Generic status and redescription of the Mediterranean fish Gobius liechtensteini Kolombatovic, 1891 (Teleostei: Gobioidea), and its affinities with certain American and Indo-Pacific gobies

Summary

A new monotypic genus, Corcyrogobius, is proposed for the gobiid fish, Gobius liechtensteini Kolombatovic 1891, known only from its Adriatic typelocality of Kor?ula, Yugoslavia. The species is redescribed and a lectotype designated from probable syntype material, which also includes examples of Odondebuenia balearica (Pellegrin & Fage, 1907), supposed by Kolombatovic to be adults of G. liechtensteini. The affinities of C. liechtensteini and the related genus Odondebuenia are discussed with reference to American seven-spined gobies, the Indo-Pacific Gladiogobius, and the subfamily Lioterinae, currently placed in the Eleotridae. Overall similarities between these gobies are described, their possible phylogeny outlined, and the Lioterinae transferred to the family Gobiidae.     

A new species of Didogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Adriatic Sea

Didogobius schlieweni sp. nov. is described from a single specimen collected among pebbles in shallow water at Unije island, near Cres, in the northern Adriatic Sea. The holotype has vivid dark and pale patterning, and is assigned to Didogobius on the basis of head neuromast patterns and meristic features. Diagnostic values of the latter are D2 I/12, A I/11, P 17, and LL 55–56. A key to species of the Chromogobius and Didogobius complex is provided.     

Diplecogaster tonstricula,a new species of cleaning clingfish (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae) from the Canary Islands and Senegal,eastern Atlantic Ocean,with a review of the Diplecogaster-ctenocrypta species-group

The Diplecogaster-ctenocrypta species-group is reviewed; it comprises two species. The clingfish Diplecogaster ctenocrypta from the Canary Islands is redescribed. The new species Diplecogaster tonstricula, a facultative cleaner of other teleosts, is described on the basis of eight specimens and colour photos from Senegal and the Canary Islands, eastern Atlantic Ocean. The species is small, apparently not exceeding 23 mm total length; it is characterised by having nine dorsal-fin rays, eight anal-fin rays, 24–25 pectoral-fin rays, 14–15 principal caudal-fin rays, 13–16 rakers on third gill arch, pelvic disc without lateral papillae in region A, disc region B with two rows of weak papillae, interorbital distance 4.1–4.6 in head length, distance between disc and anus 14–17% of SL, head and body with 10–13 narrow vertical brownish bars, cheek with a white ocellus surrounded by black, and with a small black spot in the middle. The new species is compared with other species of the genus; a key to the six known species of the eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean and Black Sea and South African genus Diplecogaster is presented. A checklist is provided for the species of Diplecogaster and their synonyms.     

Estimating the young evolutionary age of marbled crayfish from museum samples

ABSTRACT

The obligately parthenogenetic, all-female marbled crayfish, Procambarus virginalis, is a triploid descendant of the similarly looking, sexually reproducing slough crayfish, Procambarus fallax, native to Florida and southern Georgia. We have earlier hypothesised that marbled crayfish may have originated from P. fallax only some 25 years ago, perhaps in captivity. In order to investigate the young evolutionary age hypothesis in more detail, I searched the P. fallax collection of the Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History (USNM, Washington, D.C.) for evidence of marbled crayfish before its detection in the German aquarium trade in 1995. In particular, I analysed the sex ratio of P. fallax and the frequency of pure female samples throughout its entire distribution range to detect potentially misidentified marbled crayfish among the P. fallax. If marbled crayfish had originated from P. fallax long ago, spread throughout Florida and Georgia and erroneously been sampled as P. fallax, then the sex ratio of the P. fallax in the collection should be significantly biased towards females and pure female samples should be much more frequent than in related Procambarus species. Comparison of P. fallax (n = 2299) with its closest relatives P. seminolae (n = 801) and P. leonensis (n = 150) revealed female proportions of 55.33%, 53.93% and 54.67%, respectively, which are not significantly different from each other. The average female proportion of the 14 Procambarus species investigated (8641 specimens) was 52.54 ± 7.54% (mean ± standard deviation). Moreover, pure female samples consisting of more than 3 specimens that could represent hidden marbled crayfish were not conspicuously more common in P. fallax (2.33%) than in all Procambarus species investigated (1.24 ± 1.79%). These data suggest that the P. fallax collection of the USNM consists of real, sexually reproducing P. fallax and does most likely not include hidden marbled crayfish, supporting the young evolutionary age hypothesis for marbled crayfish.     

On a new species of the family Callionymidae (Pisces,Perciformes, Callionymoidei), Callionymus stigmatopareius sp. nov. from Mozambique

Summary

Callionymus stigmatopareius sp. nov. is described and compared with allied species of the genus Callionymus. Features which distinguish it from similar species are as follows: 1. 1the combination of 8 rays in the 2nd dorsal fin and 7 rays in the anal fin with preopercular spine formula ;

2. 2unusually long anal fin rays;

3. 3colour markings.

     

First record of the genus Leptodactylus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in Cuba: Leptodactylus fragilis,a biological invasion?

The Neotropical genus Leptodactylus is currently represented by three species in the West Indies (Leptodactylus albilabris, Leptodactylus fallax and Leptodactylus validus). Based on morphological, acoustic and molecular evidence, we document the presence of a fourth species in the Caribbean region, Leptodactylus fragilis (Brocchi, 1877). The species was found at two localities in western Cuba, and molecular data suggest a northern South American origin, possibly Venezuela, for these populations. We discuss the potential invasive status of L. fragilis, based on its known distribution, relative abundance, behaviour and possible impacts on native species of Cuban amphibians.     

Four new freshwater gobies of the genus Rhinogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from northern Vietnam

Four new freshwater gobies of the genus Rhinogobius Gill, were collected from the river running into the Gulf of Tonkin in northern Vietnam. They are Rhinogobius boa new species, Rhinogobius variolatus new species, Rhinogobius virgigena new species and Rhinogobius sulcatus new species. These four new species can be distinguished from other congeneric species by a combination of characters such as the meristic features, shape of body, shape of first dorsal fin and coloration pattern.     

Gobiid fishes from the Cape Verde Islands,including two new species of Gobius (Teleostei: Gobioidei)

Ten species of gobiid fishes (Teleostei: Gobioidei) now listed from the Cape Verde islands fall into several zoogeographical categories, including tropical West African Bathygobius casamancus, Mauligobius nigri, Porogobius schlegelii (unconfirmed) and Vanneaugobius canariensis, tropical amphiatlantic B. soporator and Gnatholepis thompsoni, and Canarian Didogobius kochi. Two new species of the eastern Atlantic, predominantly temperate genus Gobius are described: G. ateriformis sp. nov. and G. tetrophthalmus sp. nov., known so far only from the Cape Verdes, but reported occurrence of the congeneric Atlantic-Mediterranean G. paganellus has not been confirmed. The pattern of free neuromast organs (sensory papillae) of the head lateral-line system in Mauligobius nigri and the habitat of this species are described for the first time and its distribution further discussed. Diversity of gobies and other inshore fishes at the Cape Verdes is briefly indicated.     

Redescription of Gordius paranensis Camerano, 1892 (Nematomorpha), a species new for New Zealand

We describe nematomorph specimens from New Zealand and compare them to museum specimens of Gordius paranensis Camerano, 1892 from Chile. Although specimens from New Zealand and Chile vary from each other, especially in body dimensions and coloration, literature data on other South American specimens of G. paranensis correspond to the New Zealand specimens which are therefore considered to belong to this species. A conspicuous character of G. paranensis is a precloacal, parabolic row of bristles that has been observed elsewhere only in G. difficilis (Montgomery, 1898).     

Description of Thalamita crosnieri,a new species from Somalia with notes on T. cooperi Borradaile from Somalia and T. demani Nobili from Aldabra (Decapoda,Brachyura)

Summary

A new species, Thalamita crosnieri, is described from Somalia. It belongs to the T. woodmasoni group and is distinguished by the shape of the front and of the gonopod. T. woodmasoni Alcock is restricted to Andamans, southern India and Ceylon while T. crosnieri is known from the eastern coast of Africa and Madagascar. T. cooperi Borradaile (from Somalia) and T. demani Nobili (from Aldabra), belonging to the same group of species, have also been illustrated.     

Diplogrammus (Climcacogrammus) pygmaeus sp. nov., a new callionymid fish (Pisces,Perciformes, Callionymoidei) from the South Arabian Coast,Northwestern Indian Ocean

Summary

Diplogrammus (Climacogrammus) pygmaeus sp. nov. is described and compared with other species of the genus Diplogrammus. Features which distinguish it from the allied species are as follows: 1. (1)The combination of four spines in the first dorsal fin, eight rays in the second dorsal fin, and seven rays in the anal fin, with a preopercular spine formula of ;

2. (2)the unusually broad snout (seen from above);

3. (3)the anterior spines of the first dorsal fin in the male elongate but not filamentous;

4. (4)colour markings.

     

Synchiropus novaehiberniensis,a new species of dragonet from New Ireland,Papua New Guinea,western Pacific Ocean,with a review of subgenus Synchiropus (Neosynchiropus) and description of a new subgenus (Teleostei: Callionymidae)

A new species of dragonet, Synchiropus novaehiberniensis from off northern New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, is described on the basis of a male and a female specimen collected with a trawl in 74–92 m depth off Kavieng. The new species is characterized within the subgenus Synchiropus (Neosynchiropus) Nalbant, 1979 by a small branchial opening; head short (3.2–3.6 in SL); eye large (2.5–2.6 in head length); preopercular spine with a short, upcurved main tip, three curved points on its dorsal margin, ventral margin and base smooth; first dorsal fin higher than second dorsal fin, with four spines but no filaments, first spine longest; second dorsal fin distally slightly convex, with eight branched rays (last divided at base); anal fin with seven unbranched rays (last divided at base); 21–22 pectoral-fin rays; caudal fin elongate, distally rounded, slightly asymmetrical (upper rays shorter than lower rays); thorax, lower opercle and pelvic-fin base with small ocelli; back in male with four dark brown saddles; anal fin dark grey. The subgenus Synchiropus (Neosynchiropus) is reviewed and distinguished from Synchiropus (Acommissura) subgen. nov. An updated checklist of the species in the two subgenera is provided; the new species is compared with allied species. Revised keys to callionymid fish species of New Guinea, as well as of the subgenera Synchiropus (Neosynchiropus) and Synchiropus (Acommissura) subgen. nov. are presented.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AACA51E1-FBD6-412D-B09A-78540E7089B4     

Synopsis and taxonomic revision of three genera in the snake tribe Sonorini

ABSTRACT

Delimiting species is a crucial goal of integrative biology, and yet can be misled by homoplasy and high levels of morphological variation. The snake tribe Sonorini contains three genera that have long confounded taxonomists: Chilomeniscus, Chionactis and Sonora. Dynamic colour evolution in this group, including rampant geographic variation in colour and colour polymorphism, has led to a chaotic taxonomy. We used mitochondrial and high-throughput nuclear data (ddRADseq) and complete taxonomic sampling of each genus to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and systematically revise the genus. Our research revealed that Sonora is paraphyletic with regards to Chilomeniscus and Chionactis and that at least one species (S. semiannulata) is paraphyletic with respect to at least one other recognized species. Additionally, we found substantial undescribed genetic diversity within multiple species which is incongruent with morphological variation in coloration. Accordingly, we proposed synonymizing Chionactis and Chilomeniscus with Sonora, which has taxonomic priority over both genera. As we found genetic evidence that supported some of the historically delimited diversity within multiple taxa, we revised species-level taxonomy accordingly. This new taxonomy recognizes a revised genus of Sonora that contains 15 species of diminutive and often brightly coloured snakes that are distributed from central Mexico to north-western USA.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:45A553D8-6435-4E0A-84ED-DF31E2CCD872     

Adriatic species of Schizomavella (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata)

In this paper, material belonging to the genus Schizomavella, collected along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea, is revised. Nine species were identified, including five species new to science: S. cornuta, S. halimedae, S. linearis, S. mamillata, S. adriatica sp. nov.,S. mystacea sp. nov., S. rosae sp. nov., S. stanislavi sp. nov. and S. tubulata sp. nov. Previous records of Schizomavella from the Adriatic are also discussed. The checklist of Adriatic Schizomavella species is updated to 11 species; a further two species are doubtful owing to wrong previous identifications. The presence of a calcified ‘hood’ covering the opesia of the suboral avicularium is described and its function is discussed. The morphological diversity of ovicells within the genus Schizomavella is compiled and discussed.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:987D8AE0-1E02-430D-9AB5-50B77BEAF52E     

Microstructures and nanostructures of high Andean Penaincisalia lycaenid butterfly scales (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae): descriptions and interpretations

The scales of one high Andean eumaeine lycaenid butterfly species with pale dorsal coloration and four species with vivid dorsal colour were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The micro‐ and nanostructures are illustrated, described, measured, and interpreted. The vivid colours in the species are caused by a pepper‐pot nanostructure of Urania‐type scales. This nanostructure is a three‐dimensional lattice within the body of the individual scale. The scales of the non‐vivid orange species are lacking this nanostructure and the surfaces of their scales show high microstructure irregularities. This absence of vivid colour may be correlated with thermal regulation. The irregularity of the scale microstructures suggests a heavy environmental pressure on the populations sampled. Previously unknown structural variations of Urania‐type scales are also described. The existence of closed scale microcell structures, explained as an apomorphic character in the tribe Eumaeini, most probably evolved independently several times. It is hypothesized that scale micro‐ and nanostructure modifications develop syntopically within a population, which in turn can lead to rapid diversification.     

Nine Indo-Pacific species of Upogebia Leach (crustacea: Thalassinidea: Upogebiidae)

Nine species of Upogebia Leach from the Seychelles Islands, the Philippines, Indonesia and the Gulf of Aden are studied. U. balmaorum, U. laemanu and U. gracilis are all new species and the first two are closely related to each other. The four additional species include U. baweana Tirmizi and Kazmi, U. fallax de Man, U. hexaceras (Ortmann) and U. miyakei Sakai, two of which are known only from their holotypes. They are compared here with U. pugnax de Man, U. octoceras Nobili; all are briefly re-described.     

Species status of two colour morphs of Eupelmus vesicularis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) as revealed by allozyme electrophoresis,morphometric and host preference data

Eupelmus vesicularis (Retzius) is considered to be a widespread and polyphagous parasitoid recorded from more than 200 hosts. The aim of this study was to determine whether two colour forms of the putative species represent two different morphs of a single species or a pair of cryptic species. Three different methods – morphometric analysis, allozyme electrophoresis and evaluation of host preferences – were used to investigate the existence of two cryptic species. Bivariate and multivariate analyses clearly indicate two species that are also distinguishable electrophoretically at the Idh-2, G6pdh, Me, Pgm and Xdh loci. The evaluation of host preferences indicates some overlap in host range between the two species.     

Monstrilloids (Crustacea: Copepoda) from the Mediterranean Sea (Northern Adriatic Sea), with a description of six new species

Monstrilloid copepods collected during zooplankton surveys carried out over several years (2009–2016) in the Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic Sea, were examined. A total of seven species were found, of which six are undescribed, five of Cymbasoma and one of Monstrilla. These new species are described, illustrated and compared herein with its known congeners. Two of them are related to the C. rigidum species complex. One of these species is described based on both the male and the female; sexes were linked by identical details of the cephalic structure and the antennulary armature. Two previous reports of females attributed to C. tumorifrons from the Mediterranean relate to specimens that in fact belong to a new species, C. mediterranea. The most abundant species was M. grandis, which had a remarkable aggregation around the Trieste harbour in 2015. Male and female specimens of this assumedly widespread species were examined and the observed intra-specific morphological variability is reported and compared with previous illustrated reports; this nominal species probably this nominal species, probably represents a species complex. The addition of the new species here described brings the number of nominal species in the Mediterranean-Black Sea region to 26.

www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3D4B38E4-CCCD-4BD6-AC57-B59343A865F7