Genioliparis kafanovi Balushkin & Voskoboinikova 2008

Stein, David L., 2012, Snailfishes (Family Liparidae) of the Ross Sea, Antarctica, and Closely Adjacent Waters 3285, Zootaxa 3285, pp. 1-120 : 24-26

Genioliparis kafanovi Balushkin & Voskoboinikova 2008

Figs. 14, 15

Holotype. ZIN 54079, female, 373 mm TL, 340 mm SL, 75°50' S, 170°06' W, Ross Sea, F / V Yantar’, December 2005, 987– 1727 m.

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2008 a. Voskoboinikova., ibid Fig.: 983 4 & N Balushkin, ZIN girdle kafanovi pectoral Genioliparis Fig b:.; 1.. 14 2008

FIGURE boinikova

Material examined. None.

Expanded Diagnosis. V 59 (12+47), D 54, A 46, C 6, P 17. Head massive, 32% SL, its width 61% of its length. Snout broad, obtusely rounded. Eye small, suborbital space very broad. Mouth large, horizontal, terminal, upper jaw extending to behind vertical through posterior margin of eye. Teeth simple, conical, sharp canines up to 5 mm long, arranged in irregular rows forming a band no more than five teeth wide. Gill opening about 1/9 SL, extending ventrally to about third pectoral fin ray; opercular lobe pronounced. Pectoral fin of 17 (12+2+3) rays, none rudimentary, those of lower lobe almost entirely free. Pectoral girdle with 4 (3+1) radials, R 2- R 3 notched, a fenestra between them. Scapula double-headed, coracoid with short helve. Body deep; anus about below margin of pectoral fin notch. Skin apparently covered with small prickles. Pyloric caeca two, long. Caudal fin well developed, long.

Distribution. Taken from a toothfish stomach at depths between 987–1727 m, probably bentho- or mesopelagic.

Comparisons. Genioliparis species cannot be mistaken for any other liparids, owing to their large, sharp teeth, massive head, and cephalic papillae, although it is possible that they would not be recognized as liparids owing to their unusual (in liparids) predatory appearance. However, once identified as liparids, they should be easily identifiable, even if damaged.