RESEARCH ARTICLE

Sueviota bryozophila, a new species of coral-reef goby from Indonesia (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

Gerald R. Allen, Mark V. Erdmann & N.K. Dita Cahyani

Abstract

A new species of gobiid fish, Sueviota bryozophila, is described from Indonesia, at Ambon, Molucca Islands and Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, on the basis of six specimens, 9.9-13.2 mm SL. The new species differs from the other four members of the Indo-Pacific genus by having reduced sensory pores on the dorsal surface of the head, with only paired pores at the mid-interorbital, and by having four pelvic-fin rays unbranched and a single branching of the fifth ray. Moreover, the new species is unique among both Sueviota and Eviota in having a complete membrane linking the two pelvic fins to form a disk. Other diagnostic features include 8-9 dorsal-fin soft rays, 7-8 anal-fin soft rays, 16 pectoral-fin rays, no pelvic frenum, and enlarged nostrils. The head and body is generally whitish to pale pink with scattered red spots. Unlike other members of the genus, there are no internal dark bars. The new species is only found associated with small pale bryozoan colonies, in which they are well-camouflaged.