New and Rare Species of the Genus Paraliparis (Family Liparididae) from Southern Japan

Abstract

Three species of the genus Paraliparis, P.mandibularis sp.nov., P.meridionalis sp.nov., and P.atramentatus Gilbert et Burke are described or redescribed.P.mandibularis from Tosa Bay is distinguished by its oblique mouth, origin of uppermost pectoral fin ray located below tip of lower jaw, and 27 pectoral fin rays.P.meridionalis from the Okinawa Trough, the East China Sea, is distinguished by conical teeth forming wide bands on both jaws, gill opening wholly located above pectoral fin, and 60-62 dorsal, 54-56 anal, 22-23 pectoral and 8 caudal fin rays.P.atramentatus from the Okinawa Trough is the second record of the species.A key is provided for all species of the genus Paraliparis known from Japan.