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A new species of codling Physiculus megastomus sp. nov. is described based on the holotype and a subadult paratype collected from northern and eastern Taiwan. The new species is classified in Physiculus by the presence of a ventral light organ on the abdomen and a chin barbel, and the absence of vomerine teeth. It is distinguished from congeners in having a large mouth with the posterior end of the maxilla extending well behind the level of the posterior margin of the orbit, its length 57.8‒60.7% in head length (HL) and the combination of the following characters: both jaws bearing caniniform teeth; snout, suborbital area, and gular region fully scaled; ventral light organ small, its length 5.5‒6.7% of distance from the interventral line to the origin of the anal fin (InV-af), located approximately at the mid-point of InV-af; five gill rakers on the upper limb of the first gill arch. DNA barcoding supported the establishment of the new species.

Gomon, M.F., Struthers, C.D. and Kemp, J. 2021. A review of the Australasian genus Pseudophycis (Gadiformes: Moridae), redescribing its four species and resurrecting the name Physiculus palmatus Klunzinger, 1872, for the Australian Red Cod. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 80: 103–143. The commercially fished Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus Forster in Bloch and Schneider, 1801, is shown on the basis of both morphological and genetic evidence to be confined to New Zealand waters. The separation of the closely related but distinct Australian cognate brings the number of species in the Australasian genus Pseudophycis to four. The name Physiculus palmatus Klunzinger, 1872, which was long thought to be a junior synonym of Pseudophycis barbata Günther, 1862, is demonstrated to have been originally proposed for the Australian endemic. Pseudophycis palmata (new combination) differs from P. bachus in having a prominent black blotch or spot basally on the pectoral fin that does not extend dorsally onto the body, in contrast to distinctly extending onto body, the second dorsal fin with 47–56 rather than 40–45 rays, the anal fin with 50–57 rather than 42–48 rays and the vertebral column with 47–50 rather than 44–46 total vertebrae. Diagnoses, colour descriptions, images and distributions for all four species and a key to members of the genus are provided.

Physiculus indicus sp. nov. Common name: Indian Codling Figs.1‒2, Table 1 Holotype. MTRLDST 00214, 162 mm SL, 183 mm TL, India, Lakshadweep, East Coast of Kavaratti Island, 10°33’49.9”N, 72°39’4.0”E,, ca. 350 m, 9 April 2018. Paratypes. MTRLDST 00215, 128 mm SL, 148 mm TL; MTRLDST 00216, 143 mm SL, 169 mm TL; MTRLDST 00217, 154 mm SL, 169 mm TL; MTRLDST 00218, 142 mm SL, 162 mm TL; all collected with holotype. Etymology. The specific is derived from the type locality, India. Diagnosis. A species of Physiculus with light organ situated at about the middle of pelvic-fin base and anus; light organ small; anus rather forward in position, closer to the light organ; gular region smooth without scales. Physiculus indicus differs from nearest congeners, P. argyropastus, in the position of the anus, and the number of total vertebrae; P. roseus in having the light organ closer to the anus than the pelvic-fin base; P. rhodopinnis by fewer rays in the second dorsal fin and fewer anal-fin rays. Although similar to each other, P. indicus differs from P. lakshadeepa in having fewer gill rakers, more caudal vertebrae, more total vertebrae, and first dorsal fin not higher than the second (vs. first dorsal fin higher with first ray filamentous) Description. The morphometric data given in Table 1 is for the holotype, followed by the range of measurements from the paratypes in parentheses, except when otherwise indicated. Body round elongated, compressed posteriorly; head moderately large, slightly depressed anteriorly; eye large, its diameter 22.2% (19.0‒25.8%) HL; interorbital space broad, it width 31.8% (26­.6­‒34.1%) HL; snout broad and rounded, length 19.9% (19.9‒28.4%) HL, protruding slightly beyond upper jaw; mouth large; teeth equally sized; vomerine and palatine toothless; barbel on chin much shorter than orbit diameter, its length 4.7% (3.2‒8.9%) HL. Gill rakers on first gill arch small, varying from spinous tubercles to small clubs, spinous initially at tips and progressively more spinous towards the angle on the lower branch and spinous at tips on the upper branch; abdominal cavity reaching the 9th pterygiophore of the anal fin. Scales small and deciduous, 96­ (90‒102) in longitudinal series; 7 (7‒8) scale rows between the base of the first dorsal fin and lateral line; scale cycloid, covered on head and body, except for branchiostegal membrane and gular region. Continuous tube of lateral line reaching 14th ray of the second dorsal fin and discontinuous tube of lateral line reaching caudal peduncle. First dorsal fin higher than the second; a very small gap separating first from second dorsal fin; the origin of the first dorsal behind a vertical through pectoral fin base; the origin of the second dorsal fin at a vertical through 5th anal-fin ray; both dorsal fins not indented. The pectoral fin extends up to the 8th ray of the second dorsal fin. Pelvic fin slender, two outermost rays filamentous and extend to 3rd ray of the anal fin. Caudal fin truncate and well separated from second dorsal and anal fins. Caudal peduncle short, less than orbit diameter, its length 8.8% (8.4‒10.3%) HL. Light organ moderately sized; externally prominent as a circular scale less fossa in advance of the anus; its diameter 11.4% (6­.4‒12.0%) InV-af. Distance from inter ventral line to anterior margin of light organ 22.6­% (18.6­‒ 29.0%) In V-af; distance from posterior margin of the light organ to anterior margin of anus 17.6­% (17.6­‒23.8%) In V-af; and distance from the inter-ventral line to anterior margin of anus 53.6­% (50.6­‒58.2%) InV-af. Vertebrae: 12 (11‒12) precaudal, 40 (40‒41) caudal vertebrae, and 52 (52) in total. Coloration.. When fresh, the head and body, pinkish tan; abdomen, silvery blue; branchiostegal membranes black; vertical fin membrane dark brown. Colour when preserved head and body light brown and abdomen silvery. Distribution. Physiculus indicus is known from the type series collected off Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep, India, at a depth of ca. 350 m.

Physiculus indicus sp. nov. Common name: Indian Codling Figs.1���2, Table 1 Holotype. MTRLDST 00214, 162 mm SL, 183 mm TL, India, Lakshadweep, East Coast of Kavaratti Island, 10��33���49.9���N, 72��39���4.0���E,, ca. 350 m, 9 April 2018. Paratypes. MTRLDST 00215, 128 mm SL, 148 mm TL; MTRLDST 00216, 143 mm SL, 169 mm TL; MTRLDST 00217, 154 mm SL, 169 mm TL; MTRLDST 00218, 142 mm SL, 162 mm TL; all collected with holotype. Etymology. The specific is derived from the type locality, India. Diagnosis. A species of Physiculus with light organ situated at about the middle of pelvic-fin base and anus; light organ small; anus rather forward in position, closer to the light organ; gular region smooth without scales. Physiculus indicus differs from nearest congeners, P. argyropastus, in the position of the anus, and the number of total vertebrae; P. roseus in having the light organ closer to the anus than the pelvic-fin base; P. rhodopinnis by fewer rays in the second dorsal fin and fewer anal-fin rays. Although similar to each other, P. indicus differs from P. lakshadeepa in having fewer gill rakers, more caudal vertebrae, more total vertebrae, and first dorsal fin not higher than the second (vs. first dorsal fin higher with first ray filamentous) Description. The morphometric data given in Table 1 is for the holotype, followed by the range of measurements from the paratypes in parentheses, except when otherwise indicated. Body round elongated, compressed posteriorly; head moderately large, slightly depressed anteriorly; eye large, its diameter 22.2% (19.0���25.8%) HL; interorbital space broad, it width 31.8% (26��.6�����34.1%) HL; snout broad and rounded, length 19.9% (19.9���28.4%) HL, protruding slightly beyond upper jaw; mouth large; teeth equally sized; vomerine and palatine toothless; barbel on chin much shorter than orbit diameter, its length 4.7% (3.2���8.9%) HL. Gill rakers on first gill arch small, varying from spinous tubercles to small clubs, spinous initially at tips and progressively more spinous towards the angle on the lower branch and spinous at tips on the upper branch; abdominal cavity reaching the 9th pterygiophore of the anal fin. Scales small and deciduous, 96�� (90���102) in longitudinal series; 7 (7���8) scale rows between the base of the first dorsal fin and lateral line; scale cycloid, covered on head and body, except for branchiostegal membrane and gular region. Continuous tube of lateral line reaching 14th ray of the second dorsal fin and discontinuous tube of lateral line reaching caudal peduncle. First dorsal fin higher than the second; a very small gap separating first from second dorsal fin; the origin of the first dorsal behind a vertical through pectoral fin base; the origin of the second dorsal fin at a vertical through 5th anal-fin ray; both dorsal fins not indented. The pectoral fin extends up to the 8th ray of the second dorsal fin. Pelvic fin slender, two outermost rays filamentous and extend to 3rd ray of the anal fin. Caudal fin truncate and well separated from second dorsal and anal fins. Caudal peduncle short, less than orbit diameter, its length 8.8% (8.4���10.3%) HL. Light organ moderately sized; externally prominent as a circular scale less fossa in advance of the anus; its diameter 11.4% (6��.4���12.0%) InV-af. Distance from inter ventral line to anterior margin of light organ 22.6��% (18.6����� 29.0%) In V-af; distance from posterior margin of the light organ to anterior margin of anus 17.6��% (17.6�����23.8%) In V-af; and distance from the inter-ventral line to anterior margin of anus 53.6��% (50.6�����58.2%) InV-af. Vertebrae: 12 (11���12) precaudal, 40 (40���41) caudal vertebrae, and 52 (52) in total. Coloration.. When fresh, the head and body, pinkish tan; abdomen, silvery blue; branchiostegal membranes black; vertical fin membrane dark brown. Colour when preserved head and body light brown and abdomen silvery. Distribution. Physiculus indicus is known from the type series collected off Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep, India, at a depth of ca. 350 m., Published as part of Idrees Babu, K. K., Ho, Hsaun-Ching, Mariyambi, P. C. & Sureshkumar, S., 2022, Two new species of the codling fish genus Physiculus from Lakshadweep, India (Gadiformes: Moridae), pp. 111-124 in Zootaxa 5104 (1) on pages 112-115, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5104.1.6, http://zenodo.org/record/6258095

Physiculus lakshadeepa sp. nov. Common name: Lakshadweep codling Figs. 3���5, Table 1 Holotype. MTRLDST 00112, 164 mm SL, 192 mm TL, India, Lakshadweep, East Coast of Kavaratti Island, 10��33���49.9���N, 72��39���4.0���E, from 350 m depth, 9 April 2018. Paratypes. MTRLDST 00113, 125 mm SL, 143 mm TL; MTRLDST 00114, 183 mm SL, 224 mm TL; both collected with holotype. Etymology. The specific name is derived from the type locality, Lakshadweep. Diagnosis. A species of Physiculus with light organ situated at about the middle of pelvic-fin base and anus; light organ small, anus rather forward in position, closer to the light organ; gular region smooth without scales; Physiculus lakshadeepa differs from the Indian congeners in having relatively high first dorsal fin, with first ray filamentous, except for that of P. capensis, P. beckeri and P. roseus; P. lakshadeepa differs from P. capensis in having scales on snout (vs snout smooth) and teeth in equally sized (vs in graded series); from P. beckeri in having 84���95 scales in longitudinal series (vs 115���130) and less tall first dorsal fin; and from P. roseus in having fewer second dorsal-fin rays and more gill rakers. Compared with the other species in the Pacific Ocean, P. lakshadeepa resembles only P. chigodarana, which has the first dorsal fin distinctly higher than the second. However, P. lakshadeepa differs from the latter in lacking gular scales (vs present in P. chigodarana), fewer second dorsal-fin rays; fewer anal fin rays; light organ situated rather backward; anus situated rather backward (InV-An 41.7���58.2% InV-af vs 38.7���43.7%); more gill rackers, and fewer vertebrae. Description. The morphometric data given in Table 1 is for the holotype, followed by the range of measurements from the paratypes in parentheses, except when otherwise indicated. Body slender and long, compressed posteriorly; head moderately small, depressed anteriorly; eye large 24.7% (19.1���28.5%) in HL; interorbital space broad, 30.1% (25.4���30.7%) in HL; snout broad and rounded, length 24.7% (24.7���25.9%) in HL, protruding slightly beyond the upper jaw. Mouth large, gape extending to a vertical through posterior margin of eye, teeth small, equally sized; vomerine and palatine toothless. Barbel on chin much shorter than orbit diameter, length 7.5% (3.2���11.6��%) in HL. Gill rakers on the first gill arch small, varying from spinous tubercles to small clubs, spinous initially at tips and progressively more spinous towards the angle on lower branch and spinous at tips on the upper branch. Abdominal cavity reaching the 13th pterygiophore of the anal fin. Scales small and deciduous, 90 (84���95) in longitudinal series; 7 (6�����7) scale rows between the first dorsal-fin base and lateral line. Cycloid scales cover the head and body, except for the branchiostegal membrane and the gular region are completely scaleless. Continuous tube of lateral line reaching 10th ray of the second dorsal fin, followed by discontinuous short tubes on the lateral line reaching caudal peduncle. Caudal fin rounded and fan-shaped, well separated from dorsal and anal fins. Caudal peduncle short than orbit diameter, its length 17.1% (17.1���19.7%) HL. First dorsal fin higher than second, first dorsal-fin ray elongated and filamentous, its length 6��2.8% HL (51.7% in 1 paratype and broken in another one). A very small gap separates the first from the second dorsal fins. Origin of first dorsal fin slightly behind a vertical through the pectoral-fin base; the origin of the second dorsal fin at a vertical through 4th anal-fin ray. Pelvic fin slender, two outermost rays slightly filamentous, extending to 7th ray of the anal fin. The pectoral fin extends up to the 7th ray of the second dorsal fin. Ventral light organ small in size, externally prominent as a circular scale less fossa in advance of the anus, its diameter 6��.0% (6��.0���9.6��%) InV-af; distance from inter ventral line to anterior margin of light organ 29.0% (24.4��� 29.0%) InV-af; distance from posterior margin of the light organ to anterior margin of anus 22.6��% (17.4���22.6��%) InV-af, and distance from inter ventral line to anterior margin of anus 58.2% (41.7���58.2%) InV-af. Vertebrae: 12 (11���12) precaudal, 37 (37���38) caudal, and 49 (49) in total. Colouration. When fresh, head and body dark brown, slightly reddish on tail, caudal fin base dark brown and abdomen silvery blue. Branchiostegal membranes black; first dorsal fin pink, with broad black margin; second dorsal fin pink, gradually becoming red posteriorly, with narrow black margin; pectoral fin red with black base; pelvic fin dark brown; anal fin red with black margin; caudal fin deep red with posterior third black. Colour when preserved, head and body light brown and abdomen silvery., Published as part of Idrees Babu, K. K., Ho, Hsaun-Ching, Mariyambi, P. C. & Sureshkumar, S., 2022, Two new species of the codling fish genus Physiculus from Lakshadweep, India (Gadiformes: Moridae), pp. 111-124 in Zootaxa 5104 (1) on pages 115-118, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5104.1.6, http://zenodo.org/record/6258095

A specimen of Physiculus dalwigki Kaup, 1758 measuring 218 mm in total length, 190 mm in standard length, and weighing 90 g was caught off the northern Tunisian coast. This capture constitutes the first record of this fish from the Tunisian coast. The specimen is described including morphological measurements, meristic counts, and color. Due to a lack of records, the real status of the species in the Tunisian waters still remains questionable. Physiculus dalwigki occurs only off northern Spain and south to the Strait of Gibraltar in the waters surrounding Madera and the Azores Islands, and in the Mediterranean Sea from Nice (southern France) to the Tunisian coast. Therefore, it appears that P. dalwigki is displaying a disjoint distribution with the exclusion of a large western region of the Mediterranean Sea.

Physiculus talarae Hildebrand & Barton, 1949. Peruvian Codling. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Paulin in Fischer et al. 1995). Central Baja California to Peru, not in Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Depth: surface to 330 m (1,083 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Zeballos Flor et al. 1998)., Published as part of Love, Milton S., Bizzarro, Joseph J., Cornthwaite, Maria, Frable, Benjamin W. & Maslenikov, Katherine P., 2021, Checklist of marine and estuarine fishes from the Alaska-Yukon Border, Beaufort Sea, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, pp. 1-285 in Zootaxa 5053 (1) on page 79, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5053.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/5578008, {"references":["Fischer, W., Krupp, F., Schneider, W., Sommer, C., Carpenter, K. E. & Niem, V. H. (1995) Guia FAO para la identificacion para los fines de la pesca. Pacifico centro-oriental. Volume II, Vertebrados, Parte 1. Volume III, Vertebrados, Parte 2. FAO, Rome.","Robertson, D. R. & Allen, G. R. (2002) Shorefishes of the tropical eastern Pacific: an information system. CD-ROM. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panama.","Zeballos Flor, J., Samame, M. & Romero, M. (1998) Estructura especiologica demersal observada durante el Crucero de Evaluacion de la Merluza entre Puerto Pizarro y Huarmey. Informe IMARPE, 138, 87 - 100."]}

Physiculus talarae Hildebrand & Barton, 1949. Peruvian Codling. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Paulin in Fischer et al. 1995). Central Baja California to Peru, not in Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Depth: surface to 330 m (1,083 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Zeballos Flor et al. 1998).

Physiculus rastrelliger Gilbert, 1890. Hundred-fathom Codling. To 25.8 cm (10.2 in) TL (Rodr��guez-Romero et al. 2008). Oregon (45��30���N, 124��48���W) (NWFSC-FRAM) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and V��lez 1998), including Gulf of California (Gallo et al. 2020a). Depth: 21���1,369 m (68���4,490 ft) (min.: Jackie Patay, pers. comm. to M.L.: max.: Morera et al. 2019)., Published as part of Love, Milton S., Bizzarro, Joseph J., Cornthwaite, Maria, Frable, Benjamin W. & Maslenikov, Katherine P., 2021, Checklist of marine and estuarine fishes from the Alaska-Yukon Border, Beaufort Sea, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, pp. 1-285 in Zootaxa 5053 (1) on page 79, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5053.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/5578008, {"references":["Rodriguez-Romero, J., Palacios-Salgado, D. S. & Gutierrez Sanchez, F. J. (2008) First record of the spottail moray Gymnothorax equatorialis (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) off the west coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Marine Biodiversity Records, 1, 2 - 4. https: // doi. org / 10.1017 / s 1755267207007981","Chirichigno, F. N. & Velez D, J. (1998) Clave para identificaticar los peces marinos del Peru (segunda edicion, revisada y actualizada). Instituto de Mar de Peru Publicacion Especial.","Gallo, N. D., Beckwith, M., Wei, C. - L., Levin, L. A., Kunhn, L. & Barry, J. P. (2020 a) Dissolved oxygen and temperature best predict deep-sea fish community structure in the Gulf of California with climate change implications. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 637, 159 - 180. https: // doi. org / 10.3354 / meps 13240","Morera, R. B., Calderon, F. C. & Hernandez, J. M. V. (2019) Abundancia, biomasa y estructura de la ictiofauna demersal en el oceano Pacifico de Centroamerica, basadas en datos de prospeccion pesquera realizados a bordo del B / W Miguel Oliver. Revista Ciencias Las Marinas y Costeras, 12, 27 - 47. https: // doi. org / 10.15359 / revmar. 12 - 1.2"]}

Physiculus nematopus Gilbert, 1890. Charcoal Codling. To 29 cm (11.4 in) TL (McCosker et al. 1997). Monterey Bay, central California (Burton and Lea 2019) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and V��lez 1998), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2015), and Islas Gal��pagos (McCosker et al. 1997). Depth: surface to 1,270 m (4,167 ft) (min.: Paulin 1989; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002)., Published as part of Love, Milton S., Bizzarro, Joseph J., Cornthwaite, Maria, Frable, Benjamin W. & Maslenikov, Katherine P., 2021, Checklist of marine and estuarine fishes from the Alaska-Yukon Border, Beaufort Sea, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, pp. 1-285 in Zootaxa 5053 (1) on page 79, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5053.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/5578008, {"references":["McCosker, J. E., Merlin, G., Long, D. S., Gilmore, R. G. & Villon, C. (1997) Deep slope fishes collected during the 1995 eruption of Isla Fernandina, Galapagos. Noticias de Galapagos, No. 58, 22 - 26.","Burton, E. J. & Lea, R. N. (2019) Annotated checklist of fishes from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with notes on extralimital species. ZooKeys, 887. https: // doi. org / 10.3897 / zookeys. 887.38024","Chirichigno, F. N. & Velez D, J. (1998) Clave para identificaticar los peces marinos del Peru (segunda edicion, revisada y actualizada). Instituto de Mar de Peru Publicacion Especial.","Robertson, D. R. and Allen, G. R. (2015) Shorefishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific: an Information System. Version 2.0 (2008). Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa. http: // biogeodb. stri. si. edu / sftep / en / pages","Paulin, C. (1989) Review of the morid genera Gadella, Physiculus, and Salilota (Teleostei: Gadiformes) with description of seven new species. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 16, 93 - 133.","Robertson, D. R. & Allen, G. R. (2002) Shorefishes of the tropical eastern Pacific: an information system. CD-ROM. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panama."]}

Physiculus megastomus sp. nov. Figs. 1‒6, Tables 1‒2 urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 64621F8C-9A97-4AA2-8E60-2A9265B88DBD Gadella jordani (non Böhlke & Mead, 1951): Chiang et al., 2014: 46, fig. 3. Holotype. NMMB-P 35678, 307.2 mm SL, 344.0 mm TL, female with mature ovaries, off northern Taiwan, by hook-and-line, purchased from Keelung Fish Market, 2 May 2020; COI: MZ 873335. Paratype. NMMB-P 35679, 143.6 mm SL, 162.6 mm TL, off Chenggong, Taitung, eastern Taiwan, depth ca. 800 m, by hook-and-line, 16 May 2021; COI: MZ 873336. Diagnosis. A Physiculus species distinct from all congeners by possessing a very large mouth, posterior end of maxilla extending well behind the level of the posterior margin of orbit, its length 15.3‒15.9% SL and 57.8‒ 60.7% HL; both jaws with caniniform teeth; snout, suborbital area, and gular region fully scaled. It can be further distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: light organ small, 5.5‒6.7% InV-af; light organ located near the mid-point of InV-af, its anterior margin located at 46.9‒50.7% InV-af; anus located closer to the anal-fin origin, its anterior edge located at 74.2‒83.1% InV-af; gill rakers on upper limb of first gill arch 5; scales in longitudinal series ca. 114‒122; scale rows between first dorsal-fin base and lateral line 10‒11. Description. The following data are given for the holotype with paratype information in parentheses when different. First dorsal-fin rays 9, first ray short and obscure; second dorsal-fin rays 74 (69); pectoral-fin rays 24 (left)/24 (right); anal-fin rays 80 (74); pelvic-fin rays 5; scales in longitudinal series ca. 122 (114); scale rows between first dorsal-fin base and lateral line 10/11 (10/10); total gill rakers on upper limb 5/5, all developed (except paratype with 1 rudimentary raker on right side); total gill rakers on lower limb 10/12 (12/11), including 2/2 (1/0) rudimentary rakers; vertebrae 14+40 (39) = 54 (53); pyloric caeca 12. Head length 26.1% (26.5) SL; predorsal length 28.0% (28.7); prepectoral length 26.9% (27.6); prepelvic length 20.7% (20.8); preanal length 33.8% (32.7); preanus length 29.1% (30.1); first and second dorsal-fin bases 6.5% (6.7) and 59.8% (59.2), respectively; anal-fin base 63.0% (65.2); snout length 27.5% (24.3) HL; interorbital width 34.0% (32.6); first dorsal-fin height 26.8% (27.9). Body moderately elongate, robust anteriorly, gradually compressed and narrowing to a narrow caudal peduncle and caudal fin. Body depth 19.8% (21.4) SL. Caudal peduncle narrow, its depth and length 6.7% (7.2) and 23.4% (27.5) HL, respectively. Head large and broadly rounded, its width 15.7% (15.9) SL; snout wide with a round anterior outline; eye relatively small, its diameter 15.9% (19.1) HL; mouth very large and terminal, upper jaw extends well behind a vertical through the posterior margin of eye, its length 60.7% (57.8) HL; upper jaw slightly overhanging the lower jaw. Teeth large and caniniform. Upper jaw with 3 rows of slightly curved teeth (2 rows in paratype), the middle row largest (outermost row largest in paratype; Fig. 5), the outermost and innermost rows slightly shorter. Lower jaw with 3 rows (2 in paratype) of teeth, the outermost row small (Fig. 5), the inner rows larger, subequal in length (only one inner row in paratype, distinctly larger than outer row). Vomer and palatine toothless. Chin barbel present but short, its length 4.0% (10.5) HL. Two dorsal fins. First dorsal-fin origin slightly behind a vertical through the insertion of pectoral fin; second dorsal-fin origin right behind the end of first dorsal fin, rays generally uniform in height. Anal-fin origin anterior to the level of second dorsal fin, rays generally uniform in height. Pectoral fin moderate, its length 15.2% (16.4%) SL and 58.2% (61.8) HL, rounded posteriorly, with lower rays gradually shorter, posterior end to a vertical through ca. the 7th‒8th ray of the second dorsal fin. Pelvic fin long and elongated, its length 14.3% (22.1) SL and 54.5% (83.6) HL; when appressed, its tip extends slightly behind the anal-fin origin (well behind the anal-fin origin); pelvic fin thoracic, inserting anterior to the level of pectoral-fin base. Caudal fin small, well separated from dorsal and anal fins, rounded and symmetrical posteriorly. Scales cycloid, small, longitudinally oval-shaped. Body fully scaled. Head almost fully scaled; snout, suborbital area fully covered with small scales; gular region (throat) fully scaled (Fig. 4B); branchiostegal membrane naked. Dorsal and anal fins totally naked. Pectoral-fin base scaled, slightly extending onto the fin. Caudal-fin base scaled. Lateral line not completely continuous, continuous tubed scales do not extend beyond the posterior end of the first dorsal fin. Ventral light organ very small, the distance between its anterior and posterior margins 3.3% (6.7) HL, 2.9% (6.7) in InV-af; located near the mid-point of InV-af (Fig. 4B), InV-LO 46.9% (50.7%) InV-af, LO-an 17.9% (22.6) InV-af; anus large and rounded, surrounded by black naked skin, situated closer to the origin of anal fin than interventral line, InV-an 74.2% (83.1) InV-af; genital papilla located right behind the anus. Coloration. When fresh (Fig. 1), body dark brown, anterior trunk and head darker. Lips of upper and lower jaws black. Maxilla white, with a small, irregular but faint black blotch at the posterior end. Tongue and palatine lining dusky (Fig. 3). Throat and branchiostegal membrane totally black. Barbel black (pale reddish-orange in paratype). Fin color of holotype: all fins dark reddish-brown. Dorsal, anal, and caudal fins with a faint but broad black margin. Fin color of paratype: all fins reddish-orange. Base of dorsal and anal fin darker and dusky. Caudal fin with a black edge. When preserved (Fig. 2), body and head overall black. Black pigment on lips and in oral cavity remains. Fin color of holotype: dorsal and anal fins dark brown, paler posteriorly. Second dorsal and anal fin with a darker margin. Pectoral fin black. Pelvic fin dusky, paler posteriorly. Caudal fin dusky, with a broad dark brown margin. Fin color of paratype: dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins dusky black near the fin base, pale white posteriorly, but with an indistinct black margin. Pelvic fin pale white. Caudal fin pale white with a black edge. Etymology. The specific name megastomus means large-mouthed in ancient Greek which is the combination of “ mega ” (large) and “ stoma ” (mouth), referring to its unique large mouth among congeners. Distribution and habitat. Known only from off northern and eastern Taiwan, based on the type specimens and Chiang et al. (2014) (see Remarks). The paratype (NMMB-P35679) was captured with hook-and-line by a fisherman over a sandy bottom at ca. 800 m depth. This species is assumed to inhabit deep sandy bottoms, down to ca. 800 m. Comparisons. According to the keys to Physiculus provided by Paulin (1989) and Shcherbachev (1993), the diagnostic characters of Physiculus megastomus sp. nov. do not match any other species. Among its congeners, it is most similar to Physiculus nigrescens Smith & Radcliffe, 1912 [in Radcliffe, 1912], which occurs from the Philippines to Australia (Paulin, 1989). They share a more posterior light organ (InV-LO>30% InV-af); a short continuous tubed lateral line, not extending beyond the origin of the second dorsal fin; and similar number of second dorsal-fin rays (Table 2). However, P. megastomus can be readily distinguished from P. nigrescens in having a longer maxilla (15.3‒15.9% SL in P. megastomus vs. 13.5‒14.1% in P. nigrescens; Table 1); light organ situated closer to the mid-point of InV-af (InV-LO 46.9‒50.7% InV-af vs. 39.3‒45.5%); more gill rakers on upper limb of first gill arch (5 vs. 3‒4); both jaws with 2‒3 rows of caniniform teeth (vs. villiform teeth on both jaws; Smith & Radcliffe, 1912). Physiculus megastomus sp. nov. can be distinguished from most of its congeners by its 5 gill rakers on the upper limb of first gill arch, including rudiments (vs. usually 2‒4 in most congeners), except Physiculus caboverdensis González, Triay-Portella & Biscoito, 2018, Physiculus marisrubri Brüss, 1986, Physiculus maslowskii Trunov, 1991, Physiculus nematopus Gilbert, 1890, and Physiculus talarae Hildebrand & Barton, 1949, which also possess 4‒5 rakers (Table 2). However, P. megastomus can be distinguished from them by its relatively posteriorly situated light organ (InV-LO 46.9‒50.7% InV-af vs. 16.0‒36.9%). Among these, P. megastomus is closest to P. caboverdensis in having caniniform teeth on both jaws. Physiculus megastomus can be readily separated from P. caboverdensis in having relatively more second dorsal-fin and anal-fin rays (69‒74 and 74‒80 vs. 57‒67 and 63‒69 in P.caboverdensis, respectively); smaller light organ (its length 5.5‒6.7% InV-af vs. 6.8‒13.3%); and longer maxilla (15.3‒15.9% SL vs. 12.7‒14.6; Table 1). Furthermore, the relatively large mouth and long upper jaw are diagnostic characters of P. megastomus and likely unique among congeners, the length of upper jaw (maxilla) 15.3‒15.9% SL and 57.8‒60.7% HL. However, only Physiculus coheni Paulin, 1989 has a maxilla length, 28.7% SL (Paulin, 1989), exceeding that of P. megastomus. This proportion is misleading because, based on the original description (Paulin, 1989), the holotype of P. coheni has lost the distal portion of its body and possesses a large regenerated caudal end. Therefore, it is not appropriate to standardize the maxilla length with its incomplete body length. The maxilla length was standardized by its head length instead. As a result, the maxilla length of P. coheni is 50.8% HL, which is distinctly shorter than that of P. megastomus (57.8‒60.7% HL). Remarks. The holotype is a large female with ripe ovaries and the paratype is likely a subadult without developed gonads. They differ from each other significantly in several morphometric proportions, dentition, and appearance: pelvic fin in holotype extends slightly behind the anal-fin origin when appressed, its length 14.3% SL and 54.5% HL (vs. extends well behind the anal-fin origin, 22.1% SL and 83.6 % HL); barbel length 4.0% HL (vs. 10.5% HL); three rows of caniniform teeth on both jaws (vs. two rows); dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins are dark reddish-brown (vs. reddish-orange). Except for the aforementioned characters, other morphometric and meristic characters are consistent between the two type specimens (Tables 1–2). We performed DNA barcoding analysis and constructed a phylogenetic tree (Fig. 6) to further confirm the identification of the new species. The COI sequences of the two specimens are 100% identical and reveal a single lineage with 100% bootstrap support. With high similarities in morphological and molecular data, the aforementioned morphological variations are likely ontogenetic. Molecular data reveal Physiculus megastomus is closest to an undescribed species from Taiwan, Physiculus sp. 3 (sensu Koeda & Ho, 2019). The two species are sister to each other with 100% bootstrap support (Fig. 6). The genetic distance between the COI sequences of the two species is 3.3%, as calculated by the K2P model (Kimura, 1980). More specimens and sequences are needed to confirm the taxonomic status of Physiculus sp. 3. Therefore, Physiculus sp. 3 is not described herein. Chiang et al. (2014: 46, fig. 3) labeled a photograph as Gadella jordani (Böhlke & Mead, 1951) from eastern Taiwan. However, the specimens in their figure show the following characters: presence of a chin barbel; all fins reddish-orange; mouth large and maxilla extends well beyond the level of the posterior edge of orbit; rays of second dorsal and anal fins generally uniform in height. Their specimen was most likely P. megastomus sp. nov. The specimen was examined by Dr. H.-C. Ho, but it is badly damaged due to preservation (Ho, pers. comm.) and is not included in the present study., Published as part of Tang, Chi-Ngai, 2021, Description of a new codling species of Physiculus from Taiwan (Gadiformes: Moridae), pp. 105-116 in Zootaxa 5052 (1) on pages 106-114, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5052.1.6, http://zenodo.org/record/5566092, {"references":["Bohlke, J. E. & Mead, G. W. (1951) Physiculus jordani, a new gadoid fish from deep water off Japan. Stanford Ichthyological Bulletin, 4 (1), 27 - 29.","Chiang, W. - C., Lin, P. - L., Chen, W. - Y. & Liu, D. - C. (2014) Marine fishes in Eastern Taiwan. Fisheries Research Institute Special Publication. Vol. 18. Fisheries Research Institute, Keelung, 337 pp.","Paulin, C. D. (1989) Review of the morid genera Gadella, Physiculus, and Salilota (Teleostei: Gadiformes) with descriptions of seven new species. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 16 (1), 93 - 133. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 03014223.1989.10423706","Shcherbachev, Y. N. (1993) Preliminary review of the genus Physiculus (Moridae, Gadiformes) in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters of the South Atlantic. Trudy Instituta Okeanologii Imeni P. P. Shirshova, 128, 147 - 178.","Radcliffe, L. (1912) Descriptions of a new family, two new genera, and twenty-nine new species of anacanthine fishes from the Philippine Islands and contiguous waters. Proceedings of the United States National Museum, 43 (1924), 105 - 140. https: // doi. org / 10.5479 / si. 00963801.43 - 1924.105","Gonzalez, J. A., Triay-Portella, R. & Biscoito, M. (2018) A new species of Physiculus (Teleostei: Moridae) from the Cape Verde Islands (Eastern Central Atlantic). Zootaxa, 4461 (2), 286 - 292. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4461.2.10","Bruss, R. (1986) Tiefenwasser- und Tiefseefische aus dem Roten Meer. X. Physiculus marisrubri n. sp. aus dem Roten Meer und P. normani n. sp. von der Kuste Ostafrikas (Pisces: Teleostei: Gadiformes: Moridae). Senckenbergiana Biologica, 66, 215 - 249.","Trunov, I. A. (1991) Fishes of the family Moridae from the southeastern Atlantic Ocean (genera Mora Risso and Physiculus Kaup). Voprosy Ikhtiologii, 31 (3), 373 - 379.","Gilbert, C. H. (1890) A preliminary report on the fishes collected by the steamer Albatross on the Pacific coast of North America during the year 1889, with descriptions of twelve new genera and ninety-two new species. Proceedings of the United States National Museum, 13 (797), 49 - 126. https: // doi. org / 10.5479 / si. 00963801.13 - 797.49","Hildebrand, S. F. & Barton, O. (1949) A collection of fishes from Talara, Peru. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, 111 (10), 1 - 36.","Pires, A. M. A., Carvalho-Filho, A., Ferreira, R. C. P., Viana, D., Nunes, D. & Hazin, F. H. V. (2019) Review of the Brazilian species of Physiculus (Gadiformes: Moridae), with description of a new species from Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, equatorial Atlantic. Zootaxa, 4671 (1), 67 - 80. https: // doi. org / 10.11646 / zootaxa. 4671.1.5","Koeda, K. & Ho, H. - C. (Eds.) (2019) Fishes of Southern Taiwan. National Marine Museum of Biology and Aquarium, Checheng, 1353 pp.","Kimura, M. (1980) A simple method for estimating evolutionary rates of base substitutions through comparative studies of nucleotide sequences. Journal of Molecular Evolution, 16 (2), 111 - 120. https: // doi. org / 10.1007 / BF 01731581"]}

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) were estimated for five deep sea fishes viz. Astronesthes martensii, Glyptophidium macropus, Neobythites multistriatus, Physiculus roseus, Synagrops japonicus from Kerala, south west coast of India. Fishes were collected from commercial trawlers monthly from February 2018 to March 2019 operating at depth ranged from 270 m (Lat. 9°29.35′ N, Long. 75°44.74′ E) to 350 m (Lat. 9°26. 49′ N, Long. 75°42.36′ E) in the south east Arabian Sea. Correlation coefficients (r²) were found high for all species, with b value ranged from 2.923 to 3.404.

Physiculus fulvus Bean, 1884 Tables 2 and 3. Diagnosis. This species differs from all other Atlantic species of the genus in having relatively large scales in longitudinal series (70���84 vs. 90���189), according to Paulin (1989, 1990), Trunov (1991), Anderson & Tweddle (2002), our examination of vouchers of this species, and of the new species herein described. Brief Description. Light organ moderately large 7.5���13.2% InV-af and placed midway between interventral line and anus; distance from interventral line to anterior margin of light organ 17.6���25.6% InV-af; distance from posterior margin of light organ to anterior margin of anus 21.1���24.5% InV-af; teeth subequal. Continuous tube of lateral line not reaching origin of second dorsal fin. No scales on vertical fin membranes, gular region, tip of snout, and around nostrils. Nostrils contiguous, each one in a short tube without a skin flap. Gill rakers moderately long, slender, 2���4 + 8���11. Upper jaw reaching below posterior margin of pupil. Orbit 24���28% in head length. Dorsal-fin rays 9���12, 57���61; anal-fin rays 59���68; pectoral-fin rays 21���26; scales in longitudinal series 70���84, scales between base of first dorsal fin and lateral line 6���7; vertebrae 47���50. Color of preserved specimens. Head and body pinkish tan to light yellowish brown; abdominal region bluish to purplish (often brown in long preserved specimens), with silvery tinge extending onto sides of body and head; axil of pectoral fin dark brown; margins of anal and dorsal fins dark brown to black; external border of lips and gular region dark brown; a dark brown blotch on sub-operculum; light organ dark brown to blackish. Maximum known size 133 mm SL. Distribution. Temperate and tropical western Atlantic Ocean, from southern Canada (43 o 16��N and 60 o 58��W) and Cape Cod (USA), to Rio Grande do Norte, in the ���hump��� of Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean Sea. Depth range 68-800 m, usually bellow 100 m. (Bean, 1884; Jordan and Evermann, 1898; Arai, 1983; Scott & Scott, 1988; Paulin, 1989; McEachran and Fechhelm, 1998; Klein-MacPhee, 2002; Iwamoto and Cohen, 2002; Oliveira et al., 2015; Moore et al., 2015., Published as part of Pires, Alessandra M. A., Carvalho-Filho, Alfredo, Ferreira, R��mulo C. P., Viana, Danielle, Nunes, Diogo & Hazin, Fabio H. V., 2019, Review of the Brazilian species of Physiculus (Gadiformes: Moridae), with description of a new species from Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, equatorial Atlantic, pp. 67-80 in Zootaxa 4671 (1) on pages 69-70, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4671.1.5, http://zenodo.org/record/3450252, {"references":["Bean, T. H. (1884) Descriptions of Physiculus fulvus and Lotella maxillaris, new species of fishes collected in 1881 by the United States Fish Commission. Proceedings of the United States National Museum, 7 (429), 240 - 242.","Paulin, C. D. (1989) Review of the morid genera Gadella, Physiculus, and Salilota (Teleostei: Gadiformes) with descriptions of seven new species. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 16, 39 - 113.","Paulin, C. D. & Matallanas, J. (1990) A new species of Physiculus (Pisces: Moridae) from the eastern central Atlantic. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 17 (1), 137 - 139.","Trunov, I. A. (1991) Fishes of the Family Moridae from the Southeastern Atlantic Ocean (Genera Mora Risso and Physiculus Kaup. Journal of Ichthyology, 31 (6), 110 - 116.","Anderson, M. E. & Tweddle, D. (2002) A new species of Physiculus (Teleostei: Moridae) from the Southeastern Atlantic. Archive of Fishery and Marine Research, 50, 17 - 22.","Jordan, D. S. & Evermann, B. W. (1898) The Fishes of North and Middle America. A descriptive catalogue of the Species of fishlike vertebrates found in the waters of North America, North of the Isthmus of Panama. Smithsonian Institution Bulletin 47, Part III. United Sates National Museum, Washington, pp. 2547 - 2550.","Arai, T. (1983) Moridae. In Uyeno, T., Matsuura K, & Fujii, E. (Eds.), Fishes Trawled off Suriname and French Guiana. JA- MARC, pp. 203 - 205.","Scott, W. B. and Scott, M. G. (1988) Atlantic Fishes of Canada. University of Toronto Press, 731 pp.","McEachran, J. D. & Fechhelm, J. D. (1998) Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico, Vol. 1, Myxiniformes to Gasterosteiformes. University of Texas Press. 1112 pp.","Klein-MacPhee, G. (2002) Moridae. In Collette, B. B. & Klein-MacPhee, G. (Eds.) Bigelow and Schroeder's Fishes of the Gulf of Maine. Third Edition, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, pp. 216.","Oliveira, J. E. L, Nobrega, M. F., Garcia Jr., J., Sampaio, C. L. S., Di Dario, F., Fischer, L. G. & Mincarone, M. M. (2015) Biodiversidade marinha da Bacia Potiguar / RN. Peixes do Talude Continental. Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro, Serie Livros 55, 218 pp.","Moore, J. J. D., Polanco Fernandez, A. & Russell, B. (2015) Physiculus fulvus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https: // doi. org / 10.2305 / IUCN. UK. 2015 - 4. RLTS. T 190091 A 20341490. en"]}

Physiculus karrerae Paulin, 1989 Table 2 and 3. Diagnosis. This species differs from all other Atlantic species, except P. helenaensis, P. dalwigki and P. kaupi, by the smaller scales in longitudinal series and consequently larger number (134���160 vs.70���130). From P. helenaensis, which does not have the number of scales in longitudinal series known to date, it differs by the discontinuous lateral line (vs. continuous to posterior part of body). From P. dalwigki, which has 119���135 longitudinal series of scales, it differs by the greater distance of the light organ to interventral line (8.2���16.8 Inv-af vs. 0���2.4 Inv-af). And from P. kaupi, it differs by the absence of scales on vertical fins and gular region (vs. scales present on vertical fins and gular region), according to Paulin (1989, 1990), Trunov (1991), Shcherbachev (1993), Anderson & Tweddle (2002), and our examination of vouchers of this species, and of the new species herein described. Brief Description. Light organ large, 10.0���22.0% InV-af and placed closer to interventral line than anus; distance from interventral line to anterior margin of light organ 8.2���16.8% InV-af; distance from posterior margin of light organ to anterior margin of anus 13.3���17.6% InV-af; teeth subequal. Continuous tube of lateral line reaching beyond origin of second dorsal fin, almost to tenth second dorsal-fin ray. No scales on vertical fin membranes, gular region, tip of snout, and around nostrils. Nostrils contiguous, the anterior covered by a skin flap, the posterior open, oval, with a short anterior projection. Gill rakers long, slender, 1���3 + 7���9. Upper jaw reaching to below middle of the orbit; orbit 24���29% of head length. Dorsal-fin rays 7���8, 64���76; anal-fin rays 68���81; pectoral-fin rays 24���27; scales in longitudinal series 134���160; scales between base of first dorsal fin and lateral line 14���20; vertebrae 56���59. Color of preserved specimens: head and body brown, smaller specimens light pinkish tan on head and body; abdominal region bluish; gular region, branchiostegal membranes, lips, anterior margin of orbit, base of pectoral fin and tips of vertical fins dark brown; light organ dark brown to blackish. Color of fresh specimen: head and body uniform reddish brown; abdominal region dark bluish black often over whitish background; fins margins and lips dark brown; light organ dark brown to blackish. Maximum known size 274 mm SL. Distribution. Tropical Atlantic Ocean, from Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, off North Carolina, and Caribbean Sea to southern Brazil, and from Saint Helena Island, Tristan da Cunha Island, and Walvis Ridge (Eastern Atlantic). Depth range 50���800m, usually 200���500m, shallower (50���150m) waters of Tristan da Cunha (Paulin, 1989; Edwards, 1990; Trunov, 1991; Andrew et al., 1995; Iwamoto and Cohen, 2002; Smith-Vaniz et al., 1999)., Published as part of Pires, Alessandra M. A., Carvalho-Filho, Alfredo, Ferreira, R��mulo C. P., Viana, Danielle, Nunes, Diogo & Hazin, Fabio H. V., 2019, Review of the Brazilian species of Physiculus (Gadiformes: Moridae), with description of a new species from Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, equatorial Atlantic, pp. 67-80 in Zootaxa 4671 (1) on page 70, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4671.1.5, http://zenodo.org/record/3450252, {"references":["Paulin, C. D. (1989) Review of the morid genera Gadella, Physiculus, and Salilota (Teleostei: Gadiformes) with descriptions of seven new species. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 16, 39 - 113.","Paulin, C. D. & Matallanas, J. (1990) A new species of Physiculus (Pisces: Moridae) from the eastern central Atlantic. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 17 (1), 137 - 139.","Trunov, I. A. (1991) Fishes of the Family Moridae from the Southeastern Atlantic Ocean (Genera Mora Risso and Physiculus Kaup. Journal of Ichthyology, 31 (6), 110 - 116.","Shcherbachev, Yu. N. (1993) Preliminary review of the genus Physiculus (Moridae, Gadiformes) in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters of the South Atlantic. Trudy Instituta Okeanologii Imeni P. P. Shirshova = Transactions of the P. P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, 128, 147 - 178.","Anderson, M. E. & Tweddle, D. (2002) A new species of Physiculus (Teleostei: Moridae) from the Southeastern Atlantic. Archive of Fishery and Marine Research, 50, 17 - 22.","Edwards, A. (1990) Fish and Fisheries of Saint Helena Island. Centre for Tropical Coastal Management Studies, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, 152 pp.","Andrew, T. G., Hectt, T., Heemstra, P. C & Lutjeharms, J. R. E. (1995) Fishes of the Tristan da Cunha Group and Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean. J. L. B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology, Ichthyological Bulletin, 63.","Smith-Vaniz, W. F. Collette, B. B. & Luckhurst, B. E. (1999) Fishes of Bermuda. History, Zoogeography, annotated checklist and identifications keys. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Special Publication, 4, 424 pp."]}

Genus Physiculus Kaup Physiculus Kaup, 1858: 88. Type species: Physiculus dalwigki Kaup, 1858: 88, by monotypy. The diagnosis and description of the genus follow Paulin (1989), Paulin & Matallanas (1990), Trunov (1991), and Shcherbachev (1993). Diagnosis. Morid fishes with ventral light organ in advance of anus; chin barbel present; vomerine teeth absent. Description. Morid fishes with elongated somewhat compressed body. Chin barbel present, eventually much reduced (as in P. microbarbata). Two dorsal and one anal fin of uniform height, separated from the caudal fin that is slightly rounded to rounded (the new species herein described has the posterior border of the caudal fin often rounded, as well as P. maslowskii). Snout broad, obtusely rounded, not projecting beyond mouth. Scales small, cycloid, covering entire body and head, extending or not onto snout, gular region, and fins. Ventral fins with outermost rays filamentous. Circular luminescent organ on midline of belly, connected to anus by a duct; this organ lies in body wall between ventral-fin bases and anus, it is externally obvious as a circular, scaleless, dermal fossa. Teeth in a brush-like band and variable: equal to sub-equal sized, or with outer ones slightly larger, or with distinct separation between larger and smaller teeth. No teeth on vomer., Published as part of Pires, Alessandra M. A., Carvalho-Filho, Alfredo, Ferreira, R��mulo C. P., Viana, Danielle, Nunes, Diogo & Hazin, Fabio H. V., 2019, Review of the Brazilian species of Physiculus (Gadiformes: Moridae), with description of a new species from Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, equatorial Atlantic, pp. 67-80 in Zootaxa 4671 (1) on page 69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4671.1.5, http://zenodo.org/record/3450252, {"references":["Kaup, L. J. (1858) Uebersicht der Familie Gadidae. Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, 24 (1), 85 - 93.","Paulin, C. D. (1989) Review of the morid genera Gadella, Physiculus, and Salilota (Teleostei: Gadiformes) with descriptions of seven new species. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 16, 39 - 113.","Paulin, C. D. & Matallanas, J. (1990) A new species of Physiculus (Pisces: Moridae) from the eastern central Atlantic. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 17 (1), 137 - 139.","Trunov, I. A. (1991) Fishes of the Family Moridae from the Southeastern Atlantic Ocean (Genera Mora Risso and Physiculus Kaup. Journal of Ichthyology, 31 (6), 110 - 116.","Shcherbachev, Yu. N. (1993) Preliminary review of the genus Physiculus (Moridae, Gadiformes) in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters of the South Atlantic. Trudy Instituta Okeanologii Imeni P. P. Shirshova = Transactions of the P. P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, 128, 147 - 178."]}

Three valid species of the genus Physiculus are known from the Brazilian marinewaters. A fourth, new species, Physiculus cirm n. sp.., is described based on seventeen specimens collected in the surroundings of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, equatorial Atlantic. A review of the Brazilian species of Physiculus is provided, as well as a key to the species of the genus reported from the Atlantic Ocean. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners, except P. cynodon and P. karrerae, by the large number of longitudinal series of scales (156–189 vs. 70–150). P. cynodon from the Northern Pacific has about 200 longitudinal series of scales, and it differs from the new species by the number of rays of the first dorsal fin (6–8 vs. 10 in P. cynodon), pectoral-fin rays (20–25 vs. 27 in P. cynodon), and the presence of an outer row of large canine teeth on upper and lower jaw. From P. karrerae, which has 134–160 longitudinal series of scales, the new species differs by the presence of scales on the tip of the snout and dorsal-fin membrane, and the number of pectoral-fin rays (20–25 vs. 24–27 in P. karrerae). [Zoobank URL: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:1AFBC251-2BB1-4479-98A4-307188EC5D66]

Physiculus caboverdensis n. sp. (Capeverdean codling; PT, Abrótea de Cabo Verde) Tables 1–2, Figs. 1–4 Material examined (10 specimens, SL 83–168 mm, Cruise “ Camarão 1”, R/ V Prof. Ignacio Lozano, semi-floating shrimp traps, rocky bottom). Holotype: MMF 42537, SL 167 mm, East of Cidade Velha, 15° 14’N, 23° 34’W, St. 14D2, 108 – 111 m, 25 Nov. 2011. Paratypes: BMNH 2013.5.10.1, SL 142 mm, same collection data as holotype; MMF 43122, SL 165 mm, Ponta Covinha, 15° 09.6’N, 23° 43.8’W, St. 10, 260 – 270 m, 21 Nov. 2011; MMF 43123, SL 153 mm, MMF 43124, SL 168 mm, TFMCBMVP/01955, SL 154 mm, MNHN 2013-0648, SL 150 mm, Ponta Água Doce, 15° 09’N, 23° 47’ W, St. 4, 220 – 258 m, 19 Nov. 2011; MMF 43127, SL 83 mm, MMF 43128, SL 132 mm, USNM 440407, SL 144 mm, Ribeira da Barca, 15° 07’N, 23°47’ W, St. 9, 225– 238 m, 20 Nov. 2011. Additional 67 specimens, not included in the type series, were caught and are being studied for its biology. Diagnosis. A species of Physiculus, as defined by Paulin (1989) and Shcherbachev (1993), with the following combination of characters: teeth in upper jaw in two series, the outer one with large inward-curved canine teeth interspaced with small canine-like teeth, and the inner one a narrow band with small canine-like teeth identical to the smaller teeth on outer row, irregularly distributed; teeth in lower jaw in one series, with large straight canine teeth, interspaced with small canine-like teeth; scales in longitudinal series ca. 111–128; scale rows between base of first dorsal fin and lateral line 8–9; D 11–12, 57–67; A 63–69; P 26–28; V 7; C 25–28; vertebrae: 52–55 (Tab. 1). Description. Body moderately elongate, laterally compressed posteriorly; greatest body depth at level of the origin of first dorsal fin, slightly less than four times into SL (17.3%–24.3%); head moderately conical; eye large (21.7%–28.9% HL); snout short (24.1%–28.5% HL), blunt at tip; mouth terminal, slightly oblique, upper jaw reaching to vertical from posterior rim of orbit; jaw teeth unequal (Fig. 2), distributed as above; upper jaw symphyseal separation wide; chin barbel very small (7.0%–9.6% HL); outer gill rakers on first gill arch small, varying from spinous tubercles to small clubs, spinous initially at tips and progressively more spinous towards the angle on lower branch and spinous at tips on upper branch (Fig. 3); abdominal cavity reaching the 15th pterygiophore of anal fin. ……continued on the next page Scales moderately large, ca. 111–128 in longitudinal series; 8–9 scale rows between base of first dorsal fin and lateral line; scales present on head and gular region; no scales penetrating into vertical fin membranes; lateral line starting above upper angle of opercle; continuous tube of lateral line reaching at least to mid second dorsal fin; discontinuous tubes of lateral line reaching caudal peduncle. First dorsal fin higher than second, 5th ray longest, a very small gap separating first from second dorsal fins; second dorsal fin origin at level of vertical through 6th anal-fin ray; anal fin base slightly larger than second dorsal fin base, both fins not indented, their rear tips rounded; pectoral fins symmetrical, their origin almost at level of vertical through origin of first dorsal fin and extending to below 4th to 6th second-dorsal fin rays; pelvic fins small, the first two rays elongate, reaching at least the 5th anal-fin ray; caudal peduncle narrow (2.1–2.4% SL), caudal fin rounded and well separated from second dorsal and anal fins. Light organ small, its diameter ranging from 6.8% to 13.3% InV-af and behind interventral line (20.0–26.3% InV-af), distance from posterior margin of light organ to anterior margin of anus 18.2% to 27.8% InV-af. Otoliths sagitiform. Sulcus acusticus heterosacoidal positioned in the longitudinal line of the otolith with well differentiated tail and ostium. Ostium smaller than the tail, long and elliptical, ending close to the anterior margin. Tail funnel-shaped and slightly convex. Anterior region slightly pointed. Posterior region very sharp, with postrostrum long, narrow and pointed and antipostrostrum short, narrow and pointed. Excisura caudalis with a deep and sharp notch (Fig. 4, Table 2). Vertebrae: 13–16+38–40=52–55. Colouration. In recently caught specimens, overall body reddish-brown, bluish silvery on belly and golden reflections on cheeks, opercles, and dorsum above lateral line. Fins reddish. Pectorals with dark bluish mark at base, first dorsal fin ray with a dark mark distally, second dorsal and anal fins with dark bluish margins. Interior of mouth pale. Comparative remarks. Taking into account that Physiculus species have fairly restricted geographical distributions (Paulin 1989) and that up to the present there are no known species occurring in more than one ocean basin (Froese & Pauly 2017), P. caboverdensis is only compared with their Atlantic Ocean congeners. P. caboverdensis can be distinguished from all other nine Atlantic Physiculus species by the dentition, being the only one to have large fang-like teeth, interspaced with smaller canine teeth in both jaws. In comparison with the other 33 or 32 species from the Indian and Pacific oceans, only Physiculus cynodon Sazonov, 1986 from the Emperor Seamount chain, in the North Pacific, has a similar dentition. However, it differs from this species by several characters, namely, the number of fin rays in first dorsal fin (11–12 vs 9–10), second dorsal fin (57–67 vs 72–79), anal fin (63–69 vs 78–85), pectoral fin (26–28 vs 24–25), the number of scales in longitudinal series (111–128 vs ca. 200) and number of vertebrae (52–55 vs 54–59) (Sazonov 1986). Moreover, the present species has a shorter abdominal cavity than P. cynodon (extending to the 15th pterygiophore of the anal fin vs 24th to 26th) (Sazonov 1986). Distribution. At present, P. caboverdensis is only known from the Cape Verde archipelago, where it has been found off the islands of Santa Luzia, São Vicente, Santiago and Sal, at depths between 104 m and 339 m, over rocky bottoms. Its collection in semi-floating traps, and not on benthic ones, seems to indicate that it is epibenthic. Etymology. P. caboverdensis is named for the Cape Verde Islands, the type locality of the species.

Physiculus caboverdensis n. sp. (Capeverdean codling; PT, Abr��tea de Cabo Verde) Tables 1���2, Figs. 1���4 Material examined (10 specimens, SL 83���168 mm, Cruise ��� Camar��o 1���, R/ V Prof. Ignacio Lozano, semi-floating shrimp traps, rocky bottom). Holotype: MMF 42537, SL 167 mm, East of Cidade Velha, 15�� 14���N, 23�� 34���W, St. 14D2, 108 ��� 111 m, 25 Nov. 2011. Paratypes: BMNH 2013.5.10.1, SL 142 mm, same collection data as holotype; MMF 43122, SL 165 mm, Ponta Covinha, 15�� 09.6���N, 23�� 43.8���W, St. 10, 260 ��� 270 m, 21 Nov. 2011; MMF 43123, SL 153 mm, MMF 43124, SL 168 mm, TFMCBMVP/01955, SL 154 mm, MNHN 2013-0648, SL 150 mm, Ponta ��gua Doce, 15�� 09���N, 23�� 47��� W, St. 4, 220 ��� 258 m, 19 Nov. 2011; MMF 43127, SL 83 mm, MMF 43128, SL 132 mm, USNM 440407, SL 144 mm, Ribeira da Barca, 15�� 07���N, 23��47��� W, St. 9, 225��� 238 m, 20 Nov. 2011. Additional 67 specimens, not included in the type series, were caught and are being studied for its biology. Diagnosis. A species of Physiculus, as defined by Paulin (1989) and Shcherbachev (1993), with the following combination of characters: teeth in upper jaw in two series, the outer one with large inward-curved canine teeth interspaced with small canine-like teeth, and the inner one a narrow band with small canine-like teeth identical to the smaller teeth on outer row, irregularly distributed; teeth in lower jaw in one series, with large straight canine teeth, interspaced with small canine-like teeth; scales in longitudinal series ca. 111���128; scale rows between base of first dorsal fin and lateral line 8���9; D 11���12, 57���67; A 63���69; P 26���28; V 7; C 25���28; vertebrae: 52���55 (Tab. 1). Description. Body moderately elongate, laterally compressed posteriorly; greatest body depth at level of the origin of first dorsal fin, slightly less than four times into SL (17.3%���24.3%); head moderately conical; eye large (21.7%���28.9% HL); snout short (24.1%���28.5% HL), blunt at tip; mouth terminal, slightly oblique, upper jaw reaching to vertical from posterior rim of orbit; jaw teeth unequal (Fig. 2), distributed as above; upper jaw symphyseal separation wide; chin barbel very small (7.0%���9.6% HL); outer gill rakers on first gill arch small, varying from spinous tubercles to small clubs, spinous initially at tips and progressively more spinous towards the angle on lower branch and spinous at tips on upper branch (Fig. 3); abdominal cavity reaching the 15th pterygiophore of anal fin. ������continued on the next page Scales moderately large, ca. 111���128 in longitudinal series; 8���9 scale rows between base of first dorsal fin and lateral line; scales present on head and gular region; no scales penetrating into vertical fin membranes; lateral line starting above upper angle of opercle; continuous tube of lateral line reaching at least to mid second dorsal fin; discontinuous tubes of lateral line reaching caudal peduncle. First dorsal fin higher than second, 5th ray longest, a very small gap separating first from second dorsal fins; second dorsal fin origin at level of vertical through 6th anal-fin ray; anal fin base slightly larger than second dorsal fin base, both fins not indented, their rear tips rounded; pectoral fins symmetrical, their origin almost at level of vertical through origin of first dorsal fin and extending to below 4th to 6th second-dorsal fin rays; pelvic fins small, the first two rays elongate, reaching at least the 5th anal-fin ray; caudal peduncle narrow (2.1���2.4% SL), caudal fin rounded and well separated from second dorsal and anal fins. Light organ small, its diameter ranging from 6.8% to 13.3% InV-af and behind interventral line (20.0���26.3% InV-af), distance from posterior margin of light organ to anterior margin of anus 18.2% to 27.8% InV-af. Otoliths sagitiform. Sulcus acusticus heterosacoidal positioned in the longitudinal line of the otolith with well differentiated tail and ostium. Ostium smaller than the tail, long and elliptical, ending close to the anterior margin. Tail funnel-shaped and slightly convex. Anterior region slightly pointed. Posterior region very sharp, with postrostrum long, narrow and pointed and antipostrostrum short, narrow and pointed. Excisura caudalis with a deep and sharp notch (Fig. 4, Table 2). Vertebrae: 13���16+38���40=52���55. Colouration. In recently caught specimens, overall body reddish-brown, bluish silvery on belly and golden reflections on cheeks, opercles, and dorsum above lateral line. Fins reddish. Pectorals with dark bluish mark at base, first dorsal fin ray with a dark mark distally, second dorsal and anal fins with dark bluish margins. Interior of mouth pale. Comparative remarks. Taking into account that Physiculus species have fairly restricted geographical distributions (Paulin 1989) and that up to the present there are no known species occurring in more than one ocean basin (Froese & Pauly 2017), P. caboverdensis is only compared with their Atlantic Ocean congeners. P. caboverdensis can be distinguished from all other nine Atlantic Physiculus species by the dentition, being the only one to have large fang-like teeth, interspaced with smaller canine teeth in both jaws. In comparison with the other 33 or 32 species from the Indian and Pacific oceans, only Physiculus cynodon Sazonov, 1986 from the Emperor Seamount chain, in the North Pacific, has a similar dentition. However, it differs from this species by several characters, namely, the number of fin rays in first dorsal fin (11���12 vs 9���10), second dorsal fin (57���67 vs 72���79), anal fin (63���69 vs 78���85), pectoral fin (26���28 vs 24���25), the number of scales in longitudinal series (111���128 vs ca. 200) and number of vertebrae (52���55 vs 54���59) (Sazonov 1986). Moreover, the present species has a shorter abdominal cavity than P. cynodon (extending to the 15th pterygiophore of the anal fin vs 24th to 26th) (Sazonov 1986). Distribution. At present, P. caboverdensis is only known from the Cape Verde archipelago, where it has been found off the islands of Santa Luzia, S��o Vicente, Santiago and Sal, at depths between 104 m and 339 m, over rocky bottoms. Its collection in semi-floating traps, and not on benthic ones, seems to indicate that it is epibenthic. Etymology. P. caboverdensis is named for the Cape Verde Islands, the type locality of the species., Published as part of Gonz��lez, Jos�� A., Triay-Portella, Ra��l & Biscoito, Manuel, 2018, A new species of Physiculus (Teleostei: Moridae) from the Cape Verde Islands (Eastern Central Atlantic), pp. 286-292 in Zootaxa 4461 (2) on pages 287-292, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4461.2.10, http://zenodo.org/record/1460000, {"references":["Paulin, C. D. (1989) Review of the morid genera Gadella, Physiculus, and Salilota (Teleostei: Gadiformes) with descriptions of seven new species. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 16, 93 - 133. https: // doi. org / 10.1080 / 03014223.1989.10423706","Shcherbachev, Y. N. (1993) Preliminary review of the genus Physiculus (Moridae, Gadiformes) in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters of the South Atlantic. Transactions of the P. P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, 128, 147 - 178.","Froese, R. & Pauly, D. (Eds.) (2017) FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. Version 02 / 2017. Available from: http: / / www. fishbase. org (accessed 16 June 2017)","Sazonov, Y. I. (1986) Physiculus cynodon sp. n. (Gadiformes, Moridae) from submarine mountains in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean. Zoologicheskii Zhurnal, 65, 305 - 308."]}

A new species of Physiculus, P. caboverdensis n. sp., is described from the outer shelf and upper slope of the Cape Verde Islands. This species differs from all other congeners from the Atlantic Ocean by its peculiar dentition, composed of large fang-like teeth in both jaws, interspaced with smaller canine-like teeth, arranged in two series on upper jaw and one on lower. This is the tenth species of the genus to occur in the Atlantic Ocean and the third to be recorded from the Cape Verde Islands.

The present study describes a remarkable caudal regeneration capacity of Physiculus cyanostrophus , a benthopelagic fish from the twilight zone. This trait reveals the ability of this particular morid to survive attacks that would be lethal in other species. In teleosts, the most widespread sublethal predation is confined to scale-eating and fin-nipping by specialized predators. In P. cyanosytrophus the larger sized individuals the greatest amount of tissue loss occurred in the caudal region (maximum 28 vertebrae, corresponding to 45% lost body length). The amount of regenerated tissue was independent of body losses and ranged between 5 and 19% of total length for the entire range of sizes. The frequency of regenerated individuals in the population increases with ontogeny (16.8–67.5%). Tissue losses represent a significant allocation of costs in terms of growth and offspring production. Nevertheless, regeneration capability decreases mortality in the large breeding females of a population, maximizing maternal fitness.

The goal of the present study is to investigate vertical distribution, relative abundance and diversity of deep-sea species caught using baited traps at Sao Pedro and Sao Paulo Archipelago (SPSPA). The surveys were carried out between January 2012 and June 2014 at depths ranging from 170 to 700 m, comprising 53 hauls. Five species of crustaceans, ten of fishes and three of mollusks were caught. The deep-sea geryonid crab Chaceon gordonae was the most abundant species, followed by the Gadiform (Moridae) fish Physiculus sp. The results showed a clear bathymetric stratification, with some species being restricted to shallower layers (170-300 m) and others showing a wider distribution (200-700 m). Several factors can influence the vertical distribution of these species, including oceanographic and biological characteristics. In the future, more studies should be conducted in order to elucidate the interaction between distribution, relative abundance and diversity with various elements that make up the dynamics of this complex ecosystem.

Record of Moridae (Teleostei: Gadiformes) from the Chenque Formation (Late Oligocene - Early Miocene) from the Chubut province, Argentina. A nearly complete specimen belonging to the family Moridae is described in this paper. The material has been collected in outcrops referable to the Chenque Formation (Oligocene-Miocene) from the Chubut province, Argentina. The specimen constitutes the first fossil record for the Gadiformes in Argentina and one of the first osteological occurrences for Moridae. The morphology of the specimen suggests affinities with the genera Physiculus and Salilota. The presence of Moridae in the Early Miocene of Patagonia and New Zealand is in agreement with previous hypotheses suggesting marine transantarctic connections between both landmasses during Late Oligocene - Early Miocene times.

The review is given of Moridae, Neobythitidae, and Bythitidae of Nha Trang Bay (central Vietnam); the descriptions are given for every species. Two species from the families Moridae (Lotella sp. cf. tosaensis and Physiculus longifilis) and Neobythitidae (Sirembo jerdoni and S. imberbis) and one representatives of family Bythitidae, I failed to classify which. The nomenclature was determined more exactly of Sirembo species found in South China Sea. Representatives of genus Lotella and family Bythitidae first are reliably reported for the fauna of Vietnam, and genus Lotella first for South China Sea. Additionally, information is presented about the capture of not identified up to species and probably new for science representatives of genus Physiculus in Gulf of Tonkin near the coast of Vietnam.

Bacteria cultured from the photophore of a Physiculus spp. fish recovered from the Arabian Sea produced a distinctive blue luminescence that was brighter than other isolates on laboratory culture. Morphological characterization and biochemical profiling suggested that this bacterium belonged to the species Photobacterium phosphoreum, and 16S sequence analysis con- firmed that this isolate was closely related to this species. Analysis of luxA identified only small differences in the gene sequence, but the two organisms had different autoinducer profiles. Spectral analysis confirmed that the luminescence had a different ?max value to that of P. phosphoreum and a novel lumP (lumazine) gene was identified. This would account for the different spectral properties and suggests that this bacterium represents a new subspecies of P. phosphoreum.

Four new fish species have been recorded for the first time in the last few years in Galician waters: Physiculus dalwigkii, Neoscopelus microchir, Gaidropsarus granti and Pisodonophis semicinctus. The captures of Physiculus dalwigki, N. microchir and G. granti represent a new northern limit for their distribution in the north-east Atlantic, increasing their geographical range of distribution considerably while the capture of Pisodonophis semicinctus is the second record for the Atlantic European waters.

Physiculus dalwigki Kaup, 1858 – Black codling; Abrótea-de-natura ①, ②③, Published as part of Carneiro, Miguel, Martins, Rogélia, Landi, Monica & Costa, Filipe O., 2014, Updated checklist of marine fishes (Chordata: Craniata) from Portugal and the proposed extension of the Portuguese continental shelf, pp. 1-73 in European Journal of Taxonomy 73 on page 36, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2014.73, http://zenodo.org/record/3866515

The genus Physiculus Kaup, 1858, comprises about 40 species (Paulin 1989, 1991; Trunov, 1991; Shcherbachev, 1993; Anderson and Tweddle, 2002). Some of them are common, others are known only from single specimens. The little known P. longifilis Weber, 1913, described from the Flores Sea (Indonesia) belongs to the latter category (Weber, 1913). The revision of this genus (Paulin, 1989) indicated only three specimens: two syntypes from Indonesia and one specimen from the Philippines. Later, this species was found in waters off Australia and New Caledonia (Paulin and Roberts, 1997; Hutchins, 2001). In the course of the examination of the fish collected by Soviet ichthyologists in the South China Sea and in the Gulf of Tonkin, the author found a specimen of Physiculus which turned out to be a representative of this rare species and is described below. The specimen was deposited at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg (ZIN). The methods employed were those generally applied to this genus (Paulin, 1989; Shcherbachev, 1993). The following abbreviations are used in the present study: ID, IID, A, P, and V—first, second dorsal, anal, pectoral, and ventral fins and number of rays in them, respectively; vert—number of vertebrae; vert. abd—number of abdominal vertebrae; sp.br— number of gill rakers in the outer row of the first branchial arch; r. br—number of branchiostegal rays; H— maximum body depth; c—head length; ao—snout length; oo—horizontal eye diameter; io—width of interorbital space; lb—length of chin barbel; lmx— upper jaw length; aID, aIID, aA, and VA—first and second predorsal, preanal, and ventroanal distances; lP and lV—length of pectoral and ventral fins; hlD—height of first dorsal fin; V-ph—distance from interventral line to anterior edge of photophore; ph—length of photophore including dermal pit and pigmented, scaleless area around it; ph‐an—distance from posterior edge of photophore to anterior edge of vent; ph‐A—distance from posterior edge of photophore to beginning of A.

Six deep-sea fish species are recorded for the first time off north-eastern Brazil: Conger esculentus, Talismania homoptera, Physiculus kaupi, Ectreposebastes imus, Centrodraco oregonus and an unidentified species of Myroconger. The material was caught during the Programme REVIZEE (Programme for Assessment of the Sustainable Yield of Living Resources of the Exclusive Economic Zone) and by commercial fishery operations from 1998 to 2005 off the coasts of Ceara and Rio Grande do Norte States. These new records extend the geographical distribution range and fill geographical distribution gaps of the species herein reported.

Physiculus microbarbata n. sp. differs from other species of the genus in having a barbel less than one fourth diameter of the orbit and closely resembles P. huloti Poll and P. capensis Gilchrist. The species is described from two specimens collected off the coast of Guinea, central Africa.

Gadella Lowe, widespread in warm temperate and tropical seas is represented by eight nominal species, of which one is new. The genus is distinguished from other morid genera with light organs by the absence of a barbel. Thirty-one species of Physiculus Kaup are recognised, including six which are newly described. Physiculus is found in tropical and temperate waters of all oceans and is distinguished from other morid genera with light organs by the presence of a barbel and absence of vomerine teeth. Salilota Gunther is represented by a single species found only in cool temperate waters of South America and is distinguished from other morid genera with light organs by the presence of a barbel and vomerine teeth.

This taxon is distinguished from other Ergasilidae by having only three pairs of legs, and a well‐developed hook on the penultimate joint of the second antenna abutting against the claw‐like terminal segment. A. amplexus has been reported from Anguilla australis, A. dieffenbachii, Perca fluviatilis, Carassius auratus, Retropinna retropinna, Physiculus bachus, Galaxias maculatus, Arripis trutta, Rhombosolea leporina, R. retiaria, and R. plebeia from Lake Ellesmere, near Christchurch, and from Anguilla australis from Makara River near Wellington. Both localities are euryhaline.

Early Miocene (Otaian and Altonian) sediments of the Parengarenga Group crop out along the northern and, less extensively, the southern shores of Parengarenga Harbour, Northland. A number of localities within and just below the Paratoetoe Formation have otoliths (calcareous secretions of the middle "ear") of teleost The fauna is moderately diverse (55 species in 32 families) with the following families dominant in terms of abundance and diversity: Congridae (2 taxa), Sternoptychidae (2), Myctophidae (7), Moridae (4), Bregmacerotidae (1), Macrouridae (7), Hoplichthyidae (1), and Gobiidae (1). 11 new species are described:Congridarum grantmackiei, Polyipnus plebeius, Symbolophorus prionotus, Bregmaceros prosoponos, Macrourida'rum macmillani, Sirembinorum obesus, Hoplichthys multistriatus, Apogonidarum asciforme, Gerridarum lacunum, Gobiidarum pectenoides, and Paradiplospinus aichmeus. A number of other speciesmay also be new but are left in open nomenclatureat this stage(e.g.,Physiculus sp.1). Some taxa con...

1. 1. The electrophoretic properties and tissue distributions of LDH M, H and C subunit isoenzymes were compared in blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), rock cod (Physiculus barbatus), ling (Genypterus blacodes) and blenny (Pictiblennius tasmanianus). 2. 2. Immunochemical comparison of the LDH M4 isoenzymes purified from these four fish show that the ordering of antigenic similarity relative to the blackfish enzyme is rock cod > ling > blenny. 3. 3. While the electrophoretic properties and tissue distributions of the LDH isoenzymes can be accommodated within current classification schemes proposed for these fish, the antigenic similarities among the LDH M4 isoenzymes are incompatible with suggested phylogenetic relationships.

Momonatira globosus, a new monotypic genus and species of Moridae, is described from five specimens taken in 1153–1184 m from South Canterbury Bight, New Zealand. Spindle shaped otoliths indicate affinities with genera within the Physiculus group. Momonatira is distinctive in having broad fleshy bases to the dorsal and anal fins; a very large globular head; no light organ or barbel; 5–6 rays in the ventral fin; the lower jaw included and in other characters.

SUMMARY. The following trypanosomes of New Zealand marine fish are described in this account, and their relationships discussed:– Trypanosoma heptatreti Laird, 1948 (host: Heptatretus cirrhatus). Trypanosoma gargantua sp. n. (host: Raja nasuta). Trypanosoma coelorhynchi sp. n. (hosts: Coelorhynchus australis; Physiculus bachus). Trypanosoma caulopsettae sp. n. (hosts: Caulopsetta scapha; Rhombosolea plebeia). Trypanosoma tripterygium sp. n. (hosts: Tripterygium carium; Tripterygium medium). Trypanosoma congiopodi sp. n, (host: Congiopodus leucopaecilus). Trypanosoma parapercis sp. n. (host: Parapercis colias). Heptatretus cirrhatus is the first member of the Agnatha to be recorded as a host for trypanosomes. while Trypanosoma gargantua sp. 11. becomes the largest known representative of its genus. It appears that New Zealand fresh water fish are not parasitized by trypanosomes, probably because of the absence of suitable leech vectors.