Synodus gibbsi Cressey 1981

Synodus gibbsi

MATERIAL EXAMINED.—Holotype: USNM 218389, , SL 159.9 mm, and 34 paratypes, USNM 217737, SL 94.5–180.9 mm, TANZANIA (6°51'S, 39°54′E), 19 Nov 1965, R/V Anton Bruun, Cruise 9, Sta 422, 100 m, H. A. Fehlman. One paratype, ZSI-F 7280/2 (same data as types above). Four paratypes, USNM 217736, SL 111–198 mm, TANZANIA (6°52'S, 39°54′E), 20 Nov 1965, R/V Anton Bruun Cruise 9, Sta 423, 200 m, H. A. Fehlman.

DIAGNOSIS AND COMPARISONS.—A species of Synodus with the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays (branched and unbranched) 11–13 (usually 12); anal-fin rays 10–11 (usually 11); pored lateral-line scales 58–61 (usually 59); transverse scale rows 3.5; vertebrae 58–60 (usually 59); combined dorsal and anal procurrent rays 24–28; anterior palatine teeth not longest and not in a discrete group; peritoneal spots 7–8; posterior pelvic process narrow, 2–3 conspicuous broad bars on the dorsal fin.

The narrow posterior process of the pelvic girdle separates this species from all known Indo-West Pacific Synodus except S. macrops, S. kaianus, S. oculeus, and S. macrocephalus. The higher vertebral count of S. gibbsi (58–60) separates it from S. macrops (51–55), S. oculeus (52–56), and S. macrocephalus (50–55). The peritoneum of S. gibbsi is pale, whereas that of S. kaianus is black.

DESCRIPTION (holotype plus range).—Dorsal-fin rays 12(11–13); anal-fin rays 11(10–11); pectoral-fin rays 13(13–14); pelvic-fin rays 8; procurrent rays 27(24–28), dorsal 15(13–15), anal 12(11–13); lateral line continuous, 59(58–61) pored scales; scale rows above lateral line from dorsal origin 3.5; scale rows below lateral line to anal origin 5.5; predorsal scales 16(15–16); rows of cheek scales 4(4–5); vertebrae 59(58–60); peritoneal spots 7(7–8).

Percentages of Standard Length: Mean (range): head length 26.6(25.2–27.7); snout length 7.4(6.8–8.1); upper jaw length 16.1(15.2–16.9); diameter of bony orbit 5.9(5.3–6.6); least width of bony interorbital 3.1(2.2–3.5); snout to dorsal origin 41.7(38.9–44.6); snout to adipose origin 86.9(84.2–89.4); snout to anal origin 78.5(76.0–82.6); snout to pelvic insertion 37.6(35.3–39.8); snout to pectoral insertion 27.2(26.2–29.6); first-dorsal-ray length 9.5(7.3–11.1); longest-dorsal-ray length 15.4(12.9–17.0); pectoral-fin length 13.7(12.6–14.7); pelvic-fin length 21.3(19.0–22.8); dorsal-fin base 13.1(12.2–14.5); anal-fin base 10.5(9.0–11.9); based on 11 specimens 95.3 to 186.5 mm SL.

Body fusiform, head somewhat depressed, caudal region a little compressed. Large cycloid scales on body, cheeks, and operculum, postoral portion of cheeks scaly. Snout sharply pointed, broader than long; the anterior nostril on each side bearing a triangular flap extending well beyond margin of nares when depressed anteriorly. Interorbital space concave, occipital region bony. Palatine teeth in an elongate V-shaped pad, teeth pointing backwardly, those in front not largest and not in a discrete group. Lingual teeth well developed, those on free end of tongue largest and about 20 in number. Teeth caniniform, larger teeth with arrow-shaped tips. Pectoral fins reaching a line from base of pelvic fins to origin of dorsal fin. Outer pelvic ray unbranched and short, fifth branched ray (sixth ray) longest. Posterior bony process of pelvic girdle narrow. Peritoneum pale.

COLOR PATTERN.—Preserved material with poorly distinguished saddle-like bands; dorsal fin with 2 to 3 conspicuous bars, which are the most conspicuous marking on preserved specimens; other fins unmarked in preserved specimens.

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT.—The only two collections are from waters off Tanzania. One was made at 100 m, and the other at 200 m, indicating that this species prefers deeper water than most other known species.

ETYMOLOGY.—This new species is named for Robert H. Gibbs, Jr., good friend and colleague and one of the early workers to show the value of peritoneal spots in identifying postlarval lizardfishes.

Synodus gibbsi is a species of lizardfish that lives mainly in the Indian Ocean. It is found in a marine demersal environment. This species is native to a tropical climate. Synodus gibbsi is recorded to not serve as any threat to humans.