Paraliparis sp.

Stein, David L., 2012, Snailfishes (Family Liparidae) of the Ross Sea, Antarctica, and Closely Adjacent Waters 3285, Zootaxa 3285, pp. 1-120 : 112-113

Paraliparis sp.

Figs. 79, 80

Material examined. NMNZ P.046250, sex unknown, 178 mm TL, 162 mm SL, 72°34.50' S, 178°27.60' E, Scott Canyon, Ross Sea, F / V Janus, Stn. OBS 2732 /033, 11 January 2009, 1106– 1117 m. Poor condition . NMNZ P.046250/1, cleared and stained right pectoral girdle.

Description. Counts. V 61 (9+52), D 55, A 48, C 9 (4/5), P 25–27 (19–20+2–4+3–4), radials 4 (1+1+1+1), pc unknown, pore formula unknown. Ratios. HL 23.9, orbit 7.8, uj 10.1, lj 9.1, go ≤6.5. In % HL: orbit 32.6. uj 42.1, lj 38.2, go ≤ 27.4. Head about 1/4 SL, orbit very large, almost 1/3 HL.

Mouth horizontal, probably subterminal. Snout blunt, high. Outer teeth short, stout, blunt canines; innermost anterior teeth with pronounced shoulders or lateral cusps, some almost trilobed; arranged in about seven long oblique rows of up to 13 teeth each, forming a moderately wide band. Mandibular teeth similar. Symphyseal gap absent in both jaws. Gill openings damaged, but apparently extending ventrally in front of 5–6 or fewer rays. Pectoral fin upper ray level apparently lower than orbit, fin ray spacing noticeably wider in notch, rudimentary rays absent. Appears to have a gular tissue fold between and anterior to lowest pectoral fin lobes. Radials 4 (1+1+1+1), irregularly round, notches and fenestrae absent, gradually smaller ventrally. Scapula with a broad base and short stout helve; coracoid broadly based, with long helve braced by strong triangular dorsal plate, basal notch absent. Body color unknown but possibly white or broadly speckled. Orobranchial cavity blackish, tongue pale. Peritoneum black, stomach and caeca pale.

Comments. Although NMNZ P.046250 is severely damaged, the available characters suggest it is not a described species. In particular, the combination of 61 vertebrae and 25–27 pectoral fin rays has not been reported from any known Antarctic Paraliparis . In addition, the tooth characteristics should be diagnostic. However, owing to the specimen’s poor condition, I do not describe it as a new species.