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Accepted by J. Sparks: 3 Sept. 2013; published: 27 Sept. 2013
ZOOTAXA
ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)
ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition)
Copyright © 2013 Magnolia Press
Zootaxa 3717 (2): 179–194
www.mapress.com
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zootaxa
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Article
179
http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3717.2.4
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F9BF9018-A439-49FF-9589-820600FAA387
Two new species of Cabillus (Perciformes: Gobiidae) and the first record of
Cabillus macrophthalmus from the Western Indian Ocean
MARCELO KOVAČIĆ1& SERGEY V. BOGORODSKY2
1Prirodoslovni muzej Rijeka, Lorenzov prolaz 1, HR–51000 Rijeka, Croatia. E-mail: marcelo@prirodoslovni.com
2Station of Naturalists, Omsk, RUSSIA. E-mail: ic187196@yandex.ru
Abstract
Two new species of the gobiid genus Cabillus, C. nigromarginatus sp. nov. and Cabillus nigrostigmus sp. nov. are de-
scribed. Cabillus nigromarginatus (from Rodrigues, Western Indian Ocean) is distinguished from congeners by having
18–20 pectoral-fin rays; predorsal area naked; two scales with enlarged ctenii ventrally and dorsally at the caudal-fin base;
head with anterior and posterior oculoscapular, and preopercular canals, with pores σ, λ, κ, ω, α, β, ρ, ρ1, ρ2, and γ, δ, ε
respectively; the body with four midline lateral blotches, with two or three of them expanding upwards in dorsal saddles;
a dark triangular blotch at caudal-fin base; and predorsal with pigmentation at lateral edges forming a rectangle. Cabillus
nigrostigmus (from the Red Sea) is distinguished from its congeners by having 19 pectoral-fin rays; transverse scale series
7; nape scaled, median predorsal scales 7; body depth 5.8–6.0 in SL; snout length 1.5–1.9 in eye diameter; caudal-
peduncle depth in its length 2.4–2.5; a broad dark brown bar below first dorsal fin beginning anteriorly at the level of
fourth spine of the first dorsal fin; elongate black blotch along posterior half of first dorsal fin extending into the sixth
spine and adjacent membranes; and midlateral black spot at the end of caudal peduncle followed by S-shaped dark bar.
Cabillus macrophthalmus is recorded for the first time in the Western Indian Ocean (Red Sea and Seychelles) and rede-
scribed.
Key words: Cabillus, Cabillus nigromarginatus sp. nov., Cabillus nigrostigmus sp. nov., Rodrigues, Gulf of Aqaba
Introduction
The Indo-Pacific gobiid genus Cabillus, reviewed by Randall et al. (2007), contained six valid species. The genus
was described by Smith (1959) together with a single species of this genus, C. lacertops. Two additional species
were later assigned to the genus, Glossogobius tongarevae Fowler, 1927 (Hayashi et al. 1981) and Quisquilius
macrophthalmus Weber, 1909 (Winterbottom & Emery 1986), and three new species of Cabillus were described:
C. caudimacula Greenfield & Randall, 2004, C. atripelvicus Randall et al., 2007, and C. pexus Shibukawa &
Aizawa, 2013. Cabillus atripelvicus, C. caudimacula, and C. pexus are western Pacific species with restricted
distributions: C. caudimacula is known from Hawaii, and C. atripelvicus and C. pexus from Japan (Greenfield &
Randall 2004; Randall et al. 2007; Shibukawa & Aizawa 2013). Cabillus macrophthalmus is known from
Indonesia, whereas the later record of this species from Western Australia is considered as another undescribed
species wrongly identified as C. macrophthalmus (Weber 1909; Randall et al. 2007). Senou et al. (2004) provided
color photographs of three additional undescribed Cabillus species from Japanese waters. The two remaining
described species, C. lacertops and C. tongarevae, have widespread Indo-western Pacific distributions. They are
present in the Western Indian Ocean: Cabillus lacertops is known from Mozambique and C. tongarevae from
Reunion, Aldabra, and from a questionable record from Mauritius (Smith 1959; Letourneur et al. 2004; Randall et
al. 2007; Fricke et al. 2009). The species have also been reported from other localities of the Indian Ocean: both
species from the Chagos Archipelago (Winterbottom & Emery 1986), and C. tongarevae from the Maldives
(Randall & Goren 1993).
A single Cabillus specimen was photographed and collected by one of us (SB) from the Sharm el Moya Bay,
Red Sea, during fieldwork in July 2011. Later, in November 2012, another specimen was photographed and
KOVAČIĆ & BOGORODSKY
180 · Zootaxa 3717 (2) © 2013 Magnolia Press
collected at Dahab, Gulf of Aqaba. Examination of the material showed that these individuals belong to a new
species of the genus Cabillus, C. nigrostigmus sp. nov., which is morphologically similar to C. macrophthalmus
and the western Pacific C. atripelvicus.
Another Cabillus species was reported from the Western Indian Ocean by Heemstra et al. (2004). The material
from the Mauritian Island of Rodrigues in the collection of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity was
assigned to the genus Cabillus by H. Larson as an undescribed endemic species from Rodrigues (Heemstra et al.
2004). The material was requested on loan as comparative material. Examination of the material confirmed that it
is an undescribed species of the genus Cabillus, which is morphologically close to the Pacific C. caudimacula, and
is described here as C. nigromarginatus sp. nov.
The aim of the present paper is to describe two new Cabillus species and to report the first records of C.
macrophthalmus from the Indian Ocean (Red Sea and Seychelles) with redescription of the species. The two
species of Cabillus, C. nigrostigmus sp. nov. and C. macrophthalmus, constitute the first record of this genus in the
Red Sea.
Material and methods
Morphometric methods follow Randall et al. (2007), with the exception of head depth, which was not defined by
Randall et al. (2007), and are defined below. The length of the specimens is presented as standard length + caudal-
fin length. Standard length (SL) is measured from the median anterior point of the upper lip to the base of the
caudal fin (posterior end of the hypural plate). Total length (TL) is measured from the median anterior point of the
upper lip to the tip of the longest ray of the caudal fin. Morphometric data presented in the diagnoses and
descriptions are given as percentages of SL. Some morphometric data were also presented as ratios (to SL or to
other measures) to be comparable with the published diagnostic characters of described species of Cabillus (Weber
1909; Greenfield & Randall 2004; Randall et al. 2007).
Measurements are: body depth is measured at the origin of pelvic fins and body width at the origin of the
pectoral fins; head length is taken from the median anterior point of the upper lip to the posterior end of the
opercular membrane, and head width and depth over the posterior margin of the preopercle; eye diameter is the
greatest fleshy diameter, and interorbital width the least fleshy width; snout length is measured from the median
anterior point of the upper lip to the nearest fleshy edge of the orbit; upper-jaw length from the same anterior point
to the posterior end of the maxilla; caudal-peduncle depth is the least depth and caudal-peduncle length the
horizontal distance between verticals at the posterior base of the anal fin and the caudal-fin base; bases of anal and
both dorsal fins are measured at the fleshy insertions of the spine and the last ray with the body; pectoral-fin length
is the length of the longest ray; pelvic-fin length is measured from the base of the pelvic spine to the tip of the
longest pelvic soft ray; caudal-fin length is the horizontal distance from the base of the fin (posterior end of the
hypural plate) to the posterior tip of the longest ray.
The count of scales in longitudinal series is made from above the dorsal end of the gill opening to the base of
the caudal fin, or from the anterior end of the scaled area at the lateral midline to the base of the caudal fin, if the
scaled area is anteriorly restricted; scales in transverse series are counted from the origin of the anal fin
posterodorsally to the base of the second dorsal fin; for the second dorsal fin and anal fin counts the last bifid ray is
counted as one.
Terminology of the lateral-line system follows Sanzo (1911) and Miller (1986).
The specimens for this study are deposited in: the Natural History Museum Rijeka; Croatia (PMR); South
African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, South Africa (SAIAB); National Museum of Natural History,
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., USA (USNM); and Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis,
Leiden, Netherlands (ZMA). The material was assigned to genus Cabillus based on the diagnosis from Randall et
al. (2007). The new species are without apomorphic characters and their diagnoses below are presented as
combinations of characters that positively identify the new species among known species of the genus Cabillus.
Cabillus macrophthalmus is redescribed with the reexamination of characters from the short original description of
Weber (1909), and the other common characters used for the identification of species of Cabillus.
Zootaxa 3717 (2) © 2013 Magnolia Press · 181
A TWO NEW CABILLUS SPECIES
Cabillus Smith, 1959
Cabillus Smith, 1959: 207 (type species, Cabillus lacertops Smith by original designation and monotypy).
Diagnosis. The diagnosis by Randall et al. (2007) is amended to fit meristic ranges of Cabillus nigromarginatus sp.
nov. for the second dorsal fin and the longitudinal scale series, and to include modified scales at the caudal-fin base
of C. pexus, C. nigromarginatus, and C. caudimacula: dorsal-fin rays VI + I, 8–10; anal-fin rays I, 8–9; dorsal
pterygiophore formula 3–22110 (fig. 1A of Birdsong et al. 1988); pectoral-fin rays 14–20, no rays free from
membrane; pelvic-fin rays I,5, joined to form a disc; pelvic frenum present; branched caudal rays 13–16; scales in
longitudinal series 23–29; scales ctenoid posteriorly, cycloid anteriorly; no scales on head or prepectoral area;
normally developed caudal peduncle scales in all but two species that have modified scales with enlarged ctenii
ventrally and dorsally at the caudal-fin base; branchiostegal rays 5; vertebrae 10 + 16; body depth 4.5–7.95 in SL;
head width at preopercular margin greater than head depth; eyes large; snout short, its length less than eye
diameter; interorbital space very narrow; no spines on preopercle; no median dermal crest on nape; no barbels
ventrally on head; cephalic pore system with or without the posterior oculoscapular canal and associated pores ρ1
and ρ2; no fleshy flaps on cheek; sensory papillae in four rows on cheek, one row ventral to eye, two horizontal
rows in middle of suborbital space, and the ventralmost row dorsal and parallel to upper jaw, then extending
posteriorly from terminus of jaw; gill opening terminating at level of lower edge of pectoral-fin base; first gill slit
open; mouth usually terminal (may be slightly inferior or with lower jaw slightly projecting), and oblique; an outer
row of slender incurved canine teeth in jaws (canine teeth only anteriorly in lower jaw), and an inner band of small
inward-projecting teeth that narrows posteriorly; no teeth on palate; tongue bilobed; anterior nostril tubular;
posterior nostril pore-like; no dorsal spines or rays prolonged; no spines stiff and sharp-tipped; caudal fin rounded,
varying from slightly shorter to slightly longer than head.
Key to the species of Cabillus
The key from Randall et al. (2007) was simplified, corrected and modified to adopt two newly described species.
Single strong characters were used when possible, but the meristic and morphometric characters were used in pairs.
Body depth of Cabillus atripelvicus was calculated from the Table 1 with individual specimen data in Randall et al.
(2007), because three different ranges were given in the key, the diagnosis, and the description of C. atripelvicus in
Randall et al. (2007).
1a. Median predorsal scales 5–9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1b. No median predorsal scales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2a. Two modified scales with enlarged ctenii present ventrally and dorsally at the caudal-fin base; median predorsal scales 5; a
prominent black submarginal spot at fin membrane between first and third spines of first dorsal fin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. pexus
2b. Scales dorsally and ventrally at caudal-fin base without enlarged ctenii; median predorsal scales 7–9; no black spot distally in
first dorsal fin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3a. Pectoral-fin rays 17; body depth 4.4–5.1 in SL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..C. macrophthalmus
3b. Pectoral-fin rays 18–20; body depth 5.8–6.5 in SL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4a. Transverse scale series 7; snout length 1.5–1.9 in eye diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. nigrostigmus sp. nov.
4b. Transverse scale series 9; snout length 1.4–1.5 in eye diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. atripelvicus
5a. Two modified scales with enlarged ctenii present ventrally and dorsally at the caudal-fin base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
5b. Scales dorsally and ventrally at caudal-fin base without enlarged ctenii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
6a. Posterior oculoscapular canal with pores ρ1, ρ2 present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. nigromarginatus sp. nov.
6b. Posterior oculoscapular canal absent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. caudimacula
7a. A narrow blackish bar at base of caudal fin, usually with a short midlateral anterior projection; a prominent blackish spot at
base of second to fourth dorsal-fin spines (male) or two or three small blackish spots at the same site (female) . .C. tongarevae
7b. An oblique angular black mark midlaterally at base of caudal fin; no blackish spot at base of second to fourth dorsal-fin spines
(dusky spot, if present, at base of fifth dorsal spine, and small) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..C. lacertops
Cabillus nigromarginatus sp. nov.
(Figs. 1–3)
Cabillus sp. (Heemstra et al. 2004: 3328)
KOVAČIĆ & BOGORODSKY
182 · Zootaxa 3717 (2) © 2013 Magnolia Press
Holotype. SAIAB 66631, male, 23.4+7.2mm, the Western Indian Ocean, Rodrigues, Grand Baie, 19° 39.02' S, 63°
26.42' E, coll. Heemstra, P.C., Smale, M.J., Aumeeruddy, R., Pelicier, D., 13 Oct. 2001.
Paratypes. SAIAB 66631, female, 22.9+7.4mm, Western Indian Ocean, Rodrigues, Grand Baie, 19° 39.02' S,
63° 26.42' E, coll. Heemstra, P.C., Smale, M.J., Aumeeruddy, R., Pelicier, D., 13 Oct. 2001; SAIAB 66628, female,
24.8+7.5 mm, and juvenile, 18.2 mm SL with damaged caudal fin, Western Indian Ocean, Rodrigues, Grand Baie,
19° 39.6' S, 63° 27.05' E, coll. Heemstra, P.C., Smale, M.J., Aumeeruddy, R., Pelicier, D., 25 May 2001.
Diagnosis. No median predorsal scales; two modified scales with enlarged ctenii ventrally and dorsally at the
caudal-fin base, extending over fin rays (Fig. 2); head with anterior and posterior oculoscapular, and preopercular
canals, with pores σ, λ, κ, ω, α, β, ρ, ρ1, ρ2, and γ, δ, ε respectively.
Description. Body moderately elongate, laterally compressed posteriorly, the depth at pelvic-fin origin 16.6–
18.3 % of SL, width at pectoral-fin origin 12.6–14.7 % of SL. Head length 33.1–35.7 % of SL, head width 1.4–1.5
in head length, head depressed (head width 23.1–25.5 % of SL, head depth 16.2–19.8 % of SL). Snout with
moderately sloping profile, snout length 5.8–6.9 % of SL. Anterior nostril tubular, extending anteriorly to upper lip,
lacking process from rim. Posterior nostril opening with a low, raised ridge. Eyes dorsolateral, eye diameter 2.6–
3.0 in head length, 11.6–12.9 % of SL. Interorbital very narrow, less than pupil diameter (width 0.7–1.7 % of SL).
Mouth terminal, oblique. Angle of jaws ending posteriorly below anterior margin of pupil, the upper jaw length
11.6–13.1 % of SL. Rows of pointed teeth in both jaws, outer row the largest. Tongue bilobed. Chin lacking
barbels. Branchiostegal membranes fused to isthmus, gill openings end forward at pectoral-fin base. No spines on
preopercle. No dermal crest anterior to first dorsal fin. Caudal-peduncle depth 8.7–10.1 % of SL, caudal-peduncle
length 19.2–22.3 % of SL, caudal-peduncle depth in its length 2.5–2.6.
Fins: dorsal-fin rays VI + I,9–10; anal-fin rays I,8; pectoral-fin rays 18–20 (both sides); branched caudal-fin
rays 13, segmented 15–16; pelvic-fin rays I/5+5/I. The first dorsal-fin base 12.1–13.8 % of SL; the second dorsal-
fin base 23.8–30.8 % of SL; anal-fin base 19.2–20.3 % of SL. Dorsal-fin spines thin and flexible. Spines of first
dorsal fin not elongate or filamentous, reaching backwards to the origin of the second dorsal fin when folded down.
Dorsal fins connected by the low membrane. The first dorsal-fin origin behind vertical of pectoral-fin base. Origin
of anal fin slightly posterior to vertical of origin of the second dorsal fin. Pectoral fin extending posteriorly to a
vertical of origin of anal fin, length 23.8–27.5 % of SL, pectoral-fin rays all branched, upper rays within
membrane. Pelvic fins complete, longer than wide, 29.7–32.4 % of SL, reaching anus. Pelvic frenum moderately
reduced (minimum pelvic frenum height 1/4–1/2 of pelvic spine length). Caudal fin rounded, shorter than head, 0.9
of head length, 30.2–32.3 % of SL.
Scales: body covered with scales ending at midline before the pectoral-fin base, scales ctenoid, cycloid on side
of body along anal-fin base and on abdomen, longitudinal scale series 23–24, transverse scale series 6–7. Predorsal,
prepectoral and prepelvic areas, pectoral-fin axil and the base of the first dorsal fin naked. Opercle and cheek
naked. Two modified scales with enlarged ctenii dorsally and ventrally at caudal-fin base, extending over fin rays
(Fig. 2), juvenile SAIAB 66628 SL 18.2 mm with damaged caudal fin and just one scale with enlarged ctenii left.
Cephalic sensory systems: head with anterior and posterior oculoscapular, and preopercular canals, with pores
σ, λ, κ, ω, α, β, ρ, ρ1, ρ2, and γ, δ, ε respectively. Posterior oculoscapular canal in juvenile SAIAB 66628 SL 18.2
mm as open furrow. Rows of head sensory papillae were counted on the left side of the female SAIAB 66628
24.8+7.5 mm (Fig. 3). Preorbital: upper row r has two papillae in a level of pore σ; upper row s1 as single papilla
below pore σ, and lower row s3 has two papillae above upper lip. Lateral series c in three parts: superior c2 has two
papillae below posterior nostril; middle c1 single papilla close to anterior nostril; inferior upper c2 has longitudinal
row (3) above inferior lower c1, inferior lower c1 has single papilla above lips. Suborbital rows: row a (8) single
longitudinal row below eye from anterior edge of pupil to pore α. Row b (12) longitudinal, beginning below
anterior edge of eye, ending below posterior edge of eye. Row c single longitudinal row (10) starting anteriorly
slightly in front of beginning of row b, ending posteriorly slightly behind end of row b. Row d (5+4) divided in the
section above upper lip, and the section on cheek, ending backwards below anterior part of eye. Preoperculo-
mandibular rows: external row e (15+19); and internal row i (10+11) divided into anterior and posterior sections;
mental row f has two papillae. Oculoscapular rows: anterior longitudinal row x
1 (5) above pore ρ and row q,
separate from posterior longitudinal row x2 (3) above row y; row z (2) near above pore γ; row q (3) longitudinal
between pores ρ and ρ1; row y has two papillae behind pore ρ1; transversal axillary rows as1 (3), as2 (5), as3 (3)
present; axillary row la1 present and has two papillae above as2; axillary row la2 present as single papilla above row
Zootaxa 3717 (2) © 2013 Magnolia Press · 183
A TWO NEW CABILLUS SPECIES
as3. Opercular rows: transverse row ot (12); superior longitudinal row os (7); and inferior longitudinal row oi (2).
Anterior dorsal rows: row n as single papilla behind pore ω, row g (2) longitudinal; row m (2) longitudinal; row h
longitudinal and divided (2+2).
FIGURE 1. Cabillus nigromarginatus sp. nov. A: holotype, SAIAB 66631, male, 23.4 mm SL, Grand Baie, Rodrigues. B:
paratype, SAIAB 66631, female, 22.9 mm SL, Grand Baie, Rodrigues. Paratype, SAIAB 66628, female, 24.8 mm SL, Grand
Baie, Rodrigues, C: live specimen; D: preserved specimen. Photos by M. Kovačić (A, B, D), P. Heemstra (C).
KOVAČIĆ & BOGORODSKY
184 · Zootaxa 3717 (2) © 2013 Magnolia Press
Colour in life (based on the photo of a live paratype, SAIAB 66628, female, 24.8+7.5 mm, Fig. 1C). Head and
body white with dark colour pattern consisting of dorsal saddles, midlateral blotches and caudal-fin base blotch.
Coloration pattern mostly matches preserved specimens, except the part of the first saddle behind middle of
pectoral-fin base that is more intensively dark in live individuals. Edges of scales within saddles dark. Predorsal
area pinkish, with scattered melanophores, outlined by black pigment forming rectangle at lateral edges. Small
elongate, black blotch at midline in front of origin of the first dorsal fin. Semicircular pale gray spot containing few
scattered melanophores on nape. Iris marbled, with brown diffuse band starting from triangular blotch between
eyes, obliquely crossing eye downwards and continuing as indistinct black bar onto upper jaw. Cheek, opercle and
prepectoral area covered with melanophores, most intensively on the cheek. Snout pinkish. Pectoral fins with
blotch consisting of melanophores between upper fifth and ninth rays and small white blotch visible on pectoral-fin
base. Median fins lack pigment except for the blotch covering caudal-fin base.
Colour preserved (Figs. 1A, B, D). Body yellowish, with colour pattern of brown pigment. The number of
melanophores reduced in juvenile SAIAB 66628. The brown colour pattern of the body consists of four lateral
midline blotches, with two or three of them expanding upwards in dorsal saddles; the first saddle below lateral
midline beginning around the first blotch, running upwards and ending between the third spine of the first dorsal
fin and the first spine of the second dorsal fin, with more intensively pigmented saddle edges and scattered
melanophores inside the saddle. The second blotch below anterior part of the second dorsal fin restricted to the
midline area. The third lateral midline blotch expanding upwards into saddle that ends on base of second dorsal fin
between soft rays 4 to 7 or 8; saddle of male SAIAB 66631 with more intensively pigmented edges and scattered
melanophores inside, saddle of females SAIAB 66631 and SAIAB 66628 with intensively pigmented edges but
unpigmented inside. The fourth midline blotch on anterior part on caudal peduncle, in male SAIAB 66631 with
saddle extending to the dorsal part, in females SAIAB 66631 and SAIAB 66628 restricted to the lateral midline
area. In juvenile SAIAB 66628 four blotches and saddles reduced to a small group of melanophores. The dark
triangular blotch covering caudal-fin base and extending onto basal portion of fin, in juveniles reduced to the small
group of melanophores. Area between anterior edge of first saddle, the first dorsal fin and upper base of pectoral fin
with scattered melanophores, clearly less intensively pigmented than saddle itself, with only a few melanophores
present in juveniles. Predorsal with scattered melanophores, and more intensively pigmented at lateral edges,
forming rectangle, similarly edged as the saddles, in juveniles reduced to pigmentation only at lateral edges. A
small brown spot in front of the first dorsal fin, vertical to the top of pectoral-fin base, clearly visible only in female
SAIAB 66631. Opercle, cheek below eye and snout with scattered melanophores, the most intensively on the
cheek, no intensive black bar diagonally extending across eye and continuing onto jaws. Chin lacking pigment.
Pectoral fins with longer than wide blotch at upper base, extending on the fin between upper fifth and ninth rays, in
juvenile reduced to the small group of melanophores. The rest of the pectoral fin and the other fins lack pigment
except for the blotch covering caudal-fin base.
Etymology. Named nigromarginatus from the Latin, meaning black margined, in reference to the colour
pattern of the predorsal area and dorsal saddles.
Remarks. Cabillus nigromarginatus is unique among the species of the genus Cabillus, except for C.
caudimacula and C. pexus, in having two modified scales with enlarged ctenii ventrally and dorsally at the caudal-
fin base (Greenfield & Randall 2004; Randall et al. 2007; Shibukawa & Aizawa 2013). It is easily separated from
C. caudimacula by several morphological characters: pectoral-fin rays 18–20 vs. 16–18; head with posterior
oculoscapular canal with pores ρ1, ρ2 vs. posterior oculoscapular canal absent; larger eyes, diameter 11.6–12.9 % of
SL vs. 9.2–11.5 % of SL. Cabillus nigromarginatus is also easily separated from C. caudimacula by coloration
characters (Figs. 1 and 4). The dark colour pattern of the body consists of midline blotches and dorsal saddles in
both species, superficially similar but clearly arranged differently: the first blotch in C. nigromarginatus expanded
upwards in the first saddle ending between the third spine of the first dorsal fin and the first spine of the second
dorsal fin, with more intensively pigmented saddle edges and scattered melanophores inside vs. uniformly
pigmented first saddle upwards ending on the first dorsal fin base; three midline blotches behind the first saddle,
one or two expanded upwards in the dorsal saddles vs. four midline blotches behind never expanded upwards in the
dorsal saddles, but five small blotches present at base of the second dorsal fin; the dark triangular blotch covering
caudal-fin base as narrow triangle vs. the dark “triangular” blotch covering caudal-fin base broadly, of trapezium
shape and joining the diffuse saddle on the top of caudal peduncle. Predorsal with scattered melanophores, and
more intensively pigmented at lateral edges, forming a rectangle in C. nigromarginatus vs. no predorsal lateral
Zootaxa 3717 (2) © 2013 Magnolia Press · 185
A TWO NEW CABILLUS SPECIES
edges forming rectangle in C. caudimacula. No intensive black bar diagonally extending across eye and continuing
onto jaws in preserved specimens, indistinct bar visible in live specimens of C. nigromarginatus vs. distinct black
bar diagonally extending across eye and continuing onto jaws in C. caudimacula. The largest specimen of
C.nigromarginatus is 32.3 mm TL vs. the largest specimen of C. caudimacula 22.3 mm TL. Cabillus
nigromarginatus can be distinguished from C. pexus by naked predorsal area vs. predorsal area scaled; pectoral-fin
rays 18–20 vs. 17; head with posterior oculoscapular canal with pores ρ1, ρ2 vs. posterior oculoscapular canal
absent.
FIGURE 2. Cabillus nigromarginatus sp. nov., caudal-fin base with two scales with enlarged ctenii dorsally and ventrally:
paratype, SAIAB 66631, female, 22.9 mm SL, Grand Baie, Rodrigues. Drawing by M. Kovačić.
FIGURE 3. Cabillus nigromarginatus sp. nov., cephalic sensory canal pores and papillae: paratype, SAIAB 66628, female,
24.8 mm SL, Grand Baie, Rodrigues. Terminology in text. Drawing by M. Kovačić.
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The modified scales with enlarged ctenii at the caudal-fin base are also known in other gobies, besides the two
species of Cabillus. Three Pacific species of the genus Pascua, the species of the eastern Atlantic-Mediterranean
genera Odondebuenia and Vannaeugobius and some American Gobiosomatini (some species of genera Chriolepis,
Elacatinus, Evermannichthys, Gobiosoma, Garmannia, Varicus) have this rare morphological character (Radcliffe
1917; Miller & Tortonese 1969; Bussing 1981; Hoese & Larson 2005; Randall 2006). The modified scales in C.
nigromarginatus differ from the modified scales in Odondebuenia and Vannaeugobius, scales being less elongated
and with the lateral ctenii not extensively passing backwards the midline ctenii as in Odondebuenia and
Vannaeugobius (Fig. 2 compared to Fig. 3 in Miller & Tortonese 1969 and Fig. 2A–H in Van Tassel et al. 1988).
They also differ from the published illustrations of modified scales with enlarged ctenii for American
Gobiosomatini (the figure without numbering in Radcliffe 1917). The modified scales in C. nigromarginatus are
the most similar to the modified basicaudal scales in Pascua (as illustrated in Figure 1 in Hoese & Larson 2005 as
Hetereleotris). However, no close relationship of Cabillus was found with Gobiosoma and Elacatinus (Thacker &
Roje 2011), and no published data exist on the phylogenetic relationship of Cabillus with the other mentioned
genera.
The new species is known at present only from the type locality, Grand Baie at Rodrigues, Western Indian
Ocean. The most similar described species of Cabillus considering morphology, C. caudimacula, is endemic to
O’ahu, Hawaiian Islands, the central Pacific Ocean (Greenfield & Randall 2004). The types were collected at the
sandy bottom close to the coral reef at 18–21 m depth.
The specimens USNM 261981 and USNM 261983 from Cargados Carajos (also from the Western Indian
Ocean) were wrongly identified in the collection as C. lacertops. The most important differences from C. lacertops
are the presence of two scales with enlarged ctenii ventrally and dorsally at the caudal-fin base and the absence of
posterior oculoscapular canal with pores ρ1, ρ2. We believe that they represent another undescribed species of
Cabillus with large caudal scales with enlarged ctenii, close to C. caudimacula and C. nigromarginatus sp. nov.
They cannot be assigned to C. nigromarginatus sp. nov. considering the large differences in head canals, eye
diameter and coloration, they also differ from the Hawaiian C. caudimacula in coloration and pectoral-fin count;
however, the old material is paled and the coloration characters are important for distinguishing the specimens
from Cargados Carajos from C. caudimacula, so we suggest that the description waits for fresh material with better
preserved coloration pattern.
FIGURE 4. Cabillus caudimacula, O’ahu, Hawaii, live specimen. Photo by J.E. Randall.
Cabillus nigrostigmus sp.nov.
(Figs. 5–7)
Holotype. PMR VP2846, female, 37.9+9.9 mm, Red Sea, Sharm el Sheikh, Sharm el Moya Bay, 34° 17' 30.94'' N,
27° 51' 30.21'' E, coll. Bogorodsky, S.V., 13 Jul. 2011.
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A TWO NEW CABILLUS SPECIES
Paratype. PMR VP3046, female, 42.0+11.1 mm, Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Dahab, 34° 31' 06.91'' N, 28° 29'
54.14'' E, coll. Bogorodsky, S.V., 13 Nov. 2012.
Diagnosis. Pectoral-fin rays 19; transverse scale series 7; nape scaled, median predorsal scales 7; body depth
5.8–6.0 in SL; snout length 1.5-1.9 in eye diameter.
Description. Body moderately elongate, laterally compressed posteriorly, the depth at pelvic-fin origin 16.7–
17.2 % of SL, width at pectoral-fin origin 17.9–18.6 % of SL. Head length 30.2–30.9 % of SL, head width 1.4–1.5
in head length, head depressed (head width 20.1–21.4 % of SL, head depth 16.6–16.9 % of SL). Snout with
moderately sloping profile, short, the length 1.5–1.9 in eye diameter, 6.9–7.1 % of SL. Anterior nostril short,
tubular, lacking process from rim. Posterior nostril opening flat. Eyes wide, dorsolateral, eye diameter 2.4–2.9 in
head length, 10.5–12.9 % of SL. Interorbital very narrow, less than pupil diameter (width 1.3–1.4 % of SL). Mouth
terminal, oblique. Angle of jaws ending posteriorly below anterior half of eye, the upper jaw length 10.6–11.0 % of
SL. Rows of pointed teeth in both jaws, outer row the largest. Tongue bilobed. Chin lacking barbels.
Branchiostegal membranes fused to isthmus, gill openings end forward at pectoral-fin base. No spines on
preopercle. No dermal crest anterior to first dorsal fin. Caudal-peduncle depth 9.0–9.8 % of SL, caudal-peduncle
length 22.4–23.6 % of SL, caudal-peduncle depth in its length 2.4–2.5.
Fins: dorsal-fin rays VI + I,9; anal-fin rays I,8; pectoral-fin rays 19; segmented caudal-fin rays 17, branched
14; pelvic-fin rays I/5+5/I. The first dorsal-fin base 12.6–14.5 % of SL; the second dorsal-fin base 26.0–26.1 % of
SL; anal-fin base 18.8–19.0 % of SL. Dorsal-fin spines thin and flexible. Spines of first dorsal fin not elongate or
filamentous, ending backwards before the origin of the first spine of the second dorsal fin when folded down. The
first dorsal-fin origin behind vertical of pectoral-fin base. Origin of anal fin posterior to vertical of origin of the
second dorsal fin, at the level between the first and second soft ray of the second dorsal fin. Pectoral fins not
reaching posteriorly to a vertical of origin of anal fin, ending vertical of anus, length 23.5–25.7 % of SL, pectoral-
fin rays all branched, upper rays within membrane. Pelvic fin complete, longer than wide, 23.5–27.4 % of SL,
reaching anus. Pelvic frenum moderately reduced (minimum pelvic frenum height 1/4–1/3 of pelvic spine length).
Caudal fin rounded, shorter than head, 0.85–0.87 of head length, 26.1–26.4 % of SL.
Scales: body covered with ctenoid scales, except cycloid on nape, prepelvic area and abdomen. Longitudinal
scale series 27–30, transverse scale series 7. Predorsal scaled, median predorsal scales 7, scaled area ending
forward between the posterior margin of preopercle and opercle. Prepelvic area scaled, prepelvic scales at ventral
median 5. Opercle and cheek naked. No modified scales with enlarged ctenii at the caudal-fin base.
Cephalic sensory systems: head with anterior oculoscapular and preopercular canals, with pores σ, λ, κ, ω, α, β,
ρ, and γ, δ, ε respectively. Rows of head sensory papillae (Fig. 7). Preorbital: upper row r (1–3) above level of pore
σ; upper row s1 has two papillae at pore σ, row s2 as single papilla below pore σ, and lower row s3 (6–7) horizontal
above upper lip. Lateral series c in three parts: superior c2 (3–4) below posterior nostril; middle c1 (1–5) behind
anterior nostril; inferior upper c2 (5–9) as longitudinal row above upper lip, anterior and above to row c1, inferior
lower row c1 has two papillae above upper lip. Suborbital rows: row a (8–12) single longitudinal row below eye
from about anterior edge of pupil to posterior end of eye. Row b (18–25) longitudinal, beginning below anterior
edge of eye or in front of it, ending below posterior edge of eye. Row c (11–12) single longitudinal row starting
bellow between anterior edge of eye and anterior edge of pupil, ending posteriorly more or less bellow end of row
b. Row d (16–23) continuous from above upper lip, ending backwards below the posterior part of pupil.
Preoperculo-mandibular rows: external row e (19+18 to 20+27); and internal row i (12+9 to 15+15) divided into
anterior and posterior sections; mental row f (6–7) longitudinal. Oculoscapular rows partially visible in holotype
but clearly visible in paratype. In holotype the number of papillae in some rows could be higher than the visible
count: anterior longitudinal row x
1 (7) starting anteriorly above pore ρ and going backwards, separate from
posterior longitudinal row x2 (3); row z (2–4) between pores γ and ρ; row q longitudinal row (9) behind pore ρ in
the paratype, but just as two papillae visible in holotype; row y (4) longitudinal bellow row x2, not visible in
holotype; transversal axillary rows as1 (2–3), as2 (3–5), as3 (3–7) present; axillary row la1 (1–3) present above as2;
axillary row la2 visible just in holotype as single papilla above row as3. Opercular rows: transverse row ot (17–24);
superior longitudinal row os (6–15); and inferior longitudinal row oi (5–6). Anterior dorsal rows present in
paratype, in holotype not visible probably due to the combination of damaged skin surface and present scales,
pigmentation and mucus: anterior transverse row n as single papilla behind pore ω, transverse row o (4);
longitudinal row g (3), longitudinal row m (3) below and behind row g, longitudinal row h (3+3) divided.
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Colour in life (based on the photo of live holotype and paratype, Figs. 5A and 6A). Head and body mottled
gray, suffused with yellow ventrally. A dark brown bar commencing dorsally on body from fourth dorsal spine to
first spine of second dorsal fin, the anterior margin slanting to beneath pectoral fin, the posterior margin vertical to
abdomen, then curving obliquely ventrally beneath pectoral fin, ending on lower side of abdomen where bar
becoming narrower. Five indistinct, irregular, dark bars along back: first at the first dorsal-fin origin, three below
the second dorsal fin and last at the caudal peduncle. Three dark blotches along lateral midline behind broad bar,
the dark spot at the end of caudal peduncle is the lowest points of the dark zigzag pattern. The midlateral black spot
at the end of caudal peduncle is followed by an S-shaped dark bar, with lower half of the bar on caudal-fin base,
upper half extending onto basal part of caudal fin. Predorsal area with scattered melanophores and one brown band
above pectoral fins. An oblique dark brown band from upper lip to pupil of eye, broadening on iris behind and
above pupil, and continuing as a band across interorbital. Cheek, and opercle more or less pale, with scattered
melanophores, except for more pigmented area on lower part of cheek below eye, and a dark mark at lower opercle.
The postorbital head and operculum suffused with pink. Dorsoanterior oblique zone of eye white. The first dorsal
fin pigmented at tip between the first and fourth spine and with elongate black blotch along posterior basal part,
continuing halfway between sixth spine and spine of second dorsal fin, with the sixth spine and adjacent
membranes dark. The second dorsal fin transparent, with rarely scattered dark dots. Caudal fin transparent, with the
described S-shaped dark bar at the caudal-fin base and poorly pigmented vertical rows of dots behind. Pectoral fins
transparent and poorly pigmented, except for a brown, deeper than longer, oval mark at upper pectoral-fin base.
Pelvic and anal fins whitish.
FIGURE 5. Cabillus nigrostigmus sp. nov., holotype, PMR VP2846, female, 37.9 mm SL, Sharm el Moya Bay, Red Sea, A:
live specimen; B: preserved specimen. Photos by S.V. Bogorodsky.
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A TWO NEW CABILLUS SPECIES
FIGURE 6. Cabillus nigrostigmus sp. nov., paratype, PMR VP3046, female, 42.0 mm SL, Dahab, Red Sea, A: live specimen;
B: freshly collected specimen; C: preserved specimen. Photos by S.V. Bogorodsky (A,B), M. Kovačić (C).
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190 · Zootaxa 3717 (2) © 2013 Magnolia Press
FIGURE 7. Cabillus nigrostigmus sp. nov., cephalic sensory canal pores and papillae: holotype, PMR VP2846, female, 37.9
mm SL, Sharm el Moya Bay, Red Sea. Terminology in text. Drawing by M. Kovačić.
Colour preserved. Some coloration details visible in paratype PMR VP3046 (Fig. 6C), but lacking in
holotype PMR VP2846 (Fig. 5B) due to damaged fin membranes and missing scales. Body dusky, with dark colour
pattern. Upper part of body with rectangular pattern of melanophores following the edges of scales, lower third of
body without pigment. The dark area on the upper part of body below the first dorsal fin and the dark zigzag pattern
visible. The midlateral black spot at the end of caudal peduncle and the S-shaped dark bar on the caudal fin
intensive and well preserved. Predorsal with scattered melanophores and dark scale edges, more uniformly
coloured compared to live coloration, separated from the dark area below the first dorsal fin by the pale diagonal
band starting between first to fourth spine of the first dorsal and ending downwards behind pectoral axil. The dark
band present between eyes and upper jaw, but the specimen lost the intensive brown bar across eye visible in live
specimen. The lower part of cheek below eye more pigmented and the dark mark present at lower opercle. The rest
of cheek and opercle with rarely scattered melanophores, but darker compared to live specimen. The body and head
ventrally without pigmentation, except for the dark mark on chin. The dorsal and anal fin colouration of preserved
specimen based on paratype. The first dorsal fin pigmented at tip between the first and fourth spine and with two
pigmented stripes starting at the first spine, and joining posteriorly in a single large dark blotch at lower posterior
part of fin. The second dorsal fin with dark dots arranged on membranes between rays. Caudal fin with the S-
shaped dark bar at the caudal-fin base and poorly pigmented vertical bands behind it. Pectoral fins pigmented more
intensively in the lower part. A large, dark mark present at upper pectoral fin base and origin of upper rays. Pelvic
and anal fins darkly pigmented.
Etymology. Named nigrostigmus from the Latin in reference to the distinctive black mark in the lower
posterior of the first dorsal fin.
Remarks. Cabillus nigrostigmus is unique among the species of Cabillus, except for C. pexus, C.
macrophthalmus and C. atripelvicus, in having median predorsal scales and the absence of posterior oculoscapular
canal with pores ρ1, ρ2 (Randall et al. 2007; Shibukawa & Aizawa 2013). Another species without the posterior
oculoscapular canal, C. caudimacula, has no median predorsal scales and, unlike C. nigrostigmus, has two large
scales with enlarged ctenii at the caudal-fin base.
Cabillus nigromarginatus can be distinguished from C. pexus in having 7 predorsal scales vs 5, and absence of
modified scales with enlarged ctenii at the caudal-fin base.
Cabillus nigrostigmus is easily separated from C. atripelvicus by several morphological characters: shorter
pectoral fins, reaching to a vertical line at the anus vs. reaching to a vertical line at the origin of anal fin; transverse
scale series 7 vs. 9 in C. atripelvicus; head length 3.2–3.3 in SL vs. 3.35–3.5 in C. atripelvicus; snout length 1.5–1.9
in eye diameter vs. 1.4–1.5 in C. atripelvicus (calculated from the Table 1 in Randall et al. (2007)) and by
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A TWO NEW CABILLUS SPECIES
coloration. Cabillus atripelvicus has more intensive fin coloration: anal and pelvic fins black, broad horizontal dark
brown band across entire lower half of the first dorsal fin, and dark brown bands on the second dorsal fin and
caudal fin. The body coloration of C. nigrostigmus is dominated by the broad, dark brown bar on the upper part of
body below the first dorsal fin. Cabillus atripelvicus has dark brown blotches of equal intensity along dorsal two-
thirds of body, forming a bold zigzag pattern, resulting in four clear pale spots along back and five midlateral dark
marks (including caudal-fin base mark) as the lowest points of the pigmented area.
Cabillus nigrostigmus resembles in coloration C. macrophthalmus, both have a broad, dark brown bar on upper
part of body below first dorsal fin, two dark pigmented bands on the first dorsal fin, and black spot at caudal-fin
base; however, they clearly differ in several morphological characters and in coloration pattern details. Cabillus
nigrostigmus is a more slender fish with a shorter head compared to C. macrophthalmus: body depth 5.8–6.0 in SL
vs. 4.4–5.1 in SL, caudal peduncle depth in its length 2.4–2.5 vs. 1.8–1.9, and head length 3.2–3.3 in SL vs. 2.7–3.0
in SL; pectoral-fin rays 19 vs. 17; median predorsal scales 7 vs 8 or 9; scaled area on nape not reaching forward to
a vertical line through posterior margin of preopercle vs. scaled area on nape reaching forward to a vertical line
through posterior margin of preopercle. The two species differ by the following coloration characters: broad, dark
brown area on upper part of body below first dorsal fin beginning anteriorly at the level of fourth spine of the first
dorsal fin in C. nigrostigmus vs. broad, dark brown area on upper part of body continuous anteriorly to predorsal
area in C. macrophthalmus; first dorsal fin pigmented at tip and elongate black blotch present along posterior basal
part continuing halfway between sixth spine and spine of second dorsal fin, and sixth spine and adjacent
membranes black in C. nigrostigmus vs. first dorsal fin pigmented at tip and with diagonal band anteriorly more
intensively pigmented, beginning at about middle of the first spine (males) or at lower part of the first spine (female
holotype in drawing in Koumans (1953)), and less intensive backwards, ending at the origin of the sixth spine;
midlateral black spot at the end of caudal peduncle followed by S-shaped dark bar, with lower half of the bar on
caudal-fin base, upper half extending onto basal part of caudal fin in C. nigrostigmus vs. diffuse pigmentation
covering entire height of caudal peduncle at caudal-fin base and no S-shaped dark bar on caudal-fin base and basal
part of caudal fin.
Cabillus nigrostigmus is a typical sandy bottom dwelling goby: both specimens were observed in shallow
water in open sandy areas, from the Sharm el Moya Bay at depth of 1m, and from Dahab at depth of 6 m,
respectively. The goby is active at night and partly borrowes quickly in the sand when alarmed, like dragonets, by
shaking the body and digging using large pectoral fins with their thickened membranes.
Cabillus macrophthalmus (Weber, 1909)
(Fig. 8)
Quisquilius macrophthalmus Weber, 1909:156 (Bay at Tanahdjampea Island, Indonesia).
Material examined. Holotype, ZMA.PSIC.110952, female, SL 22.9 mm (caudal fin too damaged to measure), off
Tanahdjampea Island, Flores Sea, Indonesia, coll. M. Weber, 06 May 1899; USNM 313499, 2 males 24.5+7.0 mm
and 19.9+5.9 mm, Western Indian Ocean, Seychelles, Amirante Islands, close to St. Joseph Island, southwest of
Ressource Island, coll. D. Dockins, 10 Mar. 1964; USNM 313501, male, 25.0+6.8 mm, Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba,
bay at El Himeira, coll. V.G. Springer, 08 Sep. 1969.
Diagnosis. Pectoral-fin rays 17; nape scaled, median predorsal scales 8-9; body depth 4.4-5.1 in SL.
Description (the data on the holotype in parentheses). Body moderately elongate, laterally compressed
posteriorly, the depth at pelvic-fin origin 4.4–5.1 (4.5) in SL; caudal peduncle depth in its length 1.8–1.9 (1.8).
Head length 2.7–3.0 (2.7) in SL; head width 1.4–1.6 (1.5) in head length; anterior nostril tubular, reaching upper lip
when folded down; eyes large, eye diameter 2.7–3.3 (3.3) in head length; snout short, snout length 1.3–1.7 (1.3) in
eye diameter; angle of jaws ending posteriorly below mideye; branchiostegal membranes fused to isthmus; gill
openings end forward at pectoral-fin base. Dorsal-fin rays VI + I,8–9 (VI + I,8); anal-fin rays I,8 (I,8); pectoral-fin
rays 17 (17); spines of first dorsal fin extending backwards to the origin of the first spine of the second dorsal fin
when folded down, except in the smallest male USNM 313499 19.9+5.9 mm where the spines of first dorsal fin
end anterior to the origin of the first spine; pectoral fins just reaching a vertical line at the anus; pelvic fin complete,
extending to anus or to anal-fin origin; pelvic frenum moderately reduced (minimum pelvic frenum height one-
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fourth to one-half of pelvic spine length, one-half in holotype); segmented caudal-fin rays 16–17, branched 13–14
(caudal fin of holotype too damaged for measuring or counting); caudal fin rounded, shorter than head, 0.8–0.9 of
head length. Body covered with ctenoid scales, except cycloid on nape, prepelvic area and abdomen; longitudinal
scale series 27–29 (28); transverse scale series 7–8 (8); nape scaled, median predorsal scales 8–9 (9); scaled area on
nape extending forward to a vertical line through posterior margin of preopercle. Head with anterior oculoscapular
and preopercular canals, with pores σ, λ, κ, ω, α, β, ρ, and γ, δ, ε respectively, posterior oculoscapular canal absent.
Body tan, with a broad, curved, dark brown area on upper part of body continuous anteriorly to predorsal area and
ending posteriorly between the first and the second dorsal fins, and brownish blotch dorsally below second dorsal
fin; first dorsal fin pigmented at tip and with diagonal band, more intensively pigmented anteriorly, beginning at
about middle of the first spine (males) or at lower part of the first spine (female holotype in drawing in Koumans
(1953)), and obscure posteriorly, ending at the origin of the sixth spine; diffuse blackish bar on caudal peduncle at
caudal-fin base.
Remarks. Cabillus macrophthalmus was known only from the holotype (ZMA.PISC.110952) dredged from
off Tanahdjampea Island, Flores Sea from depth of 120–400 m (Weber 1909). The later record of C.
macrophthalmus from Western Australia is considered as another undescribed species incorrectly identified as C.
macrophthalmus due to the lack of scales on nape (Randall et al. 2007). The USNM 313499 and USNM 313501
specimens match the description of Weber (1909), additional data provided by Randall et al. (2007) on the
holotype and the data from the present redescription of the holotype. The specimens from the Seychelles and the
Red Sea are also in accordance with the illustration of the holotype of C. macrophthalmus from Koumans (1953),
except for the difference in the coloration of the first dorsal fin (diagonal band anteriorly beginning at about middle
of the first spine vs. band anteriorly beginning at anterior basal part of the first spine); however, considering that
this single difference is between the males from the Seychelles and the Red Sea and the female holotype, and that
coloration of the first dorsal fin could differ between sexes of the same gobiid species, the present specimens were
assigned to C. macrophthalmus rather than presuming, without any other character difference, another undescribed
species similar to C. macrophthalmus.
FIGURE 8. Cabillus macrophthalmus. A: holotype, ZMA.PISC.110952, female, 22.9 mm SL, off Tanahdjampea Island, Flores
Sea, Indonesia; B: USNM 313499, male, 24.5 mm SL, close to St. Joseph Island, southwest of Ressource Island, Amirante
Islands, Seychelles. Photos by E. Kruidenier (A), M. Kovačić (B).
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A TWO NEW CABILLUS SPECIES
The genus Cabillus was not previously recorded for the Red Sea (Golani & Bogorodsky 2010); however, the
first record of C. macrophthalmus is based on the single specimen from the Gulf of Aqaba collected by V.G.
Springer in 1969 at depth of 9–12 m.
Comparative material examined
Cabillus tongarevae: USNM 276018, 2 males 29.8+9.5 mm and 30.4+9.4 mm, Western Indian Ocean, Seychelles,
Aldabra, Picard Island, coll. B. Kensley et al., 17 Mar. 1985; USNM 339843, 1 female, 21.7+6.1, 3 males, 19.3+6.1
mm to 23.9+7.6 mm, 1 juvenile of unidentified sex, 13.6+3.9 mm, Pacific Ocean, Tonga Island, Shore station on
tidal flat just south of Ohonna harbor, 21°20' 15” S, 174° 58' 14” W, coll. J.T. Williams et al., 02 Nov. 1993.
Cabillus cf. caudimacula: USNM 261981, 1 female, 23.9+7.4, 1 male 23.3+7.2, 2 juveniles of unidentified
sex, 22.5+7.6 mm and 19.8+6.7 mm, Western Indian Ocean, St. Brandon’s Shoals= Cargados Carajos, of northwest
shore of Albatross Island, 16° 15' S, 59° 35' E, coll. V. Springer et al., 14 Apr. 1976; USNM 261983, 2 juveniles of
unidentified sex, 15.6+5.0 mm and 18.0+5.3 mm, Western Indian Ocean, St. Brandon’s Shoals= Cargados Carajos,
0.5 mile south of Isle Raphael, 16° 27' S, 59° 36' E, coll. V. Springer et al., 12 Apr. 1976.
Acknowledgements
We wish to thank R. Bills for the loan of SAIAB material and J. Williams for the loan of USNM material for this
work. We also thank E. Heemstra for the photos and the data on Cabillus nigromarginatus sp. nov., R. de Ruiter for
the help with the holotype of C. macrophthalmus, M. van Oijen for the examination of the holotype of C.
macrophthalmus, E. Kruidenier for the photographing the holotype of C. macrophthalmus. Second author also
thanks J.M. Rose and T. Malkerova for their assistance in the organization of trips to the Sharm el Sheikh and to the
Dahab, respectively; and F. Krupp for his help that facilitated field work. Authors are grateful to D.W. Greenfield
for critical review of the article.
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