Zoarces fedorovi sp. nova (Perciformes: Zoarcidae)—A new species of eelpout from the Taui Bay of the Sea of Okhotsk

Abstract

The description of a new species of the genus Zoarces, Z. fedorovi, widespread in the Taui Bay of the Sea of Okhotsk in freshened sites of coastal waters and near-mouth sections of rivers is provided. The new species inhabits sympatrically with the eastern eelpout Z. elongatus; however, it differs from the latter and other Pacific species of eelpouts (Z. gillii and Z. andriashevi) by a considerably smaller number of rays in unpaired and pectoral fins, head and trunk proportions, some specific features of coloration, and the mode of life. Z. fedorovi is similar to the last two species in the presence of one (more seldom, two–three) black rounded spot at the beginning of the dorsal fin; however, like Z. elongatus, it is characterized by the absence of a direct contact between the inner edges of parietal bones separated by the upper-occipital bone. A key to identification of species of the genus Zoarces is presented.