A new species of gadiform fish, Bregmaceros houdei, from the western North Atlantic

Author： Saksena Vishnu P. Richards William J.

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

ISSN： 0007-4977

Source： Bulletin of Marine Science, Vol.38, Iss.2, 1986-03, pp. : 285-292

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

Bregmaceros houdei, new species, previously known as Bregmaceros Type A in several recent publications by E.D. Houde is described. This species is characterized by having 13–14 + 33–36 = 47–50 vertebrae, slightly lower myomere counts 44–47, 40–48 second dorsal fin rays, and 41–50 anal fin rays. Larval features are diagnostic and include a very early developing first dorsal fin ray at larval lengths of 2.0–2.5 mm. The pigmentation is unique with dark chromatophores located at the angle of the jaw and on the tip of the lower jaw, scattered over the hindbrain, on the first dorsal ray in larvae from 3–5 mm in length. Larvae from 5–10 mm in length have additional dark chromatophores scattered over the fore-, mid- and hindbrain, on the nape, on the first dorsal ray and pelvic fins, and on the ventral surface of the anterior half of the visceral mass in some but not all specimens. Juvenile specimens have dark chromatophores on the nape between the dorsal fins and extending down over the anterior visceral mass.