Liparis adiastolus (Teleostei, Liparidae): A New Snailfish Species from the Littoral Zone of the Northeastern Pacific, and Redescription of Liparis rutteri (Gilbert and Snyder, 1898).

Liparis adiastolus, a previously undescribed species from the coasts of Oregon and Washington, northwest United States, is described. The new species has probably been consistently confused with Liparis rutteri, which has a more northerly distribution. Liparis adiastolus is clearly distinguishable from all similar species in having 41-70 pyloric caeca, 35-39 vertebrae, 30-33 dorsal-fin rays, 32-35 pectoral-fin rays, disk 67-77% HL, and other distinctive characters. In addition to describing the new species, we select a lectotype of L. rutteri, provide an expanded diagnosis for that species, and discuss the confusion previously existing with regard to its identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]