A new mesophotic clingfish (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae) from the Bahamas

Abstract

A new species of clingfish belonging to the genus Derilissus is described from a deep coral wall in the Exumas, Bahamas. The new species is distinguished from congeners by a unique pigmentation pattern and coloration, the presence of 47 total pectoral-fin rays, a strongly convex posterior margin on disk region B, and by a unique arrangement of papillae on disk region C. The new species is characterized by bright orangish-red coloration on the flank, a yellow head, and a prominent black oval marking on the caudal peduncle. Like other members of the genus, the new species appears to be restricted to the mesophotic zone, and was collected at 286 fsw. © 2012 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.