Two new species of the deepwater cardinalfish genus Epigonus (Epigonidae) from deep reefs off Curaçao, southern Caribbean

Two new species of deepwater cardinalfish, Epigonus gemma [7 specimens, 37.7-76.7 mm in standard length (SL)] and Epigonus hexacanthus (22 specimens, 32.2-57.0 mm SL) are described based on specimens from deep reefs off Curacao, southern Caribbean Sea. Epigonus gemma is distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following characters: dorsal-fin rays VII-I, 9-10; pectoral-fin rays 16; total gill rakers 25-27; vertebrae 10 + 15; pyloric caeca 8-9; pored lateral-line scales 43-44 + 5-6; opercular spine absent; maxillary mustache-like processes absent; ribs on last abdominal vertebra absent; tongue toothless; endopterygoid teeth absent; and enlarged conical teeth on symphysis of lower jaw present. Epigonus hexacanthus is distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following characters: dorsal-fin rays VI-I, 10; pectoral-fin rays 16-17; total gill rakers 25-27; vertebrae 10 + 15; pyloric caeca 6-7; pored lateral-line scales 32-35 + 3-5; opercular spine absent; maxillary mustache-like processes absent; ribs on last abdominal vertebra absent; lingual teeth present; endopterygoid teeth present; and enlarged conical teeth on symphysis of lower jaw absent. Eight specimens (37.6-54.4 mm SL) of E. hexacanthus are female with mature gonads, rendering the species the smallest in size at sexual maturity among its congeners. A key to the species of Epigonus currently known from the Caribbean Sea is provided.