Our new lab paper on the evolution of pearleye fishes (Aulopiformes: Scopelarchidae) was recently published in the journal Copeia. This study investigates the evolutionary relationships among pearleye species with molecular (eight genes) and morphological data. A new genus of pearleye is diagnosed, Lagiacrusichthys, from a previously described species (Benthalbella macropinna) distributed in Antarctic waters.
The newly recognized antarctic genus Lagiacrusichthys is named for a wyvern, a dragon-like creature, specifically the sea-wyvern Lagiacrus (made famous by Monster Hunter), known for his fierceness and for inhabiting the deep. As both are rather ferocious coldwater predators, I named Lagiacrusichthys after the fictional monster Lagiacrus. In a remarkable coincidence, the paper diagnosing Lagiacrusichthys was released during the same week as the newest entry in the Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.
The sea-wyvern Lagiacrus from the Monster Hunter series of games.
Pearleyes are known for their dorsally directed tubular and semi-tubular eyes, which allow them to hunt prey above them in the water column. Pearleye fishes possess an array of visual specializations associated with living in the deep sea, including that their tubular eyes are highly capable of observing bioluminescent light, with the ability to pinpoint bioluminescent emissions from a distance of at least six meters.
Original Source: Davis, M.P. (2015). Evolutionary Relationships of the Deep-Sea Pearleyes (Aulopiformes: Scopelarchidae) and a New Genus of Pearleye from Antarctic Waters. Copeia. 103(1):64-71.
Funding for this work was provided by the National Science Foundation (DEB 1258141 and 106086) and the American Museum of Natural History Lerner-Grey Marine Research Grant.