New species

Abstract

Two new species of deepwater cardinalfish, Epigonus gemma [7 specimens, 37.7–76.7 mm in standard length (SL)] and Epigonus hexacanthus (22 specimens, 32.2–57.0 mm SL) are described based on specimens from deep reefs off Curaçao, southern Caribbean Sea. Epigonus gemma is distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following characters: dorsal-fin rays VII-I, 9–10; pectoral-fin rays 16; total gill rakers 25–27; vertebrae 10 + 15; pyloric caeca 8–9; pored lateral-line scales 43–44 + 5–6; opercular spine absent; maxillary mustache-like processes absent; ribs on last abdominal vertebra absent; tongue toothless; endopterygoid teeth absent; and enlarged conical teeth on symphysis of lower jaw present. Epigonus hexacanthus is distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following characters: dorsal-fin rays VI-I, 10; pectoral-fin rays 16–17; total gill rakers 25–27; vertebrae 10 + 15; pyloric caeca 6–7; pored lateral-line scales 32–35 + 3–5; opercular spine absent; maxillary mustache-like processes absent; ribs on last abdominal vertebra absent; lingual teeth present; endopterygoid teeth present; and enlarged conical teeth on symphysis of lower jaw absent. Eight specimens (37.6–54.4 mm SL) of E. hexacanthus are female with mature gonads, rendering the species the smallest in size at sexual maturity among its congeners. A key to the species of Epigonus currently known from the Caribbean Sea is provided.

Available here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10228-024-00948-2#citeas

Abstract

During field investigations of deep-reefs off the coast of Curaçao in the Lesser Antilles, Caribbean Sea, a female specimen was collected of an undescribed micro-pagurid crab with striking dorso-ventral flattening of the right cheliped. It was further characterized by a reduced branchial formula, fourth pereopods with grasping-like spines instead of typically pagurid rasp-like scales, nearly symmetrical uropods and telson, and a minute pair of first pleopods (gonopods). The single specimen was discovered in samples from the rariphotic zone (~130–309 m) obtained using a suction sampler operated from the manned submersible R/V Curasub over cryptic habitats and surfaces populated by communities of sessile macroorganisms. As the specimen does not fit any known pagurid taxon, we regard it to represent a new monotypic genus. We fully describe this new micro-pagurid as Raripagurus roseangelae n. gen., n. sp. and also provide photographs of its live coloration. The CO1 barcode for the holotype in the Barcode of Life Database and GenBank accession number are included as part of the description for any future phylogenetic investigations.

Abstract

We describe a new species of Thecadactylus from the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten. The new species differs from all other species in the genus by having a distinct dorsal pattern of numerous irregular but sharply deliminated black spots and blotches on an otherwise almost patternless background.

This month’s issue profiles several scientific discoveries with new implications for conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. On St. Eustatius, the first evidence of a rat stealing a seabird egg from a nest was captured with the use of camera traps – a component of STENAPA’s Red-billed Tropicbird conservation work. On Curaçao, a research team from Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands carried out dedicated surveys on crabs, shrimps and molluscs living in association with corals and other invertebrate hosts. The study yields several new species records for Curaçao, new symbiotic associations and possibly even species new to science.

Caribbean-wide, lionfish removal efforts have been a major component of conservation action in regards to this invasive predator. New evidence suggests this could be a permanent, but successful solution in controlling and limiting the impacts of the Lionfish. Additionally, the lionfish control website (www. lionfishcontrol.org), originally set up by STINAPA Bonaire and DCNA to support and monitor lionfish control efforts has been expanded to include Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten.

Content:

• ‘Breaking News’: Rats confirmed stealing eggs on St. Eustatius!
• New Biodiversity Records for Curaçao
• Lionfish Control Efforts Show Success
• Overview of Research and Monitoring Efforts
• Calendar of Upcoming Events, Meetings and Workshops

This month’s issue highlights the Saba Bank Expedition that took place from 19 to 27 October. As a follow up to the Saba Bank survey in 2011, an international team of experts investigated the ecological functionality of the Bank, focussing on corals, fish, genetics, nutrients and dissolved organic carbon. The first glance at the results appears promising with coral cover increasing and algae cover decreasing, but final results will be published by next year.

The publication of a study on the island of Saba shows that invasive predators, such as feral cats, can have a large impact on breeding colonies of Red-billed Tropicbirds. Cat densities were investigated and varied largely between elevation levels. In some parts of the island, overall cat health turned out to be very poor. This already influenced the decision to stop releasing spayed/neutered cats back into the wild. Hopefully this will aid in decreasing the overall feral cat population and save the beautiful Red- billed Tropicbird, which has become an iconic symbol for the island of Saba.

Other content:

• ‘Breaking News’: New Spider Species During ‘Sea & Learn’ On Saba.
• ‘Research of the Month‘: Saba Bank Expedition 2013
• Invasive Predator Research On Saba: The Case of the Red-billed Tropicbird
• Overview of Research and Monitoring Efforts
• Calendar of Upcoming Events, Meetings and Workshops

Abstract:

A new species from St. Eustatius, Gonolobus aloiensis (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Gonolobinae), is described and illustrated. This new species is endemic to St. Eustatius (northern Leeward Islands) and represents the first record of the genus for the island. It exhibits morphological similarity to continental G. albomarginatus, but can be distinguished in part by abaxial leaf surfaces glabrous, calyx and corolla lobes shorter and narrower, and abaxial corolla lobes completely lacking glandular indumentum and with eglandular indumentum restricted at most to only the top two-thirds of the lobes. An amplified key to species of Gonolobus s. s. in the West Indies is provided. 

Abstract:

Specimens of Starksia were collected throughout the western Atlantic, and a 650-bp portion of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase-c subunit I (COl) was sequenced as part of a re-analysis of species diversity of western Central Atlantic shorefishes. A neighbor-joining tree constructed from the sequence data suggests the existence of several cryptic species. Voucher specimens from each genetically distinct lineage and color photographs of vouchers taken prior to dissection and preservation were examined for diagnostic morphological characters. The results suggest that S. atlantica, S. lepicoelia, and S. sluiteri are species complexes, and each comprises three or more species. Seven new species are described. DNA data usually support morphological features, but some incongruence between genetic and morphological data exists. Genetic lineages are only recognized as species if supported by morphology. Genetic lineages within western Atlantic Starksia generally correspond to geography, such that members of each species complex have a very restricted geographical distribution. Increasing geographical coverage of sampling locations will almost certainly increase the number of Starksia species and species complexes recognized in the west- ern Atlantic. Combining molecular and morphological investigations is bringing clarity to the taxonomy of many genera of morphologically similar fishes and increasing the number of currently recognized species. Future phylogenetic studies should help resolve species relationships and shed light on patterns of speciation in western Atlantic Starksia.