Species ID
OC-SP-0000869
Discovered
Phylum
Chordata
Species ID
OC-SP-0000869
Accepted Binomial Name
Rypticus africanus
Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS
Rypticus africanus
Lowest Known Rank
Species
Status
Discovered
Embargo
No
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
Araujo, Sampaio, Rocha & Ferreira, 2025
Associated References
https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70132
Join the census
The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.
