimens from the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The new species was previously misidentified as the greater soapfish, R. saponaceus, due to their similar appearance. However, it differs from R. saponaceus in several key characteristics, including a comparatively shorter head, snout and upper jaw, and a deeper body. Molecular data, obtained from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene, strongly suggest the monophyly of the new species and support its description as new.

Keywords: Biogeography, cryptic species, DNA barcode, Gulf of Guinea, Isthmus of Panama, reef fish

(a–c) Rypticus africanus from São Tomé and Príncipe, illustrating the variation in colour pattern between individuals: (a) São Tomé Island, (b, c) Príncipe Island
and (d) R. saponaceus from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, shown for comparison.

Rypticus africanus Araujo, Sampaio, Rocha & Ferreira, new species

English proposed common name: African soapfish.

Portuguese (São Tome and Príncipe) proposed common name: Peixe sabão africano.

Diagnosis: A species of Rypticus distinguished from its congeners by the following unique combination of characters: dorsal-fin spines always three vs. two/typically two in Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill 1818), Rypticus bornoi Beebe & Tee-Van 1928, Rypticus courtenayi McCarthy 1979, Rypticus maculatus Holbrook 1855, and R. nigripinnis, and almost always four in Rypticus carpenteri Baldwin & Weigt, 2012; head length 30.0%–35.3% of SL (average 33.5%) vs. 35.0%–39% (average 36.88%) in R. bicolor; body depth 34.2%–40.5% of SL (average 36.2%) vs. 26%–34% (average 30.0%) in Rypticus randalli Courtenay, 1967; body brown to dark grey, with the head and sides displaying numerous or sparse pale, spots of variable size vs. lighter background coloration with several widely scattered small dark spots; head shorter than body depth vs. head larger than body depth in R. saponaceus.

Etymology: The specific name africanus is given for the known distribution of the new species and its probable widespread distribution off the coast of west Africa.

Gabriel Soares Araujo, Cláudio L. S. Sampaio, Luiz A. Rocha and Carlos Eduardo Ferreira Leite. 2025. Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of the Soapfish Genus Rypticus (Teleostei: Grammistidae) from the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70132 [21 July 2025]

[Mollusca • 2025] Pararosa vigarae • The Accordion Worm: A New Genus and Species of heteronemertean (Nemertea: Pilidiophora) from Galicia (Spain)

  

Pararosa vigarae  Junoy & Verdes, 

in Verdes, Gracia-Sancha, Pérez-Dieste, Conejero, Campos, Leiva, Taboada, Riesgo et Junoy, 2025.

Accordion worm | gusano acordeón  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250313

Abstract

Ribbon worms (Nemertea) are a less-known group of invertebrates, specially challenging for taxonomic studies due to the scarcity of external morphological features. As a consequence, the number of known nemertean species might represent just a small fraction of the true diversity of the phylum. The present study increases the number of known ribbon worm species with the description of the accordion worm Pararosa vigarae sp. nov., a new genus and species of Heternonemertea from the northwest coast of Spain. We performed molecular phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and histone H3 gene markers that indicated the newly identified specimens represent a new genus and species of heteronemertean in the family Lineidae. We also provide morphological data and images illustrating its unique behaviour, contracting its body into a series of rings similar to an accordion. Our results increase our knowledge on the diversity of an important but often overlooked invertebrate phylum and emphasize the need to combine morphological and molecular data to discover new ribbon worm species and better evaluate the true diversity of the phylum.

Keywords: accordion worm, Heteronemertea, Lineidae, Nemertea, Pararosa vigarae, ribbon worm

 

 Live images of Pararosa vigarae sp. nov.
 (A) Dorso-lateral view of head, showing cephalic slits; (B) anterior end, dorso-lateral view, showing detail of head tip; (C) ventral view of head, the mouth appears as a whitish middle line just behind the cephalic slits; (D) complete specimen with contracted body, showing epidermal rings; (E) dorsal view of complete specimen in a relaxed state, showing epidermal rings.

PILIDIOPHORA Thollesson and Norenburg, 2003

Class HETERONEMERTEA Coe (1901)

Family LINEIDAE McIntosh, 1874

Genus Pararosa gen. nov.

Diagnosis. Heteronemertean with a single pair of horizontal lateral cephalic slits which posteriorly form deep intramuscular canals; proboscis simple, unbranched; nervous system without neurochord or neurochord cells; dermis thick, glandular region separated from body wall muscles by well-developed connective tissue layer; blood system with cephalic lacunae; frontal sensory organs consisting of three simple ciliated pits located at the tip of the head; eyes absent.

Etymology. The name refers to the type locality of the type species, the ría de Arosa, preceded by the Spanish word par (pair), referring to the two localities where the specimens were collected. The name of the type locality in Spanish is feminine, and thus the new genus name is also feminine.

Type species. Pararosa vigarae sp. nov.

Pararosa vigarae sp. nov. Junoy & Verdes

Diagnosis. Heteronemertean with brown to dark green body, head shape retuse; ocelli absent; contracts into regular rings that persist as annular constrictions when stretched.

Etymology. Named after Rosa Vigara, wife of the senior author, as a gift for their golden wedding anniversary. Specific epithet is a noun, in reference to the last name Vigara.

Common name. Accordion worm. 

Spanish common name: gusano acordeón.

 

Aida Verdes, Carlota Gracia-Sancha, Jacinto Pérez-Dieste, María Conejero, Patricia Alvarez Campos, Carlos Leiva, Sergi Taboada, Ana Riesgo and Juan Junoy. 2025. The Accordion Worm: A New Genus and Species of heteronemertean (Nemertea, Pilidiophora) from Galicia (Spain). R. Soc. Open Sci. 12; 250313. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250313 [07 May 2025]

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Hypoplectrus espinosai (Teleostei: Serranidae) • A New hamlet on Coral Reefs in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico

Phenotypic variation of Hypoplectrus espinosai 

Puebla, Aguilar-Perera, Robertson & Domínguez-Domínguez, 

 

  in Puebla, Aguilar-Perera, Helmkampf, Robertson, C.J. Estapé, A.M. Estapé et Domínguez-Domínguez, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.4.3

Photographs from Alacranes reef by Carlos and Allison Estapé (a, b, c, d), Isai Dominguez Guerrero (e), and Alfonso Aguilar-Perera (f).

Abstract

The hamlets (Hypoplectrus spp., Teleostei: Serranidae) are a group of small predatory reef-associated fishes endemic to the tropical northwestern Atlantic that are characterized by an exceptionally high diversification rate. Currently 18 species are recognized, with seven described or redescribed in the last 14 years. Here, we describe the Campeche Bank hamlet, Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. As indicated by its common name, this species is distributed throughout the Campeche Bank in the southwest Gulf of Mexico. Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. differs from two similar hamlets, the butter hamlet H. unicolor (Walbaum) and the Veracruz hamlet H. castroaguirrei Del Moral Flores, Tello-Musi & Martínez-Pérez in terms of geographic distribution and color pattern. Furthermore, phylogenetic and population genetic analyses based on whole-genome data from 68 individuals indicate that H. espinosai sp. nov. is genetically distinct from H. unicolor and H. castroaguirrei.

Pisces, Gulf of Mexico, Campeche Bank, Serranidae, reef fishes, hamlets, Hypoplectrus

Phenotypic variation of Hypoplectrus espinosai sp.  nov. A black saddle blotch covers the caudal  peduncle  and extends over the posterior part of the body, sometimes over the posterior border of the dorsal fin. Note the consistency of the thin vertical lines.

Photographs from Alacranes reef by Carlos and Allison Estapé (a, b, c, d), Isai Dominguez Guerrero (e), and Alfonso Aguilar-Perera (f).

Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. Puebla, Aguilar-Perera, Robertson & Domínguez-Domínguez 2025 

English common name: Campeche Bank hamlet 

Spanish common names: mero del Banco de Campeche (AFS), vaca del Banco de Campeche (FAO), hamlet del Banco de Campeche (vernacular) 

Diagnosis. Hypoplectrus  espinosai sp.  nov. is distinguished  from  all named congeners  by  coloration. Body white with thin vertical lines but no bars (or very faint). Black spot on snout surrounded by electric blue lines. Caudal peduncle entirely covered by black saddle blotch, which extends over posterior part of body, and sometimes over posterior part of dorsal fin. Black saddle blotch is more extensive than in H. unicolor. Black eye-mask characteristic of H. castroaguirrei absent.

Etymology. We assign the species name espinosai sp. nov. in honor of Héctor Salvador Espinosa Pérez (1954–2022), a dedicated Mexican ichthyologist, founder of the Mexican Ichthyological Society and curator of the Mexican National Fish Collection. The common name refers  to  the  geographic distribution of the species, the  Campeche Bank off the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, Mexico.

Oscar PUEBLA, Alfonso AGUILAR-PERERA, Martin HELMKAMPF, D. Ross ROBERTSON, Carlos J. ESTAPÉ, Allison Morgan ESTAPÉ and Omar DOMÍNGUEZ-DOMÍNGUEZ. 2025. Hypoplectrus espinosai sp. nov. (Teleostei: Serranidae), A New hamlet on Coral Reefs in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Zootaxa. 5618(4); 509-524. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5618.4.3 [2025-04-04]

[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]