Trachonurus villosus (Günther, 1877)

Figure 26.

Coryphaenoides villosus Günther, 1877:441 (holotype BMNH 1887.12.7. 105; s. of Tokyo, Japan).— Günther, 1887:142 (second specimen BMNH 1887.12.7. 106 [non-type] from s. of the Philippines added).

Trachonurus villosus: Okamura in Masuda et al., 1984:95 (compiled).— Okamura in Amaoka et al., 1990:193.— Iwamoto, 1997:944–947 (comparison with T. robinsi).— Iwamoto and Williams, 1999:212 (mentioned).— Shao et al., 2008: table 2 (5 spec.; Taiwan [SCS], 634–954 m).

MATERIAL EXAMINED (4 spec.).— SWT: ASIZP 65626 (2, 175–255+ TL), CD 203, 634– 866 m. SCS: ASIZP 66094 (1, 60 HL, 345+ TL) and ASIZP 66909 (1, 155+ TL), CD 321, 954 m.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES.— 1D II,8; P 14–17; V 7; total GR-I (inner) 9–13; scale rows below origin 2D 5–9, usually 6–7, below midbase 1D 5–7; lateral line scales over distance equal to pre-1D length 26–34; scale rows between base of V and gill cover 10–14; pyl. caeca 9–13, short, thick. Grooved lateral line present; body scales relatively small, finely covered with erect spinules. Jaw teeth all small. Snout length 23–27% HL; interorbital width 31–34%; orbit diameter 29–30%; suborbital width 11–12%; postorbital length 38–42%; orbit-preopercle 29–33%; upper jaw 30–33%; barbel 6+–11%; 1D-2D interspace 20–22%. (Adapted from Iwamoto 1997.)

DISTRIBUTION.— Known from Japan to Taiwan and the Philippines. In Taiwan, specimens were taken from the South China Sea in 634–954 m.

REMARKS.— More specimens of this species must be examined from near the type locality off Japan to properly circumscribe the species and determine its difference from other described species .