Two new species of Pachycara (Teleostei: Zoarcidae) from the sub-Antarctic southern Indian Ocean, and a range extension of Lycenchelys antarctica

During the multidisciplinary benthic Crozet research cruise (RRS DISCOVERY, D300), December 2005 to January 2006, in the abyssal vicinity of the Crozet Islands, southern Indian Ocean, two new species of Pachycara were collected, along with specimens of Lycenchelys antarctica. Pachycara priedei, new species, and P. cousinsi, new species, described herein are similar in lack of pelvic fin, naked abdomen and predorsal area, and number of head pores. They differ from their congeners by the pink coloration and long predorsal distance, respectively. The records of L. antarctica extend the range of the species about 60 to the east, into the southern Indian Ocean.