[Ichthyology • 2025] Careproctus colliculi, C. yanceyi & Paraliparis em • Descriptions of Three Newly Discovered Abyssal Snailfishes (Scorpaeniformes: Liparidae) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean

 

Careproctus colliculi Gerringer, 

in Gerringer, Suplicz, Palmeri, Fregosi, Woodworth, McMahon, Shepard, Peoples et Drazen, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024069

Abstract  

Three species of snailfishes (family Liparidae) are described from single collections based on morphological and genetic evidence, from the eastern abyssal Pacific, depths 3,268–4,119 m. Careproctus colliculi, new species, the Bumpy Snailfish, can be identified by its pink color in life, 22 pectoral-fin rays (uppermost rays long), round head, eight caudal rays, large eye, and well-developed pterygiophores that form a large suction disk. Careproctus yanceyi, new species, the Dark Snailfish, bears a moderate ventral suction disk (<3% standard length), single nostrils, six branchiostegal rays, and is distinct from other eastern Pacific deepwater snailfishes in having a fully black body with a rounded head and horizontal mouth. Additional defining characters include a small gill opening located entirely above the pectoral fin, two pectoral radials, and 22 pectoral-fin rays. Paraliparis em, new species, the Sleek Snailfish, is distinguished from other snailfishes by its long, black, laterally compressed body, absence of a suction disk, prominently angled jaw, single pectoral-fin radial, anteriorly positioned anus, and five branchiostegal rays. Each of these three taxa has a distinct mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence compared to all other sequenced snailfishes. Genetically, Paraliparis em, new species, is most similar to P. wolffi from the Crozet Basin in the Indian Ocean, as well as bearing similarity to the northeastern Pacific snailfishes P. megalopus and P. ulochir, together known as Paraliparis Clade I. Careproctus yanceyi, new species, shows little similarity in COI sequences to other taxa and perhaps represents a distinct clade in the family. The COI sequence of Careproctus colliculi, new species, fits in the Osteocareprocta clade, most similar to Careproctus continentalis, C. discoveryae, C. longipectoralis, and Osteodiscus cascadiae. Paraliparis em, new species, and Careproctus yanceyi, new species, show significant morphological and genetic divergence from one another, despite both being black snailfishes collected on the same submersible dive. These findings reveal cryptic diversity in deep-sea snailfishes and highlight the necessity of combined imaging, morphological, and genetic approaches to studying fish biodiversity. These three newly discovered species begin to fill an important sampling gap for the family Liparidae and demonstrate the importance of snailfishes in communities of the abyssal seafloor.

In situ imagery of Careproctus colliculi, collected by the ROV Doc Ricketts, 3,263 m, Monterey Bay, California, USA. Copyright: MBARI (used with permission).

Careproctus colliculi Gerringer, new species

  Bumpy Snailfish

Diagnosis.—Careproctus colliculi is distinguished from other eastern Pacific deep-water congeners by its well-developed suction disk, anteriorly positioned anus, simple canine teeth, 22 pectoral-fin rays, the upper ∼4 of which extend well beyond the other rays, round head, eight caudal-fin rays, large eye, and pink coloration with bumpy flesh, particularly anteriorly, in life.

Etymology.—Careproctus colliculi is named for the distinctive small bumps (from the Greek) that cover the skin, particularly the head and anterior portion of the fish in life (Fig. 5).

Careproctus yanceyi Gerringer, new species

  Dark Snailfish

Diagnosis.—Careproctus yanceyi is distinguished from other deep-water congeners in the eastern Pacific by the combination of the following characters: black body with rounded head and horizontal mouth, simple canine teeth, along with a moderate, but developed ventral suction disk (<3% SL), and small gill opening located entirely above the pectoral fin, which has 22 fin rays and two pectoral radials.

Etymology.—It is a privilege to name this species in recognition of Dr. Paul Yancey, Whitman College, USA, to honor his significant contributions to the field of deep-sea biology and fish physiology and in sincere gratitude for his generous mentorship and support.

Paraliparis em Gerringer, new species

  Sleek Snailfish

Etymology.—Paraliparis em is named after its collection site, Station M, where it has been regularly observed. The name honors the invaluable contribution of time series data, such as those from Station M, and the many people who make long-term monitoring of biological communities possible.

Mackenzie E. Gerringer, Sarah Suplicz, Jessica L. Palmeri, Lydia Fregosi, Brett H. Woodworth, Emily McMahon, Samantha Shepard, Logan M. Peoples and Jeffrey C. Drazen. 2025. Descriptions of Three Newly Discovered Abyssal Snailfishes (Liparidae) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 113(3); 487-506. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024069 (27 August 2025)

[Ichthyology • 2025] Prionotus pictus • A New endemic Species of Searobin (Scorpaeniformes: Triglidae) from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Prionotus pictus 

 Victor, 2025

oceansciencefoundation.org/josf43b.html

A new endemic searobin, Prionotus pictus n. sp., is described from the Galapagos Archipelago in Ecuador. The prior literature generally assumed that all Prionotus searobins in the archipelago were Prionotus miles, discovered by Charles Darwin on San Cristobal (Chatham Island) and described as endemic by Jenyns (1842). However, almost all underwater photographs from the islands, and surprisingly few museum specimens (three out of dozens), prove to be a quite different-appearing and colorful species. The new species is the island sister species to Prionotus albirostris which is found on deeper trawling grounds along the continental shelf, from Baja California to Peru. The second species found in the Archipelago, Darwin's Prionotus miles, is uncommonly observed, rarely photographed underwater, and so far accounts for only a handful of the hundreds of searobins photographed in Galapagos. The COI mtDNA sequence (DNA barcode) of P. miles shows that it is an island sister species of continental Prionotus stephanophrys (4.87% sequence divergent), which it resembles in a number of basic features, in particular the smooth and gently sloping head and body shape and relatively shorter pectoral fins. A review of the original P. miles holotype and other museum specimens show that P. miles has been inadequately described and guidebooks typically amalgamate and combine characters of the two species, and almost all use photographs of P. pictus to illustrate P. miles. Prionotus pictus is distinguished from P. miles (and P. stephanophrys) by a concave, sharply sloped, duck-billed head profile with more prominent head spines; longer, colorful, and prominently spotted pectoral fins; a triangular spinous dorsal-fin outline with the second spine longest following a stout and serrated first spine of almost the same length; no black blotches on the distal fourth or fifth dorsal-spine membranes; thicker, prominently banded, free pectoral (walking) rays; and a variety of head, fin, and body markings. The new species differs from continental P. albirostris in having a rounded snout (vs. squared off) and distinctive colorful and contrasting patterns (hence pictus meaning 'painted'). It is notable that a large, conspicuous, and relatively common new endemic fish species has eluded recognition for this long.

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, coral-reef fishes, marine biogeography, gurnard, Painted Searobin, DNA barcoding, Charles Darwin, Leonard Jenyns

 

Prionotus pictus n. sp.
 Tagus Cove, Isla Isabela, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador (Carlos J. Estape).
colorful pattern, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador (Roger Uzun, shutterstock.com).

Prionotus pictus n. sp.
 juvenile, Tagus Cove, Isla Isabela, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador (Frank Krasovec).
newly settled juvenile, Tagus Cove, Isla Isabela, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador (William Bensted-Smith).

Prionotus pictus, n. sp. 

Painted Searobin, Gallineta Pintada

Diagnosis. Dorsal-fin rays X,12; anal-fin rays 11; pectoral-fin rays 14 plus three ventral free rays; pelvic-fin rays I,5; first dorsal fin nearly triangular, first three spines about equal in length, second spine longest, first spine slightly shorter, third spine slighly shorter than second, anterior margin of first spine with pronounced serrations; membranes without a black spot or ocellus specifically on fourth or fifth membranes; pectoral fins fan-shaped semicircular when expanded and long, usually reaching to last third of second-dorsal-fin base or beyond when flat (but variable); snout concave, sharply rising, duck-billed profile, eyes protruding well above profile, snout broadly rounded from dorsal view, no prominent rostral extensions or spiny edges to lachrymal plate; nasal cirrus present, about twice length of nasal opening, no supraocular cirrus; mouth relatively small, lower jaw subterminal and without a knob; head with prominent bony plates, ridges and granulations; head spines comprising preocular, postocular, sphenotic, pterotic, parietal, nuchal, opercular, preopercular (without a supplemental spine), and a cleithral (humeral) spine over pectoral fin (rostral, preorbital, and suborbital spines absent and no postfrontal groove); scales ctenoid and small, about 48 pored lateral-line scales, about 94 vertical rows of lateral scales, nuchal and opercular-flap scales present, ventral scales extend forward just past level of anterior insertion of pelvic fins. Color pattern from common brownish orange pattern to blotched in colors varying from brown to red, to a darker, almost black-and-white pattern; often bright orange ventrally; white patches like splashed paint on head and body in individual unique patterns; a line of prominent white spots highlighting some of the pored lateral-line scales; lip markings a variety of spots and bars (not a simple three dark bands on a white background, at front, middle and corner of jaw); pectoral fin with irregular spot pattern, clearest on common color form, with small rounded spots concentrated on fifth through tenth membranes, becoming reticulations on distal lowermost rays; a thick blue margin on lower 10 rays; pectoral-fin base around origin of rays with an irregular pattern (not discrete rounded spots); caudal fin with dark bars, one at base and a distal wide bar often splitting into two (dark fish can have a black striped pattern); free pectoral-fin rays thick and prominently banded. Juvenile with brown mottled color pattern and relatively longer pectoral fins, reaching past end of second dorsal fin. Newly settled juvenile uniform orangish with two prominent black-edged white saddles along dorsal midline in front of and behind soft-dorsal-fin base; gill rakers short spiny tubercles in two rows of 11, inner and outer, on lower limb of first arch.

Etymology. The species name pictus, Latin for painted, refers to the variegated patterns and colors and individual distribution of colors, with white markings as if splashed with paint. The epithet is considered a masculine adjective.

Benjamin C. VICTOR. 2025. Prionotus pictus, A New endemic Species of Searobin from the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador (Teleostei: Triglidae). Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 43, 12-38. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15596906

https://oceansciencefoundation.org/josf43b.html

 

[Ichthyology • 2024] Careproctus io • A New Snailfish (Scorpaeniformes: Liparidae) from the Western North Pacific, with Comments on Generic Limits

 

 Careproctus io 

Kai, Morikawa & Misawa, 2024

DOI: 10.12782/specdiv.29.111 

Researchgate.net/publication/379567236

 twitter.com/Species_Divers 

Abstract

The new snailfish Careproctus io is described on the basis of three specimens collected from the western North Pacific, off northeastern Honshu Island, Japan. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by the following characters: vertebrae 40–42; dorsal-fin rays 36 or 37; anal-fin rays 30; pectoral fin deeply notched with 28 or 29 rays, lower lobe reaching to anal-fin origin; large pelvic disk 34.2%–34.5% HL (10.3%–10.9% SL); teeth strongly trilobed on both jaws, inner teeth weakly trilobed or shouldered; cephalic pore pattern 2-6-7-2, chin pores paired; gill slit above pectoral-fin base; body bright red, non-variegated in life. Species of Careproctus Krøyer, 1862 typically have fewer pectoral-fin rays than anal-fin rays, although some recently-described species, including the present new species, have similar ray counts in both fins. The relationships between such counts, as well as pelvic disk size, are investigated for various snailfish, genera, and the generic limits of Careproctus discussed.

Keywords: Actinopterygii, Scorpaeniformes, Careproctus, COI, pelvic disk size

Schematic drawing of Careproctus io, holotype, FAKU 148130, 37.3mm SL.
A, Lateral and ventral views of head; B, teeth; C, pectoral girdle.

 Abbreviations: C, coracoid; DR, distal radials; F, interradial fenestra; MX, maxillary pores; N, nasal pores; PM, preoperculo-mandibular pores; PR, proximal radials; S, scapula; SP, suprabranchial pores. Scale bars: B, 0.25mm; C, 1.0mm.

 

Holotype of Careproctus io, FAKU 148130, 37.3mm SL.
A, Micro-CT scan image of head; B, fresh condition.

Careproctus io sp. nov.

[New standard Japanese name: Mini-kon’nyakuuo]

 

Diagnosis. A species of Careproctus with the following combination of characters: vertebrae 40–42; dorsal-fin rays 36 or 37; anal-fin rays 30; pectoral fin with 28 or 29 rays, deeply notched, lower lobe reaching to anal-fin origin; large pelvic disk 34.2%–34.5% HL (10.3%–10.9% SL); teeth strongly trilobed on both jaws, inner teeth weakly trilobed or shouldered; cephalic pore pattern 2-6-7-2, chin pores paired; gill slit above pectoral-fin base; body bright red, non-variegated in life.

Etymology. The specific name is a noun in apposition after Io, a Greek mythological character who wandered the world without rest, due to the unsettled phylogenetic position of the new species (see under Remarks). The standard Japanese name “Mini” reflects its small body size.

Yoshiaki Kai, Eisuke Morikawa and Ryo Misawa. 2024. Careproctus io (Teleostei: Liparidae), a New Snailfish from the Western North Pacific, with Comments on Generic Limits. Species Diversity. 29(1); 111-117. DOI: 10.12782/specdiv.29.111

  twitter.com/Species_Divers/status/1777499063937851717

Researchgate.net/publication/379567236_Careproctus_io_a_New_Snailfish_from_the_Western_North_Pacifi

[Ichthyology • 2023] Eulophias spinosior • A New Deep-Water Eulophiid Fish (Perciformes: Zoarcoidei: Eulophiidae) from Japan

Eulophias spinosior

Nakayama, Yamakawa, Takami & Endo, 2023

DOI: 10.1643/i2021047

  twitter.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract

The genus Eulophias, which is an enigmatic group of the suborder Zoarcoidei, previously comprised two rare species: Eulophias tanneri Smith, 1902 (type species and a senior synonym of Eulophias owashii Okada and Suzuki, 1954) and Eulophias koreanus Kwun and Kim, 2012. Here we describe a new species, Eulophias spinosior, based on 71 specimens (94.9–182.3 mm in standard length, SL) collected from the upper slope of the northwestern Pacific off southern Japan at depths of 257–555 m. It readily differs from its two congeners in having 133–143 dorsal-fin spines, 109–116 anal-fin soft rays, 5–6 pectoral-fin rays, and 146–156 total vertebrae, and in lacking a dark band posterior to the eye and a series of dark blotches midlaterally on the trunk and tail. Regarding bathymetric distribution, the new species occurs much deeper than E. koreanus and E. tanneri. Eulophias spinosior, new species, is sexually dimorphic, with males having large, stout, modified canines at the tips of the premaxillary and dentary (vs. only slightly enlarged in females). Dentition of males also differs from that of females in that most teeth are uniserially arranged in each jaw (vs. distinct two rows anteriorly).

Fresh specimens of Eulophias spinosior.
(A–E) BSKU 118798, paratype, sex undetermined, 155.0 mm SL, Tosa Bay, 300 m depth, soon after capture;
(F) BSKU 118835, paratype, sex undetermined, 135.3 mm SL, Tosa Bay, 300 m depth, freshly thawed.

(A, F) Lateral views; (B) close-up lateral, (C) dorsal, and (D) ventral views of the head and trunk; (E) close-up lateral view of the posterior part of the tail.

Eulophias spinosior, new species 

 New standard Japanese name: Toge-itoginpo

Diagnosis.—Eulophias spinosior is readily distinguished form its two congeners by having 133–143 dorsal-fin spines (vs. 124–128 and 116–125 in E. koreanus and E. tanneri, respectively), 109–116 anal-fin soft rays (vs. 102–103 and 90–100, respectively), 146–156 total vertebrae (vs. 141–143 and 132–143, respectively), and 5–6 pectoral-fin rays (vs. 7 in both E. koreanus and E. tanneri). In addition, the new species is unique among the genus in lacking prominent dark markings on the sides of the head and body, whereas E. koreanus and E. tanneri have a dark band posterior to the eye and a series of dark blotches midlaterally on the trunk and tail.

Etymology.— The specific epithet spinosior is derived from the comparative of the Latin adjective spinosus, meaning thorny, spiny, or prickly, in alluding to a greater number of dorsal-fin spines of the new species among Eulophias.

Naohide Nakayama, Takeshi Yamakawa, Munehiro Takami and Hiromitsu Endo. 2023. Description of A New Deep-Water Eulophiid Fish (Perciformes: Zoarcoidei) from Japan. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 111(1); 87-97. DOI: 10.1643/i2021047

  twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1629142073055092739

 

[Ichthyology • 2022] Parascorpaena poseidon • A New Species of Parascorpaena Bleeker, 1876 (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae) from Taiwan

Parascorpaena poseidon 

 Chou & Liao, 2022

  ZoolStud.sinica.edu.tw

Photographed by Yuan-Huan Yu.

A new species of scorpionfish, Poseidon’s scorpionfish Parascorpaena poseidon, is described on the basis of ten specimens collected from southwestern Taiwanese waters ranging from Penghu to Chufongbi, Pingtung. The morphological and molecular analyses reveal the new species is clearly separated from the two similar species, P. aurita and P. mossambica. Parascorpaena poseidon is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: three equal-sized suborbital spines without ridge; supraocular tentacle absent or very short; pectoral-fin rays 15–16 (usually 16); pored lateral-line scales 22–26 (usually 22–23); longitudinal scale rows 43–47; pre-dorsal-fin scale rows 2–3 (usually 3); 10–12 scale rows between 6th dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line; 10–12 scale rows between the last dorsalfin spine base and lateral line; total gill rakers 15–16, gill rakers on hypobranchial 2–3; ratio of 11th and 12th dorsal-fin spine 60%–81% (mean 73%); blackish spots randomly distributed on all fins; absence of a distinct black blotch on spinous dorsal fin in male; body size relatively large.

  Key words: Cycloid scales, DNA barcoding, Lacrimal spine, Rocky reefs, Supraocular tentacle.

Underwater photography of Parascorpaena poseidon sp. nov. (ASIZP0080981, 103.0 mm SL).
Taken in a tide pool of Longmen, Penghu at 1 m depth.

Photographed by Yuan-Huan Yu.

Parascorpaena poseidon Chou and Liao sp. nov. 

Common name: Poseidon’s scorpionfish

Diagnosis: Parascorpaena poseidon sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners by a combination of characters: three equally-sized suborbital spines without ridge (Fig. 4); supraocular tentacle absent or very short; pectoral-fin rays 15–16 (usually 16) (Table 1); pored lateral-line scales 22–26 (usually 22–23); longitudinal scale rows 43–47; pre-dorsal-fin scale rows 2–3 (usually 3); 10–12 scale rows between 6th dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line; 10–12 scale rows between last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line; total gill rakers 15–16, gill rakers on hypobranchial 2–3; ratio of 11th and 12th dorsal-fin spine 60%–81% (mean 73%) (Fig. 5); blackish spots randomly scattered on all fins (Figs. 1, 2); spinous dorsal fin without a distinct black blotch in male; body size relatively large, largest recorded specimen 127.0 mm SL.

Drawing of suborbital spines in lateral view of (A) Parascorpaena poseidon sp. nov. (DOS00182, 108.3 mm SL) and (B) P. mossambica (DOS08024, 83.8 mm).

Etymology: The new species is named after Poseidon, the Greek god of the Sea. A noun in apposition. In allusion to the three equally-sized suborbital spines without ridge similar to the trident of Poseidon. 

Distribution and habitat: The new species is currently known only from southwestern Taiwan ranging from Penghu to Chufongbi, Pingtung. This species mainly inhabits rocky reefs that records in depth of 1 m based on the living individual (Fig. 3). 

CONCLUSIONS:

 In the present study, a new species of the genus Parascorpaena is described based on morphological and molecular approaches. Parascorpaena poseidon sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners by the following characters: three equally-sized suborbital spines without ridge; supraocular tentacle absent or very short; pectoral-fin rays usually 16; longitudinal scale rows 43–47; pre-dorsal-fin scale rows usually 3; 10–12 scale rows between last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line; blackish spots randomly scattered on all fins; spinous dorsal fin without a distinct black blotch in male; body size relatively large, the largest recorded specimen 127.0 mm SL. This species is currently known from southwestern Taiwan.

 

Tak-Kei Chou and Te-Yu Liao. 2022. A New Species of Parascorpaena Bleeker, 1876 (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae) from Taiwan. Zoological Studies. 61: 9. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2022.61-09

  ZoolStud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/61/61-09.html

zoolstud.sinica.edu.tw/Journals/61/61-09.pdf

  facebook.com/groups/194953247620839/posts/1416779452104873

[Ichthyology • 2021] Notes on the Poorly Known Velvetfish Cocotropus roseus (Scorpaeniformes: Aploactinidae) from the Eastern Indian Ocean

Cocotropus roseus Day, 1875 from Chennai coast. 

in Kodeeswaran, Praveenraj, ... et Jayakumar, 2021. 

 DOI: 10.1007/s41208-021-00306-3

  twitter.com/ParamasivamKod1 

Abstract

The present study provides notes on Cocotropus roseus Day, 1875, a poorly known endemic fish from the Bay of Bengal, Eastern Indian Ocean. The morphometric data and color images are provided herein based on fresh specimens collected from Chennai, south India, its type locality, Bay of Bengal, Eastern Indian Ocean.

Keywords: Velvetfishes, Bycatch, Taxonomy, Chennai

Cocotropus roseus Day, 1875 from Chennai coast. 
Lateral view (a) Fresh specimen (NBFGR/APLCROS.6, 45.1 mm SL);
 (b) Dark colour variation (NBFGR/APLCROS.1, 40.7 mm TL).

Family Aploactinidae Jordan & Starks, 1904

Cocotropus Kaup, 1858.

 Cocotropus roseus Day, 1875

Paramasivam Kodeeswaran, Jayasimhan Praveenraj, Ronald Fricke, Arumugam Uma and Natarajan Jayakumar. 2021. Notes on the Poorly Known Velvetfish Cocotropus roseus (Scorpaeniformes: Aploactinidae) from the Eastern Indian Ocean. Thalassas: An International Journal of Marine Sciences.  DOI: 10.1007/s41208-021-00306-3

  twitter.com/ParamasivamKod1/status/1427323725674782733

[Ichthyology • 2020] Careproctus ambustus • A New Species of Snailfish (Cottiformes: Liparidae) Closely Related to Careproctus melanurus of the Eastern North Pacific

 

Careproctus ambustus Orr

in Orr, Pitruk, Manning, et al., 2020.

DOI: 10.1643/CI2020008 

 twitter.com/IchsAndHerps 

Abstract

A new species, Careproctus ambustus, is described from 64 specimens based on evidence from morphological and molecular data. Specimens of Careproctus ambustus, new species, have been historically misidentified as the common Blacktail Snailfish, C. melanurus. The new species is distinguished from C. melanurus by its higher numbers of vertebrae (62–66 vs. 56–62 in C. melanurus), dorsal-fin rays (57–63 vs. 53–58), and anal-fin rays (51–55 vs. 46–51), and longer pelvic disc (14.1–21.2 vs. 12.6–20.7 % HL). In addition, the new species differs from C. melanurus by seven base pairs within a 492-base-pair region of the cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 region, a 1.4% sequence divergence. Careproctus ambustus, new species, is found at depths of 58–1,172 m and ranges from Japan, through Alaska, to the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where its distribution overlaps with C. melanurus, which ranges from southern Alaska and British Columbia to Baja California.

(A) Careproctus ambustus, new species, UW 152101, 323 mm, holotype, Aleutian Islands, 51.8402°N, 173.886°W, 330 m depth, photographed before fixation and preservation; 
(B) Careproctus melanurus, UW 47264, 205 mm, Oregon, 44.3993°N, 124.8355°W, 447 m depth, photographed before fixation and preservation.

Careproctus (Allochir) ambustus, new species, Orr

Scorched Snailfish

Diagnosis.— Careproctus ambustus is distinguished from all other North Pacific species of Careproctus except C. melanurus by the combination of the shape of its pelvic disc, which is oval, longer than wide (vs. round or wider than long in other species of Careproctus), shallowly cupped (vs. flat or deeply cupped), and somewhat smaller than the orbit (vs. minute or large); shallowly notched pectoral fin with elongate rays in the lower lobe (vs. deeply notched with elongate or short rays, or shallowly notched with short rays in other species of Careproctus); and unique COI haplotypes (Orr et al., 2019). It is further distinguished morphologically from C. melanurus, with which it has been historically confused, by its higher vertebral and median fin-ray counts (vertebrae 61–67 vs. 56–62, dorsal-fin rays 57–63 vs. 53–59, anal-fin rays 51–57 vs. 46–52 in C. melanurus), in combination with its longer pelvic disc (14.1–21.2 vs. 12.6–20.7 % HL in C. melanurus).

...

Distribution.—Careproctus ambustus is known in the North Pacific Ocean from British Columbia, Alaska, Russia, and Japan (Fig. 3) at depths of 58 to 1,172 m, based on material examined and confirmed field identifications (Tokranov, 2000; Orr et al., 2014a, 2014b; G. R. Hoff, pers. comm., 2016). In the eastern North Pacific, it ranges from British Columbia off central Vancouver Island, throughout the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands, and into the eastern Bering Sea to at least 60.3°N (Hoff, 2016) and off Cape Navarin in the western Bering Sea (Parin et al., 2014). In the western North Pacific, it ranges from Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands, Russia (Orlov, 1998, 1999, 2001; Sheiko and Fedorov, 2000; Orlov and Tokranov, 2011), to the northwestern coast of Honshu, Japan (Kido and Shinohara, 1997).

Etymology.—The specific epithet of Careproctus ambustus is taken from the Latin ambusti, meaning “scorched,” referring to the black tail that contrasts with the pink to red anterior part of the body.

Distribution of Careproctus ambustus, new species (black), and C. melanurus (white) in the Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean based on material examined. Each symbol may represent more than one capture. Bottom contour illustrated is 200 m.

 

James W. Orr, Dmitry L. Pitruk, Rachel Manning, Duane E. Stevenson, Jennifer R. Gardner and Ingrid Spies. 2020. A New Species of Snailfish (Cottiformes: Liparidae) Closely Related to Careproctus melanurus of the Eastern North Pacific. Copeia. 108(4); 711-726. DOI: 10.1643/CI2020008

  twitter.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1329905499484065792

[Ichthyology • 2020] Scorpaena vesperalis • Review of the Scorpaena papillosa Species Complex (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae) with Description of A New Species from southwestern Australia

 Scorpaena vesperalis  

 Wibowo & Motomura, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4852.5.2 

 twitter.com/kadai_museum

Abstract

A taxonomic review of the Scorpaena papillosa species complex, defined here as having 10 dorsal-fin soft rays, coronal spines, and two upwardly directed spines on the lacrimal bone, resulted in the recognition of two species and two subspecies, Scorpaena papillosa (Schneider & Forster, 1801) including two subspecies, i.e., S. papillosa papillosa (New Zealand) and S. papillosa ergastulorum Richardson, 1842a (southeastern Australia), and Scorpaena vesperalis n. sp. (southwestern Australia). Scorpaena p. papillosa and S. p. ergastulorum, are redescribed, with designation of a neotype for S. p. papillosa. Scorpaena vesperalis n. sp., described from coastal waters off southwestern Western Australia on the basis of 57 specimens, is characterized as follows: pectoral-fin rays 14–16; longitudinal scale rows 37–41; body depth 32.3–39.5 % of SL; upper-jaw length 19.6–22.5 % of SL; maxilla depth 5.7–7.3 % of SL; postorbital length 18.2–21.3 % of SL; least distance between interorbital ridges 1.4–2.7 % of SL; 1st anal-fin spine length 7.2–10.0 % of SL; anterior lacrimal spine simple, without additional small spinous points on its posterior margin; a single united pore behind the lower jaw symphysial knob; relatively large supraocular tentacle; all fins of preserved specimens usually uniformly whitish to translucent; and small body size (maximum recorded length 67.6 mm SL). The new species is likely endemic to southwestern Australia. Morphological ontogenetic changes in the relative lengths of some body proportions in the three taxa are also discussed.

Keywords: Pisces, scorpionfish, taxonomy, morphology, distribution, subspecies

Fresh specimens of Scorpaena vesperalis n. sp. WAM P. 28521-003, holotype, 58.7 mm SL 

(Photo by Western Australian Museum - WAM)

Scorpaena vesperalis n. sp. 

Dwarf Red Scorpionfish

Etymology. The species name from the Latin vesperalis, meaning west, is derived from the type locality of the species (Western Australia), which is also the westernmost occurrence of the S. papillosa complex. 

Distribution. Distributed off southwestern Australia, ranging from Southern Group, Houtman Abrolhos (28°S) to the Albany coast (35°S) (Fig. 4). Specimens examined in this study were collected mainly from shallow rocky reefs at depths between 0–37 m (a single specimen had been collected from 188 m). 

Kunto Wibowo and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2020. Review of the Scorpaena papillosa Species Complex (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae) with Description of A New Species from southwestern Australia. Zootaxa. 4852(5); 527–546. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4852.5.2

  twitter.com/kadai_museum/status/1307257445060804610

[Ichthyology • 2020] Careproctus shigemii • A New Species of Careproctus (Cottoidei: Liparidae) from the Sea of Okhotsk and A Redescription of the Blacktip Snailfish Careproctus zachirus

Careproctus shigemii

Matsuzaki, Mori, Kamiunten, Yanagimoto & Kai, 2020

 DOI: 10.1007/s10228-020-00734-w

Abstract

A new snailfish, Careproctus shigemii, is described on the basis of three specimens collected in the southern Sea of Okhotsk, off Hokkaido, Japan. The new species has previously been confused with Careproctus zachirus Kido 1985, known from the Aleutian Islands, eastern Bering Sea, the Pacific Ocean off southeastern Kamchatka and the northern Kuril Islands, and the southern Sea of Okhotsk off Hokkaido, Japan, because of their similar appearance, including a noticeably elongate pectoral fin extending beyond the anal-fin origin, the gill slit entirely above the pectoral fin, no opercular flap projection, one suprabranchial pore, and trilobed teeth. However, C. shigemii is clearly differentiated from C. zachirus in having dorsal and anal fins margined with black (vs. white margined dorsal and anal fins with a black submarginal band), and a black caudal fin (vs. pale pink caudal fin), when fresh. Careproctus shigemii differs additionally from C. zachirus in having the cephalic pore pattern 2-6-6-1 (vs. 2-6-7-1), 30–35 pyloric caeca (vs. 20–31), and a shorter pectoral fin lower lobe, 8.2–9.9% SL (vs. longer lobe, 15.9–25.6% SL). A large sequence divergence between C. shigemii and C. zachirus (0.028 in uncorrected p-distance) in the DNA barcoding region (COI) also supports the validity of each species. A redescription of C. zachirus is also provided on the basis of the holotype, paratypes and non-type specimens.

Keywords: Careproctus shigemii, COI, Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Western North Pacific

Careproctus shigemii sp. nov. 
AMF-2-11-04-00-0031, paratype, 231.4 mm SL.

Careproctus shigemii sp. nov.

(New Japanese name: Otohime-Kon’nyaku-uo)

Distribution. Known only from the southern Sea of Okhotsk off Rausu, Hokkaido, Japan. Collection depths ranged from 200 to 300 m. By comparison, C. zachirus in the same area occupies depths of ca. 500–800 m.

Etymology. Named after the late Shigemi Fujimoto, a fisherman of Rausu, Hokkaido, Japan, who assisted our team in collecting various marine organisms, including the present new species, and contributed significantly to our efforts to understand the marine biodiversity of Rausu and Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Heritage Area.

Koji Matsuzaki, Toshiaki Mori, Moeko Kamiunten, Takashi Yanagimoto and Yoshiaki Kai. 2020. A New Species of Careproctus (Cottoidei: Liparidae) from the Sea of Okhotsk and A Redescription of the Blacktip Snailfish Careproctus zachirus. Ichthyological Research. DOI: 10.1007/s10228-020-00734-w

Aquamarine Fukushima Discovered in Shiretoko, Hokkaido!公 表 Announcement of the release of a new species of  deep-sea fish “Otohime Konjac” re-how.net/exhibition/418862

prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000030.000043556.html

[Ichthyology • 2019] Redescription of the Indo-West Pacific Scorpionfish Scorpaena neglecta Temminck & Schlegel, 1843 (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae), A Senior Synonym of Four Nominal Species

Scorpaena neglecta Temminck & Schlegel, 1843

in Wibowo & Motomura, 2019.

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4619.2.7

Abstract

The Indo-West Pacific scorpionfish Scorpaena neglecta Temminck & Schlegel (1843) is redescribed on the basis of two syntypes and 129 additional specimens from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and Australia, and a lectotype is proposed. Four nominal species, Scorpaena fimbriata Döderlein in Steindachner & Döderlein, 1884, Scorpaena izensis Jordan & Starks, 1904, Scorpaena hemilepidota Fowler, 1938 and Scorpaenopsella armata Fowler, 1938, are regarded as junior synonyms of Scorpaena neglecta. Morphological changes with growth of S. neglecta are discussed.

Keywords: Pisces, Scorpaena fimbriata, Scorpaena izensis, Scorpaena hemilepidota, Scorpaenopsella armata

 Kunto Wibowo and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2019. Redescription of the Indo-West Pacific Scorpionfish Scorpaena neglecta Temminck & Schlegel, 1843, A Senior Synonym of Four Nominal Species (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae).  Zootaxa. 4619(2); 311–329. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4619.2.7

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

Inimicus cuvieri (Gray, 1835)

in Inaba &  Motomura, 2018.

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4482.1.2

Abstract  

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

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

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

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

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

in Smith, Everman & Richardson, 2018. 

 DOI: 10.1643/CG-17-669  

 twitter.com/FishPhylogeny

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

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

photos: William Leo Smith

 laboratoryequipment.com

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

 Illustration by Clara Richardson.

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

photos: William Leo Smith 

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

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

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

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

 twitter.com/FishPhylogeny/status/1003692380736884737

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

Lepidotrigla longipinnis Alcock, 1890,

Lepidotrigla psolokerkos Gomon & Psomadakis, 2018

 L. omanensis Regan, 1905 

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY.  66

 Abstract

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

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

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

SYSTEMATICS 

Lepidotrigla longipinnis Alcock, 1890 

Proposed vernacular: Stellar Gurnard

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

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

Lepidotrigla omanensis Regan, 1905 

Vernacular: Oman Gurnard 

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

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

Lepidotrigla psolokerkos new species 

Proposed vernacular: Skinny Gurnard

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

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

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

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