Brachirus sayaensis, a New Soleid Species (Soleidae: Pleuronectiformes) from Saya de Malha Bank

Abstract

Two soleid specimens from Saya de Malha Bank are described as Brachirus sayaensis sp. nov. It is distinguished from other soleid species by the combination of the following characters: caudal fin joined to dorsal and anal fins, pectoral fins very short, but present, total number of vertebrae 45–46; first ray of dorsal fin not enlarged and free; scales ctenoid on both sides of body; body slightly elongate, no bony process on snout; eyes separated by an interorbital space; opercular membrane free from the body; no labial fringes; pelvic fin of eyed side free, not joined to anal fin; anterior nostril of ocular side does not reach anterior margin of lower eye, dorsal fin rays 77, anal fin rays 61–62, lateral line scales 97–105, color of ocular side in alcohol light brownish, no stripes and spots.