Abstract
Gunterichthys /ongipenis is a poorly known member of the Bythitidae whose collection in association with disturbed weather has been well documented (Dawson, 1966, 1971). This species has been previously reported to range from 7% Fathom Reef, near Padre Island, Texas, through the northern Gulf of Mexico, east to Panacea, Florida (Dawson, 1966, 1971; Wagner, 1972; Moore, 1975). Although not considered a rare species, its conspicuous absence in most northern Gulf of Mexico collections is presumably due to its burrowing or burrow-inhabiting nature (Dawson, 1966, 1971).
Two juvenile gold brotulas (Gunterichthys /ongipenis) were collected in Rookery Bay, near Naples, Florida during the summer of 1985. The specimens measured 9.6 and 13.0 mm standard length and represent two of the smallest individuals of Gunterichthys taken to date. Additionally, their collection in southwest Florida waters greatly extends the range of this species in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.