Four New Garden Eels (Congridae, Heterocongrinae) from the Pacific and Indian Oceans

Publisher： University of Miami - Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

ISSN： 0007-4977

Source： Bulletin of Marine Science, Vol.31, Iss.2, 1981-04, pp. : 366-382

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

The four currently recognized genera of heterocongrine eels are here tentatively reduced to two: Heteroconger Bleeker and Gorgasia Meek and Hildebrand. Three new species of Heteroconger and one new Gorgasia are named.H. cobra is described from specimens collected in 30 to 36 m in the Solomon Islands. It has small pectoral fins with 11 to 14 rays, the dorsal-fin origin slightly in advance of to slightly behind gill opening, 198 to 204 vertebrae and a distinctive color pattern of small brown spots on a pale background posterior to gill opening, a large roughly U-shaped blackish mark on head touching gill opening with a dark dorsal bar before it and two similar U-shaped marks on trunk.H. lentiginosus was collected from the Society Islands and Marquesas in 21 to 41 m. It has small pectoral fins of 11 or 12 rays, the dorsal-fin origin far forward on head (above second lateral-line pore), 173 to 176 vertebrae, and a color pattern of numerous close-set small dark brown spots on a pale background, a pale area nearly devoid of spots on branchial region and a broad brownish bar (from a concentration of dark spots) anteriorly on head.H. perissodon is described from specimens from Ambon, Indonesia and Negros, Philippines taken in 1 to 10 m. It has small pectoral fins with 11 to 14 rays, the dorsal-fin origin above tips of pectoral fins, 173 to 176 vertebrae and well developed pterygoid tooth patches (between maxillary and vomerine patches); it is brown with an indistinct dark area at anterior end of gill opening preceded by a larger yellowish-white area.G. preclara was collected from the Philippines and Maldive Islands in the depth range of 24 to 38 m. It has small pectoral fins with 10 to 14 rays, widely-spaced lateral-line pores (only 11 to 16 anterior to anal opening), the dorsal-fin origin behind upper end of gill opening, 144 to 152 vertebrae and a striking color pattern of vertical markings of brownish orange and white.