A New Mesophotic Clingfish (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae) from the Bahamas
A new species of clingfish belonging to the genus Derilissus is described from a deep coral wall in the Exumas, Bahamas. The new species is distinguished from congeners by a unique pigmentation pattern and coloration, the presence of 47 total pectoral-fin rays, a strongly convex posterior margin on disk region B, and by a unique arrangement of papillae on disk region C. The new species is characterized by bright orangish-red coloration on the flank, a yellow head, and a prominent black oval marking on the caudal peduncle. Like other members of the genus, the new species appears to be restricted to the mesophotic zone, and was collected at 286 fsw.
Derilissus lombardii, new species, holotype, AMNH 251906, 10.9 mm SL, Exumas, Bahamas. Images taken immediately following capture illustrate live coloration. (A) Lateral view. (B) Dorsal view. (C) Ventral view.
Schematic of sucking disk of holotype of Derilissus lombardii, AMNH 251906, showing distribution of papillae. Papillae in disk region C are indicated by solid black circles.
Ventral view illustrating pattern of papillae on disk in: (A) Derilissus kremnobates, holotype, ANSP 109625; (B) D. altifrons, holotype, ANSP 112690; (C) D. vittiger, holotype, ANSP 109626; (D) D. nanus, holotype, UF 15932.
Deep reef habitat on Bock Wall, Exumas, Bahamas. The holotype of the new species was collected from the outcrop near the top of the image (image taken at approximately 300 fsw). Image by Michael Lombardi.
Contributor Notes
Associate Editor: D. Buth.