Ammodytoides pylei, a New Species of Sand Lance (Ammodytidae) from the Hawaiian Islands

Abstract

A new sand lance, Ammodytoides pylei, is described from 17 specimens collected on sand substratum in the depth range of 7 to 120 m from Molokai to the Ladd Seamount in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It is characterized by 48-52 dorsal rays, 22-25 anal rays, 15-17 pectoral rays, 109-1 16 lateral-line scales, 29-33 gill rakers, 59-60 vertebrae, an elongate body (depth 8.5-10 in standard length [SL]), and a series of small blackish spots at the margin of the dorsal fin. The spawning behavior is described.