Description of a New Species of Pelagic Eelpout Melanostigma thalassium sp. nova (Zoarcidae) from Walvis Ridge (Southeastern Atlantic) and Identification Key for Species of the Genus from the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract

Abstract A new species Melanostigma thalassium sp. n. is described from the underwater Walvis Ridge (Southeast Atlantic Ocean). This species differs from the other species of the genus Melanostigma in an original combination of characters based on the structure of the head’s lateral line system (interruption in supratemporal commissure with the loss of medial segments and the absence of pores in the temporal canal) and a nontransparent dark body. In addition, it is different in a range of the count characters in the axial skeleton and fins. A key for identifying the Atlantic species of the genus is provided.