A new genus and species of deep demersal fish (Teleostei: Stephanoberycidae) from the tropical eastern North Atlantic

A novel stephanoberycid genus and species, Abyssoberyx levisquamosus Merrett & Moore is reported from bottom-trawl abyssal captures in 4490-4640 m depth. It has cycloid scales, differing from Stephanoberyx, Acanthochaenus and Hispidoberyx with spinoid scales; has 1-2 dorsal fin spines, differing from Acanthochaenus and Malacosarcus with 0, Gibbericlithys with 5-6 and Hispidoberlyx with 3-5 spines; has 5-7 + 14-15 gill rakers, differing from Stephanoberyx with 12-15 + 25-27 and Acanthochaenus and Malacosarcus with 8 + 17-20 gill rakers. Selected aspects of the osteology of A. levisquamosus are described, to confirm that it shares several features in common with other stephanoberycid genera and allied stephanoberycoids. Aspects of its biology and ecology are discussed. (c) 2005 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.