Redescription of a North Pacific Prickleback, Alectridium auranticum

Abstract

Alectridium auranticum Gilbert and Burke, which was previously known from a single specimen and synonymized with Alectrias alectrolophus (Pallas), is redescribed. Many new specimens indicate that the species is readily distinguishable from the other members of the stichaeid subfamily Alectriinae by a single median interorbital head pore and the scales on the body not extending in front of the 13th anal fin ray. It is found in the lower intertidal and subtidal waters between the Commander Islands, USSR, and Kodiak, Alaska.