Redescription of Malacosarcusmacrostoma (Günther, 1878) from the abyssal zone off Taiwan, northwestern Pacific Ocean (Beryciformes, Stephanoberycoidei, Stephanoberycidae)

Zookeys. 2024 Dec 9:1220:93-104. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.126580. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

The large-mouth pricklefish, Malacosarcusmacrostoma (Günther, 1878), previously known from five specimens collected from the central Pacific Ocean, is redescribed based on three specimens collected from the abyssal zone (4,412-4,813 m) off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. These specimens contribute to a more comprehensive description of M.macrostoma and represent this species' westernmost and deepest record. This study provides a detailed description, fresh photographs, and notes on their morphological characteristics of the specimens. Lastly, the distributional records of M.macrostoma are discussed.

Keywords: Biodiversity; biogeography; deep sea; ichthyology; taxonomy.

Grants and funding

National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan and National Kaohsiung University of Science Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.