Abstract

A new species of lanternshark, Etmopterus sculptus (Squaliformes: Etmopteridae), is described from southern Africa. The new species closely resembles other members of the “Etmopterus lucifer” group, especially the western North Pacific E. brachyurus, in having linear rows of dermal denticles. The new species is fairly common along the upper continental slopes between Namibia and southern Mozambique at depths between 450 and 900 m. The new species can be distinguished from other members of the E. lucifer species complex by a combination of characteristics, including arrangement of flank and caudal markings, and shape, size, and arrangement of dermal denticles along the body.