Abstract
Five new species of shore-eels in the genus Alabes are described from southern Australia: A. elongata (Western Australia); A. gibbosa (Western Australia); A. occidentalis (Western Australia); A. obtusirostris (Victoria and Western Australia); and A. scotti (New South Wales and Tasmania). The first three species inhabit shallow nearshore reef and/or weed areas, whereas the last two have been found only on soft bottoms in deeper coastal waters (24-65 m). This brings the total number of described species to nine (previously known species are A. dorsalis (Richardson), A. parvula (McCulloch), A. brevis Springer & Fraser, and A. hoesei Springer & Fraser). Two of the new species, A. elongata and A. occidentalis, appear to be western sister species of southeastern Australian forms ( A. dorsalis and A. parvula, respectively), whereas one new Western Australian species, A. gibbosa, is similar to another western form, A. brevis. The apparent relationships of the remaining two new species, A. obtusirostris and A. scotti, are obscure. The former is similar to A. dorsalis but lacks a rudimentary pelvic fin, whereas the latter shows some similarities to A. parvula but possesses a more pointed head and a unique coloration. A key to Alabes species is provided.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
