RESEARCH ARTICLE

Myersina balteata, a new shrimp-associated goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae)
from Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands

David W. Greenfield & John E. Randall

Abstract

A new species of alpheid-shrimp-associated goby is described from Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands based on the holotype (49.1 mm SL male) taken at a depth of 54 m. Diagnostic features include a dark longitudinal stripe extending midlaterally along the head and body from the eye to the caudal-fin base; the body crossed by a wide gray bar at midbody; the dorsal fins with yellow spots, and yellow margins on first dorsal fin; narrow yellow lines on the postorbital side of head behind the eye; the first dorsal fin of moderate height, less than head length; 20 scales on the predorsal midline; scales in the longitudinal series 62; dorsal-fin elements VI-I,10; anal-fin elements I,9; and the gill membranes fused together and to the isthmus along the ventral midline. A key to the species is provided. The relationship between Myersina and Cryptocentrus is discussed.