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A new species of Gobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the western English Channel, with a key to related species in the British and Irish fauna
Journal of Zoology
Abstract
A gobiid fish known for some time from the English Channel, and found also at Madeira, is described as Gobius gasteveni sp. nov., and its affinities believed to be with species grouped about G. auratus Risso. Changes in abundance and the possibility of recovery are discussed for this offshore species in the Channel, but little is otherwise known concerning its biology. A key to the British and Irish species of Gobius L. and Thorogobius Miller summarizes those now recognized around the British Isles as the following (listed in chronological order of genus and species description): Gobius nigerL., 1758; G. paganellusL., 1758; G. cruentatus Gmelin, 1789; G. cobitis Pallas, 1814; G. couchi Miller & El-Tawil, 1974; G. gasteveni sp. nov., and Thorogobius ephippiatus (Lowe, 1839).
... However, gobiid diversity decreases with increasing latitude and is markedly reduced in colder temperate waters (Kovačić and Svensen, 2018). along the european coast of the eastern atlantic ocean, species richness within the Gobiidae is significantly lower than in the warm temperate Mediterranean region (Miller, 1986;Kovačić et al., 2022). Gobius gasteveni Miller, 1974 is one of the gobiid species found in both the Mediterranean and the north-eastern Atlantic (Miller, 1986;Kovačić et al., 2022). ...
... along the european coast of the eastern atlantic ocean, species richness within the Gobiidae is significantly lower than in the warm temperate Mediterranean region (Miller, 1986;Kovačić et al., 2022). Gobius gasteveni Miller, 1974 is one of the gobiid species found in both the Mediterranean and the north-eastern Atlantic (Miller, 1986;Kovačić et al., 2022). The confirmed northernmost records of G. gasteveni from the south coast of Great Britain were published by Miller (1974) and Baldock and Kays (2012) (Fig. 1). ...
... along the european coast of the eastern atlantic ocean, species richness within the Gobiidae is significantly lower than in the warm temperate Mediterranean region (Miller, 1986;Kovačić et al., 2022). Gobius gasteveni Miller, 1974 is one of the gobiid species found in both the Mediterranean and the north-eastern Atlantic (Miller, 1986;Kovačić et al., 2022). The confirmed northernmost records of G. gasteveni from the south coast of Great Britain were published by Miller (1974) and Baldock and Kays (2012) (Fig. 1). ...
La présence la plus septentrionale de Gobius gaste-veni Miller, 1974 et le premier signalement pour les Pays-Bas Un premier signalement de Gobius gasteveni a été rapporté pour les Pays-Bas, ce qui étend de manière significative la distribution géographique connue de cette espèce. L'espèce a été obser-vée sur l'épave du SS Trevier, située à environ 30 miles à l'ouest d'iJmuiden dans la mer du nord, à une profondeur d'environ 28 m. Gobius gasteveni a été identifié à partir de photographies, en utili-sant une identification rigoureuse de l'espèce basée sur les caractè-res morphologiques et de coloration visibles sur les photographies.
... gasteveni. However, Go. xoriguer differs from Go. gasteveni in several morphological characters [ [10,25], this study]: pelvic fin with emarginate posterior end and low anterior membrane (vs. pelvic fin with truncate posterior end and with well-developed anterior membrane ( Figure 3D); first dorsal fin spines elongated in males, reaching backward when folded down to second dorsal fin rays 2 to 5 (vs. ...
... However, Go. xoriguer specimens examined in this study showed a wider range of midlateral scale counts compared to Go. xoriguer data shown in the original description (50-51 scales, [10]). Additionally, compared to the data in Iglesias et al. [10], the studied comparative material of Go. gasteveni and the original description of Go. gasteveni [25] had lateral-line system anterior dorsal rows o separated and not joint ( Figure 3B) and suborbital row b ending anteriorly before or at suborbital row 5, not only before suborbital row 5. down barely to the second dorsal fin spine ( Figure 3C); lateral-line system suborbital row b ending anteriorly behind suborbital row 5 (vs. ending anteriorly before or at suborbital row 5); midlateral scale count 47-51 scales (vs. ...
... However, Go. xoriguer specimens examined in this study showed a wider range of midlateral scale counts compared to Go. xoriguer data shown in the original description (50-51 scales, [10]). Additionally, compared to the data in Iglesias et al. [10], the studied comparative material of Go. gasteveni and the original description of Go. gasteveni [25] had lateral-line system anterior dorsal rows o separated and not joint ( Figure 3B) and suborbital row b ending anteriorly before or at suborbital row 5, not only before suborbital row 5. ...
Gymnesigobius medits is reported for the first time after a recent description recorded from the Balearic Islands and from the slope of the Gulf of Vera on the Iberian Peninsula coast. The record from the Emile Baudot seamount on the Balearic Islands represents the deepest positive benthic gobiiform species record in general. The presence of the membrane connection between the pelvic fins in Gymnesigobius medits, presumed on the damaged fin in the original description, was confirmed. The recently described Gobius xoriguer is the first record from the Pitiusas and Columbretes islands and from the Iberian Peninsula coast. It appears to be widely distributed in the circalittoral bottoms, preferentially in red algae beds. Morphological identification of both species was confirmed using molecular analyses based on the sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (DNA barcode) gene. The deepest records of gobiiform fishes in oceans and seas are reviewed. The European seas, a well-studied area with eight gobiid species recorded deeper than 200 m, show high bathyal gobiid species richness compared to other areas. The real worldwide diversity of bathyal gobies, although only a fraction of the shallow water species richness of this taxon, is probably much larger than presently known.
... Gobius gasteveni Miller, 1974 Habitat ...
... To our knowledge the distinctive appearance of Mediterranean Leopard-spotted gobies has not been mentioned yet. Only Schultz (1975), when comparing specimens from the Adriatic with data on Atlantic individuals published by Miller (1969), noted a higher number of rays at the anal fin of Adriatic individuals (I+12 versus I+10; see Appendices for interpreting a fin ray formula). However, the author cautioned about driving conclusions on this difference, because of the limited number of studied specimens (n=3). ...
... Leopard-spotted gobies from the Macaronesian islands are visually similar to the Atlantic form described previously. Miller (1984) noted that Macaronesian individuals have on average more pectoral rays than individuals from the Northern Atlantic. Meristic and genetic analyses are now needed to better understand the systematics of Leopard-spotted goby. ...
... Caudal fin rounded. Scales present on body and on predorsal area, usually visible on photographs at least on body (Miller 1974. ...
... Geographic distribution. Eastern Atlantic from Great Britain (Miller 1974) to Madeira and Canary Islands (Miller 1984) Valenciennes, 1837 (Fig. 55) Size. Known adult size about 14-16 cm total length. ...
Numerous photographs of live fishes posted by anglers and divers on social media and citizen science databases are important sources of information for ichthyological research. However, validating records that extend the known ecology and bathymetric or geographic distribution of species should rely on a rigorous identification process. The family Gobiidae, with their small size, superficial resemblance among species and high species richness are particularly difficult to identify. Therefore, the identification from photographs of live individuals of Mediterranean marine gobies from the continental shelf was studied. A dichotomous identification key is provided based on photographs of live individuals, allowing positive identification of 41 out of the 66 species reviewed in this publication. Then, for all 66 species we provide a brief description of important characters, which can be used for provisional identification for those species that could not be positively identified using the key. Pending further progress in identification of live individuals, we suggest that records extending the known geographic and ecological species distribution be taken into account only if they could be validated using the dichotomous identification key.
... It was previously known from widely distant sites in the north-eastern Atlantic, the English Channel and north-eastern Spain in the north, Madeira and the Canaries in the south (summarized in ALBERTO & al. 1999). MILLER (1974) suggested the probability that this species may occur in the Mediterranean Sea as well. The records from south-western Spain, Gulf of Cadiz (Atlantic) near the Straits of Gibraltar, connect the two geographically distant sites from which G gasteveni was previously known. ...
... Anterior nostril short, tubular with thin tentacle from dorsal rim. These data are in accordance with MILLER (1974MILLER ( , 1984 and ALBERTO & al. (1999). Because of to collecting techniques the superficial neuromasts of the lateral line system are in most specimens only hardly if at all detectable. ...
New records and new depth ranges are given for the following gobiid species from the north-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean: Corcyrogobius liechtensteini, Didogobius splechtnai, Gobius niger, Gobius gasteveni, Gobius roulei, Lesueurigobius friesii, Lesueurigobius suerii, Odondebuenia balearica, Pomatoschistus norvégiens and Vanneaugobius dollfusi. Gobius gasteveni was found on the south and south-western coast of Spain and is a new faunal element for the Mediterranean. Vanneaugobius dollfusi, before known only from six specimens from the eastern Atlantic and the Adriatic, is reported from an additional 28 specimens from the Adriatic and Aegean.
... nov. resembles mostly its sister species, G. gasteveni; the color pattern (including that of the head) is quite similar (see Miller 1974, Alberto et al. 1999. Gobius xoriguer sp. ...
Gobius xoriguer sp. nov., a new offshore species of goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Gobiinae) is described based on three specimens collected in 2010, 2012 and 2018 in the western Mediterranean, off Menorca (Spain), in the Gulf of Lion and off Corsica (France), at 51–104 m depth on coralline algae sea bed. It is easily distinguishable from its Atlantic-Mediterranean congeners by the combination of the following characters: large eyes, ~27-28% of head length; anterior nostril with a small triangular process; 14 soft rays on D2, 13 soft rays on A; enlarged first dorsal fin rays (adult males), with third D1 spine the longest, 23-27 % SL; uppermost P fin rays not free from membrane; long V-shape pelvic fins with vestigial frenum; 50-51 scales on LL; head oculoscapular canal with pores σ, λ, κ, ω, α, β, ρ, ρ1, ρ2, and preopercular canal with pores γ, δ, ε present; row x1 ending anteriorly behind pore β; a groove section between pore ρ and ρ1; suborbital row d discontinuous with large gap below suborbital rows 3 and 4; rows o separated; seven enlarged orange blotches on body side; white dotes on cheek and opercle on an orange background.With a known maximum size of 64 mm TL, it is among the smaller species of Gobius. Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree topologies based on mitochondrial DNA COI sequences (barcoding region), including most Atlantic-Mediterranean Gobius species, support Gobius gasteveni Miller 1974 as the closest relative to Gobius xoriguer sp. nov. These sister species exhibit a high genetic divergence of 9.5% (uncorrected p-distance).
... Species of Pomatoschistus mostly occur in coastal habitats along the NE Atlantic, the Baltic Sea, and in some areas of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (Miller, 1986;Patzner et al., 2011). Identification of the individual species in both genera, Gobius and Pomatoschistus, relies on coloration patterns, the arrangement of the head sensory organs (papillae), and combinations of various other characteristics such as squamation, morphometric and meristic traits; species determination often turns out to be very difficult, especially between closely related species (Miller, 1974(Miller, , 1986(Miller, , 2004Kovačić & Šanda, 2016;Engin & Seyhan, 2017). ...
Gobies (Gobiidae + Oxudercidae) are among the largest groups of extant marine fishes. Fossils of gobies are abundant since the Miocene, and many species have been reported so far. However, delimitation of fossil goby species is challenging because molecular markers and diagnostic traits such as the disposition of sensory head papillae are lost. This study provides, for the first time, an actualistic framework for the identification of fossil goby species. We focus on characters that can in principle be recognized in fossils, and evaluate their ability to discriminate between extant goby species based on statistical analyses. Using 14 extant species of Gobius and seven species of Pomatoschistus , we conducted otolith morphometry, elliptic Fourier shape analysis of otoliths using the package ‘Momocs’, conventional fish morphometry, and meristic counts. In addition, the otoliths of all species are depicted based on SEM images and briefly described. Otolith Fourier shape analysis proved to be most efficient in discrimination of species within both genera, Gobius and Pomatoschistus . Several characters used in the other approaches also worked well, but the results were variable, and the relative taxonomic significance of particular variables tended to change depending on the species under consideration. We propose otolith shape analysis as a powerful tool to explore ancient goby species diversity when samples with abundant fossil otoliths are present. Overall, the herein presented data will greatly facilitate delimitation of fossil goby species in future studies, and will consequently shed new light on the evolution of goby diversity and biogeography through time.
... The pattern of the sensory papillae on the head, often in combination with other delicate characters such as cartilaginous tissue, provides the basis for further subdivision within the Gobiidae and Oxudercidae (e.g. Miller 1974;Hoese 1984;Harrison 1989;Hoese & Gill 1993;Pezold 1993;Larson 2001;Gill & Mooi 2012). In addition, some osteological characters that can also be preserved in fossils characterize the Gobiidae C Oxudercidae, although exceptions may occur. ...
Gobiidae (Gobiiformes, Teleostei) is among the largest families of vertebrates. These fishes are distributed worldwide and contribute significantly to species diversity in marine habitats and reefs. However, their fossil record is sparse prior to the Miocene and little is known about the course of diversification of the clade. Here we report exceptionally well-preserved skeletal remains of the oldest known Gobius from an Early Miocene (Burdigalian) marine ecosystem of Central Europe (Czech Republic). Gobius jarosi Přikryl & Reichenbacher sp. nov. is dated to 19.1–20.4 Ma by biostratigraphical analysis of calcareous nannoplankton from small fragments of the holotype matrix. Gobius jarosi sp. nov. is characterized by a pterygiophore formula of 3-22110 and a premaxilla with a distinctive postmaxillary process, has 11 abdominal and 16–17 caudal vertebrae, six thin spines in the first dorsal fin and one spine and 12 soft rays in the second dorsal fin, one spine and 11 rays in the anal fin, and two anal fin pterygiophores preceding the first haemal spine. Large ctenoid scales cover the body except for its anterior portion and the head. A comparative analysis of meristic and osteological data suggests close affinities between G. jarosi sp. nov. and the extant species G. niger, G. roulei and G. vittatus. Accompanying fish fossils and nannoplankton assemblages indicate that G. jarosi sp. nov., like G. roulei and G. vittatus, lived in an inshore to offshore marine ecosystem. The discovery of such an early member of the lineage leading to the present-day species of Gobius has important implications for the origin and evolution of the Gobiidae, and indicates that diversification of the European Gobiidae began in, but not before, the Early Miocene.
... It has a disadvantage in comparisons of genera with different patterns, since the same lines in different genera often have different numbers. European workers (Miller, 1974;Miller & Wongratana, 1979;Iljin, 1930) have generally followed the nomenclature of Sanzo (1911). The work of Sanzo was the first detailed study of sensory papillae in gobioid fishes and is still a classic work. ...
The checklist of 34 marine gobiid species (Actinopterii: Gobiidae and Oxudercidae) with confirmed records is compiled for the Atlantic coast of Europe, including four alien gobiid species found in transitional waters or in the low salinity waters of the Baltic Sea. An identification key for the gobiid species known from the area is also provided. The latitudinal distribution of native goby species in this area is presented and discussed. Finally, the second northernmost record of a Gobiidae fish is reported, corresponding to Pomatoschistus minutus (Pallas, 1770) from Tromsø, Norway.
Gobius kolombatovici sp. nov. is described from eleven specimens collected at the eastern coast of the Island of Krk, in the northern Adriatic Sea. The new species is assigned to Gobius on the basis of agreement with the diagnostic features of the genus, but differs from other species most obviously by the possession of a prominent dark spot on the rear part of the first dorsal fin. Meristic values for the new species are D2 I/13-14, A I/13, P 17-19 and LL 52-57. The species was found on the open substrates, at depths of 22-38 m.
Gobius salamansa sp. nov., a new species of tropical eastern Atlantic goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Gobiinae) is described from the island of São Vicente in the Republic of Cabo Verde. With adults measuring less than 35 mm TL (total length) it is the smallest species among Gobius. It is easily distinguishable from its Atlantico-Mediterranean congeners thanks to a unique character: an additional posterior ocular head pore, newly named α’, part of the anterior oculoscapular canal and connected to pore α by a suborbital branch. The new species also possesses a rare character among gobiids: a continuous oculoscapular canal, undivided into anterior and posterior parts. The species is distinguishable from its relatives thanks to its distinctive multi-colored (white, red, black, yellow and brown) eyespot, located on the first dorsal fin; by a low number of soft rays on the second dorsal fin (11) and anal fin (9); by row r not divided into two sections; by a divided row d. The two type of specimens were collected at 0.2–0.6 m depth, at the entrance of cracks in compact volcanic boulders forming a rocky islet submerged at high tide. DNA barcoding based on COI of the species compared with sympatric gobiids and species of Atlantico-Mediterranean Gobius reveals a high nucleotide sequence divergence [Kimura’s (1980) two parameter distances of 16.5 %)], with Gobius ateriformis identified as its closest species. A dichotomous key for Gobius–Mauligobius from tropical eastern Atlantic is provided. It is the eleventh gobiid species, and the fourth endemic species, to be described in Cape Verde.
Gobius ater (Belloti's goby) and G. paganellus (rock goby) are the only known species of Gobiinae in the northeastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Ponto-Caspian region with continuous oculoscapular canals. These continuous canals are seen as the result of a secondary reconnection of the anterior and posterior oculoscapular canals. Gobius ater and G. paganellus differ from Pacific species of Gobiinae with continuous oculoscapular canals. The latter have a single pore ρ/ρ1 while G. ater and G. paganellus have pores ρ and ρ1 well separated.
New distribution records from Britain and Ireland for six species of rare goby from nearshore areas are reported. The value of photographic records obtained by recreational SCUBA divers using digital cameras in underwater housings is demonstrated. The six species included are Buenia jeffreysii, Gobius couchi, Gobius cruentatus, Gobius gasteveni, Lebetus scorpioides and Lebetus guilleti.
The Mediterranean-Atlantic genus Gobius L. (type G. niger L.) is redefined with listing and comparison of the 14 species currently assigned to it. A G. auratus complex of species is discussed with special reference to the real identity of the former species originated by Risso. Features of a further new species, Gobius couchi, from Helford, Cornwall, and Lough Ine, Co. Cork, are compared with those of its nearest relatives, G. auratus Risso, 1810, G. luteus Kolombatovic, 1891, and another new offshore form from the English Channel.
A systematic description of G. couchi is given, including details of head lateral-line canals and sensory papillae, and also of the karyotype (Appendix). A summary of biology covers geographical distribution, habitat and associated intertidal fishes, diet, parasites, reproduction, age-composition, and size. The electrophoretic properties of selected functional proteins (haemoglobins, muscle-myogens, and lactate-dehydrogenase isozymes) are described and contrasted with those in other available neighbouring species (G. paganellus, G. niger, and Thorogobius ephippiatus). Alternative terminology for LDH patterns is discussed, and the role of protein studies considered for gobioid classification.
The specific status of G. couchi relative to the Mediterranean G. auratus is reviewed, and meristic divergence between the two compared with that found among widely separated populations of G. niger which exhibit less geographical variation in these criteria. Mechanisms for allopatric speciation are discussed, and it is concluded that ancestral populations of the two forms became parted possibly at the time of the Roman regression (corresponding to the Mindel glaciation) when the Mediterranean may have been closed-off from the Atlantic. Rates of evolution shown by European gobiids are considered in the light of Pleistocene and postglacial opportunities for reproductive isolation.
The object of this paper is to redescribe Gobius forsteri Corbin 1958, and to determine the systematic position of this species. Study of the distribution of the lateral line sensory papillae in particular has indicated that G. forsteri belongs to the subgenus Zebrus De Buen 1930, where it may be identical with G. thori De Buen 1928.
Age, growth and reproduction of the intertidal teleost, Gobius paganellus, has been investigated in the Isle of Man from March 1959 to September 1960. Samples were obtained by poisoning shore pools with a rotenone emulsion.
Age was determined by examination of otoliths where a translucent annual ring is laid down in spring. Although the potential life span is at least 10 years, immature fishes of the first two age-groups constitute most of the population. An onshore breeding migration is postulated. An empirical survival curve indicates a high mortality rate during the first two years of life. Instances of predation on G. paganellus are given.
Growth in length is logarithmic, with marked decrease in growth rate from about the age of sexual maturity. During the year, growth occurred from June to October. Maximum standard lengths recorded were 92*5 mm (feThe overall sex ratio of females to males was 1:1-326; this predominance of males persisted through the age-groups. The reproductive organs are briefly described, and a classification of gonad maturation is proposed. The breeding season lasted from mid-April to mid-June. Sexual maturity was reached at the end of the second or third year of life. Smallest ripening individuals found were 48-5 mm (female) and 505 (male). Fecundity increased with body size. Eggs were deposited on stones in shore pools and guarded by the male. Post-larvae occurred in pools from the beginning of July, and the first demersal individuals from August. Size-frequency distribution of oocytes in the ovary indicates that at least two broods may be produced in a single breeding season.
In maximum size, longevity, and age at maturity, G. paganellus differs from other European gobies so far studied. It is suggested that a similar life history is exhibited by other British species of Gobius. The short breeding season of G. paganellus in the Isle of Man is held to be a result of proximity to the northern limit of distribution of this species. Examples of this phenomenon in other teleosts are provided. The significance of pre-ovulatory corpora lutea in the ovary of G. paganellus is briefly discussed.
In mid-February 1963, a survey of sea temperatures in the western English Channel was made by means of a thermistor towed continuously behind the ship, also by water-bottle samples in a limited area between Plymouth and the Lizard. Evidence is given that surface temperatures, as measured by the thermistor, were representative of the whole water column. Sea temperature records from Torquay indicate that at this time temperatures were near their minimum for this exceptionally cold winter; at Plymouth where sea temperatures are usually more erratic because of estuarine influences the minimum had already been passed. A comparison with data for previous years at Plymouth shows that during January, February and March mean temperatures were lower than in any corresponding month since records were started in 1898.
An earlier paper (Holme, 1961) described the bottom fauna off the south coast of England, as sampled by a modified anchor-dredge. Sampling was later extended to cover the whole English Channel, a further 144 stations being worked, making 311 in all. This paper describes the results of the later survey which, as previously, was concerned mainly with molluscs and echinoderms. Distribution charts for the majority of species identified are given, in which are incorporated the results of both surveys.
Several Gobius species and also Aphya and Crystallogobius are common near Plymouth, from up the estuaries in the neighbourhood of Saltash to the west and Chelson Meadow to the east, as far as the open sea, well beyond Rame Head and the Eddystone Lighthouse. It has, however, always been difficult to determine the young of the various species as they usually differ very little from one another and it is hoped that the following notes may be a help in the elucidation of the subject.
Monthly sea temperatures are tabulated for Station E1 from 1960 and for Plymouth Sound from 1958. The 70-year series now available shows that annual means increased by 0·75°C up to the 1950s. Since 1960 inshore temperatures have fallen 0·5°C and E1 surface temperatures 0·4°C. Sea-bottom temperatures at E1 increased 0·4°C between 1920 and the 1950s, and have fallen 0·4°C since 1960. The changes have been most marked in the second half of the year, but the last quarter (October-December) is still somewhat warmer than in 1920 and earlier.
The leopard-spotted goby, Gobius forsteri Corbin 1958, described from the western English Channel, is identified with the Madeiran Gobius ephippiatus Lowe 1839, the latter name becoming a senior subjective synonym for this species. From study of variation, with size of fish, in number of lateral-line sensory papillae in preopercular-mandibular row i , it is concluded that the Aegean Gobius thori De Buen 1928 may also be referred to G. ephippiatus. Examination of the syntypes of G. macrolepis Kolombatovic 1891, from the Adriatic, has shown that this name belongs to a close relative of G. ephippiatus and not to Mediterranean populations of the Atlantic Lesueurigobius friesii (Malm), as recent authors have supposed. A new genus, Thorogobius , is proposed for G. ephippiatus , the type species, and G. macrolepis , and a key provided to these two species, which differ in meristic features, development of pelvic anterior membrane and disc, head coloration, and relative number of sensory papillae. Further systematic data on material studied, synonymies, body proportions, papillae and meristic counts are also given.
As the complete list of known occurrences indicates, T. ephippiatus appears to be a warm temperate Mediterranean-Atlantic form which penetrates the eastern Atlantic boreal region around the British Isles at least as far north as the North Channel and eastwards to Lulworth Cove (western English Channel). As an inshore shelf species, T. ephippiatus occurs in or near crevices associated with vertical rock faces, from LWST to 30–40 m. Diet probably consists chiefly of crustaceans and polychaetes. Maximum total length recorded is 129 mm, and greatest age 9 years (determined from otoliths), with sexual maturity by the fifth year of life (age 4 +).
Three occurrences of the goby Gobius (Macrogobius) cruentatus in the southwestern region of Ireland are recorded. This species had previously been recorded as far north as southern Biscay. The range of the species is discussed, a full description of the three Irish specimens, and details of its distinguishing features are given. A key to the British species of the genus Gobius is given. The discussion compares the occurrence of this species with the distribution of other Lusitanian fishes and invertebrates on the Irish coast.
The Mediterranean-Atlantic genus Gobius L. (type G. niger L.) is redefined with listing and comparison of the 14 species currently assigned to it. A G. auratus complex of species is discussed with special reference to the real identity of the former species originated by Risso. Features of a further new species, Gobius couchi, from Helford, Cornwall, and Lough Ine, Co. Cork, are compared with those of its nearest relatives, G. auratus Risso, 1810, G. luteus Kolombatovic, 1891, and another new offshore form from the English Channel.
A systematic description of G. couchi is given, including details of head lateral-line canals and sensory papillae, and also of the karyotype (Appendix). A summary of biology covers geographical distribution, habitat and associated intertidal fishes, diet, parasites, reproduction, age-composition, and size. The electrophoretic properties of selected functional proteins (haemoglobins, muscle-myogens, and lactate-dehydrogenase isozymes) are described and contrasted with those in other available neighbouring species (G. paganellus, G. niger, and Thorogobius ephippiatus). Alternative terminology for LDH patterns is discussed, and the role of protein studies considered for gobioid classification.
The specific status of G. couchi relative to the Mediterranean G. auratus is reviewed, and meristic divergence between the two compared with that found among widely separated populations of G. niger which exhibit less geographical variation in these criteria. Mechanisms for allopatric speciation are discussed, and it is concluded that ancestral populations of the two forms became parted possibly at the time of the Roman regression (corresponding to the Mindel glaciation) when the Mediterranean may have been closed-off from the Atlantic. Rates of evolution shown by European gobiids are considered in the light of Pleistocene and postglacial opportunities for reproductive isolation.
The osteology of the gobioid fish Rhyacichthys aspro (Valenciennes, 1837), from tropical hill-streams of the Indo-Australasian archipelago, is described. Adaptive features of external form and skeleton are considered with reference to life in torrential conditions. The systematic position of Rhyacichthys in the suborder Gobioidei is confirmed, and structure of the caudal skeleton in this genus, with other features, is found to support an acanthopterygian rather than paracanthopterygian origin for the gobioid fishes. In lateral-line system (here redescribed) and caudal skeleton, Rhyacichthys is shown to possess primitive features unique among gobioids. Previous systems of internal classification for the Gobioidei, and the inadequate fossil record of the group, are summarized, and the systematic value of certain skeletal criteria discussed. The suborder is now reclassified on a phylogenetic basis into two families, Rhyacichthyidae and Gobiidae, with the latter divided into seven sub-families: Eleotrinae, Pirskeninae, Xenisthminae, Gobionellinae, Tridentigerinae, Gobiinae, and Kraemeriinae.
Notas a la familia Gobiidae. Observaciones sobre algunos generos y sinopsis de la especies ibéricas
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The British and Irish gobies
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