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1 aqua Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology Vol. 10 (3), October 2005 Aquapress ISSN

2 aqua - Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology Managing Editor: Heiko Bleher Via G. Falcone 11, Miradolo Terme (PV), Italy Tel.: /08 - Fax: heiko@pmp.it Scientific Editor: Dr. Walter Ivantsoff Senior Research Fellow, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, N.S.W. 2109, Australia Tel Fax wivantso@rna.bio.mq.edu.au Editorial Board: Gerald R. Allen, I Dreyer Road Roleystone, W. A. Australia 6111 George W. Barlow, Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA , U.S.A. Henri J. Dumont, Rijksuniversiteit Gent, Laboratorium voor Ecologie der Dieren, Zoogeografie en Natuur - behoud, K. L. Ledeganckstraat, 9000 Gent, Belgium Jacques Géry, Chemin du Plantier, Sarlat, France Frank Kirschbaum, Institut für Gewässerökologie und Binnenfischerei, Abt. 4 Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V. Müggelseedamm 310, Berlin, Germany Friedhelm Krupp, Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Christian Lévêque, CNRS - Programme Environnement Vie et Sociétès, 1 Place Aristide Briand, Paris Cédex, France Volker Mahnert, Muséum d Histoire Naturelle, Route de Malagnou 1, 1211 Genève 6, Switzerland Paolo Parenti, Department of Enviromental Sciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, I Milan, Italy John E. Randall, Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, P.O. Box A, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A. Wolfgang Schneider, Hessisches Landesmuseum, Darmstadt, Friedensplatz 1, Darmstadt, Germany Mário de Pinna, Museu de Zoologia da USP, Av. Nazaré 481, São Paulo-SP , Brazil Wolfgang Villwock, Universität Hamburg, Zoologisches Institut und Zoologisches Museum, Martin-Luther-King- Platz 3, Hamburg, Germany Chem Yi-yu, Institute of Hydrobiology, Academia Sinica, Wuhan Hubei, P. R. China Scope and aims aqua is an international journal which publishes original scientific articles in the fields of systematics, taxonomy, bio geography, ethology, ecology, and general biology of fishes, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, and plants. Papers on freshwater, brackish, and marine organisms will be considered. aqua is fully refereed and aims at publishing manuscripts within 2-4 months of acceptance. With the pub li cation of aqua we are pursuing a new concept: In view of the importance of colour patterns in species identi fication and animal ethology, authors are encouraged to submit colour illustrations as well as descriptions of coloration. It is our aim to provide the international scientific community with an efficiently published series meeting high scientific and technical standards. Call for papers The editors welcome the submission of original manuscripts which should be sent directly to the scientific editor. Full length research papers and short notes will be considered for publication. There are no page charges and colour illustrations will be published free of charge. Authors will receive 1 free reprint and 1 PDF-file of each paper. Subscription Notice A volume (4 issues) of aqua will be published each year, each issue comprising 48 pages (includ ing cover). The annual subscription rate (for one volume = 4 issues) is Euro (US$ 48.00) plus postage Euro (US$ 12.00) and for priority postage Euro 17,00 (US$ 20.00). Subscription enquires should be sent to the address given below or our aquapress@pmp.it aqua binder Binders for Volumes of aqua Journal Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology are available at cost price Euro 12,50 (US$ 15.00) plus postage Euro 8,00 (US$ 10.00). Notice: aqua Volumes 1(1)-5(4) = 1st. binder; Volumes 6(1)-9(4) = 2nd. binder; Volumes 10(1)-13(4) = 3rd. binder. Special Publication From 2003 onwards Aquapress will publish a series of Special Publications. The first Special Publication of aqua will be available in December From then on, Special Publications will be printed yearly, or more often. All Special Publications will contain around 100 pages or more and will only be available separately from normal issues of aqua. Enquiries about subscriptions and the prices of Special Publications should be sent to the address given below or via aquapress@pmp.it ISSN Publisher: Aquapress, Redazione aqua, I Miradolo Terme (Pavia), Italy Printer: Printo, spol. s.r.o., Czech republic Typesetting: Rossella Bulla 2005 aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology

3 aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology Chromis xouthos, a new species of damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the East Andaman Sea and Central Indian Ocean Gerald R. Allen 1 and Mark V. Erdmann 2 1) Department of Aquatic Zoology, Western Australian Museum, Francis Street, Perth, Western Australia ) Conservation International Indonesia Marine Program, Jl. Dr. Muwardi No. 17, Renon, Denpasar Indonesia Accepted: Keywords Taxonomy, marine fishes, Indian Ocean, Pomacentridae, Chromis, new species Abstract Chromis xouthos is described from six specimens, mm SL, collected at Pulau Weh, Aceh Province, Sumatra, Indonesia at a depth of 25 m. Diagnostic features include: XIII,12 dorsal rays; II,11 (rarely 12) anal rays; 19 (rarely 18) pectoral rays; 3 spiniform caudal rays; tubed lateral line scales; (total, 26-28) gill rakers on the first branchial arch; body depth in SL; and colour in life mainly golden brown with a yellowish caudal fin and pale bluish-grey pelvic fins. It appears to be closely related to C. pembae of the western Indian Ocean and Red Sea, but exhibits apparent modal differences in the number of total gill rakers on the first branchial arch, tubed lateral line scales, and pectoral rays. The two species share similar colour patterns, although C. xouthos is overall golden brown compared with the dark brown ground colour of C. pembae. Zusammenfassung Beschrieben wird Chromis xouthos auf der Grundlage von sechs Exemplaren mit 82,4-92,3 mm SL, die bei Pulau Weh, Provinz Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesien in einer Tiefe von 25 m gefangen wurden. Zu den Unterscheidungsmerkmalen gehören XIII, 12 Rückenflossenstrahlen; II, 11 (selten 12) Afterflossenstrahlen; 19 (selten 18) Brustflossenstrahlen; 3 stachelförmige Schwanzflossenstrahlen; röhrenförmige Seitenlinienschuppen; (insges ) Kiemenreihen auf dem ersten Kiemenbogen; eine Körpertiefe von 1,9-2,0 in SL; sowie eine überwiegend goldbraune Lebendfärbung mit gelblicher Schwanzflosse und blass bläulich grauen Bauchflossen. Die neue Art scheint C. pembae vom westlichen Indischen Ozean und Roten Meer nahe verwandt zu sein, unterscheidet sich aber deutlich durch die hohe Gesamtzahl an Kiemenreihen auf dem ersten Bogen, die röhrenförmigen Seitenlinienschuppen und die Brustflossenstrahlen. Beide Arten haben ein ähnliches Farbmuster, doch ist C. xouthos grundsätzlich goldbraun, während C. pembae eine dunkelbraune Grundfarbe besitzt. Résumé Chromis xouthos est décrit sur base de six spécimens, de 82,4-92,3 mm LS, collectés à Pulau Weh, province d Aceh, Sumatra, Indonésie, à une profondeur de 25 m. Les données diagnostiques comportent: XIII, 12 rayons dorsaux; II, 11 (rarement 12) rayons à l anale; 19 (rare - ment 18) rayons pectoraux; 3 rayons spiniformes à la caudale; écailles canaliculées de la ligne latérale, (total de 26-28) branchiospines sur le premier arc branchial; hauteur du corps 1,9-2,0 en LS; et la couleur in vivo principalement brun or avec une caudale jaunâtre et des pelviennes d un gris-bleu pâle. L espèce semble très proche de C. pembae de l Océan Indien et de la Mer Rouge, mais présente des différences modales dans le nombre total de branchiospines sur le premier arc branchial, des écailles canaliculées sur la ligne latérale et des rayons pectoraux. Les deux espèces arborent des patrons de coloration semblables, quoique C. xouthos soit brun or partout comparé à la couleur de base brun foncé de C. pembae. Sommario Chromis xouthos è descritta sulla base di sei esemplari, mm SL, raccolti a Pulau Weh, Aceh Province, Sumatra, Indonesia alla profondità 25 m. Caratteristiche diagnostiche sono: XIII,12 raggi dorsali; II,11 (raramente 12) raggi anali; 19 (raramente 18) raggi pettorali; 3 raggi caudali spiniformi; scaglie tubulari della linea laterali; (totale, 26-28) rastrelli branchiali sul primo arco branchiale; altezza del corpo in SL; e colorazione vitale principalmente bruno dorato con pinna caudale giallastra e pinne pelviche grigio-bluastro pallido. Sembra strettamente imparentata con C. pembae dell Oceano Indiano occidentale e Mar Rosso, ma si differenzia per il valore modale dei rastrelli branchiali totali sul primo arco branchiale, le scaglie della linea laterale e i raggi pettorali. Le due specie hanno livrea simile, sebbene C. xouthos è completamente bruno dorata rispetto al colore bruno scuro di C. pembae. 89 aqua vol. 10 no

4 Chromis xouthos, a new species of damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the East Andaman Sea and Central Indian Ocean Introduction The pomacentrid genus Chromis Cuvier is abundant on coral and rocky reefs throughout tropical and warm temperate seas. It is one of the major plankton feeding groups and large swarms of midwater feeding Chromis form an integral part of most local reef fish communities. The genus, which currently contains 86 valid species, is the largest in the family. Allen (1991) provided photos and a brief diagnosis for 75 of the 76 described species (C. dispilus from New Zealand unintentionally omitted). Since that time, an additional nine species were described by Randall and McCosker (1992); Moura (1995); Randall (1988 and 2001), and Allen and Randall (2004). In addition, Allen (1993) showed that C. megalopsis, which he described (1976) from Western Australia is a junior synonym of C. mirationis Tanaka of southern Japan. The present paper describes a new species that was collected by the authors at Pulau Weh, a small mountainous island off the north-western tip of Sumatra. We were invited to conduct a reef assessment survey of the island by Conservation International, four months after the tragic Sumatran tsunami of 26 December Methods Lengths of specimens are given as standard length (SL) measured from the anterior end of the upper lip to the base of the caudal fin (posterior edge of hypural plate); head length is measured from the same anterior point to the posterior edge of the opercle flap; body depth is the maximum depth taken vertically between the belly and base of the dorsal spines; body width is the maximum width just posterior to the gill opening; snout length is measured from the anterior end of the upper lip to the anterior edge of the eye; orbit diameter is the horizontal fleshy diameter, and interorbital width the least fleshy width; upper jaw length is taken from the front of the upper lip to the posterior end of the maxilla; caudal peduncle depth is the least depth, and caudal peduncle length is the horizontal distance between verticals at the rear base of the anal fin and the caudal fin base; lengths of fin spines and rays are measured to their extreme bases (i.e., not from the point where the ray or spine emerges from the basal scaly sheath); caudal fin length is the horizontal length from the posterior edge of the hypural plate to a vertical at the tip of the longest ray; caudal concavity is the horizontal distance between verticals at the tips of the shortest and longest rays; pectoral fin length is the length of the longest ray; pelvic fin length is measured from the base of the pelvic spine to the filamentous tip of the longest soft ray; pectoral ray counts include the small splint-like, uppermost rudimentary ray; only the tubebearing anterior lateral line scales are counted; a separate count is given for the deeply pitted scales occurring in a continuous series midlaterally on the caudal peduncle; the decimal figure 5 appearing in the scale row count above and below the lateral line refers to a small truncated scale at the respective bases of the dorsal and anal fins; gill raker counts include all rudiments and are presented as separate counts for the upper and lower limbs as well as a combined count; the last fin ray element of the dorsal and anal fins is usually branched near the base and is counted as a single ray. Counts and proportions appearing in parentheses apply to the range for the paratypes if different from the holotype. Proportional measurements expressed as percentage of the standard length are provided in Table I. Type specimens are deposited at Pusat Penelitian dan Pengembangan Oseanologi, Jakarta, Indonesia (NCIP), United States National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. (USNM), and Western Australian Museum, Perth (WAM). Chromis xouthos n. sp. Figs. 1-2; Tables I and II Holotype: NCIP 6301, 92.3 mm, Pulau Weh, Aceh Province, Sumatra, Indonesia: patch reef off Teupinpineung Point ( N, E), at depth of 25 m, collected with spear, G. R. Allen and M. Erdmann, 5 May Paratypes: NCIP 6302, 82.4 mm, Pulau Weh, Indonesia: Lhok Weng Bay, purchased from fishermen, G. R. Allen and M. Erdmann, 10 May 2005; WAM. P , 2 specimens, mm, collected with holotype; USNM , 2 specimens, mm, collected with holotype. Diagnosis Dorsal rays XIII,12; anal rays II,11 (rarely 12); pectoral rays 19 (rarely 18); spiniform caudal rays 3; tubed lateral line scales 16-17; gill rakers (total, 26-28); body depth in SL; colour in life mainly golden brown with yellowish caudal fin and pale bluish-grey pelvic fins. Description Dorsal rays XIII,12; anal rays II,11 (one paratype with II,12); all dorsal and anal soft rays branched, the last to base; pectoral rays 19 (one paratype with 18), the upper lowermost pair unbranched; pelvic rays I,5; principal caudal rays 15, the upper and lowermost unbranched; spiniform caudal rays 3, followed by 2 accessory segmented rays; scales in longitudinal series 27; tubed lateral line scales 16 (16-17); posterior midlateral scales with a deep pit (in continuous series) 8 (6-9); scales above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin 2.5; scales above lateral line to base of middle dorsal spine 1.5; scales below lateral line to origin of anal fin 8; gill rakers = 26 ( = 26-28); branchiostegal rays 6; supraneural (predorsal) bones 3; vertebrae aqua vol. 10 no

5 Gerald R. Allen and Mark V. Erdmann Body moderately deep, depth 2.0 ( ) in SL, and compressed, width 2.7 ( ) in body depth; head length 3.4 (3.2) in SL; snout shorter than orbit diameter, its length 3.4 ( ) in head length; orbit diameter 2.8 ( ) in head; interorbital space convex, its width 2.9 ( ) in head; caudal peduncle depth 2.0 ( ) in head; caudal peduncle length 2.5 ( ) in head. Mouth terminal, small, and oblique, forming an angle of about 40 to horizontal axis of head and body; posterior edge of maxilla reaching vertical at anterior edge of pupil or slightly behind this point, upper jaw length 2.7 ( ) in head; teeth multiserial, with outer row of conical teeth in each jaw, largest anteriorly; 26 upper and 23 lower teeth on each side of jaw of holotype; a narrow band of villiform teeth lingual to outer row, in 2-3 irregular rows anteriorly, narrowing to single row on side of jaws; tongue triangular with rounded tip; gill rakers long and slender, longest on lower limb near angle about three-fourths length of longest gill filaments; nostril with slight fleshy rim, more elevated on posterior edge and located at level of middle of pupil, slightly less than one-third distance from front of snout to base of upper lip. Opercle ending posteriorly in flat spine, with its tip relatively obtuse and obscured by large scale; margin of preopercle distinctly concave and mainly smooth except for few weak crenulations on lower angle, with upper posterior margin extending dorsally to level of upper edge of pupil, and lower margin extending to level of anterior edge of orbit; suborbital with free lower margin extending nearly to vertical at posterior pupil edge. Scales finely ctenoid; anterior lateral line ending beneath rear portion of spinous dorsal fin; head scaled except lips, tip of snout, and narrow zone from orbit to edge of snout containing nostrils; scaly sheath at base of dorsal and anal fins, about two-thirds pupil diameter at base of middle of spinous portion of dorsal fin, progressively narrower on soft portion; column of scales on each membrane of dorsal and anal fins, narrowing distally, those on spinous portion of dorsal progressively longer, reaching about two-thirds distance to spine tips on posterior membranes, then progressively shorter on soft portion; small scales on caudal fin extending slightly more than two-thirds distance to posterior margin; small scales on basal one-fifth of pectoral fins; median scaly process extending posteriorly from between base of pelvic fins, its length about three-fifths that of pelvic spine; axillary scale above base of pelvic spine also about three-fifths length of pelvic spine. Origin of dorsal fin over third lateral line scale, the Fig. 1. Chromis xouthos, freshly collected holotype, NCIP 6301, 92.3 mm SL, Pulau Weh, Indonesia. Photo by M. V. Erdmann. 91 aqua vol. 10 no

6 Chromis xouthos, a new species of damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the East Andaman Sea and Central Indian Ocean Table I. Proportional measurements of selected type specimens of Chromis xouthos as percentage of the standard length. Holotype Paratype Paratype Paratype Paratype Paratype NCIP WAM USNM WAM USNM NCIP 6301 P P Standard length (mm) Body depth Body width Head length Snout length Orbit diameter Interorbital width Depth of caudal peduncle Length of caudal peduncle Upper jaw length Predorsal distance Preanal distance Prepelvic distance Length of dorsal fin base Length of anal fin base Pectoral fin length Pelvic fin length Pelvic fin spine length st dorsal spine th dorsal spine Last dorsal spine Longest soft dorsal ray st anal spine nd anal spine Longest soft anal ray Caudal fin length Caudal concavity Fig. 2. Chromis xouthos, underwater photograph of adult, approximately 120 mm total length, Pulau Weh, Indonesia. Photo by G. R. Allen. aqua vol. 10 no

7 Gerald R. Allen and Mark V. Erdmann Table II. Comparison of total gill rakers on first branchial arch, pectoral fin ray, and tubed lateral line scales for Chromis xouthos and C. pembae. Total gill rakers Species C. xouthos C. pembae Pectoral rays LL scales Species C. xouthos C. pembae predorsal distance 2.4 ( ) in SL; base of soft portion of dorsal fin contained 2.9 times in base of spinous portion; first dorsal spine 5.1 ( ) in head; seventh to ninth dorsal spines longest and subequal, length 2.0 ( ) in head; last dorsal spine 2.2 ( ); membranes of spinous portion of dorsal fin moderately incised; third-fourth dorsal soft ray longest, 1.4 ( ) in SL; first anal spine 3.7 ( ) in head; second anal spine 1.4 ( ) in head; first 4-5 anal soft rays subequal, longest 1.5 ( ) in head; caudal fin deeply forked, its length 3.1 ( ) in SL, with caudal concavity 2.2 ( ) in head; fourth pectoral ray longest, 2.8 ( ) in SL; pelvic spine 1.7 ( ) in head; first soft ray of pelvic fin with short filament at tip, barely reaching to origin of anal fin if not damaged, 3.4 ( ) in SL. Colour in life: golden brown with yellowish caudal fin; chin, breast, and belly pale bluish grey; soft dorsal and anal fins with horizontally ovate brownish spot at base of posterior 6-7 rays; also anterior edge of anal fin brown; pelvic fins pale bluish grey, sometimes with slight yellow hue on basal half; a small, scarcely noticeable, brown spot on dorsal surface of pectoral fin base; a narrow yellowish ring around pupil; upper lip pale tan, the lower greyish; lacrimal (preorbital) and suborbital series silver grey. A nest guarding individual (presumably a male) seen at Pulau Weh, exhibited a bleached overall tan pattern (including caudal fin), lacking the normal golden hue. Fish from the central Indian Ocean (Maldives and Chagos) differ slightly in having a white rather than yellowish caudal fin. Colour in alcohol: after one month in preservative body still similar to live coloration except less golden and more brownish, darker on upper back; chin, isthmus, and scale margins of breast dusky on holotype and some paratypes; dorsal and anal spines blackish; central portion spinous dorsal fin and basal part of soft Fig. 3. Chromis pembae, underwater photograph of juvenile, approximately 100 mm total length, Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. Photo by G. R. Allen. 93 aqua vol. 10 no

8 Chromis xouthos, a new species of damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the East Andaman Sea and Central Indian Ocean dorsal fin charcoal or blackish; large, horizontally ovate blotch at base of posterior half of anal fin; distal two-thirds of soft dorsal and anal fins semitranslucent whitish; caudal fin pale tan to whitish; pelvic fins dusky brown; pectoral fins semitranslucent whitish with small brown spot at uppermost part of base. Etymology The new species is named xouthos (Greek: yellowish-brown) with reference to the overall coloration. Comparisons The new species appears to be most closely related to C. pembae Smith (1960) from the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean (Fig. 3). The two species have the same general shape and share similar colour patterns, although C. xouthos is overall golden brown compared with the dark brown ground colour of C. pembae. Although it would be desirable to eventually compare more specimens, there are also apparent modal differences in the number of total gill rakers on the first branchial arch, tubed lateral line scales, and pectoral rays (see Table II). We have examined 12 specimens of C. pembae, mm SL, from the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, deposited at BPBM. Distribution and ecology Thus far known only from the Similan Islands off the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand (G. R. Allen observation), Pulau Weh off the northern tip of Sumatra, Maldive Islands (Kuiter, 1998), and Chagos Archipelago (identified from a photograph). It can be expected to occur at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and probably at the Mergui Archipelago, off Myanmar. The species is usually encountered in clear water over coral reefs at depths between about 12 and at least 45 m. Pulau Weh habitats included both gradually sloping bottoms and steeper drop-offs, but in the former case it was restricted to depths greater than 20 m in the vicinity of isolated, small patch reefs. It generally forms aggregations ranging from just a few fish to at least individuals, which feed on plankton up to several metres above the bottom. The fish retreat to caves, crevices, and ledges when approached closely by divers. The species was common off the northern tip of Seulako Island, a satellite islet off the north-western peninsula of Pulau Weh. Numerous individuals were encountered adjacent to a steep slope that continued from shore to at least 60 m. Most fish were seen at depths between 15 and 30 m. References Allen, G. R Two new species of damselfishes (Pomacentridae) from Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 4 (2): Allen G. R Damselfishes of the World. Aquarium Systems, Mentor, Ohio, 271 pp. Allen, G. R Two new species of damselfishes (Pomacentrus), with comments on the validity of two additional pomacentrid fishes. Revue Française Aquariologie, 20 (1): Allen, G. R. & J. E. Randall Two new species of damselfishes (Pomacentridae: Chromis) from Indonesian seas. aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology, 9 (1): Moura, R. L. de A new species of Chromis (Perciformes: Pomacentridae) from the southeastern coast of Brazil, with comments on other species of the genus. Revue Française Aquariologie, 21 (3-4): Randall, J. E Three new Indo-Pacific damselfishes of the genus Chromis (Pomacentridae). Memoirs of the Museum of Victoria, 49 (1): Randall, J. E. & J. M. McCosker Two new damselfishes of the genus Chromis (Perciformes: Pomacentridae) from the South Pacific. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, 47 (12): Smith, J. L. B Coral fishes of the family Pomacentridae from the western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Ichthyological Bulletin No. 19, Department of Ichthyology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown: , 8 pls. Acknowledgements We are grateful to Conservation International- Indonesia, particularly Jatna Supriatna and Ketut Sarjana Putra, for providing the opportunity to visit Pulau Weh. Defy Pada of Manado assisted us with collections, and the Lumba Lumba Diving Centre provided excellent logistical support for our survey. aqua vol. 10 no

9 aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology A new species of damselfish (Pomacentrus: Pomacentridae) from Fiji Gerald R. Allen 1 and John E. Randall 2 1) Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, WA 6986, Australia 2) Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI , U.S.A. Accepted: Keywords Taxonomy, marine fishes, Fiji, Pomacentridae, Pomacentrus, new species Abstract Pomacentrus microspilus is described from 48 specimens, mm SL, collected at Fiji. It is distinguished from similar species, particularly P. brachialis, P. imitator, P. nagasagiensis, and P. philippinus, on the basis of colour pattern and modal differences in certain meristic features. All of these species have a dark brown to grey-brown ground colour and a prominent black spot covering the pectoral fin base. However, P. microspilus is unique in having a triangular, dorsal extension of the pectoral spot, a thin pale marking above the eye, and a small black spot at the base of the posterior dorsal fin rays in adults. The new species is associated with silt-affected coral reefs at depths between about 2 to 30 m. Zusammenfassung Pomacentrus microspilus wird auf der Grundlage von 48 Exemplaren mit 16,7-73,6 mm SL beschrieben, die bei den Fidschi-Inseln gesammelt wurden. Die neue Art lässt sich von ähnlichen Arten, insbesondere P. brachialis, P. imitator, P. nagasagiensis und P. philippinus, durch das Farbmuster und bestimmte meristische Merkmale unterscheiden. Alle diese Arten zeigen eine dunkelbraune bis graubraune Grundfarbe und einen auffälligen schwarzen Fleck an der Basis der Brustflossen. Doch besitzt nur P. microspilus eine dreieckige Erweiterung des Brustflossenflecks in dorsale Richtung, eine dünne blasse Zeichnung über dem Auge und einen kleinen schwarzen Fleck an der Basis der hinteren Rückenflosse bei erwachsenen Tieren. Die neue Art hat ihren Lebensraum über von Sinkstoffen betroffenen Korallenriffen in einer Tiefe von 2 bis 30 m. Résumé Pomacentrus microspilus est décrit sur base de 48 spécimens, de 16,7-78,6 mm LS, collectés à Fidji. Il se distingue d espèces semblables, notamment P. brachialis, P. imitator, P. nagasagiensis et P. philippinus par le patron de coloration et des différences modales de certaines données méristiques. Toutes ces espèces ont une couleur de base brun foncé à gris-brun et une tache noire très nette couvrant la base de la pectorale. Toutefois, P. microspilus est seul à avoir une extension dorsale triangulaire de la tache pectorale, une mince marque pâle au-dessus de l oeil et une petite tache noire à la base des rayons de la dorsale postérieure chez les adultes. La nouvelle espèce peuple les récifs coralliens affectés par des dépôts, à des profondeurs variant de 2 à 30 m. Sommario Pomacentrus microspilus è descritto sulla base di 48 esemplari, mm SL, raccolti a Fiji. Si distingue dalle specie simili, particolarmente P. brachialis, P. imitator, P. nagasagiensis e P. philippinus sulla base della colorazione e della differenza modale di certe caratteristiche meristiche. Tutte queste specie hanno una colorazione di fondo dal bruno scuro al grigio-bruno e una prominente macchia nera che ricopre la base della pinna pettorale. Tuttavia, P. microspilus è unico nell avere un estensione triangolare dorsale della macchia pettorale, una sottile pallida marcatura al di sopra l occhio e, negli adulti, una piccola macchia nera alla base dei raggi dorsali posteriori. La nuova specie è abita zone di barriera associate ad aree sabbiose a profondità comprese tra i 2 e i 30 m. Introduction Damselfishes of the genus Pomacentrus are common inhabitants of coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Allen (1991) recognized 54 species, but since then an additional 12 species have been described (see Allen and Randall, 2004 for a summary). It is the second largest genus in the family that globally contains approximately 360 species, surpassed only by Chromis with 86 species. The majority (66.6%) of the species of Pomacentrus are distributed in the western and central Pacific, with lesser representation in the western and eastern Indian Ocean (21.2 and 10.9% respectively). This paper describes a new species that is presently restricted to the Fiji. Although apparently common on inshore reefs, it only came to our attention over the past 2-3 years. Most of the specimens were procured by David Greenfield and associates and are now deposited at the California Academy of Sciences. In addition, the first author collected the holotype and obtained underwater photographs of the new species 95 aqua vol. 10 no

10 A new species of damselfish (Pomacentrus: Pomacentridae) from Fiji during a January 2005 visit to Viti Levu and adjacent islands on the live-aboard diving vessel Nai a. Methods Lengths of specimens are given as standard length (SL) measured from the anterior end of the upper lip to the base of the caudal fin (posterior edge of hypural plate); head length (HL) is measured from the same anterior point to the posterior edge of the opercular flap; body depth is the maximum depth taken vertically between the ventral edge of the abdomen and the base of the dorsal spines; body width is the maximum width just posterior to the gill opening; snout length is measured from the anterior end of the upper lip to the anterior edge of the orbit; orbit diameter is the horizontal fleshy diameter, and interorbital width the least fleshy width; upper jaw length is taken from the front of the upper lip to the posterior end of the maxilla; caudal peduncle depth is the least depth, and caudal peduncle length is the horizontal distance between verticals at the rear base of the anal fin and the caudal fin base; lengths of fin spines and rays are measured to their extreme bases (i.e., not from the point where the ray or spine emerges from the basal scaly sheath); caudal fin length is the horizontal length from the posterior edge of the hypural plate to a vertical at the tip of the longest ray; caudal concavity is the horizontal distance between verticals at the tips of the shortest and longest rays; pectoral fin length is the length of the longest ray; pelvic fin length is measured from the base of the pelvic spine to the filamentous tip of the longest soft ray; pectoral ray counts include the small splint-like, uppermost rudimentary ray; only the tube-bearing anterior lateral line scales are counted; a separate count is given for the deeply pitted scales occurring in a continuous series midlaterally on the caudal peduncle; the decimal figure 5 appearing in the scale row count above and below the lateral line refers to a small truncated scale at the respective bases of the dorsal and anal fins; gill raker counts include all rudiments and are presented as separate counts for the upper and lower limbs, as well as a combined count; the last fin ray element of the dorsal and anal fins is usually branched to the base and is counted as a single ray. Counts and proportions appearing in parentheses apply to the range for the paratypes if different from the holotype. A summary of fin ray, tubed lateral line scale, and gill raker counts is given in Table I. Proportional measurements expressed as percentages of the standard length are provided in Table II. Type specimens are deposited at the Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu (BPBM), California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco (CAS), United States National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D. C. (USNM), and the Western Australian Museum, Perth (WAM). Pomacentrus microspilus n. sp. Figs. 1-3; Tables I and II Holotype: WAM P , 64.8 mm SL, Fiji, Viti Levu, Nananu-I-Ra Bay ( S, E ), 4-8 m, spear, G. R. Allen, 4 January Paratypes: BPBM 39150, 4 specimens, mm SL, Fiji, Viti Levu, fringing reef off east coast (approximately S, E ), spear, G. Mou-Tham, 25 April 2003; CAS , 7 specimens, mm SL, Fiji, Viti Levu, Nasava Bay, fringing reef, m, rotenone, D. W. Greenfield, K. R. Longenecker, K. S. Cole, and R. C. Langston, 4 November 2002; CAS Fig. 1. Pomacentrus microspilus, holotype, 64.8 mm SL, Viti Levu, Fiji. Photo by G. R. Allen. aqua vol. 10 no

11 Gerald R. Allen and John E. Randall Table I. Counts for pectoral rays, tubed lateral line scales, and total gill rakers on the first branchial arch for specimens of Pomacentrus microspilus. Pectoral rays Tubed lateral line scales Gill rakers , 6 specimens, mm SL, Viti Levu, Nasava Bay, fringing reef, m, rotenone, D. W. Greenfield, K. R. Longenecker, K. S. Cole, and R. C. Langston, 4 November 2002; CAS , 71.5 mm SL, Viti Levu, north side, fringing reef, 3-6 m, rotenone, D. W. Greenfield, K. R Longenecker, K. S. Cole, and R. C. Langston, 15 November 2003; CAS mm SL, Viti Levu, north shore of Nananui-I-Cake, m, rotenone, D. W. Greenfield, K. R. Longenecker, R. C. Langston, and J. E. Randall, 14 November 2002; CAS , 3 specimens, mm SL, same locality but m, same collectors and date; CAS , 23 specimens, mm SL, same locality and collectors, m, 15 March 2002; USNM , 73.6 mm SL, collected with holotype; WAM , 2 specimens, mm SL, collected with holotype. Fig. 2. Pomacentrus microspilus, underwater photograph of adult, approximately 95 mm total length, Viti Levu, Fiji. Photo by G. R. Allen. Fig. 3. Pomacentrus microspilus, underwater photograph of juvenile, approximately 45 mm total length, Ovalau, Fiji. Photo by G. R. Allen. 97 Diagnosis Dorsal rays XIII,15; anal rays II,16 (rarely II,15); pectoral rays usually 17 (rarely 16 or 18); tubed lateral line scales usually 16 (occasionally 15, 17, or 18); gill rakaqua vol. 10 no

12 A new species of damselfish (Pomacentrus: Pomacentridae) from Fiji Table II. Proportional measurements of selected type specimens of Pomacentrus microspilus as percentage of the standard length. Holotype Paratype Paratype Paratype Paratype Paratype WAM USNM CAS CAS WAM CAS P P Standard length (mm) Body depth Body width Head length Snout length Orbit diameter Interorbital width Depth of caudal peduncle Length of caudal peduncle Upper jaw length Predorsal distance Preanal distance Prepelvic distance Length of dorsal fin base Length of anal fin base Pectoral fin length Pelvc fin length Pelvic fin spine length First dorsal spine Sixth dorsal spine Last dorsal spine Longest soft dorsal ray First anal spine Second anal spine Longest soft anal ray Caudal fin length Caudal concavity ers (total 21-24, usually 23); body depth in SL; colour in life generally dark grey-brown, including median fins; a large black spot on pectoral fin base that has a large triangular dorsal extension; a fine, bluish white rim around upper half of eye, and adults usually with a small black spot near rear base of soft portion of dorsal fin, a remnant of an ocellus, which is prominent in juveniles. Description Dorsal rays XIII,15; anal rays II,16 (two paratypes with II, 15); all dorsal and anal soft rays branched, the last to base; pectoral rays 17 (16-18), the upper and lowermost two rays unbranched; pelvic rays I,5; principal caudal rays 15, the middle 13 branched; upper and lower procurrent caudal rays 5, the posterior two segmented; scales in longitudinal series 27-28; tubed lateral-line scales 17 (15-18); posterior midlateral scales with a pore or deep pit (in continuous series) 7 (6-8); scales above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin 3; scales above lateral line to base of middle dorsal spine 1.5; scales below lateral line to origin of anal fin 9; gill rakers ( ), total rakers 21 (21-24). Body ovate, the depth 1.9 ( ) in SL, and compressed, the width 2.8 ( ) in body depth; HL 3.3 ( ) in SL; dorsal profile of head evenly rounded from dorsal-fin origin to snout; snout shorter than orbit, its length 3.6 ( ) in HL; orbit diameter 2.9 ( ) in HL; interorbital space convex, its width 3.7 ( ) in HL; caudal-peduncle depth 1.9 ( ) in HL; caudal-peduncle length 3.0 ( ) in HL. Mouth terminal, small, and oblique, forming an angle of about to horizontal axis of head and body; maxilla reaching a vertical about even with anterior edge of orbit, the upper-jaw length 3.2 ( ) in HL; teeth of jaws uniserial posteriorly, becoming biserial at front of jaws with addition of slender buttress teeth in spaces between main row of larger teeth; teeth incisiform to conical in shape, about in each jaw of holotype (excluding buttress teeth). Tongue triangular with rounded tip, set far back in mouth. Gill rakers long and slender, the longest on lower limb near angle about three-fourths length of longest gill filaments. Nostril round with slightly raised rim, level with lower edge of pupil, and about midway between anterior edge of eye and upper lip. Opercle ending posteriorly in a flat spine, the tip obtuse, barely projecting from beneath a large scale; rear margin of preopercle with 27 serrae on left side of holotype (24-29 in paratypes > 55 mm SL, the number generally increasing with growth); preorbital with a aqua vol. 10 no

13 Gerald R. Allen and John E. Randall single serra (2-3 serrae in a few paratypes), separated by a notch from suborbital series; lower edge of suborbital with 7 (3-8) serrae; about 14 (6-15) tiny serrae on rear edge of posterior circumorbitals. Scales finely ctenoid; head scaled except lips, tip of snout, preorbital, and suborbital; a scaly sheath at Fig. 4. Pomacentrus brachialis, underwater photograph of adult, approximately 85 mm total length, New Georgia Group, Solomon Islands. Photo by G. R. Allen. Fig. 5. Pomacentrus imitator, underwater photograph of adult, approximately 85 mm total length, Wakaya, Fiji. Photo by G. R. Allen. 99 base of dorsal and anal fins, averaging about twothirds pupil width at base of dorsal fin and about the same width at base of anterior part of anal fin, gradually tapering in width posteriorly; a column of scales on each membrane of dorsal and anal fins, narrowing distally, those on spinous portion of dorsal fin progresaqua vol. 10 no

14 A new species of damselfish (Pomacentrus: Pomacentridae) from Fiji sively longer, reaching at least two-thirds distance to spine tips on posterior membranes, slightly farther on anterior soft rays, then gradually shorter on posterior part of fin; small scales on caudal fin extending about three-fourths distance to posterior margin; small scales on basal one-fifth of pectoral fins; a median process consisting of a cluster of several extending posteriorly from between base of pelvic fins, its length slightly greater than half that of pelvic spine; axillary scale above base of pelvic spine about equal in length to that of median scale cluster. Origin of dorsal fin over second tubed lateral line scale, the predorsal distance 2.6 ( ) in SL; base of soft portion of dorsal fin contained about 1.8 times in base of spinous portion; dorsal fin spines gradually increasing in length to last spine; first dorsal spine 3.4 ( ) in HL; seventh dorsal spine 1.8 ( ) in HL; last dorsal spine 1.7 ( ) in HL; membranes of Fig. 6. Pomacentrus nagasakiensis, underwater photograph of adult, approximately 100 mm total length, Madang, Papua New Guinea. Photo by G. R. Allen. Fig. 7. Pomacentrus philippinus, underwater photograph of adult, approximately 90 mm total length, Madang, Papua New Guinea. Photo by G. R. Allen. aqua vol. 10 no

15 Gerald R. Allen and John E. Randall spinous portion of dorsal fin incised near spine tips; eighth dorsal soft ray longest, 1.3 ( ) in HL; first anal spine 3.7 ( ) in HL; second anal spine 1.6 ( ) in HL; longest (11th) anal soft ray 1.2 ( ) in HL; caudal fin emarginate with angular lobes, its length 3.2 ( ) in SL; fourth pectoral ray longest, 3.1 ( ) in SL; pelvic spine 1.7 ( ) in HL; first soft ray of pelvic fin forming filamentous tip, 2.8 ( ) in SL. Colour in life: adult (Fig. 2) overall dark grey-brown, including median fins, but caudal peduncle slightly lighter, and anal fin slightly darker; a prominent black spot covering entire pectoral fin base, with a large triangular extension on body immediately above base of fin; pelvic fins whitish to slightly dusky grey; a fine bright bluish white rim around upper half of eye; narrow golden ring around pupil with pair of slanting blue lines, one above and one below pupil, running across iris; tiny inconspicuous blue spots on side of snout, preopercle, and opercle; a faint dark grey ear spot at origin of lateral line; adult usually with small black spot near rear base of dorsal fin. Juvenile (Fig. 3) medium grey with darker scale margins; fins generally grey except outer half of soft dorsal and caudal semi-translucent and outer third of anal fin black; dorsal spine tips blackish; anterior edge of pelvic fins and distal margin of anal fin narrowly blue; a prominent blue-edged black spot (ocellus) at base of middle soft dorsal rays; a black spot covering pectoral fin base; blue markings on eye and head as described for adult. Colour in alcohol: generally brown with slightly darker (charcoal) median fins and pelvic fins; pectoral fins translucent whitish; large black spot covering entire fin base, with a prominent triangular extension on body immediately above fin base; upper half of eye with a thin whitish margin. Juveniles with a prominent paleedged black spot at base of middle soft dorsal rays. This feature is essentially lost in specimens exceeding 50 mm SL, but a remnant in the form of a small black spot usually persists in adults. Etymology The new species is named microspilus (Greek: small spot) with reference to the distinctive marking near the rear base of the dorsal fin of adults. Comparisons The new species resembles several other species of Pomacentrus from the western Pacific that are basically dark brown to grey-brown with a large black spot covering the pectoral fin base. Colour pattern features constitute the best means of separation. None of the other species possess the triangular dorsal extension of the pectoral spot, the thin pale marking above the eye, or the small black spot near the rear base of the dorsal fin in adults. Pomacentrus brachialis Cuvier (in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1830) (Fig. 4) differs further in having anal fin rays and total gill rakers on the first branchial arch. Pomacentrus imitator (Whitley, 1964) (Fig. 5) has more prominent dusky scale margins, a pale yellowish caudal fin, as well as dorsal and anal soft rays. Pomacentrus nagasakiensis Tanaka, 1917 (Fig. 6) is associated with relatively small rock outcrops in sandy areas and generally has fewer (18-21) gill rakers on the first branchial arch, although there is overlap in the count of 21 rakers. Moreover, this species has wavy dark lines on the soft dorsal, soft anal, and caudal fins. Pomacentrus philippinus Evermann and Seale (1907) (Fig. 7) differs in having scales on the posterior section of the suborbital, pectoral fin rays, and usually possesses an orange caudal fin as well as orange coloration on the posterior parts of the dorsal and anal fins. Of the four previously mentioned species, only P. nagasakiensis has an ocellus on the soft portion of the dorsal fin in juveniles. Distribution and ecology The new species is presently known only from Fiji, where it is common on silt-affected coral reefs at depths between 2 and 30 m. It occurs in loose aggregations that apparently feed on zooplankton above the reef. Acknowledgements We are most grateful to Michel Kulbicki, who first recognized this damselfish as a probable new species, Gerard Mou Tham for the first specimens, and David W. Greenfield for contributing the majority of paratypes. We also thank Rob Barrel, owner of Nai a, Cruise Director Josh Jensen, and Captain John Smith, who provided logistic assistance during the first author s 2005 Fiji visit. This trip was organized by Greg Stone of the New England Aquarium. A collecting and export permit was obtained for the first author by David Olson of the Wildlife Conservation Society. References Allen, G. R Damselfishes of the World. Mergus, Melle, Germany, 271 pp. Allen, G. R. & J. E. Randall Two new species of damselfishes (Pomacentridae) from Micronesia. aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology, 9 (2): Cuvier, G. & A. Valenciennes Histoire na turelle des poissons. Tome cinquième. Livre cin quième. Des Sciénoïdes, vol. 5: xxviii pp., pls Evermann, B. W. & A. Seale Fishes of the Philippine Islands. Bulletin of the United States Bureau of Fisheries, 26 (for 1906): Tanaka, S Eleven new species of fish from Japan. Dobutsugaku Zasshi [Zool. Mag. Tokyo] 29 (no. 339): Whitley, G. P Fishes from the Coral Sea and the Swain Reefs. Records of the Australian Mu seum, 26 (5): aqua vol. 10 no

16 Book review REEF AND SHORE FISHES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC NEW CALEDONIA TO TAHITI AND THE PITCAIRN ISLANDS John E. Randall University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, 707pp. $US75.00 Dr. John E. Randall is one of the most prolific scientists I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. As an octogenarian, he still produces a multitude of scientific papers each year, and not infrequently we are treated with a new book. This is another. Dr. Randall owns the fishes of the Pacific Ocean and, as his introduction attests, he began field work for the study of the South Pacific in 1951 and has continued ever since. In this new book, there is a 14-page list of authors that have been consulted in producing this work. Of these, Randall cites some 130 papers and books published by himself and his colleagues, producing an authoritative account of fishes occurring in the region encompassing New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands, the southern Gilbert Islands, Tuvalu, Fiji, the Wallis Islands, Tonga Samoa, American Samoa, the Tokelau Is - lands, the Phoenix Islands, the Cook Islands, the Austral Islands, Rapa, the So - ciety Islands, the Tuamoto Archipelago, the Marquesas Islands and the Pitcairn Islands. The book is obviously intended for everyone who is interested in fish. The fish described are those encountered by scuba and snorkel divers and inshore fishermen. Consequently offshore pelagic, deep water and freshwater fish are excluded, as are cryptic fish. Despite these restrictions the author describes and provides photographs for more than, say, 1500 species. All but 55 of the photographs were taken by the author, the great majority of them underwater, of live fish. Some fish were photographed under studio conditions. These were very carefully prepared to avoid any damage and every effort was made to retain live colours for the photographic record. Each fish takes a long time to prepare but this photographer and author is a true perfectionist. There are also occasional drawings in cases where photos are unavailable. Interestingly, in his introduction, Dr. Randall provides a short account of the systematic and taxonomic procedures used to identify and describe fishes. This information is most useful to non-specialists. It explains why and how the fish are identified and how their relationship to one another is determined. The characters used in identification are described and, where counts are made, an explanation is given of how this is done. The author also gives a brief account of his own scientific career. The book provides a description of the members of 4 families of sharks, 4 families of rays and 100 families of bony fishes. The account includes the diagnostic features, maximum size and distribution for each fish and also summarises the available biolo - gical information such as fee ding habits and reproductive strategies. There is al ways a photograph of a live fish, a recently preser - ved fish or a drawing. Each family has a separate des - cription more or less defining the group. Often the number of genera and species it contains are also recorded. Common features within the family are given, e.g. their habits, mode of behaviour and economic value. Dr. Randall appears to have an eidetic memory for fish. He can not only identify the species by visual observation but also recognises variability in coloration within a species. He has recently published a number of papers identifying hybrids, a feat which could only have been accomplished by remembering the colour patterns of each fish. This is an outstanding book for the specialist ichthyologist, the naturalist and the angler. It contains beautiful photographs, accurate descriptions and useful information on behaviour, reproduction, occurrence and some aspects of ecology. Walter Ivantsoff aqua vol. 10 no

17 Keywords Red Sea, Bryaninops, Eviota, Gobiodon, Para - gobiodon, Pleurosicya, Priolepis, Trimma, coral and coral-rock associations Abstract Field investigations in the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea (Dahab, Sinai, Egypt) revealed 21 species in seven genera of gobiid fish associated with corals and/or coral rock. Three as yet undetermined species of Gobiodon (G. sp.1, 2 and 3) were found to be new for the Red Sea. Like the congeneric G. citrinus, G. histrio, G. reticulatus and G. rivulatus, they are obligate dwellers of Acropora corals. Among the other genera, Bryaninops yongei significantly differs from its congener B. ridens in live coloration as well as by its preference for Cirripathes sp., while the latter obligatorily inhabits Millepora dichotoma. A third species, B. natans, exhibits hyperbenthic behaviour, violet eyes and a yellow belly on the otherwise transparent body and is commonly associated with Acropora loripes and A. squarrosa. The five Eviota species examined were less specialized and associated with live corals of various growth forms and/or with coral rock. Paragobiodon echinocephalus showed very low occupation rates of the highly abundant Stylophora pistillata and was mostly found in small breeding pairs. Within the genus Pleurosicya, P. micheli is more slender than P. prognatha and shows a distinct longitudinal red internal stripe, while the latter is transparent with a few brown speckles in life. Pleurosicya micheli inhabits massive scleractinians, whereas P. prognatha is found in Acropora. Priolepis semidoliata was rare and associated with coral rock. Weak associations with scleractinians were also found in Trimma avidori, which was common but prefers steep or overhanging substrates mostly consisting of coral rock. Trimma mendelssohni prefers coral rock caves. Zusammenfassung Freilanduntersuchungen bei Dahab (Sinai, Ägypten) im Golf von Aqaba, nördliches Rotes Meer zeigten 21 Arten aus sieben Gattungen von Meergrundeln, deren Mikrohabitate Korallen oder Korallenfels sind. Drei noch unbestimmte Arten der Gattung Gobiodon (G. aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers Department of Theoretical Biology and Morphology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Corresponding author Juergen.Herler@univie.ac.at Fax: /9544 Accepted: sp.1, 2 und 3) sind neu für das Rote Meer. Wie ihre Schwesternarten G. citrinus, G. histrio, G. reticulatus and G. rivulatus sind sie obligat mit Korallen der Gattung Acropora vergesellschaftet. Innerhalb der anderen Gattungen unterscheidet sich Bryaninops yongei von ihrer Schwesternart B. ridens deutlich durch ihre Lebendfärbung und die Bevorzugung der Dörnchenkoralle Cirripathes sp., während letztere mit der Hydrokoralle Millepora dichotoma assoziiert ist. Eine dritte Art, B. natans, ist hyperbenthisch, hat violette Augen und einen gelben Bauch, während der restliche Körper transparent ist. Die fünf untersuchten Arten der Gattung Eviota waren weniger spezialisiert und zeigten Vergesellschaftungen mit Korallen unterschiedlicher Wuchsformen und/oder mit Korallenfels. Paragobiodon echinocephalus zeigte sehr geringe Besiedlungsraten in seiner obligat bewohnten Wirtskoralle Stylophora pistillata und war meistens durch kleine Pärchen vertreten. Innerhalb der Gattung Pleurosicya unterscheidet sich P. micheli von P. prognatha durch eine schlankere Körperform und einen rotbraunen Längsstreifen, während letztere transparent mit braunen Punkten gefärbt ist. Pleurosicya micheli bevorzugt massive Steinkorallengattungen während P. prognatha Acropora bewohnt. Priolepis semidoliata wurde sehr selten beobachtet und war nur auf Korallen fels zu finden. Geringe Assoziationen zu le - benden Korallen fanden sich auch bei der häufigen Trimma avidori, welche aber Überhänge und Korallen felshöhlen bevorzugte und nur vereinzelt auf massiven, lebenden Korallen beobachtet werden konnte. Ihre Schwesternart T. mendelssohni bevorzugt Höhlen im Korallenfels. Résumé Des recherches de terrain dans le Golfe d Aqaba, au nord de la Mer Rouge (Dahab, Sinaï, Egypte) ont révélé la présence de 21 espèces, en sept genres de Gobies associés à des coraux ou à des roches coralliennes. Trois espèces non encore décrites de Gobio - don (G. sp. 1, 2 et 3) sont nouvelles en Mer Rouge. Comme les congénériques G. citrinus, G. histrio, G. reticulatus et G. rivulatus, ce sont des poissons inféodés aux coraux Acropora. Parmi les autres genres, Bryaninops yongei se distingue significativement 103 aqua vol. 10 no

18 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea de son congénère B. ridens, autant par sa coloration in vivo que par sa préférence pour Cirripathes sp., alors que celui-ci est inféodé à Millepora dichotoma. Une troisième espèce, B. natans, montre un comportement hyperbenthique, des yeux violets et un abdomen jaune sur un corps transparent par ailleurs et s associe communément à Acropora loripes et à A. squarrosa. Les cinq espèces d Eviota examinées étaient moins spécialisées et associées à des coraux vivants de tailles variées et/ou à des roches coralliennes. Paragobiodon echinocephalus présentait une occupation moyenne très faible de la très abondante Stylophora pistillata et apparaissait le plus souvent en petits couples reproducteurs. Dans le genre Pleurosicya, P. micheli est plus élancé que P. prognatha et arbore une ligne rouge interne longitudinale bien nette, alors que ce dernier est transparent avec quelques petites raches brunes in vivo. Pleurosicya micheli vit dans des scléractiniens massifs, tandis que P. prognatha fréquente les Acropora. Priolepis semidoliata était rare et en association avec des roches coralliennes. Des associations faibles avec des scléractiniens ont été notées pour Trimma avidori, qui était fréquent, mais préfère les pentes fortes ou des substrats en surplomb composés le plus souvent de roche corallienne. Trimma mendelssohni préfère des cavités de roche corallienne. Sommario Uno studio sul campo del Golfo di Aqaba, Mar Rosso settentrionale (Dahab, Sinai, Egypt) ha rivelato 21 specie in sette generi di ghiozzi associati a substrati corallini e/o rocciosi. Tre specie non ancora determinate di Gobiodon (G. sp.1, 2 and 3) si sono rivelate nuove per il Mar Rosso. Come i congeneri G. citrinus, G. histrio, G. reticulatus e G. rivulatus, si tratta di abitatori obbligati di coralli del genere Acropora. Tra gli altri genera, Bryaninops yongei differsce significativamente dal congenerico B. ridens per la colorazione vitale e per la preferenza verso Cirripathes sp., mentre quest ultimo abita obbligatoriamente Millepora dichotoma. Una terza specie, B. natans, mostra comportamento iperbentico, occhi violetti e un ventre giallo su un corpo trasparente ed è comunemente associato ad Acropora loripes e A. squarrosa. Le cinque specie di Eviota esaminate erano meno specializzate e associate con coralli vivi di varia forma e/o rocce corallifere. Paragobiodon echinocephalus mostrava velocità di occupazione molto basse dell abbondante Stylophora pistillata e si riscontrava essenzialmente in coppie. Nel genere Pleurosicya, P. micheli è più assottigliata di P. prognatha e mostra una distinta stria rossa longitudinale interna, mentre quest ultima è trasparente con poche macchioline brune in vita. Pleurosicya micheli abita sclerattinie di grandi dimensioni, mentre P. prognatha si ritrova su Acropora. Priolepis semidoliata era raro e associato a rocce coralline. Una debole associazione con scleractinie era anche riscontrata con Trimma avidori, una specie piuttosto comune ma che predilige zone di barriera rocciosa ripida o a strapiombo. Trimma mendelssohni cave rocciose. Introduction The Gobiidae is the most diverse marine fish family, comprising more than 1800 species (Nelson, 1994). Decreasing body size in the course of evolution has enabled them to exploit a high variety of spatially small-scaled habitats (Miller, 1996). In tropical coral reefs, the many hermatypic coral genera and their various growth forms represent suitable microhabitats for small gobies. Several lineages of gobiid fish have adapted to those spatially restricted habitats. In the Indo-Pacific, such specialized forms include the genera Bryaninops Smith, 1959, Gobiodon Bleeker, 1856, Paragobiodon Bleeker, 1872 and Pleurosicya Weber, 1913 (Larson, 1985; 1990; Kuwamura et al., 1994; Munday et al., 1999). Since these tiny components of the tropical reef fauna are of no commercial interest, they have been largely neglected in most ichthyological studies in the tropics. Based on species richness, abundance and degree of habitat specialization, however, the gobiids represent an important group among reef fish assemblages, not only in the Indian and Pacific Ocean (Lachner & Karnella, 1980; Larson, 1985, 1990; Munday & Jones, 1998; Munday et al., 1999) but also in the Red Sea (Lachner & Karnella, 1978; Lieske & Myers, 2004). Despite their importance, little attention has been paid to this highly adapted fish fauna in the western Indian Ocean and the north-western boundary of their geographical distribution, the Red Sea. Most studies providing data from the Red Sea are restricted to descriptions of new species or new records for this region (Goren, 1978; 1984; 1985; Goren & Voldarsky, 1980; Goren & Baranes, 1995) and taxonomic studies (Lachner & Karnella, 1978). Other studies focus on the Indo- Pacific and merely provide comments on the Red Sea fauna (Larson, 1985; 1990). Only few recent studies describe material from the Red Sea and provide information on the live coloration of species (e.g. Winterbottom, 1995), which is the major prerequisite for successful field identification and for focused studies of their ecology. Live coloration is mostly shown in field guides (e.g. Debelius, 2001; Lieske & Myers, 2004), but identification of species often relies only on images, without verification on sampled specimens. Thirty-two species in the genera Bryaninops, Eviota Jenkins, 1903, Gobiodon, Paragobiodon, Pleurosicya, Priolepis Bleeker (ex Ehrenberg, 1874) and Trimma Jordan and Seale, 1906 are currently recognized from the Red Sea (Froese & Pauly, 2005), although recent information is scarce. Randall (1983) only showed G. citrinus and G. histrio (described as G. rivulatus) in the genus Gobiodon. Khalaf & Disi (1997) and Lieske & Myers (2004) added G. reticulaaqua vol. 10 no

19 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers tus to the list of Gobiodon species in the Red Sea, but the latter authors also confused G. histrio with G. rivulatus. Khalaf & Disi (1997) only cited four coraldwelling gobiid species. Field & Field (1998) reported a total of 12 species from the seven genera mentioned above and provided live colour images of 10 of them, while Lieske & Myers (2004) presented 20 species. The present study provides a detailed description of the coloration and other important diagnostic features of the northern Red Sea gobies that are variously associated with living corals, including the few species that prefer coral rock. About two-thirds of the Red Sea species out of the seven genera mentioned above can now be more easily identified in the field or from collections based on images of live and preserved specimens. Short notes on the species typical habitats are also provided. Furthermore, this study presents species of Gobiodon not previously known from this region, which are currently undergoing taxonomic examination and takes the opportunity of correcting some identification errors made by previous authors of several field guide books. Methods Field observations were made while scuba diving from September to December 2003 and from March to June 2004 in the Gulf of Aqaba, the north-eastern extension of the Red Sea. Investigations took place at seven dive sites in the region of Dahab (28 28` N, 34 30` E). The main investigation site was the socalled Islands, a reef at the southern end of Dahab City. Additional investigations were conducted near the Napoleon Reef, approximately 0.5 km south of the Islands, at the more southern dives sites Southern Oasis, Moray House, Caves and Um Sid, about 7 km south of Dahab, and at the Lighthouse in the center of Dahab (approximately 2 km north of the Islands ). Fish were studied in the field by taking random swims at the different sites and through different reef zones (reef flat, crest, slope and fore reef areas). Fish were collected using quinaldine (2-Methylquinoline, diluted 1:15 with ethanol) and hand nets. Quinaldine is used for various purposes in medicine and chemistry but also has a rapid narcotic effect on fish and is therefore frequently used as a fish anaesthetic. All fish photographs were taken by J. Herler with a Canon Powershot A80 digital camera. The specimens described below as freshly collected are fish which were photographed immediately after being killed by an overdose of quinaldine (a dash of 5% quinaldine in a 50 ml sample tube of sea water): such fish showed a more accurate, near-live coloration than fish photographed in an aquarium. Specimens destined for morphological examination were fixed in 5% formaldehyde for at least 3 days before being transferred to 70% ethanol via a step of 50% ethanol. Specimens designated below as preserved are fish that remained in ethanol for a short period (several days to a few weeks) so as to show the effects of preservation on colour after a short period. Pigmentation in fish preserved for a long time (e.g. museum specimens) may be even more faded than in the fish examined in this study. Morphometric and meristic methods follow Miller (1988). Fish size is given as standard length (SL) + caudal fin length (d=damaged). For each species, the mean standard length and its standard deviation of all specimens is given in parentheses. Fin ray counts are cited as ranges, with frequency of values in parentheses. The last bifid ray of the second dorsal (D2) and anal (A) fin is counted as one. Scale counts in lateral series (LL) and transverse series (TR) are given as ranges, with their mean in parentheses. Bold numbers indicate most frequent counts (fin rays) or means (scale counts). Body proportions are given as mean ± standard deviation. Corals were identified using Wallace (1999) and Veron & Stafford-Smith (2002). Final identifications of Acropora corals were carried out by Carden Wallace based on digital images and on coral samples obtained by Jürgen Herler and Markus Dirnwöber during spring 2004 in the vicinity of Dahab. Corals were bleached with hypochlorite solution and skeleton samples were exported to C. Wallace, Australia, with the permission of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) and CITES Egypt and Australia. Material lists provide catalogue or field numbers, followed by the number of specimens and their SL given in parentheses. Abbreviations used in this study are: Meristics - A, anal fin; C, caudal fin; D1, D2, first and second dorsal fins; P, pectoral fin; V, ventral fin. Morphometrics - Ad and Aw, body depth and width at anal fin origin; Cl, caudal fin length; CPd, caudal peduncle depth; E, horizontal eye diameter; I, interorbital width; H, head length; Hw, head width between dorsal insertion of left and right opercle; Pl, pectoral fin length, SN, snout length; UJ, upper jaw length; V/AN, distance from ventral fin origin to anus; Vd, body depth at pelvic fin origin; Vl, pelvic fin length; V4l and V5l, length of 4 th and 5 th pelvic ray. Abbreviation of names of institutions where specimens are held: CH, private collection Herler; GMBL, Grice Marine Biological Laboratory, Charleston, USA; NMW, Natural History Museum Vienna, Austria; NTM, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Australia. 1 - Bryaninops natans Larson, 1985 (Fig.1) A total of 10 specimens: 8 6 and 2 7, mm (14.3, 2.0). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW , 2 ( mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; CH , 5 ( mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; CH 105 aqua vol. 10 no

20 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea Fig. 1. Coloration pattern of Bryaninops natans from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living specimen, unsexed, 16 mm SL. B. Freshly collected female, 16.6 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 16.4 mm SL , 1 (14.4 mm SL) Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 9 m, J. Herler, May 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): BN 1, 1 (16.4 mm SL) Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 9 m, J. Herler, May 2004; BN 2, 1 (16.5 mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 13 m, J. Herler, June Diagnosis Live coloration unmistakable: body translucent, abdomen bright yellow and iris distinctly violet. In life, specimens usually found in groups, loosely associated with highly branching Acropora corals. Head and body compressed (in % SL: Hw, 13.7; Vd, 20.5). Eyes large (E 11.2 % SL) and head pointed. Only posterior half of trunk scaled, with small ctenoid scales. Caudal fin slightly emarginated. Anal fin ray count equalling that of second dorsal or even higher, with usually 9 and 8 to 9 rays, respectively. Pectoral rays usually 15. Description D1 VI; D2 I/7-9 (7:1, 8:5, 9:4); A I/8-10 (8:2, 9:7, 10:1); C 11 branched and segmented rays; P (14:1, 15:8, 16:1); V I/5 + I/5. Some D2 and anal rays with one branching point near the tip. Caudal fin truncate, slightly heterocercal, with upper part elongated. Pelvic disc well developed; spines with conspicuous lobes and connected by pocket-like anterior membrane. LL (26.2), TR 1-3 (2.4). No scales on head and anterior trunk, but present on posterior trunk from about below second D2 ray posteriorly to caudal fin origin; only few scales in LL and TR. Caudal peduncle completely scaled. Body proportions of 10 adults, in % SL: H, 31.3±1.0; Vd, 20.5±1.3; Ad, 18.0±1.4; CPd, 9.6±0.7; Hw, 13.7±0.6; Aw, 10.4±1.1; Cl, 23.5±1.1; Pl, 21.7±1.4; Vl, 17.0±2.1; V/AN, 17.4±2.0; E, 11.2±0.9; in % H: Hw, 43.9±2.1; E, 35.7±2.3; UJ, 36.9±2.7; I, 15.7±0.6; SN 25.5±2.1. Colour in life: Distinctive live coloration: entire trunk translucent, abdomen bright yellow and iris vivid violet (Fig. 1A). Freshly collected specimens losing their translucent appearance and showing three distinct red markings (Fig. 1B) not visible in undisturbed fish in their natural environment. First marking across nape to upper pectoral base. Second triangular, extending from origin of D1 down to level of vertebral column. Third weak, extending from origin of D2 down to lateral midline. Weak reddish pigmentation also on upper lip, median fins and posterior trunk. Colour in alcohol: Violet of iris around pupil much lighter but present, at least after short term preservation. Entire trunk opaque (Fig. 1C), with no distinct pigmentation. Biology Bryaninops natans occured in small groups or schools up to 30 individuals. These groups were usually loosely associated with branching colonies of Acropora Oken, 1915 such as A. loripes (Brook, 1892) and A. squarrosa (Ehrenberg, 1834). The fish hovered a few centimetres above the coral colonies and occurred down to a depth of 33m. Flight reactions of this goby were either towards the coral with which they were associated or led them away from the corals, with no obvious search for shelter. Lionfish, Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828), were observed to prey on small groups of B. natans. Chased fish often did not seek shelter in specific corals, and their schooling behaviour may be explained as predator avoidance behaviour. When undisturbed, the individuals often rested on branch tips, as mentioned by Larson (1985). Remarks The morphology of the examined specimens corresponds well with the description given by Larson (1985). Supplementing previous studies (Larson, 1985; Akihito et al., 2002), also 10 anal soft rays were counted in the present study. A very similar colour aqua vol. 10 no

21 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers pattern to that described here for freshly collected specimens is indicated in the drawing of Akihito et al. (2002, p. 1214). Goldman (pers. comm. in Larson, 1985) observed much larger groups of indivduals (50-100) than found in the present study. The occurrence of B. natans in deeper water of the Gulf of Aqaba was already mentioned by Larson (1985). Debelius (2001) showed this species to be also associated with branching Millepora. Bryaninops natans was also found in the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (Aqaba/Jordan: Herler, pers. obs.). 2 - Bryaninops ridens Smith, 1959 (Fig. 2) A total of 10 specimens: 7 6 and 3 7, mm (15.6, 2.0). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 5 m, J. Herler, June 2004; CH , 1 (10.9 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 4 m, J. Herler, Dec. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 3-7 m, J. Fig. 2. Coloration pattern of Bryaninops ridens from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living female, 15.5 mm SL. B. Freshly collected female, 15.5 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 17.2 mm SL. Herler, May 2004; CH , 1 (16.9 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 3 m, J. Herler, May 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): BR 1, 1 (14.3 mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 3 m, J. Herler, April 2004; BR 2, 1 (16.8 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 4 m, J. Herler, April 2004; BR 3, 1 (15.5 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 11 m, J. Herler, May 2004; BR 4, 1 (17.8 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 3 m, J. Herler, June Diagnosis Live coloration less vivid; little pigmentation on trunk, but iris colourful, golden and red, and two darker brown internal stripes along vertebral column. Common on Millepora dichotoma. Head stout, body relatively depressed, especially anteriorly (in % SL: Hw, 15.7; Vd, 17.0). Only posterior two-thirds of trunk scaled. Second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 8. Pectoral rays 13 or 14. Description D1 VI; D2 I/7-8 (7:1, 8:9); A I/7-8 (7:1, 8:8, d:1); C 11 (branched) and (segmented); P (13:4, 14:6); V I/5 + I/5. Pelvics a cup-like disc, with prominent skin lobes around pelvic spines. LL (34.7), TR 5-9 (7.1). Scales found on trunk only: from below end of D1 posteriorly to C base. Few (1-3) isolated scales usually below D1. Body proportions of 10 adults, in % SL: H, 28.6±0.7; Vd, 17.0±0.9; Ad, 14.3±1.6; CPd, 8.2±0.7; Hw, 15.7±0.5; Aw, 12.5±0.7; Cl, 19.6±1.2; Pl, 20.5±1.0; Vl, 19.0±1.4; V/AN, 24.4±1.4; E, 9.7±0.4; in % H: Hw, 54.9±2.8; E, 33.8±1.8; UJ, 48.2±2.7; I, 11.1±0.4; SN 29.8±1.7. Colour in life: Body shaded brown, with two darker brown dorsal stripes from behind nape to end of abdomen. Lips reddish-brown. Two stripes extending from upper lip to middle of snout. Orange-brown internal pigment above brain. In narcotised or freshly killed fish, coloration more intensive and bluish internal gleam visible on head and anterior part of abdomen (Fig. 2B). Colour in alcohol: In ethanol, distinct colour marks vanish, except for pigmentation on anterior nape and short brown stripe from posterior eye rim passing over sides of nape (Fig. 2C). Biology This goby was exclusively found on the hydrozoan coral Millepora dichotoma (Forskål, 1775), which was very abundant on the reef edge and upper reef slopes in the investigated area. It clung to the coral, usually in a head down position (Fig. 2A), as described by Larson (1985) for B. erythrops (Jordan & Seale, 1906). Behavioural adaptations of the goby to its specific habitat were evident. Individuals of B. ridens were extraordinarily quick and difficult to collect. They moved by darting rapidly from one Millepora branch to 107 aqua vol. 10 no

22 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea another and also escaped through the network of branches near their base. This behaviour obviously makes the fish almost inaccessible to predators. Bryaninops ridens did not occur on plate-like Millepora (e.g. M. platyphylla Hemprich and Ehrenberg, 1834), although this coral was common in shallow parts of the investigated reefs. The lack of joining branches and of corresponding gaps between the branches of this coral did not support such efficient escape behaviour, and it was probably avoided for that reason. Remarks The morphology of the Red Sea specimens corresponds well with the description given by Larson (1985). Goren (1984) described B. ridens from the Red Sea as Lobulogobius bentuviai Goren, 1984 (synonymized with B. ridens by Larson (1985)). Our material included one specimen with lower (7) number of A rays than reported in previous descriptions (Larson, 1985; Akihito et al., 2002). Another minor difference was found in the greater maximum SL than observed by Larson (1985) (17.8 mm versus 16.0 mm). Akihito et al. (2002) reported a higher pectoral fin ray count and Larson (1987) a higher LL scale count in Japanese samples. Larson (1985) found this species to be uncommon and to inhabit corals such as Porites Link, 1807, Pachyseris Milne-Edwards and Haime, 1849 and Millepora L., In contrast, B. ridens was very abundant at the investigation sites in the Gulf of Aqaba but was found only on Millepora dichotoma, resembling the ecology of B. erythrops in the Indo-Pacific (Larson, 1985). However, a frequent occurrence of B. ridens on Millepora was also reported from Japan (Larson, 1987). Winterbottom & Emery (1986) found only very small specimens of B. ridens (< 12 mm SL) in a small sample from the central Indian Ocean. horizontal stripe from behind pectoral fin to caudal fin origin below lateral midline. Lives on Cirripathes sp. A long, slender species, with compressed head (Hw 12.1 % SL) and large mouth. Snout long (31.2 in % H) and mouth opening large. Eyes also large. Second dorsal and anal fin ray count 9. Scales small, about 40 in lateral midline. Description D1 VI; D2 I/9 (9:4); A I/9 (9:4); C 11 (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (15:2, 16:2); V I/5 + I/5. D2 and A rays only slightly branched in larger specimens; not more than one branching point in some rays. Caudal fin truncate, slightly heterocercal. Pelvic disc cupshaped; spines with long, folded lobes and pocket-like frenum, folded anteriorly. Scale counts of 3 adult specimens: LL (40.0), TR (10.3). Scales only on posterior trunk, from below D1 IV posteriorly to origin of C. Body proportions of 3 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 32.9±0.7; Vd, 16.3±0.3; Ad, 12.8±0; CPd, 7.6±0.2; Hw, 12.1±1.2; Aw, 10.4±0.4; Cl, 19.3±0.9; Pl, 23.0±2.1; Vl, 20.4±0.2; V/AN, 25.5±0.5; E, 9.2±0.5; in 3 - Bryaninops yongei (Davis & Cohen, 1969) (Fig. 3) A total of 4 specimens: 3 7, mm (20.1, 2.5) and 1 juvenile, mm. Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW 94947, 1 (20.4 mm SL), Um Sid, approximately 6 km south of Dahab, 8 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 1 (9.9 mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; CH , 1 (22.5 mm SL), Caves, approximately 6 km south of Dahab, 6 m, J. Herler, May 2004; specimen stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): BY 1, 1 (17.5 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 16 m, J. Herler, April Diagnosis Live coloration distinct, with 6 to 7 greenish-brown or reddish-brown vertical bars on dorsal trunk, fused to Fig. 3. Coloration pattern of Bryaninops yongei from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living male, 22.5 mm SL. B. Freshly collected male, 20.4 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 22.5 mm SL. aqua vol. 10 no

23 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers % H: Hw, 36.7±3.7; E, 27.9±1.5; UJ, 40.5±2.7; I, 15.3±0.5; SN, 31.2±0.8. Colour in life: Six to seven distinct red-brown or greenish-brown bars, from dorsal midline to about lateral midline (Fig. 3A and B). Broad internal reddish to dark brown stripe along midline of trunk. White internal stripe along vertebral column. Iris red, bordered by dark brown. Dorsally, orange-brown stripes from upper lip to both anterior eye rims, and bars across interorbital region and nape. Colour in alcohol: Coloration in ethanol uniform: either white with many speckles over entire trunk and dorsal head of large fish (Fig. 3C), or white with no distinct colour marks, except for stripe from upper lip to anterior margin of eye and pigmented area above brain. Biology B. yongei was exclusively found on the seawhip Cirripathes sp. (Fig. 3A). Larson (1985) and Munday et al. (2002) described this species as an obligate dweller of Cirripathes anguinea. During this study, B. yongei was only occasionally observed due to the very low abundance of seawhips at most dive sites. But even at sites where there were many, this goby was very rare. At the Caves dive site, where its host coral was abundant in sea caves at a depth of about 6 m, of 43 corals between 40 and 270 cm (136 ± 51 cm) in length that were inspected for fish, only two were occupied by gobies. One 180 cm long coral was inhabited by a pair and another, 120 cm long, by a single male. 2003; CH , 3 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, m, J. Herler, Oct. 2003; CH , 1 (14.1 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 8 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; CH , 1 (13.6 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 6 m, J. Herler, June 2004; CH , 1 (13.6 mm SL), Lighthouse, Dahab, 6 m, J. Herler, June 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): ED 1, 1 (13.8 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 7 m, J. Herler, April 2004; ED 2, 1 (12.8 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 11 m, May 2004, J. Herler; ED 4, 1 (10.8 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 16 m, J. Herler, June Diagnosis Very small (< 14.2 mm SL), and sexually dichromatic. Basic coloration greenish (males) or reddish (females), with red to dark internal, x-shaped bars on trunk. Both sexes with black caudal peduncle spot, but two dark spots on pectoral base only in males. First two dorsal spines may be significantly elongated in males. Second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 8. Remarks The morphology of the examined specimens corresponds well with the description given by Larson (1985). In contrast, the anal fin rays are slightly branched in the larger specimens of the present collection. The live coloration agrees well with that presented by Field & Field (1998). Debelius (2001) shows a species designated as B. tigris (page 184, large image), which probably also resembles B. yongei because of its similar live coloration and obvious occupation of Cirripathes sp., the obligate host of this goby. The species of Cirripathes associated with this goby in our study area was not confidently identified. 4 - Eviota distigma Jordan & Seale, 1906 (Fig. 4) A total of 15 specimens: 9 6 and 6 7, mm (11.9, 1.8). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW , 4 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 10 m, J. Herler, Oct. 2003; CH , 1 (14.2 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, May 2003; CH , 1 (10.1 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 17 m, J. Herler, Sept. Fig. 4. Coloration pattern of Eviota distigma from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Freshly collected male, 13.6 mm SL. B. Freshly collected female, 12.8 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 13.6 mm SL. D. Preserved female, 14.1 mm SL. 109 aqua vol. 10 no

24 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea Pectoral rays usually 16. About 25 scales in lateral midline. Description D1 VI; D2 I/8 (8:15); A I/7-8 (7:5, 8:10); C 11 to 15 (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (15:6, 16:9); V I/5 + I/5. Some D2 and A rays slightly branched at their ends. Upper P rays unbranched. Pelvics: V4 with 3 to 7 branches; V5 reduced to small nubbin. LL (24.5) and TR 6-7 (6.1). Scales only present on trunk. Body proportions of 15 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 31.6±1.4; Vd, 24.2±1.2; Ad, 23.8±1.0; CPd, 16.9±0.7; Hw, 16.0±0.9; Aw, 10.9±0.9; Cl, 29.8±1.6; Vl, 34.6±2.0; V5l, 3.5±1.1; V/AN, 27.7±2.7; E, 10.6±0.9; in % H: Hw, 16.0±0.9; E, 33.6±2.2. Colour in life: Basic external pigmentation reddish or greenish, scale pockets bordered with red. Reddish pattern common in females (Fig. 4B), greenish pigmentation frequently seen in males (Fig. 4A). Both sexes with dark caudal peduncle spot. Males with two conspicuous black spots on pectoral base. Dark internal trunk bars found in both sexes, but more distinct in males. Bars as x-shaped patterns on posterior trunk (Fig. 4A, B). First dorsal with 3 oblique red stripes; most distal one mixed with dark greyish pigment. Interspaces between stripes sometimes yellow. Anal fin with 3 to 4 short red bars proximally and dark grey fin membrane distally. Second dorsal and C greyish, interspersed with red pigment. Colour in alcohol: Red and green pigments vanished. Head and body densely sprinkled with dark melanophores. Distinct pigmentation on scale pockets. Large spots on cheek and nape faint. Dark internal bars weak, visible especially in males. Most distinct pigmentation: D1 and A stripes, caudal peduncle spot, six dark spots along ventral midline, from origin of A posteriorly to origin of C, and, in males, two dark spots on pectoral base. Detailed description of colour in preservative provided by Lachner & Karnella (1978, 1980). to differences in the counting methods used, especially for TR for which the former authors counted from the origin of D2 ventrally and posteriorly to anal fin base. The counts herein were made from the origin of A dorsally and posteriorly to second dorsal fin base. A somewhat higher maximum SL (16 mm) was found by Winterbottom & Emery (1986) in a large sample from the central Indian Ocean. Myers (1989) and Akihito et al. (2002) cited 20 mm SL as the maximum size of E. distigma. Tyler (1971) also found this goby on live corals. This author only examined branching corals (Stylophora Schweigger, 1819 and Acropora), and no other growth forms are mentioned as hosts. 5 - Eviota guttata Lachner & Karnella, 1978 (Fig. 5) A total of 15 specimens: 8 6 and 7 7, mm (16.3, 1.8). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW , 2 (both 16.8 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 9-11 m, J. Herler, May Biology E. distigma was very cryptic, and individuals of this very small species were only occasionally observed during visual counts. In most cases they were collected during occasional quantitative samplings with the aid of quinaldine. Most fish were detected in crevices and holes of coral rock or beneath dead corals. In several cases, fish were also collected from living corals, such as Turbinaria reniformis Bernard, 1896, Porites spp. or Acropora loripes. Remarks The general morphology of the Red Sea specimens resembles specimens described by Lachner & Karnella (1978). Differences, however, were found in the scale counts in lateral series and transverse series (22-25 vs and 5-6 vs. 6-7) but this may be due Fig. 5. Coloration pattern of Eviota guttata from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living male, 18.9 mm SL. B. Freshly collected male, 18.9 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 18.9 mm SL. aqua vol. 10 no

25 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers 2004; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, May 2003; CH , 1 (16.1 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 16 m, J. Herler, Sept. 2003; CH , 1 (11.6 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 10 m, J. Herler, Oct. 2003; CH , 1 (18.9 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 13 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 1 (14.6 mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 10 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 1 (17.8 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 6 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 1 (16.7 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 10 m, J. Herler, June 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): EG 1-2, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 6 m, J. Herler, April 2004; EG 3-5, 3 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 9-16 m, J. Herler, May Diagnosis Relatively large (up to 19 mm SL) with distinct red spots arranged in longitudinal series, largest on abdomen. Males with long to filamentous first dorsal spines. Soft ray counts usually 9 in second dorsal and 8 in anal. Pectoral rays usually 17. About 25 scales in lateral midline. Description D1 VI-VII (VI:14, VII:1); D2 I/9-10 (9:14, 10:1); A I/7-8 (7:4, 8:11); C (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (15:1, 16:5, 17:9); V I/5 + I/5. Anterior D1 spines usually greatly elongated in mature males (Fig. 5); D1 I and II filamentous, III and IV slightly elongated. Slight elongation of D1 spines only in large females. Second dorsal and A rays only slightly branched; first and sometimes last ray unbranched. Upper (number depending on body size) and lowermost P rays unbranched. Pelvics: V4 with 6 to 10 branches; V5 reduced to small nubbin. LL (24.7) and TR 6-8 (6.9). Scales present only on trunk. Body proportions of 15 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 28.5±1.1; Vd, 21.6±1.0; Ad, 19.3±1.0; CPd, 13.4±0.7; Hw, 13.7±0.8; Aw, 10.2±0.9; Cl, 27.0±1.6; Vl, 30.9±1.9; V5l, 2.8±0.4; V/AN, 28.7±3.2; E, 8.8±0.5; in % H: Hw, 48.1±2.1; E, 30.8±1.7. Colour in life: Live coloration distinct with both sexes having three main rows of conspicuous large red spots. First row along dorsal midline; spots represented by short transverse bars similar to quotation marks (Fig. 5A, B). About 12 of these marks from D1- origin posteriorly to C-origin. Below, row of 9 larger, elongate red spots, running from nape along upper lateral midline posteriorly to caudal peduncle. Spot size decreases posteriorly. Third and lowermost row consists of large red spot on the opercle, three large spots on the abdomen, and six red spots at ventral midline, between origins of A and C. Spots gradually decrease in size posteriorly. Lips, snout and cheek with small red dots. Scale pockets marked by greenish pigment, with dark centres. Little pigmentation in D1, except for dark stripe at base. Second dorsal and C with numerous tiny dots, most evident in males. In large males, second dorsal with yellow margin. Anal fin with short red stripes proximally and uniform dark grey pigmentation over distal two- thirds. Colour in alcohol: Pigmentation reduced to some rows of dark dots along dorsal parts of head and trunk (Fig. 5C). Dark stripe along the base of D1. Caudal fin and proximal parts of D2 and A pigmented. Detailed description of colour in preservative provided by Lachner & Karnella (1978). Biology Eviota guttata was the most conspicuous species of the genus observed in this study. It was frequently observed because of its relatively large body size, characteristic live coloration and rather epibenthic behaviour. It occurred on living massive corals such as Favia favus (Forskål, 1775), Platygyra Ehrenberg, 1834, Porites spp. and Astreopora myriophthalma (Lamarck, 1816) or encrusting corals such as Montipora Blainville, 1830, but was also common on coral rock. Remarks In general, morphological features of the present material correspond with those given by Lachner & Karnella (1978), and Field & Field (1998) have already shown its live coloration in the field. Nevertheless, some previously cited meristic ranges (Lachner & Karnella, 1978; Randall & Goren, 1993; Randall, 1995) must be extended to include our material. The range from 8 to 9 D2 soft rays, as mentioned by these authors, is extended to 10, and the low count of 7 A rays (range 7 to 9) has also not previously been reported (8 or 8 to 9). Lachner & Karnella (1978) counted a maximum of 24 scales in lateral series, but Randall (1995) cited about 26, as was found here. Also, TR may be somewhat higher (up to 8) than cited by Lachner & Karnella (1978), but this may be explained by the different counting methods used. Randall (1995) cites reefs and rubble in depths between 1.5 to 10 m as typical habitat. However, although most individuals were found on coral rock, this species was also common on live corals and in greater depths in the Gulf of Aqaba. It was also found in the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (Aqaba/Jordan: Herler, pers. obs.). 6 - Eviota prasina (Klunzinger, 1871) (Fig. 6) A total of 12 specimens: 7 6 and 5 7, mm (14.0, 2.1). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW , 2 (both 14.7 mm SL) Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, June 2004; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, Dec. 2003; CH , 1 (17.0 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, J. 111 aqua vol. 10 no

26 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea Herler, March 2004; CH , 1 (15.9 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, J. Herler, April 2004; CH , 1 (10.5 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, June 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): EP 1-2, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, J. Herler, March 2004; EP 3-5, 3 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, April Diagnosis Medium sized (up to 17 mm SL). Basic coloration greenish, with red to dark internal trunk bars. Black caudal peduncle spot. Males with black stripe near base of D1. Head scattered with red spots. First dorsal spine filamentous in males. Soft ray counts in second dorsal and anal fin usually 9 and 8, respectively. Pectoral rays usually 16. About 25 scales in lateral midline. Description D1 VI; D2 I/9 (9:12); A I/8-9 (8:11, 9:1); C 12 to 14 (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (14:1, 15:3, 16:8); V I/4-5 + I/4-5. In males, first dorsal spine often elongated. First or first and second ray in D2 unbranched. In P, upper half of rays and lowermost ray usually unbranched. Pelvics: V4 with 6 to 12 branches; V5 reduced to small nubbin. LL (24.8), TR 6-7 (7.0). Scales present only on trunk. Body proportions of 12 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 28.4±0.9; Vd, 21.8±1.3; Ad, 20.6±1.8; CPd 15.1±0.8; Hw, 13.2±0.7; Aw, 9.8±0.9; Cl, 27.0±1.3; Vl, 33.0±3.0; V5l, 2.1±0.5; V/AN, 27.8±2.1; E, 8.7±1.0; in % H: Hw, 46.5±3.4; E, 30.5±2.8. Colour in life: Basic green coloration on head and trunk. Large red spots on cheek, opercle, nape and pectoral base, and red to dark internal trunk bars (Fig. 6A, B). Along dorsal midline, short red bars alternating with pale green to yellow bars. Trunk bars variable: red, brownish-green or almost black. Three broad bars on abdomen, alternating with light interspaces. Bars on posterior trunk narrower, extending dorsally to above lateral midline. Small dark caudal peduncle spot usually visible. Most scale pockets marked by short vertical rows of tiny red dots. Dorsal and caudal fins with red dots along fin rays. In males, dots sometimes overlaid by dark grey pigmentation. Anal fin dark grey distally. Black band across lower third of D1, covering interspaces of first 4 to 5 spines, especially distinct in males. Proximally, fin membrane transparent; distally, fin dark grey. Elongate D1 spine usually yellow in males. In females, D1 frequently with yellow margin. Colour in alcohol: In ethanol, several distinct colour marks: caudal peduncle spot, dark spots on nape, rows of small dots along scale pockets, dark internal trunk bars and dark band on D1 (Fig. 6C). Anal fin and, in males, D1, D2 and C dark grey; with small dots arranged in rows along fin rays. Detailed description of colour in preservative provided by Lachner & Karnella (1980). Biology Eviota prasina occured in high abundance on eroded, rocky reef flat areas, where the fish hid in crevices or holes excavated by the sea urchin Echinometra mathaei (Blainville, 1825). Individuals were also found in living colonies of branching corals, e.g. in Stylophora pistillata (Esper, 1797) and Acropora samoensis (Brook, 1891). Fig. 6. Coloration pattern of Eviota prasina from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living female, 15.0 mm SL. B. Freshly collected male, 14.7 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 17.0 mm SL. Remarks The present material is in good agreement with the description of previous authors (Lachner & Karnella, 1978; Randall & Goren, 1993, Randall, 1995; Akihito et al., 2002), except for a somewhat higher count in LL (up to 26) found herein. Other differences were found in the higher pectoral ray counts by the latter authors. Akihito et al. (2002) also mentioned intertidal zones and tide pools as typical habitat. This agrees with our observations, since the species had its highaqua vol. 10 no

27 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers est abundance on shallow, eroded reef flats in the Gulf of Aqaba. 7 - Eviota sebreei Jordan & Seale, 1906 (Fig. 7) A total of 11 specimens: 7 6 and 4 7, mm (14.4, 0.7). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW 94956, 1 (14.3 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 13 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; NMW 94957, 1 (14.7 mm SL), Lighthouse, Dahab, 9 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 1 (14.8 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, May 2003; CH , 3 ( mm SL), Lighthouse, Dahab, 26 m, J. Herler, June 2004; CH , 3 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 3-16 m, J. Herler, June 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): ES 1-2, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 17 m, J. Herler, April Fig. 7. Coloration pattern of Eviota sebreei from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living female, 14.0 mm SL. B. Freshly collected female, 14.7 mm SL. C. Preserved female, 14.7 mm SL. Diagnosis Small and slender (in % SL: Hw, 11.8; Aw, 9.2), with broad red lateral stripe on the otherwise translucent trunk, and black basicaudal spot. No remarkable dorsal spine elongations or sexual dimorphism. Soft ray counts in second dorsal and anal fin usually 9 and 8, respectively. Pectoral rays usually 16. About 25 scales in lateral midline. Description D1 VI; D2 I/8-9 (8:1, 9:10); A I/8 (8:11); C 11 (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (16:10, 17:1); V I/5 + I/5. No distinct elongation of D1 spines in either sex. Second dorsal, A and P rays all unbranched. Pelvics: V4 highly fringed, 8 to 15 branches; V5 relatively long, about half of pelvic fin length, but unbranched. LL (24.9), TR 6-7 (6.7). Scales on trunk only. Body proportions of 11 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 28.3±1.3; Vd, 18.9±1.2; Ad, 17.1±1.2; CPd, 11.4±0.9; Hw, 11.8±0.8; Aw, 9.2±1.6; Cl, 24.8±0.9; Vl, 32.4±2.4; V4l, 29.9±1.7; V5l, 17.4±1.4; V/AN, 28.0±1.9; E, 8.8±0.5; in % H: Hw, 41.8±2.9; E, 31.2±2.0. Colour in life: In life, dorsal and ventral body parts translucent (Fig. 7A+B). A broad red horizontal stripe of internal pigment from eye along lateral midline posteriorly to caudal peduncle. Large black spot at origin of C, bordered with yellow or orange anteriorly. Posterior to black spot, orange-red band across base of dorsal C rays. Along vertebral column, white pigment alternating with dark red pigment. Dorsal part of head reddish, with short white stripe behind posterior margin of eye. Iris dark red, with broad white stripe above and narrow white stripe below pupil. Colour in alcohol: Some conspicuous colour marks in ethanol: black caudal spot, dark internal pigment behind orbit and dark stripes along bases of dorsals (hardly visible in living fish). In some specimens, broad internal stripe still visible (Fig. 7C). Detailed description of colour in preservative provided by Lachner & Karnella (1980). Biology Although E. sebreei was a shy species which fled long distances when threatened or disturbed, it was frequently observed on various living stony corals. This species dwelled preferably on encrusting, platelike or massive growth forms such as Pachyseris speciosa (Dana, 1846) or Echinopora forskaliana (Milne- Edwards and Haime, 1850). It was rarely observed on coral rock, to which it also escaped when pursued. Because of the long flight distances and its shy behaviour, this species was difficult to collect using quinaldine and just hand nets. Remarks The morphology of the examined specimens agrees with descriptions given by previous authors (Lachner 113 aqua vol. 10 no

28 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea & Karnella, 1978; Randall & Goren, 1993, Randall, 1995; Akihito et al., 2002), although Randall (1995) cited a much higher LL count (26-27) than the other authors (23-24). However, the present values are in the middle of this total range. Winterbottom & Emery (1986) found a greater maximum SL (18.2 vs mm) from a larger central Indian Ocean sample. Lachner & Karnella (1978) reported 20.4 mm SL as their largest specimen. Randall (1995) mentioned that this species can often be observed on live corals. It was confirmed by the present investigation that this species is the most common of its genus on live corals. The species figured by Field & Field (1998) is not E. sebreei, but E. zebrina, which is described below. 8 - Eviota zebrina Lachner & Karnella, 1978 (Fig. 8) A total of 8 specimens: 5 6 and 3 7, mm (15.1, 0.8). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW 94958, 1 (15.4 mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 32 m, J. Herler, May 2004; NMW 94959, 1 (15.0 mm SL), Lighthouse, Dahab, 26 m, J. Herler, June 2004; CH , 1 (16.5 mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 26 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 1 (14.9 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 16 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 16 m, J. Herler, June 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): EZ 1, 1 (15.5 mm SL), Um Sid, approximately 6 km south of Dahab, 22 m, J. Herler, April 2004; EZ 2, 1 (13.7 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 12 m, J. Herler, June SL: H, 28.4±0.8; Vd, 20.2±1.1; Ad, 19.1±1.0; CPd, 12.6±0.6; Hw, 12.0±1.2; Aw, 8.3±0.5; Cl, 28.1±1.3; Vl, 38.0±4.0; V4l, 36.3±3.3; V5l, 2.7±1.2; V/AN, 26.7±2.4; E, 8.8±0.5; in % H: Hw, 42.3±3.8; E, 30.9±2.0. Colour in life: Body translucent, with intensive red colour marks all over head and trunk. Broad internal red stripe from behind eyes over entire lateral midline (Fig. 8A, B). Another internal stripe below, from eye to end of abdomen; connected to former by red bars across abdomen; interspaces bright white. Short bars forming upper horizontal band extended dorsally along entire trunk and, on tail, also ventrally extended bars. Dorsal stripe alternating with white interspaces along entire length of vertebral column, as observed in E. sebreei. 14 short vertical red bars along dorsal midline, regularly arranged from behind eyes to origin of C. Dense red pigmentation on nape. Anterior nares long tubular and red. Thin red stripes from bases of nares to anterior margin of eye. Eyes striped with red and white. Small black spot on caudal peduncle and small vertical bar posterior to it. Strong pigmentation on median fins: tiny red or dark dots along spines of Diagnosis Slender and compressed body (in % SL: Hw, 12.0; Vd, 20.2). Conspicuous live coloration, with broad red trunk bar, reticulated at abdomen and fusing with short bars on tail. Black spot and thin adjacent black bar on caudal peduncle. Four to five dark wavy bands on C. Anterior nostrils at tips of long tubes. First dorsal spines elongated in both sexes, but first two to three filamentous only in males. Second dorsal and anal soft rays usually 8 and 7, respectively. Pectoral rays usually 15. About 24 scales in lateral midline. Description D1 VI; D2 I/8-9 (8:7, 9:1); A I/7 (7:8); C 11 (9-11) branched and 17 (segmented); P (15:5, 16:3); V I/5 + I/5. Dorsal spine elongation in both sexes, but filamentous elongation of first two dorsal spines only in males. Second dorsal and A rays some or all (except for the first) slightly branched at their end. Pectoral rays all unbranched. Pelvics: V4 with 5 to 7 branches; V5 strongly reduced. LL (23.6), TR 5-6 (5.7). Body proportions of 8 adult specimens, in % Fig. 8. Coloration pattern of Eviota zebrina from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living male, 15.5 mm SL. B. Freshly collected male, 16.5 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 16.5 mm SL. aqua vol. 10 no

29 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers D1; D2 with three to four oblique, thin red bars and shades of dark grey distally; four to five wavy vertical bars formed by black dots on C. Ventral part of C darkened; black area originating at caudal peduncle mark extends to posterior part of C. Anal fin shaded dark grey. Colour in alcohol: Some conspicuous colour marks in ethanol: black spot and short black bar on caudal peduncle, small dark saddles in dorsal midline, large internal bars on ventral part of posterior trunk and dark, wavy bars on C (Fig. 8C). Dots on D1 and dark pigment on D2 and A remain. Detailed description of colour in preservative provided by Lachner & Karnella (1978, 1980). Biology E. zebrina dwelled on live corals but occurs most frequently on coral rock. On stony corals it was mostly found on encrusting growth forms such as Montipora spp. and Pachyseris speciosa, where it sometimes occurred together with E. sebreei. It was also present on foliose Turbinaria reniformis and massive Echinopora forskaliana or Favia Oken, along dorsal and anal fin bases. Mostly on large tabulate Acropora corals. First dorsal almost triangular. Second dorsal fin rays 10, anal rays 9. Pectoral fin 18 to 19 rays. No scales. Description D1 VI; D2 I/10 (10:5); A I/9 (9:5); C (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (18:2, 19:3); V I/5 + I/5. First dorsal rounded to almost triangular. Second dorsal and A usually rounded. Caudal fin slightly rounded or truncate. Pelvic disc well developed. Scales absent. Body proportions of 5 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 31.8±0.7; Vd, 39.9±1.5; Ad, 34.0±2.1; Hw, 16.6±0.8; Aw, 14.1±1.0; Cl, 27.9±1.4; Vl, 18.8±0.9; V/AN, 19.7±2.7; E, 9.2±0.9; in % H: Hw, 52.4±3.4; E, 28.9±2.4. Colour in life: Basic coloration canary yellow. Four pale blue vertical bars on head and pectoral base (Fig. 9A, B): first two across eye and cheek, third extends from nape to before about middle of pectoral base and fourth across pectoral base. Distinct blue stripes along posterior third of first dorsal base and Remarks The morphology of the described specimens agrees with the description given by Lachner & Karnella (1978) except for the higher anal soft ray count of 8 (range 7 to 9) in their large sample. Although the sample of Winterbottom & Emery (1986) was large, they found a smaller maximum SL (14.9 mm) than was observed here. The two species, E. sebreei and Eviota sp., shown by Field & Field (1998, p. 94) obviously represent E. zebrina, based on the typical arrangement of white and red colour patterns shown by these specimens, although the black caudal peduncle spot is only weakly visible in the specimen designated as E. sebreei. Debelius (2001, p. 183) shows E. zebrina as E. prasites. Eviota zebrina was also found in the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (Aqaba/Jordan: Herler, pers. obs.). 9 - Gobiodon citrinus (Rüppell, 1838) (Fig. 9) A total of 5 specimens: all unsexed, mm (28.7, 6.9). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: CH , 1 (39.6 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, J. Herler, April 2004; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 7 m, J. Herler, May 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): GCI 1-2, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 7 m, J. Herler, May Diagnosis Largest (more than 5 cm total length) member of the genus. Canary-yellow in life. Blue stripes on head and Fig. 9. Coloration of Gobiodon citrinus from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living adult, unsexed, 39.6 mm SL. B. Freshly collected specimen, unsexed, 31.1 mm SL. C. Preserved specimen, unsexed, 39.6 mm SL. 115 aqua vol. 10 no

30 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea entire second dorsal base and along anal fin base, respectively. Black spot at dorsalmost part of opercular membrane. Colour in alcohol: Freshly preserved specimens with basic yellow coloration (Fig. 9C). After long term preservation, straw yellow. Head bars and stripes along fin bases grey. Eyes and body surface somewhat opaque due to coagulation of mucus layer. Biology Gobiodon citrinus occurred most abundantly in fore reef areas and deeper lagoon habitats, where it lived on large tabulate Acropora corals, mainly A. pharaonis (Milne-Edwards and Haime, 1860). It was rarely found in smaller corymbose species of Acropora. Remarks Most previous authors (Randall, 1983; Myers, 1989; Randall et al., 1990; Randall & Goren, 1993, Randall, 1995) cite a higher range of D2 fin rays, varying between 9 and 11; some reported only 8 A rays. Nevertheless, the combination of 10 D2 and 9 A rays as observed here is clearly the most frequent in the northern Red Sea and these values were also reported by Rüppell (1838) and Khalaf & Disi (1997). A higher P count of up to 20 rays was cited by Myers (1989). Gobiodon citrinus was also found in the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (Aqaba/Jordan: Khalaf & Disi, 1997; Herler, pers. obs.) Gobiodon histrio (Valenciennes, 1837) (Fig. 10) A total of 16 specimens: 13 adults, mm (28.7, 6.9) and 3 juveniles, mm. Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW 94960, 1 (34.0 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 4 m, J. Herler, Oct. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, May 2003; CH , 1 (36.9 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 4 m, J. Herler, Oct. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, 3.5 m, Nov. 2003; CH , 4 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, 1.5 m, March 2004; CH , 1 (10.7 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; CH , 1 (22.3 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, 5 m, May 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): GH 1, 1 (31.2 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 9 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; GH 2, 1 (34.2 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, Fig. 10. Coloration of Gobiodon histrio from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living adult, unsexed, 34.2 mm SL. B. Freshly collected juvenile, 9.5 mm SL. C. Freshly collected juvenile, 15.0 mm SL. D. Freshly collected juvenile, 22.2 mm SL. E. Freshly collected female, 33.9 mm SL. F. Preserved male, 34.2 mm SL. aqua vol. 10 no

31 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers J. Herler, March 2004; GH 3-4, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, April Diagnosis Large (up to 45 mm total length), highly compressed species (in % SL: Vd, 44.3, Hw, 15.3) with steep head profile. Unmistakable live coloration, basic green with distinct red colour marks, forming bars on head, irregular circles on sides of nape and longitudinal, circular patterns on trunk. Inhabits different Acropora species in mostly shallow water. Second dorsal fin rays usually 10, anal rays 9. Pectoral fin rays about 20. No scales. Description D1 V-VI (V:1, VI:15); D2 I/10-11 (10:15, 11:1); A I/9 (9:16); C (13-17) (branched) and 17 (16-17) (segmented); P (19:5, 20:10, 21:1); V I/5 + I/5. Pelvic disc well developed. Scales absent. Body proportions of 13 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 29.1±1.4; Vd, 44.3±1.5; Ad, 36.7±1.4; Hw, 15.3±0.9; Aw, 12.0±1.2; Cl, 26.3±1.4; Vl, 16.3±0.9; V/AN, 20.9±3.0; E, 6.0±0.6; in % H: Hw, 52.5±2.7; E, 20.8±1.4. Colour in life: Conspicuous basic green coloration on head and trunk, with scattered intense red markings on head and dorsal trunk (Fig. 10A, E). Distinct red bars on head: below eye, across cheek and opercle, and two across pectoral base. Red bars bend over or fuse at lateral sides of nape forming labyrinthlike pattern; posteriorly continued by wavy and irregularly shaped stripes and circles on dorsal trunk. Black spot on dorsalmost part of opercular membrane. First red colour mark developed in small juveniles as red vertical bar below eye (Fig. 10B). Additional vertical bars on head and rows of red spots on the dorsal trunk, forming circles and irregular stripes in larger fish (Fig. 10C-E). Colour in alcohol: Uniformly straw-yellow. Pectoral spot and some darker bands on head remain visible (Fig. 10F). After removal of mucus layer, trunk stripes and circles of live coloration slightly visible as somewhat darker patterns. Biology Gobiodon histrio was frequently observed in shallow water regions, where it mainly occupied Acropora acuminata (Verrill, 1864) but was also found in A. digitifera (Dana, 1846) and A. gemmifera (Brook, 1892) on the reef flat and reef crest. The highly compressed body of the relatively large G. histrio enables this species to inhabit the narrow interspaces of the respective host corals. Remarks The coloration pattern of G. histrio from the northern Red Sea differs from that in the western Pacific (Munday et al., 1999). The fish observed here have the red stripes only on the upper half of the trunk, while those from the Pacific have this colour pattern more extended, with stripes also found on the ventral trunk region (Randall et al., 1990; Munday et al., 1999; Akihito et al., 2002). Clearly, the circular arrangement of the red colour marks on the nape and dorsal trunk is typical for the Red Sea population. An even more circular arrangement of the red pattern is shown in Lieske & Myers (2004; as G. rivulatus) in a specimen from Saudi Arabia, although the basic blue coloration is unusual for G. histrio. The present investigation extends the range of variation of the soft ray counts of D2, usually cited with 10 (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1837; Randall et al., 1990, Akihito et al., 2002), to 11 rays. There is a series of species that are very similar to G. histrio, such as G. erythrospilus Bleeker, 1875, G. sp. A and G. sp. B of Munday et al. (1999), which were shown to be distinct species (Munday et al., 2004). No such forms were found at the Gulf of Aqaba locations investigated here. Detailed taxonomic investigation, including molecular genetics, is needed to reveal the relationship between Red Sea and Pacific populations, especially since there are obvious differences in coloration Gobiodon reticulatus Playfair, 1867 (Fig. 11) A total of 22 specimens: 20 adults, mm (24.8, 3.4) and 2 juveniles, mm. Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW 94961, 1 (26.4 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, July 2003; NMW 94962, 1 (27.5 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 10 m, J. Herler, Oct. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, May 2003; CH , 4 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 10 m, J. Herler, Oct. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 7-8 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, m, J. Herler, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; CH , 3 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 9-11 m, J. Herler, May 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): GR 1-3, 3 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 8 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; GR 4-5, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 12 m, J. Herler, March 2004; GR 7-8, 2 ( mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, m, J. Herler, M. Dirnwöber, April Diagnosis Medium-sized; largest specimen about 38 mm total length. Reddish-brown basic coloration, with blue head bars and stripes along dorsal and anal fins with dark borders. Trunk with scattered light blue spots. In different species of Acropora, preferably in deeper water (> 10 m). Second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 11 and 9, respectively. Pectoral fin rays about 20. No scales. 117 aqua vol. 10 no

32 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea Description D1 VI; D2 I/10-12 (10:1, 11:20, 12:1); A I/9-10 (9:19, 10:1); C (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (19:4, 20:13, 21:5); V I/5 + I/5. Pelvic disc well developed. Scales absent. Body proportions of 20 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 31.1±1.0; Vd, 39.6±1.3; Ad, 34.5±1.4; Hw, 17.2±0.9; Aw, 12.4±1.0; Cl, 26.8±1.5; Vl, 17.1±1.5; V/AN, 20.3±1.6; E, 8.6±0.6; in % H: Hw, 55.3±3.3; E, 27.8±1.8. Colour in life: Basic reddish to brown coloration and several pale bluish bars on head and pectoral base (Fig. 11A, B). Two bars from lower margin of eye to ventral head side. Another two bars from nape to posterior rim of opercle. Short bar usually present ventrally between those two and the former two bars. Pectoral base with two oblique bars. Additional bluish stripes with dark borders at bases of D1, D2 and A, more distinct in preserved fish after removal of mucus layer. Light spots scattered over entire trunk, hardly visible in small juveniles but distinct in adult fish. First dorsal, D2 and C often with yellow margins. Colour in alcohol: In ethanol, specimens uniformly brown with dark median fins (Fig. 11C). Head bars, trunk spots and stripes along median fin bases remain visible, especially after removal of coagulated mucus layer. Biology Gobiodon reticulatus occurred in deeper water and was mainly found in the lower reef slope and fore reef areas, where it occupied a variety of Acropora corals. It was found in A. loripes, A. samoensis, A. squarrosa, A. digitifera and A. eurystoma (Klunzinger, 1879). Remarks The specimens collected in the Gulf of Aqaba agree well with the description of Playfair & Günther (1867) from the Gulf of Aden. The dorsal count of of these authors did not differentiate spines from soft rays, and the D2 count must be assumed to be I/11-12, which is within the variation recorded here. The present ranges of dorsal, anal and pectoral ranges resemble those observed by Randall (1995) from the Gulf of Oman, except for 10 A rays found herein. Khalaf & Disi (1997) showed the same life coloration of G. reticulatus but counted fewer anal rays (8 instead of 9), while the dorsal and pectoral ray counts were within the present range Gobiodon rivulatus (Rüppell, 1830) (Fig. 12) A total of 16 specimens: 15 adults, mm (20.9, 3.6) and 1 juvenile, mm. Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, May 2003; CH , 1 (19.4 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, Oct. 2003; CH , 4 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 5-7 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, 4-7 m, Dec. 2003; CH , 1 (30.1 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): GRI 1, 1 (20.6 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, J. Herler, March 2004; GRI 2-3, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, J. Herler, April 2004; GRI 4-5, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; GRI 6, 1 (18.7 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, M. Dirnwöber, April Fig. 11. Coloration of Gobiodon reticulatus from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living adult, unsexed, ca mm SL. B. Freshly collected male, 29.6 mm SL. C. Preserved female, 25.6 mm SL. Diagnosis Medium-sized (up to 37 mm total length). Two colour morphs present: light form with greenish basic coloration and light blue lines, more or less vertical on head and anterior part of trunk but irregular, labyrinthlike on posterior part of trunk; dark form with dark brown basic coloration and blue lines clearly visible aqua vol. 10 no

33 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers only on head and anterior part of trunk. In different Acropora corals. Body relatively depressed (Vd 37.8 % SL) when compared with congeneric species. Second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 10 and 8, respectively. Pectoral fin rays usually 19. No scales. Description D1 VI; D2 I/9-11 (9:1, 10:13, 11:2); A I/8-9 (8:14, 9:2); C (branched) and (segmented); P (19:12, 20:4); V I/5 + I/5. Pelvic disc well developed. Scales absent. Body proportions of 15 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 30.0±1.1; Vd, 37.8±1.6; Ad, 32.3±1.4; Hw, 16.6±0.9; Aw, 14.0±1.3; Cl, 21.7±1.2; Vl, 16.4±1.4; V/AN, 20.6±2.2; E, 7.7±0.6; in % H: Hw, 55.5±3.8; E, 25.8±1.9. Colour in life: Two colour morphs differ mainly in basic coloration. Dark colour morph with dark redbrown head and dark brown body; numerous thin blue bars across head and trunk, hardly visible on posterior trunk. Light form showing more distinct bars and light green or reddish-green basic coloration (Fig. 12A, B). Median fins of light form reddish; those of Fig. 12. Coloration of Gobiodon rivulatus from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living specimen, unsexed, ca mm SL. B. Freshly collected male, 25.3 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 25.3 mm SL. dark form dark brown or almost black. Light form with thin light blue stripes along bases of D1, D2 and A, hardly visible in dark form. In both forms on head: two thin bars through and below the eye to ventral head side; short bar from middle of nape to posterior margin of orbit, usually continued ventrally to across cheek, only briefly interrupted at posterior eye rim; posterior to this, three long bars, all originating on nape, the first across anterior part of opercle, the second across posterior opercle and the third extending over pectoral base; interspaces of these three bars usually bearing two shorter bars. Numerous thin vertical bars on trunk, very variable, more or less straight anteriorly but labyrinth-like on posterior trunk. Colour in alcohol: In ethanol, specimens uniformly light brown (Fig. 12C) or, in dark colour morph, dark brown. When mucus layer removed, remnants of trunk and head bars visible through somewhat darker pigment. Biology Gobiodon rivulatus inhabits several species of Acropora. It was mainly observed in A. secale (Studer, 1878), A. eurystoma, A. loripes, A. digitifera and A. acuminata. It was most common on the reef flat, crest and slope. Gobiodon rivulatus could also be observed in association with other species of the genus. Remarks Two colour morphs of this species were found in the Gulf of Aqaba, as also observed by Munday et al. (1999) at western Pacific reefs. Gobiodon rivulatus was often mistaken for G. histrio, although both species are very distinct. The main problem may be the confusing description of its live coloration by Rüppell (1830), who describes red, labyrinth-like patterns on basic green coloration. Fortunately all of the syntype material is correctly attributed to G. rivulatus and there are no specimens of G. histrio (Winterbottom, pers. comm.) sensu Suzuki et al. (1995) and Munday et al. (1999). Since most of the descriptions of G. rivulatus from the Red Sea (Randall, 1983; Field & Field, 1998; Lieske & Myers, 2004) actually show G. histrio, no live coloration images of the true G. rivulatus were shown from the Red Sea before. Winterbottom & Emery (1986) found a lower maximum SL (27.7 mm) of this species from the central Indian Ocean. However, the largest specimen was of the dark colour morph, which usually represents the largest fish among populations, as mentioned by these authors. Furthermore, a somewhat higher range in soft ray counts of D2 and A was found (9-11 vs. 10 and 8-9 vs. 8) in the specimens from the Gulf of Aqaba. Gobiodon sp. 4 of Akihito et al. (2002, p. 1189) very probably represents G. rivulatus because of agreements in coloration as well as in median fin ray counts. This species was also found in the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (Aqaba/Jordan: Herler, pers. obs.). 119 aqua vol. 10 no

34 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea 13 Gobiodon sp. 1 (Fig. 13) A total of 32 specimens: 30 adults, 16.1+d mm (25.2, 6.2) and 2 juveniles, mm. Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: GMBL 4379, 1 (18.9 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 4 m, J. Herler, Dec. 2003; GMBL 4380, 1 (32.9 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; GMBL 4381, 1 (27.1 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, May 2004; CH , 3 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, July 2003; CH , 3 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 6-10 m, J. Herler, Oct. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 5-6 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, J. Herler, March 2004; CH , 1 (35.7 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; CH , 4 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, m, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; CH , 1 (12.5 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 8-12 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 1 (16.1 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 3 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 1 (31.2 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, May 2004; CH , 1 (32.8 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 5 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): G. SP.1 1-2, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 9-11 m, J. Herler, March 2004; G. SP.1 3, 1 (20.2 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 5 m, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; G. SP.1 4-5, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; G. SP.1 6-8, 3 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 3-12 m, J. Herler, May Diagnosis Highly variable live coloration: juveniles with greenish to reddish basic coloration and red bars and spots on head and trunk; adults uniformly red or brownishgreen. In different Acropora corals. Second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 11 and 9, respectively. Pectoral fin rays usually 20. No scales. Provisionally designated as Gobiodon sp.1. Description D1 VI; D2 I/10-11 (10:4, 11:28); A I/8-10 (8:1, 9:30, 10:1); C (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (18:1, 19:5, 20:26); V I/5 + I/5. Pelvic disc well Fig. 13. Coloration of Gobiodon sp.1 from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living juvenile, 17.0 mm SL. B. Freshly collected juvenile, 17.9 mm SL. C. Living adult, unsexed, ca mm SL. D. Living adult, un sexed, ca mm SL. E. Freshly collected female, 32.9 mm F. Preserved female, 32.9 mm SL. aqua vol. 10 no

35 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers developed. Scales absent. Body proportions of 30 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 30.7±1.5; Vd, 38.2±2.2; Ad, 32.3±2.5; Hw, 15.6±1.0; Aw, 12.7±1.5; Cl, 23.4±2.6; Vl, 17.4±2.0; V/AN, 20.2±1.6; E, 7.4±0.9; in % H: Hw, 50.9±3.4; E, 24.0±2.1. Colour in life: Live coloration highly variable, especially between juvenile or small adults (< 25 mm SL) and larger adults (> 30 mm SL). Small juveniles mostly greenish, larger fish reddish, all with distinct red colour marks on head and trunk (Fig. 13A, B). As most conspicuous pattern in juvenile and small adult specimens, light blue bars through and below eyes, across cheek as well as light straight or irregular bars on postorbital region, all alternating with red. Bluish bar on dorsal part of pectoral base at insertion of fin rays, bordered red, distinct in most juveniles but poorly visible in large adults. Rarely, light stripes along dorsal and anal fin bases (mostly in juveniles). In juveniles and small adults, nape and entire trunk scattered with red dots or irregularly arranged, short red stripes. Sometimes, especially in pale juveniles, row of larger red spots along lateral midline. Small adults with more uniform reddish head and trunk. Large adults uniformly red or brownish-green with two bright bars across eye (Fig. 13C-E). Colour in alcohol: In ethanol, specimens uniformly light or dark brown (Fig. 13F) with head bars only visible in formerly intensely coloured smaller fish. Biology Gobiodon sp. 1 was found in several species of Acropora corals and was widely distributed across reef zones. It was most commonly observed in A. gemmifera, A. secale, A. loripes, A. samoensis and A. acuminata. Remarks Winterbottom (pers. comm.) reported that another similar, undescribed species exists at Rodrigues in the southern Indian Ocean and at Phuket, Thailand, but that species lacks head bars. The head coloration of the present juveniles matches well with Gobiodon sp. 6 of Akihito et al. (2002) at similar size, but the material otherwise disagrees in dorsal and anal soft ray counts. Although there is considerable difference in coloration of small and large fish, it is supposed that all specimens included in this description represent a single species. This assumption is mainly based on the consistent fin ray counts of D2 and A and on some transitional colour patterns between small and larger fish, as described above. More detailed morphological and additional molecular genetic investigations shall reveal the identity of this species and its relationship to Indo-Pacific forms in the near future Gobiodon sp. 2 (Fig. 14) A total of 15 specimens: 13 adults, d mm (19.3, 3.1) and 2 juveniles, mm. Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: GMBL 4383, 1 (19.1 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; GMBL 4384, 1 (25.4 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2004; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, M. Dirnwöber, May 2004; CH , 3 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): GC 1-2, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; GC 3, 1 (15.9 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, May 2004; GC 4, 1 (14.7 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, M. Dirnwöber, April Diagnosis Small (< 26 mm SL) and uniformly black species, with relatively low body depth (Vd 39.3 % SL) compared to other species of the genus. In few Acropora corals. Second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 10 and 8, respectively. Pectoral fin rays usually 19. No scales. Provisionally designated as Gobiodon sp. 2. Fig. 14. Coloration of Gobiodon sp.2 from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Freshly collected female, 18.5 mm SL. B. Preserved specimen, unsexed, 15.9 mm SL. 121 aqua vol. 10 no

36 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea Description D1 VI; D2 I/10-11 (10:14, 11:1); A I/8 (8:15); C (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (19:12, 20:3); V I/5 + I/5. First dorsal short and rounded. Second dorsal and A with long posterior rays; both somewhat rhomboid in shape. Pelvic disc well-developed. Scales absent. Body proportions of 13 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 31.1±0.9; Vd, 39.3±2.3; Ad, 30.1±1.8; Hw, 15.8±0.6; Aw, 12.0±0.7; Cl, 23.1±1.2; Vl, 17.8±1.6; V/AN, 25.6±4.2; E, 7.0±0.8; in % H: Hw, 50.8±2.1; E, 22.5±2.4. Colour in life: Uniformly black, including the eye, the latter poorly visible in living fish in the field (Fig. 14A). Colour in alcohol: In ethanol, black, but eyes opaque, as in most fishes after preservation. Some body parts, such as cheek and some areas on pectoral and median fins may be lighter and appear dark grey (Fig. 14B). Biology Gobiodon sp. 2 was most frequently observed in Acropora corals such as A. gemmifera, A. selago (Studer, 1878) and small tabulate colonies of A. hyacinthus (Dana, 1846). The species occurred mainly in shallow water regions, namely the reef flat and reef crest. Due to its small body size, this species was sometimes difficult to detect between the branches of Acropora colonies. The smallest highly gravid female found was only 18.5 mm SL. Remarks This species is most similar to G. ceramensis (Bleeker, 1852) but differences are found in fin ray counts of A (9-10 in Bleeker (1852) vs. constantly 8 in the present study) and in the presence of an interopercle-isthmus groove (absent according to Harold & Winterbottom, 1999). Bamber (1915) reported G. ceramensis from the Red Sea and, based on this, Dor (1984) included it in his checklist of fishes from the Red Sea. But it is doubtful whether Bamber (1915) had material of the true G. ceramensis, and Goren & Dor (1994) did not cite this species in their updated CLOFRES-checklist. The Red Sea individuals are much smaller than reported for G. ceramensis from the Indo-Pacific. If, however, the present species resembles G. ceramensis of the Indo-Pacific, its habitat choice in the Red Sea is of great interest because, according to Hoese (unpublished manuscript key) and Munday et al. (1999), it is the only species of the genus that mainly inhabits pocilloporid corals in the Indo-Pacific. In contrast, Tyler (1971) showed G. ceramensis was an inhabitant of Acropora corals and his specimen in Figure 6 closely resembles the individuals observed in the northern Red Sea. There is a series of Gobiodon species described that are entirely black, at least when they are adult. Gobiodon acicularis Harold & Winterbottom, 1995 is also entirely black but can be distinguished from the present material by its characteristic elongated first dorsal spines. Gobiodon spilophthalmus Fowler, 1944, is considered to be black when adult (Munday et al., 1999), as it is described for G. albofasciatus Sawada & Arai, 1972 by Akihito et al. (2002), but these two species must be considered as probably synonymous (Winterbottom, pers. comm.). There is no juvenile coloration described for G. ceramensis but its habitat is the same as described by Akihito et al. (2002) for G. albofasciatus (Hoese, unpublished data; Munday et al., 1999). This indicates that these two species might be synonymous as well (Winterbottom, pers. comm.). If this is true, the nominal species in question must be called G. ceramensis (Bleeker, 1852), which would then be characterised by a black and white striped juvenile coloration with black dots on the head and caudal fin base and an entirely black adult coloration. However, also small juveniles of about 13 mm SL in the present material were already uniformly black, which is another indication that G. sp.2 does not resemble G. ceramensis. Nevertheless, the very consistent pattern of 10 second dorsal and 8 anal soft rays observed herein was also found by Sawada & Arai (1972) for G. albofasciatus, but these authors found the black and white longitudinal colour pattern even in relatively large specimens of 18.8 mm SL. Detailed taxonomic investigations shall reveal the identity of this species in the near future Gobiodon sp. 3 (Fig. 15) A total of 11 adults, mm (31.7, 4.1). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: GMBL 4385, 1 (27.3 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 13 m, J. Herler, March 2004; GMBL 4386, 1 (33.8 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 5 m, J. Herler, Nov CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 4.2 m, J. Herler, Oct. 2003; CH , 1 (36.7 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, J. Herler, March 2003; CH , 1 (37.3 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, M. Dirnwöber, April 2004; CH , 1 (25.2 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 2 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 5 m, M. Dirnwöber, June 2004; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 5 m, J. Herler, Nov Diagnosis Uniform dark brown live coloration, iris light blue. Deep bodied (Vd 42.4 % SL), with compressed trunk (Aw 12.1 % SL). Specialized on few highly branching Acropora corals. Second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 10 and 8, respectively. Pectoral fin rays usually 20. No scales. Provisionally designated as Gobiodon sp. 3. aqua vol. 10 no

37 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers Description D1 VI; D2 I/10-11 (10:10, 11:1); A I/8-9 (8:10, 9:1); C 17 (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (19:4, 20:7); V I/5 + I/5. Dorsals and anal fin short compared to body depth. Caudal fin small and truncate. Pelvic disc well developed. Scales absent. Body proportions of 11 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 31.2±0.8; Vd, 42.4±1.3; Ad, 35.0±1.5; Hw, 15.5±0.6; Aw, 12.1±0.9; Cl, 23.7±1.7; Vl, 17.7±1.1; V/AN, 21.9±2.3; E, 6.5±0.4; in % H: Hw, 49.5±1.6; E, 20.7±1.1. Colour in life: Uniform dark red-brown body coloration with greenish gleam on dorsal trunk (Fig. 15A, B). Median fins with pale margins. Iris light blue. Colour in alcohol: In ethanol, body uniform reddish-brown, often with some paler parts on head, pectoral base and along lateral midline (Fig. 15C). Median fin margins bright. Biology Gobiodon sp. 3 was found in different highly branched Acropora corals such as A. selago, A. acuminata or A. hyacinthus. It occurs mainly on the reef flat and upper reef slope. Remarks Winterbottom & Emery (1986) reported a similar species named G. nr unicolor from Chagos but differences exist in second dorsal and anal fin counts (11 vs. usually 10 and 9 vs. usually 8) and the photo shown by these authors rather resembles what is described here as Gobiodon sp. 2. Furthermore, these authors noted that there is no groove between interopercle and isthmus, but such a groove was found in the Red Sea specimens. Considering these features, the present species resembles the description of G. unicolor by Winterbottom & Emery (1986). However, when compared to G. unicolor of Akihito et al. (2002), the present material agrees well in coloration and body shape but, again, differs in fin ray counts. High similarities were also found with Gobiodon sp. 5 of Akihito et al. (2002, p. 1190), especially in body shape and fin ray counts, but the drawing of these authors suggests a bright body coloration. However, it could well be a separate species belonging to a taxonomically difficult species complex, as stated by Winterbottom (pers. comm.). Detailed taxonomic investigations shall reveal the identity of this species in the near future. 16 Paragobiodon echinocephalus (Rüppell, 1830) (Fig. 16) A total of 14 specimens: 6 6 and 8 7, mm (15.8, 2.0). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW , 2 ( mm SL), Napoleon reef, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 3 ( mm SL) Napoleon reef, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, May 2004; CH , 3 ( mm SL) Napoleon reef, Dahab, 1-7 m, J. Herler, May 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): PE 1-6, 6 ( mm SL), Napoleon reef, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, May Diagnosis Head orange-red, trunk dark brown to black. Robust species, with club-like body and rounded head. Exclusively found in Stylophora pistillata. Second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 9. Pectoral fin rays usually 20. Trunk covered by large scales, about 25 in LL. Fig. 15. Coloration of Gobiodon sp.3 from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living adult, unsexed, ca. 30,0 mm SL. B. Freshly collected female, 37.3 mm SL. C. Preserved female, 37.3 mm SL. Description D1 VI; D2 I/8-10 (8:1, 9:12, 10:1); A I/9-10 (9:13, 10:1); C (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (19:4, 20:9, 21:1); V I/5+I/5. Pelvic disc well developed. LL (24.8), TR 7-9 (7.9). Scales prominent on trunk, with characteristic arrangement: no scales anterior of line from behind P to origin of D2 and to anus, respectively. Head, dorsal area below D1, 123 aqua vol. 10 no

38 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea breast and anterior part of belly naked. Body proportions of 15 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 32.1±1.6; Vd, 29.7±1.4; Ad, 26.3±1.4; Hw, 19.9±0.8; Aw, 16.5±0.8; Cl, 28.2±1.7; Vl, 22.3±1.3; V/AN, 20.6±1.8; E, 7.9±0.9; in % H: Hw, 62.3±3.8; E, 24.6±2.6. Colour in life: Typical live coloration: orange-red head and dark brown or black median fins and trunk (Fig. 16A, B). Orange-red of head may extend onto anterior trunk to about level of middle of D1. Pupil green and iris orange. Fig. 16. Coloration of Paragobiodon echinocephalus from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living female, 15.8 mm SL. B. Freshly collected female, 18.3 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 16.5 mm SL. D. Preserved female, 16.6 mm SL. Colour in alcohol: Generally the same head and trunk colour pattern as in life, but head lighter and brownish (Fig. 16C, D). Biology P. echinocephalus was exclusively found in association with the pocilloporid coral Stylophora pistillata, as described by Kuwamura et al. (1994). Gravid females were observed in June, when most fish were found as breeding pairs. Males and females were easily distinguished by characteristic dimorphism of the genital papillae (female papillae: short and fimbriate; male papillae: long and tapering). From the 6 pairs collected, females were significantly larger than males (12 ± 6.6 % more in SL; t = 4.3, p < 0.01). The occupation rate of coral colonies was very low at the main investigation site for this species, the Napoleon reef. At this site, 583 coral colonies between 5 and 30 cm in diameter were counted in a defined area of 200 m 2, which yielded an abundance of 3 colonies/m 2 (30.2 ± 8.6 colonies in 20 transects of 10 m 2 each) of suitable corals. Out of 192 colonies inspected for the presence of fish, only 7 colonies were occupied (3.6 % occupation rate), each by a pair of P. echinocephalus. The calculated area for the 192 colonies was 70 m 2, which yielded 0.10 occupied corals/m 2. Occasional examination of corals at the Islands dive site revealed 2 occupied corals out of 45 colonies, which yielded a similar occupation rate (4.4 %). Paragobiodon echinocephalus was found pairwise or single. The colonies found to be occupied were relatively constant in size, varying from 15 to 20 cm in diameter, while smaller and larger colonies did not contain gobies, although according to Kuwamura et al. (1994) all corals between 5 and 30 cm diameter should be a proper habitat. Remarks Most previous studies (Myers, 1989; Randall et al., 1990; Akihito et al., 2002) cited the presence of only 8 to 9 D2 soft rays, but 10 were also found in our material, agreeing with Rüppell (1835). The last author obviously corrected himself after he cited 11 second dorsal rays in his original description (Rüppell, 1830), a count not found in any other study. The most frequent value is 9 second dorsal rays, which indicates that Rüppell (1835) may have counted the last bifid ray as two. Higher P ray counts (up to 22) were reported by Winterbottom & Emery (1986) and Randall et al. (1990). The former authors cited 25 to 27 LL scales and up to 10 in transverse series, which is somewhat higher than observed herein. This may be due to the very small, though adult, specimens found in the present study. Although these authors examined a smaller sample, they found a greater maximum SL (30.5 mm), with even the smallest specimen in their sample not exceeded by the largest fish of the present study. Small specimens (20 to 23 mm SL) are aqua vol. 10 no

39 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers also cited by Marshall (1952) from the southern Gulf of Aqaba. In contrast, Kuwamura et al. (1993) found fish of 41.5 mm TL (which is approximately 32.5 mm SL). The latter authors also found high correlations between male and female size in breeding pairs. However, females in the breeding pairs collected here were significantly larger than the males but Fig. 4a of these authors also suggests that females are slightly larger than males in most breeding pairs. The coral occupation rate in the study of Kuwamura et al. (1994) was much higher, with almost every colony larger than 15 cm inhabited. This may be explained by the low abundance of host corals. These authors state a coral abundance of approximately 0.13 colonies/m 2, which is 20 times less than observed in the present study. As a consequence, the abundance of occupied corals per area is similar to the value we report. Nevertheless, Kuwamura et al. (1994) found more gobies per colony, especially in large colonies exhibiting up to 16 individuals. Since only pairs of P. echinocephalus were observed here, lower total fish abundance must be assumed. Description D1 VI; D2 I/8 (8:12); A I/7-8 (7:1, 8:11); C 11 (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (16:4, 17:6, 18:2); V I/5+I/5. D2 and A rays only slightly branched at their end or unbranched, especially in A. Uppermost and lowermost P rays unbranched, latter distally thickened. Pelvic disc well-developed, cup-shaped, with spine lobes and fimbriate frenum. LL (25.9), TR 7-9 (7.8). Scales only on trunk and sides of nape. Body proportions of 11 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 31.9±1.1; Vd, 17.1±1.4; Ad, 14.8±1.0; CPd, 9.3±0.5; Hw, 13.6±0.8; Aw, 10.0±0.9; Cl, 24.3±1.0; Pl, 22.2±1.4; Vl, 21.7±1.0; V/AN, 22.7±1.8; E, 9.6±0.7; in % H: Hw, 42.8±3.2; E, 29.9±2.1; UJ, 39.6±3.0; I, 3.2±0.7; SN, 27.5±2.8. Colour in life: Characteristic red longitudinal colour pattern (Fig. 17A, B). Red-brown internal pigment as two stripes from behind eyes over dorsal part of abdomen, continued by red streak along vertebral column to origin of C. On caudal peduncle, streak overlaid by additional external pigment and therefore intensified, but usually not as dark as described by 17 - Pleurosicya micheli Fourmanoir, 1971 (Fig. 17) A total of 12 specimens: 8 6 and 3 7, mm (15.8, 2.0) and 1 juvenile, mm. Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 16 m, J. Herler, June 2004; NTM S , 1 (20.6 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, April 2004; NTM S , 1 (16.3 mm SL), Lighthouse, Dahab, J. Herler, June 2004; NTM S , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, June 2004; CH , 1 (15.3 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, J. Herler, May 2003; CH , 1 (11.2 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 14 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; CH , 1 (14.1 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 18 m, J. Herler, June 2004; CH , 1 (18.6 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 8 m, J. Herler, June 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): PM 1-2, 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, m, J. Herler, April Diagnosis In life, distinct red stripe along lateral midline, darker on caudal peduncle and ventral part of caudal fin. Dark colour mark in D1 in most specimens obvious. Frequents massive scleractinian corals. Body elongate, with pointed and depressed head (Hw 13.6 % SL) and compressed trunk (in % SL: Ad, 14.8; Aw, 10.0). Second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 8. Pectoral fin rays usually 17, median rays branched. Nape naked, except for posterior sides; trunk entirely scaled. Fig. 17. Coloration of Pleurosicya micheli from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living adult, unsexed, ca mm SL. B. Freshly collected female, 17.2 mm SL. C. Preserved female, 17.2 mm SL. 125 aqua vol. 10 no

40 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea Larson (1990). Streak continues onto C and covers almost entire ventral half of fin. On head, trunk stripe continued by orange-red stripe from anterior margin of eye to upper lip. Thus, horizontal streak found along entire body, from tip of head to margin of caudal fin. Above this streak, vertebral column banded red and white over entire length, formed by six blocks of white interrupted by red internal pigment. Dorsal midline with light brown saddles, most intense in larger fish. In latter, entire body covered by tiny red-brown dots. First dorsal and A frequently bordered with red. Aside from streak between eye and upper lip, pigmentation on head mainly found as red-brown coloration over brain (Fig. 17A). Iris with inner circle of golden and outer circle of red colour, followed by dark orbital rim. Upper lip yellow. First dorsal often with large, black basal blotch, bordered red along its top, and covering interspaces of spines 2 to 5 or 6. Colour in alcohol: In ethanol, only few distinct colour marks: black blotch on D1, pigment over brain and in some specimens, remnants of longitudinal streak on caudal peduncle and on lower part of C (Fig. 17C). Orbit bordered with black, iris silvery Pleurosicya prognatha Goren, 1984 (Fig. 18) A total of 11 specimens: 1 6 and 9 7, mm (12.9, 1.6) and 1 juvenile, mm. Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW 94967, 1 (11.0 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1.5 m, J. Herler, April 2004; NMW 94968, 1 (15.6 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 7 m, J. Herler, April 2004; NTM S , 1 (14.5 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, May 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): PP 1-2, 2 ( mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 4 m, J. Herler, April 2004; PP 3-6, 4 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 11 m, J. Herler, May 2004; PP 9-10, 2 ( mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 9 m, J. Herler, May Diagnosis Transparent in life, with brown speckles all over body and bluish gleam at ventral side of head. Most Biology P. micheli occurred on massive-growing stony corals and was most frequently encountered on Platygyra spp., Porites spp. and Echinopora forskaliana but occurred on Favia favus as well. Due to the higher frequency of suitable corals in deeper water, this goby was usually found in the lower reef slope and fore reef areas. The fish preferred to stay in a vertical position on the vertical sides of the corals and were usually positioned head down. Remarks Larson (1990) described the body shape and nape squamation to be different in the similar P. micheli and P. mossambica, both occurring in the Red Sea. Although the present specimens resemble P. micheli of Larson (1990) in most features (Larson, pers. comm.), the less dark longitudinal stripe along the lower posterior trunk and C and especially the dark D1 blotch found in many specimens resemble colour patterns of P. mossambica. Nevertheless, live coloration and habitat choice correspond better with the description of P. micheli by Larson (1990), who cited hard corals as the typical habitat of P. micheli and soft corals more frequently occupied by P. mossambica. Debelius (2001) also shows both species but live coloration is very similar and they must be considered as the same species, P. micheli. Except for one case, all specimens were observed on scleractinian corals during the present study. Pleurosicya micheli was also found in the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (Aqaba/Jordan: Herler, pers. obs.). Fig. 18. Coloration of Pleurosicya prognatha from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living adult, unsexed, ca mm SL. B. Freshly collected male, 15.6 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 13.7 mm SL. aqua vol. 10 no

41 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers common on branching Acropora corals. Very small (< 16 mm SL), but with broad head (Hw 15.4 % SL), robust body (in % SL: Ad, 21.0; Aw, 13.2) and unique beak-like mouth due to elongation of upper jaw and lip. Second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 8. Pectoral fin rays usually 15 to 16, median ones branched. Only posterior two thirds of trunk scaled, about 25 in LL. Description D1 VI; D2 I/7-9 (7:1, 8:8, 9:2); A I/7-9 (7:2, 8:8, 9:1); C 10 to 12 (branched) and (segmented); P (14:1, 15:4, 16:6); V I/5+I/5. D2 and A rays are all unbranched. Uppermost and lowermost rays of P also unbranched, latter distally thickened. Pelvic disc welldeveloped, cup-shaped, with spine lobes and fimbriate frenum. Large parts of fin membrane also fimbriate. Frenum folded anteriorly, pocket-like. LL (24.6), TR 7-9 (7.9). Scales only on trunk. Body proportions of 10 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 33.5±1.2; Vd, 22.9±1.4; Ad, 21.0±1.9; CPd, 11.7±1.1; Hw, 15.4±1.5; Aw, 13.2±1.0; Cl, 23.2±1.5; Pl, 25.3±1.2; Vl, 22.5±1.6; V/AN, 18.8±2.4; E, 10.5±0.6; in % H: Hw, 46.0±3.4; E, 31.2±2.0; UJ, 40.2±2.1; I, 4.3±0.6; SN, 42.7±3.9. Colour in life: In life, trunk transparent but covered by numerous small brown dots, which intensify in narcotised fish (Fig. 18A, B). Median fins translucent or shaded reddish-brown. Iris with inner circle of golden and outer circle of red colour. In more transparent fish, internal pigment present as white and brown longitudinal stripes along vertebral column, over entire length of abdomen. Bluish gleam present all over head, but in particular on its ventral half. Coloration intensifies in narcotised fish, as body coloration in general does. Colour in alcohol: In ethanol, colourful marks disappear. Posterior trunk covered with tiny brown dots. Pattern reversed on anterior trunk and head, light dots on brown background (Fig. 18C). Median fins dark. Iris becoming brown, bordered by black orbital rim. upper lip (Larson, 1990). Furthermore, P. fringilla has not been reported from the Red Sea to date (Larson, pers. comm.). The general habitat choice of this goby mentioned by Larson (1990) resembles that of the present study but with different species of Acropora found to be inhabited Priolepis semidoliata (Valenciennes, 1837) (Fig. 19) Two 7, mm (12.9, 1.6). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW 94970, 1 (13.0 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, June 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): PS 1, 1 (14.0 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 1 m, J. Herler, April Diagnosis Conspicuous live coloration: head orange-red with broad white bars on head, bordered black. Trunk canary-yellow, two to three small white bars bordered dark in dorsal midline, evenly spaced along base of D1. Median fins very large. Second dorsal fin ray counts distinctly higher than anal ray counts, 9 to 10 versus 7. Scales only on trunk, 25 to 27 in LL. Description D1 VI; D2 I/9-10 (9:1, 10:1); A I/7 (7:2); C 12 (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (17:1, 18:1); V I/5+I/5. Pelvic disc complete, somewhat emarginate Biology Pleurosicya prognatha typically inhabits branching corals of the genus Acropora in high abundance. This species was usually found in a series of corymbose coral species such as A. loripes and A. secale but was also observed in large arborescent tables of e.g. A. pharaonis. Remarks The present specimens correspond well with the description of Goren (1984) and Larson (1990), although only 7 fin rays were counted here in both D2 and A in one and two specimens, respectively. Pleurosicya prognatha is very similar to P. fringilla Larson, 1990, but can be distinguished by the unique apomorphy of an elongated upper jaw, exhibiting a toothbearing cartilaginous projection and an elongated Fig. 19. Coloration of Priolepis semidoliata from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. All the same male; 13.0 mm SL. A. Freshly collected, lateral view. B. Freshly collected, dorsal view. C. Preserved. 127 aqua vol. 10 no

42 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea on posterior rim and without frenum; V4 slightly longer than V5. LL 25-27, TR 6. Scales relatively large, only on trunk. Body proportions of 2 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 33.3±1.5; Vd, 25.2±2.0; Ad, 21.9±0.9; CPd, 14.8±1.6; Hw, 18.7±0.1; Aw, 10.2±0.2; Cl, 34.1±7.2; Vl, 37.9±2.8; V4l, 35.8±2.8; V5l, 29.3±0.6; V/AN, 33.1±1.7; E, 9.6±0.8; in % H: Hw, 56.3±3.0; E, 29.0±1.0. Colour in life: Head orange-red, with several white vertical lines, bordered by black. Trunk canary-yellow (Fig. 19A, B). Dorsally on head, six transverse white bars with narrow black margins across preorbital, interorbital, postorbital region and nape. Laterally, two bars from lower margin of eye to upper lip and two bars across cheek. Last connecting with large bar from middle of nape at posterior eye margin. Sixth dorsal bar across posterior part of nape dividing into two bars at posterior oculoscapular region: anterior across opercle, posterior split into two branches at upper pectoral base, one across and one behind pectoral base. One to three weaker bars across anterior part of dorsal midline, most distinct along base of D1 and origin of D2. Colour in alcohol: In ethanol, trunk light brown, with numerous tiny darker brown dots dispersed all over. Head bars well visible, brown, with thin black margins (Fig. 19C) Trimma avidori (Goren, 1978) (Fig. 20) A total of 8 specimens: 6 6 and 1 7, mm (16.9, 2.2) and 1 juvenile, mm. Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW 94971, 1 (13.8 mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; NMW 94972, 1 (17.3 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 17 m, J. Herler, June 2004; CH , 1 (14.0 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 16 m, J. Herler, Sept. 2003; CH , 1 (11.0 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 16 m, J. Herler, Nov. 2003; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 9 m, J. Herler, May 2004; specimens stored at Ras Mohammed National Park (field numbers): TA 1-2, 2 ( mm SL), Moray House, approximately 5 km south of Dahab, 9 m, J. Herler, May Diagnosis Large red spots on head, in 6 to 7 trunk series and Biology Only two individuals of this species were found during the study. Both were detected in holes of the eroded reef flat areas at the Islands dive site in 1 to 1.5 m depth. The holes were about 10 cm deep and fish were only found occasionally after applying quinaldine. Despite a subsequent intensive search, no additional individuals were found. Priolepis semidoliata shares its habitat with E. prasina, but it is much more cryptic. Remarks Previous studies cited counts of 8 or 9 D2 dorsal soft rays (Myers, 1989; Winterbottom & Burridge, 1993; Randall & Goren, 1993; Akihito et al., 2002) but, although the present study was based on two individuals only, one of the specimens had 10 soft rays. Winterbottom & Burridge (1993) and Akihito et al. (2002) counted higher numbers of transverse scales, which is obviously mainly due to different counting methods used. The length of the fourth V ray, which was described as subequal to the fifth by Winterbottom & Burridge (1993), was greater in the present material. A very similar habitat characterisation was given by Randall & Goren (1993), who observed this goby as being cryptic and occurring in water 1.5 m deep. Fig. 20. Coloration of Trimma avidori from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Living female, 19 mm SL, swimming upside down on the ceiling of a coral rock cave. B. Freshly collected female, 18.9 mm SL. C. Preserved female, 18.9 mm SL. aqua vol. 10 no

43 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers on median fins. Frequent in small caves and overhangs. Head short (H 26.9 % SL), trunk compressed (Aw 10.5% SL) and tail robust (CPd 13.2 % SL). Pelvics connected, slightly emarginated and without frenum. Second dorsal rays usually 10, anal rays 9 to 10. Pectoral rays 15 to 17. Description D1 VI; D2 I/9-10 (9:1, 10:7); A I/9-10 (9:4, 10:4); C 11 (branched) and 17 (segmented); P (15:2, 16:3, 17:3); V I/5+I/5. Second dorsal and A rays all or all except for first ray branched. C slightly rounded to truncate. Uppermost and lowermost P rays usually not branched. Pelvics without frenum and slightly emarginated; V4 being slightly longer than V5. LL (25.1) and TR 7-8 (7.3). Scales only on trunk. Body proportions of 7 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 26.8±0.7; Vd, 20.6±0.7; Ad, 20.9±0.5; CPd, 13.2±0.7; Hw, 13.8±0.8; Aw, 10.5±0.5; Cl, 23.9±1.0; Vl, 24.9±1.1; V4l, 23.2±1.2; V5l, 20.1±0.8; V/AN, 25.9±1.8; E, 9.9±0.8; in % H: Hw, 51.2±2.6; E, 37.0±2.2. Colour in life: Six to seven rows of distinct red dots in scale centres along the otherwise pale reddish trunk (Fig. 20A, B). Rows of red dots also present on median fins, pectoral base and head, particularly in postorbital region and on nape. Pectoral and ventral fin without distinct pigmentation. Pupil black, surrounded by six white spots on iris. Four small, grey, saddle-like bars in dorsal midline: first at D1 origin, second at end of D1, third at middle of D2 and fourth at end of D2. No distinct pigmentation on ventral head side or anterior part of belly. Colour in alcohol: Colour pattern reversed. Red dots on head and trunk straw yellow, interspaces grey (Fig. 20C). Due to loss of red pigment, transparent spots on light grey background along median fin rays. Pectoral and ventral fin white. Dorsal saddle-like bars dark grey. Eyes dark grey. another species (Trimma sp., p. 98) but the latter species also resembles T. avidori, which can be recognised by the typical arrangement of rows of red dots, as is the case for the Trimma species described as unknown by Debelius (2001, p. 183). Trimma avidori was also found in the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (Aqaba/Jordan: Herler, pers. obs.) Trimma mendelssohni (Goren, 1978) (Fig. 21) A total of 3 specimens: 2 6 and 1 7, mm (19.3, 2.0). Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, 28 28` N, 34 30` E: NMW 94973, 1 (19.5 mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 17 m, J. Herler, June 2004; CH , 2 ( mm SL), Islands, Dahab, 17 m, J. Herler, June Diagnosis Head and trunk vivid orange-red to red-brown. Orange-red bars on ventral head side and broad red bars on trunk interspaced with light grey; up to 6 dark grey saddles in dorsal midline. Anterior trunk and head stout (in % SL: Hw, 17.0; Vd, 21.9) but tail slender (CPd 10.8 % SL). Pelvic disc slightly emarginated, without frenum. Second dorsal rays 9, anal rays 8. Pectoral rays 18 to 19. Description D1 VI; D2 I/9 (9:3); A I/8 (8:3); C 12 (branched) and Biology T. avidori inhabited steep or overhanging substrates and was mostly found on the ceiling of small overhangs or in caves underneath coral structures. The frequent occupation of sea caves by different species of Trimma had already been mentioned by Lieske & Myers (2004). Nevertheless, this goby was also seen resting on massive stony corals like Echinopora forskaliana and Platygyra spp., where it stays on the steeply inclined sides of the colonies. Remarks A higher meristic range was found in D2 and A than in previous studies (Goren, 1978; Winterbottom, 1995) (10 and 9, respectively, in both). A further difference exists in the range of pectoral fin rays with 17 to 20 cited by Goren (1978), which is distinctly higher than found in the present study. Field & Field (1998) have shown the live coloration of T. avidori and Fig. 21. Coloration of Trimma mendelssohni from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. A. Freshly collected male, 21.2 mm SL. B. Freshly collected female, 19.5 mm SL. C. Preserved male, 21.2 mm SL. 129 aqua vol. 10 no

44 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea 17 (segmented); P (18:2, 19:1); V I/5+I/5. Pelvics without frenum; V5 slightly shorter than V4. Second D1 spine sometimes significantly elongated, also in females (Fig. 21B). LL (26.3) and TR 7-8 (7.7). Scales only on trunk. Trenches between and behind eyes and fleshy lappets on anterior nape. Body proportions of 3 adult specimens, in % SL: H, 30.6±0.5; Vd, 21.9±0.4; Ad, 19.4±0.6; CPd, 10.8±0.8; Hw, 17.0±0.7; Aw, 10.2±0.6; Cl, 24.3±0.4; Vl, 27.9±0.3; V4l, 26.5±1.2; V5l, 23.4±1.0; V/AN, 25.1±0.8; E, 11.5±0.6; in % H: Hw, 55.5±1.6; E, 37.7±1.4. Colour in life: Intensive reddish brown coloration. On body, 6 broad red vertical bars (Fig. 21A, B). Nape reddish brown. Three orange-red bars from lower orbital rim to ventral head side. Iris red, most intensive around pupil. Males more intensily coloured than females. The latter with light grey interspaces alternated by broad orange-red bars on trunk and head. Across dorsal midline, up to 6 vertical grey saddles, similar to those in T. avidori. Orange-red bar before pectoral base and two large spots on bases of pectoral rays. Dorsal fins with red dots arranged in lines, one on first dorsal near its base and about four on entire second dorsal. Anal fin red, with broad grey anterior margin in males. Colour in alcohol: Red markings vanished (Fig. 21C). Entire body covered by dark brown melanophores, most intensive at dorsal body side and at nape. Ventral midline straw-yellow. Dorsal saddles dark brown, especially distinct on caudal peduncle; anteriorly covered by dark pigment but small brighter interspaces still visible. In males, anterior margin of anal fin dark grey. Biology T. mendelssohni was only occasionally found on the ceilings of coral rock caves of various sizes, as already stated by Lieske & Myers (2004) to be typical for many Trimma species. Remarks A slightly higher range in anal and pectoral ray counts was described by Goren (1978) in his four type specimens. The live coloration observed herein closely resembles that of a live photo of Glenn Barrall shown by Winterbottom (1995). Acknowledgements JH is grateful to the Emil Boral foundation, Switzerland, which financially supported this research. We would wish to thank Moustafa Fouda (Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency), Ayman Mabrouk (Manager of Nabq Resource Protected Area) and Samy El-Fellaly (CITES Egypt) for research, sampling and export permissions for gobies and corals. Carden Wallace essentially supported this work through identification of Acropora corals. Many thanks to Richard Winterbottom for his valuable comments on the manuscript. Helen Larson, Antony Harold and Philip Munday also provided important information on the taxonomy and ecology of gobiid fish. Alexander Keck and Andreas Tischer from the D.A.E.D. (Dahab Association for Environmental Development) and the Dive In Sinai College in Dahab provided logistical, technical and personal support. J. H. would like to acknowledge the support given by Markus Dirnwöber during field work in 2004 and for collection of some of the Gobiodon specimens. Thanks go also to Christian Alter for cooperation during coral identification, to Pamela Zolda for her help in some of the field trips, and to Michael Stachowitsch for linguistic corrections. References Akihito, Sakamoto, K., Ikeda, Y. & K. Sugiyama Gobioidei. In: Fishes of Japan with pictorial keys to the species (Ed. T. Nakabo): p English edition II, Tokai University Press, Tokyo. Bamber, R. C Reports on the marine biology of the Sudanese Red Sea, from collections made by Cyril Crossland, M.A., D. Sc., F.L.S. XXII. The fishes. Journal of the Linnean Society London, (Zoology), 31: Bleeker, P Nieuwe bijdrage tot de kennis der ichthyologische fauna van Ceram. Natuurkundig Tijdschrift voor Nederlandsch Indië: Cuvier, G. & A. Valenciennes Histoire naturelle des poissons. Tome 12, Chez F.G. Levrault, Paris. 508 pp. Debelius, H Red Sea Reef Guide. 3. Edition. IKAN, Frankfurt. 321p. Dor, M Checklist of the fishes of the Red Sea (CLOFRES). The Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Jerusalem, 437 pp. Field, R. & M. Field Reef fishes of the Red Sea. A guide to identification. Kegan Paul International, London, New York. 192 pp. Froese, R. & D. Pauly (eds) FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. version (07/2005). Goren, M A new gobiid genus and seven new species from Sinai coasts (Pisces: Gobiidae). Senckenbergiana Biologica, 59(3/4): Goren, M Three new species and two new records for the Red Sea of invertebrate associated gobies (Gobiidae, Pisces). Cybium, 8 (1): Goren, M Trimma fishelsoni, a new gobiid fish from the Gulf of Elat, northern Red Sea. Israel Journal of Zoology, 33 (1-2): Goren, M. & A. Baranes Priolepis goldshmidtae (Gobiidae), a new species from the deep water of the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. Cybium, 19 (4): Goren, M. & M. Dor An updated checklist of the fishes of the Red Sea (CLOFRES II). The Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Jerusalem. 120 pp. aqua vol. 10 no

45 Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers Goren, M. & Z. Voldarsky Paragobiodon xanthosoma (Bleeker) new for the Red Sea (Pisces: Gobidae). Israel Journal of Zoology, 29(1-3): Harold, A. S. & R. Winterbottom Gobiodon brochus: a new species of gobiid fish (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from the western South Pacific, with a description of its unique jaw morphology. Copeia, 1999 (1): Khalaf, M. A. & A. M. Disi Fishes of the Gulf of Aqaba. The National Press, Jordan. 252 pp. Kuwamura, T., Nakashima, Y. & Y. Yogo Size-assortative monogamy and paternal egg care in a coral goby Paragobiodon echinocephalus. Ethology, 95 (1): Kuwamura, T., Yogo, Y. & Y. Nakashima Population dynamics of goby P. echinocephalus and host coral Stylophora pistillata. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 103: Lachner, E. A. & S. J. Karnella Fishes of the genus Eviota of the Red Sea with descriptions of three new species (Teleostei: Gobiidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, 286: Lachner, E. A. & S. J. Karnella Fishes of the Indo-Pacific genus Eviota with descriptions of eight new species (Teleostei: Gobiidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, 315: Larson, H. K A revision of the gobiid genus Bryaninops (Pisces), with a description of six new species. The Beagle, 2 (1): Larson, H. K A new species of Bryaninops (Pisces: Gobiidae) with notes on new records of three species of the genus. The Beagle, 4(1): Larson, H. K A revision of the commensal gobiid fish genera Pleurosicya and Luposicya (Gobiidae), with a description of eight new species of Pleurosicya and discussion of related genera. The Beagle, 7 (1): Lieske, E. & R. F. Myers Collins Coral Reef Guide Red Sea. HarperCollins, London. 384 pp. Marshall, N. B The Manihine expedition to the Gulf of Aqaba IX. Fishes. Bulletin of the British Museum of (Natural History) Zoology, 1: Miller, P. J New species of Corcyrogobius, Thorogobius, and Wheelerigobius from West Africa (Teleostei: Gobiidae). Journal of Natural History, 22: Miller, P. J The functional ecology of small fish: some opportunities and consequences. In: Miniature vertebrates: the implications of small body size. (Ed. P.J. Miller). Symposia of the Zoological Society of London, 69: Munday, P. L., Harold, A. S. & R. Winterbottom Guide to coral-dwelling gobies, genus Gobiodon (Gobiidae), from Papua New Guinea and the Great Barrier Reef. Revue Française d Aquariologie Herpétologie, 26: Munday, P. L. & G. P. Jones The ecological implications of small body size among coral-reef fishes. Oceanography and Marine Biology: an Annual Review, 36: Munday, P L., Pierce, S. J., Jones, G. P. & H. K. Larson Habitat use, social organization and reproductive biology of the seawhip goby, Bryaninops yongei. Marine and Freshwater Research, 53: Munday, P. L., van Herwerden, L. & C. L. Dudgeon Evidence for sympatric speciation by host shift in the sea. Current Biology, 14: Myers, R. F Micronesian reef fishes. A practical guide to the identification of the inshore marine fishes of the tropical central and western Pacific. 1 st Edition, Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 298 pp. Nelson, J. S Fishes of the world. 3 rd ed. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 600 pp. Playfair, R. L. & A. Günther The fishes of Zanzibar, with a list of the fishes of the whole east coast of Africa. John van Voorst, Paternoster row, London. Randall, J. E Red Sea Reef Fishes. Immel Publishing, London. 192 pp. Randall, J. E Coastal fishes of Oman. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 439 pp. Randall, J. E., Allen, G. R. & R. C. Steene Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 506 pp. Randall, J. E. & M. Goren A review of the gobioid fishes of the Maldives. Ichthyological Bulletin of the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology, 58: Rüppell, W. P. E. S Atlas zu der Reise im nördlichen Africa. Fische des Rothen Meeres, 3 (1830): , Pls Frankfurt am Main. Rüppell, W. P. E. S Neue Wirbelthiere zu der Fauna von Abyssinien gehörig. Fische des Rothen Meeres, 1838: , Pls Frankfurt am Main. Sawada, Y. & R. Arai Gobiodon albofasciatus, a new coral-goby from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Bulletin of the National Science Museum (Tokyo), 15 (3): Suzuki, T., Aizawa, M. & H. Senou A preliminary review of three species of the Gobiodon rivulatus complex from Japan. I.O.P. Diving News, 6 (7): 2-7. Tyler, J.C Habitat preferences of the fishes that dwell in shrub corals on the Great Barrier Reef. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 123 (1): Veron, J. E. N. & M. Stafford Smith Coral ID. An electronic key to the zooxanthellate scleractinian corals of the world. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia. Wallace, C Staghorn Corals of the World: A Revision of the Coral Genus Acropora. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood. 421 pp. 131 aqua vol. 10 no

46 A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea Winterbottom, R Red Sea gobiid fishes of the genus Trimma, with the description of two new species. Revue Française d Aquariologie et Herpetologie, 22(3-4): Winterbottom, R. & M. Burridge Revision of the species of Priolepis possessing a reduced transverse pattern of cheek papillae and no predorsal scales (Teleostei; Gobiidae). Canadian Journal of Zoology, 71(3): Winterbottom, R. & A. R. Emery Review of the gobioid fishes of the Chagos Archipelago, central Indian Ocean. Life Sciences Contributions, 142: Royal Ontario Museum, Canada. aqua vol. 10 no

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48 aqua Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology Vol. 10 (3), October 2005 Contents: Gerald R. Allen and Mark V. Erdmann: Chromis xouthos, a new species of damselfish (Pomacentridae) from the East Andaman Sea and Central Indian Ocean Gerald R. Allen and John E. Randall: A new species of damselfish (Pomacentrus: Pomacentridae) from Fiji Book review Jürgen Herler and Helge Hilgers: A synopsis of coral and coral-rock associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea Papers appearing in this journal are indexed in: Zoological Record; Biolis - Biologische Literatur Information Senckenberg; Cover photo: 1. Coloration pattern of Eviota guttata from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. Living male, 18.9 mm SL. (See p.110). 2. Coloration of Gobiodon histrio from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. Living adult, 34.2 mm SL. (See p.116). 3. Coloration of Gobiodon reticulatus from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. Living adult, ca. 2.5 cm SL. (See p.118). 4. Coloration of Gobiodon sp.3 from the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea. Living adult, ca. 3 cm SL.(See p.123) Ogilbia deroyi (Poll and van Mol, 1966). Photo from the forthcoming Ms Review of the American Dinematichthyini (Teleostei: Bythitidae). Part II. Ogilbia in aqua Vol. 10 (4). Photo by Ross Robertson.