A Global Mission

The mission of the Ocean Census is to accelerate the discovery of ocean life to advance fundamental science, empower conservation, and fuel innovation for the future of our planet.

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Gallery

Phylum

OC-SP-0000869

Species ID

OC-SP-0000869

Discovered

Phylum

Chordata

Species ID

OC-SP-0000869

Provisional Species Name

Rypticus sp_OCATRF_2503

Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS

Rypticus

Lowest Known Rank

Genus

Status

Discovered

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Teleostei

Order

Perciformes

Family

Grammistidae

Genus

Rypticus

Date Identified

01/12/2024

Taxonomic Remarks

Dorsal-fin spines three, dorsal fin-rays 22–24 (III-24); total dorsal-fin elements 25–27; anal-fin elements 15–17 (16), modally 16; pectoral fin rounded with 16–18 rays (16), modally 16; total caudal-fin rays 24–25 (25), modally 25. Head distinctly pointed, the dorsal profile nearly straight, its mean length 33.5% of SL (34.9%). Snout length 5.1–7.4% of SL (5.6%), mean = 6.2%; eye diameter 5.3–7.3% SL (6.0%), mean = 6.3%. Interorbital space slightly convex. Lower jaw extending anteriorly beyond upper jaw. Vertebrae 24 (10 + 14). Caudal fin rounded; origin of dorsal fin slightly posterior to upper end of gill opening; dorsal spines strong and membrane not incised; distal tip of pectoral fins and pelvic-fin tips not reaching anus. Body moderately deep, mean depth at pectoral-fin base 36.2% of SL (36.9%).

Received All Minimal Data for Discovery

01/01/2025

Etymology

The specific name africanus is given for the known distribution of the new species and its probable widespread distribution off the coast of west Africa.

Distribution

DNA sequence data and previously reported geographic distribution of R. africanus likely occurs from Mauritania to Angola, and the oceanic Islands of Cabo Verde and the Gulf of Guinea, although we have not examined specimens throughout this range.

Scientific Name Authorship

https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70132Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

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The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.