Barbapellis pterygalces, new genus and new species of a singular eelpout (Zoarcidae: Teleostei) from the Antarctic deep waters

• Published in: Polar Biology
• Main Authors: Iglesias, Samuel P., Dettai, Agnes, Ozouf-Costaz, Catherine
• Other Authors: Cytogénomique (C), Evolution Paris Seine, Université des Antilles et de la Guyane (UAG)-Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6 (UPMC)-Université Nice Sophia Antipolis (1965 - 2019) (UNS)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université des Antilles et de la Guyane (UAG)-Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6 (UPMC)-Université Nice Sophia Antipolis (1965 - 2019) (UNS)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Australian Antarctic Division, Japanese Science Foundation, French polar institute IPEV, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Museum national d'Histoire naturelle, Agence Nationale de la Recherche 07-BLAN-0213-01
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: HAL CCSD 2012
• Subjects: New species; Zoarcidae; Southern Ocean; CEAMARC; DNA barcode; [SDV.BID]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Biodiversity; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Polar Biology
• Online Access: https://hal.science/hal-01544913; https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-011-1057-3

International audience A new genus and species of deep-sea eelpout (Zoarcidae), Barbapellis pterygalces, is herein described from a single adult female specimen carrying eggs and measuring 204 mm in total length. It was collected on the eastern Antarctic continental slope, off Terre Ad,lie, at ca. 1,200 m depth, on muddy bottom. Barbapellis is placed in the subfamily Gymnelinae and can be distinguished from all other genera by morphological characters unusual in zoarcids as well as by molecular barcoding. The genus is characterized by the presence of a complex system of cephalic skin crests and flaps, especially well developed around the mouth. A new terminology is proposed for the eleven crests and sevenfolds described. The skin folds may be used for foraging on muddy sea bottoms. The genus is also characterized by large, flexible, and highly palmate pectoral fins. The designation of the new genus is discussed.