Abstract

The barbeled dragonfish genus Eustomias in Taiwan is reviewed. Five species in three subgenera are recognized, including three new species, a new record, and an unidentified species. Eustomias (Dinematochirus) dendrobium sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congener by its unique barbel structure. Eustomias (Haploclonus) stamen sp. nov. has a unique barbel structure and diagnostic meristic characters. Eustomias (Nominostomias) tritentaculatus sp. nov. has an extremely long barbel and distinct pigmentation, with fin ray counts that are different from most similar species. Eustomias (Nominostomias) perplexus Gibbs, Clarke & Gomon 1983, widespread in the western Pacific Ocean is reported for the first time from Taiwan. Three specimens of Eustomias were only identifiable to subgenus Haploclonus due to their poor condition.