Two New Species of Snailfishes (Cottiformes: Liparidae) from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, and a Redescription of the Closely Related Careproctus candidus

Abstract

Two new species of snailfishes are described from the Aleutian Islands. Both are similar to Careproctus candidus, described originally from four specimens, here redescribed on the basis of 67 specimens in addition to the types. All three species are allocated to the Careproctus subgenus Temnocora. Careproctus candidus is distinguished from all other species of Careproctus by the combination of an anterior dorsal-fin lobe formed by a distinct notch, pupil a horizontal slit, and variegated reddish coloration. It is redescribed to note the presence of prickles, a variable pectoral-girdle morphology, and variable exsertions of the fin rays of the dorsal-fin lobe. Careproctus klisi, new species, is distinguished by having an anterior dorsal fin uniquely of five to seven short anterior dorsal-fin rays nearly equal in length preceding distinctly longer succeeding rays, pupil a horizontal slit, a variegated reddish coloration, and a relatively deep body. Careproctus bromius, new species, is distinguished by having low vertebral and median-fin ray counts, pupil a horizontal slit, a variegated light brown and pale coloration, and in lacking an anterior dorsal-fin lobe. Careproctus candidus ranges across the Aleutian Islands from Attu Island to the northern Gulf of Alaska at depths from 88 to 432 m. Careproctus klisi, new species, is found in the central and western Aleutian Islands from off Buldir Island in the west to Amlia Island in the east at depths from 134 to 180 m. Careproctus bromius, new species, is found in the central and eastern Aleutian Islands from Amchitka Pass to off Akutan Island at depths from 80 to 232 m.