External morphology, postcranial and appendicular osteology of three southwestern Atlantic flatfishes ( Paralichthys, Paralichthyidae), and comparisons with other congeneric species

Comparisons of the external morphology and analysis of osteological features of the postcranial and appendicular skeletons of three southwestern Atlantic flatfish species of the genus Paralichthys (P. isosceles, P. orbignyanus and P. patagonicus) were carried out. Bones are described, and detailed morphological, morphometric and meristic characteristics of these flounders are given in order to provide information about the external and internal morphology of three species of Paralichthys occurring in the south-west Atlantic waters that add new information and will help regarding within the framework of a phylogenetic study of the group. Interspecific differences were found in the number of vertebrae and intermuscular bones, as well as in the morphology and morphometry of vertebrae, caudal skeletons, pectoral and pelvic girdle bones. Relationships between bones are discussed and bone characteristics compared with those found in other species of Paralichthys and in other pleuronectiform species. The position of Paralichthys isosceles within Paralichthys is discussed, along with other congeners such as P. triocellatus and P. oblongus.(AU)

Se llevaron a cabo comparaciones de la morfología externa y el análisis de las características osteológicas de los esqueletos postcraneal y apendicular de tres especies de peces planos del Atlántico sudoccidental del género Paralichthys (P. isosceles, P. orbignyanus y P. patagonicus). Se describen los huesos, y se proporcionan características morfológicas, morfométricas y merísticas detalladas de estos lenguados con el fin de aportar información sobre la morfología externa e interna de tres especies de Paralichthys presentes en el Atlántico sudoccidental. Esta nueva información contribuirá al marco de un estudio filogenético del grupo. Se encontraron diferencias interespecíficas en el número de vértebras y huesos intermusculares, así como en la morfología y morfometría de las vértebras, los esqueletos caudales, los huesos de las cinturas pectoral y pélvica. Se discuten las relaciones entre los huesos y las características óseas en comparación con las encontradas en otras especies de Paralichthys y de otros Pleuronectiformes. Se discute la posición de Paralichthys isosceles dentro del género Paralichthys, junto con otros congéneres como P. oblongus y P. triocellatus.(AU)

Redescription of Symphurus diabolicus, a poorly-known, deep-sea tonguefish (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae) from the Galápagos Archipelago

Symphurus diabolicus, previously known only from the holotype collected in 501 m west of Isla San Cristobal (Chatham Island), Galápagos Archipelago, is re-described based on the holotype (112.6 mm SL) and 19 additional specimens (61.1-123.5 mm SL) recently collected from deep waters around the Galápagos Archipelago. Symphurus diabolicus is characterized by: an elongate body; narrow head with pointed snout; 1-3-2 ID pattern; 106-110 dorsal-fin rays; 89-96 anal-fin rays; 12 caudal-fin rays; 57-59 total vertebrae; 5 hypurals; extremely small scales; no pupillary operculum; large, prominent eyes, with migrated eye near dorsal margin of head; relatively short postorbital head length; relatively long snout and predorsal lengths; black peritoneum visible through abdominal wall on both sides of body; uniform olive green to dark brown ocular-side coloration with series of prominent, darker brown, elliptical to rectangular, blotches (not usually forming crossbands) along body at bases of dorsal and anal fins; and uniformly whitish or light yellow blind side. Symphurus diabolicus appears to be endemic to the Galápagos Archipelago, and is relatively common (captured at 16 different localities) at depths of 308 to 757 m (observed as shallow as 245 m) in this region. Examination of this expanded series of specimens confirms the validity of S. diabolicus and provides characters to distinguish it from S. microlepis Garman, a similar species known only from the holotype taken at approximately 530 m off Pacific Panama.