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Redescription of a rare worm eel, Muraenichthys macrostomus Bleeker 1864, a senior synonym of Skythrenchelys lentiginosa Castle and McCosker 1999 (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae, Myrophinae)

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Abstract

The rare worm eel Muraenichthys macrostomus Bleeker 1864 is redescribed as a valid species belonging to the genus Skythrenchelys Castle and McCosker 1999. Although the existence of the holotype of M. macrostomus has been hitherto considered as unknown, we have determined that Bleeker specimen BMNH 1867.11.28.313 is the holotype. It has large recurved teeth, a large unconstricted gill opening, and the orbit located anterior to midjaw, diagnostic characters of the genus Skythrenchelys. Because the morphological characters of the holotype agree well with those of Skythrenchelys lentiginosa Castle and McCosker 1999, we consider the former species to be a senior synonym of the latter. Most museum specimens currently labeled as M. macrostomus are not identifiable with S. macrostoma.

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Acknowledgments

We are deeply indebted to the following persons and institutions for assistance and specimen loans: J. Maclaine (BMNH); A. Suzumoto and L. R. O’Hara (BPBM); D. Catania (CAS); J. T. Williams (USNM).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fisheries Research Laboratory, Mie University, 4190-172 Wagu, Shima-cho, Shima, Mie, 517-0703, Japan

    Yusuke Hibino & Seishi Kimura

  2. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA

    John E. McCosker

Authors
  1. Yusuke Hibino
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  2. John E. McCosker
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  3. Seishi Kimura
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Seishi Kimura.

Additional information

This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as 530461F7-86B8-44CD-B443-12A6DBFEF723.

This article was published as an Online First article on the online publication date shown on this page. The article should be cited by using the doi number.

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Hibino, Y., McCosker, J.E. & Kimura, S. Redescription of a rare worm eel, Muraenichthys macrostomus Bleeker 1864, a senior synonym of Skythrenchelys lentiginosa Castle and McCosker 1999 (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae, Myrophinae). Ichthyol Res 60, 227–231 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10228-013-0337-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10228-013-0337-z

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