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at

Chordata, Chondrichthyes & Osteichthyes

Since the discovery of animal communities in oceanic hy- The family Zoarcidae dominates in terms of the number of
drothermal vents in 1977, fishes have been regularly observed species and biomass. Eelpouts form a highly diverse family with
in association with these chemosynthetically driven communi- over 220 known, mostly benthic species (WEITZMAN 1997) and
ties, but in most cases they are difficult to catch and therefore are one of the more successful fish families to occupy continen-
species identification can often only rely on images captured by tal slopes down to 5000 m (ANDERSON 1994; WEITZMAN 1997).
the diving vehicles. Nonetheless, it is remarkable that they have been able to adapt
Ichthyologic information pertaining to species inhabiting (and evolve) to the vent environments. As pointed out by
the deep-sea hydrothermal vents is mentioned in over 30 pa- GEISTDOERFER (1996) these adaptations are neither anatomical,
pers and even in the more detailed and updated lists (BISCOITO nor trophic. In order to cope with the chemical conditions of
et al. 2002; GEISTDOERFER 1996, 1998; TUNNICLIFFE 1991) there vents and seeps, these species must have biochemical adapta-
are species missing. The situation for bathyal species inhabiting tions. These adaptations, as well as the factors conditioning the
the periphery of active vent fields is even less clear since the distribution of the species need further investigation. At the
vast majority of identifications have been based on video present level of our knowledge on the taxonomy and distribu-
records or photographs. tion of the species, zoogeographical considerations cannot be
produced.
Species living inside active fields
Vent fishes were found at only 20 of some 50 active vent Bathyal species living in
fields discovered to date. The specific diversity found is low and the vicinity of the vents and seeps
the degree of endemism is high, which seems to be an overall As for the peripheral bathyal fish fauna, data available are
characteristic of the hydrothermal vent fauna (TUNNICLIFFE far from being satisfactory. The five best-represented families
1991). sensu lato (Centrophoridae, Somniosidae and Etmopteridae),

Hydrolagus pallidus from Lucky Strike, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Atos cruise © Ifremer.

M. BISCOITO Denisia 18 (2006): 489-490

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Macrouridae, Ophidiidae, Squalidae, Moridae and Synapho- overcome it, scientific teams working on hydrothermal vent bi-
branchidae correspond to the most common families in the ology should be reinforced with fish biologists as well as making
deep sea (WEITZMAN 1997). However, the variations in num- more ship-time available for this kind of research.
bers of recorded species from field to field are enormous and
The species treated herein are not only those who live in-
definitely reflect insufficient research.
side the active fields, which are commonly considered as “vent
Although there are twice as many known active sites in the endemic”, but also some of the more commonly seen in the pe-
Pacific as in the Atlantic, the number of species recorded in the riphery of the vents, in some cases feeding even on vent inver-
latter is higher (38 versus 43). Depth may well be the main rea- tebrates and thus contributing for the export of energy from the
son for this, as vent fields in the Atlantic range from 850 m chemosynthetically-driven environment to the photosyntheti-
down to 3650 m and the ones in the East Pacific are all around cally-dependent bathyal environment.
2500 m of depth. As pointed out by MERRETT & HAEDRICH
(1997) for the Porcupine Seabight, demersal fish abundance New species
tends to increase with depth attaining a maximum around 1000 Amongst the so-called “vent endemic” species, at least six
m and then decreases sharply. This is in accordance with avail- new to science are being described while this contribution is
able data, wherein the highest number of records is from Menez being published: three Zoarcidae from 9°N East Pacific Rise,
Gwen (850 m) and Lucky Strike (1700 m) on the Mid-Atlantic the Kermadec Arc and the Rodriguez Triple Junction in the In-
Ridge (DESBRUYÈRES et al. 2001). dian Ocean respectively, one Ophidiidae from 17°S southern
Pacific Pacific Rise, one Myxinidae from 38°S Pacific-Antarc-
The fact that the fields near the Azores Triple Junction tic Ridge and one Cynoglossidae from seamounts at the Mari-
(Mid-Atlantic Ridge) have been more intensively studied by ana Arc and the Kermadec Arc (E. Anderson, J. Hashimoto, J.
professional ichthyologists can also have an influence in the re- Nielsen & C. Roberts, pers. comm.).
sults obtained. This bias precludes us from drawing conclusions
on abundance, diversity and zoogeography of this fauna. To

References:
ANDERSON M.E. (1994) Ichthyol. Bull. J.L.B. Smith. Inst. Ichtyol. 60: 1-120.
BISCOITO M., SEGONZAC M., ALMEIDA A.J., DESBRUYÈRES D., GEISTDOERFER P., TURNIPSEED M. & C. VAN DOVER (2002) Cah. Biol. Mar. 43: 359-362.
DESBRUYÈRES D., BISCOITO M., CAPRAIS J.-C., COLAÇO A., COMTET T., CRASSOUS P., FOUQUET Y., KHRIPOUNOFF A., LE BRIS N., OLU K., RISO R., SARRADIN P.-M., SEGONZAC
M. & A. VANGRIESHEIM (2001) Deep-Sea Res. Part I 48: 1325-1346.
GEISTDOERFER P. (1996) Oceanol. Acta 19(5): 539-548.
GEISTDOERFER P. (1998) Ann. Inst. Océanogr. 74(2): 201-215.
MERRETT N.R. & R.L. HAEDRICH (1997) Deep-sea Demersal Fish and Fisheries. Chapman & Hall, London: 1-282.
TUNNICLIFFE V. (1991) Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Annu. Rev. 29: 319-407.
WEITZMAN S.H. (1997) in RANDALL J.E. & A.P. FARRELL (Eds.) Deep-Sea Fishes: 43-78.

490
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Chordata, Vertebrata, Chondrichthyes, Chimaeriformes, Chimaeridae

Hydrolagus affinis (CAPELLO, 1868) “small-eyed rabbitfish”

Size: To about 1300 mm total length. Biology: Benthopelagic on continental slopes and down to
abyssal plains. At Lucky Strike, specimens were observed swim-
Color: Uniform dark violet/brown.
ming gently above the bottom and off the hydrothermal vent
Morphology: Body greatly tapering from a massive head and field. Carnivorous. At Lucky Strike, preys included the vent
trunk to a pointed caudal fin with a short filament at its tip. endemic mussel, Bathymodiolus azoricus. Oviparous.
Snout short, somewhat conical, overhanging mouth. First dor-
Distribution: General: Western Atlantic: from Davis Strait
sal fin short-based, triangular and high, with a strong spine in
and off Newfoundland to Cape Cod. Eastern Atlantic: Den-
front. Second dorsal fin long and low. Pectoral fins not reach-
mark Strait, Rockall Trough, northern Bay of Biscay and off the
ing to pelvic fin base when laid back. Anal fin continuous with
coast of Portugal. Possibly a much wider Distribution than
caudal fin.
records show. Mid-Atlantic Ridge vents: Lucky Strike, Mount
Saldanha, Famous Segment, Rainbow. Depth range: 300 to
2400 m.

1: Habitus; by H. Encarnação © MMF, 2000.

References:
HARDY G.S. & M. STEHMANN (1990) Arch. Fischereiwiss. 40(3): 229-248.
MARQUES A. & F. PORTEIRO (2000) Copeia 2000(3): 806-807.
MØLLER P.R., KULLBERG T. & O.A. JØRGENSEN (2004) Cybium 28(1): 55-60.
STEHMANN M. & D.L. BÜRKEL (1984) in WHITEHEAD P.J.P., BAUCHOT M.-L., HUREAU J.-C., NIELSEN J. & E. TORTONESE (Eds.) Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic
and the Mediterranean 1: 212-215.

M. BISCOITO & A.J. ALMEIDA Denisia 18 (2006): 491

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Chondrichthyes, Chimaeriformes, Chimaeridae

Hydrolagus pallidus HARDY & STEHMANN, 1990 “pallid ghost shark”

Size: To about 1300 mm total length. Biology: Benthopelagic on continental slopes and down to
abyssal plains. At Lucky Strike, specimens were observed swim-
Color: Uniform creamy to light greyish.
ming gently above the bottom and off the hydrothermal vent
Morphology: Body greatly tapering from a massive head and field. Carnivorous, possibly feeding on small fishes and inverte-
trunk to a pointed caudal fin with a short filament at its tip. brates. Oviparous.
Snout short, somewhat conical, overhanging mouth. First dor-
Distribution: General: Western Atlantic: Davis Strait, Cana-
sal fin short-based, triangular and high, with a strong spine in
da, Bear Seamount, New England; Eastern Atlantic: Green-
front. Second dorsal fin long and low. Pectoral fins not reach-
land, off Iceland, from the southern Bay of Biscay to off west-
ing to pelvic fin base when laid back. Anal fin continuous with
ern Scotland and Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Lucky Strike, Menez
caudal fin.
Hom, Mount Saldanha, Rainbow. Depth range: 1200-2075 m.

1: Habitus; by H. Encarnação © MMF, 2002.

2: At Rainbow, Mid-Atlantic Ridge; cruise Atos © Ifremer.

References:
HARDY G.S. & M. STEHMANN (1990) Arch. Fischereiwiss. 40(3): 229-248.
MØLLER P.R., KULLBERG T. & O.A. JØRGENSEN (2004) Cybium 28(1): 55-60.
SALDANHA L. & M. BISCOITO (1997) Bol. Mus. Munici. Funchal 49(283): 189-206.

M. BISCOITO & A.J. ALMEIDA Denisia 18 (2006): 492

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Anguilliformes, Synaphobranchidae

Dysommina rugosa GINSBURG, 1951

field with substantial coverage of microbial mat. Not found in

Size: Up to 352 mm total length.
non-venting habitats at the same depth nearby. Swims short
Morphology: Naked ilyophine eel with small broad-based pec- distances into the water column, probably to feed.
toral fins, their tips not sharply pointed. Dorsal-fin origin for-
Distribution: General: Widespread at tropical latitudes. West-
ward, about one head length behind a vertical through the gill
ern Atlantic Ocean, from off the Carolinas to the Caribbean.
slits. Fleshy, papillose snout slightly overhangs tip of lower jaw.
Southwestern Indian Ocean, Canal of Mozambique. Pacific
Gill slits separate, small (about equal to diameter of eye), cres-
Ocean, Hawaii. At vents, this species has been reported only
centic, oriented nearly vertically on the ventrolateral surface.
from warm-water vents at the peak of a volcanic cone, Nafan-
Vertebrae 127-134.
ua, at Vailulu’u Seamount, Samoan Archipelago. Depth range:
Biology: Benthopelagic; carnivorous, feeding on shrimps and 260-775 m.
possibly other invertebrates. Oviparous. At Vailulu’u, living in
crevices and holes in a low-temperature (10°C) diffuse vent

1: Habitus; from ROBIN & ROBIN (1989).

2: In situ view at Vailulu’u Seamount; by C.

Young © OIMB.

Reference:
ROBINS C.H. & C.R. ROBINS (1989) in: BÖHLKE E. (Ed.) Fishes of the Western North Atlantic. Part 9(1): 207-253.

C. YOUNG & M. BISCOITO Denisia 18 (2006): 493

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Anguilliformes, Synaphobranchidae

Ilyophis saldanhai KARMOVSKAYA & PARIN, 1999

straight, its rictus situated behind a vertical through posterior

Size: Total length 410 mm (Atlantic specimens), and 335 mm
margin of orbit. Mouth cavity covered with longitudinal folds
(Pacific specimen).
bearing numerous papillae that differ in size and shape. Teeth
Color: Uniformly brownish. in jaws conical, pointed, slightly curved, bent inside, and close-
ly set in rows forming a band on each jaw. Teeth increasing in
Morphology: Body elongate, compressed and naked. Origin of
size in inner rows and medially on each jaw. Teeth on palate
dorsal fin above the 11th pore of the lateral line and behind
larger. Teeth on vomer forming two irregular longitudinal rows
end of pectoral fin, origin of anal fin after the 32nd pore of the
(Fig. 2). Eyes small, round, covered with a thin membrane,
lateral line, both fused with caudal fin (fig. 1). Head well dif-
their diameter 6.7 times in head and 2.5 times in snout. Ante-
ferentiated from the rest of the body, its profile slightly convex
rior nostrils tubular, directed forward, bearing small flaps.
at level of posterior margin of orbit. Head 3.3 times in pre-anal
Openings of posterior nostrils simple and round, their indented
length. Snout length moderate (2.65 times in head). Fleshy tip
margins slightly turned out. Gill slits semicircular, situated hor-
of snout with two pairs of well-developed plicae (fig. 2). Two
izontally at lower part of head before bases of pectoral fins
sharply pronounced medial folds descending from tip of snout;
(CAUSSE et al. 2005; KARMOVSKAYA & PARIN 1999).
at its lower edge, then bending horizontally to the right and left
of median line of snout. Two other shorter lyre-shaped folds sit- Biology: This species is benthopelagic, associated with vent
uated laterally to two median folds. Supra-orbital canal with communities. Carnivorous, feeding on hydrothermal vent in-
three pores, postorbital canal with two pores, infra-orbital canal vertebrates (small shrimps and polychaetes).
with five pores, preoperculo-mandibular canal with eight pores,
Distribution: East Pacific Rise: 21°S, hydrothermal vent site
six before the commisure, the seventh at the level of the com-
Gromit, and MAR: Broken Spur vent field.
misure and the eigth on the preopercle. Mouth opening

1: Holotype; from KARMOVSKAYA & PARRIN (1999).

R. CAUSSE, M. BISCOITO & P. BRIAND Denisia 18 (2006): 494-495

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2: In vivo, after collection from East Pacific Rise: 21°S, Gromit site; cruise Biospeedo, by Briand © Ifremer.

3: In situ, cruise Biospeedo © Ifremer.

References:
CAUSSE R., BISCOITO M. & P. BRIAND (2006) Cybium 29(4): 413-416.
KARMOVSKAYA E.S. & PARIN N.V. (1999) J. Ichthyol. 39(5): 353-362.
NIELSEN J. & D.C. COHEN (2005) Cybium 29(4): 395-398.
PARIN N.V. (1995) Vopr. Ihtiol. 35(5): 698-701.

495
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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Anguilliformes, Synaphobranchidae

Thermobiotes mytilogeiton GEISTDOERFER, 1991

Size: Up to 247 mm. Biology: Dwelling among mussels.

Color: In formalin pale brownish, beige in vivo with abdomen Distribution: Lau Back-Arc Basin: Valu Fa Rise.
darker.
Morphology: Eel-shaped, no scales, no pectoral fins, lateral line
present. Dorsal fin origin behind level of anus. Teeth on both
jaws, small and needle-like. Vertebrae 132.

1: Total view; by P. Briand © Ifremer. 2: Anterior part in lateral view; by P. Briand © Ifremer.

4: In situ view of a specimen on a mussel bed of Bathymodio- 3: Anterior end in ventral view; by P. Briand © Ifremer.
lus brevior, at Lau Basin; cruise Biolau © Ifremer.

References:
GEISTDOERFER P. (1991) C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Sér. III 312: 91-97.
MEUNIER F.J. & P. GEISTDOERFER (1991) Cybium 15: 83-87.

P. BRIAND Denisia 18 (2006): 496

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Gadiformes, Lotidae

Gaidropsarus RAFINESQUE, 1810

Size: To about 360 mm standard length. Remark: A specimen was collected with the “Nautile” sub-
mersible during Diva 2 cruise and its description is in press.
Color: Generally reddish pink with a distinct white mark on
Other specimens caught in the Bay of Biscay and the Rockall
cheeks.
Trough, currently under study, may eventually prove to belong
Morphology: Elongate gadoid fish with two dorsal fins, the first to the same yet undescribed species.
with a moderately elongate first finray, followed by fine short
Biology: Very few data. Benthic. The specimens observed at
rays. A single anal fin. Second dorsal and anal fins long and
Lucky Strike were usually inside crevices, on the mussel beds,
moderately high. Three barbels, one on chin and one on each
well inside the active hydrothermal vent field. Carnivorous,
anterior nostril. Pre-anal length longer than post-anal (exclud-
feeding on hydrothermal vent crustaceans (alvinocaridid
ing the caudal fin). Snout longer than twice the eye diameter.
shrimps).
Forty seven vertebrae (16+31).
Distribution: Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Lucky Strike.

2: At Lucky Strike; cruise Seahma

1: By Luiz Saldanha © LMG, 1986. © FCT & Ifremer.

3: At Lucky Strike; cruise Diva © FCT & Ifremer. 4: Anterior part in dorsal view; by P. Briand © Ifremer.

Reference:
SALDANHA L. & M. BISCOITO (1997) Bol. Mus. Munici. Funchal 49(283): 189-206.

M. BISCOITO & A.J. ALMEIDA Denisia 18 (2006): 497

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Gadiformes, Moridae

Lepidion schmidti SVETOVIDOV, 1936

Size: Up to 1230 mm standard length. Biology: Probably benthopelagic on continental slope. At

Rainbow, Lucky Strike and Menez Gwen, specimens were
Morphology: Head conical and robust. Posterior nostril ahead
found lying on the bottom, amongst rocks or in crevices, in the
of erye. Chin barbel present, as long as snout. Orbit 3.5-5.8 in
inner periphery of the active fields (over brown sulphide de-
head length. Second ray of first dorsal fin very elongate. Later-
posits).
al line well marked until near the origin of caudal peduncle.
Distribution: General Eastern North Atlantic: in the Bay of
Remark: One specimen caught with the “Nautile“ at Rainbow
Biscay and West of Ireland; Pacific Ocean: Sagami Bay, Japan;
and others at Lucky Strike with bottom long lines.
Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Menez Gwen. Depth range: 900-2300 m.

1: At Rainbow vent field; cruise Atos © Ifremer.

3: At Lucky Strike vent field; cruise Marvel © Ifremer.

2: At Lucky Strike vent field; cruise Victor Première

© Ifremer.

References:
COHEN D.M. (1984) in WHITEHEAD P.J.P., BAUCHOT M.L., HUREAU J.-C., NIELSEN J. & E. TORTONESE (Eds.) Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediter-
ranean 2: 713-723.
SALDANHA L. & M. BISCOITO (1997) Bol. Mus. Munici. Funchal 49(283): 189-206.

M. BISCOITO & A.J. ALMEIDA Denisia 18 (2006): 498

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Ophidiiformes, Bythitidae

Cataetyx laticeps KOEFOED, 1927

Size: To about 650 mm standard length. Biology: Benthic species. At Lucky Strike, specimens occurring
often in pairs on sulphide deposits amongst shells of dead mus-
Color: Greyish brown.
sels, on the inner border of the hydrothermal field. Carnivo-
Morphology: Body elongate. Head dorsoventrally flattened, rous. At Lucky Strike, feeding on hydrothermal vent crus-
with a strong opercular spine. Dorsal and anal fins confluent taceans (crab Segonzacia mesatlantica, alvinocaridid shrimps).
with caudal. Dorsal finrays 91-107; anal finrays 74-87; pectoral Viviparous.
finrays 22-29; pelvic finrays 1.
Distribution: Generally known from a few localities in the
Remarks: Specimens were collected with the submersible at Northeast Atlantic and western Mediterranean. Found also in
Lucky Strike. A second species of this genus was recorded from the Azores and along West Africa to the Cape of Good Hope.
Rainbow (a single specimen caught in a fish trap) and so far Possibly also in the Gulf of Mexico. Mid-Atlantic Ridge:
cannot be assigned to any of the previously known species of Menez Gwen, Lucky Strike, Mount Saldanha, Menez Hom, and
Cataetyx. Rainbow. Depth range: 900-2830 m.

1: At Lucky Strike, Tower Eiffel vent field; cruise Exomar © 4: At Lucky Strike, Tower Eiffel vent field; cruise
Ifremer. Exomar © Ifremer.

References:
NIELSEN J.G. (1984) in WHITEHEAD P.J.P., BAUCHOT M.L., HUREAU J.-C., NIELSEN J. & E. TORTONESE (Eds.) Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediter-
ranean 3: 1153-1157.
SALDANHA L. (1994) Cybium 18(4): 460-462.
SALDANHA L. & M. BISCOITO (1997) Bol. Mus. Munici. Funchal 49(283): 189-206.

M. BISCOITO & A.J. ALMEIDA Denisia 18 (2006): 499

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Ophidiiformes, Bythitidae

Thermichthys hollisi (COHEN, ROSENBLATT & MOSER 1990)

(Thermarces-like) with half of its length, during cruise

Size: 218-304 mm standard length.
Biospeedo. In the video images, only the posterior half of the
Morphology: A bythitid genus with joined vertical fins, short prey-fish has been swallowed and the anterior part is slowly
body and blunt snout. Body with imbricate scales and head moving.
naked. Mouth terminal, upper jaw ending well behind eye. Eye
Distribution: Known from two specimens from the Galapagos
shorter than snout. Opercular spine strong. Palatine with teeth.
Spreading Center and Southern East Pacific Rise: 17°S, site
Developed rakers on anterior arch 3. Rays in dorsal fin 122-
Hobbs.
124, anal fin 88, causal fin 12, pectoral fin 36-37 and ventral fin
1. Vertebrae 76, precaudal 20-21.
Biology: One specimen was caught associated with hydrother-
mal vents. A specimen of T. hollisi was seen eating a zoarcid fish

1 top: Specimen taken in vivo, onboard, dorsal view; bottom: dorsolateral view; East Pacific Rise: 17°S,
site Hobbs, cruise Biospeedo © Ifremer.

References:
COHEN D.M., ROSENBLATT R.H. & H.G. MOSER (1990) Deep-Sea Res. A 37: 267-283.
NIELSEN J.G. & D.M. COHEN (2005) Cybium 29(4): 395-398.

J.G. NIELSEN & D.M. COHEN Denisia 18 (2006): 500

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Ophidiiformes, Ophidiidae

Ventichthys biospeedoi NIELSEN, MOLLER & SEGONZAC, in press

Size: Maximum standard length 282 mm. Biology: Species abundant, living in shimmering vent fluids
with temperatures between 2 and 7°C, among hydrothermal
Morphology: Body robust, very small, overlapping scales on
community: mytilid and clam bivalves, stalked barnacles.
head and body, thick skin, and four indistinct lateral lines; dor-
Necrophagous.
sal fin origin above tip of pectorals, basis of pelvic fins below
hind margin of opercle; head broad with blunt snout; strong op- Distribution: East Pacific Rise: 17°S, site Oasis, but probably
ercular spine covered by thick skin; upper jaw ends just behind the same species occurs on northern and southern sites.
eye; teeth granular, one median basibranchial tooth patch; an-
terior gill arch with 10-11 long rakers; number of rays in dorsal
fin 80-89, caudal fin 8, anal fin 64-72, pelvic fin 2, pectoral fin
24-25; number of vertebrae 16-17+36.

1: Couple of specimens caught at East Pacific Rise: 17°S, site Oasis; cruise Biospeedo, by P. Briand © Ifremer.

2: In situ view of several speci-

mens on shimmering water, on
mussel bed Bathymodiolus
thermophilus, with stalked
barnacle (Neolepas n. sp.) and
sea anemaone (Chondrophellia
cf. coronata); East Pacific Rise:
17°S, site Oasis; cruise
Biospeedo © Ifremer.

Reference:
NIELSEN J.G. & P.R. MOLLER & M. SEGONZAC (in press) Zootaxa.

J.G. NIELSEN, MOLLER P.R. & M. SEGONZAC Denisia 18 (2006): 501

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Perciformes, Zoarcidae

Pachycara gymninium ANDERSON & PEDEN, 1988

Size: Up to about 420 mm standard length. Biology: Benthic over brown and green mud bottoms. Carniv-
orous, eating amphipods, isopods and polychaetes. Oviparous, a
Color: In life dark brown, head and pectoral fin darker, almost
gravid female caught in February.
black. Margins of vertical fins and peritoneum black.
Distribution: General: Northeast Pacific Ocean, off the Queen
Morphology: Body short, deep, broader in cross section, when
Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, south of Guadalupe Is-
compared with its congeners. Head large, ovoid. Pelvic fins
land, Mexico and Gulf of California. Juan de Fuca Ridge: Cryp-
present (4.8-11.3% of head length). Mediolateral branch of lat-
to Vent Field, Axial Seamount; Endeavour Segment; Ham-
eral line originating in pectoral axil just posterior to vertical
mond’s Hell vent. Depth range: 1575-3219 m.
through pectoral base. Scales absent on nape, or, if present, not
extending anterior to line connecting anterodorsal edges of gill
slits. Vertebrae 102-109. Anal fin origin associated with verte-
brae 27-31.

1: Holotype, 422 mm standard length; by P. Drukker-Brammall, 1988.

References:
ANDERSON M.E. & A.E. PEDEN (1988) Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 46(3): 83-94.
TUNNICLIFFE V., MCARTHUR A.G. & D. MCHUGH (1998) Adv. Mar. Biol. 34: 353-451.

M. BISCOITO & A.J. ALMEIDA Denisia 18 (2006): 502

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Perciformes, Zoarcidae

Pachycara rimae ANDERSON, 1989

Size: Up to 403 mm standard length. Remark: Data available are not sufficient to determine
whether this species is endemic to hydrothermal vent environ-
Color: Uniformly light brown, eye and abdomen bluish.
ments or not.
Morphology: Head deep, rounded, somewhat shorter than sim-
Distribution: Galapagos Spreading Center. Known only from
ilarly sized congeners. Pelvic fins nublike, of two soft rays. Ver-
the holotype.
tebrae 93. Dorsal-fin rays 86, anal-fin rays 70. Lateral line of
mediolateral branch only. Dorsal fin origin associated with ver-
tebra 8. Pseudobranchs absent.

1: Holotype, 403 mm standard length; © K. Klitz, 1989.

References:
ANDERSON M.E. (1989) Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 46(10): 221-242.
COHEN D.M. & R.L. HAEDRICH (1983) Deep-Sea Res. 30(4A): 371-379.
COHEN D.M., ROSENBLATT R.H. & R.L. HAEDRICH (1985) Biol. Soc. Wash. Bull. 6: 229-230.

M. BISCOITO & A.J. ALMEIDA Denisia 18 (2006): 503

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Perciformes, Zoarcidae

Pachycara saldanhai BISCOITO & ALMEIDA, 2004

Size: Up to 256 mm total length. Biology: Benthic, not very numerous over sulphide deposits
and among mussels inside the active field. Food: hydrothermal
Color: In life, light brownish grey, head, dorsal and anal fins
vent crustaceans.
darker. When preserved light brown, body with conspicuous
whitish scale pockets. Distribution: Up to present restricted to Mid-Atlantic Ridge:
Rainbow.
Morphology: Body elongate and compressed, scaled. Mouth
subterminal, no crests on chin. Dorsal fin origin over pectoral
fins. Pelvic fins present. Lateral line with two branches. Dorsal
fin rays 108-115, anal fin rays 90-95, vertebrae 117-123.

1: Habitus; by H. Encarmaçao © MMF, 2002.

2: At Rainbow vent field; cruise

Marvel © Ifremer.

3: At Rainbow vent field; cruise Marvel © Ifremer.

Reference:
BISCOITO M. & A.J. ALMEIDA (2004) Copeia 3: 562-568.

M. BISCOITO & A.J. ALMEIDA Denisia 18 (2006): 504

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Perciformes, Zoarcidae

Pachycara thermophilum GEISTDOERFER, 1994

Size: Up to 388 mm total length. Biology: Benthic, in areas with active smokers, swimming in
sea water 5-20°C, away from rocks and along smokers near
Color: Light brown with pinkish hues. Border of fins darker.
crowds of shrimps Rimicaris exoculata and Chorocaris chacei.
Morphology: Eelpout shaped. Pelvic fin rays 2. Mediolateral Carnivorous, feeding on hydrothermal vent shrimps.
lateral line only, originating just behind posterior-most postor-
Distribution: Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Snake Pit and TAG. Depth
bital pore. Scales absent on nape. Dorsal fin rays 105-107. Anal
range: 3500-3700 m.
fin rays 86-89. Total vertebrae 113-114. Dorsal fin origin asso-
ciated with vertebrae 7-8.

1: Habitus; by E. Heemstra © JLB Smith Inst. Ichth., 1996.

2: In situ at Snake Pit © Ifremer. 3: Habitus; by P. Briand © Ifremer.

References:
ANDERSON M.E. & H. BLUHM (1996) Trans. R. Soc. Afr. 51: 219-227.
GEISTDOERFER P. (1994) Cybium 18(2): 109-115.
PARIN N.V. (1995) J. Ichthyol. 35(9): 328-332.

P. GEISTDOERFER Denisia 18 (2006): 505

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Perciformes, Zoarcidae

Pyrolycus manusanus MACHIDA & HASHIMOTO, 2002

Size: Up to 170 mm total length. Biology: Seen in areas close to active smokers and/or in and
around diffuse vent fluids. Carnivorous, alvinocaridid shrimps
Color: Light brown or beige.
were found in stomach contents of some specimens.
Morphology: Eeelpout shaped. Suborbital bones 6, canal with
Distribution: Manus Back-Arc Basin: Pacmanus and Desmos
6-7 pores; flesh gelatinous; dermal papillae absent from head;
sites.
gill slit large, extending ventrally beyond pectoral fin base;
pelvic fins present, each with 2-3 rays; scales, lateral line and
pseudobranch absent; pyloric caeca present; oral valve weak;
interorbital pore absent; postorbital pores 3; occipital pores 1;
palatopterygoid series weak; vomerine and palatine teeth pres-
ent; pectoral fin rays 16-17; caudal fin rays 8-10; vertebrae 22-
23+56-59=78-81.

1: Holotype; from MACHIDA & HASHIMOTO (2002).

2: At Manus Back-Arc Basin; cruise Bioaccess © JAMSTEC. 3: At Manus Back-Arc Basin; cruise Bioaccess © JAMSTEC.

References:
HASHIMOTO J., OHTA S., FIALA-MÉDIONI A., AUZENDE J.-M., KOJIMA S., SEGONZAC M., FUJIWARA Y., HUNT J.-C., GENA K., MIURA T., KIKUCHI T., YAMAGUCHI T., TODA T.,
CHIBA H., TSUCHIDA S., ISHIBASHI J., HENRI K., ZBINDEN M., PRUSKI A., INOUE A., KOBAYASHI H., BIRRIEN J.-L., NAKA J., YAMANAKA T., LAPORTE C., NISHIMURA K.,
YEATS C., MALAGUN S., KIA P., OYAIZU M. & T. KATAYAMA (1999) InterRidge News 8: 12-18.
MACHIDA Y. & J. HASHIMOTO (2002) Ichthyol. Res. 49: 1-6.

J. HASHIMOTO Denisia 18 (2006): 506

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Chordata, Osteichthyes, Perciformes, Zoarcidae

Thermarces cerberus ROSENBLATT & COHEN, 1986

marces was found at East Pacific Rise: 9°N, showing strong mor-
Size: Up to 370 mm total length.
phological and color differences. It is being described elsewhere
Color: Whitish or pinkish. (M. Biscoito & M. Segonzac, unpublished data).
Morphology: Eelpout shaped, head and body laterally com- Biology: Observed in areas of active smokers, associated with
pressed, naked, covered with mucous, without scales. Lips dis- Riftia pachyptila or on smoker walls. Very often stays in diffuse
tinct, thick and fleshy, continuous and smooth; oral valves ob- venting areas, amongst rubble. Carnivorous, feeding on small
solete. Head pores large and conspicuous. Occipital pores ab- invertebrates, mainly amphipods and limpets, but also poly-
sent. Teeth in both jaws stout, conical and pointed. No lateral chaetes. Occasionally they have been seen biting the gills of R.
line. Pelvic fins absent. Pectoral fins small, rounded, with rays pachyptila.
covered by thick skin. Vertebrae: 93-97.
Distribution: Galapagos Spreading Center; East Pacific Rise:
Remarks: 1. Another close species, T. andersoni ROSENBLATT & 9°N, 13°N and 21°N; probably also at South East Pacific vent
COHEN, 1986, was described from Galapagos Rift, but its syn- sites.
onymy with T. cerberus is debated. 2. A new species of Ther-

1: Fresh specimen collected at East Pacific Rise: 13°N; by P. Briand © Ifremer.

M. BISCOITO & M. SEGONZAC Denisia 18 (2006): 507-508

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2: In situ specimens from East Pacific Rise: 13°N, among vestimentiferan (Riftia pachyptila) and mussel bed of Bathymodiolus
thermophilus; cruise Phare © Ifremer.

References:
GEISTDOERFER P. (1986) Bull. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. Paris, Sér. 4A 8: 969-980.
GEISTDOERFER P. (1996) Oceanol. Acta 19(5): 539-548.
ROSENBLATT R.H. & D.M. COHEN (1986) Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. 21: 71-79.

508
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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Scorpaeniformes, Liparidae

Careproctus hyaleius GEISTDOERFER, 1994

Size: Up to 112 mm standard length. Biology: Frequently observed at the boundary of active vent
fields and occasionally among Riftia or within diffuse venting
Color: Whitish to pinkish; translucent.
areas.
Morphology: Small-sized fish, tadpole-shaped, with a round
Distribution: East Pacific Rise: 9° N to 13° N.
and globular head accounting for 22% of total length.
Branchial aperture small (32% of head length) and located in
the upper part of the body. Teeth simple, hooked and all simi-
lar. Body flaccid, covered by thick layer of mucous. Bare and
fragile skin. Pelvic fins modified into a sucking disc.

1: Dorsal view; by P. Briand © Ifremer.

2: Ventral view; by P. Briand © Ifremer. 3: View in situ of a specimen (righ), with a zoarcid Thermarces
cerberus, tubeworms Riftia pachyptila and serpulids Lami-
natubus alvini; East Pacific Rise: 13°N. Cruise Hot 96 © Ifremer.

References:
BISCOITO M., SEGONZAC M., ALMEIDA A.J., GEISTDOERFER P., TURNSIPSEED M. & C. VAN DOVER (2002) Cah. Biol. Mar. 43: 359-362.
GEISTDOERFER P. (1994) Cybium 18(3): 325-333.

P. BRIAND Denisia 18 (2006): 509

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Scorpaeniformes, Sebastidae

Trachyscorpia cristulata echinata (KOEHLER, 1896) “spiny scorpionfish”

Size: Up to 500 mm standard length. Biology: Benthic. At Menez Gwen on pillow lavas, off the ac-
tive sites. Carnivorous. One anguilliform fish found inside the
Color: Reddish, dorsal fin with bluish pigment.
stomach of a specimen collected at Menez Gwen. Oviparous.
Morphology: Head large. Orbit large, much wider than snout
Distribution: General: Eastern Atlantic, from Ireland south-
length. Well developed spines on head. Dorsal fin ray with 12
ward to Mauritania. Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Menez Gwen.
spines and 8-9 rays. Pectoral fin with characteristic shape
(longest rays near upper part of fin) and with 20-23 rays.

1: Menez Gwen; cruise Saldanha © Ifremer & FCT.

2: Habitus; from HUREAU & LITVIENKO (1984).

References:
HUREAU J.-C. & N.I. LITVINENKO, (1984) in WHITEHEAD P.J.P., BAUCHOT M.-L., HUREAU J.-C., NIELSEN J. & E. TORTONESE (Eds.) Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic
and the Mediterranean 3: 1211-1229.
SALDANHA L. & M. BISCOITO (1997) Bol. Mus. Munici. Funchal 49(283): 189-206.

M. BISCOITO & A.J. ALMEIDA Denisia 18 (2006): 510

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Chordata, Vertebrata, Osteichthyes, Macrouridae

Coryphaenoides armatus (HECTOR, 1875) “armed grenadier”

Size: To at least 800 mm total length. Biology: Benthopelagic. Carnivorous, feeding on benthic ani-
mals (amphipods, isopods, cumaceans), also pelagic animals
Color: Generally brownish to reddish brown, fin membranes
(mysids, euphausids and other crustaceans, echinoderms,
brownish, mouth and gill cavity blackish.
cephalopods and fishes). Two specimens were collected with
Morphology: Ventral parts of head mostly naked, including bottom long lines at Lucky Strike and one at Snake Pit, the lat-
snout, most ventral surfaces of suborbital space, ventral preop- ter had Rimicaris exoculata in its stomach. Oviparous.
ercular margin and anterior part of mandible. Premaxillary
Distribution: General: Worldwide. Marginal to the Southern
teeth in one or two rows, one row on mandible. Inner gill rak-
Ocean. Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Lucky Strike, Snake Pit, Rainbow;
ers on first arch 11 to 14. First dorsal fin with two spines and 8-
Galapagos Spreading Center; East Pacific Rise: 9°N. Depth
10 rays, pectoral fins rays I+17-21. Pelvic fins 10. Anus close to
range: 282-4700 m.
anal fin origin. No light organ.

1: Habitus; from GÜNTHER (1887).

2: In situ from
Mid-Atlantic Ridge;
cruise Atos © Ifremer.

References:
COHEN D.M. (1990) in QUÉRO J.-C., HUREAU J.-C., KARRER C., POST A. & L. SALDANHA (Eds.) Check-list of the Fishes of the Eastern Tropical Atlantic 2: 541-
563.
COHEN D.M., T. INADA, T. IWAMOTO & N. SCIALABBA (1990) FAO Species Catalogue. FAO Fish. Synop. 125(10): 1-442.
GEISTDOERFER P. (1988) Oceanol. Acta, 8 n° sp.: 125-130.
GEISTDOERFER P. (1991) C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Sér. III 312: 91-97.
GÜNTHER A. (1987) Challenger Reports, Zool. 22: 1-268.
MARQUES A & A.J. ALMEIDA (2000) InterRidge News 9(2): 16-17.
MERRETT N.R. & N.B. MARSHALL (1981) Progr. Oceanogr. 9: 185-244.

M. BISCOITO & A.J. ALMEIDA Denisia 18 (2006): 511