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.
Yo Su, Mao-Ying Lee, Hsuan-Ching Ho.