Materials for the revision of the family Caristiidae (Perciformes). 2. Manefishes from the East Atlantic (Redescription of Platyberyx opalescens Zugmayer and description of two new species Platyberyx mauli sp. n. and Caristius andriashevi sp. n.)

Abstract

Manefishes (Caristiidae) of the East Atlantic are described. The validity of the genus Platyberyx is supported and its differences from the genus Caristius are described using characters that have not been applied before (e. g., dentation on the jaws and roof of the oral cavity). The redescription of the type species Platyberyx opalescens is given based on the material from the coastal zones of Morocco and Mauritania; the neotype of this species is established. Based on studied material and analysis of the literature data, a new species P. mauli sp. n. is described within the genus Platyberyx (together with P. opalescens). This species differs from P. opalescens in the structure of branchial apparatus, body proportions, and other characteristics. This species (as well as P. opalescens) belongs to the bathyal-pelagic ichthyocene of the continental slope of the East Atlantic. A new species, Caristius andriashevi sp. n., is described in the genus Caristius. Its specific characters are as follows: exclusively well-developed lateral line surrounded by spongy (most likely, lighting) tissue with enlarged perforated and densely packed scales located under the skin. The range of the species is wide tropical. A preliminary key for the identification of manefishes from the Atlantic Ocean is presented. © 2012 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.