Two new species of the eel genus
Facciolella
from
Taiwan
, northwestern
Pacific Ocean
(
Hsuan‐Ching Ho, Jian‐Fu Huang, David G. Smith Abstract
Two new species of the duckbill eel genus Facciolella are described based on specimens collected off Taiwan, representing the first record of the genus in the western Pacific Ocean. Facciolella bicolor sp. nov ., based on three types, is most similar to F. smithi in having a bicoloured body and trunk, and can be distinguished by more preanal lateral‐line pores and preanal vertebrae and a combination of characters. Facciolella punctatus sp. nov ., based on six type specimens, is distinct in having a pale body and scattered black dots, and a combination of characters. The DNA barcoding analysis also supports the establishment of both new species. Detailed descriptions and figures are provided. The leptocephali found in the Pacific Ocean are also discussed.