Liparis adiastolus (Teleostei, Liparidae): A New Snailfish Species from the Littoral Zone of the Northeastern Pacific, and Redescription of Liparis rutteri (Gilbert and Snyder, 1898)
Liparis adiastolus, a previously undescribed species from the coasts of Oregon and Washington, northwest United States, is described. The new species has probably been consistently confused with Liparis rutteri, which has a more northerly distribution. Liparis adiastolus is clearly distinguishable from all similar species in having 41–70 pyloric caeca, 35–39 vertebrae, 30–33 dorsal-fin rays, 32–35 pectoral-fin rays, disk 67–77% HL, and other distinctive characters. In addition to describing the new species, we select a lectotype of L. rutteri, provide an expanded diagnosis for that species, and discuss the confusion previously existing with regard to its identification.Abstract
Liparis adiastolus, holotype (CAS 216746), 127 mm SL. (A) Shape of strongly shouldered large teeth. (B) Pattern of teeth on right side of upper jaw
Contributor Notes
(DLS) Noaa/Nmfs Systematics Laboratory, Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box 37012, National Museum of Natural History MRC-0153, Washington, DC 20013–7012; (CEB) Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331; and (DM) General Delivery, Clinton, Washington 98236. (DLS)david.stein@noaa.gov Send reprint requests to DLS.