Pogonophryne neyelovi Shandikov & Eakin, 2013
Hopbeard plunderfish
Pogonophryne neyelovi
photo by Shandikov, G.A.

Family:  Artedidraconidae (Barbled plunderfishes)
Max. size:  35.5 cm TL (male/unsexed); 35 cm TL (female)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 700 - 1390 m
Distribution:  Antarctic (Pacific): Ross Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-27; Anal soft rays: 18-18. This species is distinguished from other species of the 'P. mentella' group by the following set of characters: short and tiny mental barbel, light-brownish dorsally, reaching anterior edge of orbit over snout with mouth closed, its length about 9% SL; a very short poorly developed ovaloid terminal expansion composed of bicolored, white and brownish, scale-like and mostly bluntly palmate processes, the length is less than 1/3 of barbel length; lower jaw moderately protruding with weakly visible anterior teeth on symphysis and hidden dorsum of tongue when mouth is closed; the second dorsal fin is high in male (height about 25% SL), without any prominent anterior elevated lobe, with longest rays (1st to 7th) very soft, sinuous distally and branched from about mid-length, this fin is almost entirely black in coloration with bluish insertions in anterior one third and dark basally with light upper margin posteriorly; dorsal surface of head and area anterior to first dorsal fin is covered by dark-brown irregular spots, vermiculations and markings; belly, breast and lower surface of head brown or brownish in general and no distinct dark spots; light mandibular oral valve; pectoral fin vertically dark-striped in its anterior part and uniformly lightish in posterior part (Ref. 93381).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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