Journal of the
Ocean Science Foundation

An open-access free online peer-reviewed Marine Biology Journal, since 2008.

published by the Ocean Science Foundation

 
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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Descriptions of two new species of shrimpgobies (Gobiidae:
Cryptocentrus and Tomiyamichthys) from Papua New Guinea

Gerald R. Allen

Abstract

Two new species of alpheid-shrimp-associated gobies are described from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Cryptocentrus epakros n. sp. is described from a single female specimen, 34.2 mm SL. Diagnostic features include 47 longitudinal scales (most species in the genus with more than 70), scales entirely cycloid, and the seventh and eighth anal-fin rays prolonged to form a distinctly pointed posterior anal-fin profile. It also possesses a unique color pattern featuring six brown bars with yellowish interspaces, vertical orange markings on the dorsal fins, a dusky brown anal fin except the last few rays bright yellow, a yellowish caudal fin with blue streaks, and narrow, oblique orange bands on the cheek and opercle of males. Tomiyamichthys zonatus n. sp. is described on the basis of three specimens, 24.1–30.6 mm SL. Diagnostic features include 11 dorsal and anal-fin soft rays; 52–54 longitudinal scales; cycloid scales anteriorly, becoming ctenoid posteriorly; preopercular sensory canal and pores absent; first four dorsal-fin spines with short, filamentous tips; distinct sexual dichromatism with the male characterized by five brown saddles on the back, seven orange-brown bars on the ventral half of the body, a prominent black bar across the outer two thirds of last two anal-fin rays, and pale yellow pelvic fins with bright yellow spots. Both sexes possess a mid-lateral row of alternating large and small rectangular blotches enclosed within a pair of thin stripes from the pectoral fin to the caudal-fin base. Females have darker brown markings, lack ventral body bars, and possess more ornate fins, consisting of variable dark stripes or blotches on the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins.

 

     

CITATION:

Allen, G.R. (2015) Descriptions of two new species of shrimpgobies (Gobiidae: Cryptocentrus and Tomiyamichthys) from Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, 16, 67-81.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1021435

publication date: 18 August 2015