 |
| Callogobius pilosimentum
Delventhal, Mooi, Bogorodsky & Mal, 2016
A. SMF 35756, holotype, female, 36.4 mm SL, Farasan Island, Saudi Arabia; C. SMF 35760, paratype, female, 55.8 mm SL, Obhur, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Photos by SVB. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4179.2.3
|
Abstract
Five species of Callogobius Bleeker have been previously reported from the Red Sea: C. amikami Goren, Miroz & Baranes, C. clarki (Goren), C. dori Goren, C. flavobrunneus (Smith), and C. maculipinnis (Fowler). Records of C. bifasciatus (Smith) in the Red Sea are referable to C. clarki. Callogobius amikami has been previously known only from a single specimen, the holotype from the Red Sea, and two photographs, a live juvenile from Oman and a live specimen at an aquarium at Coral World, Eilat. We obtained a possible additional juvenile from the Red Sea, although we are unable to definitively determine its identity. Red Sea specimens previously identified as C. maculipinnis [or C. irrasus (Smith)] represent a new species, distinguished from the latter by normally having four sets of transverse mandibular rows on each side (rather than three); this species is described here as Callogobius pilosimentum sp. nov. Four specimens of an additional, undescribed species of Callogobius, C. sp. A, have been collected from the Red Sea, but we withhold a formal description because this species is currently under study by colleagues. Callogobius sclateri (Steindachner), previously known from the Indo-West Pacific, is reported from the Red Sea for the first time. A key to all seven species is provided. Each species is photographed, habitat is described and a brief description with detailed comparisons is provided. The new species and C. clarki are endemic to the Red Sea.
Keywords: Pisces, taxonomy, endemism, key
Callogobius pilosimentum sp. nov.
Hairy-chinned Flapheaded Goby
Drombus irrasus (non Smith)—Goren 1979: 36.
Callogobius irrasus (non Smith)—Goren 1980: 213; Dor 1984: 241.
Callogobius maculipinnis (non Fowler)—Goren et al. 1991: 299; Goren & Dor 1994: 53; Golani & Bogorodsky 2010: 46.
Diagnosis. Callogobius pilosimentum is distinguished from all other known Callogobius species by the
following combination of characters: interorbital canal normally containing pores B’, C, D, E, F, G and H’;
preopercular canal containing pores M’, N, and O’; temporal canal containing pores K’ and L’; scales in lateral
series 21–25 (usually 24); normally four transverse mandibular papillae rows (Row 16) on each side.
Etymology. The species name is derived from the Latin pilosus meaning “hairy” and mentum meaning “chin”, referring to the extra rows of papillae on the chin. Specific epithet to be treated as a noun in apposition. Suggested common name: hairy-chinned flapheaded goby.
Distribution and habitat. Restricted to the Red Sea. It is usually collected in shelters or close to shelters on small sand flats (about 0.5–1 m across) of steep slopes, sometimes at the base of coral reefs, in closed areas in bays and lagoons, at depths of 1–20 m.
 |
| FIGURE 3. Callogobius amikami Goren, Miroz & Baranes: B. Aquarium specimen in 1993, Coral World, Eilat, about 40 mm TL, collected by A. Miroz. C. Callogobius cf. amikami, live coloration, SMF 35770, juvenile, 7.2 mm SL, Al Wajh bank, Saudi Arabia.
Photos by J.E. Randall (B) used with permission, SVB (C).
|
Delventhal, Naomi R., Randall D. Mooi, Sergey V. Bogorodsky and Ahmad O. Mal. 2016. A Review of the Callogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Red Sea with the Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 4179(2); 225–243. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4179.2.3
