Abstract
A new species Melanostigma bellingshauseni sp. n. is described from large depths (1000−1010 m) in the central part of the Kerguelen plateau (the Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean) The new species differs from the other species of the genus in total light coloration of body and head (light snout, jaws, nostril tubes, light brown oral cavity including respiratory membranes), an original combination of some meristic characters of the axial skeleton, fins, and the structure of the lateral line canals on the head. It has been hypothesized that species of the genus Melanostigma are not pelagic but predominantly benthic animals dwelling in excavated burrows that are used both as sites to ambush and for shelter from predators. Morphological adaptations for such lifestyle are discussed.
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