Sphagemacrurus pumiliceps

Sphagemacrurus pumiliceps (Alcock, 1894)

[No Japanese name]

(Fig. 190; Appendix 3-11F)

Diagnosis. Orbit diameter longer than snout length, about 1.0–1.2 times into orbit–preopercle distance, 33–37% HL; underside of snout mostly covered with small, irregularly shaped scales; pale, naked area anterior to margin of upper lip; scales mostly deciduous except on nape and head; teeth small, slender, with curved tips, 4–5 rows at symphysis of premaxillary, 2–3 rows at symphysis of mandible; pelvic-fin rays 11–13; total inner gill rakers on first arch 8–11; body color variously pale to dusky brown on nape and flanks, darker grayish brown on head. [From Iwamoto & Williams (1999).]

Counts and measurements. For selected counts and measurements see Iwamoto et al. (2015:100).

Size. To about 26 cm TL (Iwamoto & Williams 1999).

Distribution. Widely distributed in the Indo-West Pacific at depths of 732–1880 m (Iwamoto & Williams 1999; Iwamoto et al. 2015). Not known from Japanese waters (Appendix 3-11F), but recorded from the East China Sea off northeastern Taiwan.

Remarks. For a description and comparisons with congeners see Gilbert & Hubbs (1920; as Lionurus pumiliceps), Weber &de Beaufort (1929;as L. pumiliceps), Iwamoto & Williams (1999), and Iwamoto et al. (2015).

Macrurus pumiliceps Alcock, 1894:125 [original description; 2 syntypes ZSI F13561–F13562, from Laccadive Sea (south of India); 7º05ʹ45ʺN, 75º04ʹE, Investigator sta. 150, 719 ftm (1315 m)].

Sphagemacrurus pumiliceps: Shao et al. 2008b: table 2 (7 spec. listed from eastern Taiwan and South China Sea); Iwamoto et al. 2015:100 (brief description; 6 spec. from northeastern Taiwan and South China Sea).