Redescription of a rare deepwater cardinalfish, Epigonus ctenolepis Mochizuki and Shirakihara 1983, and comparison with related species (Perciformes: Epigonidae)

Abstract

A rare epigonid fish, Epigonus ctenolepis Mochizuki and Shirakihara 1983, is redescribed in detail on the basis of two type specimens (90.0–98.0 mm standard length, SL) and an additional specimen (128.8 mm SL) collected from Suruga Bay, Japan, and compared with related species of Epigonus. The species is characterized by the following combination of characters: first dorsal-fin rays VII, second dorsal-fin rays I, 9–10, vertebrae 10 + 15, pored lateral-line scales 52–53 (hypural end 48–49 + caudal fin 4), pyloric caeca 9–11, total gill rakers 24–25, presence of a pungent opercular spine, lateral-line scales ctenoid, absence of a maxillary mustache-like process, and absence of a rib on the last abdominal vertebra. A key to the Epigonus species characterized by a pungent opercular spine is provided.