Review of the fish genus Epinnula Poey (Perciformes: Gempylidae), with description of a new species from the Pacific Ocean.

The gempylid fish genus Epinnula is reviewed and two species are recognized. The type species E. magistralis is considered restricted to the western Atlantic Ocean and a new species from the Pacific Ocean is described. The new species, Epinnula pacifica sp. nov., can be distinguished from E. magistralis by 17 or 18 dorsal-fin rays (vs. 15 or 16 in E. magistralis), 15 or 16 anal-fin rays (vs. 13 or 14), 247-268 total scales on lower lateral line (vs. 285-330), a deeper body, relatively high dorsal fin as reflected by the relatively long fin spines and rays, longer dorsal-fin and anal-fin bases, longer pectoral fin, and longer pelvic fin and pelvic spine.