In-Situ Observations of the Deep-sea Goosefish Sladenia shaefersi Caruso and Bullis (Lophiiformes: Lophiidae), with Evidence of Extreme Sexual Dimorphism
The deep-sea goosefish Sladenia shaefersi Caruso and Bullis, now known from only six specimens in collections around the world, appears to be more common than once thought, as indicated by recent in-situ observations off the southeastern United States and in the northern Gulf of Mexico. These sightings have provided new information on geographic distribution, behavior, and habitat, plus evidence for an extreme size difference between putative males and females.
In-situ images of Sladenia shaefersi in the northern Gulf of Mexico: (A–E) 570–615 mm SL, ROV Little Hercules, aboard NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer, depth 1165 m, April 2012 (framegrab from video); (F) 510 mm SL, ROV C-Innovation UHD, aboard the Chouest Holiday, depth 1092 m, October 2011 (digital still); (G–H) 790 mm SL, ROV Jason II, aboard NOAA ship Ronald H. Brown, Operation Deep Slope, depth 1002 m, 16 June 2007 (digital stills).
In-situ image of Sladenia shaefersi in the northern Gulf of Mexico, putative mated pair, female, with tiny male resting on head just above eye: ROV Global Explorer MK3, aboard RV Falkor, depth 1052 m, 23 November 2012 (digital still).
Distribution of Sladenia shaefersi in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Numbers correlate with locality data given in the text.
Spawning pairs of antennariids showing small males associated with larger females: (A) male nudging female swollen with eggs, 8 March 2005; (B) about an hour before spawning, March 2012; (C) moments before spawning, March 2012; (D) tiny green male beneath gravid female, moments before spawning, March 2012; (E) male prodding female, moments before spawning, 5 June 2009; (F) female with tiny male resting between her body and arm-like pectoral fin, August 2002 (A–E: Antennarius multiocellatus, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, ©2003–2012 Ellen Muller, Imagine Bonaire, http://www.pbase.com/imagine/profile; F: Antennarius commerson, Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, ©2002 Chuck Boxwell, Fish Tales Photography, www.fishtalesphoto.com).
Contributor Notes
Associate Editor: D. Buth.