Characterization of Andriashevia natsushimae, a new species of eelpout (Pisces, Perciformes: Zoarcidae) from Sagami Bay, Japan, and its phylogenic status as inferred from 16S rRNA

A new zoarcid fish, Andriashevia natsushimae (Japanese name: Natsushimachojyagenge), is described on the basis of 2 specimens collected in Sagami Bay, Japan, at the depth of 850 m. This species has no pectoral fins and no pelvic fins, indicating it to be Andriashevia. It has a round body and a moderate-sized mouth in contrast to Andriashevia aptera which has a flat body and a large mouth. Phylogenic tree based on 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequence indicates the species had diverted at the early stage in the evolution of eelpouts.