Kamohara’s Bandfish

description

Description. (Includes data for 5 type specimens, including the holotype, 263 – 402 mm SL, from Japan based solely on original description.) A species of Owstonia with LL pattern type 1, consisting of a simple lateral line that originates from posttemporal sensory canal near anterodorsal margin of gill opening, curves upward and backward then continues posteriorly just below dorsal-fin base to soft rays 14 – 18. Dorsal fin III, 21 – 22 (rarely 22); anal fin I, 13 – 14 (rarely 13); pectoral fin 21 ‒ 23; gill rakers 13 ‒ 15 + 24 ‒ 26 = 37 ‒ 40. Vertebrae: precaudal 11, caudal 17 (rarely 18), total 28 (29); anal-fin pterygiophores anterior to 1 st haemal spine 2. Oblique body scale rows in midlateral series about 53 – 56; nape scaly and cheek scale rows usually 7 ‒ 10 (Figs. 12 E, 12 F); some cheek scales usually slightly separated from adjacent scales (Fig. 12 F). Lower limb margin of preopercle without spines. Papillae in slight depression behind tip of premaxillary ascending processes all very small and difficult to discern, essentially a few larger papilla around which are smaller papillae in no regular pattern. Upper jaw when tightly closed usually extending to or slightly beyond

Hidden diversity in deep-water bandfishes: review of Owstonia with descriptions of twenty-one new species (Teleostei: Cepolidae: Owstoniinae)

diagnosis

Diagnosis. A species of Owstonia with LL pattern type 1; cheek scale rows 7 – 10, with scales relatively small and usually slightly separated from adjacent scales (Figs. 12 E, 12 F); caudal fin of adults rounded posteriorly; lower limb margin of preopercle without spines; dorsal fin III, 21 ‒ 22 without black blotch anteriorly in adults (except smallest, 147 mm SL, paratype from Japan has four dark blotches along base of fin on interradial membranes between spine 3 and ray 4).

Hidden diversity in deep-water bandfishes: review of Owstonia with descriptions of twenty-one new species (Teleostei: Cepolidae: Owstoniinae)

discussion

Remarks. The original description of O. kamoharai and one of the paratypes from Japan that we subsequently examined agree very well with our material from off Western Australia. Owstonia kamoharai is the largest species of the genus, attaining at least 408 mm SL (560 mm TL), with four of 14 specimens exceeding 400 mm SL.

Hidden diversity in deep-water bandfishes: review of Owstonia with descriptions of twenty-one new species (Teleostei: Cepolidae: Owstoniinae)

distribution

Distribution. (Fig. 27) Known from southern Japan (Shikoku and Honshu islands) in depths of about 200 – 350 m and from off Western Australia and the Arafura Sea, where trawled in about 200 ‒ 410 m.

Hidden diversity in deep-water bandfishes: review of Owstonia with descriptions of twenty-one new species (Teleostei: Cepolidae: Owstoniinae)