RESEARCH ARTICLE

Heteroconger guttatus, a new species of garden eel (Pisces: Congridae: Heterocongrinae) from West Papua, Indonesia

Gerald R. Allen, Mark V. Erdmann & Meity U. Mongdong

Abstract

The new species of heterocongrine garden eel, Heteroconger guttatus n. sp., is described from West Papua, Indonesia, based on 42 specimens measuring 188-442 mm TL. It differs from other members of the genus by a distinctive, dense pattern of small, round, orange-brown to dark-brown spots over a pale background on the head and body, becoming smaller ventrally. In addition, the new species is characterized by the dorsal-fin origin anterior to the gill opening; pterygoid teeth present; the body depth at gill opening 28.8-40.2% head length (mean 36.1%); 59-66 preanal vertebrae (mean 63); 164-175 total vertebrae (mean 168.9); and 59-64 preanal lateral-line pores (mean 61). A key is provided for the Indo-West Pacific species of Heteroconger.

CITATION:

Allen, G.R., Erdmann, M.V. & Mondong, M.U. (2020) Heteroconger guttatus, a new species of garden eel (Pisces: Congridae: Heterocongrinae) from West Papua, Indonesia. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, 35, 8-17.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3676001

publication date: 19 February 2020